Ambrose stiffened and look between the two. Codal paused and laughed at Caleb's weak attempt at a threat. "You couldn't punch a leaf at the state you're in." His yellow eyes glinted in amusement. His attention turned back to Ambrose as he moved closer to him and the staff. "Now, sweet thing, hand it over." Ambrose tensed up instinctively and shuffled back a view steps. His hesitation made Codal's face twist into a terrifying mask of rage before returning back to his normal features.

"Fine. Let me show you what you two need so badly." Codal snapped his fingers and suddenly they weren't by the ruins of a temple. They were in a completely different part of the rain forest. They stood in a clearing, that looked like it could have been a part of civilization. It was beautiful, cottages that had been reclaimed by nature. Codal retrieved a engraved box, unlatching it up and opening it to reveal the knife they had come so far for. "Here. This is absolutely necessary to your survival-" He snapped the lid shut, "But you won't get it unless I get that staff." 

Ambrose swallowed thickly and gave one last glance to Caleb before turning back to Codal. He handed over the staff, a shaky sigh escaping his lips as he did so. Codal's grin grew impossibly large as he marveled at the object in his hands. The diamond=like stone at the top rapidly changed colors, before being stained a deep red, as if it had been corrupted. "Good boy." Codal tossed the box to Ambrose, who barely caught it. 

"Our deal has been fulfilled, you're free to leave. I suggest you do it soon." Codal winked at Ambrose before disappearing right in front of their eyes. Ambrose let out a breath in relief and clutched the box to his chest. His knees shook as he turned to Caleb. he was ashmed of his decision, even if it was the only one they could have took. He couldn't look Caleb in the eyes as he spoke to him. "Can you make it back to the academy?"