by Ayer, T. G.
"If that's what you want, then sure." I nodded. It was a lost cause. He'd come to the fire but it seemed like that was as far as he would go.
The fire crackled and the wind howled around our rocky outcropping. I pulled my legs up and curled my arms around my knees, enjoying the warmth of the fire on my cheeks. Aidan cleared his throat and I glanced back at him and waited for him to speak.
"I . . . I'm not coming with you."
"What do you mean?" I frowned.
"To Muspell. I'm not coming." Aidan looked away. "I want to spend some time with my mother. And my sister. And I want to do more research on what my father was trying to accomplish."
I gave him a sharp look, wondering what he really meant. His fascination with his father's experiments brought a bitter taste to the back of my throat. He met my gaze, his expression strong.
"And I wanted to say something." He rubbed his hands through his hair as if the action could erase his frustrations. His hair stood up in all directions and a few strands fell across his forehead. I found I didn’t have the slightest urge to run my fingers through his hair anymore and I wondered when I’d lost that desire. I waited in silence. "I'm sorry . . . about what happened when we found you at the research facility. I was a bit insensitive."
A bit insensitive? Couldn't he even apologize properly without still being insensitive?
Aidan met my gaze, and for a moment, I saw the Aidan that had made my heart beat faster. But only for a moment. "I'm really sorry you had to go through that." Then he laughed. "And . . . I don't think I want to face that fire giant again. He's bound to have it in for us big time."
He'd laughed but the sound was flat and emotionless. He was lying. "Okay. You don't have to come, you know. Not unless Fen, or your general says so." I enjoyed reminding him that he wasn't really his own boss. Sometimes I wondered if he remembered at all that he was einherjar first, Stephen Lee's son second.
Oh, and let’s not forget Loki's grandson.
"I—" Aidan stopped speaking as the sound of voices traveled to us from the dark night. Joshua strode into view, a fat duck slung over his shoulder. I turned to Aidan and froze. The look he gave Joshua chilled the blood in my veins. Hatred? Anger? Disgust?
Aidan rose and returned to sit beside his rucksack, bending his head over his book. I faced the trio of hunters and grinned as they described the hunt. How they'd managed to find the duck in the pitch-dark I didn't know. But I barely paid attention. My thoughts remained on Aidan.
He was the one who'd seemed so uncaring of my feelings when I'd lost my wings. So why was he now behaving as if I'd broken his heart, as if he hated Joshua? It was probably a good thing he wanted to stay in Asgard. Who knew what would happen if he and Joshua spent too much time with each other.
***
Chapter 25
We set out again at dawn, eager to get home and out of the biting wind. We were all very relieved to reach the Bifrost within two short hours.
I stepped off the Bifrost, still shivering from the icy cold of Jotunnheim, the warmth of the great fire in the center of the transfer room stung my skin. I rubbed my hands together and stayed a little distance away from the fire until I warmed up more.
I headed to the wall and laid my weapons along it. The team did the same with Joshua setting down the large bag containing our weapons. I removed my bulky fur coat and left it there on the floor along with my bag of weapons. I kept the satchel on my shoulder, not about to let Mimir’s water and the Norn’s goblet of magical water out of my sight. We headed out and down the passage toward Odin's hall.
My heart twinged, aching at the knowledge that Odin wasn’t coming back anytime soon. Loki had played his worst trick yet by banishing Odin from his own realm. Even if I had no idea how to bring Odin back, there was one thing I did know.
Loki would pay.
My heart thudded against my ribs as we got closer to the hall. I entered the high-ceilinged room with Sigrun and Aimee walking abreast of me, Aidan and Joshua a few feet behind us. A glance at Aimee's face revealed my team was exhausted. The dark circles around her eyes and the slight stoop to her shoulders was enough to confirm her fatigue.
We approached the dais at the far end of the hall, where Frigga occupied one of the two thrones. Hugin launched himself off my shoulder and flew to Odin's throne to land on the backrest of the stone seat beside Munin. From his new perch he watched me, head inclined, dark eyes glassy and unreadable. Somehow I didn't feel abandoned by the enigmatic bird.
Frigga rose as soon as she saw us, her jaw dropping the second her eyes fell on Odin's spear clenched within my fingers. She frowned, her face darkening.
"Brynhildr, why do you have Gungnir?" Her voice remained controlled and low, although I recognized the steel beneath the words.
"My lady, after my audience with the Norns, I had to find a place to think. And while I was wrestling with the Norns instructions, Odin appeared to me."
"He came to you?" Frigga's eyebrows took on a suspicious curve.
"Not exactly." I hesitated, unsure of how best to put Odin's predicament into words. In the end, I related the story to Frigga as her husband had to me, covering Odin's spell and Loki's interference, ending with the All-Father’s current predicament.
"But why did he not appear to me to tell me what happened?"
"I'm not sure. He mentioned something about preserving his energy. And even while he spoke to me, his image wavered as if he was losing the strength to project himself." I felt the warmth of the spear beneath my fingers. "I think he lost a lot of energy sending me the spear."
Frigga's face darkened further and she scowled. My heart clenched, and I waited, afraid she'd be angry with me. When she said nothing, I continued. "I told him not to. That we needed him back more than I needed his spear."
My words drew a sad smile from Frigga. She walked to her throne and sat softly on the stone seat. Then she smoothed down the white fabric of her flowing gown. "Thank you, Bryn. For delivering the All-Father’s message."
"Then you aren't angry with me?" I asked.
"My dear child, why would I be angry with you?" Frigga laughed, the sound soft and gently. "If you mean because Odin gave you the spear and appeared to you instead of me, then you are wrong. My husband has his ways. Sometimes his plans are a little difficult to fathom, but I have learned that much of the time he is correct." Frigga waved her hand. "Now tell me of the Norns."
"The Norns gave us the location of the Gjallerhorn. They directed us to find and retrieve it as soon as possible."
"Where is it?"
"Loki left it with the fire giant king."
Frigga nodded. "We will have to get it back then."
"I'm going to leave for Muspell as soon as possible." I said.
Frigga frowned. "Perhaps I should send a contingent of einherjar, Bryn. I think you have been through enough already. You do need to rest as well."
"My Lady, this is my duty. The Norns have directed me to Gjallerhorn. I must fulfill their instructions." I tensed, knowing I could likely be in a battle of wills with Odin's queen, who was now left to steer the ship without her lord. But she didn't immediately shut me down. "I promise I will rest before I leave."
"Are you sure, Brynhildr?" She frowned, her face darkening with worry.
"Yes, my lady." I bowed my head and crossed my fingers, hoping she won't challenge my decision. I was about to speak again when I was cut off by the sound of claws clacking on the marble tiles and the loud panting of a pair of animals that came straight at me. Had I blinked, I would have missed the blur of black bodies as they ran toward me. Frigga rose, about to call them off.
The first wolf reached me within a split second, paws on my chest sending me stumbling backward. I lost my balance and landed on my butt. Gungnir fell from my hand and rolled across the floor. The wolf jumped around me, as if he were a little puppy demanding attention.
"Geri," Frigga yelled. "Get off her."
The dog slowed his movements to look at Frigga,
then back at me. He wagged his tail, tongue lolling out of his half-open, grinning mouth. He walked in place, as if unhappy with being restrained, whining as he circled me. Meanwhile, the other wolf had followed and come to stand a few feet away, clearly taking Frigga’s instruction.
"What is the matter with you two?" Frigga asked the wolves.
"I think I know," I said as I got to my feet and dusted myself off. Frigga threw me a questioning glance. "Before he left, Odin told me he is giving me both his wolves for protection."
Frigga lifted her eyebrows, surprised. "He gave you Geri and Freki? And he gave you Gungnir. I wonder what is going on in his head."
"I'm not sure what his plan is, but he wanted me to keep the wolves and Gungnir." I held back the hint of defensiveness from my tone. Odin would have known I'd have to tell people what he said. He'd have known I'd come up against people who didn't believe me and those who didn't want to believe me. But my instinct told me Frigga had accepted what I'd said. That she didn't mistrust my words. For that I was grateful.
"Well," Frigga said as she smiled. "The old fool has a plan for you, Brynhildr. What that is we can only guess. Let us hope the birds, the dogs, and the spear will help you as Odin wishes. For now, go and rest. You have done well." The goddess nodded then sat back in her throne, her mind already elsewhere. I'd been dismissed.
I turned and headed for the transfer room to retrieve my bag. The click-clack of nails on the stone hallway and the fluttering of feathers behind me confirmed the birds and the wolves were sticking close. I didn't turn around though. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to avoid making them uncomfortable or if I was avoiding that same feeling myself.
I was about to head left along the main passage toward the transfer room when I remembered Mimir and his request. I guess now was a good a time as any to give him what he’d asked for.
I headed for Mimir’s room. Ignoring the guards I knocked lightly before entering. I walked toward Mimir and his statue body and cleared my throat. Nothing happened. I shuffled a little, uncomfortable, wondering if perhaps I should just leave the bag and go.
"My lord?" I asked softly.
His eyeballs moved beneath the skin of his lids as he awakened to examine me with those all-seeing eyes. "Valkyrie Brynhildr, I trust you have had a successful visit with the sisters of Fate?"
"I have, my lord. And I also have what you requested."
"Why, Brynhildr. I half expected you not to be able to bring it back for me." Mimir stared at my face, admiration lighting his eyes.
I hesitated at first. What did he mean? "Did you think I wouldn’t hold up my end of the bargain?"
"No, please don’t be offended. I just meant that the feat is not an easy one to accomplish. Odin is the only one who can bring me that water easily."
"Yeah, it was easy only because the Norns sent me to the well to fetch them some water for a ritual. It was easy enough to take some for you at the same time." I grinned.
The head of Mimir grinned back and I got the feeling he would have nodded had he been connected to an actual neck. "So what shall I do with it? Do you need to drink it?"
"I do need to drink it, but not right this minute. For now, you can pour the water into the bowl on the alter behind me." I rounded the statue and found a small pedestal. An intricately carved gold goblet large enough to double as a punch bowl sat almost empty on the table. I removed the stopper from the leather water pouch and emptied it into the bowl.
Strangely—and not surprisingly—the water poured and poured from the skin until it filled the bowl to the brim. One more drop and it would have overflowed for sure.
Another magical, water-related miracle.
I wasn’t surprised.
Really, I wasn’t.
***
I returned to the transfer room, a bodiless god and endless skin of water filling my thoughts. Only to find my weapons and bag gone. Sigrun or Aimee had probably taken them to my room. Happy for the help, I left the transfer room and headed to my quarters.
***
Chapter 26
The sound of singing greeted me as I entered my room. With her back to me, Turi, her pale cow’s tail brushing the floor behind her as she moved, was busy building a fire even though the weather had warmed. But the heat of the flames comforted me.
Turi looked up as I entered. "Ah, Brynhildr. I came to build the fire as soon as I heard you were back." Turi grinned at me as I sighed and I threw my water skin onto the bed. I unclipped my cloak and sat the spear beside my bed. For a moment, I watched it glint and gleam in the firelight then turned my attention back to Turi, accepting I’d also missed her cheery smile.
"It was quite an adventure." I knew she wouldn’t pry and I wasn’t in the mood to go over everything again.
She didn’t press me for information. As she looked at me, her eyes traced a path up and down my body and her smile disappeared. "I think you need to bathe." She grabbed a fresh dress, pristine white, and shoved it into my arms.
I didn't resist. The thought of soaking in a hot bath was so welcoming right now nothing could make me refuse my Huldra servant. I flinched every time I thought or heard the word. I'd always hated the word "servant." But Turi wasn't subservient in any way. She did her job and did it very well. Probably more an assistant than a servant. Except for when she helped me dress and undress. Then I wasn't exactly sure what to call her.
"Thanks, Turi. A bath sounds wonderful." All she did was nod, accepting my decision. She paused for a moment, then shrieked, the sound ear-piercing in the small room. "What's—?"
"Odin’s wolves…" The word barely made it past her lips as she shuddered, her eyes huge and round, staring at the doorway.
I glanced in the direction of her stare and hid a small smile. Odin's wolves had entered my room after me, each one bearing a raven on his back, both glancing from Turi to me and back again. I laughed. "Don't worry, Turi. Geri, Freki, meet Turi." I couldn’t stop grinning as I made the introductions. "Turi, meet Geri and Freki."
"What are they doing here?" Turi asked, all the while shivering, her eyes round with fear.
"I'm sorry Turi, but they're going to be staying with me. Odin has given them to me for protection." I spoke the words, wondering who was meant to protect whom.
"Here with you?" she croaked.
"Are you afraid of them, Turi?"
"No. Of course not." The Huldra straightened her body, back stiff, neck upright. "Of course not. They are just wolves. They do not frighten me."
I looked at the wolves. "Okay, furballs. You guys better behave and be nice to Turi. Or else." I walked to the door, threw an encouraging smile at Turi then left the room.
My trip to the baths didn't take long, my thoughts flitting from Odin to my upcoming visit with Bal the Surt. Fortunately, I didn't meet anyone on my way to the baths. We'd arrived during the morning sparring sessions and it seemed everyone was busy. It looked like Frigga was running a tight ship in Odin's absence.
The baths were empty. Another blessing. I tossed my clothing and sank into the heated waters of the pool. The sound of running water enveloped me, hundreds of little pipes sluicing water toward the great pool, the constant flow causing little waves to slap against the small semi-circular bathing areas at the water’s edge.
***
A while later I left the baths, relaxed and a little too sleepy for my liking, although my muscles were thanking me for the release. I headed back to my room and sure enough, on my way there, the odd Warrior or Valkyrie turned and stared and whispered to their companions as they watched me pass.
I smiled and waved to those I recognized from sparring practice or from elsewhere in Asgard, but mostly I just walked as fast as my legs could carry me. By the time I reached my room, I was tense and stressed again, annoyed at myself for allowing them to bug me.
I flung open my room door, startling the wolves, who both rose to their feet, hackles rising, teeth bared. They calmed as soon as they saw me, but not before I realized the room wasn't
empty.
Joshua sat on a stool by the fire, my empty bag and weapons at his feet. He shot me a small smile. "Hi." He threw me a wave and got to his feet.
"Hey. How did you get in without being eaten alive?" I asked, grinning happily to see Joshua again. Yet I felt awkward. The moment felt like it called for a hug, and I, for one, had to admit I'd love a hug from Joshua.
But he hesitated and I hesitated, and the moment was gone.
"They know me. They should know most of the Warriors anyway. Odin brings them with him when he visits Valhalla."
"You know something funny? In all the time I've been in Asgard, I've never once seen them." I shook my head in disbelief as I glanced at the pair of wolves who know sat beside the fire, faces on paws stretched out in front of them. Their eyes flitted from Joshua to me, every so often, but they seemed calm, which was all that mattered. I didn't want them tearing Joshua apart.
Joshua came toward me, eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay?"
I nodded, swallowing hard as the distance between us disappeared.
"You sure? You've been through a lot these past few days. You have to know you can talk to me . . . or even any of the other people in our team."
His words reached deep inside of me, and emotion welled up in my throat. I shook my head and tried to speak. Then I moved to him and hugged him hard. I couldn't help it. My body had done what my heart had wanted, and my mind had no say whatsoever.
His arms were warm around me, his body much warmer. I laid my head on his chest and breathed in. Then, I giggled.
"What is it?"
"When did you get so tall?" I asked as I tipped my head back to get a look at his face. "I remember not so long ago that I was the tallest one in this relationship." He was at least half a foot taller than me now. "And you have muscles . . . and a six pack."
"Hey. I had those before." He laughed and hugged me closer.
"Do you miss home?" I thought back to Aimee’s question the other day.