Aliandra: nymph: Book 1 The Nymph chronicles (18 page)

Chapter 39

Vidarr knocked urgently at Ali's door before the sun had risen. Ali raced to the door to let him in.

"Danger?" asked Ali.

"Vidarr nodded.

"Do we go to your home, Vidi?" asked Ali.

Vidarr nodded.

"Turn and I will dress quickly" said Ali as she grabbed a dark physical training outfit and put it on. "Ready. Rom, come."

As soon as Rom got close enough, Vidarr 'ported them to Vidi. Snow was falling lightly to the ground as they made their way to the Vidarr's log cabin. Vidarr ushered Ali in and proceeded to light the fire in the cabin's massive fireplace. Ali went to the kitchen and searched for coffee. While the water was heating on the fire Ali found the larder and  kitchen were well stocked with essentials. Ali made coffee for Vidarr and herself and then passed Vidarr paper and pencils to he could explain the situation.

Vidarr wrote Greek immortal soldiers and trackers were on Norse land in the company of some Greek gods. Odin believed they were hunting Ali.

"Are we safe from them here?" asked Ali.

Vidarr wrote down that he would know as soon as they were in his forest and if anyone entered to look for her and he would defend her.

"I have collected all the materials to make your new suit of armor and most of the weaponry on your list. It will help if you had the new armor if you have to fight them. I can make it for you now. I need to explain that although it will seem as if I have made it instantly, I assure you that is not the case. I can explain no further than that, you will have to trust me that the armor and weaponry I produce will be perfection. You will have some time to test it out before any fight comes our way. I will be right back with it" said Ali.

Ali went towards the kitchen and opened her window and closed it behind her. The equipment was all stored in preparation for manufacture. Ali carried all the equipment to the sheltered area and began making the armor. She stored her training clothes in the main window and made clothes from large forest leaves. Ali sang elven incantations as she worked and formed the composite metal from the combination of ingredients. Months passed as Ali continued her work on the metal until she had sufficient to begin making the armor. Many more months passed as she integrated further powers, technologies and incantations into the armor as she carefully crafted the suit for Vidarr. Finally the suit was complete to her satisfaction and Ali stored it in the main window.

Ali returned to begin again with the remainder of the ingredients to formulate enough of the composite metal to make the weaponry for the suit. Ali lost count of the time that passed as she made Vidarr's weapons to meet her high expectations. Ali incorporated every technology, skill and power that she had learned as she made each piece. Finally it was done and Ali stored the weaponry as she retrieved all her equipment and tools to  store them in the main window. Ali returned to the ancient plane and took time to relax and consider how to defend against those who hunted her.

First, Ali worked hard on her physical training and combat skills. She practised until she was happy with her expertise using her elven armor and weaponry. She practised daily with her bow until her could hit with pinpoint accuracy over vast distances. She reviewed and honed all the god skills taught to her so far until she was satisfied with her proficiency. Finally, Ali worked on her ability to fly using the diamond wings from the Norse giants. She took more months to review and further hone every combination of skills and abilities. In the final week, Ali didn't push her energy into the earth and she let it accumulate when she relaxed in preparation for the battle she would fight by Vidarr's side.

Ali entered the main window, closing the portal to the ancient plane. She dressed in her training clothes again and stored the accumulation of Vidarr's armor and weapons into a gem and exited the main window into Vidarr's kitchen. Ali walked into the lounge where she left Vidarr waiting. Ali emptied the storage gem and armor and weapons poured onto the floor.

"Vidarr. First, pick up the dagger and handle it so you imprint on it. Once that is done no-one else will be able to use your armor or draw your weapons." Vidarr did so. "Put on the armor so I can fit the weaponry into it to your liking" instructed Ali.

"Vidarr stood and donned the armor and waited. Ali set out the array of weapons and they discussed placement. Vidarr tried out various movement in drawing weapons and Ali made the final decisions on where to sheath the weapons on the armor. Ali worked to finish while Vidarr stood and watched her expertly finalize the arrangements. Vidarr then practised drawing each weapon as Ali watched and considered. Ali finally asked Vidarr his preferred code for activating his armor and she programmed it into the storage gem. Ali asked Vidarr where he wanted to place the gem and when he pointed to his upper chest Ali agreed and attached it.

"As I said, it is light and feels flexible but that is due to the material and the powers woven into it. Nothing will penetrate, bend or break it. You can take the weapons and try them out as you wish so you feel more confident in using them" encouraged Ali.

Vidarr went outside and walked up to the nearest tree. He drew out his long blade and swung it at the tree. The blade cut straight through the tree and it fell over.

"Perhaps you should choose a tree further from your cabin in case it falls over on it" suggested Ali.

Vidarr nodded and chose a much larger tree further from the cabin. Again he swung the blade and it cut smoothly through the tree, the tree tumbled. He walked further into the forest ,with Ali and Rom trailing him, and he chose a large hardwood tree. He walked around and checked the tree for any damage or hollowness, then he swung the blade and it cut straight through the tree and it tumbled.

"Maybe the trees have suffered enough" said Ali.

Vidarr then walked to a large rocky outcropping and stomped around on it to ensure it was solid. He took the blade and swung it at the large rock. The blade sliced through like it was warm butter. Several more consecutive swings and the large rocky ledge was a pile of rubble. Vidarr sheathed the blade in his armor and nodded his approval to Ali then he returned the armor to his gem. They returned to the cabin to await news.

Ali got busy cooking vast amounts of food to allay her nerves. Vidarr watched her in amusement as she slowly surrounded him with plates of delicious morsels to tempt him. Finally Vidarr stood and took Ali by the shoulders and pointed for her to sit down.

"I am too nervous to sit, Vidarr" said Ali. "It has been hours and no word."

He pointed again and nodded his head in the direction of the lounge.

Ali huffed over to sit and Vidarr passed her a plate of food.

"Not hungry." Ali replaced the plate in the table.

He picked up another plate and patiently handed it to her.

"Fine! I am hungry but I can't eat. My stomach feels like it has hit the ground and bolted some place weird."

Vidarr pointed to the food again and smiled.

"I cannot believe how pushy you are for a god of silence. Fine! I will eat something but don't blame me if it comes back up" huffed Ali as she began to eat. When Ali began eating her stomach settled down a little and she realized how hungry she was. Vidarr and Ali ate most of the food through the rest of the evening as they waited for news.

Ali fell asleep on the couch and woke to find Vidarr holding a note.

"News?" asked Ali sleepily.

Vidarr nodded and passed Ali the note.

Tribal friends have arrived to assist in hunt for immortal trespassers. Greek goddess of tracking captured and will be quietly transferred to tribal lands. Trespassers are in three main groups to hunt Aliandra. One group is headed your way. One group is cornered by tribal friends. Largest group are our playthings. We will send reinforcements to you if we cannot catch up with the group heading towards Vidi. I have sealed our realm so they cannot escape. Enjoy the fight , my son. Odin.

"Are they in the forest yet?" asked Ali.

Vidarr shook his head.

"Can we do anything to prepare?"

Vidarr took the paper and pencil and made a list.

Bait. Trap. Kill.

Reconnaissance.

Identify number of enemy troops and strength.

Identify location of enemy and direction of travel.

Identify preferred battle locations.

Strategy

Divide or scatter group.

Draw enemies to selected kill zones.

Fight!

"Do you have a map? What is their likeliest direction of travel?" asked Ali.

Ali looked over the map Vidarr produced and he indicated the direction.

"They are out to capture me, not kill. So, since I am their prey, I can make a number of false trails leading from here to our kill zones they might follow. I have experience in tracking and hunting so I can make it convincing" offered Ali.

Vidarr nodded firmly.

"Choose the area you want me to draw them to and mark the kill zones. Vidarr, they are all immortals, so we can heal them later, right?" asked Ali with concern.

Vidarr nodded with amusement.

Vidarr selected two stages of kill zones. "So this is the first set of kill zones and then we fall back to the second stage when you signal?" asked Ali. "What is the signal?"

Vidarr nodded resolutely in confirmation and sent Ali a gentle double psychic poke to her arm.

Ali, Rom and Vidarr 'ported to the area where they expected the immortal intruders. Ali and Rom got busy with laying the false trails while Vidarr prepared the kill zones. Then they lay in wait.

Chapter 40

Vidarr sent Ali a small psychic poke when he spotted the first of the intruders. Ali recognized one of the men as Prometheus. She watched and saw Prometheus provide instructions to the soldiers. Ali counted about one hundred and fifty immortal soldiers that divided into four groups to follow the different trails to their kill zones. Prometheus then headed in a different direction away from the battle area.

When the soldiers entered her kill zone, Ali began firing energy bolts with her bow. As each bolt struck a soldier he lit up and crumpled to the ground. Ali had various 'port sites that Vidarr had prepared. She quickly 'ported from site to site firing her bolts with deadly accuracy. Rom raced down to the kill zone and when a soldier prepared to swing his blade at Rom, Ali 'ported in and moved like liquid lightening to finish the fight with her blade. "You will not hurt my cat!" roared Ali angrily. Ali scanned her zone as she expanded her senses around the area. Vidarr was fighting hard against many with many more moving toward him. Ali 'ported with Rom to the next zone.

Ali fired her bolts hard and fast to prevent soldiers from one zone moving towards Vidarr in the next before he was ready. She 'ported with incredible speed as she fired. The soldiers fell hard and fast before they could organize. She ran with Rom into the next zone to follow escaping soldiers and prevent them from regrouping and counter-attacking. Ali's blade cut them down quickly. Ali and Rom 'ported to the next zone.

Ali saw Vidarr surrounded by the final thirty soldiers and fighting hard. His face was lit up with glee as his foes fell beneath his unrelenting blade. Ali groaned.
Men!
Ali considered if he would want her assistance and thought they had better finish it quickly since Prometheus was still in the loose. Ali fired her bolts with incredible speed at any soldiers that were far enough away from Vidarr. Then Ali 'ported down and joined the battle.

Soldiers peeled away from Vidarr when they realized Ali was fighting. She moved lightning fast and deftly felled all before her. When the final soldier fell Vidarr looked at her quizzically.

"What? I had a good teacher, alright? I was so hyped and 'In. The. Zone!'" said Ali gleefully. "Adrenalin is finally my friend."

Ali started a happy dance, then looked at Vidarr who looked at her frowning. "Give me another minute to finish my little happy dance and I will be right with you." Ali finished up and turned to Vidarr. "We still have Prometheus to catch, I saw him heading east of the battle zone. I can track him from the last place I saw him."

Vidarr shook his head.

"What? I can do this, Vidarr" countered Ali.

Vidarr drew his blade and pointed to a figure that had appeared behind Ali. Prometheus!

"I am a friend and ally of Aliandra. I do not wish her harm" called out Prometheus quickly as he raised his hands in the air.

"He speaks the truth, Vidarr" said Ali. "Prometheus, explain why you arrived in this realm with troops to hunt me?"

"I was the one who warned Odin of our impending arrival. I sent Dionysius to where the tribal gods lay in wait for him. I sent Apollo and his troops directly to Odin. I have sent the men I trusted from my regiment to gather the families of all the immortal soldiers in one location. This I have done to set up this battle for our defeat. With their families safe, the soldiers will swear fealty to you, Aliandra" he concluded.

"He speaks the truth" Ali said to Vidarr. "Why did you set up your own defeat? Another strategy to win my favor?" asked Ali.

"No, Aliandra. I am destined to marry one of your daughters" admitted Prometheus. "It was I who took you as a babe from your mother's arms, delivered you to Gaia and chose your mortal family. This I do for my beloved wife to come" said Prometheus.

"Truth. Accepted" stated Ali.

Norse soldiers 'ported in with weapons drawn. "The battle is concluded here. Gather up the wounded trespassers and take them all to the great hall. Prometheus is our ally" she called out. Ali sent a note to Odin asking him to get all the trespassers to the great hall and she would meet him there.

Prometheus, Vidarr, Ali and Rom 'ported directly to the great hall. Unconscious and wounded bodies lay piled on the floor. Odin arrived and Ali advised him of the plan. "How are we supposed to wake them up so they can swear fealty?" asked Ali.

"Leave that to me" grinned Odin.

Odin waved his arm and the wounded and dazed immortal soldiers slowly made it to their feet.

"Listen carefully to my words immortal intruders. I am Aliandra, the one you hunt. I give you all the chance to forsake your other vows and allegiances and swear fealty to me now. Your families are safe and you will be reunited with them after your oath to me. Once you swear fealty, I will heal you, then provide you and your families with safety and a home" announced Ali. "There will be no punishments or recriminations for your actions this day."

"She speaks the truth" called out one of the soldiers and many nodded.

"If you choose to make your oath to me speak these words now." Ali waved her hand and a banner appeared. The soldiers spoke the words on the banner.

"I now forsake all my other allegiances and swear my oath of fealty to Aliandra."

Ali moved around among the men and they all kissed her fealty ring. "Form a circle and join hands" instructed Ali. Ali then took the hands of two men to join the circle and when it was complete unbroken chain, Ali sent her healing energy surging through the circle of men. For those men who were unable to rise to join the circle Ali touched them and healed them. She then nodded to Prometheus and he 'ported in their relieved families. The soldiers that arrived with the families also swore fealty.

Ali sat with the commanders and explained that the place where she was sending them was safe and required no fortification. Fish and produce were plentiful. They were all free to build their homes and live their lives. Ali asked the commanders to maintain discipline, order, training routines and remain prepared in case she required their services. Finally Ali asked them to take good care of her world while they lived there.

Ali stepped away from the hall and thought it was preferable if she could 'port them all directly to the ancient plane. She considered it was possible since she was still powered up. Ali focused and 'ported to her main window then opened the portal to the ancient plane and 'ported back. Ali re-entered the hall and asked all the soldiers and their families to huddle towards the centre of the hall and for the Norse to stand back. Ali then 'ported the large group to the ancient plane. Ali ported to her main window, closed the portal and 'ported back again.

Odin approached Ali "We now have Dionysius and Apollo to deal with. What is your preference?" he asked.

"It would be of most help if they were to swear fealty to me, the same as the soldiers" she replied. "I doubt they would be keen. Prometheus, any suggestions?" asked Ali.

"Let me speak with each god privately. I will see if they will concede" he answered.

Two hours later Dionysius approached Aliandra to make his oath of fealty to her as Vidarr watched him carefully.

"May I ask what changed your mind, Dionysius?" asked Ali.

"Prometheus still has quite a few tricks up his sleeve" conceded Dionysius cryptically. He read the banner and kissed her fealty ring then bowed.

"Any association between us must be kept secret until I am ready to reveal it" instructed Ali.

"Certainly. I am entirely at your service, lovely Aliandra" responded Dionysius as he bowed again and left.

Apollo held out for one week in the Norse dungeons. He finally approached Ali and made the oath and kissed her ring then bowed.

"Our association is to be kept secret until I am ready to reveal it" instructed Ali to Apollo. "You will return to your normal life and blend back into god society as usual. Your absence will be explained as a drunken escapade with Dionysius that went wrong. It rings of the truth in this case. The immortal soldiers you hired from Enyo for this caper will be paid for by you and Dionysius equally."

"Yes, Aliandra" replied Apollo the he bowed and left.

Vidarr and Ali found Odin and let him know the Norse realms could be unsealed to allow free passage again. Odin spoke the words and a distant rumbling announced the removal of the seals.

Vidarr followed Ali outside where thick snow lay on the ground. Ali bent to push her energy into the earth and turned to peer warily at Vidarr. Instead, Ali picked up a handful of snow, made a snowball and threw it at Vidarr's head. Vidarr turned quickly to see Ali laughing. "I couldn't help myself Vidarr. It is so funny" she said still chuckling. Vidarr decided to ignore her and continue watching for danger when another snowball hit him in the back of the head and Ali fell back laughing hard. Vidarr then dumped a large snowdrift on Ali and smirked. Ali fought her way out of the snowdrift and said "Hey, that is not in the snowball fight rules, Vidarr." Vidarr cocked his eyebrow at her mockingly and continued to browse the boundaries of the palace for danger.

Ali wrote a handbook on the rules for a snowball fight and distributed them. The battlefield was declared to be the field outside the palace gates and building eagerly began on snow fortresses. Civilians were considered off limits, only the agreed players could aim snowballs at each other. It started out with a few and quickly grew to more than a dozen players. Some had packed the snow so tightly around their fortress it was ice and other players laughed hard because they could watch everything the occupant did through the ice. Anyone who wanted to join the battle had a day to design and build their fortress then stock it with supplies. Ali's fortress was mostly underground and  had thick low walls so her aim was not affected, she had tunnels leading to inside the palace to restock her supplies. If anyone had to run to the palace to restock they became a prime target because 'porting and god skills were not allowed.

Loki joined in the fun and was a popular target because his dark hair stood out so clearly against the snow. Vidarr looked on disparagingly, shaking his head and sipping his mulled wine. Eventually Odin wanted to join the fun, his fortress backed up against the palace gates so supplies could be handed to him by soldiers through the gates as he requested them. Palace visitors had to skirt around Odin's fortress and squeeze in the gates. Odin got hit occasionally but only because he got so drunk it took him a long time to focus before he could aim and throw his snowball. Whenever Odin was hit he laughed uproariously. Flares were brought in to light up the night sky to show their targets clearly as they broke cover. The snowball game became a testing ground for a battle of strategies and combat maneuvers that went on for weeks because no-one wanted it to stop. Eventually Frigg declared the game over because she missed her husband in her bed. Odin hastily confirmed Frigg's declaration and then chased her to their bedroom.

The snowball combatants all went laughingly to the dining hall and regaled over the battle while they ate and drank heartily. They declared that an official snowball battle should be held every year.