A Void Within the Door

Chapter 27

Eleanor's heart thudded loudly, and quickly in her chest as shoulder pads, and a silver chest plate was placed on her stiff body. 

The Captain was explaining the positioning of the soldiers and horses; although, her brain was taking in the information, the captain's voice was a muffle to Eleanor's ears. 

As the princess picked a weapon to help better control her powers, she spotted Mannix bent against the wall, his face still covered by a shadow. 

"You know, you don't have to do this, Kririn needs a ruler." one side of Eleanor's mind argued. 

"I have already made up my mind, I am not risking more blood-shed." the other part of her protested. 

"Princess Eleanor?" The Captain's voice snapped her back to reality, and she was met by his worried glance. 

"Sorry, Captain, I was lost in my own thoughts." Eleanor apologized, as she grabbed a staff; she only needed something to buy her time.

The Captain glanced between the Princess, and the Plain-walker, and finally noticed the tension between the two; had they gotten into some sort of fight. 

Suddenly, a soldier came running into the room, covered in sweat, and panting heavily. 

"Captain," he exclaimed, finally catching his breath, "A report from Madame Elizabeth, the shadow forces have halted." 

The Princess, Captain, all the soldiers who were in the room, and Mannix tensed at the news; why would they just stop coming towards the city? 

"Where did they stop?" Eleanor asked, after a long stretch of silence. 

"According to our spy, they set up camp 10 miles away from the city walls." the soldier explained. 

Eleanor's eyes narrowed; what was Grimhill waiting for? Letting out a deep breath, she asked, "Are all the soldiers still in position?" 

"Yes, your highness, they're waiting for your orders." the soldier answered. 

The Princess looked towards Mannix, who gave her a conflicted look in return. "Captain, take the soldiers and position them on the wall." she ordered, looking away, with hidden sadness, from the Plain-walker. 

"What about you?" the Captain questioned. 

Immediately, the secret sadness was replaced with visible determination. "Meet me on the battlefield." 

Eleanor's eyes looked over to where Mannix had been standing, but to her surprise, he was no longer there. 

_*_

"Make sure you have your quivers full!" Elizabeth shouted, as she inspected the wall's defenses. 

"You were always bossy." Elizabeth almost jumped at her brother's voice, but luckily she was able to sense him just in time. 

Elizabeth turned around, a smile plastered on her face, however her happy expression went scarce when she saw Mannix's shadowed eyes. 

"It's part of our family's nature. Are you alright? You seem stressed." she muttered. 

Mannix let out a deep, and sorrowed sigh, as he gazed down at his sister. "We need to talk." Elizabeth tensed; she could sense a conflicted spirit within her older brother. 

Whatever Mannix wanted to tell her, it wasn't good. 

A/N: And I am back from my very long break. The final battle for the fate Kririn is just around the corner. Theories? Feedback is appreciated!!