Torches lit the field, flickering in the early evening light. The overcast skies and smell of coming rain set the stage. I inhaled the deep, tangy air, redolent of past battles.
Shouts rang out from the einherjar, filling the arena with energy. Metal and wood pounded together like a symphony as they beat weapon against shield.
“Come and meet my sword, Niasa,” Toril called above the din. “Or have you lost your nerve?”
One side of my mouth curved, the sound of her taunt a balm to my senses. Everything faded from my vision except the enemy before me.
With one leap, Toril and I met in the air. Our wings stretched out wide behind us, we slammed into each other.
I pinned Toril’s sword arm to her side and headbutted her in the eye. Her glow flickered as her head snapped backward.
She swung her axe, but I crashed the hilt of my sword into her forearm, and the axe fell to the ground. She dug her hand into the side of my face. Blood dripped down my cheek.
We flapped our wings, each of the sharp, bony feathers slicing into our skin. Twisting, we careened toward the ground.
Crashing into the muddy grass, we broke apart. I jumped to my feet and charged. Before I could get close enough, Toril swung her sword. The arc, aimed for my head, caused me to flatten to the ground.
Rolling to the side, I sprang to my feet. Wet grass clung to me. I wiped my mouth, spitting blood and mud.
Feigning right, I kicked left. Toril stumbled back, her wings flapping to keep her balance. I flew low and knocked her to the ground, wrenching the sword from her hand.
“Yield! You can’t beat me,” I growled into her ear. “I won’t let you betray Odin.” I flapped backward to stand over her, my sword poised in the air.
“I would never betray him. No one means more to me.”
“Liar!”
I surged forward, sword in both hands. She vaulted backward and landed on her feet. My boots slipped in the grass. Toril turned and ran, then shot into the air.
Crouching, I pushed hard and soared after her. Wings outstretched, I caught a breeze and angled into the current. Toril banked hard and swooped low over the einherjar.
The raucous shouts and cheers finally penetrated my hearing. As I followed after her, someone tossed a hammer into the air. Toril caught it mid-flight. I would have been offended, but I knew the einherjar just wanted a good battle. They didn’t care who won—or how.
Spinning, she flapped back and let my momentum carry me right into her swing.
The blow landed square on my side. Ribs splintered, and I tumbled through the air. I crashed to the ground at the feet of the Valkyries on the field. They weren’t cheering.
Stoic faces hovered over me as hands reached under my arms and tossed me to the middle of the arena. A light rain drizzled as I clutched my ribs and vomited into the grass.
I saw Toril land in my peripheral vision. The soothing greenery under my palms seemed to calm my senses and strengthen my resolve. There was nothing I could do but push myself up as tall as I could stand.
My sword still tight in my grip, I raised the tip off the ground.
She’d have to work harder than that if she expected me to give up.
“I bring the strongest warriors, follow every edict, and yet, you are still favored. Why?” she snarled.
She lowered the hammer to her side as she circled. I managed to pivot, keeping her in front of me.
“I just stood trial because of you,” I hissed between my teeth. “That hardly feels favored.”
Toril threw her head back and cackled. “Right. And yet, here you stand, causing me trouble. You should be floating in the Gap by now! You’re a disgrace to the sisterhood and to Valhalla.” Though one eye had swollen shut, her other glistened with tears.
Something wasn’t adding up.
“You betrayed my position. Gave the demons information on how to find me on Midgard. Admit it!” Pain ripped through my chest as I screamed. I had to rest my sword hand against my knee as I hunched over, trying to gather a breath, never taking my eyes off Toril.
“I would never do that, no matter how much you disgrace the rest of us. I only want what’s best for Valhalla.” Toril stopped moving and stared at me, crouched and ready to spring.
For whatever reason, I believed her. She hated me, that was clear. But Toril never broke the rules. It was one of the irritating things about her. Gertie was the same, she just didn’t need recognition for it.
It hit me then . . . Toril was jealous.
No, I’d clearly grown delirious. It was ridiculous to think she’d want anything I had. She was a model Valkyrie . . . I was a mess. What was there for her to envy? Nothing.
I grit my teeth and stood tall. She still had answers I needed, and it was time for this nonsense to end.
“But someone told.” I stepped closer. Pain shredded its way through my side and clawed my lungs. “If it wasn’t you, then who? Someone working for you?” Another step. “Admit it.”
Toril shrieked and charged just as I expected. I waited until she was a step away, then dropped low. With a scream of pain, I swept her leg, and she hit the ground face-first.
Pouncing with all the grace of a lumbering ox, I landed on her chest. With my knees pinning her upper arms, I set the edge of my blade against her throat.
“Last chance to confess.”
“You are the daughter of a traitor, a disgrace to the sisterhood. Why are you favored more than me?” Her voice cracked.
Why didn’t she spit, or buck or kick? She knew she was beaten.
I sat back on her chest and stared at her. My sword still rested on her throat.
“It wasn’t you.”
Nothing made sense. No one hated me more than Toril.
A thunderous boom shook the earth, and lightning flashed across the skies.
Startled, I sprang to me feet and instantly wretched. Toril also jumped up to face the new threat. I heard her gasp, and raised my eyes.
Odin stood before us.
Toril slipped to one knee and bowed her head. I did the same, only slightly guilty about the respite it gave me.
“Niasa has won the combat. You must put your differences aside and accept her dedication as your fellow sister, Toril.” He spoke with authority, but compassion laced his words. “Stand and come nearer, child.”
I raised my face and saw that the command was directed at Toril.
She obeyed.
She always obeyed. Of course she hadn’t betrayed Odin.
Who did, then?
“You think I favor Niasa over you, but there is nothing further from the truth. No one serves me better than you. I have never doubted it. Should I not help one who struggles more than one who doesn’t? You are strong and capable, exemplary among your sisters. Put aside your anger and know you are recognized, equally favored, as all Valkyries are to me.”
Toril’s shoulders slumped and quivered.
A strange sensation washed over me—I wanted to hug her. It hit me just how alike we were. Neither felt good enough, both worked harder to prove ourselves than anyone else—and it didn’t matter. Odin valued us equally, despite our differences.
All my energy drained from me, and I fell with a plop into the wet grass. The einherjar and Valkyries were silent, bowed on their knees. I lowered my gaze, but not before I caught sight of Gus and Stuart. Both on their knees, members of an army they weren’t ready for . . . I’d made terrible mistakes, but maybe I could do something about it.
Struggling to my feet, arm clutched tight to my side, I met Odin’s gaze. He didn’t say anything, but he smiled at me. Warmth spread throughout my chest, and my pain dulled. Gathering my courage, I pulled my shoulders back.
“I was wrong. About Toril, about my einherjar choices, about my own place as a Valkyrie. Please allow at least one wrong to be put right. Allow those I’ve caused to suffer on the battlefield to go somewhere different. End their torture.”
Odin scanned the massive crowd and brought his gaze bac
k to me. “I’m afraid that many have lost their ability to function outside of battle. They wouldn’t understand anything else. There are but two left with their faculties.”
I closed my eyes and swallowed the bile that rose to my throat.
“You have done well today, Niasa. In consideration of you efforts, I offer you a trade. I will allow one of the einherjar to go to Folkvang. Freya trains her army for battle, but there is still time there for other pursuits.” His gaze pierced straight into my heart. “If . . . you will agree to leave Valhalla as well.”
At first, all I could think about were the rumors of Folkvang. The reputation of Freya and her maidens, who honored their warriors with seduction and sensuality. Thoughts of Gus among all those beautiful women made me pause.
Then my thoughts rang with what else he’d said.
Leave Valhalla? But I’ve been forgiven.
From the side, a voice rang out strong and bold before I could finish processing Odin’s words.
“Your Highness . . . sir . . . “
Odin, Toril, and I snapped our faces toward the interruption. My jaw dropped as I watched Gus step forward.
What is he doing?
“I know that I’m new here, and this is probably wrong to do, but . . .” He hesitated, but not enough to come to his senses and shut up. “Whether I was supposed to be here or not, I’ve adjusted. Niasa didn’t destroy me. I just wanted you to know that.”
“Are you sure I’m the one you felt needed to hear that?” Odin said with a bit of mirth.
Gus fidgeted and stared down at the grass. He’d walked through the Valkyries and stood alone before us.
“Then it is only the einherjar Stuart for you to choose,” Odin said, turning to face me again. “Will he go to Folkvang, or stay here?”
It was Toril who spoke up. “Why does Niasa have to leave? She’s been pardoned.” She glanced quickly at me, and the look of sympathy didn’t escape my notice.
We’d just finished trying to kill each other and now she was defending me. Is this how sisterhood was supposed to be?
“There is a task I’d like Niasa to complete. If she chooses to do so, I will explain it to her.” There was a gleam in Odin’s countenance, as if he knew somehow that pitting us against each other would kindle a bond.
I wasn’t sure I agreed, but something did feel different. If I stayed, I’d be able to explore it. Maybe I’d feel connected for the first time, like I belonged. But then that would cause Stuart continued suffering.
Leaving was the only chance I had to make up for my mistake.
Wherever I had to go—even if it was the Gap, though I’d been pardoned—I’d earned it. Stuart hadn’t done anything to be where he was.
I met Odin’s stare. “I’ll go.”
Odin nodded and accepted my decision.
Peace washed over me. It was the right thing to do. Stuart would enjoy eternity in Folkvang, and I’d be free of the guilt.
Come what may, I felt lighter.
26
The sky had dimmed since the fight ended, and the torches surrounding the field seemed brighter. The rain still fell lightly, but it was warm on my skin.
“Toril,” Odin said, facing the foe I now believed was my sister. “For your prowess during combat, and your concern for Niasa’s welfare, I’d like for you to join me at my table during the feast. I shall join you shortly.” He then addressed the other Valkyries and the einherjar. “Everyone, it has been a joyous day. We have witnessed a glorious battle, and now we feast!”
A roar echoed off the clouds; it had to have been heard in every realm. Immediately, the arena flowed with bodies on their way to the feast hall. Laughter rang among the shouts and cheers, as I watched them all with a smile.
One body stepped away from the crowd and hurried toward me. I ran to Gertie and embraced her.
“Quite a day, huh?” I said when we separated.
“You are full of drama on an average day. I’d say this was at the top of the scale.” She laughed, and I joined her.
It was easy, laughing. I wished—
No, I had no wishes. Everything was good. I was content, and that was enough.
“I’m glad I had a chance to see you. I don’t know when I’ll be leaving.”
“I know. Do you think you’ll get to come to the feast?”
I shrugged. My plans were no longer my own.
Over Gertie’s shoulder, I saw Stuart talking with Odin and the battle commander. A grin split his face so wide, I thought he might hurt himself. Gertie followed my stare.
“He’s going to be one happy einherjar. Wait . . . What do they call the warriors in Folkvang?”
“I think it’s the same.”
I watched as the battle commander and Stuart left through a portal. That was that, and Stuart was gone. Odin strode toward me.
“I guess I’ll go.” Gertie pulled me in for another quick hug. “Looks like you have a line waiting to speak to you.” She tipped her head to my side. I knew who it was without looking.
I smiled as she walked away.
“Aengus Ferdinand Connolly, join us.” Odin waved Gus closer. It was better than him continuing to stand awkwardly alone, waiting for me. “You both have much to tell me from your extended time on Midgard. Let’s find a more comfortable place to discuss it.” He stretched out his hands to each of us.
We took hold, and a blink later, we were in a warm room, dark except for the hearth fire in the center. It was a cozy space, only about ten paces wide and twelve paces long. Wooden planks made up the walls, and a high ceiling made from thatch peaked along the center, held up by two large poles on either side of the fire. Furs covered the floor and were mounded up in several places, creating areas to sit or lounge. A musky scent rose from the furs and mixed with the gentle pine of the burning wood.
A homey place, the opposite of the throne room—inviting rather than intimidating.
Odin found a seat at the far end of the room, in a pile of furs that looked as though they’d conformed to his shape many years ago, but had never grown flat or uncomfortable. Gus and I took up seats on either side of him.
It was good that we sat apart. I wriggled into the furs, feeling better with each breath as my ribs knit back together. Except I kept wondering if he still smelled of lemon and cedar.
“So. Share with me your adventures. I’m very curious to know how you managed to stay connected the entire time—or did you discover a way to change that?” That gleam in his eye, the one that said he already knew the answer, was back.
Did we really have information that he didn’t already know?
“I waited for my assignment as he battled with a gang in an alley, then Gus showed up. He fought bravely and with honor. My assignment escaped, and as he ran away, Gus was attacked and died. I made the decision to choose him instead.” I stared at my hands, not looking at either of the men as I spoke.
“That part I know. The command leader was quick to contact me. What I’d like to know is how you managed afterward, and why you stayed away so long. What were you looking for?”
“We uncovered a conspiracy that worked directly against Niasa, sir. I believe it was pre-arranged for me to be in that alley in a way that looked coincidental, but was planned down to the moment. She has been manipulated, but we have yet to find out by who.”
There was my Gus. The logical, analytical professional. When he spoke, he leaned forward, holding eye contact with Odin like it was a natural thing, as easy as anything.
Like I’d noticed in the field, he looked stronger, more defined. Maybe even a little taller. It had to be the transformation into a full einherjar—a warrior.
I shook my head and turned my face to the fire.
“Why do you think it’s a conspiracy?” Odin asked.
Gus and I took turns explaining about the calc tattoos, my confrontations with Donovan, and the attacks by both demon and draugar. Gus detailed the information we received from the police computer, and I told of what the man who
’d escaped down the alley told me about the Legion.
When we’d finished the tale of how we made it back to Valhalla, Odin nodded.
“I would agree with your conclusion that a traitor is among us, though it saddens me to lose any of those who I’ve loved.”
“Do you know who it could be?” I asked.
Odin stared into the fire and nodded.
27
“A traitor is rarely someone easily suspected. Not if they’re good, anyway. I forced you and Toril to battle each other because I knew you shared the same pain. Each of you have proven your trustworthiness many times, but you needed to know that of each other. However, a friend to all and a threat to no one can come and go without notice.”
His words loosened a memory within me. Of someone sitting with me—annoying me, actually—blabbering on about nothing . . . except misunderstood giants and information in scrolls.
“Jemma.”
Odin sighed and nodded. “She has been seduced by one who promises much but delivers little. She believes she’s going to rise above us all.”
“We need to question her.” Gus sat up tall and looked ready to rush out the door.
“This is the reason I gave you the choice to leave Valhalla. But I could not tell you why and influence your heart.” Odin focused all of his attention on me. I waited, hoping he couldn’t hear the thumping that pounded a war drum in my ears. “The Legion has been fighting all of us for millennia. They’ve grown bolder and are endangering the entire realm of Midgard. They must be found and stopped. I’ve established an alliance to do so . . . I would like you to join it. But first, we must apprehend Jemma. And yes, Gus, question her.”
Odin stood, and Gus rose at nearly the same instant. I was a little slower to jump at the chance for another potential fight.
Odin stretched out his hands, Gus and I grabbed hold, and found ourselves at the front of the feast hall. Toril sat in a chair next to Tyr, laughing.
“Jemma, Valkyrie of Valhalla, come forward,” Odin boomed.
The hall instantly quieted. Impressive, for thousands of warriors hopped up on boar meat and mead.
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