The Jake Thomas Trilogy: Book 02 - Sword of Light by Steven A. Tolle Read Free Book Online Page A

behind the carriage.  With a final blast of the horns, the formation began to move.
    With Hailyn busy guiding the horses, Jake spent the day bouncing around the wagon, embracing his power when he needed to move, but otherwise with nothing to do.  The formation picked up speed when they made it onto the highway, startled travelers hurrying off the road as the army passed.
    In the early afternoon, his mind wandering, Jake was sitting there bored when calls began to sound throughout the formation.  At Captain Grashin’s shouted order, the army came to a halt.  Jake saw Marcus give a start, lean over to say something to Keria, then ride forward.  After several minutes, Jake heard the sound of approaching horses and saw a large group of soldiers, covered in chainmail and leather, shields and swords hanging from their horses, ride up to Keria’s carriage behind Marcus and Captain Grashin.
    As Jake studied them, he could just make out the epaulets pinned to their armor.  They all wore the same insignia of a rearing bear.  The insignia seemed familiar, but it took Jake a moment to recognize that it was the same image that was on Marcus’ shield.

Chapter Four
    Curious about what was happening and tired of just sitting in the wagon, Jake embraced his power, feeling it give him a burst of strength.  Ignoring Hailyn’s admonition to remain, he slowly slid from the wagon bed and made his way cautiously towards Keria’s carriage.  At Hailyn’s signal, a soldier shadowed him closely in case he faltered.  Hailyn quickly climbed down from the wagon and joined him as well.  Jake gritted his teeth at Hailyn’s over-protectiveness, but did not say anything.
    When they got close, they heard Marcus already explaining the situation to Keria, who had stepped down from her carriage.  “Captain Justian is my father’s chief man-at-arms.”  Marcus said as he pointed at the large man at the head of the new soldiers’ formation.  “His party was sent to aid our rescue attempt.”  He nodded at Justian.  “Captain, please continue.”
    “Your Highness.”  Justian said respectfully, his deep voice rumbling, with a nod of his head.  “A messenger from the capital came to my lord and lady, telling them of your capture and of the rescue attempt.  Lord Marcelas gathered two hundred of his men-at-arms and departed for the capital, to assist your father if needed.  Despite the small chance of success, given the time that had passed, he sent my party south in an attempt to join up with the army or, barring that, attempt to locate where you were being held.”
    “You and your men have my thanks for making such an effort.”  Keria replied.  “I am sure that my father appreciates Lord Marcelas’ response.”
    “With your permission, we will join your force to escort you back to the capital.”  Justian said.
    “Your presence will be most welcome, Captain Justian.”  Keria stated.  She looked at the small crowd around her carriage, smiling when she saw Jake standing at the edge.  “We should continue on, don’t you agree, Captain Grashin?”
    “At once, Your Highness.”  Grashin replied.  He looked over to Marcus.  “Your father’s men can reinforce the soldiers at the front and rear of the formation.”
    Marcus nodded and turned to Justian.  “Deploy the men, Captain, then return to ride next to me.”
    “Lord Marcus.”  Justian said with a salute.  He rode over to his men, speaking quietly with his lieutenants.
    “We should get back to the wagon.”  Hailyn said to Jake as the nearby soldiers began to redeploy to their assigned positions.  Jake nodded, turning back to the wagon, biting back a curse as his legs buckled a bit.  He caught himself, willing his legs to be steady, and made his way back to the wagon, Hailyn and the soldier close by.  He was grateful that he was able to climb into the wagon bed without any assistance.  He nodded his thanks to the soldier, who gave Jake a salute and went