Bride 10

It had been a lot of shocking information to take in, Lenneth’s mind still reeling over the thought of Silmeria’s rebellion, even a day later. She found it difficult not to think about her younger sister, and the choices she had made, Lenneth wondering what experiences had shaped Silmeria into the woman she had become. The Silmeria Lezard had talked of, was a veritable stranger to her, so alien in her choices and actions.

Not that Lenneth had any personal experience with her sisters. The very nature of their shared existence had kept her from ever meeting them. Two of the three Valkyries were always forced to sleep, their souls guarded inside their human host’s body. All because of a decree of their creator, Lord Odin demanding that only one Valkyrie walk the realms at a time.

She might not have ever personally met them, but Lenneth had heard the stories. Many tales had been regaled to her, of her sisters’ loyalty, their heroic accomplishments, their steadfast devotion to their duties. As the youngest, Silmeria was perhaps the most caring of the three Valkryies. She was kind but firm, and could almost be said to be nurturing, at least towards the mortal souls she collected as her einherjar. She was known to inspire loyalty in those who chose to stand with her, many going gladly to Asgard on her wings.

The eldest, Hrist was known to be a severe personality, mistaken by many to be heartless. They didn’t understand her coldness, didn’t appreciate the ruthless way she saw about her duties. It was for this very merciless nature, that Odin had made the eldest Goddess his executioner.

Hrist was always the one to be called upon should divine judgment be given down to the mortals. Many a kingdom had been laid to waste at the hands of Hrist and her einherjar, and Odin wasn’t above using the Goddess as his divine assassin. It was no wonder that many feared her, even among the gods. No one wanted Hrist to darken their doorway, the Goddess not known for social visits. No, if she appeared before you, there was a very good chance she had been sent on Odin’s business.

Lenneth knew that Hrist had been the active Valkyrie during the events leading up to Odin’s murder. What she hadn’t known was that Hrist had been temporarily displaced, paving the way for Lenneth’s unscheduled awakening. At the time, disoriented and groggy from sleep, Lenneth has assumed Hrist had been cast back as per Lezard’s demands. Lenneth had had no way of knowing Hrist was had yet to recover from the events at Dipan, her soul nearly lost as a result of an inexpert casting of the sovereign’s rite.

If anything, it should be Hrist’s time as acting Valkyrie, especially with Odin’s slayer on the loose. The Goddess should have been actively trying to seek retribution on Lezard, even if such an act wasn’t currently possible. It might never be, for what hope could a single Valkyrie have where a multitude of Gods and Goddesses had failed? Not even Freya had managed to stand up to Lezard’s newly acquired power.

No wonder they had been quick to hand Lenneth over, all in an attempt to appease their new master. The Gods were ever self serving, Lenneth could admit that much. They would gladly sacrifice one to save the rest of their immortal souls. It was just Lenneth’s unfortunate luck, that the burden of sacrifice had fallen on her shoulders. Even if Lezard hadn’t been making demands for a Valkyire bride, the Gods would have been limited in their choice of who to send. Especially with one Valkyrie’s soul recovering, the other thought to be dead.

And with that line of thought, Lenneth immediately thought of Silmeria again. She had seen the great statues built in honor of her and her sisters, and thus been able to recognize Silmeria instantaneously. The statues had not done the blonde beauty justice, the stone paling in comparison to the actual Goddess. Even trapped in crystal, she was not dulled, no sign of the hard battles of the last few months showing on her face.

She certainly hadn’t looked like a Goddess corrupted by the filth of the undead, and a part of Lenneth couldn’t help but wonder if what Lezard had told her had been untrue. It all seemed so unbelievable, why would a Goddess, especially one created to be loyal to Odin, turn traitor. And for an undead of all creations?! It was preposterous! And yet some grain of truth had to be there in the story Lezard had told her, if only for the fact the fledgling God had Silmeria in his custody.

What Lenneth really needed was a reliable source to question, someone who could give her answers she could trust. Once that would have been Odin, Lenneth having unwavering faith in everything her Lord Creator told her. Never, ever would she have thought to question him. She was too much like Hrist in that regard, unable to fathom the doubts Silmeria must have gone through when she chose to rebel against their Creator.

She found herself wishing she could talk with her sister, even if Silmeria truly was tainted now. Perhaps then she could at least accept what had happened to her sister, even if Lenneth would never understand her reasoning for betraying Odin. And with that wish, came another hope, the desire Lenneth had to somehow save her sister. To heal her of the infection the vampire king had placed within her, earning back a loyal soldier of the Gods.

But that was an impossible wish, the three sisters could never actually meet. If what Lezard had said about Silmeria being conscious in a human host was true, then that had been the ultimate fluke, pitting her sisters against one another. Lenneth knew she would never get to enjoy the simple pleasures other siblings took for granted, the joy of hearing her sister’s voice, of seeing her smile. Never to be embraced by her family, never to share thoughts, concerns, and hopes with them.

It was pointless to be bothered by that which she could not change. To actually meet with one of her sisters would go against Odin’s decree, Lenneth sure that the God had had a reason for placing such a limit on the three Valkyrie sisters. It would not due to start questioning the whys of such a command, especially now with Odin dead, the God unable to explain away his reasons.

And still she sighed, Lenneth holding a vacant stare as she gazed off into the distance. An open book was on her lap, but it had never held her attention. Not when her husband had given her so much to think about. The words printed on the book’s pages couldn’t compare to that which Lezard had told her, and she had gone over it numerous times in her head. To the point she completely ignored Lezard, the God seeming put out by her lack of interest in maintaining a conversation with him.

Lenneth supposed he thought she was sulking, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. She was just overwhelmed, a gambit of emotions having run their course after Lezard finished his tale. It left her emotionally weary, and in no mood to continue to verbally spar with her husband.

He had tried to lure her into conversations, but eventually he realized he had no bait attractive enough for Lenneth. It was then that he had flounced off in a huff, something very much like a scowl on his face. That had been hours ago, and Lenneth was surprised but grateful he had left her alone for all this time. Even if she had nothing to do but think, her thoughts running an endless circle.

Of course Lenneth had tried to distract herself from this, once again exploring the level of their living quarters. She had even spent a few hours just gazing on her sister, Silmeria never so much as opening her eyes in response to Lenneth’s pleas. The free time left Lenneth unsettled, restless. She was used to being active, to always performing some duty of Odin’s. Free time was a difficult concept to the Goddess, Lenneth never having much chance for small pleasures.

A battle maiden’s life was a busy burden, there was always a war to watch over, souls to collect, einherjar to train. Or undead to kill. Lenneth wasn’t sure she even liked having a moment to relax, and with a start she realized she was actually wishing for Lezard to return. She didn’t expect him to entertain her, but felt he would give her a purpose through their arguments. It was after all a battle of a different kind, words their weapons instead of swords.

Glancing down at the unread book, Lenneth frowned. She shouldn’t be so aware of how the seconds seemed to linger, time ticking far too slow for her liking. But she did, Lenneth wondering just when Lezard intended to return to her.

Another hour would pass, Lenneth just about gearing up to go explore the experiments in Lezard’s laboratory, when her husband appeared. The air seemed to shimmer before her, and then catch with the fire of gold sparks. Lezard stepped through those sparkles, hair and clothing looking a little disheveled. Lenneth immediately wondered what he had been up to, the Goddess used to him keeping a somewhat immaculate appearance.

He almost looked as though he had been fighting, and she wondered who or what would dare. But she wouldn’t voice such a concern, not wanting him to think she cared. Better to suffer the pangs of curiosity, than allow him to think she had been worried about him and his prolong absence.

“Lenneth.” His voice did not betray him, he wasn’t even winded from what ever had happened. His amethyst colored eyes touched upon her, Lezard going so far as to sweep his gaze over her in an appraising fashion. She nearly flushed at that, the action raising Lenneth’s hackles. But before she could do more than let out a displeased hiss he was continuing. “I have a surprise for you.”

Lenneth did a slow blinking of her eyes, more cautious than intrigued. “What now?” She asked at last, but Lezard didn’t seem put off by her wariness.

“You’ll just have to wait and see.” He smiled, his gloved hands reaching for hers. The book fell from her lap, Lenneth rising from her seat at Lezard’s urgings. He immediately guided her towards him, his smile never fading. But it was hard to read the look in her husband’s eyes, it wasn’t true pleasure that she saw coloring the purple. He wasn’t as excited as he pretended to be about this surprise, Lenneth was certain of that.

“You have been gone a very long time.” Lenneth pointed out as he wound an arm around her waist. A brief flicker of emotion flashed in his eyes. It was gone before she could identify it properly.

“You noticed.” His voice sounded pleased, Lenneth realizing her observation had fed into some part of his ego. She frowned, but didn’t know how to disabuse him of whatever notion the observation had given him. Lenneth did not want Lezard to assume she had missed him!

“Did it take very long to…prepare this surprise?” continued Lenneth, wondering if it was something he had used his new powers to make for her.

“The arrangements took some time yes.” Lezard agreed, taking advantage of her nearness to press up against her front. Her lips thinned out, Lenneth prepared to protest this. But Lezard was already casting ether about, taking them into the teleportation. His words followed them as reality shimmered around them, echoing from a distance. “And she was most reticent in agreeing to come here.”

“SHE?” Lenneth seized upon that word, a quizzical look in her eyes as they came out of the teleportation. She didn’t recognize this room he had brought her too, but it stank with ether. The air was nearly choking with it, strongly hinting that this place had been recently created. Lenneth wanted to study her surroundings, but a female voice was calling out to her.

“Lenneth!”

She recognized the voice, Lenneth gasping and pulling away from Lezard. Her husband did not try to hang on to her, his smile dimming somewhat as Lenneth whirled around. The Goddess Freya was rushing towards her, clad in a super short tunic of form fitting emerald. Her golden hair swished behind her, the Goddess floating to a stop several feet away, face cautious. Lenneth realized she was wary of coming any closer so long as Lezard was present.

He seemed to realize that, a rustle of movement from behind Lenneth. She glanced at him, Lezard giving a mocking half bow. “I shall leave you two ladies alone.” His gaze swept over Freya, his voice issuing out a warning. “Behave yourself, Goddess.”

“Hmph!” Freya sniffed, haughty and crossing her arms over her chest. The air around Lezard shimmered, the God fading from the room. Lenneth immediately turned back to the goddess, sure her face couldn’t be more surprised. “Such a boorish man.” Grumbled Freya, a hand moving to sweep back her hair over her right shoulder. “You would not believe what he had the nerve to do!”

Lenneth was looking Freya over, checking for signs of abuse. She would be startled to realize Freya was doing the same to her, concern in the goddess’ eyes. “What did he do?” Lenneth asked, when she realized Freya has paused in expectation.

“He manhandled me to this world of his, and actually dared to blindfold me before bringing me to this room!” Freya scowled, supremely angry over this. Lenneth now knew just who Lezard had been fighting with as he prepared this surprise of his.

“I…forgive him.” Lenneth said, duty making her apologize for her husband’s actions. Freya snorted in response, and turned away, eying the room. It was a small chamber, two overstuffed chairs situated next to a small table. That table had a round circle for a top, and a pitcher of some steaming liquid sat upon it’s surface. Two tea cups, and a plate of biscuits were laid out besides it, the treats untouched.

Freya didn’t move to take a seat, instead floating to the nearest wall. She examined it, and it wasn’t until the Goddess began to float about the room, that Lenneth realized there was no doors here. Windowless as well, they were enclosed, but Lenneth didn’t feel claustrophobic. Not until Freya snorted again. “He’s put a ward on the room.”

“A ward?!”

“To prevent us from teleporting.” Freya explained. She sneered then. “As if I would want to explore his disgusting new world.” But her hands were glowing with gold energy, ether sparkling as she began to weave a spell of her own. Lenneth watched quietly, waiting to see what Freya was attempting to do. The ether expanded, the glow lighting up the already bright room until no corner was untouched by it.

It was only then that Freya nodded in satisfaction. “This buys us some time.” She said. “I’m sure he will be quick to notice the seal I have put up. But it will take time for him to unravel it.”

Lenneth didn’t ask why Freya was so intent on maintaining privacy for their conversation, stepping closer to the Goddess. She had many questions, and hoped that Freya, someone who Lenneth trusted almost as much as she had Odin, would have the answers. “Lady Freya, my sister Silmeria…what can you tell me about her travels in these recent months. Is it true she tried to lead a rebellion against Lord Odin?”

“Silmeria….” Freya’s face was impassive, the Goddess not so much as startled by Lenneth’s questions. “Hmph. I see he wasted no time in telling you about her.”

“Then it’s true?” Lenneth asked, Freya’s face continuing to remain blank of emotion.

“Lenneth, now is not the time for this subject.”

“We will make time.” Lenneth insisted, voice firm. Freya was just as stubborn, shaking her head no.

“Our time is limited. That HUMAN will come soon. And I have much to tell you, much to impart of your true mission while my barrier is in place.”

“My true mission?” Lenneth allowed that to distract her from talk of Silmeria, Freya nodding. “I was not aware I had a mission, save to play house wife to this fledgling interloper.”

“You’re talents would be wasted if that is all we asked of you.” Freya retorted. “No Lenneth, there is greater purpose to your being here.”

“Then please. Illuminate me.”

Freya floated closer to Lenneth, her voice lowering as though she did not trust the barrier she had put into place. The barrier meant to keep Lezard out, and prevent him for eavesdropping on their conversation. “I know there is much you do not know. There was little time to properly brief you, and in truth, we wanted you innocent of our plans. At least initially, so as to lull the fiend’s suspicions where you were concerned.”

“Suspicions?”

“You couldn’t appear eager to go with him, we as much as he, needed your fight. You had to act accordingly to his expectations, else he would never lower his guard, even just a little.” Freya sighed then. “I’m sure you’ve had some time to observe him….his powers are as wild and unpredictable as they are strong.”

“And growing stronger by the day.” Lenneth pointed out.

“Yes…for once we divine do not have the luxury of time. We need to find a way to weaken him…”

“You mean to dispose of him?” Lenneth asked, and Freya nodded. “But….how?”

“This is where you come in Lenneth. As his wife, you are in position to study him. Have you not noticed anything about him that might give us the advantage in battle?”

“None that I can see.” Lenneth admitted, earning a frown from Freya. “We have not been fighting in the typical manner, save to use words to hurt one another.”

“That is unfortunate.” Freya tsked.

“Is that my mission? To discover his weakness?” Lenneth asked.

“It’s a small part of it. Partly we intend to use you as a distraction while we gather our power.” Lenneth was hardly pleased to hear she was delegated as distraction, frowning at Freya. “But there’s more…the divine treasure Gungnir is missing.”

“Missing?!” She gasped.

“Lezard took it when he made off with Odin’s body.” Freya scowled then, hands clenching into fists. But her expression although furious held the memory of the helplessness Freya had surely felt during that time. “We need you to get it back.”

“I was not even aware Lezard had it.” Some of Freya’s rage deflated, the goddess looking disappointed.

“You’ve not seen it?”

“No.” Lenneth shook her head. “The only thing of any importance that I’ve discovered, is my sister’s soul.”

“Silmeria still exists?” Freya was amazed, but recovered quickly. “It is good that she did not suffer the same fate as Odin, but ultimately we can do nothing for her. Our concern is disposing of Lezard. We have a limited time frame to do this in. As inheritor of Lord Odin’s power, he will become near unstoppable. We have to be ready to strike him down and soon.”

Freya began to pace, which was odd to watch considering she hovered several inches off the floor. “Asgard is maintaining equilibrium, but just barely. We need Gungnir returned to the shining realm. Before it falls, and before Surt and his crowd discovers the Aesir are without a King.”

“Surt…” Lenneth had not even considered the Vanir King, and what the dwellers of Jotunheim would do if they learned Asgard was without a ruler and the divine treasure. They would most likely move to invade the Shining realm, to overthrow the Aesir, kill them if possible. Freya was born of the Vanir, but such had been her devotion to Odin, she had become Aesir in every way that counted. It led the goddess to want to protect the realm, protect Odin’s kingdom and his people from all interlopers.

“What would you have me do?” Lenneth asked. The hesitation from Freya let her know she would not like what the Goddess had to say.

“Seduce him.” It was a blunt response, one that had Lenneth reeling in shock. “I know it will be a distasteful thing for you to do….but it is necessary evil.”

“Why that?!” Lenneth demanded, hands on her hips.

“Surely you’ve noticed. He’s besotted with you.” Freya retorted. “How much more will he become if you were to become amicable to his desires? You’ll lead him to distraction, he’ll make mistakes. Gungnir may become revealed to us.”

“That’s a very big maybe you’re hoping for!” Lenneth exclaimed angrily. “And I hardly think he is the type to let a little false affection lead to his downfall.”

“Then you haven’t been paying much attention to him.” Freya replied, tone calm. “He’s done this all for you. Overturned our leader, usurped his throne and power, all to get to you. That gives you power over him. You just need to use it.”

“But…but to sleep with him?!” Lenneth protested, aghast. “Even if I could do such a thing….how would I go about it? I have no experience as a seductress.”

“Some men find innocence all the more charming.” Freya smiled humorlessly. “Lezard may be the same.” Lenneth sighed then, thinking this was the worse thing she had even been asked to do as Valkyrie. “I have some…advice for you. He will suspect if you immediately change your behavior around him. You cannot hit him with the full effects of your charms at once.”

“I have no charms.” Grumbled Lenneth, truly regretted being born female in this moment.

Freya did not so much as blink, continuing. “You’ll have to adjust your behavior slowly, appear to be succumbing to your close proximity to him. I know you are no great liar Lenneth, but so much rides on your shoulders to be convincing. You must appear as though you are falling in love with him.”

“Easier said then done.” Lenneth’s mood had soured completely. “So in addition to searching for Gungnir and his weaknesses, I must put on the act of my life. Anything else?” Freya shook her head no, and Lenneth was almost relived. Almost until she remembered the insurmountable tasks laid out before her. Another sigh escaped her, Lenneth grim. She knew she had little choice but to accept this mission, the Aesir depending on her to succeed. But she didn’t have to like it.