Forsaken Norse Wind

by Ciara Lake

  The fire roared in the fireplace. Breanna stepped out of bed. Slippers snuggly on, she walked to the fire. Axel sat on the edge of the bed, watching her. A big bang sounded, rattling the floor. Breanna jumped, she nearly yelped. Again, a bang shook the castle.

  “Axel Venrick, I still have business with you.” Icesykcus’s voice boomed. Snow hit the window, making it rattle too. “Do you hear me, Axel?”

  “I thought Loki said he was happy. I hope my mother is all right. He doesn’t sound happy.” Breanna stepped closer to Axel.

  “I need to talk to you now.” Icesykcus’s snowy form peered into their window. “I want to talk to the Forsaken girl too.” His snowy hand pointed at her.

  Immediately a robe covered Breanna, and the curtains closed.

  “I’ll see you at the front door,” Axel yelled back.

  “Very well, troll. Bring Fiona’s daughter.” It quieted, indicating that Icesykcus had left.

  “Do you want to go?” Axel asked Breanna. “I won’t have him order me to bring you. This is my home. I’m not afraid of him.” Axel’s features contorted, he looked fierce. Scary if she didn’t know him.

  “Yes, I want to find out about my mother and Chrisalannis.”

  “Very well.” He stood and walked toward the fireplace. On the table a pitcher of water appeared, along with two empty glasses. He poured a glass then held it up to her.

  “I’m good.”

  Her nightgown and robe changed into a burgundy velvet dress similar to the style his mother had been wearing the day before. It hugged her body, flaring at the bottom. At her waist a gold link belt hung. Her hair had been pulled up and fastened in the back, and her shoulders were bare. Just as she thought she might be chilled, a gauzy golden shawl rested around her. It was made out of the softest wool she’d ever felt.

  “What is this material?” She appreciated touching it.

  “Cashmere, it’s not from this time period.” He took her hand.

  Suddenly they stood at the bottom of the grand staircase in the front entrance. The main double doors opened. A gust of wind and snow blew into the hallway making the candles blow out. Icesykcus entered. The candles relit. Behind him, two figures appeared out of the snow. It was Chrisalannis with Fiona.

  “What’s this about?” Axel walked closer to where they stood. His guard dropped a bit when Chrisalannis arrived. He nodded toward the great double doors, and they closed, blocking out the storm. Still the wind hit hard against the doors. “What do you want?” he asked Icesykcus.

  Icesykcus looked as a normal man, although he was unusually striking dressed all in black again. His dark hair hung down onto his forehead. His shiny ebony eyes stared at them. Breanna relaxed as she noticed both Chrisalannis and Fiona had smiles on their lovely faces. Her mother looked ravishing, dressed all in black too, as if matching Icesykcus, and her eyes sparkled with mirth.

  “I’d like to announce something very important.”

  “What is it?” Axel stood with his hands on his hips.

  “Fiona and I are going to be wed.” He took her hand, kissing it. “Chrisalannis wishes to suggest we celebrate our unions together here at your castle. Also, I’d like to purchase some Axel Venrick creations for my new bride, a ring among other things.” He grinned. “It seems we’re to be brothers, or I’m to be a father to you both.” He bent over, laughing. “Either way, we’re to be family.” He opened his arms in an overt gesture. “I’m sorry for my earlier temper. I wanted to tell you I wish to start over again. Old habits, it seems, do die a long, horrid death.”

  “Mother, is this true?” Breanna moved around Axel.

  “Yes, I love Icesykcus very much.” She looked at him with a tender expression. Breanna recognized the looks they exchanged.

  “I’ll make her happy every day of her life,” Icesykcus offered. “My loneliness has come to an end.”

  “He’ll be taking me to his home after we wed. He lives in a grand house under the ice in Antarctica. It’s lovely. But we can visit each other.” She walked over and took Breanna’s hand. “So, I want to plan a wonderful celebration at our newfound happiness. We are both so fortunate to find such wonderful men.”

  “I will contribute to whatever’s needed. I’m creative too,” Icesykcus chimed in.

  “I’m so happy to be myself again. It was awful when my mind was suffering.”

  “You’re lovely, Mother. You’re as I remember you when I was younger.” Breanna kissed her mother.

  “This is all because Axel found you.” Fiona moved toward Axel, hugging him. She kissed both his cheeks. “May we celebrate together here?”

  “Whatever my bride wishes.” Axel kissed Fiona back. “I love your daughter very much. I’m happy to bring this happiness to our home.”

  “Damn you, Icesykcus,” a woman shouted from behind them. “I thought you loved me,” Arta whined dramatically. “You were saddened over my loss, now so quickly you turn to take a vampire. Worse, a Forsaken one now turned ice fey. What is this, a comedy of errors?” Arta stood in the middle step of the staircase. She held herself haughtily. “I warn you.” She motioned toward Fiona. “He’s a fickle one. Never trust him. All krevellians are…intolerable. You see how he’s done me. I’m a grand prize and he has moved on?”

  “Arta Venrick, leave me alone.” Icesykcus moved to the bottom of the stairs. “You’re a menace, an angry woman. You’re the cause of your own misery. Take your unhappiness to your mate. Erik Venrick would be ashamed to know of your behavior.” He glared up at her.

  Arta pointed at Fiona. “You bitch, I’ll not forget you.” With a wave of her hand, Fiona was thrown into the wall behind them. The wall gave as if it were rubber. Chrisalannis went to Fiona’s side, helping her up. She mouthed the words thank you to Axel. He nodded.

  “I’m fine.” Fiona looked to Breanna.

  “Arta, leave my home. Don’t return.”

  “It’s a good thing Fiona’s uninjured.” Icesykcus’s fury was felt by the cold wind blasting over them. Axel held up his hand, stopping him.

  “Arta, I allowed you access to my home, and I’m sorry for it. In fact, I’m sorry you’re my mother. You’re a vain, selfish, and cruel creature.” Axel lifted his arm, his face contorting to his troll facade. He stepped up the first step. “You sicken me. Leave now, before I hurt you or allow Icesykcus to.”

  “No, don’t cast me out,” she begged. “I’ve nowhere to go. Your father set me aside in favor of a younger...” Arta’s face contorted too.

  “It’s about time.” Loki appeared behind her. His disposition was solemn, which was extremely unusual for Loki. He walked down the steps toward her as Axel approached from the front. “You’ve been naughty for far too long. I told Erik,” Loki volunteered. “He needed to know. He can seek to dissolve your mating. He’s been unhappy for a while, because there’s something wrong with you. No one does to their mate what you’ve done…more than once, if truth be known.” He looked at Icesykcus. “You’re not the first to fall under her deception.”

  Chrisalannis appeared next to Axel. “Separation of mating has only been done once since the beginning of time between mated immortals.”

  “But you’re deserving of separation.” Loki stood on the step next to Chrisalannis. “Odin will see to it Erik’s freed. I’ll ask him myself. His power will fully be returned to him, stripping you of what is his. Perhaps he can find a woman to truly serve as a loving mate, or at least his loins can find some relief along with his heart some tenderness. In fact, I have a fairly good idea of the young dish he’ll find pleasure in.”

  “None of my children want me.” Arta threw her hands up toward Axel. “Your father has already denied me access to our portals. For the most part, I’m stranded. If I flash to somewhere I’ve no place to stay.” She walked down the steps. “Icesykcus, take me back,” she cooed. “I’m free to be your mate now it seems. I’m better than this hybrid whatever she is. Plus, I understand she’d lost her mind. Perhaps she will again.”

 
; “Shut up, Arta.” Chrisalannis held up her open hand. “I’m tempted to take you down myself, imprison you in ice until you figure how to get out. It should be a good long time. You lack intelligence. It’s a shame your children don’t want you, considering the number of children you have. But children know their parents.” Chrisalannis crossed her arms.

  “Leave here, Arta. We’re through, you’re through.” Icesykcus waved his hand as if disgusted. A cold wind whirled around him. “You’ve hurt my love too. If you don’t leave I’ll hurt you.” Icesykcus’s hair turned white, his lips blue. “An ice prison sounds perfect to me. I could torture you there.”

  “Stay back, you watery traitor.” Desperation showed in Arta’s expression. “You act as if you’re innocent. You’re not.” She glanced over at Fiona. “He’s an ice cube in bed,” she spat.

  Loki tapped Arta on the shoulder. “I know where you can go. I can send you to Hel, my daughter. She’s always looking for women to serve on her court. They’re hard to find, it’s not a popular work destination. The only thing is you don’t come back from her kingdom, ever, unless you’re Odin. I myself never visit her there. But it’s an option for you.” He grinned.

  Arta flashed away.

  “Well, that scared her away.” Icesykcus was next to Fiona, holding her arm. “Are you all right, my love?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.” Fiona kissed his bluish lips. “I love your coldness as it heats me up.” She giggled.

  Breanna broke out laughing. She bent over, grabbing her belly.

  Fiona looked at her with a confused expression. “What’s so funny?”

  “To see you like this, it just makes me cheerful.” She smiled.

  “Let’s go into the dining hall to celebrate this joyous time and make plans for our party,” Loki said. “At least it’s joyous now that our party pooper’s gone.” He looked to Breanna, assuring her, “Arta will be okay. She’s an old bitch, used to making her way in this world.”

  “Yes, it’s true,” Axel agreed. “She’ll be fine, she always is.”

  “Let’s go plan our big celebration.” Fiona took Breanna by her hand as they followed Loki to the dining hall.

  * * * *

  Loki provided food and wine in abundance.

  “These weddings are going to be a mixture of all of our cultures. Between human, troll, ice fey, and krevellian it’ll be talked about for centuries,” Chrisalannis said, and she got up from the table. “I’ll put together our guest list and make sure invitations are sent out.”

  “Very kind of you.” Axel nodded to her.

  “Not a problem. I’ll make the invitations especially beautiful.” She smiled. “I’ll see you soon.” In a swirl of ice crystals, she disappeared.

  “Loki, will you officiate our nuptials?”

  “Yes, it would be a great honor if you’d agree to do that,” Icesykcus added.

  “Of course I will. I’d be put off if I didn’t.” Loki stood and walked over to Breanna. He reached for her hand and kissed it. “My dear, enjoy yourself with my favorite troll. Your romantic troll has a fun time in store for you.” He winked before he took his leave with his usual flare.

  “Oh, Axel, it was so much fun planning everything. I’m very happy and excited.” She stood on her tiptoes to kiss him.

  “I’m glad you’re so happy. I seek to make you pleased.” Axel turned to address Fiona and Icesykcus. “You’re both welcome in our home any time.”

  “Thank you, Axel.” Fiona smiled.

  He nodded. “We are family now. Choose a room, make it yours. You have full run of our home. Ice, could you step away from the women to have a word with me?”

  “Yes, of course.” He got up from his chair and they walked to the other side of the room for a private conversation.

  Breanna watched Axel talk with Icesykcus. They laughed together. When they were done, Icesykcus patted Axel on his back.

  “Let’s go,” Axel said, taking Breanna by the hand and leading her out of the dining hall.

  When they walked through the dining room doors, the air felt much warmer but her fur coat covered her. They were on a street crowded with others rushing by. The people passing nodded to them respectfully. Church bells rang loudly, playing beautiful music.

  “It’s Cathedral de Norte Dame de Paris.” Axel pointed. “I thought you might want to see it. It’s a beautiful building.”

  Breanna squeezed his hand as she took in the unusual surroundings.

  “Are you afraid?” he whispered close to her ear.

  “I’m good.”

  “Be calm. Don’t be afraid of anything. It’s all fine. This is Paris, France. Nothing will hurt you. We walked through a special portal I had in my castle. It takes me to my favorite places.”

  Breanna looked around, taking in all the sights. Carriages pulled by horses rushed down the cobblestone streets. Other people rode by on horseback.

  “I thought you would enjoy shopping for a wedding gown, instead of me dressing you. Women love to shop. Don’t they?” He grinned down at her. “I have a friend here who’ll set us up with a dressmaker. In fact, you can purchase as many gowns as you like. Maybe some for your mother too and for Chrisalannis. We can purchase whatever you like, and even furniture, there’s no limit.”

  “That sounds wonderful.” She looked him over then stood up on her tiptoes to kiss him on the cheek. “You look nice.”

  Axel was dressed in black trousers with a black tunic. His tunic had ornate designs made with gold thread.

  “Thank you.” He nodded. His long, blond hair was pulled back in a leather strap. “We’re staying with Duke and Duchess Dupont. They’re good friends of mine. They know I’m a troll.”

  “They do?”

  “Yes, I control the bridge near their castle. There’s been an understanding between me and the Duponts for generations.”

  “How come?”

  “I saved a past Duke of Dupont from highway robbers on my bridge. As a result, he offered me his friendship. I accepted. Ever since I’ve been part of his family. Dupont’s commissioned artist created the tapestry in our bedroom. It depicts the day on the bridge when I saved him from sure death.”

  “So the Dupont now isn’t the one you saved?”

  “No, it’s his great-grandson. But all of the Duponts know of the story. They honor our relationship. I’ve benefited them much over the decades. Duchess Celeste Dupont is lovely. She’ll order merchants to her home to allow you to purchase whatever you desire. They live outside of Paris, so we’ll travel through one of my portals to the bridge near their home.”

  “Paris is amazing.” She turned, looking around. “I’ve never been to a city before.”

  “In a few hundred years it becomes truly amazing, except during the wars. A few sad episodes in French history.” He shook his head. “Many nobles will die in the first one.”

  “How do you know the future?”

  “Like most immortals, trolls can travel through time. I can use my portals for travel with a certain amount of power. It drains me, so I don’t do it much. Or I can seek a gatekeeper to travel by their portal through the ages. I’ve done a lot of traveling. But I don’t have much interest in traveling forward. After all, we’ll get there soon enough. So enjoy the now. But you must never speak of the future to humans. They aren’t to know.”

  “All right.” She nodded.

  “I’m taking you to Pont Norte Dame. It’s the bridge near the church. I control it. We’ll enter my portal there to travel to Dupont’s castle. They’re expecting us.” His hand held hers, his thumb gently rubbing the back of it. Hundreds of people rushed around the street.

  “It’s really busy.”

  “Others can’t see us now. So, we’ll need to stay out of their way.”

  “We’re invisible again?” She gripped his hand tighter.

  “Yes, they’d lose their minds if they saw us float down into my portal under the bridge or flash there. The Seine River’s very deep and dirty, we don’t want to walk
through it. Therefore, I’ll carry you down directly into the portal. This portal’s very elaborate. I have a home there within this portal.”

  “A real house?”

  “Well, you’ll see.” He lifted her up into his arms. “Don’t be afraid.”

  “I trust you.”

  “Good.” He jumped up on the stonewall of the bridge. She clung to him.

  “Oh, my goodness,” Breanna yelped.

  “I thought you were going to trust me.”

  “I thought I was too.” Below them was the river. After she looked down, Breanna hid her face in his tunic. “I just can’t look and trust at the same time.” Then she was floating, and in a blink, they were inside.

  “We’ve arrived,” he announced.

  Suddenly she was standing inside a space filled with magical energy. A room took form around her. The river slapped against the invisible barrier, but where they stood was perfectly dry. Below her was a black tile floor. The lighting from the outside shone in making the tiles gleam.

  “Come.” He took her hand. “Let me take you for a tour.” As they walked further into this odd chamber, it got lighter. The lights were unusual, coming from an unknown source. “It’s an apartment with a bed, dining area, and seating. Much like the cavern I took you to.” He pointed to the small area. “I have these types of apartments all over, in my larger portals. It makes it nice to travel.”

  “Yes, it does.” She turned, looking around. Paintings hung on the walls of various people.

  “Those are people I’ve known here in Paris over the centuries.” He put his arm around her waist. “Let’s rest here tonight before we go to Dupont’s home.”

  Breanna’s clothes changed into an ivory nightgown flowing around her legs. The lights dimmed.

  “Come here. I want to show you this.” He took her hand, and she followed him. “This is a sofa, it’s like a soft bench. It’s from the future, you’ll find it very comfortable. Let’s sit here for a while to relax.” He’d changed into his black silk pants. She could see his cock jutting upward to his belly button, tenting his pants.

  “You want to do more than relax?” She eyed him boldly.