When the Greeks burnt Troy they slowly worked their way out like a plague. Everything that could be burnt was burnt, anything that could have been stolen was stolen and those who did not flee were taken as slaves or killed.

Burnt homes were not an odd sight for me, nor were the pyres in the center of fields.

Both Hoot and Sanderson spoke between themselves, neither asked me what they were or why there was so much destroyed.

I lead them to a small abandoned home the Greeks had missed, it was hidden within the woods, and close to a stream. I let the men in and told them, "Stay here. I'll be back."

Hoot looked to me, "Where are you going? What about Eversman? Where did your blonde friend take him?"

I shrugged, "I don't know. She probably took him home. Just stay here."

Hoot listened, he and Sanderson stayed put while I walked down to the stream. It was in the forest a way from the small shelter. But close enough if they needed anything I would hear.

The sound of the water usually soothed me, today it didn't.

I walked into the stream which came up to my knees, I took the top off that Hoot had given me and tossed it on the shore. Then I knelt down in the water. I lowered my head and washed my long hair first. I cleaned my neck and my face as well. My long hair took in more water then the soil I thought, but didn't give it too much thought. I wrung it out and wound it up into a bun.

Only then did I wash my body, I spent an entire hour in the stream until I felt clean. I never felt whether the water was cool or not. I never felt the rocks under my feet, or the sun on my bareback.

I cleaned my palms as well as I could, there was blood under my nails from the small holes I had made. I scrubbed my palms with my knuckled and cleaned the blood from under the nails.

I even unwound the cloth from my feet, which was soaked. I looked over my raw feet and began to clean them, but they hurt far too much. So I simply examined them and picked at what I could.

Another hour passed before I could force myself from the stream.

I wrung the cloth out and wrapped my feet up again, then I pulled on the shirt

Hoot had given me.

I walked back to the small mud house and made my way inside, both men had gone through the house. At the sight of me Sanderson gave me some clothes, "Put these on."

Unsure of his intentions I took the clothes from him, but went outside to dress. Neither man followed me. I walked behind a tree and dressed in men's clothing, it was nothing more then a simple tunic. The cloth itched but it came past my knees.

Then I walked back in the house and gave Hoot his shirt back. While he pulled it over his head Sanderson spoke to me, "Ok, we now believe you. It's not safe in the city, and we have to find our friend. So would you take us home with you, you mentioned something about a man who could help us?"

I couldn't remember, "I'll take you both home with me." I was far too tired to argue with the two men.

"How far from your home are we?"

I had to think, "If we leave now we can be back around nightfall."

Hoot shook his head, "Those men are out there and probably still lookin for us. We cain't risk leadin them to your home."

That was true, I hadn't thought of that, "What do you suggest then?"

Hoot looked around, "Anybody know of this place?"

"Yes."

Both men looked at me, "Who?" It was then I understood, "Everyone but the Greeks."

Hoot walked to the fireplace and took out a stick that had turned to charcoal, "I'm gonna go out an watch'em. Draw me a map a where we are, where they are, and the land." He gave me the black stick, I looked around and then just settled on the floor. While I drew out what he asked Sanderson asked, "Are you sure?"

"Positive, you stay here with….Andy and I'll be back before morning."

I was far too tired to correct him about my name, again.