“So, what's the extremely difficult and unbelievably dangerous task you have for me?” asked the mage, though in a lighthearted tone.
Tyler couldn’t get himself to blame Odin. The deity did have his reasons for involving him in dangerous pursuits not only lethal in nature, but also apt to lead to more convoluted complications.
The mage hated being used, but he could now understand what drove Odin to such lengths of deception and subterfuge. Tyler was surprised at himself for taking a more positive view of the deity’s motivations. But he guessed that came after seeing what deities of other pantheons were capable of, particularly those of the Aztecah.
“You might have felt the sudden energy fields bracketing areas of this region. By now, it's a familiar, though undesirable, aura which usually means a major undead event is going to happen. There's only one target worth taking or destroying in this territory – Hedmark.”
“Don’t tell me you want me to do another Scarburg!” replied the unbelieving mage.
“Plainer words have never been said. Though this time, the foe is one bereft of the breath of life, driven by the hatred of living mortals and interfering gods.”
“Undead, huh? From what greeted us so far, I would assume they would be made up of former enemies in the past. Beings who fought each other to the death—mortals, creatures of the Barrens, and the darker elements of Skaney's lore.”
“You do have a talent for the right conclusions, plainly and succinctly adorned. We did contribute to the bloody mayhem,” smiled Odin again.
Tyler closed his eyes, trying to keep in check the rising fear in his soul. He had barely made it through the Scarburg siege, and the struggle nearly cost him his life. His bones started to feel cold while memories of that dreadful experience romped their tortured way through his thoughts.
“Just keep that black whirlwind of destruction in check, First Mage.” Odin's words broke through his morbid and fearful frame of mind. “It wouldn’t do, destroying the world in order to save it. Remember, mortals and deities here have nowhere else to run.”
I must have been more traumatized than I thought by that experience, concluded Tyler. Only the prospect of another Skaney siege awoke whatever Freudian roots Scarburg left in my psyche. The battle at Wilan's temple didn’t give me this kind of creepy, apprehensive feeling, and there were undead there.
“I guess I really couldn’t refuse, could I? They overran Hedmark, and Skaney’s chances of surviving will be much lesser,” said Tyler.
“Put it this way. Past Namdalen, the undead will have no option but to look west. I doubt if they’ll choose the path offered by the Dry Plains. And after the seat of the High King, only Fossegrim Forest would stand in their way. That is if the war of those two overgrown children in the north doesn't become worse,” said Odin.
“What did start the war between Sutr and Ymir? It seems so sudden,” said Tyler.
“Ymir is said to have stolen Sutr's sword of fire, which to my mind was a stupid thing for a jotunn of ice to steal. But the obvious incongruity in the motivation does escape the mind of the dull. The artifact had been found conveniently hidden in a cavern deep within Ymir's realm. A being or beings want deadly strife between the two elementals.”
“Can’t you do anything about it?”
“The pantheon is already deeply involved in the fighting here. We take care of creatures we believe mortals can’t handle. I have left the needed force to defend Asgard, but the greater part of our strength is engaged in physical and magical combat. I sent Loki to see if he could settle matters between the two. His fighting skills leave much to be desired, but he’s also a jotunn. He knows how they think.”
Njorth spake:
33. "Small ill does it work | though a woman may have
A lord or a lover or both;
But a wonder it is | that this womanish god
Comes hither, though babes he has borne."
Loki spake:
34. "Be silent, Njorth; | thou wast eastward sent,
To the gods as a hostage given;
And the daughters of Hymir | their privy had
When use did they make of thy mouth."
Chapter Fifteen
Down Came Three Spiders
“Loki? Him?” The unease was palpable in the mage's tone.
“There’s no one else to send. Every deity with a bit of jotunn in them or who has an acceptable knowledge of their way of thinking, is fighting somewhere in Skaney.”
“I do hope you know what you’re doing,” muttered Tyler straight away, before he remembered who was beside him.
“Sorry about that. An instant and unthinking reaction,” he apologized.
“Rest assured you are not alone in speaking those words. All those I confided the plan to were… aghast,” said Odin. “I don't blame them. From the god of mischief to the deity of evil was quite the leap. But in hindsight, the evidence and motivation were too weak.”
Shit. What am I hearing?
“Lore says it was Loki and the mistletoe. That it was Hodr, who was also killed for the horrifying deed. Yet, both Baldr and Hodr are to come back after Ragnarok. Why Hodr if he was guilty of being Loki's pawn? And yet mere suspicion damned Loki. He would have been put to death if he was not my son.”
“You think he didn’t do it?”
“Mayhap. Killing family members is strictly punished in myriad ways. Baldr was also Thor's brother — my son — thence covered by Asgard's covenants. If Loki did it, he would have known the Aesir and Vanir would sacrifice one of his children – Fenrir, for one. Ha! That would bring the prophecy of Ragnarok to a jarring stop. Loki's cunning is legendary. He would have known the consequences of murdering Baldr. It could have been somebody else. Shapeshifting is common among the Norse legend beings. A murderous loser in a quest for a fair lady's hand? An outraged father? Who knows, though there’s some basis for a jealous suitor’s wrath.”
Tyler was speechless – he was hearing a myth turned on its head. Then he realized one common element in the prophecy Odin was describing.
“Wait. I know Fenrir will be a crucial player in the prophecy. Loki and Thor too, of course. But also, his other children – your grandchildren. Is Ragnarok a dynasty drama? A myth conveniently centered around you and your immediate family?” said the dumbfounded Tyler.
“Unfortunately, yes. It does appear to be an augury revolving around my family. Though the same could also be said for the pantheon of Hellas.”
The entire mythology stuff is but a fucking family reality show. Different channels, but still...
“And yet, I didn't allow his death or the payment of any blood-debt. You might say I unwittingly hastened the prophecy along. Let that be a lesson, First Mage – never make a decision when you're deep in grief. Like your sudden impulse to run off to distant Kemet, for example. An admirable trait for a leader, yet short-sighted,” continued Odin.
“I have the excuse of being young and inexperienced, Gangari.”
“That you do, unlike me. Let my misjudgments lie in the past; they exact their toll on me and mine already. And will continue to do so, unless the kindness of Fate intervenes.”
“Back then to Hedmark, what exactly do you expect me to do? Assist in its defense again?” asked Tyler, now stoically resigned to the new quest.
“I want you to lead the defense of the town. Asgard's resources cannot attend to this new development; its defenses, thin as they already are, will be weakened further. Such a solution is not acceptable. Besides, a First Mage should never be subject to a mere jarl, or even a High King,” clarified the deity.
“That’s a tall order. I don’t have Jorund with me anymore. What do I know of defending a fortress against a siege? Though it could be possible they’d just flow around the obstacle. That’s what I’d do in their place. It’s not like Scarburg here. There’s no narrow gap,” he protested.
“This is a war of magic, Havard. And definitely, not a battle waged among the living. Have no doubt about their desir
e to take Hedmark. Our adversaries might retain their abilities and some of their memories — those who have been mortal men — but they’re driven by an insane hunger to kill and destroy all their enemies. And Hedmark is a place of particular fascination for the leaders of that undead horde.”
“I’d bypass the fortress, if I were in their place,” came the doubting reply from Tyler again.
“Have you heard of a locust swarm? Its ravenous appetite? Uncounted multitudes of destructive insects?”
The mage nodded.
“They’re like that. The profane magical spell which animated them also provided the dominating control governing their actions. Any mage or deity of ability knows that when casting an enchantment of that magnitude, spanning various kinds of former living creatures, it would be best to keep the driving command simple,” explained Odin.
The deity noticed Tyler’s skeptical face. The lack of response from the mage was likewise telling. Odin merely sighed, shaking his head at the mortal’s reaction.
“A mage of little faith, not to mention his appalling lack of knowledge. I am the god of magic in the Nordic pantheon, Havard, aside from being its primary deity. I have sought to unravel the spell which had roused the dead. The magical energy is of this world. Of that, I have no doubt. But a strange and powerful barrier defied my efforts at rendering it ineffective.”
The guides were right. But I can’t tell this deity that bit of information.
“What barrier?” feigned the mage.
“A thin veneer of unfamiliar energy. I could see what’s beyond it, but it prevents me from untangling the threads of the spell.”
“Now that’s what I would call suspiciously bizarre. But consider me convinced, though you still haven’t answered my question about my obvious lack of experience in the nuances of warfare.”
“You’ve got the exile. He’s more experienced than Jorund ever was, and by way of answer to your next obvious query – no, I can’t tell you why. Or who he is. I feel the nuanced traces of another hand, more powerful than mine, in how you met. A wise deity knows when to keep his mouth shut, and let Fate weave the provident strands of the future,” grinned Odin.
“You haven’t changed,” the mage accused him.
“Thank me for that! Though I could say the years have mellowed me,” said the deity with a serious expression and then burst into laughter.
“How many would we be facing this time?” asked Tyler, ignoring the deity’s laughter.
“That, my young mage, is something I can’t say, even if I wanted to – too many mortals, fell beasts and other creatures have died in this region throughout the millennia. I even fought here once when Thor was beset by an incursion of incredible magnitude. Though at that time, I believe many were from Hellas, driven northward by a particularly successful campaign by the Greeks.”
“That many? More than Scarburg?”
“Unfortunately. Far, far more. Undead into the bargain too, though easier to kill with the head being the vulnerable part. But you’ll find a way, First Mage. Especially with what’s at stake now,” said Odin, who started to stand up.
“Don’t worry about the jarl. A Valkyrie told him to expect the four of you. He’ll turn over the defense to you. Herja told me she had never seen such a relieved face on a mortal.”
“Anyway, you could get us there faster? With what you just told me, there are preparations to make – it’s a town, after all,” said Tyler as he stood beside the deity.
“I was getting into that part. This way is the old road, only hunters and the occasional brave trader venture here. Most of this region's settlements are served by a newer one on the far side of the plain, though both ways are protected by stone bastions guarding the approaches to Hedmark. I can’t bring you directly to Hedmark. There’s a particularly strong field covering the town and its surroundings which render magical passage impossible. But I can bring you to within a few hours walk of the redoubt.”
“That’s excellent. I have to admit I am still not used to walking far distances. This journey had been unbelievably taxing,” replied the mage.
“Do this for me, Havard, and I will find the means to bring you quickly to Fossegrim and Kemet. And then wherever you want to go,” offered Odin, looking directly at the mage.
“I would appreciate that very much, Gangari. You have changed. Usually, it’s the bait first, then the task,” observed Tyler.
***
The four appeared in a large wooded area bisected by the stone road. Only Tyndur was not affected by Odin’s sudden presence — or at least, he gave the impression of being unimpressed. As the party looked around, it looked like they were the only ones on the road.
Tyler expected to see caravans of evacuating settlers and asked Habrok. The ranger replied that the settlements on this side of Hedmark must have already been cleared. The einherjar also pointed out there were actually few settlements near the old road, which had seen numerous battles and countless deaths over the history of the region. Tyndur added that the inhabitants might be a tough and pugnacious people, but they were leery about wandering ghosts and vengeful spirits. Then the mage noticed the einherjar murmuring and kicking the stone pavement as they walked.
“Something wrong, Tyndur?” he asked.
“I just remembered something, sire. When I returned, I came over the blasted mountains! I couldn’t find the way to this area!”
"Was it a dangerous trek?" asked the curious Tyler.
"Not very. Deadly on the legs. Mostly animal predators, some undead, and dokkalfr patrols. Even a few hostile dvergar. Skilled with weapons, accomplished insulters. The view was very scenic though," replied the einherjar casually.
As they continued, Tyler told the companions what Odin had said about the undead plague afflicting the northern lands, including the part where the deities had taken an active part in trying to stop it. The news about Asem and other knowledge he kept to himself, deciding it wasn’t the proper time to break bad tidings. The other things Odin had told him were also obviously to be held in strict confidence. Despite his resentment of the deity's deft manipulations, Tyler had grown to respect the Odin he had met.
But it still doesn't mean he can't be an asshole, thought Tyler.
"About time they earned their keep,” muttered Tyndur by way of reply to the mage's news. A lightning bolt flashed in the distance. Thunder loudly echoed through the air.
The rest of the party looked at Tyndur.
"I stand by what I said. Odin is busy enough with the rest being lazy bodies," said Tyndur with some emphasis as he glanced at the sky.
After an hour, the party rested beneath the boughs of the woods, several feet from the road. They couldn't be seen from it, though Habrok took up a position where he could watch the road discretely. As he munched on dried beef and bread, Tyler noticed the forest sounds had disappeared. He glanced at his companions. The mage saw they were already grasping their weapons and had subtly adjusted their positions. Outwardly, it looked as if they were but resting.
Then somebody called from the road. Surprisingly, whoever they were, they had evaded the ranger’s watchful eye.
"Hail, fellow travelers," came a strong male voice.
Tyler looked at Habrok. The man shook his head and motioned for Tyndur to take his place. The ranger quickly went to Tyler.
"Strange, sire. One moment, the road was clear. Then suddenly, those three appeared. Two men and one woman. All dressed as hunters," reported the ranger.
"And they knew where we were," chuckled Kobu. "I think I know what they are."
"Your three ardent admirers?" asked Tyler with concern.
"With your permission, sire. Let me handle this intrusion. I believe the time has come for these creatures to remember who I am. One leaves home for a while, then everyone forgets what you are capable of," said the exile with a grin.
“Tell me about it,” butted in the einherjar.
"Take care," Tyler said as he nodded. He knew he couldn't deny Kobu’s r
equest. The man's sense of honor demanded he faced this trial alone.
“Shouldn’t we help?” asked the ranger. “I could stick them all full with arrows at this range even before they had time to blink.”
“No, Habrok. I believe Kobu would be greatly insulted if we lifted even a finger to aid him. It is a matter of personal honor for our friend. I do believe he’s extremely offended by the fact that his enemies sent assassins after him,” replied Tyler in a voice loud enough for the einherjar to hear. He was concerned the warrior would take the opportunity to fight the new arrivals all by himself.
Kobu had already reached the edge of the tree cover and his figure could now be seen from the path.
“It is time, exile.” The rest of the party heard the male hunter speak.
The three remaining companions, including the mage, had moved closer to the road.
“If anything happens to Kobu, you know what to do,” whispered Tyler.
“Of course, sire. Fortunately, there’s one for each of us,” murmured the einherjar.
Then they heard Kobu firmly reply in a loud and clear voice, tinged with a trace of grim amusement:
“Indeed, creature.
But it is also as they say,
The direction the wind carries you matters not,
Rather the way a person lets the breeze
Carry one to whatever fate awaits.”
Njorth spake:
35. "Great was my gain, | though long was I gone,
To the gods as a hostage given;
The son did I have | whom no man hates,
And foremost of gods is found."
Loki spake:
36. "Give heed now, Njorth, | nor boast too high,
No longer I hold it hid;
With thy sister hadst thou | so fair a son,
Thus hadst thou no worse a hope."
Chapter Sixteen
The Heavenly Sword Art of Living Longer
“Why didn’t they ambush him instead?” muttered the puzzled Habrok. “That's what assassins do.”
“Doing that lessens their chance of success. An ambush or any stealthy attack will drag the rest of us into the fight. Considering they have avoided that approach, I have a feeling they can gauge the ability of their targets,” replied Tyler.
The Accidental Archmage - Book Five: Loki's Gambit Page 17