The Trio of Trouble

Chapter Twelve, Dalavet's Sister

Chapter Twelve, Dalavet's Sister

      It had been three days since we had 'stumbled' upon Serena's home, and I was almost ready to rip my hair out. The tree building was one room and only about a dozen feet in proximity, with no windows and we wheren't allowed to leave. I had been fine the first day, just relaxing and sleeping for hours. By the second day I had become to be more restless, I hadn't been allowed to relax for what felt like ages, and I was so used to constant motion just staying inside was uncomfortable. I felt useless, even when I occupied myself with little chores; unfortunately one room can only be so clean. 

     Everything was cramped, and it was hard to even stand up, my head touching the ceiling. Poor Jacos had to stoop down to walk. 

     The only one who seemed happy was Marco, who constantly talked and demonstrated his magic with Serena, and learning new spells. He laughed and asked about all sorts of things that didn't make any sense to my ears; enchantments, spells, potions and anything that had to do with magic or magical items. Often, I sat and listened to their conversations, trying to follow along, but no matter how hard I tried I couln't make heads or tails out of anything that came out of their mouths. 

     The night of the third day, when I was sure my head would implode with restlessness, Marco made a confession 

 "Serena is more than just our friend." He blurted, his face twisted as is expecting someone to slap him. 

 "What?" Jacos and I asked at the same time. 

 "Marco-" Marco quickly cut Serena off. 

 "Serena is more than my friend." 

 "Marco, what are you saying...?" I questioned slowly.

 "Your only fourteen, and she's like-" 

 "No!" Marco gave Jacos a well deserved shove on the shoulder. "It's not like that." 

     Serena laughed sweetly throwing her head back; I couldn't but crack a smile at Marco's flushed cheeks. 

 "Then what is it?" Jacos snapped, rubbing his arm. 

 "Serena's...my aunt." 

 "What?" I coughed on my soup, spitting hit back into the bowl. I gasped and sputtered, every cough sending a streak of burning pain up my throat. Jacos patted my back, as if it would help the coughing fit. I lowered my bowl to the floor, leaning forward, still struggling for air. Amazing what soup going down the wrong pipe and completely surprising news can do to someone. 

 "Here, drink some water dear." Serena commanded gently, offering me a clay mug of water. 

     I took it greedily, my cough slowly taming and my breathing going back to normal. 

 "How do you know that? I thought you never met your family." Jacos asked once I had quieted down. 

 "At first I didn't. I didn't believe her," Marcos glanced at Serena. "But, then she started showing me images of my parents, and history not even I knew. She even had a truth spell on her, so I know it's truthful." 

  "You put a truth spell on me?" Serena raised an eyebrow, straightening a little. 

     I tried to suppresses my smile. I had taught him well. 

 "Well...yes.." he looked down sheepishly. 

    Serena just nodded and peered at him thoughtfully. 

 "So," I ignored the stinging pain still lingering in my throat. "Serena, prove to me that your Marcos' relative. Jacos and I are his...unblood related family you could say. Explain."