Chapter 14 - The King's Secret Weapon
It was nightfall before the boys returned. Clary's heart leapt in her chest when her eyes finally landed on her golden warrior. "I was worried about both of you. With no moon and the guards out there, I thought you might get hurt." She yelled rushing forward and jumping into Jace's arms. She wrapped her arms around him warmly embracing him. Jace smiled. He was overjoyed that she was safe and back to normal. "It's not so fun being the one worried, is it?" he teased. She shot him a glare as he chuckled. Leave it to her guardian to take a jab at her. The others looked on with a smile as she kissed the blonde softly on the lips. Finally, Alec cleared his throat to get their attention. The lovebirds looked at the dark brunette in understanding before breaking apart. "Come inside. We have much to discuss." The golden warrior announced walking towards the cave. The other's followed suit. The sun had nearly set and it would be dark soon, very dark.
Entering the cave Jace and the other took seats around the small table. "To begin, Clary if you ever take on an army of soldiers and a fire general alone again, I will die you to the bed and never give you reign of the forest again." She scolded. She stopped herself from smiling at the thought of being tied to the bed for her lover to do what he wished with her. She doubted his imprisonment would be erotic or fun for that matter. "Yes, and I'm sorry." She replied meeting his gaze. The blonde nodded and moved on. "Alec and I did, in fact, find a tunnel. They were digging through the rubble but I doubt they will get through it all tonight. Alec and I made sure of that. None of my wolves have found any more tunnels and two are keeping an eye on the current one. That doesn't mean that there isn't any, though. This is serious. The king is serious. If he gets through I might not be enough to stop him." Jace explained. She could tell how the admission had hurt him. Jace was powerful in his own right but the King had more years of practice. Without the wall as a defense, they would have been found out a long time ago.
"So, what is the plan then?" Magnus asked as Max crawled into Clary's lap. "Simple. We wait, hold them off for tonight. Once the moon returns tomorrow night I will obliterate the tunnels and any of Valentine's scum that gets through." Jace replied. "That seems rather simple," Max said. "A little too simple," Clary added. "Jace, I know you are powerful but we alone are no match for the king. Shouldn't we warn the village just in case?" she asked. Jace shook his head. "There is no need to create unease. They will be fine. I've got this darling." He smiled. Clary swore his ego would be the death of him one day. "Biscuit has a point, Jace. Not that I don't have faith in you but this is an army and demons we are talking about, inside the wall. Things could get ugly quickly. They deserve a notice in case things get out of hand." Alec added. Jace continued to shake his head. "I'm the leader and I'm telling you that it is better that we don't tell them." He huffed. The others frowned sending glances at each other. They disagreed but none were willing to fight with Jace about it. Instead, they would just do their best to ensure that everything ran smoothly.
Magnus, Max, and Alec would stay with them that night and the next. Alec was going to go assist Jace tomorrow while Magnus stayed behind with Clary to keep Max safe. Clary was annoyed at being kept behind as was Magnus. Surely they could be of more help than that. Still, it was Jace's plan and they adhered to it. Max fell asleep in a bundle of covers by the fire cuddled up with Alec. Magnus was outside the cave entrance keeping the first watch. Jace pulled the small redhead into his arms and kissed her forehead. "I love you so much that it hurts sometimes." He whispered. "Why would it hurt?" she asked curiously. He let out a deep breath before shifting her against his chest. "Because I think of how much it would hurt if anything were to happen to you. I don't know if I could live in a world without you in it Clary." He replied sadly. She leaned up and brought her hand up to caress his face. "Don't think of it that way Jace. Just focus on being happy right now, in the moment." She replied. He melted against her touch. Closing his eyes relaxed. "I know but it still crosses my mind. Valentine is out there somewhere and he wants you. I doubt his plans include anything pleasant Clarissa. I, I can't let him get his hands on you. I won't let him touch you." He argued. "And he isn't Jace but you can't do this on your own. Let us help you." She begged.
His golden eyes looked down at her sternly. "Everything will be fine darling. I will take care of this, I have the power. I will make them wish they never dug that tunnel." He grunted. The small women nuzzled her face into his chest, hiding her frown. She wished that he would listen. He was greatly underestimating the king and that was a mistake. She just hoped it was a mistake that could be overcome and not prove to be fatal. She thought about Jace's words. She didn't know if she could live in a world without him either. She loved him so much that sometimes she thought her heart would burst. She kissed the star shaped birthmark on his shoulder before moving onto the light scars that covered most of his body. Some women would turn away and be disgusted by such marks. Not Clary, though, she knew those marks were a part of him. They made up who he was and who he would come to be. She loved him all the more for them. "I love you too. Get some sleep, Red. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.
The army had not attacked last night as Jace promised but there was something terribly wrong when they awoke the next morning. The first indicator that something was amiss was Doe. The beautiful deer had entered the cave and nudged her awake. Clary's eyes had opened slowly taking in the scene before her. Max was still fast asleep now with Magnus nestled in the large pile of covers beside the now blazing fire. Jace was out of site, probably getting breakfast with Alec. At least she hoped so, though her gut told her otherwise. She sat up drawing Magnus's attention. The man began to yawn and stretch. Clary looked at the deer beside her with worry. "Doe? What are you doing here?" she asked. The deer's dark eyes suddenly looked outside where smoke from a fire could be seen. Magnus's attention shot to her as she stood up rushing towards the entrance.
The forest was silent as she watched fires burn all around. They were not the blue flamed fires her beloved used. No, these were settlement fires. The kind the guards had made when she was a prisoner of the king. At her feet, standing alert and slightly bloody were the wolves. At least a dozen guarded the cave entrance. Jace had told her that none returned. Either he lied or they didn't alert him until daybreak. This, this was bad. Very, very bad! "Magnus!" she called over her shoulder. The warlock hearing the terror in her voice rushed forward taking in the scene. "Clarissa, where are Jace and Alec?" he whispered. His usual calm witty demeanor gone. Her silence told him exactly where she thought they were. "Clary, what's going on?" Max asked sitting up. The redhead looked at the boy pleadingly. "Max wake up, throw water on your face and hurry here." She whispered. "But- "he argued. "Now!" Clary urged. Max got up quickly doing as he was told.
Outside in the forest, the boys were making their way to the big tunnel. "I think this is a bad idea," Alec whispered. "You said that already." Jace snapped. "Seemed worth repeating." His friend replied back. Jace rolled his eyes. He knew that was a bad idea but it was the only plan they had. "Come on Alec, when have I ever been wrong?" the blonde asked. The archer above looked down lost in thought for a moment before counting on his fingers. "That time in Idris, when we were in the armory, doesn't count." Jace huffed. A sound finally engulfed their ears as a flock of birds flew away scared overhead. Jace brought a finger to his lips indicating silence as the two men followed the noise. After a few moments, they hid in a set of bushes as a squad of men brushed passed them speaking in hushed voices. "We have until nightfall to find the girl. After that, it will be more difficult once the demons come." A guard spoke. A few nodded their heads but most remained quiet. "This forest gives me the creeps. It is so quiet and dead." Another man whispered. Jace scowled. The forest was dead because of them. He needed to stop them before they got ahold of Clary. The path that they were taking led directly to the center of the forest where she, Magnus and Max lay sleeping. He didn't wake them when he saw the smoke and the wolves returned with less than thrilling news. He woke Alec and the two of them went off to fix the problem leaving the wolves to guard their loved ones. Alec protested vigorously but Jace insisted. The blonde stepped forward and accidently snapped a twig.
The men turned around as Jace cursed under his breath. Alec let an arrow go landing it in one of the men's chests. "Attack!" the Captain yelled. Jace sent flames at the men as he jumped out and engaged one of them with a sword. The poor soul didn't have a chance. Jace had been trained in swordplay since he was three and by the king himself. Valentine had taken a liking to his King's guard's son and had him trained alongside his own son. Slashing him down the side Jace moved onto the next one. Alec was proving to be just as effective shooting down the others. Soon the men, all but one lay dead at their feet. Jace took the youngest man and picked him up. "I'll give you a choice. You can tell me your plan and live or you can join your brothers?" he hissed. The guard struggled in his grip but met his gaze firmly. "They are not my brothers. They rape, pillage and steal. They are men without honor." He hissed. Jace rose an eyebrow in amusement. "So is your king." He stated plainly. The guard reluctantly nodded. "They want the girl. The small little petite thing with freckles. I was in the group of guards that was taking her to see the king. She can attest to the fact that I helped her escape. The head Captain was Malachi and if you knew the man you would applaud me for sparing your friend that." The guard huffed. "I take it that is why Valentine sent you on this little search party then. You know what she looks like?" Jace sat still angry at how close his love came to being deflowered by some twisted gutter scum. "Yes, but in truth, I was hoping to warn her. That girl doesn't deserve what Malachi has planned for her." He stated.
Alec jumped down the tree and eyed the man suspiciously. "I thought the crown wanted her." He asked. "The King does want her but that doesn't mean Malachi won't have his fun all the same. The way I see it if the crown and he want her so bad then it is probably in the people's best interests that neither of them gets their hands on her." The guard replied. "What is your name guard?" Alec asked appraising the young warrior. "Mark, Mark Blackthorn." He replied. "I thought you looked familiar." A small voice rang out from above them. The three men looked up to see Clary kneeling down from the trees. Jace's fist tightened on the man as Clary leapt down. "What are you doing here?" Jace hissed. She looked him in the eye firmly, crossing her arms. "Stopping you from killing a potential ally. The Blackthorns are my friends. I grew up with Julian and Emma before Imogene took me in. They even helped Isabelle, Simon and I kill the pit of demons." She huffed. Mark smiled sweetly at her. It was clear that Jace didn't appreciate how the man eyed his fiancée and let him fall harshly to the ground. Clary shot him another cold glare before the poor man lifted himself up. "How are the Blackthorns?" she asked. Mark shrugged.
"I don't rightly know. King Valentine wasn't happy with how things were going in Ignis way before you interfered. He was angry at my father for not handing over Jocelyn when he found her. He couldn't risk a public revolt so he took his first son, me. Made me some lowly guard in his force. It hurt but I found out pretty quickly that the guards had little love for their king. After that, it was easy to sneak information through." Mark explained. He then turned towards Jace and Alec. "I even helped smuggle information to your parents when they assisted the Lovelace kingdom when they attacked." He supplied. Clary's eyes grew wide. "Your parents helped the attack?" Clary gasped cover her mouth. Alec grunted crossing his arms. "That they did. They kept it from my sister and Max but Jace and I found out. They swore us to secrecy." Alec replied. "I'm sorry that the attack failed but I am happy to see that you got out safely. The king believes you all to be dead." He replied. "Well, the Herondale and Lightwood lines continue. At least on the male side." Alec grunted. "And the female side," Clary added looking into the man's bright blue eyes. Alec looked at her curiously before she sighed. "I have met to tell you but yesterday didn't seem an appropriate time. Isabelle your sister is alive. Imogene took her in after the attack. We lived together for the last few years. She is the Isabelle that helped me take down the fire demons. She is alive Alec." Clary explained. The look on the young man's face turned from joy to anguish. "She wasn't caught like you were, was she?" he asked. Clary shook her head. "To be honest I don't know. I know she wasn't there when they took me but I have no idea where she is." The redhead replied looking back to Mark.
The blonde man nodded. "No, she escaped. They never learned she had a part in the attack. Where she is, though, is a mystery. Lady Imogene is frantic with worry and has said that she might have been abducted or run away. No one has seen her or your friend Simon since. My father is looking vigorously." he replied. Clary took in a deep breath and nodded. "While this is all amusing we have more important things to deal with. What is Valentine's plan and why does he want Clary?" Jace asked taking a tentative step to the side. Attempting to be closer to the lady in question. The blonde guard looked up at them, his multicolored eyes filled with conflict. "I honestly have no idea why he wants Clary. Even my father wouldn't tell me why he was protecting Jocelyn. Suffice it to say that whatever it is, it can't be good." He spoke looking at the small redhead. "You can't honestly expect us to believe that you have no idea why the king wants her?" Jace snorted. Mark grinned coldly. "I have my suspicions and so do the guards but nothing concrete. I would say to ask the prince or the king yourselves but I rather hope that meeting doesn't take place." He remarked. Magnus snorted taking a stance next to Alec. "Magnus, what are you doing here? Where is Max?" Alec said surprised. The warlock shot his husband a dirty look. "Safe in the village. The Truebloods are watching him while gathering arms. It seems this situation has gotten out of hand. Just as I predicted." He spat. Clary had never seen Magnus mad before. She supposed it didn't happen often and most certainly not against Alec. "What do the guards think? I am curious what rumors are flying around." He started looking at Mark. The guard shrugged. "They think she is the love child of the King and a mistress." He smiled. Clary almost swallowed a bug taking in a breath of surprise.
"Do you think that is true?" Jace asked. Mark just laughed. "No. The timing doesn't fit and she looks nothing like him. It also doesn't make sense. The king has a proper heir. There is no need to go after any of his bastards. Even if he had an interest in her mother there would be even less desire to find a half royal daughter. Son, maybe if Jonathan felt threatened but a daughter most certainly not." He replied nonchalantly. "Mother never spoke of my father but she did tell me that he loved me dearly. He tried to protect us before Valentine killed him." Clary whispered with sadness. Magnus and Mark studied her with renewed curiosity. The warlock met his gaze for a moment. In that moment they came to an understanding, both concluding that now was not the time to speak of it. Alec examined the pair's exchange closely not liking the easy and intimate way his husband was able to communicate with this stranger. "What is the kings plan then?" Alec asked abruptly bringing attention back to the problem at hand. Mark sighed. "Malachi has search parties throughout the forest trying to find you, Clary. He is hoping to find you and take you prisoner before sunset. He knows then that is when your guardian or sorts; whatever you call it, comes. Then he plans to unleash his demon and secret weapon. What the weapon itself is I am unsure but I know it is demon related. The king saw the weapon personally." He explained. Jace cursed under his breath tightening his fists. Clary leaned forward and gently took his hand in hers. The guard watched the display taking note of the intimate way they interacted together.
"Whatever this guardian thing is, it does not match for the king. Malachi is going to send rows and rows of men to kill it. If it gets through the men, it will be stopped by the demons before it even reaches the weapon. The best thing to do is run." Mark suggested. "I can get you out through one of the vacant tunnels. One collapsed yesterday and is not in use. We can break through and escape. It's your only chance. "No. We stay and fight." Jace spoke up. The others looked at him. "I can't just abandon these people. Take Clary and the others but I can't and I don' leave the villagers here to be slaughtered. Don't even argue with me Mark. You and I both know that is exactly what the king will do when he doesn't get his way." He scowled running his hands through his hair. They stood silently before Clary took a step forward. "Jace is right. We stay and fight." She announced meeting each of their gazes. "We have come too far not to. Think of the villagers and Max. If we can destroy this weapon we have a chance. Can you take us to this weapon Mark?" she asked. The blonde guard looked at her. "I might be able to but it would be pointless. I doubt a couple of humans are strong enough to defeat it." He surmised. Clary grinned. "Get us to the weapon and we'll handle that problem. You can say that we have a secret weapon," she smiled eyeing Jace who was now staring at her with blazing golden eyes. "I agree. It is our only chance. Let's do it." He announced. The others looked at Alec who looked hesitant before nodding. "What the hell. I've heard crazier plans." He relented. Mark nodded. "Okay then, let's get you to the weapon." He replied. "And how do you intend to do that?" Alec asked. Mark smiled. "By taking you as my prisoners and back to the main camp." He replied throwing Jace a pair of iron shackles. "At least he is honest, though a bit blunt like you." Clary laughed looking at Jace. Mark just shrugged. "Why lie?" he asked.