“The Æsir tried to kill Freya, but they could not, and only succeeded in angering her Vanir family. The two sides fought a fierce and destructive war, neither side earning an advantage over the other, and the war stretched on without an end in sight.
“Eventually, the two groups of gods and goddesses reached an understanding, as it became clear that there would be no true victor. As part of the truce, each side exchanged wards to ensure fair treatment of everyone.
“Downtrodden after the war, most of the Vanir left Vanaheim and settled into a quiet existence on Alfheim.”
“I have heard much of this from sagas,” Ingrid admitted. “But most of the stories are of Odin and Asgard, not Vanaheim or Alfheim.” She looked to Hnossa with her forehead furrowed. “Though I’ve heard occasional mention that the elves of Alfheim chose not to associate with any other realm, especially Midgard.”
“Yes, that was true. The elves viewed humans as an inferior race of creatures, and could not understand the Asgardians’ affinity with them.” Hnossa smiled with tight lips, and a look of pity, or something darker, swirled in her eyes for a moment, and then was gone.
“I’m not sure what all of this has to do with me.”
“You will. Let me have some juice and sweets brought in for us. Tales are always better with a snack.” Hnossa’s cheerful smile was back in full view as she rang a bell that tinkled a soft chime.
How could anyone hear that in this large house?
Seconds later, a wizened old gentleman opened the door, carrying a tray with golden goblets and a plate full of decorated treats that Ingrid had never seen before. Hnossa handed her a goblet.
“May I ask what this is?” Ingrid asked.
“It is only juice,” Hnossa answered with a confused expression.
“Just checking. I would like to stay away from wine”
“I would never serve you wine from the gods. You will have no ill effects from our food or drink here. Shall I continue?”
Ingrid could only nod because her mouth was full of the sweetest bread-like treat she had ever tasted.
“That’s my favorite cookie, too,” Hnossa winked, then launched back into her story. “The Vanir and the elves share a heritage from the beginning of the realms, which is why they are so close. Not everyone agreed about a truce with the Æsir. They desired to continue the battle and defeat the Asgardians, keeping their rightful place as the true leaders of all the realms.
“Eventually, it caused a split in Alfheim. Those who sought ways to overpower the magic of Freya and Odin moved into their own lands, and learned the power of the dark arts. Known now as the dark elves, they traveled throughout many of the realms gathering resources and making allies among the enemies of Odin. The weaker, passive elves stayed within Alfheim, associating only with the dwindling Vanir, until both retreated deep into secret, hidden lands, rarely to be heard or seen.”
She reached over and patted Ingrid’s hand. “This is where you come in.”
Ingrid’s eyes widened, and she sat up taller.
Hnossa continued. “Enlightened with the knowledge of more powerful magic, the dark elves sought to restore Vanaheim, and heal the rift on Alfheim at the same time. Odin learned of their plans and, working with Freya, cast a spell around Midgard and connected it to Asgard. It protected the weaker humans, but it also increased Asgard’s power and position against the other realms.”
Ingrid felt her chest constrict, and her heart pounded against her temple. She swallowed a gulp of juice and waited for Hnossa to continue.
“Freya devised a plan to tether the protection in place forever by stealing a piece of thread from the Norn, Skuld. Woven within the magic thread is the fate of a human. Born with the ability to heal like Eir, and use the gift of sight like Frigg, that person would add the strength of Midgard to the powers of Asgard, binding the spell until the end of time.”
Hnossa looked deep into Ingrid’s eyes, making sure she had the girl’s full attention. “That magic is weakening; that is why beasts not seen for centuries are once again within your world. But the one prophesied has been born! It is you, Ingrid.”
Ingrid choked on the cookie she was eating and jumped off the couch, gulping air into her lungs.
Hnossa sat quiet and waited.
Guzzling down the rest of her juice, Ingrid squared her shoulders and shook her head at the woman.
“I can’t be that person. I’m not a healer, for starters; my brother lays unconscious because I can’t do anything for him. I can barely hold anything in my hands without dropping it, and my muscles are too weak to hold a regular shield. There is no way that I have magic like you describe.”
“My dear child, I know it is hard to believe, but you must. The elves are failing, and if they do not restore the equality of magic to the Vanir, the imbalance will destroy your realm and mine. Giants, goblins, and dwarves, to name a few, will roam your world, taking all of mankind as slaves or killing them. No one will survive. Eventually, Odin and Freya will fail to hold Asgard, and evil will prevail with no hope for anyone. You must control your abilities; learn to harness your power so it cannot be used to harm anyone. Right now, you don’t know how, which is why your brother still suffers, but you can learn.”
“No, this is too much. It’s not me.” Ingrid paced back and forth in front of the couch. Her heart beat like a war drum, and she felt dizzy. She bent over, put her hands on her knees, and tried to catch her breath. “Why would Odin and Freya put all the realms at risk? They guide and protect us. And why would you think I am this person?”
“The gods are as emotional as humans, and can lose their way when they let greed and power cloud their judgment. This is a lot for you at once, I know; perhaps you should go back and rest. When you’ve had time to think over all that I have told you, we can speak again. In the meantime, you must not tell anyone of your trip here. We cannot risk the information of who you are getting into the wrong hands. No one can be trusted, do you understand?”
Ingrid shivered as a cold chill spread throughout her insides, but she nodded in agreement.
“Remember what I told you before: be wary of anyone who comes to you in secret, working in the shadows. They will only try to deceive you.”
“I understand. I would like to go back now, please. I’m worried for my brother. I shouldn’t have left for so long.”
“You needn’t worry. I am here to watch and guide you, sweet child.” Hnossa stood and again wrapped her arms around Ingrid.
A bright, warm, and soothing light flashed in Ingrid’s eyes, and she felt herself floating until everything disappeared.
She cracked open her eyelids, and peered out cautiously. Darkness surrounded her, and she lay on the hard ground, where something sharp poked into her back. Cold pierced every inch of her body, making the smallest movement painful. Little by little, she brought her knees up and, with monumental effort, pushed herself to standing.
Now what? I’ve never felt so cold. Ingrid’s body felt numb, but her teeth chattered so hard, the sound echoed behind her eyes and pounded in her ears. Gone were the light, airy, sweet smells of Asgard, replaced by the assault of mud, moldy grass, and juniper.
Wrapping her arms tight around her middle, she tried to look around after her eyes adjusted to the dark, but nothing looked familiar. Whether she was in the same place where she’d found the portal earlier, she didn’t know. Not too far away, she saw a clump of bushes.
It has to be warmer under there.
Slow and steady, she shuffled her feet until she reached the shelter and pushed her way into the brush, collapsing into a tight ball once she was as far in as she could go.
After a time, when she could not get comfortable or warm, she got back to her feet. I may as well walk. It’s better than freezing to death where no one will find me.
She walked in the darkness, listening to the scampering of rodents as they scouted for food and hearing the occasional hoot of an owl. The night air was clean and fresh, washed anew from t
he earlier storm. While she walked, a gap opened between clouds, and she gazed up into the stars revealed overhead. Smiling, she noted that the North Star shone bright and steady, giving her the guidance she needed to get back. Oddly content after the day’s events and her conversation with Hnossa, she let the emotions wrap around her like a shawl—until she saw a tall mass of angry male headed straight for her.
As he closed the distance between them, Ingrid noticed the tight fists by his side, the flared nostrils and straight line of his mouth. For a brief second, panic fluttered through her, and she thought about turning to run away—just as quickly, she set her feet and waited for Jorg’s approach. The corded muscles of his arms were bulging under his shirt sleeves.
What is his problem?
Well within her personal space, he stopped and towered over her, saying nothing. She lifted her chin to look at him, knowing her eyes were too wide and that the hard swallow she took belied her false confidence.
Jorg grabbed ahold of Ingrid’s upper arms and shook once, tightening his grip before letting go. Ingrid wanted to yelp, but kept quiet, daring a glance down at his fingers, which were flexing in and out as if he was trying to regain control.
“Where have you been?” he asked from between clenched teeth.
“Walking.”
“I have been searching for you for two hours.”
Did I really walk that far? “I can take care of myself. I was on my way back, you didn’t need to come searching for me.”
Jorg drew in a deep breath and let it out slowly. Ingrid used the opportunity to shift her weight into her heels, gaining an inch of space between them.
“You said you would stay within shouting distance.”
“If I recall, you requested that, and I only implied my agreement. I needed to be alone, so I walked further.”
“Implied!” he roared. Silence filled the air as all creatures within earshot halted.
“I’m not lost, and I’m not a child.” Her own voice gained volume, and the quickening of her pulse made her hands shake.
Anger billowed off of Jorg like steam, but she kept his stare without flinching. Growling, he turned away from her, walked a few steps, and then returned, only to turn around and do it again. Ingrid watched him pace and willed her feet to stay where they were.
Jorg stopped again in front of her, not quite as close this time. “How do you know you’re not lost?”
Without moving her head, Ingrid directed her eyes at the star still shining brightly between the gap in cloud cover. Focused again on Jorg’s face, she raised an eyebrow, begging for his response.
He reached up and ran his hand over his face before dropping it to his side.
“Do you have a plan for where you’ll sleep? Even if you keep walking, you won’t make it back to the others before dawn. Unless you don’t need sleep . . . since you have everything worked out, and all.”
Ingrid rolled her eyes. “I didn’t think about that. It’s not a problem, though. I can find a safe spot, and rest for a while wrapped in my cloak before going forward.”
“Hmm. Well, since you have a plan, I’ll leave you to it.” Turning, he strode off toward their camp.
“Wait. You’re just going to leave?”
He stopped and twisted back toward her. “You said it yourself—you’re not a child. You don’t need me.”
“I never said I didn’t need you,” she whispered, unsure if she wanted him to hear her or not.
Within a few strides, he’d closed the distance between them, and once again stood before her.
“I mean, I need Hagen and Selby, too,” she rushed out. “W . . . we all need . . . each other.” She stammered over the words, not looking him in the eye.
Nice, Ingrid, way to sound like an idiot.
Earthy pine scents tickled her senses, and she tried to keep focused anywhere but on the imposing figure in front of her. A strong finger pushed her chin upward, and a pair of hazel eyes swirling with green and gold bored into hers.
“That is true. So stop trying to prove how brave you are by yourself. We already believe in you. How about we both rest, and walk back together?”
Mesmerized by the starburst of colors in Jorg’s eyes, Ingrid realized it was the first time she’d noticed them. I’m sure they must have always looked like that. I wonder why I’ve never noticed.
“Ingrid?” Jorg’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. It also seemed like he was struggling to keep from grinning.
She stepped away from his touch, and brushed her hands on her thighs. “Yeah. That sounds fine.” Her voice sounded squeaky in her ears.
“I passed a good place to stop about ten minutes from here. How does that sound?”
Shaking her head and setting out in a brisk walk, she concentrated on the ground. “Sure.”
Jorg moved up to her side, and they walked together in silence.
By the time they found the spot he’d mentioned, Ingrid’s muscles were sore, and all the information Hnossa had shared with her had given her a headache, so forcefully it had battered her thoughts.
“We would both be warmer if we shared my cloak,” he offered. Leaning toward her, he winked. “It’s bigger.”
Ingrid felt the heat rise up her face and into her ears.
Jorg flashed her a glimpse of his dimple, then sat down on the ground. Lying down on his side, he stretched the fabric so that there was enough room for Ingrid to lie next to him and still be covered. She sucked in a small breath, lowered herself down next to him, and wrapped the warm wool over her shoulders.
She flinched when his arm pressed around her middle.
“At least Selby isn’t here. You can relax, and not worry about what she might say.” His breath tickled her cheek as he spoke, and she bit her lip to keep from smiling, without success.
“I’m sure she’ll have plenty of comments, anyway.”
Jorg huffed, then shifted forward and pressed a light kiss to her cheek. “Goodnight, Ingrid,” he whispered and leaned back, tucking his free arm under his head.
Stunned, she held her breath and didn’t move. If Jorg’s arm wasn’t holding her down, she might have floated away.
Her cheeks squished into her eyes as she smiled against the elbow under her head and relaxed.
15
Something tickled Ingrid’s nose, pulling her out of sleep. Hoping she could ignore it and fall back to sleep, she twisted, and wiggled her face to relieve the itch. It didn’t work. Just before she could brush her hand across her face, her arm was held down tight. She stiffened and snapped open her eyes.
“Shhh. Don’t move or make a sound,” Jorg whispered in her ear.
It sent a thrilling shiver down her spine, making it hard to follow those directions—then she noticed the hare. It must have hopped next to them without realizing what they were.
Fast as an arrow, Jorg’s arm shot out and grabbed the small animal. In his attempt to jump to his feet, Jorg pulled the cloak tighter against him, flipping Ingrid over onto her stomach, as he did everything he could to avoid falling on her.
Squealing, she covered her head with her arms, and Jorg landed hovering over Ingrid: one knee on her left side, with the arm not holding a squirming rodent braced against the ground near her right. While his other knee had bumped her back, he’d managed not to put his weight into it. There wasn’t much choice but to straddle her while he gave the rabbit a quick death. Then he shimmied out of the cloak and scooted away.
Ingrid peeked out from under her arms to find Jorg sitting on the ground, laughing, and she joined him. The predawn skies were pushing away the darkness, and it was time for them to head toward the others, anyway. She stretched her back and rolled her neck, while Jorg secured the hare to his belt.
“We’ll have breakfast now, at least,” he said, still smiling.
“You do make mornings eventful.”
He snorted then reached for her hand. “Let’s go.”
Hesitating for a second, she peeked a glance at their jo
ined hands, smiled, and walked with light, happy steps.
After about thirty minutes of walking and neither saying a word, Jorg cleared his throat.
“Where did you end up yesterday? How far did you walk?”
Ingrid didn’t know how to respond. Should she tell him about Hnossa, and where she’d really been? Would he believe her?
He won’t. And I’m not supposed to tell, anyway.
“I don’t know exactly. I just kept going until I felt better, then turned around,” she lied. Gooseflesh rose on her arms, and she tried to convince herself it was the morning breeze making her shiver.
Peering at her sideways, he squeezed her hand. “Don’t do it again.” It wasn’t a question, nor was it a strict command. More like a plea.
She squeezed his hand back, but didn’t dare say anything. It wasn’t a promise she could keep.
Selby came running up to them once they were in sight of the overhanging rocks they used as camp. With hair sticking out in all directions, her braids were a more of a mess than a simple night’s sleep could achieve. A wild look in her friend’s wide-open eyes grabbed hold of Ingrid’s stomach and squeezed.
“What is it? Is it Hagen? Did something happen to him?” She ran to Selby and pelted her with questions.
“No,” Selby pushed out while trying to catch her breath. “He’s fine, but where were you?”
“I went for a walk to clear my head, and got farther away than I planned. I’m okay, but it’s obvious you’re not. Tell me what’s wrong.”
Bending over and resting her hands on her knees, Selby took long, deep breaths before she spoke again. “There was a raiding party last night.”
“What?” Jorg laid his hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eyes. “Where? Did they see you?” Concern seeped from his words.
“You two are quick with the questions but not quick to listen.” She pulled her arm out of Jorg’s grip. “Let’s go back so Hagen isn’t alone, and I’ll tell you all about it.”
“Sure. I’m sorry I left while you were sleeping, and didn’t make sure you knew where I was,” Ingrid said as they walked over to where Hagen lay.
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