A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,80

he remembered, Dominic took up position across from Jake and began to attack, forcing Jake to concentrate as the attacks came faster and faster.

Before long, Jake had bruises on his hands and forearms where he had been a bit too slow in his parries. Dominic, for his part, did not seem concerned about the damage he was inflicting. When Dominic called a short water break, Jake asked him about it as he rubbed his arms. "Why don't we use gloves while we practice? I'm getting all beat up. Shouldn't I at least have some forearm armor like you?"

"You must have had a soft life where you come from; a little pain is nothing, boy. Pain is a reminder that you need to strive harder. You have to learn to overcome pain if you plan to survive in combat." Dominic replied, arms folded over his chest, his eyes firm and unsympathetic. "As for gloves, gloves can become slippery when they get covered in blood. You do not want your sword to slip in the middle of a fight."

"Regarding additional armor, I want you to learn how to use your sword properly first. Once I am satisfied you have the basic skills down, I will consider allowing you to get some vambraces." Dominic's eyes bored into Jake's. "Until then, you need to prepare yourself for discomfort in these sessions. I told you I was going to be hard on you." Dominic picked up his practice sword. "Let's begin again."

Dominic demonstrated additional parries to Jake, explained the attacks that they were best at defending, had Jake practice them until he was satisfied, then set about attacking Jake again. After several minutes, Jake was again sweating profusely as he attempted to use the parries and avoid Dominic's sword. Dominic showed no sign of easing up as he pressed his attacks, sometimes changing them in mid-stroke. Jake gained some additional bruises as he tried to keep Dominic's sword away and failed.

In the middle of one of their exchanges, as Jake was attempting to defend against an attack, an image of the dark figure from his dreams flashed in his mind. As if he sensed the momentary distraction, Dominic changed his attack. Jake, his sword already moving to defend against a blow that was not coming, attempted to respond, but it was too late. The blunt edge of Dominic's practice sword came down hard across the knuckles of Jake's sword hand, causing him to drop his sword and clutch his hand, as pain shot up his arm. Jake jumped up and down, cursing.

Dominic's sword was suddenly at Jake's throat. "You're dead, boy." He said, voice hard as stone. "You drop your sword in combat and that will be the last thing you do." He shook his head, removing the sword. "Let me see your hand."

Jake held out his hand, which was throbbing with pain. Dominic, his hard hands gently squeezing, felt along the bones, causing Jake to winch. He released the hand. "Nothing seems broken. We'll take a short break, then start again." Jake groaned, clutching and rubbing his injured hand.

Dominic led Jake over to the shade of the tree, having Jake sit down and drink some water. Dominic stood over him. "So, what was that about, boy? You lost concentration; I could see it in your eyes. That is another sure way to die in combat."

"You'll probably think I'm just being stupid, but I had a dream that I can't seem to shake." Jake said, looking at the ground.

"Look at me." Dominic said, voice even. Jake looked up, meeting Dominic's eyes. "I have heard of people who dream things that come true, so I do not discount their power. Tell me about it."

Jake told Dominic about his dream. Dominic listened, his face impassive, not saying anything until Jake finished. He stood there for a moment, thinking, then said. "You need to speak with Jonas about this; I'm a warrior, not a scholar. It may be nothing, but then again, it could something important."

He bent down to pick up the practice swords. "We're done for the day, boy. Go clean out the stalls and feed and water the horses. After you are done, go to the Temple. I'll send a runner to Norlan's to let them know that you will eat there. I'll go see Jonas and make sure he is available for you." With that, he strode off.

Jake did not follow right away, but sat in the shade for a while, nursing his sore hand