Blood Ties

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

         Star woke up in a blind panic, her heart pounding and her mouth dry. She was in a small, airy bedroom, very simplistic yet cozy. She sat up, shoving the soft white covers off of her sweat-drenched body and placed her bare feet on the floor.

        She leaned against the dresser and peered into the mirror, taking in her pale face and bloodshot eyes. Taking a few calming breaths, she closed her eyes and mentally reviewed her situation.

        I am in some place called Ignis. Either a glowing ball or Marco brought me here. Marco is injured and in the hospital. I’m sore, not quite sure why. I…need some of that calming tea.

        With that decision she slipped on the gray dress laid out for her and combed her hair vigorously. She splashed her face in some water from a basin nearby and slid on a pair of shoes. Finally ready, she strode from the room and down the hall. The safe houses were somewhat like apartments; several families lived inside. There was one large kitchen for all to share, along with a living room for socializing and getting to know your housemates. Star headed for the kitchen.

        Inside the kitchen was the cook, stirring away at a pot of something that looked like grits and humming softly. Star cleared her throat.

        The cook gasped and bowed low, reverently. “Princess Star, good morning. How did you sleep? Would you like your morning meal now?”

        “Oh! Um, no, I just…you don’t need to bow,” Star stammered, caught off guard by his sudden act of respect.

        He smiled kindly, raising back up to his full height. “Yes I do! You, my dear, are something of a legend around here. We all knew you’d return, if you don’t mind me saying. I suppose you knew all along as well? So, what is your plan?"

        “I…I…err…” Star’s mouth dropped open, and she stared at him.

        He laughed, “Of course, it is not my place to ask. These things don’t concern old cook. Would you like some tea? The kettle should be whistling any minute.”

        “Yes! Thank you!” Star sighed, relieved, and sank into a chair nearby to wait. She desperately hoped the cook would stop asking questions. Unfortunately, he continued to babble.

        “So, how’s America? In some ways they seem so primitive, but in other ways, their gadgets are fascinating!”

        “It’s…nice,” was all Star could manage.

        “I’d imagine so!” he grunted, stirring the pot of grits vigorously. He opened his mouth to ask more, but the kettle whistled at last, and he remembered his place. “Apologies, Princess, I know you don’t want to be pestered by an old man.”

        He handed her a cup of steaming tea and she smiled gratefully, scared if she spoke again he would restart his questioning. She hurried out of the kitchen and into the living room.

        The room was bustling with life, a few children in gray nightclothes playing together and several adults chatting and drinking tea. The moment Star stepped into the room, a hush fell over all assembled. Slowly, they all stood to their feet, their heads bowed respectfully.

        Star gulped, keeping her eyes down. She inhaled the steam from her tea, letting the fragrance calm her nerves. Finally, she whispered, “You can…you know…continue as you were.”

        The group glanced at one another before tentatively sinking back into their seats, their chatter faded to muted whispers.

        Star shuffled over to a chair and sipped her tea, completely avoiding eye contact with the people around her. Once she finished, she turned to the woman nearest to her (her curiosity won over at last) and asked softly, “Were you all…expecting me?”