Previously in Needle in the hay: "You asked my name a while ago, it's Altair. I suppose I should give you my name if anything. Think of it as a reward for your help." Then he jumped out of it.

"Ok, bye-bye." That's all I manage to say.

(Brother where are you going? A small figure appeared in front of Zeno. He looked down at the innocent child. Big eyes watched him with care. "Come on, you should go to bed big brother it's late." The young man stood there not moving an inch. "Are you not tired brother, did you have a nightmare? Would you like me to stay with you till you fall asleep?" The boy's eyes soften at the small child. "Ela," he said calmly. "Yes?" He kneeled down to her level. "No matter what you know I love you right?" The small child gave a nod. "You know I'll do anything to protect you and mother right." I stood there listen carefully to my brother. "I have to leave now Ela." A small gasp escapes my lips. "Where are you going brother your home is here with me, mama, and papa." Tears threaten to escape my eyes. "Forgive me Ela but this is for you and mother. I'm going to protect you both." He said with a determine face. Hot tears rolled down my face. "b-but you c-can't go." "I'm sorry." Before he stood up he gave a small kiss on the forehead. Then he turned and ran down the hall. I tried to run after him but he was too fast for me to catch. All I could do was watching him disappear in to the darkness. "Broootheeeer!")

I bolted up with a cold sweat. I lifted my hand up to my face were I felt tears on my face. I was crying? Why was I dreaming of my brother now of all times? Why? I wiped the tears away from my face. I wonder how he is. Is he alive and well? Or is he, no I'm sure he's fine my brother is strong. I slowly creped out of bed. I walked slowly to the painting of my brother and myself. I looked at it for a while.

I placed it back gently. Then headed for my bath. After I was done I cleaned the house a little and ate some breakfast. Today I think I'll go out and see by best friend. Her name is Catherine. I call her Cathy though. She's English and her parents moved here when we were small. She has long blond hair that goes down to her knees. She's tall and very beautiful. Ever since I remember she took care of me and protected me. I loved he so much like a sister. It only took about 15 min or so to get to her house. One of her maids let me in. I walked to her room. She was sitting near her balcony brushing her hair. "Cathy!" I squeaked. She instantly turned around got up from where she was sitting and gave me a big bear hug.

"Ela dear where have you been I haven't seen you in ages." She released me from her embrace. I scratched the back of my head.

"Sorry I haven't had much time to get around. Hahaha" She gave me one of her famous pout and folded her hand over her chest.

"I see well I thought I was important to you, but I guess not."

"No, no please don't be like that Cathy. I have a good excuse. I was, well ah, I was . . . my face turned redder that a tomato. Cathy's eyes instantly grew wider.

"You were meeting with a man."

"Ahhhh well n-not exactly. It was more of an accident." I laughed awkwardly.

"No way, you have to tell me all about it!" She gave a squeak. Then graved my arm and sat me on the bed.

"So tell me I want to know everything!"

"Ok, ok I'll tell you."

"So then we fell and then and then w-we-ahh." I couldn't finish my sentence I was too embarrassed. My face was all shades of red.

"You, noo you didn't! Eeeek! You did."

"Only because it was an accident."

"Sure it was. Wow I'm envies what a man this guy sounds like." Of course I didn't tell her that he was an assassin or that his name was Altair. She didn't seem to mine though.

"Oh what a romantic story you two hold."

"I suppose but I don't really know much about him."

"Oh well you said that you found him in the town last time he might be there again!"

"Ah well I don't know," but before I had anything else to say she dragged me out of the house and into the town.

We searched for hours but nothing.

"Ah well maybe next time."

"Yeah." I gave her a smile.

We got something to eat. Then we walked to her house. She convinced me to sleep over her house.

Before we were able to reach her house we were stopped by a man.

"Miss Ela a letter from your father."

"My father?" He never wrote to me when he went on business. I was starting to get worried.

"Thank you sir." Then he left.

"Come Ela you can read it in my room." She led me into her room where I sat down on the bed.

"I'll get some spare blankets; you read your letter in peace." Then she exits the room. I opened the letter nervously.

My Dear Ela,

Forgive me for contacting you under these conditions. I have run into some problems here in Jerusalem. Please do not worry because I know how much you worry over nothing. I know that you will try to come looking for me, but don't. The road to Jerusalem is very dangerous and to risky. Stay there with Catherine for a while. I have already send money for you to Catherin's mother. Don't ever forget that I love you and I'm sorry for being hard on you all these years. I'm really glad you were my daughter.

Love,

Alonzo

I read the letter over and over again something was wrong here. It didn't seem that he was seeding me this letter to tell me he was alright but to say good-bye. My father's in trouble. Even if he doesn't want me to go I have to see that my father is alright.

I rush to the door. Only to bump into Cathy.

"Hey where were you going in such a rush?"

"Ah well I had to . . . um go to the bathroom." I gave her a grin. She lifted an eyebrow but then shrugged.

"Alright but what was the letter about."

"Ah my father just wanted to tell me that he was alright and that he missed me."

"Oh, great that's good I was getting worried." I gave her a nod and walked to the bathroom. If I tell Cathy what's going on she'll never let me go. I have to leave when she falls asleep.

I waited till Cathy was fully asleep. She was a heavy sleeper so I doubt that she'll wake up. I snuck out of the bed put a Long dress on and some shoes. I graved my hooded robe and ran out of the door. I should stop by my house to get some stuff for the trip. It took three days to get to Jerusalem.

When I had about a good three days' worth of food clothes and water it hit me. It took three days to Jerusalem but on horse. I don't own a horse and not to mention the bags I had on me. I mentally slapped myself. Wait! Cathy had some horses I could borrow one. I'll leave a letter to her explaining everything, but I hate to worry her. Well, what else can I do?

It wasn't hard to get a horse because all the men who were supposed to watch the stable were drinking somewhere. I chose the one horse that was all black so that it would be difficult to see us. We went as fast as the horse would take us. My father said it was going to be dangerous but I don't car he's important to me I have to know that he's ok.

I decided to take a break after riding all night I'm sure the horse was pretty tired and so was I.

I tide him to a tree near a pond. I sat down near the same tree and took out some bread to eat. After I finished my bread I closed my eyes for a little while. I was about to fall asleep when I heard the laughing of men. My eyes shot open and I ducked behind a bush. I looked for the source of laughter. Down near a valley three thieves were walk with a big bag talking about something I couldn't make out. It's a good thing I had some distance from them or I would be in trouble. Out of nowhere a white flash came down on the thieves and struck them down. It was moving so fast I couldn't see who or what it was. Once the figure stopped moving i was able to see what it was. To my surprise it was a man. I let out a small gasp escape my lips, Altair? My face lightened up. I stood up from where I was and ran towards the man. Just before I reached him a huge gust of wind hit me. When it stopped I looked up to see the man. His hood was blown of exposing his dark long hair. I stood there unable to move. My eyes were widening in horror.

"Brother . . .?"

Cathy: Please comment and review

Me: Haha Ela stole your horse