by S. T. Bende
Though their definition of honor was slightly different than ours.
“We need your help.” Henrik leaned forward, hands clasped and elbows on his knees. “Tyr says you might know why the dragons are acting weird. If they’ve got anything to do with Freya’s disappearance, we need to figure it out.” Henrik quickly recapped what we’d learned about the recent Nidavellir dragon uprisings, their sudden presence in Muspelheim and the transmutation of the fire giants, and the unusually fast reaction the mortals were having to Freya’s absence.
Berry steepled his fingers. “The dragons are moving with more cohesion than usual. Normally the four main clans battle amongst themselves, but in the past month they have turned on us.”
My eyes widened. “They’re supposed to protect dwarves—or at least your minerals and treasures.”
“They used to.” Berry stared at his hands. “But now they are hunting my people.”
Oh, Odin’s ravens. This is so not good.
“The dragons gather at the base of Einak Mountain at sunrise and disappear for the day. After dark, they raid the villages, abducting any dwarf they can capture. Most of us took to the caves for protection.” Now Berry’s gnarled fingers cupped his tea.
“Why aren’t you underground?” I asked.
“The dragons granted me immunity.”
“Why would they do that?” Henrik wondered.
Berry lifted his shoulders. “Because I am their healer.”
Back the Bifrost up. This little old man was… a veterinarian?
Henrik nodded. “And so long as you’re useful as their healer, they let you live.”
“Oh, you misunderstand.” Berry shook his head. “They are not killing the dwarves they abduct. They take them to Nidhogg alive.”
“Nidhogg?” I tried to keep the incredulity out of my voice. There was no way the dragon king from my childhood bedtime stories was real.
Berry raised one spiky eyebrow. “Have you heard of him?”
“Who hasn’t?” I stared at Henrik. “He’s not some fairytale villain?”
Henrik drained his cup and set it on the table. “It’s news to me. There’s actually a dragon king?”
Berry nodded. “I healed him once. He lives in Náströnd, protected by his guardians—dense, black shadows that shape-shift to take on whatever form serves their purpose. They are like the ikkedød, but crueler.”
“We’ve seen them.” I elbowed Henrik with enough enthusiasm that he rubbed his ribs. “Sorry. But now we know what they are. Those are the things from the attack footage, the ones that tried to kill Tyr, and abducted Freya.”
“They sure are.” Henrik narrowed his eyes.
“So the shadows are the guardians of Náströnd?” I continued. “Like, they guard the dragon king’s lair? What do you call them?”
“Around here we call them the specters.” Berry shivered.
The specters. Yeesh. Those things were seriously terrifying. And seriously powerful. They’d incapacitated the God of War and kidnapped the leader of the valkyries, all without suffering a single casualty.
I sipped my tea as my brain whirred. “I know Náströnd is in one of the dark realms, but just where is it exactly?”
The dwarf’s face scrunched in distaste. “Helheim.”
Double great. The dragon king lived in Helheim. And he commanded the dragons to bring live dwarves to… somewhere, in order to do… something.
Henrik leaned forward. “Do you have any idea what Nidhogg wants with the dwarves?”
“No.” Berry’s mouth turned down. “But if I had to guess, based on what you say about Muspelheim, I believe they have established a portal between Einak Mountain and the volcano in the fiery realm. And if Nidhogg plays a role, it is not out of the question to believe the portal goes beyond Muspelheim, straight to—”
“To Helheim,” I groaned. “Ugh. They’ve got an army of captive dwarves guarding the Goddess of Love in Helheim.”
“Not necessarily,” Henrik mused. “Think about it. We wonder how the inter-species mutation is happening, right? Dwarves and dragons share a realm; they breathe the same elements and consume the same minerals. They have a far more similar genetic makeup to dragons than fire giants do. No offense,” he hastened.
“None taken,” Berry assured him.
“So?” I asked.
“So, what if the dwarves aren’t guarding Freya? What if, instead, whoever’s orchestrating everything is using the dwarves as lab rats? Testing the transmutation on the more compatible species before integrating the more… lethal species?” Henrik rubbed the back of his neck.
“You think Nidhogg’s testing the mutation out on the dwarves first? Maybe. But if it’s already been successful with the fire giants, why hasn’t he returned the dwarves to their realm?” I set down my mug.
“Maybe he can’t.” Henrik sighed. “Maybe the foreign genes killed them.”
Berry stiffened in his chair. “A dragon would never kill a dwarf. Such an act would be dishonorable.”
“Yeah, well, the dragons aren’t injecting the genes themselves; they’ve got questionable fine motor skills, remember? Whoever’s controlling them is doing that part,” Henrik offered.
“Hold on,” I interrupted. “You said something earlier about dwarves harvesting treasures and minerals from the mines, right?”
“Correct.” Berry waited while I worked it out.
“Well, could there have been any minerals down there with transmutable properties? Something that might be able to effectuate the transfer of abilities from one species to another?” I asked.
Henrik sat up straighter.
I kept going. “Think about it, Berry. If you guys had some kind of an element that acted as a conductor, whether magically or naturally, couldn’t the bad guys use that to create these super soldiers?”
“Like the ultimate power conductor. And if we find that and destroy it, it’s game over for the new breed of Muspelheim monsters.” Henrik leaned back and shot me a grin. “Nice logic.”
“Don’t give me the blue ribbon just yet,” I cautioned. “The theory only works if a mineral like that exists.”
We both turned to Berry and waited.
He sat very still. After a long moment he let out a slow breath and unclenched his fists. “We found a red crystal in one of the mines a while back. We had never seen one, so we took it to the lab to run some tests. It turned out the crystal was an anomaly. It refracted light, contained healing properties, and could act as an energy source like most of our crystals. But this one offered an additional capability.”
“It could transfer abilities between beings?” I guessed.
Berry nodded. “We have some magic here. Not as much as you do in Asgard, but enough to generate light down in the mines and craft the treasures your people seem so fond of.”
“You make pretty fabulous treasures,” I praised.
“We do. We called on one of our light fairies and one of the muses who inspire our craftsmen, and they both agreed to test the red crystal.” Berry leaned forward.
“Let me guess. You’re now the proud owner of a glowing muse?” Henrik surmised.
“Exactly.”
“Do you think the perps might have the crystal?” I asked. “Could they be using it to create these super soldiers?”
“It is the most plausible explanation.” Berry rubbed his hands along the arms of the leather armchair. “I cannot think of another mineral capable of generating this result. And you say your science has not been able to foster it.”
“Fan-bloody-tastic.” Henrik dropped his head in his hands.
“No, this is good.” I grinned. “We know what we’re dealing with. Berry, if we destroy the crystal, its powers will be released, right? Meaning the super soldiers would lose their transmuted abilities, and go back to being, well, just plain fire giants?”
“In theory, yes. When a subterranean-based Nidavellir crystal is shattered, its power returns to the earth and it becomes just another rock.�
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“Okay. So to neutralize the giant threat, and put us back on an even playing field with at least one of the groups standing between us and Freya, we have to find the crystal and shatter it. We know the dragons are working under Nidhogg’s control, and they’re transferring their speed and flaming breath to the fire giants, possibly through an airborne substance via the Muspelheim volcano. That means Nidhogg’s probably got the crystal—or whoever he’s working for does. The real question is, who’s controlling Nidhogg?” I thought out loud. “I can’t see a dragon king wanting to genetically engineer super soldiers. Or kidnap our love goddess and send the realms into darkness. Besides total domination, what’s in it for him?”
Henrik sucked in a breath. “Total domination. That’s it.”
“What’s it?” I blinked.
“Brynn, think about it. Total domination. Tyr’s best friend is abducted, and the realms are on the verge of crashing into darkness. Who do you think stands to gain the most from this?”
I blinked again.
“Okay.” Henrik tried another tactic. “Who’s been trying to bring Tyr to the dark side for, oh, forever? Who just sicced Tyr’s childhood pet on everyone he knows and loves?”
I mulled it over. “Hymir?”
“Exactly.”
I shook my head. “Hymir’s not smart enough to get all these pieces moving together.”
“Maybe he is not working alone.” Berry tapped his fingers together. “Has the balance of power recently shifted in your realm? Do you have a new ally or a captive you did not have before?”
Henrik’s head snapped up and he met my stare with wide eyes. “Fenrir,” we whispered in unison.
Berry tilted his head. “You captured the wolf?”
“We did,” I confirmed. “And we killed Garm in the process.”
Berry leaned back in his chair. “Well then. You just made a legion of enemies. Garm was Nidhogg’s daughter. Nidhogg gave her to Hel when she took command of the realm.”
“Holy Mother Frigga.” My hand flew to my forehead. “You killed a dragon princess, Henrik? That cannot be good for us.”
“In my defense, she tried to kill me first. But if I killed Hel’s guard dragon, and Freya and Tyr captured Hel’s brother…” Henrik swore. “We’ve got the perfect storm of ticked off demons.”
“Yeah, well, bad things come in threes, right? We’ve got Nidhogg and Hel mad at us. Who’s the third? Is it Loki?” I wondered. He might have been on his uppers this month, but he was never a force to underestimate.
“Gods, who isn’t mad at us these days?” Henrik rolled his eyes. “We’ve got two targets for now. Odds are good they’ve got enough to do with Freya’s disappearance—we can catch our next link in Helheim.”
“Stay away from Helheim,” Berry warned. “There are rumors of dark factions moving together in its heart.”
“Yeah, well, when aren’t dark factions hanging out in Helheim?” Henrik shrugged. “Besides, if Freya’s there, it doesn’t matter. We have to go.”
“Yeah, it looks like we’re going to Hel.” I sighed. “All we need is a hand basket.”
“What’s a hand basket going to do?” Henrik looked confused.
“Going to Hel? In a hand basket? It’s one of Mia’s funny sayings.” I stared at Henrik’s blank face. “I don’t understand it either, but she says it a lot. Come on. We’d better move.”
Henrik stood and shook Berry’s hand. “Thank you. We truly appreciate your help.”
Berry gave a tight smile. “Be careful. And bring Freya home safely.”
“You have our word,” Henrik vowed.
I shook Berry’s hand and carried our mugs to the sink. Without needing to speak, Henrik and I raced for the clearing. Heimdall must have been watching—he lowered the Bifrost before we even called for it.
“To the safe house,” Henrik ordered. “Let’s finish this.”
“Let’s finish this,” I repeated. I squeezed my eyes shut as we once again flew through the realms.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
MY NAUSEA EBBED AS I climbed the stairs from the beach to the safe house. Henrik walked behind me, his hands on my waist to steady residual wobbles.
“I hate the Bifrost,” I muttered as we walked across the grass. Henrik fell into step beside me but kept his hand on my lower back. I so very much wished I could wrangle my little black box into submission.
Perfekt control was something of an enigma these days.
“There they are!” Mia’s voice rang across the lawn. Through the open door I saw her leap from the couch and race toward the porch. She met us at the door. “Henrik,” she hissed. “Drop your hand. Stop touching Brynn.”
“I’ve been saying that all day,” I grumbled.
“I can hear you, mortal.” A cool voice came from inside. “You seriously think I couldn’t see them walking here? Your eyesight might be pitifully poor, but Asgardian eyes see everything.”
“Not everything,” Forse muttered from the couch. “Or you’d know you didn’t have a chance in—”
“Step aside, human. I need to talk with your friend.” The voice dripped aural ice. My insides clenched as I un-shouldered my backpack and clutched it in my hands. What did I do to tick off Freya’s number two?
Mia bit her bottom lip and did as instructed. She reached out to squeeze my arm as I stepped inside the house, Henrik at my side. His hand still rested on my lower back. Only now, the butterflies were gone.
“Brynhild.” I lowered my head as protocol dictated after meeting her stare. “What brings you to Midgard?”
“You do, you insipid little child.” Brynhild crossed her arms.
My backpack fell to the ground with a clunk.
“Hey.” Henrik’s voice was low and menacing. He stepped in front of me, shoulders pulled back and hands balled in fists. “Don’t talk to her like that.”
“Forgetting your place, soldier? Because with Freya gone, I command the valkyries, which ranks me well above you.” Brynhild moved forward so she and Henrik stood eye to eye. Seriously, she matched his six-feet four-inches. In combat boots. Some goddesses got all the height.
“That’s enough.” Tyr’s angry command boomed from the balcony over the living room. He thundered down the stairs and stood in front of the fireplace. His jaw was clenched, and the vein in his neck bulged as he glared at Brynhild. Mia, Elsa, Forse, Henrik and I watched him carefully. “I will not have you come into my house and talk to my team like that. Remember, Brynhild, this safe house is under my command. And I will eject any threat immediately. Including you.”
“Well, Brynn is under my command. As Freya’s second, oversight of the valkyries falls to me in her absence. And when one of our officers engages in an infraction this egregious, it’s up to me to relieve her of her duties.” Brynhild stared Tyr down.
“Relieve her of her duties?” Elsa gasped. “Brynn didn’t do anything wrong! She and Henrik have been working day and night to find Freya.”
“That’s not all they’ve been doing day and night.” Brynhild put her hands on her hips and turned to me. “Do you want to tell them about Alfheim, Brynn? Or should I?”
My throat closed up. She knew. Oh gods, how did she know? My one stupid mistake was going to cost me everything.
“Nothing happened, Brynhild. If anyone told you otherwise, it was a lie.” Henrik’s voice was steady, and I reached up to touch his arm in thanks. Whatever muscle my fingertips brushed was tense.
“Oh, really?” Brynhild smirked. “Because my source told me that you two were making out by the waterfall.”
Humiliation washed over me in waves. Now all our friends knew about my mortification. Well, Elsa already knew, but she knew everything. The rest of them…
“You finally kissed?” Mia whispered out of the side of her mouth.
I shook my head. Technically, we hadn’t done anything. I’d kissed. Henrik had rebuffed.
Then I’d asked the universe to swallow me whole.
“Your sourc
e was dead wrong.” Henrik held up his hand. “On my honor as a warrior, I did not kiss Brynn.”
Brynhild arched one pointed eyebrow and stepped closer to Henrik. “You’re telling me my source is a liar?”
“I’m telling you your source misunderstood.” Henrik stood his ground. “Valkyrie code states until a goddess reaches the rank of captain, she is not to engage in a physical relationship. Correct?”
“Correct.” Brynhild crossed her arms. “And kissing constitutes a physical relationship. Brynn Aksel, you are hereby stripped of your duties as the war god’s second bodyguard, and commanded to return to Asgard immediately for reassignment.”
I clutched at my stomach as a fresh wave of nausea overtook me. This one had nothing to do with the Bifrost. “No.” I gasped.
“No,” Henrik growled. “Brynn didn’t break her vow. The contract specifically defines a physical relationship as one involving the mutual engagement of both parties, ja?”
“So?” Brynhild’s words seethed ice.
“So, that particular kiss was not mutual. Brynn was really upset about losing Freya. She was emotional and confused and she kissed me, yes. But I did not engage. Without mutual engagement, she hasn’t broken your code.” Henrik crossed his arms, mirroring Brynhild’s posture.
Brynhild glared. “Finnea said—”
“Finnea embellished,” Henrik said firmly. “She has reasons of her own for wanting Brynn reassigned, as, I’m sure, do you.” He took another step toward Brynhild. “Let it go. I didn’t want you in Asgard, and I don’t want you here. I don’t do ice queens.”
“Ooh!” Mia gasped. Brynhild whirled around and raised her palm, but Mia was nestled firmly beneath Tyr’s arm. Brynhild caught his menacing stare and pulled back.
“Now that we’ve established nobody on my team has committed any infractions, I suggest you see yourself out.” Tyr nodded at the back door. “You can leave Brynn’s horse here. She won’t be needing her to return to Asgard. Nice of you to bring her, though.”
“Fang’s here?” Mia asked. My mood skyrocketed. Having Fang around would be a tremendous asset, not to mention the fact that I’d missed her. I kept her back in Asgard for logistical reasons. Boarding a pegasus in Midgard was just not practical.
