10
Max watched his aunts fawn all over Basil. The small boy soaked it up happily. He glanced around the table at his friends and family. His gaze landed on Tommy, who sat at the end of the table with his head down. It was a big change from earlier. Something was different, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Tommy had never been this angry before.
“We will leave at first light,” said a voice behind him. Hodgenock pulled out a chair next to him and sat down. “Unfortunately, there is no Ostium in between. It will take three days and two nights to reach Busby Stoop,” said the dwarf. He smirked and pointed at him. “We will pack well this time.”
Max nodded and thought of his grandfather's bag under his bed.
“Are you going somewhere?” asked Basil. “May I come, too?”
Max quickly glanced at
