Alright everyone! Here is chapter 24. I really like this chapter. I've been getting into introducing some more characters and getting into the newest plot of the story. Things are going to get really complicated so try to hang in there with me. Alright! Please enjoy and review…
The world Clary barely knows is beginning to slowly fall into chaos as war is lurking just around the world. There are more troubles heading her way and no one knows what to expect. How will Clary keep the humans safe? Will she find her way out of the demon world? And when will she truly learn what her powers mean? Read on to find out…
Chapter 24
As I stare into Nordic's bottomless black eyes, I notice people around me starting to panic. I can't let that happen. I tighten my grip on Nordic's hand. Nordic looks at my grip and grins again. "Really, Clary. Do you think I would reveal myself to such insignificant mortal if it weren't for something good?"
"You… bastard…" I gasp out.
Nordic chuckles and releases me. I fall to my knees then glare up at the Seed. Nordic waves his hands around, nonchalantly. "Honestly, Clary. Give me some faith. I'm helping you here."
"Nearly crushing my throat is your idea or helping?" I growl.
"There's no need for you to use that tone at me," Nordic tilts his head as if disappointed in a child.
My scowl becomes more prominent. "Just tell me what the hell you're doing here?"
Nordic holds up a finger. "Things will go too slow if I leave you on your own. Now, fight me and let's put on a good show. We want these people to trust you."
I narrow my eyes. "I almost suffocated and it's because you want these people to trust me? What kind of bull crap is that? And what is up with this world? I thought a demon world would have more demons than this."
Nordic crosses his arms. "If I put you in one of the demon worlds where it's completely ruled by demons then you wouldn't have survived as long as you already have. I need you trained, not maimed… hah! Did you see what I did there?"
I roll my eyes. "Will you be serious? Are you seriously going to make me do this? I'm not in the mood for a fight."
"Well get in the mood because we're doing this," Nordic holds up a hand toward me.
I quickly get to my feet just in time for me to be thrown back a few feet. I can feel the bruise already forming on my chest. I glare at Nordic who just throws his head back and laughs. I take a quick look around. The people are getting antsy. They're getting ready to panic or starting attacking. Neither would be good in this situation.
Nordic is doing this so I can gain the trust of the people in this village. That means he wants me to fight him off. How the hell am I supposed to fight off something as powerful as a Seed. I knew no demon could ever possible be sane.
When I rise to my feet I place a hand on my chest and try to breathe deeply, but it hurts. I need to heal myself, but I doubt Nordic will let me take the time to get my stele to heal myself with a rune.
I put my game face on and grab my blade. I have a second before Nordic strikes again. Thankfully it's physical this time… that sounded so weird. I shake my head of the thought and focus on what's going on around me.
Nordic thrusts his palm toward my chest. I spin out of the way and slash with my blade. Nordic backs away then lifts his leg to kick me on the back of the knees. I barely catch myself when I feel Nordic's elbow on my back.
Again, I stumble. I manage to stay on my feet. Nordic grabs me by the back of my coat and lifts me to throw me. My eyes narrow. I lift my arms and slide out of my coat. I quickly cut my hand and flick my blood into Nordic's face. He falls back a few feet. I throw my blood covered blade at him and he barely moves as it nicks his arm.
I bring my leg up to kick him on the side of the head. Nordic catches my foot and pulls. I lose my balance. I flick more blood into his face. Nordic slightly loosens his grip. I pull away. Then spin around, using the momentum to crush my fist into his chest.
Nordic flies back a few yards. I move to take a step forward, but my chest flares with pain. I clutch my chest and struggle to stay up on my feet. I see Nordic standing and holding his chest. I can plainly see that it's been crushed, but it's not effecting him like it did all the other demons. He just grins at me.
For a second there's silence. Then Nordic suddenly appears beside me, chest crushed and all. "Son of a bitch. I think I underestimated you. I wonder how much more fun you'll be to fight once you're at your best and in control of your powers. See you around."
Nordic suddenly disappears. I finally collapse onto my knees. Jacinda runs over to me. "Clary!"
Troy is right behind her. "What's wrong?"
I try to take a deep breath, but it hurts too much. I reach for my stele, but Jacinda takes my hand. "Let me get you to my home and I'll be able to take care of you there. Do you think you can walk?"
I nod slowly then make an attempt to grab my stele again. I decide against it. I don't want to do it out in the open like this. Instead I grab my coat and drape it around my shoulders. It's actually really cold out right now.
Once I've done that, Troy grabs me and lifts me into his arms. This suddenly reminds me of Jace and the times he held me close like this. Pain and loneliness fill me as Troy begins to walk.
As we move through the streets I notice people staring at me with a sort of awe and reverence. I guess Nordic's plan did work somewhat. I don't know why he had to go and beat me like that. I'm sure it was all part of his plan, but that doesn't mean he wasn't enjoying it. At least I got in some good hits before he took off.
Troy takes me to a small place. It looks large enough to house at least three people. I look it over. There are some security risks to this place, but I'm sure I can make a few adjustments and put up some traps to keep the area safe for the time being.
Jacinda opens the door and leads Troy to an empty room. Troy sets me down on the bed and sets my coat on a chair. I blink a few times before I realize just how tired I really am. It's still hard for me to breathe though.
I close my eyes and pretend to be asleep until Jacinda and Troy leave me alone. I open my eyes once I hear the door close and grab my stele. I hold my breath and draw the healing rune on my chest. It takes a few moments before I can finally breathe again. Next time I see Nordic I'll make sure to punch him in the face.
Once my chest is healed I move onto my hand. It's already starting to heal, but I might as well help it along. I draw the rune. Now I place the stele on the table next to the bed and lie back down. I stare at the ceiling for a few more seconds before closing my eyes and falling asleep.
When I wake up there's light hitting me on my face. I sit up and look around. It takes me a second to remember where I am. I rub my face then swing my legs over the side of the bed.
A moment later the door opens and Jacinda walks in with a tray of food. She smiles when she sees I'm awake. "Good morning, Clary. I'm so glad to see that you're up. How are you feeling? I know you must have been really tired after yesterday."
I roll my shoulders and wince when I feel a knot. I rub it with my hand. "I'm feeling a lot better. Thanks."
Jacinda nods and places the tray next to me. "Here. Why don't you eat up then I'll get your bath started. Would you like some new clothes to change into? Those are covered in blood."
I look down at myself. Damn it! I'm going to kill that Nordic. I nod at Jacinda. "That would be nice. No dresses. I cannot stress enough how much I hate dresses."
"Alright," Jacinda smiles then leaves me to eat.
While I eat I stare out the window and get a heavy feeling in my chest. I place my hand over my heart and sigh. I can feel Jace's heartbeat. It feels so lost and lonely. I feel the same way. A tear threatens to escape, but I wipe it away before it can fall. If I want to get back to Jace I need to be strong and get through this whole training thing Nordic set up.
I finish my food and grab the book in my belt. I look at the title. Guide of the Sacred. I open it to the front page and see a sketch of an angel. It's clichéd already. I flip to the next page.
The words start immediately. Apparently, the a fallen angel. I think back to a while ago when I was locked in the secret room with the others. I was reading that enchiridion about the origins of shadow hunters. There was something about a being that fell from the sky that was known as the Founder. The father of shadow hunters. I'm pretty sure that's supposed to be a specific angel. It just slips my mind which one it's supposed to be.
I read on and rub my forehead. This is supposed to help me deal with my powers. There's so much stuff to read and it's in the language of the angels. I sigh. Nothing is ever going to get easy for me.
Might as well get started on reading. There isn't much else I can do until Jacinda comes back from drawing my bath. I know my powers are important, but I don't know why I can't just figure it out while I go. Of course, it would take longer and the risks are even higher.
Then I look at the page again. Okay, so my powers are supposed to be a bit unstable at the beginning. Trying to control angelic powers is really hard and takes some time. It's more difficult when the person in question has no training whatsoever. I guess that's good for me. I've been trained my entire life.
After being trained for a good while the powers should come in more strongly. That explains why me and Jace are having trouble trying to control this hectic power. I'm sure he's having problems with the powers just like I am. He's just better at hiding it from everyone. I frown at that.
Jace better tell me what he's been experiencing when I see him again. If I see him again. I shake the thought from my head. Of course I'll see him again. Jace and I can't be separated forever. Just the thought of it makes me want to cry.
I place my hand over my head and whisper. "I love you, Jace."
Now I'm really in a bad mood. I don't understand how Jace can manage get under my skin even when he isn't even here. I put down the book and roll my neck. I place the book in my coat.
Then I stand and stretch. I need to stop thinking about Jace for right now so I can focus on what I'm supposed to be doing. Jace needs to be in my mind at all times, but I need to focus. I sigh and walk to the door.
When I open it I step into a short hallway that leads down to another larger room. This looks like the living room. Jacinda runs out and sees me. "Oh. Hello, Clary. Your bath is ready if you want to take it now. I was just about to get you."
"You look like you're in a hurry," I walk toward the door Jacinda motions to.
Jacinda nods and quickly grabs a basket. "That is correct. I'm going to meet Troy and bring him here. He wants to ask you some more questions about where you are from and who you are. I know it might seem like he's imposing, but he's really just doing his job. Troy really cares for this village."
I shrug. "That's fine. I would do the same thing."
Before Jacinda goes through the door she calls back over her shoulder. "Oh! Clary. I placed some clothes in the bathroom for you. I really hope they are to your liking."
With that Jacinda leaves. I shake my head and go into the bathroom. It looks pretty clean and not ridiculously sized. I look at the bathtub. It's full of fresh hot water. I look around until my eyes fall on a small pile of clothes. I go over and check them out.
It's a plain black shirt and some loose leather pants. These should do. I get undressed quickly and step into the bath. I sigh and sink down to my shoulders. This feels so good. I can't remember the last time I took a bath. Maybe five years. I forgot how good they are.
After soaking for a little while I scrub off the dirt from my body and wash my hair. I grab a towel from the edge of the bathtub and dry myself before wrapping it around my body. I go over to the pile of clothes and pull them on. They feel light and easy enough to move in.
Then I dry my hair the best I can then tie it back. I head back to my room where my coat is. Jacinda isn't back yet and I wouldn't mind getting in some more reading.
When I get there I'm stopped by the sight of someone in there looking through my coat. It looks like a young man. Maybe just a couple years older than me. He has dark hair, dark eyes, and light brown skin. His clothes look old fashioned. Like something people in the middle ages would wear.
He pulls out the book. I rush forward. The intruder sees me and jumps out the window quickly. I grab my coat and try to grab my weapons, but I see that he's taken those too. Damn it! I need those. Especially the stele.
I don't hesitate to jump out the window and chase after him. He's a lot faster than I would have imagined a regular human being. Maybe he isn't a normal person.
If that's the case then I pick up my speed. We make it into town before I finally cut him off. He bares his teeth at me. "Get out of my way. You don't' want to mess with me."
My eyes narrow at him. "If you don't hand over what you stole from me this instant then I will have no choice, but to use force."
The thief scoffs then pulls out my knife and points it at me. "Please. You're nothing, but talk. I actually know how to use one of these. I've used them plenty of times. I've even killed a few demons on my own. Now, why don't you step out of the way before you get hurt."
I sigh. "If that's how you want it."
He rushes at me and slashes widely. "Hey-"
I step aside and grab his wrist. I easily throw him down while grabbing my blade back. I stick it into my belt and move forward. "I'll say this one more time. Hand over what you stole."
The thief growls viciously. His body and face begin to morph and change into an animalistic expression. I watch expressionless while the people around me start to get panicked. I tilt my head when I see that it's a werewolf. No wonder he was able to move so quickly.
A moment after the transformation is complete he jumps at me. I hear someone scream, but I pay not attention to it. I grab the werewolf by the throat and slam him into the ground. He changes back to his human form. I search his body until I find my book and stele. I find another knife on him which I take for myself.
The werewolf growls at me. "You shouldn't be able to do that? I'm a werewolf. I'm stronger than any human."
"It's a good thing I'm not human then," I mumble.
The werewolf's eyes snap to mine. "You're not human? I don't smell anything else on you."
I switch my hold on the werewolf's throat for his wrists. I make him stand then push him against a wall. "I really don't understand it myself, but I am what I am. I'm half angel and half werewolf. The werewolf blood in me is overpowered by the angel in me."
"You're a werewolf?" the werewolf's eyes widen slightly.
I nod then look around. I see a couple of guards coming toward us. I turn back to the werewolf. "That's right. My father is a werewolf, but I've never really been involved in that aspect of my life too much. I don't even smell like one so no werewolf has ever bothered me about it before. Again, I can thank my angel blood for that."
The guards finally get to us and tie ropes around the werewolf's wrists. The werewolf sneers at the guards. "These ropes won't hold me long enough for you to throw me in a prison. And if they do I'll just break out of my cell."
I pull out my stele as an image appears in my mind. "Why don't I fix that then?"
My hand moves on its own. I draw a rune that quickly fades into the rope. The rope tightens and the werewolf hisses. I place the stele back into my belt. The guards watch me warily. "What did you do?"
"All I did is make the ropes stronger so he can't escape," I look at the werewolf with a look of pity.
Jacinda and Troy come running toward us. Troy sees the werewolf and sighs. "Honestly, David. Can't you stay out of trouble for five minutes. How many times has this make?"
David scowls. "This is only the third time."
Jacinda walks over to me and smiles. "I'm glad you liked the clothes. Um, sorry about David. He's a special case in the village. Please forgive him. He tries too hard to gain attention by stealing or doing other small crimes. Don't take it too personally."
I turn back to David. "I'm not really too keen on forgiving so easily. Maybe if David wants to give me some information…"
Troy grabs David's wrists and turns him to look at me. "Look at her, David. She's trying to be nice and not have you thrown in jail. The least you can do is make eye contact."
I step forward and stare into David's eyes. "I'm going to ask you some questions and you're going to answer them honestly. If you don't we're going to have a problem. I'm not going to have you arrested, but it will be something eve worse. Worse than anything you could ever imagine."
David swallows hard. "What do you want to know?"
It looks like my hard look still works like always. "Why don't we go somewhere we can have some more privacy. I don't want to talk about this kind of stuff out in public."
"We can go back to my house," Jacinda offers.
Troy pulls David after Jacinda. I walk behind David so he doesn't decide to make a run for it. I doubt he would be able to tear those ropes. Not with the rune I drew on it. Of course I don't know how I knew that rune, but it's working as far as I can see.
When we get back to Jacinda's house Troy makes sure to keep a tight hold on David's binds before sitting him down on the floor. I sit down across from David and stare into his eyes for a moment before beginning. "David, tell me where you are from."
David hesitates, but Troy nudges him and he starts speaking. "I don't know. The chief found me at the gates when I was an infant. I live with a pack here in the south side of the village."
I nod slowly then continue. "Why did you steal from me?"
David shrugs. "You just seemed like the right target. You're new here so I figured you wouldn't try making a big deal of it if I did steal from you. I guess I was wrong."
"Very," I cross my arms.
Jacinda sits next to me. "Why do you keep doing this, David? Getting into trouble like this isn't going to help you or anyone else. It's just going to end you behind metal bars. Is that what you want? To be thrown into a cell for the rest of your life. The chief can't keep bailing you out like this."
David stares at the floor. "The chief only does it because he feels guilty. He could find my parents and now he's just trying to get rid of his own feelings of guilt. There's nothing more to it."
Troy sighs and slaps the back of David's head. "When are you going to get it into your head that the chief isn't like that. He's a naturally ind hearted person and doesn't want to see anyone so young ruining his life by getting into trouble all the time and being thrown into jail. You're the one who needs to feel guilty for putting the chief through all of this."
David just makes a face. I look between all three people. Apparently, this isn't the first time they've had this conversation. I wonder how many times David has gotten into trouble like this before. I wonder how I manage to always get pulling into drama like this. It's not like I already had enough to deal with.
I sigh and place my elbow on my knee while leaning my head on my hand. "As fascinating as this conversation is I really just want to see the chief to figure out what I can do to help in the upcoming war. I'm sure there are a lot of details that still need to be worked out and I will be very useful in coming up with a plan of attack. Or defense."
Troy nods at me. "Alright. What do you want me to do with this one? You were the victim after all."
I wave my hand at him. "I really couldn't care less. I just wanted to ask a couple of questions and I got the answers I wanted."
When Troy tries to untie the ropes and fails I remember the rune. I grab the stele and go over to remove it. The ropes fall and David rubs his wrists. "What was that?"
"None of your business," I flip the stele in my hand then place it in my belt.
Troy walks toward the door. "David, I expect you to go back home and tell your parents that you were arrested again. If you don't I'll tell them and I'm sure they don't want to hear it coming from me. Clary, follow me. I'll take you to the chief. I'm pretty sure he's in a meeting discussing the current situation involved the demon war."
I nod and stand. "Lead the way."
Jacinda stands and smiles. "I think I'll hang back. I need to get dinner ready. Don't take too long, Clary. You don't' want to miss dinner when you're already so weak."
"Got it," I wave over my shoulder.
Troy walks silently next to me as we walk down the street. Then he clears his throat and glances over at me. "So… are you really going to help us fight in the demon war? You aren't from this world so you're not really obligated into doing that sort of thing. You could get really hurt."
I shrug and keep watching forward. "It's nothing. Besides, I need the experience. My world is in the same sort of situation. We're in danger of being attacked by demons and I'm here so I can learn everything I can and stop it from happening. Or at least be able to help more."
Troy glances over at me and sees my sad expression. "What's wrong? What's with that look?"
I stare at the ground. "I left behind someone really important in my world and I just can't help, but be worried for him even if I know he's strong enough to take care of himself. It's just hard being away from everything I know."
"Him?" Troy arches an eyebrow.
"You would pick up on that," I turn my eyes onto the sky. "Yes. I left him behind. My literal soul mate. It's painful because the connection we have is on a angelic level. He's one of the most annoying, sarcastic, bastards you'll ever find, but he's also sweet, caring, and just wonderful overall. If you ever meet him, don't tell him I said that. It will only inflate his ego even further."
Troy arches an eyebrow. "I don't know if you're in love with the guy or if you're annoyed with him."
"Both," I smile slightly.
We arrive in front of a building that looks to be official. Troy motions for me to follow him inside. We walk through the doors and down a long hall. I rub my hands over my face then straighten my back. Troy goes straight to a door at the very end.
Inside is a meeting room where there are men standing around a table having a heated conversation. When we walk in they stop talking and turn to look at us. Chief Tomas turns to me with a smile. "Hello there, Clary. I'm glad you're finally able to join us."
I nod and walk to the table they're crowded around. There are a bunch of map and some recent reports from around the land of demon reports. I frown slightly at all the activity. "From what I see these are defiantly the first signs of war."
"How do you know?" chief Tomas leans forward.
I point at the routes some groups of demons have been taking. "These are strategic battle routes. They cut across the land quicker than anywhere else. The increased amount of activity in the last few months tell me that they're trying to set up these routes for active use. The bad part is that these paths cross right through human settlements."
Chief Tomas nods and looks down at the map again. "What should we do?"
I tap my chin then point at some human villages. "These villages are directly in the path of the demons. I've noticed there are a lot of attacks recently by demons especially in these villages. I suggest you get these villages to pack up and move to villages that aren't directly in the path of the demons. That would be the safest course of action at this point."
Another old man with graying hair and brown eyes shakes his head. "What makes you think these people will just up and leave their homes?"
I sigh and lean against the table. "I think the threat on their lives and families will be enough to get them moving. There is no doubt in my mind that the demons will not hesitate in slaughtering all of them. I would know. Now, how quickly can you get this done?"
"It would take a few weeks," chief Tomas sighs.
"Not fast enough," I look at the map again and see a bunch of routes leading into a valley within some mountains. "What's this region right here?"
"That's a large valley about two hundred miles to the East," Troy answers.
I tap my chin. "Hmm…"
Troy gives me a look. "What is it?"
I sigh and look up at chief Tomas. "If this information is up to date and true then it's most likely that the main battle will take place there. That means that we can arrange for the humans around there to be safely removed from the area and taken somewhere they won't be harmed by the war. Then it's just a matter of survival. I'm sure you don't want to take part in the war."
Chief Tomas nods then stares at me in awe. "I can't believe I never saw that before. You really are talented, Clary."
I nod at the compliment then get thoughtful again. "But we still need to be prepared for battle just in case."
Chief Tomas just nods and goes off talking to the other men. I get really quiet. I know I need to help the humans, but I need to start making plans against the demons and try to figure a way out of this world. I know Nordic told me I had to find my own way out and that's exactly what I'm going to do. The only question is how…
