Sword of Light (7 page)

“When they return, I will speak with them about what honors I can bestow.”  The king said.  He looked over at Jake, waving at his glowing power.  “Why do you need your magic, Jake Thomas?  There are none here that will harm you.”

“Jake weakened himself when he saved me, Father.”  Keria interjected as Jake struggled to figure out a way to explain it.  “He needs his power for strength until Brother Jonas returns and find a way to help him.”

The king looked closer and saw the damage done to Jake.  When he spoke again, his voice was grateful.  “I will not forget what you have done for Sanduas and for me.  I am in your debt for saving my daughter’s life.  If you need anything, come to me and it will be provided.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”  Jake said, bowing slightly.  “I am simply happy that Keria is safe.”  He glanced over at Marcus and Hailyn.  “Also, I can’t take all of the credit.  Keria would not be free if I did not have Dominic, Jonas, Marcus and Hailyn with me.”

“Such modesty does you credit, Jake.”  The king replied.  “Nevertheless, the offer stands.”

He straightened and looked out across the hall.  “This audience is at an end.”  He pronounced.  “My council will meet mid-morning to discuss the celebrations.  Good night to you all.”  With that, he turned and led Keria off towards his private chamber.  Keria looked back at the group and gave them a small wave before disappearing through the doors.

Jake could feel his legs starting to quiver as they turned and started towards the main doors.  They were almost to the press of people leaving the hall when a man’s voice called out behind them.  “Marcus.”

Marcus stopped and turned around, Jake and Hailyn doing the same.  Jake saw a handsome older man approaching, tall and lean, with gray-streaked dark curly hair, dressed in fine clothes.  Jake could not help but think that this is how Marcus would look later in life, so similar was the man in appearance.

Walking next to him was a strikingly beautiful woman, almost as tall as the man, dressed in a dark silk dress that clung to her body.  Jake guessed she was in her early forties, her porcelain face still smooth, but hints of fine lines around her dark eyes and red lips, with wisps of gray visible in her long, dark hair.  While she was physically attractive, Jake got a sense of coldness radiating from her, a feeling of aloofness to the plight of others.  Maybe it was the lack of warmth in her eyes when she looked at Marcus or the neutral appearance on her face, but Jake immediately felt he would not want to be the person to cross her.

“Father.”  Marcus said to the man.  He gave a slight bow to the woman.  “Mother.”

“We were pleased to hear that you accompanied the quest to free the princess, son.”  Lord Marcelas said as he came up and hugged Marcus.  “You have brought great honor to our house.”

He stepped back and Marcus’ mother came forward.  Lady Arelia did not embrace her son, but simply touched his face.  “I am glad to see you unharmed, Marcus.”  She did not sound like a concerned mother or particularly glad to Jake.  “It appears that your training here in the city, while keeping you from home, has been worthwhile.”

“More like he had the magic-wielders to protect him.”  A tall man behind Marcus’ parents spat, looking at Marcus.  He was in his twenties, dressed in mail with a sword belted on.  While he took after his mother, he still closely resembled Marcus, so Jake figured out who he was before he said with contempt in his eyes.  “Isn’t that right, brother?”

Marcus frowned at that, meeting his brother’s stare, eyes angry, but simply said.  “If you say so, brother.”

Jake, feeling uncomfortable being caught in this family dynamic, looked at Hailyn, trying to subtly motion with his eyes that they should leave.  Before they could start moving, Lord Marcelas spoke, disappointment and anger clear in his voice.  “Rolas, that was unkind and beneath you.  Do not belittle Marcus’ accomplishment, especially in front of his comrades.”  After waiting until Rolas sullenly nodded, Lord Marcelas turned and looked expectantly at Jake and Hailyn.

“Father, as you heard, this is Jake Thomas and Sister Hailyn.”  Marcus said, gesturing towards them and breaking the stare with his brother.  “They both showed great courage in the face of our enemies.  Without both of them, it is likely that our mission would have failed.”

“I extend the thanks of our house to you as well.”  Lord Marcelas said urbanely as he extended his hand to Jake.  Jake took it, noticing the firm grip and calloused hands.  Lord Marcelas gave a slight bow to Hailyn.  “You will always find welcome at our hold as honored comrades of Marcus.”

“I would add my thanks, as well.”  Lady Arelia said, her dark eyes focused on Jake.  Jake felt uncomfortable as she looked at him, those cold eyes studying him.  “I am glad that Marcus has such friends.”

“Thank you, my lord and lady.”  Hailyn replied with a nod of her head.  “You honor us.  I know that you want to catch up with your son and I need to get Jake home to rest, so we will take our leave of you.”

“Of course.”  Lord Marcelas said.  “Good night, Sister.  Jake.”  He headed towards the doors, his wife and Rolas following him.

Marcus lingered for a moment.  “If you need me, send a message and I will come.”  He said, looking at Jake.  “I assume you will be with the Mastersmith and his family?”

“Yes.”  Jake said.

“Until then, good night.”  Marcus said to them and left to follow his family.

Jake and Hailyn made their way back outside, the pace slow as Jake felt his strength begin to fade.  By the time the grooms brought the wagon to the entrance, his legs were quivering.  He gratefully climbed into the wagon, sweating from his efforts to stay upright, and let his power go.

It only took a few minutes to ride over to Norlan’s house, finding warm light streaming from the windows.  Jake was surprised to see Norlan, Madalin and Cherise sitting on the front porch, Maxis laying at Cherise’s feet.  They stood as the wagon approached, Maxis rising and placing himself between them and the gate.  When Hailyn stopped the wagon and called out a greeting to the family, Jake used his magic again, slowly climbing out of the wagon.  He took slow hesitant steps towards the gate, Hailyn hovering close by.  He made it just inside the gate when Maxis collided with him, knocking him to the ground.  Jake cold not help but laugh as he found himself trying to push the dog away as Maxis happily licked his face.

“Get off him, you dumb dog.”  Norlan said good-naturedly as he pulled Maxis away, allowing Jake to get back to his feet.

Madalin, tears of joy in her eyes, threw her arms around him, pulling him close, her hug tight.  Once she finally released him, Cherise came up and gave him a quick hug, a smile on her face.  Jake was glad to see that she was better spirits than when he last saw her.

“We heard that your party had returned, but we were not allowed into the palace grounds.”  Norlan said, still holding onto Maxis, whose tail was wagging enthusiastically.  “We hoped that you would return here after the nobles finished with you.”

“What’s happened to you, Jake?”  Madalin asked, alarm in her voice as she looked closely at Jake’s face.  Her eyes were worried as she carefully reached up and touched the white streaks in his hair.

“Something happened when I was using my magic to try to rescue the princess.”  Jake said, grateful for her concern.  “Jonas is not completely sure how it happened and has to research the issue before he can do anything about it.”

“Where is he, by the way?”  Norlan asked.  “I expected either he or Dominic to be with you.”

“It is a long story.”  Jake replied.  He gestured towards the house.  “Let’s go sit down and we can tell you what happened.”

“Of course, Jake.”  Madalin said, gently holding onto his arm.  She walked next to him as they headed back to the house.  Maxis barked unhappily as he was left outside while the others went inside, settling in at the kitchen table.

Madalin brought over some fruit and water as Jake and Hailyn told them everything that happened since they left the city.  They described the battle at the demons’ lair and explained what they knew of Jake’s infirmity.  Hailyn spoke about why the clerics could not yet help Jake.  They finished with Keria sending Dominic and Jonas against the demons and of their return journey to the city.

“That is enough for now; we have plenty of time to talk.”  Madalin said firmly, standing and ending the conversation.  “You should go to your room and get some rest, Jake.  I will make sure that you are not disturbed.”  Based on the look on her face, Jake pitied the person who tried to disturb him.

Madalin looked over at Hailyn, studying her.  “You need rest as well, Hailyn.”

“I do.”  Hailyn said as she stood.  “I also need to get the wagon and horses back to the Temple.  I will come by tomorrow to check on Jake.”  She started for the door.  “The blessings of the One be upon you.”

“Let me see you out.”  Norlan said and joined Hailyn as she went out the front door.

“To your room, Jake.”  Madalin said determinedly.  Jake gave her a smile and stood, moving towards the back door, Madalin accompanying him.

The night air was cool and the stars were shining brightly as he crossed the patio and entered his room.  Once he was inside, Madalin asked if he needed anything.  “Some water would be nice.”  Jake answered and she left to get him a pitcher.

After he had unbelted his sword, hanging it from a peg in the wall, and gratefully sat down on his bed, the curtain pulled back and Norlan entered with his saddlebags over his shoulder, Maxis sticking his head in as well.  “Hailyn said these were yours.”  Norlan said as he put them on the stool in the corner.

“Thanks, Norlan.”  Jake said, yawning.  Feeling the comfort of the bed under him, sleep called to him.  “Would you mind helping me to get out of my armor?”

“Of course.”  Norlan said, coming over and assisting Jake in undoing his armor straps.  Once Jake removed it, Norlan took the armor and stacked it neatly next to the saddlebags.

“I am so glad to see you again, Jake.”  Norlan said as he turned back, his voice thick with emotion.  “I have prayed for your safe return.”  He came over and embraced Jake, his powerful arms holding him tight.  “I told you that you have become like a son to me.”

“I am glad to be back.”  Jake said when Norlan, looking somewhat embarrassed by his emotional display, released him.  “I don’t think I would be able to deal with all this without you and Madalin.”

“It has been our pleasure.”  Norlan said kindly as he made to leave.  “Get some sleep.”  He paused at the doorway, looking back.  “We will do whatever is needed to find a way to help you get better.”  With that, he left.

After Madalin returned with the water, then left, blowing out the candles as she went, Jake pulled off his clothes and climbed into bed.  He released his magic, weariness quickly spreading through his body.  He began to drift off when he heard the curtain move.  He looked over to see Maxis enter the room.  The dog came over and laid his head on the bed next to Jake.  Jake was startled that he could feel that strange crawling sensation when Maxis was close.

After a quick nudge against Jake with his head, Maxis moved away and lay down, curling up at the foot of the bed.  The sensation faded once Maxis moved, but as Jake thought about it, he realized that he had not felt that sensation from anyone when he had been holding his magic.  He began to consider what that could mean, but exhaustion overtook him and he faded off into sleep.

C
HAPTER
F
IVE

The clash of steel against steel reverberated off the wall surrounding the training area as Marcus parried the sword blow aimed at his head and closed with his opponent, a young man encased in the armor of the Royal Guard, with an open-faced helm atop his head and a shield on his left arm.  He slammed his shield into his opponent’s, driving the young man back.  He thrust his sword into the small opening in his opponent’s guard as the young man tried to recover his balance.  His opponent parried the blow just in time, but could not avoid Marcus’ shield when he swung it again.  The young man tried to raise his own shield to block it, but was too slow and Marcus’ blow hit him in his helm and sent him tumbling to the ground, losing his grip on his sword.  Marcus closed with him, bringing his sword overhead for the finishing blow.

“I yield!”  The young man cried, raising his empty sword hand, a look of fear on his face as he saw the fire in Marcus’ eyes.

Marcus stopped, cursing under his breath, lowering his sword and shaking his head. 
I let Rolas get under my skin again.
  He thought bitterly to himself.  He sheathed his sword and offered his opponent a hand to help him up.

“I thought you were going to take my head off.”  The young man said as his took Marcus’ hand.  “Do I owe you money I have forgotten about?”

“I apologize, Daen.”  Marcus said, pulling the young man to his feet.  “I had a long night and let my emotions get the better of me.”

“Next time, let me know when you are in that kind of mood and I will have Nathen spar with you.”  Daen replied, taking off his helm and rubbing his head, indicating the other young man leaning against the rails on the edge of the training area.

“I warned you that he looked like he was out for blood.”  Nathen called over with a laugh.  “You are just too bull-headed to heed my advice.”

Marcus grinned slightly at that as he and Daen walked over to Nathen.  These two were his closest friends amongst the Royal Guard.  They had been in the same training class when Marcus first arrived in the city.  Both Daen and Nathen had graduated and taken their place in the ranks while Marcus continued to train.  Marcus was not allowed to actually join the Guard, due to his rank and position, though he was unofficially inducted by the Guardsmen, allowing him to share in the camaraderie and close bond that developed between the soldiers.

His friendship with these two was surprising given their different backgrounds.  Daen, close to Marcus in height and size, with a tanned face, light brown hair and green eyes, was a farmer’s son.  His family, as they had for many generations, farmed a small holding in the southwest of the country.  With four older brothers and one sister to carry on the farming tradition, Daen’s father decided that he wanted a different life for his youngest son and sent him to the capital to apprentice a trade.  Much to his father’s dismay, Daen decided to join the Royal Guard instead.  Marcus knew of no other recruit that had worked as hard and diligently as Daen, who held himself to the highest standard.  While Daen had not excelled at the combat arts, he was smart and as capable as any in the Guard.