Kira reached the gate before I heard the noise. The white fox stopped across the path, ears flat, one front paw raised. I recognized the stance from the garden. Last time, a protective fitting had been pressing unevenly against a settled guide.
This time, something struck wood hard enough to shake the latch. I put the book I was carrying on the low wall.
Beyond the gate, Elara stood inside a handling pen with both hands lowered toward a young antlered Spirit Beast. Roots curved around its legs, keeping it from throwing itself against the rail. A pale band of ward-light tightened across its chest.
The beast tried to rise. The band brightened. Its forelegs folded before it could find its feet.
"Don't pull the collar," Elara said.
The keeper beside the post stopped reaching for it.
"The release won't turn."
"I know. Keep the head away from the rail."
