Realm of Fate

by Kelly N. Jane

  Eir cocked her brow and stared at Caelya, contributing her mutual annoyance at their decision. She leveled the same look at Jorg, Bremen, and Selby, then her brows pinched. “Where is the dwarf?”

  Jorg stepped forward to stand next to Caelya. “There is a situation on the Jötunheim border. He’s gone to masquerade as a dwarven ambassador to delay an invasion.”

  “What? By himself?” Eir demanded.

  Thelonius rubbed his hand over his face and clamped his lips into a tight line. “How are the giants involved?”

  “Apparently, Jarrick has made a deal with them,” Caelya said. “And the dwarf isn’t alone. Three others went with Plintze to help.”

  “If a dwarf is the best hope to stop a horde of giants, we’re all in trouble. When did he leave?” Thelonius asked.

  “An hour, maybe more,” Jorg answered.

  “I’ll try to catch them before they reach the border. But before I go, what happened to you?” Eir asked Jorg.

  How do you know anything happened? “Just a disagreement, and I’m fine now.”

  The goddess stepped close enough to touch the side of Jorg’s face. A far-off look clouded her eyes for a few heartbeats, and then she smiled. “Your elven blood grows stronger. Though you obviously received help, you have finished the job well enough yourself.”

  How? I felt nothing? Jorg kept his thoughts to himself and let Eir turn away without creating more of a spectacle. Bremen and Selby stared at him, and it made him fidgety.

  “I’ll be back as soon as I can,” Eir said to Thelonius before hurrying away in the direction Plintze had gone.

  “Why doesn’t she portal ahead?” Bremen asked. “You all have these abilities, but you pick and choose when to use them.”

  “There are reasons, but it’s not a discussion for now. I presume you have a plan that brought you here without informing me,” Thelonius said, directing the question to Caelya with a glance to Kelvhan as well.

  “Of course.” She smirked at the king without continuing.

  “I have always admired your spunk, Caelya, but don’t try my patience just now.”

  She rolled her eyes and sighed. Selby turned her face away and tried to muffle a giggle.

  I think those two might be more alike than is a good thing. Jorg bit the inside of his cheek slightly to keep his own expression neutral.

  “I will speak to Jarrick, convince him it would be best to release Ingrid and Galwain. There is a low likelihood he’ll agree, but while we’re discussing the matter, Kelvhan, Jorg, Bremen, and Selby will infiltrate the castle with the help of Aguane and remove the two women. The rest of the guard will stand by to charge in if necessary.”

  “When will you know that Aguane has secured them?”

  “We have designated a meeting place. That’s where the others will head when we arrive.”

  “So, you won’t know until you arrive if the first part of the plan has succeeded? This is a poor idea,” Thelonius said. “You’re endangering yourself and the others unnecessarily. Wait here until I return. I will take my men to the border, and then we will speak with Jarrick together.”

  “We don’t have time to wait. Once Aguane has Galwain and Ingrid, they will need to be removed quickly. Why have you come if you didn’t know about the giants?”

  “Jarrick cannot unleash his ruvar army. I’ve come to stop him and release the others in the process.”

  Jorg’s gut twisted. What is a ruvar army? He glanced at Bremen and could tell the king’s words bothered him also. So, focused on getting to Ingrid, he'd let nothing else matter. Most likely, Bremen realized he’d succumbed to the same tunnel vision regarding their mother.

  “If we succeed, no one will know we’ve been there. We can remove Ingrid and Galwain from danger. Then when you arrive, regardless of how Jarrick behaves, they’ll be secure,” Jorg said. He knew it was a thin plan, and Thelonius was right. But, like Caelya had said, they couldn’t wait. Once Aguane moved them, they had to be there to get them out of the castle.

  “The border issue is now our priority. You need to take your men and go there. While I’m speaking with Jarrick,” Caelya held up her hand as Thelonius made to interrupt, “he won’t release his army. That will buy not only Kelvhan and the others the time they need, but it will buy you time with the giants as well. This is the best way to proceed, Thelonius.”

  “Unfortunately, I don’t believe I have an alternative but to agree at this point. There are many places where your plan can fall through. Exercise caution. I know that you have always been close to Jarrick. Understand he is no longer the same brother we have loved. Don’t take unnecessary risks, and if it looks as though you are in danger, leave to regroup and wait for me.”

  “I understand, and I will be careful,” Caelya said with a soft smile.

  Jorg didn’t know what he’d expected, but it certainly hadn’t been such love and tenderness. He’d fought for acceptance so much during his childhood—within his own family as much as elsewhere—and their relationship stabbed at his heart.

  “And Kelvhan,” Thelonius addressed the guard with a hard stare, “we will discuss your dereliction of duties in keeping my sister safe.”

  Kelvhan bowed to the king. “Sire.”

  Caelya scoffed. “We need to hurry, Thelonius. Pester the poor guard another time.”

  The king inhaled and stared at the skies for a moment before turning to his men stationed down the trail. With only a gesture of his arm, the army unit was in formation and moved to march through camp.

  Wasting no more time, Jorg followed Kelvhan and Caelya toward Ingrid—finally.

  35

  Ingrid

  Ingrid followed Jarrick out of the cave in a daze. She shuffled her feet behind him, stumbling occasionally as she snagged a toe on the uneven ground of the tunnel. Urkon was dead, defeated by Jarrick and eaten by Voxx. Ingrid’s stomach rolled, and she had to swallow the bile that rose to her throat.

  “Don’t be so melancholy, Ingrid. We’re much closer to our goals now.” Jarrick broke the silence as they reached the end of the tunnel.

  Our goals? She ignored him. Outside the tunnel, wind blew snow in lazy circles, and Ingrid shivered. “Where are we?”

  “Between the mountain peaks, where the dragons have their weyr. I thought fresh air would do you good before we headed back to the castle.”

  It was true. The brighter light after the dark tunnel and crisp temperature helped soothe her nerves. Something Jarrick had said came back to her. “Why did you say that I’d still bind the spell with you on the morning of Thelonius’ birthday? The deal I made with Urkon died with him, didn’t it?”

  “Since I have assumed Urkon’s essence, I’ve gained his debts—and his assets. Your bargain now rests with me. Only satisfying the agreement will release you, or you will suffer the consequences as before. The solution is clear—bind the spell in a way that benefits me. It’ll all work out for the best now that the deal is between us.” Jarrick faced her with his hands folded in front of him. “Earlier you asked to see Galwain. Is that still your desire?”

  Jarrick was as calm as if what happened to Urkon was as natural as the sun rising in the sky.

  “Did you plan for it to happen that way? Why did you tell me we needed to work together to defeat Urkon?”

  “First, let me establish this. Once we leave this tunnel, we’ll speak of this situation no more, understand?” Jarrick stared at Ingrid, waiting for her response. His always piercing eyes had a deeper glow to them. Ingrid nodded. “There is no need to concern ourselves with might have been or previous plans. Everything has worked out for the best. You and I are the only ones now who need to worry about the fate of the realms. What’s done is done. How one gains power is never as important as how one wields it.”

  The ends justified the means. She shook her head. It was a sentiment her father had vehemently denied while Ingrid grew up. He had believed that a man’s word and his honor were the only items of true power and wealth. Ingrid agr
eed with him.

  “Do you have further questions? You are cold, and we should get you out of the elements.”

  Ingrid shook her head. There wasn’t anything more to ask. Nothing mattered except binding the spell now. She had to protect humanity and keep Asgard in control before everyone’s lives belonged to the dark elf. “I’d like to see Galwain.”

  “Good. That will save Jorg from having to run through all my halls to find you separately.”

  “What?” Ingrid grabbed Jarrick’s sleeve as he turned away. “Jorg is here?”

  “Dúngarr told me he saw him before he and Urkon brought you to my home. Did you think if he made it that far, he wouldn’t find his way here? My son is resourceful. Though my guard might try to dissuade him from remaining in our realm, he’ll find his way to you. It’s that tenacity which will serve both of you well as you establish your kingdom on Vanaheim.”

  “You still want to make me queen? Why?”

  “Because I will be busy bringing all the other realms into proper form. I must set up those I trust in key positions. Who better than my son and the savior of the human race to manage the reconstruction of the ruling realm?”

  “And if that’s not what we want?”

  Jarrick smiled and placed his hand on Ingrid’s cheek. “Then I’ll find others more suitable.”

  Ingrid didn’t realize how nervous she was to see Galwain until she’d stood outside the queen’s door. The vision Urkon had given her was of a tortured woman at the end of a chain. Yet, Caelya had visited with her and didn’t mention such conditions. Jorg was alive, but she didn’t know if Bremen had survived. Everything swirled within her as the door swung open.

  Jarrick placed his hands between Ingrid’s shoulder blades and pushed her into the room before closing the door behind her. He said nothing nor stepped foot into the room. Set up exactly as the chambers Ingrid had, Galwain stood near the tall windows with her back to the door. She wore a fine gown of purple velvet with her nut-brown hair in loose waves about her shoulders. She didn’t turn around, and Ingrid didn’t know what to say.

  “Whatever you need, please just do it and be quick,” Galwain said.

  She must think I’m a servant. “I’m here to see you.” Though she tried to sound confident, Ingrid’s words came out in a squeaky whisper.

  Galwain turned slowly around, her eyes wide. “Ingrid!”

  A smile crept across the queen’s face, and tears instantly sprung into Ingrid’s eyes. For the first time since arriving in the new realm, she wasn’t alone. They hurried toward each other and embraced.

  “I’m so happy you’re safe,” Ingrid said, her words muffled against Galwain’s shoulder.

  “As I am for you.” Galwain pushed Ingrid to an arm’s length without letting her go. “Let me look at you. Are you truly well? He didn't hurt you?”

  There was too much involved with an answer to that question, so Ingrid only smiled wider. “I’m much better now.”

  “Come, sit with me and tell me what’s happened.” A hint of apprehension flashed over the queen’s face, but she maintained her smile and composure.

  Even in her current circumstances, Galwain was the epitome of grace and elegance. Ingrid sat on one of the hard, wooden chairs, scooting it so they faced each other.

  Galwain waited while Ingrid tried to find her voice. She didn't know where to begin or how much to say. Better to just tell her everything. “Jarrick brought me to Alfheim alone. The others stayed behind.” Ingrid hesitated.

  “I see. But you have more information, I can read it all over your face. Nothing you can say will be worse than what I’ve imagined these past weeks. Please help me put aside the suspicions and accept the reality.”

  Ingrid smiled weakly. “There was a battle before I left. Your father attacked. It was chaos, and then Jarrick showed up. At first, he seemed to fight with us. Then he called his dragons. I still had my powers then, and I killed one of them—but not the one I should have.”

  The queen exhaled, her eyes narrowed and her shoulders rigid. “So, you’ve been here a while if you know who Voxx is. She enjoys flying close to my windows at least once a day. Mocking my captivity while she flies free.”

  At that moment, Ingrid decided not to give all the details of the courtyard. Perhaps Bremen had survived, and Jorg could tell her so when he arrived.

  “Please continue. I’m sorry to interrupt,” Galwain said.

  “I made the choice to go with Jarrick to save the others. At least, I hope that’s what happened. We stepped through a portal and arrived on a hilltop outside of Lyallona. I have spent most of my time at the palace until recently.”

  Ingrid explained about meeting Caelya, Thelonius, and Vimala. Then she spoke of the ruvar army and her time in the forest. The queen listened intently, growing pale as the story continued.

  “But I have good news, too. As I was coming here, to Montibeo, I saw Jorg and Selby. They’re here and coming for us.”

  Galwain covered her mouth with her hand. “Just the two of them?”

  “It was so fast. They were the only ones I saw.” It wasn’t a lie.

  “I hope they don’t come here. It’s too dangerous. They should speak with Thelonius and get his help.”

  That was the wiser course to take, but Ingrid knew they wouldn't. No one praised Jorg or Selby for their patience. If they planned to come to Montibeo, as Jarrick believed and Ingrid couldn’t deny, Galwain needed the rest of the story.

  “There’s one more thing.” Ingrid fidgeted with her fingers in her lap. “Aguane was here. Have you met her?”

  Galwain nodded. “She’s special to Caelya.”

  “Well, she wanted me to follow her out of my room, but before we could leave, Urkon arrived. They fought, and I guess she’s now in the air. She needed to heal her wounds. Jarrick came to my room, and he and Urkon took me to the dragon hive.”

  Galwain gasped and took hold of Ingrid’s hands. Her brows pinched together as she listened.

  “Jarrick challenged him. They battled, and Urkon used his magic on Jarrick. But . . . Jarrick pulled it into himself somehow. Whatever Urkon threw at Jarrick, it became part of him until he’d overpowered the master. Jarrick said something to him at the end, but then he must have called to Voxx. She showed up and . . .” Ingrid let her words trail off, not able to voice the rest. She kept her eyes focused on her lap but could hear Galwain quietly crying.

  “So he has all the power for himself now?”

  “Yes.”

  “What does he want? I’ve been expecting him to come and speak with me. He hasn’t.”

  “He wants everything. To restore Vanaheim, overthrow Asgard, and rule all the realms. Stopping him is the only hope we have. I know how—even where I need to go—but not how to get there.”

  “Oh, Ingrid, you can’t take such responsibility onto yourself. What could you do against someone as powerful as Jarrick?”

  “Freya's blood runs through my body. No one else can do this but me. I have to bind the protections provided to the human realm. Jarrick will force me to change the spell to allow him to establish his rule. He says he’ll protect Midgard, even though it will allow him to defeat Asgard. It isn’t true, and I know it. I need to do this on my own before the king’s birthday celebration.”

  “You say you know where it is you need to go?”

  “The Yggdrasil tree. The goddess Eir taught me what I need to do—though I need a bead she gave me. Unfortunately, I lost that in the courtyard before coming here. Even so, I have to try.”

  “What about calling out to Vimala? You said the two of you spoke. Don’t let her beauty fool you. Unicorns are warriors and will do whatever necessary to protect their loved ones. If she protects Thelonius by aiding you, nothing will stop her.”

  “I have barriers in my mind that keep my thoughts private. If I drop them, any of the elves could hear me, including Jarrick.”

  “I see.”

  Both women sat in silence, still holding hands. Finally, Gal
wain pulled her hands free and slapped her legs before she stood. Ingrid followed, confused but ready to hear what made the queen have the wide smile on her face.

  “If you call to Vimala from here, perhaps Jarrick will hear you. If he arrives in my room before the unicorn, then he must speak with me. I’ll keep him busy while you get away.”

  “Are you sure? What if he won’t stay to talk with you?”

  Galwain narrowed her eyes with a mischievous gleam. “I can be very persuasive.”

  Ingrid bit her lip to keep from a chuckle. “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, call to her.”

  Ingrid closed her eyes to concentrate and dropped her mental barriers. Vimala, if you can hear me—I need your help. I’m at Montibeo.

  She opened her eyes and nodded to the queen. It was a short message, but all she dared. Now they had to hope it was only the unicorn that heard her.

  36

  Jorg

  Kelvhan raised his fist, calling everyone to a halt. They were at the edge of a stand of trees, and a black stone castle towered in the distance. Before they could attempt infiltration, they’d have to traverse the open field. Not only that, but the knee-high snow that covered the landscape stood in their way as well. They had woolen cloaks, but the wind pierced through any opening.

  Jorg glanced at Selby. Even with lips that were tinged blue, she stared straight ahead, ready for battle. Bremen stood on her other side, tall and confident, composed just as a warrior should be. Galwain and Ingrid were too close to bother with the elements. Jorg turned to Kelvhan. “How do we cross without alerting the entire castle we’re coming?”

  “I'll take care of that,” Caelya answered. “I’ve learned a thing or two about magic through the years. A glamour will hide us, but we must stay close.”

  Jorg remembered the glamour that had hidden the witch's cottage when he and the others traveled to find Eir. That had been effective until they knew what to look for. Hopefully, no one would expect them and wouldn’t notice the slight shimmer in the air. He also hoped Caelya was as skilled as she claimed at creating the spell.