Norse Fire: Myths, Magic, and Gods

by S Lawrence

  "What just happened?" Sean asks.

  "You have been given a reward for your act of sacrifice. Long ago, Yggdrasill told us what was meant for you. She suggested we weave your threads with a certain group of people. Long have we wished to help, but it is not our way. We let people direct their own destiny as much as we can," Wyrd answers.

  "When I asked why they didn't stop the things that happened to you, I was told and I quote 'Some things are stronger after they are broken. And for their destiny, they must be very strong indeed.' I hate that answer," I grumble, as I watch their faces, trying to judge how they take the information.

  "And what might that be? Our destiny?" Michael questions, ignoring the part about their past. I open my mouth, my face mutinous, still outraged for them.

  "Lass, it is over. It happened long ago and it can't be changed. We knew that years ago. Besides, if we had a happy childhood, we wouldn't be here. We wouldn't have met Patrick and Chris." Sean's voice trembles over the friend they had lost. "We wouldn't have met a tiny pixie at a wedding in Louisiana. And that truly would have been a shame."

  I try to hold on to my anger for them, but he is smiling at me. Sean is a gorgeous man and his mean mug is titillating, but his smile, the one that reaches his eyes, is heart-stopping. I harrumph and smile back at him. "A damn shame at that."

  "Anyone want to talk about the fact that I woke as a massive cat and Sean was a great dog?" Michael queries."Wolf."

  "Whatever."

  "ME-OW."

  "Boys, focus," I grouse.

  "Michael. Sean. Surely you recognize mythical creatures from Celtic legend. They choose to return their magic to Yggdrasill long ago and end their lives on Earth. She has held it for you ever since," Unmei tells them, eyebrow raised, waiting for their response.

  We stand there waiting for long moments. Michael's head is tilted in thought, and Sean just stares at us. "Tis Chris that loved the lore. We were more the muscle," Sean finally answers.

  "Bless your heart," I murmur, grinning. I know they learned, from Aislin and Emma, what that sweet southern saying really means. Their eyes narrow and I grin. "You, my big, dumb Highland brutes, are now Cu Sith and Cait Sith, protectors with more power than you can imagine. Lord help us all."

  I dance out of Sean's hands as he lunges at me, his face is stern, but I see the amusement in his eyes.

  "We will tell you and teach you all you need to know but we must work quickly. The time is drawing near for your first test as the legendary hunters. Raven has been taken." Hatima turns on the last word and leads us away. Sean is ranting about how they should have said that at the beginning. Michael is quietly studying himself, turning his hands over, looking for fur or claws, I guess.

  We begin our expedited training. They need to learn to control their new animals and become aware of what power they now have. I need to learn to harness the power I just unleashed.

  Chapter 28

  RAVEN AND FENRIR

  Many days pass and here I sit. I'm lucky I'm immortal, well to an extent. I can die but not from hunger or thirst. I'm more likely to go insane first. I felt them die, their souls called to me. I watch the blood drip from my hands. I broke them repeatedly while trying to leave this tomb. My heart is in pieces. Both of them gone before I was brave enough to call them mine. I will kill her for this. Tears fall and mix with my blood, and my vision blurs. Lightning brightens the dark sky, striking the ground around me. On and on, I rage. I no longer care who knows I'm here; I try to focus but I can't. My soul cries for what I lost. I shift my shoulders and release my wings. Letting my Valkyrie powers surge, I try once more to break from my prison.

  * * *

  Odin turns his eyes to the east. She is trying to free herself. He projects an image of himself still sitting on his throne then sifts to outside her prison, the smile on his face fading as she releases her wings. Gone are the snow white feathers, and in their place are ones of the blackest black. Even from the safety beyond the barrier that holds her, he can feel the vastness of her new powers. Her face twists into a snarl, and her grey eyes flash with bolts of lightning in them. Her hair lifts, floating around her, and he rushes to fortify the barrier, siphoning power from those pledged to him, calling them to his side, giving a silent warning to remain hidden. Together they work, making her prison inescapable even for her. All the while, she stands eerily silent, eyes locked on him, promising his death. He smirks at her, raising a brow, and points at the space between them.

  "Even now, you cannot stop me," he says, smug in his belief.

  "I don't wish to stop you, not anymore." His eyes widen in hope. She moves forward until her lips are almost touching the invisible ward. "I'm going to destroy you," she whispers and moves her eyes from one side to the other. "And those that stand with you." A smile curves her lips when her gaze locks onto the obsidian feather that floats down from wings that are raised high above her.

  * * *

  FENRIR

  I lost count of how many days have passed. I stopped fighting the silken strands that hold me. I've stopped growling, stopped snapping my teeth at the bitch who is torturing me. Everything bleeds together. My soul howls, but no sound comes from my jaws. She is off taking a break, probably fucking over some other poor bastard. I let my mind drift. I no longer lie here and plot my revenge. I have no hope I will get it. Odin looks to weaken my father, to separate him from those that will fight with him.

  Yggdrasill's magic flows over me, and my muscles relax. She and the Norns saw my demise but she offers solace and I take it. I told her I gladly go to my death, if it will end this war. Mine has been a very long existence, a life filled with loneliness and longing. And so I drift over the memories of those I love.

  Stolen minutes with my sisters. My father's hands digging into my fur as he pulls me close for a bone crushing hug. Hunts across the Highland mountains with Ylva and Asger. Lying beside the fires at Beltane and watching Morrigan on the battlefield. Those are my happy moments, but the years between those moments are filled with nothingness. Soul crushing loneliness.

  There has been no great love for myself, the great wolf. No woman, or beast, looked at me in lust or with longing. For years, I hated my father for creating me. A lifetime ago, I realized it wasn't him. It was magic that locked me in this form, neither man nor beast. No home or family for me.

  So yes, let me go to my death if it means Odin's demise. It will be no great sacrifice to find peace beyond this world. Yggdrasill will reclaim my magic when the time comes, but for now, I wait, drifting from one happy memory to another.

  Aphrodite will return soon, and the pain will cut through the memories. The pain will tear at my peace. But I know it will end soon enough, one last sacrifice to help those I love. I just hope I take the Goddess of Love with me.

  The ground shakes with Raven's rage. Her lightning lights the sky like a strobe. The power coming off her in waves forces my hackles to rise. Something terrible is happening. She is always the calm, even tempered one, but this anger has a hint of crazy in it.

  Aphrodite appears in front of me and she is deathly pale, even for her. I narrow my eyes at her and see a shiver run through her body. Something is spooking her.

  I grin, my teeth showing, and whisper through her mind. 'You've really made her mad. What did you do?'

  "I did nothing. Odin locked your beloved sister away, and suddenly she is losing her mind. Her wings changed to black." She forces false bravado into her voice. My eyes widen at the last bit of information.

  I reach for Yggdrasill, but the barriers that Odin set blocks me. Only she can get past them and she doesn't seem to want to keep me informed. I can only guess at the blackness. Raven is growing much stronger. My time is short.

  Chapter 29

  CORA

  I watch as the boys train and by train, I mean shift back and forth. Thank Jesus they figured out the clothes issue, although I wouldn't mind getting a full eye view again. Lucky for me, the images are forever seared into my brain. I
look up as my shoulder is bumped.

  "You must focus." Hatima's usually calm voice holds just a hint of frustration. She is probably wishing she was helping Sean and Michael instead of me, but they seem to be mastering their skills very quickly with their usual military precision. Here I am, still unable to call for my power or a vision.

  "I was." I raise an eyebrow, doing what I do, trying to at least. She doesn't fall for my ploy. Sighing, I look back at the men. A sheen of sweat coats their sculpted chests, and they are both breathing hard. Dirty thoughts enter my mind once again, which is weird considering I'm not truly attracted to either one of them.

  "CORA!" This time she can't hide her exasperation, and I cringe, drawing in on myself. Michael turns and pins her with a hard glare, and Sean growls loudly before starting our way.

  "Fuck! I get it, I do." Michael is suddenly kneeling in front of me. I focus on his tattoo that curls over his shoulder and down his chest. I soak in the heat as his finger connects with my chin and he forces my eyes up to his face. Staring into his eyes, I feel his new power coursing just beneath his skin. "I'm scared," I breath the words, barely even a whisper.

  "I ken, lass. We willnae let anything happen to you. No one is going to hurt you." His bright blue eyes flick to Hatima.

  "Cora." She moves to stand behind Michael. "Daughter, I only push you because we don't have much time." Her hand reaches for me, and the instant she connects with the side of my head, a vision tears through me. A wolf, black as night, lays tied to a stone, blood is staining the floor around him. He pants in pain, and his eyes are locked onto mine. I gasp as I reach for him. His voice, deep and gravely, plays through my mind. He knows his death comes soon and sends words to his father and sister, words of love. Fenrir. The next image is of Loki on his knees, pulling his son to him, his own power changing, morphing and growing. Lightning flashes through his stormy gray eyes.

  The vision fades, but the sense of grief stays with me as I look at the three that have gathered. "He is dying." A statement. My first vision flares to life in my brain, and I look at Sean and Michael. They have made the connection also.

  "Yes." Their voices blend together. "His is the final sacrifice."

  "Loki." My heart breaks and everyone around me watches me closely. Loki, who invaded my very being since the moment I laid eyes him, dressed in a pale blue linen suit like some proper southern gentleman. Loki, the one who dominates my dreams. "That is why I think of him constantly -- the vision has been trying to break free."

  A chuckle draws my gaze, and I lower my brows, scowling at Sean. "Sorry, pixie, but you and I both know that isn't the reason. I can smell the reason even now, just below your sadness."

  "SMELL it?" I screech.

  "Doggy senses. Ye ken?" His finger taps his nose, and I cringe.

  "Keep your nose to yourself, Scooby." My cheeks are hot with embarrassment and anger. I drop my face into my hands as everyone around me laughs.

  My thoughts turn to the god. He is no Loki from the movies, nor does he look like what I had thought he would. Six foot and muscular, not overly so though. He reminds me of a guy that plays sports, muscles but not bulk. His hair is dark, a black brown with hints of auburn streaking through, not short but not long either. His smile is mischievous and reaches his eyes, those gray eyes that remind me of clouds when a hurricane is making land. Clouds like those hide dangerous things, and so do his eyes. I shiver, remembering when they locked on me for just a moment. I saw something in that instant, something I don't know how to deal with. That look called to me, called to the part of me that has always been lonely, the girl that ran from her family, who hides deep secrets and a wild heart.

  Aislin teases me about my relationships, or rather the lack of them. She always says I'm going to find someone who will set me free while keeping me safe. That's the part his wild stormy eyes calls to. I look up and see Michael is smiling, but it doesn't reach his eyes. I've been around him enough now to realize this is his worried look, one he usually reserves for Aislin.

  I wonder if my face looks like theirs do when they steal looks at Raven. Oh fuck me, I can't even think like that. Immortal god is not looking for a wild Cajun girl with visions.

  'You find what you need when you stop looking,' Yggdrasill whispers to me, but I refuse to even consider it. I want him, lust for him, would take him to my bed in a heartbeat, but love isn't for me. No happily ever after here. I like my freedom and I know he isn't the type to set me free. 'He might give you the world, or even the universe, if you are brave enough.'

  I ignore her and, if the she can laugh through my mind, she does. Her power slides away. I look at the expectant faces around me but don't answer the unasked question. Sean barks out a laugh, and I glare at him before pushing to my feet. Michael stands. I turn and start to walk away. Stopping, I speak quietly, "I just need some space." I hear the pleading tone and hate it. I slip away on silent feet, feeling their eyes on me. I walk for a long time until, in the distance, I see a huge old oak, loaded with moss. I send a thank you to Yggdrasill, knowing she made me a safe haven.

  My pace quickens as I draw near and I smile when I see the swing hanging from the branches, deep with pillows and old quilts like Grand-mere made years ago. I move to it and sit, snuggling in to the comfort of my memories, one foot dangles down to push every so often. I let my mind wander, looking deep within me at my power. Granny always said it was like the bayou, it can seem dark and foreboding but in reality, it is there to save you, giving you everything you need when you don't even realize it. When I was little, she had me picture it in a way that comforted me. All those years ago, I chose to see it as a jar of fireflies, winking at me from the darkness. I saw it as something that could chase away the darkness.

  Now it is like that jar is full of a million of them, crammed in, just at the breaking point. A tiny crack is running down the side of that old mason jar. That crack terrifies me, I feel like they are going to take me over. I stare at that jar sitting on an old cypress stump in the middle of the swamp, the light dims and then flares, calling out to me. My eyes widen as I see one little firefly squeeze through that crack and fly right at me.

  Stopping as it draws near, waiting. I slowly raise my hand, holding it out. And it moves forward and lands, light blinking off and on. I can't see eyes but I can feel them assessing me. A calmness washes through me, and its light glows brighter. A sense of acceptance envelops my body and mind. I let go. I let go of the fear I've had since my very first vision, one that I tried to change but couldn't. I let go of the shame that's eaten at me since the first negative name was hurled at me. I let go of my tight control. In my mind's eye, the glass jar shatters, and the power wraps me in it's light and warmth.

  One moment I'm in the bayou, arms held out as the fireflies surround me, and the next, I'm on a mountain, the rock is black and snow is falling. I turn slowly and see him, feel his heartache and rage as he pulls Fenrir to him. His head is bent, for he is lost in his grief and doesn't see the enemies creeping close. I scream silently for him to look up, my mouth wide, my heart pounding. I'm being shaken, but it is Sean's face in front of mine. I think he's yelling but I only hear my own. Wyrd pushes him aside, and the next instant, her hand crashes into my face. Michael grabs for her, a hiss escaping his lips but stops at my words. "Danger, so much danger."

  "Cora, to who? Who's in danger?" His words are clipped, and I can tell he is fighting for control over the cat.

  "Loki. Fenrir. All of us, if they are successful." I feel the tears slide down my face as once again he leans over his fallen son. "Help me. How do I saved them? How do I change it?"

  "Darling girl, often we cannot," Unmei offers.

  My anger flares to life. "Then what did we fucking come here for? Why did you have them sacrifice themselves? Why have me come along? I was happy sitting at my table in the quarter, making the tourists happy. I didn't need this, still don't. So please tell me, what is the goddamn point?" I scream at her, stepping forward until Sean wraps his ar
ms around me from behind, protecting them or maybe me.

  "Tis a valid question the lass asked," he growls, and I wrap my hands around his forearms, relaxing when he squeezes me tighter.

  "I didn't say you can't; it is just difficult." She shares a look with the others, and I shake my head.

  "Don't you think it's time to forget secrets?" Michael sighs.

  "They are not our secrets. We are not stopping you. All we know is you were meant to rescue Raven," Hatima states.

  "We can do both," I reply. "We need to go… NOW!"

  Sean releases me and looks to Michael, who nods. They turn as one and race to the well, leaving me standing there with the Norns.

  Wyrd moves to stand in front of me. "His destiny is to die. Fenrir has longed for death for hundreds of years but waited until it could aid his father."

  "They are going to kill Loki while he mourns. Fenrir's death will do nothing but kill him also," I argue.

  "Not if you save Raven. She will save her father. You, and the Druids with her, will save Loki, and Fenrir's death will do what it is meant to do," Unmei scolds me.

  "Which is what?"

  "That is not for us to say," Hatima replies. My frustration ratchets up. I'm about to yell again when I hear pounding footsteps and turn to see the men returning with all of our things.

  Together as one, the Norns point to the western mountains. Sean and Michael don't slow their pace, and as they race by, I join them, running as fast as I can to keep up.