“I am loath to lose such a talented healer, but I am sure that Jonas and I can work out something to assist us for a period of time as we rebuild,” Anatan stated.
“If Sister Anatan is satisfied, then I give you my permission and blessing, Sister Halana.”
The queen rose from her throne. “May you all have safe travels as you journey home,” she said. “All of you will always be welcome in Aletonia.”
…
The sound of an approaching wagon pulled Dominic’s focus back to the present. It was a simple wooden wagon drawn by two horses, driven by a man in plain clothes, with the look of someone who worked outdoors. An attractive woman sat next to him on the bench, with three children in the back. They stared incredulously at him as he rode past and nodded politely to the woman. He was amused at the children looking agog at Moshanna and the other Aletonians. He could still feel the children staring at them even as they left them behind.
When they finally reached the city, he saw a line at the gate as the soldiers searched the wagons and carriages waiting to go in. He approvingly took note of the archers above the gate. Clearly, the attack on the city had made them more cautious and that was a good thing.
As he halted his group behind the last wagon, he heard a nearby soldier call back to the gate for an officer. He watched as a soldier, with a patch over one eye and dressed in an officer’s uniform approached. It took a moment, but Dominic recognized who it was.
“Greetings, Lord Dominic,” the man said warmly. “Welcome home.”
Dominic had allowed the Aletonians to use that title since he was a guest there, but he was done with that as well. “Thank you, Lieutenant Jeffreys,” he replied, “but I do not have that title. Dominic is fine.”
“I have orders, Dominic,” Jeffreys said quietly as he stepped closer. “All of the gate officers were instructed to greet you with that title. I am to provide you an escort to the Temple, and then to the palace.”
What has Jonas been up to? “We have been on the road for a while and are all looking forward to warm meals and comfortable beds,” Dominic said aloud. “Please form your escort and let’s get this done with as quickly as possible.”
Jeffreys led them past the waiting people and into the courtyard area. He released Dominic’s previous escorts, telling them to go to the barracks for rest and resupply, and gathered a half dozen of his men. They formed up around Dominic’s party and led them into the city.
As they made their way to the Temple, Dominic and Jeffreys spoke quietly about the battle and its aftermath. Jeffreys had gotten to the coronation by the time they arrived at the Temple.
“I will wait here for you and Brother Jonas,” Jeffreys said as he directed his men over to an area under the trees.
“I will move Jonas along, so we do not take up any more of your time with this foolishness,” Dominic replied with a comradely slap on Jeffreys’ shoulder.
Once the others dismounted, they moved into the Temple. Dominic grabbed the first apprentice he found. “Go tell the Chief Cleric that Dominic is here. I have guests and will meet him at his quarters. Go!” he said with a gentle shove. The young man raced off.
They were settling in Jonas’ small dwelling when he arrived. He looked much as he always did, his brown robes neat and his staff gripped in his hand, but Dominic noted a serenity about him that had not been there before. He went over and quickly embraced Jonas.
“I am glad to see you well, Dom,” Jonas said.
“I hear that you are lucky to be here as well,” Dominic replied.
Jonas laughed lightly at that. “I was indeed lucky. Of course, I do have friends in high places,” he said, pointing up.
“What is all of this about titles and going to the palace?” Dominic asked. “I like the girl well enough, but I don’t need to see the new queen.”
“I will let her explain,” Jonas said, turning serious. “Remember to have patience. She is new to the throne.”
He looked past Dominic at the others. “I know Taric and Captain Deepwood, but I have not had the pleasure to meet these lovely ladies.”
After introductions, Taric stepped forward and told Jonas about his relationship with Halana and asked for his blessing. Jonas watched him stumble through it with a kind twinkle in his eye.
“I have learned that love comes when it comes, so who am I to stand in the way?” he said good-naturedly. He raised a hand. “May the One bless and support your union,” he said, and then paused. “Did you plan to stay in Sanduas or return to Aletonia?”
“Honestly, Brother, we have not planned that far,” Taric replied, relief on his face, sharing a look with Halana.
Jonas pursed his lips as he thought. “I have a task for you both, if you are willing,” he finally said.
“Anything, Jonas,” Taric replied.
Jonas turned to Moshanna. “I assume that you and your lady will return to the Keep?”
“We had hoped to leave in the morning,” he stated. “I have been gone too long.”
“I would send Taric and Sister Halana with you, if you are willing,” Jonas said. “I need to have some research done regarding the demons and would like to use Tomaris’ library.”
“I’m sure that he would welcome their presence, Brother,” Moshanna responded.
“Thank you and please extend my thanks to Tomaris,” Jonas said. He motioned to the chairs in the living area. “Dominic and I have to go to the palace, but please make yourself welcome and relax. I will have rooms set aside for you and make sure that your horses are cared for. If you need anything, Taric can see to it.”
Dominic handed Jonas the letters from Queen Nenia and Sister Anatan as they walked back to where Jeffreys waited. “They lost a good number of clerics during the fight in the city,” Dominic told him. “They are likely looking for some assistance from the Temple.”
“I will do what I can,” Jonas said. “We are allies against a common enemy.”
As they made their way to the palace, the soldiers giving them some space, they spoke quietly about all that happened to them. Jonas listened intently as Dominic described Parshalthia and the fight there. Dominic also shared his concerns for Jake and Hailyn.
“I also fear for their safety,” Jonas said. “I received a letter from Brother Kal of Beragan, letting me know that they had made it safely to the capital and had set out to the west in the company of a Beragan cleric. That was the last I heard of their whereabouts.” He sighed. “We can only trust in the One to protect them now.”
Jonas told him of all that had occurred in Sanduas, but would not say why they were going to the palace. “As I said, I will let the queen tell you. I promised to allow her to speak to you first.”
To their surprise, Marcus was waiting for them at the palace gates, his two friends standing nearby. “I heard that Dominic had returned,” he said. “I wanted him to see a friendly face to reassure him about Keria’s intentions.”
“I’m honored, Prince Marcus,” Dominic replied politely. He cracked a slight smile. “I hope you know what you are getting into.”
Marcus laughed. “There are days, Dominic, that I am not sure I do.”
He led them into the palace and into a smaller room near the throne room. Keria, the golden crown resting on her head, rose from a couch and came over to greet them.
Dominic gave her a bow. “I would say congratulations, Your Majesty, but I know the price of that crown.”
“Thank you, Lord Dominic,” Keria replied gracefully. She gestured toward the couches. “Let us sit and talk.”
“I have letters for you from the Queen of Aletonia,” Dominic said as he proffered the envelopes. Marcus took them with a nod of thanks.
“I know of your history with my father, but I wish to renew your relationship with the crown,” she said when they were seated. “I have ordered your titles and lands restored.”
“You can keep the titles, Majesty,” Dominic said bluntly. “I have no wish to be tied down by palace politics.”
“Please let me finish, Dominic,” she replied soothingly, looking over at Marcus. “Both Marcus and I know that we would likely not be here without you. We respect you and your fight against our enemies. We also respect your protection and training of Jake, whom we both care for.”
“However, we cannot ignore the attacks that the demons launched against Sanduas and Aletonia,” she said more directly. “I fear that we may face more direct combat with them and their followers.” She paused briefly, hesitation clear on her face, and then took a deep breath. “I wish for you to return to your position as Commander of the Army and Royal Guard. Your presence will reassure the people.”
Dominic stared directly at her, his eyes suddenly hard. “That time is done for me,” he said, voice cold and stiff. “You have competent commanders in those positions.”
“Will you not take time to consider-?” Keria began.
“You have my answer, Majesty,” Dominic said firmly, rising. “May I have your permission to leave?”
Keria, face angry, straightened in her chair and looked ready to say something else, but Marcus put a hand on her shoulder. “He has earned the right to say no,” he said gently.
After a few moments, Keria nodded. “Your titles are yours, Lord Dominic. You may use them or not,” she said as she rose. “You may depart.”
With a quick bow, Dominic turned and strode from the room, Jonas following behind.
CHAPTER FIVE
The sun was shining brightly in the sky, but the mountain air was cool, bordering on cold, when the tall gray walls of the Keep came into view. A gust of wind curled around Jake, carrying the woody aroma of the nearby pines and the faint scent of damp stone. There had been rain the day before, but it had passed by early evening.
He drew his cloak a bit tighter around his body to ward off the chill as he took in the Keep. He saw the sentries on the walls, watching them approach, and the large metal main gate where the walls came together. The gate was shut, but Jake saw several people over the gate turn and call down to others behind the walls.
The familiar sight brought a sense of relief, as well as trepidation. He and Hailyn had finally made it back with the sword, which was still wrapped in a blanket and tied off against his saddle. The Keep meant safety, but also the prospect of leaving Hailyn and all of his other friends. If Tomaris could actually send him home, then this was the end of his time on this world.
With the thought of her in his head, he turned and looked over at Hailyn. She was riding slightly behind him, chatting with one of Tomaris’ guardsmen. They had encountered the four soldiers when they approached Numaria. One of the soldiers had remembered Jake from his training sessions at the Keep, so they offered to escort them to Tomaris.
Jake focused on her face, that gentle smile and those beautiful brown eyes. He could almost feel her in his arms, her soft breath on his face as they talked quietly, holding each other close. She is everything I always wanted, he thought, his emotions a jumble. He felt a gnawing ache in his chest as he watched her. Feeling that sense of loss build, he tried to suppress it and quickly turned back to the Keep.
As they rode towards the gate, he craved a distraction from his feelings. He reached out with his mind and touched those points of energy radiating from the soldiers. He did not know how he did it, but he had grown better at finding them, even when the person was a fair distance away.
His curiosity had gotten the better of him ever since they had left the farm and reached the first Beragan garrison. He had quietly learned to identify the life energy of the soldiers that had escorted them. He had not attempted to manipulate it in any way, knowing that Hailyn strongly disapproved, just quickly locate it.
Besides Hailyn’s concerns, he also recalled that surge of emotions that had come with that flow of energy and control. He remembered the uncomfortable sensation as it had grown stronger in him as he drew in the bandits’ life force. That he had lost control at the end, beating and threatening Orth frightened him. Despite that fear, he justified practicing by telling himself that he needed to grow better at finding it, just in case he ever had to use it again.
They had ridden from garrison to garrison, enjoying the warmth and protection that the forts provided. More than one officer’s eyes had grown wide when they read the letter from the queen and they were quickly provided with whatever they requested. While he missed the time that he and Hailyn had spent alone, he had to admit that the return trip was much more comfortable. They ate well, their horses were taken care of and, much to Hailyn’s delight, had access to baths.
It had taken them more time to reach the Keep than he had hoped. They had skirted the capital to avoid explaining to Kal and the queen what they had done, which added an extra day to the journey. They also were caught by a severe storm at one garrison and had lost another day waiting for it to pass. The delays had worried him, unsure if the demons were still trying to find them and anxious to get the sword back to the safety of the Keep and Tomaris’ care.
For the last couple of days, however, they had been on their own again, avoiding the main road and sleeping outside rather than find an inn. The Beragan soldiers had turned around when they reached the border with Sanduas. Hailyn had composed a letter and asked the soldiers to deliver it to their Chief Cleric. She had been deliberately vague in her explanation of what they had accomplished, simply promising Kal that Jonas would send a more detailed letter explaining things.
The sound of the main gate opening drew Jake’s attention. He saw several soldiers step out, waiting for them to arrive. As they got closer, Jake hoped to see Moshanna Deepwood standing there. He and Dominic were supposed to track down the other leads about the sword. If he was here, then maybe Dominic was as well. He was suddenly anxious to speak with his guardian again. He scanned the faces, but did not see Deepwood.
“Welcome to the Keep,” one of the soldiers said as they stopped at the gate. The man was older, with more gray in his hair than brown, but still had an athletic build and looked like he could still fight. He had an easy smile on his face, his brown eyes welcoming. Jake recalled him from the time he had spent here, but forgot his name. “I am Commander Hansa, acting Captain of the Guard. Tomaris asked me to greet you. We had word of your approach and he waits for you in the Keep.”
“Thank you, Commander,” Jake replied respectfully.
“We should not keep Tomaris waiting,” Hansa said, gesturing towards the gates. “I will escort you myself.” He told the other soldiers to return to duty.
Seeing that Hansa did not have a horse, Jake slid out of his saddle and took Dontas’ reins. He joined Hansa and led the horse as they walked through the gate. Hailyn also dismounted and came up to walk next to Jake. Hansa greeted her with a respectful nod.
“How is Tomaris?” Jake asked as they headed for the Keep.
“More preoccupied than normal,” Hansa replied. “He has been in his study more often, pouring over his books.”
“I have never been to the Keep before. I only know what Jonas has said and Jake wrote about it,” Hailyn said. “Would you mind answering some questions, Commander Hansa?”
“Of course, Sister,” the man replied graciously.
As they made their way past the well-tended garden, the flowers gone with the approach of autumn and the leafs of the trees turned bright red and yellow, Jake listened absently as Hansa spoke with Hailyn. He took in the familiar sights and sounds of the Keep, feeling a sense of coming home. He had spent almost as much time at the Keep as he had with Norlan and Madalin. As he thought about them, he suddenly wondered if he would ever see them again. As they walked and Hailyn and Hansa talked, he stayed silent, lost in his concerns on what lay ahead.
Except for a brief pause once they were inside the Keep to gather their belongings and the sword, still hidden in the blanket, Hansa kept them moving. They turned the horses over to some soldiers to take to the stables, and then continued across the large hall, the globes of golden fire hanging in the air shining b
rightly, and up the stairs. Out of habit, Jake almost turned to head towards his room, but caught himself.
Hansa led them directly to Tomaris’ study. Jake recognized the female servant Learthe as she stood outside the doors. She gave Jake a nod in greeting before speaking to them.
“I have food being prepared,” she said. “I understand you have had a long journey. If you leave your things here, I will have them taken to your rooms. I have prepared your old room, Jake.” She gave him a smile. “Do you remember the way?”
“I do,” he replied lightly. “It hasn’t been that long.”
She nodded and waited for them. Jake and Hailyn put their belongings on the floor, only retaining the blanket that contained the sword. Learthe gave him a curious look, but shrugged and opened the door.
In the room beyond, Jake saw Tomaris sitting in his chair, a large old book on the small table next to it. He was staring out of the window, seemingly lost in thought. However, as soon as Jake stepped into the room, Tomaris turned and looked towards them, his eyes focused and knowing. Jake saw him glance at the rolled-up blanket, an expression of satisfaction crossing his face.
“Greetings, children,” Tomaris said as he slowly rose from his chair. He looked past Jake. “Thank you, Commander. Once food is delivered, please see that we are not disturbed.”
“As you wish, Tomaris,” Hansa said behind Jake. He heard the door close as Hansa left.
“Jake, please bring another chair over,” Tomaris said. He looked at Hailyn and gestured towards the two chairs. “Please come and sit down, lovely child.”
Jake handed the sword to Hailyn and went over to the far wall to where another chair rested against the shelves of books and scrolls. He pulled the chair over and joined the other two.
Once Jake sat down, Hailyn spoke. “Here, Master Tomaris,” she said as she held the blanket out towards him. “We have the sword.”
“Hold it for a little while longer, young Hailyn,” he replied. “I would rather wait until we have eaten and I have heard your story before I examine it.”
The Eternal Darkness (The Jake Thomas Trilogy - Book 3) Page 6
