The cultists weren't informed what kind of threat they'd be facing when they came through to claim the victims for their Master, but more than enough of them were familiar with facing a firebender that within a few strikes the first into the thick of battle had skin like obsidian. The fire passing harmlessly over them, while they dodged Katara's icicles and closed with their prey. Katara certainly didn't have to do much to draw them to the edge of the shell, they were more than happy to believe they had the two 'trapped' between themselves and the dangerous fall onto Asti's neck and head.