They approached the war constructs shoulder to shoulder, their strides matching. Both constructs were pieced together from wolves and giant cats; one had a bushy wolf tail and the other a lashing leopard’s tail. Both had teeth and claws that glittered in the wan sunlight.

The constructs were so intent on the oxen and driver that they didn’t notice Phalue’s and Tythus’s approach. They lifted their swords in unison and attacked.

The constructs whirled at the last minute.

They hadn’t seemed so large back when Phalue had been standing at the gates. But each was almost as big as the oxen hauling the cart. Perhaps this hadn’t been the best idea. She did have guards for this very reason, after all. But then the golden, spotted beast in front of her swiped out with a heavy paw, and Phalue had no more time for regrets.

She leapt back, the claws raking grooves in her boot, catching skin beneath. Sparring with Tythus was different than facing down a beast. Phalue slashed at it and the creature slid below her strike, its belly to the ground. She could see Tythus out of the corner of her eye faring better than she was. But he’d been in actual fights while she never had.

Phalue clenched her jaw, dodged another swipe and thrust at the construct. This time, she caught it on the shoulder. A glancing blow, which only seemed to make the creature angrier, but it was something. This could be like sparring with Tythus. The constructs were shorter, steadier on their feet, and with more pointy ends. She could adjust.

Four more strikes and her blade sank into the creature’s side, scraping past ribs to find the vital organs beneath.

Tythus had already dispatched his construct and stood off to the side, watching her. Show off. He looked barely winded.

In contrast, her calf burned where the construct’s claws had caught her leg. She waved the wagon driver toward the palace. “The way is clear now.”

She bowed. “Thank you, Sai. I knew the constructs were out of hand, but I didn’t know it was this bad.” She went back to the wagon and tucked her walking stick into the back.

Phalue went to Tythus, dropping a hand on his shoulder. “Gio agreed to a truce,” she said. “We need to start clearing out the constructs now, before any other people get hurt. Take all but a few of the guards and start running patrols in the city and the other villages on the island. Listen to any rumors about construct attacks. Eliminate them as quickly as possible. We focus all our efforts on that.”

“That leaves the palace vulnerable. Do you trust Gio’s word?”