As if that was a signal, Cyprus threw Ume to the floor and drew a hooked machete from inside his coat. With a snarl he charged at Wolfe, swinging back the weapon to strike. Wolfe jerked his many bladed weapon from his belt and met him with a clash of steel.

Micah and Loren drew their bowie knives in unison and dropped into defensive stances. Fethillen grabbed her sickle from the hook on her belt and spun toward Cyprus. He dodged the blow and whirled away, his red hair flying ...