PART I: The Silent City
Chapter 3
The chambers Will followed Brother Enoch into were set up almost like a courtroom. There were a panel of seats on a raised platform with one lone chair facing them from the ground. Already, there were two other Silent Brothers sitting on the higher seats, the third chair empty and waiting for Brother Enoch to join them. The single seat, all by itself, was clearly meant for Will.
Taking the chair, Will felt alone. Jem had disappeared when Brother Enoch had shown up at the infirmary doorway. And really, he was his only friend in the City of Bones. Normally, outside, in the full light of the world, Will lived normally. His heart ached for his parabatai, but Will had other matters to attend to, responsibilities, and a wife. But here in the Silent City, the absence of Jem was keenly felt, more so than ever. He was not just without Jem but also without Brother Zachariah. He was completely abandoned.
Of course, Will knew why this had to be. Their friendship was already unconventional and it did not please the other Silent Brothers. A reminder of that, having Jem by his side, would not help.
In fact, Will was fairly certain that this was the reason he was being called in front of such a council of the Brothers. Surely they did not do this for just any Shadowhunter. Will had not broken any laws, codes or agreements. He had made sure of that. In fact he had done some research to find the exact boundaries of what was and was not allowed.
These trips of yours to our city are most irregular, Shadowhunter Herondale. The voice of one of the Silent Brothers came into mind, like a bolt of electricity.
"Is this not one of your purposes?" Will asked boldly. "To aid Shadowhunters in need?"
It is not your place, the voice echoed, To arrive here of your own volition. Entrance into the City of Bones is not a matter taken lightly.
Will did not back down, saying defiantly, "What was I to do? Return to the Institute and have help called? The graveyard was closer. I thought I might save everyone the trip and the time."
A second voice whipped out harshly, That was not your decision to make, Shadowhunter.
But the voice of Brother Enoch broke in, There is some concern, among the Silent Brothers, that your presents here hinders the growth of some of our number. Every time you arrive unannounced, progress is set back months.
"I won't stop." Will stood up with the force of his convictions. His eyes were blazing, like sun reflecting off a tropical ocean.
Even if your being near causes him pain?
Will's heart pounded, threatening to deafen the chamber, the bone and mortar walls echoing the sound. His chest cavity mirrored in the thousands that built the Silent City. Causing Jem pain, was Will causing Jem pain? He had done so in the past, it was a part of their relationship. Sacrifice, specifically Jem's sacrifice, so Will could have something real and true and his.
Was Will being selfish, again?
No. No, as much pain as it caused Jem - as it caused both of them - it was worse to be apart. James was his right hand and the echo of it can only be withstood for so long. But, maybe there was a compromise...
"How much time?"
Clarify. Brother Enoch's pupil-less gaze narrowed on him.
"How much time until he is done with your training. How much time until I can see him again."
We would prefer never. The Brother Will didn't know stood up and Brother Enoch put a hand on his arm.
Without any further interference from you? His training should be as complete as his body can withstand in nine months time.
Nine months, he can go nine months without Jem. He can at very least try.
"I will do my best not to need your services until then." The other Silent Brothers didn't seem to approve of his answer, but Brother Enoch nodded.
Do I have your word on this, young Shandowhunter?
Will swallowed, unsure, "Yes."
Yes. It seemed so final, so concrete. Nine months, Will told himself, it's only nine months.
The Brothers seemed satisfied enough as Brother Enoch walked down the dais to escort Will out of the city. He did not see Jem, or any other Silent Brother, as he followed Enoch through the dark labyrinth.
It was fitting, he thought as he stepped out into the London night, that no ghosts were around. Perhaps they didn't like his particular brand of loneliness? Nine months wasn't that far away and he had Tess and the Institute to help run.
Will attempted to shake off his mood, but found it difficult. He turned his back on the entrance to the Silent City and turned left, away from the Institute and towards Central London, where there were Demons to hunt. Where black blood and ichor might act as a thimble of Lethian waters, at least for the night.