Kodran pulled her back against his front and held her as clouds swept over the moon. She could feel his thoughts brush hers. He understood what she and her sisters had suffered when they watched their own mother die of cancer. What she had felt as she watched the strain and heartache between her parents as they let each other go. As they said goodbye.
“Aunt Megan will not be alone here,” he whispered, the emotion in his voice evident. “And her departure from Uncle Naðr will be much different. She might not be a dragon, but she is connected to all of us. And while we may not be able to cure her, we have the power to ease her suffering and make her last days comfortable.” He held her tighter. “There will be no strife. It will be much different than what you experienced as a child.”
“I hope so,” she murmured. “Because it’s a sad thing to watch.”
They didn’t say anything for a while after that just held each other and stared at the stars. Eventually, he murmured, “This was my favorite ship as a child. I would spend hours playing on it then watching the sky as we are now. I always felt like I could see things better from here. Not just Midgard but other worlds.”
She leaned her head back against his chest. “Maybe even Vanaheim?”
“Yes.” She heard the smile in his voice. “But mostly Múspellsheimr, home of us dragons.”
“So all along you were searching for the wrong world.”
“No,” he said softly. “I think all along I was searching for the right world.” He tilted her head back until their eyes met. “Because did you not come back as a dragon?”
“I did,” she whispered before his lips closed over hers. When warm light filled her mind’s eye she thought at first it was just part of the happiness she felt but then her ring warmed as well.
“Kodran,” she murmured as her eyes dropped to the ring. It was glowing again. Seconds later, its glow raced up the mast and filled the sail before it started to fade. “What’s happening?”
“I don’t know.” He was about to say more but stopped when a commotion began back in the village. “They’re here. Bjorn’s kingdom.”
She nodded and joined him as they headed back. “Do you think that had anything to do with the ring glowing?”
He shook his head. “Why would it?”
“Beats me,” she said. “Just curious timing is all.”
By the time they returned, there were a vast amount of people. It was clear Heidrek and Cybil had planned well because everything seemed to be going smoothly. Villagers were welcoming as many as they could into their homes, as were the Sigdirs and their mates.
“There is plenty of space in our lodge,” Kodran said to her before he hesitated. “If you are willing to share on your wedding night.”
“Do you even need to ask?” She squeezed his hand as they made their way through the crowd. “I’m fine with sleeping outside if I have to.”
He gave her a thankful look before they found Cybil and got instructions on how to help. Before they left, she stopped them. “Heidrek wants us in position to protect his people, so we Sigdirs will be camping outside of the Fortress walls.”
“And what will happen if Grant calls all of us away from here?” Kodran asked.
“Then we go but leave behind enough warriors to protect everyone.” She eyed the villagers. “They might not be warriors, but outside of the children and elderly, these people know how to defend themselves.”
“Grant won’t be taking you away from here,” Erica whispered as a strange sensation washed over her. “This is gonna be ground zero, Cyb.”
Cybil nodded as her concerned eyes again went to the people. “All right, let’s get moving then.”
Kodran nodded, and he and Erica began ushering as many people as could comfortably be housed into his lodge, then got them settled. After that, they helped with finding everyone else a place to rest.
By the time they joined their family outside the gates, everyone was pretty wiped. All warriors from both kingdoms were placed strategically both inside and outside the gates then in the mountains and forest beyond.
“Some honeymoon, eh, Sis?” Sam said to Erica as they sat around a fire near the northern side of the outer wall.
“Actually,” Erica replied, looking at each of her sisters. “All things considered, it hasn’t been bad.” Her eyes met Kodran’s and her heart leapt. “Not at all.”
“I’m glad to hear it.” Cybil squeezed her hand. “More than you know.”
“Me too,” Shannon added and smiled.
“Hell yeah, darlin’.” Kage offered one of those charming smiles he was so good at. “You deserve nothing but the best from here on out.”
It didn’t matter that they were roughing it right now. Erica understood what he meant. So she blew him a kiss and settled back against Kodran’s chest. No bad weather was expected so they hadn’t bothered with tents. Where they sat was where they slept. So when he covered her with a fur and the steady beat of his heart seemed to fill her whole body, her eyes slid shut in utter comfort.
Then she slept like a baby.
Her ring warmed as she dreamt of things that happened when she was still living on Vanaheim. First, the moment she met Eluf. He was young, maybe mid to late teens, and unbelievably cocky. Nobody could cast spells as well as him. Nobody could manipulate magic like him. And, at his tender age and with his comely appearance, surely nobody could attract women like he could.
All except for one woman that is.
Maeva’s incarnate.
After all, she was from an esteemed family and not even on his pre-destined radar to be considered kin let alone a lover. Yet she drew his attention with her stunning appearance and her lack of interest. With the way she stared at the stars and didn’t dream of being with him like all the other girls did but dreamt instead of those other places. Midgard and Múspellsheimr. Humans and dragons. Those were the sorts of creatures that intrigued her because they were forbidden. They were beneath her. And she didn’t feel that was right.
Taken by how different she was than all the others, Eluf eventually realized she wasn’t going to pursue him, so he approached her one day. As always, she sat on a low rock overlooking the sea as she stared up at the sky.
“I am here now. I have given in,” he declared as he stopped beside her and planted his hands on his hips. “You may have my body if you desire.”
She rolled her eyes and ignored him. “I am not interested in your body.”
“Every girl is interested in it,” he assured. “And it is time you admit you are as well.”
“No,” she said blandly. “It is time for you leave me alone. I do not want you, Eluf.”
“Ah,” he piped up and plunked down next to her. “So you know my name.”
“Oh, yes, I know your name.” She didn’t spare him a glance. “And I know you are the last seer I would ever want to share my life with.”
Eluf was so full of himself her words didn’t faze him in the least. They didn’t detour him from his pursuit of her, either. He had a one track mind. “If you know my name, then you have heard the tales,” he said proudly. “You know how powerful I am becoming. How sought after I am.”
“Then go be sought after,” she muttered and kept gazing at the sky. “Go be better than everyone else somewhere other than here. Please.”
“I would if I could,” he declared before something changed in his voice. “But every time I try to go somewhere else, I want to be right here beside you.”
“I do not know how to help you with that,” she murmured. Now she was keeping her eyes on the sky so she would not look at him. “I think you should leave.”
“I do not want to,” he argued.
“But I want you to,” she stated firmly.
“Do you really?” When he cupped her chin and tilted her face in his direction, she almost jerked away but did not. Instead, she startled at the feel of his touch and grew wide eyed. It seemed he was just as caught off guard based on the flare of his pupils. Instead of pulling aw
ay, he did the last thing she expected.
He kissed her.
It was soft, gentle, and so impactful that she jolted back and skinned her finger on the rock.
“I am sorry,” he whispered, distress in his eyes as he looked at her bleeding finger. “Let Vanaheim heal you.” He pressed her finger against the rock, more so the healing qualities of the metal it contained. “Let me heal you.”
At that moment, she saw past the Eluf he was to the seer he would become.
To the man he would become.
More than that, what they would become together.
She was about to speak, but Eluf faded away. Yet she didn’t forget what he had said.
Her and Kodran’s eyes shot open at the same moment.
“Vanaheim’s metal heals,” he whispered.
Her eyes dropped to her ring. “And this contains that metal.”
Seconds later everyone awoke as Naðr Véurr roared, “Where is my wife?”
His eyes were furious as he stopped at the gates. It seemed he had his strength back because he was more muscular and formidable than he had been before. He stared out over the water before his lethal gaze swung their way. “Better yet, where is Grant Hamilton?”
Chapter Eighteen
KODRAN HAD NEVER seen his uncle look so furious. And there had been many times over the years when he should have because ruling a kingdom wasn’t for faint of heart. But this was a first.
Heidrek, Bjorn, Kol, and Raknar intercepted Naðr before he got too far and upset every last villager and warrior when that was the last thing they needed right now. The men spoke in a hushed circle, clearly trying to get Uncle Naðr under control.
“We need to tell him about this ring, Kodran,” Erica said. “It might help calm him.”
“Why?” his mother asked with a frown. “What can it do?”
“It...” Erica shook her head as she tried to clear her thoughts. Kodran frowned as he sensed the haze that overcame her mind.
“It what?” Aunt Veronica prompted.
“Something’s happening,” Erica whispered as her eyes went to the sky. “Grant’s reaching out. Something’s going on back home.”
Though her siblings came close at the distress in her voice, Kodran kept her in his arms and supported her. Suddenly her eyes whipped to Samantha. “There was a tree here. A Yggdrasill you used when you first traveled back in time.”
“Yes.” Sam’s eyes went to the mountain behind the Fortress. “It’s up there.”
Erica’s eyes shot to Vivienne. “Your people are coming in through that tree.” Her eyes widened as she listened to something nobody else could hear. “Hallstein’s been baited, and he’s right behind but...” She shook her head. “Grant can’t pinpoint what direction he and his crew are coming from.”
“Fuck,” Kage muttered. “I can’t tell you how bad that is. We need a location, Sis, and damn fast.”
Erica nodded. Her eyes flew from the mountain to the sea before they went to Kage and Vivienne. “I hate to ask this of you two but—”
“Ask us any damn thing you want to,” Viv said.
“Agreed,” Kage added.
“I need you to split up.” Erica offered them an apologetic look. “I need Viv on the mountain and Kage, I need you with me.”
“Done,” both said at once.
Kodran had never been so proud of Erica than when she took control with such confidence. Like the others, he didn’t hesitate to follow her instructions.
“In fact, I’m splitting everyone up right now.” Her eyes went to her sisters. “Cyb and Sam, you’re on the mountain with Viv. Be ready to welcome those ancient Sigdir dragons and point them in the right direction.”
Her eyes went to his mother and Aunt Veronica. “You need to keep your people calm and direct your warriors.”
She looked at Uncle Kjar and Aunt Aella. “Do you have some of those shiny shields here?”
“Of course,” Aella said, clearly impressed with Erica’s take-charge attitude.
Erica’s eyes met Kjar’s, and she hesitated.
“Say what you will,” he murmured. “Do not lose courage now, woman.”
Erica eyed him for another moment before she nodded.
“Are your daughters and Vigdis still on Mt. Galdhøpiggen? Are they on the other side of those shields?”
“They are,” Kjar acknowledged.
“Good.” Erica’s eyes stayed with his as she swallowed then seemed to gather the courage he told her not to lose. “Because unfortunately, I might just need to lead the enemy straight to their doorstep.”
Again, their eyes held as Uncle Kjar processed whatever she might mean by that then finally nodded. “Then they will be ready.” He looked to Aunt Aella. “We will be ready.”
She nodded, her gaze calm and confident. “We will, Husband. As will they.”
“What about me?” came an all-too-familiar burr. “Where would you like me, lass?”
“Adlin,” Emily exclaimed and grinned widely as she and Håkon headed their way. “I was wondering when you were gonna show up.”
“Aye, wee Emily.” He grinned in return. “We have had some nice conversations, have we not?”
“For sure!” She narrowed her eyes at Håkon in annoyance. “See, I told you I knew a famous wizard.”
“Which brings me to you and Matthew, Shannon,” Erica said as she looked at her sister. “You need to stay right here with your kids and be ready.” Her eyes flickered to Matthew before they returned to Shannon. “He’s Hel’s dragon, and she has a soft spot for all four of you. That’s going to mean something, and when it does, you need to be ready.” She cocked her head as understanding seemed to dawn. “You four should be on the shore where Matthew was revived. Your last connection with Hel.”
“You mean to tell me that I need to keep my children in harm’s way?” Shannon said through clenched teeth as she pulled them close. “Are you seriously asking me to do that, Sis?”
“Harm’s way is exactly where I want to be, Mama,” Emily declared as she pulled out a dagger and narrowed her eyes. “It’s time we end the enemy.”
“I couldn’t agree more, Sister.” Håkon nodded as he pulled out his own weapon. “We will battle them all, and none will survive.”
“Absolutely not,” Shannon started to say but trailed off when Matthew’s hand landed on her shoulder, and his eyes met hers.
“No,” she whispered. “You can’t possibly support this.”
“We are stronger as a family.” Then his hands rested on Emily and Håkon’s shoulders. “This is our chance to take revenge. To finally put an end to the dragons who separated us all to begin with.”
“But they’re just children,” she argued.
“Powerful children,” he reminded.
“Very,” Emily agreed.
“Odin sort of powerful,” Håkon put out there, but Emily shook her head and mouthed, “That’s a little over the top.”
Håkon flexed his tiny muscles and gave his blade a look before he mouthed back, “So you say.”
“I think we should listen to Erica, Shannon,” Matthew said softly as their eyes held. “And I think that our children are never safer than they are when they’re with us.”
“I will stay close as well,” Sven volunteered. “I would die before any harm befell Emily and Håkon.”
Kodran didn’t miss the troubled look that crossed Bjorn and Sam’s faces. While they were proud of Sven, they all understood that Shannon and her immediate family were about to become a very crucial part of how all this went down. Because they were the only ones who could enter in and out of Helheim. The only ones who could follow the enemy through both worlds.
So Sven had just volunteered to put the inevitable target on his back as well.
“Thank you, Sven,” Shannon murmured as her eyes stayed with Matthew’s. “And while I wish I could tuck them away somewhere safe, you’re right. Our children are safest with us.”
Shannon’s eyes went from Sven’s to B
jorn’s. “Your son goes where you want him.”
“I go where I wish to go,” Sven ground out and narrowed his eyes on Bjorn and Sam. “You cannot order me otherwise.”
The truth was Sven would never leave Emily’s side during something like this. He would die first.
Sam and Bjorn looked at each other again before his cousin inhaled deeply and nodded. “Keep Emily and Håkon safe, Son. Make us proud.”
Sven nodded. “You have my word.”
Sam’s eyes grew moist and narrowed before she embraced Sven and muttered, “You better stay safe, got me?”
“I have got you,” Sven said with determination as his eyes met hers. “Because if I do not stay safe, neither does anyone I am protecting, no?”
“That’s right.” Sam ruffled his hair, which clearly embarrassed him, before she gestured at those who were supposed to follow. “Okay, my sis-in-charge gave an order. Let’s go!”
When Bjorn started to follow, Erica shook her head. “Sorry, but we need you and your warriors right here at the Fortress defending these people. Making sure your warriors and Heidrek’s men work well with each other.”
He scowled but nodded and headed off to prepare.
By the time Erica looked at Cybil, his new queen had nothing but respect in her eyes. Eluf might have brought all this together, but Maeva was driving it home.
“And what would you like Heidrek to do?” Cybil asked.
“We’re hitting the water,” Erica said as her eyes flickered from Kodran to Lauren, Tait, Heidrek and his uncles before they landed on Kage. “We’re putting what Hallstein will think is the bulk of our power right out where he can see us. Right out where we’re vulnerable.” Her eyes swept over everything. “This will also spread out the demi-gods. One on the water, one on the mountain and the other in the heart of the village.”
Nobody said anything at first until Heidrek said, “You want us on ships.”
“Our ships,” Naðr murmured, a strange glint in his eyes as he nodded. “Out a ways on the sea. As if we’re preparing to defend from that angle.” His gaze went to the churning black clouds in the sky, and a grin crept onto his face. “The weather does not look promising for that sort of thing.”
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