Castlevania Nocturne: A Sneak Peak

Part 3 Exclusive Look!

Finally finished with Part 2! Thank you all for reading and voting on my story! Special thanks to@FesterBlades for helping me along the way, you rock.

The next, and final book in A Guardian's Tale should be posted within a few days , but rest assured I've been already working on it. Here's an exclusive look at Part 3:

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"The river will take us much of the way from here. We won't be stopping, so if you need provisions, get them now." said Alucard. "Keep out of sight. For sure, we're being followed...... I'm always being bloody followed."

"Will you turn the tables on them, surprise them and take them out with your flying sword thing?" Richter gestured like an eager child, making Emma chuckle.

"I'm going to find a boat." Alucard responded flatly, unimpressed.

Richter stiffened up. "I'll hunt, you gather." He pointed at Annette. "I mean, you can hunt too."

"I'll find some mushrooms." Annette smiled, chuckling.

"You coming, Em?" Richter asked

"I need extra eyes." Alucard locked Emma in with that hard stare of his.

Emma bristled but nodded. "You two find provisions, I'll go with Dad. Be careful and stay alert."

"Don't worry. We will." Richter promised

Emma watched Richter merrily trot up to join Annette as they ventured off into the woods. Emma couldn't help but smile from his happy dog energy around Annette. She knew he'd be wagging his tail if he had one.

"What are you going to hunt?" Annette asked pleasantly.

"Rabbits." Richter answered like an eager child. "You actually have to be careful with mushrooms, you know."

"I... I promise I won't poison you." Annette laughed mirthfully.

Emma smiled. They've got it bad, like Cyrus and me.  She knew they'd be just fine.

"Emmaline."  Alucard barked.

Emma suppressed a growl and followed her father the opposite way, keeping behind him several paces while scoping out ahead of her and across the river for a boat. The forest was peaceful this spring day, the trees verdant soaking in the sun's rays and the scent of bloom perfumed the air. The pebbles crunched beneath her boots. Emma retained the ability to enjoy the small, beautiful moments in nature even the bleakest of times. It kept her from going to a dark place.

Her serenity was shattered by Alucard calling at her not to lag.

"Walk beside me."

Emma sighed and walked beside her cold, distant father along the banks of the river, hoping to find a boat very soon.

"I'll take wing as a falcon and fly ahead. It'll be easier spotting a boat from aloft." Emma spoke looking away from Alucard.

"No. You'll stay with me." Alucard rejected firmly.

"It'll make it quicker to find what we're looking for." Emma insisted.

"And it will leave you vulnerable to attack from the air." Alucard doubled down. "You're recovering from an injury that took me a year of slumber to mend. Don't test your ability, daughter."

"Fine." Emma shrugged. They continued moving, Emma kept her head turned to the river on her right, focusing on the rocky bank.  Her eyes caught a shimmer on the banks and she sprinted ahead, stopping at the spot while gritting her teeth.  The sutured wound stung in protest. Son of a bitch, I can't do that again.