Eclipse

Chapter 2

The giant doors were thrown open and the king stepped inside. The sunlight in the room grew brighter as the king made his way towards his throne. Windows were opened and the breeze ruffled the crimson banner behind the throne. A man clad in rich green was standing at the foot of the dais and bowed when the king passed.

"King Igor."

"Lord Lucien."

"You seem... chipper, this morning, Lucien."

"I am, Your Highness. Last night we caught a little bird trying to sneak into the treasury."

A smile crept across the king's face and he relaxed into his throne.

"Have you identified him as the Raven?" asked the king.

"No, my King. All we know for sure is that she's a member of the Shadow Bands."

"She?" The king looked at his advisor.

"Yes, my King. The thief was a young woman. Unfortunately that's all we know. And that someone told her how to get into the treasury." Lucien looked nervously at the king.

"Can the Raven really be a woman? That would explain why no one ever seems to find him. Men tend to be less vigilant when a young woman is around," the king looked at the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, "who is she?"

"We don't know. She hasn't said a word since her capture. But I will find out."

Lucien looked at his king. He thought news of the capture would please the king, but now he was uncertain. The king didn't seem so pleased.

"Where is she?" asked the king indifferently.

"In the holding cells beneath the barracks. Under heavy guard. Shall I send for her?"

"Not yet. She can wait. We have other matters to discuss."

Lucien sighed in relief. He managed to avoid the king's re, for now.

The light from the small barred window high in the thick wall grew slowly stronger. Alaska could hear the marching of boots and smell horses while she stared at the wall. She sighed and looked at the bit of sky she could see. It was a pale winter's blue and the sun coming in was watery. It was almost sunrise when the guards threw her in the cell and she was tired. Conversation from the guards drifted down the hall but she could only hear murmuring. She sighed again. It didn't matter what they were saying. She had heard enough stories to know what happens to prisoners thrown into these cells. Heavy chains kept her from moving closer to the bars and Alaska cursed the man who had sent her here for the hundredth time.

"I should never have listened to that little bug. Reid and Tobias was right. His ideas only lead to trouble," she said under her breath before settling in more comfortable against the wall and closing her eyes.

Crescent sunlight dappled the path. Flowers littered the road. Remnants of the Spring Parade. Two small figures darted across the path, gathering flowers.

"Ally, look! I got a lily!" cried the smaller of the two.

Her sister came closer and looked at the flower.

"You should hold on to that one, Aya. It's very special." Said her older sister.

"Then we should give it to mom. Maybe it will make her better." Aya looked at her big sister with hope and Alaska didn't have the courage to tell her that there is nothing that can help their mother.

"Come on, Aya," she said, "we should be getting back. We have a long walk."

"Just a few more minutes?" begged Aya, "I want to find more lilies for mom."