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

back to the commander’s quarters.  Adjusting his position to get comfortable, Jake just sat there, staring aimlessly at the activity in the courtyard, his mind jumbled with thoughts of Keria, Marcus and his physical condition.  Hailyn sat on the bench, watching him, but saying nothing.
    “How is our patient this morning?”  A female voice intruded into his thoughts, pulling Jake’s attention outward.  Jake saw a middle-aged female cleric approaching, a serious look on her plain face, her hair, streaked with gray and pulled tightly back from her face, tied into a long ponytail.  She nodded a greeting to Jake and turned towards Hailyn.
    “He is better than yesterday, Sister Silvan.”  Hailyn replied courteously.  “He is still physically weak, but he knows where he is and has an appetite.”
    “That is good to hear.”  Silvan said.  She came closer to Jake, peering at his face, trying to gauge his condition.  She leaned in, studying his face and looking over his body.  When she got closer, Jake could feel that crawling sensation again, but it was much stronger this time.  He frowned, wondering what it could be.  He was not sure if he should mention it to Hailyn, since she could not touch him to see if there was anything wrong.  Thankfully, Silvan backed away, apparently satisfied, and the sensation faded away.
    “I will leave him in your care, Hailyn.”  Silvan said as she made to go.  “Try and rest today.  We will be leaving at first light tomorrow and driving hard for Sanduas.”  With a nod to Jake, she strode off.
    For the rest of the day, Jake sat there thinking and kept drifting in and out of sleep.  When awake, he was distracted and frustrated by his weakened state, not feeling the need for conversation.  Hailyn seemed content to simply be nearby, talking with Jake when he wanted to talk, sitting and quietly reading a scroll when he was quiet.
    Marcus came out several times to see if Jake needed anything, bringing water and food when asked.  Jake had to endure Marcus helping him to the latrines, since his legs were not able to support his weight to go on his own.  Marcus took it in stride, unaffected, but Jake was embarrassed to need help in this, conscious of the soldiers nearby, as well as Hailyn.  The indignity of not being able to care for himself, combined with that odd sensation that returned when Marcus helped him, had put Jake in a foul mood by the time he came back to the wagon.
    He sat there, his frustration and anger at himself boiling over, and, for the want of doing something, reached for his magic.  His frustration faded when, after a moment’s delay, he felt his magic come alive.  It filled him, that familiar thrill brightening his mood.  He could see the blue nimbus of his power surrounding him.
    “Jake, what are you doing?”  Hailyn asked, concern in her eyes.
    “I just wanted to see if I could call it up.”  Jake said, holding onto his power tightly.  With his magic, he felt stronger and tried to push himself up.  To his surprise and delight, he was able to move.  He still felt weak, but he was able to slowly move to the edge of the wagon, swinging his legs over the rear.  Taking a deep breath, he tried to stand up.  His legs buckled for a moment, but he was able to recover.  Letting go of the wagon, he took a hesitant step away and stood there swaying.
    “That is enough, Jake.”  Hailyn said firmly, a frown on her face.  “Please get back into the wagon.  You should not task yourself.”
    “I’m alright, Hailyn.  I just want to try something.”  Jake said.  He stood still for a few seconds, getting his feet under him and legs set, and then released his power.  Immediately, his legs gave out and he collapsed to the ground.  He muttered curses as several nearby soldiers heard Hailyn’s startled cry and came to his aid.
    Before he could attempt to recall his power and stand, they lifted him back into the wagon at Hailyn’s command.  She