“I didn’t . . .” Soranna was trembling, hands hovering like she didn’t know where to put them. “I thought . . . they were going to get us.”

Alice let go. “Come on. We have to get to the doorway. Dex, are you all right?”

“My leg is wounded, Sister Alice, but the bleeding is under control for the present thanks to Brother Isaac’s skillful ministrations,” Dex said. “And I must thank you for this most excellent conveyance!”

“Right. Let’s go.”

Dex laughed delightedly. “Onward, mighty steeds!”

The Swarm, with Dex on top, led the way, with the three of them running behind. They angled across the curved surface of the tower wall, aiming for the square hole in the turf where Alice had entered. Behind them, there was a crash as the tree toppled among the flock of bird-things, and a few of them started to look up and take note of where their prey was going.

“They’re coming after us,” Soranna panted.

“I know,” Alice managed, through gritted teeth.

Isaac, head lowered grimly, said nothing. The Siren swooped through the air, and one of the bird-things collapsed, but more of them were following now. Alice and the others had a considerable lead, but the huge, bounding strides of the bird-things carried them forward at a terrific pace.

“They’re catching up!” Soranna said, looking over her shoulder. She stumbled, and Alice grabbed her arm and dragged her forward to keep her from falling.

“Just run!”

“Faster!” Dex crowed, spreading her arms like she was flying. “Whee!”

The doorway was coming up fast, but the bird-things were closing faster. We’re not going to make it!

The Siren blinked out of existence. Isaac turned and raised his hands, tattered coat swirling around him. Tongues of frost shot out from the turf at Isaac’s feet and spread across the lawn.

The first of the bird-things, traveling at a full gallop, stepped onto the suddenly icy ground and found its feet sliding from under it. It was moving far too quickly to stop, and collapsed into a heap, both heads squawking madly. The one behind it tried to go around the fallen creature, lost its footing, and tumbled onto its side. The one behind that went for a jump instead, but was unable to get any traction when it landed and went heads over heels. Bird-things collided in a tangle of necks, flying feathers, and angry, snapping beaks. Another melee developed at once, and the rest of the flock plunged in eagerly, all thought of pursuit abandoned.