Her hand stroked the back of my head, comforting me. It took a moment, but I composed myself and released my hug. I looked at her closely; she looked exactly the same as the day she left on that ill fated trip. Her hair was white like mine, deep blue eyes, and such a soft smile. You would have never known she was even more feared than my father.
“I understand you are going through a very tough period in your life. I wish I could truly be here to help you my daughter.”
I felt my tears coming back, but I bit down on my lip to stop them. “It has been trying mother, but father does his best, even if we do not see eye to eye.”
“Hargna has always tried to be more of a friend than parent, especially with you. He spoiled you rotten, unlike your younger brothers.”
This made me laugh, mainly because it was true. “It is not my fault father cannot be fair.”
She gave me that knowing look, like she could see through my ruse. “Your father’s parenting is not the reason I am here. And before you ask me anything about how I died, I have been forbidden to share that with you.”
I opened my mouth to protest, but she put her finger up to my lip. I had lost before I even had a chance to start.
“I am here to give you a message of hope. Your destiny is at hand child and you will play an even bigger part than you know. The fate of not only Svartalfheim, but all the realms will depend on you one day.”
I did not know what to say. I was not out trying to save the realms, I was out for revenge. “Are you sure mother?”
“Of course my daughter and I am very proud of you. One day, when you are a mother, you will understand.” As she finished, her form started to fade away. “My time is almost up. Know that I love you deeply and will be waiting for you.”
“I love you too mother. Will I remember this when I wake up?”
As she disappeared, “Your heart will remember the truth.”
Chapter 14 - Oor
I woke up in the morning feeling refreshed and truly loved. I had been hugging my one pillow so tightly that I almost ruined it. I found that strange, but moved to get dressed and meet father.
It did not take long to find him, as he was in his library reading and taking notes. “You were not up all night, were you?”
He looked up from his notes and set his quill down. “I did rest for a little, but there is work to be done. King Oor and Azmodeous are coming here soon to hear your account. We decided it might be less conspicuous that way.”
This was the second time he made a comment that puzzled me. Right before we left, he alluded to something and again now. “Is there something you are not telling me?”
“I do not want to come across paranoid, but so much has happened that makes you suspect certain things.”
“Father you are being vague again. Just get to your point already.”
He got up and went over to the door. He looked out and then closed it. “I hate even suggesting this, but I feel as if we may have a traitor in the midst.”
“Father!” To make such an accusation was not in his character. “What makes you think that one of our own would betray the race?”
He sat back down. It was the first time in many years I thought he looked his age. “I do not know Rumil, but I have the nagging feeling. I am trying to see the trees in the forest to support my theory, but it is hard.”
“I take it you have not told anyone else this?”
He gave me a quick harsh laugh. “I do not know how close to the king this goes. Plus I might just be imagining this and do not want to cause any unneeded stress.”
“So why did you tell me?”
“I just want you to be careful. If I am wrong, then it was just a father’s worry. If I am right, the situation will only get worse.”
Before we could discuss anymore, there was a knock on the door. Father opened it and it was one of his assistants letting him know the king was on his way. “Meet King Oor at the entrance and bring him here. The library is fine for this meeting. Also, I want you to keep the corridor clear. I do not need any interruptions.”
His assistant, whose name I could never quite remember, bowed and ran off to fulfill his tasks. I needed to compose myself and make sure I did not miss a detail in the retelling of my story. I grabbed a piece of paper and one of father’s quills and started writing.
I finished putting all my thoughts down just in time. I heard footsteps closing in and scrambled to my feet. My father must have been doing the same, as he put his quill down as well and followed my lead. His assistant entered, with King Oor and Azmodeous in tow. Father and I both bowed as they entered.
“Hargna, Rumil there is no need for this. How many times do I have to tell you to treat me as an equal?”
Father just laughed. “If we did that, I am sure one of your honor guards would have us beheaded for insubordination.”
“Sometimes I think they want to behead me for being too at ease.” This is why the king was so well liked. He had a very commanding presence but did not force it upon his people. “But now we have business to attend to. From Hargna’s message, it seems you have made some interesting discoveries after leaving the safety of the group?”
His gaze told me he did not agree with my decision to leave the Dark Moons behind, but it was too late to do anything about that. “Yes your majesty. After parting ways with the group, I continued on to the cabin that they identified as Sif’s.”
With his encouragement I went over every detail. As I told them everything from Baldr’s secret to the mention of the light elves and Asgard making a pact, I could not help but notice Azmodeous seemed uninterested. The look in his eye told me this was the last place he wanted to be and was probably only here due to the king. No matter, I pressed on and finished, hitting every major point.
“Your information matches up with what Sigyn told us during her brief visit. I cannot say I am surprised that the light elves have taken such measures. After the passing of the last emperor, their queen has been set on vengeance.”
I smiled at the acknowledgement. “We should also prepare ourselves for Baldr. If he cannot be killed in battle…”
Azmodeous came forward, “You must have misheard what he said. Magic cannot be used in such ways and certainly Frigga would not be capable of completing such a spell on her own.”
“I am certain in what I heard. He jested about only being able to be hurt by mistletoe. We can use that information to our advantage.”
His reaction caught me as odd, as did his next words. “We are taking every precaution. I know you are just trying your best during a strenuous situation, but know I am advising the king in all the ways of magic. What you have suggested just cannot happen.”
I wanted to protest more, but father put his hand on my shoulder. “I thank both of you for coming to see us and listening to Rumil’s report first hand. If you need us for anything, please do not hesitate to ask.”
They passed along some pleasantries and eventually left, making their way back to the royal estate. As soon as we were alone again, I turned upon my father. “Why did you not back me up there?”
“Daughter, I understand your anger, but listen to me. Azmodeous is powerful, more powerful than either you or I. You made your case and told them what you heard. It is always best not to push too hard.”
Hmph, just because they would not listen to me did not mean I was going to ignore what I heard. I parted ways with father and made my way down to the kitchen. There I found a young elf named Jemma who would be perfect for my next task.
“How my I assist you may lady?”
“Jemma, I need you by any means necessary to find me as many mistletoe berries as possible.”
“Of course mistress, but I recommend not eating them if that is your intention. The berries can be quite nasty.”
I grinned at her comment. “Perfect, the nastier the better.”
Chapter 15 - Arrows
It took a few days, but Jemma delivered the mistletoe berries as I requested. Wher
e she had found so many I did not ask; the only thing that mattered was I had them in my possession. After obtaining a juicer from the kitchen, I went to work. It was a tedious job, but the juice from each berry was needed. It took the better part of a day and a half to go through the entire bushel and I knew father was starting to get worried. That did not bother me, for one day they would realize just how right I was.
With all the juice now in a small barrel, the next phase of my plan was ready. I had asked Algrim for another new order of arrows and they were ready. Instead of having him deliver them, I decided to walk down to his shop myself. The fresh air might do me well.
The atmosphere as I made my way down into the valley was tense. Murmurs amongst the other clans were that there had been more disappearances. Whether it had been a hunting party or a scouting team, it seemed members were being abducted without a trace. I feared this was Sif and Baldr’s doing.
When I arrived at the blacksmith shop, I saw four elves leaving. It was Mallerk and his band of miscreants. I slipped into the shadows before they could notice me.
“That damn blacksmith! Who does he think he is telling us that we need to pay for equipment? We will tell Lord Azmodeous of this slight and have him deal with it!”
The other three blindly agreed with their loud mouthed leader. I could not hear what else they were saying as they were heading the other way. As soon as the coast was clear, I left my hiding spot and entered the shop.
“Damnit Mallerk! If you came back in to raise anymore of a fuss… oh hello Rumil. Sorry about that.”
I laughed, “Do not worry about it. I heard Mallerk complaining as he left. Be warned you may receive a visit from Azmodeous.”
“Oh I highly doubt that. He might send a goon or two to tell me to give my wares away, but Azmodeous himself never ventures down here amongst the commoners.”
“Oh Algrim, you are far from a commoner, but your point is valid.”
He started rubbing the ash off his face. “I imagine you are here for the arrows I forged?”
“Yes sir, they are some of the finest arrows I have had the privilege to shoot.”
Even though the ash, I could see his blue face starting to blush. “I am glad my work is appreciated.”
“There is one question I do have for you. If I decided to soak the arrows in a toxic substance, would the metal arrowheads absorb it?”
He picked up an arrow from the display and seemed to ponder the question. “The steel alloy used is a bit porous. If given enough time, I would think the properties of the substance would be engrained in the arrows. I must say it has been many cycles since someone has brought up the issue of coating arrowheads. With as good as your aim is, I cannot imagine you would need it.”
“Let us just say in these times, it never hurts to have a precaution.”
“After hearing of your adventures, I would be a fool if I did not agree.” I frowned, I hoped he was not about to give me a speech. “Now do not look at me like that. It is your life and an old codger like me is not going to try and tell you how to live it. All I ask if you be true to yourself and honor your father.”
“I will do my best.” I did not offer anymore, I knew it would just make him worry. With a resigned huff, Algrim went into the back to get my arrows. A moment later, he returned with quite a few arrows.
“Goodness Algrim, how many arrows did you make?”
“I crafted twenty-five of the steel arrows and fifty with the wooden shafts. The arrowheads are all the same, so whatever it is you are up to, you can use either style.”
I handed him payment for the arrows. “You certainly have outdone yourself this time. Thank you Algrim, for everything.”
With a hug, I left his shop and made my way back home. I had work to finish.
Chapter 16 - Choice
Many days had passed and I had not touched a single arrow that I put in the barrel of mistletoe berry juice. I had to move the barrel outside, as the smell was starting to get to me. Ustin said it was because the berry juice was fermenting.
“So you will not tell me what you are attempting to do?”
I hated not telling him, but based on Azmodeous’s reaction, I wanted to keep this information close to the heart. “I told you, I am just experimenting with some different techniques. As an archer, you can never have enough of an advantage.”
He gave me an odd look. “Mistletoe berry juice though? If your attempts are to give your opponent fits of nausea and upset stomachs on the field of battle, then your efforts should work.”
I could not tell if he was mocking me or not, but I also did not care. It was finally time to see if the arrows had been properly saturated. Walking over, I pulled one out and inspected it. The steel had turned a slight reddish color. Ustin was looking them over as well. “Well my lady, it seems you have succeeded. The discoloring and smell tells me that the steel took the juice in.”
This was just the news I was looking for. With these arrows, I could now do what I set out to do from the start. I gathered up all the rest of the arrows and when Ustin asked if I needed assistance, I politely declined. I hurried to my room with my new treasure; a plan was ready to be put into place.
While I had been waiting for my arrows to take hold, I had investigated the disappearances that had happened. I had found an old map of the Great Forest in father’s library, so with the information I received I marked the location on the map. I was hoping to see a pattern so I could predict there next movement. Unfortunately nothing really struck me. Everything seemed to be random, perhaps just by chance encounters.
The only idea that hit me was to get back into the forest and start my own investigation. I knew this would not sit well with father, but my mind was made up. With Sif out there hunting my people, it felt as if destiny was calling me to find her. Yes, it was fate pulling me and I would not refuse the call.
Gathering my courage, I went to father’s library to find him behind his desk as always. Without even looking up he motioned me in.
“Father we need to talk.”
“Let me guess, you are ready to go back into the Great Forest in search of your revenge.”
I stopped, not even having time to sit down. “How did you know?”
He continued to write, “I know my own daughter well enough to know when she is up to something. The arrows soaked in the juice of a mistletoe berry were a dead giveaway as well.”
I took a seat and leaned in. “You are not going to stop me or try to talk me out of this?”
He sat his quill down and met my eyes. “Would it do any good?”
“No father, my mind is made up. In my heart, I know it has to be me that confronts her and brings her to justice. It was my party that was taken from me. I am sorry if this causes you any pain.”
“I would not say pain, but it does give me reason to worry. Going after an Aesir alone is a tantamount task. Do you even have any idea what you will do when you confront her?”
I could not lie to him. “No, I do not. All I know is that I feel it is in my best interest to pursue this matter. I do not expect anyone to understand or even accept this.”
We sat there in silence, looking at each other. I could tell he was thinking, but would it be anything I would want to hear. “You are right daughter; I do not understand or accept the task you wish to pursue.”
I tried to say something, but he immediately stopped me. “Let me finish. Though I may not agree, I will give you the one thing that I hope brings you home safely. I give you my blessing.”
I did not expect that. “Are you sure?” He smiled at me. “Thank you father!”
“Before you leave, we need to take a day or two and make sure you are properly prepared for the journey ahead. I might be crazy in letting you do this, but I am not crazy enough to let you take on this fool’s errand without everything I can give you.”
Chapter 17 - Snow
The day before I was to leave, the news had spread across the valley. Fenrir, the Great Wolf of Asgard had
returned to his cave. His howls could be heard throughout the valley, echoing as if the wolf was in great pain. We had sent two delegations to meet with the wolf, but each time they came back and said the cavern was empty.
I had considered going into the cave myself to get to the bottom of this, but I had more important issues at hand. Father seemed to take the news of the wolf not being seen in stride. As always, I figured he knew something the rest of us did not, but was also reluctant to share.
Night had fallen over the valley and the howls of the wolf were as loud as ever. The eerie scene that it produced kept Svartalfheim almost desolate at night. Some of the clans were saying that this was to be the start of Ragnarok.
Father and I had decided that leaving under the cover of darkness would minimize how many people would see me leaving. The sentries in the cave passage would obviously know, but the fewer the better was the thinking. We did tell King Oor that I was leaving; that father commissioned me to do an independent investigation. Azmodeous did not seem fond of the idea, but Oor reluctantly agreed.
Only a few stray elves saw me as I made my way from the Darklighter cave to the exit tunnel. The journey was a quiet one, only stopping to tell the sentries who I was and what my plans were.
“When should we expect you back my lady?”
“I do not know for sure Fergal, as I have some business to look into. Be well and may The Norns watch over you.”
Fergal, the sentry bowed his head a little, “And may they be with you.”
I pulled my hood up and continued making my way out. The moon was high and bright when I exited the tunnel. With a cold wind blowing, I hurried onto the trail and made my way down the mountain. About half way down the trail, I started to feel as if I was being watched. I stopped and checked each direction, but saw nothing. Maybe it was being out in the open alone that made me paranoid, but it was a feeling I could not shake.
Power Play: Act 1 Svartalfheim (Ragnarok on Ice) Page 5