A Void Within the Door

Chapter 25

"No, no way. There has to be another way." Mannix shouted when Eleanor explained her costly plan. 

Unfazed by the outburst Eleanor calmly replied, "If I don't do this, Grimhill and his soldiers may be gone, but who knows how many shadow creatures are out there in the world." 

"How did you even find out about this spell?" Mannix asked, continuing to pace back and forth in the room. 

Eleanor's eyes glanced down as she remembered the book she had found in her room's book-shelf right after Mannix had left. 

"I found a book, and it explained it." she answered, in a voice that was identical to a child that had just gotten scolded. 

Mannix stopped pacing, and let out a sigh. "I guess you know the shadow creatures' little secret then?" 

Again, Eleanor looked down and nodded. "Though, I do not fully understand." 

"It's just the way it sounds, Ellie. Since the shadow creatures can't know true death, they're sent to a prison like plain. There, it's just darkness, fog , and insanity. Nothing has ever escaped." Mannix explained, taking a seat next to the Princess. 

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?" Eleanor asked. 

"Like I said, nothing has ever come out of that place. it's the closest thing to death these creatures will see." Mannix replied with. He looked over at her, and was shocked to find determination still filling her eyes; Eleanor was still going to go through with it!

"Eleanor, last time you used half of the power this spell required, it almost killed you. Even if you do survive, you'll be sent to the same bloody place they'll be. You'll get ripped to shreds!" the Plain-walker exclaimed, as the Princess rose from the seat.

"Last time I wasn't in full control, and I was weak. If I do get sent away with the shadow creatures, and get killed there, at least Kririn can live on." Eleanor responded, her back towards Mannix. 

"No, it won't." the Princess turned her head in confusion towards what Mannix had just said. 

The Plain-walker looked up, sadness that Eleanor had rarely seen in him, filling his light, green eyes. 

"Have you not come to the realization yet, that you are the last in your lineage?" After you, there is no one else, no heir until you are marries. If you do this Kirin will fall into ruin, or get swallowed up by another kingdom." Mannix exclaimed, shooting up from the stool. 

Though there was no wind inside the room, a sudden chill filled the room as it combined with the tense silence. 

"Mannix," Eleanor spoke up, "I see no other option. If you have another plan I'm willing to listen." 

"We don't need to get rid of every single shadow creature, just Grimhill, and his forces." Mannix suggested. 

"The Shadow creatures that I don't get rid of could come together, choose another leader, then attack again. I'm not going to risk more blood-shed." the princess argued back. 

"Well, I'm not going to risk my dau-" Mannix stopped mid-sentence, causing a look of confusion from Eleanor. 

"My princess , I am not going to risk my princess." he corrected himself, and looked down at the floor. 

"What happened to your family, Mannix? When you and the shadow creatures were fighting in my head, they said something about joining your family." the Princess asked. 

"I had a wife and a daughter once, but they were slaughtered by Grimhill's forces; I was helpless then, and I have vowed never to be helpless like that ever again." Mannix muttered. 

Eleanor's eyes went wide at the Plain-walker's explanation; she understood the reason behind his protective nature. 

"I'm sorry," Mannix looked up as he spoke; his eyes had become blank of all emotion except for defiance and determination. "But as your advisor, and guardian, I cannot allow you to do this." 

Eleanor saw the slight movement of Mannix sliding his hand into his trench-coat, most likely for the sword-hilt, but she stood her ground. 

"And as your Princess, and future Queen, I order you to stand down." she exclaimed, blue sparks igniting from her hands. 

When Mannix saw the blue sparks, he released the hilt, and drew his hand back; once again silence filled the room. 

Eleanor turned her back, and muttered, "Excuse me, but I must check on the preparations." A second later, the wooden door clicked shut, and Mannix was alone. 

The Plain-walker stood there for a few moments, thoughts going through his clouded mind. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, and purple sparks shot from his finger-tips as he muttered to himself, "I...I know to save her." 

A/N: Oh, what is Mannix planning? Will it end badly or happily? Will Eleanor go through with her costly plan? Theories? Feedback is appreciated!!