45 Nim

Nim could tell Astrophel was ancient. The slow cadence of the vampire's speech, along with his emaciated form, indicated to her this was a being of advanced years far beyond her own. Astrophel was in no rush and throughout their conversation often paused for long moments content to stare serenely at her and Gareth.

It was infuriating. Even in her twilight years, Nim was an impatient woman and preferred swift action. She had barely finished introductions and a brief telling of their journey to Agremonth Castle before a loud knocking interrupting another one of Astrophel's pointed pauses. The vampire did not even turn his head at the noise, and for a moment, Nim wasn't sure he heard it. Perhaps the vampire had become hard of hearing in his old age? She thought to herself.

Sana returned to the sitting room doorway, her freckled face scrunched into annoyance once again. "There's an Ibudali soldier and a super-powerful witch at the door. Let them in?" she asked nonchalantly with a small hand resting on her hip.

Nim could see Gareth's eyes widen slightly before narrowing again in acceptance while releasing a deep sigh. They had known Talmot and Lorna would search for them to the very ends of the world and back. It was no surprise they had were followed here. Lorna had even informed them the pursuit would continue. It was up to Astrophel now if the chase would end and for whom.

The ancient vampire continued to stare into what seemed to be nothing. A small grin played at the corners of his lips, and his long white hair swayed slightly in a nonexistent breeze. Astrophel blinked once, the action itself took several seconds, and Nim could feel her anxiety rising. Hers and Gareth's fates hung in the balance, and it felt as if the vampire were torturing her.

"Sorry," Sana said in an exaggerated whisper as if her Lord was not sitting right in front of her, "He takes an ungodly amount of time to decide anything. You'll get used to it."

Nim couldn't help but send a soft smile at the spitfire young witch. The girl reminded Nim of herself in her youth many years ago. Although Nim did worry about the casual tone, the girl used around the Lord. From what she knew of Ibudali aristocrats, they were sticklers for being addressed appropriately.

Another loud wrapping broke Astrophel's reverie, and the vampire finally sighed, "Thank you, Sana, but no. Do not let the General in, nor his companion."

"Alright, but I hope she doesn't blow our door down," Sana said with a slight roll of her eyes.

"I do not think she will, nor will they return," Astrophel said, giving the girl a pointed stare.

"Whatever you say, boss," Sana could be heard saying as she abruptly turned to leave the room.

Nim wasn't sure if it was the girl's flippant response or the fact the vampire was utterly ignoring the General, causing her mouth to hang slightly agape. For once, she was at a loss for words. Is this how the pursuit ends? She thought.

"Yes, Nim, this is where it ends. For now. No army has breached my walls, and no army ever will. General Talmot and Lorna will go to the Fort, and their course shall be changed." Astrophel answered her unasked question.

"You can...hear my thoughts?" the old woman asked astonished. Besides responding to the exact question in her mind at the moment, how else would Astrophel know the name her family and friends called her? She had only introduced herself as Cora to Sana that morning.

Gareth turned crimson in the face and began to pace hurriedly again throughout the small room. The vampire let out what she thought was a laugh, but the sound was so foreign to Nim he could have been clearing his throat. Astrophel nodded once, slowly. She wasn't sure, but it seemed to be the first time the vampire had moved at all since sitting down.

"C-Can all vampires do that?" she asked quietly, fear gripping her insides.

Astrophel shook his head slightly to indicate no, the small smile on his face remained.

"Well, that is welcome news. Is that why the girl speaks as she wishes to you?" Nim asked shrewdly.

"Sana's thoughts are kind as well as loyal. Her spoken words have little meaning to me," the vampire replied.

Nim nodded her head at the vampire's cryptic response, "I see," she said, "Now that we are here, what will do with us?" the old woman asked, leaning forward on her cane.

Astrophel did not respond immediately. Nim thought she could see the tiniest crease in his brow and thought the vampire might be weighing his options. Nim had always thought she was an expert in reading people and understanding the nuances of their body language. She had never needed to rely on magic to know if someone was lying, it was more often their body language that told her if they were honest.

Astrophel was an enigma to her, though. It was as if he didn't exist at the same time as anyone else around him. Instead, letting time pass around him, unconcerned about unfolding events. Several long moments passed as Nim tried her best to wait patiently for the vampire to answer her question.

Finally, it was Gareth who had stopped pacing in anticipation of Astrophel's decision and cleared his throat loudly. The vampire did not move, but it seemed that his dark red eyes came back into focus, and Astrophel had joined them once again.

"Oh, I do not think I am going to do anything with you at all." the vampire began in his slow melodic tone. It sent shivers down Nim's spine. "It should be noted, though, that our paths have not crossed by chance. There is deep magic surrounding you, Cora Delvine, and what my part in it as yet to be revealed. You and the Lieutenant may stay here...for a time. Sana will show you to your rooms."

Astrophel abruptly stood and departed without another word. His gaunt form passed like a shadow out of the room.Nim could have laughed at the look of abject confusion on Gareth's face if she weren't so bewildered herself.