TheElskerSagaBoxedSetIBOOKSdec2014

by ST Bende

  “You.” Ull’s voice cracked. “He wants to hurt you.” He exhaled slowly. “He wants to take you away from me.”

  “I think so,” I whispered. “But he’s had plenty of chances. He could come and get me any time, in any dream. If he’s so intent on killing me, why hasn’t he done it already?”

  “Who is this monster?” Ull frowned. “How is he getting into your head?”

  “I have no idea. He looks like an elf—he has pointy ears, but he’s tall and kind of handsome in a twisted way. Elves are ugly, right?”

  “Dark elves are.” Ull smoothed his features and reached out to hold my hand. “Please try not to worry, my love. So long as you are with me, I will not let anything happen to you.”

  “You can’t save me from my dreams, Ull.”

  “I know.” He leaned against the headrest and closed his eyes. “You do not have any idea who he is?”

  “No. He’s got brown hair. He’s tall and skinny. Pointy ears. He never says his name.”

  “That could be anyone.”

  “I know.”

  “Do you have any idea where you were this time?” Ull rubbed at his forehead.

  “I’d never seen anything like it. It was cold. Dark. I was in an isolated valley—big, black mountains and a field of ice.”

  Ull’s eyes flew open. “You were in Jotunheim?”

  “I don’t know. Is that what it looks like?”

  “Did you feel empty? Hollow?”

  “Yes,” I whispered.

  “Unbelievably lonely?”

  “Yes.”

  “Jotunheim.” Ull clenched his jaw. “Evil.”

  “Frost giants, right?” I tried to remember what little Ull had told me about this other realm. Most of what I knew came from Professor Carnicke’s mythology class.

  “Yes. Dark elves are granted entry, too. And other… hostile elements are admitted. I spent a lot of time there when I was an assass—when I was working as a warrior.”

  That made sense. Ull had spent the majority of his existence as a warrior of Asgard, eliminating threats to the realm. If Jotunheim was as bad as he’d said, he’d probably racked up a whole heap of kills there. He wasn’t proud he’d taken so many lives, so Odin had granted his request for a career change. Now, Ull protected all the realms as God of Winter.

  “So this elf creep is evil. We knew that. We still don’t know who he is.”

  “But we know who he is not. He is not a light elf; he is obviously not a Norn. He is not an Asgardian—not that I really thought one of us would be capable of hurting you. Except…” Ull drummed his fingers on his lap.

  “Except?”

  “Well, Loki has done some pretty terrible things in his time.”

  “Loki? Odin’s half-brother?”

  “Blood brother. He kidnapped Idunn, which nearly killed us all. He chopped off my mother’s hair as a joke—had to bribe the dwarves to develop gold hair to replace it, and nearly got himself killed in the process. It would not be the first time he did something to hurt the realm. But I do not believe even he could do something this terrible. He is inherently selfish; he always gets something out of his treachery. And he stands to gain nothing by hurting you. Or me.”

  “Besides, he isn’t an elf, is he?”

  “No.”

  “Well, this guy has pointy ears.”

  A look of horror crossed Ull’s perfect features. “Wait! Did he have any idea what you are going to do?”

  “You mean marry you, become a goddess, and spy on Asgard’s enemies?”

  “Does he know that you are the Seer?” Ull whispered the last words with reverence, and I sighed. I understood it was a big deal to be some all-knowing visionary that was prophesied way back at the beginning of time. I did. But Ull was as worrisome as he was bossy, and this whole Seer thing was starting to occupy a disproportionate amount of his stress-about-Kristia time.

  And honestly. I was still just me.

  “He knew you and I were engaged. But I don’t think he knew about the other stuff.”

  “I do not like this. How did he know about us?”

  “He’s known about us from the beginning. The first time I saw him he was freaking out about what I was going to do to his plan, and after that, he was all fixated on whether you were going to stay with me. It’s like he’s obsessed with you.”

  “I wish I knew what all of this means. I do not like feeling like I have no control.” He shook his head. “The only thing I know I can do is take you to Olaug.”

  Even though our impending visit had a purpose, I didn’t need a reason visit Ull’s grandma. I loved spending time with her.

  “We have to get you up to speed so you can help me figure out what we are dealing with. I have to know you are safe—that Ragnarok is over and this monster, whoever he is, is locked away. If he thinks he can mess with my bride, he has another thing coming.” Ull emitted fury and I waited for the wave to pass. His anger should have been terrifying, but the way this trained killer fretted over me was downright adorable.

  After a minute, he wiped his palms on his jeans. “We will figure it out, darling. Maybe Olaug’s instruction will trigger something for you. If you recognize anyone when she talks you through the realms, please tell me.”

  “I will, Ull.” I leaned over to kiss his cheek. “I tell you everything.”

  “You had better,” Ull growled. “You gave your word.”

  “Small price to pay for an eternity with you.” I kissed him again and his face softened.

  “Please do not worry about this creature, Kristia. I will take care of you.”

  “I could say the same to you.” I squeezed his hand while he pulled out of the parking lot and back onto the highway. But how could I protect us from Elf Man when I didn’t even know who he was?

  Chapter Two

  ULL DROVE THE REST of the way to Ýdalir like a man possessed. The English countryside passed in a blur outside the window of the Range Rover. Twice, I pointed out passing speed limit signs, but he ignored me.

  “I’m not going to be able to help anyone if you don’t get us to Olaug in one piece. It’s not like ten more minutes are going to kill us.”

  “You are awfully bossy today.”

  “Said the pot to the kettle.” I bit back my laughter, and even Ull had to hide a smile.

  “Fine.” Ull slowed to a slightly less alarming speed, and in no time we passed the sign welcoming us to Bibury. We pulled up the long drive to Ull’s country house. The cathedral of trees ushered us toward the central fountain, where a collection of fish splashed happily. Ull parked, then came around to help me out of the car. It was a relief to stretch our legs after the tense drive.

  Ýdalir stood in front of us, the picture of country calm. Nobody would suspect it was home base for Ull, Inga, Gunnar, and Olaug; the Norse deities who opted to masquerade as three college students—and one granny—rather than living in Asgard. The white puffs coming from the stone chimney let me know Olaug was inside waiting for us.

  Ull reached out to steady me when I caught my toe on one of the stones in the driveway. It was par for the course—I was hardly the most graceful snowflake in the blizzard.

  As we walked toward the cottage, Ull squeezed my hand. I smiled at his long fingers resting against my engagement ring. Its round stones were bound together in a delicate pattern that made it look like lace; sparkly, pristine, exquisite lace.

  “I will take care of you, Kristia,” Ull pledged. I tore my eyes off my ring to stare at him. His free hand rested in the back pocket of gently worn blue jeans, and his impressive torso was hidden beneath a grey cashmere sweater. I reached up to stroke the blond stubble that peppered his square jaw, and I couldn’t help but smile at the intensity of his stare. Everything was so serious with Ull.

  “You always have.” I stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, but he wrapped one muscular forearm around my waist and pulled me into his chest. I felt his firm abdomen against mine one as Ull lowered his head to rub his nose alon
g my jaw.

  I shivered at the sensation of cool breath tickling my neck. “I’ve missed this.”

  “Me too.” Ull trailed his nose to my ear. “And this,” he whispered as he nipped at my earlobe. “And this.” He ran his lips along my neck, planting soft kisses on my collarbone.

  My eyes rolled back in my head. I grabbed Ull’s shirt and pulled him close.

  “Don’t ever go to Asgard for a whole week again, okay?”

  “Okay.” Ull moved his lips up my neck to my chin before settling squarely on my mouth. My hands rose to his hair, and I wrapped my fingers in the tousled, blond strands, holding his face to mine.

  “Kristia,” he groaned, pushing me back just when things started to get good.

  “That’s what you get when you leave me on my own for seven days.”

  “Then I had better go away more often.”

  “Mmm.”

  Ull brought his mouth down again. He pulled me up with one arm, crushing his lips against mine and spiking my pulse to an unhealthy level. A warm glow settled in the pit of my stomach. Ull gently swept my mouth with his tongue, and the glow erupted into a ball of fire. My hands flew to his shoulders and I pulled him even closer, feeling his heart beat against my chest. Ull’s free hand ran softly down my side, coming to rest just below my hip. He gave a little squeeze and sucked on my bottom lip. My breath shallowed to ragged gasps.

  No wonder I didn’t hear the creak of the door.

  “Ull! Kristia!”

  I jumped at the sound of Olaug’s laughter. Ull cleared his throat as he stepped in front of me, giving me a minute to catch my breath. I tugged on my top while I consciously exhaled. As much as I adored Ull’s almost-grandmother, her timing couldn’t have been worse. But when Ull bent down to hug her, I couldn’t help but smile at the ease between them. There weren’t many people, immortal or otherwise, that Ull could be himself with. Olaug knew him better than anyone—she’d pretty much raised him.

  “Hi Olaug.” I gave an awkward wave. With my shirt tucked in and my hair back in place, I could administer a proper greeting. With Olaug here, we’d be able to start my training tonight. Heaven knew I had plenty to catch up on, especially now that Elfie was after me again.

  “And look who is with me.” Olaug stepped aside to reveal the gently wrinkled face of the immortal prophet responsible for bringing Ull and me together: my favorite Norn.

  “Elsker!” I threw my arms around the tiny woman. “What are you doing here? I thought you’d be back in Asgard.”

  “I was in Asgard. Spent a few weeks catching up with everyone. But funny thing, after all these years, I got used to this realm.”

  “Got used to it? There’s a glowing endorsement,” I teased.

  “You know what I mean, silly girl.” She swatted at me. “I like it here.”

  “I’m glad.” I laughed. “Does this mean you’re staying?”

  “I bought the old Gardner cottage across the Coln.” Elsker beamed. “Odin’s reassigned me to mortal babies in this quadrant, so it makes sense to keep a base here.”

  “Does this mean we will see you often?” Ull hugged Elsker gently. His disheveled, blond hair flopped adorably over one eye. Even bent over, his six-foot-five-inch frame positively dwarfed the teensy Norn.

  “I hope so. I spent enough time wishing you two would get together.”

  Olaug shook her head. “I’m the grandmother. I guarantee I wanted this more than you did.”

  “Well.” Elsker waved her hand. “Who’s measuring?”

  “You were, you troublemaker.”

  “Don’t sass me, old woman.” Elsker wagged her finger and Olaug laughed.

  “It doesn’t take a great seer to know you two are going to get into all kinds of messes.” I shook my head.

  Ull led me to the table, where Olaug’s famous roast was waiting. “Well, come on, ladies.” He pulled out my chair. “Tell me what I missed while I was away.”

  While Olaug and Elsker filled Ull in on the happenings in Bibury, I took in our peculiar little gathering. The God of Winter, his handler/grandmother, the Norn who identified my very odd talent, and mortal—at least, for now—me. We certainly made an unconventional dinner party.

  We ate heartily, and after a generous helping of apple pie, Elsker said her goodbyes.

  “Come back tomorrow for board games?” I winked when Ull shot me a look. Board games were the one thing he was awful at.

  Elsker chuckled. “Much as I would love to, I’m afraid I have to pass. Work waits for no Norn.”

  “Will we see you soon?” Ull asked Elsker.

  “Probably not right away. I’ve got a fair number of projects. Springtime is big for babies in this realm.” She waggled her eyebrows and pointed at me from behind her hand.

  “Elsker!” Did she know something I didn’t? She was a prophet, after all.

  “So I won’t see you for a while.” She continued like it was nothing. “But I’ll be at the wedding. Wouldn’t miss it. And I’ll help with your vision training once you’re a full goddess. Thor figured it was best if I was the Norn to get that job.”

  “Yay.” I clapped my hands.

  “And don’t forget you can call me through your necklace if you need me.”

  “How could I forget that?” My magical necklace had the ability to summon my norn—a little trick that came in handy. I hugged her back before passing her on to Ull.

  “Visit whenever you can, Elsker. We love being able to see you.”

  “You too, boy.” With a wink at Olaug, she headed into the English night.

  “Well, shall we?” Olaug gestured toward the library. It was the entrance to the secret chamber beneath Ýdalir.

  “Might as well.” Ull set his jaw. I knew he hated that I was going to be like him; the idea literally immobilized him. And I knew why—he’d seen an immeasurable amount of destruction as an assassin, and he knew changing me would make me vulnerable to attacks from jotuns, and bad elves, and evil sprites, and whatever else lived in the realms I’d only just learned existed. But at the same time, he understood it was the only way to save our worlds—and ourselves.

  My fingers grazed Ull’s biceps and I gave him a questioning look. He took a breath. With a nod, he put his hand on the small of my back and guided me down the hall. There was no more putting it off. It was time to learn about my new job as Goddess of Winter.

  We entered the library, and Olaug pulled the trigger-book from the shelf. A wall swung open, and we descended the golden-carpeted staircase that led underneath Ýdalir. The walls were paneled with a dark wood and lit with glowing sconces. A single room was nestled at the bottom of the path. There was an open kitchen on the left, well stocked with Ull’s favorite coffees, teas, and snacks, so he could work uninterrupted. Straight ahead was a conference table underneath the enormous screen that beamed transmissions from Asgard. Dark leather couches were off to the right, and a network of laptops and scanners took up the corner space. And lining the far end of the chamber was a homage to Ull’s past—bows, arrows, armor, skis, skates and snowshoes were kept safe in mahogany cases and locked behind glass doors.

  This was Ull’s private workspace.

  “Ull, are you comfortable being down here while I teach Kristia?” Olaug walked past the kitchen area, glancing over her shoulder as she moved.

  “I still do not feel right putting Kristia in danger. And if there were any other option, believe me, I would take it. But somebody is after her—he has been popping into her visions since I came into her life. And he wants to hurt her.” Ull sounded haunted. “I need you to do everything in your power to put her in a position to protect herself.”

  Olaug seated herself in one of the leather chairs under Ull’s armor while I made my way around the room, slowly eyeing the unfamiliar objects. Swords, skis, metal helmets… I was too keyed up to sit, knowing I was finally going to learn what my new life would be like.

  “Then we have no time to waste.” With that, Olaug started her lesson. “Kri
stia dear, I do not know what you have been told, so I shall start at the beginning.”

  And she did, with the stories I heard in my childhood and the ones I learned throughout my education. But the tales she told were more colorful, warmer, and more personal, and it was clear these mythological characters were real people—Ull’s family, soon to be my own.

  “The first rule of Asgard,” Olaug began, “is aldri endre—things never change. The realms are in constant flux, the warriors engaged in perpetual battle, but all of these events were laid out long before our creation. They are premeditated, and in that sense, they are unvarying.

  “Things change but they don’t change?”

  “Look at the history of our battles. Starting with creation: Odin and his brothers slayed the first jotun, Ymir. His body bled so terribly it caused a flood, killing all but two of the surviving jotun. They repopulated their race, and within years led an uprising against our people. Asgard quelled the insurgence, only to be faced with the first fire giant rebellion. After the fire giants came the dark elves, and so on. There has never been a time of peace in Asgard lasting more than a few hundred years.”

  “That seems like a long time,” I pointed out.

  “To you, yes.” Olaug shook her head. “But from an immortal perspective, a hundred years passes in the blink of an eye. Our warriors are always training, always preparing for the next fight. In a very literal sense, Asgard can never let down its guard. And there are many who believe this is the way it will always be, simply because The Fates have decreed it.”

  My eyes sought out Ull’s. He gave a small nod.

  “Now, what was the first rule of Asgard?” Olaug quizzed.

  “Don’t talk about Asgard,” I deadpanned.

  Ull chuckled.

  “The first rule of Asgard is things don’t change,” I amended.

  They preached that up and down both ways ’til Sunday like it was Norse gospel. The muscles in my face fought against a simmering eye roll. Like heck things didn’t change. I was walking proof Asgard’s precious prophecies could be turned on their routine-loving heads.