"Attack!" shouted Magnus.
The others were able to grab weapons just as several spears flew from the woods into the campsite. Kara was struck by one as she picked up her sword. Reaching for the weapon had saved her life. She was only grazed by the spearhead. Another stuck in a tree just above her head. When she was ready to fight she noticed two well-known outlaws, Faxi-Brand and Thorolf. Both were skilled swordsmen and mercenaries.
"If Faxi-Brand and Thorolf are here Erp and Serk Potlicker cannot be far away. Watch out for attacks from behind!" yelled Aesa.
It was unclear whether Ignatius turned to heed Aesa's warning or if he was curious as to who had thrust three blades into his back. His curiosity faded as he fell with a metallic thud. He had been stabbed in the back by Erp, Serk and Wulfgar the Troll! They struck him again and again with large rocks. The sound of his armor crumpling was sickening.
"Now that your troglodyte is dead, the rest of you will join him soon enough." said Wulfgar.
"Wulfgar, we made compensation to you at the lawrock. All you had to do was show enough manhood to collect your reward. Now I will have to give you your reward in person." said Magnus.
"Your death will be my reward." said Wulfgar.
"The Norns cut the threads of those who make false boasts." said Magnus.
Magnus chased after Wulgar, but he ran into the woods along with Iggy's assassins.
Sigurd was engaged in battle with Faxi-Brand and Kara fought Thorolf. An older man with a balding head of red hair and a forked beard attacked Isgerd. He was familiar since he had helped to load their sled a day earlier. His ax Frosik bit into her shoulder and she fell to her knees wincing.
"Bergar, why would you help Wulfgar the Troll!" she managed to get out.
"There are things you do not understand girl. Wulgar is a dolt. He will not survive this battle no matter who has glory. I have made a deal that will save Norgard. Your deaths are required payment. Now be a good Godi and die like most of your order has already agreed to do." said Bergar.
As Bergar swung his ax for the death blow, he was struck by a green orb and dropped his ax in pain.
"Hurts doesn't it? Bergar the Bold, you are a fool. Whatever Media Morta offered you will not help you if you are outlawed." said Aesa.
Bergar recovered fast, picking up his sword as Isgerd staggered away toward the woods. "How do you know that name? It does not matter. You will not live to repeat it."
Bergar swung Frosik at Aesa. She ducked with incredible skill, but someone in the woods struck her with an arrow. The moment of pain caused her to miscalculate and Frosik struck her flat-sided in the face. She fell to the ground stunned. Bergar rushed to finish her as she scrambled to avoid the attack, still stunned from Frosik. A series of magic bolts struck Bergar as he raised the ax to finish her. Bergar growled; following the path back to Hildagunn the Witch. He kicked Aesa very hard in the side of the head.
"Witch you should have been executed at the lawrock, not forgiven. Gunnar is too weak to be Jarl!" said Bergar.
Hildagunn had vanished so Bergar was unable to attack her. The distraction allowed Aesa to stagger to her feet and ready her short swords. Bergar turned on Aesa. He struck at her again until she was unable to defend herself. She fell to the ground, and he kicked her until she stopped moving.
Magnus had struck a death blow to Erp three times with his ax. Three times Erp had downed the contents of a crystal bottle and his wounds had vanished. Each time, Wulfgar the Troll had struck Magnus a blow with his rapier in the buttocks and Serk Potlicker had shot him with an arrow from behind. Magnus took a moment to glare at Wulfgar.
"What is that? Are you attacking me with a roasting stick? Aren't you able to wield a sword?" asked Magnus.
"A rapier is a sword!" spit Wulfgar.
"You look stupid using it. Please stop. I will lend you my sword so at least I can find some glory in your attack." said Magnus.
Angered, Wulfgar attacked Magnus without further comment. Erp used the distraction to fire an arrow at close range at Magnus. It went straight through his thigh. Magnus struck Erp with a heavy blow of his ax. Erp realized he was going to die and reached for a vial to heal the wound. Isgerd staggered behind Erp and touched the tree behind him before collapsing. The tree knocked the bottle from Erp's hand and he died on the spot. Serk struck Isgerd with several arrows pinning her to the tree. Isgerd's eyes fluttered and closed.
Kara continued to battle with Thorolf. His boasts were becoming annoying since he chattered incessantly as they fought.
"My sword is Grimbran. It has taken the life of many women. Grimbran is eager to add you to the list."
Kara swung her sword at the mercenary's head but missed. She had purchased a sword in Norgard soon after they went to shore. It was almost as tall as she. Kara had not named it yet as it had not earned glory. She was still getting used to its weight and labored with each swing.
"Maybe Grimbran won't kill you all at once. Maybe I will have a little fun first." said Thorolf.
Kara struck a fierce blow to Thorolf's crotch. Blood burst from his mouth and he looked down in disbelief at his sundered loin before collapsing and taking a dirt nap.
"Finally you said something I agree with. We did have a little fun. Like most men you came up severely lacking in the one thing I like most." said Kara.
Kara wiped her blade on Thorolf's shirt and then went over to help Sigurd with Faxi-Brand. Sigurd was sweating heavily and bleeding from several wounds. Faxi-Brand's sword danced like a live thing. Everywhere it touched opened a new wound on Sigurd's body. "I will nick you a thousand times like a horsefly in the summer until you pass out from blood loss." said Faxi-Brand.
Kara could still hear the chatter from Thorolf in her mind. "Oh great, how am I going to boast about slaying a girl." he had said. The sound of his voice was grating and blended in her mind with the boasts of Faxi-Brand. She reached back with all her strength and swung her great-sword at Faxi-Brand from behind. Her blade cleaved the man in two. His legs twitched on the ground. Faxi-Brand continued to swing his sword and struck Sigurd one more blow to his calf. Faxi-Brand's face went white and his bluing lips smiled as he turned to look at his legs. "I will not be running away from this battle." he said. His eyes looked up to the sky but no more words came from his lips as his blood pooled around his waist.
"Thank you Kara. I like your new sword!" said Sigurd.
"I think I will name it Boastbreaker." said Kara.
"I will not make boasts while you hold it in your hands," said Sigurd.
"If your boasts are true, you have no reason for concern," said Kara.
Kara and Sigurd rushed to face Bergar who hovering over Aesa's body. Only Hildagunn was still fighting. Bergar's body was covered with burns from seid magic. He had a hand on Hildagunn's spear and was trying to force it from her hand. The spear broke in his strong grip and he slapped Hildagunn so hard she landed on her back and did not move.
Kara tossed a spear but it missed. Bergar turned to face Kara and Sigurd.
"Good. I tired of fighting the untrained peasants you call kin. It will be good to kill warriors no matter how little fame they have earned." said Bergar the Bold.
Kara still could not shake the sound of Thorolf's annoying boasts out of her mind. Bergar's voice blended with Thorolf's. She had to make it stop.
Sigurd struck at Bergar first, hitting him in the arm. The wound was already healing when Bergar smiled and struck Sigurd with Frosik. Sigurd fell to the ground, tried to get up but fell again, unable to continue.
"I had hoped this would be a challenge but I see I will be disappointed. " Bergar complained.
Magnus was not feeling his best. Perhaps he should have raided the provisions for an early breakfast snack as he often did. Serk Potlicker and Wulfgar continued to harass him. Isgerd had not moved. He saw the potion bottle that Erp had dropped. Magnus suspected it was a bad idea for him to touch an object imbued with magic but he had no choice. Isgerd needed it. He launched himself at the vial and tossed it to Isgerd. It landed in her lap. "Isgerd...drink it!" he said.
"Isgerd drink it! Isgerd drink it! The dead don't drink idiot!" said Wulgar as he pierced Magnus' lower back with his rapier.
Magnus could see the tip of the rapier pushing through his stomach. It reminded him how hungry he was. He twisted and grabbed Wulfgar's throat with his powerful hands and squeezed with all his remaining power. Wulgar's neck snapped with an audible crack and his body shook as it fell to the ground. Magnus would have smiled but he was struck by three arrows in the chest in rapid succession. Time to meet Olaf in Valhalla he thought before closing his eyes.
When Magnus opened his eyes, Isgerd grinned at him from swollen, bloody lips. "Get up my kin. We must help the others." she said.
Magnus rose, amazed that he was not toasting Olaf in person. He felt amazing. He picked up the empty vial by the tree where Isgerd had fallen and tossed it at Wulfgar's twisted corpse and said, "The dead do not drink. Wise words!"
He turned to see Serk Potlicker's corpse wrapped in a thicket of bloody thorns. He had died with anguish on his face.
"Go Magnus. I will follow as I can. Help the others before it is too late." said Isgerd.
Magnus rushed to meet battle. Kara fought with desperation but was on the defensive and fading. Bergar stuck again and again with his ax. His other kin were all dead. Anger welled in him. Bergar was a liege lord. He should not be here. The Norns would demand a heavy price for this. Kara stumbled. Bergar knocked the sword from her hand. It fell several feet from her. "I will take your head for proof of my deeds." Bergar said. He raised his ax but Magnus grabbed Bergar by the arm and swung him at the nearest tree. Magnus slammed Bergar bodily into a giant oak again and again until Frosik fell from his hands. Bergar reached into his pouch and slammed a vial into Magnus' face blinding him. Magnus picked up Frosik and threw it at Bergar. Bergar twisted a ring on his finger, vanishing as the ax struck where his head had been only a breath ago.
"We should go after him." said Magnus.
No one responded. Magnus looked around but none of his kin moved. He rushed to Kara. She still breathed. He tore his shirt into strips and bound her most serious wounds. After giving her a drink of water from his flask Kara was able to walk on her own. "Attend to Sigurd if he lives. I will check on Aesa. Isgerd should be here soon." said Magnus.
Kara nodded.
Magnus reached Aesa. She was still alive but was not moving. She whispered something. Magnus got closer. "I will live, but I need Isgerd. In my pouch. Get the vials marked with the rune for H. Make sure Isgerd gets one. She is more injured than she seems." said Aesa.
Magnus did as instructed. He found three vials marked H. He ran to where he had seen Isgerd. She was resting near a large boulder. Magnus shook her until she opened her eyes.
"Ah Magnus. You won. Good. Do the others live?"
Magnus handed her a potion bottle.
"Drink! It is from Aesa." said Magnus.
Isgerd chuckled but her voice cracked. "How do you know it is not poison?" she asked.
Magnus reached for the bottle but Isgerd drained it. Soon the color returned to her face and she got up.
"Take me to the most wounded. Do you have any more of those bottles?" asked Isgerd.
"There are two." said Magnus. He handed them to Isgerd, eager to be rid of them and led her to the others.
Isgerd rushed to Aesa. Her back was broken. Isgerd made her comfortable but knew the bottles could not help her. She smiled and silently mouthed she would return.
They approached the dverge. His armor was in ruins. Isgerd cleared the blood and to her shock discovered that Ignatius was still alive. He whispered something. Isgerd got closer. "Get...get me...out...of this...armor."
"Get him out of the armor Magnus." ordered Isgerd.
Magnus grabbed a tool from the sled. He turned it and twisted until sections of armor came free of Ignatius' body. Once Magnus had to bend a grieve until it snapped at the rivet before it would give. Finally Ignatius was free of the armor. Ignatius was heavily bruised but refused a potion, only asking for help to sew up the wounds he could not reach.
"Maybe you shouldn't sleep in that armor." said Magnus.
"Pah! I'd not be able to sleep at all without armor on." said Iggy.
"Why not?" asked Magnus.
"Ground is too hard on my stiff back. I'd be bent in two for a week or more." said the dverge.
"Well you best figure something out, because there's no saving that armor." said Magnus.
"I'll have it good as new by morning. I was making armor when your grandpappy was still taking a thrim in his breeches!" said Ignatius.
"That armor kind of smells like thrim, if I understand what thrim is. Perhaps you should scrub it out while you are fixing it." said Magnus.
"Pah! Smart mouth!" said Iggy. The smile in his eye told Magnus that the dverge was amused by his comments. They moved on to help Hildagunn who was groaning and semi-conscious.
One vial they gave to Hildagunn. The remaining vial was given to Sigurd. Magnus scouted the area and retrieved what valuables he could from the dead outlaws. Then, everyone gathered around Aesa who smiled weakly. "I'm still lucky. Bergar thought he killed me." she whispered hoarsely.
"How did you know Bergar was working for Media Morta?" asked Isgerd.
"I didn't. But it made sense. Someone with money and influence purchased the poison I found on Thrain when I first discovered him. Someone smarter than Wulgar was arranging things." said Aesa.
Kara and Isgerd revived the fire and placed Aesa close to it, covering her with thick furs.
"Maybe, you should go without me. It is not safe to remain. Bergar will return with more men." said Aesa.
"We will not abandon you." said Magnus.
"I am not asking you to abandon me, I am asking you to run your stupid ax through my brain box so you can do the gods' bidding." she choked out.
"You will live." said Magnus.
"Like this? To what end? Can I gain fame looking up at the sky. Are you going to swing my sword arm? Finish me you stupid berserk. I wish to see my brother. Or do you lack the courage?" asked Aesa.
Magnus' eyes darted in warning.
Isgerd put a calming hand on his arm which coiled like anchor rope.
"Nobody doubts Magnus is brave. Be calm Aesa. Give me a chance to talk to the gods...One night. If they will not help, I will kill you myself." said Isgerd.
Aesa started to talk, but then stopped. Isgerd handed her a bottle.
"Drink this. It will make you feel better." said Isgerd.
"I feel NOTHING!" proclaimed Aesa. Still she swallowed the drink as Isgerd poured. Soon she slept.
"The rest of you get some rest. We will know in the morning what must be done." said Isgerd.
The others rested, but none slept much. Isgerd spent the rest of the day and all of the night in prayer using what healing magic the gods allowed, only stopping to sip mead and chew on a bit of dried fish.
In the morning everyone gathered around Aesa who had not moved. Magnus shed a tear but raised Frosik. I should do it. Let me strike the blow while she is still asleep. She is going to torment me in Valhalla anyway. Aesa opened her eyes.
"Are you crying Magnus?" Aesa asked. She smiled infectiously.
"Magnus...you are crying!" repeated Aesa. She got up and hugged him.
"You are getting soft you big oaf!" she exclaimed.
The others laughed, either in joy that Aesa was healed, or because of the dumbfounded look on Magnus' face.
Soon Magnus laughed too. It was a slow building deep laugh that echoed through the forest and scared the squirrels and eagles. He laughed until he coughed. Then he grabbed Aesa and rubbed the top of her head with his knuckles.
"You won't have to ask me to kill you next time. I will put you down like a lame mule." said Magnus.
"You are the mule Magnus and as such, you should carry my haversack. I still feel weak and we have many miles to go." said Aesa.
Magnus picked up her pack without complaint and put it on his shoulder. It looked tiny on his back.
"Yes, Magnus has definitely gone soft. I doubt he can even go berserk anymore." said Aesa.
"Don't push your luck Aesa." said Sigurd.
"My luck is just fine thank you very much. If you don't push it, your luck grows weak and flabby." said Aesa.
Soon they were descending the hillside and crossing onto the hard tundra of the plains that should lead to Permia. The frigid air ended conversations. Everyone pulled their furs tight to their face and bound on gloves and scarves. The land looked the same in every direction. It would be a challenge to keep track of their direction.
It took two more days before Isgerd and her kin were healed from the battle, despite magical aid from the gods. They did their best to stay concealed and did not try to light a fire on the open plains. Food was not a problem. They had been able to kill winter rabbits, snow geese and some sort of fat badger for meals. They continued north for a week, which is ten days in Midgard. The tundra had changed to snow and ice. The Norgardians now wore either snowshoes or skis depending on preference. Magnus and Ignatius took turns pulling the sled. The wind was brisk and the sky had turned a steel gray color but was shading more toward charcoal as the hour ended.
"We need to find shelter. That storm will bury us in the next half hour." said Kara. She had to shout to be heard over the wind.
Isgerd scanned the horizon. She saw snow and ice as far as she could see and no other features. The herds of reindeer she had seen earlier were nowhere within her view.
"I don't think we are going to find any shelter. We should set up our tent in a low spot. I think that will be the best we can do to avoid freezing to death." said Isgerd.
The others agreed. They found a slight dip in the terrain and began setting up the tent. The wind was so strong now that it was difficult to hold the tent poles long enough to attempt to stake them into the permafrost. Hilagunn melted the ice with her magic to created a hold for the poles and then secured them with ice once the poles were in place. It took all of their strength to stretch hide across the poles to provide a break from the wind. Once the tent was up, they slid the sled inside and fastened the entrance as fast as possible. They huddled for warmth and covered up with all the furs they had from the sled.
They awoke in the early morning hours to the rush of wind. The tent hide had broken free and was lost across the plain. Furs were flapping under half-asleep arms but that was not the problem. Hovering above them, visible even through the blind snow was a horrible Lokispawn. Its upper body was visible towering twenty feet above them. The creature was a hideous blue-green and purple laced with bright yellow that was barely visible in the dawn-sky unless very close. It had dozens of bulbous eyes that shone like glass, even in the dim light. An intense heat radiated from its core. The other half of its body was still hidden beneath the ice. The creature bellowed as it spewed a molten fluid where they were sleeping.
Sigurd was the slowest to react. He tried to grab his armor but it melted and the metal sank through the ice. The heat from the blast burned his arm and legs. He grabbed Grimbran and limped out of the blast area to attack.
Magnus was first to react. He leapt onto the back of the creature with Frosik and chopped at the thick shell-like armor with mighty strokes. Each chop sent vents of scalding heat into his face. Undeterred he continued to attack. Hilagunn attacked with energy bolts. Isgerd changed into an eagle and attempted to peck out the creature's eyes. Kara took her greatsword Boastbreaker and tried to cut the creature in half. She did manage to wound it, but a blast of heat burned her skin for her effort. Aesa tossed the painball at the creature's eyes. The creature howled. Ignatius did his best to get behind the thing. He imagined the smell of burnt dwarf would ruin everyone's morning, not least of all his. Since he was not fast, he decided a back attack would be wise. He joined Magnus, chopping the creature's back with his ax.
The creature bit Kara; lifting her in the air with its enormous maw. The heat from its mouth was like a walk through the meadhall's hearth only much hotter. Kara screamed from the pain but was thankful the creature had not been able to use its molten breath attack. Somehow she managed to hold onto Boastbreaker. She wedged it into the soft palette of the foul beast. Aesa sent the painball through the opening made by Boastbreaker and attacked the palette of the creature over and over. The creature shrieked. Kara could only hear ringing in her ears. Sigurd struck the creature with Grimbran. The sustained fury of his kin brought the creature down. As its head struck the ice it started to sink through due to the intense heat. Steam blinded them. Magnus and Ignatius leapt from the back of the beast as if it might explode. Isgerd returned to human form. Her kin were admiring their work when the thrill from the battle wore off and they realized they were very cold. The creature had destroyed their tent, sled and most of their provisions. Isgerd yelled to the others.
"Go down the tunnel created by that Lokispawn. We need to get out of this storm!" she said.
One by one they slid down the tunnel. They sunk into an ice cavern about thirty feet below the surface. The cavern was cold and dark but was sheltered from the wind.
"Well we will survive the storm here, but will starve or freeze down here eventually. " said Sigurd.
"I can fly out of here. When the storm has passed we can knot together whatever we have left and get out of here." said Isgerd.
"How long will we survive without our supplies?" asked Sigurd.
"Long enough, I hope. I feel we are not far from Permia, but I do not know what direction to go. I will fly very high. Hopefully I can see Permia from here once the storm has moved on." said Isgerd.
"Skentel!" said Aesa.
The cavern filled with dim green light.
"At least we can see enough now to take a piss." said Ignatius.
The others looked at him and laughed.
"What are you laughing at? I had to piss hours ago but it was too damn much trouble to go out in that storm and open my armor flap. I nearly pissed myself when I saw that wyrm. It was all I could do not to wet my trousers when I was swinging my ax." said Iggy.
The laughter echoed through the chamber. The sound of Ignatius relieving himself was like a small waterfall.
"Ahhhh!" he said.
"Eww!" said Aesa.
"What, are you telling me none of you have to go?" asked Ignatius.
"No, I am telling you that dverge piss smells awful!" said Aesa.
"Fredge you!" growled Iggy.
"She means no disrespect." said Sigurd.
"That is not so truthful Sigurd. Aesa just says whatever comes out of her mouth. I think the god Loki is jealous of how lucky she is so he puts words in her mouth to see what will happen." said Magnus.
"Incredible Magnus. That sounded intelligent. Maybe Odin is talking through your mouth for once instead of some half-giant." said Aesa.
"See!" said Magnus.
"Magnus, if you would just pull your head out of..." Aesa would have said more but there were shouts from above.
"We will lower rope. You will climb the rope. If you climb out with weapons in hand we will kill you. If you do not come out, we will flood your cavern and seal you in here forever. Odin forever grants us choices. Choose well." said the voice in a very thick accent.
A rope was lowered into the cavern.
"What should we do?" asked Sigurd.
"Climb and keep your weapons in your scabbard." said Isgerd.
Isgerd healed a few of the more wounded warriors before the climb. Aesa gave the command word "Dromok" and the key to Thor's tomb went dark. She tucked it away where she hoped it could not be found and climbed up the rope last.
When they reached the surface they could see they were surrounded by thirty Permian warriors in thick furs. They had sleds pulled by wolves and a large cargo sled pulled by a team of musk oxen. It appeared they had just finished a successful hunt. One of the Permians was familiar. It was Vikar whom they had rescued from the Fluesom dungeon. Vikar spoke in a thick Thorsen accent they recognized had commanded them to climb the rope.
"You must come with us if you wish to live. Do not touch your weapons no matter what you see. My brothers will not hesitate to kill you. Most think we should have filled in the cavern and let you die."
"We may not survive if we come with you. Our tent and supplies weuy destroyed." said Isgerd.
"You survived a lava worm. You will survive this. Now that you are under our protection the snowstorm will end." said Vikar.
"How do you know this?" she asked.
"Because our ancestors brought the storm to warn us of your approach." he said.
"Ancestors? You can speak to the dead?" she asked.
"I have said too much already. We return to Permia. There, the Godar will decide your fate in consultation with the ancestors. This is all I know." said Vikar.
Isgerd and the others were instructed to march near the musk oxen. Vikar and a few others scouted ahead. Some men fell far back from the group and disappeared in the snowstorm. Most guarded the supplies and kept a close watch on the Norgardians.
Soon the snowstorm did indeed stop. The sun peaked through the gray sky. The reflection on the fresh snow was blinding. Aesa and the others applied a black cosmetic to help with the brightness. The Permians did nothing to adjust to the light.
A few hours later, they could see the outline of the taller structures in Permia. Smoke rose from some of the buildings. Soon Vikar returned. As they neared, Sigurd saw a human body under the ice, looking with anguish up at them.
"There is a body under the ice!" said Sigurd.
A Permian said something in their language and others laughed.
"What did he say?" asked Sigurd.
"He said soon you may join them." said Vikar.
"What? Them?" asked Sigurd.
"When someone refuses to participate in sacrifices to the gods they become a sacrifice to the gods. The same goes for thieves, murderers and other criminals. A pit is made in the ice. The outlaw is placed in the pit with a weight to keep them at the bottom. Each member of the village pours a bucket of water into the pit. The water is allowed to freeze before more water is poured. The sacrifice usually dies before the water is up to the waist, but some have survived until the water pours over their mouth." explained Vikar.
"There are hundreds of people under the ice." said Sigurd as more came into view.
"There are thousands going back to the beginning of time. They must be sacrificed outside of Permia so they do not pollute the city." said Vikar.
They came to a stone path that led to the entrance to Permia. There were no walls but the town was marked by many dead men, women and children buried under the ice in a restful reclined state. They looked alive and had been furnished with gold and grave goods. Someone had polished the ice and removed all snow and debris from the area around the bodies.
"I thought you said everyone was buried outside the city?" asked Sigurd.
"Never talk this way again. If my brothers understood you they would kill you at once! These are our ancestors. They are sacred. They do not pollute Permia. They ARE Permia! We speak with them as needed and they protect us with guidance and with help from the gods." said Vikar.
"My apologies. I meant no disrespect." said Sigurd.
"You must chose your words with care now that you are here. Words are mead from Odin. If your words sound false the Godar will kill you with a glance. If you attempt to do harm, the ancestors will destroy your souls." said Vikar.
"We will be careful." said Sigurd.
"Let the others speak first. If they wish to hear your words they will ask." said Vikar.
Permia was unusual. Monolithic statues of Odin and Thor carved from basalt and covered in runes were everywhere. Steam poured from their mouths. Most of the people lived in tent communities. The wealthy families lived in structures that resembled a meadhall but were carved from blocks of ice. The focal point of Permia was a hot spring. Many Permians relaxed there, immersed in its waters, swimming or socializing. The people were naked. Vikar noticed the Norgardians interest in the hot spring.
"It is uncomfortably warm for Permians near the spring. Any temperature above the freezing point of water is very warm. We do not wear clothes in such conditions or we may get heat rashes. The warm water shocks our bodies and is considered a reminder that if we lead an impure life we will be made slaves to firegiants in Hel when we die. There could be no worse death than a death by fire or boiling water." Vikar said.
"Many of your people are covered in runes." said Isgerd.
"The godar can grant a rune. Some are born with them. Some are given by an ancestor. Each rune is personal. A rune holds great power. A rune bearer will use their rune if there are no other choices. It is a great responsibility." said Vikar.
As the group neared, many of the Permians, although curious ushered their children inside, attempting to keep them safe from whatever evils had been found on the plain. The adults lingered, hoping a sacrifice to Odin was soon to be made.
"Wait out here. I must request the advice of the elders." said Vikar.
Vikar fell on his knees outside the entrance to a large ice hall. "It is Vikar. I have brought them to you. May I enter?"
The ice door opened on its own. Vikar crawled backward into the building, keeping his eyes focused on the ground outside. When he was inside the threshold, the door closed.
When Vikar returned, he smiled.
"The elders will not sacrifice you today! You must agree to go on the sacred hunt. If you succeed the elders will grant you an audience!" said Vikar.
"I like to hunt. When do we start?" asked Kara.
"We start now. You can only use the bow or a spear. I am the only Permian to hunt with you. If I die I will be considered a sacrifice to Thor. It is a great honor which is why I am so happy." said Vikar.
"What are we hunting?" asked Kara.
"We hunt Red Loki." said Vikar.
"I assume we are not hunting a rabbit with a name like that." said Isgerd.
"Permians have been hunting Red Loki for many generations. He is cunning beyond the intelligence of men. Most who make this their life quest die. A few lucky Permians return alive with battle scars to prove their bravery. None can kill Red Loki. Come!" said Vikar.
Vikar led the group to a large stone statue of Odin. Steam bellowed from his mouth.
"Kneel! Offer these cakes to Odin and watch the steam for a sign he approves." said Vikar.
Vikar handed each Norgardian and the dverge a honey cake. They all kneeled before the god, although Ignatius looked very uncomfortable doing so.
Vikar spoke a prayer.
“O Lord of Mead, Drinker of Poems,
Flame-eyed One, Father of Battle.
I offer Mead-life to Odin’s wife, (earth)
Life-giver, Queen of the brooch-goddesses, (women)
Make propitious our breath-taking,
Give us the tree-crowned hart,
Or the serpent-faced giant,
Or Red Loki if we are so blessed,
So we may continue to offer Mead-life.
And gladden the All-Father.”
Soon steam shot out in a mighty cloud covering them all. The cakes were gone when the steam cleared.
"A good sign." said Vikar. He rose and the others followed his lead.
"Leave your metal weapons and armor here. Only sacred bows and your spears will be allowed. We must leave now. If we do not complete our quest before night we will be sacrificed."
The others hurried to get their weapons for the hunt. They donned skis and rushed out of Permia at a fast pace heading north.
Vikar had been pushing them north at a maddening pace for several hours. He stopped only to check his bearings. He stopped for a moment and sniffed the ground.
"Red Loki was here." said Vikar.
"How do you know? asked Kara.
Vikar held out a long wiry red hair. It was longer than Magnus' arm.
"We must go faster." said Vikar.
"Easy for you to say lad. Your legs are much longer than mine." said Ignatius.
Vikar glared at him. "Keep up or die." he said.
Ignatius turned deep red and growled but he kept up.
Soon Vikar stopped again and was examining a huge pile of excrement.
"That is not thrim, that is a hill!" said Ignatius.
"What could make such a thing?" asked Kara.
"Only Red Loki. He wants us to find him or he would not have made his path so easy for us to find." said Vikar.
Soon tracks were easy to find. A huge object was waiting less than four hundred paces. The tracks were gigantic.
When they got within fifty yards they stopped. Red Loki had not moved.
"He expects you to attack first to bring him glory. Use your bows. Make sure you hit or you will forfeit your lives. Red Loki will not tolerate incompetence." said Vikar.
Everyone readied a bow except Ignatius. "I can't fight with this twig." When it is time to charge I will do my part." he said.
The arrows were launched. Each landed burying deep into the flesh of Red Loki. Red Loki used his enormous trunk and brushed the arrows aside. Red Loki was a Wooly Mammoth with enormous tusks and bright red hair. He was a mammoth that was now charging them. As he approached, the group could see he was covered with the battle scars from hundreds of attacks. Steam poured from his mouth and trunk as he ran. His eyes were aflame with intelligence.
Ignatius charged him with a spear, striking Red Loki in the side. Red Loki grabbed the spear with his trunk and shook Ignatius against his tusks until he let go of the spear. Battered, Ignatius fell before him. Red Loki threw Ignatius's spear at Hildagunn thwarting whatever spell she had been about to cast. He stomped at Ignatius but Kara removed him from danger just as Red Loki's foot crushed the ice where he had been.
Magnus stabbed Red Loki with his spear. Red Loki attempted to take the spear from Magnus but Magnus was too strong and held firm. Red Loki whirled his trunk around. He flung Magnus who still held onto his spear at Isgerd and the two of them went tumbling.
The distraction gave Aesa time to climb onto the back of Red Loki. She brought out the painball and struck Red Loki with it. Kara struck Red Loki in the side with her spear and so did Vikar. Sigurd speared Red Loki in the foot, hoping to make the creature slip on its own blood. Red Loki glared at Aesa.
"You dare attack me with the weapons of foreigners. You will pay for your insult." said Red Loki. He grabbed Aesa with his trunk and slammed her hard on the ice.
Aesa was able to break a little of the fall with her incredible agility but it was only luck that saved her from being crushed under foot. Red Loki slipped in his blood and had to regain his footing. This allowed Aesa enough time to slip out of the way.
Red Loki looked at Vikar and said something in Permian.
"What did he tell you?" asked Isgerd.
"Aesa is disqualified. If she attacks again he will not allow you to kill him." said Vikar.
Isgerd relayed the information to Aesa.
"We aren't going to listen to a creature that is trying to kill us are we?" Aesa asked.
"Yes we are." said Magnus.
Aesa sat down and pouted. This was unfair. Rules are for dead people and slaves and this felt enslaving and potentially deadly. She would not interfere for now. If things got out of hand though she would use the painball until Red Loki was dead.
Red Loki waited for the decision to be made. When Aesa was out of the combat he bowed to the group. "Slay me if you can. If you gain glory today take only one tusk to the Godar, nothing more. Still I intend to win glory for myself and sacrifice you to Thor." said Red Loki.
Magnus and Kara thrust spears into the shoulder of Red Loki. Hildagunn and Isgerd used spells to melt the ice under his feet. Ignatius had used the time to regain his composure. He brandished a new spear which he used to strike Red Loki's underbelly. Vikar used his bow and unleashed deadly arrows into the mammoth's face.
Red Loki groaned under the assault and slipped in the wet ice. He pulled the spears from his side and launched them at Kara. Kara dodged one of the spears but was struck by another in the leg. Sigurd struck the creature in the leg again with his spear. Red Loki speared Sigurd with his tusk ruining his shield arm.
Before more attacks could be made, Red Loki pulled a rune from his knobby head and tossed it with his trunk at Hildagunn. Hildagunn spun wildly counter-clockwise and then fell on her face unable to move.
Isgerd turned into an eagle and flew at Red Loki. She clawed at Red Loki's eyes.
"Thank you Godi. I was unable to see you were aided by Odin until you struck my eye. I sacrifice myself to him. Make my death glorious." said Red Loki.
The mammoth nodded to Isgerd.
She landed, changed back to human form and began casting a spell while the other threw spears or shot arrows.
A cloud darkened overhead. A bolt of lightning fell from the cloud striking Red Loki in the head where his rune had been. Red Loki died at once. Isgerd collapsed from the effort.
When Red Loki was dead Aesa rejoined the group and worked to revive Isgerd and Hildagunn. Hildagunn soon recovered. The power of the rune faded with the death of the great mammoth. Isgerd healed the most serious wounds of her kin with the power of the gods. They were careful to take only the tusk that Red Loki had agreed to offer.
With determined effort they made it back to Permia with their prize just before the sun fell from the sky. They marched briskly to the ice hall. Vikar asked permission to enter. The door opened and he entered in the manner he had earlier that day. He carried the tusk with him.
Vikar returned one half hour later. "They will see you now. You must enter as I have, on your knees. Do not look in the direction of the elders unless commanded. Keep your eyes on the ground. If you cannot do this, do not enter the hall of elders. I am growing fond of you and would rather not see you perish."
Even Ignatius was able to agree. His curiosity far outweighed his dwarven pride.
They crawled on the floor, entering the room backward and looking down at the ice.
As Isgerd crawled she noticed that the bodies of elder men and women covered in runes were buried under the ice. As she passed them their eyes opened. In her mind she heard one phrase repeated over and over. "Chosen ones."
"You may face us. I am Aella. You shall address me, no matter who else speaks. Do you understand?" asked Aella.
The others turned to face Aella, still on their knees. "We understand." said Isgerd.
"Then you may rise. Wait where you are until commanded. Do not speak until you are prepared for the ritual. The ancestors and the gods must approve or we cannot continue." he said.
Aella was very old. It was uncertain whether he could still see. His long white hair was tied in a braid. He spoke in a pleasing husky voice that sounded as if he smoked pipe weed. His body was covered in intricate runes and he wore colorful hides with bells woven into the leather.
A younger woman brought a bowl over to them. It was filled with a liquid that looked like quicksilver.
"Each of you must drink from the sacred bowl of Vakr. You will then be awake for the first time in your lives to the words that are true. You will know what we have always known. Drink now. Make sure all share Vakr's gift." said Aella.
They each looked at the bowl doubtfully. Ignatius took the bowl first. "Now you are saying something I understand! I hope this causes visions! I love talking to myself!"
After Iggy had a sip and did not die outright, the others each took a turn. The bowl was then taken back to the elders and they each drank from it.
Aella motioned for them to approach. They climbed onto the dais and sat down in a circle around the elders. Everyone waited for something to happen. It did not take long. Everyone was aware of the ancestors who had left their icy tombs and now drank from the bowl as well, before settling in the circle on the dais.
Aella spoke.
"We are the chosen of Odin and Thor and the rest of the Vanir and Aesir. We understand the beginning and ending of all things. We remember the time before everything changed. We are guardians of truth. Our ancestors stood over the bodies of Thor and Odin when their mortal forms were destroyed on the last day one thousand seventy-six years ago. It was the last day of Asgard before it was swallowed by the Great Serpent and vomited out again as Midgard. Our ancestors brought the bodies of these great men to the sacred place. It is known as Thor's Tomb. A great obsidian spear thrusts from the belly of Midgard, pointing the way to Thor's Tomb. Only when the key is used on the surface of the obsidian spear will the tomb open its mouth and swallow those who seek to know the truth.
Our ancestors said the dawn of Ragnarok would be brought about with the help of Permians. Ancestors do not lie, but I pray to them this does not come to pass in our lifetime. It is said that someday the sons of Thor will find the key to his tomb and unlock its secrets. We have looked for what our ancestors hid for many lifetimes. Alas they hid the key too well from their children. I will tell you a mead of Odin our ancestors told us,
Loki-spawn, dark-wing, battle lovers
Hunters of the spear-shakers, Ragnarok's hosts;
Wolves, Ravens and Eagles bask in their wake,
All seek the key-holders, knowledge-finders,
Ring-takers, marrow-splitters ever hunting the key,
Loki-tricksters, gods-doom, man-bane, seeks the key
To wet his blood-stained lips, god-flesh for his feast,
Thor and Odin offer red-gold and glory
The land of the Lost Horizon is where we will meet,
Closing the doors to Ragnarok or ending our feast-days
Forever."
One of the ancestors addressed Aella. "The godi Isgerd is a vessel of Odin."
"Speak Isgerd. What do you know?" asked Aella.
"Chosen ones. Redeemers. I am confused by what I have seen. The key...how do I find the tomb? How do I know what the truth is?" asked Isgerd.
"You have been chosen, as we have been chosen to help you. You will find the tomb travelling east. It is two weeks journey from Permia through the mountains. You will come to the land of one eyes. They seek to know Odin but cannot see his words. They hear his thoughts but do not listen to the meaning. Find aid from one who is most afraid. He has been sent to kill you." said Aella.
"Well that is reassuring." muttered Ignatius.
"The ancestors wish you success. That is why I am sending my grandson with you to protect you." said Aella.
"Grandfather...are you certain?" asked Vikar.
"You are ready my child. Nothing stays the same, not the rock, the ice or the sky above. Each of you will change. My grandson, you may be changed most of all. It is the will of Odin so rejoice that you were not born at another time, when men no longer bask in glory." said Aella.
"I am humbled by this honor. I will protect them or die trying." said Vikar.
"Death is not the end. Only Ragnarok can bring that ending. I am trusting you to prevent such an ending. Keep your eyes clear so you may know all that is true." said Aella.
"I will do as you ask." said Vikar.
"Honored elder. May I have more sacred Vakr. It is really good. Might even be better than dwarven drought." said Ignatius.
"Give the dwarf more Vakr. Perhaps he will learn moderation even if wisdom eludes him." said Aella.
"Oh I don't want to elude wisdom! I want to crash face-first into the little bugger until I am speaking in rhymes and pissing out prophecy." said Ignatius.
It would take a few years before the Permian shortage of Vakr was remedied. Aella hoped it was worth his generosity that night. In the morning supplies were readied and the chosen were ready to find the tomb. The elders never asked to see the key and Aesa never offered it for them to look at. The ancestors had returned to their tombs. They could not be heard over Ignatius's complaints. Overindulgence has a price and Iggy ran debts that put the most licentious of men to shame. Two weeks would be a long time for the Norgardians to hear about the potency of Vakr.