Aizel exhaled, anger and frustration filling her as she rolled out of her hiding spot. She couldn’t stand idly by while Erich was hurt, or worse, by a bunch of crazed bandits.
Clutching the rock in her raised hand, she hobbled forward, making as much noise as she could.
The leader instantly turned his attention from Erich to her, as did the rest of the bandits.
She crouched down, holding the rock out in front of her before the two bandits closest to her could pounce on her.
The leader’s face broke into a grin. “Another lovely addition to the party. What a lucky bunch of lads we are tonight! Not one but two travelers!”
“We have some food,” Erich cried. “It’s in the saddlebag. You can help yourself to it.”
“What a generous offer.” The leader slapped Erich’s back. “Check the bags, fellows. And remember what Robin said. No more than half.”
Aizel stood up straight, dropping the rock slightly. “Robin?” she wanted to call out. Could it be the same Robin?
“Look at his fancy clothes,” one of the bandits complained. “All of this is less than half of what they have back at their fancy houses.”
The leader shook his head. “Nobody here disrespects Robin or they are out on their own. That is final and you all know it. No more than half.”
Aizel knew it might be futile, but she couldn’t let this chance go. She boldly stepped forward, hobbling over her bad foot until she stood next to the fire, opposite Erich and the leader. As she had hoped, the leader turned toward her.
The man smiled at her warmly. It thoroughly confused Aizel since he was still holding a knife to Erich’s throat. Somehow, his smile seemed genuine. “Never fear, little lady,” he said. “We won’t be doing anything we don’t have to tonight.”
Her mind raced through the possible ways she could use her hands to speak the words she needed. She dropped the rock in her hand.
Hooking her thumbs together, she flapped her hands through the air to imitate a bird.
The man looked confused.
She pointed to her mouth and shook her head.
“Oh, you can’t speak?”
She nodded quickly, then repeated the flapping motion with her hand.
He watched her hands very closely, but his expression remained confused. “Are you trying to tell me something?”
She nodded again.
“Help me figure this out, fellows,” he called to his men.
“It’s a bird,” Erich said.
“Not you,” the leader said, his voice dropping in pitch. “I didn’t ask for your help now, did I?” Turning back to Aizel, he asked, “Is it a bird?”
She nodded. She repeated the bird motion then pointed to the bandit leader.
“Me?” he asked.
With a sigh of exasperation, she repeated the two motions.
“Take your time, little lady. We’ll figure this out,” he said.
Aizel couldn’t help the small smile that flitted across her face. She hadn't expected a bandit to be patient.
“She thinks you’re a bird, boss,” one of the bandits called out.
The leader burst into a loud laugh. “I’m no bird, lady, but I have always wished I could fly.”
