Arkadia had changed notably in the extended time period that Clarke had been absent and she was quietly impressed by the improvements that had been made to the defensive structures and surrounding area when she returned.
The first surprise greeting the Skaikru leader as they approached the tree line was a sight that she had not seen before; her people openly roaming outside the camp, naturally under careful observation of a guard detail. Life outside the electric fence had once appeared to be impossible, but with peace came prosperity and Arkadia was no exception.
Clarke's group had already passed through a stationed checkpoint as the forest had thinned, drawing wide eyed stares from the Ark guards who had stepped aside after a brief communication with the Chancellor to inform her that the elusive Skaikru leader had returned.
When Clarke had last visited, Arkadia had been tightly secured and on the defensive against highly probable attacks from the Ice Nation. People had been scared to venture into the courtyard let alone consider exploring outside the protective gate.
The camp was now more secure than ever as a scattering of individuals took advantage of the tranquillity of the nearby lake, others seated on the sloping incline as they enjoyed a midday meal in the moderately mild weather. It would be one of their last opportunities to do so before the cold winds and persistent rain settled over the land, forcing the carefree inhabitants back into the confines of the Ark.
Clarke was initially taken aback at the sight but felt her heart swell with pride at the evident accomplishments of her people. They hadn't been idle over the last few months, that was clear to see.
A second surprise overwhelmed the first when a thrumming roar echoed towards them, promptly followed by a gleam of metal when an unknown structure tore from the gates of Arkadia and hurtled down the carefully forged path towards her.
The six guards accompanying Clarke were rightly distrustful and would have adopted defensive positions around her had she not briefly commanded them to remain calm, holding confidence that her people would not approach with open hostility.
A sputtering vehicle veered across the uneven landscape as Clarke dismounted gracefully, barely having drifted to a stop in front of them when Bellamy leapt from his seat, a welcoming smile gracing his features as his boots landed heavily in the dirt.
"Clarke! Welcome back," he offered, naturally stepping forwards to hug the woman but refrained when his advance received suspicious stares from her accompanying guards, settling for grasping her arm instead with some semblance of formality.
"You've been busy," Clarke said with a hint of awe, glancing over her friends shoulder to observe the recovered vehicle that had been nothing but useless scraps the last time she had seen it.
Bellamy nodded with pride and gestured casually to the vehicle behind him. "If you're impressed by the Rover then just wait until you get inside the camp, it's quite different now."
Four Ark guards within the Rover peered out through the glass window curiously as all eyes turned towards them but made no move to join the interaction. Clarke didn't recognise them and she could already imagine how different the camp interior was going to be if this was anything to go by.
"You can give me the grand tour now if you'd like," Clarke said, looking back at her friend when a flash of realisation led to wide eyed surprise as she took note of his smart uniform. "You're a guardsman now?"
"Soon to be chief guard if I keep up the good work," he confirmed, flashing the girl an apologetic smile when he brought their conversation to the end. "Which means I should probably get this patrol underway before my shift ends."
He was already backing away from the newcomers, pulling opening the Rover door as he waved briefly at his friend.
"The Chancellor's waiting at the gate for you. I'll come and find you afterwards, we've got a lot to catch up on," he said in farewell, ducking back into the vehicle without delay before speeding off into the forest, kicking up a cloud of dust in it's wake.
Clarke shook her head in disbelief, briefly glancing over her shoulder to watch the Rover drift easily through the forest, it's roaring engine still audible even as she climbed back onto her horse and continued the final stretch of their journey to the main gate.
The six warriors in her guard were similarly on horseback, the only effective method of transportation that carried them from Polis to Arkadia within reasonable time constraints. Their approach made quite the spectacle to the surrounding people who were watching their progress with wide eyes, some with obvious awe and surprise, others with reserved suspicion.
A visit from their peaceful neighbours was a rare occurrence and usually signalled the beginning of political drama or conflict within the alliance, not a prospect that anyone was fond of.
Clarke ignored the lingering stares and kept her gaze straight ahead towards the open gate, already glimpsing the small welcoming party that awaited her there. Her mother was predictably stationed at the very front, her excitement evident at the girls return.
"I was hoping that you would visit us soon," Abby began once her daughter had crossed the threshold and dismounted, sweeping forwards to pull her into a tight hug before she could protest. "How long are you staying for?"
"Three days," Clarke confirmed, quickly stepping away from the embrace at the earliest opportunity, much to the displeasure of her mother. "Then we will accompany you to Polis for the ceremony."
There was a hint of formality to their discussion, one that Abby did not appreciate, but she let the unusual behaviour slide by unaddressed and smiled resolutely at the girl instead.
"It's a pleasure to have you here," she offered with a silent promise that the behaviour would not be forgotten, and waved the group further into camp. "Let me show you around."
The camp looked good, in fact it looked great. The loose wreckage once strewn around the station had been cleared, in its place large buildings had been erected and small areas of fertile land allocated to farming. An armoury and spacious hangar were amongst the newly constructed areas, with solar arrays meeting any requirements for electricity.
Clarke was overwhelmingly impressed as she was guided through the clustered buildings, but carefully maintained a neutral expression as she congratulated the Chancellor on the achievements. Arkadia was no longer just surviving, it was thriving.
The tour concluded within the main station itself, first sweeping through the renovated medical centre before a brief introduction to the communal bar which had been an instant hit with the inhabitants.
"Well look who it is," Murphy drawled from his position on a barstool, gently cradling a glass of liquor in one hand as he cast a scathing glance over the newcomers. "Wanheda returns, guess that's something to drink to."
He proceeded to drain his glass and hop down from the stool when the Chancellor sent a withering stare in his direction.
"Shouldn't you be working on construction?" she said pointedly, running short of patience for the unpredictable man. "I suggest you stay until the end of your shift this time."
Murphy shrugged nonchalantly and saluted sarcastically before spinning away to stroll out of the bar, whistling a carefree tune that echoed through the corridors.
"Is he okay?" Clarke asked with a light frown, staring at the space he had previously occupied.
"It's Murphy, define okay. He just needs purpose, something to keep him occupied."
With the tour at an end, Abby eagerly invited the girl back to her office for a private conversation. Two of the warriors shadowed the Skaikru leader at a distance but remained outside the office to prevent unwanted disruption.
"It's incredible, everything that you've achieved here," Clarke said in the way of a compliment once she was secured within the office with her mother, sinking gratefully into the plush couch that lined the leftmost wall.
Abby chose to lean against her desk with crossed arms, pursing her lips at the comment. "Is that it?"
Clarke glanced up in surprise at the sharp tone, her head resting back against the soft material as she felt the weariness of her journey creeping into existence. She hadn't meant to offend her mother so soon.
"What do you want from me?" she said tiredly, unable to muster the energy for a strategic conversation, opting for honesty over subtle mind games.
"I haven't seen you in over a month Clarke and, when you do finally honour us with your presence, it's like welcoming a stranger rather than my daughter!"
Clarke sighed. Her mother was entirely justified in her discontent, but she was taking it far too personally. Wanheda was a symbol throughout the clans, renowned for her ties to the Commander and respected for her judgement. Careful formality and objectivity had become an essential component of her life, not something that could be easily abandoned without conscious effort.
"You forget, I have a position of responsibility now. I have to be careful what I-"
"We're your family Clarke," her mother burst with clear frustration, "If you can be yourself with anyone then it's us."
Clarke nodded slowly and stood to grasp her mothers hands apologetically.
"I'm happy to be here, I really am, but it's been a difficult time in Polis. There's been a lot going on and-"
"Tell me everything," Abby interrupted, gently using her grip on her daughters hands to pull the girl back to the couch and settle next to her, her anger fading to be replaced with concern. "What happened?"
An hour passed by unnoticed as Clarke described the worrying events in detail, including everything from the first hint of treachery within their ranks to the bloody attack in the courtyard. Her trip to Arkadia would have been far more pleasant without the consequences of such events weighing on her mind.
"That's awful," Abby breathed, concerned to learn of the potential danger within Polis but found herself lost for words that might alleviate the girls worry.
"What about the situation here?" Clarke continued, hoping that life in Arkadia was comparatively calmer. "Any problems since Nia's death?"
Abby shook her head. "Nothing to concern yourself with tonight, you deserve a break."
Clarke was ready to argue but the woman was already standing to usher the girl out of the room.
"Your friends will be waiting to speak to you, I have kept you long enough already."
Clarke's suspicions were instantly raised by the evasive action but had little choice but to return to the bar when her mother was called away over the radio. She silently promised to follow up on the matter at a later time and she would not be pleased if her mother was hiding information.
Her friends had kindly thrown a small welcome party of sorts and it was admittedly refreshing to see everyone again. Jasper and Monty were eagerly handing out beverages whilst stories were recounted and laughter rippled through the gathering. Clarke even found herself smiling when Nathan dragged Miller out onto the dance floor with great reluctance, taking a sip of her own drink as she allowed herself to enjoy the moment.
It was a strange sensation to be relaxing so openly after all that had happened at Polis, but she had come here to spend time with her people before the ceremony and there was nothing pressing that demanded her attention. She wasn't necessarily here on political duties and she knew that this was what Lexa had wanted, to take a break from responsibilities even if just for a brief time.
A range of faces drifted in and out of the communal area throughout the afternoon as work shifts came to an end. Bellamy eventually joined the gathering to a collective cheer and promptly accepted a generous glass of moonshine from Jasper before claiming the seat next to the blonde leader.
"It's never a dull day around here," he quipped, taking a brief sip of his drink as he relaxed into the seat. "Having fun yet?"
"I am actually," Clarke admitted, pleasantly surprised at how well she had settled back into the camp. Her mum was right about one thing at least, she could be herself here amongst her people. "How was the patrol?"
Conversation continued to flow for another hour but Clarke's initial peace was becoming tinged with suspicion as her attempts to inquire about political status within the camp were brushed aside each and every time. Something wasn't quite adding up.
Eventually, when she could stomach the vague responses and disarming distractions no longer, she bid a quiet farewell to those closest to her and subtly began a swift retreat from the bar. What she hadn't expected was for her path to be blocked by Bellamy who had an unusually large smile gracing his features.
"We've not got you on the dance floor yet! You can't leave your own party before the guests."
Clarke looked back at him through narrowed eyes, not convinced by the display. "I need to speak to my mom."
"Everyone's here to see you Clarke, can't it wait until tomorrow?"
"No. She said she had a meeting in her office, it should be finished by now," Clarke lied easily, hoping to trip the guardsmen up and it worked beautifully.
A flicker of uncertainty was quickly hidden beneath a dismissive shake of the head as he gently put a hand on her shoulder to coax her back to the party. "The meeting was delayed by a few hours so she won't be free for some time. Why not stay with us a bit longer and I'll let you know when she's ready?"
There was no meeting. In fact, the Chancellor had specifically stated that she had no meetings scheduled for the next three days whilst her daughter was present and Bellamy had fallen straight into the trap.
"Cut the crap," Clarke said through clenched teeth, keeping her voice low and inconspicuous with great effort. "There is no meeting and you damn well know it, so why are you trying to keep me here?"
"Okay, okay. Let me explain, come back to the bar and-"
He gently tried to guide her back into the communal area but he was met with fierce resistance.
"Take your hands off me. Now."
The pure ferocity with which Clarke spoke would have been enough to propel Bellamy's compliance and the approach of the leaders two bodyguards only hastened his response. He hastily withdrew his hand and tried one last time to placate his friend.
"I can explain, just-"
His words were lost as the girl fixed him with a disappointed stare, ignoring his ramblings as she turned away in search of the Chancellor.
"Clarke, wait!" he called, only for his path to be blocked by the two burly guards when he tried to follow. Brown eyes darted desperately past them to where the blonde girl was striding around the corner but he was in no position to prevent her exit. The Chancellor was going to be disappointed.
The blonde leader surged through the Ark, recruiting one of her warriors along the way to accompany her to the Chancellor's office. This slice of paradise had seemed too good to be true, and she had a sinking feeling that she had been right all along.
A single guard was stationed outside the office when she arrived and he shifted nervously at her untimely approach. His presence alone signified something of importance taking place within the office and Clarke was not about to be excluded from it.
"Ah, the Chancellor has specifically requested to be left-"
"Move, I need to see her," Clarke interjected, standing at her full height before the man with a glint of determination in her eyes. She would not be deterred. Not any longer.
The man hesitated for a long moment, his mouth opening and closing as his eyes darted between the fearsome leader and the looming warrior at her back. It was not a fight that he would win and he knew as much.
"I really shouldn't..." he began, trailing off when a harsh stare came his way and he made the wise decision to comply. He knew of the girls status within the alliance and was far more fearful of the immediate consequences of his actions then what the Chancellor might think.
He stepped aside reluctantly and Clarke swiftly keyed in the entry code, stepping confidently into the room to observe Kane and Abby with unbridled suspicion when they fell into immediate silence.
Her mother was seated at the desk, head in hands with scattered documents laid before her in precarious piles that threatened to fall at the slightest breeze. Kane stood in front of the desk, initially bracing himself against the widest edge before turning in surprise at the unexpected interruption.
Any doubts that Clarke may have harboured about her suspicions vanished at the instant guilt that flashed other her mothers face, accompanied by a panicked attempt to gather the incriminating files together before the information could be observed.
"Clarke, are you enjoying your time here?" Kane finally said in a pleasant tone, as if a secret conversation with the Chancellor hadn't just been interrupted. His loyalty had to be admired but he was no better at lying than Abby.
Clarke ignored the question and approached the desk as her bodyguard closed the door and remained in the corridor to guard against further intrusion.
"What is this?" the blonde insisted once they were alone, her patience running thin as her mother shared an indecipherable look with Kane. The man had stepped aside, circling the table to stand beside the Chancellor as Clarke swept her gaze over the documents. They held nothing of immediate interest, nothing but documentation of the camp inhabitants and their individual records.
"Why don't we get ourselves a decent meal in the-"
"Enough of the pleasantries!" Clarke burst suddenly, tired of the constant deflection that she had received since arriving. "There's something going on here and you're going to tell me everything. Now."
The Chancellor reeled back in surprise at the authoritative tone, not expecting to be on the receiving end of her daughters wrath. Clarke had spoken with clear and precise instruction, expecting immediate action to follow her demand. Even Kane raised an eyebrow at the unexpected display.
"Is that an order?" Abby asked curtly, a disapproving frown already forming at the unnecessary tone. She was still Chancellor and it would do no harm to show some respect once in a while.
No response was necessary to answer the question and the Chancellor wasn't sure whether she wanted one. They all knew what the blonde would say.
"Fine," the woman continued, perching in her chair with a tense posture. "I was going to inform you of this tomorrow, but if you insist."
Kane sat down quietly on the couch when the girl refused to abandon her rigid posture and stood resolutely in the centre of the room with crossed arms as she waited for the explanation.
It was everything that she had wanted to avoid and was instantly angered that she hadn't been informed at the earliest opportunity. Allegedly the Grounder villages weren't the only ones to be exposed to the bitter resentment of the alliance. Rumours had been spiralling throughout Arkadia that there was a minority who would prefer any action other than peace with their neighbours, those who plotted its downfall and harboured a dislike of the proposed peace.
"You should have told me this the moment I arrived," Clarke said through clenched teeth, pacing to the door and back as she processed her burning resentment and the knowledge that this visit would be more political than she had expected.
"We weren't even certain that the rumours were true!" Abby exclaimed, harbouring her own frustration that her daughter felt the need to be in the centre of everything. "We had to be sure before reporting anything like that to you!"
First Roan withholding vital information, and then Arkadia, why couldn't they just be forthcoming?
"After everything that I told you about Polis, the violence that's taking place there! Even then you didn't think it necessary to tell me?"
"Especially after that! If this turns out to be no more than spiteful rumours, we don't want the wrath of Polis descending into camp and upsetting the peace. It took careful consideration."
Clarke could've screamed in that moment. The point of an alliance was to work together against threats, not to make the situation even worse.
"If this turns out to be a real threat, then you have a lot to answer for," Clarke warned quietly, meeting her mother's gaze firmly. This was no time to be complacent.
A sharp knock interrupted their showdown and Clarke reluctant retreated to the door where she was greeted by a guard who addressed her in Trigedasleng for the sake of privacy.
"A messenger just arrived with news from Polis. A message from the Commander herself."
Clarke glanced briefly over her shoulder as her mother watched the interaction with narrowed eyes, not appreciating the lack of transparency in their conversation. Perhaps if she had been more forthcoming, Clarke wouldn't have felt it necessary, but after recent events she merely turned back to the warrior and nodded for him to continue.
"What did she say?"
"Heda interrogated the prisoners and discovered that their network expands beyond Polis," the warrior continued in Trigedasleng, "More than one of them claimed to hold sway within the Skaikru camp."
Clarke would have been rocked by the revelation moments ago, but now it made perfect sense. It was hard to imagine that such a peaceful camp could harbour dangerous minds and beliefs but it had all been a carefully placed illusion. One that she had almost fallen for.
"Heda commands the camp to be isolated and contained at once until these traitors have been found. She will ride here to assist the effort if her presence is required. Your response?"
The messenger stepped closer when beckoned and listened intently to the woman's speech. He would convey every word to the Commander without error.
"The situation here is under control, I'll have the traitor identified and detained with minimal exposure. I won't let this be a repeat of what happened in Polis."
Clarke was visibly shaken when she dismissed the guard, not responding to her mothers initial questions about the secret conversation as she digested what had to be done. This was not how she had envisioned her trip progressing but she had no choice but to enact the Commander's directions.
Her elated mood from the pleasant afternoon sobered into focused clarity and she finally addressed her mother directly.
"I need you to bring everyone inside and seal the gate, make up an excuse that won't cause suspicion. Then I want a full head count and a compilation of files. And yes, that was an order."
Abby gaped at her daughter, wondering if she could possibly be serious. "What exactly are we meant to tell them? What's this all about?"
"I'll tell you everything, but first you need to do this. Tell them whatever you need to, just be subtle about it."
Abby regarded her with fresh suspicion and not even Kane appeared particularly supportive of the action. They would need a good reason to enact such stringent measures on their people. Clarke sighed and fixed them both with a firm gaze, projecting the necessity of the situation for their benefit.
"We have a traitor in camp."
Within the hour every member of Arkadia was secured within the fence and accounted for, a relief to the Skaikru leader who had half expected the suspect to have disappeared upon her appearance.
A painstaking strategy of waiting for the traitor to reveal themselves eventually paid off, even if Abby and Kane had been initially sceptical. With the camp under lockdown it had only been a matter of time before the suspect became aware of the reason for the confinement, and when trapped in a corner it was only natural for one to lash out in self defence.
Clarke had been counting on it and she hadn't been disappointed.
The desire to survive and escape had an astounding ability to overwhelm logic in such precarious situations and this had been no exception.
After a long night of spreading carefully constructed rumours and deceptive lies that would smoke the traitor from their hiding, it had been inevitable when the young man had taken his chances attempting an escape, only to be intercepted by Wanheda herself.
Clarke was disappointed to glimpse his young features in the torchlight, but maintained her unreadable expression as the boy skidded to a stop before her. Fearful eyes darted around in search of an exit but there was none to be found and the boy was left with a fated decision.
He could either surrender peacefully or resist until the very end. Clarke urged him to be sensible but unfortunately he chose the wrong path.
Glinting metal shone in the moonlight as he drew the crudely made knife, overcome with fear and resignation as he lurched towards the blonde woman in one final act of defiance. Standing resolutely in the face of his attack, she unflinchingly shifted to avoid the initial lunge and grabbed his arm firmly to manoeuvre him to the ground in a single, sweeping movement.
Surprise reigned on his face as she plucked the useless weapon from his prone grip, a heavy boot firmly planted on his chest to prevent further violence. He was a far cry from a trained fighter and Clarke had disarmed him with ease. Wide eyes stared up at her in the moonlight and she was quietly saddened to witness his youth. His whole life lay before him and this was the path he chose?
Her guards swiftly dragged him upright and restrained him in a strong grip when the Chancellor came tearing across the clearing with a concerned expression.
"Clarke? Are you-" she faltered upon glimpsing the young boy and skittered to a stop in front of him. "Mason...it was you?"
She was clearly disappointed but overcame her surprise quickly, adopting an even tone as she addressed her guards.
"Take him to the cells. We will question him in the morning."
The Ark guards nodded and waved for the Trikru warriors to follow with the prisoner, compliantly guiding them towards the cell block.
"I can't believe he would betray us like that," Abby noted softly, shaking her head despondently as she recalled how kind and generous the boy had always been. What could have happened to turn him against his own people?
She turned to face her daughter, relieved at the very least that she hadn't come to any harm in the process.
"We'll question him tomorrow and find out who put him up to this, I think I can get through to him," she continued, confident that the boy held enough respect for her to answer their questions. She paused, eyes narrowing when she glimpsed the imperceptible shift in her daughters expression that signalled a revelation that she wasn't going to appreciate.
"He will be questioned at Polis, along with the other traitors," Clarke expressed, already anticipating the fierce opposition that met the statement. Her mother was never going to agree to such terms willingly.
"He's just a boy," Abby breathed quietly, not wanting to even consider the prospect of his treatment within Polis. "He should be questioned here amongst his own people. This is a Skaikru matter and we should be allowed to handle it discretely."
"An attack on my life and the alliance is a serious crime that cannot be dealt with as an isolated incident. His situation will be assessed in Polis. It's the only way."
Abby was shaking her head passionately. "He's barely eighteen Clarke, you can't just-"
"Yes, I can," the blonde girl said curtly, cutting off her mothers objection before it had even begun. The words settled heavily between them, a reminder of Clarke's position within the alliance. Only one voice could overpower her and it certainly wasn't the Chancellor.
Clarke didn't enjoy pulling rank against her own mother but it was the only way to highlight just how serious this situation was.
"You can't be serious Clarke," the Chancellor uttered, but was unable to find any hint of leniency in the commanding expression. "We've all made mistakes. Don't use this boy as a symbol for your justice."
Clarke scrutinised her mother, unwilling to bend under the obvious manipulation. "No, you don't understand Chancellor, this is not a negotiation and my word is final. I speak with the Commander's authority, so I would suggest your full cooperation."
Silence fell like a shadow, a distasteful presence of conflict sharp between the two women.
"We will transport him to Polis tomorrow as scheduled," Clarke continued, utilising the woman's loss of words to conclude their conversation. "Until then, he remains in the cells without visitors."
The disappointment seeping from the Chancellor was impossible to ignore and Clarke retreated from it's lingering presence, feeling her mothers heavy gaze trailing her with every step.
She had to consider the entire alliance, every single clan within its foundation and it would be a grave error to display even the slightest hint of favour towards her own people. An attack on her life by anyone had to be treated without bias. If this boy received no consequences for his treacherous act, then what would stop others from attempting to do the same?
This was the right decision and her mother would see that one day, maybe not right now, but eventually. If it meant the prolonged safety of her people and the eradication of these twisted beliefs that were circling through the clans, then it was for the best.
Thank you for reading this chapter, let me know what you thought! :)