She arched her brows, surprised by Sage’s revelation. Meanwhile, Håkon shot Emily a look of thanks.
“But what about when we first met Leif at the lake?” Davyn asked, still curious about their new nemesis. “Why did Vigdis think he was there to aid us? Why did Håkon think he was there to protect him?” He shook his head. “Even Kjar, a demi-god, was cast under his spell.”
“Not his but Níðhöggr’s,” Sage corrected, frustration with her ancestor obvious in her voice. “It was all his doing to get you where you needed to be to suit his purpose.” She shook her head. “I’m not so sure he’ll continue to have that kind of power as time goes on though. Not with the gateway closed like it is now.”
“What does Hvergelmir’s River have to do with all this?” Sven said, focusing on Emily’s original questions. “Was it simply to give Emily added strength? Or perhaps manifest Leif? Because I’m fairly positive I was underwater when I first erupted from Skáld’s Ash.”
“Hvergelmir’s River and the spring from which it flowed did all of those things,” Sage confirmed. “Though put there and protected by Níðhöggr, its power is capable of many things. Though it can offer strength, it was presented as a weakness in the Great Serpent’s plan because it became a loophole that Skáld took advantage of when he slipped Leif through.” Her eyes again turned to the north. “Soon enough, Leif will realize what happened. He will remember who he is.”
“You mean to tell me Leif has been in the dark all this time,” Emily said. “That everything he said was the truth as he knew it?”
“Yes.” Sage’s eyes went to Håkon. “And when he remembers, you’re going to have one hell of an opponent on your hands. One I know Níðhöggr’s been preparing you for.”
Though Sven’s face remained expressionless, she felt his tension. He feared for Håkon. How prepared he truly was for what lie ahead.
“I’ll be ready to face him,” Håkon assured Sage, clenching his fists as though his hands were already wrapped around Leif’s neck. “And I’ll protect you.”
Sage shook her head and was about to respond, but Sven cut her off.
“So Níðhöggr planned all along that Hvergelmir’s River would allow Skáld to slip a dragon through?” He shook his head. “Was that not risky? What if he had gotten more dragons through? And what did Emily have to do with that? Why did she end up underwater?”
“I don’t know why more dragons didn’t slip through.” Sage shook her head. “I assume Níðhöggr had enough control over the water to see things happen the way he had planned.” She pressed her lips together for a moment as though taking in the enormity of it. “You’ve got to remember that this prophecy was laid by the Great Serpent himself. That’s no small thing.”
“And Emily? Why her?” Håkon lowered his brows in concern. “She could have died in that river.”
“My guess is that her unique connection to Helheim, or the afterlife, made her the perfect conduit.” Her eyes went to Emily. “Especially if Hel tried to reach out to you at that moment. If she tried to assist or protect you in any way, Níðhöggr would have harnessed that extra power to do what he needed to do.”
“She did,” Emily murmured. “Or at least I think she did. I heard her calling for me in the dream...nightmare.” She frowned and narrowed her eyes as she mulled it over. “I thought Sven was dead. That's when Leif told me it was hard for Sven to hear me from where he was. That he only would if our connection was strong enough.” Her eyes went to Sage. “Why would he say that? Where was Sven?”
“I think you know,” Sage said softly. “I think you both do.” Her eyes flickered between them. “Múspellsheimr.”
Emily stared at her for a moment as it all finally came together.
She met Sven’s eyes and whispered, “Níðhöggr used it all. Hvergelmir’s River. The power of the roots of the Yggdrasill. The intense connection you and I share. Thor’s influence. Then the power of Helheim.” She would never forget looking into his eyes as his heart thumped a final time beneath that tree. “We both crossed over on this journey. We both died to save each other. That’s why we both saw water before breaking free...”
“I saw a glimpse of our future in that nightmare, didn’t I?” Emily whispered as her eyes returned to Sage. “Sven’s death.”
“Yet born anew from the well of life,” Kjar murmured, “and the tree of life.”
“Born from incredible power combined with your dragons finally claiming each other,” Vigdis added. “The sort of power capable of closing such a gateway.”
“You mean finally being allowed to claim each other,” Sven groused. Yet there was only gratefulness and contentment in his gaze as their eyes lingered on one another’s.
“I don’t get it,” Halla said. “Based on what Emily just said Leif seemed very aware of things when he first arrived in her nightmare.” She gave Sage a pointed look. “He was even searching out his mate.” She tilted her head in question. “So why was he so clueless the next time we saw him?”
“Though I can’t be sure I’d say it has something to do with Níðhöggr yet again.” Sage shrugged. “Remember time passes differently on other worlds so maybe the moment Sven died beneath Skáld’s Ash in Múspellsheimr, Níðhöggr used his portal to get Leif through. When he did, Leif experienced a strange sort of rebirth of his own. I guarantee his memory is starting to come back now that the gateway’s closed. That means he likely remembers his part in the vendetta.”
“You mean to say Leif might’ve been one of those vicious dragons chasing Sven and me?” Emily asked, incredulous. “Before we even met him?”
“Could be,” Sage replied. “Like I said we're dealing with a powerful dragon. One that’s been doing some serious planning based on all I’m learning from his DNA activating inside me.” Her eyes met Emily’s, troubled. “I can't tell you how sorry I am that I didn’t have your back like I should have at Skáld’s Ash.” She shook her head. “I was supposed to be protecting you, but instead I led you straight into trouble.”
“Don’t be sorry,” she replied and meant it. “You’re just as much a victim of Níðhöggr as the rest of us. If anything, I’m grateful you're here so you can enlighten us.” She looked at everyone. “I think we’re all in agreement about that.”
They nodded, none more grateful than Håkon based on the way his eyes lingered on Sage and he vowed once more to see an end to Leif. That’s when Emily saw the first spark between them. Or was it the first? She had to wonder when she heard Sage’s heart begin to race.
“I’m still curious about something,” Emily murmured, eying her brother before she looked at Sven’s ring. “How did Bjorn manage to get his ring to Sven?” She shook her head, remembering the pain her brother had been in when the ring first appeared on that rock. “And why would that have affected Håkon’s tattoo?”
“I’m not so sure it was Sven’s dad that did it,” Sage said softly, her eyes skirting over Håkon’s abdomen where his tattoo was. “I think Níðhöggr was probably behind that too. It would only help if Sven thought he had his father’s approval to become king. Not only that but it’d boost his morale thinking his father was still alive.”
“After Sven finally put the ring on, we had that dream where we communicated with him in Múspellsheimr,” Emily added. “So maybe it was a means to reach out to us as well.” She met Sven’s eyes, hopeful. “That might mean we’ll be able to connect with him again.”
“Maybe,” Sage agreed before her eyes went to Sven’s ring and she continued to speculate thanks to her activating DNA. “My guess is that Håkon's tattoo was used as some sort of portal between here and Múspellsheimr.” She looked at Håkon again and shook her head. “I have no idea why you would’ve experienced pain. Maybe it was as simple as Skáld not liking that something was passed through that could help you guys. Maybe he was just pissed off, and you suffered for it.”
That was as good a theory as any, Emily supposed.
“What about Vigdis offering Håkon relief
when she pressed those wet stones against his tattoo?” Davyn asked. He stood with his arms crossed over his chest and his head cocked in curiosity, clearly enjoying all the mysteries being revealed.
“Seer magic,” Sven answered, having figured it out. “Those trances she goes into allows her to see and sense things we can’t.”
“That’s right,” Sage confirmed. “As you’ve seen firsthand Hvergelmir’s Spring and its river can do amazing things. I’d say closing a rift between worlds is one of those.”
“Well, thank the gods for Vigdis then.” Davyn shot the seer the sort of grin that said he’d like to thank her in other ways as soon as he had the chance. She, of course, didn’t appear opposed to his offer.
“So what’s next?” Emily asked as they drew closer to the tight cave entrance into Níðhöggr’s Realm. “What happens once Håkon defeats Leif? Because I still see five more ships in there.”
“Though you and Sven bought us some time with your courage, the war is just beginning.” Sage’s eyes flickered from Davyn’s tattoo to the ships. “Like Håkon, your male kin will have to face off with one or more of Skáld’s dragons to see through this prophecy. Níðhöggr wants his vengeance and will not stop until he's had it.”
“That’s been made clear.” Sven frowned. “But why take King Heidrek and Father to prompt it?” He shook his head as his eyes went to Vigdis before returning to Sage. “Why take all the leaders except for one that we know of?”
“What better way to create a world of chaos than to take its leaders?” Sage said. “It’s very stability.” Her eyes went from the seer back to him. “I think you know full well why King Heidrek and your father were taken. They ruled the dragons Níðhöggr wants for his descendants to wage his war.” Her brows perked. “And what better dragons to take so that his new chosen king could rise up and set his plan in motion?” She shook her head. “As to Vigdis, I have no idea. Perhaps she was meant to go on this journey. Or perhaps he has another plan for her.”
“Well, he can plan away,” the seer said dryly. “My next move is to return to Aella and my seers and make sure all’s well.”
Kjar nodded in agreement.
“I intend to take my ship and sail back to Skáld’s Ash,” Håkon growled, eying the boat with his dragon on the prow. “Then end Leif before he has a chance to get too far.”
“Wow, did Níðhöggr’s magic fry your brain cells, Brother?” Emily began before Sven put a hand on her arm and shook his head.
“You will return home with us, Cousin.” Sven’s tone left no room for debate. “There we will reunite with kin and let our people know what is happening. Then, and only then, will you make your next move with seasoned warriors at your back. Do you understand?”
Her brother's eyes narrowed on Sven before he realized he was outnumbered. More so, she hoped he was snapping out of it and beginning to think a little clearer.
“As long as I can protect Sage,” he finally said. “And go after Leif as soon as possible.”
Sven nodded, but Sage spoke. “Sorry, but I don’t need protecting quite yet.” She shook her head. “I have to go home. I have to see to my sisters and warn them about what’s coming.”
“No.” Håkon shook his head, scowling fiercely. “You cannot go back alone. I forbid it.”
Everyone’s eyes widened at that.
“Who are you?” Emily frowned at Håkon. “And can I have my brother back?”
Håkon blinked several times as if confused, yet he said nothing.
“That’s another thing,” Sage said softly, looking in the general direction of his tattoo. “The tattoo he was marked with is sort of a shadow of Leif...which will make things confusing on occasion.”
Håkon frowned. “What do you mean?”
“Well,” she murmured. “Because you were marked to go up against Leif, wires might get crossed here and there.”
“Wires?” Emily frowned as it occurred to her what Sage was saying. “Are you telling me wires like the sort that were crossed between Uncle Heidrek and Uncle Bjorn?”
“In a way, yes, but not nearly so bad,” Sage said. “Because Skáld is involved, his magic can more easily manipulate minds...in keeping with his double headed essence to a degree, I suppose.”
“So Håkon is going to act like Leif?” Sven said. “And Leif like Håkon?”
“It’s a vague possibility,” she conceded.
“Vague possibility?” Emily drawled. “My brother’s already acting weird. Clearly more like a stranger.” Her eyes widened with her growing aggravation. “Oh, wait, not so much a stranger because Leif’s been traveling with us!”
She didn’t mean to get so upset, but this truly sucked.
“How are you going to get home, Sage?” Halla interrupted before Emily could get too heated. “I thought Níðhöggr controlled your time traveling?”
“He did,” Sage said. “But I’m hoping now that Jessie and I have connected, I’ll be able to travel via fire.”
“Another dragon’s fire,” Sven reminded.
“I’m not so sure about that,” Sage murmured. “Not now that we’ve connected.”
“Wait,” Sven began, but it was already too late.
Sage looked at Håkon and mouthed, “Please be careful,” before she flung up her hands and began chanting. Sven pulled Emily against him when a tunnel of fire whipped up in front of them.
Moments later they were all sucked forward.
Oxygen grew scarce and heat seared but soon released them.
“We’re back at the Fortress,” Emily murmured, relieved to be home again.
“Yes.” Sven scanned everyone who had traveled with them. “And Sage is gone.”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
DESPITE THE FACT war still lay on the horizon and Heidrek and Father remained amongst the missing, that evening was a night of celebration. Elder Naðr and Megan refused to have it any other way once they learned Sven and Emily were finally married and mated.
“I think Mom’s still crying,” Emily murmured, her cheek resting against Sven’s chest as they danced. “I had no idea how much she wanted this for us. Both her and Father.” She sighed. “I just wish Eirik could be here to celebrate. Rokar and Soren too.”
“They will be soon enough,” he assured as he tilted her chin up so he could brush his lips across hers. He couldn’t get enough of her. Of this. “Word has been sent. Everyone will be coming home.”
“Here’s hoping,” she replied. “Including your father and Uncle Heidrek.”
Earlier they sat with Samantha and Aunt Cybil and shared everything that had happened on their journey. While they feared for their husbands, they were grateful to know they were alive somewhere even if it was Múspellsheimr. That gave them hope.
“Aunt Samantha is glad to see you wearing your father’s ring,” Emily said softly following his thoughts. “Both she and Aunt Cybil are proud of you. They’re glad to see you as king.”
He nodded, grateful for their support. It would take some getting used to, but he was ready. He knew he would be a good ruler. How could he not be with a woman like Emily by his side?
As they soon learned, Aella had made contact with Goddess Hel and Eirik. Hel had, in fact, reached out to Emily several times along the way as she suspected but it was brief and difficult to get through. Either way, all was as well as it could be with things such as they were. She promised she would get Eirik back which is what Emily needed to hear.
“Håkon's growing damn impatient and we only just got home,” Emily muttered as her eyes went to her brother. Instead of enjoying the throngs of adoring women around him like Davyn was, he ignored the one who had plunked down on his lap and stared at the fire in deep thought. As though plotting revenge.
“He will wait until I say he can go,” Sven assured. “And that will only be after ample planning.”
She nodded, worry in her eyes as she whispered, “I know.”
“Remember, my Emily,” he said softly, his eyes with hers as he ran
his finger along her soft jawline. “Now is not the time to waver but remain stronger than ever. We will win this war, and we’ll do so by standing side by side and leading our people well.”
“I know,” she repeated, stronger by the moment as her eyes stayed with his. “We’ve got this.”
“You really have no choice,” Fenrir pointed out the obvious, as he sat nearby.
Emily smiled at him. “You’re right, we don’t.” Her eyes returned to Sven. “And I’m okay with that as long as you're by my side.”
Always.
They were stronger together.
Something clearly seen by anyone who looked their way that night. They leant confidence without ever saying a word. But then Halla was saying enough for the both of them, wasn’t she?
As he had forecasted, his little cousin spent the evening telling her numerous admirers all about their adventure. One in which they saved not just their kingdoms but the whole of Midgard. Then as expected, with wide eyes and a cocksure smile, she shared her part in it. How it likely made all the difference.
Meanwhile, Uncle Tait scowled at her with a mix of pride and frustration knowing full well she had her fuel to spread her wings during the upcoming war. Naturally, Aunt Lauren just offered him a small smile and a knowing look, likely bracing herself for the next father-daughter intervention.
“I’m glad the seers made it,” Emily commented.
As it happened, Sage had not only transferred herself home, or so they assumed, but managed to shift the seers here. Even Vigdis was impressed by such a display of power, saying she had never seen the likes of it in recent history. It didn’t surprise Sven all that much though having known Jessie. Her power was substantial and obviously intensified Sage’s.
Following his thoughts, Emily tilted her head in question. “Do you think the two of them will meet someday beyond that brief encounter? I hope so for Sage’s sake.”
Viking King's Vendetta Page 25