Sword of Light by Steven Tolle

table.”
    Frowning slightly as he wondered what this was about, Jake nodded and stood up.  He made his way over to the king’s table.  Keria’s chair was empty, as she was out dancing.
    “You wanted to see me, Your Majesty?”  Jake asked politely.
    “Yes, Jake.”  The king replied.  He gestured at Keria’s chair.  “Please sit.”
    Once Jake was sitting, the king leaned over and spoke quietly.  “Is there not any reward that I can give you for your role in freeing Keria?”
    Jake thought about asking to see Keria, his gaze drifting over towards her, where she was dancing with Marcus, smiling and laughing.  Before he could speak, the king followed his gaze and shook his head.
    “My prohibition still stands, Jake.”  The king said firmly, though his eyes were sympathetic.  “Keria has a responsibility to the kingdom.  She will be a queen someday and she has to marry someone who can stand beside her, challenge her privately when needed, and lead this nation.”  He paused, then asked.  “Do you wish to be a king, Jake?”
    “King? Me?!”  Jake exclaimed.  The idea seemed so outlandish that he almost laughed.
    “If you do not wish to be a king, then why pursue Keria?”  The king pressed, face serious.  “Besides the fact that you are a stranger and the nobles would not accept you, if a way was found to return you to your world, would you forswear your home and family to remain here?”
    Jake was caught off-guard by the question.  He was embarrassed that he had not thought about it that way.  He thought of his family and friends and of all the familiar things of home.  He finally shook his head, saying quietly.  “No.  I would go home.”
    “Jake, I recognize that Keria is a beautiful young woman.”  The king said kindly.  “When I was a young man around your age, I pursued a beautiful woman, only to have her become unattainable.  However, in spite of what I thought was a devastating blow, I met and fell in love with Keria’s mother.  I consider myself to be a lucky man for it.”  He paused.  “Do you understand what I am trying to say here?”
    “I think so, Your Majesty.”  Jake said, unable to keep the disappointment out of his voice.  He gazed longingly at Keria, savoring her beauty, but, with a sinking feeling in his chest, knew the king was right.  It would not be fair to Keria for this to continue, especially if he could find a way home.  Maybe I can at least do something right.  He thought as an idea came to him.
    “As to my reward, I would ask that you consider Marcus for Keria.”  Jake said haltingly, feeling this was the toughest thing he had ever done.  “He is in love with her.”
    The king looked over at Marcus, a slight frown on his face.  “I cannot promise you that, Jake.”  He said, sighing heavily.  “He may be good for her and I acknowledge his feelings for her, but I must also consider the wishes of the royal council, which is often driven by politics and position.”
    The king held out his hand.  “I know that this is not what you had hoped for, Jake.  I hope that a way can be found to send you back to your rightful world.  When you return there, I hope you will think kindly of me.”
    “Of course, Your Majesty.”  Jake said respectfully, shaking the king’s hand.  “To be honest, I have been treated better here than I had any right to expect.”
    “I will let you get back to the celebrations.”  The king said.  “Enjoy the night.”
    Jake nodded and went back over to his table.  He could not bring himself to look over at Keria as he passed the dance area.  Norlan was sitting at the table, sipping some wine.  He noticed the look on Jake’s face.
    “What happened?”  He asked, concern in his voice.  “You look like you got some really bad news.”
    “I’m fine, Norlan.”  Jake said.  “I’m just tired.  I think I will have the carriage take me back to the house.”
    “Let me get Madalin and Cherise and we