Lead me. For I know not where I am, nor where I will be, then normal will I become.
For what is normal but a standard we set for ourselves. What is different, but a place we have yet to go. Yet go we must.
Follow me into the painted veil and I will reveal that which you seek, although the path will change from the particolored pigments.
Lead me. For I know not where I am, nor where I will be, then normal will I become. For what is normal but a standard we set for ourselves. What is different, but a place we have yet to go. Yet go we must.
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For two weeks the Chosen Ones traveled across the glacier in search of Thor's tomb. Vikar's understanding of weather changes and animal migrations on the glacier kept them from dying during the journey. They had climbed to a higher elevation over the last two days. A mountain chain was visible to the south and an active volcano could be seen to the north. They were following a gap between the more rugged terrain. During the journey Sigurd did his best to learn troll language from Aesa, much to the annoyance of Magnus who had heard this all before.
Several times as they crossed the glacier, Isgerd had glimpsed a blinding bright flash of light behind them. When she looked again it was gone. They were being followed. She decided not to trouble her kin with what might be an illusion of the cold. Vikar too, had a feeling they were being watched or followed. Several times he had seen the shadow of wings in the sky. When he raised his hand to shield his eyes and find the source, no birds were visible. It would have been a very big bird, even if it had been only a few feet off the ground. Aesa and Sigurd had finally tired of language games and the group marched in silence for several hours. Magnus' mood improved significantly with the silence. Lost in her own thoughts, Isgerd interrupted the silence of the long walk. "Tell me about rune tattoos Vikar. How do you get one?" asked Isgerd. "Some are born with them, others are given to them by the gods for some deed." said Vikar. "What are their purpose?" asked Isgerd. "Seid magic may be stored in them like you would store fish in a bag. Then when you need that spell, you can pull it from the rune and use it...even if you have no more strength to pray for magic at that time." said Vikar. "Can you teach me how to get a rune?" asked Isgerd. "I am a tracker, not a godi or witch. I do not know the words to summon a rune. I have watched my elders gain one. While you lack the assistance of the ancestors or the sacred herbs to perform the ritual, you could try praying for your own rune. You must imagine what your rune will look like. Pray to Odin. If he likes your request he may grant you a rune. If not you will need to wait four cycles of the moon to try again." said Vikar. "Thank you for your words. I believe your people's use of rune magic could be helpful to our survival during our journey. I will pray for guidance." said Isgerd. "We must be vigilant now. I have never been this far from Permia but there are legends of an inn that provides shelter for those who wish to journey to Thor's tomb. It is a dangerous place that moves randomly on its own power. Brigands and foul creatures roam near, looking for easy gold." said Vikar. "If this inn is enchanted we should do our best to avoid it." said Magnus. "I've heard of this place as well, if it exists we need to find it. I've heard no one can find Thor's tomb without spending a night in the inn." said Iggy. "If you knew something about Thor's tomb you should have told us!" said Sigurd. "I only know rumors. Rumors can also get you killed if they are false." said Iggy. It was then, they noticed they were not alone anymore. In the distance, not making any attempt to hide were a dozen dark shapes. They seemed to be waiting. "Any chance they are friends?" asked Sigurd. Vikar strained to see. "Unless your friends are trolls and pukje I would think not." "Let's talk to them!" said Aesa. "Have you gone snow-mad?" asked Iggy. "What's the harm?" asked Aesa "Oh I don't know. Trolls don't exactly like your kind. Maybe we can go around them." said Iggy. "This will be fun. I speak troll, and Sigurd is learning. How else are we going to improve our skills if we don't talk to a native speaker?" asked Aesa. "What are you going to ask them...what they are having for lunch?" asked Iggy. "My ax Frosik is what they will dine on." said Magnus. "Don't get berserky just yet Magnus. I have an idea. Oh, and in case it doesn't work, everybody be ready to send them to Hel." said Aesa. There was no arguing when Aesa was determined to challenge the Norns. Isgerd began praying for help in the upcoming battle. Hildagunn concentrated on tapping into the power of the Bifrost bridge and the others kept one hand on their weapons. There were four trolls in the group. Perhaps worse, there were eight of the meanest looking pukje they had ever seen brandishing weapons looking eager for the kill. Aesa approached them carefully, a little ahead of the others. She said in Thorsen, "Greetings outlaws. Why do you foul the air with your presence here?" The trolls seemed surprised by her words. Angered, the pukje threatened her with their weapons. Sigurd whispered to Iggy, "I thought the plan was to practice the troll language." "I don't know son, while I think the girl is daft, she has the biggest stones I've ever seen." said Iggy. One of the trolls said something to the other in their language. "Shall I smite the little one and get this battle started Sikov?" Sikov spoke in the troll language as well, "Wait. There is something familiar about them. Find that missive from Media Morta. The one with the likenesses from Norgard. If they are the same we can get rich bringing them in alive." "Blah, snoggle dup...what a disgusting language. Did you just say hello to me or did you vomit?" asked Aesa in Thorsen. The trolls glowered at her, but one said in Thorsen, "Greetings, I am Sikov. We were sent to escort you to the Ragnarok Inn. If you would be so kind as to put your weapons away, we mean you no harm." said Sikov. "If you meant us no harm you would have gargled with mint first and given your nasty pukje friends a bath. What kind of escort comes out to greet people with breeches full of excrement?" asked Aesa. "Your words are unkind, but I do not take offense. This is a dangerous land and those who survive are often made rude as a result of too many nights sleeping on cold ground." said Sikov. "He has a point." said Iggy to no one in particular. The troll who had been speaking to Sikov was looking at a long scroll and looking at Aesa and her friends. "It's them!" he said in the troll language. Sikov whispered to the other trolls, "Take them alive." In Thorsen he spoke to Aesa, "Won't you come with us? There are warm beds, good food and drink at the inn." said Sikov. "Sounds like a wonderful place. Tell Media Morta we won't be accepting his hospitality when you see him in Hel." said Aesa. Aesa tossed her painball in Sikov's face and ran fast in the direction of her kin. Sikov howled in pain. Magnus took advantage of the confusion, burying his ax deep into the chest of a large pukje. The pujke fell without a word, steam rising up from its bloody torso. Sigurd rushed forth with Grimbran. A large pukje struck him twice with arrows. The wounds were superficial, but Sigurd felt his consciousness slipping. He crashed face first into the snow and did not get up. Vikar fired an arrow at the pukje with the bow. It struck home. The pukje lifted itself off the groun and flew over to Vikar in a fit of anger. "Vikar it's a sorcerer! Keep shooting arrows at it. I will help you." said Aesa. Another pukje fired an arrow at Iggy. Iggy winced then pulled the arrow from his forearm. He licked it. "Poison! You can't poison a dwarf you dim-witted ogre!" he shouted. Hildagunn finished with her spell. She pointed her hand at three of the pukje who were charging Kara with swords drawn. They were enveloped in a green mist. Their faces showed terror. Soon they began attacking each other and even themselves as they screamed and cried. Kara easily finished them off with her sword Boastbreaker. Isgerd also finished casting. She had called in a thunderstorm as she had done against Red Loki. It was dangerous, for while it may do great damage, it also took a great toll on her strength. The blast from the lightning struck the troll holding the scroll in the chest. He fell in a heap, the scroll flew from his hand and smoke rose from his body. Sikov advanced on Vikar. He struck Vikar twice with his spear. The wounds were deep. Vikar bit his lip in pain but struck the spellcasting pukje in the head with an arrow. The lucky shot went through the creature's brain cavity and it fell dead. Ignatius was charging to attack the pukje who struck him with the arrow, but the pukje was enraged at what Vikar had done to his brother and in turn was running full speed at Vikar. Vikar was distracted by Sikov's attacks and did not sense the angry pukje until it was right behind him. He looked down at the sword point pushing through his gut. Vikar fell face down on the ice and remained still. "I wanted him alive you idiot!" said Sikov. The pukje looked apologetically at Sikov as Ignatius' ax chopped off his leg. The pukje fell to the ice. Before it could turn Ignatius finished it with a series of ax chops to the back of the neck. Aesa was unable to help Vikar. A pair of pukje blocked her path. Aesa darted between them so fast they often struck each other while attempting to strike her. Aesa chuckled. "I bet you can't even count to two." she said Both Pukje held up two fingers. Aesa struck them both with the painball as they counted. "Wonders of the world! Not only can pukje count, they also know how many members of their group are still fighting!" she said. "Huh?" said the pukje in unison. Aesa pointed behind them. They looked back to see the remaining three trolls fleeing the battle. Aesa used the distraction to hamstring both of them. Killing them was done with cold efficiency once they could not get up off the ice. Aesa grinned. "We should go after them!" said Magnus. "Let them go! Sigurd and Vikar are both down." said Isgerd. Kara was already tending to Sigurd. "Poison. Sleeping sap." she said. "So he will live?" said Isgerd. "It is already wearing off. The poison was meant to subdue us." said Kara. Isgerd looked away in disgust and rushed to Vikar. The others were already gesturing that it was too late to help him. Silence fell over the place. None of them feared death. They were all reminded of how recent Olaf had crossed into Valhalla. They knew Vikar would soon be picked up by the Valkyries and given a seat of honor in the happy hall of warriors. Still, a man so young, so full of potential no longer could offer advice, grin with his new found friends, or share a story of his people. "NO!" shouted Sigurd. "Take me! I don't deserve to live! Vikar was brave, Olaf was brave! I was the coward...Isgerd...use your magic. Contact the gods and heal him!" "Sigurd, I do not possess that kind of power. I can heal simple battle wounds. I can not bring the dead back to life." Isgerd said. "No. Your words are his death. Drain my spirit and return his to his body." said Sigurd. "He has gone to Valhalla! Rejoice my kinsman!" said Magnus. "He is dead! Aesa killed him when she taunted the trolls. You killed him with your berserker rage. I killed him with my weakness. We all killed him. No more!" said Sigurd. Sigurd took Grimbran and pointed the blade dangerously close to Isgerd's jugular. The others readied themselves to battle Sigurd. "Save him. I don't want to hear your excuses. I don't want to hear about Valhalla. I no longer believe it exists. What matters to me is his life. Either the gods listen to your prayers or I will slay you and my kin will slay me." said Sigurd. Isgerd nodded solemnly. Sigurd put Grimbran away. Magnus punched Sigurd very hard and he went down in a heap. Everyone glanced at Magnus. "He deserved that. Battle madness explains his words, but threatening our godi is offensive to me and the gods." said Magnus. Kara nodded in agreement. "Still, Sigurd is correct. I have not even tried to help Vikar. I owe it to the Permians to petition the gods and speak to Vikar's spirit. Let them decide what shall be." said Isgerd. Isgerd had never attempted anything so foolish. If the gods saw her request as an arrogant one, they might kill her at once or worse. She placed her hands on Vikar's already cooling body. She tried to think of the prayer conduit to healing. She felt nothing. The gods were not listening. She tried to think of Vikar whole again, breathing, smiling, and teaching them about the land. She could sense Vikar's spirit just out of range of her reach. "Vikar, do you wish to come back to your body, or do you rejoice in Valhalla?" said Isgerd. "I would return. I had not completed the task my grandfather Aella had given but I see no path to make the journey back to you." said Vikar. "I can not heal your body. It has suffered too many wounds." said Isgerd. "Then I may not return to my body." said Vikar. "How can you return to us without a body?" asked Isgerd. "I must find another way. You must find a way to convince the gods to help. When are you closest to the gods?" asked Vikar. "When I pray...when I become an animal!" said Isgerd. Vikar said nothing more. Isgerd began praying with deep conviction. She thought of changing into an animal. She thought of the gods. There was silence. She felt herself failing. Then she felt power. There was a rush of energy as when she called the lightning but it was much stronger. She heard two ravens speak her name. They spoke of Vikar. The spoke of Thor's tomb and much more. Isgerd no longer heard the words. She no longer felt the power. She was the force. She uttered a mighty roar and became lost in it. Magnus and the others stood back when they heard Isgerd's roar. Even Sigurd staggered out of the way. Isgerd's form changed into a mighty bear. It was the largest animal she had ever assumed. There was a blinding white light around Isgerd. The intensity was like a snowstorm reflected on the ice while the sun still shone full. Soon all was obscured by the light. The ice groaned and cracked. There was a deep throated growl and the light was gone. In its place was a huge polar bear. It was licking Isgerd's face. Isgerd was prone and pale, unmoving on the ice. No sign remained of Vikar's body except the blood that was spilled where he died. "Isgerd has failed. We must kill that bear before it kills her." said Magnus. "Wait!" said Hildagunn. "Don't worry witch, I will make sure to make a clean kill so you may use it for a potion." said Magnus. "No, look. That bear isn't harming her. I think Isgerd succeeded." Said Hildagunn. "What do you think success means? I don't see Vikar, I see a polar bear!" said Sigurd. "She means the bear is Vikar." said Kara. "What? I know you don't say much Kara, but I expected more sense from you than that!" said Sigurd. "Just stay there and watch me." said Kara. Kara approached the bear with slow careful steps. She kept her hands down and smiled for good measure. "We mean you no harm." she said. "Why does everyone say that when they mean I will slay you if you are a threat?" asked Magnus. "Shhhh. Don't spoil her moment." said Aesa "Are you Vikar?" asked Kara. The bear continued to sniff Isgerd's body and pack. "Do you understand me?" asked Kara. The bear stopped for a moment. It turned its head in her direction and growled. Kara put her hand on Boastbreaker. "I have fish. Do you want some? Can you smell it?" she asked. The bear turned to face her. It snarled, keeping Isgerd between it and Kara. Kara noticed the bear had wounds on its underside and at several other points on its body. She pulled a smoked herring from her bag and tossed it to the bear. The bear sniffed. It could not reach the fish without moving away from Isgerd. It looked around. There was a bow on the ground. The bear used the bow as a tool to pull the fish closer and then devoured it in one gulp. Isgerd began to revive. She could hear a commotion around her. She must have had another vision. No, she was trying to save Vikar. Vikar! Isgerd opened her eyes and saw the bear had raised up on two legs. Kara was backing up fast. "Vikar! Vikar! Calm down. She is your friend." said Isgerd. The bear turned toward Isgerd. It was covered in wounds. Some of them were deep. "Let me finish your healing my friend." said Isgerd. Without waiting for a response, Isgerd placed her hands on the underbelly of the bear and it wrapped itself around her. The others readied their weapons. When the bear released its embrace it was no longer injured. Isgerd staggered away but did not look injured. Kara approached again, more cautious. The bear did not act aggressive, but seemed to regard the battlefield with inquisitive eyes and a vigorous sniff of its nose. Kara reached out to the bear. It let her touch him without complaint. "The transformation from man to bear is difficult. The bear must have been Vikar's totem animal. Remain cautious. He will be more bear-like than Vikar for a while. In time, he will remember." said Isgerd. "Then what lass? You think he will be happy being a beast?" asked Ignatius. "Are you happy being a dverge?" asked Aesa. "Pffffft!" sputtered Ignatius. "Exactly. We will break it to him slow. I'll make sure to point out the good news first. He could have come back a dverge!" said Aesa. "Fredgin pixie thrim!" shouted Ignatius. "Shhh. You don't want to upset our bear. I haven't even rode him yet." warned Aesa. Hildagunn watched all of this with great interest. She noticed something. Even Isgerd had not become aware of it. Glowing copper-red on her left arm was a rune. It was shaped like a bear. She approached Isgerd and pointed to the marking. "It seems the gods have answered all of your prayers." said Hildagunn. Isgerd looked at the rune in wonder. "Odin, I am not worthy." she said. She could not hide the grin on her face as she marveled over it though. "Search the bodies for valuables. We need to find that inn. Something tells me those trolls aren't the only ones looking for us." said Aesa. They found some coin and a few weapons, including the sleep poison among the pukje. Aesa kept the poison, despite Magnus's protest. The most valuable find was among the dead troll. He carried a number of valuable jewels and a fine spear, but just past his hand was the scroll that had helped to identify the group. Sigurd reached for the scroll but Aesa was quicker. She snatched the scroll and backed away to get the first glance at its contents. She read the scroll in her most menacing voice, "Wanted. 10,000 uppsala piece reward if captured alive. Norgardian kinsmen of the Thorsen clan. Magnus, Aesa, Sigurd, Isgerd, Kara and Hildagunn. Images provided. These outlaws are dangerous. They murdered their Jarl Thrain and tried to kill Bergar the Bold when he tried to bring them before the lawrock for justice. If captured, bring them to Uppsala. An agent of Media Morta will pay the reward." Iggy whistled. "10,000 gold coins!" "Let me see the drawing." said Sigurd. Aesa turned the scroll so all could see. "That doesn't look like me." said Sigurd. "I am not fat!" said Magnus. "Where is my image?" asked Ignatius. "I guess the artist wasn't looking down low enough when he started sketching us." said Aesa. "If that were true, he'd only showed the top of your skull instead of your big mouth and the rest of your runt ass!" said Iggy. "Maybe they don't know how to draw a dverge." said Kara. "How hard can it be. Just draw some armor and scribble a bunch of hair all over it." said Aesa. Iggy pointed a thick finger at Aesa. His eyes darted dangerously. He opened his mouth to say something, pointed again and then pivoted away and marched toward their destination, leaving the others to catch up. "You really are going to push him too far." said Magnus. "Iggy loves me. Can't you tell? He could have cut my head off at any point along our journey. Why hasn't he?" asked Aesa. "Because he knows I will kill him." said Magnus. "No, because he is entertained by my charm and wit." said Aesa. "As I said, he knows I will kill him." said Magnus. Aesa decided not to argue with Magnus. There would be plenty of opportunities to humble the large berserker later. She strapped on her skis and urged the others to do the same. Soon they were continuing east to where they hoped they would find the inn. No more than an hour later, Kara motioned for everyone to halt. Soon the others saw it too. Ravens were gathered not too far ahead of them. Aesa looked through the spy glass she got from Oikos. "Troll bodies. Three of them. The ravens must be pretty hungry, the bodies look mangled." she said. They quickened their pace and the ravens reluctantly scattered, some getting one last chunk of flesh before hopping away. It was Sikov and the other two trolls who had fled the battle...or what was left of them. Someone, or something had torn out their spines. The three bodies had been rendered by three clawed talons across back and chest. "Based on the blood, the fight was brief and violent. I do not see any blood other than that of the trolls. Something attacked them from the sky. Something smaller than a hrutiwyrm, yet just as deadly." said Kara. "Whatever did this wanted them dead." said Sigurd. "Whatever did this did it within hearing of any guests of that inn!" said Kara. Iggy sounded excited. "What inn?" Hildagunn pointed "That one!" The inn was barely visible in the distance. It was very small and unremarkable. A dark smoke billowed out of a single chimney. Closer was a sign. Aesa viewed it with her spyglass. "Welcome to the Ragnarok Inn." In younger days I took great pain
To look, and feel and act quite sane Concealing perfected villainy There were none who thought ill of me. I learned of masks in boyish clubs For boys dig scabs revealing much Which older eyes can not perceive They see the things beneath the leaves Beneath the leaves and under the dirt Where the rotten, fetid dreams a' flirt The scabs flake off and soon reveal All which I had long concealed And so I left the boyish games The bully shouts, the taunting flames And soon did enter puberty With mask I wore more perfectly But masks will never hide the eyes I acted peaceful but was not surprised To find that young boys now young men Had challenged me often to defend For weakness is often seen Where there is no coward's sheen For oft mistaken an awkward glance An invitation to pugilist's dance I sported a swollen, blood-stained face The mask I wore red-painted grace No words, no kicks or untamed fists Could penetrate my blistered inner-bliss And so I leaped over teenage years Given to excess, not subject to fears With unfettered mind I bound my dreams In iron-willed resolve no troubles seemed Possible though impossible thoughts Burned to break free, putrid wrought And so the mask so carefully placed Is slightly off center, and poorly laced The years have loosened my resolve The thoughts long bred now evolve And erupt from behind my warring eyes I no longer desire to disguise What made me feel such unrest For what virtue is sanity, I protest! There is no excuse for what I do It is not personal between me and you The pleasure felt for one, not both The fear never felt has unwound both Some laugh as they speak a devil's name Some laugh not, speak not, know no shame To give in but for a single day A single hour, a single way Release the dragon, the beasts of war Internal fiends, eternal chore I summon thee in my five-point star Impish Id, appear as you are Tonight we dine upon our sins Freed from prison, once trapped within The mask is gone, the dream is pure And so I can not tarry here And so I can not tarry here. |
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