Vernestra’s expression hardened. “Well then, Padawan. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Imri ignited his lightsaber blade. It was a steady, strong blue for once, and that gave him confidence. He was as good as Vernestra. He would show her that she had been wrong to underestimate him, just like everyone else.

Then he was charging forward, his anger and the Force propelling him.

Vernestra met his attack easily, and though she was more powerful and better trained, Imri was more than a head taller than her. She said nothing as she fought, her blade striking his again and again as she repelled his attacks. No matter what Imri tried, Vernestra would not yield. So he reached for the Force and pushed.

It did nothing. Vernestra would not be moved.

Her expression hardened, and she leapt into the air and somersaulted backward to avoid his next strike. Imri ran forward, determined to cut the Jedi down, and yelped in surprise as something burned across the back of his hand, causing him to drop his lightsaber.

Vernestra stood before him, her lightsaber transformed into a lightwhip. As Imri reached for his dropped lightsaber, the edge of the lightwhip zipped across the ground, leaving a sizzling groove in the dirt between him and the weapon. Imri tried for his lightsaber once more, but this time Vernestra’s whip crackled across the hilt itself, leaving behind two smoking pieces.


Star Wars The High Republic A Test of Courage Chapter 21