Tales of Tenric's Training: IV

“Yes, but I still don’t….” Tenric cut his reply short as he realized that the boulder’s shadow, which fell between he and his Master, was in the wrong position. His Master just stood and waited for it. He knew his Padawan would figure it out on his own, he always did. It took a few moments for Tenric to do the math based on the shadow. When he did get it he whistled loudly and leaned against the rock.

“You mean I was sitting there for almost three hours!” He exclaimed while rubbing his cramped leg.

“I have been here nearly an hour myself.” His Master replied, “I was beginning to worry that you might not be able to find your way back. It has happened a few times. Thankfully, though you seemed not to have strayed too far.”

“Not find my way back?” The thought sent a chill through him.

“Tenric. It was unwise of you to make such an attempt without my guidance. Curiosity is a key element in all learning, but so is discipline.” Then seeing the stricken look on his Padawan’s face he continued more softly, “Besides, it is important for us old folk to at least feel needed.”

The quiet jest in his Master’s voice calmed Tenric. He had been horrified at the thought of being lost in the Currents and not able to get back, not be himself anymore.

“Couldn’t you have helped me get back?” he asked in a slightly hurt tone.

“I was about to do just that, when you pulled that odd little maneuver and fell off the rock.” His Master replied in an amused tone. Tenric acknowledged the jab by screwing his mouth sideways and giving a ‘humph”.

“All living things are connected in the Force.” His Master intoned using his formal ‘teaching voice’. “All things have a place, a purpose, a balance.” He gestured to indicate they should sit upon the rock.

They sat. Tenric knew this was the beginning of today’s lesson so he stilled his mind and focused on burning what he was taught into his mind. He wanted to be able to go over it tonight as he did with all the lessons he felt were of special importance.

“You have chosen your place of meditation well Tenric. I wonder, though, if you understand the why behind it yet.”

“It felt right Master. I followed whisperings in the Force that led me here, and when I arrived I knew this was the place.”

His Master nodded at this. “You show remarkable promise my Padawan. Now close your eyes and let me show you the ‘why’.”

Tenric obeyed and shut his eyes, instinctually calming his mind, and centering himself as he had been taught to do. Then he felt the slightest pressure in his mind, had the merest glimmer of danger-sense from the Force. He let go of it and pictured himself as a leaf floating on the water.