Clan of the Hidden Arts

Chapter One - The Mysterious Messenger

It's impossible to get to sleep tonight, thought Clare. She felt the presence of someone or something lurking within her room. She had blown out her candle many hours before, but this feeling had sent shivers down her spine, causing her great discomfort. With each minute that passed, the more alert she became. The only thing she could use was her own howling scream to defend herself from any further attacks, if she felt threatened. She tried to relax, but the haunting sensation would not cease, it was merciless. Her eyes were closed, but her ears were open, awaiting for a noise to reveal the identity of the mysterious thing. A shadow stood, towering over her head and torso. Her eyes suddenly opened, whilst taking a deep breath for a piercing scream, but a hand clasped around her mouth gagging her.

The only sound that was raised was small mumbles coming from her own mouth. "It's alright princess, you are not in any danger with me", soothed the voice.

It was young, gentle and that of a man. She sat up and peered at him with admiring eyes. He was about her age 15, medium height, masculine, brown wavy locks, but deep green eyes that spoke of the forest. His clothes were the colours of the Earth; his shirt was green, although not quite the colour of his eyes, his trousers were a murky brown, a bow and arrow strapped to his back and sheltered by a long dark cape. His boots were made of the finest leather, but were tattered and torn from being used to travel great distances and rough terrain. It was quite dark and only the light there was, was that of the moon's. He took his hand away from her lips.

"What do you want with me?" questioned Clare, concerned for her life.

"It is not what I want, it's what my clan wishes" his voice lowered.

"Clan? Surely there is no such thing. My Step Father has forbidden any group who bands together against his own wishes. Any form is punishable by, death" the word echoed throughout her mind, oh how she detested it.

"Indeed, but surely you have heard of the Clan of the Hidden Arts?" his voice somewhat curious.

"Only rumors, my messenger" she answered.

A grin rippled across his face, "Messenger? Is that what I am?"

"I suggest you keep your comments to yourself, unless you wish for me to send for the guards?" replied Clare, showing her own cheek.

"Oh no, there would be no need for that, your Highness" his smile only strengthened, "or would you prefer the show of blood?"

"You are not here for that, you have made your intentions clear. Tell me, what is this message from your clan?" she did state, her voice becoming stronger. She was no longer afraid of this intruder.

"My message is that you are great danger, there is a plot afoot concerning your mother and you. You have heard of the rumors yes? That the King has been frolicking with other ladies of the high court, especially one in particular. Rumor has it that he is sending someone to exterminate the Queen, so that he may be with his own dearly beloved and later he will send someone to exterminate, you" his voice now firm.

The thought of her own killing and that of her mother's made her stomach squirm. No, how could this happen! Surely her Step Father could not do such a horrid deed. Such a kind hearted man was he, who would not even think of such a horror.

"I cannot believe you. The King has only my Mother's and my own best interests at heart. He rid of my wretched Father, married my Mother and made me Princess. He would not dare."

His eyes became gentle, "So you do not believe me?"

"No, I do not. My life is not in any danger. Tell your clan, that I am not interested in anything they have to offer me."

He sighed and shook his head, "This will be the first and the last time we shall warn you. If you do not heed this warning, it may be harder to rescue you then at first."

"I do not need rescuing" she said boldly, she hoped she was right.

"Then there is nothing I can do for you" he said as he turned on his heel and went towards the open window. He jumped up onto the ledge and crouched, before turning to gaze at her one last time. "It may not be too late. You are welcome to the clan at any time. If you wish to find us, run as fast as you can into the middle of the Virgan Forest, if you can camp out there for one night, we will take you in. It is a test, to see whether you are ready for the road ahead. A necessary precaution. I bid you goodnight and farewell, my princess" he gave a small smile and blew a kiss to Clare before jumping from the ledge.

Clare gasped and ran to the window, but as she gazed down, her mysterious messenger, was nowhere to be seen. He was gone.