chapter SEVENTEEN
"Dominic, can I ask you something? It's a personal question." Jake cautiously asked, looking up at Dominic.
"I told you before you can ask me anything." Dominic replied, standing in front of Jake with his arms crossed.
Jake, sitting under the tree during a break in training, softly rubbing his hands and arms to alleviate the aches and pain, had been thinking of a way to ask this for the last two days. Two nights ago, Hailyn had recommended that Jake be satisfied with the information he had; she had refused to tell him anything else. When Jake pressed her on it, she'd simply told him that if it was that important to him, he should ask Dominic himself.
However, when he met Dominic for the training session the day after he had learned about his family, the timing had not felt right. When Jake asked how his trip went, Dominic simply told him "uneventful" and set him to training. There had been an intensity to Dominic in the training session that had not been there before and Jake could tell that he was not in the mood for conversation.
Jake took a deep breath before speaking. "I've heard that you had a family. First of all, I'm very sorry that they passed away, but why would no one tell me?"
Dominic simply stared down at Jake, his scarred face unreadable, but his bright blue eyes seeming to shine. As the seconds stretched on with Dominic standing there silent, Jake cursed himself for not listening to Hailyn. He was sure he had just stepped into it. Before he could say he was sorry, Dominic squatted down in front of Jake, bringing himself to eye level.
"Where you come from, do people share other's life stories with strangers, boy?" Dominic asked, voice even and calm. "Jonas told me about your questions regarding me the night you arrived here. He also told me he warned you not to ask me about it. Since then, we have been training together and you have never asked me about it, so I assumed you were following Jonas' suggestion."
"I wasn't sure how you would react." Jake said quietly. "I don't want to upset you or have you pissed off at me."
"Well, now you know." Dominic said, his face becoming hard, his voice tightening. "I was once married and had a son." His face hardened further, his scars twisting as the skin drew tight, giving him a frightening appearance, his eyes like chips of blue ice. "The demons and their half-men took them from me." He said, voice suddenly cold and hard, hands curling into fists.
Jake hesitated for a moment, intimidated by Dominic's deadly passion. Steeling his courage, he asked as gently as he could. "Is that why you resigned your positions and hunt the half-men?"
"Something like that, boy." Dominic replied, standing. He took a deep breath and blew it out, his face relaxing. "If we have time to gossip like a couple of ladies at court, we should be training. Get up."
"Are you mad at me for asking about this?" Jake asked as he stood.
"No, boy." Dominic said, moving back into their training area. "There is no harm in being curious." He turned to fix Jake with those hard eyes, pointing a finger at him. "Just know when to press and when to back off."
Jake spoke to Hailyn about it as they walked to the stables. She had arrived towards the end of the training session, as usual. He declined her offer of healing, as he and Dominic headed back to the shady area to retrieve their swords. Dominic gave her a quick greeting, told Jake to care for the horses and left in the direction of the courtyards.
"I'm glad you got your answers, Jake." Hailyn said. "It says something about you that Dominic chose to share with you."
"I guess so." Jake said, rubbing at his arms. "I think from now on, though, I'll let him tell me about things as he feels comfortable. For a couple of seconds there, I thought I had really crossed the line." Hailyn gave him a smile and a reassuring pat on the arm.
Jake, an idea forming in his head, went to Shadow's stall first, quickly cleaning it out and putting in food and water while Hailyn brushed down the horse. Once they finished, they made their way to Dontas' stall. Several of the trainees working in the stables greeted both Jake and Hailyn as they passed.
Jake unlocked the tack room and went in to get the bridle. Once he had Dontas out of his stall, Jake went back into the tack room. Hailyn gave Jake a curious look when he came out carrying his saddle.
"Armartas said I should try to ride often if I want to get better." Jake said, setting the saddle on Dontas. "Do you want to ride with me?"
"That would be nice, Jake, but are you sure you know enough to carry someone else?" Hailyn asked, looking doubtful.
Jake gave her a shrug and a smile as he first checked, then saddled Dontas and led him down the hall. Once outside, he swung into the saddle, reached down and pulled Hailyn up behind him. Once she was on, Jake booted Dontas and took him out to the training grounds.
They rode for close to thirty minutes, talking while circling the training grounds, changing the pace between walking, galloping and a full run. He was a little distracted by the fact that Hailyn's robe had pulled up as she sat behind him, revealing her booted calves and part of her smooth thighs. He tried to push that out of his mind. Jake found that he like riding, enjoying the power and speed as Dontas charged ahead, and especially liked the fact that Hailyn was with him. After they let him cool down, they took Dontas back to his stable. They brushed him down, put in feed and water, and locked up the gear.
They made their way to the courtyard, moving at a leisurely pace. They were making small talk when Jake was suddenly struck by the feeling that someone was watching him. He was used to the occasional glances by now, but this felt different. He glanced around, looking at the faces in the usual late afternoon crowd, trying to see anyone looking at him. While he was scanning the crowd, he caught a glimpse of an older man with white hair staring at him. Startled, he looked back in that direction, but the man was gone, swallowed by the crowd. Jake stood looking around, trying to locate the man again. There was something vaguely familiar about that man, but Jake could not pin down why.
"What is it?" Hailyn asked, noticing Jake's movements and looking around.
"Nothing." Jake replied. "I just had a feeling that someone was watching me." He shrugged his shoulders. "It was probably just me imagining things."
...
Martis ducked into a tavern, cursing himself for being that clumsy. He had arrived at the city yesterday, having driven his team hard. It had taken him the better part of the day to locate the boy, asking subtle questions, trying to make sure that no one remembered him asking, only to almost give it all away. The boy saw him, he was sure, but he hoped that he did not recognize his face. He shivered as he imagined what would happen to him if he was found out. Of course, that paled in comparison to what he would experience if he failed his mission. It was not something he wanted to think about.
The tavern was packed, with the tables full of people eating, while the bar area only had a few open spots. He maneuvered into one of the empty spots, squeezing between a couple of soldiers, and ordered some ale. He took a large swallow to calm his nerves, taking a second to wipe the foam from his mustache, and looked around, studying the make-up of the crowd. He noticed a soldier, an officer from his uniform, sitting alone at one of the tables along the back wall, an empty plate in front of him. Martis made his way over to the table.
"Hello, friend." He said as he approached. "May I share your table? The place is full tonight." The soldier nodded and gestured to the empty chair.
"My name is Martis Natheris, a merchant by trade." Martis said as he sat down. "Can I buy you something to drink to thank you for your kindness?"
"Thank you, but no, friend merchant." The soldier said. "I have to report to duty shortly."
"The life of a soldier, duty at all hours." Martis said, smiling at the soldier. "May I have your name, friend?"
"Captain Walten Stradford." The soldier replied, extending his hand.
"A pleasure to meet you, Captain." Martis said, shaking the man's hand. "What duty do you have that will keep you out at night? A patrol, perhaps? I have always thought that had to be an exciting life, riding out, looking for trouble."
"No patrols for me. I am the night commander for the West Gate." Stradford said proudly.
"A prestigious command; you ensure the safety of the city." Martis said, effecting a look of awe. He could not believe his luck. "Such responsibility must weigh on someone so young."
"It is a serious command, but it is not as extreme as you make it sound." Stradford said modestly.
"If you have time, I would like to hear about it." Martis said as he signaled for a serving girl. "My father would not let me join the army, preferring me to learn the merchant trade, but I had always wanted to be a soldier."
As Stradford began talking, Martis smiled attentively while his mind was busy calculating his options, as he saw the opening needed to complete one of the tasks he was given.
...
The days began to blur together as Jake threw himself into his training schedule. As he grew more comfortable around the smithy, Norlan and Helman expanded his tasks, giving him small projects to complete. Under Helman's, and sometimes Norlan's, close supervision, he joined Dern and Almos working on a forge, banging away at the hot metal, trying to shape it into a something useful.
His training with Dominic remained intense, as he was pressed at every session. He began to see and feel fewer bruises as he became better at defending against the attacks. Once he was confident that Jake had his parries down, Dominic began to teach him attacks. Jake never touched Dominic in their sparring, but Dominic seemed pleased with his progress.
One day, Jake was surprised to see Dominic standing under the trees, as he always did, but this time he was bare-chested, his armor and sword next to the tree. As Jake joined him, Dominic was wrapping some thick cloth around his hands, his muscles cording as he tightened the cloth. Dominic gave a slight smile at Jake's confused look.
"There may be times when you don't have your weapons handy." Dominic said. "You need to learn to use your hands and feet, as well as a sword, to defend yourself. Take off your armor and sword and wrap up." Dominic tossed him some strips of the heavy cloth.
"Are you kidding?" Jake asked in dismay. He shook his head; Dominic overmatched him in every way. "You'll kill me!"
"Don't worry. I've invested too much time just to kill you off, boy." Dominic replied, smile fading as he adjusted his wraps. "Let's go, we are wasting time."
Once Jake was ready, Dominic showed him a variety of punches, kicks and grappling holds. When Dominic was satisfied that Jake had them down, they began sparring. Jake was trying his best, unsuccessfully for the most part, to defend himself against Dominic's attacks. While he was not using his full strength, Dominic did not pull his punches. Jake was soon feeling like a punching bag, as he had blood trickling from his lips and new bruises to his arms and body.
During a short rest break, Jake noticed that Hailyn had arrived. He felt a little self-conscious at first as he did not have his shirt on, but that was quickly forgotten when Dominic resumed their sparring. Tired of defending, he tried to attack, throwing himself at Dominic, trying to get close enough to land a blow, but always having to retreat from Dominic's counters.
Frustrated, he feinted once, backed off, then stepped in to throw a punch. Unfortunately, Dominic had already began a counter and his fist crashed into Jake's nose, sending him tumbling back onto the ground, blood flying.
Jake landed on his backside, his head ringing, pain radiating from his nose. He howled in frustration, as much as in pain. He glared up at Dominic. "This is bullshit, you know!"
Dominic knelt down, his hands holding Jake's head while his finger ran down Jake's nose, feeling for a break. "In what way?" He asked, calm and detached, unaffected by Jake's temper. Jake gritted his teeth, growling softly as the light pressure made the pain worse. Dominic pulled an extra cloth from his pants and pressed it against Jake's nose.
"You're bigger and stronger than me. I don't have a chance." Jake said through his clenched teeth.
"You expect to always face someone smaller and weaker than you?" Dominic asked sardonically. "Should I have the girl take my place, so you can feel you have a better chance?" He had Jake hold the cloth, waved Hailyn over and stepped back.
Hailyn rushed over to Jake, kneeling and taking his head into her hands. He felt the warmth and heat of her healing, the heat growing intense at his nose as the pain faded. Once it was over, he wiped the blood away, thanked Hailyn, standing and helping her up.
Dominic was standing there, arms crossed as usual. As soon as Jake was standing, he spoke. "Boy, you need to understand that I'm not training you to get in fistfights with other boys. I'm trying to teach you to defend your life. Know that it is not always strength or size that determines who lives; it is who has the strongest will to survive. You may have to fight on through pain and against tough odds. If you give up because it is too hard, then you will be dead and the other person will walk away."
"But how can I hope to win if I had to fight someone like you?" Jake asked, somewhat plaintively.
"You have to find a way; you don't have any other option." Dominic replied simply. "A smart fighter knows what he can do and adjusts his strategy to compensate for what he cannot." He paused for a moment, thinking. "Take Norlan, for example. I may have some height and reach on him, but do you think I could out-muscle him if we got tangled up?" He asked.
"Maybe." Jake responded.
Dominic gave a short laugh. "You give me too much credit, boy. Norlan could probably crush us both with those arms. If I had to fight him, I would do everything I could not to allow him to get a hold on me. But let's say he did; knowing that I could not out-muscle him, what do I do? Give up?" Dominic face clearly showed what he thought of that. "The answer is that I would do everything I could to get away or defeat him. Biting, clawing, kicking, bashing him with a rock, whatever it takes. Burn this into your brain: in combat, the winner is the one who is not dead."
Dominic started to undo his wraps. "We're done for the day." He stated. "Just think about what I said."
After that first session, despite Jake's pleas to focus on his sword skills, Dominic insisted that they incorporate hand-to-hand training at least once or twice a week. Jake would only groan each time he arrived at the training area to see Dominic wrapping up his hands, resigned to a painful afternoon.
However, as word spread of their training sessions, they gained an audience beside Hailyn's regular presence. Small groups of soldiers and trainees started to come over to observe, at first from a distance, gradually getting closer. At first, Dominic tried to chase them off, but every day another group would show up. After a lengthy discussion with their officers, he agreed to allow small groups to observe the second half of their training, provided they follow his instructions.
Jake was actually pleased by the extra bodies since Dominic eventually decided to use them as part of the training. Besides the training swords, he brought out sets of leather vambraces and some padded leather helmets with metal faceguards that extended to protect the throat. He began to call the trainees over to spar with Jake to give him an opportunity to fight with others around his skill level. Dominic kept a close eye on these contests, evaluating Jake after every session, while giving his observations to Jake's opponents as well. Jake was pleased to find out that he was able to hold his own, actually winning more sessions than he lost.
Jake's horsemanship also continued to improve. Armartas, once he was satisfied that Jake was competent on horseback, began to train Jake on horseback fighting techniques. Jake was introduced to additional weapons besides his sword, including the spear and mace. The spear training turned out to be Jake's least favorite. Trying to throw it while riding was tough enough, but when Armartas had him use it as a lance, he came out of the saddle on more than a few occasions, until he learned to release it correctly. When he did not go out on patrol, Dominic would saddle Shadow and join these sessions.
As often as he could, Jake would saddle Dontas and just ride for pleasure. After talking with Armartas and Dominic, he was given permission to go into the city on these rides. Luckily, Hailyn would often join him for these excursions. He enjoyed having her along, both as a guide and a friend to talk to. They began to explore areas of the city where he had never gone.
One day, they rode into the Perfume Quarter where Jake quickly found out why it was called that. With the various perfume and soap merchants and manufacturers, there was an overwhelming mix of floral, musky and earthy smells that filled the air.
He and Hailyn went into a few shops, Jake thinking to get Madalin something to thank her for everything she has done for him. With Hailyn's help, he bought a finely engraved bottle of perfume and had it wrapped up in a brightly colored box. She assured him that it was a popular scent and Madalin would love it.
When he gave it to Madalin after dinner that night, it turned out that Hailyn was right. When Madalin opened the box and took out the bottle, Jake could see the surprise and delight in her eyes.
"It's such a fine gift, Jake." Madalin said, turning the bottle over in her hands. "Thank you, but I'm not sure what I have done to deserve this."
"Are you kidding me?!" Jake exclaimed. "You, along with Norlan and Cherise, have given me, a complete stranger, a place to stay, fed and clothed me and made me part of your family. Barrels of that perfume couldn't begin to repay you for all of the kindness you have shown me."
Madalin did not say anything, but Jake could see that she had tears in her eyes. She simply came over to Jake and pulled him into a strong embrace. Glancing over her shoulder, Jake could see Norlan looking at him; he gave Jake a smile and nod of his head as if to say "That was just the right thing to say."
...
"Jake."
Jake was so focused on his work project that he missed Norlan calling his name. He was at the smithy, pounding away at the heated metal of what he hoped would eventually be a passable shovel head. He really wanted to show Norlan that he had retained the lessons from the last several weeks. He was trying to finish a section before he had to set it aside for lunch, while keeping even and steady strokes of his hammer, as Helman had instructed him.
"BOY!" Dominic's voice boomed out, startling Jake so much that he almost lost his grip on the hammer.
Jake spun to see Dominic standing next to Norlan at the entrance to the yard, watching him. Jake also noticed that all of the normal sounds of the smithy had faded away. He could see that Almos and Dern had stopped working and were staring at awe at Dominic. That was, of course, until Helman noticed and got them working again.
Norlan waved at Jake, telling him to finish and come over; Dominic just stood there with his arms crossed. Jake quickly set aside his project and put away his tools, then went over to where they were standing.
"Change of plans today, boy." Dominic said without preamble. "Go get on your gear. We will eat at the Temple. Jonas wants to talk to you."
Jake quickly changed out of his work equipment and put on his armor and sword. He came back over to where the men were waiting. He was a bit surprised to see Norlan go over to Helman and give him some coins for lunch and join Jake as he followed Dominic out of the gate. Jake gave him a questioning look.
"Apparently, Brother Jonas has asked that I come as well." Norlan said, shrugging.
When they reached the Temple, an apprentice met them and led them to Jonas' quarters. Jonas had some food set out on the table when they arrived.
"It is good to see you, Norlan." Jonas said, shaking his hand in greeting while nodding at Jake. "I apologize for taking you away from the smithy. Please have something to eat."
After they all had eaten, an apprentice took away the dishes and they sat down at the table to talk.
"There are two things we need to speak about. First, I wanted to let you know that I have heard back from Tomaris." Jonas said, showing them a piece of parchment. Jake perked up, hope shining in his eyes. "He is intrigued by your story, but says that he does not know how you could have been brought here, Jake, or how to return you to your home."
He noticed Jake's crestfallen look and reached over to grasp his arm. "I'm sorry, Jake. We all wished for better news, but don't lose hope. Tomaris says that he would continue to research it. As I mentioned before, he has the most extensive library I know of. We will not rest until we get you home."
"I know that you are doing what you can, Jonas." Jake said sadly. Jonas had been so confident in this Tomaris that Jake assumed that any answer would be positive. His voice quivered slightly. "I'm grateful to you all, but I don't think I will ever get home..."
"Stop that moping, boy." Dominic said sharply, his deep voice cutting Jake off. "I understand your disappointment, but life is not fair nor does it always go as we plan. You simply have to take things as they are, not how you want them. The sooner you learn that, the more content you will be." His voice softened slightly. "Remember, you are not in this alone. You have friends here; we will help you as we can."
Jake, stung a bit by Dominic's tone, glared at him. Dominic simply cocked an eyebrow and met Jake's gaze, waiting. The seconds stretched out, as Jonas and Norlan sat silent, not wanting to interfere, before Jake took a deep breath and looked away. As much as he hated to admit it, Dominic was right.
"I understand that, Dominic." He said quietly. "I do appreciate your help." He looked over at Jonas. "You said we had two things to discuss?"
Jonas cleared his throat. "The other thing is more pleasant, but does present some problems." He glanced at Dominic, who nodded. "I received a message from the palace today, requesting your presence for a visit with the princess."
Jake sat up at that, his mood improving as he recalled Keria's beauty. "When am I supposed to go?" He paused, as a thought came to him. "Why would that be a problem?" Jake asked.
"You are requested to appear tomorrow morning. That would mean that Norlan will need to release you from your duties with him." Jonas said, looking over at Norlan.
"That's not a problem, Jonas." Norlan said as he smiled. "Madalin is already on me to give Jake more time off."
Jonas nodded, then continued, turning back to Jake. "Jake, I said it presents some problems for a couple of reasons. First, you are not familiar with palace protocol or, honestly, the palace intrigue. An innocent remark could be seen as a promise or a threat, depending on who you are speaking to. You will need to be extra cautious on what you say."
"Secondly, while it is likely that the princess simply wants to talk to you about your tale, the fact remains that she is less free than any other to select her friends or direct her own life." Jonas said, somewhat sadly. "My concern is that she may be using you as part of some small rebellion against those restrictions. Just be careful when you are with her, Jake."
Jake nodded. "I think I understand your concerns, Jonas. I'll keep them in the back of my mind."
"Then we are agreed?" Jonas asked the others. Norlan and Dominic nodded.
"I'll come by Norlan's in the morning to take you over, boy." Dominic said. "Just listen to what Jonas is telling you. He knows the court politics better than most."
"I'll take Jake back to the house." Norlan said, standing, gesturing for Jake to do the same. "Madalin will make my life miserable if she does not get a chance to make sure he has the proper clothing if he's going to the palace."
...
After parting ways with Helman and Dern, Almos was enjoying the late afternoon weather as he headed back to his aunt and uncle's house. His relatives had been hosting him while he did his apprenticeship. He was excited to tell his cousins about Dominic's visit today. He still could not believe that Jake, who Almos now considered a friend, was the legendary warrior's apprentice.
"Excuse me, lad." A voice called out to him, interrupting his thoughts. Almos stopped, looked around and found himself facing a thin, white-haired older man, dressed in fine clothes, with several pouches hanging from his belt. A large fat man loomed behind him, a cudgel resting on his shoulder.
"Can I help you?" Almos asked politely.
"It is possible." The man said, a smile on his face. "Are you the apprentice who also trains with Dominic?"
"No, I'm not him." Almos said, laughing. "You want Jake. Can I ask what you need; maybe I can help?"
"You are a kind lad, but no." The man said, patting Almos on the shoulder. "I have something for Dominic, so I need the other boy. Can I come by the smithy tomorrow afternoon to speak with him?"
"He only works there in the mornings." Almos replied quickly. "He and Dominic practice at the training grounds in the afternoon."
"Mornings are a tough time for me, since I do most of my business then. I won't be able to get on the training grounds." The man mused, rubbing his chin. "Do you know where the boy stays, maybe I could stop by there to speak with him?"
"He is staying with Master Norlan's family." Almos said hesitantly, slightly confused by the point of the man's questions. "They live up the street from the smithy."
"Thank you, lad." The man reached into a pouch and pulled out a gold coin. "For your help. I just ask that you keep this conversation to yourself." He dropped it into Almos' hand.
"If you wish." Almos replied happily, staring at the gold and thinking about what he could buy. This was turning into a great day. He was still a bit confused, though. "Why can't I tell anyone about you?"
"I want it to be a surprise." The older man said, smiling deeply.