The court of darkness

Chapter one

Darkness engulfed the forest. Even the moon and stars were hidden under the thick canopy of ancient trees. The silence that lingered both peaceful and chilling.

My speed quickened. I told myself it was only because I was late and tried to ignore the feeling that something was following me, lingering in the dark.

I had always hated the dark, ever since I was a small girl and always made my mother or father lay with me until I fell asleep and a candle was always lit in my bedroom. A child's fear that had never quite disappeared it seemed.

A warm yellow glow began to light up the horizon as I neared the city of Newhaven - much to my relief . Two days worth of travel, entirely by horseback and walking had finally paid off. I had waited months for this opportunity. Had saved up even longer to buy the ruby red gown I now wore, it's silk fabric hugging my body in all the right places as well as the heavy black cloak I wore over it.

There were very few occasions that low born people , such as myself, got the opportunity to attend balls. So when Newhaven announced that there would be a public ball, in celebration of the Summer solstice. I knew I had to go. I would have been a fool to miss it. Being a poor women in this nation, meant that I had no real choice - no options or opportunity's in this world. I was to be a wife and a mother and that was all, nothing more or less. Which meant that the chances of me being around such high up people ever again would be slim to none.

Most of the people attending would be there looking for a suitable partner in some way or another. Either low borns looking for a wealthy lord or lady to swoon or Lords and lady's looking to have some fun with the locals, a break from their mundane life's .

I was here for other reasons though. Much more important reasons. Sinister ones.

The city's lights began to take shape, from formless blobs to towering lamps that's lined all of the streets. Music and and an endless choir of voices and laughter filled the night air as people enjoyed the festivities. Huge wood walls engulfed the city, a mote of water surrounding it, prepared for any attack it may face against enemy armies, of which Mercadia - the nation in which Newhaven was located in - had many. Guards lined the bridge that led to the only entry way, a sword attached to each of them and a serious look across their face, their body's tense and ready for anybody who sought to cause trouble.

I dropped my cloak and released my hair from the clip I had slung it in. The wind caressed my fire red hair, making it flow like embers in the wind. My hidden blades ice cold against my thighs.

I strode across the bridge, my heels clicking against the cobblestone underneath. The guards paid no mind to me - just as I had expected - as I entered the bustling city of Newhaven. I only had one shot and I knew I couldn't mess it up. There would be no other time that I would be around lords and ladies, the most wealthy merchants and most importantly, Elliot Miles. The most evil man in all of Mercadia.

The man who destroyed my homeland and executed my people. Executed my parents and everyone else I loved. It would be one of the few occasions that I didn't mind spilling blood.

The city was full of people, all dressed in their best attire. Women in their most expensive gowns and jewels and the men in their best suits. Every tavern and whore house was packed to brim, with people lining the streets outside. Even the houses that dwelled above seemed to be teaming with people as laughter and music came pouring out the open windows.

I had never been around so many people, mostly staying in small towns near the boarder, keeping my head down and out of trouble. Until I received some information about those on my list of course, only then did I ever head into city's.

I continued walking within the shadows, the music and laughter growing louder with ever step I took, and if I wasn't here on business I may have even enjoyed the electric atmosphere that engulfed the city.