Sweat glistened on Seth's forehead. He had his crossbow mounted on a boulder, approximately 10 yards away from a building. He was hiding in the brush.

The night had just come. The wind blew in a rough way, adding to his many complications.

Seth looked down the arrow's shaft, in the cross bow. It was pointed at a man. He wore a blue uniform, gray stripes going the sides of his pants. The moonlight reflected off of the hilt of his sword. It was one of Langstrom's militia men.

Seth inhaled and then exhaled. This relies solely on me, he thought. He slowly squeezed the trigger and felt the sudden jolt of the arrow leaving the crossbow. 

The man fell to floor with a thud.

***

Cane had finished breaking down the door. Norman followed behind him closely, as did Randolph. They entered into a main hall. Torches lined the walls of the great building, giving it plenty of light.

"This looks exactly the same as the burned building we found before." Said Norman.

"Its smaller." Replied Cane."A miniature replica of the last."

Randolph gripped his broad sword tightly. He was nervous.

Cane placed his hand on Randolph's shoulder.

"You're very brave for coming along." 

Randolph nodded and swallowed down his fear.

Loud laughter could be heard to the right of them. It was coming from a large hallway. Torches, on the walls, could be seen down it. Most of the rooms, it seemed, had no doors, only doorways.

Norman looked up to the second floor of the main hall. The balcony was considerably smaller than the last building's second story.

It led to only two doors, both on the opposite ends of the balcony.

All three made their way up the steps of the balcony.

Why are they having parties at such an hour? Thought Cane.

Once at the the end of the stairs, Cane turned left and headed for the room at the far end of the second floor.

Cane pulled out his flintlock and stopped at the door.

"You two wait out here." Whispered Cane.

"Cane, there could be more than one person in there. " Replied Norman arriving beside Cane.

"I agree." Said Ralph from behind Norman, " You wouldn't do so well against more than one." 

Cane grinned." This is an officer's room. They like to be alone. And I think I can handle more than a few of these undisciplined men."

Grabbing the door knob, Cane put his body weight against the door and opened it.

Norman saw the contents of the room. There was a large wooden desk, with a lantern on it, swords crossed and mounted on the wall behind. Most significantly a man, officer,  was arising from behind the desk. Cane then closed the door behind him.

Noises, from what seemed like a scuffle, ensued.

"Shouldn't we have gone in to help him?" asked Randolph.

Norman looked back at Randolph. "And ruin his fun?"

"Fun?" Replied Randolph, raising a brow."Isn't he Catholic? How is being violent fun for a Catholic?" 

"He's a Catholic man, not a Catholic priest." grinned Norman.

***

Seth saw another man fall, landing awkwardly with an arrow protruding from his chest. He had been shot near the entrance of the building, by Peter.

I hope everyone plays their part, thought Seth, I only had a few days to teach them how to use a crossbow.

He counted 10 men dead in total. Seth and the rest of the young men had taken care of the outpost group. Now they had to rely on Cane, Norman, and Randolph.

Seth felt something cold touch the back of his neck.

"Don't move."  Said a voice from behind.

Seth instantaneously rolled sideways. He unsheathed his sword and turned around, lashing out violently.

His sword met another sword. His opponent gave a smirk. "You're quite the unpredictable type." 

****

Cane opened the door, making his way out,and Norman saw a bloody mess laying on the desk, the officer making a majority of it.

"He didn't talk to much." Said Cane. "He even attempted to fight me, never bothering to call out for help. At least I didn't have to use my flintlock. That may have given our position away." 

"I bet those men down stairs know something."  Said Cane, walking past Norman and Randolph.

"You're not serious!?" Exclamed Randolph.

He looked at Norman, who only shook his head.

"He's either serious, or dead serious. Maybe even dead."  Said Norman following after Cane.

Randolph clutched the flintlock pistol at his side.

I pray you protect us, God, in heaven. Thought Randolph, Allow me to have the faith that these men posses.

Cane made his way down the steps and turned left, going for the room of loud men.

Norman unsheathed his sword and gripped the hilt with both hands.

Randolph still prayed in his head.

He looked over at the door that had been broken down. It was not nearly as large as the double door from the burned building. Neverthless, it was still a good size ad Cane had broken it down. Maybe he should have more faith in Cane.

He followed the two into the hallway, their boots making noise.

Cane stopped. The room was to his left. Peering into the room, he gave a tsk.

"Its nothing I haven't done before."  Whispered Cane, still looking into the room.

Norman sighed, " How many-"

Cane entered the room without warning.

Norman cursed and followed after.

May I have faith, thought Randolph entering and holding up his flintlock pistol.

Randolph's hope of any faith dissipated. Cane stood in the middle of the room, Norman behind him.

20 men, some sitting, others standing, were around a table. They were at the end of the room, opposite of the doorway. It appeared they were gambling. Most of them had taken the top garment of their uniform off. 

All of them were arising, going for their swords.

A man, fully dressed came forward, walking towards Cane, from the group and laughed.

"What have we here? A group of mercenaries! Do you plan to take us alive or dead?" 

"An officer with enlisted men?  Especially on his leisurely time?" Said Cane. "Is that not fraternization?"

Randolph was surprised by Cane's calmness.

He had both of his swords pointed at the floor and from the looks of it, his shoulders were relaxed.

The officer drew his sword and came down vertically for Cane's head.

With blinding speed, Cane's swords were suddenly crossed in an 'X' position. The officer's strike had been blocked and his sword lay in the intersection of Cane's swords.

"I like a challenge." Grinned Cane.

He pushed the officer's sword upward, then drove his swords into his chest, out his back.

Blood sprayed behind the officer and onto the men. Cane jerked his swords out of him and looked at the remaining men.

They saw their lieutnant fall to the floor like a bag of rocks, lifeless and blood pouring out from of his wounds.

"Let the terror begin!" Exclaimed Cane.

Three of the enlisted men charged Cane in a blind fury.

Cane lunged toward the men, head first, then stopped, putting all his force into his swords and swinging them forward in a scissor-like motion. The swords cut through the necks of the two outer men, meeting at the middle man's throat.

Three heads fell to the floor simultaneously, the bodies following uncoordinated.

Fear marked the face of the remaining men.

Norman glanced sideways, seeing terror etched onto Randolph's face.

Cane has gone and lost control! Thought Norman, It must be from losing his mother...

The sixteen men, all at once, pulled out their firearms. Blunder busts, flintlock rifles, and a revolver were in their possession.

"Bastard!" Yelled a man, anguish on his face."You killed three of my brothers!"

"Get ready to duck and exit the room." Whispered Cane to Norman.

Norman nodded," Okay." And grabbed Randolph.

Cane ducked and launched his sword towards the lantern sitting in the middle of the table. It had been the only real source of light in there. Gun fire rung throughout the room as the sword smashed into the lantern. It went dark save for the moonlight through the windows.

Norman had pulled Randolph out into the hallway. He now saw flashes from the guns  and heard curses in the room. A wail of pain turned into a cry of fear. Soon, other voices began copying the first. Then, the screams  died down into an eerie silence.

The sound of boots broke the quiet atmosphere.

Cane walked into the hallway.

Norman saw Cane covered in blood, his swords a new crimson color. The torches from the hallway shone on him, making him appear sinister.

"It was fun." Whispered Cane, before sheathing his swords.

***

"You are good. " Smiled Nathaniel.

Seth immediately recognized the famed face of the archer.

"Nathaniel?" Whispered Seth.

"Seth is it? " asked Nathaniel, lowering his sword.

Seth nodded.

"You might want to lower your sword." grinned Nathaniel." I lowered mine." 

Seth saw that his sword was still pointed towards Nathaniel's neck.

"Sorry."  Apologized Seth, sheathing his weapon.

Nathaniel saw Seth's crossbow laying on the boulder.

"So this where you were hiding."  Said Nathaniel." You need not worry for the other groups. I handled the rest."

"The rest?" questioned Seth walking over to the large rock and picking up his cross bow.

"There were about 15 others."  Said Nathaniel."  So where is Cane? "

Seth felt pride swell in his chest. "So you know of us?"

Nathaniel nodded."The trio. I've heard your names once or twice while I passed a few towns. "

Seth pointed toward the building. "As for Cane, He is inside the building." 

"Inside!?" Spouted Nathaniel."Who all is with him? "

"Norman and a man named Randolph."

"Normally I would be greedy and not help other mercenaries, but today I'll make an exception." 

***

Cane pulled his sword out of the guardsmen's stomach.

He fell face forward.

Cane looked around. This cellar resembled the one from the burned down building. The torches lining the walls, needed to be changed. They were close to burning out.

Adar...

Norman took the keys from the fallen guard and began to unlock the doors.

People swarmed out. All male. The smell of the people was a stench Randolph could barely stand.

Cane saw all types of people, young to old. But none were Adar.

"Have any of you heard a boy called Adar?" said Cane looking over to the prisoners.

The thirty men, crammed into the small hallway, began to murmur.

"Never heard of him!" yelled one.

"Let us leave! " yelled a a few.

Cane drew his sword and drove the tip into one of the wooden cellar doors.

"No one is leaving without me obtaining an answer."

A boy made his way from the group and stepped in front of Cane.

"I have." said the boy.

He was a bit tall and lanky. His hair was black. He wore torn brown trousers and his brown shirt had red stains that were starting to flake. Dried Blood.

"My name is Jeffrey. And Adar was the boy who led our escape from the last building. "

"Where is he now ?" Asked Cane. Excitement in his voice. 

"He escaped as did many others. Some died trying to help the women escape. I was among those that were recaptured."

"Was a woman with him?"

Jeffrey nodded."He did take a girl with him. She was about his age." 

Then that would mean...

"Is there another cellar holding women?" asked Randolph.

Jeffrey shook his head."They don't hold any women here."

Cane cursed. "Did he say anything about his mother?"

Jeffrey saw the anger clear on Cane's face. He was hesitant.

"He- He did say one thing."

"What was it?! " Said Cane grabbing Jeffrey by the collar.

Norman's hand was suddenly on Cane's arm.

Norman shook his head."Cane, you need to calm yourself." 

He exhaled, then let go of his collar.

"Please tell me what he said."

Desperation was what Norman heard and saw in Cane now. He had never showed this before.

"He said he would avenge her. That he would kill all of them."  Said Jeffrey barely over a whisper.

Realization dawned on Cane. She's dead... How could she leave so soon...

***

Cane, Randolph, and Norman made their way out of the building. Thrity prisoners, now freed, followed them out.

Seth walked out from the cover, along with Nathaniel and the rest of the watchmen.

Cane was surprised to see Nathaniel.

"What is the archer of archers doing here? " asked Cane.

Nathaniel stuck out his hand as he approached them." My name is Nathaniel. An honor to meet you. I believe your are Cane."

"Yes." He replied. "I am Cane. What exactly are you doing here?"

"Same as you I presume, hunting None other than Langstrom."

Randolph walked back towards the cart. The watchmen had brought their horses back out from hiding. The prisoners were swarmed around them.

Randolph's son and Peter were busy handing the extra shirts, food, and jugs of water to the prisoners.

Randolph saw the boy Jeffrey stand behind the crowd. He did not attempt to pass the people to receive food. 

"Are you not hungry?" Asked Randolph standing beside Jeffrey.

Jeffrey remained fixated on the crowd before him. "I just didn't lose my humanity while in the cellars. I am relieved, once again, to be free." 

Jeffery gave a smirk. "He did tell the truth after all."

"Who did? " Asked Randolph.

"Adar." replied Jeffrey.

Randolph raised a brow. He was going to question him further but was called over by Cane.

"What is it, Cane ?" Said Randolph walking over to the bounty hunters. Now there were four, instead of three, dark coated men.

"I believe this is where we part." Replied Cane. "It would be best to take those people to the nearest town with an English proprietor in hopes of it reaching England.

I believe Langstrom's militia is a threat. Its growing in numbers." 

Randolph nodded." I agree." 

Cane pulled out a bag of sovereigns and handed it him.

Randolph opened the small pouch of coins in his palm.

"This is to much." 

Cane shook his head." Your lives were on the line. A single life is worth much more."

***

Nathaniel saw the thirty men bunched in the four carts. They were headed for the nearest town called Garrison.

"Do you planning on joining us for our hunt?" Asked Cane.

Nathaniel nodded." Do you have a lead?"

Cane looked over at Norman and Seth.

A knowing look between all three.

"How did you know about this place? " Asked Norman.

"I was told by a boy, who escaped. I and my brother rescued him and another girl from the guardsmen."

"What was his name?" Cane inquired.

"Adar." replied Nathaniel.

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

Adar raised his dagger. Melanie stared, eyes wide, at him. He stood over her, anger on his face. Blood pooled around them. The body of the Willis's lay in the living room.

***

The Willis's had been sitting around the fire place, like every evening. Adar arose, driven by a blood, thirsty hate, and headed for the living room. The dagger his father had given him was gripped in his hand.

"Hello, Adar." were Mr. Willis's last words as Adar plunged the dagger into his chest. Mrs Willis screamed and the same was done to her. He had dragged both bodies to the middle of the living room.

Melanie then came out of her room.

Lansgtrom's wretched niece! though Adar.

Melanie had seem the bodies and fled to her room. She locked the door behind her.

Adar soon broke the door down and dragged Melanie, by her hair, into the living room.

***

"Where is John?" Asked Melanie, her body trembling violently. She was kneeling, her arms shaking the most. Her head was lowered.

"Dead! As you'll be..." Said Adar.

Melanie only had her night gown on. Her face was pale from fear. Worst of all, she was crying.

"Please don't!" Pleaded Melanie.

Adar lowered his dagger.

I... What...

Adar looked down at the hand gripping the dagger. It was no longer human. It was red, translucent. He had dark talons for fingers.

A smile spread across his face. Melanie had tears running down her cheeks as she looked up at him.

He brought the dagger up and...

A cold sweat was the first thing Adar felt as he awoke.

It was a dream! thought Adar.

He sat up on his bed. His shirt was wet and plastered to his chest.

The moonlight still showed outside of his window.

Adar arose and headed for the door.

His vision had always been good in the darkness. The moon light in the room was more than sufficient. He saw blood on his hand as he reached for the doorknob.

God, let this be a dream!

Adar's heart hammered in his chest as he made his way out of the room.

He made his way into the living room and saw John sitting there with a book open.

"Adar?" said John, setting his book on his lap.

"I- I came to get some water." said Adar as he headed for the kitchen.

Adar exhaled as he entered the kitchen.

The blood must have been from my bandaid, thought Adar, I ... What's happening to me?

"Adar." Said John standing at the door way.

"Is everything all right? You're sweating profusely." 

"Just a nightmare that's all."  Replied Adar, hiding his hand behind his back.

John lowered his brow. "I know it's been hard on you these last couple of days. I'm here to listen if you need to talk." 

"Thank you, John." Said Adar.

John nodded and left.

Adar drank water out of the bucket and went to his room.

It seemed so real, thought Adar as he shut the door behind him.

Adar took his shirt off and went to the closet.

He found a night shirt and put it on.

He stretched his arm sticking it into the long, sleeve of the shirt. For a brief second his hand went into the moonlight, that was against the wall. He saw a shadowy hand with long talons. 

He jerked his hand back.

What....

Adar placed his hand back into the moonlight. It cast a normal shadow.

I'm... I'm just shaken that's all.

Adar made his way onto his bed and laid backfirst onto it. He stared at the ceiling.

Mother... If only you were here to help me with these nightmares... They're coming back.

                    End Of Chapter

HEY GUYS ! IM SORRY IT HAS BEEN LIKE A MONTH SINCE I UPDATED ! ANYWAYS, COMMENT, VOTE, AND CRITICIZE THIS CHAPTER. THIS STORY, I FEEL, IS GETTING A BIT OUT OF THE NORM. ILL UPDATE AGAIN SOON! AND I APOLOGIZE THAT THIS WAS NOT ONE OF MY BETTER CHAPTERS!