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

crawled into his blankets and let sleep take him.
    Jonas woke up shortly before dawn, the air crisp, the night slowly giving way to the approaching sun.  The extra sleep had refreshed him, the residual weariness now gone.  He looked around and saw that Dominic was also up and about.  They grabbed some rations and went out to relieve Marcus and Hailyn.  They sent them back to get something to eat and prepare to depart.
    He and Dominic returned to the same fallen log, eating in silence.  As they sat there, the sun finally rose, bathing the hills in light.  Finishing their meal, they were preparing to return to the wagon when they heard the sounds of an approaching horse on the road.  Reacting immediately, Dominic drew his sword and moved quickly towards the road, Jonas close behind.
    Dominic found a place where he could take the rider by surprise, crouching behind some thick bushes next to the road.  He brought his sword up, prepared to act quickly as the hoof beats drew closer.  He waited, still as a stone, sensing Jonas right behind him, ready to support him.  He watched the road, which curved away from his position to go around a hill, expecting to see a half-man ride up, planning an attack in his mind.
    When the rider came into view, Dominic saw that he was riding confidently, scanning the surrounding trees, dressed in chainmail over leather, a sword hanging from his belt, and a golden eagle emblem on his chest.  Dominic relaxed, stood and stepped out onto the road, raising his hand in greeting.  The rider saw Dominic instantly and raised a hand in response.  Dominic had recognized him; he was the lead scout from Alleon’s army.

Chapter Two
    Sergeant Werdan was a short, wiry man in early middle age.  His hair was graying, age lines creasing his forehead and the corners of his eyes, but he carried himself with the air of a veteran.  Despite his age, the brown eyes above his chiseled nose were still piercing and predatory, reminding Dominic of the eagle emblazoned in his chest.  Dominic remembered him from his army days, knowing that Werdan had been a soldier all of his life, never marrying or having children.  He was also a taciturn man, quiet and serious, passing over promotion because he preferred the solitary life of a scout.  All in all, a good man.   Dominic thought as he listened while Jonas finished explaining their situation.
    “Once you have your people ready to go, I will lead you back to Sir Alleon.”  Werdan said shortly, but politely, while his eyes never stopped scanning the surrounding area.  “I will keep guard while you make ready.”
    “We should be ready to move quickly.”  Jonas replied.  “How far to Alleon?”
    “They will have begun to march by now, so we should meet them by mid-day.”  Werdan said.
    “They are headed here?”  Jonas asked, surprised.  “They had taken the southern road.  What happened?”
    “We found evidence that the princess was not on the southern road.  I will let Sir Alleon explain it to you, Brother Jonas, if you don’t mind.”  Werdan replied, clearly not comfortable with extended conversation.
    “That will be fine, Sergeant Werdan.”  Dominic interjected.  “We will gather our things and be ready to move shortly.”
    Werdan nodded, riding off a short distance to where he could better watch the road.
    Dominic and Jonas made their way back to camp, arriving to see that Marcus had already hooked up the wagon horses and was saddling the other mounts in preparation to depart.  Hailyn and Keria had repacked and loaded the supplies in the wagon.  Dominic and Jonas went over and told them of the arrival of Sergeant Werdan.
    Thanks to Marcus’ effort, they were moving out to the road in just a few minutes.  As they turned onto the road, Werdan rode over, giving Marcus a short nod and Keria a bow from his horse.  “I am glad to see you unharmed, Your Highness.”  He said politely.  “Sir Alleon will be relieved to see you as