Thor's Serpents (18 page)

“I figured,” Matt said, seeming surprisingly calm. Then he looked at the other person who’d come through the portal with them. His calm expression faded, and he blanched. All he said, though, was, “Astrid.”

Owen stepped up and grabbed one of Astrid’s arms. “I’ll keep an eye on her,” he said in a cold voice. “The one I still have…”

Astrid went with him quietly. Baldwin walked away from them, still unusually quiet. Fen wanted to say something. He’d gone to Hel for Baldwin, but he had also been harboring his friend’s murderer. Fen didn’t know what to say… to any of them, really. Astrid was one of the rare people that all of the descendants of the North disliked. She’d pretended to be Owen’s girlfriend when he wasn’t around to deny it, lied to them, tried to steal from them, and killed Baldwin. Then, while they were all in Hel rescuing Baldwin from the death
she
caused, the enemy had taken Owen captive, and he’d lost an eye.

And I’m supposed to protect her.

As much as he loathed saying it, he still had to speak. “She’s under the Raiders’ protection. I can’t let you h—”

“Shut it!” Laurie yelled. Then she turned to Matt and announced, “I can
not
deal with him, Matt. My cousin apparently hit his head or something, because the only other answer is that he’s a complete fool.”

Oddly or not, this made Fen grin for the first time since
he’d been forced to take over the pack. He’d followed the rules as much as the magic could force him to. Now he was standing in front of Laurie and Matt. She was frustrated with him, but he was still relieved. They could help him figure out a plan. That’s what he needed.

“Come on,” Matt said.

The three of them walked toward a building that wasn’t on fire, and they stood in the shadows of the constant night. It reminded him of being in Hel. The world around them certainly didn’t look like Mitchell normally did. This wasn’t the nice, clean city he’d visited for a school trip. It was a nightmare land with cars on fire and broken chunks of buildings littering the street. Fen’s eyes widened as he took in the destruction.

“What happened?”

“Jötnar,” Matt said.

“Two of them,” Laurie added.

“Good idea getting rid of yours,” Matt said to Laurie, and Fen felt a flicker of resentment at being left out. Maybe Matt knew that, or maybe he was just that good of a guy, because he looked at Fen and said, “She portaled it to Hel.”

Fen laughed. “You sent it to Aunt Helen? That’s awesome.”

Laurie looked sheepish for a moment. “It’s not like there weren’t already jötnar there!”

At her anxious expression, Fen butted his head into her shoulder, not caring that Matt stood with them, simply
needing to let her know that he still felt the same toward her. Quietly, he told her, “I was worried that you would be hurt or need me—”

“I do!” she interrupted quickly. She tilted her head toward Matt. “We
both
need you here.”

Matt nodded and brought up the hard question: “Why were you with the Raiders? I saw you.”

Fen took a deep breath. “I know.” Quickly, he explained about the fight with Skull, the rules of being alpha of a Raider pack, and then the difficulty of figuring out what to do since he couldn’t endanger the pack
and
he didn’t want to fight for Mayor Thorsen.

Matt winced a little at the reminder that his grandfather was the enemy, which Fen sort of understood. A lot of the Brekkes were Raiders, which meant they’d been Fen’s enemy until he’d become alpha against his wishes. Family could be confusing.

“I’m trapped by magic,” Fen said after he’d explained everything. “Unless fighting
with
you becomes better than standing against you, I can’t do anything.”

The surge of relief at getting to tell them the truth was overwhelming. Big end-of-the-world battles could mean they all died. In the myths, it was awful: Loki dies, the serpent kills Thor, Fenrir swallows Odin, Frey dies, even Garm dies. The descendants had changed small pieces of the myth so far, but Ragnarök was “the twilight of the gods.” It was a
story of endings, and going into a fight where most of them were supposed to die without them knowing that he cared was scarier than talking about
feelings
.

Matt was quiet for a moment.

“Astrid wants to help you,” Fen told Matt. “Change the end of the battle or something. At least that’s what she’s saying. I don’t know if I really trust her, but… there are things she needs to tell you. It could be good.”

“What things?” Laurie prompted.

“I can’t tell you,” he said after a moment. “Magic. Seriously, Laurie, it’s not like I want to keep secrets, but I can only do what’s best for the pack.
Astrid
could tell you, though, because she’s… not a wolf.”

He looked at his cousin, hoping that she caught the pause, hoping she’d think,
Well, if she’s not a wolf, is she something else?
That didn’t work, though, because she just stood frowning with her lips pressed tightly together. She seemed like she was ready to erupt in yells.

Fen bumped her shoulder again. “No matter what happens, the Raiders know not to touch you.”

Instead of being happy, his cousin looked furious. “Why is that?”

“You’re my cousin, so you’re not to be touched.”

“So they can attack Matt, Baldwin, Owen, the twins, the Berserkers, and anyone else… just not me?” Her arms were folded over her chest again, and Fen knew that meant she was
angry about something. He wasn’t sure why she was, but she clearly wasn’t seeing his protection as a good thing.

“I can’t protect everyone,” he said. “You’re my family. You’re
their
family.”

“It’s okay,” Matt told her. He sort of hugged her, but with only one arm. Seeing Matt comfort Laurie made Fen angrier. He should be the one who got to stay at her side. He should be the one who made her feel better and protected her. That’s the way it had been their whole lives.

“I hate Ragnarök,” he said.

“Agreed.” Matt nodded.

“Double agreed,” Laurie said. She seemed to calm down then, like the anger all faded away as quickly as it had come. She met Fen’s eyes and asked, “We’ll figure it out, though, right?”

“Definitely,” Fen lied. He wasn’t at all sure that they could, but he wasn’t going to say that aloud, not to her. “I can’t stay here. You have to send me back.”

“The battle is coming,” Matt said.

“I figured it was soon,” Fen said.

“Pretty much
now.
”

Fen nodded. “If the tide turns so it’s better for my pack… I just need to do what’s best for them. That’s the rule. I have to do what is best and safest for my wolves. Right now, they’re fighting on the side most likely to win, but if who’s winning
changes
…”

“Got it,” Matt said, immediately understanding that
Fen couldn’t help even though he wanted to, but that there, hopefully, would be a time when that would change.

“You’ll be careful, right?” Fen started. “They all know the myths and—”

“Yes,” Matt interrupted. “And we’ll be careful.”

“I don’t want any of you to die,” Fen admitted.

“We know. We should’ve known that you weren’t a traitor,” Matt said. “Laurie never doubted you.”

Fen looked at her, but his cousin said nothing. She was staring at him, arms folded over her chest, and her eyes were wet. She wasn’t crying outright yet, but it was coming.

“Try to be safe,” Matt said.

Fen nodded. He felt better for having talked to Matt, but he still needed to talk to Laurie. Matt obviously knew how they were, so in the next minute he said, “I’ll see you at the fight, then. I need to go deal with Astrid.”

Matt turned to Laurie then and asked, “Can you get Ray? Reyna’s worrying, and we need him with us for the fight.”

And then he was gone, and the cousins were left alone again.

“I didn’t mean for this to happen,” Fen told her.

She turned away, her back to him and her mouth closed. He didn’t want to fight with her, but he couldn’t undo the magic that came with being alpha of the pack. He couldn’t stay here.

And he had no idea how to persuade her to open a portal so he could lead wolves and monsters into battle against her.

M
att was pacing. The others had moved away, leaving him alone as they waited for Gullinkambi to return. According to his uncle’s books, Gullinkambi would crow once to alert them to prepare, then it would return to say, “Stop messing around and get your butts in there.”

He peered around for Reyna. She’d been off to the side, talking to his uncle and getting details on her role. Thoughts of Reyna cheered him up, but the mood didn’t last. He kept thinking about Astrid. He was about to start the biggest fight of his life, and the last thing he needed was to be distracted.

A footfall crunched behind him. He turned to see Reyna heading his way with the cat at her side. He grinned at them, and Reyna stopped short, glancing over her shoulder as if looking for the cause of his grin.

“Someone spike your prefight Gatorade?” she asked.

“No, I’m just happy to see—” He rocked back on his heels. “Happy to see the cat is still with you. Have you picked a name yet?”

“What are my options again?”

“Trjegul, Bygul, and Heyyu.”

“Tree-gool and Bee-gool?” she said. “And Hey-yu?” She stopped. “Hey, you. Oh. Ha-ha. Leave comedy to the professionals, Thorsen.”

He shrugged. “You could always ask the cat what her name is.”

“Nope. I pick Trjegul.” She looked down at the calico. “You’re Trjegul now. Even if you’re really Bygul.”

The cat only blinked.

“So if I call you by your name, you’ll come, right?”

Trjegul got up and wandered off in the other direction.

“Watch out or I’ll trade you for a swan!” Reyna called after her. “A giant, killer stealth swan that eats ungrateful kitties for breakfast.”

Matt chuckled and when she turned back to him, he wanted to continue the conversation. It didn’t matter how. Tell her another story about Freya’s cats. Tease her about Trjegul. Keep her engaged and joking, and stretch this moment as far as he could. Like a locker room goofing off before the big bout. Yet even as he thought that, a shadow passed overhead. He looked up sharply to see a bird winging past. His breath caught. Then he realized it was only one of Owen’s ravens.

Raven. Owen. Astrid.

“Matt?” Reyna said.

“Astrid’s here.” He blurted the words.

Reyna stiffened. “Did you say—?”

“Astrid. She came back with Fen.”

“Oh, and let me guess. She’s here to tell you what a big mistake she made and how she’s so sorry and she’s totally on our side now.
Your
side, that is. Fortunately, you’d know better than to buy that.”

“I’m not stupid, Reyna.”

“I never said you were.”

He shifted his weight. “Maybe, but sometimes you make me feel…” He shrugged it off. “Never mind. The point is that I know her well enough to be careful. But Fen brought her back. She’s under Owen’s guard. As far as I’m concerned, she’s a prisoner of war. A possible source of valuable intel on the enemy.”

Reyna barely seemed to have heard him. “Do I make you
feel
stupid, Matt?”

He adjusted the shield on his back. “Nah, not really. Ignore me. I’m just…” He shrugged. “Lots of things on
my mind, and I’m feeling…” Another shrug. “Whatever. I should go talk to Astrid.”

He got about three steps before Reyna said, “I’ve never met a guy who was less stupid, Matt. Or less brave. Or less… everything.”

He turned slowly.

“Oh gods,” she said, rubbing her face. “That came out wrong. I don’t mean—I just wanted—” She stomped her foot. “Can I say something nasty to even it out? Please? I’m so much better at that.”

He gave a small smile. “Sure, go for it.”

He was only teasing, but she looked away fast and mumbled, “I don’t mean to be nasty. I just… I just wanted…” She looked at him. “I wanted you to hit back, Matt. I wanted you to stand up to me, because the one thing you need is the one thing I’ve got in spades. Self-confidence. Only you never hit back. You just take it. But I hoped you understood that I don’t really think you’re stupid or anything like that, because if you were, I wouldn’t stand at your side. I trust you like I don’t trust anyone except my brother.” She paused. “Does that sound lame?”

“No.”

“If I make you feel bad, tell me off. I can take it.”

“Okay.”

She exhaled. “Good, enough of that, then. We need to go talk to Astrid.”

“I… I’m not sure you should…”

“I’ve got your back, remember?” She looked at him. “Always, Matt.”

Not always. You can’t. Once that rooster crows, I’m on my own.

“She’s going to try to trick you,” Reyna said. “It’ll help if I’m there to make sure you see through it.”

As soon as Matt saw Astrid, he realized Reyna was right—if Astrid pretended to have seen the error of her ways, he’d be tempted to believe it. He needed someone to keep him on track, and no one did that better than Reyna. Plus, of everyone there, Astrid had the least issue with Reyna. They hadn’t connected or clashed.

When he walked over, Owen having slipped off to give them privacy, Astrid saw him coming and she smiled. It was a nervous smile, her eyes alternately glowing and shadowing, as if she was happy to see him but knew he wasn’t happy to see her. Playing a role. He got that now. He’d gotten that for a while, but it was interesting to see it in action.

That’s when Astrid noticed Reyna at his side. She looked from Matt to Reyna and back. Then she pulled herself straight and turned, just enough to cut Reyna from her field of vision.

“Hey, Matt,” she said. “Bet you were hoping not to see
me again, huh?” That shy smile. “Thank you for coming. I know I’m the last person you want to talk to—”

“No,” Reyna said. “You’re the
first
person he wants to talk to, because you’re going to help him win this battle.”

Astrid turned, slowly and deliberately, toward Reyna. She looked her up and down, and then frowned, as if she couldn’t quite place her.

“Reyna? I didn’t recognize you without the emo girl costume. Still not quite the goddess of light and beauty, are you? Big heels to fill. It’ll take a while to grow into them.” She looked Reyna over again. “Maybe a long while.”

“Oh, I fit my shoes just fine. Today, they’re a sweet pair of combat boots, because today, I’m playing a different aspect of Freya. Goddess of kick-your-butt-if-you-mess-with-me. Or mess with anyone else.”

“Anyone in particular?” Astrid slid a sly look at Reyna.

“Yep,” Reyna said. “Matt. Oh, wait. Did you think I wouldn’t admit it? Sorry to disappoint. I like Matt. I like him a lot—because he’s an awesome guy,
not
because he’s a cute boy. He’s a friend. The concept may be unfamiliar to you. Just go with it.”

Astrid’s eyes narrowed, and she opened her mouth. Reyna cut her off with “Stop.”

“I’m not—”

“Whatever you’re about to claim you aren’t doing? You’re totally doing it. And we’re going to stop right here. Two girls
hissing at each other over a boy? Cliché. Doing it when we should be strategizing for a save-the-world battle? That’s an insult to girls everywhere. Catfight, done.” She turned to Matt. “You have the floor, sir.”

“Uh…” He blinked. “Right. Astrid? I need to know—”

“A lot of things. But first, there’s one very important thing I need to tell you. Alone.” Astrid looked at Reyna.

“Seriously? Did you even hear my girl-power speech?”

“It’s a private conversation. Unless you’re suggesting he can’t handle me himself? I think he’s a big boy, Reyna. Strong enough to fight me and smart enough to outwit me. Are you suggesting otherwise?”

Reyna just looked Astrid in the eye as if to say
Nope, not playing your games.

Astrid glanced at Matt. Her eyes pleaded with him to intercede. He didn’t.

“Just tell me, Astrid,” he said. “We don’t have much time—”

“I’m the serpent.”

He paused. “You’re…”

“The Midgard Serpent. It’s me.”

“What?” Reyna said. “Oh no. Don’t you dare pull that. The Midgard Serpent is a fourteen-year-old girl?”

Astrid turned on her. “What happened to ‘girls can do anything’? A pretty sentiment… until it doesn’t serve your purpose.”

“Being a girl has nothing to do with it. I’d say the same if you were a boy. Thor is dead; Matt is his replacement. The Midgard Serpent? Not dead. It’s a logic problem, not a gender one. Unless you aren’t really a fourteen-year-old girl.”

Astrid bristled, as if this were the worst possible insult Reyna could have dreamed up. “I’m a girl, just like you, who went to school, right up until a few weeks ago, when I was told I was destined to fight Thor at Ragnarök.” She turned to Matt. “Sound familiar?”

“But Reyna’s right,” he said. “The Midgard Serpent isn’t dead. I felt it rising—saw it rising—near Blackwell. Deep in the earth. If you’re telling me that was you—”

“No. It was my grandmother. She’s the…” Astrid struggled for words. “I’d say the ‘real’ serpent, but then you’ll think I’m lying about myself. The Midgard Serpent isn’t one creature. It’s a hereditary responsibility, passed from generation to generation. Like being the descendant of Thor, except we have an actual role to play, all the time. Then there’s the starring role. At Ragnarök. That one, apparently, is mine, whether I want it or not. Which I don’t. No more than you want to be Thor.”

“Prove it,” Reyna said.

“That I don’t want to be part of this?” Astrid turned to Reyna, her eyes snapping. “The fact I’m here should prove—”

“It proves nothing except that you have a story to sell us. But I didn’t mean that. I mean prove that you’re the serpent.
Matt says he saw your grandmother. If you want us to believe you are the Midgard Serpent—at least for the purposes of the battle—there’s an easy way to prove it. Shape-shift.”

Astrid bit her lip. She looked at Matt. Then she closed her eyes and when she opened them, they were green, with slits, like a snake’s.

I’ve seen that. I caught a glimpse of it—

The fight. When Astrid tried to steal his shield. They’d fought, and she’d hissed, as if in pain, and he’d caught a split-second glimpse of her eyes and—

Matt swallowed.

That was the myth, wasn’t it? That Thor faced the Midgard Serpent twice. The first time, he overcame it and left it alive. He’d lived to regret that.
Died
regretting it. Thor had seen the world end because he’d been a decent guy. Because he’d shown mercy.

I should have—

His gut clenched so hard he staggered, and he heard both girls say “Matt?” but only dimly.

I should have killed her? Is that what I’m thinking?

He looked at Astrid.

She’s a kid. A regular girl with friends and family and a future and… and I’m supposed to kill her?

“I… I need a minute,” he said.

He stumbled away. Astrid ran after him and grabbed his arm.

“Matt, please. I just want to talk to you.”

“Later.”

“There won’t be a later, Matt. Please. We can work this out.”

Isn’t that what he’d expected her to say? What Reyna warned him she’d say? And what he’d told himself he wouldn’t fall for? And yet as soon as she did say it, he thought,
Yes. That’s the answer. We’ll work it out.

I’d let you trick me. Kill me. Kill my friends. Because I can’t deal with the alternative. I can’t kill—

“Five minutes,” he said, pushing her off. “I need five minutes.”

Matt went as far as he dared and then sat on a rock. Something brushed his leg and he jumped. Trjegul wound around his feet, purring. He reached down, expecting her to take off, but she leaped onto his lap and rubbed against his hands, purring louder.

He glanced over and wasn’t surprised to see Reyna about twenty feet away.

“Don’t worry,” she called. “I’m not interrupting you. I’m just…”

“Making sure Raiders don’t appear over the hill and drag me off before the battle?”

“Right. I’ll stay here.” She fidgeted. “Unless you want company. And don’t say yes because you think you should.”

He waved her over. The cat hopped off his lap and went to Reyna as she sat on the ground.

“The Midgard Serpent is a kid,” Matt said.

“Seems like it.”

“Do you think she isn’t? That Astrid’s pretending to be a kid? It’s a disguise?”

Reyna shook her head. “No. Trust me. I know enough girls like her to be sure that’s not an act.”

“Oh.”

She looked up at him. “Which isn’t what you wanted to hear, is it?”

“I… She’s… It’s supposed to be a monster. A real monster. Like a Jotunn or a troll, and sure, I wouldn’t go around killing them for fun, but if I had to, well, they’re monsters. This…” He met her gaze. “She’s a kid, Reyna. Just like the Raiders. A girl who can shape-shift and this is what’s expected of her, and it doesn’t make her a good person, but even if she’s lying about not wanting to do it? That doesn’t make her a monster, either.”

“I know.” She absently patted Trjegul. The cat rubbed against her hand. “Is there a loophole? Can you just take her out temporarily?”

“A TKO?”

“Exactly. You—” She caught his expression. “Oh. You were kidding.”

“Not kidding. Just… no. According to my uncle, there
are no loopholes. We must fight. I kill her or she kills me. Or, like in the myth, we both die. We can’t just shake hands and walk away. Or score a TKO.” He ran his hand through his hair. “I know I said I wouldn’t listen to her. That I wouldn’t believe her if she said she wanted to help us. And I’m not saying I would now, but…”

“You need to hear her out.”

“I do. I’m sorry if you thought I’d be stronger than that.”

She looked at him. “I’d never want you to be strong enough to kill a kid, Matt.
Never.
When I said you need to hear her out, it wasn’t a question. It was a statement. You need to hear her out. It’s the only chance we have to avoid you doing something that would make you…”

“A monster?”

She nodded, her face grim.