Part 32

The soldiers were taking Tom with Jac to a place deep in the forest. Tom realized that if they wanted to do anything to him now, he was utterly helpless, but there was nothing he could do.

After about ten minutes they came to a cave. In front of the cave was a guard team of about ten people. Tom guessed from their auras that they were level B. One of them might even be level A.

Jac approached the leader of the group and saluted:

"I'd like to authorize my once-a-year access to the Lake of Pain," he said.

Thomus looked at Jac and asked:

"Who do you want to let in?"

Jac pointed to Tom.

Thomus was startled and said:

"Are you crazy? This boy is almost dead. There's no way he'll survive if he goes in the lake like that."

Jac shrugged:

"That's what I said, but it's his own decision. It's sad that such a genius should die, but I can only keep my promise."