Magpie Calling

Chapter One

21st March 3203

The group of trainee Peacebringers marched silently towards their commander, a scary looking man of fifty, with graying hair and a stern expression.

"Alright boys, here's the rota for the evening." He said, once they had stopped walking. "Division A, you're a all up at ten for a night shift, Division B, get geared up, you're all on guard in ten minutes. And I want to see all of you tomorrow night for the state ball, or its two hundred laps of the field."

There were a few groans among the soldiers, as the group split in half, some walking towards the exit, the rest walking to a large building, full of suits and weapons.

Casper Grey walked among the rest of his fellow soldiers in Division A. It had been a tiring day of training and he hoped to get a few hours of sleep before the night shift later on.

"Oi, Grey, wait up!" Someone called. Casper stopped for a moment, allowing his friend, Mathew Herondale, to catch up.

"You walk fast for such a tall guy." He puffed.

"Well, I want to get some sleep before that bloody night shift later. This is the third one this week."

"Dammit, I was going to ask if you were going to the party later at Delinskeys house, but clearly you're busy." Mathew sighed.

"You're not going, are you? It's late already and you'll be needed later. If you leave me alone again, I'll actually feed you to the Rebels myself." Casper warned.

"Relax, Casp, I'm not going to that party. At least, not anymore. There's no way I'm going in there alone without you."

"Don't let me get in the way of you partying your little heart out." Casper said, just as a group of Peacebringers marched past. He followed them with his eyes, staring after them until they had disappeared around the corner.

"Casp, you'll get there one day, but you're starting to creep me out. You stare after those guys as if they were God." Mathew sighed.

"Sorry, I just wish we could hurry up and graduate. We've been training for six years for this."

"Hey, we only have a few months left. Be patient."

They walked for a few more blocks, past the crowds of business men on their way home from work. Casper lived in the middle of the city, in the large government building. His father, Ruben Grey, was the head Peacebringer in Clascatava. They practically had dinner with the President every night.

Clascatava was a large city, home to over a million people. It was a rich and prosperous city and the people there lived a life of great comfort in large houses with the latest in all technology. There was a lavish party almost every night to go to and no one ever had to worry about money because it was always there. 

This was the only life Casper had ever known. He learned the basic Geography of surrounding countries, but he knew very little about them. Clascatava was at the centre and was considered the capital of the world.

The Rebels were only a minor problem. Every so often, there would be a raid or two, but nothing the Peacebringers couldn't handle. They patrolled the city all day, every day, even on Christmas and public holidays. They protected the city from any threat and kept the people in their place.

At last, they reached the huge government building that they called home. Made of pure white marble and boasting six stories of beauty, it was by far the most extravagant and luxurious building in the city, if not the world. It was here that everyone of importance lived, including Casper, Mathew and both of their families.

"Good evening master Herondale and master Grey." The butler said, opening the large oak doors for the two boys.

"Shall I take your coats, sirs?" A maid asked.

"Sure thing. And tell Arthur to have our suits out and ready and get some heating on in our rooms." Mathew commanded.

"Yes sir. Will that be all, sir?"

"For now, at least. Where is my father?"

"His lordship is in meeting hall. He requested that both of you join him immediately." She replied.

"Just great. That's exactly what I need at this moment. A meeting with my father."

"Suck it up, Herondale and let's get going. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can leave." Casper said, pushing his friend down the hallway.

"Casper, is that you?" A voice rang out. Ruben Grey was descending the stairs, with his wife clung to his arm. He had remarried a few months after Caspers mother had disappeared.

"Good evening father." Casper said, saluting the man in front of him.

"I was just beginning to wonder what had happened to you."

"We took a while to get back from training. We have night duty at ten." He explained.

"I see. I suppose you can be excused from the meeting, if that's the case." Ruben sighed.

"Thanks Uncle." Mathew said, grinning happily.

"Anything new happen at training today?" Mrs. Grey asked.

"Some girl tried to sneak in again. They had her taken away almost immediately." Mathew shrugged.

"Just as well, too. Protecting the country is no job for a woman. The only thing a woman should be doing is sitting at home minding the children and caring for the house. If we put our trust in women, we'd all be dead by dawn." Ruben said. The two boys agreed.

"Well, you boys had best get some sleep before you leave. I'll ask Claire to bring some food to you both." Mrs. Grey smiled, not even flinching at her husbands words.

"Quite right. Have a good night, if I don't see you both before you leave."

"Thanks father." Casper said, leading the way back up the stairs again.

"Where are your brothers?" Mathew asked.

"They could be anywhere. Nick is probably in that meeting and Jack is still across the sea in The State Of France."

"That lucky thing. He's surrounded by good looking girls and expensive wine."

"Not this time. He's at another meeting with General Ferdinand. There's no way he'll get out of there to go sightseeing."

Three flights of stairs later, they had reached the sleeping quarters for the house. This was a quiet floor and talking was not permitted by anyone.

"I'll see you later, Grey." Mathew whispered, opening his own door. Casper waved in response and continued towards his own room.

"Master Grey, your suit is laid out for you." Arthur, on of the servants said, coming out of Caspers room.

"Thank you. Please wake Mathew before ten is he isn't up already. That boy would sleep through an apocalypse."

"Very good, sir."

The lights had been turned on in the room, as well as heating. Arthur had left the white trainee uniform on a stand in the corner, brushed and ready to be worn.

Casper walked over to the side of his bed and clapped his hands twice, before unbuttoning his shirt.

"Good evening, Casper Ruben Grey. How was your day?" A robotic female voice asked.

"It was great, Florence." He replied.

"What can I do for you at this moment?" Florence asked.

"Pyjamas is a good start and I want an alarm set for nine thirty. Also, bed must be heated to seven point five and lowered down to five when I get back." He ordered.

"Of course, Casper Ruben Grey."

"It's Casper, Florence, just Casper."

"I apologise, Casper Florence Just Casper."

"No!"