028 You only Hurt the Ones you Love
Everything was wrong. The world was wrong. Udonna clung to the nearest tree, waiting for everything to stop changing.
Clare was hovering around her, trying to understand what was wrong. Her gift wasn't strong enough yet, her mother's power not matured, and she couldn't feel the evil all around them, the Darkness coming from the gates.
"Udonna, the colour!" Clare cried. Udonna closed her eyes, looking away; the colour was fading from everything, and behind them Rootcore was dying.
"They didn't come," she murmured.
"Udonna, please! What's happening?"
"The Darkness is rising." She let go of the tree, taking a couple of steps into the clearing. "The Legendary Ones haven't come. The Master is rising, Clare."
"A great day," a new voice said from the far side of the clearing. Udonna spun, pushing Clare behind her.
"Who are you?" she demanded, trying uselessly to summon her magic.
"Your magic is gone, White Witch."
"Magic is never gone," she said defiantly.
"You're right, it's not gone." He strode forward, catching her arm and pulling her forward. "It's all ours now. All in the hands of the Master."
"Let her go!" Clare hit at him; he freed one arm and shoved her aside. She flew across the clearing, crashing to the ground and not moving.
"Clare!" Udonna struggled but he didn't let her go.
"The Master sent me to kill you," he said conversationally. Udonna stilled, staring at him. "But there is no honour in defeating a powerless opponent."
"Then let me go." She twisted against him again.
"No. You are dangerous." He considered her for a moment. "Stop fighting me, and I will leave the child here."
Udonna glanced across at Clare. She hadn't moved.
"Who are you?" she asked finally.
"Koragg. The Knight Wolf. Most loyal servant of the Master." He drew his sword, looking pointedly at Clare.
"I will come," Udonna said quickly. "Only let me make sure she's not hurt." Koragg didn't move, and she added, "I can't escape. I have no magic. Just let me see to her."
Koragg considered her for another moment before letting go of her arm. Udonna pulled away, hurrying to kneel by Clare.
The girl was breathing and, though her forehead was bloody, it didn't look serious. Udonna wiped it clean, taking a deep breath before rising to her feet.
"I'm ready, Koragg."