Free Max Stone and the Lost Star of Zirdon by Declan Clarke

young like Boctamus, and tall. He wore his jet black hair in the same fashion, long and tied back into a tight pony tail that fell mid-way to his back. He was dressed the same too; black leather tunic over beige pants. He was equipped with bow and arrow, sword and daggers in each boot that marked him as a warrior.
    â€˜Tomac, old friend, great to see you. What news?’ Boctamus rushed forward embracing his friend.
    â€˜How did you find us here?’ he asked.
    Tomac smiled ‘Boctamus you look like you have seen a ghost.’
    â€˜The nearest thing old friend. We stumbled upon the Ranguilla and the waters of the lake have us frozen, but tell me how it is you came to find us here?’
    â€˜My father received a message from Mar-Hoc-Seia this morning. He explained all about how they plan to gather at the Stone of Azul.’
    â€˜You see, Max’ said Boctamus, ‘you see! Luck is on our side.’
    â€˜Tomac, I should like you to meet Max. He is one of the bravest boys I have ever met and all of Zirdon is in his debt for returning the Lost Star.
    Tomac smiled, his eyes were green over the brown pupils, and he extended his hand. ‘You have brought great hope to our Tribe. For this earth boy all of Zirdon is grateful.’ He said the words in a slightly formal tone, speaking as if it were his father welcoming this strange boy to his land. He didn’t know how else to act.
    â€˜You can relax Tomac, his name is Max,’ Boctamus said, playfully hitting his friend in the arm.
    â€˜Max it is then’ Tomac smiled, relieved that the formality was over. ‘Come, we shall eat, you look famished.’
    Tomac took a small sack from his back-pack and handed it to his friends. They stayed within the cover of the caves but just close enough that the rays of the sun warmed their cold bodies as they sat to eat.
    At first Max didn’t really care for the strips of dried meat and the strange-tasting fruit, but hunger soon took over and he fell on the meal greedily.
    As they ate they discussed what they would do next. ‘We must wait until the sun has set,’ Tomac began. ‘Though they do not know where we are, there are many guards patrolling around the City of Elgonze. Our Tribe will meet with Mar-Hoc-Seia at the crossing of the Zagger Zee and from there we shall ride to the Stone of Azul.’
    â€˜But how will we travel, it is many miles to the Zagger Zee and your Fight-Cat, Lothius, could never carry all three of us. It would be too much for him’ Boctamus asked between mouthfuls of dried meat.
    â€˜Worry not old friend, before I left the hills this morning I sent a call to Mannuk. He followed behind as Lothius and I travelled here.’
    Boctamus smiled ‘Mannuk, ever reliable!’
    Max listened to them talk over plans and felt sleep come over him. He was warm and fed and after the morning’s adventure he was tired. He drifted off to sleep in a warm pool of sunshine.
    When the sun dipped low in the sky Boctamus quietly woke Max and beckoned for him to follow.
    Even though the sun was low, it was dazzlingly bright as they stepped outside the cave. Max gasped in wonder as he caught sight of the City of Elgonze, below them and to their right. It sparkled magnificently. Each tower and building looked to have been crafted from thousands of diamonds and gems. All around, Max could make out beautiful parks and playgrounds, water fountains and houses. The streets were lined with strange-looking trees and shrubs and Max could only wonder at what exotic fruits and nuts they would bear.
    But there was a sadness to the city, for the playgrounds were empty and no citizens wandered the streets. The place looked bare and alone.
    Even from up here Max could feel the heat radiate out from Elgonze.
    â€˜ Someday, Max thought to himself, ‘ someday I will return here and visit ’
    Even from this distance they could make out Kaemon guards at the Gates to Elgonze, basking