77 Snow

Udonna was sitting listlessly on her bed when Phineas ambled in. The Troblin had rapidly become the closest thing she had to a friend, and he was something she hadn't expected to find down here; a kind soul.

"It's freezing out," he told her, brushing snow from his shoulders. "They're messing with the weather this week."

"Why?" she asked absently before looking up sharply. "Snow?"

"Oh!" He clapped both hands over his mouth, staring wide-eyed at her. "Sorry. I forgot about you and snow. I'll leave."

"No, Phineas, it's fine. Snow was once my element, but with no weather in here it means nothing now." She glanced across at her Snow Staff, mounted on the wall by the door; the only time Koragg had threatened her physically was when she'd touched it.

Phineas studied her for a moment. "You hungry? I couldn't get back earlier today…you must be hungry by now."

"Yes, thank you."

"Comin' right up." He grinned, heading out again.

Udonna fell back into the near-trance she usually found herself in when alone; it helped the time pass faster, and since Koragg usually forgot to feed her when Phineas wasn't around, it helped her to last longer. The trance lasted only a few minutes this time before Koragg strode in, lifting his shield down from the wall before turning to her. "Come with me."

"Why?"

He didn't answer, only glared at her, and she rose slowly. "If I'm going to my death, Knight Wolf…"

"You will not be harmed," he promised, his voice softer. "Come with me."

Satisfied with that, knowing he would never lie, Udonna allowed him to hold her arm to guide her through the tunnels. Phineas skulked along behind them, chortling to himself, and she was distracted enough by him that she didn't realise where they were until Koragg abruptly turned a corner and they were outside.

Snow was falling in gentle flurries, already blanketing the ground. After so long underground the brightness hurt Udonna's eyes and she slid to her knees, tears streaming down her face.

"I promised him you wouldn't try anything," Phineas said worriedly from beside her. "To get away, I mean." She glanced up, frowning at the tone of his voice, and he added, "There're no magical creatures here, so he thought it'd be safe."

"Thank you." Udonna gripped his arm, squeezing once before turning her attention back to the snow.

She wasn't sure how long it was before Koragg spoke. The Knight Wolf had seemed content to watch her, as long as she made no attempt to leave the clearing. Phineas was lying under the trees, dusted lightly with snow.

"I can't release you."

"No," she agreed. "I think your Master would be unhappy if you did."

"He would send Necrolai, and she would kill you." He took a step forward. "I cannot allow you to move about Underground, either."

"No," she said quietly.

"If there is something else…"

"No. You've done enough…you and Phineas."

His attention shifted away from her as Phineas rose. "We must go."

"Yes." She rose to her feet, dusting the snow from her dress. "Let's go."

"You're not going to fight me, witch?"

"I'm under no illusions I can beat you, Wolf. Even if you have no children to threaten today."

Koragg looked away. "Necrolai sent Hydiacs to find her when I returned with you, that day. They were defeated by a human boy and both disappeared into the city. She has not been seen since."

Udonna took two quick breaths, closing her eyes in relief. "You're sure?"

"She's considered dangerous, amongst the magical creatures, for her linage. All squads have orders to capture her for the Master…he'll use her to lift the gates."

"She has no control. He'll kill her."

Koragg studied her for a long moment. "I have duties elsewhere," he said abruptly. "Will you return with Phineas?"

"I will," she agreed.

"If you attempt to escape, he'll be punished," he added. Phineas flinched, looking from one to the other, but Udonna only nodded, turning to head back towards the Underworld.

"Uh…boss?" Phineas murmured.

"Return her to the chamber, find her food, and ensure no one disturbs her. I have business elsewhere." He strode away without waiting for an answer.

"Uh…yes, boss," Phineas murmured, hurrying after Udonna.

"I don't believe he would harm you," she remarked. "I think in his own way he values you."

"Yeah, he can order me around," Phineas agreed. "Uh—you weren't planning on testing that theory, were you?"

"No," Udonna said, smiling. "Not today."