A Void Within the Door

Chapter 14

Mannix handed Eleanor a mug filled with steaming hot tea, and muttered, "Blow on it before drinking." 

Eleanor responded with a smile, and a "Thank you." 

Elizabeth stood up from where she was sitting, and gestured to Mannix to follow her into the next room, so they could talk. 

"What is it?" Mannix questioned her. he never would have admitted it, but he didn't want to be away from Eleanor after nearly losing her the way he did. 

"We have to take her back to Kririn's capital now that she's well again." Elizabeth pointed out. 

Mannix sighed, and stuffed his hands into his trench coat's pocket, knowing that she was right, but worried that he might have to part with Eleanor. 

Seeing the plain-walker's disappointment, Elizabeth exclaimed, "You've grown close to the princess, haven't you?" 

Mannix glanced over his shoulder towards the girl he promised to protect, and muttered, "She reminds me of my little girl." 

"I thought you moved on from that." Elizabeth said, giving him a sympathetic look.

"I thought I did too, that was until I met her." Mannix answered, throwing another glance at Eleanor, who was absent mindly sipping her tea. 

Elizabeth wanted to say something to help Mannix but kept her mouth shut afraid she'd just make things worse. 

After a long pause Mannix's shoulder slumped as a second sigh escaped from his lips. 

"Fine, go the Captain. Tell him about Eleanor's return, and that she'll be escorted to the castle by me, and will arrive in two days time." he ordered her. 

"Wouldn't it be faster if you were to use your abilities to transport her to the castle?" Elizabeth suggested, tilting her head a little to the side. 

Mannix shook his head. "I don't want the shadow creatures tracking us by sensing used magic." 

"Very well, I'll be off then." Elizabeth replied, and with a quick nod of the head, the female plain-walker dispersed into dark blue smoke. 

Mannix went back into the living area, and leaned against the door-way. "Eleanor..." he called to her solemnly. 

Eleanor perked up at the sound of her name, and waited for Mannix to explain the reason she was called. 

"....Pack your things; we leave for Kririn's capital city in an hour." he finished. 

Eleanor knew what he meant without further explanation; though she was sad that this could mean their parting, she knew it was necessary. 

Without hesitation, or saying a single word, Eleanor stood up, and went to her room to pack her things, leaving the some-what warm tea on the coffee table. 

A/N: Sorry that this was a short chapter, but I figured the journey to Kririn's capital city should be it's own chapter. Theories? Feed-back is appreciated!!