Jem Carstairs was dying.
He could feel his heart labouring to beat his infected blood through his frail body and it hurt.
Charlotte was sat by him, she had been ever since Will had ran off in vain search of Tessa Gray - the love of Jem's life. He wasn't sure how long he was lay in his bed before the Silent Brothers came to anoint him with the final runes he would ever receive.
"Jem?" Jem was half asleep with he felt Charlotte shake him lightly by the arm, "Brother Enoch is here." She took him lightly by the arm and helped him sit up while he rubbed his eyes lightly. "They're here too-"
"I know why they're here Charlotte. You don't need to explain." He leaned against the head board of his bed and glanced at the robed man. "Brother."
Jem Carstairs, is it true you desire to become a member of the brotherhood? Brother Enoch pulled back his hood slightly and looked at Jem, his dark eyes meeting Jem's silver ones. When he nodded Brother Enoch nodded, As you desire. I trust that you know the whole process could kill you.
He nodded again, "I do, but I figure I'm only going to die soon anyway."
Brother Enoch nodded, As you wish. Charlotte Branwell I'm going to have to ask you to leave the room - the process is a dangerous one which is sacred to our people.
Charlotte nodded, "Okay." She leaned over Jem's bed to kiss his forehead for the last time. "Be strong Jem. I love you." She whispered, her breath hitching slightly on his name. She then hurried from the room, shutting the door firmly behind her.
A few moments later Brother Enoch began the process, saying various things in Latin which Jem didn't understand. He carved runes into each of Jem's cheek bones and arms which would stay on him forever. Eventually Brother Enoch moved to the door, Your robes are on the chair. Get changed once the runes have taken effect. I will be downstairs.
Jem lay in bed for a while before stripping out of his bed clothes and pulling the robes on. He used his cane to walk over to the mirror and looked at himself. He stared at himself in awe and horror for a moment, the runes were red and angry against his pale face. The robes he wore had no runes on to Jem's amazement, the Silent Brothers which he'd seen had robes decorated heavily with ancient runes. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
Then it occurred to him. Normal nephilim just saw Silent Brothers as doctors, healers, librarians - never did it cross his mind how they became them. Did they have to have special training? Jem was eager to find out. He fastened the robes around his waist and pulled the hood up. This would be how Charlotte, Cecily and the others would see him, how he would look as he said goodbye.
He walked over to his bed, carrying his cane in his hand, brushing the jaded dragon tenderly. He fixed the bed covers so Charlotte wouldn't have to do it when she was clearing out his room, and then he proceeded to use his free hand to pick up his violin case and took one look at his room before leaving for the final time.
Jem went into Will's room, which was next door to his, and placed the cane and violin case neatly on the top of his bed before grabbing a sheet of paper and writing on it, Please look after these for me, brother. Jem sighed heavily and prayed Will was okay, that he wouldn't get hurt or do anything rash or stupid while he wasn't there.
Then he left the room, closing the door behind him.
Even though Charlotte's study was a few doors down Jem could hear her discussing something with the Silent Brother. "What about his parabatai? What will happen to him? Will Jem be able to see him again or is it like when someones marks have been stripped?! Which country will he be situated in?!" Charlotte's voice kept on rising as Jem got closer to the door. He took a deep breath and pushed the door open and stepped into the study, he could feel everyone looking at him. "Jem-"
Charlotte that isn't my name any more. Jem knew he would be assigned another name, like Brother Enoch and Jeremiah had. He heard Charlotte gasp and someone move over to her. I'm sorry I didn't mean-
"It's fine.. The fault was mine."
Brother Zachariah and I must go now. Apparently the Silent Brothers had already chosen for him. Zachariah was so different to James or Ke Jian Ming - his Chinese birth name.
Charlotte nodded, "Yes.. I'll show you out."
There is no need. Thank you. Brother Enoch turned and walked toward Jem, patted his shoulder and walked past. Jem took one last glance at the woman who had basically mothered him for the past five years and nodded at her before turning and following Brother Enoch.
The pair walked back to Silent City in silence, Jem following Brother Enoch, Brother Enoch gliding along the street ahead silently. Once they reached the gates of Silent City they were met by group of other Silent Brothers. Enoch. One of them tilted their head in acknowledgement at them, You named him Zachariah? There was slight conviction in that ones words.
Naturally, Brother Enoch breezed past the group, Brother Zachary died fighting that greater demon, it was fitting. I'm taking him to see David now.
Jem stayed silent, he wasn't sure how to react to all the involvement between the Brothers.
Brother Enoch lead Jem through a series of tunnels and hallways before eventually stopping outside of a room which was made out of electrum bricks. Brother David is the head of the Silent Brothers. He will teach you all you must know. Abide by his rules and you will find life with us easy. He bowed to him and then turned and left, disappearing into the darkness.
Authors Note: I hope you like this, the next chapter should be longer, I have no idea where this is going so if you have any ideas PM me please and you'll be credited. Disclaimer: I owe nothing, all characters belong to Cassandra Clare.
Please review or I might not update xD