Realms Gate

by Juliet Anderson

  “Who was on guard last night?” he thundered.

  Two guards stepped forward. “We were.”

  Heinrekh faced them with a deathly look. “The young Priestess of Lokranor and her friend managed to saddle up and ride out of here and you did not hear a thing?”

  “No, sir.”

  Heinrekh let out a frustrated howl and turned them both to dust. He turned to other guards present. “You will ride out now and track down these two women. They are travelling on one horse so will be slow. Do not even think about returning without them.”

  He turned and flew back inside to his study. Destain would not let him down. He stroked the bird’s sleek black feathers.

  “Track down Erin McLomard and follow her. You will be my eyes.”

  He watched the bird fly off before heading to the armoury, he had a battle to prepare for later that morning. He had hoped the Lokranor army would be fairly weak without Erin, now it seemed they might have her after all on their side. He shook his head, annoyed with himself for once again underestimating a McLomard.

  He donned his battle armour and as he stomped back across the main hall, something caught his eye. It was the silk scarf Sasha had worn on the day she had, quite literally, wandered into his world. He picked it up and held it to his face. It still had traces of her perfume. He felt an uncharacteristic stabbing in his chest. Had last night just been a ruse or had she actually wanted to kiss him? She had accused him of not knowing his mind, but now he did not know her feelings. Had she played him for a fool? He hoped not because he would kill her if she had.

  His dismissed all thoughts of her, he would deal with her after the battle. She was easy enough to find, he had been to the McBride house many times, just not to her room. His horse was waiting for him in the courtyard. He mounted up and set off at a fearful pace towards the Skarsgaard border. Time to do some damage to Olav.

  Wilhelm was pacing up and down outside Erin’s tent. He needed to speak with her before the battle but she was still fast asleep. He wanted to clear the air between them, perhaps have one last kiss. He had a bad feeling about the day and if it was going to be his last, he hoped it to be memorable. He knew he did not have much time, his father was about to pull out with the troops.

  He headed into the tent. “She sleeps still?”

  “Yeah. I think her powers have completely drained her.” Magnus prodded her. There was no response.

  “We’re about to move out. Are you coming? Erin should be safe with a guard.”

  Magnus nodded. “I’m looking forward to fighting my father.”

  “Could you give me a minute alone with Erin?”

  “Sure. Just no strangling her, that’s my privilege.” Magnus left the tent.

  Wilhelm sat on the furs next to her and took her hand in his. She looked so fragile and vulnerable lying there, yet strangely serene. “I hope deep down you will hear this and remember when you wake up. You might be the most irritating, outspoken female to have entered this realm, but you are also one of the bravest and noble. You reminded me what my duties are and I plan to do my family name honour today.”

  “Wilhelm,” Erin murmured sleepily.

  He leant over and dropped a light kiss on her lips. “Take care, Erin McLomard.”

  He took one final look at her and left. Time to behave like a Viking. Magnus threw him his helmet and they both joined Olav as they headed to the line.

  “Let me lead the army,” Wilhelm asked his father. “As you have often said, I am not wise enough to rule. But the one thing I can do is fight.”

  Olav nodded. “You have my blessing. But as you are my only heir, I would appreciate you returning as well.”

  Magnus was at Wilhelm’s side as they stood at the head of the troops. Across the plain they could see Heinrekh’s bizarre mix of soldiers, mercenaries and creatures. Much to his surprise, Heinrekh rode forward with just one other.

  “Guess he wants to talk.” Wilhelm was a little disappointed. He was eager to get down to fighting. He was in the mood for it.

  He rode with Magnus as his second towards the centre of the plain where Heinrekh had stopped. Was it just co-incidence that the man Heinrekh had brought with him was Magnus’ father? He glanced over at Magnus who remained impassive.

  “Are you going to announce your plans to retreat?” Wilhelm looked direct into those cold eyes.

  Heinrekh gave an icy stare. “On the contrary, I was giving you the option to surrender before any blood was split.”

  “A Viking does not surrender.”

  “True, but I had to ask. Is your father not up for the fight?”

  “He is. But I asked to lead today. I want to be the one who finally kills you.”

  Heinrekh’s laughter echoed around the plain. “You certainly have a sense of humour, boy.”

  “And you have shown you are weak, old man,” Wilhelm retaliated. “A young, inexperienced girl can ride right into your own castle and back out again with one of your captives. I’m surprised you can show your face.”

  Wilhelm saw Heinrekh’s eyes literally turn to steel. “I will enjoy killing you last. Perhaps after I have turned your precious priestess to dust.”

  Wilhelm was grinning when they rode back to their line.

  “Was that wise winding Heinrekh up?” Magnus asked.

  “Probably not, but we have to get our enjoyment where we can.”

  They rejoined the troops and Wilhelm drew his sword. “Today we have a chance to finally rid Lokranor and the Realms of Heinrekh’s poison. Let us annihilate him and his followers and bring peace and stability back to our lands.”

  Vikings were not known for long speeches. The men gave a loud cheer and followed in close pursuit behind Wilhelm and Magnus, hoping no doubt for a glorious death.

  CHAPTER 26

  “Wilhelm,” Erin shouted, sitting bolt upright. She ran her hand over her lips. Had she imagined that? She darted out the tent, the camp was virtually deserted. Shit, she swore to herself, trust her to sleep through her first battle. She was already in her body armour, she just needed her cloak and sword. With those attached, she grabbed Athena and followed the noise.

  Olav and some troops were standing well back from the fighting, watching events unfold. He glanced at her as she approached.

  “Where’s Wilhelm and Magnus?”

  “At the head of the army, where they should be,” the King responded.

  Erin’s eyes widen as she saw the mayhem in front of her. She could not bear the thought of anything happening to either of them. She ditched her cloak, it restricted movement.

  “Stay out of this,” Olav ordered.

  “Sorry, you’re not my sovereign,” was her response. She kicked Athena into canter and rode headlong into the fray. She vaporised any Vasmaarian in her path as she forged her way to the front. Her eyes were fixed on Wilhelm and Magnus, she could not let anything happen to them. Her heart was in her mouth as she saw a Vasmaarian run at Magnus’ back, sword drawn. Her Loxhadrin was thrown with pinpoint accuracy. Magnus turned, shock registering on his face.

  “It’s now two one to you.”

  “Why the hell aren’t you in camp?” Magnus hollered.

  “Because someone has to watch your back,” she retorted. “It might not have registered in your thick brain, but I kind of need my guardian.”

  “Guardians usually know where their charges are.”

  “You knew where I was, so stop grumping.” She leapt down from Athena and drew her Talmar.

  Wilhelm materialised by her side. She glanced briefly at him, he looked truly magnificent in his armour and helmet. Hell, now was not the right time to go weak at the knees. “Do you usually kiss women when they’re asleep?”

  He ran a soldier through with his sword. “You’re at your safest when you’re asleep.”

  Erin felt truly empowered with her two favourite men either side of her. In fact she felt almost invincible. With them beside her, she waded through the sea of Vasmaarian soldiers with very litt
le trouble. She knew she could take the easy option and use Loxhadrin or another energy source, but that left her drained. And she had a feeling she would need a lot of power later on. Heinrekh would want to go one on one.

  As the fight continued, they were starting to get overpowered by the sheer numbers. Erin sliced a Midgard in two whilst considering her options.

  “If you give your men the order to drop to the ground, will they?” Erin asked Wilhelm.

  “Yes, I guess so.”

  “Good. Get ready to give that order.” Erin raised her sword once more to the sky and shouted Droxhardin. Her Talmar seemed to literally fill with blue energy. “Now,” she shouted as she aimed the lightning bolts towards the line of Vasmaarian soldiers. It reduced their numbers considerably.

  “You know, kid, you’re starting to scare me,” Magnus muttered.

  “What you actually mean to say is I’m brilliant.”

  “Where did you learn that?”

  “Something I picked up whilst at Heinrekh’s. Visiting the enemy’s lair certainly has its benefits.”

  With her sword still charged with Droxhardin, she made light work of the soldiers. Then the moment she had been waiting for, dreading even, appeared. The soldiers parted and let their leader through. He was still on horseback as was Magnus’ father.

  “It seems you want to settle this with the arts,” Heinrekh stared down at her.

  “Glad you finally got the hint,” she responded. “Don’t you usually get your hands dirty?”

  “No. But on this occasion I will make an exception. You are the first worthy opponent I’ve had in many years.” He leapt with grace from his horse. As he did, Erin let loose a small ball of Loxhadrin, it hit Magnus’ father right in the chest, sending him flying off his horse.

  “Sorry,” she giggled. “I can’t seem to contain myself.”

  She heard Magnus snicker behind her. She owed him that at least.

  Heinrekh circled her like a cat stalking its prey. He glowered at Magnus and Wilhelm. “This is between Erin and I, so back up.” He waved his hand and brought up a shield of energy, cutting them off from both armies.

  He stared hard at Erin. “Now it’s just you and me. Where’s Sasha?”

  “Back in Lokranor. So stay away from her.” It really didn’t bode well for her friend if, in the middle of the battle field, Heinrekh’s thoughts were still on Sasha. He’d got it bad.

  “After I have dispensed with you, I will have Sasha brought back to Vasmaar.”

  “Women tend to prefer being invited rather than dragged. You’ll find her much more compliant if you ask nicely.”

  Heinrekh snorted and came at her with his sword raised. The sheer power in his swing reverberated through her Talmar and nearly knocked her off her feet. As their swords met, hers sparked with the Droxhardin. She knew from his expression that every time their swords clashed, the energy zapped him. He swung with renew vigour and knocked the Talmar out of her hands. Her reactions were quick.

  “Haldarin,” she murmured, thereby slowing time, allowing her Talmar to return to her hand.

  Heinrekh’s eyes narrowed, he knew what she had just done. “You learn quickly. Imagine what you could do with my tuition.”

  “Magnus is a good enough tutor,” she retorted.

  “I disagree. I am the only one with the ability to train you properly. They have no idea what you are capable of. I do.”

  “Let me guess. You want my allegiance first before you tutor me?”

  “Of course.” He swung hard and nearly knocked her off her feet. “It doesn’t have to be like this.”

  “Are you going to release my mother?”

  “Not until I have your allegiance.”

  “Sadly, you won’t get that until Lodraill is set free.”

  “Then we are at an impasse it seems.”

  “I guess we are.”

  “Enough of this,” he sounded bored and held his sword up to the sky. “Meet my Droxhardin.”

  It could only be described as something similar to an electrical storm as their swords clashed and sparks flew. Heinrekh was skilled, but she had spent many years fencing and was quick and light on her feet. They were oblivious to the hundreds of troops watching them, it was just the two of them in a fight, possibly to the death.

  After a while Heinrekh got fed up and re-sheathed his sword. “Time to put an end to this,” he scowled. He did not like being made to look vulnerable. He murmured something and Erin found herself lifted off the ground by a beam of blue energy. It was as though it were an extension of Heinrekh’s hand, clasped tight around her neck as he held her several feet up in the air against the shield.

  The burning in her neck was excruciatingly painful and she could feel the air slowly being squeezed out of her lungs. She wriggled and fought like a fiend, but she had nothing to grab hold of. Bloody cheat, this was not fighting fair, her brain screamed.

  “Don’t ever think you can beat me,” Heinrekh shouted to Olav and his army. “Now watch your child priestess die.”

  He squeezed harder and Erin found herself starting to black out. A tear slipped down her cheek as her mother’s face came into view. Sorry, Mama, she said to herself. I failed you.

  A voice spoke in her head, but it was not Magnus. You can do this, Erin. You have the energy within you. You are stronger than Heinrekh. Use your Asgardian shield.

  On the edge of unconsciousness, she saw the shield her mother was referring to. It was the one that hung in her father’s private chamber. Kind of difficult, it’s in Muirhead.

  It’s like your Talmar. Visualise it in your hand and it will appear.

  Then what? Do I throw it at Heinrekh.

  Her mother laughed lightly. No. Use it to block his energy.

  Erin imagined she was actually holding the shield, a split second later she could feel the steel in her hand. She held it against the energy ray and reversed the flow back to Heinrekh. With the force broken, she dropped to the ground, landing very heavily on her freshly healed ankle. A sharp pain shot through her.

  Heinrekh growled angrily and pulled out his sword. Erin’s Talmar was closer to hand, she managed to slice him deeply across his shoulder. He let out a loud snarl and they started battling again. As they did, Erin noticed the shield around them starting to fall. And then she understood. Heinrekh had overextended his use of blue energy and it had drained his power source hugely, so much so that the shield that held Lodraill was starting to fail. He had therefore had no choice but to channel most of what he had left in to containing Lodraill. It worked very much to her favour as Wilhelm and Magnus had had enough of sitting on the side lines.

  All around them descended into chaos as both sides starting fighting once more. Erin’s attention was momentarily distracted by someone rushing towards her, it was time enough for Heinrekh to slash her across her thigh. She let out a high pitched yelp as the pain shot through her.

  Heinrekh was aware of Lokranor troops headed his way and looked darkly at her. “It seems we will have to continue our fight another time.” He barked instructions at his generals and disappeared amongst his troops.

  Wilhelm and Magnus were beside her in seconds. A good job as she could barely stand. Her right ankle was throbbing and her thigh was oozing out a steady supply of blood.

  “We need to get you back to camp,” Magnus grunted.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, it’s just a scratch.” She put on a brave face and lifted up her Talmar. A sharp pain shot through her head then suddenly everything went black.

  Wilhelm felt genuinely thrilled when Erin joined them on the battlefield, fighting side by side was so very Viking. And she was very good at it.

  She had more than held her own against Heinrekh until he unleashed his true force. Watching Erin have the life squeezed out of her and being unable to a damn thing about it was unbearable, he never wanted to experience anything like that again. When all looked lost, she fought back in spectacular style and inflicted a deep wound on Heinrekh. He would not
underestimate her again.

  The relief he felt when the shield fell was almost overwhelming. Both he and Magnus rushed to her side. She was badly injured but still as obstinate as ever. He could see the blood pouring down her leg, she would not last long if it was not stitched. She was arguing with Magnus, so he made a snap decision and hit her over the head with the hilt of his sword. Magnus caught her as she went down. “Sorry, but we don’t have time to argue.”