The Wild Hunt

by hunterofartemis126

Mark Blackthorn was kidnapped by faeries during the Dark War and he was forced to join the Wild Hunt. How will he survive in a world where he believes that his family are dead? Will the arrival of an arrogant young Faerie Prince to the Hunt help him or will he simply have one more person shunning him?

5. Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I don't own The Dark Artifices, Cassandra Clare does.

Author's Note: Thank you so much to everyone who reads this story. A special thanks to The Purple Warlock for your lovely review. I hope you enjoy this chapter, and I'm sorry that I didn't update sooner.

Chapter 4: The Clearing

When Kieran woke up the next morning, he found that he had fallen asleep near the place where Mark lay. Mark, Kieran saw, was not awake yet and Kieran found himself gazing at Mark's sleeping face. He looked peaceful in sleep, Kieran thought, and beautiful too.

Kieran's thoughts were cut off as Mark stirred and woke up. He blinked up at Kieran with sleep-filled eyes.

"Good morning, Mark," Kieran said softly, "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, I slept very well," Mark replied. "Did you?"

Before Kieran could answer, the loud, familiar sound of Gwyn's horn rang out. It was time to get moving.

As the Hunters set off, Kieran rode side by side with Mark. They didn't talk much, but instead rode on in a companionable silence. At one point, the hunters stopped and Kieran, instead of stopping, gestured to Mark to follow him.

"Where are we going?" Mark asked as he rode after Kieran into the trees.

"You'll see," He answered, turning slightly to smile over his shoulder. After a few moments of riding, they broke through the trees and found themselves in the strangest and most beautiful clearly that Mark had ever seen.

The trees had leaves which appeared to be solid gold and silver. The forest floor was dotted was tiny, jewel-like flowers and beautiful birds sang overhead.

"The place is beautiful," Mark told Kieran, sliding from his mount's back. "How did you know of it?"

"It is a placed under my father's control," Kieran answered, joining Mark on the ground. "I would often come here when I wanted quiet. You are the first person that I have shared that information with."

"I feel touched that you'd share this with me, Kieran." Mark said softly, meeting the faerie prince's eyes. There was something soft in his eyes, something that Mark did not expect.

"I think I will share many things with you, Mark Blackthorn." Kieran said softly and he smiled a soft smile that brought a slight blush to Mark's cheeks. Before he could do anything more though, they heard the faint sound of Gwyn's horn in the distance.

"We'd better go," Kieran said, and they got back onto their horses and rode off again to join the other hunters.