The Elementalist : Next of Kin: The Kothian Chronicles by Andrew Wood Read Free Book Online

Maxim's interest in the group still several hundred yards off, but a feeling he got deep inside. He felt his heart beating faster and faster as the realisation finally dawned upon him at just who he was looking at. "No Way," he mumbled nudging his horse forward just a little quicker.
     
    Mikel was feeling the wrath of Darion, as the old man was grumbling and moaning at his lack of effort. The young magician was supposed to be using his magical ability to move the beached barge down to the water, only Darion was accusing him of not trying. "I am...It's just too big for me to move," he pleaded.
    "Pfft call yourself a magician?" Darion grumbled.
    "Well I don't see you having much more success," Mikel snapped back finally fed up of the verbal tirade that seemed to be aimed purely at him.
    Darion glared at Mikel, "Bloody kids..."
    "Somebody is coming," Little Tia suddenly announced interrupting the exchange of words.
    Mikel turned to see where Shadow had gotten to; after all, it was the wolf's job to keep a watchful eye on who else was about. He sighed as he saw Shadow several paces further up the shoreline poking around at what he thought was a large dead fish.
    "Oh bloody brilliant, that's all we need...More bloody kids," Darion added noticing the two figures on the approaching horse.
     
    Maxim had not thought of removing his hood to reveal who he was, as the excitement took over. The closer he got, the more certain he was sure it was his friends, but as to why they were actually in Bosaria he was not sure, but that would be a question for later. He stopped his horse some twenty yards short of the group, as he noticed they were wary of his approach. He decided instead to clamber down from his horse and make the final part of his journey on foot.
     
    After dismounting, Maxim stood, his face covered by his large hood, his bright blue eyes looking out at the faces he had missed so very much. "What the bloody hell do you want...Clear off... we got enough kids here already," he heard the familiar sound of Darion's voice shout his direction. Under the cover of his hood, he afforded a smile, before reaching up slowly to remove it. "I'm glad to see you too Darion," he said revealing who he was.
     
    Zack turned, having not paid much attention to the newcomers, but on hearing the voice of his closest, most dearest friend, he felt stunned.
    "Bloody hell it's the ginger lad," Darion mumbled almost lost for words.
    "Maxim!" Melia cried out as she ran towards him, arms wide open in greeting. Maxim let the young girl fall into his arms, and held her tight, "It is so good to see you," he said feeling his emotions building.
     
    After Melia had finally released him from her clutches, the procession of hugs from first Mikel, Danton and even Darion followed. That just left one, and after Darion had moved aside, Maxim looked for the one person he longed to see more than any other. "Hey you," he said with a tear in his eye as he looked toward Zack. The young royal did not speak but merely stepped forward and wrapped his arms around him, and squeezed him so tightly, "I never thought I'd see you again," he heard Zack's muffled voice tell him.
     
    As pleased as Melia was to have Maxim safely back amongst them, a small part of her felt jealous as she watched him and Zack together. Both had tears in their eyes as they finally ended what she thought was far too long for two men to be hugging, no matter how close friends they were. "Perhaps we should give them a minute," she heard Mikel say as he placed a hand on her shoulder. Although it was not something she wanted to do, deep down she knew that any chance there had been of her and Zack becoming more than just friends was probably over. After a few seconds, she finally accepted Mikel's comforting arm and turned away, leaving the two best friends to reacquaint themselves.
     
    Connor watched on, happy that Maxim had found his mates, although he could not help feel but a little left out. "Hello, and