“Ow!” both yelled, holding their injured heads.
But their fighting stopped.
Beornheard pushed Asbjorn aside, shoving him into his old chair. Beornheard sat between the two quarrelers, growling at each in turn.
Liulfr glared at the other patrons in the pub. The murmuring stopped, and the pub went silent.
“Fools!” hissed Liulfr to his friends. “We waste away. I refuse to return to my old body. Skinny, weak, and no wolf abilities. Never! We better find that hidden guild as that is our only chance to return to full strength. We failed to open the gateway to the frost giants and find our father, Alchemist. He who created us, gave us new names. We are his children. We must find this guild else we might as well move back to Jordheim and learn how to milk goats.”
“So what do we do?” said Asbjorn.
“Farling,” began Liulfr, “our old friend from Jordheim,” everyone chuckled, “and his blacksmith friends were not able to find the nest. No one has, that is what gives us leverage. We have an arrangement with them: If we find this lair, we get our were-beast bodies back. We need our potions.”
Kees said: “Perhaps we go about this the wrong way. Asbjorn and I have been asking our children where it is. Perhaps the question should be: Where do they not go? These assassins obviously do not trust any animals: rats, mice, cats, dogs. They must know those animals act as spies for others. Perhaps the wizards at one time used those animals as spies, or could transmute themselves into those animals for a short while. Anyways, I suggest we ask our children where they fear to tread.”
Asbjorn nodded. “Hmmm, I think my pain of a brother may have a point,” he said as Kees gave him a withering look. “Our children followed all the scents the assassins leave behind, but the trails all stop and run cold in the strangest of locations. And I do not trust that if we followed the direction of the paths that it would lead us in the right direction. These assassins are trickier than thieves. No one has heard of the guild’s existence for years, they have been that successful at hiding. They obviously have years and years of experience at keeping the location of their guild a secret. It will not be as easy as we thought to find.”
Liulfr lifted his plate of food to his mouth and poured it all into his mouth. Licking his lips as a wolf might do, he grinned. “I think the assassins made one mistake,” he said. “They must have spies infiltrating this city. As Kees said, we have been going about this the wrong way. Kees and Asbjorn, find out where your children are afraid to go, and if your children both give the same answer, we may be on to something. Then, we stalk around that perimeter, and as soon as I smell an assassin, as they all have a certain scent about them, we follow him, and he will lead us to the entrance.”
Beornheard rumbled in his low voice: “Another idea is that the assassins are still trying to kill Queen Astrid.”
The were-beasts heads all snapped towards Beornheard, shocked to hear him speak.
“She will be the bait,” he continued. “They follow her, and unbeknownst to the assassins, we follow them.”
Stunned silence greeted the table as Liulfr shook his head in disbelief. “I admit, friend Beornheard, you do not often speak, but when you do, it is filled with wisdom,” he said.
The were-bear shrugged at the compliment and flagged down the pub owner for more food.
“One more thing,” added Beornheard. “I can say with some confidence that the assassins know we are here and already follow us.”
CHAPTER 20
Jakobus Holds a Feast
Farling was impressed with the food spread before him on the table. He had not realized how hungry he was until all the food appeared. And if he was hungry, he knew Grum must be ravenous. Sure enough, Farling saw Grum swallow, as he must have been salivating at all the food, but did not dare begin eating.
Farling sat at the head table along with everyone else from Midgard. Jakobus had gone to great lengths to impress his visitors, and Farling knew all the dwarf lords and other dwarf royalty were supposed to be impressed as well.
Jakobus stood, a tankard of dwarf ale in one hand. “Friends,” he bellowed, “today truly is the beginning of a new era for this realm. For today, the great forge that our forefathers and their forefathers before them used to made items of enchantment was used once again, successfully I might add.”
A cheer rose in the hall, so loud Sihr covered his ears.
“And with that one success,” continued Jakobus, “we build on that success, time and time again. For we are dwarves. We are miners of gold and gems and other precious metals. We are the keepers of the great runes and bind-runes that create the greatest of all items of magic. When the frost giants threatened our realm they thought us small and weak. We taught them fear like they had not known before.”
A cheer rose again in the hall, this time so loud Farling, Grum, and Arastead now covered their ears.
“Other realms have awoken,” continued Jakobus. “Still others sleep. We will not rest idly, waiting for others to take from us, or think they may subjugate us. Our realm will be the strongest of the realms, and we will never let anyone, Norse gods or Norns, make this realm sleep again!”
Thunderous applause at the end of Jakobus’s speech made even the Aarlund brothers this time cover their ears.
Once the clapping quieted, Arastead leaned over to Farling and whispered: “Do you think our realm need fear the dwarves?”
Farling nodded. “I think we must make sure the dwarves never see our realm as being weak and ripe for the taking,” he replied, grimacing.
CHAPTER 21
The Were-beasts and Princess Margret
From a safe distance, the were-beasts followed Queen Astrid and her guard as they made their way through the city of Trondheim. As they were able to follow her easily, they did not need to keep her in eye contact. And any time they did lose sight of her, Kees simply would look for one of his cats, who would spot Astrid immediately, and indicate to the were-beasts where to go.
And all four were-beasts and their pets kept an eye out for assassins.
Asbjorn whispered: “You would think the assassins would find killing the queen easy in such an open location.”
Beornheard rumbled: “I suspect they fear her bodyguard.”
“Why?” demanded Kees. “Who is her bodyguard? Some feared knight?”
“No,” replied Beornheard with a slight smirk. “Her bodyguard is a woman. Do you not recognize her?”
Curious, Liulfr took a closer look and then spat on the ground. “That infernal princess from Aarlund,” he barked. “My shoulder still aches from that arrow she gave me. Really, that is all the queen needs as a bodyguard?”
“Have you not heard?” said Beornheard. “She and those three blacksmiths spent time in Alfheim where they were trained by an ogre. And not just any ogre, one that knows magic: An Ogre Mage. Her fighting skills and the blacksmiths greatly improved under that ogre’s tutelage.”
Asbjorn’s eyes blinked in disbelief. “How is it that you know all this?” he demanded.
“I have exceptionally good hearing,” replied Beornheard. “People often forget I am there and so keep talking.”
Liulfr grinned. “You never cease to amaze me, young bear,” he said.
“I also heard,” continued Beornheard, ignoring the compliment, “that the princess fought several of the assassins to a standstill.”
“What!” cried Asbjorn and Kees.
“Hush you fools,” hissed Liulfr, “else you draw too much attention to us.”
Kees lowered his voice. “Beornheard, what of this fight?”
“The assassins fought the princess in the queen’s bedroom,” he replied. “Somehow the princess tricked them into thinking she was the queen. And so, they fought there, neither side able to win. She stood her ground against four assassins, who then fled.”
Asbjorn asked: “How did you hear that one?”
“At a pub, I heard one of the castle guards telling the story to another guard,” said Be
ornheard. “He also mentioned he followed her and several others into a hidden guild.”
“Must be the thieves guild,” said Liulfr, “but we already know its location. All those thieves smell the same, it is easy to find.”
Asbjorn chuckled. “And here I thought you were always daydreaming, Beornheard,” he said. “I should have known your silence had more purpose than merely dreaming of honeycombs and honey mead.”
“Never underestimate a bear,” said Beornheard, allowing himself a rare smile.
“There’s that sense of humor I always admire about you,” said Liulfr. “Now—”
Liulfr stopped short as a long dagger pricked his chin. His eyes flashed wide then narrowed. “Princess,” was the only word he said. His wide smile showed all his wolf-like teeth.
Margret sheathed her dagger. “Dog-boy,” she replied.
“You think it wise to put away your—” and before Kees could say another word, her dagger was at his throat.
“No need, no need,” he murmured as he gently pushed the blade away. He whispered to Asbjorn: “I did not even see her draw the blade.”
Margret sheathed her weapon and with hands on hips stood accusingly at the were-beasts.
Liulfr asked: “You think it wise you left the Queen unattended?”
Margret scoffed. “She is inside one of the many safe houses we have established around the city,” she replied. “Those houses are filled to the brim with cutthroat thieves, willing to lay down their lives to protect her. We had best go somewhere safe to talk.”
“What of this safe house?” asked Asbjorn.
Margret shook her head. Said: “I will not be putting you four were-boys in the same room as the queen of Dennland. Come, Farling and his friends are not currently in Trondheim.”
Beornheard rumbled: “They visit the dwarf realm.”
Margret raised an eyebrow in surprise. Asked: “How did you know?”
“Do not ask,” replied Asbjorn. “He seems to be a walking library. He just never seems to tell us anything until just the right moment.”
Margret sniffed. “Ah, he has exceptional listening,” she began. “I guess that is one of his advantages of being a bear-cub. Come, we go to Grum’s and Arastead’s forge in the Hive. You two—” she pointed at Kees and Asbjorn, “—will then set up a wide enough perimeter with your cats and rats so that no one dares come close.”
Asbjorn growled cat-like: “I do not take orders from a girl.”
Margret stopped and faced Asbjorn, causing him to gulp. Said: “I am the only chance you four have of returning to your full powers.” She tapped her circlet. “With this, I see you are all are becoming steadily weaker as those potions your twisted father, Alchemist, gave you have almost run their full course in your bodies. So, if you want to be were-beasts instead of were-boys, you had best listen to this girl.”
Asbjorn ground his teeth and kept his mouth shut even as Kees teased him mercilessly the entire way to the Hive.
CHAPTER 22
The Goblin Wars
The meal finished in the great dwarf hall and all the plates taken away. Coffee and sweets were then served much to Grum’s delight. “This dwarf food sticks to the ribs,” he said. “I could get used to living here.”
“You said the same thing about Pitcairn if you remember,” said Arastead. “At least in Pitcairn, you could set up a forge, or finally start that men’s clothing store you have always secretly dreamed of opening.”
“You do not think the dwarf realm needs a new fashion design?” said Grum. “I have seen what the men wear around here. They are stuck in a fashion rut that is probably decades of years old.”
“Perhaps hundreds, actually,” said Arastead.
“I could live here,” said Grum again. “But what of the dwarf women?”
Farling nodded. Then: “A good point,” he said. “No dwarf women helped at all with the meal. No queens or princesses sit at any of the tables. Are there no dwarf women?”
Sihr shook his head. “You may not have heard, but ever since Loki, prince of fools, kissed the dwarf princess and broke her heart in the process, the dwarves do not allow their women to be seen by any outsiders,” he said.
Grum scoffed. Said: “Loki enjoys kissing bearded dwarf-women?”
“No, blacksmith,” said Sihr. “When I was here last, when Jakobus wakened the realm, a great many dwarves shook off their sleep and were drawn to Jakobus’s voice and the warmth of the forge. And, of course, as they had just woken, the dwarf-women were not hidden.”
“So, how long are their beards?” asked Grum.
“Again, no,” said Sihr, “Grum, the dwarf-women are gorgeous and would draw your eye like the most beautiful Midgardian. They are as Midgardians, tall, but with enough of the dwarf features that you would not mistake them for someone from Midgard. Strong, I am sure they would be fierce in battle, or could easily work in a forge.”
Jakobus had heard the last part of Sihr’s speech and boomed: “I see you remember your last visit well.”
Sihr bowed. Then: “I do remember it well, King Jakobus.”
“No need for formalities,” said Jakobus, obviously tipsy. “Referring to me as king is all I need to hear. And yes, we keep our women away from outsiders, especially young men like you.”
Farling interjected: “We would never do anything that would insult you or your women.”
In a dismissive tone, Jakobus said: “Words.” Then paused. “Just like the words I have heard so often before, especially Loki. I just find it best to keep any Midgardian’s eyes away and temptation free. Believe me, once you leave and go back to Midgard, the dwarf women are allowed freedom, and may go anywhere they please.”
Grum decided it best to change the subject. Said: “So, what of these goblin wars we have heard so much about? I mean, I have heard of them, but have not heard stories.”
Jakobus took another drink of his mead. Said: “Ah yes, the goblin wars. There were many goblin wars as there have been many battles over the ages.”
Farling asked: “With this realm now awake, what of the goblins? They must be awake as well?”
“Perceptive as always,” said Jakobus with a nod. “Yes, we never stamped out the goblins, merely reached an agreement of sorts with those vile creatures. It was a war of attrition. Death supped mightily on both sides. And so, we reached an accord. Our realm is great and large. They keep to one side, us another. However, one day, they will outgrow their region. They will lust for gold and precious gems. For the goblins are much like dwarves: miners, blacksmiths, makers of weapons of magic. Yes, by your surprised looks, the goblins are not mere gophers who live underground. They have abilities, crude mind you, but they have skills. Their necromancers have rudimentary abilities, but they will grow stronger. And one day, not tomorrow, or the next, but one day, there will be another war between goblins and dwarves, the likes of which have never before seen.”
“So,” he continued, “there is another reason I created the ring for Arastead. I think now is probably as good a time as any to show you. Come!”
Jakobus toddled off, then noticed no one followed. Bellowed: “Kings of Midgard, people of Aarlund, people of Dennland, there is something, or rather someone, I must show you!” With a tankard of ale in one hand, Jakobus, unsteady on his feet, wandered off.
Cormac, Frederick, the Aarlund brothers, and everyone else from Midgard followed, no one certain as to what was to happen. Jakobus led them to a room with a large portal rune. With Jakobus was his secretary, the dwarf Farling had met before. He had not been drinking and gave a steadying hand to one of Jakobus’s elbows.
Everyone stood in the middle of the portal rune.
Frederick said: “I must ask, King Jakobus, where are we going?”
“Someone you must meet,” slurred Jakobus. “And Arastead, make sure that new ring on your finger works well.”
Arastead gave a quizzical look to his friends, not sure what was to happen next.
The room spun dizzyingl
y as the now familiar sensation of traveling by portal rune coursed through Farling’s body.
And when the next room crystallized into view, Farling and everyone else, silently gasped in surprise.
Jakobus merely sipped more ale from his tankard.
CHAPTER 23
The Search for the Assassins Guild
“So, you searched Trondheim and found nothing?”
Margret and the four were-beasts stood in Grum’s and Arastead’s forge in the Hive. Cats and rats prowled the nearby alleyways, forges, and rooftops, looking for anyone who appeared the least bit suspicious.
Liulfr grunted. “We searched, as well as Kees’ and Asbjorn’s children, all of Trondheim,” he said in his usual growl.
“All?”
“The assassins’ trails always run cold, always. Even when we estimate the path based on the direction, it leads nowhere.”
“So, what are you saying?”
“Careful, princess, we are not used to this type of questioning.”
Now it was Margret’s turn to growl: “Do not threaten me, were-pup. I do not need potions to maintain my fighting abilities. But you four do, and if you do not have fresh potions soon, you will wither back to your thin former selves: No more cats, no more rats, no more wolves, no more bears: You will be rejected by your children you love so dearly. You will go back to working for a baker, for a butcher, for a candle maker, or perhaps even in a forge such as this. Perhaps when you are all skinny, you may ask Grum or Arastead to take you on as blacksmith apprentices.”
All four were-beasts winced as if slapped. And when Liulfr spoke, his voice had lost its arrogance.
“You are correct, princess,” he began, “we do not wish to return to our former selves. We enjoy what we can do when we are at full strength. If we find this guild, we get our potions. We get our potions, we find our father, Alchemist. That is our wish.”
The Reckoning of Asgard Page 10
