Castlevania: Awakening

Chapter 17

They waited in silence as the shades of the forest closed around them.

Laevon chose to keep some distance from Gabriel as he was still rather uncomfortable in his presence. It felt unnatural to be in the company of such a human looking, yet monstrous being.
Laevon had seen what Gabriel was capable of. He was still convinced there was more evil than good in his heart.

But Laevon’s dismissal did not affect Gabriel. He had not expected any gratitude or kindliness from the young ranger and preferred his own solitude.
He had positioned himself at the edge of the clearing and was watching for any sign of Zobek’s return. He would not let them be caught unaware.

Laevon remained by the tomb’s entrance as it was the only shelter from the oncoming night. The sun had not yet set, but the light was growing weaker.
It was a dreadful wait for Laevon as he was rather impetuous and impatient. He would rather have gone looking for Zobek or found a way to draw him out of hiding.
Who knew how long they would have to remain here with no food, no water, and no shelter?
These bleak thoughts possessed his mind as he leaned against the smooth, cool stone of the crypt. This site of death did not seem to bother him in the least as he was far too preoccupied with other questions and fears.

But this depressive moment was chased away as he looked up and saw Laeleth approaching him.
He briefly marveled at his sister. She had always seemed so fair and fragile to him, a child in need of protection even though they were the same age.
He had never trusted her with weapons as he had always thought he would be the one to protect her. Not wanting her to face the cruelty of the outside world, he had always tried to keep her dependent, within the safety of the village walls.

But everything had changed. Her determination and spirit could not be stifled no matter what he had done. It was as if an unstoppable force had awoken within her. She was still Laeleth, but now her entire being seemed to radiate with a quiet, white glow.
It was as though she was the embodiment of the light that flowed in her veins. 
In this moment she truly appeared angelic. This calmed his heart in a strange way as he began to realize that she was not helpless.
Like watching a flower unfold in slow motion he could see now that she was strong and capable … and he should have always seen that.
This revelation began to take hold in his soul and break his stubborn resistance.

Laeleth smiled as she now stood beside him. “I am glad you are here, Laevon,” she spoke quietly and with fondness.
“I was beginning to think I would never see you again,” she remarked in a more solemn tone.

Laevon smiled weakly and took her hand. Pressing it lightly he said, “You told me when we parted we would meet again, and I believed you. It is why I brought this.”
He took off the leather satchel that was slung across his shoulder and handed it to her.

Laeleth took the travel bag and undid the cord. Inside were the remnants of some food, an empty flask … and her journal. A broad smile broke across her face as she pulled out the cherished book and held it. “Thank you, Laevon,” she spoke warmly as she clasped it to herself. “I thought I had lost this as well.”

“I will always be here for you, Sister … no matter what happens,” Laevon replied with a serious expression. He had not stopped worrying about the return of Zobek and his face became downcast once more.

Laeleth placed her hand on her brother’s arm and addressed him quietly as though she knew his thoughts. “I am not afraid, Laevon. If I must do this I will … there is no other way that I can see.”

Laevon mulled this statement over in his mind. It made him rather uncomfortable that Laeleth would be the one to affront such a dastardly and powerful foe. If the vampire did not even think he could defeat him how could Laeleth?