- Rowan's Point of View -

I sat there in the tree, practically holding my breath, not daring to move. Right under me was a platoon of soldiers making camp. RIGHT UNDER ME! Seriously? I thought. You couldn't have chosen a different tree? Like that lovely evergreen over there. They were unpacking their saddle bags, laying out bedding, gathering wood for a fire; I just hoped that they wouldn't spot me. One of the guys dropped a bunch of cooking supply's so I took the opportunity to shift my position, with all the noise going on.

"You idiot, watch what you're doing." One of the officers scolded.

Yeah, I thought. And you be more aware of your surroundings...Actually, scratch that. Be less aware of your surroundings. I need all the stupidity I can get.

......................................................................................................

It was probably about midnight when the entire came finally fell asleep. I had plucked up enough courage, and with ever step of the way down the tree, I felt like a branch was going to break under me. Fortunately, I made it to the ground without making any noticeable noise. I was just about to turn around and walk out of the clearing, but I failed to see the soldier sleeping, right there behind me. I turned around and lifted my foot to step just as I realized there was a man there. Without having much time to think I immediately jumped, hoping I wouldn't land on another person. Thankfully my foot hit right where I aimed and I didn't wake anyone. I started to make my way through the maze of dark shapes, carefully placing my feet as I went along; but sometimes, even with the best people, the inevitable happens. It was too good. Too easy. That's what I should've seen earlier. I was just about to hop out of the clearing when I felt a cold blade touch lightly on the back of my neck.

"Well, well, well, isn't this a prize. The master will be pleased." Came Fletchers voice from behind me.

"Still the same, disgusting toad, as always, Fletcher." I said, turning around to look him in the eye.

He snarled at me, but didn't do anything.

"I wouldn't say such things if I were you." He threatened.

I calmly moved the blade away from my neck and looked at him with cold eyes.

"Why? Because you'll kill me? You can't. I know that as well as you do."

"But I have the influence with the master, and I'm almost certain he'll grant me what I wish."

I threw my head back and laughed, not even caring if I woke someone up.

"You have no influence with him and you know it. No matter how bad my father is, he still knows a bucket headed lizard when he sees one."

Just as I said that a man came up behind me and tied my hands behind my back.

"Wouldn't want you running away again, now would we."

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- Emmalina's Point of View -

"What's going on?" Samantha asked me.

"Shhh." I said, trying to listen to what they were saying.

"All I heard was...Bucket headed lizard." Joe told us.

"That's the same guy that attacked us."

"What?" Samantha shrieked, a bit too loudly.

"Shhhh, keep it down."

"What are you talking about?"

"I'll explain later."

"You'd better. I feel as if there are a lot of things that you need to explain."

"Uh oh." I said, just as I saw someone tie Rowan's hands behind her back.

"This doesn't look good."

"It didn't look good in the first place." Samantha whispered.

"Sammy, keep it down or we'll be caught as well. And we're no good to Rowan if we're in jail as well." Joe put his two cents worth in.

"Shhhh." I said again, trying to make sense of the situation.

So, obviously these men worked for Callum...Uh, their dad...Most likely he wanted revenge on her for trying to kill him. That's probably why she never stayed in one place longer then a couple of days. She was afraid they'd find her...And they had.

"We've gotta do something." I said out loud.

"Agreed. But what?" Samantha asked.

"Well, we follow them I suppose."

"Why can't people just get along anymore?" Joe mumbled.

"It would save us a great deal of sneaking around."

"Stop complaining, Joe. This is all for a good cause." Samantha scolded.

"Doesn't mean I can't hope."

"Shhhh." I said for the millionth time.

"They seem to be tying her up to a tree."

"Well that isn't too hard to get out of." Joe observed.

"No...But they're posting an armed guard...Three, to be exact. I wish they could've remained dumb, like before."

"Well, all good luck must come to an end eventually." Samantha quoted.

"Why?" Joe asked.

Frankly, that's what I wanted to know. Why can't everything just go smoothly? Why does everything have to happen to me and my friends? Why did God make us go through this? These were all questions that were constantly running through my head, day after day, night after night.

"Never mind, it's five guards." I corrected myself as two more came to sit by the tree.

"They must really not trust her." Joe said.

"Would you?"

"Probably not."

- Sorry for not updating. I know I said I would on Saturday, but stuff came up and I was gone all day Sunday. Hope you liked the chapter, and if you did, all votes and comments are greatly appreciated. Thanks :D - Anna