Then it happened. I heard the whoosh of an arrow pass by my head. It was either a poor shot or a warning, as any sort of marksman should have been able to hit me. I dropped down as fast as I could and put my bow into position. Off the trail, high up on the side of the mountain I spotted three figures, clad in black. I felt so foolish to miss them against the white snow.
I could see them moving towards me and were closing fast. Since they were uphill and had the advantage, I was trying my best not to waste arrows that I knew would not come close. Still I was lining my first shot up and just when they were about to enter my comfort zone, disaster struck.
“Who dares to enter the domain of the ice giants?”
The three figures stopped the descent. I followed the voice up to see a massive giant standing on the side of the mountain. He was partially hidden in the shadows, but I wagered he was twenty feet tall and holding a club that could have doubled for a large tree.
As the three figures in black fled the scene, the giant started laughing. “You can run little insects, but you are mine now!”
I watched in awe as he lifted his hand up and then thrust it down. The snow in front of him rose like a wave and then started falling down the mountain. My time to hide was at an end; the giant had started an avalanche.
I was running down the trail as fast as I could, but it was hard due to the amount of ice that had built up since my last time here. I do not know if this was caused by the ice giant or not, but his loud laughing told me he probably knew I was here and was watching.
I was so close to the end of the trail when I hit another patch of ice and slipped. The mountain was shaking, as the huge wave of snow picked up steam and was now only moments from engulfing me. I got back to my feet and looked over the side of the trail.
It was about twenty feet to the forest floor below and I jumped. I landed into a roll and not even turning around to see how close the snow was, I scrambled up a tree. I did not quite make it, as the snow crashed into my back and sent me sprawling. The loud laughter of the giant was the last thing I remembered.
Chapter 18 - Fire
I felt warmth around me, like a nice fire to keep you warm on a winter’s night. It was so pleasant and peaceful that I did not want to wake up. I curled up into my sleeping roll so more and figured I could take a little bit longer.
Wait a minute, I should not be warm; I should be under snow. I opened my eyes and I was in a camp site. There was no trace of the avalanche, except for the damage to the trees around me. Limbs laid scattered everywhere and the forest floor was ripped apart from where the snow had moved so harshly through, but there was no snow.
I got out of my sleeping roll and saw that there really was a fire going, with two rabbits cooking over the flame. Curiosity set in and I walked back over to the mountain trail. Again, you could see where the avalanche had come through, but the trail was clear.
Despite this surreal scene, I was hungry and walked back over to the cooking rabbits. I removed them from the spit over the fire and started to eat. As I sat there, I saw a roll of parchment on the ground by the fire. Maybe this was from my rescuer. I opened it and began to read:
‘Your destiny is close at hand. Follow the path back to Sif’s cabin and all will be revealed. I must caution you against lethal force; if you decide to kill, your happiness will be forever gone.’
I sat there stunned. Only a few elves knew of my intention to leave and this handwriting did not much any of them. I looked at the bottom of the message and saw there was a small rune attached. I pulled the rune off the paper and there was a small note folded up on the back:
‘This is a onetime use. I would use it to save your life.’
After reading the note, I studied the rune some more. It looked like it might be a teleportation rune, but those were very rare and took a high level of skill to create. This certainly added a level of mystery to the situation. Part of me thought I should go back home and show father what has happened, but another part of me took this note as a sign to continue on.
I finished both rabbits and put the rune in my pocket. With my mind made up, I continued on into the forest. It was obvious to me; my destiny was at that cabin.
Having already been there once made the trip a lot easier for me. When I came to the spot where Ryle had been killed, I stopped. I had no plans on stopping through the night, but I paid my respects to the memory of my fallen friend.
I heard the howl of a wolf in the distance and decided it was time to move on. Saying a quick prayer to The Norns in his honor then left the area. Being alone, I had no intentions of dealing with whatever wolf pack had taken over this area.
The rest of the trip went smoothly and it was mid afternoon of the following day in which I made it to my destination. I knew I was taking a risk not waiting until nightfall, but I quickly made it to the tree that I had used to spy on Sif before. As I made my way up, I heard voices, but not Baldr’s from what I could tell.
“Well then, let us beat this popsicle stand and go see the big man shall we?” The voice was happy and cheerful. I did not know what a popsicle stand was, but it sounded as if whoever was speaking was getting ready for combat.
“What is a popsicle stand and why does it need beaten? Should I take an extra sword or axe along on this trip in case one of them came through behind you two from Midgard?” That was Sif and my hunch was right. Whatever they were hunting sounded dangerous. And whatever it was appeared to have come from Midgard. Just what was going on in that cabin?
I heard laughter follow Sif’s declaration to bring more weaponry. It was two men, the voice that had a cheerful tone to it and another deeper sounding voice. I dared not risk trying to get a look, as I did not want my cover blown.
With it sounding like they were getting ready to leave, I hopped down out of the tree and went to a spot where I could see the entrance much clearer. I would need to gauge my opponents clearly before I made my move. I was expecting at least one other person with her, but not two. I cursed myself for my bad luck.
After what seemed like an eternity, I saw the three of them come out of the cabin. Sif and one of the men, both of whom were dressed strangely, went around the side of the cabin. Barking soon ensued, she must have had a sled dog team ready. It did not take long for them to get loaded and leave.
Following them in the trees proved to be tricky, but I managed to keep up by guessing which way they would go. I was tiring out though from my lack of rest, so I knew if I were to do anything I would have to pick my spot soon.
I picked out a tall tree and made two jumps to get into position. The limbs obscured my view some, but I knocked an arrow and let it fly. I heard the clang of the arrowhead bouncing off a sword. I was quickly reloading and making my way to a better position when the man with blonde hair came charging into my area. He was carrying a massive war hammer, could this be Thor?
He was moving quickly and I began to shoot arrows at him. His movements were rigid, but fluid enough to avoid getting hit. My fatigue was starting to get to me, so my shots were not as precise as I needed either. After a few more near hits, the man stopped moving and I took the opportunity to rest in an oak tree. I was curious to see what his next move would be.
He raised the war hammer into the air. I felt the presence of static electricity building. Oh no, this was not a good sign! I grabbed the rune out of my pocket and gripped it. I saw a patch of grass behind Sif and closed my eyes. Gripping the rune as tight as I could, I visualized the spot I wanted to go and hoped it worked. I felt the strange sensation of magic grip me and pull. I closed my eyes, panic starting to ensue.
I opened my eyes and I looked up to see the tree I had been standing in had been destroyed. The blonde man collapsed in exhaustion and Sif had no idea I was behind her! I knocked another arrow and was getting ready to shoot when the words from the note hit me; do not use lethal force. I changed my target from her heart to her shoulder at the last minute and my aim was true. She turned just in time to be hit.<
br />
With the arrow sticking out of her, she dropped her sword and I ran over as quickly as I could and punched her in the face. She dropped, out cold, and I was getting ready to pick her up when I got my first look at the other man they were traveling with.
His brown eyes met mine and my heart tugged at me. His rough features and shocked face could not hide how handsome he was. I hesitated as he was staring at me and the wind blew my hood off. His face changed when he saw my face, but I had no time to ask questions.
Not knowing what to do, I went over to him and punched him too. He did not even try to defend himself and also was knocked out. I quickly grabbed him and ran off back into the forest. As I left the scene, I heard the other man yell out one word.
“Jack!”
Chapter 19 - Jack
With the extra weight of the body I was carrying, I knew I could not go far before I needed to rest. With the intent of putting distance between myself and the remaining Aesir, I had gone off to the east. I needed to find a place to hide and recover quickly, but this part of the forest was unknown to me.
The Norns were smiling on me when I found a cave carved out in the side of a hollow. I knew Svartalfheim was a few days to the north of us, but I would take my chances alone with my prisoner.
Though I could not say for sure if this was a prisoner. His reactions and facial expressions told me he was confused. I do not think this person had ever laid eyes on a dark elf before. I was taking no chances however, and I tied him up. I did my best to make it not too uncomfortable, but I knew I had to protect myself. Speaking of protection, we would need a fire as the cold would soon be creeping in.
I went out into the forest and gathered wood. I had not been gone too long, but he was still out. I set about making a fire and getting some of the boar meat into me as well. The confrontation with Sif and the other man had taken the rest of my energy out.
The quiet was nice, but I was hoping the man would wake up soon. It had been so long since I talked to someone that even if he was an enemy, it would be a nice change. Looking again at him, I could feel my heart tug at me. I wanted to put our palms together and see what would happen, but to do so without his consent would be terrible.
I had to take my mind off of him, so I went back out into the woods to make sure we were not followed. I knew by now that Sif and the other man were probably back on their feet. Would they look for their friend or go on to Asgard? A thorough search told me it was probably the latter. It was getting cold, so I made my way back to the cave and the fire.
I entered and right away noticed the man had moved from his position I left him to get closer to the fire. I did not know if he was awake, so I carefully went up to him and touched his shoulder. He jerked and we came face to face with each other. His eyes were so full of warmth and light that I could not look away. But I needed to; I had to find out his true intentions.
But I could not, at least not right away. What was probably only a few fleeting moments in time seemed like an eternity. His eyes told me he was feeling the same way, that both of us had found what we were looking for.
I shook off my feelings and put on my best interrogation face. “My original intention was to capture Sif so she could answer for her crimes against my people, but you I did not recognize. You do not seem hostile and yet the unknown is what intrigued me. Just who are you and what is your connection to the Aesir?”
He looked confused again. I started to doubt the intelligence of the man before me. “Hey, I can understand you!”
“Of course you can foolish man. Ever since that pact Odin brought down on us we have all learned to speak the Common Language as per the accord. In fact, most dark elves now prefer the ease of Common over Druhir. Enough stalling and out with your identity to me.”
I regretted immediately the way I snapped at him. I remembered back at the cabin that Sif had mentioned Midgard. It started to dawn on me that he might not be from this realm. Could it be he was from…
“Well, I am not even sure who Odin is. My name is Jack Skelton and I am not from this little slice of heaven.”
****
“Did you kill her?” All three put their heads down in shame. I was so angry that I wanted to cut all three down.
“We did not Captain Mallerk. The trap was laid perfectly, but we were interrupted by an ice giant. There is a very good chance that she was swept away by the avalanche he created.”
Origon’s tale may have just spared their lives. It also explained the loud noise that echoed through the valley. “I am to take it that you did not go and locate her body?”
“We retreated into the tunnel, but only ventured in far enough not to be seen. At first light we left and all the snow had been melted. It seemed impossible for that to happen, but then we found this.” He handed me a piece of parchment. “It was being held by a dagger stuck into the side of the mountain.” He pulled out the dagger; it was most definitely not made by the poor excuse of a blacksmith Algrim.
I looked down and read the note:
‘Attempt to follow and you will find out the true meaning of being burned alive.’
-The Trickster
Loki, here? Lord Azmodeous needed to be informed at once. I left the men at their post and headed towards his chamber. I knocked on the door and waited to be summoned.
“Enter.”
Doing as I was instructed, I entered to see Azmodeous talking to a man dressed in black, with his face partially concealed. “My lord, I bring news that was most unexpected.”
“Your news can wait Mallerk. The time has come for King Oor to be introduced to our friend Baldr. Do you think you can handle that?”
I swallowed hard. I knew this day would come, but never expected it to happen so soon. If I objected however, my life would be over. “Yes Lord Azmodeous, I can arrange a meeting.”
The man, Baldr, cracked a sinister smile. At that very moment, the Wolf of Asgard, Fenrir, let out a bone curling howl.
****
I made it back to our home in the Fields of Idavoll, my wife Sigyn waiting for me. The look in her eyes told me she was on to me.
“So my husband, you have been a very busy man.”
My loving wife, on point as always. “What makes you say that Sigyn?”
“Loki,” she gave me that look, “you might think that the Trickster is the smartest person in Asgard, but remember, I outsmarted you.”
That she did! The memory still makes me laugh. “You are, of course, right my dear. The Allfather gave me a task, but that did not mean I could not improvise and improve upon it.”
“Will you not share your improvements with me?”
Ahh, that look, it was so hard to resist! “I will tell you what I can, but all will be revealed in time. As you know, the Allfather wanted me to bring Thor home. Well, another was needed in Asgard and with luck on my side, I was able to bring him over and make it look like an accident!”
She sighed and closed her eyes. “If Odin finds out…”
“But he will not! The one who was brought over should already be headed far from Asgard. His destiny was here anyway, I just made sure they found each other.” I loved it when a plan came together.
“Husband, you are not messing with fate again are you?”
I loved my wife dearly but she worried too much. Maybe it was because she was married to me after all, I did not know. “Messing with, of course not! I am just getting the pieces into position.” It was my turn to get serious. “The Norns have spoken and certain events cannot be stopped. Unless we prepare ahead and are diligent, Ragnarok will start and we will all perish.”
I did not mean to scare her, but her facial expression told me I had. “So it is to pass then?”
“I did not say that. The twilight of the realms is upon us. It is now up to us to make sure we see another day.”
Part Two: Power Play
Chapter 20 - Practice
Welcome to Manchester, Pennsylvania, my home. Even though the town only has two bars, t
hree stop lights, and most of the locals have lived here since the day they were born, it’s a decent place to live. The real calling card is it’s a great place to play hockey. The local team, the Bears, had been here for years and on game nights everyone flocks to the arena. Not even a blizzard with a dash of ice for fun could keep our loyal following from coming out to the game last night. We beat the Admirals in overtime three to two.
It was a mixed bag of emotions for me. I scored our second goal of the game late in the third period which is always gratifying. The goal, however, made me the all-time leading goal scorer in the Eastern Hockey League which meant I had been in the minor’s way too long. Oh by the way let me introduce myself: my name is Jack Skelton, minor league hockey player extraordinaire and captain of the Bears. I’ve been here for three years and before that I played nine years with the Huskies. A few times I was close to getting called up at the start of my career, but as the years have gone by most pro teams wanted younger guys on the roster. They don’t want someone like me who at this point is the old dog that can’t learn any new tricks.
I love hockey, probably too much, and that’s why I keep playing. Right before the Huskies traded me off, I got called into the general manager’s office with an offer of a different sort. He wanted me to retire from the game and start coaching. The head coach at the time was even prepared to make me his lead assistant. Within a few years I could be a head coach somewhere, even make it to the pro’s. I told them I was honored they thought so highly of me, but I still had a few more years left in me and I wasn’t about to give up the ultimate goal yet. I figured they would support that and when the time came closer we could revisit this idea.
A day later, I got the call that I was being traded to the Bears. The Huskies were happy with my years of loyal service, but they needed a fresh start with some new faces. When I told my wife what had happened, I once again was shocked by the response. Instead of supporting my decision to continue on, she ridiculed me for thinking only of myself and that she couldn’t take it anymore. She left that night and not too much longer later we were divorced. She didn’t even ask me for anything, not even alimony. Her lawyer told mine that she felt as if I had no usable assets and to make this go away as quickly as possible.
Power Play: Act 1 Svartalfheim (Ragnarok on Ice) Page 6