Shatterproof

by Stein Willard

  “What does that have to do with this?” he asked carefully before draining his glass and getting himself a refill.

  “No matter how much love and trust we bestowed on you, your very nature had been your biggest challenge in turning that into viable currency for you. Instead, you used it as a shield to hide behind when your conniving sent you scurrying home to avoid facing responsibility.” Odin’s eyes were expressionless and the unblinking stare was becoming increasingly unsettling. “You killed my son, alienated my daughter, and disobeyed my orders. I’ve had enough, Loki.” He rose and gave Loki a cold look. “You have run out of favours with me and your mother. I will send someone to collect you so you can face your punishment.” In the blink of an eye, he was gone.

  Loki was stunned. He’d been banished from Valhalla for five centuries and at the time, it had felt like the worst thing that could’ve happened to him. This, however, was different.

  Beyond devastating.

  It felt like a large part of his life had been cut from him. There was a soft knock on the door. Not wanting any company, he ignored it. The door opened behind him and he sighed softly. He should tell his men that they were no longer in his employ and settle his affairs. Maybe it wasn’t such a bad thing that McAllister came to see him. He might as well get it over with.

  He turned and the sight of Hlif standing behind him, made the glass slip from suddenly nerveless fingers. The look in her eyes made the blood in his veins turn icy with dread.

  “Two thousand years was not nearly long enough to forgive and forget, Loki,” she hissed as her hand shot out.

  ***

  Shawn opened his eyes and for a few moments lay in silence, enjoying the heat of his wife’s body against his back. Amongst the many other wonderful attributes of the woman, the fact that Jennifer loved to spoon him, closed the deal in his decision to marry her. What were the odds of him finding a woman who loved spooning as much as he did? He inhaled the warm scent of his wife. She was still fast asleep. No surprise there either, since they’d spent the bulk of the night talking about Bo and Hlif. His eyes shot wide.

  Bo!

  He wondered how the woman was doing. He glanced at the clock. 9 am. Maybe he should call Hlif and find out how Bo’s night went. Personally, Shawn liked Bo and professionally, she was a great contact to have. Especially, when one worked in the archaeological field. He gently slipped from Jennifer’s arms and taking his phone with him, went into the bathroom. The phone rang once before it was picked up.

  “Good morning, Professor.”

  “Good morning, Hlif.” The woman sounded alert and relaxed. That was a good sign. “Forgive me for calling this early, but I wanted to enquire about Bo? How is she doing?”

  There was a hesitant silence. “You might want to see for yourself, Professor. Since you spent so much time away from your family yesterday, could I invite you all for Sunday lunch today?”

  Shawn smiled. Jennifer would love to see Bo. She had mentioned it a few times last night. He knew that Aeron and Aspen would love to meet the ‘reincarnated’ Gurith. “Could I get back to you in a few hours? I only just woke up and the family is still asleep.”

  “Of course, Professor. I hope you accept the offer. Meeting your family and in particular, Queen Aspen, would be a great honour.”

  He was sure it would be the other way around. If Jennifer played along, maybe they could make the lunch meeting one the young couple would not easily forget.

  “I’ll be sure to call you. Talk soon.”

  He exited the bathroom to find Jennifer awake and staring at the ceiling. He quickly climbed back into bed and kissed his wife good morning. She smiled as she hugged him close.

  “Who were you talking to in the bathroom? Should I be jealous?”

  He kissed her again. “It was Hlif. I wanted to find out about Bo.”

  “And? Is Bo okay?” Jennifer asked as she pulled back to look at him. “Maybe we could go visit her later today, seeing as it is Sunday and we were going to go to the airport to collect Sara and Maxima. They’re landing around lunchtime.”

  Ah, Shawn thought. It would a treat to see Maxima, Aspen, and Hlif together. The only three people ever to be victims of the curse.

  “Actually, Hlif invited us all for Sunday lunch. I’m sure she would be happy to accommodate them too.”

  Jennifer looked pensive. “You don’t think they’ll be too tired?”

  “Not when they come with their jet.”

  “Well, in that case, I think it’ll work out then. We can ask the girls over breakfast.”

  Shawn gave a sly smile. “About that. How about not telling them who Hlif and Bo really are and see how they react when I introduce them?”

  “You are so bad, honey.”

  “I know. You want me to show you?” He pounced on her and amidst giggles and squeals, spent the next half hour in bed.

  ***

  The air was crisp and salty from the breeze coming in from the sea. Hlif had her hands pushed deep in her pockets as she walked next to Harald. The man seemed relaxed and alert as he took in the sights around him. Not sure what to do with themselves while the other two women were asleep, they’d decided to visit the market and stock up on some fresh produce and breakfast stuff. With Magarethe and Bo in residence, she had already made a big dent in her bi-monthly provisions. Adding Harald to the mix, she would have to increase her budget. The man ate like a horse, but Hlif liked having him around. His presence seemed to have a relaxing effect on the women, especially Magarethe.

  Hlif had initially been worried about leaving Magarethe and Bo behind without protection, but Harald had assured her that the security system was more than sufficient to keep the woman secure. They were walking down the busy street towards the Old Harbour and the nearby market, when Harald spoke.

  “When’s the wedding?”

  Hlif glanced at him. “Wedding?”

  “Yours. You are going to marry her, aren’t you?”

  Marriage? Hlif blinked rapidly. Was Harald insane? They haven’t even been on a date yet. Do they even need a first date? Nothing about them was normal.

  “What makes you think that?” She needed to stall while she wrapped her head around this.

  Harald shrugged, causing his powerful shoulders to heave impressively. “I don’t know, maybe because if you don’t, she’ll move on. She doesn’t lack for admirers back home, you know.”

  A sharp surge of jealousy lanced through Hlif and she came to an abrupt stop. Admirers, my butt! No one, but her, was touching Bo. Harald stopped and look at her.

  “I didn’t mean to upset you, but you need to consider letting her know that your liaison is of the permanent kind.”

  “She knows already,” Hlif growled and pursed her lips when Harald held up his hands. No need to bite the man’s head off. He was Bo’s reincarnated father after all. Fathers care about their daughters and wanted to see them happy. At least one father she knew, cared. Unlike Odin. “I’m sorry.”

  Harald resumed walking and she followed. “No need to apologize. It’s obvious that you care about her.”

  They walked in silence for the next few minutes. “Last night you alluded to the fact that Gurith might’ve taken over Bo’s body. What does that mean and how do you know that?”

  Harald looked straight ahead. “The reincarnation concept is so much more complex than just having a person’s essence transferred. I’ve dedicated the past two hundred years to the study and understanding of reincarnation. My research and observations found that some part of a human is reborn into the cycle of life. It could be the mind, essence, or consciousness of the person.” He gave Hlif a sideways glance. “For me, it was the thoughts and memories. I remember exactly who I was and who Bo is to me. I also recognized her spirit.”

  Hlif had to admit that as inconceivable as it had sounded last night, the explanation was making sense in the light of day. “Is it the same for Bo?”

  “Not really. From what transpired last night, I believe Gur
ith’s essence has been resurrected. It lives alongside Bo’s. That’s my personal observation.”

  The market came into view and before they reached the crowd, she stopped.

  “I think you’re right. She mentioned last night that it felt like her body had been hijacked. How will I cope with this?”

  The man chuckled. “You won’t. Just as was the case last night, the two will interchange. You’re going to have your hands full, but you’ll also enjoy it tremendously.” Still chuckling, he walked on, leaving Hlif standing there gaping at him.

  ***

  The cave was dank and chilly.

  If not for the numerous torches burning in the corners to ease the shadows, Bo would’ve found the place incredibly creepy. The huge cavernous space was quiet, eerily quiet. She wasn’t an expert in the field, but she had read up enough on the subject to know that she was in some kind of a burial chamber. A Viking tomb, from the presence of the large ship. She looked around. This was obviously another dream, so she wasn’t really her. It would seem she was also alone this time. She carefully approached the colossal boat, but before she reached it, there was a loud scraping sound and she turned to see a tall, dark shape come down the steps towards her. As soon as it stepped into the light circle, Bo gasped.

  It was Hlif.

  She looked different with the long hair, but the build and the strong, handsome features were easily recognizable. She was dressed in dark trousers, a tunic, and a thick fur cloak. Bo bit down on her lower lip as she looked at the woman. Hlif looked very sad and as she passed right next to Bo.

  “Oh, Hlif!” she murmured brokenly as she watched the Valkyrie climb into the boat and walk to the corner. There, she sat next to a wrapped bundle, Bo assumed was Gurith’s body, and closed her eyes. Silent tears began to trickle down Hlif’s face and the poignant scene made Bo eyes well up.

  “I always wished I could hold her.”

  Bo spun around with a yelp, her hand clutching her heart. A cloaked figure stood behind her.

  “Who… who are you?” She took a careful step away from the person. How was it that the person could creep up on her without her having heard them? “How did you get in here?”

  “I never left.” A pale hand reached up and pulled back the hood of the cloak. Bo’s mouth fell open in shock. It was like looking in a mirror. Where Bo’s hair was cut short, the other woman’s was long and dangled down her back in two, long braids. Her pale eyes were sharp as they studied Bo. “You are a great likeness of me.”

  Well, she could say the same about the other woman. It would seem the likeness ended with their features. Gurith’s powerful, wide-legged stance, pointed out that she was a fearless, confident woman. Something suddenly clicked with Bo.

  Gurith seemed like the kind of woman who would dare a god to hand-to-hand combat and kick his butt. Bo had indeed been hacked last night. She wasn’t sure she liked the idea of that very much.

  “Why am I here?”

  Gurith’s eyebrow shot up at Bo’s curt tone. “To talk, of course.”

  “About what?”

  Gurith’s eyes flitted over to where Hlif sat, crying softly. “Her.”

  Bo’s heart ached to see Hlif like this. She hadn’t known the woman for very long, not in her lifetime at least, but she knew enough to know that Hlif didn’t have to suffer like this.

  “What do you want me to do?” When there was no answer, she looked back at Gurith. The woman had a strange look in her eyes. “What?”

  “You love her already.”

  Bo blushed and looked away. Love? It was such a confining concept. In any case, that was what some people had turn it into. Once you’ve said it, you couldn’t take it back. When you don’t say it, you are withholding in a relationship. It was an either/or situation. On the other hand, if that burning sensation in her stomach that flares up every time Hlif looked at her, was a sign of love, then yes. She could be in love with Hlif already.

  “Do not worry too much about it. You will accept the truth when the time is right.” A deep longing burned in Gurith’s eyes as she watched Hlif. “I fought against it too, but I can assure you that no matter how courageous your fight, falling victim to her charms, is an encounter you would want to lose.” She sighed deeply and Bo swore there was a sheen of tears in Gurith’s eyes before she blinked them away. “She has made more than enough sacrifices for us. The time has come for us to repay her.”

  Us? Like in the both of them? But Gurith is dead. Has been for two millennia. “What do you mean by ‘us’?

  Gurith grinned. “The two of us.”

  Bo shook her head slowly. She didn’t have to ask Gurith, it was suddenly clear what the woman was alluding to. “No. No way.”

  The queen shrugged. “I do not know how you will stop me, but I welcome you to try.” She narrowed her eyes, a sly look coming into them. “We have been a team for longer than you know, Borgny.”

  Borgny. Man, she knew her full name. If what the woman was saying had any truth to it, they had been tag-teaming for quite a while now. Did that mean that they… Her face warmed and she closed her eyes. Had Gurith been there when she had been intimate with her lovers? She opened her eyes and found the woman looking at her with amusement. Sweet heavens! She even knew what Bo was thinking.

  “You should not feel too bad about Marion. You were not yourself, if you understand my meaning.”

  Bo covered her ears and closed her eyes. The admission confirmed everything the woman had said earlier. It sounded so calculating when said in Gurith’s stilted English. Before she could respond to the other woman and reprimand her for her callous use of a good friend, Hlif came to her feet. She left the boat and came to stand about an arm’s length from Bo. Hlif didn’t say anything, but simply stared straight ahead.

  “What… what’s she doing?” Hlif’s unnatural stillness was scaring Bo.

  “This is the part that Odin so charitably omitted when he spoke to you earlier,” Gurith said in a cold tone.

  “I don’t understand. He said…” The words died in her throat, when right before her eyes, Hlif’s eyes glazed over and a soft crackling noise echoed in the tomb. As she looked on, Hlif’s body took on a sickly greyish colour until the crackling stopped. She blinked at the granite statue standing in the place where Hlif had been a few moments before.

  “This was Odin’s punishment for Hlif’s denouncement of him.” This time Gurith’s voice was heavy with tears. “She went through this every day for one thousand nine hundred years. Fully conscious, but unable to move.”

  Bo felt her breathing speeding up, as her eyes remained riveted on the granite features of Hlif. This was so much worse than she had thought. Odin had lied to her. She had believed him; took his side. She felt the tremors rattling through her body. All she could think about was how she had betrayed Hlif. The pressure built inside her, dimming her vision, until there was only one outlet for her anger, fear, and sadness.

  She screamed as loud as her lungs and vocal cords allowed.

  “HLIF!”

  Chapter 20

  Hlif shot out of her chair, her coffee cup flying through the air when a tortured cry pierced the tranquil atmosphere. She didn’t know how she managed it so quickly, but she suddenly found herself in her bedroom. Bo was sitting up, her eyes squeezed tightly, and her face wet with tears. Hlif curled her arms around the woman, concerned by Bo’s violently trembling.

  “I’m here, Bo. I’m here.” At the sound of her voice, Bo curled her arms around Hlif’s waist and held on desperately. Behind her, she could hear Harald and Magarethe arriving. “You’re safe, Bo. It was just a dream.”

  Magarethe came closer to sit on the bed next to them and gently ran her hand over Bo’s back. The two shared anxious looks as they tried to reassure Bo that she wasn’t in danger anymore. Hlif pondered about what it could be that could’ve upset Bo to this extend. The blonde had been remarkably brave and resilient over the past twenty years when she was actively being hunted by Loki and his henchmen. Wh
atever it was that had terrified Bo like this, scared Hlif too.

  Bo’s trembling subsided after a few minutes and she wasn’t clinging to Hlif with the same desperation of earlier. Magarethe placed a tender kiss on Bo’s temple and Hlif was surprised when Bo pulled out of the embrace to look at Magarethe. They regarded each other in silence for a few long moments.

  “Thank you, Mother.”

  Magarethe’s eyes instantly filled with tears and too emotional to speak, she could only nod. Hlif was relieved to witness the tentative construction of the bridge would hopefully one day heal the rift between mother and daughter. Bo looked over her shoulder and held out a hand to Harald. He came over to squeeze it gently, before blowing Bo a kiss and leaving the room. Magarethe gave Bo another kiss before she followed Harald out.

  Bo leaned back into Hlif’s arms and Hlif could swear she heard Bo sniffing her. It was a good thing she took a shower earlier.

  “You’re a wonderful person, Hlif.”

  Hlif’s eyebrows shot up. What did one say to something like that? Bo pulled back, her eyes hooded. “I had another dream.”

  Now they were getting to the heart of the matter. “What happened in the dream?”

  Bo’s averted her gaze. “I saw you.”

  “That’s a good thing, isn’t it?” Hlif joked. Bo didn’t respond to it, instead, she sat in silence, her head bowed. Not sure how to proceed any further, she decided to shut up and let Bo do the talking. A minute or so passed before Bo spoke again.

  “I saw you in statue form.”

  The air was sucked from Hlif’s lungs. She had dreaded bringing up the topic, especially after their talk last night. She’ll admit that after Bo’s talk with Odin, when the blonde didn’t mention the curse Hlif had thought Bo didn’t care too much about it. It would appear she had been wrong.

  “He lied about that.”

  Hlif clamped her jaws together. Bloody Odin! She knew no good would come of him hanging around Bo. Now Bo was hurt and that scoundrel was somewhere coddling his deranged son. She was glad she’d beaten Loki within an inch of his life. She prayed Bo never found out about Hlif slipping out last night to break every bone in Loki’s body. If only she was capable of doing the same to Odin.