A World Apart (39 page)

As they got close, the man rose and came over to meet them.  Jake could see that the man was dressed in a plain grey robe.  He appeared to be around six feet tall, thin but robust.  He was clean shaven and had dusky skin that made his short snow-white hair seem to glow.  His face was lined and wrinkled, but his eyes, wise and full of knowledge, were the most striking and unusual, wide with the irises dark purple in color.  He moved slowly, with a slight hunch in his shoulders.  He smiled as they halted in front of him, his white teeth gleaming, and made a gesture of welcome.

"Tomaris, this is Dominic from Sanduas and his charge, Jake Thomas."  Deepwood said with a bow.  "They bring a letter from the Chief Cleric of Sanduas for your attention."

"Greetings, friends."  He said, a slight rhumeny quality to his voice.  "Be welcome to the Keep.  How is Jonas doing?  I enjoyed our talks when he was here."

"He is fine, Master Tomaris."  Dominic replied, giving him a courtly bow.  "He is hopeful that you can assist us.  I am sure that his letter explains it better that I can."  He handed Tomaris Jonas' letter.

"No need to be so formal, young Dominic."  Tomaris said kindly, taking the parchment.  "I have long heard of your exploits, so you honor me with your presence."  Dominic gave him a nod and a slight smile at being called young.

"I know that you are familiar with the boy and his tale."  Dominic continued, gesturing towards Jake.  "This matter concerns him."

"Ah, this is the child Jonas wrote about."  Tomaris said.  He held out his hand to Jake.  "It is a pleasure to meet you, Jake."

"Thank you."  Jake replied as he shook Tomaris' hand.  "I'm glad to meet you."

Tomaris did not release Jake's hand immediately, but his eyes took on a slightly unfocused look.  Jake could feel a tingling sensation run up his arm and spread throughout his body.  It was not unpleasant, just very odd.  Thankfully, it only lasted a few moments and Tomaris let his hand go.

Tomaris smiled at Jake, a warm and friendly smile.  He gestured at the table and said.  "Why don't we sit down and you can tell me your story while we have some food brought up."

Jake took a seat next to Tomaris, Dominic sitting on the other side of Jake and Deepwood on Tomaris' other side.  After a quick glance at Dominic, who nodded, he started from that day at school.  Tomaris would stop him from time to time with questions.  He seemed most curious about the light that brought Jake here, tapping his chin as he had Jake describe it several times.  As Jake finished, Tomaris sat there in silence, clearly thinking about what he just heard.

In that silence, the doors opened and servants came in with food and drinks.  They quickly served the food to each of them, the remainder of the food placed on the table, and left.  Tomaris gestured to the food, as he broke the seal on the letter and began to read.  "Please eat while I read Jonas' letter, then we can talk."

Jake found the food to be delicious, especially after a few days on travel rations.  They ate in silence, waiting for Tomaris.  Jake finished his plate quickly and looked longingly at the extra food, which Deepwood pushed over to him with a smile.  "There is plenty.  Eat until you are content."

Jake was finishing his second plate when Tomaris set the letter down.  He looked over at Jake, eyes kind.  "First, child, since my letter to Jonas, I have not found any new information on how you were brought here or how to send you home.  I am continuing to study the issue, but so far the answer eludes me."  Jake nodded, not really expecting anything different.

"Since we do not yet know how to send you home, we need to address this power you demonstrated."  Tomaris continued.  "It is not dangerous to you, so you can rest easy about that.  Jonas was correct; I can teach you to access and control it, but it will take some time."  He leaned over to Deepwood.  "Please go and have quarters set up for Jake and Dominic here in the Keep."  Deepwood nodded and left the hall.

"This power can be a very potent defense against the demons, Jake."  Tomaris said, turning back.  "Once you master it, it will give you the ability, like the clerics, to face the demons and survive."

"Do you know why the demons want me?"  Jake asked hesitantly, not sure he really wanted the answer.

"I have a theory, but first, how much do you know about them?"  Tomaris replied.

"Just what Jonas told me."  Jake stated.

"Let me tell you what I know."  Tomaris said, his face taking on a distant look.  "As Jonas told you, I have an extensive library.  I have availed myself over these long years to study our enemies.  The ancient writings confirm that the demons were once servants of the Creator, or the One as most know Him."

"In the time before time, the Creator decided to make all that we now know.  Before He began, with His thought, He created servants and helpers, those spirits that would help with His creation.  Understand, these creatures were created and existed in the spiritual realm with Him since the physical plane did not yet exist.  He explained their role in His creation to them.  To this purpose, all were given powers, some vast while others less."

"He then stretched forth His hand and created the universe.  As space and time came into existence, He dispatched His servants to accomplish His purpose.  With the powers given, they spread out and brought order to the creation.  They labored mightily and long to bring this about.  Once they completed their tasks, they returned to the Light of His heavenly realm.  The Creator was pleased with their labors and glorified them."

"After the universe was brought into order, He then shared His thought with them about His second creation.  He would bring humans into His creation, populating the worlds that He had made for them.  Humans would be unique, creatures of both the physical and spiritual realms, and be given dominion over the worlds they lived on.  The Creator told them that they were to be the guides and guardians of mankind, younger children of the same Father."

"When this was explained to them, a large minority complained about the favored place that man was to be given.  Were they not the first and most powerful of His creations?  Had they not worked mightily in the creation, yet their reward was to serve these lesser beings?  They told the Creator that they would not help man and see their rightful place in His heart taken from them."

"As the Creator sat silent in thought, this host of heavenly creatures began to argue, something that had never occurred before.  The rebels berated their brothers, calling them slaves and the arguments turned heated and blows were struck.  Strife and chaos overtook the heavens as the creatures, immortal all, fought."

"In the midst of this turmoil, the Creator stood and, with a gesture, quieted the hosts.  He was displeased and saddened by the disobedience of the rebels.  He told them if they would not serve Him as He commanded, they would be cast out of His Light and creation forever.  Some repented, but others openly defied Him.  For their rebellion, He cast them out of the Light and into the Darkness."

"In this Darkness, their rage and hatred over their punishment further twisted their spirits.  They became the demons we know now."  Tomaris paused, taking a sip of his cup.

"So, how come they are here?"  Jake asked.  "How did they escape?"

"That is the question that I have given my life to answer."  Tomaris replied.  "What some texts indicate is that, after being cast out, the demons could still move about in the spiritual realm, seeking to influence men to rebellion and hatred of the Creator.  While they could not touch the physical realm, they still had the powers given to them.  Somehow, on this world, that prohibition was skirted.  Some of the writings talk of a 'rift' or 'tear' between the realms that allowed the demons to escape."

"How come this place isn't overrun with demons?"  Jake asked, perplexed.  "If they had a way out, shouldn't they be everywhere?"

"A large number came over, Jake."  Tomaris said gently.  "However, understand that there are factions amongst the demons.  The fact that some crossed over caused others to stay.  The rebellious spirit that they took with them into the Darkness did not change.  If anything, it became more pronounced."

"Also, something happened that they did not expect."  He continued.  "Several references in the histories were made of a 'blending' when the demons crossed over.  From what I have gathered, this meant that their spirits became 'blended' with the physical bodies.  They could no longer enter the spiritual realm, only sense it, and they became subject to the limitations of a physical body.  They retain their power and immortality, but can die if the body is damaged enough.  Unlike humans, they were not created to have a spirit separate from the body, so when they are killed here, they are destroyed utterly.  Facing that oblivion, many chose to remain in the Darkness."

Jake sat there in silence, trying to absorb what he just heard.  The room was quiet, only the faint sounds from the courtyard coming from the patio, Tomaris and Dominic waiting on him. Finally, he asked again.  "So what do they want with me?"

Tomaris reached over to pat Jake's hand.  "I believe that they seek to turn you to their side."  He said gently.  "This power you wield is unique.  There is something about you that allows you to access it.  My theory is that this uniqueness makes it possible that if you turned, unlike their half-men, you can use their dark power.  That would make you a very powerful and dangerous tool."  He paused as if to say something else, then shook his head slightly.

"However, do not be troubled."  He continued, a reassuring smile appearing on his weathered face.  "You are beyond their reach here and I will teach you to use your power.  Once you control that, you will be able to stand against them and their followers."

He glanced over at Dominic.  "However, not all of the demons' followers are influenced by their power, so I would like to see you continue your combat training with Dominic.  In facing those threats, you may find that your sword is the better weapon.  Also, a boy your age needs to have regular physical exercise."

He addressed Dominic.  "If that sounds agreeable, you can speak with Moshanna about setting up a training space for the mornings.  I will work with Jake in the afternoons."

"That sounds fine, Tomaris."  Dominic replied.

The doors opened and Deepwood entered.  He came back over to Tomaris.  "The rooms are prepared, Tomaris."

"Thank you, Moshanna."  Tomaris said, slowly rising.  He addressed Dominic and Jake.  "You have had a long journey, so I will not keep you any longer.  Please follow Moshanna to your rooms where you can rest.  We will start Jake's training tomorrow."

Jake and Dominic made their thanks, grabbed their bags and followed Deepwood out of the hall and up another set of stairs. Dominic spoke with him about some training space as they walked.  Deepwood responded that he would find some space and that they were welcome to join him and his men for the morning meal.  He took them to a hallway with a row of doors on either side.  There were a pair of doors set next to each other; Deepwood entered one.

Jake immediately noticed the large window and curtains against the far wall, with a set of doors out onto a small terrace.  He could see that the terrace overlooked the courtyard and main walls.  There was a small bathroom off to the side that had a small basin and what looked like a bath, full of water.  In the room, there was a large bed, along with a wooden dresser and small desk.  The room had some paintings decorating the walls.  A door was in the wall on Jake's right, which Deepwood went to stand by.

"We have given you connecting rooms."  He said, indicating the door. He pointed to a silken cord back near the entry door.  "If you need anything, please ring the bell and a servant will come to assist you.  Please rest and I will send someone to escort you to the barracks and training areas in the morning."  With a slight nod of his head, he left, closing the door behind him.

"What are you thinking, boy?"  Dominic asked Jake as the door closed, noticing the slightly pale and concerned look on his face.

"I'm a little freaked out by all of this."  Jake admitted, throwing his bags on the bed and sitting down on its edge.  "I mean, according to Tomaris, these demons are after me for some power I did not even know I had.  As long as I am here, I will have to look over my shoulder for them."  His voice dropped.  "The one in the city scared me like I have never been scared before."  Jake looked down at his hands, saw that they were slightly shaking.

"There is no shame in fear, boy."  Dominic said, voice calm and even.  "It is what you do with that fear that is important.  You have to learn to master the fear, not let it master you."

He paused for a moment, then continued.  "We are all afraid at times.  One of the purposes of training hard is that it helps condition you to react, even when afraid.  If you train well with Tomaris and learn this power, you will have the ability to defend yourself and others from the demons.  Like a good sword and armor, it will allow you to feel more confident when you have to face that fear."

"You never seem afraid."  Jake said, looking up at Dominic.

"I feel fear, boy."  Dominic replied, eyes shining.  "My fears just tend to be about things other than my own safety."  He opened the connecting door.  "Get some rest.  We start training again tomorrow."  He stepped into his room and closed the door.

Jake felt a little better after listening to Dominic.  He unpacked his bags, took off his armor and stepped out onto the terrace.  He could see that the terrace was built out from the cliff wall.  He went over to the waist-high iron railing that bordered the terrace and looked over.  Night had fallen, but he could see that the courtyard was at least one hundred feet below him.  He could look down on the large abutment of stone over the gate and saw that it was a platform manned with soldiers.  In the distance, the main gate and walls were lit with large torches.

Stepping back, in the light coming from his room, he noticed a small wooden table and two chairs near the rail.  He went over and sat down, gazing up at the stars.  The faint sounds of the courtyard slowly faded as he sat there, staring up and wondering again how he got into this whole mess.