It’s easy to see about fifty feet in every direction, but outside of that, the dark plays its tricks. I spy a handful of figures pouring out of the course’s first valley. Riders on slumping horses. I watch them dismount before I reach the first nook. I left it as bait, and sure enough, I’ve caught something. Movement in the vague shadows has me pressing back against the stones.

Whoever the rider is has settled in, half hunched over their ashes.

My eyes flick back to the valley. Four fires spark against the night, all circling the same encampment. I’m surprised by how many have chosen to team up. At least three of them will go hunting. At least one to defend the ashes. I know I’m running out of time.

Shielding my eyes, I glance back inside the nook. There’s a shift of shadows. Someone’s kneeling over their components. I can’t help but wonder how they killed off their phoenix without me seeing the flames. Back in the valley, there’s shouting. The pack’s starting their hunt, searching for me. It’s now or never.

I take a solid grip on my switch. Leaving it in baton form, I dart into the opening. The light of the stars gives me a perfect view of the surprise on the Dividian’s face. Imelda Beru staggers up from a knee, hand reaching for her own weapon. My first blow hits her right in the stomach. I hear the breath snatch from her lungs as she doubles over, helpless against the pain.

“Sorry about this,” I grunt. “I wanted it to be one of them.”

Before she can respond, I bring the switch across her temple. It’s far from a killing blow, but more than enough to spin her unconscious to the ground. There’s barely time to feel bad about it. I make my way carefully around her ash pile and drag her limp form deeper into the recess. Around a little outcropping, there’s a second nook. I settle her into it, pushing her legs out of sight. “Sorry again,” I say. “Hope you have some absolution for whatever they use.”

I return to the ashes. She was starting her rebirth. A few components are already sprinkled in the ashes. It couldn’t be more perfect. I knew I couldn’t win tonight, but now I won’t consider what happens a loss. I stand over the pile and wait for my guests.

Shouts sound in the distance. Wooden clacks announce fighting. Maybe the group that’s after me has targeted someone else. Maybe they’re just letting me know they’re coming.

Even if it takes them all night, I know they’ll eventually…

Noises. Footsteps. A few muttered words.