“Or the common profit,” added Einar.
“That as well,” agreed Melgund. “The mystery of the portal runes points to the old story of how the thieves guilds used to at one point all work together, that there may have been a king of thieves, one who ruled all.”
Pressan said: “And this guild has an extensive library, much like ours in Trondheim. Unfortunately, I and the librarians here have searched for books that may reference the portals, but we have found none.”
“What of books that describe the Heart Tree?” asked Frederick.
“Sadly, none.”
Cormac asked: “What of a parchment or books that describe where we might find a golden apple?”
Pressan nodded and said: “We did search for that as well, and again, found none. But Master Melgund knows a story. And often a story is better than a book.”
Melgund paused as he collected his thoughts. Said: “A story told me by my father and his father before him, and his father’s father, passed on from generation to generation. The Norse gods grew golden apples for they needed them greatly. While we think of the gods as ever-living, this ability to resist old age and disease was because they each ate a golden apple every day. Only one tree grew golden apples and it was tended to by a young goddess, Freya. For the tree required wisdom to tend it, and Freya was wise beyond her years and wise beyond all other gods.”
“Now one day,” continued Melgund, “Loki, Trickster, who was always enamored of his abilities to deceive, disguised himself as a hag. It was this hag that begged a golden apple from Freya, but Freya knew that no person, except the gods, may eat of the golden apples else something terrible would happen. Still, the hag persisted, and so Freya relented. As the hag bit the apple, the tree wilted as the tree could not distinguish between Loki and the hag. Panicking, Loki revealed himself, but it was too late: the tree was dying. Freya, realizing she had been deceived knew of only one way to revive the tree. From the apple that Loki let drop to the ground as he fled—as cowards always do—she found a seed. She placed the seed in the ground and then bit the inside of her mouth hard enough so that it bled. She then spat her blood onto the seed. And the blood of gods is a most powerful magic and a new tree grew while the old one died. Freya never forgave Loki for his deception and thus created her circlet, which she wore always, that would allow her to always see Loki no matter his disguise.”
“I now wear Freya’s circlet,” said Margret.
Melgund was speechless for a moment. Said: “This day continues to become more interesting by the moment. Now, I may know part of the history of the tree that grows golden apples, but I do not know where the tree grows, if it still does.”
The light from the ceiling had been slowly dimming during the long meal and discussion. Now, the ceiling was dark, and torches and oil lamps had been lit.
“I will show you to your rooms,” said Melgund, “and tomorrow I will take you to the Heart Tree where we will destroy it.”
***
“Well,” said Grum, once he was safely in a room with Farling, Arastead, Conall, Stepon, Slofar, and Brascan, “I could get to like Pitcairn.”
“You mean join this guild?” asked Stepon.
“No, I am as I have always said, a blacksmith first and foremost.”
“Some thieves guilds need their own personal blacksmith.”
“Then they can farm that work out to my forge.”
Stepon smiled, then said: “It is just a matter of time before you join our guild. I have seen your type before. All denials, but one day, you will realize the fun we have. And the profit to be made. Fancy clothes do not grow on trees, Grum.”
Grum said: “Stealing purses is not my idea of fun.”
Stepon shook his head and said: “Do not think of it as stealing, so much as you are teaching them a lesson. And the cost of that lesson is the coins in their purse.”
“I think what Grum is trying to say,” said Farling, “is that we have been chosen by Freya as heroes and it would not do for heroes to be stealing from the people they should be protecting.”
Stepon shrugged his shoulders. Said: “All just a matter of time.”
Farling decided it was best to change the subject. Said: “So, what about this Melgund. May we trust him?”
“As much as we trust Einar,” said Stepon.
Farling scoffed, said: “I trust Einar as long as he sees profit in our relationship.”
“Then you had better make sure there is always profit,” said Stepon with a wink. “Now, I have had the opportunity to talk with some of the thieves here my age and they all agree that Melgund is a better master than the previous one, Doshmin. So at least there is that.”
Arastead petted his cat, Peg, and asked: “What happened to him?”
“I was told that after he failed the jobs in Trondheim,” began Stepon, “and wound up owing money to our thieves guild, he was demoted. Then one day, he left on his horse heading north and never returned.”
“So, we can trust Melgund as long as there is profit,” said Farling. “But what profit is there in destroying the Heart Tree. Neither of our kings has agreed there is to be a reward for destroying it and ensuring the Unbreakable Barrier does not fall.”
Stepon said: “I think Einar had to do some negotiations to free Pressan and us, so there will be some profit there for Melgund.”
The room was quiet for a few moments, then Grum said: “What did it feel like moving from Trondheim to here? You have not yet told us.”
“I was wondering when you would ask.” Stepon grinned. “Those of us who travelled spoke of how it made us feel. It was not like riding a horse. I think the only way to really describe it is to say it was like jumping off the edge of a high cliff and just when you think you are about to hit the water, you open your eyes and you are in a different place.”
Arastead said: “Strange still that these two thieves guilds are actually connected in some manner.”
“Does Peg know anything?” asked Farling.
“No, else she would have told me,” said Arastead.
Farling yawned, then said: “I think it is time we retire. Tomorrow will be a very busy day and Grum needs his beauty rest.”
***
Breakfast the next morning, much to Grum’s delight, was also several courses of food.
“I hope they do not send us the bill,” he said to no one as he began eating another course.
Farling chuckled, said: “I think Melgund is having too much fun entertaining two kings to really care too much that you are trying your best to eat him out of house and home.”
“Just trying to get my money’s worth,” said Grum between bites.
Farling noticed a thief come in and whisper in Melgund’s ear. “Something is up,” said Farling to his friends.
Melgund stood, cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention, and said: “I have just been informed there is a matter we must address immediately.”
“What is this about?” asked Frederick. “The Heart Tree is our objective today and we should not be deterred.”
Melgund nodded, said: “I do not think this matter will take us long, King Frederick. I need your advice on something, perhaps advice from all my guests. If I may, I would ask you follow me.”
Frederick and Cormac discussed something in hushed tones, then nodded in agreement, as Cormac said: “We will accompany you as we are your guests. But it is as King Frederick said, the Heart Tree must be destroyed.”
Melgund graciously bowed his head and said: “It will not take long and I think it is something that is connected to the Heart Tree. Please, I ask you to accompany me.”
Grum grabbed some bread as they walked out the door. Melgund led them through the main doors and up the spiral staircase.
“I apologize for the stairs,” said Melgund, “though they do give my thieves strong legs.”
After climbing many steps and just at the point that Farling thought his legs would fall off, Melgund stopped and said: “There are many
hidden doors along this staircase, hidden from everyone unless you know where to look.” He found a latch and pulled. A door built into the wall swung inwards.
“Please, follow me, it is not much further,” said Melgund.
“A good thing breakfast was so filling as I need all my strength for this walk,” said Grum as he tore off a piece of bread and stuffed his mouth.
The door opened into a long hallway. At the far end was a ladder Melgund climbed. Everyone else followed, even Jagjord.
At the top was a large landing with enough space for everyone. The sun shone and the air was tinged with the smell of the rivers. The building upon which they stood was tall, taller than many of the other buildings, giving the group a clear view of the surrounding cityscape.
Melgund pointed at four boys in a side alley. Said: “I made sure we are downwind from these boys so they do not catch our scent. Do you recognize any of them?”
Everyone looked at the boys and all shook their heads, except Farling, who said: “They look familiar to me, but I cannot say why.”
Melgund said: “They picked up your group’s scent outside Pitcairn, and were able to follow it to our hidden entrance, even over the smell of all the fish.”
Nas watched the four boys, then said: “There is something unnatural about them, eldritch in nature. They appear to be almost were-like.”
“Were-like?” asked Cormac.
Nas said: “In days of old, powerful wizards thought it would be advantageous to mix parts of animals with humans.”
“Why?” asked Cormac.
“To make humans stronger of course,” answered Nas. “People are weak, so take the best part of the wolf and make a person part wolf or were-wolf, someone with the abilities to follow a scent, the speed to hunt, the teeth and claws to slay. It was a mad king some say that long ago twisted a class of wizards to create these were-beasts to be his ultimate warriors. Some whisper the were-beasts quickly turned on the mad king and their wizard creators, destroying all the parchments that described how to make them, and then they fled to die in the woods.”
Melgund frowned. Said: “I worry they will stop you from reaching the Heart Tree.”
Cruithni scoffed and said: “We are a large group of warriors. You think these were-beasts would be mad enough to attack our group?”
“Pitcairn differs from Dennland, especially Trondheim as it is so far away,” said Melgund. “Here in Pitcairn, we have our own superstitions and stories and one of those is the myth of the were-beasts. Even though they are not full grown, they each have the strength of several men. Their reflexes are as lightening, they are immune to pain, and their running endurance is as a horse. They will do their best to stop you from reaching the Heart Tree.”
“Then it is a fool’s errand,” said Frederick. “We will not be delayed.”
“At the very least, let us leave for the Heart Tree a different way, far from the were-beasts. That way, they should not be able to follow your scents. And while you are gone, my thieves will lay a trap for them.”
Farling asked: “I thought you said they are dangerous. Won’t they be dangerous to capture?”
“We are fishermen here in Pitcairn, our nets are strong,” replied Melgund.
Nas said: “This time, you will not be capturing fish.”
“Our nets are strong,” confidently said Melgund.
Margret narrowed her gaze at the strange boys. Said: “I do see magic about them. Their bodies glow slightly as if they are imbued with magic. In their satchels, even from here, I see bottles of liquids that are magical in nature.”
“Potions,” said Nas with a darkened face. “They are armed with additional potions. Alchemist has a hand in all of this.”
“I never did trust him,” said Melgund. “Doshmin, our previous master, involved us with this Alchemist. I have been doing my best to undo the damage. I see there is now more I must undo. Now, let us leave. I will lead us to a stable on the side of town farthest from the Heart Tree. We will take the long but safer route. Now, back down the ladder as I feel the wind has changed direction.”
***
Once safely back in the guild, Jagjord said: “I will not be going to the Heart Tree. I fear my tired horse will slow us down. I will stay and keep Pressan company.”
Pressan looked shocked, said: “And how do you know I am not going?”
Jagjord raised an eyebrow.
“You know me too well, Jagjord.” Pressan smiled. “I have been enjoying the library here a great deal. And I do not do well in combat, not like in my younger days.”
Farling said: “Let us not forgot Pressan’s bravery when he stood up against the Draugr. Without his aid, we would never have defeated the demon.”
Pressan grinned then said: “A good thing Sihr and Margret are so skilled in the arts of healing, else I would never have recovered.”
“Father,” said Margret, “I too will be staying. I think my skills may be put to better use here, looking for the items of magic, rings, bracelets, what have you, that will activate the portal rune.”
“Of course, daughter,” said Cormac. “I will have the brothers and Nas to protect me. Now, Melgund, how far is this Heart Tree.”
“A day’s travel at least. We should pack for the trip.”
“There is something I need to bring on this trip,” said Nas as he whispered to Melgund. Melgund listened intently nodding his head.
“You can have as much as you want,” he said.
“I suspect I need it all,” said Nas.
***
“What is it?” asked Beornheard.
Liulfr sniffed, moving his head from one side then to the other, always sniffing.
Beornheard jerked his head, asked: “Are they near?”
Liulfr nodded, said: “The wind changed direction and I caught their scent. Kees, do you see our prey?”
Kees shielded his eyes from the sun and surveyed the buildings, windows, and porches. “No,” he said, “none match the descriptions given to us by our master.”
“They were wise enough to be downwind from us,” said Asbjorn. “That means they know who we are and of our task.”
“A correct observation,” said Liulfr. “We must have drawn attention to ourselves. How, I do not know.”
“There is only one group of people suspicious of any strangers,” said Asbjorn. “Thieves.”
Liulfr asked: “You think they would be sheltered by the thieves guild of Pitcairn?”
Asbjorn shrugged and said: “We know they are here. And we lost their trail. So where would be the safest place to hide?”
Liulfr nodded, said: “Your wily mind is as always perceptive. Our master dealt with the master of the guild here. But that leader is no more, and the guild has distanced itself from us.”
“We must find this guild,” grunted Beornheard.
“Easier said than done,” said Liulfr. “Though I think we may have found one of the entrances to the guild. Tonight, we return. Then, Asbjorn, you will summon your rats and they will search the sewers. And Kees, you will summon your cats who will search the rooftops.”
Asbjorn and Kees grunted in agreement.
Liulfr wolfishly grinned and said: “Our Master will be so proud of us once we slaughter those kings and their followers.”
“And if we find this hidden thieves guild,” growled Beornheard, “we make it our lair.”
Liulfr bared his sharp canines and said: “I believe, Beornheard, Asbjorn’s devious ways are rubbing off on you. Now, let us get some food as tonight, we hunt.”
“How do we know they will not leave this morning for the Heart Tree?” asked Beornheard.
“We do not,” answered Liulfr, “but Asbjorn and Kees have their network of rat and cat informants spread about the city, so we will know if they leave Pitcairn.”
***
Within the hour, good to his word, Melgund brought everyone to a stable on the far end of Pitcairn. Several young boys had saddled all the horses, and everything was read
y. They walked the horses by leash to everyone in the group.
As he waited for his horse, Grum tried to kick a rat but it scuttled out of the way. Once a safe distance from Grum’s foot, the rat turned and stared at Grum.
“Why does it stare at me like that?” he asked. “Are there no cats in this stable?”
“There are,” replied Farling looking around and seeing many cats, “but they do not seem very interested in chasing the rats.”
Cats of many shapes and sizes were perched on beams or sitting on the ground. And as he gazed at each cat, each cat seemed to return his gaze with unnatural calmness.
Farling murmured: “There is something not right with these animals.”
“Are Pitcairn cats just different from those in Trondheim?” asked Grum.
Just then, a low growl sounded deep in Peg’s throat.
“I think we had best go,” said Arastead as he tried to calm his cat. Instead, her growl became louder.
Hearing Peg growl, Nas walked over and the boys whispered their concerns.
The cats now stared at Nas who said: “I think you are right; there is something not right about these rats and cats.” He reached into a pouch, pulled out a handful of powder, and threw in the air. As the powder drifted lazily down, Nas murmured words of enchantment. Instantly, the cats hissed, the rats squeaked, and all disappeared.
Nas found Frederick and Cormac. “My kings,” said Nas, “we must leave now. Those were-beasts are more powerful than I imagined. It will take time for word of our departure to reach their masters’ ears, but not much.”
Tuathail tapped his quarterstaff on the ground and said to Nas: “Afraid of some rats now are you?”
Nas wryly smiled and said: “It is not the rats or cats I fear, but the fangs and claws of their masters. And you should too, Tuathail.”
Tuathail merely chuckled. “I have fought bigger lads than those,” he said.
The Prophecy of Asgard Page 7
