Sword of Light by Steven Tolle Page B

alone.  He was giving her up and, to make the situation worse, he felt that out of respect for what Marcus had done, he had to promote the idea of Marcus and Keria to the king.
    But, despite the sense of loss, he knew in his heart that it was the right thing to do.  He was not looking to be a king and, if the way home appeared, he would take it without hesitation.  It was not fair to Keria, or Marcus for that matter, for him to continue to chase after her.  He had to harden his heart against such attachments and stay focused on finding how to get back to his own world.  I will be tough.   He thought resolutely, though it did not make him feel any better.
    Focused on his thoughts, he was startled by a soft knock on his door.  As he embraced his power and sat up, he heard Hailyn’s voice.
    “May I come in?”  She asked.
    “Sure, Hailyn.”  Jake replied.  He watched as she entered his room, dressed in her white apprentice robes.  She seemed to be in good spirits, giving him a smile and came over and sat at the foot of his bed.  He pulled his knees back towards his chest to make sure that she did not accidently touch him.
    “How are feeling, Jake?”  She inquired.
    “Fine.”  Jake said casually.  “Not much has changed.”
    “That is better than things getting worse.”  Hailyn said lightly.  “Did you enjoy the celebration at the palace?”
    “It was ok.”  Jake said.  He was struck by a sudden thought.  “How come you were not invited?  You had as big a role in Keria’s rescue as me or Marcus.”
    “I was invited, but my duties at the Temple kept me from attending.”  She said, shaking her head.  “I think I would have enjoyed seeing if you could learn the dance steps in a night.”  She finished with a gentle laugh.
    “I stayed away from the dancing.”  Jake said hurriedly.  “I was not about to trip over someone’s feet trying to keep up.”
    “You should dance, Jake.”  Hailyn replied with an amused look in her eyes.  “It is good for the spirit and the body.  Besides, women like a man who can dance.”
    “Maybe, once I am healed, I will have you teach me.”  Jake said with a chuckle.  “I think I need any help I can get in the women department.”
    “Why do you say that?”  Hailyn asked, tilting her head and giving him a curious look.
    Jake told Hailyn everything that happened the previous night, including the conversation with the king.  She seemed sympathetic for the most part, offering him words of support as he tried to explain his feelings about it all.  However, when he told her about his desire to be tough and focus on getting home, she was less than accommodating.
    “I understand your desire to return home, but you cannot simply ignore your feelings or those of the people trying to help you.”  She said directly, a displeased look on her face.  “To do so means that you are simply using people to get what you want.  That is what the demons do.”
    “Wait a minute, I’m no freaking demon.”  Jake said with some heat.  “Just because I don’t want to get too attached doesn’t mean I don’t care.”
    “I know that.”  Hailyn said, holding up her hands.  “I was just trying to point out that you are a person, like we all are, and you can’t give up on happiness, caring, compassion and the other emotions that the One has given us to enjoy this life.”
    She reached for him, then pulled her hand back with a frustrated grimace on her face.  “You can still enjoy friendship, fellowship and love until you return to your home.”  She paused for a moment, then continued.  “Surely, you know that Norlan and Madalin love you.  Would you disregard that?”
    “No.”  Jake sighed, then taking a deep breath and releasing it, not wanting to fight with her.  “I appreciate what all of you have done for me and I understand what you are saying, Hailyn.  It just pisses me off that it can be so unfair.”
    “Things will work out the way they