Power Play: Act 1 Svartalfheim (Ragnarok on Ice) (21 page)

I didn’t move just yet.  Part of me wanted to run over to my friend and thank him for saving our lives, but another part of me was suspicious.  As much at it pained me, I wasn’t sure if I could trust him. 

Assessing the situation, I saw that dad and Rumil were in tough shape.  Right before Thor blasted the troll, he apparently had gotten off a few swings.  One knocked Rumil out of the tree and another seemed to have punched dad right in the face.  Hoping I was doing the right thing for everyone, I raised my hands and shouted.

“Thor, it’s me Jack!  No reason to keeping attacking!”  Once I had his attention, I started walking over.  That must have caught him off guard at first because of the surprise on his face, but then he smiled.  The closer I got, I could now see just how exhausted using such power caused him to be.

“Jack my friend,” he paused to catch his breath, “I thought I would never see you again.”

“I’m glad to see you too, but my friends need help right now.  I’ll explain everything as soon as we’re all okay.”

Thor nodded and got back to his feet.  We walked over to dad and Rumil.  Dad had shifted back into his human form, but was covered in bruises and was sporting a black eye.  Rumil wasn’t much better off but that didn’t stop her from pointing an arrow at Thor as he approached.

“Rumil, it’s okay I promise.  He’s here to help and to listen.”

I could tell she didn’t like it or trust him, but as beaten as we all were, accepted my judgment and lowered the arrow.  By this time, Garm had come to and walked back over to us.  It was close to morning, but no one was in a condition to travel so we went about setting our camp up to rest.  We worked in silence and finally had everything set up.

“So I guess you have some questions huh?”

“Yes, I have a great many questions, but those can wait.  The first thing of concern is making sure you are okay.”

“Yeah big guy, I’m good.”  Knowing he cared more for my well being than the collection of Asgardian outcasts that I had collected meant a lot.  “Let me re-introduce you to my dad Fred Skelton.”

Thor sat there and listened to everything I said.  I recounted my entire journey from the time we were separated up until now.  The parts I couldn’t fill in one of the others jumped in and told their parts.  The look on his face never changed from that intense look I recognized from our playing days. 

Finally, after quite some time, I finished up.  “And you know the last part; we were chased by a troll until you came along and fried it.  Thanks for saving our hides back there too.”  I reached out with a closed fist to him. 

After hearing everything, would he still consider me a friend?  He did, as he bumped mine and smiled.

“It seems you have received the full nine realms experience.  Part of me is saddened by the fact you have had many hardships but the other part is happy that you have also found your family.”

“So you are cool with my dad being Fenrir and having a dark elf for a fiancé?”

“The Norns often work in ways we do not understand.  Master Fenrir, please know I never held any ill will towards you.  You were always very kind to me as Mr. Skelton and you have protected my friend.”  Thor stuck his hand out this time towards dad.  Dad took it and they shook hands.  “And lady elf, as one who himself has fallen in love with someone not of my own people, I understand.  I know we might be on opposite sides of a conflict right now, but we both are on the same side when it comes to our friend here.”

Rumil didn’t say anything but at least her face softened a bit after Thor made his feelings known.

“The part of your account that bothers me the most is Baldr and everything at play there.  The Allfather’s decision to use such magic is disturbing news.  In regards Baldr’s death, even though we did not always see eye to eye, he was my brother.  Please, can you go over everything again for me?”

Rumil took the lead this time and retold everything from her first chance encounter up until the end where I shot Baldr with an arrow to save her and dad.  Whenever Thor had a question, she took the time to answer it completely.  Once she finished, there was an uneasy feeling over the camp.  Thor himself looked both in pain and angry.

“This situation raises more questions than it answers.  There is definitely something going on in the halls of Valhalla that most of us are not privy too.  Forbidden magic and covert missions are not the way of the Aesir.”

Now it was dad’s turn for some questions.  “What were you doing out this way anyways?”

“Lady Sif has been acting strange as of late.”

“In what ways?  From my understanding, she is not the most friendly of people anyways.”  Just from the time I met her, she gave me the chills. 

Thor chuckled at this.  “When we returned to Valhalla after our encounter with the lady elf here, the Allfather charged the two of us with finding Jack.  He said it was of the utmost importance for his safety to bring him back. ”

“I don’t think anywhere in this realm is safe for me, but I appreciate the thought.”

“Lady Sif took the search lightly and eventually disappeared one night.  I was actually trying to find her when I came across your group here.  I do not know if that was a coincidence or not.”

Dad, Garm, Rumil, and I all looked at each other.  Garm, being the ray of sunshine he is, immediately went into conspiracy mode.  “It appears there is a traitor in the midst of the dark elves.  I do not believe this is irony at play.  Sif knows what our plans are.”

“I agree Garm.”  Dad then looked over at Thor.  “You had no indication we would be coming this way?”

“I had no idea Jack was alive, let alone traveling with any of you.  If it was not for the rampaging troll coming your way, I would not have known you were here.”

If there was a traitor, “Could Sif had sent that troll on us?”

Thor frowned at that suggestion.  “I guess it would be possible, but to get a troll to do what you want would be quite a feat.”

“I suggest we rest for now.  In the daylight we should have no fear from dire wolves or anymore trolls.  Generally they are solitary and avoid sunlight at all costs.  Garm, would you come with me and see if our luck with hunting will continue?”

Garm agreed to dad’s request.  Thor, Rumil, and I decided then to take a nap, because sitting around the camp in awkward silence was the only other option.

****

Once we were far enough away from camp, I turned over to Garm.  “Something is seriously wrong right now.”

“Yes, I have picked that up myself.  Thor was telling the truth however, the Thunderer knows nothing.”

“That’s the worst part, one of their own is out of the loop and Sif is probably somewhere up ahead ready to ambush us.  We don’t have a choice though, we have come this far and Loki may have some answers for us.”

“What about a traitor with the dark elves?  Chances are that they are part of the delegation to Valhalla.”  Garm was right about that.  “Should I contract Mistress Hel and see what is happening with them?”

“Yes, I think it’s time we start going on the offensive where we can.” 

Garm grunted his approval and closed his eyes.  I didn’t really know how this worked but I figured for a full blown conversation I might be here awhile.  In the meantime, I figured it was best to catch some game so when we returned to camp it wouldn’t raise any suspicions.

I went wolf and within a few minutes I was able to take down a small wild hog.  Something different besides the rabbits we’d been eating would be most welcome.  I changed back into my human form and began to clean and skin the animal.  Eventually Garm came wandering over, his conversation with Hel over.

“The dark elf delegation is three days out at this point.  They too have run into trouble, coming across an ice giant before they even made it to the forest.  No one was injured, but it slowed them greatly until the wretched thing decided to retreat back up the mountain.  They also made contact with an Aesir, Hod, and he is currently leading them to Valhalla.”

“Did you mention are suspicions of a traitor in their ranks?”

“I did and she said she will keep a closer watch on all of them.  Her initial reaction was maybe Azmodeous’s aide, Goma.  But she said he was too subservient to him to have an original thought.  She will keep me updated with information.”

“Good.  So they’ll be there in three days?  I think after we pay my dad a visit, it’ll be time to see my grandfather himself.”

****

Dad and Garm came back with bacon!  Well, maybe not exactly bacon, but it was wild hog meat which looks, smells, and tastes much better than rabbit.  Thor even had some seasonings with him and cooked the meat up to perfection.  By this time, it was mid afternoon and dad had decided after we ate and took a short rest, that it was time to move on.  His goal was to make it to the Fields by morning if we could.

“What about Sif?  We’re eventually going to cross paths with her I’m guessing.”

“Do not worry Jack.  I am hoping that we run into her.  She has the blood of my people on her hands and she needs to pay.”  Rumil had the slightly maniacal look in her eyes that half scared me and half made her look even hotter if that was possible. 

Thor, for his own sake, had said he was going to hold off judgment until he talked to Sif himself.  God bless the big lug for thinking words were going to fix this situation.

After we ate, dad, Rumil, and Garm needed some time to rest before we headed out.  This gave me a chance to talk.

“So was it just a coincidence that you ended up being my teammate for these past few years?  You really had no idea who I was?”

“I swear to you Jack that I had no clue who you or your father was.  To me, you were just the Skeltons who accepted me as a friend when I got to Manchester.”

“Why did you come to Midgard?  I thought it was sealed off anyways.”

“I wanted an escape from life here.  The constant fighting and politics grew on me after so long.  I wanted to live my life how I chose to, not chosen for me.  So one evening, I left it all behind.  Heimdall tried to stop me, but I gave him reason to yield.”

“I guess there are really fates that watch over us and play a role huh?”

Thor sighed, “Yes, they are there weaving lives together as they see fit.”

We sat there in silence for a time, just thinking.  I lost track of time and it was only dad’s voice that disrupted that.  “Alright everyone, time to go.  We have a lot of ground to cover yet.”

With Thor in the mix now our formation changed slightly.  Dad still took the lead, but now Thor was traveling with him.  Rumil and I were in the middle and Garm trailed behind us.  As twilight began to fall we were really making good time.  Once we left the forest and entered the Fields, we’d pretty much be home free.

“What kind of reception should we expect from Loki and Sigyn?”  I kind of just asked in general, anyone was free to answer.  Thor and Garm answered in turn.

“It has long been of Asgardian opinion he is insane.  Ever since I have returned from Midgard, I have the feeling there was more behind his eyes than he has let known.  I am most interested in what he has to say and hope that he does not take my presence as hostile.”

“Lady Hel tries to visit her father from time to time, but Sigyn generally handles most of his business.  I think it is her we should be wary over than the Trickster.  Sigyn is most protective of her husband.”

Dad didn’t say much, but I could tell the closer we got the more anxious he was to get this over with.  Their entire family dynamic made even the most dysfunctional family seem normal.  I was actually kind of looking forward to meeting my grandfather Loki.  I already gained an aunt, albeit a very creepy one, so another member of the family was hopefully a welcome addition.

“Everyone stop, now.”  It was Garm.  “Someone just passed us from the west and is currently positioning themselves at the exit of the forest to the fields.  The scent left is Aesir in nature.  In fact, I am willing to gamble and say that this is the scent of the Warrior Maiden herself.”

“Well we don’t want to keep her waiting, let us go see what she has to say.” That seemed like a good idea from dad.  No need to prolong the inevitable.  “Everyone prepare for battle, I doubt it will stay pleasant for long.”

She was right where Garm said she would be, but this time she was not in her hunting furs.  Standing in the moonlight, her silver armor reflected brightly and her giant sword was out, currently planted in the ground beside her.  The stern look on her face changed to a snarl when she saw us approach.  “I was expecting vermin, but to see you in their company Thor is most disappointing.”

“You have much to explain Sif.  Is what I hear about Baldr true?”

This caught her by surprise, but she recovered quickly.  “And what would any of you know about Baldr?  He was doing his part until he was murdered in cold blood by the dark elves.  Their race has proven to be the blight the light elves warned us they would become.”

Rumil couldn’t contain her anger anymore.  “Because I was there the night he told you what magic Frigga was playing at!  It was most gratifying to see an arrow covered in the juice of the mistletoe berry pierce his heart!”

Well any hope of just talking our way out of this went down the drain.  Even Thor knew the time for words was at an end, the line in the sand had been drawn.  Sif already had grabbed her sword and was in full battle mode.

“Sif, The Maiden Warrior of Asgard, I Rumil of the Darklighter Clan challenge you to a duel for your crimes.  Do you accept?”

“I swear on my life that Baldr’s murderer shall feel the slow pain of death.”

Hey now, just a minute!  I was the one who shot the arrow.  But before I could offer a rebuttal, the women leapt into battle.

****

I had been waiting a long time for this moment, the chance to bring about justice.  Putting an arrow in her shoulder had only been moderately satisfying.  It was now time to finish the job.  Thor was holding Jack back from interfering and I appreciated that from him. 

My initial assessment of him may have been wrong.  I quickly notched an arrow and let it fly.  Sif’s sword split it in two as I expected, but it allowed me to let loose two more in her direction.  She quickly dodged off to the side and I grabbed my knife from my boot and began my charge.

Sif met my blade with her sword and the force was so much it knocked me back.  That was not a wise decision.  I could not fight against her strength and needed to use my speed.  She came at me with a flurry of wild attacks, but each one was always just a bit late.  Aesir may have exceptional strength, but elves always won out in agility.

“You would do well to let me take your head off cleanly elf; it would make it much easier for the both of us.”

“You jest with me wench.  Maybe if you had any grace to your movements, you might stand a chance.”

Again, I had goaded her into attacks that were fueled by rage but no elegance or rhythm.  I danced away from each strike until I was out of range.  Already in position, I sent off three more arrows in her direction to make her abandon any plans of charging me.  She was able to avoid all three, but her frustration was evident.

“Do you plan to fight like a coward this entire time?  Does your race have no honor?”

I laughed to myself, what did she know about honor?  “Talk to me about honor when you make amends for the lives of all the dark elves you murdered.”

“Yours is a wretched race that deserves no better!  If you only knew what I knew, you would ask me for forgiveness and to give you a swift end!”

I did not even acknowledge with filth that spewed from her mouth.  I sent my rebuttal in the form of an arrow at her head.  She swatted it out of the air with her sword and charged.  I jumped over her and let her nearly run into the tree I was backing up against.  I was running out of arrows and needed an idea to end this.  I calmed myself and let nature overtake me.  That is when I heard an opportunity to end this nearby and formed a plan.

“You are almost out of arrows elf, then what will you do?  You cannot run forever.”

Sif’s arrogance was appalling, but she was right.  I needed to make these last few count and my plan was formed.  The first arrow went towards her feet and she jumped to avoid it.  My second arrow was already gone and when she recovered had to immediately back flip slightly into the forest to miss it.  My third arrow was sent directly into the tree behind her, and my forth and last arrow was sent a little ways into the forest.

“What was the purpose of that elf?  And you are bleeding!  How incompetent are you to cut yourself on your own arrows?”  She smiled at me, “Now prepare yourself for your end.”  Just as she said that, blood from the arrow above her dripped on to her.  “What is this?”

She was right, I had cut myself on my own arrows, but with a purpose.  As I looked down at my palms which were bleeding profusely, I smiled knowing that the trap had been set perfectly.  The dire wolves that I heard in the distance were fighting over a dead deer carcass.  Now the smell of fresh blood would peak their senses.  Blood that now was also dripping on Sif.

“If you planned to disgust me and make a mockery of yourself elf, you have succeeded.  For such a vile insult…”  Her words were cut off by the loud howl of the wolves.  Realization had finally crossed her face.  “You despicable creature!”

I gave her one last smile and ran off towards my companions.  I heard the wolves crashing through the trees and begin their assault on Sif.  It may not have been the most honorable way of handling the situation, but when are dark elves honorable?

****

Thor, dad, and Garm explained to me that in such matters it is against the ‘code’ for me to interfere.  Rumil had challenged Sif to a trial of combat and it was up to them to settle their dispute using whatever means necessary.  So I watched as mixture of fascination and terrifying washed over me.  Rumil was holding her own very well, but I knew how these things played out.  A good defense can only hold off a good offense for so long.  It was Garm that broke my concentration.

“I would recommend for everyone to get ready to run.  I do believe the lady elf is about to enlist the help of a few dire wolves who have come into this territory.”

I was confused; dire wolves didn’t come at your beck and call.  At least I didn’t think so.  “How’s she going to do that?”

“Well she just cut herself with her arrows and sent one of them in the direction of the wolves.  The other is currently above Lady Sif and dripping blood on her.  It is quite ingenious.”

Sure enough, when we turned back to look Rumil was heading our way and three wolves came tearing into view.  Sif for her part figured it out just a split second before and was ready, but I could tell she was in serious trouble.

“Run everyone!  They may end up coming after us too!”  The look in Rumil’s eye was a familiar one, of mischief and excitement.  Even though we were about to be in serious trouble, the situation amused her.  We all started to run, and for a second I thought Thor was going to stay behind and help Sif, but he followed us. 

“You’re coming with the outlaws huh?”

“I need answers and I am afraid that only Loki may be able to provide them.  And Sif is not in any great danger, I am sure she does not require my assistance with this.”  His answer made it clear that he was upset by her actions.

With that understanding, we kept running deeper into The Fields.  Eventually after some time had passed and the howls of the wolves died out completely we slowed down.

“We should be seeing Loki and Sigyn’s home soon.”  Dad was looking off in the direction I guess it was.  “After everything that has happened so far, I think it is time we rest for a few minutes and prepare ourselves.”

Everyone scattered a little bit to stretch out their legs and relax.  Being the first time to have a chance to talk to Rumil since her encounter with Sif, I went over and sat beside her.  “What you did back there was both amazing and brave.”

“I do not know about that, I was actually quite scared.  Sif is a much better warrior than I.  If the plan to use the wolves did not work out, she would have killed me.”  I noticed her glance down and that is when I saw just how deep the cuts on her palms were.

“Good lord Rumil, what’ve you done to your hands?”

“I used my arrows on them to get the blood needed to bring the wolves to our location.  I had to slice them pretty deep though.”

I took my jacket and my right gauntlet off.  Using my left, I cut the right sleeve of my shirt off.  With the fabric I was able to make some dressings and wrap her hands up.  “There, that should help stop any bleeding.”

“Thank you Jack.”  She smiled and became that shy girl again.  It was always easy to forget how dangerous she was when she was like this.

“You’re going to love Midgard.”  I changed the subject on purpose.  I wanted to make sure she still wanted to come with me.  “We aren’t perfect, but for the most part humans try to get along with each other and if we don’t, we just pretend.”

“I am most excited about the next part of our journey together.  It is what helps me get through these times, knowing at the end we will get you home safely.”

We hugged each other and rested for another few moments before dad said it was time to move out.  We all got back into our formation and continued on.  I could tell everyone was pretty tense and the closer we got the more tense the feeling became. 

Then, off in the distance, I saw it.  It looked like a giant farm house.  It was way bigger than even the arena the Bears played in.  We slowed up and eventually The Field opened up to an almost normal looking yard.  There was a well in the middle and right beside the well was another Aesir beauty.  She looked over at us and waved us on to approach.  When we got closer, she came over to dad and gave him a hug.  She then addressed the rest of us.

“Thor and Garm are traveling together?  What an unexpected pairing to see!  Oh this will indeed make my husband’s day to see you two together!”  She then turned to me and Rumil, “Oh where are my manners.  My name is Sigyn, wife of Loki.  Welcome to my home.”