The Scarecrow Brothers

Day Two

We stayed in Jade all night. In the morning Ash and I headed back home. As soon as I walked into the door of my house I'm bombarded with questions.

"Archer where were you all night?" My mom grabbed ahold of my shoulders and pulled me into a hug.

"I was caught up at base all night mom. Work." I simply replied back.

"I know that's a lie. I called the base. Howard said you weren't there and you never returned back from patrol." She sounded stirn this time.

"You're right mom. It's a lie, but I can't tell you where I was." I tried to walk away.

"Archer you need to tell me, please tell me."

"You think because I'm still 17 years old I need to tell you? If I told you and you told Howard, I'd be kicked out of the Chapter."

"Fine, Archer. You win." Mom put her hands up in the air and walked away.

I huffed and walked into my room. I slid off my gear, and took off my shirt. I layed down on my bed and picked up my stereo remote, then turned on my stereo.

"Knock, Knock" Violet opened up my door.

"Come on in, kid." I invited my little sister in.

"Where were you?" She asked innocently.

"Did mom send you in here to question me?" I asked with an attitude.

"No I was just wondering. I was concerned about my brother, is that a bad thing?" She asked.

"No, I'm sorry. I just can't talk about it."

"Why not?"

"Do you want me killed?"

"No."

"Okay then, leave it alone."

"Listen to me, Arch I don't care if you think I'm lying to you about mom. But I'm not. I wanted to know where you were in case if you went there again, and were killed then I could help. But if you don't want me to help if you die then just tell me to butt out of your buisness and I will."

"Vi."

"No Archer, I'm finished."

She got up to walk out the door but I got up and slammed the door before she had the chance to go out.

"Let me show you."

I put my gear back on, and gave Violet a gun. Then we snuck out the door and got in my truck. We went through the tunnel and went into Jade. I looked over at Violet's face as she looked with awe. She had the biggest smile on her face.

"Where are we?" She asked.

"I'm guessing it's an undiscovered Chapter. I named it Jade." I told her.

"It's beautiful." She told me.

I stopped the truck and she got out. She walked into an old beautiful farm house and found a super old photo album.

In the first photo was a young couple about in their 20's. They looked to be in love, and the picture was dated 2920.

Violet read the back of the photo, "Sebastian and Lucinda Watson." She then looked at me. "Archer, are they related to you?" She asked me.

"I, I don't know." I said.

"Your dad was the only Watson left before..." Her face turned pale.

"I know, but it's dated 2920. It's 3031 now, how am I supposed to know?"

"Maybe you can ask mom."

"No Vi, mom can't know about this, or else your dad will have me killed."

"He's not just my dad, he won't have you killed."

"Don't lie."

I continuously stared at the picture. I looked at Violet. "hey, lets look around more." I mumbled.

We walked around the kitchen. It had a really homey feel to it. It was so peaceful. We walked out the back door and went into the barn. Maybe a long time ago they had horses because there were stalls. On the front of each door of the stalls were named. The horses were named Chipp, Maggie, and Beth.

"Hey Archer come here." I walked around the corner and she stood there. And on the wall there was names a note.

Dear Archer,

By the time you're old enough to see this you would have become a soldier. Congratulations. It's a dream I've always wanted to fulfill. There's something you need to know. I wasn't killed the way you think I was. I was actually thrown out by a man named Milo Stevens. He has a son named Howard. If you ever meet Howard, DO NOT trust him. He will be out to kill you if he learns you are my son. If however you do meet him, live here. I am mostly gone all the time, but I will return. I promise you my boy, I am not dead. Hell, if you're lucky I'm in town now. Just know if you are alone, you are not safe. No one knows about this lost chapter besides our ancestors. Keep it that way. There's a guest house for you in the north wood. They wont find you there. I swear. Archer and always remember, you will survive. I love you son, and I'm sorry I couldn't watch you grow up.

I put the note down, and looked at Violet. "Vi." I said.

"My dad wants to kill you." she looked mortified.

"Archer? Is that you?" I turned around and looked at the man that looked exactly like me.

"Yes." My voice was dry.

"Welcome, son. I"m Silas. Your father." He said to me.

"You... you are?" I asked.

"I am. Have you met Howard?"

"He's my stepfather... this is Violet, my half-sister."

"Nice to meet you, Violet" Silas stuck his hand out to shake Violet's.

She backed away cautiously.

"Archer, Howard wants to kill you. He wants you dead. You can't go back there. Turn in for the night son, us three can talk in the morning."

"Yes sir."