He trudged across the barren wasteland, aching at every joint. The snow fell swift and true, the storm holding everything for miles in its icy grip. But it would only get worse, if Nani was to be believed.

He had to hurry.

Seeing was becoming more difficult with every step, but his step was sure, and in his mind, the path was clear. Nothing could keep him from this task.

Like a wave breaking on the shore, the building came into view. It was a short little concrete structure, with one door and one window, but that didn’t particularly matter. The real glory was underground.

He approached the door and removed the key from his pocket. The wind howled in his ears like a homesick coyote. Heavens, it was freezing out here. His numb hands fumbled on the lock for only a moment before the door was swinging inward and warm air was spilling out. He took one step over the threshold. Then another. The door slammed shut behind him. He sighed.

“You ready to leave yet, kiddo?” He asked, peering through the second door in front of him. On the other side, a flight of stairs descended into the beginnings of what he knew to be a large underground home. Some might think it would be ridiculous to stay behind the door. There was no way the child could hear him. But he knew she could.

No reply came to him. He sighed again and removed the gun from another pocket before turning the handle and creeping down to face her.

She sat in an armchair before an electric fireplace, legs crossed, hands folded neatly before her. The image of dignified, young beauty and grace. Or, it would have been if it weren’t for the rude scowl she wore and the countless knives suspended in mid air around her. All of them aimed at him, or more specifically, his face.

“I stopped being a child the day you sent me down here to die.”