Hi!

I'm back already with another update. I'm kinda disappointed with the feedback on the last chapter. But thank you: Jling, Shadowizard256, djmia and Guest. I would love if I could get more reviews on this chapter... please. So, just to make this more interesting I'll put a chapter question in and give the person with the best answer a preview, (I'm desperate!) BTW has anyone read The Dark Artifacts? I can't wait until Lord of Shadows comes out!

Q. What's your favorite line in all the TMI, TID and TDA books?

"You have until the count of 10 to give me some useful information about Stephan Herondale, before I slice your head off.", growled Clarissa Morgenstern, her sword aimed at the man's neck.

The man in question was Hodge Starkweather, a tax collector of one of the larger districts. He had been kidnapped a fortnight ago by the Morgensterns. He was pale and bloodied up by the torture he had been subjected to for answers. His dark eyes searched restlessly for any opening in the girl's armor, but found none.

Hellcat was ruthless.

That was the name the girl before him had earned. Hellcat, a foxy individual. But that did not begin to describe the younger Morgenstern who with her brother had the whole kingdom in uproar. People whispered their names in fear and awe. Soldiers and royal mercenaries looked over their shoulders, cautiously and the King was ill, tired by the rebellion they had ignited.

"10" said the girl in a booming voice, commencing her count down.

"9" she continued.

"8" came the next number, not even a second after.

"7" she said and the man gulped under the steel blade.

"6"

"Alright. Alright", burst out Starkweather, "I'll tell you whatever you want. Just don't kill me. Let me go after I give you the answers."

"You're not in any position to be making demands" said the bandit, her green eyes cold. Hodge raised his hands in a surrendering gesture.

"Ask away", he whispered.

She slowly lowered the sword from his neck to his chest and in very deliberate actions, pulled it away. She gestured for him to sit down on the small stool in the corner of the room. Taking shaking steps, and never once removing his eyes from the point of the weapon, Starkweather lowered himself onto the seat which gave a loud creak in protest.

"When do the tax collectors' carriages go to the Castle?"

"The 23rd of every month."

"What route do they take?"

"The path by the cold water stream along Idris's forest. The one on the south."

"How many men?"

"Pardon?"

"How. Many. Men. Guard. The. Money?"

"Five per carriage."

She nodded slowly, taking in all the information, and then said in a soft voice, "Anything else?"

The old man shook his head frantically, "Now, please, let me go. I've fulfi-"

His torrent of words was stopped as a gush of blood flew out and his head fell onto the cool stone floor. The blade of Clarissa's short sword glinted with red in the dim lighting. Her lips were twisted in a smirk as she said, "Your work here is done."

Authoritatively, she whistled two notes and the men standing outside the door rushed in and took away the body. Seeing everything was in good hands, she turned sharply, her boots echoing a sharp click, and stalked out of the room, heading for her planning room. There was a lot to get ready, and not very much time at all.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Prince Jace Herondale fancied himself quite a proficient swordsman. With a swipe of his broadsword he sent the Captain of Guards' weapon flying. He felt quite disgruntled at his father's choice in the man who had barely been able to keep up with him for several minutes. What would he do in a war? Albeit the Captain was quite old, but if he was too unfit he ought to have retired, but since he had not he was expected the same proficiency as everyone else.

Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted his best friend in the corner of the room, slouched against the wall. He told the guard, "You are dismissed, Luke. Do what you wish now. Just leave me alone."

As Luke Garroway exited the court yard, Jace made his way over to Alec Lightwood. He grinned at the black haired boy, who graced him with a small smile.

"How are you?" Jace inquired. "Court life to your liking?"

"Truth be told, no. It is awfully boring and tedious after day one. You are so lucky that King Stephan doesn't insist for you to attend."

"Only until I'm twenty do I have this freedom. After that..."

"Boring ol' court life. Ladies. Politics. No more fucking just anyone."

The two men burst out laughing. They slowly began to walk out of the courtyard when they were interrupted by a loud cry of, "Your Highness!"

They turned around to see Lady Kaelie Whitewillow, one of the court ladies, trying to catch up to them. It was quite the spectacle, and the duo were scarcely able to muffle their laughs. She was in a bright pink gown with a scandalously low neckline and stupidly long train. She was grabbing at the silk and walking very fast and very wobbly on her high heeled shoes. All the while, her hair blowing into her face, smearing the large amounts of make up she had applied.

"Your Highness! Sir Alexander!", she said in a breathy voice which was still very nasally, "Your Highness, Prince Jonathan, the King has requested your presence in his room at this very moment. "

Jace nodded to Alec, who shot him a look that said, don't leave me alone with her! Chuckling, Jace walked to his father's chambers, turning slightly to see that Kaelie had taken a vice like hold to Alec's arm and was talking rapidly, twirling her hair. Alec looked very pale and claustrophobic. As though sensing Jace's gaze he turned ever so slightly, angling his face away from the lady and mouthed, You will die in Hell for this.

Hiding his laughter, Jace nodded to the soldiers stationed outside. They pulled the doors open and he made his way into the room. Stephan was lying down in bed, his crown on the table beside him and blankets up to his chest. Jace had never seen his father so unwell and it scared him to no end. Slowly he made his way to the bedside and sat down.

"Father", he said in a whisper, "you called for me?"

King Stephan opened his blurry blue eyes, "It soon will be time, boy. For you to ascend my throne."

"No Father. You can't give up hope. A cure shall be found."

"Nay. You're hanging onto wisps now. You should know by now there be no thing such as magic or miracles."

"Of course, Father. But, you are a great King. i will never be as good as-"

"You do not know of half the things I have done. I was a young man, and if I was not so drowned in my own folly we would not be in this situation today."

"The Morgensterns"

"Aye. A menace. But one of my own creation."

"But how, Father? How is it-"

Suddenly a sentry burst in the door, stopping Jace in mid sentence, he was sweating profusely and had a wild look in his eyes, "Hodge Starkweather. His body, its at the gates. Your Highness-es, you may want to see this."

The two men got up, Stephan coughing dryly and walked outside to the commotion. And in the middle of the court yard where Jace was mere moments ago was the decapitated body of Hodge Starkweather.

0o0o0o0o0o0