The Enchantments: Book 3 - The Key of Sorcen

Chapter 14: In the Basement

The solemn bleakness of the morning slowly burnt off with the advent of the afternoon sun. Cool winds from the north were soon replaced with a warm sweet breeze from the south.

Marlanda stepped out onto the balcony of Professor Tweedle's modest home deep in the lush trees just a few short miles from the sprawling grounds of the university.

"Now you know why I love it here living with the professor!" Shawn said as he joined her in the warming sun.

"There's something about it here, I don't feel as uneasy as I do in other places." She closed her eyes and let the warmth of the sun bathe her face.

"I'd like to think it was me." He sighed.

Marlanda gave him a smile then gently grabbed his hand. "You're part of it, it's just atmosphere. For the longest time after my dad left, there was always something hanging in the air around my mother. She was always bitter and never seemed to enjoy life like she should have. I told myself I would never get that way, but after I found out about my father I blamed everyone but him for leaving. I did exactly what I said I wouldn't," she waved her hands around. "Here I don't have to think about those times."

"Well I hate to break your positive vibes but we really need to get this day started," Shawn said reluctantly.

Marlanda sighed then took one last look around the tree sprawled vista and retreated with Shawn back into the confines of the house.

Professor Tweedle was waiting for them at the large dining room table with a large spread of multiple foods that would have fed a large army. The room was warm and comforting with soft colors that always seemed to bring a smile from Marlanda.

Sitting on the opposite side of Shawn, she filled her plate with a multitude of delicious dishes. She relished in the enjoyable atmosphere before they were to head off to what was she knew was going to be a horrible experience.

Trying desperately to put the next few hours out of her mind she struck up a conversation with Professor Tweedle.

"Have you heard from the others?" She asked before she put in a mouthful of bacon.

The professor put down his napkin, "Dr. Miller informed me this morning that both Simeneon and her friend Fin have found their way to the designated starting points."

Shawn saw the look of confusion on Marlanda's face, "In other words, they've made it to the country where they're gonna start the search for the gold and silver pyramid halves."

"That's what I said!" The professor shot back.

"Sometimes your descriptions need a little translating." Shawn giggled.

"You youngsters think you're so noble, always have to translate what us old people say." He smirked slightly. "I'll let you know it would be easier for you kids to learn English properly then for us old fogies to learn the language of the youth."

Shawn began laughing, "It's a new world out their professor."

"What was wrong with the old one?" He pushed his chair back and walked away in a huff.

"Where is ya going professor?" Shawn asked his face still cracked sheepishly with a smile.

"To check on Dimitri, he'd understand my predicament." The professor snapped.

Shawn and Marlanda looked at each other apprehensively then shrugged.

"Does Dimitri still believe his dreams still foretell the future?" Marlanda asked as she took a bite of her toast.