A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,142

to come with me. Please bring your armor, but you can leave your sword."

Jake did not hesitate, but went over and grabbed his breastplate. "Should I get Dominic?" He asked when he returned.

"No, Jake. This matter is for you alone." Tomaris said quietly. He turned and began to walk back down the hallway.

Jake shrugged on his breastplate as he closed his door and followed Tomaris. He worked on the buckles as they made their way back down to Tomaris' study. Once inside, Tomaris went over to a shelf and did something Jake could not see. He was startled when the bookshelf slid to the side, revealing a rough-cut passageway.

Tomaris gestured and a small ball of light, similar to the ones in the main hall, appeared in the air above him. Tomaris looked back at Jake with an unreadable expression on his face and motioned him to follow. Tomaris headed into the tunnel, Jake right behind. After they were inside, the shelf slid back into place with a wooden thump, the tunnel turning dark, the only light the glowing ball.

"Where are we going?" Jake asked, starting to feel a little nervous.

"I will explain when we get there, child." Tomaris said as he set a surprisingly quick pace. They went down the tunnel, the soft sound of their feet magnifying and echoing as they moved. The tunnel sloped downward, so Jake knew they were heading deeper into the mountain.

After around ten minutes of following that small ball of light, Jake could see another light source glowing ahead. After walking down that dark rough tunnel, it was a shock when they turned a corner and stepped into a long and wide hallway with a smooth floor. There were three large iron-bound doors on each side of the hallway and another at the end. The one at the end was glowing with a golden-white light that lit the hall.

Tomaris walked down that that door, then turned to face Jake, lined face serious. "Jake, I have brought you here for a final test." He said solemnly. "I have a task that will require me to leave for a period of time. I depart tomorrow and you and Dominic will return to Sanduas." He reached over to grasp Jake's arm. "You have made good progress in learning your power, but I have to know that you are ready before I go."

He turned back and gestured towards the glowing door. "Through that door lies a test that only you can face. You will have to master your fears while controlling your power." He paused, then spoke again, voice serious and sad. "There is also danger, child. This test will put you at risk, both physically and mentally. You must hold your courage and be prepared to defend yourself. Do you understand?"

Jake, still unsure of what was happening, was silent for a moment. "I understand what you said." He finally replied. "But why do I need this test?"

"It is a critical test." Tomaris stated. "You will leave here and head back out into the world, with only your power to defend your life. Always remember that our enemies are after you. If you cannot pass this test, then it is likely that they will have you." He paused, then spoke. "I ask you to trust me in this, Jake. The test is dangerous, but I believe that you have it within you to succeed."

Jake shrugged his shoulders, adjusting his breastplate. He fought down his nervousness and worry and spoke, trying to sound resolute. "If you say I have to pass this test, then let's do it."

Tomaris nodded and gestured at the door. The light vanished, but his floating ball of light glowed brighter to make up for it. Tomaris reached over and opened the door to reveal another tunnel, its path dark. He reached over to place a hand on Jake's shoulder, his eyes kind. "Be courageous, child, and remember our lessons. May the Creator grant you success."

Jake called up his power, feeling it fill him, his form glowing brightly in the low light. He took a deep breath, then headed into the tunnel. He was only a few feet in when he heard the door close behind him, its light suddenly shining again. He tried to put that out of his mind and continued down the tunnel, fighting down his unease.

After another twenty feet or so, the tunnel opened up into a small cave, only about fifty feet wide. It seemed natural, its roof and walls rough