A chill swept through Relda, but before she could ask more, she sensed they were no longer alone.
Two men stood in the doorway.
She turned and cocked a hip. “I’m sorry, gentlemen, I’m closed for the day.” From the way Alia whimpered, Relda didn’t have to ask if these were the men who’d hurt her.
The biggest one stepped forward. He was some sort of aquatic species with wide-set, large eyes and gills on the side of his neck. His aura was mostly greens and yellows—he was alert and cautious.
“We aren’t here for a fortune, we’re here for the jewel.” His voice was thick and congested. “You cooperate and I won’t get my weapon out.”
The other man circled around. He was a regular humanoid with no distinguishing features except for his obnoxious smell—sweat and grime. His energy was a muddy brown, with streaks of light green. Immoral and greedy.
“The Trojan Moon.” His voice was deep, his accent heavy. “Where is it?”
Oh, no.Relda’s stomach tightened. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
“No games,” the humanoid spat. “We heard it was seen here with you. Hand it over.”
Relda forced her breathing to stay even. She needed a weapon. She had one—a very powerful, dangerous one—but she didn’t dare use it.
Instead, she leaned to the side and snatched up her favorite lamp. The beautiful, slender light had a hefty base. She tested its weight, getting a good grip.
“Just hand over the Moon and we won’t hurt you,” Smelly Man said.
But Relda wasn’t stupid. She heard the eager edge in his voice. He wanted to hurt them, he’d enjoy it. Alia was hers to protect, and Relda had no qualms about doing it.
“Gentlemen, you aren’t welcome here. Last chance to leave.”
The aquatic laughed, a phlegmy sound that wrung another whimper from Alia.
Relda moved fast, leaping forward and swinging the lamp at the same time. It connected with the aquatic’s head. A hard thud and he went down, the surprised look on his face almost comical.
Smelly Man tackled Relda from behind and they skidded across the rug. She shot her elbow back, catching him in the face. He roared, and Relda managed to push him off her.
He came at her again and dammit, her skirts were tangled around her legs. She kicked, trying to get free. The man swung out with a large fist, but she rolled. She avoided the blow but hit an elegant side table. It tipped, spilling all her pretty ornaments and candles over the floor. Some bounced across the rug, others broke in a shatter of glass.
The man roared. “I’m gonna mess you up, bitch.” He kicked out, catching the low table. It flipped, her tea spilling on the rug.
Relda jumped to her feet. She still clutched the remains of the lamp, righteous anger hot in her blood. She swung again, all her weight behind it.
It hit the man in his side. He howled. “You broke my ribs!”
Next, she aimed for his head, but this time the man ducked. He lunged forward and grabbed a handful of her hair. He yanked it and pain burst across her scalp, tears pricking her eyes.
She turned, ignoring the sting. She got a knee up and drove it into the man’s groin.
This time he didn’t make a noise, he just fell on the floor, writhing as he clutched himself. His mouth was open with a soundless scream.
Suddenly, shouts sounded outside the tent.
“Clear the way, the marshal and his men are coming!” someone yelled.
“The marshal’s coming!” an excited voice cried.
Relda’s hands flexed on the lamp, her chest heaving.
“I sent Bindi to get the marshal,” Alia said from where she huddled on the far side of the tent.
“Good girl.” Relda shot her a smile and fought to calm her breathing.
