Ember's POV

After a few minutes I went to find Thayne. I found him just around the corner sitting on a rock, turning the note from his master over in his hands. I drew in a breath then sat down by him on the cold, stone hard ground. "Is something wrong?"

Thayne didn't answer for a few minutes but finally he asked in a low voice, "do you remember my master?"

I nodded. Of course, how could I forget him?

"Well...the note actually said more then how he repaired the sword...I lost my mother to the war, but never my father because...well...he was...my master.." A small, barely visible tear fell and he silently whispered, "I am all alone now.."

"O-Oh, I'm sorry I didn't know he was...if I knew I would've tried harder to save him, I'm so so sorry, but you aren't alone, you have me, and Martha a-and my mom and...me...and I'm sure you'll find others, but you aren't alone.." I said, biting my lip. I had never comforted someone other then myself before, what do I say or do or...

I cared for Thayne. A lot. It hurt to see him sad.

I started debating giving him a hug but he stood up, composing himself and walking back, pulling something out of his pocket. I stood up also and followed him.

Chase's POV

Well. I was alone with the brat but in no position to hurt her. This sucked. At least I was able to breath again though, I guess. At this point I was wondering what the point is in being alive.

I mean, It was now confirmed : no one cares about me.

I felt something hit my arm and looked up to see the brat giggling. Oh, of course she threw a rock at me. A small one. More like a pebble.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Thayne and Ember coming back. Oh crap-
No wait this could be a good thing. Maybe he meant to kill me. He was holding a knife after all.

I kept my eyes glued on the knife as Thayne came closer and towered over me. Just stab me already, c'mon I'm ready to go....

"Stand up."

I slowly stood, trying to ignore the pain from the numerous beatings.

When I was standing, instead of stabbing me he held it out, handle towards me. I slowly took it from him, highly suspicious. Would he really let me just take it?

"Thayne why did you-?!" Ember said, obviously scared. I don't know why it hurt to see her afraid of me.

"Because he's helpless, and not an object. He deserves to die, but not now." He said, before narrowing his gaze on me. "But if you dare to hurt a single soul, you will die."

I started to nod before I realized something and grinned. "A soul, huh?"

I pressed the knife tip to my chest but before I could commit the deed the knife was hit to the ground and Thayne grabbed my broken wrist. A scream was torn from my lips from the pain.

"Idiot! I can't even give you a way to defend yourself!" he shouted.

'Defend' myself? Why would I ever do that? Just to miss out on being treated how I was worth?

I could feel the knife stab into my side and grit my teeth. Maybe I couldn't kill myself, but surely I'd die from blood loss soon. Thayne spat at me and walked away, Ember helping him set up camp. I just sat down, leaning against the wall and just watched them.

Ember's POV

I kept replaying what had just happened in my head. What was Thayne doing? Had I done the same to Chase? What was wrong with us? This wasn't who I had thought Thayne was.....was one dollar really what this was all about?

Guilt nagged me and when I looked over to see if Chase was okay he was leaning against the stone wall and blood seeped out of his newest wound. Conflict and pain played across his features as though he was trying to stay awake.

I couldn't let him die, he was a thief and a liar, but nothing he had done was deserving of death, right?

I walked over to him and knelt. "Let me see."

He looked at me, seemingly only just noticing me now. "No, g-go away." I sighed in annoyance. "I just want to help."

Despite him not wanting my help, I tore a strip of fabric from the bottom of the princess dress I was still wearing from the time travel to the castle. It was dirty and dusty from the cave, but would have to work. Why hadn't Martha and I bought bandages? That would have been wise....oh well.

He closed his eyes tightly in obvious pain. I felt so guilty. I never should have told anyone about the dollar...never should have participated in beating him up...extreme regret filled me but I tried to suppress it.

I probed around the wound as gently as I could, barely even touching it. "Does that hurt?"

"YES! Please, just leave me a-alone! Its not like there's a point anyway.." Chase said.

Thayne must've heard Chase shout because he walked over to us. "Why don't you head to bed, I can take care of Chase."

I shook my head, lowering my eyes to the ground. What could I say? I didn't really trust Thayne with Chase, but I didn't want to hurt Thayne's feelings.

"n-no...I can take care of him.."

Thayne sighed heavily. "very well.." and I heard his footsteps retreat.

I started fumbling with the bandages, taking care of this wound would be harder then bandaging a arm or leg...

When Thayne was out of earshot I heard Chase ask "w-why do you care about me n-now?" in a soft voice as if talking drained energy. I hesitated in answering. Why did I suddenly care?

"I guess because...well...you're younger than me, and you didn't hurt me anywhere near this bad...I guess I've realized we were in the wrong?" Realized we were in the wrong? I should have realized that as soon as we started....I felt ashamed at the hate and rage I'd allowed to come over me.

"B-But..." he trailed off and I realized he had fallen unconscious. I started to panic but calmed myself down. I'd take care of him, he'd be okay. And now he'd have a small break from the pain. This was good.

I finished bandaging the wound as carefully as possible, and stood up. "I wish we had a blanket.." I muttered but walked back to where we had set up camp.

I heard a click that sounded like a...no. No. Where was Thayne?