Triumph 12

 Lezard didn’t make his presence known to Lenneth immediately, choosing instead to wrap himself in shadows, using his magic to muffle the sounds of his arrival. He leaned against a pillar, arms crossed over his chest as his eyes sought out his Goddess. Lenneth was pacing, walking back and forth across the bed room floor, never deviating from the pattern of left to right, right to left. Lezard watched her as she walked, taking care to note the highly agitated state she appeared to be in. Her body was tense, and she held her hands by her belly, nervously playing with her fingers as her eyes cast about the room anxiously.

Never taking his eyes off Lenneth, Lezard stood quietly in the corner, letting seconds turn into minutes. He could have spent an eternity just watching her, content to feast his eyes on her ethereal beauty. But then he was sighing, letting out a sound of pure appreciation, and she was turning, peering into the shadows. “Lezard?”

“You’re going to wear a hole in the carpet if you keep moving like that.” He said chidingly, stepping into the light. He saw her rush towards him, saw Lenneth gaze past his shoulder into the darkness, looking for someone.

“Where is…?”

“She’s not here.” Lezard answered her half voiced question. “I sent her away.”

“Away?” He could see the surprised confusion in her eyes, Lenneth turning her glance away from the shadows to stare at him. “But I thought…” Her teeth flashed white against her lip as she bit back her words, trailing off.

“You thought what?” Lezard asked, curious.

“I thought you meant to keep her.” She looked away then, staring down at her hands, which played nervously with her skirt.

So did I. Lezard thought, sighing heavily. She looked up at the sound, eyes puzzled. “It wasn’t meant to be.” Lezard said at last. “She’s…She’s not you.”

Lenneth frowned at this. “What do you mean? Who else could she be if not me?!”

“I don’t know if I can explain it…” Lezard reached out with his hand, grazing the back of his fingers against her cheek. Lenneth accepted his touch without protest and he smiled. “There…that’s it…”

“It?” She arched one delicate eyebrow.

“She wouldn’t let me touch her.” Lezard explained, still feeling the smoothness of Lenneth’s cheek. She frowned at him, turning away from his hand. “But that’s not all. She hasn’t gone through what you have…hasn’t had the experiences that would form her into the person you have become…”

“She’ll never have those experiences now.” Lenneth said sadly. “Not with the future you have wrought by displacing Odin.”

“That’s really not my problem.” Lezard said, shrugging his shoulders. “I have the Lenneth I want, and that’s all that matters.”

“Oh really?” She turned back to face him, piercing blue eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “You didn’t seem at all content with just me…not when you saw my twin.”

“Heh…” Lezard chuckled, watching as her expression darkened. “I must admit that the thought of having two Lenneths proved to be quite tempting. Can you blame me for wanting to make an attempt at having you both?”

“Yes. Yes I can!” She answered sternly, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Why Lenneth…” He widened his eyes, trying for an innocent look as he grinned. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were jealous!”

Her mouth dropped open, forming a silent o of surprise. She recovered quickly, Lenneth shaking her head no. “I most certainly am not!”

“Really?” His smiled widened as he cast her claims in doubt. “Is that why I found you pacing here so anxious and worried? Did you fear I would replace you with your counterpart?”

“What? No!” scoffed Lenneth, giving a haughty toss of her hair. “The thought hadn’t even crossed my mind. As to my anxious state..I…I was just worried you’d harm her!”

“Lenneth…” Lezard tsked shaking his head. “We both know that isn’t true. I would never hurt you, never touch you with the intent to do you any lasting harm. It stands to reason I would show the same courtesy to your twin.”

“Hmmph! It stands to reason you would behave towards her in the same manner you treat me!” Lenneth huffed, turning her back on Lezard.

“Is that what is bugging you…?” Lezard asked, his voice a silky purr in her ear as he pressed up against her back sliding his arms around to her front. He caught at her wrists, a light squeeze as he sidled down to her fingers, lacing them with his own. “You worried I sought to seduce her…to touch her in the manner that I have reserved only for you?” His lips grazed the curve of her ear with each word he spoke, teasing her with the feel of them. “Or maybe you’re worried over how she would have reacted…worried that she would respond to me far quicker than you have?”

Lenneth was glad her back was to Lezard, not wanting him to see the look on her face. She knew her cheeks flamed with the blush of embarrassment, and she held herself stiffly against his front, fingers limp against his. “No…” She denied. “The thought never crossed my mind…”

“I wish I could read your mind…to know if you were lying or not.” confessed Lezard. “I can’t help but wonder which thought drove you to distraction more…fear for the young Lenneth’s safety…or if you were jealous that I was alone with her.”

“Her safety.” Lenneth insisted, fighting back a shiver at the chuckle in her ear.

“I could tell you what went on between us…” Lezard said, lips still by her ear. “Or better yet show you…” He released her fingers, sliding his hands up her bare arms, a gentle rubbing against her skin. “Would you like that Lenneth…?”

“Show me…how?” She asked suspiciously.

“We fought…” continued Lezard, hands going to rest on her shoulders. He kneaded at the tension he felt there, trying to loosen her up, get her to relax against him. “A magnificent duel, one sided though it may have been. You’d be pleased to know your past counterpart put on a quite a show, she struggled so bravely.”

“I would expect no less of her…of me…” Lenneth said, trying to ignore him massaging at her shoulders.

“Then she surely would have done you proud…” Lezard told her. “But eventually I tired of the battle, and I knocked away her sword with Gungnir…and then…” He was slowly turning her around to face him, Lenneth looking urgently into his face.

“And then?” She goaded when he remained silent.

“Ah…Then I did this…” He dropped his hands from her shoulders, one hand going to her right wrist, the other arm wrapping around her waist. Lenneth started to frown, and it was then he moved, sweeping out his leg against her feet, causing her to stumble backwards. She let out a startled sound, grabbing at his chest, digging her fingers into his jacket to keep from falling.

“I’ve got you…” Lezard purred, slowly easing Lenneth down to the carpeted floor. He knelt down with her, laying her flat across the ground, body cushioned by the plush fibers of the carpet. “She was outraged when I did this…” He said, carefully settling the weight of his body on top of Lenneth’s. “She didn’t like my being on top of her one bit…”

“I’ve no doubt about that!” exclaimed Lenneth, and she began pushing at Lezard’s chest, trying to dislodge him from her. “Okay…you’ve shown me what you did with her…now let me up…”

“Not yet Lenneth…” insisted Lezard, his voice a husky whisper as he gazed down at her. “We haven’t gotten to the best part…”

“You and I have vast differences in opinions on what the best part constitutes!” Lenneth retorted, watching impassively as Lezard lowered his face down towards her. She didn’t fight, nor did she encourage him when he pressed his lips against her mouth, kissing her gently. He sought to beguile her mouth open, nibbling and sucking against her mouth, and she sighed, reluctantly accepting the kiss. His hand caught at her chin, holding her steady as he attempted to deepen the kiss.

It was when she gasped against him that he broke apart from her, satisfied with her reaction. His hold loosened, fingers turning caressing, touching her bottom lip as he gazed down at her. “It was different when I kissed her…she was clumsy and inexperienced, traits that could be easily abolished with a few lessons on kissing. Shhh…” He placed his fingers against her mouth, shushing her when she sought to let out an angry retort. “Let me continue…to be blunt…she lacked the spark of you…a pale imitation of the real thing.”

Lenneth’s lips puckered, a sour look on her face. “Why do I get the feeling you’re not telling me everything? Hmmm? Could it be my past counterpart proved too much of a handful for you, and you seek to disguise what really happened to ease your wounded pride?”

He was quiet, staring into her eyes, and then he was grinning, moving his hands to place them on her chest. “This…this is all the handful I need.” Lezard said, lightly squeezing her breasts. She was gasping then, arching into his hands, eyes widening.

“Lezard!” She slapped at his shoulders, trying to push him away from her. He was laughing, easily sliding his fingers over and across the front of her silk bodice, light pressure that caused her chest to swell up, perilously close to tumbling free of her top. “St…stop!” Lenneth was surprised when he complied, allowing his hands to rest low on her belly.

“I found your counterpart to be a rather infuriating young woman.” Lezard surprised Lenneth with his admittance. “I was surprised at how she angered me…I was all too eager to rid myself of her.”

“What did you do?” Lenneth couldn’t keep the worry out of her voice, off her face.

“Fear not sweet Lenneth. I’ve already told you I’m incapable of harming you, no matter what incarnation you appear as.” He sighed. “I merely sent her back to Asgard, along with my demands.”

“Your demands? What are you talking about?” Lenneth struggled to sit up, and he let her, easing up off of her to crouch next to her. “Lezard, what are you plotting now?” He smiled at her, pleased at her interest. She stared back at him, hardly reassured by his grin.

“Why I merely seek to claim my rightful throne.” Lezard answered, and her eyes widened in realization.

“Valhalla…” She whispered. “You seek not only Odin’s power, but his throne as well.”

“Exactly.” Lezard leaned forward, rewarding her with a kiss on her forehead.

“Why?”

“Why?” Lezard thought about it, choosing his words carefully. “It’s simply a matter of protecting myself, of ensuring my plans are not foiled. The Gods, Freya in particular, are not content to let me be, and it’s time they were taught a lesson in who their master is.”

“They’ve left you alone haven’t they…?” asked Lenneth. “Surely you could do the same.”

“Someone summoned this time’s Lenneth.” Lezard answered. “For what other purpose than to stop me?”

“You don’t know the real reason behind her appearance.” argued Lenneth. “She could have been summoned for many a reason.”

“No…it’s no coincidence she found her way here. You said it yourself, the other Gods would come for Gungnir. The Goddess of Fate is just the first to make the attempt.” Lezard’s expression hardened. “I must put a stop to such attempts before it becomes tiresome.” He went to stand, hands catching hold of Lenneth’s wrists, a gentle tug that had her straightening with him as he stood.

“Don’t worry Lenneth…” He was touching her cheek, staring in concern at the worry in her eyes. “There will be little bloodshed, provided they do as I ask.”

“And if they don’t…?” She asked, reaching up to pull his hand away from her face.

“Then…” He sighed, knowing she wouldn’t like his answer. “Then I will do what I must.” He spoke quickly to stifle any protests from Lenneth. “I have two of the four treasures…and I know where to find the third. All I need is the chance to go retrieve it…”

“You’re collecting the treasures so that no one can stand up to you?” Horrified realization was on her face. “So that you will be unstoppable?!”

“Hmm, that’s part of my plan yes.” agreed Lezard. “But there is another reason…”

“And will you share that reason with me?” Lenneth asked, eyes begging him.

“I don’t see why not.” Lezard replied. “The philosopher’s stone has told me many things. Told me what was needed to meld my soul with Odin. Told me when to act to capture your sister Silmeria’s spirit. It even told me how to use my newly found powers to create this world free of the Divine Pantheon’s meddling and time’s pull. It whispers to me even now, telling me that three of the four treasures are needed to cast my ultimate magic spell.”

“What could possibly need that much power?” Lenneth asked him.

Lezard grinned. “I’m glad you asked. You see, I need those treasures in order to cast the magic that will replace Yggsdrasil with my world tree.” He laughed then at the stricken look on Lenneth’s face.

“You truly are mad!” She exclaimed horrified. “You put all the worlds at risk, not just the ones whose treasure you’ve stolen, but all nine realms with this mad plot!”

“Don’t you see Lenneth? It’s the only way…the only way to spread the influence of my power, keep the time paradox from touching us outside the branches of this tree.” His hands were on her upper arms, holding her as though he feared she might attempt to flee.

“You don’t have to do this…Please…I’m not above begging…” Lenneth said, feeling a hint of tears in the corner of her eyes as she thought of the countless lives Lezard sought to endanger. “Don’t do it Lezard…”

“I thought you would be relived…happy…” Lezard said confused. “Doing this will abolish the need for Asgard and Alfeim to be destroyed. They can still exist, as will the other realms.”

“But if you fail…” She whispered. “The loss of life is too great.”

“I can create new life if that happens…you and I together can usher in a new world.” He was frustrated with the shaking of her head, Lenneth still staring at him aghast. “You’ll see…” He sighed. “I won’t fail in this endeavor…Yggsdrasil will be replaced, and my tree will flourish in it’s stead!”

————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Midmorning on Asgard found Freya in the throne room of Valhalla, a bereft expression on her face as she stood before the empty seat of honor. She sighed, placing her fingers on the armrest, head bowed so that her golden hair fell forward to obscure her face. It felt wrong to leave the throne of Odin empty, and yet no one had dared come forward to claim it. Not that many, if any one had the power to back up such a bold claim. In fact only one person sprang to mind, and Freya snarled, aghast to even think of the usurping mage touching anything else that belong to Odin.

I’ll die before I let him sit on the throne. Freya thought to herself, fingers tightening on the arm rest hard enough to crack open the gold. She watched as the cracks splintered down to the floor, almost mesmerized by the patterns her strength caused. She was still staring when footsteps echoed on the floor far below her, and a voice shouted up to her, calling out her name.

“Lenneth…” Freya released her harsh grip on the throne, turning to peer down the staircase. The Valkyrie was at the foot of the stairs, peering up at the dais, and she bowed when she noticed Freya’s eyes on her. “Why have you returned? Where is Brahms? Where is the Dragon’s Orb?” She saw no sign of the Vampire Lord, nor did she sense the magical energy of the Dragon’s Orb. Her lips pursed together, disapproval on her face as she began walking down the steps. “Just what exactly are you doing?”

Lenneth straightened, Freya shocked to see her armor cracked in places, most notably split down the center of her breast plate. The white of her dress was brown and muddied, and her hair was no longer tied back in a neat little braid. What’s more her feathered helm was missing, as was her sword, and the Valkyrie look almost embarrassed, blue eyes avoiding Freya’s piercing gaze.

“Lenneth…what has happened to bring you back to me in such a state?” Freya stopped before her, hands on her hips.

“It’s a long story.” Lenneth sighed. “I thought it best if I report to you at once.”

“It must be urgent if you didn’t take the time to clean up.” Freya said, still amazed over the messy state Lenneth was in.

“It is.” The Valkyrie nodded, her expression grave. “I have met with Odin’s murderer. It…did not go too well.” She let out a short bark of angry laughter. “That is an understatement.”

“Odin’s murderer?! Then he really is dead…” Freya wanted to slump down to her knees, to start weeping, but she forced herself to be strong. “What of the mortal, the mage? Does he still live?!”

“Yes…” Lenneth held up a hand, holding off Freya’s angry protest. “I was no match for him.”

“If that is true, then why do you still live?!” The golden haired Goddess demanded. She was amazed to see Lenneth’s cheeks grow flush, the Valkyrie turning pink with embarrassment. “Lenneth, what is it?”

“I..” Again she avoided Freya’s eyes, expression perturbed. “I remind him of his…his love…”

“Love?” A sneer on Freya’s face. “What does that have to do with anything?!”

Lenneth’s eyes flashed with anger. “The new God is a despicable man, a soul defiler, and a pervert! He…he came onto me. To me!” She stamped her foot on the floor. “I can’t even begin to tell you of the things he attempted to do to me. I was lucky to escape…no…” She added softly. “He let me go.”

“Why would he do that?” asked Freya, slowly processing what Lenneth had told her.

“To deliver you a message.” Lenneth answered.

“Message? What message?” Freya’s face wrinkled into a frown. “I’ve no interest in anything the slayer of Odin has to say!”

“I think you will be very interested in these words!” Lenneth said, quick to correct her. “He wanted you to hear…he named you specifically…”

“A threat eh?”

“Kind of.” Lenneth sighed. “He wants you…me…all of the pantheon to surrender to him.” Freya scoffed at this, a harsh grating sound that voiced how absurd she thought the mage’s demands were. “He would have us kneel before him, accept him as the new ruler of Asgard.”

“And just why exactly would we agree to such a thing?” sneered Freya, emerald eyes blazing with anger.

“Because of his power…”

Freya cut her off, interjecting, “He may have Odin’s power, but if we rise up against him, surely…” A shrug of her shoulders then. “Surely even with Gungnir he won’t be able to stand up to all of the Gods.”

“It’s not just Gungnir he has.” Lenneth said quietly. “He has the Slyvan Bow.” Freya gasped at this, and Lenneth smiled grimly. “He knows the Dragon Orb is missing, knows what will happen to the nine realms if they are not recovered. The mage is content to remain in his world, let Asgard and the other realms perish. He said…he said it mattered not to him, one way or the other what we chose.”

“This is foolishness of the worst kind!” exclaimed Freya. “How can he do this…how can he be content to destroy so many worlds…what is his game?”

“I know not…” Lenneth looked away, biting her lower lip as a thought occurred to her.

“Wait…there is something else, something you’re not telling me…What is it?” Freya reached out to take hold of Lenneth’s chin, forcing the Valkyrie to meet her gaze. “What are you hiding?”

“It’s not important.” insisted Lenneth, struggling against Freya’s steel grip.

“I will be the judge of that.” retorted Freya. “Now tell me all you know!”

“Fine…” Lenneth’s lips were pressed together in a thin line of disapproval. “The new God is not alone. He has someone with him. A Goddess.”

“He has an accomplice?” Freya’s eyes grew wide with disbelif, wondering what God would dare move against them like this.

“No.” Lenneth shook her head. “A captive. She is the very reason he has done all that he has…all in order to capture her heart.”

“For love he kills Odin?” Freya narrowed her eyes, anger vibrating off of her. “For lust he puts Asgard in danger…for desire he would endanger all of the nine realms?!” Her aura flared up, gold and purple mixing together, crackling over her green clad form. “Who is this…this wench that is the cause of all our troubles? Tell me her name…tell me so that I can KILL her!”

Lenneth fidgeted, fingers picking at the dried mud caking her skirt. “You see Freya…that Goddess…that Goddess is me…”

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

The boat rocked gently in the water, small waves crashing in against it’s side as it bobbed up and down in the surf. It creaked and it groaned, the sound competing with the noise of the sea, and Arngrim’s grunts. The large warrior was straining his muscles, a thick length of rope held in his hands, dragging it up the shore. He left deep footprints in the wet sand, almost slipping as he walked, determined to reach a tree.

Alicia paused at the edge of the boat, staring as Arngrim labored forward, at last reaching his destination. He looped the rope round a sturdy oak tree, using it as an anchor for their boat. It was all they could find, having parked their ship on a desolate piece of beach, with no pier to be found. Rufus had insisted, saying any spot that looked suitable to dock their boat in would be well guarded by the elves of the forest. Not wanting a confrontation, they had driven the boat around the island, looking for any spot that might do for a temporary landing.

“Arngrim said he’s used worse in his days as a pirate.” Rufus said, startling Alicia from her reverie. The princess smiled at the half elf, gladly taking hold of his hand as he helped her off the boat. She was careful as she stepped off the edge, not wanting to fall, though she knew Rufus would be there to catch her.

“One time when the King’s army was after us…” Arngrim called out, his voice just short of shouting as he worked to tie the rope into a sturdy knot. “We had to dock our ship off the side of a mountain. Nothing but smooth rocks and sand for miles all around.” He chuckled. “Our boat ending up drifting away…we were lucky that merchant ship came across us, else I’d still be on that mountain shore!”

“Well we’re glad to have you with us.” Alicia said, walking carefully across the sand. “Not just for your expertise when it comes to boating, but for the company as well.”

“And his sword arm.” added Rufus. “Don’t forget about that.” He grinned at the beserker, handing him a pack of supplies. Arngrim merely nodded in reply, slipping the pack over his shoulder. Rufus sighed, turning his attention to the forest that loomed before them. He didn’t say a word, just staring quietly, until at last Alicia touched his shoulder in concern.

“Rufus? Are you okay?” She asked.

“Yes…I’m fine…” Rufus shook his head, trying to clear wayward thoughts from his mind. “Let’s go.”

“If you’re sure…” Alicia said. “It’s still not too late…”

“I know, I know!” snapped Rufus, then immediately apologized at the hurt look on the princess face. “I’m sorry…” He smiled to soften his words. “I know it’s not too late to turn back…just as you know I refuse to. I won’t stop until I get you that flower…no matter what…!”

“If we’re going to do this…we should get going before it gets any later in the day.” Arngrim suggested, hand held over his eyes as he peered up at the sun. “I’d like to get as far as we can into the forest before nightfall.”

“Relax…the elf village won’t be far from here.” Rufus said. “If all goes according to plan, we should be in and out of the forest in no time!”

“Let’s go then…” Alicia said, double checking the pack at her side, making sure the dragon’s orb was safe and undisturbed inside the leather bag. It gleamed as it was revealed to the sunlight, a brilliant orange hum of power. Reassured, she resealed the flap, and began walking forward, heading towards the trees that marked the border between beach and forest. Arngrim and Rufus flanked her sides, following her, weapons drawn.