Henry H. Neff - The Hound of Rowan: Book One of The Tapestry

Dear Mr. McDaniels,

It is our understanding that you passed the Standard Series of Tests for Potentials. As Mr. Bristow no doubt informed you, this is a tremendous achievement. On behalf of Rowan Academy, please allow me to extend our most sincere congratulations.

Based on your results, Rowan Academy hereby extends you an offer to join our organization as an Apprentice, First Year.

We are hopeful that you will begin the fall term at the new student orientation one week from today. Details are enclosed, and we trust you will find the attached scholarship offer attractive.

A representative will visit you and your father this evening to discuss this unique opportunity and, we hope, celebrate your decision to accept. Given the unusual circumstances of your initial contact, we have taken additional precautions. You can rest assured that Miss Awolowo is indeed a legitimate representative. She will arrive at precisely eight oclock.

Warmest regards,
Gabrielle Richter
Executive Director

Who is she? asked Max. She signed my first letter.

Ms. Richter? Oh, well, shes the boss, for lack of a better term. Quite a lady, I might add.

Oh. And the academywhats that?

Hmmm. Well, I might not be the best person to explain it to you. That falls under Miss Awolowos responsibilities. I can say, however, that it is an extraordinary place for extraordinary people just like you, Max.

I dont understand. Would I have to go away?

Well, yes. The academy is located in New England.

Max put the letter down and shook his head.

Forget itI cant just leave. Not after everything thats happened.

I understand your feelings, Max Nigel began.

No you dont. My dad would be all alone without me.

Nigel closed his eyes and nodded.

My moms been gone two years, Max blurted suddenly, his face growing hot. My dad talks about her like shes alive, but she isnt. They never even found her.

Do you want to talk about it? asked Nigel quietly, wiping up some crumbs and refilling Maxs juice.

There isnt much to talk about, Max said. He felt tired again. They found her car on the side of the road. It was still running. She was gone.

Max glowered and flicked a crumb off the table.

Anyway, he mumbled, I dont think moving away is a good idea.

I see. Nigel pushed the popovers back in his direction. I wont try to convince you, Max. All Ill ask is that you keep an open mind and listen to what Miss Awolowo has to say. In the meantime, I would encourage you to study the materials in your packet.

Nigel straightened the papers and brochure, handing them to Max before rising with his briefcase.

I realize the timing is dreadful, but I must be going. Yesterdays events have raised questions that need answers, and Ive been ordered away. Dont worry about your father and the RaleighsIve taken care of everything.

Max was incredulous.

Nigel! You cant leave me here by myself. My dad doesnt get back until this afternoon! What if Mrs. Millen comes back?

Max, this house is under priority watch. You should be just fine.

Max stood up from the table and began pacing the room.

No, no, no! You said Mrs. Millen shouldnt have known I was a Potential and shown up here to begin with! Cant I come with you?

Im afraid thats impossible, Max. However, I do think I can procure some company so that youre not alone.

Max paused.

An Agent?

Nigel shook his head. No, not an Agent. Theyre under strict orders to stand guard outside. You wouldnt like their company anywaytoo serious!

Nigel placed his briefcase on the table.

This may take a minute, depending on whether shes within call.

The Recruiter unfastened the cases clasps and buried his entire head within it. Max heard his muffled voice cooing.

Theres my girl. Oh, youre getting so big and gorgeous! No, no, I dont think you look fat. Dont tell Mrs. Bristow, but I think youre holding your shape quite nicely! Oh, well, thank you very much, indeed. Dont mean to sound immodest, but I have been trying to train up a bit.

Nigel pinched his rather flimsy biceps while his head remained in the case.

Yes, well, Ive got a little favor to ask. Would you mind looking after a friend for a few hours? You wouldnt? Bless you, my dearhe will be most relieved.

Max took a step back as Nigel thrust his arms into the case and strained forward to hoist something out of the bag. He withdrew and turned, cradling a pink piglet as if she were a newborn.

Max rubbed his temples and shook his head. Youve got to be kidding me.

The piglet sniffed the air and focused her drowsy eyes on Max. She blinked several times and promptly burrowed her snout into Nigels armpit.

Max, Id like you to meet Lucy! said Nigel cheerfully.

Maxs voice was steady and measured.

Nigel, you are not leaving me in the care of a pig.

Nigel smiled. Im not leaving you in her care; Im leaving you in her company. You should consider yourself luckyLucys the best company there is!

Lucy wriggled to gaze lovingly up at Nigel, releasing a wheezing burst of gas in the process.

But!

Nigel ignored Max and gently lowered Lucy to the floor. She trotted toward the kitchen, snorting happily.

Shes a snap, reallyjust let her have a bite, or three, of whatever youre eating. When your dad gets home, slip her out the back door and shell find me.