The Jake Thomas Trilogy: Book 02 - Sword of Light (20 page)

“Can we somehow get the army involved?”  Daen asked.  “I think that if the soldiers began to question what was happening, we would get some answers.  Lord Marcelas does not have enough men to stand against them.”

“I agree that would get their attention, Daen, but how would we make that happen?”  Marcus responded.  “If it were found out that we were trying to turn the army, then the king would simply order them to arrest us.  I can’t see them turning against the king on only our word.”  He looked at Jonas.  “The only way it could work is if the clerics helped convince them.”

Jonas shook his head.  “I can’t tell the clerics to do that on only a vague suspicion.  It would violate the Agreement, which in turn would mean that the king was no longer bound by it.  That would make the Temple vulnerable.  I will not risk it unless and until I know more.”

“What can we do then?”  Norlan asked.

“I think that we need to determine what has befallen Silvan and Nathen.”  Jonas said.  “If we can solve that, it may give us better insight on the true purpose behind all that has happened.”

“Where would we start?”  Marcus asked.  “We cannot get into the palace and we would draw attention if we tried to go into the dungeons.”

“Maybe I can get in.”  Daen stated.  “I believe that I can get Commander Helgrant to write an order that I need to retrieve some items from the barracks.  He is currently at the South Gate.”

“I applaud your courage, Daen, but we must be cautious.”  Jonas said.  “If the king and Marcus’ father are collaborating, as Norlan suggested, then it is possible that Helgrant has been compromised.  I believe that we must do this ourselves.”

“Instead of that, why not have Daen find some of the Guardsmen who worked in the dungeons and engage them in conversation?”  Marcus suggested.  “He would not say anything specific, but that may be a useful way to gather information without revealing our true intent.”

“I can agree to that.”  Jonas said.  He looked at Daen.  “Do you think you can be circumspect in your questions as to not draw attention?”

“I can, Brother Jonas.”  Daen said confidently.  “I can check with the remaining Guardsmen still in the city.  If I cannot find someone there, I can always ride out to the nearby army garrisons.”

“If we are agreed, then I suggest we start there.”  Jonas said.  The others nodded.  “We should meet again in two days.  Hopefully, Daen will have some information to help us plan what to do next.”

Marcus got up and walked out with Daen, while Norlan stayed to speak with Jonas.  They went around to the rear of the Temple grounds where the bushes and trees were thick, so Daen would be less likely to be seen leaving.

“Don’t take any risks, Daen.”  Marcus said quietly.  “If you think that someone is growing suspicious, leave immediately and return here.”

“I do have some common sense, Marcus.”  Daen snorted, a sudden grin on his face.  “You nobles sometimes seem to think only you have a brain.”

Marcus smiled at that.  “I think Nathen has been a bad influence on you.”  His smile faded as he held out his hand.  “Luck be with you.”

“You too, Marcus.”  Daen said, gripping Marcus’ hand.  “I’ll see you in two days.”  With a final nod, he slipped into the brush and disappeared.

Marcus slowly made his way back towards the Temple.  He stopped near a low wall, leaning against it and looking up at the sky.  High clouds obscured most of the stars, making the night seem darker.

He started thinking about Keria.  His body tensed and he felt his anger re-awaken as he considered the fact that she was supposed to marry Rolas in only eight days.  While he had not told Jonas or Norlan, he had decided that if they did not find any answers before then, he would find a way into the palace and confront his brother.  If he must, he would fight him for Keria.

He was battling his brother in his mind’s eye when a sudden rank odor assaulted his nostrils and he heard a rustling coming from behind.  He spun, drawing his sword, and confronted a shape staggering away from the bushes.

“Hold and identify yourself.”  Marcus ordered.

“Marcus, is that you?”  A familiar voice said.  “Thanks to the One.”  The figure took another step and collapsed.

“Nathen!”  Marcus cried as ran over to him, kneeling down and cradling his head, ignoring the strong offensive odor emanating from Nathen’s torn and dirty clothes.  Checking him for injuries, he saw that Nathen’s legs were bare, his boots and pants legs gone, the flesh blistered and oozing.  He was shocked that he had been able to walk on them at all.

“What happened, Nathen?”  Marcus said as he moved to pick him up and take him to Jonas.

Nathen, eyes wide, reached out and grasped Marcus’ chainmail, curling his fists into the metal.  “Demon!”

…

In the dungeons of Danelias, Martis sat in the dark cell, staring at nothing.  He could sometimes hear the far off sound of the ocean, echoing down an air vent, but not now.  Ranech was asleep near him, snoring loudly.  He stretched out his foot and gave him a sharp kick in the side.  Ranech did
not wake up, but rolled over onto his side and the snoring stopped. 
At least for a little while.
  Martis thought bitterly.

He had often fallen into despair since he had been brought here.  The Aletonians who worked in the dungeons did not hide their disgust for him.  They denied him light, except when they fed him, which was always a watery and disgusting gruel and a piece of stale bread.  They deliberately spilled his chamber pot without cleaning it up, leaving him to endure the strong odor of waste.  He was forced to share the small cell with Ranech, even though there were empty cells all around.

He shuddered when he recalled the knives and other sharp instruments that the guards would bring in, sharping them while looking at him with smiles that chilled him to his core.  He knew that it was only a matter of time before they started using those items on him. 
I will tell them everything I know.
  He told himself. 
Better to go straight to the headsman than endure that for no good reason.

Down the hall, he heard the metal door that led to the cells open.  He blinked against the sudden light from the torch held by the man who came down the hall.  His countenance was concealed by the torchlight in Martis’ eyes and a deep hood.

“Are you the man called Martis?”  The man asked quietly.  Martis did not recognize the voice.

“I am.”  He replied.  “Who are you?”

“That is not important.”  The man said.  “I only have a single question for you.  If you were freed, what would you do for the person who freed you?”

Martis felt a sudden tingle of hope, conflicting with the fear that he was being led into a trap.  He debated how best to respond, but decided that he had nothing to lose.

“I would do whatever that person asked me to do.”  He stated cautiously, waiting fearfully for the jaws of the trap to snap shut.

“Correct answer, merchant.”  The man said, his smile visible in his voice.  “You and your man will be given horses and weapons.  You will receive half the gold that was hidden in your wagon.  The Demonhunter told the Queen’s Guard about it before he left and it was confiscated.”

“Then what?”  Martis asked, surprised by the offer.

“Then, you will perform the mission given to you.”  The man stated.  His voice took on a tone of menace.  “Know this, merchant.  If you fail in this mission, you will be begging for the mercy of a swift death before I am done with you.”

“I will not fail.”  Martis said quickly.

The man nodded.  “Someone will come for you shortly.  You will be given your task at that time.”  The man turned and left, plunging the cell back into darkness.

Martis could not help but smile.  He would do his best to complete whatever mission was given him.  Then again, options were always available to someone who was free, with a purse of gold and a horse.

Chapter
Eighteen

In the late afternoon of the next day, with the sun sinking on the horizon, Jake crested the last low hill.  He saw the lake spread out in front of him, the sunlight sparkling as it danced off the water.  He halted Dontas, pausing to take in the view.  Hailyn rode up beside him, stopping as well.

They were still at least an hour from the lakeshore, the land flattening out as it ran from the hills to the water.  He could just make out some brown spots along the shore, their shape such that they had to be man-made. 
Homes or other buildings likely
.  He thought, concentrating. 
Maybe some boats in the water.

The lake itself was large, four or five miles wide and at least that long.  Dominating the scene was the large island that rose from the middle of the lake.  While the island looked fairly level, a single, large rocky cliff jutted up into the sky near its center.  It appeared to be several hundred feet tall.  Its shape reminded Jake of a smaller version of Devils Tower in Wyoming.  Its light gray color contrasted with the green foliage of the trees at its base.  As he looked closely, he saw a shimmering that ran down the cliff face that could only be a waterfall.

“We should head to the buildings and see if we can find someone with a boat who will be willing to take us to the island.”  Hailyn said.

“Just what I was thinking.”  Jake said with a smile, which Hailyn returned.  They had spent much of the time on the road talking to each other about their hopes and dreams, sharing secrets, so Jake felt much closer to Hailyn than before they left Sanduas.

The trip from Kersant had been fairly uneventful.  Except for a rainstorm that they ran into on the third day out, the weather had held fairly steady, cool and pleasant.  They had ventured into a village once to gather some supplies, but mostly stayed away from other people.  They made good time, riding throughout the day and stopping only at night.

He booted Dontas into motion, heading down the hill.  He got the horse to a steady gallop, Hailyn riding at his side.  With the land covered in short clovers and the trees that were present scattered around in small stands, they were able to head straight for the buildings without any deviation.

As they got closer, Jake saw that the buildings were actually a small home and a barn, built near the lakeshore.  There was a wooden split-rail fence that surrounded the property, with a small gate near the home.  Behind the barn was a small pier that extended into the lake.  Tied up at the end of the pier was a wooden boat with a single mast rising from the center of the craft.  The boat was wider in the middle with a narrow bow and stern.  Near the barn were several wooden racks, looking like A-frames with a single wooden pole running across the top.  There was something hanging from them, but they were still too far away to make out what it was.

When they were near the home, they slowed the horses to a walk, approaching slowly.  Jake could now see it was fish hanging from the racks, covered in salt.  When he looked back towards the house, he saw the door open and a man step out.

The man was slim, dressed in brown leather clothing.  He appeared to be in his thirties, with a receding hairline pushing back his light brown hair.  His face was ruddy, evidence that he spent his time outdoors.

Jake noticed that face was unwelcoming, the sentiment made clear by the long spear in his hand.  Jake motioned Hailyn to stop and they halted the horses near the gate.

“What do you want?”  The man demanded.

“We are looking for someone who can take us to the island.”  Hailyn said gently.  “We mean you no harm.”

“Do you have a death wish, strangers?”  The man asked with a sharp little bark of a laugh.  “No one goes to the island.”

“I am a cleric of the
One, good sir.”  Hailyn responded.  “I have to go to the island.  Are you sure that there is no one willing to sail us to it?”

“A cleric, huh?”  The man grunted.  “You are not dressed like the clerics I have seen.”

“We are from Sanduas.”  Hailyn said.  “We are traveling with the permission of the queen.”

“Maybe she will come and take you to the island.”  The man said sarcastically.  He studied them some more, frowning at Jake’s weapons, obviously thinking things over.

Looking back at Hailyn, he asked.  “Do you swear by the One that you and your companion mean no harm, cleric?”  When Hailyn nodded, he relaxed some, grounding his spear.  “If you are serious about going to the island, I can at least feed you something other than travel rations for a last meal.  I do want to stay on the One’s good side.”

“That would be very kind of you, good sir.”  Hailyn said with a smile.  “My name is Hailyn and this is Jake.”

“My name is Turlic.”  The man replied.  “I am a fisherman and trader.  Be welcome to my home.”

Jake and Hailyn slid of their horses and tied them off on the fence.  They entered through the gate and were escorted into the house.  It was a simple home, with a large living area, a small kitchen and two rooms built against the far wall.  There was a rough-hewn wooden table near the kitchen.  In the kitchen itself stood a plump woman, plainly dressed in a simple cotton skirt and blouse, with her hair pulled back into a long ponytail.  She looked questioningly over at Turlic.

“This is Sister Hailyn from Sanduas and her companion, Jake.”  Turlic said.  “They have a fool notion of going to the island, so I wanted to make sure they have one last good meal.”  He gestured at the woman.  “This is my wife, Ralien.”

“Be welcome, Sister.”  Ralien said graciously.  She gestured at the table.  “Please be seated.”

Once they had sat down, Ralien brought over some cups, the returned with two pitchers, one wine and the other water.  Turlic poured himself some wine while Jake and Hailyn choose the water.

“Sister, why do you want to go the island?”  Turlic asked.

“We are looking for something important.”  Hailyn replied.  “It may assist the clerics and we believe it is on the island.”

“You are strangers here, so I feel it is my obligation to warn you.”  Turlic said, frowning.  “I was not exaggerating when I said no one goes to the island.  Oh, the occasional foolish young man and his idiot friends will make the attempt, their minds filled with the legends of a priceless treasure that is supposed to be on the island.”

Turlic shook his head.  “Just last year, there were four lads that sailed to the island.  Three went ashore while the forth stayed with the boat.  The one on the boat said he heard screams shortly after they landed.  He claimed that he saw one of the others run out of the trees, bloodied and begging for help, then some monster came out of the trees, grabbed the wounded one and dragged him back.  The one on the boat returned immediately, his face pale and terrified.  After telling his tale, he was last seen riding a horse as fast as it would carry him away from the lake, heading into the hills.”

“I am not sure what was true and what was not, but there is real danger on the island.”  He finished.  “Your friend may be good with his sword, but there could be things there that swords or a cleric cannot defend against.  Please reconsider your intentions, Sister.”

“I appreciate your concern for our safety, Turlic.”  Hailyn said.  “But we have to go to the island, regardless of the danger.”

Turlic frowned at that, clearly thinking about how he could dissuade her.  In the silence, the main door opened, drawing Jake’s attention, and a young girl entered.  She was wearing a simple blue dress with brown leather shoes.  Jake noticed that she was wearing a shawl wrapped around her head, shading her face.  Most notably, her left arm was bent at an angle, as if she were running, seemingly locked in place.

She froze when she saw Jake and Hailyn sitting there.  Turlic saw Jake’s look and turned.

“This is our daughter, Milyn.”  He told them, pain evident on his face.

“What happened to her arm?”  Hailyn asked gently.

“There was a plague that swept through here two years ago.”  Turlic replied after a moment.  “It only seemed to affect the children.  Most died from it, but Milyn survived.  It left her arm useless.”

“I can look at it, if you wish.”  Hailyn said quietly.  “Perhaps I can do something to relieve the symptoms.”

“You would be wasting your time, Sister.”  Turlic replied.  “A cleric came through several months after she had recovered.  He tried to heal her, but told us that the damage was done and could not be reversed.”

“I would still like to try.”  Hailyn said.

Turlic looked over at his wife.  After few moments, she nodded.  He sighed, turning to his daughter and gesturing to her.  “Come here, my love.”  He said gently.

The little girl came over, slowly and hesitantly, and stopped near her father.  Hailyn motioned her to come closer.  “I will not hurt you, child.”  She said softly, a welcoming smile on her face.

At the gentle prodding of her father, Milyn walked over to Hailyn.  She flinched when Hailyn reached out to push her shawl back.  When the shawl fell from her head, Jake saw why she was wearing it.

The right side of her face was smooth and clear, what a child’s face should look like.  However, the left side was a ruin.  Deep red scars creased her face from her hairline to where her dress covered her shoulders.  The scars had pulled back the left side of her mouth, leaving it in a permanent grin, with her teeth exposed and some drool leaking.  Her left eye was covered in a white film, blinding her.

“This is what the plague did to my beautiful daughter.”  Turlic said brokenly, his eyes full of unshed tears.

Hailyn did not react, looking kindly at the girl, the smile still on her face.  She gently took the child’s head into her hands, and then closed her eyes.  Warm yellow light filled the room as she started to work her power to heal.  Jake saw her brows furrow in concentration.  They sat there, watching, but nothing seemed to be happening.

Just when Jake was sure that Hailyn would give up, a flash of white light drew his attention towards her hands.  He was startled to see the runes on the bracelet glowing softly, the white light pulsing.  As he watched, small bursts of the light flowed from the bracelet into the girl.

Turlic and Ralien gasped as the white light began to cover the damaged areas of their daughter.  Jake watched, transfixed, as the scars on the girl’s face seemed to melt away, restoring her skin, her left arm unbending.  Her mouth relaxed and the white film faded from the eye.  With a final flare, the light of the runes faded away.

When Hailyn pulled her hands away and opened her
eyes, Milyn was standing there whole, her body mended.  She burst into tears of happiness as her father and mother came over and embraced her, showering her with kisses.

Jake turned from the scene to give them at least some privacy.  He leaned over to Hailyn.  “What did you do?”

“I don’t think I did anything, Jake.”  She whispered.  “I was trying to fix the damage, using my power, but nothing was happening.  Suddenly, I felt heat on my wrist and felt that warmth flow into the girl.  I didn’t try to use it; I just let it continue to flow.”

“Sister.”  They turned to face Turlic when he spoke, his voice choked with emotion.  There were tears streaming down his face.  “I cannot begin to thank you for what you just did.  While I fear for your safety, if you insist on going, I will take you to the island in the morning.  Please stay here tonight as our guests.”

…

As they made their way to Turlic’s boat, the sun rose on the far horizon, decorating the distant sky in a kaleidoscope of orange and reds.  It was visible only briefly, its light shining across the land from the sliver of open sky that existed between the land and the gray clouds that were covering the area.  It slid behind the clouds, muting its light and washing out the colors of the water and land.

Jake and Hailyn followed Turlic’s instructions and took their places near the stern of the boat while Turlic made ready to sail.  Before he undid the mooring ropes, he attached a small dingy to the rear of the boat.  With the slight, but steady breeze blowing across the lake, Turlic raised his sail, the canvas catching the wind.  He uncoiled the ropes holding the boat to the dock, then took his place at the rudder as the boat started to move.

They sailed out into deeper water.  Turlic turned the boat, adjusting his sail to keep the wind, and headed towards the island.  They picked up speed, the water making a gentle lapping sound against the wood as the bow cut through the small wind-driven waves.

“We have decided to explore the cliff area first, Turlic.”  Jake told him.  “Can you get us as close as possible?”  

While keeping an eye on his sail, he nodded.  “I will take you to where the river on the island flows into the lake.  There is a wider beach there, a better place to land.  The river appears to originate from the cliff, but it is impossible to navigate, so you will have to walk.”  He paused.  “I hope that following the river inland will give you some protection from being surrounded by whatever is on the island, with the fast-flowing water acting as a barrier on one side at least.”

He looked at them, his face resolute, but unhappy.  “I will not set foot on the island.  That is why I brought the small boat; you will have to row to shore.  I will wait for you just offshore.”  He looked away.  “I hope you can forgive my cowardice, especially after what you did.”