City of Assassins

by Farah Cook

  “To the Duchess’s chamber.” He stops now and looks at me. “She has fallen critically ill and wishes to speak with you.” He leads me into bright daylight, and we cross the main square reaching the front of a small house. A wooden door creaks opens. We enter a dark hallway. Underneath us are cobblestones and ahead are endless arches. As we pass through the archways we reach another door. Balder unlocks it, and we climb a spiral staircase, which takes us up to an attic. From there we step into a tower room. The space is narrow and the ceiling tall and vaulted. I hold my breath and control my nerves as we walk through.

  He pushes the door in front of us open. When I look past his broad shoulders I see Grethe lying in a bed in the middle of the room. The wizard is by her side. She is pale as the winter snow. Her body could be mistaken for a corpse.

  “What is wrong with her?” I say. “She looks like a ghost.”

  “She carries the death curse,” says Balder. “You need to help her, please.”

  A thousand expressions on my face chase each other. I’ve been brought here so she can live. That’s the only reason I am alive. Otherwise, I would be dead.

  “Come, sit, Nora,” she says, her voice raspy. The wizard shadows my every move.

  “I did not do this to her, I swear.” I say. “If you think—”

  “I know,” says the wizard. “Grethe carries a spell that was forged by the Earl before he died. The Earl knew his time had come. Just like he knew Grethe must take his place and rule the City of Vikings. He also knew you’d want what is yours. The only risk was Grethe denying you access to Arres.”

  “He made sure before he passed away that she would give me access to Arres?” I ask.

  I think of Robert before he closed his eyes and said the Viking prayer. I wanted to hold his head in my lap, but I was too weak, too shocked. He never was a father to me. I thought about the love I never received because he gave it all to Grethe—the daughter he wanted—and not the daughter that was part of a scheme forged by his estranged wife.

  Before I had hope that I might have a taste of fatherly love. Now, I know I never will. He’s gone and has left a question darting in my mind. The pain stabs me. The Earl wanted to die and used me to kill him. I don’t blame myself; in that moment, I had no other choice. Does Grethe not see that? She needs to realize I had nothing to do with the Robert’s death.

  “Child,” says the Wizard softly. “The only way Grethe will survive is if you redeem her.”

  “How can I redeem her?” I say.

  “Because…” she gasps for air. “Our father wanted you to have what is yours to claim, sister.” Her head moves slowly, her eyes dim.

  “The weapons?”

  The wizard hands me the sword. “Nora, you must take the sword and leave with your companions immediately. Promise you will do all you can to protect the city your father built. Your father wanted peace. He trusted that you would use the weapons to preserve it and not embark on war. The Earl knew—”

  “I promise,” I say. “But I need to get to the gate, and the—”

  “You will,” says Grethe. “Sister.” I don’t know if it’s the spell or the urge to do the right thing that speaks in Grethe, but maybe she finally sees me for who I am. By the gods, I am not her enemy. I never was, and I never wanted her dead. I dislike her because she had the love of Robert. But I’m not her enemy.

  The wizard gives me a glass of blue water. “Drink with the intention of redeeming your sister and with the intention of leaving this city in peace, and to protecting it from harm.” I take the glass and stare at the wizard, who switches to his female side. Her deep, dark forest eyes capture me and scream inside my head.

  “LEAVE AND NEVER RETURN.” Like some evil spell, the words spin inside my head over and over. I drink from the glass and feel it shoot into my veins like electricity. I toss the glass to the side. I hear it break. Grethe gets out of bed, her feet carefully avoiding the glass. The miniature suns in her eyes glow, growing like she’s going to explode. She glares at me just for a moment and folds her arms around me.

  Her pale skin peels off like a layer of onion. The warmth from her body expels, and I want her off of me. She takes one step away. I look at her. She appears renewed almost immediately. I kept my promise and redeemed her. The spell she was under has been lifted like a veil.

  “Thank you,” she says and breathes in and out heavily. I am afraid she will turn around and change her mind. But something in her eyes tells me she’s not that calculating and evil.

  “Now, get me and my companions the hell out of here.” I stalk out, and I do not turn around to watch their faces. I am afraid if I do something might change.

  Walking through the Ashes, I realize it is like no other place I’ve ever seen before. It is ghostly and grim and different from the rest of the city. I gaze at Frederick, wondering what he and Mina did here with Knud Forkbeard. Frederick didn’t give away much, but whatever it was, was good enough to convince him that he is this other person, my brother, William. The father he never knew only gave him moments, if not seconds, of his time before passing away.

  How must Frederick feel? Sad? Happy? Relieved? His face is blank. Mina looks terrified, and I don’t blame her. This journey is not for the faint hearted. Mina pretends she isn’t, but her silence gives her away. She is clever and has been a good, trusted companion. Underestimated, which makes her even more valuable. But she is not as strong as she wants to be. She is frail, and I worry for her safety.

  We walk past the Ashes and into a dark meadow with long grass seeded with black and gray wildflowers. We walk on dead leaves, forging our way deeper into the field as if entering a dragon’s lair. Here and there I see bugs moving through the grass, spiders building webs, and odd looking gray foxes and other creatures slinking low to the ground. I feel the bite of an insect on my arm and lightly brush it away.

  When I turn my gaze to the sky, I see dark clouds moving across the horizon like death spells. While this place has peace and serenity, it also has sinister darkness. I see mountains and hills in the distance and a mauve stream bubbling across the meadow. The air is sweet and warm. I smell moist berries and earth.

  We walk deeper into the woods, and the trees sway across, forming endless green arches. Then the branches and twigs break, blowing apart. The green disappears, and we walk through a heath with low shrubby bushes, forming a long neat row as if planted there. The path stops at a large metal door. Nothing unusual, just a door. We hold back, and I look at Balder, and at the wizard who digs deep into his pocket.

  “Our journey ends here,” he says. “You’re on your own now.” He hands me a long golden key.

  I glare at him, not knowing what to say. My mind is full of questions. I just don’t know which one to pick. They’re all important. Where will this door lead us? What makes the City of Assassins so special? Are we stepping out of time or back in time? Will we find what we seek? I need a hint or direction—anything from the all-knowing wizard.

  Instead, I look at him and say, “Now what?”

  I turn to Frederick and Mina; they look as confused as I do. Frederick knows a lot about the Vikings, but something tells me this is no longer about Vikings. It’s about the time before the Goths and the Verans became two competing clans. Viking races tied into shrewd killings to claim the land they wanted. The Nine Worlds sealed in the form of a mysterious map on my back. Encrypted runes Yggdrasil will give me that open the door to these worlds.

  “Be brave,” says Alfrothul Gunnlaug and smiles. “Be courageous and strong. You are about to experience an ancient world. It’s a world of smokeless fire, deadly spices, and wraith shadows in the darkness. In Arres the assassins of Justus Markus rule. They kill ruthlessly those that protest, and among the Rebels you must find solace. Only they can send you back to the Triangle safely.”

  “And the weapons?” I say. “How do we claim them from the assassins?”

  “Your destiny will lead you to the weapons forged to protect Justus Markus. The as
sassins have their own foretelling and may be anticipating your arrival. But don’t expect sympathy from cursed killers. To them you are not even their blood yet.”

  “How will we know?” says Frederick? “We can’t just—”

  “You’ll know,” says Åse, with her face of tragedy as she turns to stare at us. “You will have powers in Arres that will help you. You may forget who you are but will become what you must to survive.”

  “What?” says Mina. “I’m afraid something terrible might happen to us.”

  “Not if you try to stay in disguise for as long as possible,” says the Wizard. “Hide and avoid being noticed.”

  “I don’t understand,” I say. “We’ll clearly stand out if we’re traveling back in time.”

  “The memory you have now may be lost temporarily, or it may be lost forever as you enter Arres. You are after all stepping five hundred years back in time. Such travel does things to the mind. Whatever it may be, trust your instincts, follow your heart, believe in battle and your inner strength when all hope seems lost, for you are Vikings.”

  My heart beats faster than usual. I snatch a breath as if it was my last. This may not be a good idea after all. Time travel? I can’t get my mind to believe it. Am I entering this world to seek the weapons that will preserve peace or unleash war? What are we getting ourselves into? I hope by the gods this is the right thing. I need guidance from Yggdrasil, a sign or anything that will tell me this journey will lead me to the truth I seek. I wish Helena were here with me. I need her.

  I turn to look at Frederick. His eyes are desperate. I sense the same questions poking his mind. We’ve come this far; we must continue our journey. There’s no way back.

  “Is there no other method we can use to get the weapons than traveling through time—”

  “No,” says the Wizard. “This journey is inevitable.”

  “There has to be another way to protect ourselves against our enemy. To travel back in time doesn’t make sense.”

  “Did you think getting the most powerful weapons in the world would be easy?” the wizard says and locks his eyes with mine.

  “No, of course not,” I say.

  “You will know what to do when in the City of Assassins.”

  “Alfrothul,” I say. “What are our chances of returning?”

  “This journey will be perilous,” he says. “But Ohhh! The beauty of the unknown, the unfamiliar taste of fear and anxiety. That’s the life you’ve chosen, dear assassin—a life you must live by. There are no guarantees. All you have is yourself and your companions.”

  “But the seal to protect the weapons—”

  “The seal will be broken as soon as you enter the gate. The only thing that will protect you is the sword. Don’t lose it. It controls all the other weapons and without it, you will not be able to use of the shield, the spear, and the axe.”

  I drum my fingers against the pommel nervously. This doesn’t feel right. It was a bad idea, and I cannot ask Frederick and Mina to follow me into this madness.

  “Stay,” I say, looking at both of them. “I’ll go alone.”

  “Between the devil and the deep blue sea…” says the wizard and laughs. “Child, you will need companions. Arres is deadlier than any other place in the universe.”

  “The journey calls for me and me alone,” I say. “I cannot risk their lives.”

  “You must be out of your mind,” says Frederick. “There’s no way, by Odin the almighty, you’re going past that gate without me.”

  “And me,” says Mina, straightening her spine. She looks an inch or two taller.

  “Behind the gate, who knows what will happen?” I say. “What if we get separated or lost. We’re—”

  “You will always know me,” says Frederick. “You hold my heart.”

  “About that,” says the wizard rapidly. “I advise against such practice—”

  “Practice?” I say and raise my voice.

  He turns and walks into the meadow, returning with a mix of herbs in his hand. He crumbles and blends them together, and says a spell in Norse.

  “Here, take this and let it enter your bodies and as it does, lay your hand at each other’s chests to awaken your hearts from the others’ keep.” We do as the wizard says knowing this may be the last time we’ll see each other as ourselves. I feel the blood in my veins go cold, and my heartbeat fades. I catch myself from falling. When I pull back my hand, I look at Frederick. He is more beautiful than ever, and I treasure this memory of him. I realize I’ve let go of his heart, which was locked in my chest. Could he be William, my brother? Or perhaps he’ll turn into someone else as soon as we walk past the gate. Someone I may not even remember.

  “My heart—” I look at the wizard.

  “Is where it should be.” He smiles. “It’s home.”

  Frederick, on the other hand, looks upset and confused. Could sadness be washing over him? I wish I’d never met him because the pain is unbearable. My heart has been ripped out of his chest as mine has from his. He does not belong to me. I am nothing more than a past memory to him.

  “It is done,” says the Wizard. “You’re safer now.”

  “How can I be safe?” I say. “I’ve been in danger from the day I was born.”

  “Child,” says the Wizard. “Some things are worth being in danger for, and some things worth being safe for. You asked me what are the chances of your return. It will be what you decide and in Arres, you will know your friends from foes. Do not be fooled by supernatural creatures. Some are stronger than they appear while others are weaker.”

  “Supernatural creatures?” I look at the Wizard.

  “Evil spirits and the wizards and witches of Arres.”

  “Right, of course.” I shrug like it’s normal. Of course, it is. I am about to time travel to a new world. I have no idea what I am getting myself into.

  In the distance a shadow emerges. It is Grethe. She’s come to say her goodbyes. I am surprised to see her. I did not expect her to come after everything that happened between us.

  Grethe confronts me and by the gods she looks glorious, like a true Duchess. She shines with the sun at her back, her health strong and her mind clear. The poison and resentment she carried in her heart for me seems gone, and I am relieved she hasn’t judged me for what has happened. We both lost our father. Perhaps she feels as guilty as I for not being able to save him. He gave up his life, sacrificed himself, so we could both live. Not live as enemies—live as sisters. Maybe not now but perhaps someday.

  “Nora,” she says, raising her long neck. “I’m sorry we could not be sisters. I’m sorry our father chose to sacrifice his life to give you what you were meant to have, the freedom you’re looking for. And to you, Frederick, my brother, I—”

  “Don’t,” he says. “You owe me nothing.”

  She sighs, her long eyelashes flutter. She turns her head away and stares into nothing, then she gazes into my eyes, sharp as an ice pick.

  “Very well,” she says. “You leave in peace and must swear to protect us if our city faces danger. We want nothing but to keep this place sealed from the Triangle. We are the last true Vikings, and give you your freedom by keeping ours and letting you enter Arres willingly to search for the weapons. I, Duchess of the City of Vikings, Grethe Lise Hunt release this burden from my keep, and grant you access to the gate that leads to Arres, taking you to the heart of the City of Assassins. By Odin and by Thor, may you find what you seek. May you use your powers to protect our world from evil, from darkness, and from corruption.”

  She looks at me again then shifts her stiff gaze toward Frederick and leaves without saying another word. Following her steps are the wizard and Balder, and just before disappearing, Åse gives me a dark stare.

  “May the Norse gods turn in your favor.” The wizard’s whispers fade with the wind.

  I unclench my fist, and the key in my hand shines in the dark daylight.

  “Terrified?” says Frederick.

  “Petrified,
” I say.

  “We’ve been on deadly journeys together before.”

  “The past was different.”

  “Why?” he says.

  “I didn’t know.”

  “Does it change anything?”

  “Everything. Frederick, I am in love with you. I will always—”

  He steps toward me. But I pull back.

  “Don’t,” I say. “We don’t know what we are to one another.”

  “Why do you care?” he says. “You knew nothing until—”

  “Frederick, stop,” I say. “I always had a feeling I did not belong, and I knew the world around me was different. That I was different. I never cared. I still don’t, but just in case—”

  I take one step closer to the door. He grabs one of my hands and one of Mina’s.

  “There’s still time, Mina,” I say.

  “Nothing to go back for,” says Mina. “Where Nora go. Mina go.”

  “Wherever you go, I will follow, Nora—”

  “Don’t say it, Frederick. As long as you don’t say anything, it won’t hurt, and I can love you a little longer.”

  “You may love me for a little longer, but I will love you now and forever. Love has no label or demand. It’s just love.”

  I put a finger to his lips. I don’t want to hear him speak. It hurts. Why this has happened? I do not know. I only know that it changes everything if it is the truth, and that I have to let go of him. If only I could just forget I ever loved him.

  A tear drops from my heart, and I let go of him and all my fear. Inside my head, I have the courage to roar and scream. What will become of me in Arres? Will I return? What about Frederick and Mina? By the gods, I am scared for what hides behind the door. It stands before me, like a big rock.

  And Frederick, I wish there was a way I could forget the pain, and about the love I carry around for him like some stray cat, searching for purpose.

  The wind whispers a strange name from the past in my ear, and I understand now what I must do. My hand shakes slightly as I place the key in the keyhole and unlock the door. I push it open and sharp light welcomes us as we thread past the ashes to enter the place of the past.