by Lisa Oliver
“Our last meeting wasn’t pleasant. Odin took Orin purely to try and force my mate to use the god summoning spell. Orin didn’t of course,” this time Thor’s look at his mate was tinged with love, “he’s got very strong ethics about that sort of thing. Odin was at the meeting of the gods to discuss the summoning spell Orin possesses, but he and I didn’t talk then. I was too busy trying to contain Lasse’s nerves and get the meeting over and done with so he wouldn’t have a stroke.”
“Jason wasn’t allowed at the meeting and neither was Orin,” Artemas explained to Silvanus. “Jason gave birth while the meeting was in progress.”
“Where were you at that meeting, Silvanus?” Thor asked. “I thought it was mandatory for all the gods had to attend.”
“I was observing proceedings with the Mother,” Silvanus said in his calm measured way. “Many of the gods, like Zeus, Odin, and Jupiter get agitated when they’re reminded they aren’t one of the originals. The Mother decided back before you were born that the originals would not interfere in pantheon politics, which is why Chronos, Chaos, and the Fates weren’t there either.”
“You didn’t miss anything,” Thor scoffed. “My Orin has got far too many principles to go using a spell he doesn’t believe in, but it must have taken four hours before the other dunderheads got the message. Thank goodness for Poseidon, that’s all I can say. Hearing Nereus describe his father being under the influence of the spell and dancing like a chicken was the highlight of the meeting.”
Artemas chuckled, as did Orin and Silvanus. But they were getting off track. He waited until Orin placed a huge roast, a platter of vegetables, the freshly baked bread and a large jug of gravy on the table, before asking, “Is Odin in the habit of keeping a check on non-Norse gods?”
“I wouldn’t think so.” Thor plucked a carving knife out of the ether and decimated the roast in seconds. Neat slices were passed around, along with the vegetables and gravy and it wasn’t until they were eating that Thor went on.
“Dad’s always been a funny cuss. I’m not saying he wouldn’t be keeping an eye on what the other gods are doing, but he might. He has those birds of his, and the wolves, and they collect information from all over the globe. He hates to miss out on anything.”
“Is there any reason, that you can think of, where he might be interested in my mating with Silvanus?” Artemas took a forkful of succulent roast and chewed will Thor considered his answer.
“Not that I can think of, no.” Thor shook his head. “It’s not anything about you personally. The thing about dad is that his whole world revolves around him. I can’t see why he’d be interested in your mating when nothing about it benefits or detracts from him.”
“Even though it’s Silvanus I’m mated to?”
“Meh, maybe because Odin likes to think he’s the king of the gods, where in fact Silvanus is stronger and older.” Thor tilted his head from side to side as he chewed. “Maybe, but there’s nothing in it for him. No edge, no threat, nothing for him to gain any leverage out of it.”
“Does that still apply if you throw in the fact the Mother blessed me with the Tree of Life as a mating mark?”
Thor’s dropped fork clanged heavily on his plate. “Are you shitting me?”
“The Mother grew weary with her burden and blessed Artemas with carrying the tree in her stead,” Silvanus said quietly. “Is that a problem?”
“Do you have any idea how long Odin has been looking for that damn tree? His whole life, that’s how long.” Thor’s hair swung wildly as he shook his head. “He’s argued it was a myth, he’s scoured every inch of the globe and beyond looking for it. He begged the Fates for the right to search their domain, sure it was being hidden there. Are you telling me the blessed Mother of all life was carrying it on her back all this time, and now she’s given it to Artie?”
It was the way Thor said his name that got Artemas riled. “There’s nothing wrong with my carrying the tree,” he said hotly. “I am as powerful as you, if not more, I just don’t throw my weight around like you do. Brawn isn’t the only currency among the gods, my friend. I am the product of two very powerful gods, and while the circumstances of my birth weren’t ideal, you have no right to presume the Mother made a mistake with what she did.”
“Artie, no, you misunderstood,” Thor said as Orin made a small sound of distress. “I’m just shocked, stunned….”
“You don’t think I’m worthy,” Artemas said flatly.
“It’s not that at all.” Putting down his fork Thor looked at Artemas, meeting his eyes squarely. “This isn’t about powers or strength. I don’t know if you’re stronger than me, and I don’t care either way. You have always been spoken of with respect among the others I talk to, the only complaint being most other gods barely know anything about you at all, because you keep to yourself. That’s not what this is about.”
“Then explain yourself whelp.” Artemas was surprised to hear anger in Silvanus’s voice. “From what you’ve said so far, you’re insulting both the Mother and my mate. Carrying the twins won’t save you from my wrath.”
“Twins?” Orin’s happy cry cut through the tension at the table. “Did you hear that, babe. We’re having twins. Oh, my goodness, I’m going to need double of everything.”
“Twins is a better option than the idea I was carrying an octopus,” Thor grumbled. “Some days it’s like I have got hands and feet prodding me everywhere.”
“Congratulations on your good fortune,” Artemas snapped. “Now what’s all this about Odin and me carrying the Tree of Life?”
Chapter Twenty Nine
Silvanus could feel Artemas’s pain and concern as though it was his own. While it would seem likely now that Odin was the one manipulating Crane and his friends to go for his mate at the hotel, he would reserve judgment, as he always did, until he heard what Thor had to say.
“You have to understand what it was like for me growing up.” Thor took Orin’s hand, holding it tight. “Oh, I didn’t have an abusive childhood or anything else like that, but my father’s hall was not the softest of places to live, and after my mother disappeared, I was expected to rough it with Odin’s soldiers, and was treated like one of the men from when I was eight. It wasn’t until I proved myself at fifteen, that father started taking an interest in me personally.”
“Which relates to what you were saying about your father only interested in what benefits he could achieve from a relationship.” Artemas nodded. “Go on.”
“To Odin, the Tree of Life was like the holy grail was to the Christians. Every culture, every religion mentions it in some form or another and always has. But there was never anything tangible said about it. It was as though the tree itself was an illusion, rather than an actual sprouting tree, but Odin was obsessed with either finding it, or disproving it’s very existence.”
“Obsessed is a strong word,” Silvanus observed quietly. “What use would the tree of life, or even proof of its existence be to Odin?”
“Honestly?” Thor looked around, and even up at the ceiling, before he met Silvanus’s eyes. “He’s like a kid who can’t have a specific toy. I mean the tree of life gives gifts of many forms, depending on who’s teachings you read. You know I don’t read that much, and even I’ve heard of the different legends. But to hear Odin speak of it, the tree of life is the cradle of all existence. The fact he could never find it, when so many documents, papers, and religious texts speak of it, has been like a rose thorn dug into his heel. It nags at him constantly.”
“But how would he know I had it?” Artemas persisted. “The only people who knew outside of the Mother and Silvanus, is Poseidon, Nereus, and his mates. If he’s been looking for a physical tree all this time, he’s hardly going to believe the mass on my back is anything more than a tattoo.”
“I can’t tell you how my father knows the things he does,” Thor said sadly. “All I can recall is the countless times he sent out his ravens following one lead after another. The nights he’d get drunk with
his men, railing against the latest reports, or religious text that claimed so much power for a simple tree. He has covered every inch of this earth a million times, and many of the realms beyond, and still he searches for it. I believe, and this is just an opinion mind you, that the reason Odin roams now is because he still hopes one day to find it.”
“That is uncomfortably sad, for some reason.” Silvanus rubbed at his chest with his free hand. He still had a fork in the other one.
“Surely, Odin realizes, with all his knowledge and all his powers, that the tree could never be used by any god?” Artemas didn’t sound very happy either. “Odin has everything he needs and more. He can go anywhere, do anything, have anyone around him he wants. He has no need for the gift of life, or knowledge, or even creation. When it’s all said and done, despite its significance to life over all, the tree is just a tree.”
“I don’t know what more I can tell you,” Thor said, picking up his fork again. “I’ve never claimed to understand my father, let alone his motives for the things he does. The only thing I can think of, is that the tree is the one thing in existence he couldn’t find and so it’s become like a quest for him, a quest he’s pursued for thousands of years.”
Silvanus was worried and he was sure Artemas could feel it through their bond. Obsessives weren’t people who thought about the consequences of their actions. If Odin knew about the tree though, wouldn’t he have been more inclined to take Artemas himself, instead of using humans to try and trap him?
“What would happen to Odin, do you think,” Orin asked quietly, as the others picked at the lovely meal, “if he found the object of his mega-obsession and it wasn’t what he thought it would be?”
“I’m not sure what you mean,” Silvanus replied. “Are you referring to the fact the tree isn’t an actual tree with roots in the ground?”
“No, although, I suppose that could be part of it. But if Odin’s searched for this thing for eons, then what happens when he finds it, tattoo or not?”
“Are you worried about what happens to Odin when the quest ends?” Artemas seemed to be thinking about it.
“Yes, but no. Oh, I don’t know.” Orin put his utensils down, pushed his plate to one side and leaned his elbows on the table. “This doesn’t sound like Odin to me. He sent Viking warriors after me, when he took me – it seems so out of character for him to use humans the way you described. He had to know Artie would get away. If this has been a quest for as long as my mate can remember, then why isn’t Odin here, ripping your shirt off and demanding to see the proof of the tree’s existence?”
“He is a trickster,” Thor reminded them, forcing his words past the roast he was eating. “But, you’re right, precious. Odin has legions of warriors at his disposal. Using humans like zombies, especially with the tree chanting thing, is not his style.”
“Orin has a point,” Silvanus agreed, thinking about what he knew about Thor’s erratic father. “Whoever this god was, he didn’t want to show his face, or give us any idea about his identity. Odin would never shirk or hide from another god, not even me. He’s more likely to arrive in a shower of feathers, fur, and lightning than skulk in the shadows.”
“But if it’s not Odin, then that only leaves Loki.” Artemas sighed. “I didn’t think Loki had the power to influence humans like that.”
“Another good point.” Thor belched loudly and then excused himself. “Loki has the power of verbal persuasion, but unless he’s been learning new tricks since the last time I saw him, he can’t force a person to do something against their will through magic. Sorry, I should have mentioned that earlier, but I thought you were fixated on Odin.”
“I wanted it to be Odin,” Artemas admitted, rubbing his head with his hand. Leaning behind him, Silvanus rubbed at the tight knots in his shoulders. “Odin is a known issue. Loki, not so much, but if it’s not either of them, then I’m left with a myriad of different gods I have barely anything to do with, wondering who the hell has been spying on me.”
“Or Silvanus,” Thor said. “What we need to do, is come up with a plan to flush this guy out, whoever he is. Then we bash ‘em.”
Silvanus noted Orin’s wince. This really has to stop. “Thor, my old friend, can I have a word with you somewhere private please? It’s about your bump. No, there’s nothing wrong,” he added when Orin’s wince turned into alarm, “I just want a chance to examine you, if I may. It’s not as though you’ve been to a doctor. I might be able to give you some idea on when they will be born. Orin can keep Artemas company, if you don’t mind. It will only take five minutes.”
“I don’t need no one poking at my belly. I’m as strong as I ever was.”
Silvanus bit the inside of his lip. Calling on his power, he pointed down the hallway. “Now, Thor.”
Muttering under his breath, Thor levered himself up and headed for the hallway. Silvanus was sure he heard something along the lines of Geriatric tree hugger, but he kept any response to himself. Orin was going to age beyond his years with worry before the twins were born at this rate, and if Silvanus could stop it, or help in any way, he was going to. Thor would have to just learn to jump when he was told to.
Following Thor down the hallway, Silvanus closed the door of the spare room Thor led him too. Thor lumbered across the spacious room and perched gingerly on the edge of the large bed.
“I wanted to speak to you alone for a reason,” Silvanus purposefully stayed close to the door, unwilling to crowd his friend. “You and I have known each other for a long time. Do you want to tell me why you’re behaving like an ass to your mate?”
“I’m not acting any differently to the way I always do.” Thor scowled.
“Really? Then tell me my friend, what is it you’re fearful of right now and don’t you dare say ‘nothing’.”
Thor’s glower intensified. “I’ve only felt fear three times in my life, and in all of those cases my mate was involved. None of those times are any concern of yours. You had no right abusing your power, and using it on me, in front of Orin and Artemas.”
“Stand down, this isn’t a fight,” Silvanus said softly. “I’m trying to help you and while my methods might be rusty, my heart is in the right place. Thor, your babies’ births are imminent, possibly within the next week. I’m asking you, no telling you, it’s time for you to change the way you respond to things around you.”
“I fight – fists, feet, or swords. It’s who I am.”
“And which one of those will you use when your little one is crying in the middle of the night?”
The confusion on Thor’s face was genuine. “I’d assume the little one was hungry and give them a bottle.”
“And what if that bottle doesn’t help stop the crying? What if the baby cries harder?”
Thor at least seem to give it some thought. “My precious Orin will know what to do,” he said finally.
“Will he? Or will he be so tired, and so consumed with worry, because his mate has insisted on gathering mushrooms and fighting with demons, again?”
“Orin understands me, he’s the only one who does.” Silvanus wasn’t sure who Thor was trying to convince. “He knows how important fighting is to me.”
Thor’s large hands were cradling his belly. Silvanus was sure his friend didn’t even realize he was doing it. There was a big heart under all that bluster. “Thor, you’ve guarded your domain, and your people your whole life. It’s time to start thinking about what you can do closer to home.”
“I’m in my home, this is our home, mine and Orin’s.”
“I know it is.” Silvanus inhaled slowly. “And now you need to spend more time here. You’re about to embark on one of the longest and most difficult challenges of your life, but the most exciting too.”
“I didn’t know you had seer skills.” Thor patted his belly. “As soon as I’ve had these little ones, I’m yours for whatever challenge you set me. I’d go now, but you did mention I am due to give birth any day.”
Silvanus’s fingers
twitched with the urge to slap Thor around the head. “I’m not giving you a challenge. You’re giving birth to two challenges who are going to keep you busy for fifteen, eighteen, twenty years or more. Your challenge is going to be keeping them fed, warm, loved, and protected. This flitting off and fighting outside monsters has got to stop.”
“I can’t help it if demons just happened to be where the best mushrooms could be found.”
“You didn’t need to go and pick the bloody mushrooms yourself.” Silvanus exploded. “Do you have any idea what one tiny demon scratch could’ve done to your babies if those demons had got your belly instead of your arm? Demon scratches are poisonous. How would you have felt if you’d hurt one of your unborn children? How could you have justified bringing home bloody mushrooms when you tell your mate one of your blessed children has been poisoned in the womb? Think about it, man. You’re not stupid so stop acting like it.”
Thor was silent for so long, Silvanus thought he was being ignored. But when he did speak, Thor sounded so unsure. “Fighting the monsters is all I know. It’s how I show my love – my strength is what my mate loves. If I’m reduced to diaper duty and burping babies, how will my mate love me then?”
“Oh, Thor.” Silvanus realized, that to Thor, it was a truly legitimate concern. “Orin will always love you, I have no doubt about that, and he doesn’t love you because you’re the strongest god there is – he loves you because you’re Thor, his mate. He admires your fidelity, your caring and yes, your courage too. But most of all, he cherishes the love you have for him. He’s safe with you, and that has nothing to do with how big your biceps are.”
“They’re pretty big.” Thor flexed his arms, and Silvanus smiled.
“Maybe so, but think about a different scenario. Orin loving you every time you let him sleep, while you take care of crying babies in the middle of the night. He’s going to love you when you both take an exhausted five minutes to cuddle on the couch together when the twins are finally asleep. It takes huge courage and immense strength to face a challenge like raising newborns. Fortunately, you know all about challenges my friend, and I know you’re up to the job.”