Agatha was running for her life.
Again.
The Capital was flooded with people, happy and cheery as the brilliant golden sun shone its warm rays of light on the cobblestone floor, making them shine like jewels. The town square was bustling full of people hawking over prices, yelling over valued exotic objects traded from places like Avalon or Jaunt Jolie, the children played tag and solider while sweet and sharp smells of herbs and spices rose above the town.
The market was usually known for it's chaotic environment, although today, there was a bit more commotion then usual.
Six guards stormed after a young thief, their body concealed by a black torn cloak. The guards were yelling frantically as they quickened their pace, determined to catch the thief, the embossed golden crest of the Kingdom flashed proudly on their capes.
"Stop! You hear me? Stop!"
The first of the guards yelled. The figure only did the opposite, running around booths and people with agility and skill, doing this so effortlessly people would have mistaken it for a shadow. Weaving around the market place, the figure made sharp turns and twists, intent on losing the guards. She looked up just in time to see a huge crowd of people, all gathered in such a tight space it would have been easy for anyone to get lost. Perfect.
The thief dove straight first into the crowd, and wound around people, gliding easily and carefully, not to disturb them and quickly hid behind the leafy green bushes. A moment of yelling and confusion occurred, before all six befuddled guards emerged from the all the people, panting wildly and looking around.
"Darn, we lost the rascal!"
One yelled, gasping for breath.
"Where could they go?" Quick, search everywhere!"
The first one snarled and the group set off in motion, clearing people and looking underneath booths.
Crouching underneath the bushes with a small grin, Agatha stood up slowly and ran off into the forest.
"Excuse me? Did you say...a Shadow?"
All nine heads pointed to the small frail man at the front. Merlin smiled knowingly at his Leaders, who only returned his smile with shock disbelief and utter confusion.
"Yes, precisely! That's exactly what I said"
"Sorry, you want to recruit...a Shadow? Into..into our society?"
Sophie asked inquisitively, her fair voice had taken a certain edge.
Merlin nodded and cleared his throat to speak again when someone else interrupted him.
"You think that recruiting a illegal criminal will stop the Ravagers? Who are also criminals? Merlin, we all love you here, but that was the craziest thing you have ever said"
Tedros raised one eyebrow to look at his mentor and crossed his arms across his chest, as if he suddenly doubted his trust in him.
"Now before all of you go squawking why this is a horrible idea, hear me out"
The founder cleared his throat before continuing.
"Now, as we know, who are the Ravagers?"
"The rebels who are intent on destroying the Kingdom's future"
Everyone responded, their voices taking on a urgent tone.
"And who are we?"
"Light Society, sworn to protect the Kingdom"
Everyone replied.
"And what exactly is a Shadow?"
"Someone cursed with a abnormal ability who is believed to be dangerous and avoided at all costs and how exactly is this going to help us Merlin?"
Tedros asked impatiently, his blue eyes clouded with frustration. Everyone at the table nodded their agreement.
"Tedros, my dear boy, if you will only let me finish, the reason why I want to recruit a Shadow is because of the very reason why they are avoided! Shadows are powerful and much more stronger then people, they have strange but unique abilities that should be used for good, not bad."
Merlin paused and no one interrupted.
"What are the Ravagers doing? They're killing innocent people! Plundering towns and wiping out lives. We have tried numerous times to stop them, but the Ravagers are too powerful. Although as a society and group, we are strong, we need someone who is capable of doing what we can't! Someone who has something we don't! And that's a Shadow! I know what you people must think of the poor, the under privileged and the criminals, but when the Kingdom issued a terrible consequence for being a Shadow, I believed that was horribly wrong. Shadows shouldn't be shunned of their abilities! But to be appreciated and used for a good cause! And I'll recruit one, because if we want to stop the Ravagers once and for all, this is the only way!"
Everyone stared at their leader for a few moments, their eyes wide and unblinking before the silence finally fell. Merlin smiled before finally saying.
"All in favor?"
"All in favor"
The nine voices chorused back.
"Very well, Leaders. You may head back to your quarters"
"Have a good night, Merlin"
One by one, all of the students slowly got up and walked towards the hallway.
All expect one.
Tedros waited by the door way, his face unreadable and blank. Merlin slowly walked to his side and gave him a knowing smile.
"And who exactly will you choose?"
Tedros asked, looking away, his mouth set in a straight line. Merlin gave a small laugh as the two headed down the hall.
"I have already chosen one, who I feel is the perfect candidate."
"Who?"
"Agatha. Agatha of the Woods"
Hey Everyone!
I'm excited to announce the next story I'll be working on, The Girl of Shadows, and this will contain maybe 20 to 30 chapters :D, so I hope you like the concept and idea! Will constantly update! I'm really excited for this idea, and I'll be posting Chap 2 soon! Review and follow!
-princessthornofcassia
