Escape part 10

The rambling estate identified by the note could hardly be called luxurious, though in a better state of repair the ragged mansion might more closely resemble a humble palace. I glanced back at the hawk, his expression as disbelieving as mine. "Surely she doesn't live in this dump. With her talents she could own the city." The bird shrugged, annoyingly nonchalant. Stepping up to the main gate we listened cautiously for sounds of life inside.

The door exploded outward without warning, nearly slicing me in half, followed quickly by a leather booted heel. Diving off the porch, a flash of feathers told me I would be alone in this fight.