Shadow Son

Chapter one

           The night was silent as the two cats made their way through the forest. The only sound was the wind in the leaves and their paws crunching on the ground below. They walked alongside each other, nervousness burning in the youngest while the oldest was filled with only determination. 

They'd made the decision two days ago. It was thought over for a long time but they decided that it needed to happen. So, they set off in the early morning on their way to the shadow kingdom. 

They'd been called upon by Lucas, the king of the Shadow kingdom. He'd requested their help with an upcoming war. The brothers had decided that this would not only affect the kingdoms but their community too. So they made the best decision for everyone.

Felix was the oldest of the two, a strong and determined tom and the youngest was Stanley, a nervous but passionate tom.

These two cats had formed a small community just outside of the kingdoms several months ago, and they had built quite a large following. Many cats moved there after they heard of it, tired of kingdom life and more interested in the rural peacefulness of the community.

The king must have noticed how large the community was, or else he wouldn't have asked for assistance. 

The brothers were on their way to the kingdom to discuss matters with King Lucas. Such as where to train, and what cats they would swap around.

As they approached the tall looming structure of the kingdom walls, Felix couldn't help but acknowledge the sharp pang of excitement that coursed through his veins. 

He'd never been to the kingdom before, let alone met a royalty. This was a true honor that any cat would be blessed to have.

He swallowed the anxiety that threatened to creep up his throat and nodded to Stanley, who could only smile weakly as they approached the large entryway. 

A beautiful black she-cat stood guard, Her ears pricked and alarmed as they approached. She looked to be young because her helmet didn't quite fit her.

"Welcome to the Shadow Kingdom. State your purpose." Her meow was full of authority and her green eyes narrowed up at him.

"Greetings, lady..?" He drifted off as he awaited the she-cat to state her name. 

"Gloss." She dipped her head.

"Greetings, Lady Gloss." Felix bowed his head "I am Sir Felix, and this is Sir Stanley. We come from the mountain community on request of King Lucas."

Gloss's eyes widened as if her coldness before had been an audacity "Oh my! I am so sorry sirs! I did not know it was you!' 

"That is quite alright Lady Gloss." Stanley purred with amusement. He stepped forward to touch noses in greeting with her.

"Please, just Gloss. I'm not much for fancy titles." The young cat laughed. She looked nervous again as she turned her head. 

"What's wrong?" Felix asked noticing her discomfort.

"Well, I can't leave my post. So you're going to have to wait a moment for a guard on patrol duty to show up. I hope you don't mind." 

Felix shook his head "That's quite alright. We've had a long journey and would love some rest anyway." 

Gloss seemed satisfied with his answer and she pointed them over to a large patch of grass a couple tail lengths within the kingdom. 

The brothers thanked her and trudged over to the patch where the flopped down lazily. 

"I can see where she got her name." Stanley purred, watching Gloss turn back to her post. "Her fur is as shiny as a jewel!" 

Felix laughed and placed his head on his paws. He closed his eyes and attempted to drift into sleep. 

"Wake up."

Felix jolted up as he felt a strong paw prod on his side. He hadn't realized he'd fallen asleep, but when he looked up the sky was a few shades lighter. A large and threatening brown tom stood above him. His green eyes betrayed his tough guy demeanor, though, as they were warm and shone with kindness.

"It's a pleasure to meet you sirs. I am Sir Clyde, head of the royal guard." 

Felix got to his paws and stretched his rear in the air, stretching his jaws into a large yawn.

Stanley got to his paws and dipped his head politely. "Hello Sir Clyde, I am Sir Stanley and this is my brother Sir Felix. King Lucas has requested our presence." Something in his voice was odd. 

Felix stood up and dipped his head just as Stanley had.

Clyde smiled charmingly at them and gave a sweep of his tail. "Well, follow me and I will introduce you to our king." With that, he turned and led the way with a raised chin.

The brothers exchanged a look before dashing after the head guard.  

Felix looked up, the castle was large and menacing in the distance. He swallowed and narrowed his eyes, fear clawing at his belly.

What would the king be like?