She calmed her breathing, listening as the footsteps slowed. She gripped a low branch and stepped around, kicking high enough to catch the first guard on the chin. He fell back, to be caught by his companions. Talia swore. She counted six men in the lacquered armor of the raikh, as well as a creature of smoke and shadow. Men she could fight, but fairy magic was another matter. She jumped to the side, taking cover as a spear flew past. “What’s the plan?” Snow asked. “I’m working on it.” Talia could probably handle the guards, and Snow might be a match for Rajil’s fairy adviser, but an open battle in the garden wouldn’t help Faziya. Even if they won, the commotion would only attract more attention. The next guard through carried a short spear in one hand and a northern-style club in the other. He raised the spear, but Talia made no move to attack. She jabbed her sword point down into the dirt and spread her hands. The rest of the guards moved quickly to surround them. Roudette bared her teeth and growled.
