A Void Within the Door

Chapter 10

When Eleanor came too, she was met with the sight of fire burning in front o her. 

She soon became aware that she was laying on the rocky, dirt ground , and Mannix was sitting on the opposite side of the camp-fire. 

Groaning, Eleanor pushed herself up, and took a couple of deep breaths while staring intently at Mannix. 

The plain-walked glanced at her before looking back down at the flames. "How do you feel?" he asked. 

"Tire, confused, drained, but alive, so that's something." Eleanor answered, pushing herself against the wall to lean on it. 

Silence fell over them, before Eleanor asked, "How's you get me back? My mind, my free-will, it was nearly all gone." 

"When I killed Grimhill, the spell he put on you failed, and your free-will was restore." Mannix explained. 

"If you killed Grimhill, who I assume was the shadow creatures' leader, shouldn't that be it? Eleanor asked. 

In response, Mannix fished the blade-less hilt, and lifted it up so Eleanor could have a look. 

"I can use my magic to make a blade that can temporarily kill shadow creatures. After a while they regenerate; since Grimhill is their king, I wouldn't be surprised if he's already back up and kicking." Mannix explained, placing the hilt back inside the trench-coat. 

"So, I am the only one who can truly defeat them?" Eleanor exclaimed, bringing her knees to her chest. 

Mannix nodded, and Eleanor continued, "I know nothing about the kingdom, nothing about my powers, plus my mom was just killed in front of me." 

Mannix sighed, and shook his head. "You need to learn to live with loss, there is no time to grieve." 

Eleanor's head shot up, and she gave the plain-walker a horrified stare. 

"Are you expecting me to let go of Rose? The woman who raised me, and kept me safe?" she exclaimed. 

"Yes, I am. Though Rose was an amazing person, you have to learn to let her go. Your abilities will never grow if grief wears you down." Mannix stated. 

Eleanor opened her mouth to protest but sadly clamped it shut knowing he was right. 

Things fell silent in the cave for a couple of minutes, before Mannix spoke up again, "Try to get some sleep Eleanor; we leave first thing tomorrow." 

"Where are we gonna go? The shadow creatures will probably be hunting for us." Eleanor pointed out. 

"there's abandon cabins and farms scattered throughout the land. I know one that isn't that far out." the plain-walker explained. 

"Why are you being so nice to me?" the question caught Mannix off guard, and he tilted his head in confusion. 

"What do you mean?" he questioned her. 

"Back at the house, when we first met, you didn't act as quiet and unsure as you are right now." Eleanor explained further, hoping that was enough to get the point across.  

"Well that, dear Eleanor, is because I am unsure. I knew that the signs were showing, but I didn't know that Grimhill would find you that fast." Mannix paused during the rant to look up at Eleanor. 

"I'm used to being a step ahead of everyone, but right now it seems Grimhill was two steps ahead." he finish. 

Sympathy filled Eleanor's eyes, and when Mannix saw that, he quickly rebuked it, not wanting anyone to feel pity for him. 

"Go to sleep, I'll keep watch." he muttered. 

Too tired to argue, Eleanor  laid back down on the dirt and let herself drift asleep. 

The next morning, at dawn, Mannix removed any evidence that they were there, and led the way to the old cabin. 

The walk to the cabin was mostly quiet with a few short conversations here and there. 

One of these conversations was started by Eleanor gazing at the wonderful forest life around her, and saying, "It doesn't look like there's a war going on." 

Mannix had looked back, and answered, "Not all scars of war are visible to the eye." 

The two had reached the cabin by mid-day; it wasn't as run down completely. It had a few cob-webs in the corners, and cracks laced into the planks, but it was in living condition. 

"This is nicer than I expected when you said abandoned." Eleanor exclaimed. 

"I've hidden out here several times since the start of the war. It's become my second home." Mannix explained. 

The plain-walker eyes a large, wooden chest that sat at the foot of a bed in the other room. 

"Eleanor, there's a chest in that bed-room, that's filled with new clothes that Rose made while you were still a babe." he told her. 

Curious to look into the chest, Eleanor walked over and unlocked it. The lid cracked open, and Eleanor stared in awe at the contents. 

There were many different pairs of gray, brown, and blue, tunics along with pairs of black and dark brown medieval pants. 

Eleanor looked over her shoulder and gave Mannix a heart-warming smile of thanks. 

The plain-walker gave a quick smile before frowning and disappearing behind the door-way. 

A/N: Awww. Did we just see the softer side of Mannix? There will be no update next week due to me going to camp, but the story will continue! Theories? Feedback is always appreciated!