The Chronicles Of L.J. Stevans: Part 20. Not Your Average Bandit

Hello Everyone,

Forgive me if I am a bit nervous, this is my first time addressing the Chronicles. My name is Bradley, but everyone calls me Brad. At the moment L.J. has business in the town, but since I was with him for the ride this morning, he wanted me to tell you all what happened today. To tell the truth it was pretty crazy to witness. It all started this morning, even before the Sun had completely risen. A few of the townsfolk came to L.J. and told him of a lone bandit on the roads collecting "tolls" from passerby's. Since his last battle with Ellen's monster of a champion and the twins births he hasn't had any “action” as he refers to it. He was feeling almost a hundred percent so he said and wanted to go out on a stroll for exercise and take a look at the would be "toll collector". Rebecca was still not ready to go out being only three weeks removed from the end of her pregnancy, and John was out fishing so I was hoping he would take me along. I know there is something that I do not quite yet understand about what happened today, but I will say this, Wesley Robbins is either the best or the worst highwayman I have ever seen.

The morning began simple enough, after breakfast, Logan came into my room and asked me if I wanted to check into this potential bandit situation. I jumped at the opportunity to do so. He has been asking me to go on most of his treks outside the town for a while now. So I have gotten better at controlling my outward enthusiasm a bit, but still, on the the inside I was still on cloud nine. I grew up listening to stories about him and now we are working together, it's still sinking in. He has really taken me under his wing, I don't have any family, they all passed on when I was ten. I made due, I guess. I worked at a tavern sweeping the floors, doing odd jobs around the bar and in return I got room and board until I was old enough to find real work and strike out on my own. So for L.J. and Rebecca to take me in and treat me as they do....well....it truly means a lot to me, I will do my best to never let them down. After we got ready we moved out on horse back to the area we heard this bandit was located. Now I have known bandits and such men in the past but I have never met one like this.

We came down the road and he just stood there, almost impatiently, like we were wasting his precious time. He didn't say a word, as we got closer he just held up his hand in a halting manner. L.J. Signaled to me to remain mounted as he jumped of the horse to stand before this cocky man. L.J. walked over to him and simply asked him who he was. “I am L.J Stevans, your toll collector this morning. Just offer a worthy tribute for my single handed deed of making sure the bullies over at A. M. D. S. stays out of the area and you may be on your way. ” He brashly stated. Hearing his words I almost fell of my horse. L.J. Just laughed a bit to himself at this as he replied. “And just why would we do such a thing Mr. Stevans. ” Without missing a beat this odd man began again. “Because I am L.J. Stevans good sir. Have you not heard of me?” The man was not even sweating, it's as if he really thought he was L.J. “Of course I've heard of you, who hasn't? Sorry to have questioned you. Thank you ever so much for dealing with that foul company for us. What would you like sir?” L.J. baited the imposter. “Think nothing of it.... ” He started to say before being cut off by L.J.'s raised hand. “There is a small problem. How do we know you are who you say you are?” It's as if he anticipated the question and he responded to L.J. by pointing to his belt where L.J.'s famous silver dagger now resided. “You know of this dagger do you not. ” He retorted. L.J. again seemed amused by this, as he now started to put it all together. This man was a scavenger, he found the dagger, recognized it and realized he could make some good coin from its history. Now L.J. Was ready to put an end to this charade.

“Of course I know that dagger, I left it with my sister Ellen's body a while back. Now who are you really?” L.J. lightly prodded. The confidence now drained from his green eyes. Still he stood tall and composed, he almost matched L.J.'s height inch for inch. “Ah, I see. The rumors of your condition are not as accurate as I would have guessed. ” He started once again. “Yes, we didn't want people to know exactly what shape I was in. ” L.J. said as he again cut the imposter off. At this point I was started to get nervous, the mans hand was moving slowly to his weapons but that's when I noticed so were L.J.'s. “Well, my name is Wesley Robbins, and I am a....service provider. I acquire difficult to come by items, as well as secrets. I am also a middle man for goods and services between small towns and groups. ” He said. He then popped his short curved blade as well as L.J.'s dagger up to his hands with a flourish. “I am also a master of the sword. ” L.J. seemed amused and brought Black Death and a new accompanying dagger to his hands. “OK, lets find out, I need the exercise anyway. ” L.J. Responded as they went into their dance. I had never been this close to L.J. while battling, his speed and form are much better than the stories suggest. However, this Wesley matched him move for move. The accurate swipes and counters rang out in the distance for several minutes until L.J. felt satisfied he got what he needed from the sparring session. He stepped back and sheathed his blades. I don't know if he thought his opponent would do the same, but he did not. He lunged at L.J. seeing the unarmed opponent as east prey and was met with a kick to the side of his head that brought him down and sent his weapons out from his grasp. With that it was over. L.J. walked over to him, extended his hand and said. “I think we should have a talk.

I now dismounted my horse and followed the two men behind a tree where Wesley's cart was hidden. “So I don't need to ask you why you were pretending to be me. In the past when times were tough I myself “collected tolls”. So I understand your situation. However I cannot have you extorting money from the people in the area either. You haven't hurt anyone, so jail seems excessive. In light of that I have an offer to make you. I need some kind of a merchant and a link between the local towns and such, gathering supplies and information as well as a trained scout. Seeing that I also have not met a better swordsman in quite sometime, I think you would make a fantastic sparring partner for myself and the boy here. Also there is one more thing, this may sound odd but just trust me, I want you to meet someone. I think it's important that you do. " L.J. offered. The proposal seemed to catch Wesley unaware. After a moment he responded. “So let me get this straight. I impersonate you, try to rob you and then attack you. Your response to all this is to offer me a position in your camp?” L.J. just smirked. “Yes, that's what I'm offering you, maybe I'm slipping, or maybe I just know a valuable ally when I see one. ” He responded as he extended his hand. “I humbly accept, I take it you may want this back. ” He said as he offered the silver blade back to L.J.. “No you keep it, It seems to serve you better anyway. But you wouldn't by any chance have any other daggers, one with a little bit more a ....WOW factor?” Wesley gave a nod. “A man who understands the need for showmanship, in fact I do. I have this little beauty here, its name is White Lightning. Please take it with my regards. ” He stated as he held out a rather long dagger with a menacing looking serrated edge side that complimented the bladed side. It looked like one side had the standard blade but the other was made into these sharpened teeth. L.J.'s eyes lit up and he happily took it, handled it a moment, feeling the weight before putting on its new home on his belt.

The three of us rode together back to town. Upon arrival the two new friends went off to talk. After a brief conversation L.J. walked him to his home where Rebecca was at. He whispered something into Wesley's ear that made him stop in place and left him speechless. As L.J. showed him in I could only wonder what he said to him. After some time they emerged from the house, L.J. then showed him where he could stay.....with me. I didn't mind, I had the room and frankly would enjoy some company. Logan told me that he wanted me to bond with him, watch him and learn the things he had to teach. He and I both agreed that he could indeed become a very valuable asset.  Even though I can tell that there is obviously something more behind bringing him here.

Ah, L.J. is back, he wants to add something. I'll leave it to him then.

Bradley

Hello Friends,

It's funny, Wesley reminds me so much of myself, I think he will make a great teacher for Brad. He sees the greater good as do I. He has no love for the actions of my family. And you can never have too many strong connections in this day and age. The funny part to me is life's sense of humor, the chance encounters that we all have that sometimes lead to something much bigger.

So Yes, there is one main reason above all others as to why I brought him in. In fact there is more to this man than as just another ally. I wanted to get him here without being asked too many questions. That's one of the burdens of not being able to lie, it's hard to surprise someone. So I just gave him reason after reason in hopes that he would not ask too many questions. See I knew this man before today's encounter. I guess he didn't recognize me now that I am younger looking again. We met about five years ago, he was a teenager then, on the cusp of manhood and we were not introduced by name. It was a trip to a larger town back west that Jack and I were on. We were staying at a house of a women Jack had …...known. It was there I met Wesley, the reason why he stood out to me was that, when we entered the house he greeted Jack as....... Father. Small world is it not?  

L.J. Stevans

The Chronicles Of L.J. Stevans: Part. 19. Fatherhood And A Dangerous Understanding.

Hello Once Again World,

My life is now changed forever, it's funny that just under a year ago I thought fatherhood was nothing but a quickly fading dream. As I stood next to Rebecca holding her hand, I knew this was the most important moment of my life. Rebecca was in a great deal of pain of course, in fact she threw me out of the room.....twice. However she would quickly call me back to her side. Having a child in my life seemed foolish before I met Rebecca, after what happened to Vanessa can you really blame me? I think about how life could be if I am ever able to finish things with my Family. My mind gets lost in the idea all the time. There was no more time for such thoughts now, I stood there trying to be a anchor of strength for her. She was told to start pushing, so she did. The pain in her screams scared me and also created a new appreciate for not only the beautiful power women have but also the fact that I a man. Moments later the doctor held up our new baby girl, I looked down at Rebecca, and told her just how beautiful she was. The look of relief quickly turned to a look of confusion and pain, suddenly she started pushing again. The doctor seemed caught unaware by the new wave of screaming and pain. He went back to see what was happening and before I knew what to think of the events, he held up another baby.....”It's a Boy!” He exclaimed.

Twins! We now had twins. My Family has a penchant for twins it seems. Rebecca now held both of our little miracles and looked down onto the with a tear in her eye and a new love in her heart. Until I saw the three of them, laying in that bed together, I never knew what unconditional love felt like. In a time of our lives that was filled with so much uncertainty, one thing became clear. My new mission in life was to ensure the safety of my new family.

Prior to the birth we had names picked out for either a boy or a girl, now we would get to use both. I picked up my son and looked into his still barely opened eyes and knew I was holding a James...... James Morgan Stevans. I knew his life would be hard because he is born with the same inability to lie that I have. Yet he will have something I never did, someone who understands him, and to show him the gift we both share. My wife looked at our daughter, then back at me and said. “Melissa Marie Stevans. ” I nodded with approval. With these changes to our lives it is important now, more than ever before to look upon the problems and threats to our very existence.

The way I look at it there are four people left that stand in our way of freeing the region of mayhem and chaos. My father of course, and my three remaining sisters. My Father, we all ready know the basic plan and the what the end game is for him. However, with the death of my Cousin and Uncle, I now do not know the how of this game. That it is why it is so important to locate the Historians vault, gather as much information as we can and then find the new Historian to protect the truths of the world. This must be our first priority.

After that we should find the eldest MacStevans remaining, and see if he can lend his assistance. It all seems so simple, the order I mean. But as with everything in my life it is far more complex. We can't just go after the vault. The combined strength of my Sisters is far too great, and they could easily follow us and take possession of it, and that I cannot allow. I do not expect my Father will be coming out from whatever rock he is under for a while now. So, to me it seems simple. We stay put, allow Rebecca to regain her strength, and continue to build our Army that began to assemble here in Milton. Once they are strong enough to protect the town in our absence, we move out to track down my sisters. Besides, there is still plenty of things very close by that could benefit from our help. I still need to recover from the last beating I took, and a few....jobs... on the side never fails to bring a tad of excitement, training and not to mention coin into our lives. After all, now I have kids and schooling to think about.

Now, Bethany and Ellen were both, manipulating, sinister, and all around terrible people. Compared to my three remaining siblings however, they were saints. These are the three I was most worried about, they were not even in this region before now and I still had them in the front of my thoughts.

They are the ones in charge of the Family's dealing across The Great Eastern Ocean. At least they were, I received word a week ago that they have landed in our region and have already set up shop all around us. Aside from the fact that they are great leaders even have a good number of men at their disposal, they are....well ….they are Evil. capital. E. little. v. little. i. little. l. They are also well trained in all kinds of weaponry, but even if they were not they still form a more than formidable team. What makes them so dangerous is they simply have no regard for life. They murder, torture and punish all those in their path. I must take them seriously and expect anything from them. To do that I must reevaluate just who they are.

Amber, the eldest of the three. She is very tall, even taller than I. She has short brown hair and almost golden eyes, she uses her looks to accomplish her will. Even at 45 she still is able to lure any man into her bed and right into her trappings. At least twice in her life she has intentionally tried and successfully gotten pregnant to hold a deal in place or ruin an uncorrupt mans image. This is how she operates, she uses treachery to take over any land, business or gang she chooses. She knows how to cast doubt in the mind any person she meets, she can read and almost instantly understand any person or situation she comes in contact with. It is for these reasons she is known as the strategist of the Family.

Next up is Christine. Short and round, she is muscle of the group, it would be unwise to cast doubt on her abilities just from her appearance. She may be short and robust but she can pact a punch. She claims to have never taken a lover, though I would wager that it were a lover has never taken her. She can fight like a man and outlast any in a straight fight. Her face has never cast a smile, she always seems to be grimacing, but not in pain......at least not physical pain. They say she hears voices and is unstable, even the other two Stevans sisters are not brave enough to turn their backs on her. Her hair is stark white and that's not from age. The rumor/joke is that she is so evil, so depraved so vile that even her hair has had the color drained from it in fear. Still she is not the one that worries me the most.

Abigail, she is the one to truly be aware of. She has the most power of the three because she not only possesses the worst qualities of the other two , but she also is the sole person in charge of the Family's army of followers. At 42 she is the youngest of the three and by far the most beautiful. Deep blue eyes and curly reddish-blonde hair the color of not quite ripe strawberries, frame her oval picture perfect face. She is of average height and her body is one of perfect proportion. She is a master of sword play, and the one in charge of every interrogation the family conducts. Her biggest skill however, may be her ability to find the right leverage points of a persons mind. Once found she then attacks without mercy. Even at her somewhat young age she has five teenage children, three boys, two girls and all born within a five year span. If it seems like she planned it that way, it is because she did. Each child born from a different father, she was said to have picked out the most physically and mentally fit male she could for mating. Directly after each birth the Father would simply disappear. Many call her the Mantis for these reasons. All five children are always at her side, they control the training of their men as well as provide security for their Mother and Aunts. Because of them she will be the hardest to gain access to.

They have no boundaries and it is said it's for that reason Father sent them over seas, He knew they would without a second thought kill the others to gain the power that constantly consumes their thoughts and drives their actions. While it is their strength that makes them all the more dangerous it also provides us with a weak point. Father does not trust them, not a shred. He knows they are looking for a way to live past this generation. Which can make them a threat to this Immortality. I know he will not aid them in their quest to find the vault, so it leaves me free to concentrate on them without worrying about his whereabouts for the time being. While the vault may hold the key to his Immortality he knows that inevitably, he is the lock. In truth, I'm not sure he is that wary of their plotting. He is still more powerful than all three combined, and he also just took the life of his own Father, an Immortal. My experience with Immortals tell me that he did so with a knowledge that with the death of the Historian came with it more power in some form. And that is why he is never to be forgotten and always cautious of.

All of this talk is important and will help us in our quest for answers but for now I think it is best I go be with my family. Without them I have nothing, I know that now. They have given me something always missing from my actions in my first 50 plus years on this planet. Focus, unwavering responsibility and a sense of conviction in my belief that they are more important and precious than anything else in my life. I will do anything to keep them safe but at this moment I simply need to love them.

L.J. Stevans

The Chronicles of L.J. Stevans: Part. 18 One Hand Washes the Other

The Chronicles of L.J. Stevans: Part. 18 One Hand Washes the Other

-------------From Ellen------------

To My Brother,

I feel that it is time to settle this Logan, don't you? I'm tired of the words and I'm bored with you, so I have a proposition for your consideration. I want you dead, plain and simple. However, I know that since our pain of a Grandfather has helped you with that gift of time, I can no longer do the deed myself. I want to settle this like it was in the ancient times. No massive war, no dramatic pointless loss of life on both sides. There is a much bigger storm brewing, you know it as well as I, so there is no point in throwing soldiers lives away now. This is about you and me, so here is what I propose. It will be you against a champion of my choosing. One on one, no tricks, you win and I go quietly to the authorities and turn myself in. If my champion wins, I get your life, meaning you come with me no questions asked. It is a fair deal, don't you think?

Ellen

------------20 Minutes Later-----------

To Ellen,

I wish I had a witty or sarcastic retort to insert here, sister. However, The chance to give you the death you deserve has almost left me speechless. So....Yes. I accept. The small field by Harper's Lake, three days from now, noon. You may bring 5 people with you as will I, but they are not there to fight, only to act as an insurance policy, nothing more. Do my terms satisfy you, sister?

L.J. Stevans

-----------10 Minutes Later------------

Agreed! Till then brother, enjoy you last days of life.

Ellen

---------------5 Days Later----------------------

To the World,

I wanted to write sooner but I have had to recover a bit from injuries I sustained during our latest battle. I have many questions I need to ask myself after this ordeal but none greater than this. Why would I do something so careless? I knew that her word was no good but I never expected this. I never thought that this would be a fair fight, or that it was just a ploy to hit Milton in our absence. That's why I got the town ready for an attack. I just never figured their tactics were this underhanded. I underestimated their treachery. This is a day that both sides can claim a victory. Although it is clear to me, that we were dealt the greater loss.

It started so simple, I picked those I wanted to be with me. I chose Rebecca, for no other reason than I just didn't have a option. Even with her days away from delivery, she insisted that she be there and that she was still the best marks-woman we had. I could not refute her claims. Along with her I took the two eldest sons of Alexandra's, Kyle and Henry. They were experienced and I trusted them. Last but not least there was John Simmons and the young man that asked me about love a while back, Brad, a boy of a mere 18 years. Brad has become like a shadow to me since that night by the fire, he has learned a great deal, along with the fact that he was very strong and more than capable in a fight. We arrived on the agreed upon location almost at the same time Ellen and her men did.

She and four men stayed on their hill, and a man could be seen walking down to the field. He was a tall thick legged man, maybe five inches taller than myself. He carried a giant hammer with an ax on the the other end, his arms pulsated as he moved it around. He was showing me that this weapon of his was not only heavy but that he was more than strong enough to wield it easily. I'm sure it also was a means of intimidation and if it was it was working. I looked over to Rebecca and her eyes were beginning to water. I hugged her and told her no matter what happens that she must put an arrow through Ellen's chest. She was not going to escape no matter what the outcome would be. I kissed her, it seemed to last minutes, I loved this woman so much that it pained me to pull away and head down to the fight.

We reached each other quickly, he said nothing to me. He just stood there nearly growling at me. I pulled my silver dagger from its sheath and reached for my short sword when I realized it was not there. In its place was a curved blade I knew well, it was Jacks sword, he called it Black Death. It was all dark black except for the edged side that was red as blood. I looked back to Rebecca and smiled at me. As I turned around I just managed to get out of the way of a sweeping hammer blow that would have ended me. I rolled back and regained my footing. I moved in and got him to swing again, he came downwards with the ax head this time, I side stepped it and countered. It went on like this for several minutes, I figured I could just wait and get him tired out but I was mistaken. He seemed to be getting stronger and more relaxed as we danced. I used a quick left to right step, he anticipated correctly and I was met with a blow from the hammer swatting me far to the left and to the ground. My arm was broken and I lost Black Death. It was then that I noticed this man was not crushing my skull in but looking up to the hill instead. As I followed his gaze to Ellen I realized something, this was a trap.

Ellen and her men started racing down the hill. All my group except Rebecca came down as well. I looked up just in time to roll away from the killing blow of Ellen's champions hammer, as it hit the ground I stabbed my dagger into his foot, he let out a mighty roar of pain. He brought his hammer back over his head in rage but as he did he left himself wide open. I found Black Death next to me I dropped my dagger as I went for the sword, I stabbed upwards slicing right through his belly. He fell back and then to the ground. I was getting back to my feet as the rest of our two groups collided in front of me. Ellen seemed to snarl at me as we rushed at each other. I only had one arm but I had to end this. As our swords rang against the other, I noticed she kept looking up to the hill where Rebecca was. A smile spread across her face, I knew then I had made a huge mistake. “What did you do?' I cried. “Nothing, brother. Father wanted to meet her, that's all.” She laughed at me.

The next series of event, I did not see my self. I turned to run to Rebecca and Ellen put a bullet through my leg. I fell to the ground and rolled over just in time to see Ellen standing over me holding my Silver dagger. She brought the blade up high with the intent to drive it through my heart, as she was driving it down......I'll leave that part to Rebecca to explain.

-------------Rebecca sits down------------

I knew something was wrong when I saw Ellen and her men coming down the hill, I was so scared for Logan, I thought that brute had him for certain. I told the rest of our men to go down and help. I never thought that I would be in any danger, then again I never thought that this was nothing more than a set up. “So you must be Rebecca.” I heard coming from behind me. I turned and saw an older man, a man that looked like L.J., just older and.... for a lack of a better term....devious. “Logan was a fool to bring you along and now he will suffer for it, and once again know the agony of loss.” He started forward at me, sword drawn. A second voice stopped him in his tracks. “Stop” I heard someone yell out. As Logan Sr. turned to face the direction of the sound, I looked over and saw a white haired old man who again looked very much like L.J.. “Hello Father.” Logan Sr. said flatly. “So is it time?” he calmly asked. The man I now knew to be the Historian nodded and came forth. “Help your husband girl!” He demanded of me. At that I turned and saw L.J. On the ground and hurt badly, I had to act fast.

-----------L.J. Takes a Seat and Continues-----------

Just as Ellen was bringing my own blade down to end my life, an arrow caught her directly in the chest, she fell to her knees. I started to rise up again, by this time my men had finished off the rest of hers and were coming to my aid. I order every one but Brad to go help Rebecca, I needed Brads help to get back to my feet and get me out of here. First I had one small piece of business to tend to. I looked to Ellen, she sat there on her knees clutching the arrow in disbelief. As I moved towards her to end this. She looked up to me with hate in her eyes, she spat at me and said ”I will not give you the pleasure” as she slit her own throat with my silver dagger. She hunched over and died at my feet. I would not be recovering my dagger, it was now tainted with hate and anger filled emotions, let it follow her to Hell.

I heard the clashing of swords up by Rebecca, she was now starting to head down to me, the battle I heard was fierce but brief. We all met up together at the base of the hill and started back to the top. Rebecca told me of my Grandfathers assistance, I knew we had to hurry to him. When we got there, what we saw.....it will haunt us to our final moments of life. The Historian was impaled on a large broad sword. I approached him and was about to check for any signs of life, suddenly I was startled by him grabbing my hand. “Listen closely Logan, take this key, it is to my vault where the history of time is stored, the truth is there Logan. Do not let your Father take your essence. If he gets it, he will destroy everything. He is very powerful now, maybe too powerful. There may be another person that can help you. He is a MacStevans, and immortal, but he may be more myth at this point. Check the records in the vault. You are all that stands in his way. Your three remaining sisters will be coming for that key, keep it from them at all costs. You must find another to be The Historian now, I have left you a note, describing where to find the Immortal that is to be my successor, along with the location of the vault. You wanted answers about the world, you will find them there. The truth is your true gift ...use it...goodby....L...J..”

With those words he was gone.

The road just got harder but we will face it together. As we started back home, I realized just how much damage I took. I had to be carried back, and knew I needed medical help soon, Rebecca came close to me and kissed me, she held my hand and told me she loved me. I knew how much we lost that day, it could have been much worse. My arm will heal as will the rest of my wounds. I think it's the pain of loss that sticks with us the longest. I am thankful we did not lose more. I will always re...mem...ber......um mm....I am sorry friends I must go. Rebecca just grabbed my hand......It's time.......I'm going to be a Father!

L.J. Stevans

The Chronicles of L.J. Stevans: Part 17. A Healed Heart

Hello Again Friends,

I think it goes without saying that up to this point, my life has been.....unique to say the least. I lived almost an entire lifetime, and now I get to live the most formidable years once again. As crazy as it all seems, it has begun to sink in. I try to put it all into its proper perspective through my posts in the Chronicles or in talking to the people with me here in Milton. So many can live their lives in normalcy, never seeing the amazing things that are out there walking next to us but always just out of focus. I envy these people in a way, they can just.....be. Keeping that in mind, I would never trade my life with any of them. We all have purpose, while everyone's purpose is important in many ways it goes without saying that some have a greater impact on the world than others. I'm not trying to be a narcissist or anything, I know in the grand scheme of things a life is still a life. Aside from that there is also one thing that matters regardless the impact you may or may not have on the grand scheme of things. It is that thing that I think has been the best but still the most difficult for me..... love.

I am quite lucky, I have been madly in love twice. Recently a young man asked me a question about Vanessa and Rebecca that really got me thinking. He asked if the love I had and have for both women were equal. We have been here in Milton for months now and questions have become the norm around the town. Still it was a strange question to me, simply because I had never thought about it in those terms before. I knew I had to answer, just as I knew the question had more importance to this boy on the cusp of manhood. He was probably just starting to fall for a young lady out there and was looking for answers from someone objective and has for a fact been in love. By now everyone within the region has heard the story of what happened to Vanessa and what I did after, so I understand why it was me that he asked. Vanessa and Rebecca are quite different from one another in many ways save one. They both had a passion for life that was ever hungry, it is almost infectious.

I met both women in a time of duress, with Vanessa it was an instantaneous love, and that could be because we had no one else to turn to. I don't mean that in the way it may sound, we just knew that we met for a reason and we were all the other would ever have or need. Vanessa lived a life of servitude before I came along, everything was new to her, exciting and fresh. Everyday was an adventure full of new discoveries for her, and I just loved seeing her in the light of it all. Her joy brought me joy. Still, I knew my life was dangerous and yes, to this day I blame myself for hers as well as our unborn child's death. We decided to run, and live that way, we only stopped because we were not going to bring a baby in to that kind of life. We should have built a community and stayed safe within it, not on the outskirts of town like we did. But I never should have let the Family get to her, I should have taken the fight to them at that point, this is not a mistake I will make twice.

In the gap of time between the two relationships there was no one else, I just didn't want to get close again. I think it was the circumstances behind the meeting with Rebecca that gave the love a chance. After everything that happened at my house with my Uncle and Cousin and then receiving the gift of a second youth. I was very drained, physically and mentally. In this case it was Rebecca doing the saving, she got me out of that inferno, and got me to safety. She saved me and didn't even know that I was the one she was looking for. But that is who she is, she rights the wrongs, she has an adventurous nature, she is my equal in every way. Vanessa was more of the damsel in distress, not to say she was weak or not capable of taking care of herself, it's just she never had to. She went from her parents house to her “owners” house to being with me. Even at 5 months pregnant Rebecca wants to be in the fight we are about to enter with my Sister Ellen. She is an accomplished swords-women, but you would never know that by just looking at her. You would be surprised to find that she could knock you into next week. What she may lack in physical stature she more than make up for in will. She is just a bit shorter than I am, she is certainly not built like a fighter but not scrawny either. She is...well... she has...a voluptuous figure. Her body can accent any type of garb she may dress in. Her face is framed by two strands of hair that run down the sides just past her chin, with the hair in back going almost to the ground. So she normally keeps it in a tight bun of brown locks when fighting is near. I think it's her eyes that are the give away for her toughness, she has fiery eyes that could bring a giant to its knees. They are beautiful yet capable of staring a hole straight through you, take it from someone that has been on the wrong side of that gaze, it is not where you want to be.

In the fire I lost everything pertaining to Vanessa, it hurts to think about it but still she is with me. The love I have for Rebecca stands on its own, we are as one, soon to be as three. I tried to explain all of this to the young man with the question. Even though I think he was looking for a shorter answer, he still seemed to appreciate the fact I would open up in front of him. These people here are amazing, they not only welcomed us with open arms but also did so with the men that rode in with us, as well as the men that have joined us in the months we've been here. I know my family will be safe here as does Rebecca, even though she insists that she will be coming along in the battles that are ahead. She knows that nothing will happen to her here, I know I could not bare it if it did. It almost killed me the first time, I will not live through that again.

Even though I have suffered from loss in my other adventure into love, I was willing to allow it into my life a second time. I may not have thought I would find it again with the hectic life I live, but that's why Rebecca and I compliment each other the way we do. She is Jack's Daughter, the only other person I had real emotions for since my Mothers death. He was like a Father to me in many ways, as well as my best friend. Rebecca has all his best qualities along with his stubbornness. I think it was after I found out about Alexandra's passing, the way she was there for me. It was then she first kissed me, I knew it wasn't to get my mind off the troubles that plague me. It was because she felt my pain in that moment and connected with me, my heart is hers now, for however long she wishes to keep it. We are open and truthful with each other, I would be even if I was capable of lying. And yes, I have talked to her about Vanessa, aside from both loving me I think they would be fast friends. I think regaining my youth has something to do with the progress in healing my heart has made. It's almost like a second life, literally and metaphorically. It is a second chance, one I will not waste. I think that is the biggest difference between myself and my Family (save Ellen), they only love themselves and the power they can amass, I have loved deeper than any ocean. I know just how lucky I am. A man that has loved that deeply not once but twice, that is special indeed.

I left Ellen to the side of the Family when it comes to love and I did so for a reason. It was her order that took my Vanessa from me so I took her love from her as payment, which I now know is wrong. By doing so I created a monster incapable of ever loving again, she has waited a long time to strike against me. Soon she will have her opportunity, in the end she will just have to accept the consolation of being reunited with her Husband in death. While that may seem cold, it is just a truth, she will never let me live in happiness, we both know that. I gave her a chance to get out of this life, she didn't take it. Instead she held on to her hate and it is that hate that is going to put her into the ground once and for all.

L.J. Stevans

The Chronicles of L.J. Stevans: Part 16. Rebecca Hundley

The Chronicles of L.J. Stevans: Part 16. Rebecca Hundley

Hello Once Again Friends,

Much has happened over the last six months, first the town of Gastings has been completely destroyed. However, we were able to send warning so they didn't loose many people in the razing of the small fishing village. At the request of the men of Gastings, the families, being women and children have been sent to a safe, private and fairly secret location. This allowed the 120 or so men to ride with us. We needed numbers for this upcoming war, Gastings was the first town to provide us with some. I appointed John Simmons to lead and look after these men, fore I am not a micro-manager, truth be told I'm not much of a General either, but desperate times...right.

My Uncle Thomas and Cousin Mathew are now dead as you know, both of them by my hand. It's kind of funny when you think about, there is such little trust among the Family, that Thomas followed and basically spied on his own son. For doing so, he lost his life along with his sons. Whenever I have taken the life of a Family member, it has been met with a tirade laden post from my Father. This time there was nothing but silence, which truth be told scares me even more. Just as the Historian predicted, my Father has gone under ground and into hiding, I don't know what he is planning but I would be a fool if I took this action by him and wrote it off as a weakness. My Father may be a lot of things but weak is certainly not one of them.

OH yeah, how could I forget. I am 30 years younger now! This is by far the craziest thing to happen to me yet. My Grandfather...The Historian, gave me this gift for stopping my Cousin and Uncle. He said I wouldn't be able to finish my mission without more time. I am now starting to come to grips with all of this. Don't get me wrong, I don't miss the aching body, the tired and sore back, the weakness, along with everything else that comes with age. I especially don't miss the regressing reflexes and agility. Still this is all a bit much to take in all at once. I always knew there were “strange” things out in the world, but this, this pushes the limit of “strange”.

Yet another one of my houses has been burned to the ground, I really liked this one too. I know there are a lot of bigger, more important and dangerous things going on around me right now. But I would like to take a quick moment to pay respects to my fallen houses.......OK, now I feel better. All joking aside, I lost everything I had in regards to Vanessa, along with countless other irreplaceable items but I guess it was time to start anew. I am sure many of you are wondering how I made it out of the fire alive. Well that leads me into an introduction.

To best accomplish that, I must take you back to the end of my last post.....

…..”I am Rebecca Hundley, Jack's Daughter.” That one sentence she said to me almost knocked me over. She went on to explain to me that 25 years ago, on one of his routine informant checks, Jack met a women and he was quite enamored with her. He started seeing her as often as he could and, well to make a long story short, it turns out that even at his age at the time, a child was not out of the question. I was now talking to he proof of that fact. At this point I would like to hand the story over to Rebecca, she can tell her tale much better than I can.

-------------REBECCA SITS DOWN---------------

Hello world,

As L.J. said, I am Rebecca Hundley-Stevans. Before you start asking about that last addition to my name let me catch you all up on how everything happened. Over the years my Father would come to my town quite often, sometimes 4-5 times a month. When he did he would bring money to help my mom, as well as finding time to teach me a new skill. When I was old enough he told me everything about what he did. After some time he made me promise that if he were to die then I would go to L.J. and help him in his cause …. so I did. As soon as I got word of his passing I started making my way to L.J. But I was very far away, so I knew it would take time. Fate is a funny thing, I got there the very day he was to be attacked by his Cousin and Uncle. I slipped into Ellen's ranks and disguised myself, then all I had to do is wait for my moment. A man by Ellen's side was told to go into the house to see what was happening. He came back and whispered something to her, it must have been bad news because she went off like a rocket, she went as far as to even kill the messenger. She then yelled to her men to set the house on fire. With that, she rode away in a fit of anger, thus giving me the opening I needed.

I got myself out of the group even easier than I got in. As soon as the fire was roaring, the rest of the men left. That's when I made my move inside. I searched the building and after what seemed like hours in the inferno, I found someone. He didn't strike me as L.J., the man before me was young, couldn't be any older than myself. As far as I knew Logan was into his 50's. However since he was the only person still alive, I dragged him out of the burning house and put him in the back of my Van. After he awoke, we both explained and introduced ourselves to each other, we discussed what happened to us that led us to that moment. With that finished we knew we must move quickly so we were on our way.

We knew we were too late to help Gastings, but since they were closest we had to go try. Once we got there we saw the destruction that had befallen this town. As we assessed the ruins, a man stopped us and told us to move on and not stay in this place of death. L.J. stepped in front to try and explain himself, after a brief conversation they walked back over to me, Logan introduced the man as John Simmons, an old friend of his. He told us that he and the men of this town wanted to join us and seek out the ones responsible for this destruction, thus preventing it from happening again to another town. With that we had the beginnings of an army. We made haste to Milton, the other town that was to be destroyed. Lucky for them, on this occasion we arrived in time to help.

We ambushed the would-be arsonists, dispatched them rather handily and continued on. We set up operation there in town, for the time being it was the safest and most secure place we knew of. So we came to the conclusion that it would be a very good command center. It also gave us the ability to protect these people from future attacks. Once we got settled, Logan went to look for Alexandra, one of the first people he had ever helped. When he got to her house he was given the news that she had died 5 months before after a serious bout of pneumonia. Logan did not take this news lightly. At this point, I was starting to get to know him very well. I knew it hurt him so bad to lose another person in his life. I tried to console him. He said he just didn't understand why any women he comes in contact with and cares about always seemed to die. I tried to tell him that death was a part of life and it had nothing to do with him, he was putting too much guilt on his shoulders. As I was calming him, I began to see the beauty of the man both inside and out. I saw the hurt he had gone through. I wanted to be with him to help him love again, as well as show him the love and emotion I was beginning to feel towards him. I gathered the courage to take a chance, I gently leaned in and kissed him. I am not really sure why, but I knew it was not as simple as me just getting lost in the moment. A new love was growing, one I just hoped he would accept.

I have to turn the story back over to L.J. Now, I have some matters to attend to.

-------------------L.J. -------------------------------

As she said, I was totally devastated by the death of Alexandra , I just couldn't bare any more loss. As I was playing with the idea of closing everyone out of mt heart, Rebecca did an odd thing....She kissed me, when she did I felt....sparks. I haven't felt like that since Vanessa. Over the next 4 months our relationship evolved into a very strong love. It seemed right to me, she was a very similar person on many levels with Vanessa. It was as if the best qualities Vanessa had were mixed with best of my own and that created Rebecca. I will never know if Jack would approve but I would like to think that he would. It was right around the 4th month or so when we discovered that she was with child. We married that day in a very small ceremony. I was going to have a second chance at a family I lost in what seemed ages ago. Even with these new additions in my life, the mission would not change. Having a family is a hard thing for people like me, as great as it is to love and be given love back in return. It also places more responsibility on me. I knew I was going to keep them safe, I would not lose another family, I will not allow it again.

With Father in hiding and both sides building for the war we all know is coming, we are left with only one option. The gloves are off, if any members of the Family get in my way they will no longer be shown mercy, we tried to do it the easy way, but that time is now past. We have to find my Father and end this. The only way we can do this is ask the people closest to him, The Family, So be ready, soon we make our move, and while I do not know where this road may lead us. I know exactly where to start. And that would be the last person I knew for certain got an order from him. Ellen it is time you paid for your actions.

L.J. Stevans

The Chronicles of L.J. Stevans: Part 15. A Declaration of War / A Gift

The Chronicles of L.J. Stevans: Part 15. A Declaration of War / A Gift


L.J.,

So you think you are a Hero now do you son? After all your years of sneaking around and back fighting, now you want to be a man? I find it funny that the Historian's little pep talk fired you up so much. Once I get what I need from you I will take care of that old man as well. After thinking things out I have come to a few decisions. First, I don't need you in perfect health to drain you of you life force. In fact, the closer to death you are the easier it will be for me. Also I think you are right, it is time for you to meet your cousin, in fact he and Ellen are outside of your house right now with a few friends of theirs. They are just awaiting my signal to attack, once you're beaten within an inch from death they will bring your broken body to me. Because of your non stop actions, I just want this to be over, you have lived quite long enough my son. Enough of the games, play time is finished. I have dispatched my men to go make examples out of a couple of towns that may be of interest to you. So wave goodbye to Milton and Gastings, they will soon lay in ruins just to ensure no one will ever think to oppose me again. You wanted a war so I will bring you a war... I will see you very soon.

Logan Jeffery Stevans Sr.
---------------------6 MONTHS LATER-----------------

Hello friends,

I know it has been quite some time since you last heard from me. Now that it is safe to come back the the Chronicles, I have quite the tale to tell today. Much has happened in the past 6 months, most of it has been a blur. In this time I have lost some friends but also gained important allies. Gastings, the old fishing village I once helped save, indeed was burned to the ground. Fortunately I was able to send word ahead and get as many people out of there before hand as possible. Before I get to far ahead of myself I want to take you back 6 months, because that is when the face of this war as well as I changed forever once again.
I had just read my Fathers latest threat, when I heard noises coming from outside. Not wanting to be ambushed, I decided to make my stand in my study, where I already was. There was only one way in or out here. I knew if I could force them through this one doorway, I might stand a chance or at least take as many down with me as I could. I was expecting to be rushed by a flood of guardsmen. So you could imagine my surprise when it was a lone man I had never seen before that came at me.

He stood right in the doorway, a brash look of ease swept across his face. I stood waiting and ready for an attack, when he began to speak. “Hello Cousin” He calmly stated. “I would like to introduce myself, I am Mathew, I have looked to this day with anticipation for a very long time. Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, you have a choice Logan, either walk out of here with me and make it easy on everybody. Or I swear to you I will make you suffer to the bitter end.” He smirked as he continued on. “You see cousin, I saw what you wrote and your words intrigued me, not because I wish to help you...ha-ha-ha. Heavens no, but because I figured it out Logan, the secret. I know how to master this curse our Fathers have brought on themselves as well as us, and more importantly I know how to take it for myself.” He now had my full attention.

“It was so easy, it only takes one, Logan. More to the point, me. You see here is how it goes, I kill you and take your life force, then it's as simple as turning our Fathers against one another. Just like the Immortal brothers they stole this gift from.” He boasted as if it were all just a formality. He started to talk once again but was knocked down from a backhand that neither one of us saw coming. Mathew rubbed the side of his face as he looked up with surprise to see his Fathers standing over him. I took a step back as Thomas looked down at his son. “So, that is your plan is it?” He began “You think you can betray me and get away with it? You don't really think I would let you off your leash to plot against me do you boy? Now get up and do what you were ordered to do, I want him hurt not dead Mathew.” He managed to yell, but you could see he breathed heavy now, every move seemed to drain him. Time was certainly not his ally and at this point you could tell it was he who was in the aging cycle of the curse. His skin was wrinkled and loose on his bones, there was nothing but a few white hairs left on his head, his eyes looked sunken, completely tired and haggard as did his full expression. Still after that blow he just delivered to his son, I knew not to underestimate him.

My uncle never said a word to me, in fact all talking had ceased as Mathew pulled his saber and sword from his belt and started at me. I pulled my silver dagger to compliment my short sword. He went to work immediately bringing in his sword high to my left. I ducked under it and went into a roll, bringing both dagger and sword up and in close to his chest. He blocked both weapons out wide and countered with his saber just missing my arm. I came back at him with a kick followed by 2 successive high/low cuts one catching a small area on his leg. He disengaged at that and stepped back to check the wound, but after I drew first blood the last thing I was going to do was let his get his rhythm back. I ran at him, launching my dagger at him as I have so many times in battle, however this time I pulled up short. In fact it was an abrupt halt, my mind was baffled and I'm sure I wore a look of total disbelief at the moment. I was not sure what I would do next as he seemingly with little effort plucked my blade from mid air with his bare hands, it was at that moment when I realized that I was in a great deal of trouble.

He tossed my dagger aside and looked at it as if was a toy, he then turned his attention back to me and laughed to himself. I was now starting to panic. There was no question he was much a better fighter than I was, I could only hope that I was the more cunning. Either way I knew that now it was all or nothing. I could not afford to let him attack again, I needed to catch him off guard. So I did what any rational man would do in my place, I ripped my shirt off and ran at him screaming bloody murder. A look of utter amusement with a hint of confusion came over him. He brought is saber straight out at me, I knew this was my only chance. I would have to try something dangerous and stupid, it was my last hope and it turned out to be the beginning of a sequence of events that would change the entire course of my life.

My left shoulder has been wounded many times in my life, I told you all before that I was shot in it in the aftermath of Vanessa's death. There were also many other times I have yet to disclose to you that the area had been wounded. It's as if my arm has a magnet in it or something. As much as it hurt the first few times it was injured, the pain was well worth it, because on this occasion it would serve me as an asset. I rushed him, screaming as loud as I could, he had his saber out in front of him and I simply ran my left shoulder into it. He was completely confused now, coming close to flat out asking me why I would do something so reckless no doubt. However I knew something he didn't quite yet understand, I brought my sword up and slashed at his left arm, forcing him to block out wide, he knocked the sword from my hand as he did. That is when I made my move. He couldn't bring his saber out to help because it was trapped in my shoulder, I twisted my body to my left giving him no choice but to lose control of the saber. He swept his sword at me from left to right clearly thinking this was the killing blow, I had other plans however. I stretched my shirt out as I turned and and wrapped up his sword within it. I disarmed him and grabbed the sword by the hilt while completing my turn, while doing so I thrust it out forward with all the strength I could muster. At that it was done, our eyes locked, I could clearly see the flabbergasted gaze my cousin now wore. He brought his stare down from my eyes to the sword that was now protruding from his chest.

Without a second thought, I turned again, this time pulling the saber out of my shoulder as I made a 180 turn to face my uncle. Who was now storming towards me with a look of pain and anger on his face that I recognized oh so well. Finishing my turn I threw the saber at him with everything I had left. It was a hit. However, with him being Immortal I knew this would only buy me a few moments, but moments I desperately needed to figure out my escape. I started to plan my getaway, but suddenly stopped as I watched him fall to the ground, to my amazement he did not and would never get up again. I waited a few long moments to see if he was truly dead. Then to my surprise a light glow started emanating from the wound, I had no idea what this meant. Lord knew I had no idea what I was to do next. It was then that I noticed I was not alone in the room any longer.

An elder white haired man now stared at me from across the room, how he got there was beyond me. I hardly cared anymore, I knew I could not win another battle right now, the last sequence of events left me completely drained. The man walked over to Thomas, placed his hand over the glowing spot from his wound and grabbed it. He then turned to me and held it out in front of him and said. “ Take this, Grandson” The words nearly knocked me over, but he continued. “This is a reward for stopping at least one of them before any more damage could be done.” I realized now that I was in the presence of The Historian, Peter MacStevans. “How did I kill him?” I asked. “Aside from the hands of another Immortal, there was only one other way to kill one of us. The blood of the brothers son, it was your blood that could kill Thomas. Just as it is only Mathew's that can kill your Father, Logan. But you already knew that, didn't you?” I humbly replied. “Not exactly knew, but I felt it was my only shot, my last shot actually.”

He now walked towards me and started to hand me the light as he spoke. “Take this gift Logan, you cannot defeat your Father in your present condition, and I fear that after tonight's events, he will be very difficult to locate. It may take years to find him again. Years that quite frankly you don't have.” “What do you mean? Are you granting me Immortality?” I carefully asked. He laughed at that and responded. “No Logan, Immortality can not be given from just one brother. It is a split curse, remember? As you can tell, Thomas was the one aging, so while you cannot gain Immortality from him you can have the part of the curse that was plaguing him. He has been aging for 30 years and it is those 30 years I can grant you from his energy. You need this time to complete the mission I have bestowed upon you, without this gift you will surely die long before you have a chance to finish what you began.”

My mind worked quickly to try and comprehend everything that just played out before me. Tonight was a close call, too close. My advancing age is starting to hinder my reflexes amongst other things, and I knew what my Grandfather was saying to be the truth. Without another thought I stepped in front of The Historian. He placed the light to my chest and held it there, I looked down at the light, then back to the old sages face and then there was nothing left for me.... but darkness.

I awoke in a vehicle, a large one, I believe it was once used for transporting large amounts of products. I started to sit up and wipe the grogginess from my eyes, when I noticed my hands. I now had hands removed of liver spots and age. As I sat up I did so with no pain from old tired bones. I was young, if The Historian was right then that means I am now once again 24. I was astounded to say the least. But before I got too far ahead of myself, I had to figure out just where I was. I looked up to the drivers seat and saw a woman there, I simply uttered the word stop. She quickly pulled the Van off to the side of the road, turned it off and spun around to me. “Who are you? And what have you done with L.J. Stevans?” She asked impatiently. “I am L.J. Stevans, and just whom might you be? I responded. “You?...You can't be L.J., he is over 50 years old.” she spat back at me.”Yes, I know it is difficult to understand but I am in fact L.J., I was just....well honestly I don't know how to explain it ye...” I was cut off mid sentence as she hurriedly interrupted me. “You figured it out, the curse I mean” She excitedly stated. “What, wait just who are you and how do you know so much?” I asked, now clearly frustrated. “Oh, sorry how rude of me, I'm a friend, I'm here to help. My name is Rebecca...Rebecca Hundley, I'm Jacks daughter.....
…...With that I must stop here friends I have many things that need attending to, but I will be back soon fore there is much more to tell.

L.J. Stevans

The Chronicles of L.J. Stevans: Part 14. The Hero He Was Meant To Be

Hello World,

My my, we have had an exciting time recently haven't we? Life was so much easier when I just broke up crime organizations or got shot at or have my house burned down. I never thought I would long for those days back. I am now caught in this self propelled machine of chaos, that I apparently kick started. I knew the origins of myself and my Father were.....complicated, but this. This is even more than I bargained for. I never knew asking questions could bring about so much trouble, nor could I ever conceive just how deep my Fathers evil streak went.

I had to grow up very fast because of the actions my Father perpetrated, and I excepted that. It was simple. Dad marries Mom. Mom finds out Dad is psychotic. Mom turns to the law for help. Officer falls in love with Mom. Mom then murdered by Father. Father goes to jail. Son cast out looking for answers. See easy, nothing to complex there, never did I think the next line would go as such. Son finds out Dad is Immortal and reason for all turmoil in the world. Son must now kill Dad and Twin to take Immortality for himself. You see, right there that's what I'm saying. I didn't sign up for all this insanity. I am not a hero!!! I am just a man. A man that rights wrongs where he sees them. A man that cannot lie. A man is seeking revenge for the crimes against him......

Oh...I see now, ha ha. This was never easy, because I and my nature was never simple. Perhaps I just fought against who I really was. Perhaps I thought by denying my destiny I could be free of it.

When I first began these Chronicles I asked you all a question. I asked. What is “Greatness”? Remember that? Maybe “Greatness” is simply realizing that there is NO denying who you are. It could be that “Greatness” is finally standing firm and living the life you were meant to. My bloodline on both sides of my Family is full of potential, and I feel it may be time to live up to it. It's time to take the fight to the Family itself. It's time to show the world just who I am and who I can become. Prepare yourselves Family, as should you Father, because the time for action is drawing near. No more fear of what I can lose, because simply waiting for the end feels worse than losing. Jack made me swear I would wait for the right time, and I did. But I never said that I wouldn't try and move the timetable forward.

Cousin!!! It is time we meet. Friends it is time for favors to be called in. Do not be surprised when I come to you for assistance. The world is in greater danger than ever and we all missed it, so indeed it is time to become one unit and fight back. It is time for my Father to die. It's time the Family becomes no more. I will wait for you cousin but as I do I will take the fight to the Family. It will all end here in this generation. For no other reason than it is time. But most of all it is long past time that I become the Hero I never wanted to be.

L.J. Stevans

The Chronicles of L.J. Stevans: Part 13. The Immortal Story of Fathers and Sons

by David VanCura

To L.J. And the World,


Some stories in this world are better left untold, I have always believed in this statement. The world at large is not ready for the truth of how the previous age destroyed itself. I and others like me have always hoped that humanity, if given the chance will make the correct decisions without the guiding hand of a historical record. What good would it do If all the answers in life were just handed to you? For countless ages history was recorded and past down through generations, but it did nothing to prevent the patterns or war, greed and selfish destruction. This age, however has not had that benefit of history to blueprint mans journey, and look how far you all have come. Civilization has stayed small but strong, hard work has been what the majority of you have depended on. I know that the evils that plagued the past are still prevalent in this day and age, but never has it been so openly opposed.


My name is Peter MacStevans. Over the many years of my life I have been referred to as many things, Watcher, Keeper, Protector but I think I like Historian the most. It is the most accurate description of who I am. I keep the records of the world, I have done so for countless years and I will continue to do so for countless more. As you now know there are Immortals living amongst you, which is another thing that makes your generation unique. You are the first group in history that has flat out known that we walk beside you. Obviously there have been myths and legends, but with the secret being reveled by your Mother, L.J. and then confirmed by your Father. Mankind is privy to something they have never been before. So there really is no point in trying to hide the fact that I am also Immortal.


We are not so small a number either, by my last count there are still 98 Immortals out there. Some of you may wonder how do I know this. My resources for gathering such and all information is.....great to say the least. Most of the information I get is from you out there. Other means of fact gathering however, fit into the category of …... unconventional and beyond the reach of mortal men. All but two of us are original, meaning we were born this way, and truth be told, "born" is not the correct term exactly. We never aged one day in our lives, we were never babies, we didn't “grow up” so to speak. No. We were.... put here this way, just as we are. By whom? You may ask. And to that question not even I know the answer to. Nonetheless, all of us, save two, were created this way. Care to take a guess as to whom those two would be. Ah yes....now you see my point L.J., and this is the story I wish to share with you today.


Long ago before years and numbers even had meaning, there were exactly 200 of us here and we were restricted to a place on this Planet that no longer exists. We watched as man was born and developed into what it has become. Some of us even desired to be worshiped by your kind, others didn't feel you were worthy to worship us. Over time those who fit into those two extreme groups warred with one another, and eventually our numbers were more than cut in half by the constant battling. 98 original Immortals were all that survived, in fact all but two of the 98 didn't even fight at all. The two remaining Immortals that took part in the war were a pair of twin brothers Fel and Kel. They fought on opposite sides of the war and injured each other brutally during the fighting. They were so badly hurt that they knew they would not survive long in the world apart. So the brothers reconciled their differences and found exile in a cave in an, at one point unknown and yet to be discovered region. It seemed as though Fel and Kel did this to live in harmony with each other in hopes that one day they would recover and rejoin their true family. Well at least one of them believed that to be the case.


Fel was the one that talked Kel into the idea of exile and peace, but in truth this was a cunning ruse by Fel. Fore he knew something Kel did not. If he were to kill Kel and take his life force, his Immortality would be regained in full. Kel was not aware of these facts so you can imagine his shock when his brother impaled him on a spiked stalagmite on the cave floor. Kel still lived for a time just as Fel had planned. He knew he needed to absorb his brothers essence while he still drew breath. Kel now realized what was happening and knew what was to come next. His quick thinking cost Fel his chance. Just as Kel's energy was being absorbed by Fel, Kel placed his hands above him on the stalagmite and drove himself down farther with all of his force. Which ended not only his suffering but his brothers chance at survival. Fel remained there for centuries slowly decaying from his battle wounds. Stories by this time were being told all through out humanity but still our presence here was nothing more than a strong rumor, as was the location of one who could grant immortality to a brave and adventurous mortal. However, as with most myths and legends, there are always those that would chase after them.


Over time people would talk about venturing out to try to gain immortality from the speculated host, some even claimed to have been close to finding the location of Fel's cave. Until one day 700 years ago, two brothers managed to separate fact from fiction and locate the tomb. Upon uncovering the cave these brothers found Fel on the floor in agony and decaying, but neither man knew how to obtain Fel's gift. After all his years of suffering, Fel was ready to move on. However, Fel being the ever vengeful person he was decided to pass the brothers a curse along with the gift they came for. The curse you see, was that the brothers would age but only one at a time. During each generation or "lifespan" they would have to Father one male child each. Making it even more difficult, these boys would have to be born under the same moon. If the two men wanted to extend their eternal lives they would have to force the boys into long, full and emotional lives and then into battle just as Kel and Fel did. After, as their sons lay weakened and close to death, they would take the life forces of their children into their own. The names of the twin brothers that uncovered the location of Fel's cave were Logan and Thomas MacStevans.....my human born sons.


For years I watched them use this curse to sustain life without even a hint of remorse, as time went by they even turned it into a game. As men they were not evil but the curse of the brothers Fel and Kel turned them into beasts. Beasts that would become humanities biggest drain. Now their power is greater than ever, if left unchecked their power mongering will tip humanity into another tail spin, from which it may never recover.


I never intended to reveal this to the world, alas never before have one of their sons been as extraordinary as you seem to be L.J.. You can break this cycle and your reward would be to join our ranks of the Immortals. How you can achieve this however, is something you will have to figure out for yourself. I only ask one thing of you, do not be tempted in the same ways your Father and Uncle were. It takes two to carry the gift and the curse but only one to enjoy the benefits of immortality without the burdens of Fel's curse. This one can be the beacon of guidance humanity has waited for. You have the potential to be that beacon.


That is all the information I will provide you and you should feel proud to even have gotten that. I have not spoken to a mortal in quite a long time. Seek your answers in the world around you Logan, fore if you look hard enough you will discover the truth and the secret of the Immortals.


Peter MacStevans, Historian

Updates

Hey guys be sure to check out all the past stories, I am cleaning up all the mistakes and just polishing it up in general. Something big may be on the horizon for me and L.J. I have attracted serious interest from a publisher and could enter negotiations soon, so could be life changing stuff we will see.

The Chronicles of L.J.Stevans: Part. 12. A Second Chance Lost.

To my Brother L.J.,

I have been reading your Chronicles on here and I have seen you basically only talk about your “great” deeds you've done. And the only people to write in have been over flattering on your character. I know you didn't kill Bethany with your own hand but in my opinion you are clearly responsible, just for the fact you got involved in our Families business yet again. You should stay out of it little brother, but at this point it doesn't really matter anyway, does it? Your fate is sealed, your death is imminent, but perhaps if you just stay out of the way you will die quickly and Father won't make you suffer to your last breath.

I have strayed off topic a bit here but you know where I'm going with this. Why don't you talk about your blood-lust and the vengeance side of you? Why don't you talk about Vanessa? Why don't you tell everyone out there about what YOU took from ME? I know how your “gift” works, once you've been asked a direct question you must answer it. So go on, tell us about your darker side. Just know this Logan, when we meet again I will be the last face you see. And I will be grinning like a school girl while watching the life fade from your eyes.
                                                                                      Ellen Stevans

--------------2 HOURS LATER-------------

To Ellen and everyone else reading this,

I don't really understand what your point is with all of this, after all it was YOUR actions hat led to what transpired. If you just want to hurt me by making me relive the darkest moments in my life, then fine I will oblige. I do not like talking in the narrative form, but since I am privy to all the facts of these events I will tell them as they should be told. I will hold nothing back.

The following tale is very hard for me on many different levels. While people have been killed because of my interference with their misdeeds. I had never before taken a life with my bare hands. This was also the first time I discovered that not only do some people not take advantage of a second chance you offer them, their grudge will not fade and eventually they will turn up and make you pay for your mercy.

I was about 28 years old when I decided to first sneak into one of my siblings compound, I had heard many disturbing things about Ellen so I though I should pay her a visit. You see Ellen has never used the Families Company name as a front for her criminal activity. She didn't feel she needed to, she had most of the area locked down. Unlike some of my other sisters that paid their men in cash to buy their loyalties, Ellen used fear to control her men into servitude. She married the leader of four large town militia's, Anthony, a very clever strategist and powerful man. Even though there were the obvious benefits that came with marrying your way into a leading role of a vast army, there were never any doubts about the love they carried for one another. Even the worst kind of people are capable of unconditional love, and make no mistake about it, that's what they felt for each other. Even though they ruled the town with an iron fist, they did not kill the people in there towns nor did they tax them into poverty, while that may seem fine and dandy the residents of those outlying towns had little to no freedoms. So I felt a quick look was in order, to see if there was any help I could offer to the subjects under Ellen's rule.

I made my way into the main building on Ellen's land and as I was snooping through paper work in one of their libraries, when.......she walked in. She couldn't be more than 25 and had the face of a goddess to go with her penetrating blue-shaded-silver eyes. Even in an unflattering servants garb, her perfect figure still managed to be accented. She had long flowing dark blond lock of hair stopping just above her lower back. Quite simply, she was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She paused a moment as she walked in and saw me there, her first instinct was more than likely to scream but for some reason she did not. Instead she calmly closed the door and asked me who I was. Now by this age I had been with many women in fact I prided my self on my witty words and charming demeanor. Still when she addressed me my mouth got dry and for a moment I forgot my own name. I quickly gathered my self and made my introduction. “My name is L.J. Stevans” I replied. She recoiled at the mere mention of my name but still she did not flee or call out for the guards. She sat down on a box close to her and said “Your Ellen's Brother, so your the one that has been a thorn in the side for her and he sisters. Nice to meet you, my name is Vanessa.”

I almost got caught up in small talk when I realized I was breaking and entering a very dangerous place for me to be. The door started to creak open and startled us a bit, my instincts were kicking in but hers were a tad faster and way more satisfying. She pushed against the wall and kissed me....deeply and locked eyes with me as a signal to just go with it. Fortunately for us it was just another servant and it was clear that kissing was a standard use for this library, probably the only way most of these people had relationships. As quick as the servant entered she left closing the door quietly behind her. At that we separated our lips from one another, she had stolen my breath from me and from the look on her face I may have shook the world a bit for her as well. It was a moment we wish we could have extended, but before another word could be uttered commotion rang out in the halls. It seems as if my presence here has been detected, I grabbed Vanessa's hand and started to lead her out towards a back exit I saw earlier, but she stopped me. “If we go together we will be found, as much as I would love to leave here perhaps this is my purpose, to help you get away. Punishment should not be so bad as I will bend the truth a bit to try and keep my self out of Jail downstairs.....GO now.....you can make it”

As I have stated several times, I am no hero....not a true one anyway. I didn't want to leave her behind but I knew that if we were discovered together it would mean death for us both. I released her hand after much hesitation and we went our separate ways. I knew I could slip away rather easily, however as I got closer to the door I felt a tug at my heart strings. It was her image, I couldn't get it out of my head or my heart. So I did something I don't normally like to do, I did something foolish and heroic. I turned back but did not have to go far, fore there she was, her hands bound behind her. I could see the back of a tall man and could hear him screaming accusations at her in a voice that sounded so familiar yet I could not place it. Never the less, why wasn't she defending her self, she could have easily said hat I held her against her will, but she didn't. She just stood there stoically in defiance, but even from my vantage point I could see the tears starting to flow as they led her down to the sub floors. At that moment I knew two things for sure. First, I was not leaving this place without her, and second, I had no clue how I was going to do it. But I knew I HAD to try. To that point,  I had never been in love, lust yes, but not anything close to what I was feeling right then.

I crept down the stairs to the prison below, I heard screams which I quickly recognized as Vanessa's. They had her bound to the wall with her backside out,  her top  was pulled down exposing the skin on her back. I realized they were flogging her, I didn't know what to do, I usually have a plan going into these type of things, I'm not used to rescuing on the fly like this. I could not allow my mind to dwell on that, so I just sprang into action, I pulled a small yet foul smelling gas bomb I used when needing to make an escape, from my belt pouch. Without regard for my own nose I threw it just 10 feet in front of me, at the feet of the man doing the flogging. As I passed guards I pulled out my silver dagger and hamstrung them sending them to the ground in agony. I reached the jailer dishing out Vanessa's punishment, he started choking on the gas and turned to me and was greeted by my elbow crashing into his nose, he staggered back but did not fall. I lunged at him with a second attack, this time a swift kick to the groin followed by a brutal knee right under his chin. This time it put him on his back and it was at that moment I knew why I recalled that voice. It was William, the man responsible for the crimes in Milton just 5 short years before that was staring back at me with instant recognition in his eyes. He tried to make his way to his feet but was met with one of mine to his head instead. I pulled Vanessa's shirt back on to her and cut her down, she had tears in her eyes as she fell into my arms. Even through all that she was still the most beautiful creature I had ever come across, I almost got lost into her eyes again, but the putrid smell creeping up to me prevented that. We ran back past the guards and up the stairs we climbed. All the commotion settled down up stairs so getting out was not that difficult.

Jack was waiting by the south wall just as we planned before hand, we found an old truck weeks back and got it running for this mission, simply because horses would be far to slow if things went bad. I'm very glad we decided to bring the vehicle because bad is exactly how it went. He opened the door and gave me a perplexed look when I slid Vanessa over to him. “You just have a woman magnet strapped to you somewhere don't you Logan” He quipped. “Just hit the gas old man” I replied to him with laughter under my words. Vanessa had passed out by this time and as we drove away from the frenzy I started, I couldn't help but once again get lost in her beauty, this time I didn't hold myself from it.

We couldn't return to my property, William saw me, so by now Ellen knows everything, and soon they will be coming for me. We stopped at one of Jack's many safe houses, the man was very connected. I gently put Vanessa on a bed in the back room and started to treat her wounds, the pain eventually woke her. She opened her eyes and looked up at me, at first with confusion, but after I held up the gauze and gave her a disarming smile, she nodded her head with understanding. At that she closed her eyes again, this time knowing I was there watching over her. She awoke sometime later and I explained to her everything, why I was there, the situation with my Family even the events in Milton with William. I asked her why he was there, and she told me he was the head guardsman and jailer, and that he also was one of most skilled trackers in the region. She made sure to emphasize that, knowing he would be on our trail soon.

As we ate dinner that night with Jack, she told us all about herself, she was an only child and at the age of 15 she was sold to Ellen by her parents. Human trafficking was rare in our region but still did happen, but I felt an immediate bond with her, she was like me.....abandoned by her family, cast aside like an after thought. Jack left soon after dinner to obtain information about any movement on Williams or my Families part. Once he left I knew Vanessa was going to ask me a question, one that I knew I would have to answer truthfully, and likely embarrass myself. “Logan, why did come back for me?” She asked. There it was, my mind started a long structure of words about her beauty and how she made me feel, but my heart intervened and forced my lips to utter “Because I love you” with hardly a hesitation. My face reddened as I waited for her imminent laughter. It never came, when I looked back at her, she had tears in her eyes again but not in pain or sadness this time, but in realization. Realization in not only did she know I meant what I had just said but that she felt the same way for me. She took my hand in hers and I slowly brought it up to her face, she nestled into it and stared into my eyes as she returned the phrase to me. I leaned forward slightly and kissed her. With that we fell into one another completely body, mind and soul. I have had sex with a few women at that point, but with Vanessa it was the first time I had ever made love.

When we awoke, I checked her wounds and bandages and we sat down to eat. Almost from the moment we left the bed we could not stop holding each others hand, We sat that way throughout breakfast as we talked about what was next. I coyly asked if she had any friends or anywhere safe she could go, but the smile on my face betrayed my words, fore we both knew we were never to part again if it could be helped. So with Jacks help we ran. I had never done that before. Jack once said to me during our search for safety that standing up and fighting for the one you love is one thing. But to run with the one you love....now that is a true test of emotions.

For the next 2 years we were on the move, never in one place more than 3 months at most. However, we never got close to running into trouble, thanks to Jack and his connections. Jack's informants also let us know it was indeed the head guardsmen that was on our trail. However, we always stayed 3 steps ahead of William, but to his credit he never stopped searching.

During our time together, Vanessa and I lived like tourists. We never laid down roots, kept moving, seeing all the wonders our world has to offer. It remained that way, until we thought we may be safe in this last town we found called Elders Creek over on the coast by The Great Eastern Ocean. We were isolated, close enough to the town to stay well supplied but still far enough away to ensure our protection. Even Jack, who frequently checked in on us thought we were safe. We found out 3 months prior, that Vanessa was with child and I was to be a Father. So we wanted to set up a home....and we did. Deep down I felt that it was just a matter of time til we were found, because even though you stop running the ones searching for you only heightens their pursuit. And heighten his pursuit William did.

A few months had passed with no sign that our trail had been picked up. Jack and I were returning from a mission close by, helping run off some highwaymen, and when we reached the edge of my land Jack and I parted ways for the night. As I.......(L.J. Pauses and takes a deep breath and wiped his eyes).....As I returned home I could not have foreseen the horrible sights that would befall upon my eyes. When I opened the door a strong scent of blood hung in the air, I looked down and saw that I was standing in a puddle of it, I let my eyes raise up and saw a trail leading up the stairs and down the hall. I followed the path of blood to my study, I opened the door slowly, my brain already knowing what I would find even though my heart held out hope. As soon as I stepped over the doorway my eyes went straight to a table, on the table lay Vanessa, my wife. my love, my soul mate. She was butchered like cattle the only thing not mutilated or covered with blood was her head. I dropped to my knees sobbing, for what it felt like an eternity, but my tears quickly turned to rage, a rage I had never felt before. I looked down on the floor and noticed that there were several trails of blood and in fact they spelled out something. I reached up and turned on the light and read the cold words written in my dead wives blood. It said “This time you WILL burn”. I barely had time to read it when the room erupted in flames. I had walked into a fire trap.

 I could hear taunts and yelling out side and again I heard a voice I recognized. Without a care for my own safety, I grabbed the closest chair and ran straight towards and out the window. I plunged a good 13 feet to the ground but was up in a flash, rage, vengeance and adrenaline fueling me now. The first 2 men came at me weapons drawn, from the right side of my belt I pulled my single shot pistol and dropped the closest man on the right. On my left side of my belt I produced my trusty silver dagger and I threw it with all my force, taking the second man down with head shot. I was running now, running towards the 3 remaining men, I grabbed my dagger from the skull of the dead guard as I past him. I could see the panic in Williams eyes. He pushed both men forward and ordered the one with a gun to fire, he do so, nailing me in the left shoulder, a wound I could not even feel as I was so over come with anger and grief. Before he could get another shot off, my dagger was plunged into his heart. I stopped and let the now charging final guard close the distance, I retrieved my dagger once again and pulled the dead guardsmen sword from his sheath. I characteristically am not a fantastic swordsmen, however I am proficient enough to make a name for my self in the tournament circles, I would visit them whenever I was too bored or short on coin. None of that mattered though, because when you are running on the type of rage I was skill hardly mattered. I fought as if I don't care about living or not because in this case I didn't. He got no closer than 2 steps to me before I dispatched him with a brutal slice of my sword that caught him in the neck. And then there were only two of us.

I stared at him as if I was shooting lasers from my eyes, he had a look of dread on his face. As I stepped forward to him his expression change to a snarl like smile one that showed his devious thoughts. The snarl became more of a smile of amusement and mirth as he pulled his pistol out from behind his back. I never stopped coming forward even as he fired, his shot hit it me right in my upper left chest as it dropped me to the ground and this one I most certainly felt. He started at me again, this time he dropped his pistol and drew a sword. He was mocking me now but stopped short as I started to rise yet again. He now wore a face of disbelief, I threw my dagger at him as hard as I can and a parried it perfectly to the ground as I knew and anticipated he would. The the taunts started once again, (it was no secret that William is one of the best swordsmen in the region) He yelled at me that all his men had there way with Vanessa and they made her feel feel inch of her death, he continued on boasting about the fact that he himself drove his sword into her stomach and through her womb so there was no way my legacy would be carried on. With that vile comment I ran at him with a short sword I picked up as I returned to me feet. I screamed and held out my sword wide to my left, but as he move to block my attack I stopped short and and nailed him right between the eyes with a good sized rock I managed to palm. He stumbled back and dropped his sword, I went into a roll and retrieved my dagger from the earth and deposited directly into Williams throat. I stood there watched him slowly die and for the first and only time I did so with no remorse and with great satisfaction.

Jack arrived moments later and found me there sitting in a pile of my own blood, my burning house served as a dramatic background I would venture to guess. He started to walk towards me, while he stopped quickly and searched Williams body. As he did so he explained that he saw the smoke from the fire and came as fast as he could. He stopped his words short when he saw my crumpled form shaking with anger and sorrow. It was then when I looked up and saw Jacks face that I truly lost myself to grief. My sobbing became an uncontrollable river of pain and loss. This was the first time Jack had ever seen me cry. Not even when he arrested my Father for my Mothers murder did I shed a tear. However, he knew time was short and he had to get me going, he said to me that more men are on the way, to which I responded “Let them come, Hell will be overflowing tonight no doubt”. Neither one of us knew exactly what I meant but at least it sounded good. He grabbed me by my good arm and picked me up and said “Your not going to let them win now? Are you Logan? After all that they have taken from you, your just going to sit there and die? Get up Boy.” And up I went, being supported by Jack's shoulder as we moved to his truck. As we drove away I looked back at my burning house and thought of Vanessa again, but soon I thought of nothing as my world faded to black.

A week later I regained full consciousness, I open my eyes and saw that I was in a small clinic, Jack was asleep by my bed. I moved my arm around and was relieved that there was not too much pain, as soon as I felt I was ready and able, I started moving and I knew I had to move fast. When Jack opened his eyes I was gone and so were my cloths and weapons. He knew where I was headed to, and decided to give me a 30 minute head start before he came after me, after all, he can't be held responsible for something he was not present for. At least that is what he would tell me later.

…...............Excuse me for a moment would you..........

----------------10 MINUTES LATER AFTER REGAINING HIMSELF-------------

…..Sorry for that folks, I had to step away to gather myself....

I found the fastest transportation I could, in this case it was a truck...Jack's truck to be exact, I kind of stole it, and made a bee line for Ellen's compound. I once again had no trouble sneaking in, and once I did I didn't care about being detected anymore. Men rushed me and as they did they fell before my feet. I sent many men to Hell on that day, fury burning in my eyes. I walked in to the section where Ellen and Anthony stayed. Ellen stood up as did Anthony, he came in front of me in defiance saying he would not allow me to kill Ellen. I got even closer to him and told him in a whisper, “I'm not here for Ellen”. With those words I plunged 2 daggers into his chest and stomach one from each hand, I looked him in the eyes and saw the disbelief that sunk in. Then I turned my gaze to my Sister and as I did I pulled both daggers across his abdomen in opposite directions, opening him wide onto the marble floor under our feet.

Ellen was frozen by fear as I walked closer to her, she made no movement, a look of dread now occupied her face. I told her this, as I now stood in front of her. “You took my love away and now I took yours, not an even trade by a long shot but it will have to do. I am letting you live because I can't bring my self to kill you even now. But more than that I am not like you and the rest of our family, I am a man of second chances. I gave William one 5 years ago in Milton, and it burned me didn't it? He chose to stay with the family and continue his criminal ways, so I had to revoke that chance. Do not squander this second chance I'm granting YOU sister. If we meet again and you are still with the Family doing fathers bidding...plain and simple I will end you." And with that I walked out.....she made no move against me.

In fact today's post was the first I had heard from her since that day. It seems by her words that she has stretched that second chance as far as it could go. Another revocation may be in order. But that is work for another day.

I was not sure if I should discuss Vanessa. It may have been years ago but it still hurts to this very day. I gave second chances to many people...many people indeed but not to myself not to my heart. That part of my heart that loves the way it did when I was with Vanessa died with her I believe.

I know I rambled on here for a long bit, but I felt you needed the entire story, but now I must think on recent events, you will hear from me soon everyone. Stay Safe out there.
                                                                                       L.J. Stevans