A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,71

temperature was satisfactory to Norlan, he told Jake the amount and type of fuel he wanted at the furnace and went back to his office.

As Jake was bringing another load of materials to the furnace, the gate opened as Helman came in, followed by the two apprentices Jake saw yesterday. Helman came over and greeted Jake, his demeanor stern as Norlan had said, but was pleasant in his greeting. He also introduced the two apprentices, Dern and Almos.

The apprentices were both around Jake's age, though their appearances could not be more opposite. Dern was tall and lanky, with a long face, short brown hair and sad-looking brown eyes. Almos, on the other hand, was short and stocky, his long brown hair tied into a ponytail behind his round face, his bright blue eyes full of mischief. Both greeted Jake with enthusiasm, clearly informed that he would be coming to the smithy. They listened intently as Jake responded to their questions, letting them know that he would be here in the mornings, but would be training with Dominic in the afternoon.

"You will have plenty of time to get to know one another." Helman said brusquely, quickly cutting off the conversation. "There is work to be done." He took charge of the little group, setting Dern and Almos to tasks and having Jake continue to bring fuel.

After bringing over the fuel, Helman had Jake work the furnace bellows as Dern, wearing heavy leather gloves, heated a long metal rod. Helman demonstrated and explained how to keep the furnace a constant temperature, which was critical to ensure the even heating of the metal. Dern pulled the rod from the furnace, the end cherry-red, and moved over to an anvil. Under Helman's watchful eye, Dern grabbed a large hammer and began to rhythmically pound the metal, reheating it when it cooled. The sound of the ringing metal filled the smithy, drowning out all of the other sounds from Jake's hearing.

Working the bellows for Dern and Almos kept Jake busy for the rest of the morning. Helman called a short break about mid-morning while he went to confer with Norlan, which allowed Jake to talk with Dern and Almos. Talking with boys his age made Jake feel better and soon they were laughing and joking. Helman returned and the boys went back to work.

The time seemed to fly and before Jake knew it, Norlan came out to announce it was time for the mid-day meal. He had Jake take off the smithy gear and put on his armor and sword, which awed Dern and Almos, and led the boys and Helman to a food shop down the street from the smithy, with tables set up under the tall tree in the yard. Norlan ordered food for all of them, which arrived quickly, served by the plump woman who ran the shop. The smells coming off the plate of chicken, vegetables and a piece of buttered dark bread set Jake's mouth watering. After working all morning, Jake was famished and shoveled in the food, washing it down with the sweet fruit punch that came with the meal. After he cleared his plate, he sat back, feeling content, enjoying the shade of the tree.

The others finished shortly and rose, Norlan going over to pay the proprietress for the meals. Jake stood as well, adjusting his armor and sword belt slightly. Helman, Dern and Almos said goodbye to Jake as they headed back to the smithy.

Norlan came back over to Jake. "I'm going with you today, Jake. I promised Madalin to speak to Dominic about his conditions regarding your armor and home. I may as well get that over with." He blew out a short breath. "Let's go. You don't want to be late on your first day."

Norlan and Jake made their way to the training grounds, with Norlan pointing out points of interest as they walked. Many of the people on the streets greeted Norlan and gave Jake curious looks.

They made their way to the gate that Jake had entered the training grounds. Two guards were on duty, with Dominic standing a few feet away, talking with another soldier. As they approached, the guards crossed their spears, blocking their entry.

The guard on the right, a light-haired young man only a couple of years older than Jake, spoke. "I am sorry, Mastersmith Norlan, but I cannot allow you onto the grounds. My orders are only to allow Dominic's pupil passage."

"That is fine, young Hadar. I understand the importance