The Lost Faction: Book Two in the Ellington Forest Series

By Alex K. Warren

After being jumped for taking a rivals girlfriend, Max Washington discovers that he’s not just another athlete aiming for stardom but he is also a wizard with the power to change the course of history.

Having dashed his dreams to save his best friend, Jason, and allowing himself to be captured by the magical faction, Antiqua Virtus, Max finds there is another side to life—one that recognizes his rare ability to help save two powerful sorceresses before the end of the world.

Abebi, a powerful seer from the city of Cotonou, Benin, and Linus, an orphaned demigod from the streets of Nottingham, England, help to form a trifecta that is ready to go after the very evil that made their friends disappear.`

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 11, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546271437

Alex K. Warren

Alex K. Warren graduated from the Ohio State University. He has published five titles: two works of fiction, one work of nonfiction, and two poetry-based titles. He currently resides in Columbus, Ohio. This is his seventh publication.

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Copyright © 2019 Alex K. Warren. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/03/2019

ISBN: 978-1-5462-7144-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-7143-7 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018914558

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

About the Author

Prologue

PART I

Chapter 1   The Return of a Hero

Chapter 2   Clashing Opinions

Chapter 3   Airport Battlegrounds

Chapter 4   Missing Friends

Chapter 5   An Old Foe

PART II

Chapter 6   A Reunion of Sorts

Chapter 7   A New Beginning

Chapter 8   An Unlikely Gathering

Chapter 9   Hope

Chapter 10   The Chase

PART III

Chapter 11   The Fall

Chapter 12   Blending In

Chapter 13   A Friend in Need

Chapter 14   A Worthy Picture

Chapter 15   Who Made Me This Way?

Chapter 16   A Common Fear

Chapter 17   Brainstorming

Chapter 18   A Deeper Form of Darkness

Chapter 19   Good vs. Evil

Chapter 20   Old Tricks, New Magic

PART IV

Chapter 21   The Guardians Within

Chapter 22   The Connection Between Strangers

Chapter 23   A Different Era

Chapter 24   Clueless Discovery

Chapter 25   Home Away From Home

Chapter 26   Controlling Love Interests

Chapter 27   Purpose in Action

Chapter 28   The Past Breaking Free

Chapter 29   A Moment of Silence

Chapter 30   Powerless to Powerful

PART V

Chapter 31   Not Alone

Chapter 32   An Accomplice Named Rune

Chapter 33   Secrets and Chaos

Chapter 34   A Wise Betrayal

PART VI

Chapter 35   Tragic Consequences

Chapter 36   Birthing Chaos

Chapter 37   Antiqua Virtus

Chapter 38   Rune and the Gang

Chapter 39   A Meeting of Minds

Chapter 40   A Compromise of Sorts

Chapter 41   The Answers Within

PART VII

Chapter 42   A Fight to Remember

Chapter 43   Revealing Depths

Chapter 44   A Boost from Rune

Chapter 45   Curiosity and Chaos

Chapter 46   Rescuing Ignorance

Chapter 47   A Trip to Nowhere

Chapter 48   Stephen Sharp

Chapter 49   Divide and Conquer

Chapter 50   The Birth of Fire

Chapter 51   Coming Into Power

PART VIII

Chapter 52   A Beautiful Death

Chapter 53   An Unfriendly Welcome

Chapter 54   Tartarus

Chapter 55   A Second Birth

Chapter 56   Understanding Evil

Chapter 57   A Sense of Familiarity

Chapter 58   A Misguided Stumble

Chapter 59   The Return of an Old Friend

PART IX

Chapter 60   A Sullen Death

Chapter 61   The Changing of Thrones

Chapter 62   Do Unto Others

Chapter 63   Changing Circumstances

Chapter 64   Breaking Familiarity

Chapter 65   A Change Within

PART X

Chapter 66   From the Depths of Hell

Chapter 67   A Hero’s Guild

Chapter 68   A Friend of a Friend

Acknowledgments

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A lex K. Warren is a poet and fictional writer, who grew up in Lima, Ohio. His publications focus on purpose and family, daring to show that weakness can actually create strength, demonstrating that everyone has purpose. His previous publications have included collections of inspirational poetry, autobiographical lessons on pursuing truth, and fictional stories depicting the need for family and friends. He is the author of Wisdom and Vision, The Pursuit of You, The Sovereign Heart, and The Ellington Forest.

The Lost Faction is Alex’s fifth publication.

PROLOGUE

A NEW ARRIVAL

MAX’S STORY

F ew had anything to say about Max Washington. He was a quiet, thirty-year-old black male, standing at a tall six feet and five inches, and he had dreadlocks that fell down his back. He kept to himself. He didn’t have a job, so not many understood how he supported himself. He only went out at night, and those who happened to see him outside didn’t bother to say anything.

He wasn’t the most inviting person. But he did have secrets.

He had a life very few knew about, and those who did weren’t in a position to tell his story. His laid-back personality was comforting to most. But it was an eerie comfort; the type you wouldn’t think you could feel from someone you didn’t know.

Some would see him at the local Short North Coffee House on North High Street. He always gave the same order.

Small coffee. Two Sweet ‘N Low and low and a little cream.

After seating himself closest to the window he would look out—eyes fixed on nothing in particular—waiting almost an hour before getting up, brushing off his pants, and walking out the door.

The manager caught a glimpse of him every now and then, wanting to ask questions but never daring to disrupt his routine. Watching him leave, Samantha Martinez would walk over to the table, throw away his cup, and wipe the table clean for the next customer.

On this particular evening, Max made his way down North High Street prepared for what was to come. A car came up beside him.

Are you Max? the driver asked.

Max gave a frown. New driver, he thought.

He gave a nod, opened the passenger door, got in, and got comfortable. It was going to be a long night, and he wasn’t in the mood to talk. The driver, however, was in fact new, and he didn’t know anything about his passenger.

Chase Schafer had worked for Uber for a while, but never had he encountered such a strange night. For the first hour he had tried to respond to the request for a driver, but each time he clicked to accept the response it disappeared, losing him seven out of eight requests for the night.

Max’s request was the only one that went through.

So where to? Chase said.

The GPS already showed the destination, but he used this as a conversation starter. Usually this got the person talking, making the rest of the drive not so awkward. Chase was the social type who liked meeting new people. And because of that, most people liked Chase. Max wasn’t someone who liked meeting new people.

It should already tell you, Max replied.

Chase was no stranger to people who were short. Just have to ease him out of his shell, he thought.

Looks like we’ll be heading down Bethel Road, Chase said with a smile. What’s bringing you out there?

Max opened one eye and focused it on Chase.

We aren’t going to Bethel Road, Max said.

Chase looked confused. He felt Max’s stare and wondered if there was something he was missing. Deep down he got a feeling that it wouldn’t be in his best interest to return the look.

So if we’re not going to Bethel Road, then where are we…?

Chase left off the word going in hopes that his passenger would fill in the blank. Max didn’t say a word.

Chase kept driving while also checking his phone to see if somehow he had mistaken the destination: he hadn’t. There were no other addresses pinned to his phone’s GPS. He wasn’t sure if he should bring it up, so he kept looking. Max looked over and then closed his eyes.

It’s not good to text and drive, he said just loud enough for Chase to hear.

I know. It’s just… Chase kept looking through his phone. I don’t see any other locations. They only sent me the one.

Max didn’t bother opening his eyes.

We’re going to the airport.

The airport? Chase asked.

Max nodded his head.

Like, John Glenn Columbus International Airport?

One of the things Chase didn’t know about Max was that he had a temper. Not an uncontrollable one, but a temper nonetheless. There were two things that made Max lose his temper: the lack of common sense and having to repeat himself. Those two requirements placed an unfortunate few on his lists. It was not good to make it onto Max’s lists. But Max—realizing he had not informed his new driver of said requirements—decided to give him this one pass.

Next time Chase wouldn’t be so lucky.

Yes, Max replied. And don’t ask me again. I have a thing against having to repeat myself.

Chase was still confused. Sorry, it’s just not in my GPS. But why would you put in the wrong address if you didn’t want to…

Chase noticed Max giving him a look that told him one of two things: the next word out of his mouth would get him killed, or he was already dead and it was only a matter of time.

Unless you didn’t want someone knowing where you were going, Chase said, answering his own question.

Max looked stern. He knew Abebi would be disappointed if he blew his cover all because of a new errand boy. Between gritted teeth he tried to keep his cool while speaking to his new driver.

The lack of common sense happens to be something else I have a thing against. But you’re new, Max said, now feeling calmer. So I’ll try not to hold that against you.

Got it, Chase said, no longer in the mood to make small talk.

They arrived at the John Glenn Airport a half hour later. Chase pulled up to the passenger drop-off zone, only to be ordered to go around the bend, back to the parking area. Once Chase put the car in park, he turned to Max.

Wouldn’t you rather…

Before Chase could finish his sentence Max had already stepped out of the car and slammed the passenger door shut, leaving Chase completely confused as to what had just happened. Rather than question it, Chase slowly pulled away and headed back to campus, hoping to never run into Max Washington again.

PART I

CHAPTER 1

THE RETURN OF A HERO

MAX’S STORY

D o we have to keep meeting here? Max asked.

This is the only safe place to meet, Abebi responded.

She tried her best not to roll her eyes. Every time they met at John Glenn Airport, Max seemed to ask different variations of the same question. It was starting to get on her nerves.

It just seems like there would be better places to meet that don’t have the same steady flow of… Max stopped midsentence. Well, you know.

He wasn’t a fan of being in the open where people could watch his every move. Especially when those people had little knowledge of the magical world around them.

First, no one cares that we’re here, she said with a shrug. And second, even if someone did see what we were doing we’d know, and there’s enough magical influence between the two of us to wipe the minds of at least a thousand people. And lastly, Abebi held up three fingers. Did I mention that no one cares?

Max started to shuffle his feet a little. It was bad enough that his mind-reading capabilities confirmed what he knew people thought of him. Needless to say they weren’t kind thoughts. Some were suspicious of his late-night activities. The fact that he visited the same twenty-four-hour coffee spot over and over didn’t seem make them feel any better.

All right, Max said. Let’s just get this over with. What’d you find?

They managed to make their way outside, standing near some of the parked planes. Luckily they were not followed.

Well. Abebi’s gaze was now fixed on the loose gravel. Not much.

Max stopped his shuffling and tried his best not to show his frustration. "And by not much I’m hoping you mean you at least found something useful."

His tone wasn’t threatening, but it did deliver a certain sense of both seriousness and utter annoyance. Because it’s been a whole twenty-four hours since we last met, and people like us don’t have the excuse of having bills to pay.

It was true: even though Max lived in a downtown apartment—which wasn’t necessarily a rundown place—he used his mind-controlling influence to persuade those in the leasing office that he was Nigerian royalty, which meant he was above paying any form of rent.

You see, Abebi began. That’s the problem.

Max rubbed his temples in hopes that his counterpart would eventually make sense and finally get to the point. Let me get this straight: the absence of a necessary distraction has, in fact, caused an unnecessary problem?

Abebi still refused to look up. Um, she began again. Yes?

Max held up his index finger as if the act itself would halt the confusion. He closed his eyes, fixing his focus and putting all of his energy into remaining calm.

I know there has to be more to this than any explanation I can come up with, so please, Abebi, try your best to explain.

Before she could say anything he cautiously added, And please know that I still have a headache from that idiot driver that you found for tonight.

You mean Chase? Her eyes lit up. Isn’t he amazing? And don’t even get me started on his…

"Abebi! Max said sternly. I cannot express how much I do not need to hear this right now, so please get on with your point."

If Abebi were anyone else—preferably someone of Max’s own sex—Max would’ve had him in a chokehold so tight that he wouldn’t be sure he’d have enough control not to kill him. But since Abebi knew this about him—still annoyed that he of all people was their last hope—on many an occasion she would push the bounds of their partnership just to see the full extent of his own self-control. But tonight she didn’t have the strength or energy to do so.

The point is, she began in a mocking tone. I needed some time to actually relax and clear my mind. When I focus on smaller, unnecessary things I’m able to rejuvenate my mind and regain the focus needed to find what it is we are looking for.

Yet you still have next to nothing to report on, Max chimed in. He didn’t know at this point if she just needed a friend to talk to about her day or if she was actually going somewhere with this.

I didn’t say that, Abebi exclaimed. I just didn’t find much.

Okay, Max let out the word in exasperation. You win! Go ahead, Abebi. Tell me all about your day of rejuvenation.

Abebi glared, unimpressed by his halfhearted attempt to show interest in anything outside of their mission. No need to be a jerk. But if you must know, I found out…

Before she could finish there was an explosion in the distance. One of the airplanes had burst into flames. To many it would appear as if a bomb had just gone off, but not to Abebi and Max. They knew this wasn’t a coincidence.

They both sprinted in the direction of the flames. The explosion, fueled by gasoline, caused flames so intense that it would take magic to contain them.

Both were in full stride. This type of thing didn’t happen often, but being people of a supernatural makeup, they could cover the distance without being winded or losing breath. So Max pushed on with the earlier conversation.

You were saying?

What I was saying, Abebi continued between strides. was that I did manage to find something. It’s not much but it will help us. Oh yeah? Max managed to ask. And what’s that?

Right then another explosion went off, the force reverberating through the air. This really isn’t the best time for this, Max thought.

Well, Abebi said. You’re not going to like this, Max.

Abebi, Max exclaimed. Just say it.

She kept running and so did he. Now they were about five hundred feet from the explosion. Abebi turned to Max and then back toward the flames.

He just got into town.

Who did? Max asked.

In the flames they could barely make out what looked to be a man calmly helping to extinguish the fire, muscles bulging, clearly not being burned by the flames that surrounded him. He began helping frantic, would-be passengers out of the way while seeming to not catch fire, unaffected by the surrounding flames.

Wait, is that…

The question trailed off Max’s tongue. He knew the answer before even needing to ask.

Yep, Abebi answered, affirming Max’s worst nightmare. Elliot is in town.

CHAPTER 2

CLASHING OPINIONS

MAX’S STORY

I s there a reason why he’s here? Max asked.

This was the last thing he wanted to deal with. It didn’t help that Abebi’s only update was that Elliot, his archrival, was back in town.

What’s the deal with you two? she asked.

Abebi and Max were making their way to the fire, or what was left of it. Elliot had put most of it out and made sure all passersby were out of harm’s way. As they inched closer Elliot took notice, giving a small wave to Abebi and flashing a big smile toward Max. Show off, Max thought.

You know exactly why, Abebi. Max said.

No, she started. I actually don’t.

Max let out a sigh. He didn’t feel like dealing with her and him but he also knew that if he had to endure another car ride with Chase he would not only kill Chase but end up blowing his cover. That wasn’t something he could afford to do. Not when they were so close to finding what they spent months looking for.

Look, Max began. Elliot and I we…we just don’t see eye-to-eye is all.

Oh really, Abebi said, her sarcasm showing brightly. I never would have guessed.

Max had gotten used to her wit and sarcastic remarks. But when it came to giving his opinion on why he didn’t like other people, he tended to keep his mouth shut. She had a way of using it to get under his skin. It strangely enough had brought them closer in the past, but more often it led to Max fleeing the scene for fear of ending his only friend’s life. If it were anyone else he wouldn’t hesitate to do so.

I still don’t get why you like him so much. He’s a pompous demigod who always shows up in the middle of chaos.

Because he was practically born to stop it, Abebi said. That’s, like, his sole purpose for living.

Max brought a hand to his forehead. There’s no way you can be this blind, he said.

Blind to what? Abebi asked.

Okay, I just want you to think about this. Max set his hands out in front of him, gesturing as if he were about to reveal Elliot’s evil plan. Before tonight how many times have we had any problems here at John Glenn?

Well, there was that guy snapping pictures, Abebi said.

Exactly, Max went on, ignoring her statement. None whatsoever. At least not until Pretty Boy over here decided to show up.

That’s not completely true, Abebi said. She didn’t like others being attacked when they were not there to defend themselves. He’s been in town all day and nothing happened earlier.

She let her sentence hang in the air, noticing Max’s expression beginning to change. Before she could say something to clear up what she meant, Max went ahead and confirmed what she unknowingly had confessed.

You’re telling me that you didn’t get anything done today because you’ve been hanging out with this pathetic excuse for a god all day?

Max’s nostrils began to flare. He only flares his nostrils right before he gets in a fight, Abebi thought. This can’t be good.

No, Max said. Clearly reading her mind without permission. It isn’t.

Before they could finish their conversation Elliot showed up by their side, all smiles, knowing that once again he had saved the day. He couldn’t help but brag a little, knowing how it would affect Max.

Seems like you guys are lucky I showed up, he said with a slight grin. A few more minutes and those people would’ve been barbeque.

I suppose so, Max said. Hercules saves us once again.

Elliot gave Max a look. You know, I’ve been thinking about that, Elliot said, changing the subject but keeping his egotistical tone. I’m pretty sure I’d be considered better than that guy in almost every way. Not that it really matters to you, he finished off, patting Max on the back.

Though Max did his best not to show any emotion, a small vein was standing out on his neck. Abebi noticed, realizing her partner was doing everything in his power not to lose it. She respected that but knew it wouldn’t last for long. Elliot, however, didn’t notice it at all, even when Max’s dreads began to turn a darker shade of orange. So he went on.

You’re probably still learning the better parts of what magic can do, he said. Which is respectable, I must admit.

Blake, Abebi warned.

What? Elliot exclaimed. He knows I’m just giving him a hard time. He’s not that sensitive.

Abebi gave him another warning look. She knew that if he said another wrong thing, this whole night could go horribly wrong. Max would lose it, and Elliot would take on the full force of Max’s anger—something that no sane being, magical or not, would want to do. But Elliot liked the challenge, and he liked pissing Max off even more.

It’s not like he can do anything anyway. Not that I’ve gotten ahold on my powers. Not even his poorly trained magic can…

Elliot was unable to finish his sentence. With barely a snap of his fingers Max blasted Elliot a thousand yards away by force of magic. He felt Abebi’s stare and looked over, his eyes glowing a bright shade of orange, hair now beaming in a show of red dreads.

Was that really necessary? Abebi asked.

Max shrugged. Someone had to shut him up.

CHAPTER 3

AIRPORT BATTLEGROUNDS

MAX’S STORY

T his is going to be a long night, Abebi sighed.

Max shrugged. Doesn’t have to be.

Abebi never understood male egos. Both Max and Elliot were endowed with powers beyond normal comprehension, but instead of using them for the good of humanity they would rather have a showdown in the middle of an airport parking lot.

So much for not drawing any attention, Abebi said.

You never know. Max chuckled. He might just let bygones be bygones. Maybe we can finally get back to…

Abebi waited for the rest of what Max was saying but figured his attention was elsewhere. Specifically on the SUV that was hurling right toward him. Either way she took a step back. Here we go, she said pulling out her phone.

Max saw it out of the corner of his eye. Instinctively he raised his hand, configuring a magical force field that encased the oncoming vehicle. It only held for a second before Elliot came crashing through it, landing a few feet away from Max.

In one quick move Elliot grabbed Max by the collar and threw him through the air in the same general direction he had been blasted to. He stood there, a bit out of breath, and flashed a smile at Abebi.

He started it.

Abebi rolled her eyes. I take it that you’re not going to end it?

Elliot grinned.

Yeah, Abebi said. I thought so.

Before Elliot could argue his case he was knocked back onto the ground. Max was hovering twenty feet above them. His body was engulfed in dark orange flames reflecting his mood. His skin even started to glow, which to Abebi was a clear sign that he had lost all control of his anger.

Elliot got up smiling. His clothes had been singed to the point where his chest now was bare and his jeans altered to jean shorts. Yet he was unfazed by this and excited his friend had come out to play.

Come on, Max. Elliot egged him on, knowing his friend was in no mood to talk. How about we use our words?

Max held out both hands, creating a ball of fire that seemed to only grow by the second. Elliot braced for the worst only to realize that this time Max wasn’t planning to hurl it at him. Instead Max waited until it was a good size and then collapsed it into his chest. This