Although the Great Hall had been cleaned and tidied up within the hour, the news had spread quickly through the palace, and many had taken the chance to look at the carnage themselves. Thor and Loki had just managed to sneak a peek before being summoned to Odin's quarters. They had all been at the feast last night, but many, including the royal family, had retired somewhat earlier than the most determined revellers - the barracks were far from the Great Hall, and most warriors felt it more convenient, or even safer, to spend the night in the Great Hall after a banquet. Now they were dead.
"I will kill the monster that did this. It cannot have gone far from here yet," said Thor, staring at the ground, Mjolnir in his crushing grip. "Thirty of our best warriors, old and young. They escaped death on the battlefield - they should not have died like this." Apparently torn between Odin's command to wait for him and the urge to act, he squeezed Mjolnir's handle in frustration, then started towards the door.
Loki's hand was immediately on his shoulder. "I, too, would kill the monster for his brazen trespass, but what foe do we face? Think, Thor. A night-fiend that snatches up thirty men before any of our best warriors can get to their weapons? And, apparently, invisible to our guards on the night watch. We shall soon find out if he is invisible to the guardian of our gates, too…" Loki's voice trailed off discreetly as the thump of Gungnir on the stone floor grew close.
Odin and Frigga entered the room together. Odin stopped abruptly and set himself squarely opposite his sons, while Frigga settled slightly off to the side. Neither looked particularly pleased.
"Heimdall says he saw the monster in the hall, but he can see it no longer. He will keep looking, of course. Nothing passed through the Bifrost; this beast could be hiding anywhere in Asgard. Fortunately, this means that it is not an invasion from another realm. We will increase security all around, and particularly near the palace; I have given orders," Odin said.
Thor opened his mouth, but for once, Loki beat his hotheaded brother to the first word. "Father, if this monster is hiding, you can leave it to me to find it. I -"
Odin snapped, "Can you see better than Heimdall? I have not finished." Loki stepped back, chastened. Thor strained to keep his mouth shut. Frigga shot both of them a warning look. "This appears to be an isolated incident, and I am going to finish the preparations for Odinsleep. In the meantime, I trust Thor, with my best advisors, to contain the threat - if it returns."
With pride in his voice, Thor pulled himself to his full height and replied, "I will not fail you, Father."
Loki looked at Frigga; Frigga avoided his gaze. Odin met Thor's determined eyes. "This is not like going on a hunt with your friends. Do you understand me? This is a test of how prepared you are…"
Loki turned his eyes away.
"…to rule."
Thor nodded solemnly.
"You may leave."
The two princes walked out of the room, Thor with a much more sprightly step.
Odin turned to Frigga and reached out his thick, scarred fingers. She met them with a soft, upturned palm. "My queen," he said quietly, "Mother of my princes - there was a reason I did not want Loki here today. He will simply envy his brother his birthright. But better for him not to harbour any illusions…"
She turned her head away. "You told them they were both born to be kings."
"Yes, but that was a long time ago. Things have changed. After all, a son of yours will sit on the throne, when I am gone - do not be angry with me."
She laughed softly. "Could I dare to be angry with my king? I only wish you would let Loki do… something." Odin sighed and gently withdrew his fingers from her grasp. "As always, I suppose," continued Frigga absently, "he will find a way to do it." She stroked Odin's sleeve. "Let us prepare you for your rest."
