Waking up felt strange. The first thing I felt was my head throbbing, the second thing I felt was completely new and unexpected.

   Exhaustion.

   For the first time in fifteen years, I felt like I could close my eyes and keep sleeping.

   I opened my eyes and noticed that the ropes were gone. Even though the house was very dim, I could see the white robed man just fine. I groaned. Every time I moved my head a new burst of pain would spear my skull.

   "Good, you're awake," the man stood and hurried over. "Are you alright? Did you sleep?"

   I glared at him. "Nice of the person who knocked me out to apologize and ask if I'm alright."

   The man winced. "I'm sorry about that. I thought you were one of the British at first. Now, did you sleep?"

   "Yes," I winced as I moved my head again. Why was it so hard to hold still? "Why do you care if I slept or not?"

   "Because, if I'm right, you're like me," the man walked away and started making something. "I don't need to sleep unless my body is unconscious."

   "You don't need to sleep?" my suspicion changed into curiosity in less than a second. "I thought I was the only one like that!"

   "You aren't. As I said, I'm the same way." He came over and handed me a steaming bowl. "Eat this. It will help with the pain."

   I took the bowl and ate without hesitating. The man pushed his hood down and ran a hand through his black hair. He had gray eyes and a small smirk like people always said I had.

   I swallowed the mouthful of soup and looked at him. "Who are you?"

   He glanced up, then looked away just as quickly. "I... don't know. People call me The Midnight Star, but besides that, I don't have a name that I'm aware of."

   "No name?" I thought about that. I realized he was staring at me, like he expected something. It took me a moment to figure out what he wanted. "Oh, sorry. I'm Rook. I come from London."

   "Where is London?" the man asked.

   I ignored the question. My brain was still trying to wrap around the idea of no name and what I could call this young man. I was interrupted when he cleared his throat. I looked up from my soup again. "Hmm?"

   "I asked, how old you are," he smiled slightly. "When you're thinking about something you don't hear anything."

   I felt my face heat up. "I know. It's kind of annoying, especially when I'm trying to pay attention. I'm fifteen."

   "I'm seventeen."

   Again, I barely heard him. An idea was forming in my mind. "Could I call you Raven?"

   He looked surprised. "Raven? I don't see why not. I kind of like it."

   I started for another scoop of soup before I realized it was gone. Raven had been right, it had helped with the pain. My head barely hurt at all. "What time of day is it?" I asked as Raven took my bowl.

   "It's almost noon," he said, peering out a window. "Why do you ask?"

   I bit back a curse. "I need to get back to town." I pushed myself up and was surprised to find that I still had my weapons attached to me. I started for the door.

   "Wait!" I turned to see Raven grab something off of the table and pull his hood up. "There's a town here? Can I come?"

   I stopped. "You didn't know there was a town here? And you've been here how long?"

   "That's not important," Raven said walking toward me. "Can I come with you?"

   I hesitated. "I don't know..."

   "Please?"

   I smiled. "Of course."

   Raven grinned and followed me through the forest. I was able to successfully lead him all the way back to the town. I could see the house I'd jumped off of the previous day. There was someone sitting on top of it.

   They jumped down and rolled, leaping up and running forward. "Rookie!" Edward put his hands on my shoulders. "Are you alright? I've been worried about you!"

   I laughed. "I'm fine Edward. Really."

   Edward looked behind me. "Who's this lad?"

   I looked back at Raven, who was still in the shadows of the forest. He looked a little scared. I looked back at Edward. "I'll introduce you in a moment. Promise you won't kill him though."

   Edward frowned. "He looks like an assassin, why would I kill him?"

   "I'll tell you later," I turned and walked back to Raven. "What's wrong?"

   Raven glanced at Edward nervously. "Is he your father? Will he be mad at me when he finds out what I did?"

   I stopped. Edward my father? "I wish he was my father," I couldn't help the hint of bitterness in my voice when I said that. "He's my mentor, and I just made him promise not to kill you so I think you're fine."

   Raven raised an eyebrow. "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

   I shrugged. "I don't know, but you can at least guarantee that he won't kill you. Isn't that a good thing?"

   "I guess," Raven said. He reluctantly followed me over to Edward.

   "Edward, this is Raven," I said. "Raven, this is my mentor, Edward."

   Edward shook Raven's hand. "Greetings and good fortune Raven," he said with a smile. "Now we'd better head to my house so you can tell me what took you so long."

   I glanced at Raven and followed Edward up the steep hill. It occurred to me that I didn't know where Edward's house was right as we came over the top of the hill. A huge manor was built with a beautiful view of Great Inagua. I faltered, looking at the giant porch and picture windows.

   "Here we are," Edward said, leading us up the stairs to the door. He opened it and held it open. "Go into the room on your left. That's where I'll meet you two in a minute."

   Raven and I followed his direction and found ourselves in a large living room. I dove onto the only couch and spread myself out. "This is mine," I said, resting my booted feet on the armrest.

   Raven laughed and slapped my legs. "Move your feet. I want to sit there."

   I waved my feet back and forth. "There, my feet are moving. Happy? You can sit someplace else. This spot is reserved."

   Raven rolled his eyes. "For who."

   I stretched out a leg. "My legs and feet. Scram."

   He laughed and sat down on the floor next to the couch, as if to silently say I'm going to sit here whether you like it or not. I sighed and stared at the ceiling, wondering idly what would happen if I fell asleep. I wasn't the slightest bit tired anymore, and to be honest, I was a little scared to try. What if I slept forever? I decided that I would stick to staying awake unless my body shut down. It seemed safer.

   Edward came in and sat down in the chair. "Now, Rook, what took you so long?"

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Another chapter up today! Whoop de do!

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