“Yeah, I guessed that,” Maxwell said with a genuinely warm smile, not offended in the slightest by Jackson's comment. Instead he simply got out of the guys way. Being angry was never productive. But doing nothing with that anger was even worse. At least by giving his anger a voice he would get it out into the open. With that said Maxwell had considered following after Jackson just in case he went a little overboard, which with the guy in question was a very real possibility, however in the end had opted against sticking his nose in any further. Besides, with Jackson gone it was left entirely to him to watch the entrance of the ‘tree house’. Which was not entirely a bad deal considering the uncomfortable vibes that he had gotten from the place. It didn't want him in there and the feeling was, as they say, mutual.
And in the end it didn't matter either way since Kanoa came trailing out of the house a few moments later with the others in tow, including Jackson. He listened with rapt attention to the various details that were offered by different members of the group, some more fantastical than others. But considering the ‘talents’ of those assembled not entirely beyond belief. And the more he listened the more sinister the house started to feel. Less like it was rejecting him and more that it meant him physical harm. But also the less nervous he became. The explanations were going fine for a little while, however Jackson seemed to be dancing on the edge of whatever tightrope he seemed to be metaphorically straddling.
He watched as Jackson backed away, consumed by another internal battle that must have been raging within. Unfortunately he didn't know how to help him, at least for the moment. He turned toward Kanoa. “I'm not saying that I agree with Jackson entirely but it’s easy to understand where he’s coming from. Learning through experience has its merits. No doubt. But not all us can go on faith alone,” he said in a neutral tone. He raised his hands in a conciliatory manner and looked between Jackson and Kanoa.
“How about this. For now we just carry on as is, at least until we get back to town. After that, maybe we can have a little talk, clear the air, that kind of thing. And perhaps then you can show us something a little more concrete than theory and folklore. It doesn't have to be much, books, images, documents, things that have been recorded by those who know about this kind of stuff. How about it, Leader?” Maxwell had already spoken more in the last few days than he did in the average week, or at least that was how it felt to him. It was taxing.
