When they reached the clearing, Corliss was already rallying the others. "Defensive positions! Protect the nobles!"
The attackers burst into the camp, their weapons gleaming in the firelight. Arteja didn't hesitate, her spear striking out at the nearest enemy.
He parried, his sword colliding with her weapon in a burst of sparks. Arteja twisted her grip, using the spear's momentum to shove him off balance, and followed with a sharp thrust to his chest.
Lirael fought beside her, her movements fluid and deadly. Together, they pushed the attackers back, their combined skill turning the tide of the battle.
Arteja caught sight of another enemy moving toward Lady Varetha. Her eyes narrowed as she darted across the clearing, her spear slicing through the air. The blade pierced the attacker's shoulder, sending him sprawling to the ground.
"Stay behind the fire!" Arteja ordered the nobles, her voice sharp.
Another attacker came at her, swinging a massive axe. Arteja ducked, the weapon slicing through the air inches from her head. She drove her spear upward, catching the man under the chin and ending the fight in one swift motion.
The battle raged on, but the attackers were no match for the wardens' skill. One by one, they fell until the clearing was silent once more.
Corliss wiped her blade clean, her expression grim. "They're getting bolder. We'll have to move faster tomorrow."
Arteja nodded, but her thoughts were elsewhere. This attack wasn't random—it was targeted. And whoever was behind it wouldn't stop until they achieved their goal.