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

by Tolle, Steven A.

  The Imp's lips curled into a snarl and its form was suddenly surrounded by its dark power. "You are stupid, boy, if you think you can defy me. Whatever you think you have been taught about power, I will show you that it was not enough." A bolt of fiery darkness leapt from its hands towards Jake, crashing into his hastily raised shield of power. The clash of conflicting magics echoed off of the cave walls, reverberating and magnifying.

  Jake, staggering back from the impact, found himself suddenly calm, as if a blanket was placed over his fear. He launched a counter-attack, a brilliant beam of blue fire striking the demon, forcing it back a step. The demon's power blocked most of the attack, shielding it, though its form steamed.

  Jake, remembering Dominic's instruction on the advantage of movement, started to slide to his side, trying to be a moving target, defending as the demon attacked. He was able to block the attacks while continuing to launch his own. The cave seemed to shudder as the air was suddenly full of conflicting dark and blue fire, the noise from the colliding powers drowning out all other sounds, the light blinding.

  As Jake was closing with it, pressing an attack, the demon changed its tactics. It suddenly moved, leaping to its side, then launching itself back at Jake, claws extended. Jake, taken by surprise, threw himself back.

  He was too late as the demon's claws raked across his breastplate, peeling back the metal in a squeal of protesting steel. Jake felt the claws reach his flesh, streaks of fire as they ripped into his chest and shoulder as it passed. With a scream of pain, Jake unleashed a blast of power that sent the demon tumbling away, its form landing next to a wall, steaming.

  Jake staggered back to his feet, in agony and feeling the blood running down his body, his left arm not seeming to work properly. He felt light-headed and knew he needed to finish this or he may pass out. He launched his magic at the demon as it was climbing off the floor, pressing and surrounding it with blue fire. The demon resisted Jake's magic, pushing out with its dark power, screaming in an unfamiliar language. Jake could feel his strength fading and tried to force more of his power at the demon, knowing he was dead if he could not. For several terrifying moments, the battle was balanced, then, with a final bright pulse, Jake's power broke though the demon's defenses. It screamed briefly, a chilling cry of pain and fear, then cut off as Jake's power raced through it, its form exploding into ash, the sound deafening in the confines of the cave.

  Jake fell to his knees, grasping his wounds, ears ringing in the sudden silence, power gone. His vision fading, he started to fall forward when he felt hands on his shoulders, pulling and laying him down on his back.

  He looked up to see Tomaris kneeling next to him, the ball of light near the ceiling flaring, driving away the shadows. Tomaris reached over and laid a hand on Jake's forehead. Jake saw nothing, but suddenly felt his wounds closing, the pain gone, his strength returning. Tomaris stood up and reached down to help Jake to his feet.

  "Are you alright, child?" Tomaris asked gently, lined face concerned.

  "Why didn't you tell me?" Jake demanded, stepping away, feeling suddenly angry. "You could have at least warned me."

  "I told you that this test held danger, Jake." Tomaris said calmly, watching Jake closely. "I had to know that you can deal with the unexpected. How would you have responded if I had told you that a demon was behind the door? Do you think you would have reacted the same way? Would you even have gone in?"

  "Maybe, maybe not." Jake replied, feeling stubborn. "I deserved a warning."

  "Do you believe that our enemies will always give you warning before they attack?" Tomaris asked, voice gentle. "While you may not like my method, you have proven that you can stand against their power. Knowing this, you are ready if you are confronted by them again."

  "That's true, but it seems like there had to be a better way to prove that than nearly getting me killed." Jake said.

  "I am sorry for the pain this has caused, Jake." Tomaris said sincerely. "However, many tests that we face are often not ones we would choose." He reached out and grasped Jake's arm. "I have grown fond of you and would not have allowed the demon to kill you. I was prepared to come to your aid, if needed."

  Jake nodded, brooding, still feeling wound up and angry. Tomaris sighed and released his arm. "Let us go back up and you can get some rest." He said, moving towards the door. Jake followed in silence.

  They made their way back up through Tomaris' study and returned to Jake's room. As Jake made to go in, Tomaris stopped him. "I know that you are angry with me, Jake. I hope that after you have some time to think on it, you will be able to forgive me." With that, he turned and slowly walked away.

  Jake went into his room, unbuckling and throwing his torn breastplate on the floor, the impact making a racket as the metal struck the stone floor. He was stripping off his torn and bloody vest and shirt when the connecting door flew open and Dominic leapt into the room, dressed only in his pants, sword in hand.

  With a glance, Dominic took in the breastplate and bloody clothes. He reached over and pulled the desk chair next to him and sat down, sword across his knees. "What happened?" He asked calmly.

  Jake sat down on the bed and told Dominic what had just occurred, from the time Tomaris first arrived until he returned to his room. Dominic took in all in without comment, waiting until Jake finished.

  "So, what are you upset about?" Dominic asked.

  "Are you serious?" Jake said, voice rising, incredulous. "He almost got me killed!"

  "Actually, it was the Imp that almost killed you, boy." Dominic said, shaking his head. "I would have liked to know about this test, so I could have helped prepare you, but I have to agree with Tomaris. Having too much time to think on it may have changed your actions, possibly for the worse."

  He stood up, looking at Jake, eyes hard. "Your training, with me and Tomaris, has been to prepare you to face the demons and their followers, not to keep you entertained. The fact is that you would have had to face one eventually. It was better to do it in a controlled environment."

  Jake sat there in stunned silence; he was not expecting that answer from Dominic.

  "Are you really that upset?" Dominic asked, shaking his head, disbelieving. "I don't understand why. You were able to wield your power, face your enemy, one that sounded as if it was part of the attack on Sanduas, and emerge victorious. You were able to avenge some of those victims and now know that you don't need to fear facing a demon. That seems to be worth the scratches you got." He headed back into his room. "When you think about it, there was no lasting harm from this, only just retribution and lessons learned. Get some sleep." He closed the door behind him.

  Jake got up, stripped off his clothes and took a bath, soaking in the hot water, washing away the dried blood. He ran his fingers over the unbroken skin on his chest, remembering the pain the demon inflicted. He stayed in the bath until the water turned cold. His emotions still roiling, he finally got out, dried off and crawled into the bed. He tossed for a while, the cool air from outside helping to calm him down, then he fell into a dreamless sleep.

  ...

  Jake awoke when Dominic came into his room, shaking his head when he saw Jake still in bed. The sun was up, its light streaming into the room. "Get up, boy. We have been asked to eat with Tomaris this morning."

  Jake got out of bed, last night seeming like a bad dream. With Dominic standing there, watching, he quickly got dressed, then picked up his breastplate out of habit, letting it drop when he saw the gouges, remembering.

  "We will find you a replacement when we return to Sanduas." Dominic said. "Just get your sword."

  Jake belted on his sword and followed Dominic out into the hallway. They went down the now-familiar way to Tomaris' hall. When they entered, Tomaris was sitting in his chair, Captain Deepwood sitting next to him. Dominic steered Jake into the other chair next to Tomaris, then sat down next to him.

  "I hope you had a good rest, Jake." Tomaris said, eyes sympathetic. "Have you found room in your heart to forgi
ve me?"

  "Dominic and I talked last night, Tomaris." Jake replied. "Now that I have had time to think about it, I understand why you did what you did. I still think I should have been told, but I don't hold that against you."

  "Thank you, Jake." Tomaris said. "There is more to your power that we will need to explore, but as I mentioned, I have to leave today. I regret that we must part, but I will send word to Jonas when I return, so you can come back to further your training." He looked over at Deepwood and nodded. Deepwood left the room, but returned shortly with a couple of soldiers carrying several pieces of armor. They placed them on the table, then left.

  "Since your armor was damaged, I wanted to present you with this to replace it." Tomaris said, gesturing to the armor. "You will need protection when you leave here."

  Jake picked up the breastplate, its metal shining, marveling how light it was. At Tomaris' urging, he put the breastplate on, the fit perfect, commenting on its lightness.

  "It is made from a special alloy that I found in my readings." Tomaris said. "Despite its light weight, it is stronger that steel and will stop most blades and arrows. Try on the rest." He said, indicating the other pieces.

  As Jake was putting on the matching vambraces and leggings, servants came in, bringing trays of food. Jake stood up, belting on his sword, looking down at the gleaming armor. Tomaris seemed pleased at Jake's reaction and pulled out an open-faced helm from under his chair and handed it to Jake. Jake put it on, surprised it fit so well. It also seemed to have no weight. He took it off and put it down on the table as he sat back down.

  "Thank you, Tomaris." Jake said, enthusiasm in his voice. "These are fantastic."

  "I am happy that you like them, Jake." Tomaris replied. He gestured at the food. "Please eat. We all have long days of travel in front of us."

  After they finished the meal, Tomaris rose from his chair, the others copying his example. "It is here that we must say goodbye for now." He said. "I must attend to some things before I go. I hope you won't mind that I will not see you off at the gates."

  He came over to Jake, taking his hand. "May the Light of the Creator shine on you, Jake. Remember our lessons as you venture forth. I will send word when I return." He thanked Dominic and wished him well, then left the room.

  Jake and Dominic went to their rooms to pack up their belongings. They headed back down to the stable area to find that Captain Deepwood had their horses saddled and ready to go. He also provided them with travel rations and extra feed for the horses. Deepwood had his own horse saddled and rode with them to the gates.

  As they stopped just outside the gates, Dominic reached over and extended his hand to Deepwood. "Thank you for your support, Moshanna. If I can ever be of assistance, please send a message."

  "Thank you, Dominic. I may take you up on that." Deepwood replied, shaking Dominic's hand. He gave a slight bow. "It was an honor to spar with you."

  With a final nod, Dominic spurred Shadow forward, Jake right behind. Jake looked back at the Keep, fixed it in his mind, then turn ahead, glad to be heading back to Sanduas.

  Standing alone on his balcony, Tomaris watched them go.

  ...

  In the late afternoon, far to the south, Keria was sitting pensive in her carriage, fanning herself while listening to the sounds of the soldiers marching alongside, providing her escort. She glanced out the window, bored, and saw they had entered the stretch of Forest that extended out to the southern highway. She turned back, Nataly sleeping across from her on the other seat, and returned to her thoughts. She was glad to be returning to Sanduas, despite the fun she had at her cousin's wedding. She just wished they could travel faster.

  Marcus had been furious when her father had forbidden him from accompanying her. Her father felt that there would be too much temptation to allow them to travel together, far from the capital. She was not going to argue with him since it had taken all of her persuasion just to get him to allow her to go to the wedding. She liked Marcus; he was very handsome and had made clear his feelings towards her. However, her thoughts had turned towards Jake.

  She mulled that over as she sat there. Jake was handsome, as well, but there was something about his bumbling innocence that attracted her. He seemed so earnest, well mannered and polite. Maybe it was the fact that he was an outsider, someone that could take her as she was, not what she was. Maybe it was because she knew her father disapproved. She had enjoyed the kiss they shared and hoped he received her letter. Maybe he will have returned by the time she arrived at the city.

  She was lost in those thoughts when the first scream sounded, a sharp cry of agony. It took her a moment to realize what it was, then more sounded, the carriage suddenly racing ahead. She looked out and saw that her personal guard had ridden up, surrounding her carriage, but through the small gaps, she saw the rest of her escorts fighting, the sound of weapons clashing reaching her ears.

  As she watched, a flight of arrows came arcing in, raking her guard. Both men and horses went down, their screams ringing in her ears. The carriage continued to race ahead as men were dying all around her.

  …

  Captain Armartas was riding nearly a half mile ahead of the main caravan, scouting the road. He did not trust this section of the highway, the gently rolling hills making it hard to keep the whole caravan in sight, with trees on both sides of the road. He had sent his scouts into the woods on both sides, but he had not heard any reports from them. He could see the edge of the Forest ahead, where the trees fell back and the highway went back into the open plains.

  He only agreed to come on this mission after he was asked personally by the king. He had not been thrilled about playing babysitter to the princess, especially since the king had sent dozens of solders, as well as cavalry and Royal Guards, to protect her.

  He slowed down, his two escort riders matching his pace, preparing to turn around when he heard the faint sounds of screams and fighting from behind. He wheeled his horse around and saw the caravan under attack, black arrows coming out of the trees on both sides of the road and half-men appearing, weapons in hand. The soldiers in the caravan were trying to form up when the half-men crashed into them, shattering the attempt at order. The cavalry was racing to their aid when arrows began to target them, horses and men falling. He could just make out the glowing figures of the clerics, near the royal carriage, eyes drawn by the streaks of dark fire that raced towards them.

  He was spurring his horse, charging back towards the caravan, riders at his side and sword in hand, when he saw one of the clerics take at least three arrows and fall out of her saddle, dead. The other two clerics were still fighting, their magic flaring out to destroy the nearest half-men. As Armartas raced closer, he saw a bolt of demon fire strike and consume a cleric's horse, the cleric tumbling to the ground. The cleric had barely gotten to his feet when he was run through by a half-man spear.

  Several half-men ran out of the woods in front of Armartas, weapons ready. He did not hesitate, but rode them down, his sword sweeping right and left, taking out two of them while his riders fought nearby.

  He started for another group close by when he felt a sudden burning, stabbing pain in his leg. He glanced down to see a black shaft of an arrow sticking out of his thigh. He tried to ignore the pain and spurred his horse forward when two more arrows flew out of the woods and stuck his horse. The horse reared, screaming, and fell to its side. With his leg injured, Armartas could not clear away from the saddle and the horse landed on his leg, shattering it and pinning him under its writhing body.

  He tried to force himself to ignore the excruciating pain as he reached for his sword, which had landed next to him. As he was stretching out his hand, a shadow fell over him. He whipped his head around to see a half-man next to him, a bloody axe raised over his head.

  Then the axe came down.

  …

  Keria was cowering in the carriage, terrified, when it came to a sudden stop and her door slammed open. She stifled a cry when she saw Costu
as, bloody, an arrow in his side, motioning her to exit. She grabbed Nataly's hand and jumped out.

  "Flee and hide in the woods, Princess." Costuas said through gritted teeth as he pointed to the dark trees nearby. "The caravan is lost. Make your way north as you can. I will stay and make them think you are still here. Go!"

  Keria started forward when she felt Nataly release her hand. She looked back at her and saw her reach over to pick up a fallen sword. "Go, Princess. I will stay with Costuas. Between us, we will give you the time to escape."

  Keria turned back, tears streaming down her face, and raced into the woods. She had only ran for a few moments when she heard Costuas cry out behind her, the ringing of metal on metal, then Nataly's wail of agony and the harsh laughter of half-men. She ran on, terror taken over, oblivious to her direction. She ran until she tripped over an exposed root. Hearing the half-men behind her, she saw a large group of bushes ahead and crawled into them, cowering, praying that it would hide her, trying not to even breathe.

  Suddenly, she went cold, an even greater terror rising up. The bushes abruptly parted and an Imp's face leaned in. "Greetings, Princess." It said, lips pulling back into a cruel smile, pointed teeth sharp and bright. "Get up and come with me. If you don't try anything foolish, I can guarantee your safety."

  Shaking from fear, Keria slowly stood up. She tried to gain control of herself, but her tears continued to flow. She shuddered when the demon grabbed her arm in its clawed hand, her flesh crawling where it touched her. It guided her back out to her carriage. She cried out and tried to avert her eyes as she saw the bodies of Costuas and Nataly, hacked and mangled. The Imp pulled her past them and pushed her into the carriage.

  "Stay here, Princess. You would not like what will happen if I have to chase you down." The demon said, then left to go over to a group of half-men, slowly torturing a couple of wounded soldiers.

  "You idiots, I need one of them alive!" The Imp yelled, striding over to them. It backhanded one of the half-men, the man's head seeming to cave in, body collapsing to the ground. It looked at the soldiers and selected the one that seemed the least injured, a young man not much older than Keria. The demon made a sharp gesture at the other soldier and a half-man killed him with the swing of his sword.