The Hellknight's Savior

        Talia sat at her dressing table in her chambers reading the letter that her father had left for her, anger and fear building inside of her with each of the lines. The letter was to the point, just like her father. My Dearest Daughter, I leave for the Hellknight’s castle tonight in hopes of preventing war on our doorstep. Your brothers have already been informed of where I am going and why. I would have told you in person but I feared what your reaction would have been. I am sure you are aware that you have been of age for some time so there have been a fair amount of possible marriage candidates, which I have successfully fielded until now. The Hellknight has asked for your hand in marriage or he will attack our lands. I am on my way there to see what can be done to stop this marriage. If the rumors are true, I do not want to see my only daughter wed to an evil man. If I do not return within a decent amount of time, orders have been given. You are to do exactly as your brothers say and not argue, do you understand me? If I do not return, I want you to know that I love you. Sincerely, Your Father Kolten Whitmoor                “What was he thinking!” Talia muttered to herself, folding the letter back up and placing it carefully on the table in front of her.                A knock sounded on her door and Taskur, her eldest brother, walked into her rooms without waiting for a reply. Leaning his muscular frame against the wall, he crossed his arms and studied her closely, his face tired. “I assume you have read the letter Father left for you.”                Talia narrowed her green eyes at him. “How could you let him leave? He might never return!”                Taskur sighed. “Talia, he didn’t have a choice. He left so he could try to keep you from marrying an evil man!”                “And if the rumors are true about the Hellknight, then he left for no reason! The Hellknight will surely kill Father if he doesn’t give him what he wants!” Talia retorted.                “So you wish to marry the Hellknight?” Taskur asked in disbelief. “I don’t see that happening either. At least with Father going, there is a small chance that the Hellknight will accept Father’s offer.”                “And what would that be?” Talia asked. “What could Father offer to keep the Hellknight from wanting me as his bride?”                “It’s none of your concern.”                Talia crossed her arms. “Really? I think that since it concerns me, then it is my business. What does Father have to offer that would possibly make the Hellknight change his mind, Taskur? If you don’t tell me, I will just get it out of Drimdyl,” she threatened.                Taskur sighed and pushed off of the wall before raising his hands in frustration, moving. “Fine! Father is going to offer us instead.”                “What!” Talia shrieked. “What is he thinking? I won’t allow it!”                Taskur rolled his eyes. “And this is exactly why Father didn’t tell you before he left.”                Talia glowered at her brother. “And you agree to this as well?”                Taskur looked at her tenderly. “My dearest sister, all four of us did. We would do anything to protect you.” His brown eyes narrowed. “And seeing that look in your eyes means I will probably have to lock you in your rooms until you cool down.”                “You’ll do no such thing, Taskur!” Talia protested, standing up. “I don’t like the idea of what you all have done behind my back but I won’t do anything foolish.” Moving towards him, she grabbed Taskur and pulled him in for a hug, seeking comfort after what she had just learned. She grumbled into his shirt, “Why do you all feel the need to protect me? I can take care of myself. All of you made sure of that.”                Taskur chuckled. “Because, little sister, that’s what big brothers do.”                That night, Talia snuck out of her rooms and out of the castle walls, taking only the letter her father had left, the dagger Drimdyl had given her and a small bag of coins. She wasn’t sure how she would reach the Hellknight’s castle but she was determined that she wouldn’t let her family make the sacrifice they were about to.