From Death to Valhalla (The Last Einherjar Book 1)

by Randall P. Fitzgerald

  Erik watched as Ljunge and Tove cut down the einherjar who chased after them with no real trouble. A few errant swipes of the blade came close to Tove, but she seemed to use the strikes to draw her attackers in close.

  When the last of them were cut down, they rejoined Erik and a deafening horn sounded. The valkyries turned their eyes to Erik all at once and he felt his blood run cold. He readied himself, Tove and Ljunge taking his lead and preparing for a fight even as they were exhausted from the one before.

  A single pair of doors just in front of him opened and a woman with long, golden-brown hair walked from them. She was dressed in flowing white and stopped as the doors closed behind her. She smiled at Erik.

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  She seemed to hover under the white, flowing gown, almost radiant in the midday sun. Her face was gentle and her smile was calm. Erik found it hard to pull his eyes away from the woman, beautiful as she was. He did, looking up to the balcony. The valkyries had returned to Valhalla, leaving him in the yard with only the woman, Ljunge, and Tove. It did little to calm him, only raised more questions.

  The woman came to a stop just outside arm’s reach, smiling politely.

  “Welcome, Haki Erik Styrsson, to Valhalla.”

  She gave a small bow, large breasts swaying under the thin cloth she wore. Behind him, Erik heard Tove punch Ljunge. For a moment, he relaxed.

  “It wasn’t a very warm welcome.”

  “You must have many concerns.” It was all she did to address his statement. “I am called Eir and I am the highest of valkyries currently at Valhalla, so I have been sent to see to you.” She looked him over, at no point so much as sparing a glance for Tove or Ljunge. “If you are wounded, I will care for you.”

  “I’m fine.” Noticing her focus so completely on him pulled the reality of where he stood back into his mind. “What’s the game here? Are you going to kill me? Where’s Göll?”

  She kept her pleasant smile, seeming for all the world like she could not feel any other emotion. “I have come to see you inside. You are…” She paused, her smile not fading. “You are a unique presence. Göll has been prepared to stand with you as you face Odin. He has called to have you brought before him.”

  Erik’s eyes narrowed, the sense of a threat rolled through him. Her phrasing was something he could not rightly ignore. Facing Odin could mean many things and he doubted the valkyrie would explain herself even if pressed on the matter.

  She turned, looking over a shoulder with the same smile. “If you would follow me, I will show you to Valhalla and your destiny.”

  Göll was inside. There was no other place to go. He could neither see the square nor the forest. Erik had locked them into whatever awaited them inside the moment he set foot on the battlefield. He stood in his place, Eir walking a ways away and turning to wait for him, no sense of impatience about her.

  He turned to his companions. “Look, whatever this is, if things go bad, run.”

  Tove shook her head. “Why would we leave you? We are a warband.”

  Ljunge shrugged. “As simple as she is most times, the girl says some good things. Go and see what waits for us in Valhalla.”

  Erik pulled a breath and shut his eyes, letting it out. Tove put a hand on his arm, smiling up at him when he opened his eyes again. She spun him around and pushed him toward Eir.

  The valkyrie resumed leading them into the open doors when Erik walked toward her. Inside the doors was a narrow room with a dozen smaller openings that led into winding, single-file hallways. Light seemed to fill every inch of the space, though it came from nowhere. Exquisite gold-trimmed, stone statues of warring men and stoic gods were placed throughout. Runes praising Odin were carved into every wall along where the stone met the gold ceiling, the shields that formed it glimmering above them. Even the walls held paintings and tapestries showing great battles of both men and gods. They bled from one to another. Views of the Aesir and the Vanir clashing gave way to scenes of long dead kings of men where valkyries watched. Eir led them through the winding cathedral, built in honor of glorious death, until they came to a door. She pushed it open and Erik followed her out into a towering hall. It was empty of any furniture and the walls were lined with horns and weapons and more statues. Beams of light shone down impossibly from each side of the room. Erik could smell the faint lingering odor of ale.

  Eir walked them all to the center of the floor and back toward a large door with torches to either side. The door was on flat ground, while another at the far end of the hall sat up a few stairs at the far edge of a landing.

  Their guide turned to them, smiling. “You will await your audience here, in this spot.” She nodded before turning and starting across the hall. As she moved down the carpet, the doors at the far end of the hall opened and Erik heard the familiar hiss of valkyrie wings in the air.

  They poured in, four at a time, flying up and lining the walls of the hall, the hiss quieting as they stood themselves on small outcroppings. There were dozens, they all stared at him with empty eyes. Göll was brought in, escorted by two more of her kind. Her head was down and she barely put any strength into her steps as she walked across the room. She was brought to his side and left there, the valkyries taking their places along the wall. She did not look up at him, only kept her eyes toward the ground. The necklace he’d given her was still around her neck.

  “Göll. Hey. Hey!”

  He reached out for her, but before his hand came to her arm, Eir cleared her throat.

  “You will now have your audience with the Allfather.”

  Eir walked to the side, stopping just past the edge of the door. It came open and the feel in the air changed immediately. Erik’s head began to spin, as if he were under a wave, being dragged across the bottom of the sea. An enormous man, old and without a hint of joy in his face entered the room. He wore armor made of leather and plate and on his back was a spear that seemed to repulse Erik’s eyes from even attempting to look at the tip. It was unmistakably Odin, King of the Gods and Wanderer and so many other things. Erik felt the power rise inside of him, his hands trembling in terror just from the presence of the Aesir before him. He stood in the presence of a god and his body knew it more honestly than he could fathom.

  “You.” The word from Odin’s lips seemed to ring on forever, lost down a well with no bottom. “You dare to come to this place. After all my warnings.” The mighty king snarled, lips curling in anger. “And one of my own would bring you. Your influence has pulled her from my control. But no longer.” Odin shook his head, fire burning behind disappointed eyes. “You have come to bring ruin, Haki Erik Styrsson. To us all. And for it, I will see you destroyed, along with all those who would aid you. Even my own.”

  Anger rose behind the fear, Erik willing his body to move, his mouth to speak.

  “What would you say for yourself? A creature such as you, born of mistakes? Do you regret the crimes you would commit against us all?”

  Erik shook free of the oppressive air around him. “I don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. I haven’t done anything.”

  Odin’s face changed, flashing what Erik swore was fear for only a moment before settling to an impressed calm. “You bark, baring your teeth to claim innocence. And yet you stand in my hall with a warband. Corrupting my very precious daughters, wounding them.” His voice flared, the power of it pushing Erik backward. “That you would so besmirch my good will! That you would ignore my attempts to hand you salvation! You must be destroyed!”

  “Fuck you, old man!” The rage in him flared, pulling him free of the grip of Odin’s power fully. “You want to kill me? Huh?! Haven’t your valkyries done it enough?”

  Odin clenched his jaw, the hate in his eyes was pure and powerful. “You have forced my hand, Haki Erik Styrsson. Göll will be destroyed and you will see my pain. Then you will be undone.”

  “You won’t fucking touch
her!” Erik’s voice rose to a roar, the windows shaking as he screamed the words. “Understand me?!”

  Odin’s eyes opened wide. The fear was there, Erik saw it. The Allfather’s eyebrows twitched. “You… you! I will not let Skuld’s words come to pass!” His voice was paranoid, nervous, not at all the godly thunder it had been. “Gunnr!” A valkyrie flew down to his side instantly. “Destroy Göll!”

  He laid a hand on the valkyrie and the color of her spear shifted to a deep purple, almost black at the center of the blade. Göll did not move or even look as Gunnr charged. Erik felt his body push through the air as he rushed in front of Göll, the spear nearly at him already. He balled his fist and swung at the weapon. It shattered in the valkyrie’s hand, but she did not stop. Erik had counted on it.

  His other fist came up, elbow cocked. He put all the energy he could find inside his body into the blow, turning his body to put his weight behind it. He struck squarely on Gunnr’s face, her cheek crackling under his fist. He let out a guttural yell that shook the very walls of Valhalla and pushed through any resistance he felt. The valkyrie came to pieces, her blood and skin splitting. The pieces turned to shimmering rubies and scattered across the hall. Gunnr was gone.

  Erik stood and let another yell ring out.

  Odin bristled, his rage growing to match Erik’s own. “Kill them!” The valkyries hesitated. Madness flashed again in Odin’s eyes, quickly subsumed by the rage. “Now!” His voice shattered the windows of the hall and the valkyries took to the air. Göll dropped to her knees, screaming. She fell over to her side, wrapping her arms tight around her chest. Erik saw Odin take a step, knowing he could not turn to face his warband. Behind he heard the sounds of battle. Ljunge gasped first and then came a scream from Tove. They were lost behind him. The valkyries did not set upon Göll, only turned.

  Odin came to the first step of his landing, his foot coming down. Fire in his eyes, he drew Gungnir from his back. Erik’s body screamed in rebellion, begging him to flee but he would not take himself from Göll’s side.

  Behind he heard the valkyries scatter and the doors to Valhalla flew open, a hot wind carried behind them. Göll’s pained screams stopped and she lay still on the floor. Erik did not pull his eyes from Odin, only listened. Odin’s eyes left Erik and the rage became indignance.

  “Why do you defile my hall, giantess?”

  Erik turned, his eyes finding Hel standing in the doorway, Vár at her side. She was taller than Modgudr in spite of her appearance in Midgard and now wore a flowing dress that seemed to shift from red to black as the light hit it.

  “Oh don’t look at me like that, Odin.” She sighed. “I’m only here to keep up my end of a bargain.”

  “You would interfere in this?”

  “I would.” She chuckled, waving Vár toward Erik. “Is there any reason I shouldn’t?”

  Odin lifted his head, looking down at Hel, still holding Gungnir in his hands. He pointed the spear at Erik. “You know what he is. And yet you would stop me? Is that what you wish on us all?”

  Hel laughed mockingly. “Of course I know. Why would I bother with him if I didn’t?” She smiled coyly. “But a bargain is still a bargain.”

  “And why should I not be rid of him? What do I care for your bargains?”

  Hel’s face darkened but the smile remained, daring Odin to defy her. “You can destroy him. Go ahead. But you know I’ll have you return what’s mine if you do… all of it.” Her tone changed to one that was almost chipper. “Or, you can let him walk out of this wonderful hall and return to my wonderful city. I mean, either one works for me, but since I came all the way here, I don’t feel like leaving without a gift.”

  Odin seethed, his teeth grinding. Without a word, he put Gungnir back in its place and stormed out of the hall. The valkyries left with him and the hall stood empty again, except for Erik, Göll, Hel, and Vár. Hel immediately turned and took her leave.

  “Just in case I need to say it myself… Come see me, Erik. We have a lot to discuss.”

  With that she was gone, Vár still at his side. He ignored her, crouching beside Göll. She was breathing, but exhausted. Erik lifted her, struggling to hold her up with exhaustion coursing through his body. The blow that killed Gunnr had been nearly all the strength in him. He walked from the hall with Vár beside him. She kept close to him as they walked into the square. It was empty now, quiet.

  Erik looked at Vár. “Why are you here?”

  “Seems I’m not allowed to watch you from a distance anymore. Hardly my own choice.” She looked him over. “Though, you are certainly more interesting than Hel had said. Saving a murderess and standing against the Allfather.” She laughed. “Very interesting.”

  They returned to the streetcar, Erik eager to return to the hotel and make sure that Tove and Ljunge were still alive. There was no way of knowing if they were. Vár offered no help, saying she’d not had the pleasure of dying in Odin’s hall of doomed men.

  He reached the hotel, carrying Göll upstairs. She had shown no sign of waking during their trip and her breath was still shallow. It was stable enough, though. The clerk seemed surprised to see him return but came to Erik anyway when he entered.

  “Y-y-you have… returned? From Valhalla?”

  Erik walked past the man, who turned, following him. “Yeah. Seems like it.”

  “That is… very…” The clerk cleared his throat. “Of course, you are still welcome. Your party has returned… they… the girl seems worse for the wear but the man— such a charming man— he said it would be alright.” The clerk entered the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. “They are in the same room.”

  Erik thanked the clerk, carrying Göll to the door. He could hear Tove screaming from the far side. Vár opened it and Ljunge stood, hands going to the empty sheaths at his sides.

  “Erik.” He calmed seeing Erik. “And the valkyrie.” He chuckled. “I hadn’t expected either of you, if I’m honest.” Ljunge smiled, giving an exaggerated bow to Vár who scoffed and went to find a chair.

  Erik took Göll to the bed, laying her beside Tove before collapsing onto a couch and giving a heavy sigh.

  “I’m hungry.”

  “Punching a valkyrie hard enough to turn her to gemstones likely does that to a man. Not that I’d know.” Ljunge was looking at Vár. “Why is Hel’s seductress here?”

  Vár looked at Ljunge. “You would do well to mind how you speak of me.”

  Ljunge looked at Erik, eyes wide. “I like her, Erik.”

  As much as the comfort of Ljunge’s carefree nature was welcome, Erik could not stop himself worrying about Göll. He would have to go and see Hel and have some answers to his questions. He sat up on the couch.

  “Ljunge. Go order some food. I’ll explain everything that happened in Valhalla.” He paused. “Well, all the parts I understand.” Erik looked at Göll lying motionless on the bed. “I’ll be asking Hel about the rest.”

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  Ljunge brought food, including some for Tove, in case she made it past her pain, and some for Vár, likely in case she would like him better for having done so. She ate the food but showed no real appreciation for Ljunge’s effort. Though Tove had stopped her screaming, she was still incapable of moving for the most part.

  When the meal was done, Ljunge sat himself unnecessarily close to Vár and acted as though it was incidental, turning the attention to Erik.

  “What plans do you have?”

  Erik sighed, unsure exactly what it was he intended to do. “Assuming Hel has no intention of carrying on, I plan on finding out what we’re supposed to do now.” Erik buried his head in his hands in frustration for a moment. Without moving his hands, he continued. “It seems pretty obvious that fucking Odin wants to kill me. That’s a pretty new piece of information to deal with.”

  Ljunge crossed his legs, leaning toward Vár. “Well, wha
t have you done to him?”

  “Nothing. I didn’t even believe in him until I ended up getting stabbed in the lung by flying crazies. Maybe a few hours before, actually, but that’s not really important.”

  “You did not believe in Odin?” Ljunge gave a disbelieving laugh. “Who do you imagine made humans?”

  Erik held up a hand. “That’s really going to take a long time to explain. I was wrong. I’m okay with that. It doesn’t matter. The point is I didn’t do anything. I was just… I lived in an apartment, not that you know what that is, but I wasn’t important.”

  Vár drank from a cup of tea Ljunge had brought. “He speaks the truth. He was wholly unimportant in Midgard. Pathetic by most measures. And weak. Not even a hair on his chin.” Erik started to complain but Vár finished her thought. “He’s come a long way.”

  He was taken aback by the comment. “I don’t like that you’re being nice to me.”

  “Honesty is neither kind nor rude.” Vár sighed and swatted Ljunge who’d gotten too close. The swipe drew blood from a fine cut. He did not lean away. “I am growing very weary of being in a room with this man.”

  Ljunge leaned back. “Yes, but he leads the warband so it falls to us to put up with him.” He shook his head mournfully. “A pity I wasn’t picked. You can admit that you feel as much, Vár.”

  Vár stood. “How long do you intend on sitting in this room, Haki Erik Styrsson?”

  Erik rubbed his temples. “Until Tove can walk. And then we’ll go to Hel’s… keep? Castle? Her whatever.”

  She walked to Erik’s place on the couch, grabbing his arm and pulling him up. “Your clothes are a mess. I won’t have you see my mistress in them and I will not sit in a room with a living mistake of personal judgement for any longer.” She turned. “Pervert, you will watch the two that remain here, do you understand me?”