9
THE ENCLAVE Translated by Maybe. Edited by Drifted
I could make my heart like a milestone, I set my face like a stone,
deceive and be deceived, and die: who knows? we are ashes and dust.
-Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Maud"
"Try again," suggested Will. "Just walking around the room to another. I say if you look convincing. "
Tessa sighed. His head throbbed, like the back of his eyes. It was exhausting trying be a vampire.
had been two days since the visit of Lady Belcourt, and Tessa had spent most of the time since then trying to become a vampire in a convincing manner, without achieving great success. He still felt like I was sliding on the surface of the mind of Camille, unable to hold on to your thoughts or personality. That made it difficult to know how to walk, how to speak, and what kind of expressions should use when he saw the vampires at the party for Quincey who, no doubt, Camille knew very well, and was supposed to Tessa also had to do so.
He was in the library, and had spent the last hours of practicing food pace with rare form in which Camille walking, and talking to her speak slowly. Hooked on his shoulder was a jewelry clasp that one of the human subjugated Camille, a little wrinkled creature called Archer, had brought in a trunk. There was also a dress, to take Tessa home from De Quincey, but it was too heavy and excellent for use during the day. Tessa was wearing her new blue and white dress, which was uncomfortably tight in the chest and too loose at the waist when he changed to Camille.
Jem and Will had been installed in one of the long tables at the back of the library, apparently to help and advice, but mostly, it seemed that all they did was make fun and enjoy their consternation.
"very supportive of the feet when you walk," said Will. I was busy peeling an apple in his bosom, and seemed not to realize that Tessa was looking at him fiercely. "Camille walk delicately. As a faun in the woods. Not like a duck. "
" I do not walk like a duck. "
" I like ducks, "remarked Jem diplomatically. "Especially those in Hyde Park." He glanced sideways at Will, both sat on the edge of the table, his legs dangling on either side. "Remember when you tried to convince me to give her poultry to ducks in the park to see if you could create a race of cannibals ducks? "
" He ate, "Will recalled. "Small bloodthirsty beasts. Never trust a duck. "
" Do you care? "Claimed Tessa. "If I'm not going to help, you can both go away. I have not let you to stay to listen to you prattle on ducks. "
" Your impatience, "said Will," is not typical of a lady. "He smiled over the block. "Or maybe it's the nature imposed Camille vampire?"
His tone was playful. It was so odd, he thought Tessa. To a few days had been angry at their parents, and later had begged him to hide Jem bloody cough, her face burning with intensity as he did. And now I was kidding like the little sister of a friend, someone he knew casually, perhaps with a little affection, but the complex had no feelings at all. Tessa
bit her lip and grimaced in pain at the unexpected pain. Camille vampire teeth, his teeth worked on an instinct that he could not understand. Seemed to slide forward without a warning or provocation, warning of its presence only by the sudden explosion of pain as piercing the fragile skin of his lip. He felt the taste of blood in his mouth, his own blood, salty and hot. Pressed the tips of his fingers in his mouth, and when away, he saw that were stained with blood.
"Leave it," said Will, releasing the block and rising. "You see that heals very quickly."
Tessa spent his tongue over his left incisor. Was flat again, as a normal tooth. "I do not understand because they go well!"
"For the hungry," said Jem. "Were you thinking blood? "
" No. "
" Were you thinking eat? "asked Will.
"No!"
"No one would blame you," said Jem. "He's very upset."
Tessa sighed. "Camille is very complex. I do not understand it, much less know how to be like her. "
Jem looked at closely. "Can you touch your thoughts? "Like when you said you could touch people's thoughts in which you become?"
"Not yet. I've been trying, but all I get are flashes and images occasional. His thoughts seem to be very protected. "
" Well, hopefully you can break that protection before tomorrow night, "said Will. "Or do not say much about our chances."
"Will," rebuked him Jem. "Do not say that."
"You're right," said Will. "You should not underestimate my abilities. Even if Tessa spoil everything, I'm sure I could fight against the mass of drooling vampires to freedom. "
Jem-like habit, Tessa had begun to realize-just ignored him. "Maybe," said "you can only touch the thoughts of the dead, Tessa? Perhaps most objects Dark Sisters gave you belonged to dead. "
" No. Jessamine's thoughts touched when I switch to it. So it can not be that, thank God. Would then often morbid talent. "
Jem was watching his eyes thoughtfully silver, something in the intensity of his gaze made her feel almost uncomfortable. "And how clear you can see the thoughts of the dead? For example, if you give an object that once belonged to my father, would you know what he was thinking when he died? "
was the turn to see Will be alarmed. "James, I do not think-" he began, but stopped when the library door opened as Charlotte entered. She was not alone. There were at least a dozen men followed, Tessa strangers they had never seen.
"The Enclave," Will whispered, and beckoned for Tessa Jem and officers to cover behind a shelf. Watched from his hiding how the room was filled with Shadow Hunters, most of them men. But Tessa was, that among them were two women.
could not help but stare at them, remembering what Will said about Boadicea, which women could also fight. The tallest woman, must be at least six feet tall, had tied his white hair a crown on the back of his head. It seemed they were in the sixties, and his presence was regal. The other woman was younger, dark hair, catlike eyes and a reserved behavior.
Men were a more diverse group. The oldest was a tall man dressed entirely in gray. His hair and skin also were gray, his bony face and aquiline, with a thin nose and sharp, and a sharp chin. There was strong lines in the corners of her eyes and dark recesses under your cheekbones. His eyes were red. Behind him was the youngest of the group, a boy who would have at most one year older than Will and Jem. He was handsome in a way angular, with normal features but sharp, his tousled brown hair and watchful expression.
Jem made a sound of surprise and disgust. "Gabriel Lightwood," Will murmured softly. "What are you doing here? I thought I was studying at Idris. "
Will had not moved. I was watching the boy with brown hair raised eyebrows, a faint smile on his lips.
"Do not fight with him, Will," Jem said abruptly. "Not here. It's all I'm asking. "
" That's asking a lot, eh? "said Will, not looking at Jem. Will had been leaning over the back of the shelf, and was looking at Charlotte as he accompanied all to the big table in front of the room. Seemed to be getting everyone to rush to sit around.
"Ashdown and George Frederick Penhallow, here, please," said Charlotte. "Lillian Highsmith, if you sit here where the map-"
"Where's Henry?" Said the gray-haired man with a sudden air of courtesy. "Your husband? As a director of the Institute should be here. "
Charlotte hesitated only for a split second before drawing a smile on his face. "He's way, Mr Lightwood," he said, and Tessa realized two things-one, the gray-haired man was surely the father of Gabriel Lightwood, and two, that Charlotte was lying.
"You better," murmured Mr. Lightwood. "A meeting of the Enclave without the institute's director-this is irregular." Then he turned, and although Will had gone to hide behind the shelf was too late. The man's eyes narrowed. "And who is there back then? Go and show yourself! "Will looked
Jem, who shrugged his shoulders eloquently. "It's not worth hiding until they drag us up there, right?"
"Speak for yourself," Tessa hissed. "I do not need that Charlotte is angry with me if we are supposed to be here."
"Do not be so. There is no reason why you ought to know that there was a meeting of the Enclave, and Charlotte is perfectly aware, "said Will. "I always know who to blame." He smiled. "But you turn around it, if you know what I mean. No need to alter their elders. "
" Oh! "For a moment, Tessa had almost forgotten that it was changed as Camille. He quickly began work on the transformation, and when the three emerged from behind the bookcase, returned to be herself.
"Will." Sighed Charlotte to see him, and shook his head to Tessa and Jem. "I told you that the Enclave would be here at four o'clock."
"Yes?" Said Will. "I had to forget. Terrible. "He glanced sideways and smiled. "Hello, Gabriel."
The brown haired boy Will you look back furiously. He had bright green eyes and her mouth was full of disgust as he watched Will. "William," he said finally, and with a little effort. He turned his gaze to Jem. "And James. Are not you a bit young to wander by the meetings of the Enclave? "
" Did not you? "Said Jem.
"I turned eighteen in June," said Gabriel, hitting both back on the back of the chair your feet up off the ground. "I have every right in the world to participate in the activities of the Enclave now."
"How fascinating," said the white-haired woman looked as Tessa regia. "So is this, Lottie? The girl wizard from which we were talking about? "The question was addressed to Charlotte, but the woman's gaze rested on Tessa. "Not likely."
"Neither seemed Magnus Bane the first time I saw him," said Mr Lightwood, looking curiously at Tessa. "Let's get down to business. Teach what you can do. "
" I'm not a witch, "Tessa protested angrily.
"Well, as some are, my girl," said the older woman. "If you are not a witch, then what?"
"Enough." Charlotte stood up. "The Ms. Gray has already shown us its authenticity to me and Mr. Branwell. That should serve you, at least until the Enclave make the decision on whether to use their skills. "
" Of course they want, "said Will. "We have no hope of success in this plan without her," Gabriel
forward his chair with such force that the legs struck the stone floor with a sound of cracking. "Mrs. Branwell, "he said angrily," William is or is not too young to participate in the meetings of the Enclave? "
Charlotte's eyes were red-faced from Gabriel to Will, who was expressionless. He sighed. "Yes it is. Will, Jem, please Tarry in the hall with Tessa. "
Will's expression tightened, but Jem sent him a warning glance, and remained silent. Lightwood Gabriel appeared triumphant. "I will show you out," he announced, rising. Accompanied the three outside the library, and stepped into the hallway behind them.
"You," Will spat, lowering his voice to those in a library does not listen. "You dishonor the name of Shadow Hunters, anywhere."
Will leaned against the wall and looked at Gabriel with his eyes cold and blue. "I did not think you got nothing to disgrace, after your father,"
"I would be grateful not to talk to my family," growled Gabriel, passing his hand behind his back to close the library door.
"How unfortunate that the prospect of your thankfulness not tempt me," said Will.
Gabriel stared at him, his hair disheveled, her green eyes glowing with rage. At that time it looked like someone who knew Tessa, but could not say who. "What?" Growled Gabriel.
"refers," said Jem, "Not to care about your thanks."
Gabriel's cheeks darkened to a dark crimson.
"If you were a minor, Herondale, I would challenge to a duel. Just you and me, and death. I cut into bloody rags, "
" Stop, Gabriel, "Jem interrupted before Will could reply. "Will Raise to a melee," is like punishing a dog after he racked bite you. You know how it is. "
" Thank you, James, "Will said, never taking his eyes from Gabriel. "I appreciate the testimony to me."
Jem shrugged. "It's true."
Jem Gabriel threw a dark look. "Stay out of this, Carstairs. Does not concern you. "
Jem moved closer to the door, and Will, who was completely straight, his eyes cold as that of Gabriel. The Tessa's neck hairs began to rise. "If Will concerns, including me," said Jem.
Gabriel shook his head. "You are a decent Shadow Hunter, James" said, "and a gentleman. Got your-disability, but no one to blame. But this, "her lip curled, and pointed to Will. "This crap you just sink. Find someone else to be your parabatai. Nobody expected to pass Herondale Will nineteen, and no regret to leave, either, "
That was too much for Tessa. Without thinking, erupted with indignation. "How dare you say that!"
Gabriel, interrupted in the middle of the quarrel was so in shock as if one of the tapestries had begun to talk. "Pardon?"
"I've heard. Tell someone you would not mind to die! It is inexcusable! "Pulled the sleeve of Will. "Come on, Will. This, obviously, this person does not deserve to waste time with him. "
Will seemed to be very entertaining. "True."
"You, you," Gabriel, stammering slightly, Tessa looked so alarmed. "You have no idea of \u200b\u200bthe things he has done,"
"And I do not care. You are all Nefilim, right? It is assumed that you are all on the same side. "Tessa frowned at Gabriel. "I think that Will owes an apology."
"I," said Gabriel, "I prefer and I ripped the guts in a knot tied in front of my eyes rather than apologize to that worm."
"My God!" Said Jem slightly. "I do not mean it, really. Will not part of being a worm, of course. The part of the bowels. That sounds scary. "
" Yes, they pretend, "said Gabriel, returning to the subject. "I'd rather fall into a tub ¹ Malphas poison and dissolve slowly until only the bones remain me."
"Really?" Said Will. "It turns out that I know a guy who could sell a tub of" "
The library door opened. Mr Lightwood was in the doorway. "Gabriel," he said in a tone cold. "Do you plan to attend the meeting, your first meeting of the Enclave, if I remember, or prefer to stay in the hall playing with other children?"
Nobody was particularly pleased with that comment, especially Gabriel, who swallowed hard , nodded, threw one last look at Will and followed his father back to the library, hitting a door slammed behind them.
"Well," said Jem after the door closed. "It was as bad as I expected it to be. Is it the first time you see it from the Christmas party last year? "He asked, directing the question to Will.
"Yes," said Will. "You think I should have told him how much I've missed?"
"No," said Jem.
"Is it always like this?" Asked Tessa. "Is it so horrible?"
"You should see his brother," said Jem. "It seems that Gabriel sweeter than gingerbread. Besides, he hates even more than Will Gabriel, if possible. "
Will smiled, then turned and started walking down the hall, whistling at the same time. After a moment's hesitation, Jem was behind him, gesturing for them to continue to Tessa.
"Why do you hate Gabriel Lightwood, Will?" Tessa asked as they walked. "What was what you did?"
"No you did nothing to him," Will said, walking with quick steps. "It was something I did to her sister."
Tessa looked from side to Jem, who shrugged his shoulders. "Where is our Will, there are half a dozen girls are angry claiming he has committed his virtues."
"Did he?" Tessa asked, hurrying to keep up with the guys. Could not walk very fast with the heavy skirts around the ankles while you moved. Delivery of the Bond Street dress had arrived the previous day and was barely getting used to taking things so expensive. He remembered the dresses that had been clear when I was a little girl when he was able to run to his brother, kicking him in the ankles and flee without him could reach. He wondered briefly what would happen if I tried to do that to Will. He doubted that would work to their advantage, although the idea had some appeal. "I mean if committed his virtue."
"You make a lot of questions," said Will, turning sharply left and up narrow stairs. "Is not it?"
"Yes I do," said Tessa, the heel of his boots sounding heavily on the stone steps while continuing to Will. "What is parabatai? And what do you mean with Gabriel's father is a disgrace to the Shadow Hunters? "
" Parabatai is the Greek term for a soldier paired with a carriage driver, "said Jem," but when a Nephilim says, we refer to a team of warriors, "two men who swear to protect and to keep back."
"Men?" said Tessa. "Can not have a team of women, or a woman and a man?"
"I thought you said that women do not lust for blood," Will said without turning around. "And the father of Gabriel, say you have a reputation because he likes the demons and the underworld more than they should. I would be surprised that some of the Lightwood nightly visits to certain houses in Shadwell has not left with a nasty case of syphilis ² demonic. "
" Syphilis demon? "Tessa was terrified and fascinated at the same time.
"It has been invented," he said Jem quickly. "Seriously, Will. How many times have to tell you that there is demonic syphilis? " Will
was standing in front of a narrow door on a curve of the staircase. "I think it's here," said a little to himself and shook the knob. When nothing happened, removed his jacket and scratched the trail a black mark on the door. Burst open with a powder puff. "This has to be a warehouse."
Jem followed in, and after a while so did Tessa. Was found in a small room whose only light came from an arched window placed high on the wall. A little light came in, showing a square room filled with trunks and boxes. It could be a store of any hand, if it were not for what appeared to be old weapons, stacked in corners, heavy and rusty things with broad leaves and chains attached to pieces of metal fasteners. Will
grabbed one of the trunks and moved to one side to create a perfect square of floor space. Came more dust. Jem coughed and looked at him reproachfully. "You'd think that we have brought here to kill us," he said, "but because your motivations for doing so seem very murky."
"No murder," djo Will. "Wait. I need to move a trunk more. "
While pushing the heavy object to the wall, side by Tessa watched Jem. "What concerned Gabriel," he asked, lowering his voice for Will not hear, "with" your disability '? "
Jem silvery eyes widened for a second, before saying. "My poor health. That's all. "
was lying, Tessa knew. Had the same look I had when I lied Nate look too clear to be telling the truth. But before I could say more, Will was right and announced. "That's it. Come and sit down. "
then proceeded to sit on the floor with dust machado, Jem went to sit after him, but Tessa stood still for a moment, doubtful. Will, who had his trail off and looked at her with a wry smile. "Are not you going to join us, Tessa? Guess not want to ruin the beautiful dress that you bought Jessamine. "
It was actually the truth. Tessa had no desire to destroy the most beautiful article of clothing she had ever had. But the tone of mockery of Will was more annoying than the idea of \u200b\u200bdestroying the dress. Setting his jaw, Tessa went and sat in front of the boys, so that they formed a triangle between them. Will
placed the tip of the wake against the dirty floor, and began to move. Lines wide and dark flowed from the tip, and Tessa watched fascinated. There was something special and beautiful in the way the wake Garate, not as flowing ink of a pen, but as if the lines had been there forever, and the Will was discovered.
halfway through when Jem made a noise survey, clearly identify the mark that his friend was drawing. "What are you-" he began, but Will raised his hand that was not drawing, shaking his head.
"No," said Will. "If I'm wrong with this, we could fall down through the floor."
Jem
rolled his eyes, but did not seem to mind: Will it was over, as he was away in the wake of the design he had drawn. Tessa hit a little squeal when the floorboards seemed to shine among them, and then became as transparent as a window. Leaning out, completely forgetting her dress, found himself looking through them as through a crystal.
was looking into what he realized it was the library. I could see the large round table and sitting on it Enclave, Lightwood Charlotte between Benedict and the elegant white-haired woman. Charlotte was easily recognizable even from above, by the careful tying of his hair and made rapid movements with her small hands as she spoke.
"Why up here?" Will Jem asked quietly. "Why not in the armory? It is next to the library. "
" The sound is broadcast, "said Will. "It's just as easy to listen from here. Furthermore, imagine that one of them decided to give a visit to the armory in the middle of the meeting to see what we have. It has happened before. "
Tessa, looking down with fascination, he realized that he could hear the murmur of the voices of truth. "We can hear them?"
Will shook his head. "Enchantment is one way." He frowned, leaning forward. "What are you talking about?"
The three were silent, and silence was heard the sound of the voice of Benedict Lightwood reaching their ears. "I'm not sure about this, Charlotte," he said. "All this seems very risky plan."
"But we can not let continue with Quincey you're doing, "argued Charlotte. "It's the vampire clan chief in London. The rest of the Children of the Night come to him for guidance. If we allow him to break the law deliberately, what kind of message gets to the underworld? What the Nephilim have loosened their protection?
"Just to be able to understand," said Lightwood, 'are you willing to accept the word of Lady Belcourt, who says De Quincey, a key ally for a long time, is killing mundane at home? "
" I do not understand why you're surprised, Benedict. "The voice of Charlotte was sharp. "Are you suggesting that we ignore its report, although it has always given us accurate information in the past? And despite the fact that if you are telling the truth again, from now on "the blood of all the people that Quincey would be in our hands mate?
"And then we are obliged by law to investigate any information that the Covenant has been broken," said a slender man with dark hair, sitting at the end of the table. "You know as well as the rest of us, Benedict, you're just being stubborn."
Charlotte exhaled while Lightwood's face darkened. "Thank you, George. I appreciate it, "he said.
The tall woman who had earlier called Lottie Charlotte chuckled. "Do not be so dramatic, Charlotte," he said. "You must admit, this whole thing is very rare. A girl changes-so it may or may not be a witch, brothels full of corpses, and an informant who swore Quincey have sold machine tools-a fact that according to you is proof of evidence, although you refuse to say the name of your informant. "
" I swore not to interfere in this, "Charlotte complained. "He's afraid of Quincey."
"Is a Shadow Hunter?" Claimed Lightwood. "Because if not, can not be trusted."
"Seriously, Benedict, see it all very outdated," said the woman with green eyes. "One would think, talking to you, that deal never happened."
"Lilian is right, you're being ridiculous, Benedict," said George Penhallow. "Finding an informant of absolute trust is like finding a loving breed. If they were virtuous, would not much in the first place. One informant merely gives information, it is our job to verify it, Charlotte is suggesting what we do. "
" I just hate to see the powers of the Enclave wasted in this case, "Lightwood in a soft tone. It was very odd, he thought Tessa, listen to this fine group of adults naming each other without honorary degrees, simply by their first names. But it seemed to be a custom Shadow Hunters. "If, for example, was a vampire who had something against the chief of his clan, and you may want out of power, what better way than involving the Key to do the dirty work?"
"Damn," Will murmiró, exchanging glances with Jem. "How do you know that?"
Jem shook his head as if I said I did not know. "Know what?" Tessa whispered, but his voice was drowned by Charlotte and the white-haired woman talking at once.
"Camille would never do that!" Protested Charlotte. "It's not an idiot to begin with. Know what the punishment for lying to us!
"Benedict has a point," said the older woman. "It would be better if a Shadow Hunter Quincey had seen breaking the law,"
"But that is the goal of this whole issue," said Charlotte. There was a tinge in his voice of nervousness, a great desire to prove to herself. Tessa felt a little understanding for her. "Watching Quincey's breaking the law, Aunt Callida."
Tessa made a noise of surprise.
Jem looked up. "Yes, Aunt Charlotte," he said. "It was his brother, the father of Charlotte, who used to run the Institute. He likes to tell people what to do. Although, of course, always do what he wants. "
"Yes," said Will. "Did you know that once made me a proposition?"
Jem seemed to believe at all. "He did not."
"That he did," Will insisted. "It was very shocking. Would have acceded to their wishes, if I had not so frightened. "
Jem just shook his head and turned his attention back to the scene that was unfolding in the library. "There's also the matter of Quincey's seal," Charlotte was saying, "we find within the body of the girl mechanics. There are simply too much evidence sent to it, too obvious to not investigate. "
" I agree, "said Lilian. "I am very concerned with this issue of mechanical creatures. Make mechanical girls is one thing, but what if you're making an army mechanic? "
" That is pure speculation, Lilian, "Frederick said Ashdown.
Lilian ignored with a wave of his hand.
"A seraph PLC is neither an ally nor devil Nor is a child of God or the Devil. Would they be vulnerable to our weapons? "
" I think you're imagining a problem that does not exist, "Benedict said Lightwood. "For years there have been robots, worldly people are fascinated with these creatures. None of them has been a threat to us. "
" Because before had not done with magic, "said Charlotte.
"That's what you think." Lightwood appeared to be impatient.
Charlotte was right, only Tessa and others, that were looking down, could see that his hands were tied tightly in her lap. "Your concern, Benedict, it seems that unfairly penalize Quincey for a crime he did not commit, and thus endanger the relationship between the Children of the Night and the Nephilim, is not it?"
Lightwood nodded.
"But this whole plan is watching Will Quincey. If you do not see him breaking the law, not act against him, and our relationship will not be jeopardized. If you see breaking the law, then, the relationship is a lie. We can not allow abuse of the Law of the Covenant, However ... it would be best to ignore it. "
" I agree with Charlotte, "Gabriel said Lightwood, speaking for the first time, much to the surprise of Tessa. "I think his plan is reasonable. Except for one thing, the girl send change-shape with Will Herondale. Not even old enough to attend this meeting. How can you trust a mission of such importance? "
" Little flatterer pedant, "roared Will, leaning forward as if to cross the magical portal to strangle Gabriel. "When I caught and be alone ..."
"Should I go with her in her place," continued Gabriel. "Since I can take care of it better. Instead of just worrying about myself. "
" The hanging would be too good for him, "agreed Jem, who seemed to be trying not to laugh.
"Tessa meets Will," Charlotte complained. "She trusts Will."
"I would not say that," Tessa muttered.
"Besides," said Charlotte, "Who is Will designed the plan, de Quincey recognize Will of the Pandemonium Club. Will is the one who knows what to look for inside the house of De Quincey to relate to the mechanical creatures and mundane murders. Will is an excellent researcher, Gabriel, and a good Shadow Hunter. At least you have to admit that. "
Gabriel leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. "I have to admit anything."
"So Will and your girl witch come home, resist the party to observe something against the law, and then we made a signal to the rest of us but how? " asked Lilian.
"With one of the inventions of Henry," said Charlotte. There was a slight, very slight "tremor in his voice as he said. "The Match. Launch a flash of extremely bright magical light, illuminating all the windows of the house of de Quincey, just for a moment. That is the sign. "
" Oh, God save us, one of the inventions of Henry, "said George.
"There were a few complications with Phosphorus at first, but Henry showed me last night," Charlotte complained. Works perfectly. "
Frederick snorted. "Do you remember the last time Henry gave us use one of their inventions? Intestines of fish were cleaning our uniforms for days. "
" But it could not be used near water "," Charlotte began with the same voice trembling, but the others had begun to talk over of it, chatting happily about the inventions of Henry defective and terrible consequences, while Charlotte was plunged into silence. Poor Charlotte, Tessa thought. Charlotte, the meaning of his own authority was so important, and indeed accepted.
"Bastards, talking over it so," muttered Will. Tessa looked at him in amazement. He was staring at the scene before him, his fists clenched at her sides. So fond of Charlotte, he thought, and was surprised by how pleased he was to have been aware of it. Perhaps it meant that Will had mixed feelings, after all.
The
had or had not had nothing to do with it, of course. He looked away quickly from Will, to Jem, which also seemed out of control. She was biting her lip. "Where is Henry? Should not there yet? "
As if in response, the warehouse door flew open with a bang, and all three turned around to see Henry standing with eyes and crazy hair in the doorway. He was holding something in his hand, the copper tube by pressing on one side that almost made Will break an arm.
Will looked at with caution. "Aleja that damn view of me."
Henry, whose face was red and was sweating, looked with horror. "Damn," he said. "I was looking for the library. "The Enclave"
"is being gathered," said Jem. "We know. It is one floor down, Henry. The third door on the right. And you'd better go. Charlotte is waiting. "
" I know, "lamented Henry. "Damn, damn and damn! I was just trying to get the Match function well, that's all. "
" Henry, "said Jem," Charlotte needs you. "
" Good. "Henry turned as if to leave the room, but they turned and stared, confusion through his freckled face, as if you were just wondering what did Will, and Jem Tessa huddled together in a disused storage room. "What are you doing the three here, anyway?"
Will shook his head to one side and smiled at Henry. "Charades ³," he said. "A large scale."
"Ah. Well then, "said Henry, and left closing the door.
"Charades." Jem snorted in disgust, and turned to lean forward, his elbows on his knees, while the voice of Callida up from below.
"Honestly, Charlotte," I was saying, 'you admit that Henry has nothing to do with the direction of this place, and that you are doing everything yourself? Perhaps with the help of James Carstairs and Will Herondale, but none is greater than seventeen. How can you help? "
Charlotte uttered a sound of supplication.
"It's too much for one person, especially your age," said Benedict. "Just twenty-three, if you wanted to give the post-"
only twenty! Tessa was amazed. I thought Charlotte was older, probably because they exuded an air of competence.
"The Consul Wayland gave us the address of this institute for me and my husband five years ago," Charlotte responded harshly, it seemed he had found his voice again. "If you have a problem with your decision, talk with him. Meanwhile, I will lead the Institute as I please. "
" I hope that means that the plans as you are suggesting are subject to vote, "Benedict said Lightwood. "Do you rule by decree?"
"Do not be ridiculous, Lightwood, of course there is voting," said Lilian in a bad mood, not to give Charlotte a chance to answer. "Everyone who favor proceeding with the de Quincey, say yes."
To the surprise of Tessa, there was a chorus of yeses, and not a single dissenting vote. The discussion was contentious enough that she was sure that at least one of the Shadow Hunters try to quit. Jem saw his face in amazement and smiled. "It's always like that," he murmured. "They like power, but none of them would vote no on an issue like this. Call them cowards if they did. "
" Very well, "said Benedict. "Tomorrow night, then. Is everyone well prepared? Hay-"
The library door was flung open, and Henry came-looking, if possible, more bulging eyes and disheveled hair before. "I'm here!" Announced. "It's not too late, right?"
Charlotte covered her
face with his hands.
"Henry," Benedict said Lightwood dryly, "What good to see you. Your wife was making us aware of your new invention. Phosphorus, right? "
" Yes! "Henry lifted the phosphorus so proud. "This is it. And I can promise that it works perfectly. You see? "
" Now there is need for us to show it, "he began, Benedict quickly, but it was too late. Henry had already pressed the button. There was a bright flash and the library lights went out suddenly Tessa left staring at a black square on the floor without light. Gasps went up from the floor below. There was a scream, and something broke on the floor. Above all was the sound of Benedict Lightwood, constantly cursing.
Will looked up and smiled. "A little uncomfortable for Henry, of course," remarked happily, "and yet somehow very satisfying, is not it?"
Tessa could not help but agree with both.
**** 1. Malphas ~ In demonology, a Prince of Hell.
2. ~ Syphilis A sexually transmitted disease.
3. ~ A hobby charades trying to guess a word by an indication that there about its meaning, is broken down into parts and these parts form other words. Similar to crosswords.
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