A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,70

grace and they began to eat. As always, the food was delicious. It took Jake's mind off his concerns for the moment. The mood was quiet and the meal was completed with a minimum of small talk. Norlan finished his plate and stood, facing Jake. "Are you finished, Jake? I need to get to the smithy before my apprentices arrive." When Jake nodded, he headed for the side door.

Shoving the last bite into his mouth, Jake rose and placed his plate in the sink and followed Norlan out the door. They passed out the side gate into the street and headed for the smithy. There were more people out this early then Jake expected as the city began to come alive again. Many of the people greeted Norlan as they passed on the street, with a familiarity that told Jake that this was a regular morning routine.

As the street cleared of people nearby, Norlan turned towards Jake. "Are you feeling alright, Jake?" He asked with concern in his voice.

It took Jake a moment to realize that he was asking about last night. Jake flushed again, feeling stupid, since of course Norlan knew. Madalin would have told him what occurred.

"I'm fine, Norlan." Jake said shortly, not really wanting to talk about it.

Norlan apparently did want to talk. "I can't say I know what you are going through. I imagine that this whole situation must be very confusing and maybe a bit frightening." Norlan replied softly, clearly trying to be sensitive. He placed a hand on Jake's shoulder. "I will do whatever I can to help you get home. Until then, I meant what I said about you considering my home as your home and feeling part of the family." He gave Jake a smile. "I hope you will forgive me if I consider you as the son we never had."

"It's not you or Madalin." Jake said quickly, feeling grateful for Norlan's openness and concern. "You have been great to me. I was just thinking of my parents and what they must be going through. I've realized that I can't do anything about that for now, so I need to focus on my training."

"It speaks well about you that you are concerned for your parents, Jake." Norlan said. "Many young men your age tend to forget about their parents' feelings. I can remember that time in my own life."

After a short pause, he continued, his tone more businesslike. "As for your training, while you are working in the smithy, I expect you to act as one of the apprentices. Even though you are my guest and charge, I'll assign you tasks as I would any apprentice."

They turned up the alleyway that led to the yard of the smithy. Norlan pulled out a key to unlock the gate. "I also expect that you will listen to the directions of Helman. He is a senior journeyman, almost ready to take his tests for mastery. He has a stern demeanor, but is a good teacher, fair and patient with questions."

They went over to Norlan's office. He unlocked the door, revealing a small desk covered in papers, with a wooden chair behind it, as well as a small bookshelf with some scrolls on it against the far wall. There were two leather-bound chairs in front of the desk, clearly for customers. Norlan pointed over to a small open area between the desk and the wall. "You can leave your equipment over there, Jake."

Jake went over and neatly piled his armor and weapons in the space. Norlan led him out of the office and over to the smithy. He opened a small cabinet and pulled out a heavy leather apron for Jake. "Everyone in the smithy wears the aprons. They deflect to the heat of the furnaces and resist the sparks as we fashion the hot metal."

He pulled out a couple of odd looking metal objects with leather strips hanging from them. "These are coverings for the top of your boots. While the boots you have are made of a fine and strong leather, these will help protect them from both heat and impacts." He smiled a tight smile. "Trust me, having a hot piece of heavy metal hitting your foot is not an experience you would relish."

After Jake covered his boots, Norlan set him to work bringing wood and coal over to the furnace in a wheeled cart. Under Norlan's watchful direction, Jake stoked the furnace, bringing the temperature up for the day's work. Once the