As they crossed the large stone courtyard toward the main entrance of the manor house, the loud noise from their brief fight outside had already alerted the patrolling guards inside the residence.
Doors burst open, and ten armed estate guards came running out onto the wide stone porch, holding lanterns and drawn swords.
"Over there! Intruders in the courtyard!" the leader shouted, pointing his sword straight at Camilla and Kade.
Camilla stopped in her tracks. She looked at the ten armed men rushing down the steps toward them. She turned her head slightly to face Kade.
"Cover for me," Camilla commanded softly.
Kade nodded his head once in understanding. "Go, my lady."
Camilla reached down to her belt, pulled out the dark, herb-infused cloth Kade had given her earlier, and wrapped it tightly around the lower half of her face, covering her nose and mouth. Kade did the exact same, tying his own herb-infused cloth securely behind his head.
