Sword of Light (8 page)

On the other hand, Nathen, slender and a little shorter than the other two, with a lean face and short blond hair and blue eyes, was from a minor noble family.  He was the only son of his family, with an older and a younger sister.  His father sent him to the city specifically to train with the Royal Guard to enhance their standing in the pecking order of the noble families.  Nathen was less than enthused when he first started training, used to living a life of relative ease.  Early on, he was not one to obey the rules, especially those he thought were outdated or irrelevant.  Though his instructors had considered dismissing him on several occasions, Nathen had demonstrated talent with the sword and bow.  Those skills had kept Nathen in training and he eventually stopped fighting the rules, though he would tell anyone who asked what he thought about them.  He also had a mischievous streak that manifested itself with pranks and jokes, often at the expense of Marcus and Daen.

The three had bonded when the instructors had assigned them to train together, holding each accountable for the actions of the others.  Some tension had developed between them at first, but that soon passed as they found themselves growing closer together as they faced a common adversary - their instructors.  The training had been physically and mentally challenging and the three were able to lean on each other to make it through.  Marcus was grateful that their friendship had continued after the training had finished; these two were as close as brothers to him now.

His real brother, of course, was the reason he had gone to Daen and Nathen in the early morning, asking them to come spar with him.  Rolas had continued to needle Marcus, mocking and challenging him, as he tried to tell his parents what had occurred during the rescue mission.  They had gone up to the rooms in the palace that the king had set aside for Marcus’ family, sitting down in the comfortable chairs of the library.  His father had tried to keep the peace, admonishing Rolas and encouraging Marcus, while his mother sat there watching quietly.  Finally, Marcus’ patience with his brother had reached its end and only their father’s order had prevented it from coming to blows.  Marcus had gone to his room, but sleep would not come, so he slipped out quietly and went to find his friends to work off his anger.

“What has you in such a mood, Marcus?”  Daen asked.  “I figured you would be happy to be back in the city.”

“Rolas.”  Marcus stated shortly.

“Ahh.”  Daen said sympathetically, sharing a look with Nathen.

They knew of Marcus’ estrangement from his brother.  Marcus had told them much of what happened, but not all.  They knew that the two have never been close.  Marcus had told them of Rolas’ jealousy of his relationship with their father, whom Rolas said favored the younger son over the older.  Rolas had always been outspoken in his claim as the rightful heir to their family’s holdings and saw Marcus as a threat to that.

What Marcus kept to himself was the real reason he had been sent to the capital.  Growing up, with his father often busy or away on business, his mother distant and Rolas as a tormentor, Marcus found solace with his nanny and her husband.  Even after he had grown old enough to no longer need a nanny, Selace and Tenan had always welcomed Marcus into their home.  Tenan was one of his father’s huntsmen and taught Marcus tracking and hunting.  Selace was there to encourage and console Marcus as a child, giving him the affection that his mother did not show.  With no children of their own, they were surrogate parents to Marcus and he felt closer to them than his own family.

When Marcus had just turned sixteen, Tenan was killed while out hunting in the forest.  It appeared that, while cleaning the deer he had killed, he was attacked by a bear.  They found Tenan’s mangled body near the deer carcass.  Tracks led off into the undergrowth, where they found the bear, dead, with Tenan’s knife still in it.  When this news reached Marcus, he was devastated and went immediately to see Selace.  Though Marcus attempted to comfort her, she was inconsolable.

The next day brought another hammerblow to Marcus’ heart.  In the night, Selace had gone to the falls that fed the river near the holding and, in her despair, had thrown herself off.  Some of the housemaids had found her body in the rocks that morning.  Shattered by the news, Marcus had gone to one of the outbuildings and broke down, weeping.  Rolas found him there and began to mock him, calling him a baby and hurling other insults.  Marcus was used to his brother’s taunting, usually containing his anger and walking away, but when Rolas said that Tenan and Selace were only servants and not worthy of a nobleman’s tears, something inside Marcus snapped.

He charged Rolas, catching him off guard and drove him out into the courtyard.  They fell to the ground, punching and kicking each other.  They regained their feet, still swinging.  Neither was holding back, with Marcus consumed by rage and Rolas by hate.  The servants and craftsmen scattered as the two fought and rolled around the courtyard, attempting to kill each other with their bare hands.

When they battled close to the blacksmith, things took a deadlier turn.  Rolas grabbed a nearby sword and Marcus followed suit.  The two closed with each other, swords moving.  They had only begun when several of the men-at-arms barreled in and wrestled them both to the ground, stripping them of their weapons.  They were both dragged unceremoniously to the cells set aside for prisoners waiting for their father’s judgment.

Their father was the angriest Marcus had ever seen him when he came to the cells in the early evening.  He was so mad that he almost could not speak.  After blistering their ears about breaking the peace and how disappointed and ashamed he was to be their father at that moment, he left them both locked up for the night, barring any food or water.

The next day they were released, with a man-at-arms assigned to each of them to prevent a repeat of the day before.  Their father had made them apologize and shake hands, promising to behave like brothers should.  Marcus could tell he was troubled, knowing that it was only words, and, shortly after the funeral for Selace and Tenan, his father told him that he was being sent to train with the Royal Guard.  Despite parting with his father, Marcus was eager to go.

“Well, I know of several taverns in the city where it will be unlikely that your brother would find you.”  Nathen said lightly.  “If you can bring yourself to go to such places, I am sure we can find some, umm, distractions to take your mind off your troubles.”

“I’m sure you know of all such places, Nathen.”  Marcus said, shaking his head with a smile on his face.  “Thank you for the offer, but while I could give a fig about Rolas, I doubt Keria would be too happy if I was caught in such a place.”

“My apologies, Marcus; I forgot you are a romantic at heart.”  Nathen said.  “I, for one, am not bothered by such concerns.”

“We know, Nathen.”  Daen said, rolling his eyes.  “The One preserve us, we know.”

The three shared a laugh, Marcus feeling his mood lighten.

“You both disappoint me so.”  Nathen said, feigning disillusionment.  He glanced up, a twinkle in his eye.  “Let’s go get something to eat before Marcus decides he want to pound out more of his frustrations on me.”

As they began to walk towards the mess area, a voice called across the training grounds.  “Lord Marcus.”

As they turned towards the voice, Marcus saw Justian walking towards them.  He came up to them, bowing slightly to Marcus.  “Your mother has requested that you return and have the morning meal with your family.”  Justian said.

“Of course, Captain.”  Marcus said, his good mood dissipating, but keeping the disappointment out of his voice.  He looked at his friends.  “I will come by to see you when I can get free.”

“We understand,
Lord
Marcus.”  Nathen said mockingly, with a grin and an exaggerated bow.  With a nod from Daen, they continued on to the mess area.

“Let’s go, Justian.”  Marcus said, heading back towards the palace and steeling himself for an unpleasant morning.

…

Jake awoke from a dreamless sleep to see the sunlight streaming in through the windows. 
Madalin must have let me sleep late.
Jake thought to himself.  He called up his power, feeling strength return to his body.  He sat up and slowing stood, moving around his room and getting dressed, but leaving his armor and sword behind.

He pushed the curtain aside and stepped out onto the patio.  He stopped, enjoying the sunshine on his face and feeling the cool breeze move around his body.  He could see some dark scattered clouds in the distance, bringing the promise of rain.  After a few moments of contemplation, he went inside the main house.

He saw Madalin and Cherise sitting in the front room, Madalin reading and Cherise sketching.  Madalin looked up when he came into the kitchen, rising and coming over to him.

“Good morning, Jake.”  She said, reaching up to touch his face.  “How are you feeling?”

“The same as yesterday.”  Jake replied.  “As long as I hold my magic, I can at least move around.”

“Come, I set aside a plate for you.”  She said as she went to the counter to pull a plate of food from under a cloth.  She sat at the table while Jake ate.

“Is there anything you want at the market?”  Madalin asked solicitously when Jake had finished.  “I need to go and gather some items.  Cherise will be going with me.”

“I’m fine, Madalin.”  Jake replied.

“Well, you should go back to your room and rest, then.”  Madalin said as she stood, taking the plate over to the wash sink.  “You need to conserve your strength until Brother Jonas returns.”

“I think I will hang out outside.”  Jake said.  “It is a nice day and I could use some sun.”  He saw the disapproving look cross Madalin’s face.  “I promise to not do anything crazy.  If I start getting tired, I will go lay down.”

“Fine.”  Madalin said, voice neutral though she did not look pleased.  “Maybe I should have Cherise stay with you.”

“There is no need for that.”  Jake said hurriedly.  “I will be fine and, besides, there is nothing she could do if something did happen.”

“All right, Jake.  I will trust you.”  Madalin replied.  She headed to the front room.  “Let’s go, Cherise.”  She said to her daughter as she headed out the front door.  Cherise jumped up and, with a wave to Jake, followed her out.

Jake went out the side door, slowly walking around the side yard and enjoying the sunshine.  He worked his way over to the other side of the house and let Maxis out of his enclosure.  The dog was enthusiastic, bouncing around Jake as he continued to walk around.

Maxis’ energy seemed to bolster Jake’s.  He moved faster, testing the limits of his strength.  He played and wrestled with the dog, though Maxis would often knock him off-balance.  After a while, though, Jake felt his energy failing, his muscles starting to shake, so he headed for the benches.

He sat down, grateful to be off his feet, then decided to lie down as his strength continued to wane.  Maxis stayed with him, lying down next to the bench.  With the warm sun overhead, Jake closed his eyes and released his power.  With Maxis close by, he felt that now-familiar sensation return.  He tried to ignore it and, after a few minutes, he nodded off.

He woke up when Maxis’ bark intruded into that peaceful nothingness.  Maxis barked again and Jake could hear the sound of a horse stopping, hooves clomping on the stones of the street.  Jake embraced his magic, sitting up and seeing a young man in the palace finery, his horse behind him, standing on the other side of the gate.  The young man was looking warily at Maxis, who had moved to stand between him and Jake, teeth bared and growling.

“It’s ok, Maxis.”  Jake told the dog as he made his way to the gate.  Maxis stopped growling, but stayed close to Jake.

“Jake Thomas?”  The man said, still watching Maxis.

“Yes.”  Jake replied.

“I have been sent from the palace with this message for you.”  The man said, cautiously handing Jake a sealed parchment, then jerking his hand back.  Looking relieved that he still had his hand, he stood there waiting.  Obviously, he was to return with a message from Jake.

Jake cracked the seal and opened the parchment.  He read the message, seeing that it was an invitation to the palace for a dinner and ceremony to take place tomorrow night.  Norlan and his family were invited to attend as Jake’s guests.

“I need to check with Norlan and Madalin first.”  Jake said.  “Can you come back later?”

“I have many duties, so it is unlikely.”  The man replied, moving back and swinging up onto his horse.  “Simply send a message to the palace.  I will inform them to expect a reply from Jake Thomas.  Good day.”  With that, he turned and rode off.

It was late afternoon when Madalin and Cherise returned, carrying several packages.  Jake tried to help them, but Madalin politely waved him off.  Jake followed them into the house, chatting with Cherise.  After Madalin had finished putting away her goods, Jake told her about the invitation.  She brightened at the thought of attending a palace function, but simply said.  “I will need to speak with Norlan before we commit to going.”

Jake went back outside, sitting on the benches and enjoying the rest of the day, Maxis staying close by.  Shortly before dark, Hailyn appeared.  Maxis rushed to the gate, happily greeting Hailyn as she came into the yard.  Hailyn petted the dog, who obviously enjoyed the attention.

“How are you, Jake?”  Hailyn asked as she walked up to Jake, stopping several feet away.  “You seem to be feeling better.”

“I’m the same as before.”  Jake replied.  “When I have my power, I feel stronger and can move about, but without it, I can barely lift my arms.”

“You shouldn’t expect a sudden change.”  Hailyn said, looking closely at Jake’s face.  “Likely, any improvement will be gradual.  If you look on the bright side, you don’t seem to be getting worse.”

“I guess.”  Jake said, shrugging his shoulders.  “Can I tell you something?  I don’t want you to worry or do anything.”

“Of course, Jake.”  Hailyn replied as she took a seat on the bench across from Jake.  “You can tell me anything.”

Relieved, Jake told her about the unusual sensation that he felt from others when he was not holding his magic.  “It seems to be stronger with clerics for some reason.  Only now, with my power, I don’t sense it from you.”  Jake finished.