Responses to Reviews:

Midnightstone1118: I'm really glad you liked the action scenes! As well as when Jem fell asleep on Tessa, I thought it was really cute too :)

Angelina Roongta: Yay, that's great you liked the depth in Jem's chapter! That makes me really happy! There will be more action scenes coming up later. And it's the facebook page, right? I will check it out again when I get time :)

Sapphire131: Thank you! I hope you enjoy it, since she'll be meeting a lot of other characters this chapter, and the next.

yoitsyourstruly: That's great you liked the fighting! I didn't mind Kriss in the Selection, but I agree about what you said about Celeste. It was soo sad! There will definitely be romance at the Clave, coming up, both Jessa and Wessa… I promise (just not this chapter though)! How was the concert? It sounds really good! :D

Jillessa Heronstairs: Yay, so glad the chapter was the perfect balance! I try to make the chapters long to make them worth it, and because I always have a lot I want to happen, it always turns out being long… :) That's fine, I agree the Roleplay is an addiction! It's just soo much fun! I'm glad you like their 'gifts' too!

kantjw48: Thank you! Hope you enjoy it! :)


Tessa's breath caught as she gazed up at the approaching manor house. Sure, the countryside had been amazing, but the house denoted the great wealth of its owners, with a breathtaking elegance. The manor was made of a mottled, grey natural stone, with large glass windows spaced along the exterior. The roof peaked at different levels, and multiple chimneys poked up from it. She was surprised, and slightly amused that the Clave would hide in such a dominating and visible place. She supposed, however, that it was a good hideout – far enough in the countryside that no one would ask too many questions, but close enough to a neighbouring village to buy any essential supplies.

Will's words, "We're home," echoed in her ears. He didn't seem the type to settle someplace easily, so he must feel safe at the Clave, the people there could be like his second family, she supposed. She could feel Jem move behind her, he seemed revitalised and wide awake at the prospect of reaching their destination. She hadn't minded at all when he had fallen asleep on her; she'd been relieved to know he was getting some much deserved and sorely needed rest. Tuned to the rise and fall of his chest, as she had watched the rolling green countryside with interest. Will, on the other hand, had been on high alert, watching with narrowed eyes for any danger.

Their horses reached the front of the manor, and she could see a young man coming over. She gasped in surprise when she recognised Thomas striding towards her. How could he be here, when she was sure he was in the cart attached to Will's horse?

"That's Cyril, Thomas's brother," Jem explained. She could hear his voice hitch slightly on Thomas's name.

She could also see from Will's face that he looked like he had seen a ghost as he stared at Cyril. Their resemblance really was uncanny. Although she had only seen Thomas from afar, their faces looked strikingly similar. They had the same dark brown curling hair, and were both tall and muscular.

She wondered if he knew what fate had befallen his brother. The answer to her question was obvious as his eyes darkened when they flicked to the cart.

"Good afternoon, Cyril," Jem said politely when Cyril reached them. He then introduced Tessa.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you Mistress Gray," Cyril said to her.

"And I, you," Tessa replied simply. Her mind caught on the 'finally.' Did everyone at the Clave know about her? She had never imagined that people would have known about her struggles.

Cyril held the horses' reigns while Tessa and Will dismounted. His eyes were questioning when Jem didn't join them.

Will explained, "Jem's leg is badly injured. I may need you to help me take him inside." Cyril nodded in understanding. Tessa could see Jem's cheeks tinted slightly with pink, in embarrassment.

On instinct, she picked up his hand, squeezing it reassuringly while Will and Cyril talked. "What you did was amazing, Jem. Don't worry about it."

Jem smiled genuinely, "Thank you Tessa. You're right, as always."

It was Tessa's time to blush slightly at the compliment, as Will and Cyril walked over to Jem and Chester. They helped Jem down, and half supported, half carried him.

"Tessa, could you mind the horses while we take Jem inside?" Will asked her.

She nodded in affirmation, and held the reins while they helped him inside. Jem's leg was still obviously very painful, as she had seen him wince in pain whenever it touched the ground. When they reached the manor doors, made of a heavy oak, they swung open, and they continued in, the doors shutting with a boom.

While she waited, she observed the serene surroundings. Large oak trees surrounded the border of the house. A well-kept garden of roses, of all different colours, was grouped in front of the manor, and vegetables and herbs grew to the side of the manor house. An angel fountain bubbled with water in the centre. It stared at her, seemingly seeing all, as its hands reached up to the sky in praise. Her own hand reached under her clothes to rub her angel necklace calmingly, a habit which she had become accustomed to lately.

Finally Will and Cyril emerged, walking towards her and the horses. Cyril took the reins from her, and Will looked towards the cart.

"I'm guessing you heard about what happened to Thomas?" Will asked tentatively. As Cyril's eyes grew slightly watery, causing him to blink rapidly, and he nodded, Will said, "I am so very sorry for your loss. Thomas was a good man. I'm sorry I couldn't do anything to help." Tessa could see Will clenching his fists in anger at himself.

"There was nothing you could have done, Will," Cyril managed to reply.

Will acknowledged this reluctantly, and continued, gesturing towards the cart. "I know this won't bring him back fully, but we brought him back for you. So he can have a proper burial fit for a warrior."

Cyril clasped Will's hand in thanks. A silent understanding seemed to pass between them as they did this. Cyril then took the horses, and the cart, towards the stables, which sat beside the manor house. Tessa watched as Cyril dropped the reins, and the horses seemed to follow him of their own accord. Almost as if

Before she could ask, Will answered her unspoken question. "Both Thomas and Cyril have a 'gift' with animals. That's why they have been invaluable in tending to the horses and animals here on the property."

Tessa was unsurprised at this. The King himself used people with animal 'gifts' to tend to his own horses and wolfhounds. The animals would obey such a 'gift' without any hesitation, seemingly calmed by their presence and smell. Sometimes people with this 'gift' were called "animal whisperers," because of this.

Bringing her out of her thoughts, Will turned to Tessa, and said, "I think it's time for you to meet Charlotte and Henry, our leaders."


The entrance of the manor, was just as extravagant as the outside. Torches lined the walls, along with delicate paintings, depicting angels, dragons and wars. Stairs, made of large stones, wound up to the next level.

She stopped and studied a painting of a bloody battlefield, where knights fought their opponents, and archers rained arrow upon arrow towards their enemies. She shivered slightly at how real the painting seemed.

Will came to see what she was looking at. "That was a war from a long time ago," he explained. "Back when there was no peace between the kingdoms."

When she kept staring, he tugged at her arm impatiently, saying, "We don't want to keep Charlotte waiting." She reluctantly left the painting, and let him lead her by the arm.

Will parted ways with her at the study, telling her he wanted to check on Jem first, and would soon return. She was surprised when she entered the study. Unlike the rest of the house, it was built practically, with only the bare essentials – a desk, candles, papyrus scrolls and curtains.

Standing before it all was a small, petite woman, with an inexplicable commanding presence. She had thick, brown hair, knotted at the nape of her neck, with matching brown coloured eyes. When she saw Tessa, she smiled kindly, and Tessa felt an instant calmness, and immense liking for her.

Tessa curtsied, "It is a pleasure to meet the leader of the Clave."

To her shock, Charlotte came over and hugged her, when she straightened.

"Mistress Gray, it is so great to finally meet you. I've heard so much about you, and your bravery. As you've probably heard by now, I am Lady Charlotte Branwell, one of the leaders of the Clave. Please call me Charlotte."

"Please call me Tessa," She replied. "Thank you for your warm welcome, I hadn't known anyone knew about me when I was on the run."

Charlotte smiled, "The King has made quite an idiot of himself, being unable to catch you for so long. We sent Will and Jem to find you, but I'm sorry we were unable to help you earlier."

"It's fine," Tessa replied, "I'm very grateful for all you've already done."

Before Charlotte could reply, a man with dishevelled clothes and rumpled red hair burst into the room. When he entered, he blinked at Tessa. "Am I late?" He asked Charlotte, his hazel eyes bewildered.

Charlotte sighed, but smiled fondly at the man. "No dear, Tessa just arrived." She turned to Tessa. "This is my husband, Lord Henry Branwell."

Henry looked baffled at his own title. "Just Henry, is fine." Charlotte introduced Tessa to him as well.

Tessa curtsied once more, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Henry. Feel free to call me Tessa."

Charlotte guessed exactly what Tessa had been thinking. "You're probably wondering how a lord and lady, came to be leaders of the Clave and own a manor house?"

Tessa nodded, and Charlotte continued. "Henry is a great inventor, and the King calls upon him on occasion to see what he has made." Henry looked down and turned red at this praise.

Tessa gathered from this that Henry could have the 'gift' of intelligence. It came in many different forms – she had heard the king had people with this gift who were great strategists. It seemed Henry's 'gift' had more to do with inventing, and creating things.

Tessa listened again to Charlotte. "He's made some quite useful things for the King – not weapons of course – more like things for the kitchen, to improve cooking, farming inventions to increase food production, and other bits and pieces." She gestured vaguely, obviously not able to explain them all.

Henry enthusiastically turned to Tessa. "My newest inventions are a compass, which enables sailors to get their bearings in the fog, and an hourglass, which is an accurate measure of time." Henry went on to explain the inner mechanisms of them, and Tessa tried to follow, nodding occasionally, but found it all above her head. She could tell it was the same for Charlotte.

"They sound… really useful," she said, hoping it was the right thing to say.

Henry beamed, but before he could start up again, Charlotte steered the conversation back to business. "So basically, the King has granted Henry this land in thanks, as well as the expectation of being the first to receive any future inventions. I know most Lords are soldiers, but Henry is a… special case. The King has no idea that secretly we're gathering information, and using this land to grow our army."

Charlotte looked at Tessa intently. "Which brings me to you. When I heard of your plight, I sent Will and Jem to offer you refuge here. I trust they were good to you. I know Jem is the perfect gentleman, and Will is…. well, Will." She said with a laugh, but it was obvious she was equally fond of both of them.

Tessa laughed too, knowing exactly what she meant. "They were great companions," she replied. "Without them, I probably would have been caught."

"I'm glad to hear that," Charlotte replied, kindly. She clasped her hands in front of her. "You are welcome to stay here for as long as you like. Or, the other option if you don't like it here, is that we could set you up with a new identity and job in a village or town of your choice." Seeing Tessa's conflicted emotions, Charlotte said, "There's no need to choose now. Spend some time here, and see what you think."

"I'm so grateful for all you've done," Tessa responded truthfully. "Please let me know if there is anything I can do to repay you." She really didn't know how much longer she would have lasted out on her own, without the Clave's help. She felt embarrassed she had nothing to offer them in return.

Charlotte held up her hand. "Nonsense, you don't need to repay us. Just keeping you out of the King's grasp is payment enough. Who knows how much stronger he'd be if he had you?"

Tessa had always shied away from thinking about that. But what King wouldn't want to have a shapeshifter at their disposal?

Another question occurred to Tessa, which she thought Charlotte may know the answer to. She bit her lip, worried what the answer could be, but worked up the courage to ask. "Have you heard of the wellbeing of my parents, Richard and Elizabeth Gray? After I had to run away, I haven't been able to contact them."

Charlotte's eyes turned sorrowful. "All I know is that they went missing after you left."

As Tessa buried her head in her hands in despair, Charlotte quickly said, "It doesn't necessarily mean they're dead. We haven't found any bodies, as such, so it's possible the King could have imprisoned them. I promise you, we will do everything in our power to try and find them." Henry nodded at this too.

Tessa took a few deep breaths, trying to regain her composure. She knew she wished they were still alive and imprisoned, but was that selfish of her, when they probably would have had a miserable existence?

She gave Charlotte a tentative smile. "Thank you, once again. That would mean the world to me."

Just then, the door opened once again, to admit Will. Tessa noticed how tired he looked – dark circles were evident under his eyes, and his posture was tired as he entered the room. He leaned against the wall, with his arms crossed. When he looked at her, she realised she was staring, and she quickly looked away, blushing.

"Will, it's nice of you to join us. How is Jem doing?" Charlotte asked him, a hint of worry in her voice.

Will shrugged, although she could tell he was concerned too. "Jem's doing alright. He will just need some time to recover from his ordeal."

Charlotte nodded solemnly. "Which he will have. After what you two have done for us, you can have as much time off as you want."

Will disagreed with this. "I don't need any time off, I would be bored out of my brain with nothing to do."

Tessa bit back a remark about how tired he looked – she didn't think he'd appreciate it. Charlotte seemed to be thinking the same thing, and didn't reply.

Charlotte walked over to the window, and looked out at the stables, where Cyril was likely still with the horses. "We heard about Thomas through our informants. They sent word by a messenger pigeon." When she looked back at them, her face looked heartbroken. "We will give him a proper burial tomorrow morning."

Will's eyes softened, and he said, "I'll be there."

Moving on, seemingly to escape the previous depressing topic, Charlotte said, "Our lookouts spotted you the other day, so we have prepared a welcome feast this evening for you, Tessa. Hopefully you will have a chance to meet some more of our members."

Tessa looked up excitedly, she'd never been to a feast – and one in her honour! She was speechless and grateful as she gazed at Charlotte.

"You must be tired from your journey." Charlotte rang a bell, and a maid appeared. "Sophie, could you give Tessa a tour of the manor, and show her to her room?"

Will started, "But-"

Charlotte gave him a look, which left no room for argument and he was quiet. "I would like you to inform Henry and I about what has happened on your journey." Will agreed, pushing his hair back from his face impatiently.

Sophie nodded at Charlotte's earlier request, and looked at Tessa expectantly. As Tessa followed her out, she studied the other girl. She would have been deemed very pretty – with her tall and slender frame, long, brown hair that was currently tied in a bun, and her luminous dark hazel eyes. However, she had a thick silvery ridged scar, which reached from the left corner of her mouth to her temple, and twisted her features slightly.

As they walked, the girl introduced herself formally. "I am Sophie Collins," she said in a friendly manner.

Tessa introduced herself, and asked Sophie to call her Tessa. Sophie looked unsure by this, most likely because she was a maid, but didn't press the matter.

"So how long have you worked here?" Tessa asked, curious.

"A few years now," she answered, sounding happy to have worked here.

Sophie showed her around the manor, firstly pointing out the kitchen, which featured a clay oven and a basin. Hanging above large cauldrons were spits, with slowly roasting pigs. Cooks bustled around the kitchen, getting everything in order for the feast. The smells which drifted out were amazing, but the heat of the kitchen hit her in the face.

Next, she saw a glimpse of the Great Hall, where the feast was being held, and saw a large table, which was already set, sitting in the middle of the room. She also saw some storerooms, and the garderobe, before they wandered up the stairs. She found there was a whole room dedicated to weapons for the Clave, as well as a training room.

Outside the training room, they bumped into two tall men, who looked red and sweaty from their workout. One had a faintly arrogant expression, with tousled brown hair and bright pale green eyes. The other was muscular, and had thick, sandy blonde hair, and green eyes, similar to the other man.

Sophie introduced them as Gabriel and Gideon Lightwood. They looked both surprised, and pleased to see her.

The one called Gabriel appraised her, and said, "So this is the girl the King has been wanting to get his hands on for so long. I don't really see why, just from looking at her."

Tessa felt her anger rise, and fought to keep it under control. He didn't know anything about her.

His brother – Gideon – held a warning in his eyes when he looked at Gabriel. "I apologise for my brother. We've had a big day training, and he's not in the best of spirits after losing."

Gabriel looked at his brother angrily. "I demand a rematch. This time, we have a fair fight."

Gideon merely rolled his eyes, and said goodbye to Tessa, as they continued walking to wherever they were going.

Tessa saw Sophie shake her head slightly. "They're new recruits. Both skilled fighters, and have recently decided to join the Clave, just before Will and Jem left to find you." Tessa could hear a hint of suspicion in her tone.

"Don't you trust them?" Tessa asked.

"I don't trust many men," Sophie said. "It's not really in my place to say, but Gideon seems nice enough, but that Gabriel… he can be nasty, similar to Will. It's not surprising they don't get on." Tessa's thoughts drifted to Sophie's scar. Had a man given it to her? Just the thought made Tessa seethe in anger.

She looked at Sophie side on. "You think Will's nasty?"

Sophie narrowed her eyes slightly. "I wouldn't trust Master Herondale, he seems like the type that would use girls and then toss them away. And then there's his 'gift'…" Sophie trailed off in obvious disgust.

Tessa could see why Will's gift could be seen as scary or intimidating, but she decided to reserve her judgement. He hadn't seemed that bad to her so far.

As they walked, Tessa thought about Charlotte. It was obvious that she was the real one in charge; she seemed like a charismatic, natural born leader. This was unusual as men were normally the leaders of the household, and women used more as decorations and housekeepers. She felt a respect towards Charlotte for having earnt people's trust despite her gender. It was obvious Sophie adored her too, judging by how highly she talked about her. Tessa wondered if Charlotte had some sort of 'gift' to do with being a leader, because she had a commanding presence which people seemed to listen to.

They reached the bedchambers, and Sophie pointed out Tessa's room. Tessa thought it looked cosy, with a small fireplace, a wooden closet, and a bed and bedside table with a candle on it.

Sophie reached to take her bag, and gasped slightly, staring at Tessa's hand.

Tessa realised she was looking at Jem's ring, when Sophie asked, seemingly with dread, "Is that the Carstairs' ring? Are you two engaged?"

Tessa laughed, and shook her head. "No, of course not, we've only just met after all. We had to pretend I was his fiancée for a bit, to avoid suspicion."

She twisted the ring around her finger as she realised she had completely forgotten she was still wearing it. It fit her finger so well, that it would feel strange to take it off. She decided she had better give it back to Jem when she saw him next and remembered.

Sophie seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Tessa bumped her arm against hers playfully, and said, "Are you jealous?"

Sophie tried to hide her blush and denied it, taking Tessa's bag and packing her small number of belongings away, ending any discussion on the topic.

"I'll prepare a bath for you," Sophie said, "So you can freshen up for the feast."

Tessa thanked her, and waited patiently. Sophie then called her over, and told her it was ready. "If there's anything at all you need, let me know. I'll be looking after you as well, so don't be shy."

Tessa was shocked – she, having a maid? Never would she have dreamed of such a thing. She thanked Sophie as she left, and then peeled off her dirty clothes, easing herself into the bath. She sighed gratefully as she washed the layers of grime from her body. Feeling relaxed, she had a small nap, waiting in anticipation for the feast in her honour.


Sorry for the time it took me to get this chapter up – it's the longest I've ever taken :(
I'm going to be quite busy with exams in the next few weeks, so I won't be able to update very often, but after that I'll be on holidays, and I can make it up to you :D

Also, sorry this chapter wasn't my most exciting one, but the next chapter with the feast should be fun.

Any reviews, favourites or follows are much appreciated :)

~ SilverJem5