chapter ELEVEN
Jake, eyes closed, was enjoying the hot water and thoughts of the princess when Dominic's voice intruded.
"You are supposed to be washing, not sleeping, boy." Dominic called over.
Jake opened his eyes and glanced over at Dominic, who was two tubs away. His head and shoulders were above the tub edge, which was level with the floor, and he was lathering his short hair and face with the soap. He ducked under the water, rinsing the suds away.
Jake roused himself and grabbed his soap. He washed his hair first, then worked his way down his body. After a few minutes, he was feeling better about himself as he got clean after several days without a shower.
He was washing his feet when Dominic got out of the tub and went over to the waterfall, rinsing off any leftover soap. Dominic finished the shower and head back to the stone bench, drying off as he went. He picked up the robe and slipped it on, sitting down and tying on the sandals. He glanced back at Jake and growled. "Hurry up, boy. It is getting late and you can come back to luxuriate in the water some other time."
Jake stifled a retort and finished his bath. He got out and headed over the waterfall. Hanging his towel on a nearby hook, he stepped into the water flow. Thinking it was heated like the baths, he was not prepared for the ice-cold water that poured over his heated body, which nearly took his breath away. Letting out a curse, he quickly rubbed his body clean and leapt out of the water.
He ran to his towel, grabbing it and drying off as quickly as possible. He started to shiver slightly as he wrapped the towel around his waist and headed back to the bench. He saw Dominic watching him, a slight smile on his face.
"Did I forget to tell you about the waterfall?" Dominic asked innocently. "It's a little colder than the baths." Jake glared at him as he threw on his robe. Dominic smiled slightly. "A little cold water won't kill you, boy."
Jake belted the robe and stood up, reaching in to the storage hole to recover his stuff. Now that he was clean, he could really smell the funk coming off of his clothes and shoes.
"You don't need to put those back on." Dominic said. "You can wear the robe for now. I asked Norlan to see if he could find you some clothes to wear."
Grateful, Jake sat down and picked up the sandals. It took a couple of seconds to figure out how they laced up, but he did not want to ask Dominic for assistance for something like putting on shoes. He was sure he would not hear the end of something like that. Jake took out his phone from his pile of clothes, put it into a pocket on the robe, and refolded his old clothes, stacking them on top of his shoes. He tucked them under his right arm and turned to Dominic.
"Help me with this, boy." Dominic said, as he organized his armor and clothes. He belted his sword on over the robe and put his vambraces, greaves and boots inside his breastplate. He handed Jake his bundled clothes and moved towards the door, armor under his left arm. They climbed the stairs and left the building, the attendant wishing them well and encouraging them to return, and walked out into the night air.
The temperature had cooled a bit, the heat of the day fading. Jake could feel the cool air moving over his sandaled feet and under his robe as they walked down the street. It was not uncomfortable, though Jake would have preferred to have more on than just the robe.
They passed several shops that were selling what looked like beer to Jake, with people milling about the entrance with containers. As they made their way down towards Norlan's, Jake tried to remember the names of the shops they passed, so they could act as waypoints if he wandered down here again. They passed several taverns along the way, music and voices spilling out into the street.
"Can I ask you something, Dominic?" Jake said, as a thought occurred to him.
"You can ask me anything." Dominic said, emphasizing the 'ask'. "That does not mean you will get an answer."
"Ok." Jake said, figuring that was the best he could hope for. "What did you mean when you told Genela that Jonas did not have to come when the king called? I mean, he is the king after all."
Dominic snorted. "That is the result of the overreaching of a king. As you have seen, the clerics perform healings and other functions for the people, regardless of station, as part of their calling. They exist on the gifts of the people, as well as some business interests. About two hundred and twenty years ago, some advisors to King Aleren the Third convinced him that the clerics should not give away their services when they could levy charges for them, which, of course, the crown would get its share. At that time, the realm had finished fighting a war with Aletonia, which had drained the royal treasury. The king summoned the Chief Cleric, Bandeos, to court and handed down his demand, even going so far as setting the rates."
Dominic gave a sharp little laugh. "Much to the king and his advisors' surprise, Bandeos refused. In front of the entire court, he told the king that the clerics' skills were a gift from the One and their help was not for sale. No one would be denied their services."
"The king, stupid sot that he was, had Bandeos arrested on the spot for treason. Word of his arrest spread quickly through the city. The clerics, in response, closed the Temple to all of the nobles, refusing to perform services for them until Bandeos was released. The clerics serving in the army also left in protest and returned to the Temple." He looked over to Jake, eyes gleaming in the torchlight. "You have to understand how big an impact that was; the army had just fought a war and many of the soldiers had the clerics to thank for still being alive."
Dominic shook his head. "The situation came to a head when the king decided to send the Royal Guards to reopen the Temple and force the clerics to obey. As soon as that was known, whole companies of soldiers abandoned their posts and surrounded the Temple, prepared to defend the clerics. The Royal Guards were not happy with these orders, many having fought alongside the soldiers; nonetheless, they formed up ranks in the courtyard. The soldiers established defensive positions and waited for the attack. The city was on the brink of civil war, one in which the king would lose."
"Fortunately for all, the king's brother was a smart one and could do the math. He deposed the king, ordered the Royal Guards back to their barracks and released Bandeos. Bandeos, in turn, asked the soldiers to return to their barracks, as well as the clerics that served with them. He reopened the Temple to all. After a cooling-off period, the new king and Bandeos met and came up with the Agreement on the Relationship of Clerics and the Crown."
"This agreement states that, for perpetuity, the Chief Cleric is independent of the Crown, serving only as an advisor. The Chief Cleric has the sole authority to run the Temple and the clerics, without interference from the Crown. In return, the clerics agreed to continue to send healing clerics to the army, open their schools to all and support, when possible, the Crown's initiatives."
"Bandeos and his successors, like Jonas, have been astute enough about court politics not to exercise this autonomy often or openly. Jonas could have refused to come to court, but he knows when to pick his battles."
After walking about five minutes or so through the maze of buildings, they turned a corner and come upon a single-story home, made of stone with a tile roof, surrounded with a wooden fence. It was on a large lot, had grass and trees surrounding it, the front of the home facing out towards the other street. Warm yellow light radiated from the windows. Jake saw a couple of smaller buildings at the back of the main home. Even in the dim moonlight, Jake could tell that the grounds were clean and well maintained.
Dominic walked up to the gate in the fence and called out. "Norlan, we're here! Where is that dog?"
The door facing the gate opened and Norlan walked out. He gave a wave and replied. "You don't have to be afraid, Dominic. I have him tied up on the other side of the house."
"I'm not afraid, Norlan; I just know how fond your family is of that dog and didn't want him to make a mistake." Dominic said with a slight smile.
"He is a smart one; he knows you. I am sure it would have been fine." Norlan said, smiling.
"I was worried for the boy." Dominic said dryly. He reached over to Jake and took his clothes back. "Go with Norlan." He said, then his face hardened. "Mind your manners, boy; he is a good man. Don't make Jonas or myself regret this. I will come by to check on you tomorrow to make sure you have not broken anything." Dominic nodded to Norlan and strode away before Jake could protest, leaving him grumbling under his breath.
"Don't let Dominic fool you, Jake." Norlan said, grinning, opening the gate to let Jake in. "I think he actually likes you." He gently closed the gate behind Jake and led him to the house. He opened the door and motioned Jake through. "Welcome to my home."
Jake entered the house, finding himself in what had to be the kitchen. He saw pot and pans, knives and cooking instruments stacked neatly along the far wall. There was a wooden island in the middle of the room, with a couple of wooden bowls on the top. Norlan passed by Jake and walked to island.
"Madalin! Cherise!" He called out, motioning Jake to join him. "Come meet our guest."
As Jake joined Norlan, he could see that beyond a dining table, the kitchen opened up into a living room. The room was lit with candles and decorated with some colorful banners and a couple of paintings. Next to a curtained window, a large brick fireplace took up one corner of the living room. There were a couple of high back chairs facing the fireplace, a small fire burning. At Norlan's voice, Jake saw a figure rise from each chair. One was a woman, the other a girl about twelve or thirteen.
As they approached, the woman gave Jake a welcoming smile. Jake thought she was attractive for an older woman, around five foot six, with wavy dark hair and light brown eyes. When she smiled, her face had a kind look that reminded Jake of his mother.
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 daughter. "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.