you, but… Well, you are just a boy. You are my age. You are not from this land and, from what I hear from others, your life so far has been a comfortable one in your world, free from peril or danger. And yet, I have watched you closely since we met Jake, you were as calm when you were attacked as the most experienced of our warriors. You showed no fear or hesitation. You reacted as a great warrior would have. You wield that sword of yours with the skill of Knesh. And you seem somehow to have his understanding and knowledge of warfare. How is all that possible?” she asked, in her soft voice. “It is not… Well, natural.”
Jake thought about it for a brief moment before reaching the inevitable conclusion that she was right. ‘I’d probably be asking the same questions of her, if the roles were reversed.’ he thought. He shrugged his shoulders a little as he replied.
“Listen, to tell you the truth, Princess, I don’t really know what to say to ya. I mean, a lot of what is happening, what has happened, is as much of a surprise to me as anyone else. I can’t explain it properly but, I know it isn’t me doing all these things. It’s the stones. All this fighting, the confidence I have all of a sudden. I’m not that person, really. It’s the stones, they’ve changed me. I’m doing things, saying things, that I would never have done before I opened that box. They’ve changed me completely. Actually, it’s really scary if I stop and think about it. Believe me, I’m trying my hardest not to think about it, Princess! Something happened to me when I found that box. And I really don’t know how to undo it.” answered Jake, as he stared into Zephany’s eyes. “…To be totally honest with ya, I’m not even sure I want to undo it. Aaghhh, I can’t believe I’ve just said that!” he added, amazed by his own admission.
“Chaarr. I am not sure you are giving yourself enough credit, Jake.” Zephany replied. “From what I understand, the stones can only bring out what was already inside of you. Do not be so quick to dismiss your own part in all of this. The things you have already achieved. You can gain knowledge and skill instantly, I grant you. But the way you talk to people, the way you inspire confidence in those around you, the trust that others seem to place in you so readily, despite your age... No Jake, the stones cannot give you that. All of that, is down to you!”
Jake blushed a little and smiled coyly. Princess Zephany was a bright, intelligent and confident young girl. ‘You know, I bet you would be tremendous fun to be around in different circumstances,’ he thought, ‘a real livewire. And you’my age, in another time or place?’ He quickly shook his head to dismiss the idea as soon as it entered his mind, deciding that he already had enough to worry about at the moment without complicating things further.
“Whatever your secret is, Jake, there is no doubt to all of us now that you truly are the Keeper. We all must bow to your knowledge and skill now. Even those of us of royal blood will willingly serve you, it is clearly in our best interests. You only have to command us and we will follow you. I have seen the influence you have had on my people first hand, it cannot be denied, and I believe that you will help them, help us. I make this vow to you now, Jake; my sword and bow are yours. I am glad that you have come to Rhuaddan and I truly believe that together, we will achieve great things.” Zephany added, smiling broadly as she leant forward to kiss him gently on the cheek.
Jake couldn’t stop himself from blushing further at the sudden show of affection from the young Princess. As she pulled away from him he allowed his mind to wonder again if there could possibly have been more to it. Affection perhaps? For the briefest of moments their eyes met and there was an uneasy, awkward silence between them. It ended when their attention was suddenly drawn to one of the stone buildings which surrounded the courtyard. Two of the young soldiers who had stayed with Arralf when the remaining defenders of the fortress had fled, emerged triumphantly from the