A/N: This wonderful series doesn't belong to me: it belongs to Cinda Williams Chima. Please read and review!

Chapter 1: To Fellsmarch

One Week Earlier

Aarin sat in the forest, watching the sun slowly rise up over the trees and mountains. And for a few precious moments, it seemed that the earth stood still, and that he was alone with his thoughts. He sighed, thinking about what he had to do. But, at least it would get him out of these bloody mountains. He hadn't felt at home in his native mountains for a while, and that feeling had gotten even worse recently. It wasn't the home and sanctuary it used to be.

A loud voice interrupted his thoughts abruptly. Aarin flinched at the sudden noise, like a cat. "Lone Mouse! Hey! What are you doing?"

Aarin watched as Sky Runner approached.

Aarin hated the latest clan name fashioned for him by his peers. He was only sixteen, but he had already chosen his permanent name. Besides, the name "Lone Mouse" felt degrading and embarrassing. What was wrong with being alone occasionally? He didn't fit in as a Demonai warrior anyways. As for the "mouse" part: his pacifism was not weakness, despite whatever every other Demonai clan member thought.

"My name is Aarin." He replied in a monotone, as if reminding Sky Runner. Sky just didn't seem to understand. Or maybe, she just liked to annoy him.

Sky only grinned and sat down on the ground beside Aarin. "Of course it is. Anyways, whatcha up to? Ready for your big journey?"

"Yes." Aarin smiled at her. He was glad that his friend had come, even if he also kind of wanted to be alone.

"Good, that's good! Also, Night Bird said to tell you that she wished you Hanalea's luck on your mission." After Nightwalker had been revealed as a traitor, Night Bird became Averill Demonai's successor as clan head. Despite her youth, she had gracefully taken to her new job as a duck to water. While Averill was at the castle, Night Bird looked after everything going on in the clan.

Sky peered at him, "Hey, Aarin, are you okay? You seem even more quiet than usual."

"Yes." Aarin realized that he wasn't being convincing. He mustered up a smile. "I feel okay, I'm just… a little conflicted."

"About your mission?" Sky asked.

"No…, well, in a way, I guess. I just don't know what court will be like."

"Hey," Sky smiled at him, her brown eyes crinkling at the edges, "You'll be fine. I know it. You believe in this mission more than anything, and Night Bird knows that, which is why she decided to send you."

"I just hope I won't mess anything up."

"You won't. Now c'mon! The sun is already rising! Let's go!" Sky Runner jumped up like the energetic person she was. Nobody could ever outrun her or outstrip her energy level.

Aarin reluctantly rose. "To Fellsmarch, I guess."