I'm going to try to have my chapter titles a little less revealing to the chapter's content. So, they'll be a little more general. Let me now how I do.

X

(BPOV)

I opened my eyes to find light in the stable and myself still pressed against Edward's side. I looked at his face. He had bags under his eyes and he was utterly tense. It didn't look like he had slept at all, "Edward?"

He looked at me and smiled, "Did you have a good sleep?"

I blushed, "Sorry, I know I shouldn't have-"

"It's okay. The raids were done, after all. I just thought it would be safer to stay up here."

I smiled, remembering that decision.

"Anyway, you didn't sleeptalk this time so no one knew we were here."

I gasped, "You've heard me sleeptalk?!"

"Yes. Quite often, actually."

An embarrassed groan escaped me and he laughed. I grimaced, "I didn't keep you up, did I?"

"No. If I can sleep through my brother's snoring, I can sleep through anything."

I giggled as Edward helped me up.

"The raiders are gone now," he said brushing some hay off me, "It's safe." He let me climb down the ladder first, then he followed me. We walked outside.

The sight made me shudder. The aftermath of the raids was so grizzly; homes destroyed; fires here and there; weapons strewn everywhere; and a fine coat of blood covering snow and dead bodies. Edward noticed my shudder and took my hand in his. I smiled then noticed that the survivors were gathering in the town square. We journeyed there and were saddened to see only about half the village survived the attack.

"What do we do now?!" asked a woman, "Most of the homes were destroyed and all the farms were burned. There's no land for growing any crops come spring!"

"Plus," added another, "those raiders may come back. What then?!"

Fearful murmuring broke out. Everyone was frightened. I looked at Edward. He was looking at me with a troubled expression in his eyes. Then, he looked up, an unknown decision made. He jumped up onto the edge of the fountain that rose up in the middle of the town square.

"Everyone, please!" he shouted putting up his hands, "Listen to me!"

Everyone stopped and looked at him.

"Did anyone hear anything said from the raiders last night?"

"I heard them," said an old man, "They plan to come back and destroy the village completely as a warning to King Leo. I also heard them talk of your exile, Edward. It's widely known now."

Another, more quieter wave of murmuring rang out and Edward looked to the side in thought. I looked up at him, wondering what he was planning.

He came to another decision and drew the attention of everyone, "Alright! Then, we won't be safe while we're here. The French are pulling the same tactics I've used hundreds of times on their camps; they're trying to scare Leo into surrender by destroying military camps and surrounding villages. This will make hundreds of homeless flock to his city and overrun it. Then, the city will be ripe for attack."

"Then what do you suggest?" asked the old man, "You're the only one of us with any sort of military training or has even dealt with a matter like this."

He looked around with his gaze meeting mine for a few moments. He addressed everyone, "The safest course of action for us would be to move out of the danger zone."

"You mean, leave the village?" asked the first woman.

"Yes. As long as the French are using this strategy, no one within the village borders will be safe."

A third wave of fearful murmuring found it's way around. No one really like that suggestion. Edward looked at me, a hopeless, apologetic look in his eyes. I smiled at him, silently saying, you did your best.

Then, the old man's voice rose above the chatter, "Edward is right! This place is dangerous. We could all join our dead relations if we stay here. We must move."

The appearance of someone approving Edward's suggestion seemed to ease the survivors. Slowly, they started to agree too. Edward relaxed.

The elder came forward, "However, like I said, no one here has had full military training. We'll need protection."

Everyone looked at Edward again. He thought for a brief moment then drew a breath, "Is the village smithy still intact?"

"Yes," came a deep voice. A muscular, disheveled man walked forward, "My smithy was virtually untouched last night."

"Do you have swords or any other weapons?"

"Some."

"Alright. I'll teach anyone who is willing to wield a weapon how to fight. I've had training with different weapons. However, we need to move quickly. Those raiders can come back at anytime."

People seemed to like that plan better. They dispersed and started to pack. I walked up to Edward as he hopped down.

He smiled, "How did I do?"

I smiled back, "Very nicely."

The old man came up and I recognized him. He was a good friend of Charlie's; William. I hadn't seen his features clearly when the crowd was gathered. He smiled at Edward, "One of your old knights is my son."

Edward searched his face then his eyes widened, "Dominic?"

He nodded, "You see to our defence. I still have a cart that Dominic paid for me. I have room for you and Charlie's young daughter here. I just need a pair of horses."

I smiled at Edward, "I know she's a war-horse but do you think Elizabeth would mind?"

He smiled back, "Not at all. Go with Dominic's father, Bella. I'll meet you here when you're ready."

I nodded and walked away with William.

(EPOV)

I watched them go then journeyed across the town. I entered the smithy and observed the weapons on the wall; swords, maces, clubs, and even bows and arrows.

"Is it enough?" I turned to see the blacksmith. I got a good look at him and thought he looked familiar. I wondered briefly if I had seen him before but pushed the thoughts away.

"I believe there's enough. I just wish more of the village had survived."

He nodded and walked to his forge, "My wife died in the raid. Those bastards killed her. Thankfully, they didn't rape her though." He started hatefully pounding a piece of metal.

"I'm sorry for your loss."

"You're kind . . . especially for your age."

I smiled and looked down. It was true; I wasn't that old. Only 21 as I got into the army at 15. It was the standard age, much to the dislike of many.

"Do you think we'll make it out of this, Sir Edward?"

I looked at the smith then outside where people were wondering around, "I'm not sure. We have small numbers and, last I heard, the French were occupying areas all around us."

"Then what do you suggest?"

I thought for a moment and came up with an idea, "Leo abandoned a port city to the west of here. It's fortified and there is lots of land for farming."

"Why was it abandoned?" He continued to shape some metal.

"The fishing grounds dried up but that was years ago; back before I joined the army. The fish could be back by now . . ." A smile crossed my face, "The place would be perfect."

"As long as there's a smithy, it's find by me."

My smile turned into a grin as a feeling of elation came over me. We had a destination now and a chance for survival.

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