chapter FOURTEEN
Jake woke in the early morning, to the distant sound of a crowing rooster, his eyes puffy and feeling sandy from his tears the night before. He slowly got out of bed, filling the bowl on the dresser with water and dipping his face into it. Holding his breath, he rubbed the water over his face, the cool water soothing and bracing at the same time. He scrubbed his face until his breath gave out. Straightening and running his wet fingers through his hair, he dried his face and sat back down on his bed, trying to put his sudden burst of emotion behind him.
However, as he remembered Madalin comforting him last night, he flushed with both embarrassment and anger at himself. He could not believe that he had broken down like that. How weak he must have looked to her. It was bad enough she saw him like that once; he would not allow that to happen again. Fists clenched, he wrestled down his anger, trying to shift his focus to the present.
Looking up, he noticed his phone sitting on the dresser top. He stood quickly and grabbed it, making sure that it was powered off, then opened a drawer and shoved it under the clothes. He was here for the foreseeable future; he had to harden himself to that fact. His phone was a connection to a life that he had no idea when, or if, he would see again. He had to set it aside, a distraction he did not need. For the time being, he told himself, he would embrace the training regime that was set up for him.
He stood and began to change into his clothes and armor. His feet protested a bit when he pulled his boots on, but he tried to ignore it. He was finishing dressing, belting on his sword over his breastplate, when Norlan came knocking on the door frame. "Time for the morning meal, Jake." He said.
"I'll be there in a moment, Norlan." Jake replied, hearing Norlan walking back to the house. Cinching his belt tight, he shoved his money pouch into his pants pocket and headed out the door. He crossed the patio, the morning air cool as the sky lightened with the rising sun, and went into the house.
He made his way to the dining table, the delicious aromas of breakfast filling the room. Norlan and Cherise were already sitting down, Cherise scraping her pencil on the parchment in front of her, while Madalin finished her preparations. Cherise looked up from her drawing and gave Jake a wide smile, then put her head down again. Jake sat down in his chair, the process taking a moment as he figured out how to sit without tangling his sword into the chair.
Madalin came over with the tray of food and sat down. She reached over and laid her hand on Jake's, giving his a gentle squeeze, a soft smile on her face. Jake flushed with embarrassment again. Giving his hand once last pat, Madalin nodded to Norlan and nudged Cherise to have her put away her parchment.
Norlan said grace and they began to eat. As always, the food was delicious. It took Jake's mind off his concerns for the moment. The mood was quiet and the meal was completed with a minimum of small talk. Norlan finished his plate and stood, facing Jake. "Are you finished, Jake? I need to get to the smithy before my apprentices arrive." When Jake nodded, he headed for the side door.
Shoving the last bite into his mouth, Jake rose and placed his plate in the sink and followed Norlan out the door. They passed out the side gate into the street and headed for the smithy. There were more people out this early then Jake expected as the city began to come alive again. Many of the people greeted Norlan as they passed on the street, with a familiarity that told Jake that this was a regular morning routine.
As the street cleared of people nearby, Norlan turned towards Jake. "Are you feeling alright, Jake?" He asked with concern in his voice.
It took Jake a moment to realize that he was asking about last night. Jake flushed again, feeling stupid, since of course Norlan knew. Madalin would have told him what occurred.
"I'm fine, Norlan." Jake said shortly, not really wanting to talk about it.
Norlan apparently did want to talk. "I can't say I know what you are going through. I imagine that this whole situation must be very confusing and maybe a bit frightening." Norlan replied softly, clearly trying to be sensitive. He placed a hand on Jake's shoulder. "I will do whatever I can to help you get home. Until then, I meant what I said about you considering my home as your home and feeling part of the family." He gave Jake a smile. "I hope you will forgive me if I consider you as the son we never had."
"It's not you or Madalin." Jake said quickly, feeling grateful for Norlan's openness and concern. "You have been great to me. I was just thinking of my parents and what they must be going through. I've realized that I can't do anything about that for now, so I need to focus on my training."
"It speaks well about you that you are concerned for your parents, Jake." Norlan said. "Many young men your age tend to forget about their parents' feelings. I can remember that time in my own life."
After a short pause, he continued, his tone more businesslike. "As for your training, while you are working in the smithy, I expect you to act as one of the apprentices. Even though you are my guest and charge, I'll assign you tasks as I would any apprentice."
They turned up the alleyway that led to the yard of the smithy. Norlan pulled out a key to unlock the gate. "I also expect that you will listen to the directions of Helman. He is a senior journeyman, almost ready to take his tests for mastery. He has a stern demeanor, but is a good teacher, fair and patient with questions."
They went over to Norlan's office. He unlocked the door, revealing a small desk covered in papers, with a wooden chair behind it, as well as a small bookshelf with some scrolls on it against the far wall. There were two leather-bound chairs in front of the desk, clearly for customers. Norlan pointed over to a small open area between the desk and the wall. "You can leave your equipment over there, Jake."
Jake went over and neatly piled his armor and weapons in the space. Norlan led him out of the office and over to the smithy. He opened a small cabinet and pulled out a heavy leather apron for Jake. "Everyone in the smithy wears the aprons. They deflect to the heat of the furnaces and resist the sparks as we fashion the hot metal."
He pulled out a couple of odd looking metal objects with leather strips hanging from them. "These are coverings for the top of your boots. While the boots you have are made of a fine and strong leather, these will help protect them from both heat and impacts." He smiled a tight smile. "Trust me, having a hot piece of heavy metal hitting your foot is not an experience you would relish."
After Jake covered his boots, Norlan set him to work bringing wood and coal over to the furnace in a wheeled cart. Under Norlan's watchful direction, Jake stoked the furnace, bringing the temperature up for the day's work. Once the temperature was satisfactory to Norlan, he told Jake the amount and type of fuel he wanted at the furnace and went back to his office.
As Jake was bringing another load of materials to the furnace, the gate opened as Helman came in, followed by the two apprentices Jake saw yesterday. Helman came over and greeted Jake, his demeanor stern as Norlan had said, but was pleasant in his greeting. He also introduced the two apprentices, Dern and Almos.
The apprentices were both around Jake's age, though their appearances could not be more opposite. Dern was tall and lanky, with a long face, short brown hair and sad-looking brown eyes. Almos, on the other hand, was short and stocky, his long brown hair tied into a ponytail behind his round face, his bright blue eyes full of mischief. Both greeted Jake with enthusiasm, clearly informed that he would be coming to the smithy. They listened intently as Jake responded to their questions, letting them know that he would be here in the mornings, but would be training with Dominic in the afternoon.
"You will have plenty of time to get to know one another." Helman said brusquely, quickly cutting off the conversation. "There is work to be done." He took charge of the little group, setting Dern and Almos to tasks and having Jake continue to bring fuel.
After bringing over the fuel, Helman had Jake work the furnace bellows as Dern, wearing heavy leather gloves, heated a long metal rod. Helman demonstrated and explained how to keep the furnace a constant temperature, which was critical to ensure the even heating of the metal. Dern pulled the rod from the furnace, the end cherry-red, and moved over to an anvil. Under Helman's watchful eye, Dern grabbed a large hammer and began to rhythmically pound the metal, reheating it when it cooled. The sound of the ringing metal filled the smithy, drowning out all of the other sounds from Jake's hearing.
Working the bellows for Dern and Almos kept Jake busy for the rest of the morning. Helman called a short break about mid-morning while he went to confer with Norlan, which allowed Jake to talk with Dern and Almos. Talking with boys his age made Jake feel better and soon they were laughing and joking. Helman returned and the boys went back to work.
The time seemed to fly and before Jake knew it, Norlan came out to announce it was time for the mid-day meal. He had Jake take off the smithy gear and put on his armor and sword, which awed Dern and Almos, and led the boys and Helman to a food shop down the street from the smithy, with tables set up under the tall tree in the yard. Norlan ordered food for all of them, which arrived quickly, served by the plump woman who ran the shop. The smells coming off the plate of chicken, vegetables and a piece of buttered dark bread set Jake's mouth watering. After working all morning, Jake was famished and shoveled in the food, washing it down with the sweet fruit punch that came with the meal. After he cleared his plate, he sat back, feeling content, enjoying the shade of the tree.
The others finished shortly and rose, Norlan going over to pay the proprietress for the meals. Jake stood as well, adjusting his armor and sword belt slightly. Helman, Dern and Almos said goodbye to Jake as they headed back to the smithy.
Norlan came back over to Jake. "I'm going with you today, Jake. I promised Madalin to speak to Dominic about his conditions regarding your armor and home. I may as well get that over with." He blew out a short breath. "Let's go. You don't want to be late on your first day."
Norlan and Jake made their way to the training grounds, with Norlan pointing out points of interest as they walked. Many of the people on the streets greeted Norlan and gave Jake curious looks.
They made their way to the gate that Jake had entered the training grounds. Two guards were on duty, with Dominic standing a few feet away, talking with another soldier. As they approached, the guards crossed their spears, blocking their entry.
The guard on the right, a light-haired young man only a couple of years older than Jake, spoke. "I am sorry, Mastersmith Norlan, but I cannot allow you onto the grounds. My orders are only to allow Dominic's pupil passage."
"That is fine, young Hadar. I understand the importance of orders." Norlan replied, a warm smile on his face.
"So, now you remember your orders, do you?" Dominic said to the guard, voice hard. "It would have been better if you remembered them earlier." The guard stood rigidly, his face flushing bright red at the comment.
Dominic stared at the young man for a moment longer, then turned to Norlan. "I didn't expect to see you this afternoon, Norlan. Is something amiss?"
"Actually, may I speak with you privately?" Norlan asked. "It should only take a minute or two."
"Of course, Norlan." Dominic replied, leading him a few paces away.
Jake watched as the two quietly spoke, quiet enough that Jake could not hear. Norlan suddenly smiled and shook his head. After Dominic said something else, he let out a laugh. After a few more words, they shook hands and came back over to Jake, Norlan still smiling. He reached out to Jake, putting his hand on Jake's shoulder.
"Listen to Dominic, lad, and follow his instructions. I know that you will do well." Norlan said. "I will see you tonight for the evening meal. Train hard." With a nod to Dominic, Norlan strode off, seemingly content, heading back to the smithy.
"Let's go, boy. Daylight is wasting." Dominic said as he headed back into the training ground, giving Hadar another hard look as he passed, Jake hurrying to catch up. They made their way down the fence line, into an area that Jake had not been.
"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 with 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.