The Winter Phoenix (WAYHAUGHT)

Which side?

"Tomos, don't do this," Nicole pleaded. "Too much is at stake."

"Guthram is struggling," Tomos replied. "The markets are depleted, the winter is upon us."

"I can help. I'm back to help. Just let me go, I won't cause any trouble."

Tomos was already at the entrance to her cell. "This is for the best cousin."

Marched down a narrow path in the palace grounds, away from prying eyes, Tomos unlocked an old door in the wall. A long tunnel stretched before her, similar to the one used to enter Rathe. A rough shove to her back had her tumbling forward. "My things."

"You won't need them in the other world," Tomos replied.

"Don't make an enemy of me."

"You're hardly in a position to threaten. Don't bother coming back. Rathe doesn't need you."

A guard handed her a torch. "Watch out for creepers," he said, to the amusement of the other guards.

As the door slammed on that world there was but one direction she could travel. Torch held out she edged her way along, careful not to touch the sides. I'll get back. I'll find a way back. This is my fight now.

A scurrying across the walls had her pick up speed. Her torch flickered. Don't go out. Don't go out. The tunnel forked, taking the one on the right, then forked again, taking the right once more. At the end of that fork she found a dead end, her heart pounding as she contemplated her next move. I can do this. I can do this. What would ruler me do? Mess it up probably. Damn it. Okay, okay, what would Wynonna do?

Her eyes misted over. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for being such a lousy friend, and ruler."

Her words echoed off the walls. Silence the only response. "I'm coming back you hear. I'm coming back."

"Then do something about it," a voice whispered.

"Landoryn!"

"Couldn't let you leave without me."

Her hand went to her pocket, retrieving the necklace. "I love you, I love you, I love you."

"Steady on there. We need to get you out."

"How?"

"I will show you where."

"No, how are you in my pocket?"

"The guard who shoved you. He is on your side. May I say your cousin is an imbecile."

"You may. God, I'm so glad you're here."

"We don't have much time," Landoryn instructed. "Shine the torch ahead, so I may see where you must place your hand."

Nicole did as she was told, Landoryn studying the wall. "That small indentation to the right of the zigzag crack," she said. "Make a fist and punch hard."

"And break my fingers."

"Trust me."

Hand made into a fist, Nicole stared at the spot where Landoryn suggested she punch. Her first attempt had her hugging her knuckles. "Fuck that hurt."

"Where is your trust?"

"Seriously not doing that again."

"If you do not," Landoryn replied, "you can kiss goodbye to Rathe. And to Waverly."

Nicole stared at the spot once more. "I want this. I want this. Who am I kidding?"

"You are not destined to die here," Landoryn counselled. "Now, do what you need to do."