Forsaken Norse Wind

by Ciara Lake

  “Very well, I’m leaving. You may not see me for a while. I’m tired of reaching out to you.”

  “If I find a bride, I’ll let you know.” He watched her walk to the door.

  “I’m counting on it.” She looked over her shoulder at him.

  “Don’t slip on the ice on the bridge.”

  This time she stopped and turned toward him. “Thank you, my son. I can tell you’re very concerned.” She rolled her eyes, and as regal as a queen, she left his home.

  Axel could feel when she had completely passed through his portal under the drawbridge to his castle. He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes.

  Loki suddenly appeared in a display of colorful light. “My, my, my, Axel, wasn’t your reunion with Mother sweet? You’d better check your inventory to make sure she didn’t lift any of your valuables.” He pointed to Axel’s display area. “Arta’s visit here somehow benefited her, you know. She has some sort of plan. The diamond necklace is exquisite. Is it still there?” Loki peered in the direction of the completed jewelry.

  “Yes, it is.” Axel frowned. “I know if someone takes something from me. I made the necklace for Athena.”

  “Oh my.” Loki put his hand over his mouth. “You’re truly crafting for the powerful and the beautiful these days.”

  “Yes, my work’s desired even by the Greek gods.” Axel smiled. “Loki, you don’t have to remind me of who my mother is. I met her the day she birthed me. I know full well that she had a selfish reason for her visit. There always is. She always has a plan.”

  “Oh, you’re touchy.” Loki leaned against one of the larger worktables and crossed his arms over his chest. “Just making sure you didn’t fall for Arta’s false charm. The fact that she’s your mother must be distracting.” He grinned. “I…” Loki pointed to himself. “Understand difficult family dynamics.” He winked. “Thor can be a thorn in my side.” He laughed loudly, almost hysterically. “I do so love a good joke, especially if I’m telling it.” His eyes glimmered with mirth. He couldn’t stop chuckling, slapping his thigh.

  “I’m happy you’re amused.” Axel got up from his chair. “I’m going to box up Collin’s ring.”

  “You know...” Loki walked closer to Axel’s workstation. He picked up some of the jewels on display.

  “Please don’t touch my stuff. You’re getting smudges on them. I’ve polished them perfectly.”

  “Touchy, touchy.” Loki put the gem down. He moved away to pace the floor. “You know, I think you should make the finding ring. It’s actually a good idea.” He stopped to look directly at Axel. “I know, I know, it’s Arta’s idea, but...” He waved his hand. “It might be a good one.”

  “No, it isn’t.” Axel couldn’t help but glare at Loki. He grabbed a golden box to put the Mer’s ring in. The box was covered in lesser but colorful gems.

  “Yes, it is. You need to find your mate. You need some good sex.”

  “I’m not interested.” Axel snarled.

  “Not interested?” Loki frowned. “How can that be? Hmm, this is all about the little Viking Princess Gre—”

  “Don’t say her damn name.” Axel slammed his hand down on the bench. The whole room shook. “No, it’s not about her.”

  “It is indeed.” Loki gave him a knowing look. “The Gretchen bitch. Oh, sorry.” He made a face, his eyes wide. “What you felt for her was lust, my friend. She was not your mate, your heart, the other half of your soul, as you immortals can be gifted with. Even Arta found someone to love her. It has to be possible for you. Tell me, have you not lain between a woman’s thighs since Gre…” He slapped his mouth.

  “Please, Loki…don’t say the bitch’s name.” Axel carefully placed the ring into the golden box lined in dark blue velvet. “Who or when I lay with a woman isn’t your business.”

  “She betrayed you, hurt your heart. She’s the reason for your actions over this last half a millennia. The golden-haired viper rejected you for another. You repulsed her when she found out you were a troll. That’s gotta hurt.” Loki wrinkled up his face, inhaled sharply. “A knife to the gut.” He dramatically held his stomach.

  “Shut up, Loki.”

  “No, she did. By the way, your golden boxes are as beautiful as the jewelry. You’re amazing in your craft.”

  “Thanks.” He sat the box on his display table.

  “The princess couldn’t get past the fact that at times you didn’t appear as the striking hunk of masculinity as you stand now. I’m right. Right? You know some humans are so simple.”

  “She betrayed me.” Axel pounded the table again. The table vibrated, rattling the jewelry. “After all we shared, she gave herself to another. I really don’t want to talk about her, okay?” Axel huffed. His hands fisted next to his thighs.

  “Did you love her or is this about pride?” Loki crossed his arms, patting his fingers on his elbow as if analyzing a great mystery.

  “Loki, with all due respect...” Axel shook his head. “I really don’t want to discuss the traitorous Viking female. I’ve not thought of her in…forever. It doesn’t bring out the best in me.”

  “Yes, but she rules you from her grave.” Loki shook his head. His black hair fell into his eyes. “She grew old then died as humans do. Actually, she only lived to be thirty-eight. A hard life.” Loki sat down in Axel’s chair. “She gave up time with you, an immortal, because you…well, you’re a troll. But look at you when you’re not trolling, you make my mouth water. It’s truly her loss. You’re quite something.” He wiggled his eyebrows.

  “Thanks, Loki.” Axel gathered four precious stones as he examined his drawing for his next design.

  “What are you making now?” Loki kicked his leg up and down.

  “Do you ever sit still?”

  “When I die, I’ll sit still. So I guess I never will.”

  “I’m making a necklace for Amuliana.” Axel looked up from his design.

  “Oh damn, she’s another bitch, always meddling into everyone’s business. I hope she paid you first.”

  “She’ll pay or she won’t get her necklace.”

  “Before you waste your talent on the goddess whore, make your finding ring. I even like the name Arta gave it. Oh my, I’m becoming Arta-ized.” Loki’s eyes got bigger. “In fact, I insist you make it.” In a flash, Loki jumped up from his chair to stand across from Axel.

  “Stop moving around so much. You blur my vision moving so fast.”

  “Make it splendid, do your best work ever.” He smiled big. “It’s for your prize.” He touched Axel’s arm. “Cast a spell on it, directing it to find the keeper of your heart, the woman meant for your pleasure as well as emotional joy. Tell it to lead you to her, keep her safe for all time. If she’s mortal, preserve her beauty and life. Never allow the ring to leave her side.” He clapped his hands together, grinning from ear to ear. “Yes, yes, yes.” He threw his hands up then danced in a circle. “This is fabulous, I’m a genius. Of course I’m a genius, I’m me!” He snapped his fingers together. “Then throw it into the sea, it’ll find her no matter where she is. I’ll even bless it too with some extra power of my godliness.” He glowed in a white light. “See, I’m fabulous too.”

  “Thanks.” As Axel watched him, he couldn’t help but smile. He shook his head. “Loki, you are such an interesting character. You’re full of mischief.”

  “I know.” Loki fanned himself with his hands. “Let’s get started now. I’m not going to leave until it’s fashioned then tossed into the sea. Put those other things away. Amuliana, the dreadful goddess, can wait. Make the ring out of diamonds, they’re indestructible, as your mate’s love will need to be for you. Use a variety of colors, some white diamonds, and some yellow diamonds, along with some pink diamonds. The band should be gold mixed with platinum, keep it a yellow color. I prefer yellow, myself.”

  “And who’s going to pay me to make this?” Axel stared at him.

  “Are you serious?” Loki’s features twisted. “This isn’t about riches
. Get past the payment, my troll.” He waved his hand. “You’re rich enough. Now your soul needs enrichment with the love of your very own woman. This is for your sole benefit. I’m sure when you find the lass she’ll pay you well, if you know what I mean.” He winked. “And if she’s the one, she’ll not betray you as the stupid Viking lass did.” He waved his hand again as if dismissing the past. “You’ll thank me when you sink your cock into her softness as your heart swells with love. I’ll be so jealous, but I’ll live.” He shrugged as he walked over to the area where gems lay arranged waiting to be selected for new projects.

  “Don’t touch. I’ll do it,” Axel announced, surprising himself. “I have been too long without some more basic pleasures. I admit I am lonely. I have the gems for this in another place. You’ll have to wait here. I’m the only one who can enter my vault.”

  “Not even me? The great Loki?”

  “Sit down and stay out of trouble. I’ll be right back.” A loud buzz sounded as he entered the vault. After a few minutes, he returned to his workbench carrying a red silk bag.

  “What do you have there?” Loki bounced up and walked over to the bench.

  Axel spilled the gems out of the bag onto a blue velvet cloth.

  “Good Odin.” Loki covered his mouth with his hand. “Those are exquisite. Where in Valhalla did you get those?”

  “Very close actually. I got these when I lived near the Baltic Sea. They belonged to a witch of great power. She paid me with these when I took care of a problem for her.” Axel carefully examined the stones.

  “She had a problem?” Loki made a face.

  Axel looked up. “Yes, even the most powerful have their issues.” He rubbed a stone carefully.

  “That’s true.” Loki nodded.

  “It was a long time ago, when I was much younger.”

  “What problem did this witch have? Couldn’t she take care of her own problems?”

  “No.” Axel grinned. “Why do you have to know?”

  “You had sex with the witch?” Loki pointed as if accusing him of a great sin.

  “No.” Axel shook his head. “Yes, I was her companion for a time. She was lonely, older. She lacked attributes to attract…”

  “A handsome stud, like you can be?” Loki laughed

  “Yes.”

  “So you obliged.” He chuckled, wiggling his eyebrows.

  “I was young, different then. Let’s change the subject.”

  “Okay, so she paid you with these gems. They’re amazing.”

  “They weren’t payment. They were tokens of her appreciation for my good work.” Axel grinned wider. “They came from the core of the earth, deep down, where she met with her master near the gates of Helheim.”

  Loki shuddered. “Oh, scary, even for me.” He turned his nose up. “It’s surprising my daughter Hel didn’t snatch them up. Or Garm, her monstrous hound.” He shivered again.

  “They didn’t enter Helheim, I said near. The best diamonds are in the bowels of the earth.”

  “Witches are…never mind.” Loki waved his hand, rolling his eyes. “Hel even scares me, and she’s my daughter. One I never visit.”

  “See what I mean about women? Are you sure I should create this ring?” Axel cocked his head to the side. “I can put these back.” He picked up the silk bag.

  “Oh, of course you should create it. My situation’s completely different.” Loki shook his head in an exaggerated way. “There’s only one Angrboda and one Hel in this world. That’s why I’m always funning around, one has to when you’ve wed the woman who births Hel. Never mind my problems.” He put his hand over his eyes as if his head ached. “You’ll find a nice woman.”

  Axel separated six of the most beautiful stones from the others. “I’ll make a band out of these.”

  “Yes, they’re lovely. The blue diamonds are amazing.”

  “Yes, they’re similar to the ones the Merman used, but more perfect.”

  “Okay, hurry up. Make your best ring ever. I’ll give my Loki blessing before you send it on its way.”

  “Is your blessing a good thing?” Axel lifted his eyebrow as he regarded Loki.

  “Yes, my friend.” Loki tapped him on the arm. “How long have you known me?”

  “Exactly.” Axel chuckled. “Loki, you’re an infamous trickster.”

  “This is true, but I’ve always been good to you. You’ve served me well. We understand each other. We are friends. I want to do this for you, really I do.” Loki sobered up, looking very serious.

  “All right, go sit down, and I’ll begin. If I’m going to do this, I want it to be perfect.”

  “Excellent. I like the way you think.” Loki did a little jig over to the chair.

  Axel toiled over the ring for hours. Loki popped in and out.

  “Lovely,” Axel whispered. “It’s glorious. It’s like a crown of diamonds. I am pleased. You will find my beloved.” He blew on the ring.

  “Good Odin, it’s marvelous. The goddesses will be envious. You’ve outdone yourself.”

  “Thank you.” Axel smiled. “I’m calling it the eternity ring. It’ll find my forever love.”

  “You’ve got the spirit. Nice name too.” Loki grinned. “When you do something, it’s always done well.”

  “I’ve bespelled it to remain on her finger no matter her finger’s size. In fact, it’ll never leave her side, it’ll protect her from all harm. It’ll guide me to her or her to me. Before I cast it into the sea I’ll weave more spells, instructing it on its mission.” He held it over his supernatural flame making it sparkle more.

  “Very well. Give it to me after it’s cooled and you’ve finished your spells. I’ll hold it as I bless it.” Loki’s eyes twinkled. “This will be a grand occasion. We’ll dine after we send it on its way.”

  “Sounds good. I’m starving, I’ve not eaten in hours.” Axel finished up, chanting over the ring for several minutes as he cleaned it to perfection. “Be the instrument to find my love, my heart, the one meant for me. Find her, protect her, and call me to her.” He kissed the ring then handed it to Loki.

  “Nice.” Loki closed his eyes, holding the ring in his right fist. He spoke words, which sounded as a prayer or spell, perhaps both. He waved his left hand over his closed fist. Sparkling lights surrounded his fist. Loki spoke the language used in the Pantheon when they gave homage to Odin. Axel knew enough to recognize much of what he said. Loki uttered names of powerful Norse gods. He called upon Freya, the goddess of love and beauty, and her twin Freyr, the god of fertility and success. At the end of Loki’s chant, he held his hand high above his head. His eyes were silver. He grinned at Axel.

  Suddenly, a freezing wind hit Axel’s face, blowing his long hair around his head. They both stood upon a great snow covered mountain on the edge of a cliff. The sea roared loudly over a hundred feet below. Large snowflakes fell. The wild gray sea beat against the side of the jagged rocks. Loki’s voice grew louder as he mentioned Njord, the Norse sea god. The ocean grew louder in response. When he finished he looked at Axel.

  “Put your hand upon mine.” Loki held his fist out, and Axel complied.

  The sun was setting over the sea. Its beauty never diminished. Standing there looking over the magnificence of the frozen land reminded Axel why he loved Iceland. He inhaled the frigid air, Loki’s hand warmed to almost hot.

  “Very good, it is done.” Loki’s eyes still shone bright silver. He rose about four feet from the ground then pulled his arm back, tossing the ring into the sea. “Things are now set into motion.” His eyes returned to their normal black then he stood back upon the ground.

  “Thank you, Loki.” Axel nodded his head. “I have chosen well to serve you.”

  “Think nothing of it, my friend.” For several minutes, they stood in silence watching the waves hit the iced covered jags. Their white caps created icy foam on the side of the rocks. “Are you ready to dine?”

  “Yes.” Axel smiled. “I’m always ready to eat.” In a flash, they were in
Axel’s grand dining hall. It was an enormous room with a long table.

  “See, this room is perfect for a celebration of your marriage. This table could seat at least forty guests. We shall have a grand celebration. Let’s celebrate now.” A throne-like chair covered in red silk sat at the head of the table. “I’ll take this chair. It’s perfect for me.” Loki sat down.

  A huge iron chandelier with many tiers hung above. Rows of candles came to life, illuminating the room. The walls glistened with magical ice, embedded with gems of all sorts, precious and semi-precious. The light bounced off the walls, making the room exceptionally bright for a large hall with a ceiling over twenty feet high. The torches next to the double doors sparked to life, they hissed as they came to full flame. Axel nodded toward the black stone fireplace, which was so enormous it took up the entire wall of the room. It blazed to life, a giant flame crackled with glee as it burned the dry wood.

  “Very nice. I love a good fire.” Loki rubbed his palms together, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

  “I wish to please you, my god Loki. I know you love a good flame. You’ve been most gracious to me.” Axel grinned. He sat in a chair catty-corner to Loki, facing the fireplace.

  “Now I’ll provide our meal fit for kings…no, gods, as we, or I, deserve.” Loki winked. He clapped his hands together, and instantly a full course meal appeared. Golden plates set in front of them with scarlet napkins in their laps. They would eat with their hands, as fit the custom of Vikings as well as trolls. A platter of deliciously prepared seafood sat to the right of Axel. A large roasted boar sat to the right of Loki.

  “This looks and smells very delicious, Loki.” The rest of the table was laden with plates filled with boiled chicken eggs, bright red and blue berries, nuts, cheese, and dried apples. The aroma made Axel’s mouth water, and his stomach growled. A bowl of butter mixed with honey to spread on the many loaves of bread appeared in front of his plate. The bread smelled freshly baked.