COF 19

 Flenceburg, home of the premier university of magic. The magic college wasn’t it’s only claim to fame. It was just the sort of place to house the finest schools, many of the world’s great intellectuals came from the assorted colleges that dotted the land of Flenceburg. And why shouldn’t they? It was a bustling, thriving city, with many fine mansions and extravagant stores lining it’s wide city blocks. It was almost out of a fairy tale, the city clean and well taken care of, the people well fed and well dressed. So well to do were the people here, poverty was practically non existent, the slum section being rebuilt over to make way for idyllic cottages in what became classified as Flenceburg’s suburbs.

The sidewalks were bustling, alive with people going to and fro about their days, gaily dressed in bright colors. While in the street there was traffic, the area thick with finely made carriages, the horse’s feet clip clopping over the cobblestones, it’s load gliding behind it on silent wheels. The blinds on the window of one such carriage lifted up, a beautiful face peering out in excitement.

Her blue eyes were wide with appreciation, looking here and there, seeing how full of life the people were here. Lenneth didn’t pay much mind to her companion, who was currently hunched over in his corner of the carriage. He cringed away from the open window, hastily adjusting his cloak, so that he could loop some of the material up over his head like a hood.

“Oh Lezard, isn’t it grand?” Lenneth breathed out, practically leaning out the window. She inhaled deeply, the aroma of a street vendor reminding her they had skipped lunch.

“Yes, just…peachy…” He groused, ducking lower in his seat. “Could you come away from the window Lenneth? People might see you!”

“But…why?” Her brow furrowed in confusion, the woman turning to look at him. Lezard gestured at her to lower the blind, and she did so, albeit reluctantly. “It’s a beautiful day Lezard…why must we hide from it?” He didn’t answer, his foul mood having come upon him the minute Flenceburg had come within sight of the carriage. She sighed, drumming her fingers against the window sill.

“I’m sorry…” Lezard said at last. She turned to glance at him, not wishing to appear eager, but desperate to know what was on his mind. “It’s just…I never expected to come back here under these circumstances.”

“Bad memories?” She asked, giving into her curiosity.

“Something like that. He sighed, it sounding heavy and sad. “I’m a wanted man in these parts.” He let out a humorless chuckle. “People react so strongly to murder.” Lezard glanced at Lenneth seeing her face darken, her body posture screaming out her uncomfortableness at his words. “Lorenta and Mystina…unfortunate but necessary deaths…” He didn’t list the school teacher’s husband, feeling it was Lenneth’s hand that did the final deed, saving him from that stain on his soul.

“Murder is never necessary…” Lenneth retorted, feeling angry at him for reminding her of his true nature.

“Even in self defense?” He asked, with a lift of his eyebrow.

“That’s different.” She frowned at him, not wishing to play this game of twisting her meanings around.

“If you think about it…you’re a murderer too…” He heard her let out an outraged gasp, fists clenching on her lap. “I’m sure you don’t want to think of it that way, but isn’t that what you did for Odin? Kill those humans he deemed unworthy of life…” He flashed her a smile that did not reach his eyes, those purple jewels forlorn and sad. “You would have killed me too simply because I was a defiler of souls.”

Now it was Lenneth’s turn to be quiet, considering his words. She had never considered herself a murderer, delivering divine justice when needed, to those who would harm human souls. “Do not try to categorize me with you.” Lenneth hissed out at last, affronted by the thoughts he caused her to think.

“I’ve insulted you…” Lezard reached out with his hand, touching her shoulder. She jerked away, pressing herself against the side of the carriage door, flashing angry eyes at the necromancer. He sighed again. “I did not mean too…It’s this place, the memories…I would not have brought you here if I had had the choice. But Hel has taken that away from me, limited our options on where to go.”

“You’ve lost your home because of me…” Lenneth said, fighting not to soften to him, to retain her anger. But it was hard not to show compassion, and it made her wonder why she could feel sympathy towards such a man, especially when he had just reminded her of the cruelty he was capable of.

“I’ll get it back…WE’LL get it back.” He said, reaching out to grab at her hands. It was with some reluctance that she allowed him the touch, eyes looking away from his. “How?” She asked. “Hel will keep coming…she’ll have spies at the tower…you probably won’t ever be able to go back…especially with me…”

“I’ll find a way.” promised Lezard. “Even if I have to kill Hel to do it.” Lenneth shivered, seeing the truth in his eyes, he truly believed himself capable of killing a God. She bit her tongue, not knowing what to say to that, and was saved by a knock on the roof of the carriage. “Ah, we’re here.” Lezard said, and Lenneth realized the wagon had slowed to a stop while they were talking.

“Here?” She echoed dimly.

“My home away from home…” Lezard didn’t look happy about that. He leaned forward, body brushing against her chest as he opened the door on her side. She turned to glance out the door, and gasped in pleasure at the summer cottage that stood in front of them. Actually cottage was an understatement, the building being big enough to double as one of the smaller mansions they had passed in heart of the city.

“It’s definitely an improvement over your tower…” She murmured in awe. It looked homey and clean, a happy place perfect for raising a happy family, complete with picket fence and a yard for children to run around and play in. The building was made of white stone, and it’s roof had tiles of light blue, with matching curtains in all the windows. What’s more there was no bars against the glass, the place looking inviting and free to the young Goddess.

“It depends on who you ask…” Lezard muttered, making sure his hood was still in place. The carriage driver had come down, tying the reigns of the horse to one of the posts of the fence. He held out an arm to Lenneth, and she took it murmuring her thanks. She was still gaping at the building, thinking it absolutely perfect when Lezard leapt down to the ground behind her, arm going around her waist.

“That’ll be all.” He told the man with a curt nod, already guiding Lenneth towards the entrance of his building.

“Wait a minute Lezard, I’m not done looking…” She protested, but he ignored her. He all but dragged her into the building’s alcove, fumbling with the lock to the entrance. Casting a surreptitious glance about, he raised a finger to the lock, a zap of magic undoing it’s mechanism. The door swung inwards, revealing a foyer that was lushly decorated, but covered in a light sprinkling of dust. The carpet on the floor was faded slightly from the sun, and cobwebs hung in the corner. With a guiding push on her lower back, he forced her inside, slamming the door shut behind them. Only then did he relax.

“I guess being wanted for murder really has you on edge…” commented Lenneth, finding the room charming but dirty.

“Just eager to get you back behind lock doors.” Lezard retorted, not seeing how Lenneth’s face fell at that callous comment. He concentrated on the door, using his magic to lock it once more.

“Won’t anyone be looking for you here?” She asked, trying to hide the fact that she was upset again. She didn’t like that he still felt the need to keep her imprisoned. It seemed the freedom she had enjoyed while they were traveling had been nothing more than a dream, gone with the rising of the sun. “I mean surely the neighbors noticed the carriage out front.”

“Fear not my beloved.” He turned to face her, offering her a smile that did little to ease the inner turmoil she felt. “The house is not in my name.”

“An alias?” She wondered out loud.

“Erm…something like that.” He grimaced, lowering the hood off his head. “It’s in my step father’s name. He never much liked me, blamed my birth for mother’s delicate condition.” He shook his head, eyes angry. “He wouldn’t allow me, a bastard to have his name.” A vicious snarl crossed his lips. “As if I wanted his acknowledgment…”

“Are your parents still alive?” wondered Lenneth, coming nearer to him.

“My mother no…she died of an illness a few years back.” His amethyst eyes showed real pain at the thought, and she couldn’t resist touching his arm in comfort. He smiled at this, taking her hand and kissing the palm, thanking Lenneth for her concern. “As for my real father…” He gave a graceful shrug of his shoulders. “Who knows.”

“You never knew him?”

“Never wanted to. Not really.” He was still holding her hand, thumb caressing her wrist. “From what I was told, he was not a very nice man. The things he did to my mother…” His eyes darkened, menace shining in them, giving her the feeling that the man would meet an unpleasant death should he ever cross paths with the necromancer.

“What about your step father?” Lenneth asked, fighting back a shiver.

“He died not long after my mother did. And no…” He said, pulling her to him. “I did not have anything to do with his death.” He sighed, hugging her close, his breath in her hair.

“Then what?”

“Heart break. The doctors said they never seen a case like it.” Lezard replied. “His heart just seemed to give up without her in his life…he wilted away like a flower without sunshine. Tragic really. I suppose the old man did have one good thing going for him…his love for my mother.”

“So you’re all alone in the world…” Lenneth murmured, and he pulled back to look at her. “Don’t be sad for me, Lenneth. I have you now.” It was a sweet thing to say, but she hardly found it comforting.

“Lezard…”

“Don’t…” He said, crushing her to him, in a tight hug, not wanting to hear her protests. “You’re mine now, and I’ll keep you for the rest of your days…”

“I’m not a possession…” Lenneth said, her words muffled against his chest. “You can’t just decide to keep me like one…” She felt him stroking her hair, so careful in his handling of her, but oh so clumsy in the words that he chose to whisper against her ear. “You can deny it all you like, but you know it’s true. You belong to me…” He kissed behind her ear, thinking to himself, And I to you. It was true he thought, she owned him body and soul, and didn’t even realize it. She could ruin him with a word, an angry look could bring him down, while a sweet smile could lift him up to new heights of happiness.

“Stop it…” She pushed away, and he let her, watching as she moved to the center of the room. She glanced around as though looking for some way to escape him, but perhaps he read too much into her actions. “Don’t talk like that!”

“Why not? It’s the truth…” Lenneth was frowning at him, shaking her head no repeatedly. He approached her and she backed away, eyes wide. Lezard sighed, hands staying at his side for the moment. He hated how slow progress was between them. It seemed for every step forward they took, they inadvertently stumbled backwards two or more steps.

“Maybe your truth, but not mine…” Lenneth said. “I won’t let it be…I can’t…!”

“Why not?” He asked, truly curious to learn her reasons. “Is life with me really all that bad?”

“No…” She looked troubled as she admitted it.

“Then what?! Tell me Lenneth, what holds you back from me?” demanded Lezard.

“Yes…do tell. I’m sure we’re all dying to know…” A sardonic female voice said, causing Lenneth to gasp in shock. Lezard and Lenneth turned, expecting to see Nifleheim’s Queen standing in the doorway. Instead they saw a thick black smoke pouring in through the lock in the door, more of it creeping into the room underneath the crack in the door frame.

“What is that?!” Lezard snarled, reaching Lenneth’s side in two quick strides.

“It’s her…” Lenneth’s face was pale. “It’s Hel…”

“What!?” He exclaimed in disbelief, pulling Lenneth behind him as he watched the smoke inch closer.

“She can make her form incorporeal.” Lenneth explained, grasping Lezard by the shoulders. She backed away, dragging him with her, clearly frightened of the smoke touching them.

“But how did she find us?!” demanded Lezard, not sure how to fight something he couldn’t touch.

“Come now…” Some of the smoke raised up into the air, forming a feminine mouth that leered at them. “You don’t expect me to reveal all my secrets, now do you?” Hel’s laughter emerged from the mouth, cruel and jarring to hear.

“Is there another way out of here?” whispered Lenneth in his ear. Lezard would have smiled if not for the seriousness of the situation. “With a house this size, you better believe it…!” He gave a subtle push with his body, backing her towards the entrance to the living room. The smoke continued to pour in, splitting apart and forming shapes in the foyer.

“Minotaurs!” gasped Lenneth, seeing the squat brown bodies, and bull headed face of the monsters. They were still smokey, insubstantial, and Lezard flung out his arm, a cry of “Icicle Edge!” reverberating throughout the room. Large thick spears of ice appeared in the air, their ends carved to a finely sharp point. They hovered in the air for an instance, and Lezard gestured with his hand, pointing at the smoke. The ice attack slammed into them, freezing the air around them, encasing the monsters in thick blocks of ice.

Lezard didn’t have time to be satisfied with the success of his spell. It was already apparent it wouldn’t last, the ice statues rocking in place, cracks appearing all over it’s surface. “That won’t hold them for long!” Hel’s voice purred. “And there’s more where they came from!”

With a hand on Lezard’s arm, Lenneth turned, running into the living room. Together they worked to slam shut the door behind them, Lezard locking it with his magic. “This is only a delaying tactic.” He told Lenneth.

“I know…that smoke will get through.” She was looking around the room, looking for a weapon. The room was distressingly typical of a living quarters, lacking anything that would make a suitable defense against a minotaur.

“Let’s go!” Lezard grabbed her by the hand, and they ran into the next room. This one seemed more promising, with sets of armory framing the fireplace. Over it’s mantel a thin sword was framed. Lezard saw the Valkyrie looking at it, and explained. “It belonged to my mother…” He had a fond smile on his face as he said this. “She was quite the swordswoman back in her younger days.”

Lenneth didn’t reply to this, her blue eyes intense as she focused in on the weapon. Lezard fell silent as she approached the fireplace, watching as she went up on tip toe to reach out to the rapier. She unhooked it from the wall almost reverently, fingering the flat of the blade, finding it rust free. A smile formed on her face, the girl appearing enamored with the straight edge sword, and she turned with a nod at Lezard. She had found her weapon.

And just in time too, the doors to the living room crashed open, the minotaurs having doubled in number from two to four. “Let’s do this!” Lenneth said grimly, holding the narrow blade in front of her body.

Lezard gave a rueful shake of his head, trying to think of a spell to use against the now solid minotaurs. “Prismatic Missile!” Multi colored lights stormed forward, dashing at the feet of the nearest beasts. “Shadow Servant!” Lezard commanded, summoning up a horned beast of black smoke, with glittering yellow eyes. It lunged forward to attack, the minotaur’s swipes passing through it’s midsection without landing. The Shadow Servant was immaterial, choosing only to let it’s claws become solid, as it sliced open the neck of one of the bull headed brutes.

Out of the corner of his eye, Lezard saw Lenneth engage two of the beasts, expertly slashing forward with her sword. She ducked under the axe swing of one, lashing out with her legs to knock it off it’s feet. Even as she rose, the third approached, intending to cleave her head in two with it’s sword, but the Valkyrie was already turning, blade meeting blade with a clanging sound.

Off the rapier rebounded, and again she drove forward, the tip of it drawing blood across the beast’s throat. But it was merely a flesh wound, the injured merely grunting out in pain, and pressing the advantage. It’s sword came perilly close to Lenneth’s face, some of her hair being cut away by it’s stroke. Lezard’s eyes narrowed, and with a sharp intake of breath, he began chanting. “No mercy for the damned!” He announced angrily, pointing at the creature his beloved dueled with. “Thus, thou has no escape from the grasp of catastrophe!” Rumbles started in the room, the floor shaking underneath the creature’s foot.

With a cry, Lenneth backflipped away from the creature, her leap taking her over the heads of the two that pressed in from behind her. Even as she landed, her sword was stabbing forward, the girl using all of her momentum to pierce through the back of one of the beasts, sword tip protruding out the front in a shower of blood. “Metor Swarm” She heard Lezard shout out in a commanding voice.

Brown rocks the size of the slabs in his laboratory appeared over the creature’s head, bristling with brimstone and fire as they crashed into it. It died with a high pitched scream, even as Lenneth pulled her sword out of the one she had killed. “Ha ha ha ha!” Lezard laughed, rich and throaty in his glee. “My sorcery is invincible!”

“Boast later Lezard!” Lenneth shouted, already turning to the third remaining minotaur.

“Fools!” shouted Hel, her form solid now, the evil beauty striding into the room. “How can you let two mortals best you?!” She clenched her fists, blood red nails digging into her palms. “Do I have to do everything my self?!”

“Good servants are so hard to find.” quipped Lezard, already readying a spell for the Hel Goddess. She wasn’t paying attention to him, watching in dismay as the shadow servant easily made mince meat of her minion. With a growl issuing from her throat, she held up both hands, palm facing forward towards the summons. “Lo! Ye shall look upon the calamities of heresy with beclouded eyes!” A grey beam shot out of hand, smacking into the shadowy form of the creature. “Petro Disruption!”

Lezard and his creature screamed out in unison, the shadow servant’s form becoming rock solid, turning into a stone statue. It hovered in the air for a brief second, before smashing into a thousand pieces on the carpet. Hel laughed, watching as Lezard staggered backwards, the back of his legs hitting a chair. Down he went, sprawling in it weakly, even as he glared angrily at the Goddess.

“You should know by now your magic cannot compare to mine!” Hel said, triumphant in the destruction of another of his beasts.

“Bitch!” screamed Lenneth, anger making her wild. She kicked the axe out of the remaining minotaur’s hand, catching it in her left one. With a wild cry, she spun around flinging the axe straight toward Hel. The Goddess merely held up a hand, the axe freezing in place mere millimeters from her neck. It spun in place, blade looking sharp and deadly, Lenneth trying to keep an eye both on it, and the opponent she battled.

“Be careful not to lose your pretty little head!” With a wave, she sent the axe flying back towards the Valkyrie, the girl ducking. Hel let out an outraged sound as the axe slammed into the forehead of her minion. It’s eyes crossed, it’s arms falling limply to it’s side. “Mistress Hel…” it managed to stutter, before falling face first into the carpet, the hardness of the floor driving the blade in deeper into it’s skull.

Before Hel could react, Lezard was chanting again, still resting in the chair, a hand over his heart. “Hark! Lightning that rides within the ashen depths…” His voice was weak as he spoke, Hel’s eyes drawing towards him. She could hear the sound of thunder, feel the storm clouds gathering around outside the house. “Descend down as a storm upon my foes. Gravity—” He coughed, blood splattering onto his shirt. Lezard looked in disbelief at the mess, even as Lenneth cried out his name in horror. He grimaced, shaking his head. “Gravity Blessing!” He tried again, lungs thick with phlegm.

Hel let out a scream, as a large iron ball, ebony black came crashing down onto her, pinning her underneath it’s immense weight. With a loud groan, it doubled in size, dwarfing the Goddess’ prone form. “Lezard!” Lenneth cried, rushing to his side, sword in one hand. His face was pale, flecks of blood around his mouth. “What’s wrong with you?”

“Truthfully I don’t know…” He coughed some more. “The spell won’t last indefinitely…we have to get out of here…” He tried to stand, and she caught him as he fell. “Lean on me.” She advised, wrapping an arm across her shoulders. They stood together, Lezard weakly looking at his spell. It had drained him to cast it, something that had never before happened to him.

“That way…” He raised a shaky hand, pointing to the next room. “It leads to the kitchen, we can get out through there.” Slowly they made their way out of the room, hearing the ball start to move. With an angry shriek, Hel shoved it off of her, rising to her feet, her clothing disheveled. A spell was already on her lips, rage making her speed it out as fast as can be. “The time of exorcism is at hand! Venomous servants, unleash thy dark flames!”

She paused, looking around, finally noticing the room was empty except for her and the bodies of her servants. She let out a foul sounding curse, disappointed with no one to direct her rage towards. A smirk crossed her face, and she shrugged. “No reason to waste a good spell…” Her look was blood thirsty as she considered her next words. “And the rats might still be hiding inside this house…” With a vicious laugh, she threw her arms out wide to the sides, and screamed with all her might. “Calamity Blast!” Fire lit up on her form, shooting off her body. The flames licked up all around the room, going up the walls, reaching the ceiling…Nitroglycerin filled the air, and combined with the fire, a fuse was lit. A loud explosion rocked the entire house, damaging it beyond repair.

People in the surrounding area looked up, startlement on their faces as they heard the loud boom, felt the ground quake from the force of the explosion. The empty cottage at the end of the lane, stood there, just barely, a large gray cloud of smoke hovering over it’s roof, fire having blown out all the windows. From amidst the wreckage a shadow emerged, coming into the sunlight. It was a woman, tall and elegantly dressed, walking without injury. Even her clothing was immaculately clean, no sign of the dust and dirt that should have stained her appearance from having survived such destruction.

Hel stood with her hands on her hips, looking around, her pointed glare causing the people to turn away. Her face may have been beautiful, but it was a fright to look upon such arrogant perfection with malevolent eyes, and a twisted snarl on her face. No, some small part of their conscience, the silent part that dared not speak up, recognized something was wrong with this woman, and woe to those who unbidden claimed her attention.

Sirens sounded, the clang of large bells, signaling the local fire brigade to come to the area. Hel let out a sound, “Hmph.” Brushing at non existent lint on her green dress, she walked forward, smoke touching her back. “Find them.” She spoke aloud to the air, a dog appearing by her side. It was not a normal dog, but a vicious slavering beast, it’s fur an unnatural red color. It’s gold eyes gleamed, as it gazed on it’s beloved mistress. “I entrust this task to you Garm…” She absentmindedly stroked his muzzle, unwary of the sharp teeth it flashed at her. “You are the only one I can depend on. Now go…” She gave a light slap on it’s rear, not having to bend down to do so, for the beast was almost as big as a small pony.

More smoke enveloped Hel’s form, the Goddess watching as the dog took off like a shot of lightning, it’s nose sniffing the air, searching…searching for it’s prey…With a weary sigh, Hel allowed the smoke to completely claim her, and those who still watched out of the corner of their eye, claimed they could heard the sound of musical bells just before she disappeared.

———————————————————————————————————————————————–

It had been centuries since the vault had fallen silent, not since it’s creation had the comforting sound of the Water Mirror not echoed throughout the cavernous room, a familiar hum that let all know the scared treasure still functioned. But now it was quiet, and what’s more it was unmoving, just standing there, a large useless disc, with an icy crack down the center, separating the image it showed in two. One half showed the back of the wizard, Lezard Valeth, the other side was a perfectly framed picture of his laboratory.

Try as they might, the water would not ripple, would not change it’s image. The ice would not melt, keeping the evidence of their tampering frozen on the screen. The water mirror was broken, there was no other explanation for it. The trio stared in disbelief, Freya’s shock causing her to touch down on the ground, a hand to her mouth. “What…what just happened?” asked Lucian, sounding apprehensive.

“Something I would have thought was impossible.” answered Hrist, raising a hand as though to touch the surface of the mirror. A frown crossed her face. “But I am quickly learning that anything is possible now…”

“The mirror broke…” gasped out Freya, wringing her hands nervously. How would she explain this to Lord Odin?!

“It’s almost as if…someone doesn’t want us to know what is going on…” Hrist announced. “But who…who would have the power to do this to the mirror?! What…what absolute fool would dare mess with a scared treasure?!”

“Would…would Odin have the power?” Lucian dared to ask.

“Yes, but he would know better than that.” Hrist shook her head, shock making her unable to get angry at the mortal’s insinuation. “The mirror won’t be easy to fix…only someone with nothing to lose would dare risk tampering with it.”

“It couldn’t have been that wizard.” Freya spoke up, still staring in shock dismay at the mirror. “Even if he can command the lost magics, even if he can render a God into a human, this…this alone should be beyond his powers…” She shook her head. “Such power is beyond me…beyond most of the Aesir. No! This is someone else…someone who didn’t care enough if they fingered this Lezard in the kidnapping, but wanted to remain anonymous…” She turned, walking down the stairs, away from the mirror.

“Where are you going?” asked Lucian.

“I’m going to talk to Odin. He must know about this…he will get to the bottom of things, I’m sure of it…” Freya paused on the steps, shoulders sagging. “He has to.”

“Freya…” Lucian said quietly, seeing how desperate Freya was to believe in Odin’s goodness. He stood by the mirror, watching as Freya continued her trek, heading towards the door to the throne room. It was slightly ajar, and the Goddess paused by the doorway, a gasp issuing out of her throat. “What do you see?” He asked, starting down the stairs after her.

Freya held up a hand to be quiet, pressing herself against the crack in the doorway. She let out a muted sob, whispering a name. Hrist started, her piercing gaze shooting towards the door. “What is it?” demanded Lucian, having not heard what the Goddess had said.

“Hel…” answered Hrist, drawing her sword. “What is that bitch in heat doing here?! And in Odin’s throne room no less?!” She ran down the stairs, armored boots clanking against the stone steps. She reached Freya’s side within seconds, but the Fertlity Goddess next words stopped her short. “She’s…Odin is…is…kissing her!”

“What?!” It was a short bark of anger, Freya slapping a hand over Hrist’s mouth. She anxiously peered into the throne room, seeing the two Gods too busy to notice the sound. Lucian thought it strange to say Freya let out a sigh of relief, when her very heart sounding like it was breaking. Moving much slower than Hrist had, but still running, he at last reached the two Goddesses’ side, anxious to see what they saw.

Hel was pressing her front against Odin, entwining her hands in his short gray hair. “You won’t believe the day I have had.” She pouted at him, looking for understanding to be in his eyes.

“Tell me about it my darling…” Odin said, hands squeezing Hel’s ass, molding her to him. He went to kiss her again, a messy kiss, that left a thin strand of saliva connecting their mouths when they pulled away.

“You promise you won’t get mad?” She asked, watching him carefully, as she licked her lips clean.

“That you have to ask, means it’s something I won’t like…” He sighed, raising his hands to caress her upper arms. “What is it…?”

“Well…” She looked away from his face, fingers dropping down to the back of his neck. She teased along the back of the hair there, trying to relax him as she spoke. “Remember the situation you asked me to take care of for you?”

“Ye-es…”

“Well…I’ve run into a few…snags.” She winced as his eyes darkened, feeling his hands tighten on her painfully.

“And what exactly does that mean?” Odin demanded, digging his fingers into her tender skin, just this short of drawing her blood.

“They…they still live…”

“What?!” Odin flung her away from his side, the Goddess landing on her rump, sprawled out on the floor. She glared, not liking his rough treatment of her. Slowly Hel rose, adjusting her clothing so that her dress hung straight on her body. “How could you fail me?!”

“I haven’t failed…not yet…” Hel frowned, crossing her arms over her large chest. “The mortal Lezard is just proving to be more…ingenious than previously expected. He has the devil’s own luck when it comes to surviving. Lenneth too is proving remarkably adaptable to her mortality…”

“But they are still only human.” Odin retorted. “How hard can it be to kill a few of them?!” He paced back and forth in front of her. “Perhaps I was wrong to ally myself with you. What kind of a God can’t rid themselves of a few mortals?!” He made a disgusted sound, glaring with angry eyes at Hel.

She inhaled deeply, growing angry with his words. “If it is so easy, why don’t you go do it?!”

“You know why I can’t…”

“Yes…too afraid to get your own hands dirty.” She scoffed at this, her own eyes mirroring his disgust. “You’re not the God you used to be, if you’re frightened of a pair of mortals!”

“Frightened, who said I was frightened?! I’m just a very busy man.” replied Odin, stopping before her.

“Hmph…” She rolled her eyes. “What have you been doing that is so…time consuming?”

“Starting a war for one thing.” He told her.

“Need I remind you, it was I who set up Brahms? I who have been putting all the pieces in place while you hide in the shadows?” She gave him an evaluating look. “Perhaps I don’t need a partner after all.”

“Without me, you will never be able to permanently ascend to Asgard.” He reminded her. “It is I who allow the Valkyrie Hrist to be distracted with her revenge against Brahms. With her attention directed elsewhere, Valhalla grows weakened without new warriors being recruited…and the ones we have are being diverted towards battle with Brahms. Your troops will find Asgard’s easy to storm with it’s resources depleted.”

“I think we should get rid of Hrist.” Hel said. It was not a suggestion, but a demand. “It will be better for the new order if the Valkyries cease to exist.”

“I might have agreed to that if it was Silmeria or Lenneth.” Odin replied. “But Hrist has always been loyal…a well trained dog that is easily swayed towards my orders. It won’t be long before she accepts the new way of things, without complaint.”

“Hmph!” said Hel and Hrist in unison. The black clad Valkyrie was gritting her teeth, eyes looking murderous as she listened in. Freya and Lucian both had hands on her shoulders, trying to hold her back, keep her from rushing into the room.

“Steady now old friend…we are no match for Odin’s power…” Freya told her.

“I…thank you for the reminder.” Hrist said tersely, looking as though she was willing to risk it. “But my blade thirsts for both their blood.” Lucian wisely kept quiet, although his heart was practically screaming out, “I told you so!”

“There is much to take in…” Freya said, looking shell shocked. “Never would I have thought Lord Odin would turn traitor to Asgard.”

“I guess death changes a man.” Lucian murmured, looking at Freya. His heart went out to the Goddess, feeling her pain as though it was his own. She looked much like he had felt in the days after Lenneth’s disappearance, and he was a bit surprise Freya hadn’t yet given in to the tears in her eyes.

“Did it change you, Lucian?” whispered Freya, then shook her head. “Forgive me…I have no right to ask.”

“You can ask me anything you want Freya…” He replied, giving her a soft, comforting smile. Hrist rolled her eyes in disgust, body vibrating with impatience. “Still your tongue boy!” She hissed. “They speak some more…”

“I have my little Garm looking for them now.” Hel was saying. “He’ll sniff them out, no matter where they run to in the city.”

“Hmph…that will take time…” Odin stroked his chin. “I have a faster way.”

“Uh oh…” Freya murmured, backing away from the door.

“What?!” asked Lucian.

“The water mirror you fool!” Hrist hissed. “He means to use it to locate Lenneth!”

“Good thing it’s broken then…” Lucian said, and seconds later realization dawned in his eyes. “They’ll find us!” He glanced around frantically, seeing there was no place to hide in the room.

“Exactly.” Hrist said grimly. “We will have to fight our way out.”

“No!” Freya said. “I forbid it!”

“What?! Why?” asked Lucian. “Don’t tell me you still have feelings towards the man?!” Baleful green eyes bore into him. “No, that’s not it…I would not have us die, and leave the world in the hands of those two. There are other ways to escape this room.”

“How?” It was Hrist’s turn to ask questions. “The water mirror is damaged, and teleporting is forbidden into or out of this room.”

“It still shows a location…it’s risky, but we can use it…” Freya said, turning away from the door. “There’s no time to argue, come with me!” She floated towards the mirror, and Lucian spared a backwards glance at Hrist, before following the blonde Goddess. Hrist sighed, staring at them, blade still in hand. With a muffled curse she put away the sword, and ran after the pair.

“I want it stated I think this is pure folly.” Hrist said. “You cannot know where we will end up if we use the mirror.”

“I have faith, don’t you?” Freya asked. “The mirror won’t let us down…we will be safe…”

“Safer than here at any rate…” muttered Lucian. “Listen to her Hrist…you can live to fight another day…with your sister returned to you…” At least…he hoped they would be able to get to Lenneth first.

“If we restore Lenneth to power, she will be a match for Odin.” added Freya.

“…” Hrist was silent, mulling their words over.

“Now choose…” Freya held out her hands, Lucian taking the right. “Will you stand and fight now…or will you flee with us, live to confront him under much more favorable circumstances?” Hrist stared at the floating Goddess, and with a frown, reached out to reluctantly take hold of her left hand.

“All right, damn you, we’ll do it your way…for now!”

“That’s all I can ask of you.” Freya gave her a big smile, and lifted the two into the air. She turned towards the mirror, and with a burst of speed, she flew towards the half that showed the empty laboratory, her heart praying this would work. They bounced against the surface, for an instant there was resistance, and then a sucking sound, the mirror turning liquidly under their bodies. The water loomed out, thick and crystal blue, washing over them from head to toe, pulling them inside, just as Hel and Odin entered the vault.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–

The explosion blew them off their feet, Lezard and Lenneth went flying through the air, having just escaped the house in the nick of time. Roughly they landed on the ground, some bushes breaking their fall, leaving scratches on their skin. Lezard let out a groan, sitting up, looking at the cottage in disbelief. “My home!”

“Oh Lezard…I’m sorry…” Lenneth said in sympathy, reaching up to pull a leaf out of his hair. He nodded absentmindedly at her, still staring at the fire that churned on the surface of the house.

“There’s no time to waste feeling sorry for ourselves.” He announced, trying to stand up. Lenneth too stood, glancing around for her sword. She spotted it lying a few feet away, and went towards it, claiming it for her own. “Hel will be on the move soon…so should we.” He punched a fist into a nearby tree, and let out a loud cry. “Damn it!” Lenneth jumped at the anger in his voice, and he turned towards her, his eyes looking hopeless. “I don’t know where to go…what to do next…she’s taken everything from me…everything but you…” He slumped against the tree, looking old beyond his age, as he leaned weakly against the bark.

“Lezard…we have to go…it doesn’t matter where, just so long as we keep moving.” Lenneth took a step towards him, her hand reaching out to touch his face. He sighed at her touch, leaning in to her caress. The woman carefully wiped away the blood by his mouth, worried about the state of his internal organs.

“I’m so tired Lenneth…” Lezard replied, closing his eyes. “Can’t I just rest for another minute…”

“I’m sorry, but no…” He didn’t move, and she sighed. “Forgive me…” She whispered, before hauling off and slapping him in the face. That woke him up, his eyes wide and shocked as he looked at her. “You hit me!” He gasped out.

“And I’ll do it again if you don’t start walking!” She threatened, trying to look stern. Lezard had a hand on his cheek, rubbing it as he looked at her. Bemused he shook his head, and pushed away from the tree. “That’s better.” Lenneth nodded, taking hold of his arm. She once again used herself as support for Lezard, sliding one arm around his waist, as he gripped her shoulders.

They walked out into the crowd of gathering people, not many paying attention to the pair, their eyes locked in the horror of the ruined house behind them. Lezard’s head dropped, his hair hiding his eyes, and Lenneth prayed no one looked closed enough to recognize him. She knew he was in no shape to defend himself should the local authorities try to arrest him.

That didn’t even cause her to pause, she didn’t even wonder why she was helping a known murderer. She just knew she had to, it was the right thing to do. He had protected her, and now it was her turn to do the same. She half led, half dragged Lezard through the crowds, until they got to the area where available coaches gathered. She left Lezard sitting on a bench, and approached one of the carriage maintainers.

“I’d like to hire a coach…” Lenneth said. ‘Money is no object.”

The man laughed. “That is the case for most people that live in Flenceburg! Heh…where to?!” That caused her to hesitate, not knowing the realm of Midgard as well as she would like. “Out of the city…” She answered at last. “You will be paid triple upon our reaching our destination.”

“Half now, and the rest later?” asked the curious coachman.

“Yes.” agreed Lenneth, giving a firm nod of her head. “My companion and I would like to leave immediately.”

“Then meet me over there…” He gestured to where a dapple gray stallion stood reigned up to a dark brown carriage. “And make sure you have the money with you.”

“I will.” She turned, hair swishing behind her as she returned to Lezard’s side. “Come on Lezard…Up you go…” He seemed to be doing better, being able to walk on his own. “Where are we going?” He asked, handing over the asked amount of money to her.

“Uh…it will be difficult to explain…” She said, watching him climb into the carriage ahead of her. “But the ride will be long enough to grant us ample time to spin the tale.” Lenneth sighed, hesitation written upon her face. “Lezard…it’s time to tell you about Idun’s Apples…” And Goddess preserve me, I pray I am not about to make the biggest mistake of my life!