The misty darkness cast wavering shadows in the dimly lit clearing of the Biscotti training grounds. The only sound was the birch tree's rustling in the slight wind that whistled gently through the salmon painted towers of the Biscotti Republic's famous castle.
Everyone in the castle was enclosed within a deep slumber, save one that nervously wandered the corridors, muttering to herself. Her green tail swished uncomfortably, and her cerulean-blue eyes were glazed over with thought. It was Éclair Martinozzi, the captain of the Imperial Guard, at the impressive age of merely 14.
"I know something's not right...I can feel it in my tail..." The girl was interrupted by the slightest creak down the corridor. The girl stood stock still, her ears pricked for any other noise. There was none. They're good... Éclair thought. She unsheathed her daggers and shuffled down the corridor towards the noise, keeping to the shadows. After roughly half a minute she paused, the heavy pinewood door that was usually locked and bolted stood slightly ajar, every single iron encrusted lock hanging loosely by one 3cm thick screw that held them in place.
Éclair felt a tide of panic engulf her; this was clearly a highly trained spy, or maybe even a rogue? I must alert the Princess and the Imperial Guard! She turned on her heel to run up the stair to the Princesses' quarters but was knocked to the floor with a harsh blow to the head. She fell onto the carpeted marble with a thud, the air squeezed from her lungs. A sharp pressure was applied upon her chest, making breathing even more difficult. Éclair couldn't see her attackers face, as it was obscured by the shadows cast in the window frames. But she could see two glowing silvery-grey eyes that burned holes in the darkness.
"W-Who, are-you?" Growled Éclair between shallow, wheezing breaths.
"Nobody." The pressure upon the green haired girl's chest loosened, and Éclair took a deep breath.
"You must be...someone. Who are you?"
"Who are you?" The attacker asked as though Éclair was the trespasser. Éclair was slightly offended, but her pride took over and she announced:
"I am Éclair Martinozzi, Captain of the Imperial Guards and loyal servant of the Princess Millhoire Firianno Biscotti!"
"Biscotti?!" The attacker leaped backwards, further into the shadows. Éclair jumped to her feet, brandishing her daggers dangerously, but she was puzzled, why did her assailant jump away? Nonetheless she growled and twisted her weapons, the pearly light cast by the moon making them glint sharply to exaggerate their threat.
"What's wrong with Biscotti?" Éclair asked venomously, "But I warn you, speak a foul word and I'll chop you to pieces where you stand."
"Of course." The figure spoke in a cold and calculating voice, but there was a hint of mockery in her tone. Éclair knew her threat was empty. The gap was far too wide, and the anonymous shadow had already proved themselves to be a skilled close combat fighter.
"I mean it! I will die for my Princess and her country! I will do whatever it takes to destroy all traitors and wrong-doers against her pure name!"
"I'm glad to see you are a loyal guard and talented fighter. However... an apology is in order." In the darkness Éclair could make out the figure bowing low; she was shocked, what was going on? "This is the wrong castle, my task lies in the Galette de Rois territory. I'm sorry for the inconvenience I have caused you, goodnight."
"Wait!" But the figure was gone in the swirl of a midnight blue cloak and the click of heels on polished marble. Éclair was left alone, motionless in the pale moonlight.