The Sorceress, the Norns, and the Prophecy of Asgard
While the Midgard Serpent gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil, maintaining a balance between chaos and order, the many enemies of the Norse gods seek to tip the balance of power in their favor.
With their enemies many, their allies few, Farling and his friends—Margret, Arastead, and Grum—must use all their wits and fighting skills as they protect the Sorceress from harm—or worse.
Also by the Author
The Sorceress and the Norns Trilogy
The Abomination of Asgard
The Prophecy of Asgard
The Reckoning of Asgard
Dedication
For my brother, Mike
Copyright
Copyright © 2019 by James Elrick.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior permission of the author. Cover design by James Elrick, photo from shutterstock.com.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Previously published in 2014 as The Jotunheim Gateway ISBN 978-0-9920057-5-7.
Published by Somerset & Elgin Press
www.somersetandelginpress.com
Table of Contents
Prologue
The Ravens Hugin and Munin
The Brothers Frost Giant
King Frederick Finds a Weapon
A Trip North to the Heart Tree
The Gateway to the Realm of the Frost Giants
The Search for a Portal Rune
Elf-King and Ogre Mage
The Children of Alchemist
The Secret in the Thieves Guild Library
Ogre Mage Discovers a Secret in Trondheim
The Thieves Guild of Pitcairn
The Revenge of the Were-Beasts
The Dwarf-King Strikes a Bargain
The Frost Giant’s Daughter
The Better Archer
The Search for Yggdrasil
Margret Speaks to Nas
The Search for Yggdrasil Continues
The Jotunheim Gateway Opens
A Happy Accident
The Battle of the Heart Tree
Sihr and the Norns
Welcome to Alfheim
Ogre Mage Teaches a Lesson
Ogre Mage Sets a Test
The Ravens Return
Ogre Mage’s Final Exam
Awaken the Realm of the Dwarves
A Fight of Thieves
An Audience with the Elf-King
The Vorpal Blade Tested
Fresh Coffee
Margret Heals
A Portal to Trondheim
The Kidnapping of Queen Astrid
The Story of the Sorceress
A Visit to the Realm of the Dwarves
An Unexpected Meeting
A Dwarf Crown for Loki
Alchemist Makes a Bargain
The Return of the Trickster
Ogre Mage Punished
The Sorceress Revealed
Epilogue
Prologue
“Your Highness.”
Amaliji, the elf king, acknowledged General Munkaliji with a nod.
Munkaliji said: “Branaliji, our best necromancer and soothsayer, this morning told me it appears the Sorceress will be born.”
The king sat straighter on his throne. Then he scoffed and said: “Branaliji has made many a false claim of prophecy fulfillments in the past. What is different about this one?”
Munkaliji nodded, then said: “It is true, unfortunately that Branaliji, while a powerful necromancer, is not as strong a soothsayer. But what he told me, this time I believe him. He told that the Draugr failed to throw the lands of Dennland and Aarlund into chaos by making Queen Astrid his queen of the dammed, but that the Draugr did achieve one goal.”
Sundaliji, the king’s advisor, interrupted, said: “Which was?”
“To have the queen of Dennland, who is with child, be cleansed by the magic of Freya to heal her of the Draugr’s poison.”
Sundaliji leaned forward on his toes, said: “Queen Astrid lives? Impossible! No one survives the poison of the Draugr.”
“Queen Astrid does more than live. She thrives. Her child was bathed first with the Draugr’s dark magic poison, then bathed in the healing light of Freya. It appears there are now some very powerful clerics on Midgard who can expertly pull healing magic from Yggdrasil. Branaliji assured me Queen Astrid’s child will be born the Sorceress.”
The elf-king grunted, said: “If that child is born the Sorceress, it will change everything. The prophecy that a Sorceress will help the elves rule all the realms, including Asgard, may come true. If the queen of Dennland does give birth to the Sorceress, see that Branaliji is rewarded.”
“As My Majesty requests,” said Munkaliji and left the hall to continue training his legions of elf warriors.
Once they were alone, Sundaliji said: “We do not need the Sorceress to cleanse Midgard. The Heart Tree is close to draining the pond in Midgard and destroying the Unbreakable Barrier. Even now, our warriors sharpen their spears and whet their swords. They are eager for battle.”
“The people of Midgard it seems were taken too lightly. They defeated the Draugr, no small feat, as he was our most powerful demon. We should not underestimate them again. We will not snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. And my people fervently believe in the prophecy that the Sorceress will lead the elves to victory over all the Norse realms.”
Sundaliji bowed his head. “King Amaliji of Alfheim,” he said raising his eyes to meet his king’s, “true blood descendant of a long unbroken line of elf kings. With news of the impeding birth of the Sorceress, you will see victory in your lifetime over all the Norse realms, that I promise you.”
King Amaliji stood. His proud face had few wrinkles as he had seen only 40 winters. His long white hair was pulled back in an ornate ponytail while his dark eyes reflected the light from the many candles and torches illuminating the hall.
He looked at his Sundaliji’s face. There he saw belief, a belief that the elves would fulfill their prophecy of ruling over all the Norse realms. The elves would return after being banished by Odin so many, many years ago and they would justifiably claim their inherited right to rule.
And when the elves did return with the Sorceress at their side, even the Norns would tremble in fear.
CHAPTER 1
The Ravens Hugin and Munin
It had only been a couple days since the destruction of the Draugr. As expected, King Frederick had called a war council, and in attendance was Princess Margret; the Aarlund brothers and their nephew, Conall; the druid Nas; the blacksmiths Farling, Arastead, Grum; and Frederick’s secretary, Phillius. In addition, Jakobus, owner of the Knights Stable was in attendance.
Frederick stood and the hall went silent as he said: “Everyone, please enjoy the meal. I find it best to discuss important matters over food as I find hunger clouds my judgment.”
“A wise king,” whispered Grum as he filled his plate.
Frederick continued: “The reason I called this war council is that Dennland and Aarlund are in great danger. The people I see before me have proven themselves in deed and in battle. I would listen to this group’s advice before anyone else’s.”
Phillius cleared his throat and said in a patronizing tone: “If I may interrupt. I am aware that many people here were instrumental in defending Trondheim, but I have not had the pleasure of knowing how Jakobus, owner of the Knights Stable, has proven his valor.”
Abruptly, Nas stood, said: “I invited Jakobus to this war council. Anyone of royalty should attend.”
Jakobus cleared his throat. “You are too kind, druid Nas,” he said. “I am honored to be invited to this war council. I thank you deeply, King Frederick, and you, Lady Margret for this opportunity. I believe my people can help greatly when the final battle is joined.”
In a stern voice, Phillius asked: “Druid Nas, how is Jakobus of royal blood?”
“Phillius, you have the honor of addressing King Jakobus, son of Jakotun, grandson of Jakoturn, lord of the realm Nidavellir,” said Nas, and then promptly sat down.
Jakobus loudly sighed, stood and addressed Phillius: “The dwarves sleep in Nidavellir, the dwarf realm. I am the only dwarf who walks among the people of Midgard. As my father before me, and his father before him, we have managed the Knights Stable. A clever ruse, one that allowed us to participate in the happenings of Midgard as we watched for the signs to indicate if Nidavellir is to be awoken.”
With a pale face, Phillius mumbled: “My pardon, King Jakobus, I have erred. I beg your forgiveness.”
Jakobus nodded, said: “There is nothing to forgive, Secretary Phillius, as you had no way of knowing. I wear a charmed necklace, allowing me to look like a person of small stature, and not a dwarf. It was Princess Margret who saw through my disguise.”
Margret lightly tapped her circlet and said: “It is said that this was worn by Freya and gave her the ability to see through illusion so that she could keep an eye on her brother, Loki, no matter his appearance.”
Jakobus continued: “I have waited for a Norse god to return, as it is only a Norse god who can awaken my realm. Dwarves are miners, blacksmiths, and artisans; but above all, they live to create objects of great magic. When Odin needed weapons of magic, he called on the great dwarf blacksmiths, for it was in our ancient forges where we would weave magic and bind it with runes and wyrd runes into the metal of a weapon. It is because Odin and most of the Norse gods have disappeared that my people still sleep. But Freya is now awake, and I take that as a positive sign that soon, my realm will be woken.”
Frederick said: “King Jakobus, I too take the awakening of your realm as a positive sign, because the elves seek to destroy Midgard, and the people of Midgard will need all the help they can get. But the elves did not count on Freya helping Midgard and Nidavellir. And they did not count on several young blacksmiths.”
Farling, Grum, and Arastead all smiled at the compliment, then Grum said: “Yes, life as a blacksmith can be very boring at times. These adventures have proven to be very exciting.”
“Well, blacksmith Grum,” said Frederick, “it will be soon be time for another adventure as we need to find this Heart Tree and destroy it.”
Grum said: “And when we find this Heart Tree, I will strike it with my magical war hammer and uproot it.”
“A good idea, blacksmith,” began Nas, “but I fear the Heart Tree will be stronger than your war hammer. We need more weapons of magic. King Frederick, I suggest we visit your vaults where you store loot from ancient battles. I will bring Princess Margret as she can see items of magic.”
Then, several people, of a sudden, shivered and tightly drew their cloaks about themselves to keep themselves warm.
Farling’s breath misted in front of his face. “Is it just me,” he began, “or is it suddenly getting colder in here?”
“I will ask for more logs to be thrown on the fire,” said Phillius.
Frederick said: “And close the curtains. The draft from the porch is suddenly most cold.”
But as the servants went to close the curtains, they cried aloud, pointing at the porch.
Everyone grabbed their weapons and went to see what had caused such alarm.
Nas raised his open palms, said: “Calm, everyone, I believe we have visitors, and they mean us no harm.”
He parted the curtains and walked through, and in a few short moments, he returned with two massive ravens, one on each arm, and gently placed them on the table.
Nas bowed before the two ravens.
The ravens bowed back.
Nas said: “Welcome Hugin and Munin, ravens of Odin.”
And then the ravens spoke, taking turns speaking, and finishing each other’s sentences.
“We would eat something…”
“…before we begin.”
Everyone’s jaws dropped, not only because of the size of the ravens, but that they could speak.
Nas put together plates of food, which the ravens devoured.
“Our thanks…”
“…Nas. We have traveled…”
“…far and we have…”
“…grave news. The Heart Tree…”
“…has almost completed its work…”
“…as the Unbreakable Barrier is…”
“…thin, so thin the elves were able to pass…”
“…the Draugr through the Alfheim Gateway.”
Nas nodded, said: “We destroyed the Draugr.”
The ravens looked at each other, nodded, then one said: “That news is most welcome. Our…”
“…master will be happy to hear it.”
Nas asked: “Who is your master? Odin?”
The ravens looked at each other, then one said: “Odin was our master, but…”
“…he is no longer. We serve another…”
“…as he too fights the elves.”
Nas nodded, said: “So, what news do Hugin and Munin bring?”
“The Unbreakable Barrier must…”
“…be saved. The Heart Tree must…”
“…be destroyed. And the Unbreakable Barrier…”
“…must be made strong if you are to…”
“…stop the elves from returning to Midgard.”
Margret interjected, asked: “Ravens, how do we destroy the Heart Tree?”
“Princess, the Heart Tree is nigh…”
“…invincible. The Heart…”
“…Tree is famed for its near indestructible…”
“…wood. But the Heart Tree has…”
“…a weakness and that is…”
“…its heart.”
Margret grunted, said: “So that is how the Heart Tree drinks blood. It actually has a heart within its trunk that pulls the blood into its limbs and leaves.”
The ravens bobbed their heads in agreement.
“A Heart Tree…”
“…has no feelings…”
“…does not think…”
“…but merely consumes blood, as…”
“…much blood as it can.”
“Ravens, I ask again,” said Margret, “how do we destroy this Heart Tree?”
The ravens stared at each other for a moment then shook their heads.
“As we said, the Heart Tree…”
“…is nigh invincible.”
“Fire does not burn it.”
“Axes do not cut it.”
“The sun does not cause…”
“…it to wilt, and the coldest…”
“…winter does not make…”
“…it shed its leaves.”
Margret’s voice became impatient, said: “But there must be a way. You mentioned it must be destroyed, you are Thought and Memory, you must know.”
“The Almuric Sword…”
“…may cut it. The Almuric…”
“…Sword is magic and magic…”
“…must fight…”
“…magic.”
Frederick asked: “What if King Cormac’s Almuric Sword causes it no damage?”
“Then you must…”
“…find another…”
“…way, Your Majesty.”
Frederick gently scoffed, said: “Ravens, that is not much help.”
The ravens appeared to sadly nod.
“That is…”
“…all the help…”
“…we may…”
“…give, Your Majesty.”
Frederick scowled
in thought, then asked: “How did they harvest the Heart Trees in ancient times?”
The ravens croaked loudly, the sound echoing off the walls.
“They stopped feeding…”
“…the Heart Tree and a…”
“…Heart Tree that is not fed…”
“…dies. But this Heart…”
“…Tree has an unending supply of…”
“…blood that will only end with the…”
“…draining of the…”
“…Unbreakable Barrier.”
Frederick shook his head, said: “And by then it is too late.”
The ravens bobbed their heads in agreement, then spoke again.
“You must make haste.”
“The Heart Tree drinks more greedily…”
“…by each passing moment.”
“It will not be long before the…”
“…Alfheim Gateway is once again open…”
“…and the elves pour forth with a…”
“…hatred they have polished…”
“…for hundreds...”
“…of years.”
Unexpectedly, Margret cried aloud in pain.
Surprised, Nas grunted: “Princess, what is wrong?”
Margret’s eyes glazed over as she whispered: “Danger approaches as this unexpected cold portends.”
The ravens looked at one another, then nodded their heads.
“There is only one people…”
“…who thrive in cold.”
“Frost giants.”
Shocked, Nas muttered: “But how can there be frost giants in Midgard?”
And the ravens spoke:
“There are many gateways…”
“…between the realms, and…”
“…the frost giants found…”
“…one between Jotunheim and…”
“…Midgard.”
Between bites of food, Grum interjected: “But that is impossible, the frost giants are not here in Trondheim, it is too far south.”
Nas shook his head in disagreement, said: “This is not a natural cold, blacksmith. It reeks of eldritch magic, the type Alchemist would use. It must have been created by him.”
Margret asked: “But why would the frost giants come this far south?”
And Jakobus said: “Odin and his children fought the frost giants. Did not Thrymr, king of the frost giants, despise Odin and his children?”
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