Blood Knot

Chapter Five

Chapter Five:

They all turned around in surprise and awe. Avoca stood there, next to her backpack, regarding them. Her father, over the initial shock, turned to savour his family's reactions. Her mother's hand flew to her mouth and her blue eyes were wide. Merek, the elder brother, took her appearance in with wonderment. Mirabelle seemed just as astonished as Avoca was by seeing her mirror image. They stood like that for a few moments and nobody seemed to know what to say. Until Merek opened his mouth. 'What the hell are you wearing?'

Avoca laughed at his confidence; it was the first time she had laughed in weeks. At the sound, Avoca's mother jumped forward and embraced her forcefully. Avoca stood stock still unsure of how to react, her laughter dying in her throat. She had been trained to fight of an attack, but hugs were something she had never experienced from a parent figure. She didn't appreciate it. Her mother finally let go of her and Avoca still didn't do anything, except open her mouth like she was about to say something. 'Hello mother,' she said, trying to force a smile on her face. Lady Chetwick grasped Avoca's shoulders as if she let go she would lose her again. 'Avoca! My child! Where have you been? Who have you been with? Are you healthy? Why didn't you come back before now?'

Avoca took her mother's hands off her shoulders and held them tentatively. She looked at her father, a silent plea for help.

'Marsila dear,' Aldred injected, 'give her chance to answer. Let us all sit down now and find out the answers to our questions.' He guided Lady Chetwick to the end of the table and all their children followed him. Avoca hung back, watching Merek saunter to his seat at the right of his father, watching Mirabelle glide along. Mirabelle wore a pale pink nightgown, the material ruffling gracefully as she walked, holding her head up high. They sat down and Avoca chose a seat close to Merek. She sat back in her seat, relaxing and smiled when she noticed how Mirabelle was looking at her in shock. Avoca's twin was sat straight backed how a lady should, Avoca thought ironically.

Her mother leant forwards eagerly. 'So my dear, where have you been all these long years?'

Avoca bit her lip in thought. There was no way she was going to tell them everything. 'Maybe I should start from the beginning,' she said.

'Splendid idea,' her father said. Mirabelle was glaring at her.

'Well, I don't know how, or why, because I was too young to remember, but my first memory is of being in Erarini.' Her mother gasped. 'That far away from us?'

Avoca ignored her. 'When I was old enough to understand family, I realised I didn't know who my family was or where I had come from. I was encouraged by my friends to find out more and I knew it was likely I was from Llaam or Jarathia, as they are the main human populated countries. My pale skin led me to believe I was from Jarathia, where the weather is much colder, but Llaam was closer so I set off there.' She told them about her journey here and how she believed it was intervention of the Gods that led her to them. 'But why they would do that is a mystery to me,' she said.

'But...' Merek said slowly, 'whereabouts in Erarini were you? It's a big continent.'

'Not as big as here,' she said. 'I travelled around a lot.'

'You seem to be avoiding being specific,' Mirabelle's seemingly hostile voice said. Avoca couldn't help smiling because it reminded her of herself so much.

'Who were these friends you mentioned?'

Avoca, smirking still, narrowed her eyes. 'Just people that sort of adopted me. I doubt you would get along with them,' she said, still looking at Mirabelle's perfect hair and lady like appearance. Mirabelle's lip curled. 'If they were anything like yourself I think you would be quite right.'

'Girls!' Aldred shouted. 'You've only just met each other, don't start an argument now!' He let out an exasperated sigh but Avoca saw his mouth twitch. She knew he was overjoyed at having his family complete once again.

'So, erm Avoca,' Merek said, 'why are you wearing armour?'

She grinned and said 'It makes it easier to fight in. Not that I need the protection, nobody here could beat me in a sword fight!'

'You fight?' Merek and Aldred said in unison, with equally bewildered expressions.

'Yes.' Turning to Merek, she said 'Want to see if you can best me tomorrow?'

'I'm not sure if you want to do that,' he said. 'I've been trained by the best Jarathia has to offer.'

'Don't worry.' she smirked. 'I was trained by the best the world has to offer. Actually, you should worry. You may end up with a lot of bruises tomorrow.'

'Yeah right, little sister.'

Mirabelle stood up. 'I'm off to bed father, mother. Will I see you for lunch?'

'Yes darling,' her mother said. Long after Mirabelle had departed, the four of them sat talking deep into the night by the crackling fire, making up for the many missing years.