Highway to Hel

by S. E. Babin

  Her gaze swung to me. "Waffles?"

  I grinned at her. "Even better than pancakes."

  "Impossible," she said, but she looked back at the kitchen longingly.

  Morrigan and I could both travel wherever we wanted to almost instantaneously, but Hel's realm was blocked from entrance and heavily guarded. We sat on the mountain above the entrance to the underworld hidden from view by a clever cloaking spell I made Morrigan promise to teach me once we'd gotten out of here.

  The surrounding area was unforgiving terrain and colder than anything I'd ever experienced before. I'd conjured up some furs for the both of us and Morrigan huddled into hers. Most of us weren't too bothered by temperature, but this was extreme even for the gods.

  Gray stone mountains tipped with ice rose around us. Fog rolled over us obscuring most of the view and was so heavy we could no longer see the sky. Below us loomed an enormous black hole. You'd think with the way Hel acted the entrance would be a little more grand, but it was almost scarier this way. It felt like we were about to jump into a pit with no safety gear whatsoever. And maybe that's what we were about to do.

  Morrigan didn't seem overly bothered by this fact. She seemed rather delighted with the entire thing.

  "I haven't been on a grand adventure in entirely too long," she said, studying the dark color of her nails.

  "So what were you doing when you were traveling?" I asked her, pulling my furs closer around my shoulders.

  "Hunting," she said shortly.

  One of my eyebrows rose, but her expression quelled further questions. "My adventures ended when I married Odin," I admitted. "Or at least anything dangerous. Odin was oddly protective, so as soon as I married him it was like being wrapped up in cotton. I couldn't go anywhere without a plan or do anything he deemed to be dangerous." I smiled at the memory. "But that didn't stop me from sneaking around all over Asgard and learning."

  Morrigan studied me. "He doesn't know you brew?"

  I scoffed. "The heavens no. I was supposed to stand beside him while he sat on the throne and look pretty."

  Morrigan rolled her eyes at that. "Pretty. You weren't built to be pretty, Freya. You were built to be a warrior." She fell silent for a moment. "You are a warrior and the only one who can take that away from you is you."

  I blinked at her in surprise. She was right. I'd missed that aspect of myself. I was a goddess of war and strategy. The other things about me came second. A sigh escaped me. "I've failed," I admitted. "I spent all that time trying to be a good wife, a good queen, a good everything, and I completely lost myself."

  Morrigan didn't say anything for a moment, but then she spoke, and her words would stick with me for quite a while.

  "None of us can be everything. You have to pick what you love first of all, and it helps if you're good at it." She smiled sadly. "I am very good at killing things. I used to love it. Because when I killed, people paid attention to me and I felt noticed."

  I inhaled a sharp breath at her confession. Without saying anything, I scooted a little closer to her.

  "But then I killed and fought so much it defined me. I found I couldn't have a relationship with anyone because every relationship was based in fear. I tried to stop, but I couldn't. Because if I did, I felt like I would fade away like a leaf in the wind. Like no one would hear me or see me anymore. I'd slowly disappear like the mist in a fog when the sun came out."

  Tears filled my eyes and I blinked them away. I chanced a look at Morrigan's profile. Her face looked like the finest porcelain. Grief etched itself into the crevices of her face. She was so many things. Terrifying. Fearsome. Beautiful. Brave. And so terribly lonely it took my breath away.

  "And so I continued. I became the enforcer when no one else would. I claimed so many souls I lost count. And then when I felt I couldn't do it anymore, when I thought if I had to kill one more person ... you screwed up my summoning spell."

  I blinked. "I screwed it up?" I blurted.

  A devious smile lit her eyes up. "Yup," she said. "Big time. I could have swooped right into your house and cut you down."

  A chill ran down my spine. "And why didn't you?"

  She thought about it for a moment. "Curiosity mostly. You didn't want me to kill anyone. I'd never been summoned for anything other than revenge or justice. I've never been called to just ... help someone. I was intrigued."

  We didn't speak for some time. I finally exhaled. "I'm sorry, Morrigan."

  A soft, derisive snort escaped from her. "You're the only one who has nothing to be sorry for," she said. "You're the only one who offered me friendship with no strings attached." She shook her head once, a sharp shake, causing her ebony hair to move like liquid across her shoulders. "You are the only one who truly saw me. For that, Goddess of War, my blade and my friendship are eternally yours."

  I swallowed hard. "I don't want your blade," I said. "Well, okay, this time I do. But I value your friendship more."

  She grinned at me. "I know. And that's why I offer it to you." Morrigan stood. "The guards change every half hour," she announced. "There's a one minute lull and that's our chance to get in."

  I hadn't noticed that. She laughed at my expression. "You're rusty, Freya. Hang out with me awhile and I'll get you back into fighting shape."

  I wasn't sure I wanted to know what Morrigan considered "fighting shape." I stood up next to her and watched.

  "We have two more minutes. Then we make our move." Her gaze roamed over me. "Do you have a dagger with you?"

  I pulled one out of the back of my utility belt and showed her.

  "Good. We may have some close-quarters fighting when we get in there. You won't be able to use your sword."

  "Have you been here before?" I asked suspiciously.

  Her eyes flashed silver. "Once," she said and didn't say anything else.

  "Hmm," I murmured. "Anything specific I need to know?"

  She grinned. "You'll get used to the smell. Do not step anywhere with a blue light."

  I stilled. "What's the blue light?"

  "Tracking runes," Morrigan said. "If you step on one, she'll know you're there immediately."

  "Good times," I said and sighed. "Do they glow?"

  She nodded. "You'll know when you see them. Stay close to me. Keep your dagger out." She nodded at my loose hair. "And tie your hair in a tight braid."

  I grimaced. I used to know that. "I'm probably going to die," I admitted to Morrigan.

  She laughed. "Being a warrior is more than killing people. It lives in muscle and heart memory. When you get in there, you'll remember, Freya. Odin might have taken you out of conflict, but the Heavens know what you are. It's built into your soul. You'll remember."

  "Let's hope," I said. "I could barely remember how to put my armor on this morning."

  "Now," she said. "Jump." She took my hand and flung herself over the cliff, pulling me behind her.

  I stifled a scream as Morrigan's jet black wings snapped out behind her. She still held on to my wrist and I could tell by the way the air sounded around us that her cloaking was still up. We landed softly on the ground several feet away just as the guards retreated inside of the blackness. Morrigan motioned me forward and I trailed carefully behind her.

  She stopped at the entrance and squared her shoulders. "Most of what you see is not real. Do not stray from the path I lead you on, do you understand?" Her voice was low and urgent.

  I nodded. "Got it. Illusions. Don't leave the path."

  Morrigan gave a sharp jerk of her head in acknowledgment and stepped into the darkness. I took a deep breath and followed her.

  The smell of sulfur hit me in the face like a baseball bat. I gagged and had to clap both hands over my mouth to keep from coughing. She placed a warning hand on my arm and held her index finger to her lips. Quietly, she tiptoed forward. I looked down at the stone floor beneath my feet and immediately noticed the glowing runes. I avoided them by sticking to the places where Morrigan had stepped only. I blinked a couple of time
s in hopes my night vision would work faster because Morrigan wore all black and was difficult to see.

  I cursed softly and took my hair in my hands. I braided it as fast as I could, my fingers clumsy with nerves. As soon as it was somewhat passable, I tied it with a leather elastic. Morrigan said nothing, just moved forward with purpose. Voices filtered all around us, some of them sounding ancient and powerful. The place was black as night, the stones around me a smooth black obsidian. I reached my fingers out and trailed them across it. It was cold and dark as night.

  Witches prized obsidian for its protective properties, and I’d seen quite a bit of it in Griselda’s home. I wondered if Hel produced this stone on her own or if it was already her when she claimed this domain. I didn't dare try to chip off a piece in the fear it would alert her to our presence. I was already doing my best to keep my footsteps sure and steady as I hurried after Morrigan.

  The dark goddess walked with the surety of someone who was confident in everything she did. I, on the other hand, looked like a drunk elephant trying to navigate a game of Twister. I was so worried about stepping on one of the runes that I was overdoing every single step in an effort to avoid them.

  Freya?

  I swayed with surprise as Loki's voice appeared in my mind. I hadn't heard a peep from him since the first time I fully opened the bond.

  Loki! Are you okay?

  Freya, listen to me. I need you to stay away. Don't come here. This is bigger than Hel. Bigger than you and me. If you come here, I'm not sure what they'll do. Whatever you do, stay away. I'll find a way to get back to you.

  I said nothing for a long moment, frozen in place with surprise. Morrigan realized I was no longer following behind her and she turned, her expression annoyed. When I mouthed Loki, she nodded with understanding but gestured for me to hurry up.

  What do you mean this is bigger than us? That doesn't make any sense.

  I only have a moment to talk. They'll be back in soon. Thor is here. They aren't saying much, but he and Hel are working together.

  That made me snort. Thor was like a dumb puppy, happy and eager to please. I didn't think for a second he and Hel were working together in any capacity. Whatever this was, he was a pawn.

  It's too late, I whispered down the bond. We're already here.

  This time Loki was the one to fall silent.

  You came for me? he asked after a long moment.

  Of course I did. Morrigan is here, too.

  You must leave, Freya. Immediately.

  I'm not leaving without you.

  We cannot afford for them to take all of us.

  Loki, have you forgotten that we're gods?

  A sigh came over the bond. I didn't want to tell you this.

  My brow furrowed. Tell me what?

  Odin is here, Loki said, regret in his voice.

  My eyes widened. Odin? He can't be. He's with the Norns.

  I can assure you he is not. He isn't pleased with me, Freya, but he does not know about the bond.

  The tattoo on your hand. Is it visible?

  No, he said and I sagged in relief. But I can tell the glamour is fading. I don't think it will last past tomorrow.

  I motioned for Morrigan to come over to me and when she was close enough, I leaned to whisper in her ear.

  Her head jerked and wide startled eyes met mine.

  "Loki is telling us to leave."

  I could see the thoughts whirling in her head and I knew the moment she seriously thought about leaving him behind. To my relief, she appeared to cast that thought aside almost immediately. "It's dangerous to take Odin on," she whispered.

  I nodded. "Suicidal," I agreed.

  We stared at each other for a beat. "So ... we're still going to do it?" she confirmed.

  "Yup."

  A delicate snort of laughter escaped her. "Alright then. Let's keep going."

  We're coming to get you, Loki, I said down the bond.

  I could feel the warm feeling of love he sent down the bond. I appreciate this, but I'm still advising you to leave. We aren't ready for a war with Odin. Or Thor.

  Thor is underground. He won't be able to reach his lightning. That works in our favor.

  His power is nothing to scoff at, Loki warned.

  I'm aware. We'll be careful.

  And if you get caught?

  I grinned. Then we'll figure something else out. I'm not leaving you behind. Especially now that I know Odin is there.

  I have to go, Freya. I urge you to take the utmost caution. His voice faded away.

  We will, I assured him.

  "Morrigan," I whispered, "can you shut the bond down to make it undiscoverable?"

  Her mouth went grim at that and she gave me a tight nod. She reached over and touched my arm. Her eyes went silver and darkness shot through my mind. I gasped in surprise.

  "You won't be able to reach each other until I release the spell. But," she added, her eyes darkening, "you won't be able to share your magic either."

  We'd never shared magic before so I wasn't sure what it mattered anyway. I nodded at her and she jerked her head toward the open corridor. "Follow me," she whispered. "I'm pretty sure I know where he is."

  I obediently trailed behind her, a little steadier on my feet this time. There were a lot more reasons to be scared, but for some reason, I seemed better. Like the inevitable was happening and there was nothing I could do about it anyway.

  The screams started the moment we moved to the second corridor. I clapped my hands over my ears and squeezed my eyes shut. Swaying I did everything I could to block out the noise without resorting to magic. I had no idea if Hel could tell if someone else used magic in her domain, but I could. I knew Odin could, too, so it wasn't out of the realm of possibility.

  A few seconds later, the screams died down to a muffled noise, similar to screaming underwater. I opened my eyes and Morrigan's magic swirled around her.

  "Morrigan! Are you sure using magic is a good idea?"

  She rolled her eyes at me. "Ours is so similar, she won't be able to tell the difference. Don't worry. I told you I've been here before."

  I eyed her. "Okay," I said dubiously. "But I'd rather die after I get Loki back. Not before. I at least want to see him first."

  Her teeth gleamed white in the dark. Morrigan looked like a hungry shark. "I have high hopes. And I want to send a message to your ex-hubby. He won't expect me to be here with you. So we're going to take advantage of that."

  I nodded. "Whatever you think will work. I don't have any other ideas because I have no idea what I'm walking into."

  She didn't respond, just turned around and kept walking. I followed after her and we walked for what seemed like forever. It felt like we were in a cavern, like one of those places tourists crowd into and ooh and ahh over the stalactites. But there was little light here and all the stone was polished black. The only voices we could hear were screams. I'd seen no evidence of any rooms or anything making this place a home. Sympathy for Hel flowed through me, even though I knew this was her doing.

  Sometimes when darkness seeps in you have to choose to either embrace it or cast it out. Hel did more than embrace it. She became it. The place wasn't just dark. It was absent of almost all light. If a human somehow wandered in, they would be blind.

  The sound of voices slowly began to trickle in as the screams died down. We were far enough in now that we had to be committed to this suicide mission. It would take us longer to walk out then it would to keep going.

  Apprehension tightened my belly. Every muscle in my body was alert and I looked around expecting someone to jump out at us, but all I could see was darkness. Morrigan held a hand up and I stopped in my tracks. She turned to me and put her index finger to her lips - the universal symbol for quiet.

  I nodded and crept behind her as she slowly peered around the corner. Her magic peeled away from her like black smoke and I could feel the cloaking settle above us, even more powerful than the one we had before.

  "T
here are three guards in the front of the room. I can't tell what they're hiding, but this is where she usually keeps the more powerful guests." She grimaced at the word. We both knew few people visited Hel voluntarily. "If we take them out, we'll alert Odin and Thor to our presence."

  "So how do we get in?" I whispered.

  "We take them over," she whispered back.

  I blinked at her slender neck. She wasn't facing me so I couldn't see her expression. I had no idea if she was serious. If she was, she was talking about possession - a dark magic rarely used by the Asgardians. But Morgan wasn't technically of Asgard.

  "How do you plan on doing that?" I asked and swallowed hard.

  "Very carefully," she whispered. Smoke lifted around us and floated sinuously over to the guards, I assumed. I couldn't see anything without peeking over her shoulder, and I didn't want to alert anyone of my presence. Even though we were cloaked, it seemed foolhardy.

  She waited an agonizingly long time before she whispered, "Gotcha."

  A soft exhale came from me as I realized I hadn't taken a deep breath since we'd come upon the room.

  "We should be able to pass with no issues," she said. "Stay close behind me and do not touch anything."

  I nodded. Morrigan reached and took my hand in her cool one. She stepped out, quiet as a cat in her soft-soled boots. I stepped out behind her and swallowed my gasp down. The three guards stared right at us, but their irises were smoky black, the color of Morrigan's magic. They looked like wax figures, void of life.

  "Are they alive?" I whispered.

  "Not for long if you don't shut up," she snapped back.

  I pressed my lips together and dropped my eyes. I couldn't bear looking at them and could only hope Morrigan would leave them alive when we were finished with this. We tiptoed carefully past the guards, and my footsteps halted as I saw the broad back of my ex-husband standing in front of a large iron cage containing my current husband.

  Morrigan squeezed my hand in warning and pulled me as close to the wall as she could. She turned, her eyes wide with warning. Shaking her head once, she waited for me to pull it together and carefully tiptoed her way around the room. Soon we were standing directly behind Loki's cage.