A World Apart The Jake Thomas Trilogy - By Steven A. Tolle Page 0,98

looked over at Jake. "Where is your sword?"

"In my room." Jake replied, confused.

"Go get it." Dominic said, gesturing towards Jake's room. Jake hurried over and retrieved his swordbelt. On a sudden impulse, he also grabbed his phone from the drawer. When he returned, he saw that Madalin, standing there with her arms crossed across her chest, continued to look unhappily at Dominic, who was simply ignoring it.

"You will wear your sword." Dominic said. "You are representing me in a way, boy, so you need to project the proper image."

"But, I'm going to see the princess." Jake said as he belted on his sword. "Won't the guards take my sword away?"

Dominic shook his head. "Guests of the royal family may bear arms in the palace, even to a private audience with the king." He fixed Jake with a hard look. "Just don't go waving it about, showing off."

"You know that Jake won't do such a thing." Madalin interjected, her voice betraying her irritation. Giving Dominic one more glare, she stepped over to Jake, a smile appearing on her face. She reached up to take his face in her hands, warm and soft. "I am certain that the princess will enjoy your visit, Jake. Just be yourself." She gave him a quick hug, then released him.

"Let's go. We shouldn't keep the princess waiting." Dominic said, turning and heading towards the gate. Jake gave Madalin a quick smile, then trotted to catch up with Dominic.

"I applaud you, boy; you have definitely won over Madalin." Dominic said, as they walked towards the palace, an amused look on his face. "You would not know it now, but she used to be concerned about me, bringing food when I was in town, fussing over my injuries, always unfailingly nice and pleasant. However, since you started training with me, it is like I sprouted fangs or been accused of some horrible crime." He gave an amused shake of his head.

As they made their way across the courtyard, passing through the crowds of people, the palace looming ahead, Jake was again struck by the uncomfortable feeling that someone was watching him, like the time before with Hailyn. He stopped, looking about, slowly turning in a circle, hand drifting unconsciously towards his sword. Other than the occasional glances directed at Dominic, he did not see anyone out of the ordinary.

When Jake turned back, he saw Dominic also scanning the crowd, his body tense and seemingly coiled to strike, hand resting lightly on his swordhilt. He had noticed Jake's movement and saw him looking about. When Jake moved back next to him, he asked softly. "What is it?"

"Probably nothing, Dominic." Jake replied, a little embarrassed to have caused Dominic to have this reaction. "I had a sudden feeling that someone was watching me." He tried to make light of it. "It was probably just someone staring at you, the famous guy."

Dominic relaxed as much as he ever did, hand coming off his sword, even though he continued to watch the crowd. Jake expected some remark about jumping at shadows, but Dominic said instead. "Don't be too quick to discount these feelings. I have seen them give men just enough warning to save their lives." He looked at Jake and asked. "Is this the first time this has happened?"

Jake shook his head. "I felt it once before." He proceeded to tell Dominic about the time with Hailyn. He mentioned the older man he thought he saw looking at him, but that it was only a quick glance. When he finished, Dominic did not say anything at first; he simply continued to walk towards the palace.

"Let me know if this happens again. I don't believe in coincident." Dominic said quietly. He turned his head to look at Jake, eyes serious. "It may not be anything, but I think that you need to stay on guard when you are away from the house or smithy, heading to or coming from our training sessions. I will start asking some questions around the city, to see if I can determine any threat."

They continued on and reached the palace gates. Dominic went to the guards on duty and spoke quietly with them; the guards stepped aside and let them through. Dominic led Jake into the palace where they were met by a stooped old man, his wispy hair pure white, dressed in palace finery, carrying a polished cane.

"Greetings, Lord Dominic." The old man said, voice gravelly, and gave Dominic a sight bow. "I am to take