Eclipse

Chapter 1

A shadow was cast over the moon, turning the full moon into a golden semi-circle. Crescent shadows dappled the grass and a gnarled willow tree whispered in a breeze. A monolith stood tall beneath the shrouded moon, its flawless obsidian surface marred a crack running through it. A figure appeared in the moonlit courtyard and disappeared between the willow branches. Heavy boots patrolled the walls around the courtyard. The shadowy figure appeared between the leaves and moved softly across the grass. Nocturnal insects buzzed and an owl blotted out the stars overhead. The smell of phlox and primrose drifted on the breeze. The moon disappeared behind a cloud and in the darkness the monolith shimmered like moonlight on water. The figure stopped and stared at the silvery light before stepping lightly over moss covered pathways towards an ivy-covered wall. Gentle hands pushed away the leaves from the walls. The moon peeked out from behind the clouds and cast its golden rays downwards.

"Where is it?"

Hands moved faster through the leaves. The rustling could barely be heard but the figure still stopped to listen for the watch.

"If it's not here he's going to regret this. Shit."

The owner of the voice quickly ducked into the shadows as the guard returned. Violet eyes followed the guard until he disappeared around a corner. Nimbly, the thief returned to the search.

The owl spotted movement in the grass and swooped down. The little mouse never saw it coming and was quickly lifted into the sky. The insects went quiet but the thief didn't notice.

"All's quiet down there. No sign of anybody. Why are we doing this, Captain?"

The two guards stood just around the corner out of eye and earshot of the thief.

"Lord Lucien seemed convinced that someone will try and sneak into the treasury through the hidden passage in the courtyard."

"We've kept watch for over a week and nothing out of the ordinary happened. This is a waste of time," said the guard.

"We do what we're old to do. Now stop complaining and return to your rounds."

The Captain watched as the guard stomped of. He agreed with him. This was a waste of time but they are loyal to the crown and as King Igor's adviser, they are loyal to Lord Lucien as well.

"But that doesn't mean I have to like him," mumbled the guard.

"I do hope you're not talking about me."

The guard captain spun around and stammered, "No, of course not, my Lord. I was... Can I help you with anything, my Lord?"

"Has our little thief shown up yet?" asked Lucien.

"No, my Lord," the guard hesitated, "are you sure he will...?"

"Are you questioning me?" interrupted Lucien.

"No, my Lord. It's just, uh, inconceivable, for a thief to enter the castle grounds without being detected."

Lord Lucien sighed and looked at the moon. The guard was right, it did sound impossible. The castle is better guarded than ever before, and yet...

"Inform me the moment something happens." He turned and walked away.

The guard captain sighed with relief once the nobleman was out of earshot.

The thief hid in the shadows beneath the willow tree when the guard returned. Crouching between the branches, the thief mumbled curses at the person who told her about the hidden entrance.

"When I find him..."

"Who is him?" came a voice from behind the thief.

Lucien walked away from the guard and went down the stairs two at a time. He walked through the moonlit halls of Castle Laventhorpe until he came to plain wooden door. He checked for prying eyes before entering the dark corridor and closed the door softly behind him. Only the kings are supposed to know about this secret passage. It was dark in hallway, but Lucien knew the way. He walked without a torch, his footsteps echoing through the passage. The passage ended at a stone wall and with a push a secret door opened and Lucien stepped through. He found himself in the Courtyard of Kings, beneath the willow tree. And standing in front of him, with her back towards him, was the thief. He could barely make her out in the shadows and understood how she could remain hidden from the patrols.

"When I find him..." she mumbled.

"Who is him?" asked Lucien and she spun around.

She looked at him like he was a ghost. He made use of her surprise and grabbed her by the arm and dragged her into the light.

"Guards!"

A regiment of guards burst through the gate leading toward the castle. They wore armour of bronze, unlike the two standing on the wall. Lucien looked at the guard captain standing on the wall and gave a smile. The captain nodded back and left.

"Looks like we've got ourselves a thief," Lucien smiled at the young thief and removed the hood from her head. Raven hair fell across her shoulders and her violet eyes gleamed in the moonlight.

"And who might you be? Just another Shadow Band? Or are you by any chance the elusive Raven?"

The thief just stared at him. Lucien sighed and looked at the moon. A glint around the thief's neck caught his eye. It was a silver chain with a small charm in the shape of a swan.

"A swan?" he tugged at the chain and it broke.

"Take her to the cells beneath the barracks. I suspect the King would want a word with her in the morning."

The guards grabbed her arms and led the struggling thief away. Lucien stayed behind in the courtyard and looked thoughtfully at the chain in his hand before tossing it aside.

"Looks like he was right," he said to himself before leaving the courtyard and returning to his chamber.