Forsaken Norse Wind

by Ciara Lake

  “Yes, at times. Humans are as well. All beings can be mean. Look at Hugh. He’s a monster, just not a very powerful one.”

  “Yes, he is.” She played with the rose he’d given her. It smelled wonderful on this winter’s day.

  “I don’t deny trolls are selfish, territorial, predatory, and scheming, or at least we can be. Doesn’t it sound like Hugh?”

  “Yes.” She nodded. “You admit those things about trolls?”

  “Would you wish me to lie? I’m not a saint or even close. As I said, the tales are mixed with truth and fiction. Trolls do have a reputation for being unpleasant at times. I can be unpleasant if need be.”

  “You can be unpleasant? I don’t believe it,” she teased him, grinning.

  “What’s your name, lass? I like your quick wit.” He smiled down at her.

  “Breanna Devion.”

  “Lovely name. It’s a great pleasure to have found you, Breanna Devion.” Again, he bowed at the waist. “You’re lovely beyond words. I can tell you have a tender heart. May I come in to visit more with you? Will you serve me a drink at your table? I wish to know you, and I want to answer all questions you may have.”

  She studied him for several moments. “I don’t know.” She backed further into the house, the door still open, just looking at him.

  “Breanna, if I intended to harm you, I would have done it by now. This door cannot stop me. You’ve seen my power. I intend you no harm. I wish only to bring you pleasure, to keep you safe. I’ve looked for you especially. My heart as well as my body has been lonely.” At his words, her heart raced more.

  “Go wait out there.” She pointed out into the yard a distance from the house. “I need to think. You make me…nervous.”

  “Out there?” He nodded to where she’d pointed.

  “Yes, I’ll think about it. Your closeness confuses me.” She stepped forward and closed the door.

  “Breanna. Breanna Devion, open your door to me.”

  “I said I want to think about it,” she yelled through the door. “If you are as you say, you will wait.”

  Crossing the room, she paced the floor. Finally, she sat at the table, looking at her ring. It continued to send warm vibrations up her arm. It soothed her. “What am I going to do?” Twirling it on her finger, she got up, circling the table several times. Then she cut two boiled eggs for her mother. Walking into her mother’s room, she called her name. “Mother, are you hungry?”

  Her mother still lay in bed. Fiona was deep asleep, making no move. Breanna left the plate on the stand next to the bed. Going back out to the buttery, she looked out the front window. There he stood in the middle of the farmyard with his hands on his hips, watching the house. He stood perfectly still, just waiting. The man had patience. For several minutes, she watched him. When she turned from the window, he called to her.

  “Breanna, open the door, my girl. Please, we need to leave.” His voice was soft, but his tone was suddenly more insistent, which surprised her. When she looked back out the window, he’d moved closer.

  “What?” She opened the door to look at him.

  “Hugh’s coming with others. We need to go. You told me he was the husband of your mother. Where is she? Does she wish to go with us?”

  “Hugh’s coming back with others?” she stammered.

  “Yes.” He looked toward town. “I can hear a group coming this way. He’s rallied up others.”

  “He was fast.”

  “I’ve been standing out here for a couple of hours.” He frowned.

  “It’s been that long?”

  “Yes. Hugh’s slow but not dead.” Axel shook his head.

  “I didn’t realize so much time had passed.”

  “It’s going to be ugly if they get here. I may have to kill some of them. I’d prefer not to, at least this day. But they may leave me no choice.” He shrugged. “So, let’s go to avoid this problem. I didn’t come here to make war on these humans. I came to fetch my mate.” He stepped closer to the porch. “Trust me, Breanna. Let your heart guide you. If you listen to it, you will know what to do.”

  “My mother’s in her room sleeping. I need help with her. She’s ill, and she can be difficult.”

  “Let me inside, I’ll talk to her.”

  “Okay.” She stood aside. “I’m your mate?”

  “Yes, you’re my mate.” In a few quick steps, he stood inside the house. He had to duck as he entered, and once inside he hunched not to hit the ceiling. “Gather what you would like to take with us. Get the coat I gave you.”

  Breanna picked up the coat to put it on. She took him to her mother.

  “Mother, this is Axel. We need to leave with him. Hugh’s upset with us. He’s coming back to…hurt us. We have to go.” Breanna tapped her mother’s arm. “Mother, please wake up.”

  Fiona rolled over to look at Breanna. Her eyes were crazed. “What is it, child?” Her voice sounded weak. “I was dreaming of Hema taking me to his realm.”

  “We need to leave. This is Axel.” Breanna pointed at him. “Umm, he’s a friend of mine. We need to go with him, now.”

  “No.” Her mother sat up in the bed, shaking her head. Her hair looked wild all over her head. “I must wait for Hema to return. If I’m gone he may not find me.”

  “Mother, we have to go. Hugh’s not happy, and he’s bringing others to start trouble.”

  “You leave, I’m staying here. I’m not worried about Hugh.” She lay back down, rolling to the other side. “I cannot leave. Hema may come to get me.”

  Axel patted Breanna on her shoulder. “They’re almost here. Stand back with me. Lay the coat down then give me your hand. We’ll watch to make sure your mother’s safe.”

  He reached for her hand, and Breanna allowed him to hold it.

  “No one can see us now. It takes less power if you hold my hand to make you invisible with me. We’ll wait and watch. They cannot hear us either.”

  Breanna followed Axel out into the front room of the house. They stood to the right of the fireplace out of the way. The front door burst open, and Breanna jumped.

  “It’s okay. They don’t see or hear us. You’ll be safe.” He gently squeezed her hand. “Relax.”

  Hugh, along with two other men, entered the house. The door banged against the wall, and they pushed the chairs to the floor as they stomped inside. Others were outside the house calling loudly for her.

  “Where’s the bastard? The damn girl’s in league with him. In league with the devil, she is.”

  “There’s no one here, Hugh.” Angus walked further into the house. Axel and Breanna stepped out of his way.

  Hugh walked to Fiona’s room. “Fiona’s still in her bed. She’s asleep as usual. The warlock must have left, taking Breanna with him.”

  “No, not my Breanna. I was to marry the girl. I wanted to sink my shaft in her sweet pussy,” Angus whined. “She can’t be gone. We had a deal, Hugh. I needed to marry the girl.”

  Hugh shrugged. “Well, Angus, she’s Satan’s whore now. You truly want Satan’s whore? I’m telling you, he’s pure evil, a demon from the depths of hell.”

  Another man watched them with a look of doubt.

  “Yeah, I’ll have the girl still. She’s a beauty.”

  “Let’s go and see what the others have found. Maybe they’re outside or in the barn hiding like swine.” All three men left the house to join up with the larger group of about ten men. They were loud as they searched. Clyde pranced unhappily out of his stall into the barnyard.

  “We looked in the barn as well as all around the area, even into the woods,” one yelled to Hugh. “There’s no one here. They’ve left.” The group started to head back to town. Hugh left with them, but he looked back several times as if he were unsure.

  “He sure left my mother to the demon. He’s a true selfish brute. He doesn’t care at all about her.” Breanna wiped a tear away. “I’d rather die than be with Angus. They’re all brutes.” Breanna gritted her teeth. “Let’s get Mother
then we will go. I want to leave this place. Nearly anywhere is better.”

  “I’ll take you to a better place.” Axel squeezed her hand. “All will be well.”

  “Yes, I want to leave. I’d rather take my chances with you than stay here.”

  Axel pulled her into his arms and hugged her. She rested her face against his chest. His scent was warm, clean, and masculine. She truly enjoyed his comforting hug.

  “All will be well. I promise you.” He kissed the top of her head. He was so gentle with her. The feelings he caused were mixed between wanting to cry and wanting to smother him with kisses. Butterflies twirled in her stomach, and she even felt faint.

  “What’s your mother’s name?”

  “Fiona.”

  “Let’s get her.”

  Breanna followed him into her mother’s room. “She will fight us in this. She’s sure Hema’s coming for her. I don’t even know who Hema is. She’s out of her mind with grief for someone who doesn’t even exist. She never mourned my father as much.”

  “Fiona,” he gently called to her. “Wake, Fiona.” He touched her arm. “I’ll take you to see Hema. But you must come with us. I know who Hema is.”

  Breanna looked at him oddly. She shook her head. “It doesn’t help to lie to her. It only hurts her, it makes her worse.”

  “I do know a Hema. Perhaps he’s the one she seeks. I can do my best to arrange for her to visit with him. Trust me, Breanna.”

  Her mother instantly sat up. “You’ll take me to King Hema? You know who he is?” Her eyes widened. “You know my king?”

  Axel smiled. “Yes, I do know a King Hema. He lives among immortals. I’ve met him before, but I’m not his subject. I’m actually much older than he. I recall when he became king. I’ll take you to him as soon as I can. First, I’ll take you to Queen Chrisalannis. She’s the queen of the ice fey as well as a good friend of mine. She’s a healer, she’ll help heal you. I suspect that your ancestor was a Forsaken, and something has triggered you to remember the truth. Perhaps the curse is weakening. These memories, which are actually your ancestor’s memories, are bleeding into your reality, and they’ve confused you.” Axel was gentle with her. “Trust me, Fiona. You’re the mother of my mate. I wish to help you both.”

  What in the world is he talking about? Breanna shook her head. There was no time to ask him to explain now. She’d ask him about it later, once they were safe.

  He held out his hand. Fiona accepted his hand and stood.

  “Mother, let me get your dress.” Breanna rushed to where the clothes were stored. “She can’t leave here in her nightgown.”

  “Never mind, Breanna, I’ll take care of her clothing.” Axel nodded his head. A pale green dress made out of a shiny, soft material replaced her tattered nightgown. It was lovely, a lighter shade of green than her mother’s eyes. “It’s pleasing?” He looked to Breanna.

  “Oh, it’s lovely.” Her mother smiled, touching the material with reverence. “It’s lovely beyond words. I’ve never had a dress as fine as this. Look, Breanna’s dressed like a princess too.”

  “Yes, it’s beautiful.” Breanna nodded. “I’ve never seen…material as lovely as these dresses.”

  “You do know Hema. You’re of another realm?” Her mother danced over to him. Lifting her arms up she pulled him down to kiss his cheek. “Are you a dragon? Will you hurt us?” She stepped back, suddenly looking unsure. “The dragons were mad at us. But I’ve not broken the law. I swear, I’m innocent. I’ve no desire to take blood.”

  “I’m an ancient troll, not a vampire or dragon. As I said I believe you’re a descendant of a Forsaken, an immortal who was cast out into the human world as punishment for their sins. I’ll have someone speak to Hema about allowing you back within his fold. It may not be easy. But it seems some Forsakens have remembered their true heritage.” Axel frowned. “They have been harsh toward those Forsaken. But I’ll do my best. I can also speak with the goddess Amuliana, I have business with her.”

  “Amuliana, I know her name too.” Fiona frowned. “I’m not sure I wish you to speak with her. Her name…makes me afraid.” Her mother shivered.

  “Very well.” He nodded. “I’ll seek Loki’s help as well as Chrisalannis’s. They’ll know what to do.” He picked her mother up into his arms. “Get your coat, Breanna. It’s best we go by portal. It’s easier for you to travel through the portals, and it takes less energy from me. Come, let’s go to the bridge.”

  “Mother needs a coat too.”

  A beautiful matching wool coat appeared, covering her mother while in his arms.

  “Grab anything you wish to take with you.”

  Breanna shook her head. “There’s nothing here I want to take.”

  “Very good.” He walked out the front door carrying Fiona. Breanna followed. Her mother gazed up at him as if entranced. When they got to the edge of the river, he nodded toward Breanna. “I’ll send you through first. Wait for me on the other side. It’ll be cold and snowing. I’ll be right behind you.”

  Chapter 4

  Suddenly disoriented, as if her world had tilted upside down, Breanna struggled not to fall. A sharp, cold wind hit her face, blowing her hair around her head. There was snow everywhere. Large flakes fell as a thick curtain. Magnificent mountains in the distance were covered with snow. The world looked completely white.

  “All’s well. I’m here,” Axel whispered beside her.

  “The snow’s lovely.” It happened too fast for her to panic. “Where are we?” Mesmerized by the spectacular surroundings, she could only stare.

  “Come.” He spoke close to her ear. “Come with me, we’ll go to the castle. Take hold of my tunic in case you should slip as we go up the incline. This incline will take us to a drawbridge.” His voice was calm, soothing.

  They walked up a slight incline then turned. In front of her was a drawbridge, about six hundred feet long. At the end of it stood a huge castle. It shimmered white, almost blinding her.

  “Oh my, is this your castle?” Breanna took a step forward, drawn to the magnificent castle. It astounded her. As white as snow, it nearly blended into the environment. A massive structure, it consisted of a central keep surrounded by four enormous balcony towers situated on each corner.

  “Yes, I built it.” Axel sounded proud.

  Her mother looked stunned. “Is this another realm?”

  “No, Fiona. I live in a remote area of Iceland. My castle’s invisible to mortals if I don’t wish them to see it. I do visit other realms. I have a home in the enchanted forest. But I’m very fond of Iceland. Therefore, I’ve built this home here.”

  “You built this castle?” Breanna held his hand as they walked toward the castle’s grand doorway. They were almost to the main entrance, and the double doors, which were at least twice as tall as Axel, opened in greeting.

  “Yes, with magic along with my creative mind.” He winked.

  “You’re very skilled,” Fiona said.

  “Thank you, I like to create things which are beautiful. I appreciate all beautiful things.” He looked at Breanna. His eyes twinkled like the jewels he’d given her. As they approached the doors, they opened wider for them.

  Breanna giggled. Excitement filled her. “They opened for us.”

  “Yes, the master has returned.”

  “Is your magic evil? I’ve been told magic is evil.” Breanna’s voice shook.

  “No, my magic is creative. It will do you no harm. Everything can be evil if used as such.” He grinned. “Let’s take your mother to her room.”

  “Yes, I want to rest.” Fiona leaned into him, her head on his chest. “I’m so tired.”

  “I’ll call Chrisalannis to come visit with you. She’ll be able to help you feel better. She’s a gifted healer.”

  “Thank you, Axel.” Fiona patted his chest with her hand. “My daughter needs happiness, which my life has been void of. I don’t want unhappiness for her.”

  “I plan to make her happy.”

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nbsp; When they entered the castle, the white marble floors nearly blinded Breanna. The tile glinted with gold specks throughout. The white walls sparkled as if there were gems buried in them. Above hung an enormous multi-tiered chandelier with hundreds of candles, lit, glowing bright, making everything glitter more. The brightness increased as they fully entered. The doors closed behind them. A grand staircase with clear steps gleamed directly in front of them leading to a second floor. The entire entrance way was immense, elegant. Breanna was so absorbed with looking around she didn’t realize Axel was almost to the second level.

  “Are you coming?” He looked down at her.

  “Yes.” She skipped up the steps to catch him. “I was just admiring how beautiful everything is.”

  The second level had a foyer with a balcony overlooking the first floor. The banisters which led up the stairs and across the balcony were ebony. The contrast was striking. Various hallways led to different areas of the castle. Following Axel, Breanna could hardly keep up, because she was busy looking at every detail of the amazing atmosphere.

  Axel took her down a hallway lined with doors. He stopped in front of one of the doors, then it opened. As they entered a large bedroom, the fireplace roared to life. Another elegant chandelier lit the room. Beneath it was a bed big enough for a king. Ivory sheets with a gorgeous fur coverlet were pulled back. The bed called to her to crawl under the comfortable covers. Axel carefully placed her mother on the side of the bed. Her fabulous coat along with the dress were replaced with a rose-colored, long nightgown.

  “Rest here. Would you like something to drink or eat?”

  “No, I only wish to rest now. It seems like I’ve done so much, although I know I haven’t. Are you sure this isn’t Hema’s palace?”

  “I’m sure. This is my home.” Axel patted her arm. “Soon I’ll send Chrisalannis to visit you. She’ll work her power of healing on you. If you need us, just call my name. I’ll hear you summon me. On the stand next to your bed is a pitcher of water with a glass. I’ll bring you a meal after you’ve rested.”

  Breanna saw a silver pitcher materialize along with a silver goblet.