Moleck held out the anchor pendant to me. "Please, Archer. I think you're ready, and I can't hide myself from you any longer."

   I wanted to take it. I truly did. I wanted to join the brother I'd thought was dead for so many years. I should. I will. "What do I have to do?"

   Moleck's eyes dropped from mine. "You'll have to stage your death. I know you can use illusions. It should be simple."

   I looked at the busy street to my right. Shay would be arriving at our safe house soon. Moleck had set up the perfect timing. I felt like I was tearing my heart into pieces. "A-alright..." I scanned the crowds and whispered, "I'm sorry, Shay."

   Moleck pressed the anchor into my hand. "Take your time brother. I understand how hard it is. Meet me on the roof of the tallest church when you're ready."

   I nodded, clipping the necklace chain around my neck. I closed my eyes and cast the illusion of myself across the street. I told it what to do, and left. There was no way I could watch. I was probably going to break Shay and I didn't want to feel any more guilt than I already did.

   I had told myself I wouldn't tear myself up hadn't I? Why am I even here? I glanced around nervously. I was paranoid that Shay would discover me now that I was 'dead'. I leaned over the edge of the roof again, looking at the slab of gray stone from the roof I sat on. I didn't know if I had the strength to follow through on this anymore.

   I pushed myself to my feet, forcing myself to walk away from the dark house. The one window that flickered with candlelight seemed to be a fuel to make me feel worse, but I had to leave. Moleck was waiting. I ran across the rooftops, not caring if I drew the attention of everyone in Boston with the clatter of my boots on the tiles. I stopped at the place Moleck had told me to meet him at. The tallest church.

   Moleck stood with his back to me. "You ready to go?" he asked.

   "Not really," I answered truthfully.

   Moleck turned and gave me a wry smile. "Me neither. You have no idea how much I missed the two of you and how much I wanted to sit in the same room and just argue like we used to."

   I managed a dry laugh. "As if high and mighty Moleck ever wanted to talk to us."

   Moleck chuckled. "Oh I have a person who tells me he did... once in a while."

   "Is that so?"

   "Naw," Moleck grinned. "He just wanted to argue with you."

   "Man, I thought I was getting somewhere," I grinned back at him.

   Moleck winked. "Maybe you were. Follow me."

   He led the way down from the church roof and around the back. He waited for me to catch up to him before opening a hidden trap door. "After you."

   I started down the ladder. It wasn't far, so after I was down a couple rungs I just jumped off. Moleck dropped down after me and the trap door slammed shut.

   We stood in a long, empty, dark hallway. The walls were made of a stone that was smooth to the touch. The quiet swish of water echoed from down the hall. A cool wind whistled in my ears. I could faintly hear the creak of wood and the rustle of a large piece of fabric. A female voice was shouting orders that were lost in the noise.

   "A beautiful ship docked here yesterday," Moleck said as we started walking. "I've never seen anything like it before. Wait 'till you see it!"

   A lantern bobbed up and down at the end of the tunnel. I guessed the person holding it was wearing black clothes, because I couldn't see them. There was a shouted conversation that was drowned out by a dull boom.

   "Alright!" the same female voice shouted. The lantern started bouncing toward us. The dim light reflecting off of two necklaces around the bearers neck. "Moleck, we're-" she froze.

   I studied her for a second. The two gleaming swords, black robes, and the two necklaces, one a silver anchor and the other a tree embedded in blue stone, were suddenly very familiar. "Rook?"

   Rook dropped the anchor and ran up to me. She wrapped her arms around me before I could react. She pulled away quickly, realizing that Moleck was staring at us. "We did what you asked," she said. "You didn't come back, so we left."

   Relief washed over me, masking my sadness for a bit. "Good," I replied, ignoring Moleck's confused look. "I was worried you would wait there forever. I saw that the ship was gone when I came back up."

   Rook looked like she was about to ask something, then stopped. "I'll talk to you later. We were just leaving. Coming Captain?" she asked as she picked up the lantern again.

   "Yes I am," I couldn't help but smile. "Coming brother?"

   Moleck blinked. "Of course. To where?"

   Rook started off, leaving us to follow. "France!" she called over her shoulder. "Shouldn't take more than two or three days!"

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There. That's up now. School next! Whoop dee do!

May the speed force be with you! Stay determined.