Max Hamby and the Onyx Eyes

2

2

The journey back to Merrihaven had taken a full day and night. Morning was inching its way over the horizon by the time Max flopped on his bed.

Thankfully, the rest of the house was asleep. But, they wouldn't be for long with the growing menagerie of animals and creatures gathering on the grounds. Word had spread fast about the new earth king. The one that would protect them and breathe new life into the Downs. They were waiting for a glimpse of Milo.

Max rolled onto his back and tried to relax. His body screamed for sleep, but his mind was racing. He had the Blood Diamond and now, the earth stone, but he was a long way off from finding the other stones and saving his parents. And he couldn't forget about Milo's mom and grandma. It had been a long time since he'd astral jumped. Even without the stones, it seemed Isolde was getting stronger. His parents' faces had appeared in the light of the shadowstone, only to be replaced by Isolde's face. He shuddered. Was it a warning sign?

There had been far more Shifters and Trith this time. Where were they coming from? And what about the flash of white in the Downs? It had moved so fast, even when it pushed him away from the tower. He never did get a good look at it.

Max grunted and sat up. Every part of him ached and cried out for sleep, but it was not going to come anytime soon. He got up and walked out into the hallway. The eyes of the portraits on the wall followed him as he stepped lightly toward the stairs. He crossed his fingers in hopes that he'd be able to pass Alice's door without setting her off. She didn't make a sound as he tiptoed by. He sighed with relief when he reached the bottom step. Fuster came around the corner with his arms ladened down with firewood. He struggled through the entryway toward the dining hall.

“G-Good morning, sir,” he said, breathlessly.

Max ran to the dwarf and grabbed half the stack of wood. Fuster gave him a relieved smile. “I once had the strength of ten men,” he said, with a wink. “But, age has stolen my magnificence.” The dwarf chuckled and headed into the dining hall.

“How is Cragge?” asked Max, placing the firewood on the hearth.

“He is well, if not a bit anxious to return to normal life,” said Fuster.

“I will speak with Aunt Griselda,” said Max.

The dwarf smiled and placed a hand on his arm. “That is kind of you, but not necessary. It is good to have you back. He patted his arm and left the room.

Max jumped when a thump sounded behind him. He turned to see a fat bird flapping its wings against the window pane. He approached the window as the bird thumped his body against the glass a second time. A group of pixies surrounded the bird and pulled it away. He shook his head and peered out over the grounds. The pixies forced the bird back into a large group on the lawn. Birds of all shapes, sizes and colors hopped and flapped their wings excitedly as the pixies tried to control them. It would've been comical had it been another time.

“Couldn't sleep either?”

Max glanced over his shoulder to find Milo and his cousins in the doorway. They looked as tired as he felt. He shook his head and pointed at the window. “Milo, you've got visitors,” he said.

The boys stepped outside and were immediately surrounded. The pixies couldn't contain the birds' excitement at the sight of Milo and moved out of the way. Max, Tommy and the twins ducked and ran for the stables. Milo walked calmly across the lawn and sat down. The birds chirped and screeched as they fought for a place to perch on the small boy. Max and Tommy leaned against the door frame and watched Milo.

“He's a regular little Snow White, isn't he?” asked Tommy.

“He's happy,” said Max. Milo was happy. He smiled and gently petted each bird. Plump little sparrows took up the spot on his shoulders. They perched in groups of three and chirped in his ears. He spoke to them in a low, gentle tone and they seemed to understand.

“Eh, give him a week and he'll be running for home,” said Tommy.

Max glanced over at him. “Where'd that come from?”

Tommy shrugged his shoulders and moved inside the stables. Max watched a lone fox slowly approach. Its head was down and its tail hung between its legs, but its eyes were focused on Milo. The birds flew up and landed across the lawn in a huff, making their irritation known at being interrupted. The fox and boy regarded each other. Milo slowly stuck out his hand so the fox could get his scent. The fox sniffed him, then jumped into his lap. It whimpered and moved around in a flurry of licks. Milo laughed and hugged the fox, petting its back until it calmed down. The birds returned to their original positions, with some bravely sitting atop the fox's head and back.

The area under and around Milo quickly become more lush and green than it had been before. Tiny flowers in various shades sprouted where there had been none before. The Spriggan appeared and called to Milo. He turned and waved the little creature over excitedly.

Max turned into the stables to find his cousin lingering at the back stall; the one that held Hodgenock's brother, Mibbitwiss.

“Do you think Milo can help him?” asked Snoop, peering over the gate.

“He's not a miracle worker, you know,” snapped Tommy.

Max peered over the gate. Mibbitwiss lay quietly on a bed of hay. “I think it's going to take a lot more than Milo to change him back,” he said.

“You can do it,” said Snoop. “You have the strongest stone out of all of them. The book said so.”

“Yes, show us the power of the almighty Blood Diamond,” said Tommy, his tone thick with sarcasm. Davi whipped around on Tommy and pushed him.

“What's your problem?” he asked.

Tommy blinked in surprise and shook his head. “I-I'm just tired,” he said, sheepishly. “I didn't mean...”

His eyebrows came together and he stared at them in confusion, then abruptly left the stables. Max watched him go. They had all lost sleep, but Tommy had never acted like that before.