A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,146

chair and handed it to Jake. Jake put it on, surprised it fit so well. It also seemed to have no weight. He took it off and put it down on the table as he sat back down.

"Thank you, Tomaris." Jake said, enthusiasm in his voice. "These are fantastic."

"I am happy that you like them, Jake." Tomaris replied. He gestured at the food. "Please eat. We all have long days of travel in front of us."

After they finished the meal, Tomaris rose from his chair, the others copying his example. "It is here that we must say goodbye for now." He said. "I must attend to some things before I go. I hope you won't mind that I will not see you off at the gates."

He came over to Jake, taking his hand. "May the Light of the Creator shine on you, Jake. Remember our lessons as you venture forth. I will send word when I return." He thanked Dominic and wished him well, then left the room.

Jake and Dominic went to their rooms to pack up their belongings. They headed back down to the stable area to find that Captain Deepwood had their horses saddled and ready to go. He also provided them with travel rations and extra feed for the horses. Deepwood had his own horse saddled and rode with them to the gates.

As they stopped just outside the gates, Dominic reached over and extended his hand to Deepwood. "Thank you for your support, Moshanna. If I can ever be of assistance, please send a message."

"Thank you, Dominic. I may take you up on that." Deepwood replied, shaking Dominic's hand. He gave a slight bow. "It was an honor to spar with you."

With a final nod, Dominic spurred Shadow forward, Jake right behind. Jake looked back at the Keep, fixed it in his mind, then turn ahead, glad to be heading back to Sanduas.

Standing alone on his balcony, Tomaris watched them go.

...

In the late afternoon, far to the south, Keria was sitting pensive in her carriage, fanning herself while listening to the sounds of the soldiers marching alongside, providing her escort. She glanced out the window, bored, and saw they had entered the stretch of Forest that extended out to the southern highway. She turned back, Nataly sleeping across from her on the other seat, and returned to her thoughts. She was glad to be returning to Sanduas, despite the fun she had at her cousin's wedding. She just wished they could travel faster.

Marcus had been furious when her father had forbidden him from accompanying her. Her father felt that there would be too much temptation to allow them to travel together, far from the capital. She was not going to argue with him since it had taken all of her persuasion just to get him to allow her to go to the wedding. She liked Marcus; he was very handsome and had made clear his feelings towards her. However, her thoughts had turned towards Jake.

She mulled that over as she sat there. Jake was handsome, as well, but there was something about his bumbling innocence that attracted her. He seemed so earnest, well mannered and polite. Maybe it was the fact that he was an outsider, someone that could take her as she was, not what she was. Maybe it was because she knew her father disapproved. She had enjoyed the kiss they shared and hoped he received her letter. Maybe he will have returned by the time she arrived at the city.

She was lost in those thoughts when the first scream sounded, a sharp cry of agony. It took her a moment to realize what it was, then more sounded, the carriage suddenly racing ahead. She looked out and saw that her personal guard had ridden up, surrounding her carriage, but through the small gaps, she saw the rest of her escorts fighting, the sound of weapons clashing reaching her ears.

As she watched, a flight of arrows came arcing in, raking her guard. Both men and horses went down, their screams ringing in her ears. The carriage continued to race ahead as men were dying all around her.

…

Captain Armartas was riding nearly a half mile ahead of the main caravan, scouting the road. He did not trust this section of the highway, the gently rolling hills making it hard to keep the whole caravan in sight, with trees on both sides of the road. He had sent his scouts into the woods on both sides, but