A World Apart (14 page)

Jonas leaned forward, his face grave.  "When they breached on the morning of the third day, it looked like that would be the end of us.  It was horrible, Jake.  Men were dying all around us, friends of ours.  I was standing next to Dom on the wall, fighting at his side, when I was struck by a couple arrows.  One took me in the leg, causing me to fall, the other through my side.  Tried as I could, the leg would not work and I could not rise.  I said my prayers, figuring my time was done."

"What I had not counted on was Dom.  He stood over me, fighting our enemies, for hours; he was like a man possessed.  I have never seen the like; anyone that came close enough to him simply died.  When our reinforcements arrived and drove off the raiders that afternoon, they found us on the wall, a pile of dead raiders around us.  Dom was still standing, though he was wounded, his sword notched and armor scored from many blows.  He kept me alive that whole time."

Jonas was quiet for a moment, lost in his memories.  He gave a little shake and a faint smile returned.  "Dom would not leave me until he was sure that the clerics had healed me."  He said softly, then looked directly at Jake.  "As to your question, it was in that healing that the clerics detected the spark.  By that I mean, they could tell that I had the ability to wield their power.  It is not a common gift, and healers are held in high regard, so I was released from the army and found myself sent back to the capital to become an apprentice cleric."

"Is that why you have that staff?  For your leg wound?"  Jake asked, realizing too late that the question may be too personal.

Jonas smiled, clearly not offended.  "No, Jake.  When I was healed, it was complete.  My leg was as good as new.  I got the staff after I became Chief Cleric."

"So, it is the Chief Cleric's staff, like a badge of office?"  Jake responded.

Jonas shook his head.  "It may become that, but I am its first holder.  It was given to me personally by its creator."

Jonas paused to take a drink of water, then continued.  "After I passed my tests as an apprentice, I devoted my time to researching the healing arts.  While our power is very strong for healing, it does have its limits.  We cannot stop aging, heal death and some conditions resist us.  Besides trying to discover ways to increase the effectiveness of our power, I looked for alternatives when healing clerics are not around.  That is how I was able to create Dom's potion for healing."

Jonas gave a heavy sigh.  "After I became Chief Cleric, my research took a personal turn.  My wife became very ill and healing could not wholly cure her."

"You're married?"  Jake interrupted, surprised.

"I was, Jake."  Jonas said, smiling sadly.  "I met my wife shortly after I passed my tests.  After a year-long courtship, we were married.  It was a happy time for me; we were very much in love."  He paused, voice catching.

He cleared his throat.  "As I was saying, she became ill and I could not find anything in our books to help.  Desperate, I traveled to the fortress of Tomaris, a scholar and magic user.  He is a strange old man who wields a power I do not understand.  However, he has the most extensive library I know of.  It was while I was there, desperately trying to find a cure, that he gave this staff to me.  It strengthens and focuses my power, greatly increasing the amount I can wield.  I rushed home, confident that with it I could save my wife.  Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the other clerics, she had passed away two days before I returned."

"I'm sorry.  I didn't know."  Jake said softly, feeling terrible about his question now.

"There is nothing to apologize for, young Jake.  I have had many years to reconcile myself with the loss.  Our teachings say, and I believe, that I will see her again after I pass from this life."  Jonas smiled again, humor returning.  "She was a strong and patient woman.  She would scold me if it appeared that I rushed to her side."

He changed subjects.  "But your question was about Dominic, not me.  After his performance at the battle, Dom was promoted and given a choice of assignments.  I think because I was here, he chose to come back to the capital and join the Royal Guards, the personal soldiers of the King.  His story was widely known and he became very popular with the nobles and the people."

Jonas smiled fondly.  "Looking at him now, you may not believe it, but Dom was considered by the ladies as the catch of the kingdom back then.  He was handsome, witty, heroic and, of course, single.  The ladies, at court and in the city, pursued him and I think he enjoyed the chase."

"However, his first love was being a soldier.  He rose rapidly in the ranks of the Royal Guard, becoming an officer and, eventually, the youngest commander ever.  He was allowed by the King, from time to time, to join the regular army on missions and in battle.  It is not simply a friend's pride that allows me to say that he was the best soldier the kingdom had.  He was always in the thick of the fighting, with the regular soldiers, never hiding behind his command.  As such, he gained the loyalty of the army.  It was in recognition of this, that the King knighted him and made him Commander of the Army, as well as Commander of the Royal Guard.  He was loved by the people and feared by our enemies."

"Wow, so what happened?"  Jake asked, fascinated.  "He said he gave up that title years ago."

"That is Dom's story to tell, Jake."  Jonas said, suddenly cautious.  "I would advise you not to press him about it; he does not like to discuss it.  I will only say that he and the King became at odds and Dom was released from his obligations and command.  Since that time, he has dedicated himself to clearing the kingdom of the half-men."  He paused for a moment.  "Jake, even though he no longer serves the Crown, he retained the loyalty and affection of the people.  His lonely fight against the half-men and demons has only increased their regard.  That is why you see the reaction people have to him."

"Ok."  Jake said, wanting to know more about Dominic, but seeing that Jonas would not give any more details.  "Maybe we can discuss where I am.  All I know is that I am not on my world."

"That is easy enough."  Jonas said, rising from his chair and going to a bookshelf.  He rummaged through some scrolls while Jake refilled his cup and took a drink.  Jonas returned to the table with a large rolled-up scroll.  He cleared the tray off the table and unrolled it.  Jake could see that it was a map with a central landmass with water on the western and eastern sides.  There were lines and symbols written on the map.

"You are here."  Jonas said, pointing to a symbol near the center of the map.  "This is Sanduas, the city."  He pointed to a line of upside down 'V's to the east of the city.  "These are the Gray Ridges."  He said, tracing the mountain range down to the south.  He pointed to a large green area was to the south and south-west of the city, extending towards the bottom edge of the map.  "This is the Great Southern Forest, where you were captured and found Dom."

Jonas sat down again as Jake studied the map.  "The large body of water to the west is the Inland Sea while the one to the east is the Outer Ocean.  The solid lines indicate the borders of the various countries.  To our north, you see the country of Beragan.  Beyond that are the northern wastes.  The area directly to the south of Sanduas is the country of Morisan.  South of Morisan, you will find a loose confederation of city-states, then the Southern Wilds, an untamed and mysterious land.  To the east, over the Gray Ridges, lies the nation of Aletonia.  It extends from the mountains to the Outer Sea and south to the Southern Wilds."

"Is this world called something?"  Jake asked, struggling to orient himself.  "What I mean is, for example, the world I'm from is called Earth."

"It is known to us as simply 'the world'."  Jonas replied.  "I wish I could help you better, Jake, have something more reassuring to tell you, but some of your questions are beyond me."

"Ok."  Jake said quietly, resigned.

Jonas reached out and grasped Jake's hand, giving it a squeeze.  "What I will do is send a message to Tomaris.  As I mentioned, he is a scholar, powerful and very wise.  He has knowledge of many things, like how he made this staff, so maybe he can understand what has occurred to bring you here and why.  I'll send it first thing tomorrow."

Jonas paused, then continued.  "Jake, I know that this is hard for you, but you should prepare yourself to stay here for the foreseeable future.  Even if Tomaris can help, it may be weeks before we have an answer.  It will take several days just to get the message to him."

Jonas stood up.  "I'll make arrangements for you to stay with friends while you are here."  He looked Jake in the eye.  "I believe that you are a good and honest young man, Jake.  Know that, while you are here, I will do whatever I can to make you feel welcome and safe.  I am sure Dom will do the same."

He headed to the door.  "I will ask that you stay here for now, Jake.  Try to relax; you are safe here.  I shouldn't be long."  He left, closing the door behind him.

Jake slumped in his chair, gazing at the map, despair rising.  He felt trapped and alone, despite Jonas' warmth and reassurances.  None of this made any sense to him.  He could not believe that he was here, in a strange world, parted from his family and friends.  Would he ever see them again?  He reached and grabbed his phone, an anchor to his real life, and held it like a talisman to ward off this nightmare.

He had been sitting there for a time, lost in his thoughts, when the door banged open, startling him, causing him to jump out of his seat.  He looked at the open doorway to see Dominic striding through, his face angry.  "Where's Jonas?"  He demanded.

"He said that he was going to make some arraignments for me to stay while I'm here."  Jake replied, unsure of what caused Dominic's obvious anger.

"Just when I need him, he is gone."  Dominic stated.  He motioned to Jake.  "Put the cloak back on, boy, and let's go.  We have been summoned to the palace."

"What for?"  Jake asked, concerned, as he fastened the cloak back on.

"Obviously, word has reached the king that I brought a stranger to the city."  Dominic spat.  "I assume he wants to poke and prod you for a bit.  Let's go and close the door behind you."  He turned and headed back out into the night.  Jake hurried to catch up.

Dominic grabbed an apprentice walking in the garden, startling the young man.  "Find out where Chief Cleric Jonas is and tell him he needs to come to the palace."  Dominic gave him a shove.  "Now, boy!"  The apprentice, taking a look at Dominic's scarred face, turned and ran, calling out if anyone had seen Jonas, his nervous voice echoing off the buildings' walls.

Dominic strode down the path and headed out the gates into the street, Jake almost running to keep up.  As Jake reached the street, he could see six soldiers arranged in formation, the metal of their armor and the heads of their sharp spears reflecting the torchlight.  Another soldier was standing to the side, a plumed helmet cradled under his arm, looking a bit pale in the torchlight.  Dominic headed straight for him.

"All right, Captain Hessel."  Dominic said, voice angry, but even.  "We're here.  Chief Cleric Jonas was away, but a messenger has been sent to summon him."

Without waiting for a response, Dominic strode off towards the palace, Jake hurrying to catch him.  Captain Hessel quickly put on his helmet, shouted an order and the soldiers ran to form a guard around Dominic and Jake.  It seemed to Jake that they were under arrest.

C
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With Dominic not saying anything as they made their way to the palace, Jake glanced nervously at the soldiers surrounding them, trying to get a sense of their mood.  To Jake, they seemed unhappy about their task, but professional.  Maybe it was their respect for Dominic; they seemed to want to be seen as dispassionate and disciplined, even Captain Hessel.  Even so, it would have appeared to anyone watching them that Dominic was leading the party.

They made their way through one of the parks, torchlight illuminating the path.  The palace reared in front of them, its white walls reflecting the pale light of the rising moon.  The party made its way across the paved courtyard, heading for the gate that stood open in the middle of the wall.  Jake could see additional guards in front of the gate.

Captain Hessel quickened his pace and reached the guards at the gate before the party.  Jake heard him speak to the guards and one turned and ran back into the palace grounds.  The group reached the gate and passed into the palace grounds.

Even in the torchlight, Jake could see across the open courtyard that there were large gardens of trees and flowering plants surrounding the palace.  He could make out carved stone benches and statues placed within the gardens.  He also saw guards posted at regular intervals around the palace, some partially hidden by the foliage.

They continued on the wide paved path that traveled up to the smooth stone stairs, which led to palace entrance.  As they made their way up the stairs, Jake could see the guards at the door.  Unlike the others, these guards were dressed in shining armor, each carrying a white shield on their left arm with a golden eagle painted in the center.  Their long surcoats were also white, secured over their armor with a wide leather belt.  From the belts, a sheathed sword hung from their hips.  They also held a tall spear, its point long and sharp, in their right hand.  The helmets, open-faced with a nose guard coming down from the brow area, were also shining, with a plume of white feathers topping them.  Jake could tell they were ceremonial guards, but they looked like they could also fight, if need be.

The guards, looking straight ahead, did not acknowledge the group as they passed; obviously, they were expected.  As they entered the palace, Jake looked around.  He first noticed the polished stone floor, as his sneakers squeaked as he entered the foyer.  Dominic gave him a look out of the corner of his eye, shaking his head slightly.  Across the foyer were the entrances of three hallways. They headed across the foyer and entered the center hallway.  The hallway was tall with an arched ceiling, walls painted golden, decorated by paintings and woven hangings, brightly lit by hundreds of candles along the walls and hanging from the ceiling.  There was a thick red carpet that ran down the center of the stone floor, muffling their steps.  At the end of the hall were two enormous golden doors, with two more ceremonial guards stationed before the door.  Off to the right, a rotund older man with shoulder-length white hair and a short beard, dressed in fine clothing, waited.