Battle of Echelon 2

Nimoes sat in the royal library, scanning the shelves for books to read. She had a particular fondness for stories with female protagonists, especially romantic ones. As she perused the books, her eyes landed on a dusty novel, and a smile formed on her lips. She reached for it and quickly dusted it off before making her way to a reading table.

Flipping through the pages, Nimoes read eagerly, her fast-reading skills allowing her to progress swiftly. Occasionally, a smile would grace her face, indicating an amusing passage written by the author.

As she approached the center of the book, Nimoes sensed someone's presence behind her. For a moment, she tensed, trying to discern who it might be. Her hopes of a pleasant surprise were dashed when she heard a familiar voice clear its throat.

"Uncle, it's you," she said, acknowledging her uncle Raul's arrival.

"You don't need to be so engrossed in your reading, you know," Raul remarked as he strolled towards the window, from where the castle's prominent landmarks were visible.

"You should be thinking about getting married and becoming a skilled warrior like your father and his ancestors before him."

"But Uncle, I am a skilled warrior," Nimoes protested, closing her book.

"No, my dear, you are not... a bad warrior, but it takes more than just being good to truly embody the spirit of our family," Raul replied. He turned towards her and gestured for her to join him by the window. Nimoes obeyed, taking in the vast landscape visible through the large windowpane.

"Look at the greenery outside. It all belongs to our family, but other clans desire it with all their might. Your father and I, along with my two sons, have fought side by side to protect our land. It takes strength, bravery, and resilience to defeat our enemies."

Nimoes was well aware of her uncle's stern nature, yet she always listened attentively to his words. She trusted that he would never intentionally harm her.

"I will send you to Lord Drake's clan. There, you can learn to be strong and brave like your father and our ancestors," Raul announced.

"But..."

"Don't say another word. You mustn't tell anyone about this. I know your parents must have warned you not to leave the castle or venture too far. But why should a princess be kept from meeting the people she will one day lead? You must demonstrate your toughness and bravery to your parents and the people. They need to believe in you, just as I do."

Nimoes became filled with excitement as her uncle praised her. She was eager to prove her strength and worth. The journey to Drake clan was a considerable distance from the castle, and dangers lurked nearby, particularly due to the proximity of the witches' outpost and the wolf pack.

"Should I bring a guard or my sword?" she inquired.

"No, you mustn't. You are the true descendant of Athan and Thana. No one should know about your secret journey. That's why I came to meet you personally. This library is the safest place in the castle, as your mother cannot hear anything from within. It used to belong to your grandmother's best friend, a white witch who practiced her craft here. We believe that's why your mother cannot hear any sound within these walls. I will arrange for someone to escort you through the woods."

"Alright, Uncle. I will inform you when I am fully prepared," Nimoes replied, turning to place the book back on the shelf.

"You need not waste any more time. I will expect to hear from you by this time tomorrow," Raul stated as he made his way out of the library.

Nimoes felt a wave of worry wash over her as various thoughts raced through her mind. What if something happened to her? Could she trust her uncle to protect her? What would happen to her sister Lilith if she didn't return? Would this journey make her family proud? Throughout her life, she had longed for an adventurous existence, one filled with romance rather than fear.

She had often imagined herself in danger,

only to be rescued by a gallant prince with strong features, perhaps inspired by the stories she loved to read.

"Mose," Queen Thana called from behind.

Startled, Nimoes sat up straight. "Mother, I didn't hear you come in."

Her cheeks reddened. Despite the age difference, Nimoes and her mother looked quite similar, and Thana treated her daughter as her closest confidante. "You should stay more alert next time, so you can sense my presence before I arrive. What are you doing here all alone?"

"Mother, this is a library, and I am supposed to be alone," Nimoes responded.

"Yes, my daughter, but it doesn't seem like you were actually reading. And what is that smell in this room? Is someone else here?" Queen Thana inquired, surveying the library.

"Mom, I am truly alone. You are too sensitive to smells. Perhaps it's the maid who brought me some water," Nimoes mumbled.

"You are growing older, dear, and much is expected of you. Being a princess is challenging, and being a leader is even more demanding. But you must understand that and always consider the well-being of everyone," Thana advised.

"But, Mom, I don't care about being a leader. All I want is the safety of every vampire."

"Ah, that's the beginning of a leader's vision. Nevertheless, your father and I have decided to find you a suitable groom, and soon you will be married."