How Charming

Chapter 5

We left the market. We never paid for any food. I hoped that the others had found something to eat or drink. We didn't say much as we walked back. Or at least I didn't say much. Ashton was worried about Logan's cut, he said it looked deep, like it would leave a scar. I kind of hoped it would leave a scar, Logan always looked too prim and proper. However it was rather difficult to attempt to bandage a cheek, even though Ashton continued to tear off prices of cloth from his clothes and wrap Logan's wound. The two boys seemed to be tending to each other's wounds far too often lately.

We made it back to where we promised to meet the others. "Alright, so let's see what we've got." Jack says before opening his bag. "I've got some apples, water cantines, a guys watch, two knives, and a loaf of bread."

"Did you steal that stuff?" Logan asks bewildered by the prospect of stealing.

"A man's gotta eat, and that man is me."

"You can't just steal from them."

"Listen Princey boy, I'm on your team. Now do you want the food or not?" Jack asks, and Logan nods, he looks at me shocked when he sees I've already grabbed an apple.

We sit around eating and waiting for the others' to come back "So Jack, do you always steal from people?" I ask.

"He does. He stole my glasses once." Ashton says with slight annoyance in his voice at the memory.

"I don't always steal. I only steal from people who have things I want." Jack states as if that makes it justified. "Luckily for you two, I didn't steal the money you have in your pocket. Although, it would be very well within my capabilities." The smirk on Jack's face made me roll my eyes. It made Logan flustered.

"How'd you know we were carrying money?"

"I'm a pickpocket. It's kinda what I do." Jack answers him, with a mouthful of bread.

"Plus it would kind of be idiotic for you two to leave a castle without anything on you. I'd expect you to have at least some coins." Ashton added as he stood up. "The girls should be back by now, shouldn't they?"

Logan and I shrug, afterall we have no clue what time it is, or how far they were going. Jack however, is alarmed by this realisation.

"You think the pixies did something?" Jack asks, instantly pulling out his knife.

"Witches get along with pixies." There's a silence as Ashton thinks on what he just said, "But Everly gets along with no one, does she?"

The question required no response as Jack rushed into the woods at top speed. I dropped everything and darted right behind, Ashton wouldn't have been far either if it weren't for his confusion at the sudden change in plans. Logan stayed near Ashton, in a poor attempt to make sure the group stayed together.

I had no clue where we were headed and I followed a couple steps behind Jack, making sure to keep him in eye sight. There was no path to follow, he just knew where he was going. Suddenly he came to a dead stop, I almost ran into him.

"What's-" I began to ask but Jack's hand was quickly clapped over my mouth.

I got the hint and stayed quiet and watched, Ashton and Logan joined us moments later as we stared at the campsite.

Pixies are pesky things, they can be the size of a normal person or the size of a thimble. They could easily switch between the two using pixie dust, which is their only source of magic.

We waited for any sight of the others, it felt like an eternity before we saw them exit the tent. They were safe, why were we here if they were safe. We quietly got up to return to the agreed meeting spot.