Chapter Twenty Eight

Clary POV

Tessa looks at me, twirling a strand of dark hair around her finger. It's hard to believe that somehow she is directly related to Jace. I try not to think of that as we talk to pass the time. It makes me uncomfortable.

"He is remarkable," she exclaims, watching Stephen with her grey eyes. He has busied himself in trying to read one of the books Magnus left behind, but the words are too big, even for him. "So much angel blood runs through his veins. But is it a burden or a gift?"

I think of the story Alec told me as I had sat on the couch, mind numb. How Stephen had managed to purify Simon's blood and make him healthy. Somehow my seemingly normal little boy has the power to heal others. A small smile of pride curls my mouth up in the corner. "It's a gift. Definitely a gift."

Tessa smiles back. "He seems too softhearted to be the son of such a well known Shadowhunter." She comments lightly. "Jace is a full blooded warrior, born and bred. So brave and committed. I see William in him," she adds quietly. I rack my brain, trying to pinpoint the name. It sounds familiar, but I'm blank.

Noticing my confusion Tessa sighs. "William is - was - my husband," she explains, correcting herself. She is fidgeting with the bracelet on her wrist, a far away expression in her eyes. In this moment she seems ancient, older than time itself. "He was very similar to Jace. Although they don't look much alike. In fact, Jace has my son's eyes. Peculiar, isn't it? That some traits take generations to make reappearances?"

Jace's golden eyes seem to burn the back of my eyelids and I have to blink away tears. I hope he's alright, that he'll be home and safe as soon as he can. "Your son," I say slowly, "what was his name?" I don't exactly need to know Jace's family tree, but I want a distraction, and she can provide me with it.

"James Herondale," she answers proudly. A love burns in her eyes that is so intense I fear she might catch me in the flames. I wonder if I have the same expression when I talk about Stephen. "He was the most wonderful child any mother could ask for. But that's just my biased opinion. He had your Jace's eyes," a smile lights up her face, but it is wistful.

She rambles on about her boy, but I'm not listening. I'm turning my plan over and over in my mind, trying to pick out flaws. I'll need Tessa's help, of course, but that is the only loose end I can see.

I only realize she's gone quiet when she clears her throat. I look up, embarrassed. "Sorry, I didn't catch that." I admit, trying not to look guilty of not listening.

Tessa laughs. "I know you didn't. You have something on your mind. I can tell."

Steeling myself, I meet her eyes. "I have a plan," I confess. "But I'm going to need your help." She inclines her head, and I spill it out. When I'm finished I knot my hands together nervously. She could easily say no or refuse. Maybe I was foolish to tell her.

"You risk leaving him an orphan," she says in a whisper, looking at Stephen. I swallow, wishing the lump in my throat would disappear. It's true, and I feel horrible. "If we do this and you don't make it back there's a chance he'll be all alone. And if Jace doesn't make it..."

"I know the risks," I say dryly. "But sometimes you have no choice."

Tessa blows out a breath. "Alright. If you so desperately wish to do this, I'll help you. But if this fails, Clary-"

"I want you to take care of him," I blurt out, getting to my feet. Stephen watches me, golden eyes heavily lidded. He's tired, but he isn't letting it show. My heart beats painfully against my rib cage.

"Pardon?" The warlock girl looks at me as if I've slapped her.

"I said if I don't make it back and if Jace is...gone..." I choke on the word, not wanting to utter it, let alone consider the possibility, "then I want you to take care of Stephen. You're his family too."

Her eyes mist over and she firmly nods. "I'd be honored. It's been so long..."

Not wanting to get choked up, I stretch, ignoring the dull throbs of pain spreading through my body that shows the presence of the poison coursing through me. "Okay," I say. "Okay. Let's get going then. Every second counts."

This plan is foolish and incredibly selfish, but I can't not do anything.

I will bring down my brother once and for all. And if I die trying, at least it will be worth it. Stephen will be safe, and that's all that matters.


Jace POV

I lead the way through the forest, ducking under branches and ignoring the sweat sticking my shirt to my back. We've been travelling for what feels like hours and a few times I'm filled with a horrible dread as I wonder if we'll never find the meadow. Every time the thoughts rise I shake them away, push them back down. I have to stay confident. Fear is a weakness. Fear will kill you.

An old memory surfaces in my mind, obscuring my thoughts. I'd been about six or seven at the time, still living with Valentine and believing him to be my father. We had been training in Brocelind forest and he had challenged me to try and find my own way out of the dark trees and looming undergrowth. Naturally I'd been afraid, and had emerged from the forest several hours later. Valentine had been disappointed in me and had scolded me all the way back to the manor house about how fearful I had been. "Fear is a weakness, Jonathan," he had scolded, "fear will kill you. No son of mine will ever be afraid."

The memory swirls away and I'm back in the present time. Robert is holding my right side, where Alec usually is. A pang of loneliness ripples through me. I miss Alec. It doesn't seem right to not be fighting beside him.

Looking over my shoulder at the crowd behind me I clear my throat. "We're within a two hundred foot radius," I announce. In response the crowd begins to shuffle about, pulling free seraph blades and daggers. "The meadow is circular. Our best bet would be to fan out and attack from all angles."

The man from the Gard steps up. "I'll take a group around." He offers. Something about him is familiar. I think he's a Blackthorn but I'm not sure.

I nod, offering him a grin. "Perfect. Pick whoever you like. Robert will take a group to the east side. The rest of you will go around the west flank and move along with my group. We'll come in waves."

I hate to brag, but my plan is good. We split apart, creeping through the forest. I can hear the sounds of the battle, clanging armor and howls of the wounded. It makes my blood boil, heart racing.

When we're close enough to see the fighters, I flick my hand forward. The first wave launches themselves forward, Jia Penhallow and myself leading. With a yell she pulls free a broadsword, nearly cleaving a Drevak demon in half.

I follow her lead, swinging my seraph blade wildly. In minutes I've managed to work my way into the centre of the battle. My boot snags on something, and I curse.

Looking down, I feel my pulse slow. Jordan lies at my feet, eyes unseeing, mouth open in a cry of pain. I know I have no time to grieve, but I mutter a farewell anyways. "Ate Atque Vale," I murmur, knowing the greeting is saved for Shadowhunter deaths but not caring. There's no time to move his body so I continue on, slashing and hacking and cutting with a blind determination.

I finally see them in the throng of bodies and forms. Sebastian keeps a clean circle around him, killing anything and anyone that comes too close. Magnus and Simon are close by, holding their own against a group of burly Forsaken. Alec is using Simon as a partner, their backs pressed together as they protect the warlock shooting fire from his hands. Instantly I know why.

Magnus is going to use Ravisher. And judging by the pace they're moving at I have seconds before he makes his move.

Spinning, I cut through a Forsaken, feeling for my focal point. The fire begins to flow, churning inside me with an eager flame. Breaking into a run I dodge around Shadowhunters and demons, werewolves and Forsaken. Even a handful of vampires are present.

If Sebastian can be defeated we might just have a shot.

Laughing to myself, I plant my feet, forming a perfect flip over the head of a snarling wolf. When I land, I'm inches away from Alec, drawing a new seraph blade. I name it, eyes scanning the crowd advancing on us.

"Jace?" Alec asks in shock, pausing for a second. A demon lunges, using his distraction as an advantage. I step forward, stabbing into it. Ichor sprays us, but Alec is safe.

"Eyes on the battle, moron," I snap, but it's in a light tone. Teasing. He smiles, returning to the fight eagerly. I nudge Simon to the side, taking Alec's back. We work better together, clearing a more even path towards the white haired boy protected by his demonic army.

At last we're close enough. I pivot on my heel, meeting Magnus's eyes. "Ready?" I ask over the noise of the fight around us. He nods once, eyes drifting over me to land on Alec. Something seems to pass between them, and then it's over.

A determined hardness fills his gold green eyes. "Take care of him," he scolds, then steps away from me. Simon moves at once, taking his side. I watch as Sebastian turns, eyes glowing with hatred. He screams something, but doesn't try to flee.

Magnus's hand reaches to his hip. I hold my breath as I continue to keep the wave of demons responding to their commander's cry at bay. One wrong move and he's good as dead.

That's when I hear her. She emerges from the opposite side of the clearing, moving fast, hair a red cloud behind her. She looks so much like her mother, so much like a warrior, that you would find it hard to believe shed ever been a clueless mundane.

It's Clary, and she's on the warpath. Her green eyes are wide, hands clenched at her sides. Even I find it hard to believe she's currently dying of poison.

"Stop!" She yells, and her voice radiates across the forest. The fighting groups seem to halt for a second, and that is all she needs. Magnus, who has just began to draw the sword, falters.

"There's no need to fight! I surrender," she announces, looking to her brother. "You can't have my baby or my son. But you can have me."

Baby? Son? I'm confused. We only have Stephen. He's our baby. She can't be pregnant. Not unless...

I never get to finish my train of thought. Sebastian, forgetting all about the warlock in front of him, smiles. "Actually, I'll take the combined offer." His hand moves lightning quick, and even I am unable to stop him.

From his hand a dagger flys, whipping through the air and embedding itself directly into Clary's heart. She falls, landing heavily on her side. I feel like someone's sucked the air from my lungs.

Turning to the shocked fighters, Sebastian crows in victory. "Anyone else fancy a dagger to the heart?"

I step forward, letting the fire burn free. It blazes brilliantly, brighter than I've ever seen it. He starts at the sight of me, but doesn't back down. "Bring it, Jonathan Morgenstern." I say in a cold voice. We're evenly matched him and I, but that doesn't mean I can't try.

After all, I have nothing at all to lose.


So, that's that. The battle isn't over yet so who knows what'a going to happen. All shall be resolved one way or another in the next and final battle chapter. After that who knows what will happen.

Keep on reading and reviewing!