The girl opened her mouth to reply, but found she couldn’t. It would seem that one of many of the realm’s secret powers was that of silencing all. She chuckled inside, thinking back on a movie about puppets she’d seen in her childhood, back when she couldn’t possibly imagine laying on the floor, dynamite on her back, trying to avoid death by the building or by the old man.

The man tried to speak, then, finally realizing the full extent of the realm’s abilities, began to sign, knowing the girl would understand.

I know what you have under your backpack, I want you to-