raked across his breastplate, peeling back the metal in a squeal of protesting steel. Jake felt the claws reach his flesh, streaks of fire as they ripped into his chest and shoulder as it passed. With a scream of pain, Jake unleashed a blast of power that sent the demon tumbling away, its form landing next to a wall, steaming.
Jake staggered back to his feet, in agony and feeling the blood running down his body, his left arm not seeming to work properly. He felt light-headed and knew he needed to finish this or he may pass out. He launched his magic at the demon as it was climbing off the floor, pressing and surrounding it with blue fire. The demon resisted Jake's magic, pushing out with its dark power, screaming in an unfamiliar language. Jake could feel his strength fading and tried to force more of his power at the demon, knowing he was dead if he could not. For several terrifying moments, the battle was balanced, then, with a final bright pulse, Jake's power broke though the demon's defenses. It screamed briefly, a chilling cry of pain and fear, then cut off as Jake's power raced through it, its form exploding into ash, the sound deafening in the confines of the cave.
Jake fell to his knees, grasping his wounds, ears ringing in the sudden silence, power gone. His vision fading, he started to fall forward when he felt hands on his shoulders, pulling and laying him down on his back.
He looked up to see Tomaris kneeling next to him, the ball of light near the ceiling flaring, driving away the shadows. Tomaris reached over and laid a hand on Jake's forehead. Jake saw nothing, but suddenly felt his wounds closing, the pain gone, his strength returning. Tomaris stood up and reached down to help Jake to his feet.
"Are you alright, child?" Tomaris asked gently, lined face concerned.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Jake demanded, stepping away, feeling suddenly angry. "You could have at least warned me."
"I told you that this test held danger, Jake." Tomaris said calmly, watching Jake closely. "I had to know that you can deal with the unexpected. How would you have responded if I had told you that a demon was behind the door? Do you think you would have reacted the same way? Would you even have gone in?"
"Maybe, maybe not." Jake replied, feeling stubborn. "I deserved a warning."
"Do you believe that our enemies will always give you warning before they attack?" Tomaris asked, voice gentle. "While you may not like my method, you have proven that you can stand against their power. Knowing this, you are ready if you are confronted by them again."
"That's true, but it seems like there had to be a better way to prove that than nearly getting me killed." Jake said.
"I am sorry for the pain this has caused, Jake." Tomaris said sincerely. "However, many tests that we face are often not ones we would choose." He reached out and grasped Jake's arm. "I have grown fond of you and would not have allowed the demon to kill you. I was prepared to come to your aid, if needed."
Jake nodded, brooding, still feeling wound up and angry. Tomaris sighed and released his arm. "Let us go back up and you can get some rest." He said, moving towards the door. Jake followed in silence.
They made their way back up through Tomaris' study and returned to Jake's room. As Jake made to go in, Tomaris stopped him. "I know that you are angry with me, Jake. I hope that after you have some time to think on it, you will be able to forgive me." With that, he turned and slowly walked away.
Jake went into his room, unbuckling and throwing his torn breastplate on the floor, the impact making a racket as the metal struck the stone floor. He was stripping off his torn and bloody vest and shirt when the connecting door flew open and Dominic leapt into the room, dressed only in his pants, sword in hand.
With a glance, Dominic took in the breastplate and bloody clothes. He reached over and pulled the desk chair next to him and sat down, sword across his knees. "What happened?" He asked calmly.
Jake sat down on the bed and told Dominic what had just occurred, from the time Tomaris first arrived until he returned to his room. Dominic took in all in without comment, waiting until Jake finished.
"So, what are