chapter TWENTY-ONE
When Jake woke, sunlight was streaming through the window and outlining the doorway. He stretched and slowly got to his feet, feeling groggy. He had dreamed over and over again of charging down at the half-men, feeling his sword impact and the men fall as he fought his way to Cherise, his desperate fight with the last half-man, ending each time with that blinding flash of light.
Last night, he had only felt relief that Cherise was free. Now, he was unsure on how he truly felt about what happened. He had never killed anything before. He would do it over again to save Cherise, he told himself, but wrestled with the fact that he killed those men. They were evil, Jake knew, but still men. He was most troubled by that fact, given what they had done, the deaths and injuries they caused, he was not even sure if he was that upset about it.
Shaking his head, trying to clear out those thoughts, he decided to get dressed. Looking around, he saw that his armor and sword were stacked neatly next to the fireplace, the metal spotless. Obviously, someone had cleaned his equipment for him. He finished dressing, put on his armor and sword and went outside.
As he pulled the curtain back, he was struck by a strong floral scent. Around his room on the patio, he saw dozens of potted flowers. "What the hell?" He thought to himself, as he looked around. These were not here last night.
He decided to take a walk to clear his head before he went inside, so he made his way to the side yard. On the steps to the house, he saw Jonas and Norlan sitting and talking quietly. Jonas saw Jake first and waved him over. As Jake approached, he noticed that Shadow and Dontas were gone. The men stood as Jake came over to them.
"How are you feeling today, Jake?" Jonas asked with a warm smile, staff cradled in the crook of his arm. Norlan reached over and laid a hand on Jake's shoulder.
"I feel fine, Jonas, but am still a little tired." Jake replied, then added. "I'm trying to sort out what happened last night." He gestured back towards his room. "What is with the flowers?"
"Gifts from the neighborhood to honor your heroic deed, Jake." Norlan replied, pride shining in his eyes. He seemed more his old self this morning. "Word has spread of your brave pursuit and rescue of Cherise."
Jake blushed slightly at the praise. He was not used to being called brave or heroic. "I don't know about heroic. I just did what needed to be done." He said quietly.
Jonas laughed softly. "That is usually what most heroes say, Jake." He looked at Jake, face turning serious. "Don't discount your bravery. Not many would have done what you did, pursuing a group of half-men, alone and at night." Norlan nodded at that comment, giving Jake's shoulder a squeeze.
"Where are the horses?" Jake asked, feeling better with the praise, but wanting to change the subject.
"Dominic took them back to the stables early this morning." Jonas replied. "He will make sure they are fed and cared for. He also needs his rest, so the remainder of the day is yours."
"How is Cherise doing, Norlan?" Jake asked quietly.
Norlan frowned and shook his head slightly. "Brother Jonas looked at her this morning. Physically, she is fine, but, emotionally, she is still fragile. She is frightened to leave her room."
"That should past with time, love and support." Jonas said sympathetically. "She is a young girl after all and went through a traumatic event."
"I should go look in on her." Norlan said, turning around and heading into the house.
Jake moved to follow, but Jonas raised a hand. "Wait a moment, Jake. I would like to speak to you. Why don't we take a walk?" He said, moving to the yard. Jake fell in beside Jonas as they slowly walked across the yard.
"I wanted to talk with you about what happened last night." Jonas began, voice quiet. "Hailyn spoke with me about it when you returned, as well as Dominic this morning, but why don't you tell me what you remember."
Jake recounted everything that happened after he and Hailyn left the singer. He ended at the flash of light. "I still don't know what that was. One second, I was fighting the half-man; the next, I was looking up at Hailyn."
They had reached a bench and Jonas had Jake sit down. "Before I say more, let me examine you." Jonas said. He laid a hand on Jake's forehead, closed his eyes and his power flared to life. Jake felt the familiar warmth spread as Jonas worked his might. Jake saw a slight contraction of Jonas' eyebrows, a subtle scrunching, but that was all. For nearly a minute, Jonas stood there like that, power pulsing. His power suddenly winked out and he opened his eyes and spoke.
"You are as I expected; healthy, but with a slight change." Jonas said, then sat next to Jake. "Jake, this may be hard for you to believe, but that flash of light was generated by you."
"Me?!" Jake exclaimed.
"Dominic and Hailyn saw a blue nimbus of power suddenly surround you, then explode out and destroy the half-men." Jonas said gently. "This power sounded similar to what you had described in the dream that troubled you so."
"When you tested me before, you said I didn't have the ability to wield the cleric's power." Jake said, disbelieving. "So, how could I do that?"
"The power described is not the power used by clerics, Jake." Jonas replied. He shook his head. "There is something there now, similar to the cleric's spark, but different. I thought I had detected something when I previously tested you, but it was so faint that I could not be sure I had actually felt it."
"So, what does that mean for me?" Jake asked, shaken by the revelation. "Can you help me?"
"First, I don't believe that this power is in anyway harmful to you. You are as healthy as before." Jonas said, eyes sympathetic. "Honestly, I'm actually relieved. Clearly, it is proof against the half-men, so I have to assume it will help protect you from the demons, as well."
"However, I'm not sure that I would be the best teacher for this, Jake." Jonas continued. "This power is not the power I know."
"So what are you suggesting I do?" Jake asked.
"For now, nothing. Relax and enjoy the day off." Jonas replied, patting Jake on the shoulder, a reassuring smile on his face. "I have to go to the palace this morning to discuss the attack with the king. After that, I will go check on Dominic and discuss with him your next steps."
Jonas stood. "I know that it is hard to accept this information, maybe even a bit frightening." He said, voice warm and comforting. "Have faith in the goodness of the One. He has designed our lives in such a way that we face these changes and challenges, Jake. Remember that He has also given us the abilities and strength to meet them." He started for the gate, then turned back. "In all the ways that count, you are still the same person you were yesterday."
Jake watched as Jonas left, still trying to wrap his mind around what he had just been told. He sat on the steps for a while, lost in thought. When his stomach growled, he broke out of his reflections and went inside to get some food.
Inside the kitchen, several of the ladies of the neighborhood were preparing food. They greeted him warmly and before he knew it, he was sitting at the table, working on a plate full of food while the ladies waited on him. After eating his fill, they laughed off his attempt to help with the dishes. They suggested that he go see Cherise.
Jake made his way to her room and stepped inside the doorway curtain. Jake was startled when Maxis sprang to his feet from his spot at the foot of the bed, teeth bared, a low growl in his throat, but quieted and laid back down when he realized who it was. Jake saw Norlan and Madalin sitting with Cherise on her bed, holding her and talking quietly. He stopped just inside the room as they looked over at him.
"I didn't mean to intrude." He said, feeling a bit out of place. "I just wanted to check on Cherise."
"You are not intruding, Jake." Madalin said warmly. "Come over."
Jake sat with the family, gently drawing Cherise into conversation. She was hesitant at first; she kept looking at Jake with a combination of reverence and fear. Jake was slightly disturbed by that, but tried to ignore it. As time went by, she seemed to grow more comfortable, even sharing a smile with Jake at times.
Jake left after a while, stopping to pet Maxis on the way out. He went outside, drawing in the fresh air. He stood in the yard for a bit, then went back to his room, sitting down on his bed and thinking over all that had happened to him. He did know how long he had been there when Norlan popped his head into the room.
"I'm going to the smithy to check on things, Jake." Norlan said. "Why don't you come with me? A little walk will be good for both of us."
Jake agreed and shortly they were standing in the yard at the smithy. While Norlan called Helman over to his office to discuss some things, Almos and Dern pulled Jake away, a torrent of questions bursting forth. Jake spent the next half-hour trying to get them caught up on all that happened. They continued to talk until Norlan and Helman came out of the office, Helman calling the other two back to work.
"Let's head back, Jake." Norlan said, motioning towards the gate. "I don't want to be gone too long."
As Jake and Norlan neared home, Jake was startled to see around twenty Royal Guards standing out in the street, keeping watch. He and Norlan came up to the side gate, the Guards making a space for them to pass, and saw Keria standing there with Madalin and a couple of the neighborhood women, quietly talking.
As they entered the yard, Jake spotted Marcus standing a few feet away from the women, armored and his shield on his arm, trying to watch the street and Keria at the same time. Marcus saw Jake as well, the usual unfriendly look tempered with what Jake could only think was a grudging respect. After a moment where they just looked at each other, Marcus gave him a curt nod, which startled Jake enough that he stopped in his tracks. "He must be sick." Jake thought to himself.
"Jake!" Keria's voice called to him, pulling his attention away. She was standing there, beautiful as always, a warm smile on her face, green eyes sparkling. Jake made his way over to her, everything else forgotten, captivated by her beauty.
"Princess." Jake replied with a smile of his own, giving her a small bow. "It is nice to see you again."
"I'm pleased to see you whole and hale." Keria said. "I heard of your heroic rescue of Master Norlan and Madam Madalin's daughter and wanted to add my own appreciation for that act." She stepped forward and kissed him on both cheeks, catching Jake off guard. "You have brought great honor to yourself and your guardians. The Kingdom of Sanduas thanks you."
Jake was blushing slightly as she stepped back, conscious of all of the people watching. "Thank you, Princess." He said, giving her another bow and trying to sound formal. "You honor me."
"We will talk more, Jake, but I would like to look in on Cherise first." Keria replied. She looked at Madalin. "With your permission, Madam Madalin?"
"Of course, Your Highness. She would appreciate that greatly." Madalin said with a little curtsy. "Please follow me." She led the princess into her home.
Jake stood there for moment, watching them go into the house, enjoying the way Keria moved. When the door closed behind them, he turned back towards Norlan and found Marcus coming over to him, his face disapproving, hand resting on his dagger. Norlan stepped back slightly, crossing his arms, watching. Marcus nodded to Norlan, then stopped in front of Jake, looking him in the eyes.
"You know how I feel about the princess." Marcus stated quietly. "That has not changed." He paused and frowned, thinking. "However, I wanted to say that you have proven your courage and I respect that. I honor any enemy of the demons and their followers." With that, he turned and headed over to the gate to wait for the princess.
Jake stood there in stunned silence for a moment. He never expected to hear anything like that from Marcus, ever. He looked over at Norlan, who chuckled and shrugged his shoulders. Clapping him on the shoulder, Norlan led him back over to the stairs to wait.
After about fifteen minutes, the door opened and Keria came back out, followed by Madalin, holding Cherise's hand. Jake and Norlan stood as Keria came down, Madalin and Cherise standing on the top step. Keria came up to Jake as Norlan went to stand with his family.
"Please show me your room, Jake. I would like to see where you live." She said, a smile playing on her lips, staring into his eyes. "We can talk after that."
Jake, a foolish smile on his face, led her over to his room, making his way through the flowers. He held the curtain back as Keria went inside, then followed her in.
As soon as he entered, Keria came up to him. "I think you owe me something from your last visit, Jake." She purred, her perfume enticing, those beautiful eyes gleaming. She reached up and pulled Jake's head down and kissed him on the lips. Jake was lost in that kiss, the king's admonishment forgotten. When he slipped his arms around her back and pulled her close, she broke the kiss and pushed him gently back, giggling.
"I don't think we want to go any further with twenty of my father's Guards just outside. They may become suspicious if I come out rumpled." She said lightly, taking his hand. She looked at him, eyes bright. "I know what my father told you, Jake. He can be unreasonable, but with your tale on the people's lips, he may reconsider. Clearly, a hero should make a suitable suitor."
"That would be nice, Keria." Jake said, unable to stop grinning. He leaned in to kiss her again when a knock came at the door.
"We need to go, Your Highness." A man's voice said.
Keria motioned for Jake to pull the curtain back. As Jake complied and Keria stepped out, she said. "Of course, Costuas. Thank you for the tour, Jake, and again, you have the thanks of Sanduas for your bravery."
"It was my pleasure, Princess." Jake said, bowing and taking her hand and kissing it. She gave him a wink that only Jake could see, then turned around and went out the gate, Marcus following and looking decidedly unhappy.
Jake was in a cloud for the rest of the day, reliving that kiss and the feel of her next to him. He came in for dinner when called, not even tasting his food as Madalin looked over at him, a knowing smile on her face.
As the sun was setting, Jake was lying on his bed, letting his dinner settle, his thoughts on Keria, when the door curtain whipped back and Dominic strode into his room. Dominic arched an eyebrow at seeing Jake lying about, then tossed him a set of saddlebags and an empty waterskin. Jake struggled to catch the bags as he sat up.
"Make some space." Dominic said, as he came over and sat on the bed. He looked at Jake, those blue eyes bright. "How are you feeling?" He asked.
"Fine, Dominic." Jake replied. He looked closely at Dominic. "How are you?"
"Don't worry about me." Dominic said, waving off the concern. His voice lowered. "We are leaving at first light."
"Leaving?!" Jake exclaimed, the news shattering his thoughts of the princess.
"Keep your voice low, boy." Dominic growled. "Do you hear me shouting?" Without waiting for Jake to respond, he continued. "Jonas and I have talked. He does not think that he can help you with this power you demonstrated. He is sending us to Tomaris' Keep. He believes that if anyone can help you, it is Tomaris. We will be leaving out the North Gate as soon as it opens."
"Why so soon?" Jake asked quietly, thinking on how he could see Keria again.
"The truth is that while many see you as the hero who rescued a young girl from the half-men, others, including some at the palace, are grumbling that you are the reason that the demons attacked in the first place." Dominic replied. "To head off any difficulties, Jonas and I believe that it will be best if you leave the city for a while. We will leave quickly and quietly to allow the situation to settle down."
He paused, then continued. "Also, some of the attackers were able to escape. We want to have you gone before they can regroup." He shook his head, face grim. "Obviously, they infiltrated the city. We don't know how many spies are still here, so by departing quickly, we can get ahead of them. With you gone, it is unlikely that they will attempt another attack on the city."
"What about Norlan, Madalin and Cherise?" Jake asked unhappily. "Do they know?"
"I just spoke with Norlan." Dominic replied. "He agrees, though he is not happy about you leaving. He will tell Madalin and the girl."
Dominic stood up. "Make sure the waterskin is full and pack only what you need. We will be traveling light. It is only about a four-day ride to the Keep. We can get additional supplies on the road." He said as he headed back outside. "I will bring Dontas from the stable. Remember, be ready by first light."
…
Jake awoke early, reluctance and excitement warring within him. He hated that he was leaving behind his chance at Keria, as well saying goodbye to his friends, but at the same time, was eager to see more of the world and meet this Tomaris, whom Jonas held in such high regard. Perhaps, since his letter, he had found a way to send Jake home, or at least explain why he was here.
He got dressed and packed his other boots and some extra clothes in his saddlebags. He shoved his phone in as well. There was a possibility that he may not return, so he would not leave it behind. Once he was packed, he straightened the room up, then put on his armor and sword. Slinging the saddle bags over his shoulder, he went outside, the floral smell of the flowers filling his nostrils as he took a deep breath in the cool early morning air.
He went over to the water pump and filled his waterskin, then headed over to the front yard to wait for Dominic. He sat down on a bench, looking up at the stars shining overhead, as the night sky lightened in the east. He was sitting there, lost in thought, when the front door opened and Norlan stepped out.
"Good morning." Norlan greeted Jake. He came over and sat down next to him. "Do you have everything you need?"
"I believe so, Norlan." Jake replied.
"Good." Norlan said, his voice sad.
As they sat there in silence, Jake watching the street, Jonas and Hailyn came walking up and entered the yard. They came over to Jake and Norlan.
"Good morning." Jonas said, nodding to Jake and Norlan. "Are you ready to go, Jake?"
"I am, Jonas." Jake replied.
"If I thought that I could help you, I would not send you away." Jonas said. "I truly believe that Tomaris is your best option to learn about this power."
"I know that, Jonas." Jake said. "You have been great to me." He impulsively gave Jonas a hug. Jonas, surprised, returned the embrace for a moment. Jake stepped away, a little embarrassed by the display. With a kindly pat on Jake's shoulder, Jonas sat down next to Norlan and started speaking to him quietly.
Hailyn came over to Jake, motioning him to follow. She took him into the yard, giving them a little space. She reached over and took his hand.
"I will miss you, Jake." She said softly. "You must write when you can to let me know how you are doing."
"I'll miss you too, Hailyn." Jake said, taken aback by the tears in her eyes. "You have been a great friend. I will write, if I can."
The sound of approaching horses caused Jake to look towards the front gate. He saw Dominic riding out of the night, Dontas behind him, saddled and ready. Dominic stopped and waited, staying on his horse as Jonas and Norlan walked over to him.
With a low cry, Hailyn threw her arms around Jake's neck and hugged him tight, taking him by surprise. She whispered in his ear "Come back to me when you can." and kissed him on the cheek. She broke the embrace and wiped her tears away, moving back towards the front gate.
Jake stood there of a moment, unsure of what to say or do, when Dominic called over. "Let's go, boy." Jake headed back over to the bench to grab his bags and water. As he reached the porch, the front door opened as Madalin came out, followed by Cherise. Madalin hugged Jake tightly, followed by Cherise, both with tears in their eyes. Jake felt himself getting a bit choked up, so he went over to Dontas and slung his bags and waterskin. Norlan gave him a quick hug, then went over to his family while Jake pulled himself into the saddle.
Madalin and Cherise were holding each other, gently crying, with Norlan standing behind them, a hand on their shoulders. Hailyn was standing next to Jonas, wiping tears as well.
Madalin looked over to Dominic. "Keep him safe, Dominic. Bring him back to us." She said, voice cracking slightly.
"I will do everything in my power to make that happen, Madalin." Dominic replied, his voice strangely gentle.
"I don't know why we are getting so emotional about this." Jonas said, voice kind. "This is simply a good-bye, not farewell." He lifted his staff, his form suddenly glowing with power and said. "Go with the blessings of the One. May He protect and shelter you on your journey."
Dominic nodded and started Shadow moving. With a final wave to everyone, Jake turned Dontas and followed him.
Dominic and Jake rode slowly toward the North Gate, passing groups of soldiers and clerics deployed throughout the city. The shops and other businesses were beginning to stir, the people on the streets still wary. Jake could not blame them after what happened. The sun was still not quite up when they reached the Gate, the courtyard half-filled with merchants and others waiting to leave the city.
As the sun rose above the horizon, the Gate opened and the mass of people made their way through. Dominic and Jake passed slowly through the Gate and over the North Bridge that spanned the Blue River. Once across, Dominic led Jake off the road into the open grassland and then galloped past the main body of people clogging the road. When they had left the mass of people behind, they came back onto the road and slowed their pace.
"We will make our way to the North Reach waystation." Dominic said as they rode. "We should arrive just before dark and will stay there tonight. After that, we will leave the road and travel cross-country."
The seemingly endless open grasslands of the valley, a pale green carpet interrupted by the occasional stand of trees, rolled by as they headed north. The road paralleled the Blue River for the first few hours, then separated as the River's course took a more northwesterly direction. They kept a moderate pace to conserve the horses.
They passed by other travelers heading towards the city, merchants with large wagons, carriages carrying passengers, as well as individuals on foot and horse. A patrol of soldiers came by, the officer saluting Dominic once he recognized who it was. Many of the other travelers recognized Dominic as they passed as well, giving him respectful waves and nods.
They ate during short breaks to water and rest the horses. The sun was bright and warm, with only a few high clouds in the sky. Without any shade, Jake spent most of the day sweating under his armor, trying to distract himself with the memory of Keria's kiss. By the time the sun dipped low in the horizon and the waystation appeared, he had lost his enthusiasm for this trip.
Dominic led them over to a small stable near the main complex. He spoke with the stable master and some coins changed hands. After they had removed their saddles and gear, a couple of grooms came out to lead the horses in.
"They will make sure that the horses are fed and watered." Dominic said as he headed for the waystation. They entered the main hall, a large open dining area with a high wooden ceiling with tables set up and servers moving about. It was lighted by a large stone fireplace in the wall and several sets of chandeliers with dozens of candles in each. The hall appeared to be about half full. Jake could see a set of stairs at the back wall leading to a couple of landings that surrounded the hall, with a line of doors along each.
Dominic went over to a man sitting behind a desk near the main doors. He spoke with him briefly and came back with a set of keys. The keys were to a room on the second landing. Inside, there were two small beds and just enough room to stack the saddles and gear. Once they had offloaded the equipment, Dominic had them go back down to the hall and order dinner. He chose a table near the center of the room.
"Aren't we being a bit obvious?" Jake asked, noticing several of the other guests looking towards them.
"We want to be seen." Dominic said quietly, glancing about. "Once our enemies know we are gone, I expect them to follow. They will know we headed north and stopped here. Hopefully, they will assume that we are continuing north along the road. By the time they realize their mistake, we should be safely out of reach."
They ate a large meal, taking their time. Once they were finished and the plates taken away, Dominic ordered two tankards of ale. Jake found the ale somewhat bitter, even though it was flavored with some slightly tangy fruit. They sat there drinking while a singer came out to entertain the crowd. More people came in as the night deepened, filling the tables. After a while, Dominic motioned that they should leave and went back to their room.
Jake copied Dominic by removing his armor and boots, but staying dressed and placing his drawn sword next to him on his bed. Dominic cracked the window, allowing the cool night air to come in. Between the food, travel and ale, as well as the comfortable temperature, Jake was soon asleep.
Jake woke up when Dominic tapped him on the shoulder. "Get up. We should be moving." Jake glanced out the window and thought that it was still at least an hour before dawn. He quickly put on his armor and boots, grabbing his saddle and gear as they left the room.
They went down to the hall, which only had a few people up at this hour. Dominic got a couple of travel rations from one of the servers and headed out to the stable. They waited as the grooms quickly saddled the horses, then headed out.
They rode along the road for a couple of miles until they came upon a small river that passed under the road. After making sure no one was within sight, Dominic led them down into the river, the waters an inky black in the pale light of the eastern sky, and headed upstream, keeping the horses in the main channel. It was slower going, but Dominic kept them in the river for an hour or so. Once the sun was up, they left the river and headed out across the grasslands in a northeasterly direction.
They rode all day, the Gray Ridges looming in the east. The rich grassland faded and became rockier and the grasses gave way to clumps of shrubs and small trees. As the sun faded into the west, Dominic found a campsite in a copse of trees. They made no fire, simply setting up their sleeping rolls next to the horses. They ate in silence, a dinner of jerky and cheese, washing it down with some water.
As Jake packed away the supplies, groping around in the dark, Dontas moved and his hoof came down on Jake's foot. Jake stifled a shout, grabbed his foot and hopped back to his blankets. Rubbing his foot, he did not feel that it was seriously damaged, but he suddenly missed having Hailyn around to heal him, along with her friendly presence. Thinking of Hailyn and healing brought up another thought. He looked over at Dominic, but without a fire, Jake could just make out his dark outline sitting across from him.
"Dominic, why don't you allow the clerics to heal you?" Jake asked quietly, his curiosity finally overcoming his concern of offending Dominic. "I still don't understand that."
There was moment before Dominic spoke. "I believe I told you before that you should keep the reminders of failure." Dominic said, voice distant. "Each time you are healed, you eliminate that reminder. Each scar I have is a reminder of a mistake I made. It helps me to not make that mistake again." In the darkness, Jake could barely see Dominic's shadowy hand reach up and touch the scar across his face. "Some mistakes should never be forgotten."
Jake did not know how to respond, so he sat there, silent in his thoughts. "Get some sleep, boy." Dominic said, voice normal. "I'll keep first watch."
Jake tossed and turned for a bit, finally getting comfortable and sleeping. He was dreaming of Keria and Sanduas when Dominic woke him to stand watch. Jake shook off his sleepiness and sat up while Dominic stretched out on his blankets. The night seemed to stretch on forever, as Jake fought against falling asleep. Finally, as the sky began to lighten, he went to wake Dominic up.
They continued their northeasterly path, working their way into the foothills of the Gray Ridges, camping near a small stream when it turned dark. The next morning Dominic changed direction to a more northerly route, paralleling the mountains. They continued in the foothills for most of the day. In the late afternoon, they came upon a large road leading into the mountains which Dominic turned onto and followed.
After an hour of riding, Jake saw a large granite wall rise up ahead. It was very tall, towering over the trees. It took them almost another thirty minutes to reach it. As they came up to it, Jake could see it was one of two walls that ran back towards a cliff in the mountains to form an inverted V, funneling any attackers towards the main gates, nestled at the point where the two walls came together. Dominic looked appreciatively at the layout of the defenses.
Behind the gates, the cliff face was pot-marked with windows and what looked like patios. As they rode up to the gates, Jake could see soldiers on the wall watching them. They stopped in front of the massive gates, made of a shining metal, waiting.
With a metallic clang, the gates opened and several soldiers rode out. They were armored with the same metal that made up the gates. Their breastplates and helms shone in the late afternoon light. They were armed with lances and swords, with a shield strapped to their saddle. They came up to Dominic and Jake.
Their leader was a lean man, a little taller than Jake, with a large plume on his helm. Jake was surprised to see that he had dark skin, the first person Jake had seen here with it, with dark eyes that seemed to take everything in. "He is from southern Aletonia." Dominic said quietly, noticing Jake's surprise.
The leader stopped in front of Dominic and gave him a salute, which Dominic returned. "Greetings, Sir Dominic." The man said formally. "I am Moshanna Deepwood, Captain of Tomaris' Guard. Please be welcome to Tomaris' Keep."
"Thank you for the welcome, Captain Deepwood." Dominic replied, formal as well. "Please call me Dominic."
"You honor me. Please call me Moshanna." Deepwood replied. "What assistance can we give you?"
"I have a letter from Chief Cleric Jonas of Sanduas for Master Tomaris." Dominic stated. He gestured at Jake. "It concerns this boy, Jake Thomas, and Jonas believed that Master Tomaris could assist. I believe that he is familiar with the boy's story."
"We had instructions to watch for visitors coming from the west." Deepwood said. He turned his horse around and said over his shoulder. "Please follow me. I will take you to Tomaris." With that, he led them through the Keep's gate.