Dark figures blended into the dark drapes, dark wallpaper, and general darkness of the castle.
"This old fellow must have lost his way in the woods," one of the shadows whispered as an old man strolled through the castle hallway.
"Quiet!" the second hissed. "Maybe he'll go away."
The magician froze. "Is someone there?"
"Not a word, Fandral," the second shadow whispered. "Not one."
"I don't mean to intrude, but I've lost my horse and I need a place to stay for the night," the magician called out into the hallway. Someone was watching, he was sure, but he wasn't sure who or where.
The first dark body, Fandral, shot a look at his companion. "Have a heart, Hogun."
Hogun clamped a hand over Fandral's mouth, but caught him in the fang. "Ow, ow, ow!" he cried out.
"Of course, you're welcome here!" Fandral exclaimed, stepping out from his position within the drapes and looming over the magician from behind.
The magician stared at the drapes. "Is, is someone there?" He strolled to the window and pushed the drapes aside. "Hello?"
Fandral sighed and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hello, right here."
Gasping and back-peddling, the magician exclaimed, "My, how incredible! An actual Jotun! I've never met a Frost Giant before."
Snarling, Hogun stepped out into the hall as well. "Now you've done it. Absolutely splendid. Master's going to love this."
"Two Jotuns? Here? It is snowing, but my, I had no idea you lived on this world!" The magician cackled. "How delightful." He suddenly sniffled and sneezed.
"You're soaked to the bone, sir," Fandral said, frowning. "Come, warm yourself by the fire."
"Thank you, certainly!" The magician followed the giant black figure with glowing red eyes further into the palace.
Hogun followed after. "I just said Master will hate this. Do you know what he'll do if he finds this mortal in our midst? I demand you stop right now!" He planted himself in Fandral's way, but being smaller, he simply side-stepped him.
"Here, we shall get you some tea brewing, a nice warm blanket, all of the things we do not usually enjoy here. We prefer the cold you know," Fandral laughed as the old man got comfortable in the den. "But we'd be glad to prepare them for you!" He clapped his hands and several more Jotuns appeared from their posts.
"Cease. Cease and desist. He'll have our heads. I'm certain," Hogun begged.
The door to the den slammed open and a strong gust of wind blew into the room. The fire in the hearth went out immediately and a chill settled in the air. Hogun and Fandral both bowed their heads and backed toward the walls.
The largest giant the magician had ever seen crept into the room. His red eyes flashed this way and that in the darkness. When he spoke, his voice was barely above a whisper. "There is a stranger here."
Gulping, Fandral stepped forward. "This man was lost in the woods. We couldn't leave him to die,"
"I tried to stop them," Hogun begged, hoping to at least secure his own safety and place in the castle.
"Who are you?" the giant asked the magician.
Glancing quickly to the floor, the magician shook his head. "No one of note. A lost traveler."
"You are unwelcome here."
"I apologize sir, but,"
"What are you staring at?" the Jotun growled. "Have you never seen a Jotun before? You've never seen a monster outside of your story books and you've come to take a look?" He grabbed the magician's chin and thrust his head upward, forcing him to gaze upward. "Look at me!"
The magician trembled. "I only needed a place to stay. I had no idea-"
"I'll give you a place to stay!" The Jotun roared. He snatched the magician by the collar and dragged him down the hallway into the darkness.
***
Volstag beamed. "Volla's gonna get the surprise of her life, huh?" He elbowed Prince Thor in the side.
Thor nodded and smirked. "It's her lucky day!" He turned to a small marching band behind him. "Remember, on my mark." Behind the band was a small group of royals who had gathered for the event.
"I'd like to thank you for coming to the wedding," Thor boomed jovially to the followers. "Actually, you know what? I've forgotten something." After pausing for suspense, he laughed, "I'd better go propose to the girl!"
A knock at the door stirred Volla from her book. She stood and stumbled to the door without looking up. There was only one page left in the chapter, after all. Sighing, she sat the book down and swung the door open. "Oh, Thor!" she gasped. "What a surprise."
Thor winked. "I'm full of surprises, and if you think me showing up was a surprise, boy, wait until you hear this, Lady Volla."
Volla cleared her throat and turned to the kitchen. "May I get you a drink? Water, ale?"
"Ale! It is a day for celebration, after all. Think of this: pitiful mortal servants bringing you ale. You'll never have to serve again!" He snatched the book from the end table. "And reading. You won't have to worry about that. There are servants who can read to you!"
"Oh, but I like to read, Thor. It's a nice-"
"Nonsense! Forget this miserable peasant life, Volla! Marry me and move into the palace today." Thor stuck out his chest and smiled handsomely. "Let's go."
Volla shook her head. "What? No, I don't want to leave the village. This is my life. It isn't miserable at all!" She scowled. "That's not nice to say, anyway, Your Grace."
She crossed the room to the door and rested her hand on the knob. "I appreciate the offer, but I simply have to say no," Volla explained as Thor crossed the room toward her. He stumbled outside as Volla swung the door open as he meant to lean against it.
Thor stumbled outside and landed on his rear in the mud.
"NOW!" Volstag cried.
The band began playing a wedding march as Thor wiped the mud off of himself and swore.
"So, it went," Volstag trailed off, realizing Volla had slammed the door shut.
"I like her spirit, but I'll have her whether she wants to come to the palace or not!" Thor held his hand out and Mjolnir came to him.
"How are you going to change her mind?" Volstag snorted. "What will happen next time?"
Thor gave Volstag a tap with Mjolnir and sent him flying.
Volla peeked out the door, disgusted. "Not a chance," she growled. She turned to retrieve her book, but a whinny caught her attention. "Phillipe?" Volla called out the door. The horse came trotting up the hill at the back of the house with an empty saddle upon her back.
Bursting through the door, Volla exclaimed, "Where is he? Where's Father?" Her stomach dropped.
The horse snorted and stamped his feet.
"Take me to him," Volla cried, slamming the door shut behind her. "Let's go! Hurry!"
