Magix

Chapter 4: A Strange Girl

The next morning I woke up with a strange feeling in my gut- a mix of dread and tiresome. The night before had been so draining. I spent more time restlessly shifting around in bed than with my eyes closed.

When I turned over to check on David I was surprised to find his bed empty and neatly made up.

Always the early bird.

Sitting up, an overwhelming sense of nausea took over me and a sudden panic filled thought came to me.

Had they poisoned our food and drink?

The nausea dissipated after I counted to ten a couple of times, taking deep breaths between each number with my closed eyes. When I opened my eyes again I noticed David leaning against the banister, watching me intently. His pale brows furrowed in concern.

"I take it you didn't sleep very well?" the voice that carried to me was barely over a whisper.

"Not really no. You?"

He gave me a small tired smile, "not really no too."

I returned the smile then yawned, my eyes watering.

"You should eat too, Locksetta. The Professor will return later this afternoon with a few things to help you complete the first riddle," Ju, who had materialised out of thin air, called out behind David. David, in turn jumped in surprise and glared at the newcomer.

Suddenly awfully aware of how I must have looked I nodded quickly, feeling my skin tingle from embarrassment.

I probably looked like I had crawled out of a cave I was stuck in for days.

From the corner of my eye I saw that Ju kept standing there for a couple of seconds more before stalking back down the stairs. Seemingly soundlessly.

I let out a soft sigh and undid the braid that had become so messy through the course of the night, and put my now wavy hair into a taut ponytail.

When I looked up at David his brow was drawn, with a questioning look he cast a glance at where Ju had just stood a moment ago and then back at me.

I just shrugged sheepishly in response, feeling my cheeks flush even brighter.

Then he squinted at me, "I already ate. Come, there's food ready for you on the table," with that he too turned around and went down.

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Breakfast was pretty uneventful, but I did try out a delicacy here in the Amaranthine Forest called orchinocha juice.

Apparently it is a viscous orange colored drink that's made with the crushed petals of a flower native to only this part of Magica. It was fruity and light, although the thickness of it could take a bit of getting used to.

I enjoyed my thick drink while staring out a large window near the dining table. The large sun was blazing in the white-green sky.

David and I were chatting about normal earth things for a minute when Ju joined us at the table. He then set down a book.

Upon closer inspection I nearly did a double take, feeling an awful sense of dread return.

It was Magix, the book that got us here in the first place.

"Okay, playtime is over kids. It's time for you to work on the first riddle," he flipped open the book onto the second page  which was now littered with various drawings and writings, but at the bottom looked to be the riddle.

Ju cleared his throat and read,
"The future too soon
Will be found in a tune,
Strike the strings of magic,
Before eminent tragic."

He then pushed the book towards me and I looked over the page. David too craned his neck over my shoulder to look.