The Jake Thomas Trilogy: Book 02 - Sword of Light

by Steven A. Tolle

  “Have you thought more on how I can settle my debt?” Marcus asked, pulling Jake’s attention back to him.

  “Look, Marcus, you don’t owe me anything.” Jake said, looking him in the eye. “We both wanted Keria safe and we both did what we could to make that happen.” He paused for a moment before continuing. “I would like to continue our truce, at least. I would rather have you as a friend than an enemy.”

  “What about Keria?” Marcus asked quietly and intently, leaning close. “How can we be friends if we both want her?” He now paused, looking away, then looked back at Jake, eyes determined. “I will not step aside. I love her.” He stated simply.

  Jake sighed heavily, looking down. He did not have a good answer for that. He tried to raise his hand to his face, but could only make it about halfway, his arm shaking, then let it fall back into his lap.

  “Let us put that aside for now.” Marcus said, a note of sympathy in his voice. “I will honor our truce. We can discuss it later, once you have healed.”

  They remained there quietly, both lost in their own thoughts, until Hailyn returned with a plate of food. Marcus took it from her and helped Jake eat. The food was hot and satisfying, distracting Jake from his troubles for the most part. That strange sensation reoccurred every time Marcus’s hand got very close to Jake, almost touching, fading when he removed it, taking some of the enjoyment away from the food.

  After Jake had finished eating, Marcus excused himself and went back to the commander’s quarters. Adjusting his position to get comfortable, Jake just sat there, staring aimlessly at the activity in the courtyard, his mind jumbled with thoughts of Keria, Marcus and his physical condition. Hailyn sat on the bench, watching him, but saying nothing.

  “How is our patient this morning?” A female voice intruded into his thoughts, pulling Jake’s attention outward. Jake saw a middle-aged female cleric approaching, a serious look on her plain face, her hair, streaked with gray and pulled tightly back from her face, tied into a long ponytail. She nodded a greeting to Jake and turned towards Hailyn.

  “He is better than yesterday, Sister Silvan.” Hailyn replied courteously. “He is still physically weak, but he knows where he is and has an appetite.”

  “That is good to hear.” Silvan said. She came closer to Jake, peering at his face, trying to gauge his condition. She leaned in, studying his face and looking over his body. When she got closer, Jake could feel that crawling sensation again, but it was much stronger this time. He frowned, wondering what it could be. He was not sure if he should mention it to Hailyn, since she could not touch him to see if there was anything wrong. Thankfully, Silvan backed away, apparently satisfied, and the sensation faded away.

  “I will leave him in your care, Hailyn.” Silvan said as she made to go. “Try and rest today. We will be leaving at first light tomorrow and driving hard for Sanduas.” With a nod to Jake, she strode off.

  For the rest of the day, Jake sat there thinking and kept drifting in and out of sleep. When awake, he was distracted and frustrated by his weakened state, not feeling the need for conversation. Hailyn seemed content to simply be nearby, talking with Jake when he wanted to talk, sitting and quietly reading a scroll when he was quiet.

  Marcus came out several times to see if Jake needed anything, bringing water and food when asked. Jake had to endure Marcus helping him to the latrines, since his legs were not able to support his weight to go on his own. Marcus took it in stride, unaffected, but Jake was embarrassed to need help in this, conscious of the soldiers nearby, as well as Hailyn. The indignity of not being able to care for himself, combined with that odd sensation that returned when Marcus helped him, had put Jake in a foul mood by the time he came back to the wagon.

  He sat there, his frustration and anger at himself boiling over, and, for the want of doing something, reached for his magic. His frustration faded when, after a moment’s delay, he felt his magic come alive. It filled him, that familiar thrill brightening his mood. He could see the blue nimbus of his power surrounding him.

  “Jake, what are you doing?” Hailyn asked, concern in her eyes.

  “I just wanted to see if I could call it up.” Jake said, holding onto his power tightly. With his magic, he felt stronger and tried to push himself up. To his surprise and delight, he was able to move. He still felt weak, but he was able to slowly move to the edge of the wagon, swinging his legs over the rear. Taking a deep breath, he tried to stand up. His legs buckled for a moment, but he was able to recover. Letting go of the wagon, he took a hesitant step away and stood there swaying.

  “That is enough, Jake.” Hailyn said firmly, a frown on her face. “Please get back into the wagon. You should not task yourself.”

  “I’m alright, Hailyn. I just want to try something.” Jake said. He stood still for a few seconds, getting his feet under him and legs set, and then released his power. Immediately, his legs gave out and he collapsed to the ground. He muttered curses as several nearby soldiers heard Hailyn’s startled cry and came to his aid.

  Before he could attempt to recall his power and stand, they lifted him back into the wagon at Hailyn’s command. She came over to stand near him, her frustration of not being able to get close or touch him visible on her face. Jake grumbled his thanks to the soldiers, who returned to what they had been doing.

  “Jake, please try to be patient.” Hailyn said gently. “I know you want to return to normal, but it may take some time.”

  “I know that!” He snapped at her, immediately regretting it. He knew it was not her fault and it wasn’t fair to take out his frustration on her.

  “I’m sorry, Hailyn.” Jake said, looking over at her. He felt even guiltier when she gave him a slight smile. “It is just so frustrating to have to sit here and not be able to do anything.”

  “You’re not the first patient who has been cross with me, Jake.” She said with a little laugh. She moved closer to Jake, which caused his sensation to manifest, strong like it was with Silvan. “We must have faith that Master Jonas will return and find a solution to your condition.”

  Jake nodded and Hailyn stepped away, returning to the wagon bench and the sensation faded. He embraced his power again, allowing him to move around the wagon bed and get comfortable. Once he settled in, he reluctantly released the power, feeling the weakness return. He was not sure what would happen if he tried to continuously hold his magic, remembering Tomaris’ admonishment about the magic eventually tiring his body. In his weakened state, it might be something decidedly unpleasant. On the bright side, he thought, at least I won’t need someone to feed me or help me to the bathroom.

  Late in the afternoon, Keria emerged from the commander’s quarters and made her way to the wagon, smiling and acknowledging the soldiers she passed, Marcus at her side. She gave Jake a wide smile when she saw that he was sitting up and looking at her. She hurried over to the wagon, climbing into the back to kneel down next to him.

  “Jake.” Keria said, joy and relief in her voice. She took his hand. “I am so happy to see you up and awake. I would have come sooner, but the garrison commander, Captain Grashin, and I have been planning the return trip to the city.”

  Jake savored the feel of her hand in his, despite that odd sensation that came with it. “I understand, Keria. I’m just glad to see that you’re safe.” He replied.

  “I owe that to you, Jake.” She stated quietly, leaning close, smiling. “You saved my life. When we reach Sanduas, you need only ask and I am sure my father will grant you whatever you wish.” She gave him a meaningful look.

  Jake flushed slightly, aware of Marcus and Hailyn standing nearby, the closest soldiers watching their exchange. “Let’s get you back to the city first, Keria. We will have time to discuss everything then.” He said as he glanced at Marcus.

  Keria caught his meaning, nodding and releasing his hand. “Of course. Make sure that you rest.” She said.

  Rather than leaving, she stood up in the wagon bed and looked out over the courtyard. She no
dded to Marcus.

  “Attention!” He shouted.

  The soldiers in the courtyard instantly reacted to that order, snapping upright and all conversations ceased. Realizing where the order came from, they turned to face the wagon. Keria waited until she had everyone’s attention, then spoke.

  “I declare that Jake Thomas is a Hero of Sanduas.” She called out, voice carrying across the courtyard. “He has shown bravery beyond what anyone would demand and through his actions brought me out of bondage. It is my command that all present here will honor him and provide any aid or assistance if he asks.”

  The soldiers, almost in unison, drew their weapons, raising them in the sky. “Honor to Jake Thomas!” They shouted while Jake flushed deep red at the attention.

  Keria waited until the voices died down. “Further, Lord Marcus is also named a Hero of Sanduas. Without any magical protection, but only a brave heart, he accompanied Jake, Sister Hailyn and Brother Jonas into the demons’ lair. He was their sword, keeping them safe and fighting to rescue me. Honor him as well.”

  “Honor to Lord Marcus!” The soldiers cheered again, shaking their weapons. Marcus bowed in acknowledgement.

  “While Brother Jonas and Sister Hailyn cannot be so named because of their calling, I asked that you honor them as well.” Keria continued when relative quiet descended over the courtyard. “They faced down a host of Imps and a Demon Lord to free me, with their power and faith in the One bringing the Light into that dark place. I will always be in their debt.” She gestured for Hailyn to stand.

  Hailyn stood and raised her hand. “We clerics are but servants of the One.” She stated, gesturing towards the other clerics in the courtyard. “We would do the same for any of His children. Honor Him, for He provided our strength and allowed us to be victorious.”

  The soldiers let out another cheer. “Honor to the One and His clerics!”

  Taking Marcus’ hand, Keria stepped down from the wagon as the soldiers returned to their duties, the courtyard buzzing with their conversations. She looked at Jake, her eyes shining with joy. “I will leave you in Hailyn’s care. We will be riding without stop to the city at first light, so get some rest.”

  After Keria went back inside, Jake decided to inquire about a shower. His saddlebags were in the wagon, so he called up his magic and pulled out a set of clean clothes. He was able to slowly walk to the shower point, accompanied by a soldier at Hailyn’s request.

  By the time he had cleaned up and changed his clothes, the sun was setting. As he made his way back to the wagon, he observed the soldiers lighting the watch torches. Even though he had not walked a great distance, he could feel his legs getting shaky despite his power, so he was grateful to climb back into the wagon bed and lean against the rails. He held onto his power until he finished eating, and then released it. He embraced the weakness that settled over his body and allowed himself to fall into sleep.

  …

  Jake started awake when the first horns sounded, calling the soldiers to rise. The sky was still dark as the courtyard came alive with sound as the soldiers began rolling up their blankets, packing away their supplies and donning their armor and weapons. Jake saw groups of soldiers that were ready heading out the open gate. Hailyn was already up, speaking with a couple of nearby soldiers. She noticed that Jake was awake and came over.

  “Once the soldiers clear out of the courtyard, the horses will be brought in and hooked up to the wagons.” She told him. “Once that is done, we will begin the trip back.” She tossed a wrapped packet next to him. “It is cold rations this morning.”

  Jake embraced his power, his shining form throwing back the night, and arranged his armor, saddlebags and blankets to form a makeshift seat in the wagon bed, so he could face forward. As he was doing this, the horses were brought in and soldiers hooked them to the wagon. The soldiers saluted Jake when they were finished, which he awkwardly returned.

  Hailyn took the reins and started the wagon out of the gates. They were directed to a spot to wait for the rest of the formation to gather, several soldiers on horseback standing guard close by. While they waited, Jake finished his rations and talked quietly with Hailyn.

  As the sky began to lighten in the east, the horns sounded again. Captain Grashin rode over to his officers and, after giving them their orders, called for the army to form up. Keria’s carriage was the last to leave the security of the fortress. Marcus, his armor reflecting the light of the torches, was riding next to it. As before, they deployed the bulk of the forces and clerics around the carriage, with Jake and Hailyn placed directly behind the carriage. With a final blast of the horns, the formation began to move.

  With Hailyn busy guiding the horses, Jake spent the day bouncing around the wagon, embracing his power when he needed to move, but otherwise with nothing to do. The formation picked up speed when they made it onto the highway, startled travelers hurrying off the road as the army passed.

  In the early afternoon, his mind wandering, Jake was sitting there bored when calls began to sound throughout the formation. At Captain Grashin’s shouted order, the army came to a halt. Jake saw Marcus give a start, lean over to say something to Keria, then ride forward. After several minutes, Jake heard the sound of approaching horses and saw a large group of soldiers, covered in chainmail and leather, shields and swords hanging from their horses, ride up to Keria’s carriage behind Marcus and Captain Grashin.

  As Jake studied them, he could just make out the epaulets pinned to their armor. They all wore the same insignia of a rearing bear. The insignia seemed familiar, but it took Jake a moment to recognize that it was the same image that was on Marcus’ shield.

  Chapter Four

  Curious about what was happening and tired of just sitting in the wagon, Jake embraced his power, feeling it give him a burst of strength. Ignoring Hailyn’s admonition to remain, he slowly slid from the wagon bed and made his way cautiously towards Keria’s carriage. At Hailyn’s signal, a soldier shadowed him closely in case he faltered. Hailyn quickly climbed down from the wagon and joined him as well. Jake gritted his teeth at Hailyn’s over-protectiveness, but did not say anything.

  When they got close, they heard Marcus already explaining the situation to Keria, who had stepped down from her carriage. “Captain Justian is my father’s chief man-at-arms.” Marcus said as he pointed at the large man at the head of the new soldiers’ formation. “His party was sent to aid our rescue attempt.” He nodded at Justian. “Captain, please continue.”

  “Your Highness.” Justian said respectfully, his deep voice rumbling, with a nod of his head. “A messenger from the capital came to my lord and lady, telling them of your capture and of the rescue attempt. Lord Marcelas gathered two hundred of his men-at-arms and departed for the capital, to assist your father if needed. Despite the small chance of success, given the time that had passed, he sent my party south in an attempt to join up with the army or, barring that, attempt to locate where you were being held.”

  “You and your men have my thanks for making such an effort.” Keria replied. “I am sure that my father appreciates Lord Marcelas’ response.”

  “With your permission, we will join your force to escort you back to the capital.” Justian said.

  “Your presence will be most welcome, Captain Justian.” Keria stated. She looked at the small crowd around her carriage, smiling when she saw Jake standing at the edge. “We should continue on, don’t you agree, Captain Grashin?”

  “At once, Your Highness.” Grashin replied. He looked over to Marcus. “Your father’s men can reinforce the soldiers at the front and rear of the formation.”

  Marcus nodded and turned to Justian. “Deploy the men, Captain, then return to ride next to me.”

  “Lord Marcus.” Justian said with a salute. He rode over to his men, speaking quietly with his lieutenants.

  “We should get back to the wagon.” Hailyn said to Jake as the nearby soldiers began to redeploy to their assigned positions. Jake nodded, turning back to
the wagon, biting back a curse as his legs buckled a bit. He caught himself, willing his legs to be steady, and made his way back to the wagon, Hailyn and the soldier close by. He was grateful that he was able to climb into the wagon bed without any assistance. He nodded his thanks to the soldier, who gave Jake a salute and went to remount his horse.

  As Jake was settling back into his makeshift seat, the order to resume the march was called out. With the creaking of leather and wood, the formation began to move, slowly at first then with more speed.

  Once the army had settled into its pace, Jake asked Hailyn if she knew anything about Marcus’ family. She shifted in her seat so that she was sitting in a position to watch the road ahead while not having to turn her head to speak to Jake.

  “Master Jonas has taught me about some of the court politics and the noble families.” She said. “Marcus’ father is lord over a large holding of land in the northwestern part of Sanduas, bordering the Inland Sea. Their family crest is the rearing bear, a symbol of the wild animals that live in the forested mountains of their holdings. They have large timber, fishing and farming concerns. His family is one of the richest and most powerful of the noble families. As such, Marcus’ father has a great deal of influence in the capital when he is at court.”

  She glanced around, making sure that no one was too close and lowered her voice. “While still very attractive, his mother was considered the great beauty of the kingdom in her youth. Rumor has it that she had hoped to be queen, but was married to Lord Marcelas when his father requested it from King Henold, Keria’s grandfather. Some say that left Lady Arelia bitter and distant from her sons.”

  “Sons?” Jake said, surprised. Since he did not really know him, he had assumed Marcus was an only child.

  “Marcus has a brother, Rolas.” Hailyn said. “He is four years older, but spends most of his time at their holdings. He is known as a great hunter and fighter.” She sighed sadly. “I have been told that they are not close and only speak to each other when necessary.”