Goddess: A Runes Book

by Ednah Walters

  The goddess smiled. “I want to hear the details of that story.”

  The sweet aroma of spices and freshly baked bread reached me before I heard sounds from the other room. Maera had arrived with dinner, and Eirik was still in the bathroom. My stomach growled, but I ignored it.

  “When did you realize you loved him?”

  “I think I always did. He is warm and kind, he makes me laugh, and there’s nothing he can’t accomplish when he sets his mind to it. Like you said, I had a crush on him as a child, but as a woman, I’d thought falling in love with him would only lead to heartache, so I fought it. I did what the others had done to me for millennia and judged him by his looks. I concluded that a god who looked like him would never see the real me, yet he did. He won me over with his love, kindness, and thoughtfulness.”

  Maera appeared in the doorway and announced that dinner was ready before bowing. The goddess stood up, and I followed. When she glanced at the bathroom door, I knew it was time.

  “I’ll get him.” Eirik mumbled something when I knocked. “You okay in there? Do you want me to break down the door and rescue you?”

  He opened the door, cut me an annoyed look, and pushed past me.

  “Dinner is ready. Do you want a plate?” I asked.

  “Not now,” Eirik said, taking Celestia’s hand and the chair I’d been using.

  “I’ll make you one anyway.” When he didn’t respond, I added, “You can eat while watching her.”

  “I’m not hungry,” he grumbled.

  “Of course you are. I can hear your stomach growling from here. If you’d like, I could feed you since your hands are occupied. It’s not like I haven’t done it before.” He scowled and looked up. “Remember when you’d become ill and feverish like clockwork. Raine and I would take turns feeding you.”

  “No, you didn’t.”

  “Did too, so one plate coming up. Be ready to open your mouth and chew with it closed.” I was deliberately goading him so he’d agree to eat. The goddess followed me to the dining room. The table was set for four, and servants waited to serve us, including Astrid, the girl Maera had assigned to me. Once they pulled out our chairs, the goddess dismissed them.

  “I hate people standing around while we eat,” she said. “It’s okay when we have guests, but I find it unnecessary when it’s just our family. Litr can take care of us.”

  “Who is Litr?” I asked.

  As though on cue, the Dwarf with red hair and a bulbous nose appeared with Baldur. The goddess introduced him as Litr. He bowed several times, then went to the covered plates and started serving.

  “How are our guests doing?” the goddess asked.

  “Settled in,” Baldur said. “Richard promised me a game later this evening. He taught me how to play chess,” he explained for my benefit. “Now I beat him.”

  “Or he allows you to win,” the goddess teased.

  “I’m insulted. You are supposed to be my champion, ástin mín.”

  “I am, but you love to win and you become a grouch when you don’t. I’m sure Celestia told Richard to let you win.”

  Baldur sighed. “You see what I have to deal with? My own wife has no faith in me. Do you play chess, Daughter?”

  “No. I could never sit down long enough to learn.”

  “Then I’ll teach you.”

  The goddess groaned.

  “Stay out of this, dýrr. This is between me and my daughter.”

  “Our daughter,” she corrected him.

  In some ways they reminded me of Mom and Dad. “I promised Eirik a plate.”

  “Litr will prepare him one,” Baldur said. “How is Eirik doing?”

  “He showered and shaved, and might even join us for dinner. I think he was ready to bite Einmyria’s head off when she suggested feeding him.”

  “She never fed me,” Eirik said from the doorway. “She just says stuff to annoy me.” He walked to the side table, took the plate Litr had prepared for him, and walked out of the room again. Litr followed him with a tumbler and a glass. No one spoke until they disappeared inside the bedroom.

  “At least he’s eating,” Baldur said.

  Litr returned to serve us. Dinner was fun, listening to Baldur and the goddess talk about life in the hall, their work, how Eirik changed things. I asked questions, and they were more than willing to answer. I was, too, until they became personal.

  “Do you have a special young man, Einmyria?” Baldur asked.

  Echo’s face flashed in my head, and I smiled. “Yes.”

  “I hope we get to meet him. We want to make sure he is worthy of you,” he continued, and I stared at him with round eyes. He wasn’t serious.

  “Stop teasing the child. She is free to choose her consort without our consent.”

  “Our son can do that. Different rules apply to daughters.” His expression was serious. The goddess groaned.

  “He’s been impossible ever since we learned you were alive. He wants to show you off, but no one is allowed to take you away from us. He made a list of potential suitors then burned it because none of them was good enough. He had no idea what you looked like or your taste in men, but he listed qualities of your future consort.”

  I stared at him with wide eyes. “He did?”

  “Of course, I did. I’m your father. He must be handsome and honorable. He must come from a good stock. He must put your interest above his and all others. He must be willing to break every rule for you. He must be strong, smart, fast, and unstoppable when it comes to protecting you and your realm.”

  He’d just described Echo.

  “Here, eat something.” The goddess broke a piece of bread and placed it in his mouth, shutting him up. “And stop embarrassing our daughter. She doesn’t need a man to protect her or the realm. She can do it all by herself.”

  Their open display of affection was sweet, but my mind was on what Baldur had said. My realm? What realm? I took a bite while my mind raced. The food was really good. The loaves flaky on the outside and moist on the inside. The meat was tasty. It was so good I temporarily forgot about my realm and the tumbler of apple juice Litr had poured.

  I didn’t get a chance to ask them what they meant because Maera entered the room and hurried to the goddess’ side. She whispered in her ear. The expression on the goddess’ face changed.

  “Excuse us, Daughter,” she said and stood. A portal opened beside her, and she swept through it.

  Baldur followed, leaving me with Liltr and Maera. The two exchanged worried glances.

  “What’s going on?”

  “It appears we have a visitor,” Maera said, sounding angry.

  “Is that bad?” I asked.

  “Someone talked about your arrival. The visitor claims he is here to heal Celestia, but I know him, the self-opportunist Dwarf. He’s heard about your arrival and, as usual, came bearing gifts. Unfortunately, he is Baldurson’s friend, so the goddess cannot throw him out. If he corners you, kick him between the legs.”

  I tried not to grin. A Dwarf interested in me? Not sure how to respond, I left the dining room and went to join Eirik.

  Chapter 11. Dwarves, Grimnirs, And Warriors

  Eirik looked so much better.

  “Where are Father and Mother?” he asked.

  “They went to meet a friend of yours, who’s come bearing gifts. A Dwarf. Maera calls him an opportunist.”

  “Lavion. Can you stay with Celestia?”

  I nodded, and he took off. I settled against the seat when voices reached me from the living room and the others arrived. I recognized Hayden and her mother. The other two—the redhead from my memories and the blonde—had visited Celestia while she was helping Dev in Miami. The other three were new, but I guessed the older man was Celestia’s father, Richard. He had the same startling blue eyes. The other woman could be her mother. Something about her face reminded me of Celestia. The younger guy could be anyone, but the way he glanced at Celestia and went pale said he cared about her.

  “When d
id you get here, Cora?” Hayden asked, pulling away from the others.

  “A couple of hours ago.” My eyes went to Trudy. “Hey, Trudy. Thanks for taking me to Raine’s wedding. I would have missed it if it weren’t for you, Hayden, and Celestia.”

  Everyone’s gaze went to Celestia, and an awkward silence followed before Hayden broke it as she introduced the crew from Windfall. The woman was Celestia’s aunt, and the guy was Celestia’s cousin, Zack.

  “Everyone, this is Eirik’s sister, Cora.” I got bows and curtsies until I told them to stop. I ignored the stares and focused on Celestia. A loud sound came from outside the hall, and everyone glanced at each other uneasily, but no one spoke. When it happened again, I knew something was wrong.

  “What is that?”

  “Garm,” she said. “Did you meet him?”

  “Yes. What’s wrong with him?”

  Trudy looked at Celestia. “He knows something is wrong. Dogs are very sensitive. Usually Eirik takes him out, and he hasn’t since Saturday. Would you like to look around?”

  “I promised Eirik I’d stay with Celestia until he returns.”

  “We’ll watch over her,” Tammy said, and Celestia’s aunt nodded.

  I glanced at the door, then Celestia. Eirik would never forgive me if anything happened to her while he was gone. I was saved from explaining when he entered with the flashiest Dwarf I’d ever seen. Litr was behind them, and from his expression, he didn’t approve of Lavion either.

  The Dwarf was dressed in a red and black cloak lined with fur, his hair reaching past his shoulders, tiny braids on his beard and the tips tied with gold beads. He looked like a stage performer. Gothic rings on his fingers and matching chains around his neck finished his outlandish outfit. I wasn’t the only one staring. Trudy tried to hide behind Jessica.

  Eirik introduced him to everyone, starting with the crew from Windfall before moving to me. “My sister, Einmyria.”

  The Dwarf kissed the back of my hand. “Welcome to Helheim, Einmyria. Baldurson deliberately forgot to tell me he had a sister. Now I see why. You are exquisite,” he added, winking at me.

  “And you are very handsome,” I said.

  He laughed. “I like your sister, Baldurson.”

  “And this is my other sister, Jessica.”

  Lavion didn’t mask his confusion as his eyes volleyed between Jessica and me. “Another one? You’ve been holding out on me, man.”

  “They are both unavailable to you, Lavion,” Eirik said.

  “You wound me, my friend. I’m charming and rich. I could have them both as my consorts. No, three of them.” He glanced at Trudy and grinned. “I haven’t forgotten you, my lovely Trudnir.” She made a face but didn’t respond.

  Not bothered by her indifference, he crossed his arms and levitated. When the people around the bed gasped, he bowed.

  “Dwarf magic is the best there is,” he explained. “My people make all the weapons used by the gods, Valkyries, and Grimnirs. Ask Baldurson. We make all artavo, his gunnlogi. I’m sure you’ve seen him wield it. Then there’s Thor’s mjornir, Odin’s gungnir, and jewelry so beautiful the goddesses are willing to do anything to acquire it. I’ll have to make something that rivals the beauty of the women of Eljudnir.” He bowed and switched focus to Celestia, resting his hand on her forehead, then her chest. “Her energy is weak but not that faint.”

  My eyes met Eirik’s, and guilt followed.

  “She should be tired but still up and about. This is very strange. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before.” He glanced at Eirik. “I need to consult our head healer in Nidavellir and get back to you.”

  “Thanks, Lavion. Maera will prepare your quarters if you plan on spending the night.”

  “No, my friend,” the Dwarf said, returning to the floor. “I’m going home posthaste to consult our healer. She might have answers. She’s already heard about Celestia’s healing abilities and how she’s helped families in Eastern Gjöll Pass. Sleep ceases to matter when a young life is in danger. I’ll come back with answers as soon as I can.”

  I was impressed. My watch said it was after six and it had to be dark outside, but he was willing to ignore his comfort for Celestia. That was loyalty. He and Eirik were headed to the door when Lavion stopped and glanced at me.

  “I hope we meet again, Einmyria,” he said, bowing.

  “I’m not going anywhere,” I said.

  He chuckled. “I like her, Baldurson.”

  As soon as the door closed behind him, Trudy made a disgusted noise. “Do not let that Dwarf anywhere near you, Cora. He might be loyal to Eirik and Celestia, but he’s a terrible man.”

  I didn’t care. Loyalty like that could not be bought. “Have they been friends for long?”

  “Since we visited Nidavallir while searching for the orphans. He helped us and later came to visit.” She was still talking about their quest when Eirik returned with Maera. The Dwarf carried a pitcher of green liquid, which she placed by the bed.

  “Out everyone. We need the room,” Maera said. She noticed I kept looking at the pitcher. “Special brew. It will keep her hydrated and healthy.”

  “Can we show Einmyria around?” Trudy asked, looking at Eirik. He nodded, his focus already back on Celestia. We left and headed for the rotunda.

  “They’re still working on your room, but I promised the goddess I’d take you to her after we finish showing you around,” Trudy said.

  There seemed to be more guards around. Several of them followed us, but kept their distance. There were so many halls. We stopped by the Sorting Hall, where souls were waiting to be escorted to the Resting Halls.

  “This is where they wait for the goddess,” Trudy said, but I didn’t hear the rest of her words. I entered the room, drawn to the souls, the need to comfort them so consuming I didn’t stop to think. I stopped next to the first one, an old man in a hospital gown, and touched his hand. It was cold, like a dead person’s.

  “It’s okay. There’s no need to be afraid. Everything will be okay.”

  His eyes locked with mine. Thank you.

  Surprised, I broke the contact. He gripped my wrist.

  I’d seen you from afar but lost hope of ever talking through you. The young ones are faster and a lot more aggressive.

  “Do you need my help with anything?”

  No, dear. Since you are here, I don’t think you can help now.

  “But I can. I will be going back to Earth, so if you have a message for your loved ones, I can still pass it to them.”

  I lived a happy and fulfilling life, and said my good-byes. I just wanted my Pauline to know that I’m okay and remind her never to forget Cabos.

  “I will.” This was better than being possessed by a soul. “What is your address?”

  He rattled off a town in San Diego. I moved to the next one, a woman also in her hospital gown, and took her hand. She’d had her closure, but my touch reassured her. I continued down the line. Most of them just appreciated a touch. At the end of the line was a young girl. She needed some closure. Her demands were so long I turned to ask Trudy for a pen and paper, and my eyes met the goddess. She, the three girls, and a group of Grimnirs were by the door, watching me. Warmth crept up my face, and I stepped back.

  “Don’t stop, please,” the goddess said, entering the room. The green color on her dress leached out until it was white. Even the green crystal on her scepter became clear. She had serious powers. “What is she saying?”

  I explained what I’d done and about the girl’s request.

  “This is how you help them on Earth?”

  “Except I allow them to possess me and write down everything they need. Here, I just have to touch them for their thoughts to flow into mine. Most of them are happy to be here. They’re just a little lost.”

  “Release more of your locator runes. The more runes you engage, the brighter they glow and the stronger their effect on souls.” As though on cue, more runes appeared on her normal side. They were black like mine.
“It calms them. Did you need something to write on?”

  “Yes, please.”

  She lifted her hand and a leather book appeared in her palm. She handed it to me. “All you have to do is direct your thoughts for the words to appear on each page.”

  I lifted the leather cover to the first page. Despite being blank, I had a feeling the book was ancient. The pages were yellowed and thin, almost translucent like the books Lavania had given us to record the runes we etched on our skin.

  Paulina Paulsen, remember Cabos. From Benjamin Paulsen of La Jolla, San Diego. The words appeared on the page. I recorded the girl’s demands and glanced at the goddess.

  “This is awesome,” I said. “I wish I had one of these back at home.”

  “You can take it with you. I wasn’t planning on starting lessons so soon, but when Maera told me you were in the Sorting Room talking to the souls, I had to come see.”

  “What is involved in sorting?”

  “I welcome them, ease their fears, get their names and birthdays so they are sorted into the right hall, and then I wish them a peaceful rest and send them off with the guards. Usually, I do it twice a day. Three times if there’re more deaths. When a natural disaster strikes, I’m in here day and night until your father insists I rest. I hate leaving them standing in here when they should be reliving their best memories in the halls.”

  “So they have private rooms?”

  She chuckled. “In a way. They turn into pockets of energy, each unique. Sometimes when energies collide memories blend, so I tend to give the gods private rooms. Are you done here for now?”

  “Do they always look so sad?”

  “Until they see me—or you from their expressions.” She smiled when a young man around my age reached out and touched my hand. I turned my palm up and gripped his hand. He smiled, and his thoughts drifted to me. “What is he saying?”

  “He’s flirting with me. He thinks I’m pretty.”

  She chuckled. “Which is why I don’t touch them or listen to them. It slows me down, so I do the talking.”

  Of course she does. And she didn’t apologize for it.