Jake considered for a moment on what to say, then sighed, shaking his head. Marcus deserved to know. Jake told him what the king had said, as well as what he said to the king. Marcus simply looked at Jake once he finished, reflecting on what he just heard.
After a few tense moments for Jake, Marcus spoke. “I appreciate your honestly. I think that Keria sees it differently, but I believe that you made the right decision.” He held up a hand before Jake could say anything. “I don’t say that to be cruel or to applaud my good fortune, but because I think that you have a long road ahead of you before you can return to your home.” He paused briefly. “I know something of being separated from home, so I am sympathetic to your plight.”
He stood and came over to Jake, extending his hand. “I seem to find myself getting further in debt to you.” Marcus said, a smile appearing on his face. “I would like any hard feelings that existed between us to fade away. I accept your offer from the road and want you to consider me a friend.”
Jake slowly stood and shook his hand. “Thank you, Marcus.” Jake said. “Just take care of Keria.”
“With my life.” Marcus said seriously. He tuned to leave. “You should continue to gather your strength.” He paused at the door, looking back. “If you need my help for anything, send a message and I will come.”
After the curtain closed behind Marcus, Jake heard a murmur of voices from the yard and glanced out the window to see who it was. Madalin and Cherise were at the foot of the steps talking with Marcus while Norlan looked on from the door. Jake watched as Marcus took Cherise’s hand and kissed it as he said something to her. Jake saw Cherise absolutely glow with delight as Marcus turned to give Madalin a formal bow, Madalin with a pleased smile on her face. Marcus does have a way with women. I think I need to ask him for some pointers. Jake thought sardonically.
As Marcus nodded to Norlan and left, Madalin turned to go back inside. Jake saw that she blushed slightly when she saw Norlan looking at her with his arms crossed and a cocked eyebrow and crooked smile on his face. Madalin went to him, laying her hand on his arm and whispering something to him that made him throw back his head and laugh. They went back inside while Cherise released Maxis from his enclosure and they ran around in the yard.
Jake, feeling a little cooped up, went outside and joined Cherise and Maxis. The day was still cool and cloudy, which made the exercise pleasant. He was amused by, but did grow slightly tired of, Cherise extolling the virtues of Marcus. He was glad that he and Marcus were no longer rivals, but it sucked a bit to get reminded of what a great guy he was. After all, Jake thought to himself, I am not all that bad a guy either. After a while, he claimed to be tired and returned to his room.
He climbed back into bed, sitting up with his back against the wall, and released his power. He stared at the fall wall, lost in thoughts of Keria, Marcus and home. He pondered on how he could possibly return to Earth, since everyone here seemed to be at a loss on what to do. He lost track of time, with all of his focus inward. Before he realized, it was late afternoon. Without his power, he began to feel weak and was considering lying down for a nap before dinner when his door curtain pulled aside and Keria came into his room. She stopped and stared at him, her beautiful face a mask of anger.
“Keria!” Jake exclaimed as he called up his magic, sitting up straighter. “What are you doing here?”
“How could you agree with my father’s idiotic decision?!” She snapped, her green eyes like hard emeralds. “And without even speaking with me?”
“Keria, I can see that you are upset.” Jake said, softly and cautiously. “I didn’t know how to tell you, but your father is right. You will be Queen someday and I can’t be a king.”
“How do you know that, Jake?” She replied, voice softer but anger still plain on her face. “You are the most unusual boy I have ever met. You risked your life to save me, but you wouldn’t even argue for the chance to find out with my father.”
“What could I say?” Jake replied. “I like you, Keria, but if a way home showed up now, I would take it. Your father was right about that.”
“Maybe you can never go home.” Keria said. “Have you thought of that?”
“I think about it all the time.” Jake stated angrily. “Don’t you think I know that I may be stuck here?”
“Then why not accept that and stay here with me?” Keria said gently, stepping closer. “You have faced down and defeated demons; surely we can find a way to make my father relent if you really wanted it.”
“Look, two things. First, I don’t know how all of the politics and noble thing works. Second, it would not be fair to you if, out of the blue, I can go home.” Jake said, trying to be reasonable. “You need someone who knows the system and who will always be here.” Jake swallowed, still not believing he was going to say this. “Someone like Marcus.”
Keria stiffened. “So, you are just like my father; thinking that you can select someone for me without asking whether I want that person.” She said haughtily. Jake could see unshed tears standing in her eyes. “I thought you would understand that I simply want to choose my own way.” She paused, then said directly. “I can never hate you, Jake; you risked all for me and have suffered for it. But I don’t think I will ever forgive you for this.” With that, she turned and marched out the door.
Jake sat there, stunned and hurt. He brought his knees to his chest, resting his arms on his legs, hands curling into fists, jaw clenching. He stared at the far wall, trying to bore a hole in it with the anger in his heart. This is all bullshit. He snarled to himself. I didn’t ask for any of this. I can’t go home and I can’t stay here. At least, not how I would want.
He was so focused on his anger that he missed the faint voices coming from the yard. So, he almost jumped out of his skin when the door curtain whipped back and Dominic strode into the room.
“Dominic!” Jake exclaimed, shocked to see him. Dominic’s clothes were travel-stained, his breastplate scarred with scratches and a deep gouge, and a bandage on one arm. He stopped at the foot of the bed, crossing his arms and looking at Jake.
“You shouldn’t make a woman like that unhappy, boy.” Dominic said in the way of a greeting, nodding towards the way Keria had gone, an amused look in his bright blue eyes. “She can make your life a terror if she wants.”
“When did you get back?” Jake asked, his gratification at Dominic’s return overwhelming his anger and frustration. “How did the battle go?”
Dominic pulled the stool over and sat down. “We just arrived.” He said. “We stopped off at the Temple first. The girl was there and told me that you were back here.” He looked closely at Jake, his eyes evaluating. “I’m glad to see you up and about. She mentioned that you could move with the assistance of your power.”
“Yeah, it beats lying around, though I still get tired easily.” Jake said. “Tell me what happened.”
“We breached the fortress easily enough.” Dominic stated, tone matter-of fact. “Once inside, we overwhelmed the initial force of demons and half-men, but had to start splitting off to clear the passageways and rooms. We assigned two soldiers to every cleric; Alleon and I protected Jonas. It took us all night and into the next day, but we were able to kill or drive off all of the demons and their followers. The place was riddled with passageways that led to the hills, so many that fled us were able to escape.” Dominic shook his head, clearly not happy about that. “We did not have a large enough force to go after them. We had lost five clerics and their escorts during the fighting. They were killed when they were clearing rooms, separated from the main force, and cornered by the demons.”
“We did find and free around a dozen captives in the dungeons.” Dominic continued. “They told us that there had been some in-fighting amongst the demons and many groups of the half-men had fled the fortress before we arrived. We took the captives with us and burned anything that was of use before we left. The clerics treated the captives and we escorted them to the local garrison fortress, where we
were told that you had stopped on your way to the city. We rested overnight, then headed back to the capital.”
“Alleon has gone to the palace to inform the king.” Dominic finished, standing up. “I need to get Shadow and Dontas to the stables, as well as get cleaned up, but I wanted to check on you first. I will come by tomorrow with Jonas, so he can assess your condition.” He headed for the doorway. “Good night, boy.”
“I’m glad that you and Jonas are alright.” Jake blurted out. “I was worried about you.”
Dominic looked back over his shoulder. “Thank you, Jake.” He said simply and left.
…
Early the next morning, with the sun barely over the horizon, the sky filled with scattered clouds and a cool breeze drifting though the garden, Hailyn raked the dirt paths that crisscrossed through the plants. All apprentices were assigned tasks to keep up the Temple grounds. She was grateful for the physical labor since it allowed her an opportunity to quietly reflect on things as she worked. She especially liked spending time in the garden, enjoying the fresh scents from the plants while the birds sang from the trees overhead. It was very peaceful and refreshing.
“Hailyn!” A voice called to her. She looked over to see Cesila, another apprentice jogging over to her. Cesila stopped a few feet away, panting slightly from her exertions. “Master Jonas has requested that you come to the sanctuary now. I will finish your work here.”
Hailyn handed the rake to Cesila, brushing off some stray leaves from her robes as she walked over to the nearby doorway and entered the Temple building. She went through the library, nodding to the clerics and apprentices studying there, and passed into the Temple proper. She always appreciated the beauty of the Temple, the colored glass in the tall windows filling it with color during the day. She walked down the center aisle, with the polished wooden benches on either side. Directly ahead, she saw the large candle on the altar, its flame glowing softly. It was always kept lit to symbolize the eternal nature of the One. Above it was the large white banner that represented the Light of the One.
She stopped briefly before the altar to give her thanks to the One, and then headed to the sanctuary door built into the wall near the altar. The sanctuary was a small room that was sent aside for the clerics to speak with people that requested privacy. Apprentices also were called to the sanctuary when they were to be counseled by the clerics. She did not think she had committed any infractions, so she was not sure why she was being called. The heavy wooden door that blocked sounds from carrying into the Temple was open. When she paused at the door, she could hear soft voices coming from the sanctuary.
“Master.” Hailyn called into the hallway that led to the sanctuary. “I am here.”
“Come in, Hailyn, and close the door behind you.” Jonas’ voice came back to her.
She pulled the heavy door closed, having to strain a bit, and it shut with a hollow boom that echoed in the stone hallway. As she walked down the short distance, she saw that the sanctuary was brightly lit with many candles. When she entered the main room, she paused, surprised. There was a long wooden table set up with a single chair sitting in the middle of the room, facing it. Sitting behind the table were five clerics.
Jonas sat in the middle chair, a welcoming smile on his face and his staff resting against the wall behind him. Sitting to his right, Sister Silvan, her hair pulled tightly back as usual, watched Hailyn enter, her face neutral. Silvan was in charge of the healing clinic and was second only to Jonas in healing skills. To her right sat Brother Kethen, a portly man with calculating eyes. Kethen did not wield the clerics’ magic, but was in charge of the Temple’s finance and business interests.
To Jonas’ left was a cleric that Hailyn knew very well. Sister Lavera was an older woman, her hair gray and face lined with age. She also did not wield power, but she was known as a person with a steel will. That was why she was chosen as the cleric in charge of the apprentice training. Hailyn knew that beneath her hard exterior, Lavera was also a caring woman, always there to comfort the apprentices when they were homesick or had become overwhelmed by the training. Sitting next to her was Brother Trence, a lean and muscular man in early middle age who was in charge of the clerics that served in the army. He often taught the apprentices hand-to-hand combat skills, preparing them for possible military duty.
“Please sit, Hailyn.” Jonas said, gesturing to the empty chair.
Hailyn went over and sat, drawing a deep breath and calming her mind. She returned Jonas’ look, her hands folded in her lap, and waited.
“I have spoken with you about how I felt you were ready to take the tests to leave the apprenticeship.” Jonas said. “Having watched you during the rescue of the princess, as well as Silvan’s observations from the trip back, I have decided that the time has come to test your knowledge and skills. If we are satisfied, we will welcome you as a full cleric.” He paused for a moment, then asked. “Are you ready to face the tests, Hailyn?”
“I am, Master.” She replied, keeping her voice steady in spite of the sudden knot in her stomach.
“Then we shall begin.” Jonas said formally. “Describe for us the role of the cleric in the lives of the people.”
Hailyn took a deep breath before responding, focused on providing the best answer, committed to passing whatever tests would be given her.
…
It was mid-afternoon when Dominic and Jonas appeared at Jake’s room. He had spent most of the day roaming the yard, playing with Maxis and sleeping. He was sitting on his bed, inspecting his sword, when the door curtain pulled back and they walked in.
“Hello, Jake.” Jonas said, looking closely at Jake’s face. “You look better than when I last saw you.”
“I’m glad to see you, Jonas.” Jake responded. “I feel better with my power, but am still very weak when I don’t have it.”
“Release your power and let me look at you.” Jonas stated.
Jake sat back against the wall, then released his magic, feeling his strength fade away. He immediately felt that strange crawling sensation, this time coming very strongly from Jonas. Jonas stepped closer, causing the sensation to increase, making it feel as if thousands of ants were swarming over Jake’s body. When Jonas called up his power, his shining aura lighting the room, the sensation became unbearable. Unsure what was happening and concerned for Jonas, Jake summoned his power, cutting off the sensation. Jonas stepped back, a look of confusion on his face.
“Stay back, Jonas.” Jake said. “You may get hurt.”
“Why do you say that Jake?” Jonas inquired.
Sighing, Jake explained as best he could about his sensation and how it was strongest from the clerics. Jake told Jonas that Hailyn had spoken with him about the risks to the clerics. He finished by describing how his power seemed to cut off the sensation.
“Interesting.” Jonas said when Jake finished. He stood there, watching Jake and thinking. After a few moments, he spoke again. “I am not sure I can find anything about this in our texts. I believe that we will just have to try and heal you, Jake. There is a risk there, but we will not know if we do not try.”
“No, Jonas.” Jake said stubbornly. “I will not allow you or anyone else risk their life for me.”
“Jake.” Jonas said reassuringly. “I am a servant of the One. My life is in His hands. If I am to fall helping you, then that is my fate.” He came forward, shining brightly.
“No.” Jake stated again, lifting his sword and pulling in more of his power, ready to deflect any attempt by Jonas to use his magic on him. “I will not let you do this.”
Jonas stopped, a look of frustration on his face at the sword and Jake’s insistence.
“Boy!” Dominic said sharply, his face a mask, though his eyes seemed to shine. “Put that down and stop acting the fool. Jonas knows the dangers.”
Jake stared back, refusing to lower his sword. Dominic began to move forward, clearly prepared to take the sword.
Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door. Norlan
stepped inside, freezing when he took in Jake and Jonas glowing in power, the sword in Jake’s hand and the look on Dominic’s face. “I’m sorry to interrupt whatever is going on, but a messenger is here, asking for you both.” He said cautiously.
“We will discuss this later, boy.” Dominic growled at Jake. He motioned to Jonas and they followed Norlan out. Standing in the yard was a soldier whose uniform indicated that he was assigned to one of the city gates. Three horses were tied up at the fence.
“Brother Jonas. Dominic.” The soldier greeted them, giving them each a nod of his head. “I was sent to find you. There is a carriage at the North Gate with several soldiers as an escort. The captain did not recognize their armor and uniforms, so we halted them. The Aletonian in charge requested to speak to you by name. He asked us to tell you that Tomaris is here.”
Chapter Eight
The crowd at the gate courtyard parted as Dominic and Jonas rode past, following the messenger. As they approached the gate and were recognized, the soldiers manning the gate began to hold up traffic, clearing a path outside. They rode over to another group of soldiers guarding a plain and unassuming carriage, one that a moderately successful merchant may own.
Dominic saw the captain of the guard speaking with an armored man astride a brown horse. His armor shone in the late afternoon sun, reflecting the golden light, standing in contrast to his dark face. There were four other men on horseback surrounding the carriage, dressed in the same armor. Dominic, with Jonas right behind him, rode slowly through the soldiers standing guard, who moved aside as they passed. He came to a stop next to the captain.
“Greetings, Moshanna.” Dominic said, raising his right hand in salute. “I did not expect to see you here.”
“Greetings, Dominic.” Moshanna Deepwood replied, returning the salute. “Tomaris has some information that he said could not wait for messengers.”
The Jake Thomas Trilogy: Book 02 - Sword of Light Page 9
