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

to remount his horse.
    As Jake was settling back into his makeshift seat, the order to resume the march was called out.  With the creaking of leather and wood, the formation began to move, slowly at first then with more speed.
    Once the army had settled into its pace, Jake asked Hailyn if she knew anything about Marcus’ family.  She shifted in her seat so that she was sitting in a position to watch the road ahead while not having to turn her head to speak to Jake.
    “Master Jonas has taught me about some of the court politics and the noble families.”  She said.  “Marcus’ father is lord over a large holding of land in the northwestern part of Sanduas, bordering the Inland Sea.  Their family crest is the rearing bear, a symbol of the wild animals that live in the forested mountains of their holdings.  They have large timber, fishing and farming concerns.  His family is one of the richest and most powerful of the noble families.  As such, Marcus’ father has a great deal of influence in the capital when he is at court.”
    She glanced around, making sure that no one was too close and lowered her voice.  “While still very attractive, his mother was considered the great beauty of the kingdom in her youth.  Rumor has it that she had hoped to be queen, but was married to Lord Marcelas when his father requested it from King Henold, Keria’s grandfather.  Some say that left Lady Arelia bitter and distant from her sons.”
    “Sons?”  Jake said, surprised.  Since he did not really know him, he had assumed Marcus was an only child.
    “Marcus has a brother, Rolas.”  Hailyn said.  “He is four years older, but spends most of his time at their holdings.  He is known as a great hunter and fighter.”  She sighed sadly.  “I have been told that they are not close and only speak to each other when necessary.”
    Jake mulled that over, thinking of his own younger brother.  He and Russ were also about four years apart.  While Russ could annoy the hell out of him at times, they were still pretty close.  Jake could not imagine what it would take for him to dislike Russ enough to not speak with him.
    “It was partly because of this tension that Marcus was sent to the city four years ago.”  Hailyn continued.  “The official reason was for him to train with the Royal Guard, but Master Jonas knows otherwise.”
    “Thanks, Hailyn.”  Jake said, studying Marcus riding ahead, Justian next to him.  He was surprised that he felt sorry for Marcus’ situation.
    After a rest stop in the late afternoon, word was relayed that the army would not stop for the night, but drive on until they reached Sanduas.  The clerics went around healing the horses to make sure they could carry on, and then the army continued.  As the sun sank behind the horizon and darkness enveloped the surrounding plains, the outriders lit torches, lighting the way.  The pace slowed a bit, but with solid road beneath them, the army rode confidently ahead.
    Shortly before dawn, they came upon the Royal Highway and turned east.  After riding all night, the sun, shining brilliantly in the clear blue sky before them, gave them renewed energy.  Grashin sent some riders ahead to clear the highway, then picked up the pace.  Soldiers and clerics ate in the saddle as they rode on.  They made a brief stop near mid-day to allow the clerics to check on the condition of the horses, and then started forward again.
    Jake recognized the waystation where he and Dominic had stopped when he first arrived as they passed by in the early afternoon.  That gave him an idea of the remaining distance to the city.  He noticed travelers lining the road near the highway, moved aside to allow the army to pass.  As the waystation fell away behind them, he was glad to know that the journey would be over soon.
    The sun was close to setting when they made their way through the foothills, cresting the final hill and seeing the city lying before them.  A cheer