A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,88

sleep.

…

The next day went by quickly as Jake went about his routine. The morning flew by as he assisted Dern on a large project, getting to take some turns swinging the hammer at the hot metal under the watchful eye of Helman. After hammering away for a while, Jake could see how Norlan got his huge arms. It was tiring work, but Helman kept the sessions short, so Jake did not overtax himself.

Dominic kept his promise about the short session, even though Jake felt that it was more intense and focused than any before. Dominic seemed determined to milk every second out of the session. His practice sword seemed to move faster than ever and Jake was hard-pressed to parry even half the attacks. His arms and hands were throbbing when Dominic called a halt. Despite the pain, Jake was pleased that he had not lost his sword once.

Even with the short session, Hailyn was waiting under the tree when they finished. Jake noticed for the first time that Dominic's saddlebags were next to the tree. Her presence seemed to annoy Dominic, but he did not say anything to her about it, just slung his saddlebags over his shoulder. Like yesterday, she asked Jake if he needed healing. Jake declined, conscious of Dominic's eyes on him. Hailyn gave a little smile and shrug and joined them as they walked to the stables.

Dominic led them around to the front of the stables where Armartas' office was located. When they arrived, Armartas was outside talking with a couple of soldiers. Once they joined him, Armartas dismissed the soldiers and turned to greet them.

"Dominic, Jake, Hailyn." Armartas said, greeting them in turn. "I'm especially glad to see you, Hailyn. I was about to send to the Temple for a cleric. We have a horse that came up lame during training. Would you be willing to look at him?"

"Of course, Captain." Hailyn said, concern in her eyes.

"I apologize for the delay, Dominic. I will return as quickly as possible." Armartas said to Dominic, gesturing towards Jake.

"No apologies are needed, Armartas." Dominic replied, making a small gesture with his hand. "The boy can help me saddle Shadow while you attend to this. He will meet you over at Dontas' stall."

"Are you going outside the walls?" Armartas asked.

"Yes. I thought to do a patrol to the southeast." Dominic replied. "I have been in the city too long and I need to exercise Shadow anyway."

"So, you won't be back before the gates close?" Armartas asked, even though it seemed more of a statement than a question. "Can I ask your path in case you are needed?"

"I will leave by the east gate and head to the foothills. I will work my way south from there." Dominic said.

"I understand. Safe journey, then." Armartas said. Jake thought he heard something more, something unspoken, in that statement, but did not know how to ask. Hailyn and Armartas left to see to the injured horse, while Jake followed Dominic to Shadow's stable.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Jake asked impulsively. "I can always practice my riding with you."

Dominic turned his head at Jake's question. "I'll be fine, boy." He replied, sarcastically. "I have managed on my own without a nursemaid for quite a while."

As soon as he said it, Dominic saw the disappointment and embarrassment on Jake's face. He said more gently. "It was a kind offer. The truth of it is that you are not yet ready. Also, you cannot do better than Armartas to train you in riding." He gave Jake a gentle slap on the back. "Don't worry. There will be opportunities for you to accompany me once you have some more training under your belt."

They finished the walk to Shadow's stall in silence. With Jake helping, hauling out the armor sections as Dominic attached them to Shadow, they had Shadow armored and saddled quickly. Jake noticed that Shadow seemed to become more animated, stomping his hooves, snorting and shaking his head, as the armor was put on. He asked Dominic about it.

"He has been trained to be aggressive in battle." Dominic replied, as he continued to check the straps and cinches. "He knows to stay calm in the stable, but once the armor goes on, he expects combat. Also, he has not had much activity this last week. He will calm again once I get him moving."

Dominic locked up the tack room, gave everything one last check, then slung his saddlebags and swung into the