Chapter 4

The Rangers returned to the human world soon after hearing Koragg's story, because it was almost midnight and they had to go to work the next day. This left Udonna, Clare and Daggeron in Rootcore. They set to the task of healing Koragg. First they wanted to deal with lesser injuries, such as dislocated shoulder. Udonna flexed his elbow to 90 degrees and gradually rotated the shoulder outward, allowing it to spontaneously relocate. She was surprised he didn't make a slightest sound. Then she remembered about the potions they've made and sent Clare to fetch them. After she returned, Udonna took the vials from her.

"Koragg," she addressed him. "You need to take those potions. One is the Blood Replenishing Potion, the other is Pain Reducer."

He opened his mouth as though he wanted to say something, but apparently decided against it and simply nodded, allowing her to give him the potions. He twisted his mouth, but she didn't blame him. She knew they were disgusting.

Udonna mentally listed his other injuries and decided to wait until the next day, as it was too late. Daggeron helped her with replacing bandages on Koragg's leg. Then they immobilized his broken forearm.

Daggeron looked at her. "What about his armor? I don't suppose he's comfortable like this."

She nodded. "Yes, let's take it off."

The main problem was that there was nothing keeping the armor in place. All the pieces were connected permanently and seamlessly.

"How do you take off your armor, Koragg?"

"Take off my armor? Why would I ever want to do that? It's a gift from my master," he said haughtily.

Daggeron rolled his eyes. "Yes, your wonderful master who has abandoned you. I don't get why you still speak so highly of him."

Koragg huffed in irritation. "Of course you wouldn't understand, Solaris! My master brought me to life and allowed me to become his right hand. Everything I do is only for his sake."

"You're blind. Can't you see he doesn't have a use for you anymore?"

Udonna decide to step in. "Enough of this nonsense! You're both grown men, but you act like children! We will take care of this tomorrow," she said. "And try to get some sleep, Koragg. The pain shouldn't bother you as much now. Don't attempt to move your leg, because even Pain Reducer won't help you then."

Then she turned off the lamp and left the room, Daggeron and Clare following her.

"Try to get some sleep"? Only weak humans like her slept! He was Koragg, the Wolf Knight! He wouldn't lower himself to their level. Yes, the thing he was lying on was comfortable and warm, but that didn't mean he was getting sleepy.

Not at all.

He wouldn't sleep unless the witch came here and cast a sleep spell on him.

His resistance lasted a whole ten minutes before his soft snores filled the room.

Imperious was pacing before his throne. The lack of success in searching for Koragg made him irritated. He couldn't continue with his plan until the Wolf Knight was truly dead. He glanced at The Master's pit. Maybe he could somehow help him. He bowed his head and spoke up.

"My master, is there anything you can do to help me? Our search doesn't produce any results and I don't trust the Rangers."

The pit glowed red.

Oh, yes, there is a way to find him. I was wondering when would you ask for help. You see, when I created Koragg, I gave him a bit of my own magic. If I take it away from him, I would instantly know his exact location. The whole procedure will be a little painful for him, but I'm sure he won't mind, don't you agree?

Imperious smirked. "Of course he won't mind, my master. I made sure he's already used to being in pain."

Udonna's eyes opened sluggishly and she blinked in confusion. A very worried Clare was shaking her shoulder.

"... and I-I can't calm h-him down!" she stuttered.

Udonna was bewildered. "Calm down who?"

And then she heard it – distant screams. Now she understood who needed to be calmed down.

"Oh, I told him not to move... That foolish man..." she muttered and rubbed her eyes tiredly. She put on her robe and grabbed the wand from bedside cabinet.

"Come with me, Clare. I might need your assistance."

The sight that greeted them was very strange. Koragg was lying perfectly still, but he was howling with pain. So this reaction wasn't caused by him moving in sleep. It was something else.

Udonna cast a diagnostic spell on him. The results chilled her to the bone.

Someone was absorbing Koragg's magic.

When absorption was accepted by person whose magic was being taken, it didn't hurt at all. Unfortunately, in Koragg's case, his magic was absorbed without his permission and caused horrible pain to him. The only one who was able to do this was The Master with all his magical power.

She should've sealed Koragg's magic before, but now it was too late. The only way to stop this process was to put up a barrier and hold it as long as needed. She wasn't sure if she was able to manage it without her Snow Staff. But then she got an idea.

"Clare, give me your hand!" she had to shout in order to be heard over Koragg's rasping howls. "Just channel your magic to me! I'll put a barrier on his magical core!" She got a nod from her and soon she felt Clare's power mixing with hers. Udonna started to sing in ancient mystics' language. The song's words echoed in the air and bright light surrounded Koragg's body, pulsing slightly over his heart. This spell was an example of ancient magic - the most primal kind of magic, used before wands were invented. It was based on emotions, especially the positive ones, so Udonna tried to focus on the compassion she felt when she saw his injuries for the first time. The pull on her magic lessened and it became easier to sing.

But The Master wasn't giving up so easily. Udonna could feel dark magic slashing at the barrier, trying to find weak spots. Even with Clare's help it was impossible to hold him off for long. Soon their magic reserves would be gone.

'Now it's up to you, Koragg. Either you give up and die, or you fight and finally break your ties to The Master. I just hope you choose the latter.'

'Yes,' The Master thought. 'Their magic is fading. Don't try to resist me, Leanbow. I know you're still in there. You shall never break my curse. And even if you try to, it will get you nowhere. You're not strong enough.'

Koragg put up a weak resistance, but he just laughed. His pitiful attempts were quite amusing. No one could match The Master's might.

Then the unthinkable happened. A powerful magic strike coming from Koragg broke their connection and burned its way to his magical core. Hot, blazing pain erupted from it.

The whole Underworld shook from the force of The Master's fury.

Everything was blurring in front of Udonna's eyes. Her magic was almost gone. The pounding in her head made her dizzy. She approached Koragg's bed and sat next to it on the floor. She just wanted to make sure he was more or less undamaged. He seemed to be alright.

She heard a thump behind herself. It was probably just Clare passing out, nothing to worry about.

Udonna knew she should get up and go to her bed, but she didn't make a move to stand up. Her head slowly dropped to the edge of Koragg's bed and her eyes slid shut. She instantly fell asleep.