Copyright © Amanda DeShane 2019
All Rights reserved. No part of this book may be re-produced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronics or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system without written permission from the Author.
Amanda DeShane has asserted her right to be identified as the Author and illustrator of this work.
Contents
Dedication:
Prologue: The Prophecy
Chapter one: Aurora
Chapter Two: Eli
Chapter three: Giant Revelations
Chapter four: Asgard Shadows
Chapter five: Secrets of past lives
Chapter Six: Becoming the living flame.
Chapter seven: Learning new tricks
Chapter Eight: Discovery’s and lies
Chapter Nine: Breakthrough
Note from Author:
Dedication:
Thank you to my family and friends for being supportive and patient with my fascination with everything Norse mythology and legends. They put up with my beautiful Norse music as I spent hours typing away. Thank you to my Partner and editor, Zach. Love you, Hun. Thanks for believing in me even when I doubted myself. All the hours of editing and help with research and marketing. And for rescuing the computer from being thrown out the window a couple of times when I struggled with the techy side of things.
Prologue: The Prophecy
The wind whistled and blew dust across the century-old cobblestones in the center of Asgard. Breathtakingly beautiful vivid greenery everywhere you looked. Colorful trees swaying in the breeze overlooked flowers adorning inviting gardens that had an almost magical feel to them. The sweet smell of roses and lilacs perfumed the air as butterflies flitted here and there. Bee’s buzzed and flitted around flowers. Fairy’s flew to and fro, wings fluttering as they went. Wall trellises, with bright green vines, climbed the white stone walls towards patios that held white double doors. The celestial city of Asgard built into and around a large rocky mountain, with white stone buildings and towers that climbed up and around the mountain in the shape of a giant spiral.
Big white pillars framed entrances to buildings. Swooshing of the air and wings flapping could be heard from below as dragons flew freely in the sky. Many walls had scenes from their history carved or artistically painted, and statues of the long-gone Gods sat all over the city; some carved into the sides of the mountain cliffs that overlooked the vast expanse of a sea. There were only two ways in and out of Asgard, a rainbow bridge and an ice bridge that crossed the deep abyss of the sea. That chasm ran all around the mountain between Asgard and no man’s land on the West and the forest on the East. The sea waves tossed against the mountain cliff sides, that was the water dweller's area of the city, beautiful but deadly. Beautiful cliffs and rocky outcrops lead to the seashore. Forested areas on the east side of the gorge of Asgard contrasted the barren wasteland called no man’s land on the west side expanse. The city was built like a castle. Five feet thick and durable stone magically enforced walls lined the outer defenses. Long ago, a giant had struck a deal with the God’s to build the much-needed wall around the Asgard stronghold; but his price was horrible. It has been told that Loki struck up a new deal with the giant and saved the gods from the original arrangement through a scandalously lewd act.
Within Asgard lay a bustling white stone city as ancient as time itself. Although it was ancient, it had a lot of human conveniences and some magical ones. In the middle of the city lay the Asgard Academy and a courtyard where the world tree stood. The noise of pit pattering feet against the cobblestone and people bustling about echoed off the white stone; some believe that if you listen close enough, the stones will tell tales of those that walked them decades before.
Currently only two Gods remained alive, but the descendants of those that perished in the great war lived on in their people; Many were Demi-Gods mixed with other supernatural species, but it kept the bloodlines alive. Asgard Academy built as the God's last request for their people to train each generation of wolves, elves, dwarves, dragons, witches, land spirits, mermaids, and Valkyries to make them stronger against their common enemy.
In the center of the courtyard sat the gigantic world tree. Under the long white glowing branches sat a white-bearded older man on a stool. The tree had stood there since the beginning of time. It was the center of their world. It was bigger than one could comprehend and connected the nine realms, with glowing white leaves that gently blew in the wind hanging down like a massive weeping willow. Its leaves shone like white Christmas lights with supernatural power and life of their own as they swayed in the breeze. If one stood below it, they would feel an invisible static-like force of power surround them and a pulse like a heartbeat. This tree was no ordinary tree; if it ailed, their people would fall sick. If it flourished, their people would flourish. A person could place their hands upon it to travel to another world, and they would disappear through a portal.
The older man sat smiling with his white beard gently blowing in the wind. He sat upon the stool with his cream-colored robes layered out around his feet. His robes showcased exquisitely detailed Norse symbols embroidered in gold, around the hems, neck, and sleeves. Excellently detailed ax’s and ravens doted the hem design in intricate detail.
“Children gather around to hear one of the legends of our history!” shouted the old man happily. At his call, many children of different ages and different descents rushed into the courtyard, their little feet clomping on the cobblestones from multiple directions. Eagerly they take a seat upon the warm, smooth cobblestones around the older man. Some in their human form and others in their shifter forms filter in and sit. Laughter and chatter follow them as they run into the courtyard. Wolf Cubs sit with tails swishing back and forth, and tongue’s hanging out in expectation. Dragon hatchlings fly in small jumping leaps and bounds almost appearing to bounce off the cobblestones only to let little hiccups of smoke out their nose in puffs of glee. Fairy children sit on soft silk flower petals under the tree, kicking their legs back and forth in anticipation. Other species were eagerly laying on the ground ears at the ready.
Unlike the generations a few decades before them, they grew up together and had learned to get along despite their differences. There wasn’t an eye that didn’t shine bright with anticipation of a story. Many a toddler sat hugging a dear toy or sitting in an older sibling’s lap, sucking a thumb. The sound of rushing water lapping against the shore edge was like sweet music mixing with the breeze. Off to the right sat a small bay area that connected to the sea, which now occupied water dweller children huddled together eager to hear the story. An occasional splash could be heard as tales moved in anxious excitement. A hush came over the crowd of eager faces as he started his tale, and silence signaled; they were ready for the story to begin.
“As you know, we pass down legends from one generation to the next, so we may never forget our people’s history. You all may one day tell these stories to your children and them to theirs.” Small heads bobbed up and down in understanding.
“Long, long ago lived the first wolf shifter called Fenrir, he was the son of the god Loki and the giantess. Fenrir was the most famous of wolf shifters raised by the Gods of Asgard. He was a massive black shaggy wolf with giant paws. Fenrir was a natural trickster who caused so much trouble and bloodshed of his people. He refused to learn to control his wolf and in doing so, killed many. He showed no remorse and didn’t value life.”
Small sounds of surprise gasps from the children ensued as their eyes became as big as saucers. In their culture, control was a must for most of them. It was enforced and taught very firmly from a very young age that they must control their gifts or risk hurting those they love
and facing the massive consequences. Luckily for their parents, most species didn’t come into their full powers until the age of seventeen. Smiling fondly at the children, the older man continued.
“The Gods of Asgard decided they had no choice but to stop him, causing havoc across the nine worlds. Fenrir grew quickly, and so they decided to chain him up. The Gods convinced Fenrir to let them chain him up, pretending that they played a game to test his strength. Fenrir laughed ignorantly boasting that he could break any chain they tried. And he surprised them when he quickly broke every chain. So, the Asgard Gods had the dwarves make a unique chain that was unbreakably strong yet light. The chain was no ordinary chain. It was made of cat’s footsteps, toads’ tongue, the beard of woman, breath of fish, and other occult elements. “
Ewww said a few of the children wrinkling their noses in disgust. The older man smiled and carried on.
“Fenrir grew suspicious of the Gods and their chain when they asked him to play the game again a few weeks later. So, he demanded that one of the Gods put their hand in his mouth while he was bound as a sign of good faith. The God Tyr agreed to do so full well, knowing he would lose his hand. They tied him to a giant boulder, then everyone stepped back except Tyr was not fast enough. When Fenrir struggled and couldn’t get free, he roared. And Tyr tried to pull his hand out of Fenrir’s mouth. Fenrir realized that he had been tricked and bit off Tyr’s hand and howled as he struggled bound to the humungous boulder.
“How dare you deceive me!” He bellowed in a deep growling commanding voice that echoed off the surrounding cave walls. A horde of bats that sat on the cave ceiling, disturbed by the noise, flew in all directions. Fenrir knowing, he was running out of time started chanting ancient words in a language almost older than most Gods. Fine blue mist magically swirled with his words wrapping around everyone present.
“Stop him, he’s cursing us!” yelled Odin. In a hurry, they each helped to hold his mouth open as Frigg placed a sword in his jaws to keep his mouth open, hindering him from speaking. But alas, they were too late, with the damage done and the curse finalized. The Gods of Asgard stared at Fenrir bound to the boulder in horror, knowing what they did this day would one day be catastrophic for their people. Fenrir stared back as his drool formed a foamy river that trickled out the cave and settled into the base of the mountain. We call that river the river of expectations today.” Heads nodded, and one voice yelled out.
“My mum tells me never to go to that river!”
“Right you are child, it is dangerous, and it is said those that touch the water turn to stone. Now let’s get to the rest of the story.” Silence fell as each child intently listened.
“The Gods of Asgard returned to their temple after hiding the cave so it would never be discovered. They knew that if Fenrir ever got free, he would unleash the end of days upon their nine worlds and Midgard, the human realm. When they got back to the palace upon walking into the receiving room, one of the see-ers and her daughter were waiting for them. The see-er fell to her knees on the white marble floor; her long black hair flung back as her head tilted back abruptly. Her white dress splayed out around her in a heap. Her eyes turned white, and her mouth opened gasping like a fish as she witnessed what we now call the Asgardian prophecy. Her voice almost otherworldly spoke.
“There will come a day when Fenrir son of Loki and the giantess will devour the sun, the Ragnarök (the end of days) will be brought on by Fenrir and his need for vengeance upon you all. Cruel winters and moral chaos will ensue. Some will side with the Gods, and others will side with Fenrir. Giants and demons will approach from all points of the compass attacking the gods and their descendants. The Gods will meet them and face death like heroes. The sun will be darkened, the stars will vanish, and the earth will sink into the sea. Afterward, the earth will rise again; the innocent descendants of the Gods of Asgard will rise and be hidden away. All descendants will live as one people. The hosts of the just will live in a hall roofed with gold. Those surviving decedents will ban together and ready themselves for the final battle. When no one knows. Beast of fire, seer of the dead, wolf’s skin, and witch’s wisdom all in one. They gifted a gift from each God before their demise. She will be like a babe innocent and ignorant of our ways yet brave despite her fear. A descendant of two surviving Asgard Gods cursed to battle Fenrir’s Legion in every life until he is defeated at her hand. She will not stand alone, four descendant s of four different god lines will be destined to cherish, protect, and help her defeat the darkness.” The see-er depleted of energy sagged to the floor, recovering from the prophecy that had flowed out of her.
The Gods Odin, Thor, Frigg, Tyr, Loki, Surt, Freyja, Baldur, Heimdall, Idun, and Bragi all stood looking at each other in shock. The prophecy told of their downfall the end of them. Suddenly the room erupted in shouting, everyone trying to talk over each other. A few scoffed in disbelief and asked each other how that could be possible. They were Gods, as immortals, they could not perish in traditional ways. Not that a God couldn’t die because they could, but there was only a small handful of ways in which a god can be killed. Thor spoke up.
“Silence!” Everyone stopped talking and turned their attention to Thor.
“I will let the rest of the god’s knowledge of this development. Not all hope is lost; the prophecy states that two Gods will survive to give birth to the girl that will be cursed to battle Fenrir and his legion!” They all nodded and acknowledged that this mere girl that had not even been born yet would be Asgard’s only hope to save their generations of descendants. A few of the Gods looked around at each other, wondering who the girl’s parents would be and in turn, who would survive. There was hope for the future of their people.
“Odin spoke up first, “Whomever this child is to be, we must place precautions in place to protect her!” Tyr holding his bleeding stump wrapped up, spoke up next.
“If we are to perish fighting in the battle to give our descendants a chance to fight another day, then we must consider giving some of our power and blessings to a handful or more of our descendants.” Many of the Gods nodded their heads in agreement. Frigg spoke up.
“We should hide this child in the human world, so she has a better chance of surviving. Gift her with powers from each of us but put a binding spell on her powers until the age of seventeen so she can blend in with the humans. I will gift her with two familiars.” More agreement sounded from the group.
Loki next spoke up grinning mischievously. “Although I am not happy that things with my son have come to this. I acknowledge that we had no other choice. My son is mischievous and a trickster much like my wonderful self, so I will gift her with the gift to see past the guise of lies and schemes, and the gift of turning into a wolf.”
Surt spoke up next “I will give her the gift of dragon fire. We should all give her gifts of our peoples.” And so, it was decided they would appoint their temple priests and priestesses to find the child each decade when she turned seventeen, train her in each lifetime. Teach her about her powers, and her destined mates would help teach her their ways.”
Finishing the story, the older man looked around at the children, some of which raised their hands eagerly to ask questions. A little boy in brown pants and a blue shirt swung his arm back and forth, dancing on the spot eager to be picked.
“Yes, Eli, what might your question be that has you moving around like bees are in your drawers?” Elis with a big wide grin says.
“My brothers keep telling me I’m wrong, but I can’t be.
“Biting his lip nervously, he continues, “The descendant of the two Gods was gifted with the name Aurora, right?” The wise man smiled sadly and nodded his head.
“Yes, Eli, you are spot on., Her name is Aurora, and with each generation, she and her mates are born again. They live to fight Fenrir’s sect, the demons, and giants to save us all and the nine worlds. However, she can’t do it without our people banning together and helping.”
Years later, in the human realm of Mid
gard, deep underground in the city of Florence sat one of only a handful of temples the Gods had established before their demise. A priest in red robes with a balding head sat. He intently sat leaned over a writing table while seated on a wooden stool. The stool intricately carved with Norse designs of sea serpents and ravens that if one looked closely symbolized yin and yang. Beside him in cream off white robe sat his young pupil who eight years old was small for his age. He had a head of blond hair cropped close to his scalp and warm brown eyes. Priests and priestesses were trained from five years old onwards. Done at a young age in case the elder priests or priestesses didn’t live long enough due to battles that raged with each generation.
Whitestone marble corridors branched out underground to different rooms within the temple. Sculptures of Gods and Goddess’s stood on pedestals beside every door that leads to the living corridors or archive rooms. In this particular, archive room, books sat on sturdy stone bookshelves that lined the walls and workspace. This room in question had no way out except for a small air vent that only a child could easily fit. Those who knew the temple were aware of all the secret passages that lined the walls in most of the rooms and corridors. His pupil was part wolf shifter with keen eyesight and hearing. Deep in the study of a script of parchment outlining one of the God's kingdoms, the priest sat holding a magical glowing orb over the text. The pupil, hearing rushed heavy footsteps down the corridor, gasped when he heard a crazed voice demanding the Asgardian Prophecy transcript from the other priests and priestesses. Abruptly he stood up, suddenly toppling his stool.
“Teacher, there are demons in the corridors headed here looking for the Asgardian Prophecy scroll. I can smell their stench!” worry and fear showed in the young lad’s face.
The priest dropped the glowing orb. Knowing he had little time, stood up, grabbed the prophecy scroll from a shelf in its carved case, and lifted the grate embedded in the floor.
The Prophecy Page 1