I APOLOGIZE FOR THE LONG WAIT! THINGS HAVE BEEN BUSY! I ALSO HAVE AN IMPORTANT  ANNOUNCEMENT ON THE BACK!

A week had passed since Thanksgiving. Now In Delaware, Nathaniel and the other three bounty hunters still searched for signs of Langstrom's presence.

All four were investigating in a town, trying to find information of any value.

Nathaniel and Cane were on horse back, traveling throughout the town. They were searching for the rendezvous place Norman and Seth were currently waiting at.

Leaning his sword (in its sheath) against the back of the horses' neck, Cane asked Nathaniel a question. 

"How do you suppose we find Langstrom? Let alone capture him?"

"I don't have the least bit idea," said Nathaniel, who was looking forward and side to side, hoping to get a clue or lead to anything. "We can only hope to be ready should we locate him."

"You knew him well enough," said Cane. "I'll be smart and follow your instincts for this hunt."

"He is dangerous," replied Nathaniel. "It's the reason he is the most wanted man in the colonies, by the great English empire.

"How was he like? His attitude and his skill?" Cane asked, leaning forward to get a better look at Nathaniel's face.

"He was serious, yet humorous when the when the occasion presented itself," Nathaniel said, reminiscing. "He was the leader of our bounty group. As far as out dueling goes, I never stood a chance against him; on the other hand, John might have been evenly matched with him, excluding John's duel-wielding technique."

"Your brother knows duel-wielding?" said Cane, his eyebrows going up. "What does he wield, swords? Or a mixture of difference weapons?"

"He wields two swords as you do," replied Nathaniel. "But his technique is quite different. He greatly prefers to use one sword, only using the trump card of double swords when he needs to. And I never asked, but who taught you your duel-wielding technique?"

Cane spoke. "My father instructed me in the wielding of two swords since my childhood. He taught to handle the dagger, throwing knives, and finally swords. He was only able to teach me a few things about duel wielding, being his own knowledge was very limited. I learned the rest by studying manuscripts of other famous duel-wielders, and by practicing every day, discovering what I could."

"And how about your archery?" inquired Cane. "How did you come to have such skills?"

"Back in England," said Nathaniel, "My aunt paid for my archery skills. She said she saw potential."

Cane looked forward; Norman and Seth were outside of a wine store, on their horses

With a disappointed look on Norman's face, Cane saw him round the horse from the front of the store. His horse stopped to the side of Cane's.

"We looked, searched, and even asked," began Norman. "There aren't any leads here. Do not fret, as we have more than half of the day left." 

Seth joined the rest, and they made their way out of the town onto a another road; hopefully leading them to another town that might have clues, they thought.

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

The Sun was near the middle of the sky.

Adar was cutting the grass. Soon, he wouldn't have to worry about it, with winter coming and killing most of the green.

He swung the scythe side to side, cutting away expertly at the grass. Half the field was already finished by him.

John felt the heat of the Sun on his back. The sleeves of his white shirt were rolled up. He had on a light, colored pair of khaki pants. His suspenders were the color brown.

Adar wore similar attire.

Making some repairs on the roof, John had occasionally glanced in Adar's direction to make sure he would do well.

His healing rate was alarmingly fast, thought John. It doesn't make sense. Even now he is working hard; he's a tough boy.

***

Adar finished with the grass, and started plowing the fields.

He was stopped by John, who told him he had been over-working himself.

Adar tried to argue back, but John sent him to the house to get ready.

John had promised Adar and Melanie he would buy them new sweaters, since the cold was settling in.

Adar patted the donkey, that he used to plow the field, and whispered into his ear.

"You did okay."

Walking away, Adar headed into the house and prepared for the visit into town.

***

John immediately took them into town, parking on a main street an heading straight for the tailor's shop.

Melanie, yet again, was thrilled to step foot into the town; while Adar dreaded each second there, only hoping it would end soon.

Adar was sitting in the back of the cart. Melanie sat in the passenger's side, next to John. The Willis couple had chosen to stay behind.

Staring at the necklace he had pulled out, Adar remembered the argument he had with Melanie.

We still have not had an actual conversation since that day, thought Adar. I already apologized. She said she forgave me, but it seems she still feels alot of pain from my words.

John parked the cart near the shop and all three followed him inside.

Tailoring of satisfactions was the name of the shop.

Many coats, clothes, and hats of a different colors and varieties filled the shop. The coats hung from an open, large dresser, while the clothes were hung from hangers placed all around the store. The apparel for the males and females were separated, men's clothes on the left and the ladies on the right.

The store offered many coats of the up-most quality. Many of the bounty hunters, John knew, journeyed to the store to get their coats. It was what they promised; durable, comfortable, and fancy for last but not least.

Melanie's face brightened as she entered, Adar's eyes only observing every detail.

John went to the counter and rung a small bell placed there.

A man came from a door placed in between the men's and women's apparel.

"How may I offer my services?" the man asked, a bright smile on his face. He was average height and weight.

He wore dark, brown pants with a dark vest on top of his long, sleeved shirt. His stocking were the color white, his shoes black leather.

He had long, chestnut hair pulled into a pony tail, two bangs of hair left in the front.

"No need to be so causal, Samuel," grinned John. "I've come only to buy coats for my friends."

"Ah I see," nodded Samuel as he looked over at the two behind John. "One for the lovely, young lady and one for the young man."

He ushered both into a corner that was surrounded on three sides by vertical, large mirrors. He started taking Melanie's measurements.

She stood still, her face hosting joy.

Adar noticed how she loved to pose, as any girl most likely would.

On the other hand, when it was his turn, he stood awkwardly. Melanie attempted to hide her giggles as Samuel told Adar to raise his arms higher and not to move so much.

After the measurements, John and Samuel discussed the material that would be used to make the coat. Melanie had said she preferred a petticoat made with any material as long as it was a great fabric. It was decided upon that the color of the coat was to be red. It would fit her body well, yet allowing room for when she grew older, a year or two Samuel estimated.

Adar didn't care, going with Samuel's suggestion of a long, waist coat that was plain gray.   

Because of the high demand of coats, the tailor stated the orders wouldn't be ready until a week or so along that time period.

John decided to purchase two other coats for the young teenagers, at the very least keeping them warm until the new ones came in.

Melanie went over to women's side and chose a brown, waist coat. She designated it hers for the ruffles it had at the end of the sleeves. Fortunately for Melanie, there where other girls in the town that were the same age as her and had the same body size, making the coat a great, temporary substitute.

Adar had gone to the back of the shop, resolving he would try to choose one himself.

On a rack, Adar saw a large variety of coats. A few of them had the elaborate ruffles, turned back at the sleeves. Others had nice collars, buttons, and even fancy hems.

He laughed at the idea of him wearing anything close to fancy. Wearing dull and simple clothes was always his preferable choice.

About to give up his search, he noticed a cloak laying on the floor against a far corner.

He walked over, truly feeling pulled to it.

It was the color black, having a large hood. A silver chain connected both sides of the cloak, which made the hood. The bottom was a bit tattered, appearing as small tendrils or claws.

Feeling a strong curiosity only caused him to put it on.

The cloak reached to his lower ankle. It emphasized his shoulders, as he wore it.

He could adjust it to cover his chest and legs, or fix it to be more like a cape and cover just his back. If moved around a bit, it would touch the floor and drag as he walked.

The material it was made out of was wool. It felt comforting to have that fabric against his skin once more. His mother had made a cloak similar to the one he held now.

"Adar, have you chosen what you are to wear for the next week?" John asked, rounding the corner.

He was surprised as he saw Adar, giving a chuckle.

"I thought you were the angel of death for a second," he said.

"I am going to purchase this coat," said Adar."Don't worry about the money. I have some."

***

"That coat will be six shillings," said Samuel, handing Melanie the temporary coat she had chosen.

Melanie eagerly reached over the counter as  he finished cutting a few strands of cloth that still hadn't been taken off, and she  put it on, smiling.

The tailor turned to Adar. "Have you chosen?"

"This cloak will be fine," he responded, holding the cloak in a bundle with his left hand.

"Adar, you need a coat. A cloak will not be sufficient in this weather," said John.

"This cloak will be fine. How much do I owe you, Samuel?" Adar asked.

"At the very least, half a sovereign( equivalent to ten shillings) ," replied Samuel.

John looked at Adar. "Are you sure? That is quite costly.

Adar pulled out a satin bag and handed Samuel the 10 shillings.

"Ten quids as you asked."

Melanie was surprised. "Where did you get that money?"

"My father told me to never leave home without it," he replied.

John and Melanie walked out, eager to get home. Before Adar could leave the store, Samuel called him.

"Adar, " said Samuel grinning. "It seems I've misplaced John's change. I still owe him a pound. Would you do me the favor of giving it to him?"

He nodded and took the pound, shoving it in his pocket. 

Stepping out of the shop, he saw a figure approach him. Cade. He wore clothes that appeared normal. He had already blended in.

Cade saw Adar wear a black cloak.

"How befitting of you, dark one." Cane mocked, meeting Adar at the front of the shop.

"Have you come to get a coat?" Adar inquired.

"Yes," grinned Cade. "One cannot be cold during their duel."

Cade's taunting smile irritated Adar, but all he responded was, "I agree. May you choose a comfortable coat."

Cade flashed an evil grin, then made his way past Adar, into the shop.

Catching up to the other two, Adar thanked John.

"I appreciate you bringing us here." Adar said, his face like a stone, as usual.

"The pleasure is mine," smiled John. "It seems you've  gotten used to the town life quite a bit."

Melanie leaned in near Adar and pinched the cloak in between her fingers, rubbing it.

"I don't like the color, but the feeling of it seems very comfortable."

"Why do you take such a fancy to that coat?" John said, perplexed.

"I just do," replied Adar looking forward at the cart coming into view.

In reality, the coat seemed very similar to the one his mother had made him back when he was younger.

***

All three made it back to the Willis's house before dark.

Melanie quickly entered to help Mrs. Willis with the supper, while Adar and John decided to stay outside and practice Swordmanship. 

At the backyard of the house, John ensued in sparring with Adar.

Adar stood, ready for any attacks, and held his wooden sword inwardly.

John- standing a few feet away- had an energy about him as he wielded his sword.

Adar lunged at him, aiming low for the torso.John parried immediately, and with the flick of his wrist, brought his sword low, vertically on Adar's exposed leg.

"What did I tell you concerning your lead leg?" John said, backing up and returning to his stance.

"Defend it," replied Adar, gritting his teeth. "I'm sorry, I'll remember."

"Don't apologize," said John. "Your enemies won't." 

Adar nodded and started in his position. He rushed in, stopping short of John's range.

He did a feint, then he saw John react, leaving an opening. 

Adar immediately came in with an upward, vertical cut.

John spun his wooden sword, going for a block.

Adar- to John's surprise- immediately pulled away. Adar came back, rapidly moving in and out of John's reach, striking for his weak spots.

John parried, and he realized Adar was using his advantage as a younger, more faster person.

John timed his next move right. As he saw Adar move out, he dashed forward.

Adar's eyes widened, realizing John had already won.

Foolishly, Adar tried a stabbing technique to John's ribs; but John had struck his wrist, sending his sword out of his hand and leaving his wrist in pain.

John's wooden sword was at Adar's neck.

"You must learn other guards," said John. "There is more than one cut as well." 

John lowered his sword and told Adar to go retrieve his.

After grabbing his sword, John called him to stand in front of him.

"Try this guard," said John.

Adar quickly mimicked his position.

John smiled. "This is the the Half circle guard. It is vital to know and use this. This guard is designed to protect your wrist- which is a very important factor when it comes to dueling." 

"And the cut that goes against this guard?" Asked Adar.

"A cut 3," said John.

Adar went into his half circle guard and John showed him how the cut worked, what lunge was needed to initiate the attack.

Adar then had his turn, practicing on John with his attempt at a cut 3.

"Remember," said John parrying Adar's strike. "This cut was created to attack the opponent's left wrist, not his right." 

Adar kept trying, timing, and feigning. Nearing the end of their session, Adar had learned the cut. The next step was to master the move. Striking someone's left side, arm, or leg could be done easily by him; but striking someone's left wrist was much more difficult, the size being smaller and the point from where the sword was being controlled did not make it easier.

***

Adar sat on the fence watching the Sun set. John had gone inside, finishing the sparring.

Adar looked over at a tree, seeing his dagger embedded in it. He hadn't practiced throwing knives in a while, but he knew he was deadly as ever.

I am trained within and from without, bodies falling around and about.

bodies of my fallen enemies...

His father had shown him the intricate techniques of knife wielding, throwing, and concealment. It had taken Adar some time to acquire what he had learned.

Soon the wielding of two swords would belong in his arsenal of weaponry knowledge.

***

Adar headed in for supper. Everyone in the house hold was already seated and ready with their bowl of soup.

Melanie was smiling, Adar then saw why. Mrs. Willis had Melanie's, brown waist coat.

"How beautiful. I love this design," smiled Mrs. Willis. "That was very kind of you, John."

John nodded. "They deserved it, being kind and a great help to you, Mrs. Willis."

Mrs. Willis smiled as she noticed Adar. "And what did you get?"

"A black cloak," responded Adar plainly.

Adar had the cloak in a bundle within his left hand. He handed it to Mrs. Willis.

Mrs. Willis unfolded and held it out. Mr. Wilis gave a nod of agreement.

"It seems of fine quality," said Mr. Willis.

"I second that opinion," smiled Mrs. Willis. "You should put it on for us to see."

Adar nodded and took the cloak as Mrs. Willis handed it to him.

He swung the cloak over his head letting it  fall on his shoulders, the bottom slowly falling to the floor. The hood laid on his back.

Mrs. Willis gave a frown. "It seems a bit tattered at the bottom."

"I prefer it like that," replied Adar.

Mrs. smiled and stood up. She grabbed the hood and pulled it over Adar's head, laughing.

"You look as though you're going to run away tonight!"

John, Melanie, and Mr. Willis chuckled.

Melanie then noticed the uneasiness in Adar's eyes as he pulled the hood back from his face.

"You really wouldn't run away and leave us, would you, Adar?" Mrs. Willis asked.

Adar hesitated for a second, then responded,

"of course not." 

Taking his cloak off and putting it in his room, Adar joined them for supper.

All four began to recount stories of past Christmas-  being that the season was now approaching.  

Melanie had said she loved everything about Christmas. She enjoyed the Christmas trees, carols, and the kindred feeling of it all.

Adar had once loved it for the simple reason that he spent the special occasion with family. His father would sing songs while his mother cooked something that they saved for such an occasion.

He let out a sigh upon the remembrance

I really do miss my family...

"Are you excited for Christmas?" John asked Adar.

"Yes," he responded smiling. But deep down inside it hurt to have to think about spending it without his family. It hurt.

All five sat in the living room after supper.

John sighed. "I forgot to bring the firewood in. I must have forgot with all this excitement."

Adar walked towards the door and spoke behind. "I'll retrieve the wood."

Grabbing his cloak, he made his way out the door and headed for the firewood.

Getting to back of the house was done quickly by Adar. He had to move fast. He didn't want the cold getting to him. He could already see his breath. He hoisted a large load of fire wood and carried it, then stopped.

Melanie was peering- in a sneaky way as not to be caught-  over the corner of the house.

"Melanie you stick out quite noticeably, like a nail on wood. You can stop spying on me in that ridiculous manner." 

Melanie came from around the corner, folding her arms. "I wasn't spying on you. I was merely observing. I asked them to, also bringing up the fact you were still healing."

"I can carry the rest on my own," said Adar as he passed Melanie.

She frowned. "You made me come out here to do nothing?"

Adar put the load of fire wood down, then tossed her his cloak.

"Take my cloak. It's cold. You bring those last three pieces in."

Melanie put the coat and nodded. She gave a grin. "Will do!"

Adar brought the fire wood inside, then went back out to check on Melanie. He rounded the corner of the house and saw her struggling to get the three pieces of wood in her arms to carry.

She looked up at Adar smiled. "Let me just rest for a bit. I miscalculated."

Adar sighed. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she said.

Adar quickly grabbed the fire wood and carried them to the front of the house putting  them down.

Melanie gave a sigh of frustration. She caught up to Adar and frowned.

"I said I could carry them," she replied indignantly.

"The last time you said something like that, you fell short of it." Adar said. He looked at Melanie and realized his cloak was quite large on her. She had the hood on, her eyes standing out like stars in the dark sky.

She had really pretty eyes.

Turning to pick up the wood, he heard her say his name.

"Adar..."

He paused for a moment and turned to face her.

"May I ask you a question?" she said. Her eyes had a soft look to them.

"Of course," he said leaning against the side of the house.

Her eyebrows lowered and she looked at him directly in the eyes.

Adar was surprised by the look- it was a new one.

The best way to describe for him was the word 'honest'.

She brought her hand up to her mouth and coughed as if to clear her throat.

She then brought her hand down. 

"Would you ever run away?" she asked.

"You mean from here? " Adar suggested.

"Yes," she said softly. "Would you?"

"No." 

"Do you promise?" she inquired.

This isn't even my home, he thought.

"Yes, Melanie. Enough of this. Lets head inside. Its getting cold and they're waiting for us."

Before entering, Melanie took the cloak off and handed it to him.

"Thank you for lending me it," She smiled.

Its an honest smile, he thought. He felt his pulse rise seeing her smile in such a way.

"Your welcome, " he said looking away and entering with the firewood.

***

It was not long before it was time to sleep, but not for Adar. He was lying on his bed, his eyes set in a stare to the ceiling, pondering deeply.

What do I do if I kill Cade?  If I get a lead, when do I leave?

He knew he was lying to to Melanie when he promised he would never run away.

I said I would stay until Christmas, he thought. It wouldn't be considered running away. I'll leave after I kill Cade.

Melanie doesn't have to worry; Richard can keep her company.

What would he do once he completed his goal?  Come back here? He wasn't sure. It would have to be figured out at that time, not sooner. Family was permanent, friends temporary, and his revenge, short.

He realized his drive was all that kept him alive and without it, there was only one option left. That was what most likely awaited him once he finished his goal.

                    End Of Chapter

VOTE / AND OR COMMENT! THIS CHAPTER WAS NOT DONE WITH THE BEST QUALITY- THAT I REALIZE! I WAS IN A RUSH TO GET IT OUT, AND FOR THAT I APOLOGIZE!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I WILL BE LEAVING SEPTEMBER 2 ( OF 2014) AND BE GONE THROUGH FEBURARY 16 OF 2015. THAT MEANS FOR THOSE 5 MONTHS,  ILL BE OFF OF WATTPAD!  I WILL BE GOING THROUGH BASIC TRAINING.  IF YOU STUMBLED UPON THIS STORY, THEN YOU MIGHT WAIT 6 MONTHS FOR ANOTHER UPDATE!!!!!