1

Gregor sat on his bed feeling like he should be packing. He knew he did not need to. He never needed to bring anything with him to the Underland, and even if he did bring something, they would probably just put it in the museum. Still, he knew he would be down there a while, and wanted to take something with him. He decided on a picture of his family, and slipped it into his pants pocket.

It was the first week of May, and because he had no finals during finals week, he decided to head down to Regalia early. Ever since Stellovet and the other traitors had attempted to overthrow those currently in power in the Underland, Gregor had continued returning to the Underland like he had promised Luxa. This, as Gregor had expected, was incredibly difficult to do with school (Gregor promised his mom that he would still do well in his classes). He could occasionally return on a long weekend, but this turned out to be exhausting. He just could not keep it up.

The last time Gregor had returned to the Underland was months ago during semester break. He went by himself (his cousin, Wynnora, was busy with grad school and teaching, and his mother did not want the rest of the family down there) to see how the Underlanders were holding up with practically everyone at war.

They were not doing well at all. Everyone was exhausted, morale was down from fighting those who used to be friends, and the leaders had few ideas of what to do. It actually pained Gregor to see the queen, Luxa, look so worn. Though she had held her head high and spoke with her usual commanding voice, her eyes appeared tired and she looked thinner.

Gregor wanted to bring this up and suggest that maybe she take a break, but they had been fighting. She was often upset with his sporadic visits, and he could not get her to understand that he had other responsibilities. After all, her responsibilities included ruling over a city, maintaining peace with her allies, and fighting a civil war. He felt foolish justifying his absence with school when he should be helping with the war effort. Gregor knew there was no way he could convince her to relax with their friendship like that.

It was during his visit over semester break that Gregor was shown Nerissa's prophecy.

"My cousin has written this prophecy," Luxa said, handing him a scroll. "I believe you know what it entails." Gregor knew. "If you do not wish to accept the prophecy, then I will not force you. You will be free to return to the Overland." That annoyed him.

"You know I'll help, Luxa," Gregor said. She always acted like she did not want or need him around. Just once he would like someone to ask him nicely instead of just shoving a prophecy at him.

"You should consider this more," Luxa replied, her tone softening slightly. "We believe it includes more of your family, though it is not clear. I know you do not wish to involve them." Gregor saw what she meant.

Warrior's Return

War tears again through Underland

Gather kin and together band

With those who fight to stay as one

Against those who would have ties undone

Some will wish not to assist

While others find they cannot resist

Unexpected friends arrive

Seek help if you wish to survive

The Warrior must make a choice

If victory you wish to rejoice

Though together your strength is shown

Before the end, you stand alone

"I can't promise any help from them, but I can promise you'll have my help." Gregor was not sure why he did it, but he took her hands. For a moment he was pretty sure she was going to slap him, but then he felt her squeeze his hands back. "If you need me to be the warrior again," the word stuck in his throat, "then I will be. And I'll do anything you need me to do." Luxa smiled, and Gregor was relieved because he had not seen that smile in so long.

"Then I have a gift for you," she said. The queen gestured to the table, and Gregor noticed a long bundle on it. He already knew what it was.

"You had it fixed?"

"Yes. I expected you would agree to help me," she said. Gregor unwrapped the bundle, and pulled out Lord Sandwich's sword. It had been so long since he had held it, and though it felt perfect in his hand, he was worried what it might symbolized. He did not want to be seen as a weapon or an image of hate and separation. Still, he knew he needed to accept being the Warrior again to help Regalia.

Now Gregor took a deep breath, and looked around his room. He was planning on staying in the Underland all summer, and he knew he would miss home at some point. Once again he was returning by himself, so he walked out to say goodbye to his family. His parents hugged him and told him to write and keep safe. Gregor could tell his mother was mad with him, but tried to push it aside for the goodbye. He said goodbye to his sisters, who planned on convincing their mother to let them come down and help. Then he turned to his cousin.

"You know you should come down for a visit," Gregor said. She smiled weakly.

"I have work up here. Besides, I doubt I would be of any use."

"Who cares if you're useful? People just miss you." That made her laugh, and she said maybe. Gregor left, and walked out to the cave by himself. It was easy to jump into the hole now: he did not even hesitate. When he landed, Hippolyta was there to greet him.

"Hello, Gregor," she said. "Is it just you again?"

"Yeah. Just me," he said feeling her fur. "But I'm hoping someone else will come later."