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Vicente cocked his head to better listen, then turned excitedly to Slash. “We’re in luck. They’re speaking a version of a local dialect I know. The chief is talking about Lexi. He says he believes she’s a descendant of theAmazonas, the fierce tribe of women warriors from South America. Damn, we were just joking about that at the last village.”

“I remember,” Slash said. “Do you think one of these villagers overheard it and took it to heart?”

“It’s possible,” Vicente said. “Give me a minute to listen to what else he’s saying.”

Everyone fell silent, listening to the booming voice of the chief. After a bit, Vicente began translating softly.

“He says their village is in crisis. Their numbers are dwindling and they’re under increasing attack from outside tribes and invaders. He believes Lexi’s presence is a sign to the village.”

“What kind of sign?”

Vicente shrugged. “I’m not sure. A sign of strength or good luck. Hard to say. Personally, I think the chief could be using her to strengthen his role in the eyes of the villagers and perhaps the surrounding tribes. I suspect that’s why he or his warriors kidnapped her.”

Slash’s fists clenched in frustration. He wanted to run down there and drag her into his arms, but he had to proceed carefully if he wanted to get her out safely.

“The chief says he personally saw her defeat two men and steal their prisoners using only a snake and her feet,” Vicente said. “He also said she was able to sense when arrows were being fired from the enemy, and she protected him from the name of some tribe I don’t recognize.” He listened some more. “He said she personally saved his life.”

Slash lowered the binoculars. “Do you think she has any idea what is going on?”

“Hard to say, but I doubt it.”

Slash refocused the binoculars and trained them on Lexi. “What’s happening now?” He pointed at the chief who was wrapping up his speech.

Vicente listened and then looked in alarm at Slash. “Uh-oh. We’ve got a problem. He just claimed her as his own.”

“As his ownwhat?” Slash said, his voice deadly calm.

“Mate, wife, whatever you want to call it. He’s offered a challenge to anyone who wants to fight him for her.”

He stood up. “Damn. Guess that’s my cue.”

“Whoa.” Salvador grabbed his arm, trying to pull him back down. “Are you crazy? You can’t just walk down there. They’ll kill you.”

“If I don’t,she’llkill him. Look.”

They all turned to look at Lexi who was standing on the balls of her feet, a thick branch in her hands, jabbing it toward the chief. She didn’t intend to go down easy.

“Besides, he can’t have her.” Slash put a hand on Vicente’s shoulder. “Look, I need you to come with me so you can tell him why I’m there. I’m going to fight for her one way or another. That being said, I understand the risk, so if you don’t want to come along, I get it. I’ll do it on my own. I only ask that you protect Lexi at all cost.”

“Seriously?” Vicente asked. “You’re going to do this?”

“I’m going to do this.”

Vicente exhaled a deep breath. “Well, you leave me little choice. I’m not abandoning her like last time. I’ll go with you.”

“Are you sure?”

“No, I’m not sure. But if I get killed, I’m holding you personally responsible. Are you taking a gun?”

“No, I have to play by their rules. I’m going to fight for my woman fair and square, and the chief should understand that. But you should take one.”

“I will, and I understand what you’re doing. But you intend to take her away from the chief, and he isn’t going to like that.”

“I’ll cross that bridge when I get to it. Salvador, go get our supplies, including the guns, but stay out of sight so we have a backup plan.”

“What happens if you lose?” Salvador asked.

“I won’t.” He strode forward. “But be prepared. Remember, the primary goal is to get Lexi out safely. Come on, Vicente, let’s go.”