Awakened: The Story of Maxwell Cain

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

The Quest

After vividly describing the details of today’s lesson to his friends, Max went to bed in good spirits.  He woke up the next morning feeling refreshed and ready for another day of learning.  Max was even excited about the history lesson he had this afternoon.  All three friends were ready to make their way to breakfast at the same time, and began to head toward the pavilion.  Max could smell the blueberry muffins from fifty yards away, and his mouth began to water.

Before they made it to their breakfast, Chloe’s flight instructor, Gideon, walked up with a nervous look on his face and went straight for Chloe.  “Chloe, Nate has left the house and is getting into some trouble near the sparring pits.  Can you help me get him?”

Chloe sighed the same way a mother does when she learns her child has just misbehaved.  “Of course, Gideon.  I will come.  He is getting so much better; the last thing we need from him is another episode.  Will, can you come help too?”

Will looked mournfully toward the pavilion.  “I suppose so.  I would hate to see anything happen to the little bugger.  We’ll meet you at breakfast…okay, Max?”

Max shrugged.  “Sure, I’ll save you a spot.

Will and Chloe headed for the sparring pit, quickening to a jog, as Max continued on his way for a blueberry muffin.

“Well, what do we have here?”  Max heard a familiar, nasal voice behind him.  He whipped his head around to see Gabe, with the same entourage as before.

“What do you want?”  Max demanded.

Gabe replied smugly, “It appears we can finish our conversation now that your friends have run off to help poor, little Nate.”

Max was yearning for his breakfast and really didn’t want to waste time with Gabe.  On the other hand, he definitely didn’t want to be known later as having run away from this fight.  Max held out his hand and beckoned them to come toward him, taunting Gabe.

“Just try it.”

Anger flushed over Gabe’s smug look.  “Get him, and shut him up.”

Gabe’s two followers approached him, and Max turned his hand around and imagined grabbing them both in his fist.  The thugs stopped immediately, unable to move, and wearing an expression of confusion on their faces.  They looked back at Gabe, seeking some instructions.

Gabe’s response was clearly surprise, but he quickly replaced that look with one of determination.  “Fine, I’ll get him myself.”  He walked toward Max and reached to grab him.  Max raised his other hand and, with a flick of his wrist, sent Gabe flying into a mud and manure pile conveniently created to fertilize the garden.

Max looked back at the henchmen grinning.  “I suggest you go help him.”  He released the two, and they went to go help Gabe out of the mud.  Quickly they became entangled and fell in themselves, sending smelly compost splashing everywhere.

Max turned and walked on toward the pavilion, chuckling to himself.  He knew Gabe had a ton of followers and would come back with a lot more people, but for now, he had won his small victory.  He met his friends at the table thirty minutes later, learning that some of Gabe’s followers had lured Nate out of the house and led him to the sparring pits.  There they were trying to taunt him into fighting.

Max told Will and Chloe what had happened with Gabe, and Chloe cried out, “That little weasel was trying to draw us away from you so he could fight you without us there.”  With a chuckle she added, “Guess he didn’t realize your powers are developing.”  They all had a good laugh as they walked to their lessons.