Max Hamby and the Onyx Eyes

3

3

Max and the twins were saying good morning to Leofwin when Tommy rushed back into the stables.

“Y-You have got to see this,” he said, breathlessly. “Hurry.”

They ran outside to find the lawn empty of birds. Milo and the Spriggan had backed up against the house, the fox cowered behind their legs.

Two Trith walked lazily up the hill toward the house.

“Go get the others,” called Max, over his shoulder. He called to his magic and pushed it out around his body, then stepped forward. The Triths' movements were slow and clumsy. They panted heavily, but kept their eyes on him. Tommy, Snoop and Davi stepped up beside him and prepared to join their magic together. The Trith drew closer and Max realized they were not like the others. He sniffed the air and held out a hand.

“Wait,” he said. “There's no scent.”

“So what,” said Tommy. “They'll still kill us if we don't fry them first.”

The Trith were about a yard away. One fell face first, then righted itself and continued up the hill. The other seemed to sway with each step. Their skin was pink, but they still had hair on their heads....human hair. The clothes on their backs were in shreds at their sides. Max moved closer to get a better look. He could hear the others gathering behind him, but didn't take his eyes off the Trith. They looked familiar. The hair. The clothes. He'd seen them before.

“Max, what are you doing? Kill them,” shouted Tommy.

Max pushed his magic out and formed a protective barrier. The Trith stopped and swayed back and forth, staring at him. The realization of who they were hit him like a punch to the gut. The Trith stumbled, then gave a half-hearted snarl.

“I know them,” he shouted. He lifted his arms and threw his magic at the Trith, encasing them in a bubble. They used what little strength they had and charged. His magic crackled and they backed up.

“I-It's Miss Higgins,” said Davi. His mouth hung open and his eyes went wide in disbelief.

“Who is Miss Higgins?” asked Milly.

“Our teacher,” said Davi. His face had lost all color.

“Who is the other one?” asked Griselda.

Max stared at the larger Trith. He eyed the tattered suit jacket and the tie hanging loosely around its neck.

“That's Detective Howard,” said Max.

Their faces had elongated into a snout. Two razor sharp fangs extended over their bottom lip, but they hadn't changed completely. Their features were still recognizable. Their eyes were human, not glowing red like the other Trith they'd encountered.

Hodgenock drew his sword. “Release them. They are too far gone.”

“We can't just kill them,” said Max.

“They didn't come for a friendly visit, boy,” said Milly.

“We can lock them up with Mibbitwiss until we can change them back,” said Snoop.

“So now we're going to start collecting these monsters?” growled Renny.

Max knelt down in front of Miss Higgins, or what was left of her.

“Mind your distance, Max,” warned Renny.

“Miss Higgins, can you hear me?” asked Max. He watched her sway. Her brown eyes wavered before Detective Howard stepped in front of her. He snarled and snapped his jaws inches from Max's face. If it wasn't for his magic, he'd be dead. “Detective Howard, you know me,” he said. “At the school. Remember?” The Trith paced and gave no sign that it had understood. It whipped around on him so fast, Max fell backwards.

“How sweet it is that you want to play savior to these weak minded humans,” it said. Max's heart raced and he quickly scooted away. “You may be able to contain them, boy. But, not me...not for much longer.” A wave of shock and fear rolled over him.

Isolde.

The larger Trith shook its head and whimpered. The smaller one cackled and stepped forward. “Thieves. All of you,” it screeched. “Those stones are mine.” The Trith moaned and put its nose to the ground, then lifted its head. “Look how easy it is toy with mortals. I will enjoy killing all of you,” it said, staring at him. “And I will start with you, boy.” The Trith's eyes turned red and the smell of decay filled the air. The Trith racked their claws over the lawn and charged the barrier. They snarled and snapped their jaws at the crackling magic. If they felt pain, they didn't show it and kept trying to force their way through. Miss Higgins and Detective Howard were gone. Max backed away and watched them for a moment.

“They're gone, Max,” said Renny.

“I can't do it,” he said, bowing his head. “What makes them any different than Mibbitwiss?”

“We cannot save them. If we trap them here, it will bring more,” said Renny.

Max's heart sank. Renny was right. He closed his eyes and turned his head, then clapped his hands together. The barrier popped with a bang and the Trith exploded into ash. He knelt over the remains. A piece of Detective Howard's tie landed on the pile of ash. The silence hung heavy in the air.

If Isolde was strong and bold enough to use innocents, what was she doing to his parents in the Shadowlands? How many others had been changed into Trith? This was no warning. It was a threat. He had to check the book and map to find out where the next stone was. He turned around and ran for the house.

“Max, where are you going?” asked his grandfather.

“To find the other stones.”