Disclaimer: I don't own anything.
Author's Note: I am still working on getting back to my rhythm; it's a lot harder than I anticipated. Thank you for being patient.

One Step Closer

Bridge paused staying further back as Junestone stopped once more. He shook his head, considering how much this man wanted to find Syd he did take a lot of breaks. Then again…there could have been another reason.

The young man looked around him, they were in the woods, but further east then he had been before. He was more than a little worried that he really wouldn't ever find Syd or that he would make it back to his family. However the thought of leaving Syd to this man who she appeared to be very uncomfortable and scared of did not sit well with him.

He had already realized that they were moving in the same direction, so then again if he wasn't able to find her on his own he could always double back and find them. Besides he wouldn't have to stop all the time and wait for them to get going. He knew that he needed to rest, that made complete sense, however he also knew that he didn't need to rest as long as they did…he hoped.

Bridge waited until all the soldiers were settled in for their break. Once they were he went further east. He had decided to go there and then head north. Perhaps he could move without them realizing it. Quietly he moved away from their camp and began heading out on his own.

Sky was standing outside watching the sun rise. He had already done his workout, even though he wasn't able to do as much as he normally did, and he was waiting before going back in the house. Z and Syd. He was still unsure of what to think about those two. Syd was…well she was like a Princess. But she wasn't like a stuck up one. She was young, and a bit annoying with her chipper attitude.

Then there was Z…Z, what kind of a name was that? It wasn't even a name. It was a letter. She could be more annoying than Syd ever was. She was more annoying because she didn't seem to care about telling him her opinion on everything. And it wasn't that he thought girls didn't know anything, but she was acting like she was an expert. And that got to him more than anything else did.

He still wasn't even sure where they had come from. Why were they in those woods? They obviously were not equipped to be there, it didn't make any sense. It wasn't just them being out in the woods that didn't make any sense it was the two of them. He was missing something, that much was obvious, he just had no clue what he was missing. Sky noticed when they would stop whispering when he entered the cottage. He also noticed how Syd would start saying things and Z would silence her with a look.

He wished he could know more about them, they didn't seem dangerous at all, more that they would find the danger. He rotated his arm on the side that had been injured, the pain was only a minor one. Perhaps he could get them to tell him where they were heading; he could deliver them and then move on and head back…home. Not that it was where he wanted to be at the moment, but what was he going to do about that. He should have been home a couple days ago, he had sent a letter out so that way no one would come and see what had happened to him.

He looked around again and nodded, he was going to find out and bring them back, it was ridiculous for them to be here. First thing first, when the doctor's assistant brought the last of the medicine he would send for two more horses so they could ride, it would be much quicker that way. Then he could spend some time going home before he was trapped.

As he turned he saw Z coming out from the woods, he folded his arms and stared at her, "What are you doing?"

"Hmmm…let's see walking. What's your problem? You're out here. You said it was safe yourself. Besides I can take care of myself."

He rolled his eyes, "If that was the case then why couldn't you when that thing was after you two?"

She stopped in front of him, "Probably the same reason you were injured and I was not."

He tightened his jaw, this was exactly why he wanted them gone from his life. "Look, it's safer for us all if you stay inside."

"I wanted to go for a walk, I don't need to stay inside. Look I realize that you want to a be a hero and keep the two damsels in distress safe, but contrary to what you believe I can take care of my self. And I wouldn't let anything harm my sister. Got it?"

Her arms were folded and she was glaring up at him, the two were right next to each other and even though she was shorter than he was, her glare actually made her seem taller. Sky was actually impressed. "Sure. I hear what you're saying, but saying something and actually doing it are two completely different things. I wouldn't want you to get confused."

And with that he walked off to the cabin. "Excuse me?"

He paused and looked back, "Did you have a hard time understanding that?"

Z walked up to him, "I did not have a hard time understanding what you were saying, although it's quite obvious that you're the one who can't understand things."

Before Sky could speak the cabin door opened and Syd stepped through it, "Good morning! It's such a wonderful day. Breakfast is ready, come on, let's eat!"

She tugged on her sister's arm and Sky watched as Z reluctantly let herself be pulled forward into the cabin. He had to get rid of them fast. It was getting quite frustrating. Shaking his head he followed the two sisters inside and shut the door.

Juneston shut his mouth once more and then took a breath. His men were incompetent. They still hadn't found her. How was he supposed to find her first if his men couldn't do any simple task at all? How hard could it be to find a stupid little girl in the woods?

A smaller group that he had sent east a ways was just entering the clearing…no Syd with him.

"George."

One of his top men came quickly to him, "Yes sir?"

"Why are you back without her?"

"Sir she wasn't anywhere that we looked. There was no trace of her or her sister."

"I don't care about her sister." He snapped then he took another deep breath. "We need to find her."

George nodded, "We're trying our best."

"Obviously your best isn't good enough. How is it that you are still looking?"

"They took off and got a good head start."

"They are two, we are many. You need to start doing better."

He watched as the other man inhaled, "Shall I take my men to the west?"

"Yes, fine. Go search."

George nodded and then signaled for his men to follow him.

Juneston couldn't bear this. It was ridiculous. He thought about his earlier words and realized that he didn't care what happened to the older one. It was the younger one that he wanted. She was worth having. He still had to wait. It wasn't going to be easy to make her his…then again.

A smile formed on his face, the first one that day, who said she had to be completely willing. Once they were married she was his and no one would be able to take her from him.

That thought fueled more passion into the search that Juneston had before, he would find Syd. That girl would be his.