Adar was sitting up, his back up against the side of the cart. The Sun's rays shone onto him between gaps in the tree's shade. He looked around to see the trees already losing their leaves. It was fall already. The grass was turning a light brown color, the air getting a bit colder.

The cart had stopped, John and Nathaniel were both stretching out their stiff limbs from the long travel. They stood a few yards to the back of the cart.

"We should be there in about an hour." Smiled John.

Nathaniel sighed," I won't be there long. I most likely will leave today."

"The Willis's won't be to happy about that."

"Tell them I wasn't happy about it either."

John shook his head in disapproval, walking  off to the front of the cart. He went to the saddle of the horse, that was pulling the cart, and pulled out oats to feed it.

Adar looked over at Melanie. She was still sleeping, her hair was spread out over her face. One of the blankets that she was using was the one given to him. He was not cold, but Melanie had been shivering with only one blanket. He thought she might better use it than he would have.

It would be best not to bother her right now, thought Adar. She is asleep and it still early

Adar stood up and went to the side of the cart, grabbing the sides and making his way out and down onto the ground. He started toward Nathaniel.

"Good morning, Adar." said Nathaniel, seeing Adar walking towards him.

"Good morning, Nathaniel." Said Adar, stopping two paces from Nathaniel.

"You must be feeling better, you're out and about now."

Adar nodded,"I over heard you talk to John last night."

Nathaniel raised a brow. "What did you hear?"

"Everything." Replied Adar, his voice monotone. " You plan on going back to hunt Langstrom... And you stated that Melanie told you she was his niece. Was that true?"

Nathaniel sighed, "Adar, eavesdropping is a childish thing to do. And Yes, I do plan to hunt Langstrom. Also, Melanie did state she was Lansgtrom's niece. She told us helpful information, believing she could help further our chance of success."

Why would Melanie risk telling them such valuable information? Thought Adar. They could have been heartless mercenaries that would have used her as a hostage to get Langstrom. I guess I should repay her courage with a bit of information of my own.

"The base where I and Melanie escaped from was burned by me. I suppose Melanie told you that?"

Nathaniel was surprised, his lifted eyebrows giving a clear sign of it. "She failed to mention the 'miniscule' detail that it was you. She did mention the burning building and how you escaped." 

Adar clenched his fist."  I suppose she told you how my mother was..."

Nathaniel saw Adar's eyes redden, his jaw set in a hard flex.

"She did not mention to much about that, for fear of it offending you." Said Nathaniel. "She told us the things she decided were important to us capturing Langstrom."

"Now that the base is burned down. Where will you go look now?"

"Hopefully there are still clues at that the burned down base."

"There was another building located near that base. I over heard a few of the guards speak of it while I was in the cells. That would be my guess for Langstrom's next possible location."

"Why didn't you tell us earlier?" Nathaniel asked.

"I felt that information like that should be reserved." Said Adar," But I still want my vengeance as well. Seeing as Melanie didn't reserve her secret, the least I can do now is tell you what I know."

Nathaniel looked at John, who was still feeding the horse." I see. So where is the location of the building?" 

Adar gave a grin. "Nothing without a price... I will tell you, if you allow me two requests."

Nathaniel crossed his arms. This doesn't seem like Adar, at all..

"I will see what I can do."

"The first." Said Adar," Is that John teach me his duel-wielding technique."

This request seems almost childish, thought Nathaniel.

"I believe John will allow it. The second? "

Adar then gave, what Nathaniel thought, was an evil grin.

"That I be allowed to hunt Langstrom with you if he is not captured within the time you come back."

Nathaniel nodded," I know you are driven by revenge, but it would be much better to move on and live a better life here. You already have a friend, Melanie. Start over again."

Every time I start a new life it ends the exact same old way, thought Adar, Not this time. I will get my vengeance...

Adar kneeled and grabbed a broken stick near by. He began to use it, carving a  map onto the dirt.  "This location would be where you found us... If you follow the constellations then you should be able to find the base about two hours from where you found me. I assume since you will be in full gallop, that you will make it in a day."

"I appreciate it, Adar." Said Nathaniel. "Could I get you to draw the map on a piece of paper?"

Adar looked up at Nathaniel,"That will cost you another request." 

Nathaniel chuckled, "Another request it is." 

He then walked to the cart, heading for John's supply box. He had paper, ink bottles, and ink pens stored in there.

*************

Cade placed the mirror down. The message had been delivered to him. Kill the boy no matter the cost! I will pay you handsomely, if you can return my niece as well, then I will reward you a life time of payment.

Shortly after, an image of the boy appeared.He had a fierce, yet docile look to him. This would be Cade's new target. No image appeared for Melanie, being as he knew how she looked.

"Langstrom will definitely pay quite a large sum for this boy." Grinned Cade.

¤¤¤¤

Cade had been sent to recover the bodies of the men killed by Adar. It hadn't been to much of a grisly sight. It was more shocking than anything, considering the boy's age, but it only added more excitement to the hunt.

¤¤¤¤

Cade was an assassin, at his prime and very deadly. He was about five-foot, seven inches. His skin was pale-not as as pale as the Seer Langstrom had killed- and he had a large brown beard. His hair was normally white as snow, even though he was young. He had to dye it often, the result of being an alibino-many seers where albinos. His thick arms and well muscled abdominals were a result of a vigorous training he stuck to every day. Killing was the thing he loved to do most, a formidable opponent made it only exhilarating for him.

He laid out a map of the thirteen colonies onto his small table. He placed a piece of shredded cloth onto a hook, that was attached to a thin string. The cloth had belonged to Adar's shirt, retrieved from the location of the battle where Hughe's was killed.

He held the string over the map, letting the cloth dangle a few inches above it. Soon it glowed and began to spin clockwise, then counter-clockwise. It spun rapidly in small circles over the colony, Virginia.

"So that is where the boy resides for now..."

The cloth suddenly burst into flames, completely incinerated within seconds.

Cade turned and went to his room to begin  packing his belongings. It would be his third hunt this year. This boy... I could feel his hatred at the scene. Oh how I will love this! I will have the satisfactory of killing him!

Lansgtrom had made it clear, while he communicated to Cade through the mirror. It was a method they used, much dark magic was involved and complete control was necessary before one could use the ability of speaking through mirrors.

"You will have a month, Cade. The witches here will try to cloak Adar's presence for awhile, giving you more than sufficient time to kill the boy and retrieve my niece. Do not fail or you will end up as your former associate!"

Cade finished stuffing the rest of his clothes and dark magic devices into his small bag. He grabbed a coat, lying over a seat nearby, and put it on. The insides were lined with several small straps. They held daggers of all sorts. Some had hooked ends, some had thin pointy edges, and the rest had rusty, jagged edges.

Cade put his hat on and walked out the door.

*************

"Good morning, Adar." Said Melanie.

Adar looked behind. He had finished drawing the map, for Nathaniel, and was leaning with his back against the cart.

Nathaniel had immediately went to John and spoke to him, a few yards in front of the cart, out of Adar's hearing range.

"Good morning, Melanie." Smiled Adar, turning to lean his chest against the cart."Did you sleep well?"

Melanie nodded and sat up. "Where are John and Nathaniel?"

Adar motioned to their location with a sideways nod of his head. "They're over there."

Melanie raised a brow."Why are they over there?"

"A discussion is going on, one that they don't want us to hear."

I wonder if now would be the time to ask her,thought Adar.

"Melanie. "

"Yes." Replied Melanie, looking back at Adar.

"Why did you tell them you were Langstrom's niece?"

Melanie's eyebrows lowered and she looked down. "I had to tell them something. I wasn't thinking all to clearly about myself. I was focused on you at the time and would have told them anything, as long as it would have help them save you."

"Well no need to be sad anymore." Said Adar, "You'll be starting a new life in a new town."

Melanie looked up and smiled." I'm glad we met, Adar. Now we can both start a new life in this town."

Adar nodded, hesitantly. Melanie then had an alarmed look on her face.

Melanie must have seen through me, thought Adar.

"You are going to stay? Aren't you?" Asked Melanie, her voice sounding like a plead.

"John will be staying awhile." Blurted out Adar.

"But why aren't you going to stay?" asked Melanie, bringing up her knees and wrapping her arms around them.

"I wa-" began Adar, but and indigant glare from Melanie stopped him mid-word.

"You know why I can't stay, Melanie."  Said Adar with a sad voice.

Tears seem to well in her eyes and Adar noticed.

"Are you crying?"

Melanie sighed. "Where will you be going?"

"I'm... I need my revenge. " Said Adar.

Melanie looked away, but not before Adar saw tears slide down her face.

Why does he have to be so foolish! thought Melanie, Why can't he just move on!

Seconds went by and both didn't know how to respond. Finally, Adar spoke.

"What would you have me do, Melanie?"

She turned to look at Adar. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying.

"I would have you come along and never leave!"

Adar was surprised by her strong reply.  Melanie held an angry look, her eyes began to bore into him.

"Why would you leave to go on a wild hunt for vengeance! You'll only get killed!"

"You're the one who said 'Wouldn't matter to me.' Or did I say that?!" retorted Adar.

Melanie gave an exasperated sigh. "Well, I take it back. Please don't leave me by myself, don't be gone...You can stay with me and we can have a different life than the one before. You won't have to worry about my uncle, after all, Nathaniel is going to take care of it!"

Adar could hear the desperation in her voice.

It seemed to tear a bit of him up, inside.

"I promise to stay until Christmas. I can stay until then." 

Melanie looked up at Adar, her saddened face showing signs of happiness.

Did I just say that? thought Adar, But I wasn't thinking to say that!

"Do you really promise?" Said Melanie, a spark of hope in her voice.

Adar was going to say he didn't mean to promise that, but an image of his mother came into his mind.

She was kneeling in front of Adar, holding him at arms length.

"Do you promise, Adar? After all, a promise is keeping your word and telling the truth. A promise is a thing you make because it means something. They aren't used for small things. A promise is special, don't ever break one."

Adar gripped the side of the cart. Why did I have to see that now! I have to leave... or how else will I avenge her... But...

Adar clenched his jaw, then let out a sigh.

"I promise, Melanie."

"Were leaving now!" yelled Nathaniel.

John walked over to the cart and Nathaniel over to the horse.

***

It was Mid-day. Adar could see a house- really more of a log cabin- come into view.

It was to the right. A fence was behind the house, visible to the side as well. Cows and sheep were occupying the space therein.

"So this is the Willis' location?" said Adar.

Melanie was happy and anxious to meet the Willis family.

John parked the cart to the side of the dirt road, about 10 yards in front of the house.

John immediately jumped off and headed towards the house. He went around to the back and disappeared around the corner.

Nathaniel had dismounted and leaned against the cart.

"It has been awhile." Said Nathaniel, looking at the house as though many of his memories were locked away in it.

John came back into view, a large man behind him. The man looked elderly, about 50 from what Adar could figure.

Adar and Melanie made their way out of the cart, ready to meet Mr. Willis.

"This is Edward Willis, Adar, Melanie."  Said John introducing them to him.

Edward was as tall as John, his gray beard was elongated at the bottom, coming out in a broad point. His head had hair only the sides. Apart from his gut, Edward looked to be in good shape. 

He was wearing Brown trousers. The long sleeved, white shirt he was wearing looked soaked from sweat. His sleeves were rolled up midway to his elbows. He had been working arduous from the looks of it. 

"Nice to meet you, Adar." Said Edward coming forward to shake his hand.

Adar felt the sweaty and callous hands of Edward as he shook them.

"I like a boy with a firm grip and a confident look." Said Edward, acknowledging Adar's handshake.

It must be a male thing, though Melanie, I swear all men are the same. Even a handshake must be excuted in a manly way.

"And you must be Melanie." Smiled Edward, bowing his head and shaking her hand.

The handshake had been light and Melanie only really shook his fingers, his hand was large.

Edward then turned and embraced Nathaniel, squeezing him in a bear-like hug.

"You're depleting me of oxygen!" Exclaimed Nathaniel.

Edward let go and patted Nathaniel on his shoulder. "My how you have grown! Martha will be excited to see you." 

Edward smiled and turned, walking towards the house.

"Come on, Adar, Melanie. This will be your new home after all." Said John following behind Edward and Nathaniel.

Edward opened the door and gave a shout filled of mirth. "Martha! We have visitors!"

They walked into the living room. Melanie saw the decent sized room. A few chairs were over in a corner, a table placed there as well. A fire place was on the right side, brick all around it.

From the living room, a small hallway ran to a dead end, against a wall. Two doors, for two rooms, were on each side of the hallway.

Martha came from the kitchen. She was a short lady, maybe an inch or two shorter than Melanie. Her hair was brown with streaks of gray on occasion. She had rosy red cheeks. Her weight was in between chubby and medium from what Melanie could tell.

Martha's eyes widened as she saw John and Nathaniel.

"How are the both of you!" Exclaimed Martha.

Nathaniel immediately went forward and gave Mrs. Willis a hug.

"I'm fine. How have you been, Mrs. Willis?"

asked Nathaniel as he broke free of her hug.

She continued to do the same with John.

"Martha. " Said Mr. Willis. "These two young folk are friends of John. They are going to be staying with us a while."

Martha let her hug (hold) on John go and went over to see the young adults.

"Nic-Nice to meet you,  Mrs. Willis."  said Melanie. Her voice sounded nervous.

She is not used to meeting new people, Thought Adar, But how did she not get nervous when she was working in the cells? unless she was nervous the whole time?

"The pleasure is mine!" Smiled Mrs. Willis. She frowned as she noticed Melanie's matted hair and her ripped dress, most shocking for her was seeing Melanie's dress with blood stains.  "Dear child! What you must have been through!  I will get you a change of clothes as soon as possible!"

Melanie smiled. "I would greatly appreciate it."

Adar felt John push him towards Mrs. Willis.

"Adar tends to be a quiet one."  Said John, "But I know there will be no need for that around you, am I correct Mrs. Willis?"

"Of course."  Replied Mrs. Willis, turning to greet Adar. "No need to be shy with me. "

Adar heard Melanie giggle. For some odd reason he felt embarrassed, he had never felt that emotion to much before.

"Dinner is almost ready!" said Mrs. Willis turning on her heel.

"I will be leaving tonight."  Said Nathaniel to Mr. Willis.

"So soon?" said Mr. Willis, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "You have only just arrived."

"I know. " Said Nathaniel. "But I have business to attend to. Could I use one of your horses for my journey? I'll let you use my horse until I return, an exchange? "

"Of course."  Said Mr. Willis.

***

All five of them sat at the table, eating.

Stew was what Mrs. Willis had cooked.

"I love your stew."  Said Melanie.

She was seated next Adar. Mr. Willis sat on the other side of them. Nathaniel and John sat at the ends of the tables.

"Thank you, Melanie."  Said Mrs. Willis. " You're such a sweet child."

Adar- out of his peripheral vision- saw Melanie blush.

"John." Said Martha. " If you don't mind me asking. What exactly happened to these children? Where are their parents?"

"Martha!" Exclaimed Mr.Willis."There is no need to ask such personal things!"

John looked at Adar and Melanie. The two of them had stopped eating and placed their spoons down.

"It's a long and grief filled story. I do not have the right to tell you about their certain...circumstances." Said John.

Mrs. Willis nodded and looked at Adar and Melanie."Forgive me, I did not mean to pry and open already healing wounds."

"We have family issues. Or a lack of family you could say." Replied Melanie.

"Orphans." Muttered Mrs. Willis under her breath. Sympathy showed on her face.

"Well, Adar, Melanie." Smiled Mrs. Willis. "You two are welcome to stay as long as you need. Please feel at ease!  This is your home as of today." 

Adar nodded. "I thank you."

"Mr. Willis."  Said John."I am going to have ask that you excuse Adar from working on the farm. He has a healing wound and he is forbidden to labor."

"What wound?" Asked Mr. Willis. "What happened?"

"Now, what did you just get angry with me about a few moments ago!?" Said Mrs. Willis.

Nathaniel gave a grin.

"He received it while protecting me!" exclaimed Melanie. John and Nathaniel were surprised. The Willis's were shocked as well.

Adar, once again, was not expecting a strong reply.

Melanie looked over at Adar, "He defended me against a pair of thieves. That is how he received it. It nearly cost him his life." 

Mrs.Willis's eyes softened and she reached across the table to put her hand on Melanie's. "You two really have had it hard. I'm sorry life has been that way for you. But know we will treat you different from how the world has."

Mr.Willis grinned and gave Adar a wink. "I can see why this lad defended this young lady. She has a pretty face, agreed Adar?"

Adar felt his face heat up.

"I- I would have done it for any friend." 

Mrs. Willis smiled. "Hear that Melanie? Any young man would have done that, they would have seen the need to protect such a beauty."

Melanie was flustered and began to turn a bit red.

John grinned." The two of you are still up to your old antics."

***

"Take care of the children." Said Nathaniel. He was mounted on the horse, supplies ready.

John nodded. "I will... You just take care of yourself."

Nathaniel nodded and grabbed the reigns of his horse and started his journey back onto the dirt road- back to hunt Langstrom.

The night had come.

Melanie was given a new dress and a bath. She felt clean and happy. Her new life had begun.

Adar had immediately went to the room the Willis's had offered him and collapsed onto the bed. It was several times better than the stack of hay he had slept in, while in the cells. His sleep overtook him, instantly.

A small window was over the bed, letting the moonlight shine through onto Adar's face. He was at peace. His heart beat harmoniously, slow and relaxed. Suddenly, his heart beat violently and out of pace.

An image flashed through Adar's mind. A person was covered in blood, his eyes were filled with hate. The inconsistent breathing pattern sounded unnerving. The person was gripping a blood stained dagger. Adar recognized the person's face.

It was him...

                      End Of Chapter

COMMENT AND TELL ME WHAT YOU THOUGHT OF THE CHAPTER. CRITICISM WOULD BE APPRECIATED! OF COURSE, A COMMENT AND A VOTE WOULD BE JUST AS APPRECIATED!

THIS IS OFFICIALLY THE BEGINNIG OF THE SECOND ARC ( SEASON) OF ADAR. I ORIGINALLY WROTE 'ADAR' IN ARCS. JUST ANOTHER FACT.