Chapter 1: Messengers

Two years have passed since Sia returned from Asgard. Her book is an academic and professional success, and, except for occasional brief visits from Loki, her life has returned to something like normal.

Today is just another day at the university.

I looked at the clock. Once again, Dennis was late for his thesis review, which is why he was always the last appointment of the day.

We'd been through this so many times. He was a brilliant student, but his inability to manage his time was a real threat to finishing his thesis and graduating. His problem, not mine. But his disrespect for my time was inexcusable.

He knew I'd wait no more than 15 minutes, so if he couldn't arrive by then, he simply didn't show.

He was now 25 minutes late. Time to go home.

I put my laptop into its case, and stood up from my desk.

I checked my phone to see if Dennis had bothered to send a text.

Of course he hadn't.

I opened the photos app.

Sia, don't. It doesn't help.

I tapped the "Asgard" folder.

It doesn't hurt, either.

I opened the photo of me and Loki the night of the victory feast, standing in front of the fire in my room. He'd been amused at my insistence that we take pictures, and pleased by the device I used to do so. I was glad I'd thought to do it. It helped to remind myself that I hadn't imagined that whole experience.

"Professor? There's a lady here to see you."

Angie, the department secretary, was standing in my door.

I sighed. Technically, my office hours ran for another 35 minutes, but with Dennis being a no-show, I just really wanted to go home.

"Who is it, Angie?" I decided I'd stay if it was a student I liked. My Wednesday office hours were purposely short, so I could use the afternoon for other work.

"I think her name is Seth. Isn't that a boy's name? She's dressed strangely."

"Angie, this is San Francisco. Everyone dresses strangely."

"No, I mean—she's wearing chain mail."

I mentally reviewed the students in my classes. I couldn't recall any of them wearing chain mail, at least not to class. And I knew I didn't have a student of any gender named Seth this semester.

"It's okay, Angie. I'm technically still here. I'll see her."

"Okay, I'll let her know."

I sat down at my desk and focused on being in Professor Mode.

"Lady Sia, it's good to see you."

Sif entered my office and bowed.

"Sif! Sif, it's you!"

I jumped up and hugged her close. Sif graciously tolerated my display of affection.

I closed the door.

"Sif, what are you doing here? How did you find me?"

Sif stared at me. "Heimdall knows where you are."

I realized how ridiculous my question had been. "Oh, right."

She grinned. "And you owe me an afternoon of horseback riding."

I winced internally. "Yes. I'm sorry. I don't usually cancel plans with no notice. I hadn't known about the change to my schedule, and I really didn't have a chance to tell anyone I was leaving."

Sif nodded. "So, let's go!"

"Okay, give me a minute!" I pulled out my phone, and dialed the stable where I rode every week.

"Western Trails, you got Jerry!"

"Jerry, it's Sia."

"Hey, cowgirl! What you got?"

"Jerry, a friend just showed up from out of town. Any chance of two horses this afternoon? We could be there in an hour."

"Sorry, Sia, fully booked today. Lots of lessons, and a kids' birthday party."

"Oh, Jerry. I'm sorry." I'd been there on birthday party days.

"I'm not, Sia—the money's good!" Jerry laughed. "But I'm sorry I don't have anything for you and your friend. I bet she's cute and single, huh?"

"You are such a class act, Jerry."

"I could do something for you tomorrow, pretty much any time. Especially if she's cute."

"Thanks, Jerry, but she's only around this afternoon."

"Bummer. Next time, plan ahead!" Jerry laughed.

"Yes, I'll plan for spontaneity next time, Jerry. See you Saturday."

"Right, Saturday! And bring your friend!" Jerry laughed, and hung up.

'I'm sorry, Sif. The stable doesn't have any horses available this afternoon."

"Who said we were going riding here, Lady Sia?" Sif's smile was wide.

"Sif? What?" I stared at her.

"My horse is on Asgard. So is the roan mare."

"But Sif—Odin said I could never return to Asgard."

"Right. And I happen to have friends on Alfheim. The horses are waiting for us."

"Sif, this is wonderful news! Let's go!"

I grabbed my laptop bag. "I should stop by my place and change clothes. I am not going to Alfheim dressed like this!"

Sif laughed. "Sia, if you insist. It really doesn't matter!"

"Oh, Sif, it does—to me, at least!"

"Very well, let's move!"

Angie stared up from her desk, where she was pretending to work while looking at yet another fashion site.

"Angie, my friend from out of town has shown up unexpectedly. I'm taking tomorrow off, so please cancel my office hours for tomorrow."

Angie looked at Sif. "Sure, Professor." A few keystrokes, and the schedule turned red. "Have a good time. Don't drink too much!"

"Thanks, Angie. We'll keep that in mind."

I turned to head for the door. A man in dark glasses blocked my path.

"Sia! So good to see you!" The man reached for my hand. "It's been ages!"

Angie smiled. "Oh, I forgot. This is Tony Edwards. Says he's a friend of yours from your grad school days. He's been waiting to see you."

I had never known someone named Tony Edwards, and I knew I had never seen this man before.

The supposed Tony Edwards smiled widely behind his sunglasses. "It's been so long! Let's go to your office so we can talk!" He grabbed my arm and started walking back towards my office.

"Mr. Edwards, you must be confused. We've never met." I tried to pull away. I was grateful that Sif was walking behind us.

"Of course we have, Sia! It's just been a few years. I'm sure you'll remember me!"

The three of us were back in my office, and Tony Edwards closed the door.

Turning, he took off his sunglasses.

I did remember seeing his face before, but I couldn't find a name or an association.

"Professor, I apologize for the ruse. I need to speak with you, urgently."

"You could set an appointment through Angie, just like everyone else, Mr. Edwards."

He shook his head. "I'm afraid not. It's all rather sudden, and can't wait for her to finish shopping."

I winced inside. Everyone knew Angie was careless about her work, but for it to be so obvious to be someone from outside the university was embarrassing.

"I'm not Tony Edwards."

Sif tensed, ready to attack. I shook my head, not yet.

He pulled a card out of his pocket and handed it to me.

Tony Stark

Genius Billionaire Playboy Philanthropist

Call me!