assist us. I am sure that his letter explains it better that I can." He handed Tomaris Jonas' letter.
"No need to be so formal, young Dominic." Tomaris said kindly, taking the parchment. "I have long heard of your exploits, so you honor me with your presence." Dominic gave him a nod and a slight smile at being called young.
"I know that you are familiar with the boy and his tale." Dominic continued, gesturing towards Jake. "This matter concerns him."
"Ah, this is the child Jonas wrote about." Tomaris said. He held out his hand to Jake. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Jake."
"Thank you." Jake replied as he shook Tomaris' hand. "I'm glad to meet you."
Tomaris did not release Jake's hand immediately, but his eyes took on a slightly unfocused look. Jake could feel a tingling sensation run up his arm and spread throughout his body. It was not unpleasant, just very odd. Thankfully, it only lasted a few moments and Tomaris let his hand go.
Tomaris smiled at Jake, a warm and friendly smile. He gestured at the table and said. "Why don't we sit down and you can tell me your story while we have some food brought up."
Jake took a seat next to Tomaris, Dominic sitting on the other side of Jake and Deepwood on Tomaris' other side. After a quick glance at Dominic, who nodded, he started from that day at school. Tomaris would stop him from time to time with questions. He seemed most curious about the light that brought Jake here, tapping his chin as he had Jake describe it several times. As Jake finished, Tomaris sat there in silence, clearly thinking about what he just heard.
In that silence, the doors opened and servants came in with food and drinks. They quickly served the food to each of them, the remainder of the food placed on the table, and left. Tomaris gestured to the food, as he broke the seal on the letter and began to read. "Please eat while I read Jonas' letter, then we can talk."
Jake found the food to be delicious, especially after a few days on travel rations. They ate in silence, waiting for Tomaris. Jake finished his plate quickly and looked longingly at the extra food, which Deepwood pushed over to him with a smile. "There is plenty. Eat until you are content."
Jake was finishing his second plate when Tomaris set the letter down. He looked over at Jake, eyes kind. "First, child, since my letter to Jonas, I have not found any new information on how you were brought here or how to send you home. I am continuing to study the issue, but so far the answer eludes me." Jake nodded, not really expecting anything different.
"Since we do not yet know how to send you home, we need to address this power you demonstrated." Tomaris continued. "It is not dangerous to you, so you can rest easy about that. Jonas was correct; I can teach you to access and control it, but it will take some time." He leaned over to Deepwood. "Please go and have quarters set up for Jake and Dominic here in the Keep." Deepwood nodded and left the hall.
"This power can be a very potent defense against the demons, Jake." Tomaris said, turning back. "Once you master it, it will give you the ability, like the clerics, to face the demons and survive."
"Do you know why the demons want me?" Jake asked hesitantly, not sure he really wanted the answer.
"I have a theory, but first, how much do you know about them?" Tomaris replied.
"Just what Jonas told me." Jake stated.
"Let me tell you what I know." Tomaris said, his face taking on a distant look. "As Jonas told you, I have an extensive library. I have availed myself over these long years to study our enemies. The ancient writings confirm that the demons were once servants of the Creator, or the One as most know Him."
"In the time before time, the Creator decided to make all that we now know. Before He began, with His thought, He created servants and helpers, those spirits that would help with His creation. Understand, these creatures were created and existed in the spiritual realm with Him since the physical plane did not yet exist. He explained their role in His creation to them. To this purpose, all were given powers, some vast while others less."
"He then stretched forth His hand and created the universe. As space and time