It was already night by the time Max returned to the village. Quietly opening his front door, the young teen stepped inside his house. He was not in the mood to talk to his older brother or his father. Especially his father. He prayed that he might be able to get up into his room upstairs without getting caught. Shutting the door as silently as possible, he turned around to come face to face with his family.
He had been caught.
"Oh, hey guys. I... uh... I was just doing... nothing..." Max quickly came up with an excuse. Thinking that should satisfy his dad, he made a beeline towards the stairs. He didn't get far though when he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder. "Son," Rooster spoke softly, "I have some good news for you. You get your wish."
"And... what would that be?"
"Tomorrow, you start training. You'll become a Viking, like us."
"Oh boy! Uh..." Max exclaimed, dread coming across his face. Yesterday he might've been thrilled to hear that. But not right now. He opened his mouth to protest but his father didn't give him a chance to as he remarked, "I expect you both to be on your best behavior while I'm gone. And Max, I know you'll do great things." With that, he grabbed his stuff and left.
All Max could say was, "Bye Dad..."
