City of Vikings

by Farah Cook

  “Frederick Dahl is leading a secret mission for the Rognvald Dynasty – assigned by Frank Hildebrand.” Helena rolls her amber eyes. “He could well be on the same mission.”

  “It doesn’t make a difference. If I had to rethink every mission I get because of Frederick I’d be a fool.”

  “Did it ever occur to you that he may be after the Viking assassin weapons. He’s a knowledgeable Viking after all. Someone who knows more about you than you know about yourself.”

  “The thought did cross my mind, but—”

  “But what, Nora?”

  “Look, I know Frederick, and he’d never—”

  “Have you ever thought about what this could mean?” Helena glares at me again. I feel like I’m being patronized. “Frederick is ahead of you and probably leading his band to the City of Vikings as we speak. What do you have?”

  “What do you suggest then?”

  “As I said before, Niels might be able to advise you. He has a long-standing relationship with Frank Hildebrand,” Helena’s eyes narrow as she flicks through the images that pop up from her hologram.

  “What is it?” I ask.

  “Nora Hunt. This could be your luck turning. Either that or I’m a genius.”

  “Don’t make me laugh,” I say feeling weary.

  “Why? Because you want to become a mean Viking assassin?” I guffaw. Then peek into the hologram – images of a recent exhibition in Ocean Eye pop up.

  “Helena, you’re a genius.”

  “I told you. I’m no elite like you – so my privileges are limited, but not my knowledge.”

  “This exhibition clearly shows the old maps of the City of Skies. Someone who publicly displays this information must know of secret passages and entry points in and out of the city. Especially someone like Hildebrand.”

  “The almighty Helena, where do you get all your knowledge from? Did you make a pact with Odin?”

  “I’m not giving up an eye like Odin or any limbs for something as easy and free to acquire as knowledge.” Helena makes me giggle now. “Odin was messed up, and in Norse mythology he created the nine worlds out of a giant’s body parts. Do we really want to live there?”

  “Ymir the giant…” I remind her.

  “To make the nine worlds.”

  “It had to be done, there was no other way,” I say.

  “Do you believe in all this?”

  “Helena, how can you not? Call it a myth or ancient legend, but the living proof is on my back. The extraordinary powers people hide…”

  “I’m a scientist. I believe in facts and not ancient myths.”

  “Which is why, you chose the Orkeney Dynasty.”

  Helena’s eyes widen as she flicks through images on her hologram. She’s noticed something.

  “Nora, be careful. I have a bad feeling about this. Never should two dynasties be assigned to a mission supported by the same perpetrator. Especially by someone as greedy and eccentric as Hildebrand. It just stirs things up. I get a feeling the Rognvald Raiders are already on to the Viking assassin weapons. Take a look at this.” Helena shows me an image of Frederick and his dad at the exhibition.

  “What are they doing there?” I ask. “This was just recently.”

  “Don’t ask the obvious. Think about your next move.”

  “He is going for the weapons. I should have known,” I say, examining the image where Frederick intensively stares at displayed artilleries.

  “This could get ugly,” says Helena.

  The words from our first expedition at the Forbidden Areas ring inside my ears. When you’re on an expedition and encounter danger – it’s crucial to outrun your competition in order to survive. Dock Harbor exposed us. We know our opponents’ weaknesses and strengths because we’re meant to outrun them. It’s all about survival of the fittest, and it doesn’t matter how dangerous or corrupt the expedition may be. We’re required to act not selflessly but selfishly.

  “If Frederick is after those weapons then this means war,” I say.

  “You sound like one of the sports stars at the arena in Slotsplads,” Helena’s voice lingers for a while. “The exhibition reveals that Hildebrand possesses every odd map ever made in and outside the Triangle. The reason Frederick was there with his dad – probably to get access to the same thing you’re after.”

  “Don’t be too sure.”

  “Oh no! You will not like this,” Helena looks at me terrified.

  “What?” I eyeball the hologram. “Pilkvist.” I should have known. That serpent. I should have stood up to him that day in his office inside Dock Harbor when he degraded me and my dad. Anger wells up inside me. I feel silly to have let him treat me that way.

  “Why was he there anyway?” Helena asks angrily.

  “Who knows what conspiracy he is brewing.”

  “That man is disgusting.” Helena is frowning so hard that I wonder if the flesh is going to melt off her face. What is it about Pilkvist that makes him so undesirable?

  Helena continues to flick through images from the exhibition. Among the artifacts, there is a rare and ancient looking book on display. I start to feel uncomfortable. My airways feel jammed and heavy.

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea to see Hildebrand after all,” I say and step away. I feel my back burning and my body feels like it’s going up in flames. I’m dizzy.

  “What’s wrong, Nora, you’re burning up,” Helena touches my back and screams. Within seconds I black out and feel my body jerking on the glass floor.

  When I wake up, I’m dreaming and find myself in a dank dark hole, full of black slimy mud. In the distance, I see shadows moving – nine of them on fire. I stretch out my hand as far as I can, but I can’t reach far enough. I get up, and run toward the shadows – a gathering. I see unfamiliar hostile faces behind the flames with powerful weapons clutched in their hands. One of them holds my ancestor’s sword

  My body feels weak and the sounds from the shadows muffle in my ears as I lay on the cold mud unable to move a muscle. A breath of fire speaks to me, but I don’t understand what it is saying. The shadow bends down to lift me up, and I instantly catch fire. I feel the heat burn my skin to ashes.

  “NORA?” Helena shakes me and throws a jug of cold water into my face. I gather my limp body and lurch away, landing in a puddle on the floor. I let out a harsh fiery breath, and feel my senses being brought back slowly.

  “Helena! You won’t believe what I just saw!” She looks pale as if she’s seen a ghost. “Helena, are you okay? What happened?”

  “I saw images in my head when I touched your back Nora. How’s that even possible?” Helena holds her head between her hands, trembling. She staggers to her feet. Helena tells me what she saw which is everything I just saw in my vision. It’s burned in her memory and she’s shaking with horror.

  “It’s like I was there. I saw those awful shadows. Their faces…”

  “Do you believe it now, Helena?” I say and move closer. She nods. Her brow creases and her lips form a straight line. She still looks sallow, which is almost impossible for someone with her beautiful complexion.

  “I believe you, but what does it all mean?”

  “I don’t know but that’s why I have to find my dad. There’s no other way. I have to risk my life to get to the truth.”

  “Do you remember at Dock Harbor I told you about the nine worlds which Yggdrasil holds in her branches and are called Niflheim, Muspelheim, Asgard, Midgard, Jotunheim, Vanaheim, Alfheim, Svartalfheim, Helheim. These realms are home to different races.”

  “Perhaps the nine races calling for Yggdrasil?” I say.

  “They were the dark shadows in your vision,” says Helena. “We have work to do.” Helena’s eyes blazing with willingness. This is the moment. She’s finally come to her senses and realizes that our alliance is not a one-off, it’s eternal. “There are two secret cities hidden in the Triangle. We’ll start by locating the City of Vikings – and give Hildebrand the bait he wants.”


  Somehow, I don’t have a good feeling about this, why else would I experience a vision like this? What is the tree trying to show me? The shadows in my vision could be something else. I’m also not comfortable about seeing Hildebrand. He’s eccentric and just thinking of him makes me feel prickly.

  “What bait is that?” I ask and frown.

  “Your brain, of course,” Helena smiles. “What else?”

  8

  WHEN I ENTER the large chamber of Empress Benedikte’s bedroom, I see her lying on the bed, still like a statue. Her face is veiled behind soft layers of cotton. She’s breathing slowly. Her breathing sounds shallow, but her eyes suddenly flick open. Pale-faced, she removes the cotton from her face and lifts her frail body from the bed to lock her eyes into mine.

  Her lips move but words fail to leave her mouth. Once a beautiful flower, she appears only minutes away from turning into withered leaves. The glorious vision I had in my mind of the awakening feels like a funeral ceremony. Luckily, I never was the type of girl who’s seduced by glory and fame. At heart, I remain a Judith and the awakening itself is all that matters, not the ostentatious ceremony I missed at Slotsplads.

  It is my heart that I blame for being weak and vulnerable. A heart that hides what it truly desires – and it is this heart the Empress has to awaken, strengthen and prepare for battle against our enemy. The Republic is stronger and holds more power than the Empire, which is growing weaker with a dying Empress. Without her, the Goth people will have no sense of belonging and no belief.

  Approaching her bed, I sit quietly next to the Empress. She brushes her cold hand over my arm and through foggy eyes I hear her voice speak inside my head.

  Daughter of Karen and Robert Hunt, I have been waiting for you ever since the gods of Asgard chose you to carry the map of Yggdrasil. The gods believe in battle and they believe in warriors like yourself. Your duty as Viking assassin is to protect the Empire once it has risen from the ashes against the Republic– for heartless Verans they are. To protect your identity, you must lead the Jarl Dynasty and release Magnus from his duties. He is to take my place in the palace as the new Emperor – serve him well.

  The Empress’s pale face withdraws. She gazes at me, her eyes still and delicate. Her message is an order that I feel obliged to obey – to fulfill my duty as assassin and lead the Jarls, an army of raiders who serve only the Empire.

  I lower my ear to her lips and whisper: “You can trust me Empress. What else will you have me do?” Doubt strikes me like lightning. The Empire expects so much of me so soon. She gathers strength and speaks in barely a whisper.

  “The Viking assassins forged four magical weapons, the axe was especially made to slay our enemy. It erases all traces of a body making it impossible to raise any suspicion. The Republic will especially be looking for that weapon. You have to secure all weapons before they do or else they will destroy us.”

  “What about the raiders’ weapon?” I ask curiously. I’ve heard great things about the privileges of Elite Raiders. I realize I may have been hasty asking her about it. The Empress says nothing for a while, and I look nervously at Magnus. Is she dead? He shakes his head. I take her cold hand into mine and repeat my question.

  She stares at me with her glassy gray eyes. The emotions on her face are difficult to read. Sadness, but an odd kind with a mixture of happiness. She is falling weaker and switches to speak inside my head.

  The strength of an Elite Raider’s weapon is tied to the powers of the awakening. First, your heart must be strong. Do not worry, you shall receive your unique weapon that will be special to you.

  “I’ve come into the possession of a sword of my ancestors – the sword of Viking assassins, which is kept safe in Chelsea.” I say, narrowing my eyes.

  The power of the sword will activate and surprise you when you’re in battle. Guard the sword for the enemy may soon be after it.

  “Am I ready to have my heart awakened?” I try not to hesitate when I ask her, but it’s too late. She senses my worries.

  A heart of sorrow you carry with you, Nora. I cannot awaken a weak and unready heart. Your strength is fading, and your determination disappearing. I feel it every time your heart beats. You must find your place in this world. Understand who you are, and what is required of you. You must not let your heart guide you into temptation. Tricksters are the Veran clan. They follow the Norse god, Loki. Free your heart first from any distractions.

  “But we do not have time,” I say as I try to hide my dismay. Has she simply lost her mind? If she doesn’t awaken my heart, then I can’t embark on my first mission.

  Time is not everything. I cannot awaken a heart that’s not ready. It will put all of us into danger, says the Empress fully determined. I feel disappointed. Like she has ripped my heart out. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for. I know my heart is weak and my mind occupied. But I feel readier than ever to go on my first mission. Can’t she see that? I wonder can she detect the storm raging inside me?

  “Then who can?” I ask. She speaks loud and outside my head. Her voice is strong as if she’s gathered her last strength.

  “Lord Wilhelm,” she says, with a bitter tongue. “He’s the only other person who knows the ancient Norse script that’s been a secret for centuries and awakens Elite Raiders to become strong and powerful.”

  “You know I can’t let Wilhelm knight me,” I say. “Please, sometimes we have to take risks. At heart, I’m good. I’m strong. I’m determined. I’m a Jarl Raider.” Tears well in my eyes, and I push them back gently. The color in her dying body turns icy, and her breathing gets heavier.

  “Come see me again this afternoon. If you are ready I will awaken your heart at your own risk.”

  “Why in the afternoon?”

  “By then you will have reflected. Your heart is still young, innocent and pure. Think about how you will protect it from the enemy.”

  Magnus and I leave the Empress’s chambers, taking a secret passage through Slotsplads. We walk in silence, and it seems he’s almost in mourning. I suck in a deep breath and try to hold back my spiraling thoughts as we continue to walk through the cold cellar. We reach a heavy wooden door and I hold my hand against it when Magnus grabs the handle.

  “What was said between you and the Empress is none of my concern,” he says coldly. He must be insane. How can it not be his concern?

  “Magnus hear me out.”

  “Soon the Empress will pass away and I’ll have to leave my duties at the Jarl Dynasty to attend the matters of the Empire. If not the Republic will take over what little power that remains in our hands. I can’t let that happen. You just have to be in charge of leading the Jarls now. Isn’t that what’s nagging your mind?”

  Dammit Magnus stop reading my thoughts!

  How can he just take a cold distance like that and leave such a big responsibility with me? When the Empress told me I am to lead the Jarls I couldn’t say anything but accept the duties she’d given me. Her pale face and dying body, how could I defy her? It’s not in my nature to bow and take orders. But I’ve come to realize I’m part of a game, politics as Helena so sweetly said, and now hearing Magnus tell that Jarl is my responsibility makes matters complex.

  “When were you planning to tell me this?” I’m shouting now.

  “You don’t understand, Nora. You have to attend your calling and I mine.”

  “Is that why you gave me the first mission and that speech about trust and—”

  “I’m here whenever you need me,” his voice is strong and filled with anger.

  “Magnus,” I say through gritted teeth. “I need you, all the time.” I try not to shake with fury. Instead I focus on being calm, but that’s impossible. So far, it’s been a miserable morning. The awakening didn’t happen as planned and now Magnus says he is leaving the Jarl Raiders with me, but what am I to do with a dynasty that knows nothing of me? They’ll hate me and defy any orders I give them.

  Magnus is intelligent and wise, just like the Empress,
but I can’t face the Rognvald Raiders without him. They’ll crush us and expose me. Why does he wants to run such a great risk?

  “You can’t just leave your dynasty.” I say and cross my arms over my chest.

  “It’s your dynasty now,” says Magnus, “and remember your duty which you must honor. As an assassin, your only mission is to protect the Empire and follow all my orders in the future.”

  “I wasn’t prepared for all this.” Damn you, I know you hear me.

  “Look!” he grabs my shoulders and jerks me to the side. “No one said it was going to be easy. I need to revive the Empire as soon I become the newly anointed Emperor and I will have little time. Lord Wilhelm and the Lumini Lords will plot my murder. They know I’m stronger than the Empress and they are already on to my sisters.”

  “They’d want to kill you first though.”

  “Lots of people would want to kill a young and inexperienced Emperor,” says Magnus. “That’s why I need you, Nora. Jarl is an army of raiders that are trained to serve the Empire. Gain their trust and lead them to your mission. You’ll need their help. But why do I get the feeling you don’t want it? You’re better on your own?”

  “I’ll do my best,” I say. “But I’m not sure Jarls are going to like it.”

  “They may not at first, but eventually they will.” says Magnus. “You have greatness in you and I want everyone in the Triangle to see that including the Republic.”

  “What will the Republic do when they find out about you?” I say.

  “The Republic will be looking for ways to overthrow the senate to gain absolute control. The Empire unofficially holds power over the City of Skies and still signs off treaties and decisions. But recently certain members of the Republic have been using their powers of persuasion and manipulation to take matters into their own hands. Hence the attack on the Empress.”

  “We have to stop them,” I say. “The assassin weapons…”

  “When you find the weapons, Jarls will become powerful. We’d be able to defeat the Republic.”