Sword of Light (15 page)

“Child, this is a dangerous undertaking.”  Tomaris began.  “If I was younger and could endure the physical demands of this quest, I would accompany you.  Since I cannot, you must rely on your strength and power.  Even if you remain undetected, you may still face challenges that will test you to your limits.  Remember what you are trying to accomplish and have faith in yourself.”

“However, you must learn to control your fear.”  He continued.  “I believe that your fear is what triggered the intertwining of your life force with your power.  Jonas told me of what happened that caused you to touch that force.  Both times it sounded as if you were frightened enough that the fear overwhelmed you.  I know that Dominic has tried to train you to keep fighting even when afraid.  That control is the same with your power.”

“I admit I was scared out of my mind, but all I did was try to gain more power.  I didn’t do anything different.”  Jake stated, looking down at his hands, seeing the unnatural paleness.  “I still don’t understand what you and Jonas mean by my life force.”

“Your life force is that which animates your physical body.”  Tomaris explained.  “I have told you that man is a creature of two worlds, the physical and spiritual.  The life force is a gift of Light from the Creator that provides the energy that powers your body while binding your spirit to your mortal form.  But you should know that it is a finite resource.  As we age, it slowly dissipates, causing the body to weaken and that spiritual binding to become frayed.  Once it is exhausted, the body dies, the bond disappears and our spirits returns to the Creator.”

“In some way, you are able to tap into it.”  He continued.  “Since it is pure Light, it is very powerful against the forces of Darkness.  But, as you know, there is a cost for using it.  If you use too much, then you will die.”

“You have been lucky so far.”  Tomaris stated.  “In the first instance, you had Jonas nearby to succor you.  You had your friends to bring you out the second time.  I will be able to help you now, but once you only have Hailyn with you, a third use may mean that either you or she will die.  That is why I urge you to gain control of your fear since fear is the trigger.  I will not say that you may not face a situation where that use will be required to defeat your foes, but if you use it, know that it will likely kill you.”

“How do I keep from using it, then?”  Jake asked.  “Controlling fear is easier said than done.”

“Unfortunately, I cannot help you there.  Only you can control your fear, Jake.”  Tomaris said understandingly.  “You must hold onto courage and calmness in the face of danger.  Keep in the forefront of your mind something like home, or perhaps someone special, that would be lost if you cannot control your fear and are killed.”

Tomaris rose to leave.  “If you wish to say farewell to your friends here, I would encourage you to do that.”  He said kindly, eyes compassionate.  “Your fate is unclear, but whatever results this quest brings, it is unlikely that you will return.”  With that, he turned and left.

Jake released his magic, sagging against the wall, and thought about all that had been said.  His emotions were jumbled and conflicting.  He felt excited, nervous and sad at the thought of leaving, but was troubled by the ribbon of fear that twisted in his mind as he contemplated embarking on a quest that would be full of dangers.

…

The next day passed quickly for Jake.  Knowing that he may never see them again, he got up early and went with Norlan to the smithy to spend some time with Dern and Almos.  The walk was tiring, but he tried to stay engaged for their sake.  He spent a couple of hours talking with them, catching up on all that happened since he left.  When Norlan suggested that he go back to the house, he said his goodbyes, politely telling them that he would try to return after he finishes at the Keep, keeping the finality of his departure to himself.  They had been good friends to him when he needed friends, so it was a slow and sad walk back to the house.

He then spent the rest of the day with Cherise and Madalin.  They had been told that he was returning to the Keep so Tomaris could find a way to heal him.  They paid close attention to him, fussing over him really, and already teary-eyed regarding his departure.  Jake tried to put on a brave face, not wanting them to worry.

When Norlan returned in the early evening, Dominic was with him.  Jake noticed that he had a different breastplate on, one that looked like his old one.  Jake asked him about it.

“You have a good eye, boy.”  Dominic replied.  “This is my old armor.  I recovered it after we had cleared the demons’ fortress.  It was custom-made for me and I wanted to see if Norlan could pound out the dent and fix the straps.  I had gone to the smithy this morning, arriving shortly after you left, hoping that something could be done.  We were discussing it when Jonas and Tomaris arrived at the smithy.  I am not sure what he did, but with Tomaris’ help, Norlan was able to repair it.”

“I think the old man used some magic.”  Norlan stated, scratching his head.  “Reheating forged metal is tricky; done incorrectly, it can ruin the strength of the metal.  I did not think that I could possibly get it done before tomorrow.  When Tomaris said he could help me with it, I was skeptical.  But he did something, standing there with his eyes closed, for the metal seemed to become almost like clay.  I was able to repair it and it cooled quickly, quicker than it should have.  Dern and Almos made the new straps while I worked.”  He shook his head in wonder.  “I would swear that the steel is as strong as it ever was.”  He barked a short laugh.  “If I could hire him, I would make a fortune.”

“We’ll find out how well it is done when it has to stop the first arrow or sword thrust.”  Dominic said sardonically.  “But I am glad to have proper fitting armor again.”

Dominic accepted Madalin’s invitation to stay for dinner.  While Jake and Cherise played with Maxis, Norlan and Dominic sat on the porch benches, talking quietly.  With the daylight fading in the west, Tomaris’ carriage appeared at the gate.  Jonas and Tomaris stepped down and entered the yard.  Maxis ran over to Tomaris, stopping and sniffing him, shaking his head as if he could not understand the scent.  Tomaris smiled down at the dog and petted him.  When Jonas and Tomaris joined the other men on the benches, Jake was surprised that Maxis lay down and studied Tomaris, appearing to be puzzling out who he was.

Madalin came out, seeing the newcomers and asking if they would like to join them for dinner.  When Jonas agreed, she called Cherise inside to help her.  Jake sat down next to Dominic, absently listening as the men made small talk about the weather and the going-ons of the city.

The meal was delicious as usual.  Once they finished eating, Dominic departed to finish gathering supplies for the trip.  As he left, he told Jake that Hailyn would take Dontas as her mount on the way to the Keep.

“I think Jake should pack and get some rest.”  Jonas said gently as he stood.  “They will be leaving early in the morning.”  He looked at Norlan and Madalin.  “Tomaris and I need to speak to Jake about some aspects of his condition.  We will accompany him to his room to discuss it privately.”

Night had settled over the city as they crossed the patio.  Once they were inside Jake’s room, Tomaris again created that shimmering of air to safeguard the room.  Satisfied, he turned to Jake.  “Lie down and release your magic, child.  We are going to try to heal you now.”

Jake complied, stretching out on the bed and letting go of his power.  He immediately felt that strange crawling sensation radiating from the two men.  As before, the sensation suddenly ceased from Tomaris as he approached Jake.

“Jonas.”  Tomaris said.  “What I need for you to do is surround Jake and I with your power, as much as you can wield.  You do not need to do anything, but be prepared for me to draw on it.  Do you understand?”

“I understand.”  Jonas said, his form shining brightly as he called up his power.

“Close you eyes and relax, child.”  Tomaris said gently as he sat down next to Jake.  His eyes took on a far-away look as he laid his hand on Jake’s forehead.  “Now, Jonas.”

Jonas sent his magic to surround the two, drawing as much as he could through his staff, dazzling the air.  He watched as the two remained encased in his power.  Suddenly, the air around the two flared into a brilliant white light, almost blinding in intensity, overwhelming his own light.  Jonas felt his power suddenly rushing through him, unable to stop the flow as it swirled around Jake and Tomaris.  He held on, serving as a conduit of power, the magic sweeping through him like a river of Light.

As quickly as it began, the light disappeared and the pull of his magic stopped, leaving Jonas panting and a bit light-headed.  Tomaris fell back, stumbling off the bed and slipping onto the floor, the wall preventing him from collapsing completely.  Jonas moved to him when he saw blood flowing from his nose and his eyes seemed unfocused.  Jonas knelt and sent his magic into him, soothing waves of healing.

Tomaris blinked, rousing, and shook his head.  “Thank you, friend Jonas.”  He said wearily.  “I fear that I misjudged what was needed to heal Jake.”

Jonas looked over to see Jake sit up, his hair without a trace of white, his body and complexion normal.  He breathed a sigh of relief, then reached over and sent a probe of magic into Jake, assessing his condition.  Jonas let his power go when he knew that Jake was healed.

“That was not something I want to do again.”  Jake said.  “I can’t really describe it, but it wasn’t exactly pleasant.”  He shook his head and looked over to Tomaris, seeing the blood.  “Are you alright?”  He asked hurriedly.

“I am fine, child.”  Tomaris replied.  He pushed himself to his feet, swaying slightly.  “However, I do need sleep to recover fully.”

“We will go back to the Temple.”  Jonas said.  “I will make sure that you are not disturbed.”

Tomaris nodded and looked back at Jake.  “Do you have a cloak or something that can hide your face?”  Tomaris asked Jake.

“I have my hoodie.”  Jake replied, confused.

“That will work for tonight.”  Tomaris stated.  “If you need to leave this room, use it and your power.  Remember that you are supposed to be in your previous condition.  If Jonas is right about the spies, then you must continue to act as if you are infirm until we are safely away.”

“I understand.”  Jake said.

“I will tell Norlan and Madalin that you should be left alone tonight.”  Jonas said.  “You will have a chance to say goodbye in the morning.  I will also make sure you have a hooded cloak tomorrow.”

“You should say your farewells now.”  Tomaris said quietly to them both.  “You cannot have any contact in the morning.  I will wait for you outside, Jonas.”  He held onto the doorframe as he slowly departed, the door curtain closing behind him.

“Jonas, I cannot begin to thank you for everything you have done for me.”  Jake began, trying to clear his throat, feeling it tighten.  “You made me feel welcome, set me up with Norlan and Madalin, and have been here for me when I needed you.”  He paused, voice breaking slightly.  “I will never forget you.”

“I will not forget you as well, Jake.”  Jonas said, pulling Jake into a hug.  “I have given thanks to the One that you came to us.  I now pray that you will be successful and return safely to your home and family.”

Jake returned the hug for a moment, then Jonas released him.  “Take care of Hailyn and keep her safe, Jake.”  Jonas said seriously, eyes shining from unshed tears.

“I will do my best.”  Jake replied.

Patting Jake on the shoulder for the last time, Jonas turned and followed Tomaris out.

Jake sat down, feeling the sense of loss already.  He went through the pain of being separated from his family and friends when he arrived and was now facing the same with his new friends. 
Dwelling on it is not going to help
.  He told himself. 
Get up and do something.

He stood up, relishing his new strength, grabbed his saddlebags and began to pack.

C
HAPTER
T
EN

Jake was awake, dressed in his armor and sword, when Dominic strode into his room.  It was still dark outside, an hour or so before sunrise.  He had not slept much the night before, tossing and turning as his mind raced with imagined possibilities and dangers.  Despite his recovery, he was nervous as he knew that confrontations with the demons and half-men lay ahead of him.  After the battle with Creatos, he felt pretty confidant that he had the power to withstand most demons one-on-one.  However, it was a near impossibility that the Guardian’s sword would be guarded by only one demon.  How he and Hailyn could locate and safely gain access to it troubled him throughout the night.  Hopefully, Tomaris would have further instructions to assist them.

He was also somewhat anxious about traveling with Hailyn.  They were close, but he had never actually spent that much time alone with a girl before.  They would be on their own, trying to stay out of sight for the most part.  That meant sharing a camp, likely a small one, and dealing with their bodily needs along the way.  He just hoped that he would not embarrass himself.

“Are you ready, boy?”  Dominic said as he tossed a cloak with a hood towards him.  “Jonas was granted leave by the king to have the gate opened to allow us to leave before the sun rises.”

Jake hurriedly put the cloak on over his armor as Dominic picked up his saddlebags.  “Remember, you are supposed to be weakened.”  He said as he slung them over his shoulder.  “Pull up the hood and walk slow.”  Dominic turned and left.

Jake called up his magic as he pulled the hood over his head, his form shining brightly, bathing the room in an azure light.  He slowly turned, trying to etch the room into his memory.  It had been a good place to stay, as close to a home as he would have here.  Sighing, he tried to shrug off the slight melancholy that descended on him, straightened his shoulders and went outside.

Looking across the yard, he saw Tomaris’ carriage on the other side of the gate, lighted by the torches in his soldiers’ hands.  Dominic was in front of the carriage, already astride Shadow, speaking quietly with Deepwood.  As he slowly made his way towards the carriage, he saw Hailyn sitting on Dontas, her gaze on him.  She was dressed in brown leggings and boots, with a cowled robe, belted at the waist, which only extended to mid-thigh to allow her legs more freedom of movement.  Next to her was a similarly dressed male cleric, who looked to be in his mid-twenties, with medium-length dark hair and an easy smile on his face, sitting comfortably on a chestnut-colored horse.