SORRY THIS CHAPTER TOOK LONG AS WELL! THIS IS MY CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO YOU ALL!

I WAS PARTICULARLY EXCITED TO WRITE THIS CHAPTER !

ENJOY!

A few days passed. Adar was now completely healed, now working for Martin in blacksmithing. John had thought the rate of Adar healing was odd. But he had been cleared to work without a doubt.

The first Adar arrived, Martin showed him all the tools and how to handle the orders. Upon Adar's second day, he was in the back learning to fix and forge horse shoes, being that he had past experience in blacksmithing.

Martin stood back with his arms crossed, seeing Adar beat upon the iron with his hammer, the anvil making a clang each time it landed. He held the iron down with a pair of tongs.

"Adar, have you ever worked in blacksmithing before?" Mr. Martin asked.

The shop was relatively small for its size, humble in appearance. The brick furnace, built in the center of the shop, seemed well beyond its prime, dark scorch marks running near the sides. A slack tub was to the right of it. Hooks rested over the walls, holding aprons that Martin used. A stool was to the right of the tub. It seemed relatively dark in the shop, except for the fire glowing from the forge and occasional sparks of the hammer.

Adar was silent. He picked the workpiece up with the tongs and walked over to the slack tub, placing it in slowly seeing the water hiss, and watching the steam rise.

"Yes. I once did with my father," said Adar looking down at the workpiece through the disturbed water. In a sense, the workpiece reminded him of himself.

I am what I am because of what has been done to me, he thought. Hold me down in water to drown me, and I burn it. Hold me in a furnace and I heat up to a dangerous level. Beat me with a hammer and I cause pain to travel through your wrist as I resist your change.

Forging, wielding, heat treating, and the finishing of iron; Adar claimed to know the basics of them all. He also stated to Martin that he was also comfortable with the drawing of metals.

"Was he skilled?" Martin continued.

"Not very. He taught me only what little he knew," said Adar. "His skills lied in other things such as hunting and fishing, being excellent in both."

He loved working, since his childhood had he known that. It seemed to ease his mind of worry and pain. The hours had flown by, the day already nearing its end.

***

Adar placed his apron on a hanger, ready to clean up. He had just completed the door hinge needed for the Bosworths- a wealthy family in town.

He wiped the sweat off his forehead.

The setting sun's orange glow creeped a few inches into the darkness of the shop. It never made it more than that. He walked out slowly, going into the sunlight, stopping short of exposing his face.

The day had been a long. He had swordmanship training early in the morning with John. He also helped around the farm before leaving, and finally he wore himself out hammering away in the shop.

Adar yawned, stretching his arms. Martin had seen what Adar could do and was pleased. He already knew Adar would make a perfect blacksmith striker-  also known as a blacksmith's apprentice.

"You did well today, Adar. I'm elated that John was able to get a hold of a hard worker as you for my apprentice. You may leave now before it gets dark. I'll finish the rest of this work by myself.

"Thank you, Mr. Martin." 

He nodded and waved Adar good bye as he walked out. 

"I'll see you tomorrow then!" Adar yelled, as he took off his drenched shirt and slung it over his shirt, running off into the street.

Adar made it to his horse and opened the small bag connected to his saddle. He pulled our the spare shirt and put it on, placing the drenched shirt in the bag.

He mounted his horse and headed for the Willis's house.

The horse was given to him by Mr. Willis to use as transportation into and out of town.

He passed the first bakery Melanie had taken him to. Out stepped Cade, flashing an evil grin. Adar returned it with a dead look.

He looked forward as he went onto the main dirt road that led out of town.

***

The horse was galloping faster. Adar slowed the horse to a trot He enjoyed the scenery of the plains and the pasture. Many cows seemed to roam around that part. He was nearing the Willis' house, but he was in no hurry.

Mr. Martin had offered for Adar to stay that night at his house and eat supper with him. Adar politely passed up the offer. He enjoyed  Mrs. Willis' cooking and the company of John and Melanie.

Mr. Martin had also offered to help Adar find a place to stay in town. He thought it would be easier for Adar, since he had to wake up extra early to head into town.

Adar also turned down that offer. Like he had stated before, he enjoyed the Willis house hold.

The house now came into view. He stopped in front of it, dismounting and taking the horse back to the stables.

He patted the horse a few times before handing it an apple.

"Adar!"

The call for his name stunned him momentarily, bringing him out of his peaceful moment.

He quickly turned, only to face Abigail.

"A-Abigail,"he stammered. "What brings you here?"

She wore a bright, yellow dress. Her hair was up in a high pony tail. Her smile was as friendly as ever.

"My mother came to purchase a chicken. It is my father's birthday tomorrow. She wanted to make something special, and since he adores her chicken soup she decided upon that."

"Oh," said Adar rubbing the back of his head with left hand. "I didn't know it was his birthday tomorrow."

Abigail giggled in what Adar thought was a cute manner. "Nobody really mentions it. My father is sensitive about his age it seems." 

Adar chuckled. "I see."  For some reason he was happy to see Abigail. But as usual, his heart warmed even more when he saw Melanie.

She ran across the field headed their way. She had a bright smile, her eyes bluer to Adar for some reason.

She slowed her pace as she came upon them.

"Adar, how was your day?"

Her smile had brightened it.

"Pleasant. Thank you for asking. How was yours? "

"Lovely," Melanie replied. "Abigail's surprise visit made it so." 

Abigail smiled. She was studying Adar. He seemed like an enigma. It piqued her interest very so.

Melanie felt a change of feeling. She also noticed what seemed like infatuation, Abigail had for Adar. 

"Abigail!" Mrs. Ann yelled. "We have to leave. It will be dark soon. Dr. John has offered to escort us back. We have to hurry. He still needs to return for supper." 

"Yes, Mother!" she replied.

Melanie gave Abigail a big hug. "Bye, Abigail. I will see you on Sunday, during church. Please tell Richard hello for me."

Abiagil nodded, then turned to Adar. " I was wondering... Since tomorrow is my father's birthday, would you mind staying a little later to celebrate it with our family? He doesn't like big parties or to much attention. And because because your his apprentice, I thought it would be okay."

"I will see what I can do, Abigail."

"Well... okay. Just give me your response tomorrow." She said. "Good bye, Adar, Melanie." 

She left quickly heading towards her mother.

Adar resumed his attention towards the horse, pulling the saddle off, and his back to Melanie.

Melanie stood there with her hands behind her back, a large grin on her face.

"So, Adar." She said in a mischievous yet playful tone."Are you going to stay at Abigail's house and celebrate Mr. Martin's birthday? "

"I'll think about it tonight." 

Her grin grew. "Adar, Abigail seems to be interested in you." 

He hung the saddle on two large hooks that were on the wall.

"What do you mean interested?" He stated.

"Oh come now, Adar. Do not tell me you don't notice her gaze at you." 

"No," replied Adar. "Last time was at the Thanksgiving feast."

"Do you feel something for her?"

"Nothing besides a friendship."  Adar said.

Melanie moved to stand directly in front of him. The look on his face indicated to her something was bothering him.

"Is there a problem, Adar?"

Adar looked at her. She was pretty. Her curious blue eyes never ceased to amuse him.

Her curly blonde hair emphasized those eyes much more. Her smile was so happy and innocent.

He wanted to tell her the truth, the way he felt for her. Alas, he couldn't muster the strength to say anything. His heart was pounding, screaming at him to tell the truth.

Instead he betrayed his heart by changing the direction of the conversation.

"Do you feel anything for Richard?"

Melanie was surprised by the question, her smile dissipating. She appeared flustered.

"I-I really don't know. He does seem polite, gentleman-like, and he is handsome." 

Envy tightened around his heart. How lucky was Richard to have such a pretty girl admire him. But more was it a girl so understanding, so kind, one who lit up the world with one smile.

"Melanie," He began. "I believe Mrs. Willis might need your help. You had better go help her." 

"I suppose so. Adar, are you sure nothing is bothering you?"

She leaned forward, to get a closer look at his face, knowing he tried to hide behind a mask. She softly touched his hand. "You are a dear friend of mine. I do tend to get worried."

"Melanie," He said, turning his eyes away. "There isn't anything bothering me." 

She eyed him. "Do you promise?"

He met her stare. "I promise." 

She gave him a warm smile. "I will go help Mrs. Willis then." 

Adar watched as Melanie walked away. He really hated how his heart had jumped when Melanie had touched his hand. If only he could help it. He was falling for her. She seemed not to notice his feelings for her, making his heart ache. He wished it to be returned.

He wrapped up his duties at the stable and walked out to the pasture. He let his hands drop slowly to his side. He wanted to Melanie how he felt, but it would not, could not come out. He doubted the true value his words would have; just a few days ago he had been in an argument with her. He also hadn't said the nicest things to her.

Erase those silly notions! Adar scorned himself. I have many more things I am occupied with... I still have a duel.

Before slaying Cade, he would pry any information of Lansgtrom's whereabouts he told himself.

He dreaded the thought of leaving town, leaving Melanie... But he had to avenge his mother. He breathed for vengeance.

The choice of avenging his mother or staying here to be with Melanie.

I promised to stay until Christmas, he reminded himself. After that, I'll just disappear.

He clenched his hands. The Sun was now gone.

Why was it so much harder to make this choice?  Had he not been bent on revenge? 

He felt the breeze through his hair. His mind raged, but the very thought of Melanie seemed to cause mayhem that he wish not to have.

"Melanie... " He whispered.

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

Cane was still continuing his search for Langstrom. Their current location was in northern Virginia. He was at a church.

It was the town's church- where they were currently visiting.

The inside contained murals of Jesus and Mary. A cross sat at the far end of the church for all to see. A well maintained church was what one thought if they entered.  The ceiling were occupied by a few silver chandeliers.

Red carpets lined the aisle in between the pews.

Cane decided to visit the church, Nathaniel accompanying him.

Cane proclaimed himself to be a spiritual man, having memorized several prayers, and always sending money to the church. He read his bible daily.

Norman and Seth had decided to go off to a bar in the town- the only bar there.

They became rowdy most of the time, always getting into trouble.

Cane stood outside of the church with Nathaniel. He took a moment to relax. It had been a while since had visited this church.

Nathaniel looked at Cane's dark coat, seeing the large white cross- it was to symbolize his spiritualism.

Cane turned and pushed open one of the large double doors.

Silence made Cane nervous. He closed the door behind him, and saw the priest kneeling, candles lit at the alter. He seemed to be praying.

He stopped whispering things under his breath and turned his head. He saw Cane.

The priest arose and made his way over to him.

"Cane, my how have you grown!" The priest smiled. His white hair, smile, and plump cheeks were all familiar to Cane. He had definitely balded since. 

The priest was a short man. His attire was far from fancy, but acceptable for a priest. The cross necklace he wore brought back memories to Cane.

"It's been a while, has it not? How is your mother?" The priest asked.

Cade let out a weak smile."You have not changed father... My mother is dead." 

There was a silence. Cane then turned to the priest and began to recount everything; his brother's situation, how he was tracking Langstrom, and how he was sure his mother was gone.

A look of sadness covered Cane's face. The priest mourned with him.

"I will continue to pray for you, Cane. How is your younger brother faring with it?"

Cane clenched his fist. "I don't know, father. I haven't spoken to him since I took our father to prison."

The priest put his hand on Cane's shoulder.

"Cane, you cannot leaves things unsettled with your brother. Things will worsen. Where is he now?"

"He is in southern Virginia. He is with a doctor who happens to be an ex-mercenary. He happens to be the brother of a mercenary I am traveling with. From what I've heard, Adar is doing fine. I pray even harder for him now."

"Cane," began the priest. "I know you are devastated by all this, and even God knows of your suffering. But please understand; your brother needs you right now. Think of the comfort he needs. You're his one and only family." 

Cane shook his head. "Father, I could go see him, but I fear my presence would only worsen things." 

The priest turned around and paced up the aisle, his hands behind his back.

"Oh God in heaven, please be with these boys as they truly need you right now." 

He turned to see Cane stand there with a look of confusion.

"Cane," The priest said, projected. "Is your vengeance really of more worth to you than your only family?"

Cane was silent. He had a tough time finding a truthful answer.

The priest made his way back to him, giving a look full of compassion.

"Cane, your mother is in heaven right now, wishing for you to be near your brother, comforting him." 

Tears escaped Cane's eyes.

At 19, he was a tough man, both physically and mentally. He'd been through a lot. He couldn't remember the last time he cried, but here he was, tearing.

He lowered his head, his eyes sealed tight. Pain appeared on his face. Tear drops broke through and landed on the wooden, church floor.

The grief had been held in to long.

"I believe Adar is not the only one who needs his brother right now." The priest said,  as he wrapped his arm around Cane's shoulder. "How about we have a talk with our father in heaven."

Cane nodded.

***

Nathaniel was waiting patiently outside when he saw Cane coming out, also thanking the priest. He waved as Cane departed and met with Nathaniel.

"Thank you for your wait, Nathaniel."

"No need to worry. I completely understand."

Cane sighed."Now to find those two who have gone off."

***

Seth and Norman were in a bar, having to many a whiskey.

A man at the bar had met a bet with Seth, saying he could not possibly solve a riddle. Seth was brilliant when it came to riddles and problems.

The man placed five sticks on the table and smiled. Two sticks were long, the rest short.  "Without breaking them and using all of them, turn these five sticks into three!"

Seth stared at the sticks the man had laid out on the table. He quickly rearranged the sticks to form the number "3". He used the two long sticks as the back stem of the three, the other two perpendicular to the long sticks, and parallel to each other. The last stick was used as the middle.

The man screamed, cursing Seth. He was convinced he had cheated. It soon turn into a brawl.

The man was shorter than Seth, a bit stalky as well.

He charged Seth, ramming his head into his gut.

Seth quickly kneed the man's stomach and followed up with a left hook to his temple. The man crashed to the floor.

The man immediately rushed back up, hungry for more. He went at Seth furiously, swinging at him.

Seth took a quick step back, ducking under one of his punches; then he went forward and ended it with a solid uppercut.

The man fell to the floor like a cannon ball would. He was unconscious.

Norman was off to the side laughing.

He looked over and saw a few others, companions to the man. They quickly  attacked Seth.

One held Seth from behind, while the other two struck him multiple blows to the head.

Norman quickly intervened, grabbing the man who held Seth from behind, and smashed his head into the counter.

The bar tender becomes infuriated and yelled for them all to leave.

Seth, now free, decked one of the two. He followed up with a kick to the man's liver, ending the fight. 

The left over man came at Seth with a left hook. Seth ducked under it, and came up with a right elbow to his face. He heard the crack knowing he had broken the man's nose.

The man was wobbly from the blow of the elbow, stumbling against one of the tables.

Seth immediately pounced on him, putting his left hand on the man's neck and pinning him on the table. He began to rain down punches with his right arm, leaving the man into a pulp.

Seth felt a hand grab his shoulder. He immediately lashed out towards that direction. He was answered with a right hand  that sent him to the floor.

He looked up shocked, seeing Cane looking at him.

"Seth, you fool! Get up now!"

He looked over to see Nathaniel restraining Norman.

Getting up, he felt the front of his head where he had been struck. A lump was forming.

"Why did you hit me like that, Cane? "

His breath reeked of alcohol.

Cane grabbed him by his collar.

"I give you a few hours to enjoy yourselves and you cause this much trouble!"

Cane apologized to the bar tender. He quickly took Seth and Norman out, furious at what they had started.

***

Seth and Norman awoke the next morning with large headaches.

"What all happened yesterday?" Norman inquired.

Cane flashed him an angry look. "You'd rather not remember."

Norman looked around and realised he was in a pew. He had been brought into a church.

Seth was sleeping in the pew in front of him, while Nathaniel and Cane sat in one across from him.

"Did we repent last night after being brought in here?" Seth Joked.

"No," grumbled Cane. "But that would have been better."

Seth arose from the pew and stretched.

"When do we leave for Delaware?"

Cane arose and crossed his arms. "I've had a change of thought. How would it be if we returned to southern Virginia?"

Seth looked puzzled. "Why return there?"

Cane was silent for a moment, looking at them both. He turned to gaze at the large cross at the center of the church.

"For my brother, Adar..." he replied.

VOTE/COMMENT IF YOU LIKED THIS CHAPTER, OR BOTH IF YOU LOVED IT!

TELL ME WHAT Y'ALL THOUGHT, ESPECIALLY ABOUT ADAR'S EMOTIONS THAT  SEEM TO GROW MORE INTERESTING WITH EACH CHAPTER! DON'T FORGET ABOUT CADE AS WELL, SEEMS TO BE A BIT OF CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT GOING ON.