The Jake Thomas Trilogy: Book 02 - Sword of Light Read Free

began to set in the west, Dominic found a small gulch off the road, sheltered on three sides by steep walls and hidden from the road.  There was only one way in, so they could easily defend the position.
    Despite this added protection, Jonas agreed with Dominic that it would be better to forgo a fire, so they ate cold rations for the evening meal.  They unsaddled the horses, allowing them to feed and rest.  Dominic and Jonas sent the others to bed, taking the first watch.  Marcus used the blankets to set up a sleeping area for Keria, and then lay down on the ground close to her, quickly falling asleep.  Hailyn set up her blankets next to the wagon.
    Jonas went to the wagon to check on Jake.  Covered in blankets, Jake was still unresponsive, looking frail, his hair streaked with white.  But he is alive.   Jonas thought gratefully.  He gave a rueful shake of his head, and then turned to head out towards the road where Dominic was keeping watch.
    Dominic was sitting on a small log, his sword out, studying the approach to their position.  Jonas sat down next to him, laying his staff across his knees, grateful to be sitting down, his body still tired.  They sat in silence for a while.
    “How did you find us?”  Jonas asked quietly, breaking the stillness.  “I did not expect to see you again when you did not catch up with us after that first day.”
    “The half-men and their masters were more persistent than I expected.”  Dominic replied, still staring ahead.  “Even though I thinned them out some, I was pushed farther south than I planned and was forced to hide out for a time.  By the time I got clear and circled back, I had little hope that I would catch you, even though I drove Shadow hard.  I almost missed where you left the road.  I moved as fast as I could, but was slowed by a couple of fights along the way.  Once I saw that your trail ended at the road that led to the demons’ lair, I assumed that you went in on foot.  You did a good job of hiding the horses, but I saw the signs leading off from the road.  By the time I got to the rocks, night had fallen and I saw you slipping into the cliff face.  I tried to catch you, but you were good at staying ahead of me.  Once inside, I had several encounters along the way, as you had stirred up the place.  I followed the sounds of the battle and fought my way to you.  The rest you know.”
    “Well, I am glad that you were there.”  Jonas said.  “You helped Jake when he needed it and that enabled us to prevail.  I will admit that I thought I had lost you again when the demon lord struck you.”  He chuckled softly, laying a hand on Dominic’s shoulder.  “But you have always been tougher than anyone should have the right to be.”
    Dominic smiled slightly at the comment.  “If it makes you feel better, I was not very confident about my chances at that point either.”
    His smile faded.  “What are you going to do about the boy?”  Dominic asked.  “If you think it may cost you your life, you had better be sure whatever you do will work.”
    Jonas frowned, thinking, and then shrugged his shoulders.  “Jake is alive; that is what is important.  He seems stable, though he does not seem to be improving.  There is always the possibility that he will recover on his own, but I will watch him closely.  If we get him back to Sanduas, I can study him, then determine a course of action.”  He paused for a moment.  “Also, I will send a message to Tomaris.  He may have some insight into this.”
    “I think that may be the best option for now.”  Dominic stated.  “From what I saw and heard while at the Keep, Tomaris seems likely to have the knowledge and power to help the boy.  There is no need for you to risk your life.”
    Jonas nodded and they fell silent, turning their focus to the task at hand.  They kept watch without incident.  A little past midnight, Jonas woke Marcus and Hailyn.  Jonas handed his staff to her, then