A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,56
later." Norlan said, reaching over to tap her hand. Cherise set down her pencil and gave her father a smile.
"Let us give thanks." Norlan said, closing his eyes, Madalin and Cherise doing the same. Jake, unsure of what to do, bowed his head.
"We ask the One to bless this food and give thanks to Him for such gifts." Norlan intoned, deep voice reverent. "We also give thanks for our guest, Jake, and ask for the blessings of the One on him."
After a moment of silence, the family opened their eyes and Madalin took Jake's plate and filled it with food from the tray. It smelled good, but Jake waited until everyone had their food and Norlan started eating before he grabbed his fork. The eggs and meat were seasoned well, the fruit and apples cool and crisp. Cherise got up and grabbed a pitcher of water and filled everyone's cups.
"Jake, I was told that Brother Jonas would be checking in on you later today." Norlan said between bites of food. "You can wait here for him, if you like."
"Ok." Jake replied.
"I'm sure that Cherise would be happy to give you a tour of the neighborhood this morning, so you can find your way around." He smiled at his daughter. "We are waiting to hear if she will be accepted as an apprentice painter, so she has the time. She painted that one, so she has talent, likely from her mother." He said proudly, pointing to a picture of a horse running through a meadow, hanging in the living room.
"That is very good." Jake said, smiling at Cherise. She blushed, embarrassed by the attention.
"Well, I have to get to the smithy before my apprentices run off." Norlan said, clearing his plate and standing.
"They won't do that; they love you, Norlan." Madalin said.
"There is a first time for everything, my dear." He said, bending over to kiss Cherise on the forehead and then giving Madalin a kiss as he headed for the door. "I will see you this evening, Jake." He gave Jake a pat on the shoulder and left.
When Jake finished his plate, Madalin got up and started to clear the table. "Help me clear the table, Cherise." She said to her daughter. Cherise stood and grabbed her father's plate.
Jake picked up his plate and said. "Let me do that, Madalin. It's the least I can do."
"Nonsense, Jake. You are our guest." She said, gathering the tray.
"At least let me help you." Jake said, wanting to show his appreciation for their kindness.
"All right, Jake. You can help me wash and dry the dishes while Cherise puts them away."
As the three started on the dishes, Jake felt a little better. Everyone had been doing things for him since Dominic rescued him, so he wanted to give something back. They made short work of the task.
"Thank you for your help, Jake. That was very nice of you." Madalin said after hanging up the dish towel to dry. "I need to go to the market for some things. Cherise, why don't you take Jake around and show him the neighborhood, as your father suggested."
"Ok, Mother." Cherise said, looking over at Jake. "Are you ready, Jake?"
"Yes, let's go." Jake replied, anxious to see more of his surroundings.
Cherise led him out the front door onto a small porch, which had a couple of stone benches on either side of the door. In the front yard, there was a stone path through the grass to the short front wall and main gate, which opened out onto the street. Two large trees, their branches providing shade, grew on either side of the path, near the wall. The side walls, the same height as the front wall, were covered in vines with large three-pointed bright green leaves.
Cherise stopped next to one of the benches, turning to Jake, and said. "Sit and wait here for a minute, Jake; there is something I want to show you." Jake sat down. "Close your eyes and don't open them until I tell you. You promise?"
Jake closed his eyes. "I promise."
"I will be right back." Cherise said with a happy giggle.
Jake heard her run off across the yard. He sat there, feeling a bit foolish, listening to the bustle of the street. He could hear people talking, the sound of horse hooves as they hit the street, the creak of metal and wood as the wagons went by. He was there for about a minute when he heard Cherise come back.