chapter TWENTY-THREE
A few days after Jake was able to call up his power, Tomaris informed Dominic and Jake that he was sending a messenger to Jonas to let him know that they had arrived safely and of Jake's success; if they had any letters, they could send it with his messenger.
Jake had borrowed parchment and pen to write to Madalin and Hailyn and reassure them that he was fine. He was debating writing Keria, sitting at the small desk in his room, when Dominic came in.
"Do you have your messages ready?" Dominic asked, a sealed parchment in his hand. "I was instructed to give them to Moshanna tonight, so the messenger can leave at first light."
"I have the letters to Madalin and Hailyn ready." Jake said, pointing at the two letters. He hesitated a moment, then tapped the blank page. "I was thinking of sending one to Keria."
"Have you decided that you never want see Sanduas again, boy?" Dominic asked sarcastically, a slight smile playing along his lips. "I thought you had better sense than that. The king told you to stay away from her. Here is a little advice: when a father tells you to stay away from his daughter, the last thing you want is for him to find a love letter. You might as well just walk up and slap him across the face." He shook his head. "Not something you want to do to anyone, but especially not to a king. They are used to getting their way. I don't think you would enjoy the dungeons in Sanduas."
"Well, that's why I haven't written it." Jake said, blushing furiously.
"Jonas will make sure the princess knows you are still alive." Dominic replied, reaching over to take the other letters. He went to the door, turning his head back as he opened it. "I suggest that you focus on training, boy. The sooner you master this power, the sooner we can return to the city."
A few days later as he stood in Tomaris' study, Jake was feeling pretty confident in his ability to call up his magic. Now when he focused on it, it came almost instantly. He still did not quite believe that he could do this, taking in the blue aura around him, marveling at the energizing feeling it produced. Tomaris did not have him do anything with it, simply hold it and try to draw more.
"As you become more familiar with your power and use it more often, you will find that the amount you can use will increase." Tomaris said as he slowly walked around Jake, looking closely at his aura. "However, you will eventually reach a point where you can use so much and no more."
"Why is that?" Jake asked, somewhat absently, focusing on trying to increase what he was holding.
"Because we are mortal, child." Tomaris replied. His face took on a faraway look. "Man is a being of both the physical and spiritual realms. It is the spiritual component, the part of you that will live on after your body dies, which enables you to use this power. Always remember that it originates in the spiritual realm, not from this world."
"Then why can't I do this on Earth?" Jake asked, perplexed. His aura pulsed as he drew more in. "Men live there as well."
"True, but you don't have to face the demons like the people of this world." Tomaris replied. "The power that the clerics wield is a gift to the people to defend against powerful spiritual beings in the physical world. If the demons invaded your world, it is likely that the Creator would share His Light there as well."
"I see." Jake said, returning to watching his glowing form. As he took in the shimmering blue light, it prompted a question he had been wondering about.
"So how is this magic different from the clerics?" Jake asked. "If it all comes from the same source, shouldn't we do the same things?"
"Come over to the window, Jake." Tomaris replied, stopping to pick up a crystal from a shelf, then headed to the window. When Jake came up next to him, he held the crystal in the sunlight, a rainbow of colors appearing on the window shelf. "The magic you wield comes from the same source as the clerics. You borrow, in a way, your power from the Light. Consider these colors. They come from the same light, yet each is different in its way."
"I understand that." Jake interjected. "I learned in my science classes that what we see as visible light is actually made up of various wavelengths of light. The red,..." he said as he pointed to the red area of the rainbow "...its wavelength is longer, while the blue has a shorter wavelength. Our eyes are simply not designed to differentiate the separate wavelengths."
"Since the source is the Light, they both provide defense against the demons' dark power." Tomaris said, smiling at Jake's explanation. "But the clerics' power is focused on healing. Yours is not of the same...'wavelength' you called it. It does not seem to have healing properties like the clerics'. I will have to give it more thought, but your power seems to be in direct opposition to the demons'. If that is the case, as you grow stronger, it should be more effective against our enemies than a cleric with similar power."
He paused, looking Jake in the eyes. "But always remember that you are also a mortal and physical being. Your body was not originally created to channel this power. Since it comes from the same Creator that made you, it does not do lasting harm, but it is a stressor on the body. The more you use, the more stress on the body. That is why you passed out after your first use in the woods. The sudden use simply overwhelmed your body, which was not prepared for using such might."
Tomaris continued. "Now that you have conscious control of it, if you are simply holding it or using it in short bursts, you will probably not notice. But if you have to use it continuously and in large amounts, you will find that the body will eventually tire and weaken. As the body weakens, your ability to use the power will also weaken." He gave Jake a reassuring smile. "Fortunately, those effects are usually remedied by sleep. According to his letter, our friend Jonas found that out when he was forced to use more power than he had previously, during and after the battle in the city."
"You can release the power now, Jake." Tomaris said. "You should go rest and relax. Tomorrow, we will begin to explore its uses."
Jake released the power, said good-night to Tomaris and headed to his room. Dominic was not in his room when Jake arrived, so he went out to enjoy the late afternoon on the balcony. As he sat there, he would call up and release the power. So focused on the sensations that the power caused, he did not realize that Dominic had come into his room until he spoke.
"Playing, I see." Dominic said from behind him. Startled, Jake turned to face him. "You remind me of a young soldier who received his sword for the first time. I have seen them drawing it over and over again, just to see and feel it." He looked at Jake, eyes serious. "This power is not a plaything, boy. It is a weapon to be used when needed. I hope you understand that."
Jake released his magic, flushing with embarrassment from Dominic's words. "I understand, Dominic. I was simply practicing calling it up."
"Leave over for now." Dominic replied, making a dismissing gesture with his hand. "We are invited to join Moshanna for the evening meal with his officers. Wash up and we'll go."
As he had said, Tomaris began to instruct Jake on how to use his magic in their next session. He started on how to defend against attacks. "Holding the power provides a defense in itself. It will deflect the demons' power, but not as effectively as when you focus it to specifically repel the attack."
He reached over and tapped Jake's breastplate. "Think of it as your armor. Just wearing it gives you protection. But if an arrow is coming towards your front, your armor may or may not stop it, depending on its weight and the force behind it. But what if you could, with a thought, bring more of the armor from the back of your breastplate to the front, or increase the angle of the metal? You could make sure that the arrow is deflected or does not penetrate."
"Your power is the same. By focusing it, shaping its use, it becomes more effective." He continued. "The use of the power is a matter of thought. If you are being attacked, you focus it to defend against that attack. You may encounter some of our enemies that have enough power to overwhelm yours if it is not focused."
Tomaris had Jake imagine a demon was attacking him from the front. "Its power is coming for you." He said softly. "You want to defend against it. Think about your magic strengthening in front of you."
Jake concentrated, following Tomaris' instruction. As he watched, his aura seemed to brighten slightly. That was all that seemed to happen. He looked over at Tomaris. "Was that it?"
"Yes, child." Tomaris said, pleased with what he saw. "It may not look like much, but that proved that you can control it. As you progress, you will see that this was a good first step. Do not expect to be a master of it within a few days. Try it again."
As Jake again focused his power to defend, Tomaris suddenly picked up and threw a small piece of rock that was on the table at Jake. It pinged off of his breastplate, falling to the floor. Jake's power winked out as it took him by surprise. "What was that about?" He demanded.
"One of the reasons I am having you continue training with Dominic is that this power is only of use against the demons or the minions corrupted by their evil power." Tomaris said. "As you just saw, it will not stop ordinary objects. I told you it was not of the physical world."
He smiled at Jake as he came over and picked up the rock. "Enough for the day. Go rest. I will see you tomorrow."
In their training sessions, Dominic continued to press Jake. Jake was getting better at defending, so his bruises were becoming less, but was still not able to successfully land his own attacks. When his duties did not require his presence, Deepwood would often sit and observe, offering some advice along with Dominic's. Dominic did not seem to mind this, which struck Jake as odd, knowing that Dominic had his own ideas about things. He asked him about it after one session.
"You should listen to Moshanna; he has some good advice." Dominic said as he put away the practice swords. "He is a professional and competent soldier. I have had some discussions with him and his men, who all claim he is a great swordsman, so I have a sense of his abilities." He gave a slight smile. "I will tell you privately if I disagree with him."
Like in Sanduas, groups of Deepwood's soldiers would observe Jake's training at a respectful distance. After Dominic and Deepwood had a discussion about it at one of their meals, Deepwood began to task some of his soldiers to come to the training to spar with Jake. Jake found these exciting, especially with the additional padding and armor absorbing most of the blows rather than his body, since he knew he had a better chance against them than Dominic. He did not win many at first, but gradually began to hold his own.
He also continued to get better control of his magic. Tomaris began to instruct him on using it as a weapon. He had him practice attacking imaginary demons around his study. Jake would release bolts of blue fire at various objects, the bolts doing no damage to anything.
"It doesn't seem to do much." He muttered, hoping for more.
"As I told you before, that is because the demons' power is not present. It will only harm someone under a demon's dominion. Here…" Tomaris said, pointing at his chest "…attack me as if I were a demon. Trust me, child, you cannot do any harm."
Jake sent his magic out as he had been taught. It surrounded Tomaris, who simply stared back, smiling. Seeing that it was as Tomaris said, Jake dropped the attack. "Why is that?" He asked.
"Because we are all creatures of the Light." Tomaris replied. "Therefore, the Light cannot harm those not of the Darkness."
"However, you can use it to block other magics, such as the clerics. Try and defend against this, Jake." Jake focused on using it for defense when Tomaris gestured towards him. He felt something press against his power, then slide off like a raindrop on a windshield.
"You see." Tomaris said. "There was no damage done, since they were not in opposition. Try and attack me again."
Jake sent a bolt of power towards Tomaris. He watched as the bolt flowed around Tomaris, not touching him.
Jake was curious on how Tomaris did the things he did. He had never seen an aura around him. When he asked, Tomaris simply smiled and said. "We all have our secrets, Jake."
...
A few days later, as he was heading down to eat dinner, the messenger Tomaris sent to Sanduas returned. Both Tomaris and Dominic received parchments closed with the seal of the Temple. Jake was pleased when the messenger produced two letters for him, from Madalin and Hailyn. He took them with him to the barrack's dining hall.
He got his food and sat down with Dominic and Deepwood. After shoveling in a few bites, he took out his letters and opened Madalin's first. She let him know that both she and Norlan were glad that he was safe, as well as how they missed him. Cherise was improving daily and his friends at the smithy sent their best. She asked that Jake write her as often as he could, so she would not worry about him.
Hailyn's letter also expressed her happiness that he was safe and doing well. She informed him that Jonas told her that she was close to taking her final tests as an apprentice. She closed with a request for more letters and a line that caught his attention. "I miss our rides together. Please come back to me as soon as you can."
He was sitting there, lost in thought as he mulled that over, when Dominic suddenly flicked him on the head with his finger, hard. He gave a little yelp and started from that, grabbing his head. "Are you still here, boy?" Dominic growled. "Moshanna asked you a question."
Rubbing his head, Jake glared at Dominic for a moment, who simply smiled at that, then turned to Deepwood. "I'm sorry, Captain Deepwood. What was your question?"
"I was speaking to Dominic about going into Numaria tomorrow." Deepwood responded, a sympathetic smile on his face. "I want to check on my men stationed there. I asked if you wanted to go along. I will speak with Tomaris, if you like."
"That would be great, Captain Deepwood." Jake said, the pain forgotten for a moment. "It would be nice to get out for a day."
"We will leave after the morning meal." Deepwood said, standing. "I will have my stablehands have your horses ready."
The next morning, as the group was preparing to leave, Jake was glad to be back on Dontas' back, looking forward to a ride. Dontas was anxious to be out as well, shifting and stomping his hooves; Jake controlling him with short tugs on the reins. Along with Dominic and Captain Deepwood, ten soldiers were accompanying them.
Soon, all were ready and they rode through the tunnel to the main hall, then out of the entrance towards the garden. Jake could see several people were in the garden, taking in the morning light. He had gone to the garden several times, the lush greens and other colors refreshing after being surrounded by the gray stone of the Keep. He had found them peaceful and restful, lying on the grass, staring up at the sky and stars.
They passed out of the main gate, Deepwood returning the salutes of the soldiers stationed there, and picked up the pace. Jake took in the surroundings as they rode. The tall evergreen trees that grew on the mountains contrasted with the gray stones and the blue sky. He saw birds winging between trees, hearing bits of their songs through the rumble of the horses' hooves. The road made several curves, then straightened out.
After several miles, the terrain began to change as they rode into the foothills. The evergreens gave way to a variety of deciduous trees lining the hills. On the horizon beyond the hills, Jake could just make out the open grasslands of northern Sanduas and southern Beragan. They rode through the hills, passing other travelers on the road, including a couple of large slow-moving flatbed wagons, pulled by teams of eight to ten horses, loaded with fallen trees, and finally reached Numaria.
Numaria was a medium-sized stone-walled town, situated at the foot of the hills, facing out towards the grasslands. Jake saw that it was a lively place, with a lot of hustle and bustle going on. Down the road from the town was a large area, surrounded by a tall wooden fence, where the wagons carrying the trees were headed. He asked Deepwood about it.
"It is the lumber yard and sales area." He replied. "Logging is a big business here, with the finished lumber shipped off to the various cities. My soldiers are here to help the locals deal with the influx of wagon teams, loggers and the merchants who buy the wood. Add alcohol from the taverns and their disagreements can get out of hand."
They rode up to the town gates, greeted by the soldiers standing with what Deepwood identified as the town watch. Jake noticed that the men in the town watch wore matching brown leather jerkins and pants, carrying daggers on their belts and cudgels on their shoulders. They seemed a rough bunch compared to Deepwood's polished soldiers.
After a quick conversation with the soldiers and town watch, they continued on into the town, passing slowly through the crowded streets.
...
Martis was standing outside a tavern, watching the crowd passing by. He had been in this miserable town for several weeks now, not sure what to do. He had been shaken by the sudden disappearance of the demon, but could not decide his next course. He and his men had not heard of anyone who had seen the boy pass through. He had heard some say that a boy like that was at the Keep, but he could not confirm it was the boy they were looking for. Unsure if or when the demon would suddenly reappear, he knew he needed proof before he left this place.
So he sat here, watching his coin dwindle as his men drank and grumbled. Frader and Ranech were growing impatient with the delay. They wanted to go up and scout out the Keep to see if they could find the boy. Having seen the hesitation that the demon had even coming to this area, he was not about to risk the Keep.
He was standing there, not really paying attention, when a large party of soldiers rode by on horses. He glanced up and, to his shock, saw the boy and the scarred warrior Dominic riding with them. Frozen by his surprise, he simply stood there and stared. He watched as the boy turned towards him and saw him staring. Martis, realizing that he was exposed, gave a sudden start, a cold sweat bursting from his pores, and ran back into the tavern, collecting his men and running out the back door.
...
Jake pulled Dontas to a stop, staring at the entrance to the tavern, the soldiers behind him doing the same. That white-haired older man had been looking right at him. He knew beyond a doubt that the man was the same one he had seen in Sanduas. He had a familiar look about him that tickled some memory of Jake's, but he could still not place him.
Dominic, glancing back, noticed that he had stopped. "What is it?" He asked, looking around. Deepwood also halted and signaled his men to do the same.
Jake rode over to Dominic and pointed at the tavern. "I think I just saw the same white-haired man that was staring at me in Sanduas." As Dominic looked over and gripped his sword, a dangerous look on his face, the image seemed to connect the dots and triggered Jake's memory.
"It was the merchant!" He said excitedly. "The one we met on the way to Sanduas. I knew he looked familiar! I can't believe I didn't place him before. I glanced over and he was standing there, looking right at me. As soon as he saw that I noticed, he turned and ran back inside."
Dominic was out of his saddle in an instant. "Stay here" was all he said as he headed into the tavern, Deepwood right behind. They were inside for a few minutes, then came back out.
Dominic came over to Jake while Deepwood motioned for a couple of soldiers to dismount. "A white-haired man and two others ran out of the back entrance of the tavern. I went out back, but they were gone." Dominic said. "Moshanna is going to leave a couple of soldiers to get descriptions of the men from the other patrons and then have the town watch search for them."
Dominic and Deepwood climbed back on their horses, starting the group back into motion. Dominic rode next to Jake, his gaze watching for any threat. They reached the soldiers' barracks without incident. Jake and Dominic followed Deepwood inside. They were seated at a table and water was brought for them while Deepwood met with his officers in another room.
After he was finished, they headed back towards the town gate. Both Dominic and Deepwood rode close to Jake as they made their way through the crowds. They cleared the town without incident and headed back to the Keep. Jake turned around to look at the town, wondering if he would ever be able to go somewhere without feeling like someone was after him.
A couple of days later, Jake was taking a break in his training with Dominic when Deepwood came to update them. "My men and the town watch searched the entire town, but found no trace of the men. It is likely that they escaped right after Jake saw the old man. The gates guards remember a fat man riding by on a wagon, but he was alone. They sent out a patrol to see if they could find him, but had no luck. They will arrest any of the men if they return."
"Thank you, Moshanna." Dominic said, standing with his arms crossed. "If you can get the descriptions for me, I will send them to Sanduas with the next messenger."
"Of course, Dominic." Deepwood replied. He patted Jake on the shoulder. "Do not fear, Jake. You are safe enough here. All of my soldiers were given descriptions of these men. They would have to be complete fools to try to enter here."
"Thank you, Captain Deepwood." Jake replied, still uneasy about the fact that these men were out there.
...
Over the next few weeks, those concerns dropped away as he continued to train. Dominic used the incident to emphasize the need to stay focused and pushed Jake harder. Tomaris had been concerned when told about the incident in Numaria, but reassured Jake of his safety at the Keep.
"While I am here, there is no enemy that can reach you, Jake." Tomaris had said firmly.
One day, Jake was sparring with one of the soldiers, a younger man only a few years older, when he twisted his knee trying to avoid a blow. He felt something pop and then pain started shooting up his leg. He waved off his opponent and hopped over to one of the posts that made up the edge of the training area, gritting his teeth and cursing under his breath.
As Jake leaned against the post, Dominic came over and knelt down next to him, feeling along the knee. Jake winced as Dominic pushed down on areas around the knee.
"Well, you may have done some serious damage." Dominic said, shaking his head. "If we were at Sanduas, I would have Jonas or the girl look at it."
"Tomaris can help, Dominic." Deepwood said, as he came over. He helped Dominic take Jake to a nearby bench and sent a soldier to get Tomaris.
The soldiers were still standing around the training area when Deepwood asked Dominic if he would like a sparring session while they waited. Dominic asked who he wanted to be his sparring partner, glancing at the soldiers, but Deepwood said. "I would be honored, if you are willing."
Dominic simply nodded and the two men entered the ring. The soldiers realized what was happening and began to gather around the edge. Jake, still grasping his leg, had a clear view of the training ring from his bench.
Dominic and Deepwood squared off in the middle of the ring. There was a moment of stillness, then with a flurry of metal, they came together. Jake, pain suddenly forgotten, watched in amazement. Their swords were blurs as they traded blows, the ringing of the metal sounding out in the sudden silence. They seemed to dance as they moved, swords clashing. Then, abruptly, they parted, Deepwood indicating he had been hit. Jake did not even see it happen.
They took up positions again, then started. As before, Jake was having trouble following the blows when they parted again, this time Dominic indicating a hit. While the soldiers watching suddenly cheered for their captain, Jake was stunned. He was used to Dominic's seeming invincibility.
The two men continued for five rounds, neither saying a word. When they broke for the last time and saluted each other with their swords, the final tally was Dominic with three scores to Deepwood's two. Deepwood sent his soldiers back to their duties while Dominic came back over to Jake.
"I can't believe it was that close." Jake said quietly as Dominic sat down next to him.
"Why do you say that?" Dominic asked, an eyebrow going up.
"I have seen you take out eight half-men by yourself." Jake replied, incredulous. "I just thought that there was no one that could touch you one-on-one."
Dominic laughed, the first full laugh Jake had heard from him. "I appreciate your confidence in my skills, but I didn't get all these scars because I felt like it. There is always someone better than you, boy; never forget that. As I said before, it is the will to survive that wins in combat."
He continued. "Also, Moshanna is very good. He is fast, strong and does not make the same mistake twice. His soldiers are lucky to have such a commander."
Jake sat there quietly, while Dominic stood and went over to talk with Deepwood. With all of the excitement done, the pain in his knee started to bother him again. He was holding his knee, looking out over the field, trying to distract himself from the pain, when Tomaris appeared.
"I hear that you have had an injury, Jake." He said as he knelt down to take Jake's knee in his hands. A look of concentration came over his face, then Jake felt the pain just fade away, nothing at all like when the clerics healed him. Tomaris smiled and stood.
"Stand up and see how it feels." Tomaris told Jake.
Jake stood, no pain at all. He jogged in place, then did some kicks, the knee feeling fine.
"How did you do that?" Jake asked incredulously.
Tomaris just smiled and said. "I will see you at our session." He turned and went back inside the Keep.
...
Keria was finishing her letter, sealing it with the royal seal, when Nataly came into her bedroom. "Forgive me, Highness, but Marcus is here for you."
Keria sighed, then stood. She handed the letter to Nataly. "Please ensure that the messenger gets this before he leaves." Nataly gave a quick curtsy, then followed Keria into the waiting area.
As she entered, she saw Marcus standing there, waiting impatiently. She did feel a slight flush as she looked at him, handsome as always. He had made his intentions towards her clear. Unfortunately for him, her father would not approve of his courtship.
"Good afternoon, Marcus." She said pleasantly, smiling at him. "Why the sudden visit?"
"I have heard about your trip." He replied, giving her a short bow. "You must speak to the king. I want the honor of escorting you to the wedding."
"I will ask my father, but how did you find out?" She asked. The trip was supposed to be kept secret until she left.
"I have my sources." He said, crossing his arms, clearly not going to say more.
She sighed. He could be so stubborn at times. It had to be one of his friends in the Royal Guards.
Worried that Nataly would miss the messenger, she motioned for him to follow her out into the hallway. She walked quickly as they made their way down towards the main floor.
"I will speak to my father tonight after the evening meal." She said warmly. "You should accompany me to help persuade him since time is short." She lowered her voice, speaking quietly. "I am supposed to leave in the morning."
They continued on, unaware of the figure that stepped out from a darkened alcove. He would have to send his own message.