Aerovind sauntered back to where Zellrid stood, cradling the sleeping Ela.
The townsfolk parted before him like a sea of wary flesh, their eyes darting between the yellow-eyed stranger and his one-eyed companion.
"Well, my brooding friend," Aerovind called out, his voice carrying a hint of amusement,
"where's our illustrious driver? Don't tell me you scared them all off with that charming personality of yours."
Zellrid's eye narrowed, his face as impassive as weathered stone.
"They won't come near us," he growled, his voice low and gravelly. "Word's spread about the fall of Senura. They think we're harbingers of destruction."
A smirk tugged at the corner of Aerovind's mouth. "Ah, our reputation precedes us. Though I must say, your current appearance isn't doing us any favors."
He gestured vaguely at Zellrid's face.
"Have you considered, I don't know, covering that gaping hole where your eye used to be? Or at least attempting a smile? You look like you're about to eat their children."
Zellrid's response was a glare that could curdle milk.
Aerovind sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. Leave it to me. I'll charm us a ride faster than you can say 'slaves for free'."
He swaggered towards a group of drivers, flashing a winning smile. "Gentlemen! Who among you brave souls would like to earn a handsome sum for a simple journey?"
The drivers exchanged nervous glances, shuffling back as one.
"Come now," Aerovind coaxed, his yellow eyes gleaming. "Surely you're not afraid of a couple of weary travelers and their child?"
A burly driver, braver or perhaps more foolish than the rest, spoke up. "We... we heard what happened in Senura. The kingdom fell overnight. They say demons walked the streets."
Aerovind's smile never faltered, but a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. "My good man, do we look like demons to you?"
The driver swallowed hard, his eyes flicking between Aerovind's inhuman gaze and Zellrid's empty socket. "Well..."
"Never mind," Aerovind cut him off, turning back to Zellrid with an exaggerated shrug.
"It seems our reputation has outpaced even my considerable charm. Any other ideas, oh silent one?"
Zellrid's lip curled in what might have been a smirk on a more expressive face. "Thought you said you'd have us a ride by now."
Aerovind blinked, genuine surprise flashing across his features. "Was that... a joke? By the gods, miracles do happen."
Their banter was interrupted by a small stirring in Zellrid's arms. Ela's eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding her young face.
In an instant, Aerovind was at her side, his previous nonchalance replaced by genuine concern.
"Easy there, little one," he murmured, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "How are you feeling?"
Ela blinked up at him, her voice small and uncertain. "Where... where are we?"
"Safe," Aerovind assured her, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead. "You've been very brave.
Think you can stay awake for a bit longer? We need to find a way out of this charming little village."
Zellrid watched the exchange, his single eye betraying a flicker of... something. Surprise? Respect? It was gone as quickly as it appeared.
"We could always steal horses," he rumbled, his tone making it impossible to tell if he was serious.
Aerovind's face lit up. "Now you're talking my language! Though I prefer the term 'borrow indefinitely'."
He scanned the town, his gaze settling on a rough-looking group near the outskirts. "And I think I've found our generous donors."
Zellrid followed his gaze, taking in the group of hard-bitten men lounging near a corral of horses.
Their clothes were dusty, their faces sun-weathered, and more than a few sported visible weapons.
"Those aren't honest folk," Zellrid observed.
"Perish the thought," Aerovind grinned. "Just some local entrepreneurs who I'm sure won't mind contributing to our cause."
Zellrid grunted, but a hint of anticipation crept into his stoic features. "You have a plan?"
"My dear Zellrid," Aerovind's grin turned wicked, "I always have a plan. First, we'll need a distraction.
How do you feel about playing the part of a drunken, one-eyed menace?"
As Aerovind outlined his scheme, the afternoon sun cast long shadows across the town square.
The air thrummed with tension, a quiet before the storm. In the distance, a dog barked, and somewhere, a door slammed shut.
The stage was set for chaos, and Aerovind, yellow eyes gleaming with mischief, was all too happy to be its conductor.
Zellrid's eye narrowed as he surveyed the gang lounging near the corral. "This plan of yours," he growled, "it's going to end badly."
Aerovind's grin only widened. "My dear Zellrid, that's half the fun. Now, remember your part. And do try to be convincing."
With a long-suffering sigh, Zellrid handed Ela to Aerovind and stumbled towards the group, affecting an exaggerated drunken swagger.
His normally precise movements became loose and uncoordinated, his stoic face twisting into a mask of inebriated belligerence.
"Oi!" he bellowed, his voice slurring. "Which one of you horse-faced bastards stole my drink?"
The gang members exchanged bewildered glances before their leader, a burly man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward. "Watch your mouth, cyclops," he snarled. "Before we decide to close your other eye."
Zellrid let out a bark of laughter, the sound harsh and unfamiliar. "You and what army, pretty boy?" He swayed dangerously, nearly toppling into the man.
As the confrontation escalated, Aerovind slipped around the edge of the corral, Ela clinging tightly to his back. "Now, little one," he whispered, "we're going to play a game called 'silent as a shadow'. Think you can manage?"
Ela nodded, her eyes wide but determined.
With fluid grace, Aerovind vaulted over the corral fence. He moved among the horses with preternatural stealth, his yellow eyes gleaming in the fading light.
The animals shifted nervously, but a soft word and gentle touch from Aerovind calmed them.
Meanwhile, Zellrid's performance had drawn the full attention of the gang.
He swung wildly at their leader, his movements just uncoordinated enough to seem drunk while skillfully avoiding any real contact.
"Is that all you've got?" Zellrid taunted, spittle flying from his lips. "My grandmother hits harder, and she's been dead for twenty years!"
The gang leader's face contorted with rage. He signaled to his men, who began to surround Zellrid. "Boys, looks like we need to teach this one-eyed freak a lesson."
Just as the circle closed in, a shrill whistle pierced the air.
The gang whirled to see Aerovind atop a magnificent black stallion, Ela secure in front of him. Two other horses flanked him, their reins in his hand.
"Gentleman," Aerovind called out, his voice dripping with mock politeness, "I do hate to interrupt this charming social gathering, but my friend and I have a prior engagement."