A World Apart (The Jake Thomas Trilogy - Book 1)

by Tolle, Steven A.

  "The princess acknowledged you, stranger." The young man growled at Jake, face unfriendly. "A bow would be the proper response." Jake turned to face him, meeting his eyes and returning the unfriendly look.

  "Enough, Marcus." Keria chided the young man. "Jake is a guest here, welcomed personally by my father. He does not need to bow to me." Marcus gave a short nod in acknowledgment, but kept staring at Jake.

  Keria turned back to Jake, smiling brightly. "I almost did not recognize you, Jake. I heard that you were training in arms with Lord Dominic." Marcus gave a small start at Dominic's name. "How is that going?"

  "So far, so good, Princess." Jake replied, focusing on Keria and trying to ignore Marcus. "It is hard, but I will probably survive. Where I come from, I didn't need training like this." Inwardly, he grimaced; he was sure he sounded like an idiot.

  "Please call me by my name. I would very much like to hear more about where you come from, Jake." Keria said, reaching out to take Jake's hand into hers. Unfortunately, it was the injured one, but Jake stifled a groan, not wanting the contact to end. He could smell her perfume as she stepped closer. "I believe that you said you would come to the palace."

  Jake smiled at her, enjoying the feel of her hand in his. "I would like that, Keria, but I'll need to coordinate that with Dominic or Jonas."

  "I will make sure that we can set that meeting, Jake." The princess said warmly.

  One of the guards leaned in before she could say anything more. "Princess, we need to continue." He said respectfully.

  "Of course, Costuas." The princess said, nodding. She gave Jake another wide smile as she disengaged her hand. "Until next time, Jake."

  "I look forward to it, Keria." Jake replied, giving her a small bow. Laughing lightly, she headed off with her guards surrounding her.

  Marcus stayed back from moment. He came up to Jake, stopping only a foot or so away. He glared at Jake, eyes hard and angry. "Keria is mine, stranger." He said quietly, his hand resting on his sword. "I don't care who you are training with. If you try to step between us, that decision will be bad for your health. You would do well to remember that." With that, he spun and strode off to catch up with the princess.

  Jake stood there for moment, stunned by the threat and shaking his head in disbelief at his luck with women. Even on a completely different world, he still had to deal with a stupidly jealous boyfriend. Throwing up his hands and suppressing the urge to yell random obscenities, he continued towards the Temple.

  When he arrived at the Temple, he was surprised to find Hailyn waiting for him near the main doors. She greeted him with a smile, her large brown eyes warm, and came over to speak with him. "Dominic is here. I was asked by Master Jonas to wait for you. He thought you may like to see a friendly face."

  Before Jake could reply, she glanced down, a frown forming on her face. She reached over and gently took hold of Jake's injured hand. Jake winced at the renewed pain, in spite of the light pressure of her grip. "How did this happen?" She asked, voice concerned.

  "During training with Dominic." Jake replied, marveling at the softness and warmth of her small hand, despite the pain. "I wasn't completely focused and got caught short."

  She muttered something under her breath that Jake missed. Before he could ask her what she said, her eyes seemed to intensify their focus and the golden light of her power suddenly shown around her. Jake felt its warmth fill his body and the heat that burst forth from his hands and forearms. The pain disappeared from his hand and, as he watched, fascinated, the bruises faded from sight. Her power winked out, the extra warmth and heat dissipating, leaving Jake feeling refreshed. Smiling, Hailyn held onto his hand for a moment more as she looked at him, her eyes shining, then let go.

  "Master Jonas is waiting." Hailyn said, with a little sigh. "We should go."

  She turned and led him into the Temple. As they made their way down the main hallway, another cleric came out of a side door. He stopped when he saw Hailyn coming, clearly waiting for them to come to him.

  "Hailyn." He said shortly, glancing at Jake and dismissing him. He was an older man, with a pinched face and a slight frame. His face seemed to have a sour expression etched into it permanently. Jake was surprised, since all of the clerics he had met seemed to be pretty happy. He did not think this man ever smiled. "I need you to come to the healing room as soon as you are done."

  "Of course, Brother Kansic." Hailyn replied with a little bow. Without another word, Kansic turned on his heel and walked back the way he came.

  "What's his problem?" Jake asked as they continued walking.

  "Who?" Hailyn asked, a confused frown on her face. When Jake pointed back the way they came, she smiled. "You mean Brother Kansic? That is how he is all the time."

  "He's a funny choice for a cleric, if he is always running around like that." Jake said. "He doesn't seem too friendly."

  "Brother Kansic appears a stern man, but he is actually a great teacher with the children." Hailyn replied quietly, glancing around. "He was selected for the clerics as a young man when the spark was detected. He was excited by the prospect and being selected was a great honor for his family." Her voice became even quieter. "But after he began the training, it turned out that while he can call up a cleric's power, he can only wield a small amount. He can barely heal minor injuries. He was heartbroken by this and that hurt continues to this day. However, once you get past his defensiveness, he is really a gentle man."

  They made their way to Jonas' quarters quickly. Hailyn lightly knocked on the door, which opened after a few moments. Jonas answered the door, a welcoming expression on his face when he saw Jake. He looked over to Hailyn. "Thank you, Hailyn. Please excuse us. I am sure you have some other duties to attend to this evening." Hailyn gave him a small bow, giving Jake a wink as she turned and headed back towards the Temple.

  "Come in, Jake." Jonas said, stepping aside to let him in. Jake came into room and immediately saw Dominic standing next to the small fireplace. Jonas directed him to the table, where his staff rested against the wall, and had him take a seat. Jonas sat down next to him. "Some food will be brought shortly, but Dom has mentioned your dream, so why don't you tell me about it in your own words."

  Jake told Jonas about the dream, the strong feelings it generated and the fact that it stuck with him throughout the day. Jonas listened patiently, asking some questions as Jake went along. He had Jake repeat the words the voice said to him several times. After Jake finished, the room faded into silence as Jonas sat still for a couple of minutes, musing over what he heard.

  The silence was interrupted by a short knock at the door. Dominic opened it, admitting a novice carrying a tray of food and water. After the novice placed the tray on the table and left, Dominic came over and took the last chair, pouring three cups of water. Jonas took one and sipped it absently, his mind elsewhere. Dominic indicated to Jake to take a plate and eat.

  "I see you let the girl heal you." Dominic said quietly as Jake reached over for a plate, his hand bearing no bruises. "You should keep the marks of failure. It will remind you of what you did wrong." He shook his head slightly. "It is done; just don't forget the lesson."

  "Well, she kinda did it before I could say anything." Jake said quickly. As soon as he said it, he realized how lame that sounded. "I'm not sure why you wouldn't heal something if you could, but I'll keep what you said in mind." Dominic just shook his head again.

  "Don't let Dom make you feel you should do everything his way, Jake." Jonas interjected, clearly ready to talk. He took his plate, but did not eat. He looked over at Dominic, a slight smile forming. "Just because he is stubborn beyond belief about something does not mean it is the best way. I tried toughing out his lessons myself, but I found that a good healing did wonders." He tipped his cup at Dominic, who gave a slight nod back.

  "But we are not here to discuss Dom's stubbornness or ideas." Jonas said, his voice turning serious. "After hearing you describe the dream, I share Norlan and Dominic's concerns about th
e nature of it." Jake was surprised to hear that Dominic was concerned. "It is possible that it was simply a response to all of the stresses and experiences that you have faced in the last week. However, those types of dreams generally fade quickly. There seems to be a deeper meaning to this one. I will have to give it some more thought."

  Jonas reached over to lay his hand on Jake's, his face calm, eyes warm. "I don't want you to worry yourself, Jake; it was only a dream, after all. The one thing that we agree is true about the dream is that Dom and I will fight to protect you from whatever may come." Jake glanced over at Dominic, who gave a slight nod. "You are as safe as one can be."

  He did not release Jake's hand, but reached over with his other hand for his staff. "I want to test something, Jake. Are you alright with that? I assure you that it will not hurt you." He waited until Jake nodded. "Just relax." Bright yellow light filled the room as Jonas embraced his power. He closed his eyes, face taking on a look of concentration.

  Jake felt the now-familiar warmth fill his body. He could feel his tension melt in that gentle heat. Jonas sat still as a stone, not moving, his power slowly pulsing. After another couple of moments, Jonas' power faded and he opened his eyes. He released Jake's hand and sat back, taking a quick drink of his water.

  "I was curious about your description of the blue light that surrounded you in your dream." Jonas said, his face calm again. "What I just did was test you to see if you can wield the clerics' power." Jake gave a start, eyes widening.

  Jonas quickly held up a hand. "I did not detect the spark, Jake. You will not need to apprentice here as well." Jake was relieved to hear that. Jonas picked up his fork and started eating. "Thank you for indulging an old man's curiosity. Let's eat before the food gets cold."

  After they finished eating, Jake sat talking with Jonas and Dominic for a little while, Jonas asking Jake some more questions about his home and getting caught up on how he was doing. After a little while, between the warmth of the room and the food, as well as the comforting presence of his protectors, Jake felt himself getting sleepy.

  Dominic, of course, noticed and suggested that Jake should go back to Norlan's and get some rest. Jake was surprised when Dominic said he would escort him there.

  After saying goodbye to Jonas, Jake and Dominic made their way to Norlan's. Once they arrived, Dominic turned to Jake. "Go get some rest, boy. We'll need to make up for the lost time today." Jake stifled a groan, wished Dominic a good night and turned to head to his room.

  Jake stopped when Dominic spoke again, his voice even and firm. "I want you to know that what Jonas said was true. I will do everything in my power to protect you from harm, even if it means my life." With that, he turned and disappeared into the night.

  Jake stood there for several moments, stunned by Dominic's statement, then went straight to his room, not wanting to disturb Norlan or the family. He found his new pair of boots waiting, as well as his sweats, cleaned and repaired, fine thread sewing up the tears. He sat on his bed for a minute, just holding the sweats, enjoying their familiar feel. With a sigh, he stood and put them under his other clothes, on top of his phone. They were another reminder of home that he could not afford.

  After oiling his new boots and taking a quick shower, Jake climbed into bed. He tossed for a while, then fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

  Chapter Sixteen

  At the sound of Norlan's light knock on the doorframe, Jake came awake. He returned Norlan's greeting and got out of bed, feeling surprisingly refreshed. He splashed some water on his face and grabbed some new clothes out of his drawer. As he dressed, he saw Cherise's drawing of him, in a wooden frame, hanging on the wall near the door, something he missed last night. He would have to say something to her this morning. He quickly straightened up his room and headed to the house.

  As they ate, Jake told Cherise again how he liked her drawing and thanked her for hanging it on the wall. Jake could see that she glowed from his praise, a wide smile on her face and her eyes sparkling. She excitedly told him that she would make him another; something to go with the first. She ate quickly, grabbed her drawing supplies and went to the table in the front room, the gentle scratching of her pencil reaching the kitchen as the others finished eating. Madalin leaned over to Jake, her hand on his, and whispered. "Thank you, Jake. She seems to want your approval most of all."

  As they headed to the smithy, Norlan inquired about Jake's conversation with Jonas about his dream. Jake described him what had happened and what Jonas told him. Norlan seemed pleased that nothing came of it, though he did not say it, only nodding as Jake talked. He was silent for a while, lost in some thought as they walked.

  After a while, he reached over to put a hand on Jake's shoulder, then spoke. "As I said before, Jake, I'm a simple blacksmith. I don't have the Jonas' power or Dominic's warrior skills. But, like them, I will do everything I can to see you safe." His honest admission and plain statement touched Jake, making him wonder again why these men would risk themselves for him.

  The morning went by quickly as Jake went about his duties around the smithy and sharing some conversation and laughter with Almos and Dern. The two other boys were fascinated with Jake's training with Dominic, asking him to demonstrate what he had been taught. When he told them about his encounter with the princess during a break, he was not sure they would believe him, but that seemed to only increase the awe they had for him and the pleasure that he would share it with them. Jake was pleased by the reaction, glad to have some friends his age.

  By the time he was making his way to the training grounds, Jake was feeling pretty good about himself. Keeping a hopeful eye out for another chance encounter with the princess, he kept his pace relaxed as he navigated the courtyard. He took a path to get as close to palace as possible while staying in the general direction he needed to go. He was a bit disappointed when he saw no signs of the princess.

  Once he reached the Military District, though, he increased his pace to a slow jog, unsure if he had wasted too much time. Once he passed the guards at the gate, he sped up again, crossing the open training areas at a near run. He was not sure exactly what would happen if he was late, but now familiar with Dominic's indifference to discomfort and pain, he did not relish finding out.

  Dominic was waiting for him, as usual, under the shade of the trees. Jake slowed down, trying to catch his breath, as he walked towards Dominic. Dominic cocked an eyebrow as he watched Jake approach, a slight smile on his face. "Are you being chased by someone, boy?" He asked sarcastically.

  "No." Jake replied shortly, trying to breathe slow and steady. "I lost track of time and didn't want to be late."

  "I'm glad you don't want to waste my time." Dominic said, the smile fading. "Look at it this way; at least you have warmed up for training.

  Only allowing enough time for Jake to catch his breath, Dominic did his inspection and set Jake to training. The day went as the others had gone before, so shortly Jake was trying to ignore the bruises and pain that Dominic's practice sword was inflicting on his hands and forearms. He resolved not to drop his sword this time, no matter what. By the end of the training session, Jake's arms felt rubbery, swollen, tired and sore.

  When Dominic called a halt to the day's training and took the practice swords, Jake headed over to the post to retrieve his sword. He was surprised to see Hailyn standing under the trees. So caught up in trying to avoid Dominic's sword, Jake had not noticed her arriving. He belted on his sword and headed over to see her, but Dominic was already next to her, speaking quietly.

  "The boy does not need healing, girl." Jake heard Dominic growl as he got close. "You can tell Jonas I said so."

  "That is a decision for Jake, not you, Dominic." Hailyn replied, voice soft and steady. She was one of only a handful of people that Jake had seen that did not seem to be intimidated by Dominic. "Just because you forgo healing does not mean others should."

  "I'm not saying that he shouldn't be healed if there is something serious, but he needs to le
arn to endure and continue fighting even while wounded and in pain." Dominic replied, his voice even, but tinged with a touch of anger. "These minor training aches are nothing compared to what he may face outside these walls. You saw how he was when he arrived. That was but a taste of what our enemies will inflict."

  Hailyn did not seem moved by Dominic's reasoning, but Jake arrived before she could respond. She turned to warmly greet him, a smile on her face. She asked how he was feeling, her gaze taking in the new bruises.

  "Would you like me to heal that, Jake?" Hailyn asked, pointing at his hands.

  Jake glanced over at Dominic, but he had simply folded his arms across his chest, clearly allowing Jake to make the decision, though stark disapproval shone in his eyes. As much as he would have liked to get rid of the dull, throbbing pain in his hands, Jake decided that he wanted Dominic's approval more, especially after what Dominic said last night.

  "No, thank you, Hailyn." Jake replied. "I'm fine. It looks worse than it feels." Hailyn gave him a look like she knew he was lying, but did not say anything.

  "I'm glad that is settled." Dominic said, unfolding his arms. He did not say anything, of course, but Jake thought he saw some approval in Dominic's face at his decision.

  Dominic motioned in the direction of the stables. "Go take care of the horses, boy. Tomorrow, we will have a short session and you will report to Armartas for horsemanship training. Going forward, every third day will be the same." He glanced over at Hailyn, his scarred face taking on a sly cast. "If the girl really wants to be of assistance, she can help you muck the stalls." Giving Hailyn a slight mocking bow, he turned and strode off towards the main training ground.

  "You don't have to act like him, even if you are his apprentice, Jake." Hailyn said quietly, once Dominic was out of earshot. Jake could see some concern for him in her face. "Dominic is a warrior and has been on his own for many years. Despite his close friendship with Jonas, I think he has forgotten how normal people act. There is nothing wrong with being healed." She looked over at Jake expectedly.