"Dominic? What was that all about at the gate? I know what Norlan was going to ask you, but why did he laugh?" Jake asked as they walked.
Dominic snorted. "Norlan was amused because his wife already cornered me this morning about you wearing your armor and sword at their house, as well as your training in general." He gave his head a short shake. "I will say that you have made quite an impression on that woman. You would have thought I was having you kicking children the way she came at me. The end result is that you can take off your armor and sword at the house, as long as you are not leaving for anything other than the baths."
"What about the stuff with the guard?" Jake asked, relieved to know that he can relax at Norlan's.
"Apparently, he lived down the street from Norlan's." Dominic replied. "Madalin has known him all of his life and used to watch him when he was young. Because of his familiarity with her, the young idiot allowed her in to harangue me." His face creased into a small smile. "I made it clear to him what I thought of that."
Dominic led him past a couple of small buildings to a small open area near the fence, covered by short cut grass. The area had a couple of trees nearby for shade and a small wooden rail on the far edge, set up with pegs, clearly to hang equipment on. Dominic took Jake to the center of the grassy area.
"I want to make a few things clear before we start." Dominic said, turning to face Jake. His blue eyes, staring intently from that scarred face, seemed made of sapphires, bright and hard. "First, I plan to be hard on you, harder than most trainees. We do not know how much time you have to train or where your fate will take you. So, I assume that we have to maximize the training time we do have. I can't make you a master with the blade in a week, but I hope to get you to the point where you can at least defend yourself." He let the words sink in for a moment. "Do you understand what I am saying?"
Jake nodded. "I understand."
"Will you agree to follow my instructions, even if you don't understand the purpose?" Dominic asked.
"Yes."
"Good. Let me see your blade." Jake reached over and drew his sword. Dominic stepped close and inspected the blade, nodding his approval of its condition. He had Jake sheathe it again and inspected his armor, pulling on the straps and checking the fit. Satisfied, he stepped back.
"Remember that you must find time to maintain your equipment. I will not tolerate anything less." Dominic said. "Now, the first thing I want to work on is your stance."
Following Dominic's instructions, Jake set himself in a stance, with his right leg slightly forward, body slightly turned. Using his feet to make small corrections to Jake's stance, Dominic finally seemed satisfied.
"This is the basic stance for learning the sword." Dominic said. "As we progress, I will teach you how to fight no matter how your body is positioned." He stepped back a couple of paces. "Your first lesson seems simple, but it could be the one thing that saves your life. Draw your sword."
Jake reached across his body and drew his sword. "Faster next time. Do it again." Dominic stated, voice even. Jake did it again multiple times over the next hour. With every draw, Dominic seemed to have a new critique and had Jake try again. Standing, sitting and even lying down, Jake was made to draw his sword again and again.
After Jake's arm began to tire, Dominic had him start drawing it with his left hand. When he complained about the awkwardness, Dominic simply asked. "If you cannot use your right arm for some reason, are you just going to lay down and die?" Clearly not expecting an answer, he had Jake continue.
When Dominic seemed satisfied, he had Jake stop. His eyes remained hard as ever. "You may believe that this is a meaningless exercise, but the person who can get their sword out first usually lives to see another day. I will have you practice this every day until drawing your sword is second nature."
After a short rest break, Dominic had Jake go hang his sword belt on a peg while he produced two practice swords. The practice swords were similar in size and weight as Jake's sword, but the edges were blunted, with the point squared off. Dominic handed one sword to Jake and had him assume his stance.
"First, we will learn some defense." Dominic said as he instructed Jake on some basic parries.
After having Jake practice them a few times, Dominic assumed a stance opposite Jake. Using the other practice sword, he thrust and slashed at Jake, calmly telling him which parry to use. Watching Jake's movements, Dominic kept a running critique as he continued to come at Jake, his sword moving slightly faster in every attack.
"You are parrying too far, boy." Dominic said after attempting a thrust, holding up a hand. "Move your feet and body as well. You don't need to knock the sword away completely. You need to keep your sword as near to centerline as possible, to allow for counterattacks. Here, let me show you. Thrust at me."
As Jake thrusted his sword, Dominic twisted his body slightly as he allowed Jake's sword to run along his blade, just deflecting it an inch or so away from his body. With a twist of his wrist, the blunt point of Dominic's blade was suddenly at Jake's throat. "You see?" Dominic asked.
Jake nodded, but asked. "Isn't the blade awfully close to your body?
"That's why you wear armor." Dominic simply stated. "Now you try it."
For the next couple of hours, Dominic ran Jake through drill after drill, always correcting him and demonstrating the proper technique. With the afternoon sun angling towards the horizon, the thrill of learning swords was wearing off when Dominic finally called a halt. Jake was sweating profusely, his arms feeling like rubber.
"That's enough for today, boy. I need to go see the commander before it get too late and you need to go to the stables and see Captain Armartas. You have some responsibilities over there as well." Dominic gathered the practice swords as Jake went over to recover and belt back on his sword. "We will meet here tomorrow at the same time. Make sure you are getting some rest, the training is only going to get harder." With that, he strode off back towards the buildings.
Rubbing his sore arms, Jake made his way through the training areas, watching the various groups of soldiers practicing different drills. As always, he got some curious looks in return as he made his way to the stables. Once there, he went to Captain Armartas' office, finding him writing in a journal. Jake knocked at the door, causing Armartas to look up.
"Welcome, Jake." Armartas said quietly. He stood up and came over to the door. "Dominic said you would be by today." Grabbing a set of keys, he led Jake back towards Dontas' stable.
As they walked, Armartas asked. "How was your first day of training, Jake?"
"Fine, but I'm a bit tired." Jake replied.
Armartas laughed. "That is a common reaction to Dominic's training style, but you truly have the best teacher around. You may find many envious of you."
When they were near Dontas' stall, Armartas stopped near a closed door situated between stalls. He pulled out his keys and opened the door. Inside were four stations set up along the walls, two on each side. Each station contained a bridle and saddle, as well as brushes and other tack. Armartas pointed to the one on the right, closest to the door. "This is yours, Jake. Grab the saddle."
Jake lifted the saddle off its stand, groaning a bit from the weight, arms protesting. Armartas took the bridle and went over to Dontas' stall, Jake following. Gently stroking Dontas' head, Armartas showed Jake how to set the bridle and led Dontas into the hallway. Under Armartas' guidance, Jake practiced putting on and removing the saddle from Dontas several times. Once he was satisfied with Jake's progress, Armartas had him put the saddle back in the tack room and showed him where the feed was kept, as well as the straw.
Armartas handed Jake a key off his key ring. "This is your key for the tack room. Always remember to lock it after you are done." He lightly gripped one of Jake's arms. "We will take Dontas out on your next visit. Now, you need to brush down Dontas and clean out his stall. You should also make sure that he is fed and watered before you leave."
"By the way, Dominic told me that you would clean out
Shadow's stall and feed him as well. You remember where he is stalled?" Jake nodded slowly, inwardly groaning. Armartas gave him a knowing smile and left.
Jake headed back to Dontas, grabbed a brush and set to work. Dontas was a bit skittish at first, but relaxed after a few minutes, allowing Jake to complete the brushing quickly. He found a shovel and wheelbarrow and cleaned out the stall, laying down some fresh straw. He grabbed some feed and hay, refilled the water trough and led Dontas back into the stall. He removed the bridle and stroked Dontas' head for a few moments, then left, closing the stall and locking up the tack room.
He made his way over to Shadow's stall and repeated the process. He was a little afraid of the big stallion, but surprisingly, Shadow was compliant. By the time he led Shadow back into his stall and left the stables, he felt exhausted and the sun was close to setting in the west. He made his way through the training grounds and back towards Norlan's. He ignored the early evening crowds, not really paying attention as he focused on getting back and going to sleep.
When he arrived at Norlan's house, he was surprised to see Jonas and Hailyn standing in the yard, talking with Norlan while Cherise and Maxis ran around. Maxis gave a bark as Jake reached the gate, charging over to him. Jake tiredly reached down and petted him as the dog bounced around excitedly while the others looked in his direction. He made his way over to them.
"Good evening, Jake." Jonas said, a smile on his face. Hailyn also smiled at Jake in the way of greeting, but did not say anything. "I came by to check on how your first day of training went."
"Honestly, it was a long day. I really want to eat, take a quick shower and go to bed." Jake stated.
Jonas and Norlan looked at each other and shared a good-natured laugh. "It seems that is everyone's first day experience." Norlan said. "I remember that when I started my apprenticeship, I did not think I would ever make it past the first week; I was so tired. It will pass."
"I remember my soldier training and I know Dominic." Jonas added. "I'm satisfied that you have not suffered permanent harm and don't want to stand in your way of a meal and a shower, so Hailyn and I will go now."
"Are you sure you will not stay and eat?" Norlan asked Jonas. "We have plenty."
"Thank you, but no; some other time perhaps." Jonas replied, heading towards the gate. "Come along, Hailyn." Hailyn gave Jake's hand a quick squeeze as she passed him, following Jonas out of the gate.
"Let's get you fed, Jake." Norlan said good-naturedly, leading him into the house.
The meal went by in a fog, as Jake found himself drifting off as he finished his food. He got up and attempted to assist in cleaning the table, but Madalin sent him out to clean up. He went to his room, quickly undressed and went out to the shower area. After his shower, he came back to his room and changed into a clean set of underwear, leaving his dirty clothes and equipment scattered around the room.
Exhausted from the day's efforts, Jake fell back onto the bed and was asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow.
...
The ruddy light of the torches carried by the four half-men escorting him gave his white hair an orange cast as Martis moved slowly and cautiously into the clearing. He felt very exposed as his guards were emphatically told to stay with the wagon. He could hear the low laughter and taunts from the several dozen half-men lining the edge of the clearing, many carrying torches, lighting the area. With this many half-men in one place not trying to kill each other could only mean that a demon was present. Though he had been a spy for the demons for the last twenty years, he still hated having to deal directly with them.
It was several years ago that the demons that he served had ordered all their followers to immediately bring them word of any stranger that did not seem to be from this world. Martis had no idea why they issued such an order, since he had never encountered anything like that in his travels, but he learned early on not to ask too many questions. Over the years, he had almost forgotten about it.
So, it had been a complete shock to him when he had seen that boy, with his strange clothes and devices, sitting on the back of the warrior's horse three days ago. Knowing the warrior's reputation, he had waited until they were out of sight before he ordered his guards to turn south and head into the Forest. He had dispatched Frader and Nothes on their horses to seek out the groups of demon followers he knew were operating in the Forest while fat Ranech stayed with him at his camp. Frader had returned late on the second night to let him know that he found a group. They had made their way here, with Nothes catching up to them on the road. Night had fallen when they reached this spot. The half-men were clear in their instructions: Only Martis was allowed into the clearing.
The half-men voices suddenly faded as one called out - "A Master comes!" A short, stocky figure stepped into the clearing, the half-men sinking to their knees. Martis was shoved forward into the clearing where he immediately copied the half-men by dropping to both knees.
The figure, wrapped in a hooded robe, made its way over to Martis, slowly and deliberately. The hair stood up on the back of Martis' neck and his body began to tremble as he could feel the evil and darkness radiating off the figure. Martis attempted to stay motionless and kept his eyes locked on the ground as the figure stopped a few feet in front of him.
"You have information for me?" A cold voice came from the cowl, chilling Martis further. There was nothing human about the voice.
"Yes, Master." Martis replied, desperately trying to suppress his body's overwhelming urge to leap up and run. "I ran into a stranger like the one we were told to watch for. A boy, dressed in strange clothing."
Martis involuntarily flinched as the figure suddenly moved right up to him. "Look at me, worm." The figure commanded. Martis fearfully glanced up as two human-looking hands reached up to lower the cowl on the robe. Human-looking, except for the brown scales in place of skin and the dark claws at the end of each fingertip, hooked and shaped into sharp points. The figure was not much taller than Martis, even though he was on his knees. This was a demon that foolish men called an Imp, because of its height. As such, he was almost at eye level when the cowl fell back and he found himself face to face with the demon.
The demon's head was smooth and hairless, covered in the same brown scales as the rest of its body. It has long pointed ears that lay back along its head. It had a wide nose that was surmounted by two large eyes. Those eyes were the darkest black, no iris or white visible, only pits of stygian night. Below the nose was a wide mouth with thin lips, two rows of sharp, gleaming white teeth visible when the mouth opened.
"Where did you see this boy?" The Imp hissed.
"At the crossroads north of the forest road, three days ago." Martis replied.
"Why did you not seize him? You know that he is important to us." The Imp asked, voice cold and ominous.
"He was with a warrior..." Martis started, cutting off as one of the Imp's hands lashed out and seized him by the throat, claws biting into his flesh. Martis could feel the demon's strength as it tightened its grip.
"I was told that you have at least three fighting men in your employ. Surely they could have overwhelmed this warrior." The Imp's dark eyes were unreadable as they stared into Martis' terrified ones. "Perhaps you are not as committed to us as you say." The Imp slowly squeezed its hand, rivulets of blood trickling down Martis' neck as the claws pieced his skin.
"I am yours, Master!" Martis said desperately, voice high pitched and trembling. "I know the warrior. He was tall and strong, with a scarred face. It could only be Dominic, Master. Even my men could not overcome him."
The Imp stared at Martis for several moments, examining him like one would a bug. With a shove, the Imp released Martis, causing him to fall over onto his back. Martis just laid as he fell, making no attempt to return to his knees.
"Dominic, you say?" The Imp's hands curled into tight fists. "He has been a thorn in our hand for years. I found the remains of that fool Matus' party, so it now makes sense. Soon, hopefully, we will deal wit
h that one." He glanced down at Martis. "Where did they go?"
"Sanduas, I believe, Master. At least, he asked about the capital and headed up the northern road." Martis said quickly.
"Sanduas." The Imp mulled it over for a few moments. He looked back at Martis. "You will go to the city to see if the boy is there. Once you know he is there, send word. If he is not there, you will track him down. I will need time to gather some of my brothers and more followers, if I must assault the city."
The Imp reached down and grabbed Martis by the front of his shirt, easily lifting him up to his feet. "You will find out everything you can about the boy, where he is staying, who he deals with, everything. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Master." Martis almost sobbed, grateful to be leaving alive.
The Imp stepped right up to Martis, looking up at his face. "I want that boy. Do not fail me. You should know that I am not the forgiving type."
Martis bowed low, tears of relief falling to the ground.
Chapter Fifteen
Jake smiled as he approached the picnic area, his family waiting for him, a feeling of joy of being home filling his body and mind. He could see his parents, smiling and laughing as they prepared the food on the barbeque while his brother and sister playfully wrestled for the nearest hot dog.
As he got closer, Jake was surprised to see Sean and Matt were also there, chatting with someone Jake could not see. The high sound of a girl laughing and a sudden movement by Sean revealed Tina, laughing at some remark by Matt, Jake was sure. Impulsively, he yelled a greeting at them and picked up his pace, hurrying to join them.
Despite his increased speed, he could not seem to advance any closer. He shouted for them, trying to get their attention, but there was no reaction by anyone to his presence. He was now running as hard as he could, but he did not advance.
Suddenly, a wall of darkness sprang up in front of him. Startled, he came to a halt, the picnic area now gone, smothered by the darkness, hiding away his family and friends.
A World Apart (The Jake Thomas Trilogy - Book 1) Page 17
