A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,37
painted white, with what looked like reddish tiles on the roof. Jake observed that the building was pocketed with tall windows.
Dominic turned Shadow down one of the courtyard paths, heading north. They rode past and through several parks, the palace looming off to their right. They came to another road that led to the palace and turned left again. Jake saw a collection of buildings directly ahead, some with a single story and some a couple of stories tall. These buildings surrounded a single large rectangular building, made from pale stone blocks, that was four stories tall. Two sets of brightly colored stained-glass windows were spaced out at regular intervals along the building's wall, one set near the ground and another above it near the roof. A large, artistically-carved set of double wooden doors stood above a short stone staircase in the side of the building. A well-maintained path led from the street to the doors. There was an open area with trees surrounding the sets of buildings. Jake asked Dominic what it was.
"It's the Temple of the One." Dominic replied. "That is our destination."
They rode Shadow up to a small fence that separated the open area from some of the smaller buildings. Dominic dismounted and loosely tied off the reins. Jake slid off, wincing at the discomfort from straddling a horse all day. He hung on to the saddle for a moment to make sure his legs would hold him, then slowly walked over to Dominic. His legs and groin protested the movement and Jake hoped he would not have to ride again anytime soon.
"Not used to riding, I guess, boy." Dominic said with a slight smile, the first one Jake had seen on that scarred face. "The only way to overcome it is to keep riding. Maybe I will take you out to see the mountains tomorrow." Jake groaned at that and Dominic's smile deepened for a second.
"Let's go inside." Dominic said, smile fading into his normal expressionless appearance. "You will find food, rest and maybe some answers."
Dominic led Jake around to a single-story building that was attached to one side of the tall building. A set of wooden doors stood above a couple of stone steps. As they approached, the doors opened and two figures walked out into the evening.
Both figures were wearing light brown robes with a large cowls hanging off their shoulders and down their backs, a two-inch brown leather belt around their waists, and brown leather boots. Jake could see that they were both young men, maybe in their twenties, talking quietly as they came towards Dominic and Jake. One was dark-haired and the other light-haired, both with their hair cut very short, maybe only a half-inch long.
"Who are they?" Jake asked quietly.
"They are clerics, servants of the One." Dominic replied. "They are healers and teachers."
The men noticed Dominic for the first time, suddenly smiling and raising a hand in greeting. "Welcome and good evening, Dominic. Praise to the One that you are back, safe and in one piece." The dark-haired one said. "I know that Brother Jonas will be pleased to hear of your return."
"Good evening, Losan." Dominic replied, nodding his head. "Where can I find Jonas?"
"He was tending to some of the sick when I last saw him." Losan replied. "If you go inside, one of the apprentices can find him for you."
"My thanks, Brother." Dominic said, moving towards the doors. Jake followed and could feel the curious gazes of the two men as he passed. Dominic climbed the steps and pulled open the door. A wash of light flooded out, pushing away the darkening evening. They entered and walked down a hallway lit with many candles. Jake could hear the soft murmur of people speaking quietly, coming from the set of openings at the end of the hall. Dominic headed straight for the opening on the right, clearly knowing his way around.
They entered another room which walls were lined with shelving, filled with books and scrolls. Several large tables, with long wooden benches, were placed in the center of the room. More clerics were about the room, some speaking quietly with a group of people in white robes at one of the tables or reading at small wooden desks set up next to the walls. Light was provided by large chandeliers of candles, hanging from the ceiling, as well as stands of candles near the desks. Across the room, a large set of closed doors was set into the wall.