A World Apart (The Jake Thomas Trilogy - Book 1)

by Tolle, Steven A.

  The girl had the same dark hair and brown eyes as the older woman, though she was a little taller. She was at that awkward stage in development, no longer a girl and not yet a woman. She was skinny, with long arms and legs, blushing and smiling shyly when she saw Jake looking at her.

  "This is Jake, the young man Brother Jonas spoke of. He will be staying with us for a while." Norlan said, in way of introduction. He gestured towards the woman. "Jake, this is my wife, Madalin." He nodded at the girl. "This is our daughter, Cherise."

  Madalin came up to Jake, reached up to touch his face and said. "Welcome, Jake. We are honored to have you as a guest."

  "Thank you for your hospitality." Jake replied, remembering his manners, a little embarrassed at the attention.

  "Hello, Jake!" Cherise said happily, her voice still a little high pitched.

  "Jake, are you hungry?" Madalin asked. "I can fix you something, if you like."

  "No, thank you, I had some stew at the Temple."

  "If you change your mind, please let me know. Why don't we show you your room? You must be tired from all your travels." Madalin said, patting Jake on the arm.

  She headed towards an opening on the opposite wall from the living room. There was a small hallway with an opening on each wall, both covered in a heavy red curtain, and a wooden door at the end.

  "This is Norlan's and my room." She said, indicating the opening on the left. She gestured at the opening on the right. "This one is Cherise's." She continued to the end of the hall, opened the door and stepped out.

  They exited out onto a paved patio area, covered with a roof. There were the two small buildings that Jake noticed when he arrived. The one on the left was smaller, only about eight by eight feet. It had a wooden door in the middle of the wall facing the patio. Norlan pointed to it and said. "That is for storage."

  The one on the right was longer, maybe twelve feet long with a heavy blue curtain hanging inside the doorway. There was a small window set off the right of the doorway, curtains pulled back. Madalin walked over to the doorway and pulled the door curtain back, gesturing Jake inside.

  When he stepped through, he saw that there was a single bed set up, running parallel with the back wall. A small dresser was next to the bed, pushed up against the wall, a pitcher, large bowl and cup sitting on top. Above it was a circle of highly polished metal, acting as a mirror. There was a small fireplace in the far corner, wood stacked neatly next to it. A stool sat in the other corner, a bundle of clothes sitting on top. The room was lit by several candles.

  "This will be your room while you are here, Jake." Norlan said. He went over and patted the clothes. "I brought you these; I hope that they fit. You will need to wear the sandals or your own shoes until we can get you to the cobbler."

  "Thank you. I'm sure they will be fine." Jake replied.

  "Here, let me take your dirty clothes. I will make sure they are cleaned and repaired." Madalin said, holding out her hands.

  "They are pretty dirty and smelly. Maybe I should wash them myself…" Jake said, not wanting to part with his clothes.

  "Don't be silly, Jake. You are a guest." Madalin said as she reached over and took Jake's clothes, leaving him holding his shoes. "I can have these cleaned, mended and back to you in a day or so."

  "Ok. Thank you." Jake said.

  "There will be plenty of time to speak tomorrow. We should leave and let the lad rest." Norlan said. Madalin and Cherise nodded and left, wishing Jake a good night. Norlan paused at the door, looking back at Jake. "I know that you have traveled far and your future is uncertain, Jake, but I want you to consider this your home while you are here." He left, pulling the curtain closed behind him.

  Jake sat down on the bed, finding that it was firm, but comfortable. He pushed his shoes over near the door and pulled out his phone. He powered it on, checking the battery. He saw that he only had about a seventy percent charge left. Sighing, he powered it off and placed it on the dresser. He went over to the clothes bundle and found some underwear. He changed into them, then unlaced the sandals, sliding them under the bed, and went around the room and blew out all of the candles but one. He got into the bed, fluffing the pillow a bit, and pulled the blanket up. He lay there, listening to the faint sounds of the city and thinking through everything that had happened to him. Soon, his eyes closed and he was asleep.

  …

  Jake was having a great dream about him, the princess and Sabrina enjoying a bath when a knocking sound intruded into the dream. It took him a moment to realize it was not part of the dream and woke up. The knocking came again from outside his doorway.

  "Jake." He heard Madalin call his name from the other side of the curtain. "Are you awake?"

  "Yes." Jake replied, sitting up and wiping the morning gunk from his eyes.

  "When you are dressed, please come inside, the morning meal is prepared." Jake heard her walk away.

  He stood up, feeling the cold stone floor under his feet, and stretched, feeling more rested than he had in days. He went the pitcher and poured some water into the bowl. He leaned over and splashed some onto his face, finding the water was cool and refreshing. As he was drying his face with the towel, he could see in the mirror that his hair was a mess. He wet it down and tried to comb it back with his fingers, mostly succeeding.

  He went over to the clothes left for him. He found a pair of loose brown cotton pants, a thin leather belt and a white long-sleeved shirt. There was also a brown leather vest, with laces in the front, but he decided that he would not wear it. After putting on the clothes, he went back to the bed and laced up the sandals. He put his phone in the pants pocket and went outside.

  He saw that it was still early in the morning, the sun a little over the horizon, the sky dotted with white puffy clouds. He could see people, horses and carts moving around on the streets, the city coming to life. He walked over to the back door of the house and went in. As he came down the hallway, he could see Norlan and Cherise sitting down at the table. Norlan saw him and waved him over.

  "Good morning, lad." He said with a smile. "Come sit down and get something to eat." He pointed to a chair next to him. There was a place setting with a metal plate, fork and knife, as well as a wooden cup.

  Jake came over to the table and sat down, across from Cherise. She was scribbling something on a piece of paper. Madalin came over from the counter, carrying a wooden tray. She smiled at Jake and asked. "Did you sleep well, Jake? You had enough blankets?"

  "I was fine, thank you." Jake replied as Madalin set down the tray on the table. The tray had fried eggs and strips of meat that looked like bacon. There was also sliced fruit and apples.

  "I'm glad to hear that. If you need anything, please don't hesitate to ask." Madalin said, sitting down at the empty chair.

  "I will, thank you."

  "Cherise, it is time for food. You can draw later." Norlan said, reaching over to tap her hand. Cherise set down her pencil and gave her father a smile.

  "Let us give thanks." Norlan said, closing his eyes, Madalin and Cherise doing the same. Jake, unsure of what to do, bowed his head.

  "We ask the One to bless this food and give thanks to Him for such gifts." Norlan intoned, deep voice reverent. "We also give thanks for our guest, Jake, and ask for the blessings of the One on him."

  After a moment of silence, the family opened their eyes and Madalin took Jake's plate and filled it with food from the tray. It smelled good, but Jake waited until everyone had their food and Norlan started eating before he grabbed his fork. The eggs and meat were seasoned well, the fruit and apples cool and crisp. Cherise got up and grabbed a pitcher of water and filled everyone's cups.

  "Jake, I was told that Brother Jonas would be checking in on you later today." Norlan said between bites of food. "You can wait here for him, if you like."

  "Ok." Jake replied.

  "I'm sure that Cherise would be happy to give you a tour of the neighborhood this morning, so you can find your way around." He smiled at his dau
ghter. "We are waiting to hear if she will be accepted as an apprentice painter, so she has the time. She painted that one, so she has talent, likely from her mother." He said proudly, pointing to a picture of a horse running through a meadow, hanging in the living room.

  "That is very good." Jake said, smiling at Cherise. She blushed, embarrassed by the attention.

  "Well, I have to get to the smithy before my apprentices run off." Norlan said, clearing his plate and standing.

  "They won't do that; they love you, Norlan." Madalin said.

  "There is a first time for everything, my dear." He said, bending over to kiss Cherise on the forehead and then giving Madalin a kiss as he headed for the door. "I will see you this evening, Jake." He gave Jake a pat on the shoulder and left.

  When Jake finished his plate, Madalin got up and started to clear the table. "Help me clear the table, Cherise." She said to her daughter. Cherise stood and grabbed her father's plate.

  Jake picked up his plate and said. "Let me do that, Madalin. It's the least I can do."

  "Nonsense, Jake. You are our guest." She said, gathering the tray.

  "At least let me help you." Jake said, wanting to show his appreciation for their kindness.

  "All right, Jake. You can help me wash and dry the dishes while Cherise puts them away."

  As the three started on the dishes, Jake felt a little better. Everyone had been doing things for him since Dominic rescued him, so he wanted to give something back. They made short work of the task.

  "Thank you for your help, Jake. That was very nice of you." Madalin said after hanging up the dish towel to dry. "I need to go to the market for some things. Cherise, why don't you take Jake around and show him the neighborhood, as your father suggested."

  "Ok, Mother." Cherise said, looking over at Jake. "Are you ready, Jake?"

  "Yes, let's go." Jake replied, anxious to see more of his surroundings.

  Cherise led him out the front door onto a small porch, which had a couple of stone benches on either side of the door. In the front yard, there was a stone path through the grass to the short front wall and main gate, which opened out onto the street. Two large trees, their branches providing shade, grew on either side of the path, near the wall. The side walls, the same height as the front wall, were covered in vines with large three-pointed bright green leaves.

  Cherise stopped next to one of the benches, turning to Jake, and said. "Sit and wait here for a minute, Jake; there is something I want to show you." Jake sat down. "Close your eyes and don't open them until I tell you. You promise?"

  Jake closed his eyes. "I promise."

  "I will be right back." Cherise said with a happy giggle.

  Jake heard her run off across the yard. He sat there, feeling a bit foolish, listening to the bustle of the street. He could hear people talking, the sound of horse hooves as they hit the street, the creak of metal and wood as the wagons went by. He was there for about a minute when he heard Cherise come back.

  "Open your eyes." She said as she stood in front of him.

  Jake opened his eyes and instantly froze, his heart seeming to stop. Standing directly in front of him, only a foot or so away, was the biggest dog he had ever seen. The dog's shoulder would reach above his waist if he was standing, but its head was eye level with him as he sat. Its head was large and round like a mastiff, with large eyes, floppy ears and a large bear-like mussel. It was heavily muscled, with large paws and a broad chest; Jake estimated that it had to weigh close to two hundred pounds. It was colored with a random pattern of blacks, browns and tans, with a short tail.

  As Jake stared at it, paralyzed by fear, the dog pulled back its lips and gave a low rumbling growl, revealing a mouth full of sharp teeth, the canines at least two inches long. Jake was sure he was about to die when Cherise gave the dog a light rap on the head. "Stop that, Maxis. Jake is a friend." The growling stopped and the dog sat back on its haunches, tail wagging. Jake started breathing again.

  Cherise rubbed its head, satisfied. She turned to Jake. "He is really a big baby, once you get to know him. Hold out your hand, so Maxis can get to know you and remember your scent."

  Remembering those teeth, it took a moment for Jake to summon the courage to slowly extend his hand towards the dog. Maxis watched Jake, then leaned in to sniff his hand. Jake waited anxiously, praying that his hand was coming back. The dog gave his hand a lick, then stood and came forward. He sniffed Jake once more, then licked his face. Jake cautiously patted the dog, which suddenly sat down and laid its head in Jake's lap. Jake scratched behind its ears, the dog obviously enjoying it as its tail thumped the ground.

  "See, I told you." Cherise said, smiling widely, sitting down next to Jake, petting Maxis.

  "Hello, Jake. Hello, Cherise." A female voice came from the gate. Jake looked over and saw Hailyn coming into the yard. Maxis heard the voice as well and charged over to Hailyn. Jake was sure that she was going to get flattened, Maxis being twice her weight, but the dog stopped in front of her and she wrapped her arms around him, cooing at him.

  Cherise also got up and ran over to Hailyn, wrapping her in a hug when she released Maxis. They smiled and talked softly as they walked, arm-in-arm, back over to Jake, Maxis right behind them, tail wagging happily.

  Chapter Twelve

  "How are you doing today, Jake?" Hailyn asked, a smile on her face as she got close, her white robes rustling softly as she moved. Her eyes, those unusual brown eyes with golden flakes, studied his face. "You look rested."

  "I'm fine, thanks to you." Jake said, giving Hailyn a smile and nod. With the sun kissing her tanned face, her hair shining in the light, he found her to be more attractive than he had last night. Surprised by that thought, he changed his focus and pointed at the two girls. "You know each other, I take it?"

  "Yes. Cherise was in my class last year." Hailyn replied, patting Cherise's hand. "She is a very talented painter." Cherise blushed at the compliment, smiling with joy at the praise.

  Hailyn disentangled her arm from Cherise and came over to Jake. Her form began shining with a golden glow as she embraced her power. "If you don't mind, I would like to examine you again." She asked. After Jake nodded, she reached out and took his face into her hands, her eyes closing.

  Jake sat patiently, enjoying Hailyn's warm hands gently touching him, the hint of her perfume filling his nostrils as she leaned closer towards him. He was staring at her face, thinking about her full lips, when he felt the warmth of her power radiate from her hands down into his body. The warmth spread until he could feel it throughout his body. It lasted for only a moment, disappearing as the glow faded from Hailyn, her eyes opening.

  She smiled shyly as Jake, returning her smile, stared into her eyes. Looking back at him, she thought that he had pretty eyes. Flushing slightly, uncomfortably aware of Cherise's presence next to her, she realized that she was still touching his face. She hurriedly brought her hands down and stepped back.

  "You appear to be in perfect health, Jake." She said, straightening and regaining her composure. She went over to the other bench and sat down, Cherise coming to sit next to her. Maxis walked over and lay down at their feet. "Master Jonas sent me to see how you are doing and if you need anything. What are your plans for the day?"

  Cherise piped up. "I was going to show Jake the neighborhood while Mother is at the market."

  Hailyn gave her a smile. "That is very nice of you, Cherise. Do you mind if I join you?"

  "No. That would be great!" Cherise exclaimed, excited by the prospect.

  Hailyn looked back over at Jake, taking in his clothing and sandals. "Master Jonas wanted me to take Jake to the cobbler to see if we can find him some boots. It may get a little cold at night for sandals."

  "Umm…I don't have any money for shoes." Jake said, a little embarrassed that he had not thought about how he was going to pay for things here.

  Hailyn patted a small pouch on her belt. "Don't worry, Jake. Master Jonas gave me some gold to make sure you have wha
t you need."

  "I appreciate that, but I don't know how I will be able to pay it back." Jake replied.

  "There is no need to pay it back. It is a gift, not a loan." Hailyn said reassuringly. She gave Maxis a quick pat on the head and stood up, Cherise joining her. "Shall we go?"

  "Let me get Maxis' leash." Cherise said, as the dog rose with them. She looked over at Jake, seeing his surprise about the dog coming with them, and explained. "He usually goes with me on walks and is well behaved. Most people around here know that he is just a big baby, but his size scares some, so Father said he has to be on a leash if he leaves the yard."

  Cherise led Maxis over to the side yard to get his leash as Jake stood and gave a little stretch. Hailyn stepped closer and said quietly. "Maxis has been Cherise's closest companion since her best friend, Else, left last year to work on her family's farm in the north. Those two were as close as sisters, always running about. I think Cherise was heartbroken by that and has been hesitant to get close to anyone else her age. Hopefully, when she gets her apprenticeship, she will make some new friends."

  Cherise rejoined them, Maxis next to her on a leash, tail wagging happily. They left through the front gate onto the main road. Following Cherise, the little group turned right on the street and made their way down the tree-lined pavement towards a cluster of tall wooden buildings built on both sides of the road. They passed by the neighboring homes, some of the people in the yards calling out to Cherise, who gave them a wave in return. They made their way along with other pedestrians, walking in both directions on the street, many of them respectfully greeting Hailyn with small bows and some eyeing the dog nervously. As they got closer to the buildings, Jake could see that there were a few shops, buzzing with activity, as well as what looked like taverns and restaurants.

  Cherise led them over to the closest building, where Jake saw shoes and boots displayed in the front window of the first shop. She stopped next to the building and said to Hailyn. "I will wait out here with Maxis if you want to take Jake in to see Cobbler Jendering, Hailyn."