Part 13 (2/2)
”Tyco, I see that you have brought Mr. Laskaris at last.”
Tyco bowed. ”Yes, my Lord.”
The old man turned to Max. ”Maxwell Laskaris, it is good to see you in person. Your father was a great man. His loss, and the reported loss of his son, deeply saddened us. When Tyco told us of your survival we dared not believe it, but here you are.”
Max stood silent, unsure of how to respond. The old man detected his discomfort.
”How rude of me, I am Lord Avram, leader of the Protectors. Welcome, Maxwell Laskaris.”
”Um, thanks, I'm excited to be here.”
”I am sure you are, Maxwell. Lieutenant Biros has informed me that you wish to join the Protectors in order to follow in your father's footsteps. Is this true?”
Is it true? It's all I have ever wanted since father died. I just wonder if I'm really good enough. Dad was so brave. I guess I still have a couple of years to train. I know I'll be ready then.
Max gave a single nod. ”Yes sir, I do.”
Lord Avram smiled. ”Very good. If you are half as talented as your father you will be a great a.s.set to us. I a.s.sume Lieutenant Biros has told you that applicants must undergo intense training and pa.s.s a series of exams and rigorous physical tests before joining.”
Max sighed as he thought of the long road ahead. It may take more than a couple years. I'll ask Tyco to train with me more often once we get back home.
Max puffed out his chest and looked Lord Avram directly in the eyes.
”I'll do whatever it takes, sir.”
”I believe you will, my boy. That is why, after reading Lieutenant Biros' report of your training and natural abilities, along with our need for strong young men, I have decided to forgo the usual requirements. Maxwell Laskaris, you are granted entry into our ranks as a private.”
Max nearly leapt out of his shoes. Lord Avram held up his hand.
”Provided, I might add, you successfully complete a mission for us.”
”Anything, sir!”
”Very well. My captains Adrastos, Thanos and Leander have brought an issue before me that needs dealing with. Captain Adrastos, give Private Laskaris the parchment.”
One of the other men, distinguished by his shaven head, rolled up a piece of parchment from the table and brought it over to Max. Max took the parchment as Lord Avram explained the mission.
”We've had reports of a gang of outlaws in Calix, a town several days west of Moenia, near the Obelia forest. There is always some type of disturbance in the outer villages, but in Calix it is growing to concerning proportions. I want you and another Protector to find who is running this gang and how many have joined. You will report your findings back to us. Is that clear?”
Max tried to contain his excitement, it didn't work. ”Yes, sir!”
”Now that you are in our ranks, Private, you are to refer to me as Lord Avram.”
”Yes, sir. I mean, yes, Lord Avram.”
”You are dismissed. The parchment in your hands will give you further details. Oh, one more thing, Maxwell, should you hear any tales of a mysterious stone, report them to us as well.”
”Yes, Lord Avram.”
Max bowed to everyone in the room before Tyco guided him out. With the doors closed behind them, Tyco paused to talk to Max.
”So, what did you think?”
Max, overwhelmed by what had just happened, tried to come up with the words to express his excitement. Finally, he threw his hands in the air in excitement.
”I can't wait to get started.”
”Good. I'll take you down to the armory to get you equipped for your mission. Eventually, you will want to have armor and weapons made specifically for you, but, for now, we'll see what we can find lying around. After that, I will take you to the sleeping quarters where you'll stay the night. It will do you good to spend time with the other Protectors.”
”Are you staying here?”
”No, I have my own a.s.signment. I'm leaving Moenia tonight, which means I will have to show you around the rest of headquarters another time. At least you will get to see the city tomorrow with Mr. Penna. Just make sure you meet the other Protector at the designated spot and time. It would not be good to be late for your first mission.”
”I'll make sure I'm there early.”
Tyco laughed. ”I suppose there is a first time for everything.”
Tyco walked down the hallway with Max in tow.
”Oh, one more thing, Maxwell. Lord Avram frowns on Protectors having close a.s.sociations with the lacarna or the Children of the Immortals. I would say my farewells to Evangeline tomorrow.”
Max stopped in his tracks. ”Eve's my friend. She always goes with me.”
Tyco stopped and turned. ”Not anymore.” He gave a rea.s.suring smile. ”Don't worry; you'll be gone for several weeks with this a.s.signment. By the time you return you will have a better understanding of our rules.”
Max nodded, but his heart wasn't in it. ”I suppose.”
As they started towards the armory once again, Max couldn't think of anything that would make him want to stay away from Eve. The Protectors would have to make an exception.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN.
Max had spent most of the night listening to the other Protectors tell of their adventures. When morning came, he was ready to start his own adventure, despite leaving the barracks still half asleep. On the way out of the courtyard, he stopped at the stables to check on Starlight. The trip had worn her out, but she would recover after enough rest.
Max left the compound and headed for Mr. Penna's. I can't wait to tell Eve that I've joined the Protectors, and that we have a mission.
When he arrived, Max knocked on Mr. Penna's door. To his surprise, Mr. Penna opened the door instead of Neysa.
”Ah, good morning, Maxwell. Ready to go?”
”I have been all night.”
”Good, give me one moment, and I will be right out.”
Mr. Penna disappeared back into the house, returning a minute or two later. He stepped outside, closing the door behind him.
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