Before stepping onto the flagstone path that led to the tiny lacquered bridge, Fontecchio gestured and fired a round at the stones. Steelloy spears ten meters tall lanced from the soil, then razors snapped out along their shafts and began to spin in a tight interlocking pattern. A drifting leaf was sucked into the vortex of the machinery and disintegrated. Drek! Tea house defenses were on full. There were wards to hold off impetuous family members, but nothing to stay a determined assassin. It was not believed that such could penetrate this far into the grounds. Impossible. Unthinkable!