Chapter Four
Heimdall winced at the accusatory tone of Sif's voice, but he did not speak. He had known, from the moment Sif went to Nornheim, that this conversation would take place, but he could not think of any words to diffuse her temper, or assuage her grief.
Sif only grew angrier as Heimdall stood there silently. She began speaking again, all of her anger and pain coming out in her words.
"So everything I am, or rather everything I thought I was, is a lie! I've been raised in the place of your true sister, and she never even drew breath! And you and Austmadr just let it go on, lied to me, for years! No wonder he did not protest when Alti cast me out of the family- he must have tired of the pretence!" Sif began pacing back and forth on the bridge, her words becoming more and more heated.
"Alti- she's just as bad! Always trying to make me into something I am not, and can never be! Did she really think she could mold the illegitimate child of a witch into the daughter she lost? Is that why she took me in? No wonder she always seemed discontented with me- she always KNEW I was not hers, and yet could never find the time to actually tell me that!"
"No, that is not true." Heimdall's soft voice almost sounded guilty.
"What do you mean, it's not true?! She never did anything but try and force me to be like her! Perhaps she hoped I would be grateful, if I ever learned the truth? Well, she has another think coming! I am going to ask her about this now, see what she has to say for herself!"
"No!" Now Heimdall's voice was alarmed, though his face was as impassive as ever. Sif whirled round, glaring at him.
"Why not? I have a right to know why she lied to me all these years, made me love her so, even when she belittled me. I wept for hours when she cast me out, telling me that I had disgraced my mother, and all that time, she knew I was not her daughter!"
"No, she does not."
Sif lost her train of thought at that. Her mouth fell open, and she blinked rapidly, trying to assimilate yet another shock.
"How can she not know? How..." Her voice now sounded weak, tired and confused. She didn't know if she could cope with any more...
"I believe it is best if my father explains this to you. I have sent word to him to come here. Will you please wait, and not do anything rash until you have heard his side of the story?" Heimdall's golden eyes met Sif's brown ones, and she eventually nodded. Suddenly feeling weary, she walked into Heimdall's living quarters, without saying another word. She sat down heavily on a sofa, wondering if any of this would ever make sense.
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Tyr strode rapidly through the palace, determined to hand the Norn Stones over to Odin, and retire as soon as possible, so he could be alone with his thoughts. Karnilla's words kept circling in his mind like hungry vultures waiting to feast. He was furious, knowing he had been cheated of his daughter for years...and Sif's expression when she had heard Karnilla...plainly, she had been ignorant of the truth as well. How would either of them manage to resume normal lives after this? He was in so much turmoil that he hardly noticed where he was going, and so was taken utterly by surprise when he walked headlong into Odin.
The Allfather stepped back. "Good day to you as well, Tyr!" His voice was jovial. "I trust you were successful in retrieving the Norn Stones?"
Tyr merely nodded, unable to say anything, and handed the box containing the stones over to his King without looking at him.
Odin's expression changed from cheerful to concerned in an instant. He peered intently at his long-time friend. "What happened, Tyr? You do not seem like yourself..."
Tyr shook his head. "I just found out...Karnilla said...my daughter...it isn't possible...and yet...she looks so like her..."
"Tyr, what in blazes are you rambling about?" Odin's voice was sharp now. He gripped Tyr's upper arm and led him into the throne room, closing the door behind them.
"What happened in Nornheim today?" Odin resolved he would not let Tyr leave without an explanation.
Tyr sighed heavily. "It turns out I may have been misinformed about the fate of the child Karnilla bore me, all those years ago."
"What do you mean?" Odin sounded perplexed.
"Karnilla claims her infant was born alive. She supposedly told Austmadr to bring the babe to me, so I could raise her. Shortly thereafter, Alti birthed Austmadr's daughter," Tyr took a deep breath. "It was their child which was stillborn, not mine."
Odin's face was grave. "And you believe Karnilla's version of events may be true? But then how did Sif come to be raised by..."
"Austmadr lied." Tyr said flatly. "You heard the words from his lips yourself, when he came and told me that my daughter had not survived. You tried to comfort me then, when I grieved, and for all this time, Austmadr knew it was a LIE!" Unbidden, Tyr's temper rose within him.
"I will kill him for this," he growled.
Odin caught hold of him immediately. "You will do nothing of the sort! Austmadr will be called to an accounting for this, and he will be dealt with if it turns out that Karnilla spoke the truth. Until then, Tyr, you will wait! Is that understood?"
Tyr nodded sullenly.
"Good. Now, do you have any proof to verify Karnilla's claim?"
Tyr frowned. "No...it will be my word against Austmadr's, if it comes to a dispute...but Sif does look like Karnilla. Fairer skinned, obviously, but other than that...she is the image of her."
Odin was startled. "Sif herself actually heard all this?!"
Tyr sighed. "Karnilla seemed to believe that Austmadr had kept his word, and given Sif to me. From what I could tell, the witch was honestly surprised that we knew nothing of the truth."
"Was anyone else present when this confrontation happened?"
"Thor was there the entire time, I am not sure about Loki," Tyr's expression became annoyed. "Since he kept himself invisible, apparently following your commands, I knew nothing of his whereabouts until we escaped Nornkeep."
Odin didn't even blink when Tyr mentioned his underhanded scheme. "I had to ensure the stones were retrieved, one way or another, I will not apologise for my methods."
Tyr shrugged. It didn't really bother him- the Norn Stones were safe in Asgard now, and he had more important things to worry about.
"When will you be speaking with Austmadr? I have a right to be there, Odin. This concerns me more than anyone else."
"Not this day. I believe everyone involved needs time to calm themselves." Odin met Tyr's gaze, his lone eye narrowing. "You do realise that, whatever is revealed, you are still Sif's teacher, and will have to see her regularly. Have you given any thought to how you, or she, will deal with this?"
"No," Tyr felt uncomfortable now. "Honestly, I was too busy reeling from shock, and then feeling absolutely furious."
"Understandable, but I suggest you give the matter some consideration for the remainder of today. I will be sending a summons to Austmadr tomorrow. If you wish to be present when I question him, you may do so. As long as you are capable of remaining civil?"
Tyr nodded, and, at Odin's gesture of dismissal, bowed and left the throne room. Odin sank down onto his throne. This new situation was going to affect many lives, and he had no idea how to resolve the problem.
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Thor and Loki made their way to Frigga's receiving room, surprised to find her alone there with Balder. She looked startled when they came in, but quickly beamed welcomingly at them.
"You have returned so soon! I hope none of you were hurt?" Her eyes roamed quickly over them, checking for any signs of injury.
Thor rolled his eyes. "Mother, we are fine! Merely somewhat fatigued. Loki managed to conceal us so we could return home safely. Tyr should be giving the Norn Stones to Father at this very moment." He looked around curiously. "Was Lady Freyja not meant to be spending the day with you?"
"She was, but her mother made a visit here, to meet her newest grandchild. I thought it best to give them some privacy."
Loki looked slightly disappointed. "Have you seen aught of Lady Sigyn today, Mother?"
"Hmm? Oh yes, she was here with her mother, but when Jord appeared," Frigga glanced quickly at Thor, then returned her eyes to Loki, "Sigyn decided to seek out young Theoric. I suppose a day spent with him was preferable to sitting indoors, listening to her mother and grandmother's conversation." Frigga laughed gently, before noticing the dark look on Loki's face. "Whatever is wrong, Loki?"
"Nothing. I think I will find Sigyn and Theoric though. Surely it would be more fitting if their meeting was chaperoned?"
"That is very kind of you, Loki." Frigga smiled warmly. "I believe they are in the rose gardens at present, Sigyn does love admiring them."
Loki nodded, before walking quickly out of the room. Thor stared after him, frowning. He had intended to speak to his mother about what he had learned in Nornheim, knowing he could trust her to be discreet, but leaving Loki alone with Sigyn and Theoric sounded like a bad idea...
"Mother, I think I should accompany Loki. There are some things I wish to discuss with you, but would it be alright if I came back later?"
"Of course, Thor. I have little else to do but mind Balder at present, so I am here to listen to anything that troubles you. I hope it is nothing too serious?"
"I am not really sure at the moment, and it does not really concern me, but I, and I think Sif as well, might need your advice later, if that's alright?"
Frigga nodded, though she was confused as to what Thor meant. He embraced her quickly, before dashing off after Loki, hoping he would catch up to his brother before he got outside.
Luck was with him, as Loki was still in the palace, standing outside a closed door, listening to the conversation taking place inside. Thor clapped a hand on his shoulder.
"Who are you eavesdropping on?"
Loki smirked. "Lady Freyja."
"What? Why? She is only having a visit with her mother, what could you possibly learn from that?" Thor kept his voice low, not wanting to be overheard.
"I'm just wondering what they might be talking about, that's all. Ssh!"
Snatches of words could be heard.
"...do not really hear from Father these days. He prefers to remain isolated, after the whole mess with Skadi. Frey visits often, though. He plans to arrive in a few days, to meet Nanna. Will you stay long enough to see him, Mother?" Freyja's voice was gentler than usual, no longer full of pride.
"Perhaps. I do not often have a chance to see my children. It would be good to see my son again." Jord's voice was musical, pleasant to hear, and soothing at the same time. Loki felt himself growing calmer just listening to her. He glanced at Thor, who stood as though he were in a trance.
"What's wrong with you?" Loki's voice was a hiss, barely audible.
Thor blinked, half shaking his head. "I swear I have heard that voice before..." He shivered involuntarily.
Loki opened his mouth to retort, but at that point, footsteps could be heard. The young Princes immediately resumed walking, turning the corner just as Sigyn and Theoric came into view, both laughing softly. They stopped short when they caught sight of Loki and Thor.
"Loki! I did not expect to see you today." Sigyn's face broke into a pleased smile, which Loki did not return.
"I see you have found other company to occupy yourself with, my Lady. I wonder that you remembered me at all." His voice was cold as ice.
Sigyn looked hurt. "I was going to ask you if you and I could do some studying together now you're home, but I don't think I will, as you are in such an unpleasant mood. I will see you another day. Theoric, would you accompany me home, please?"
"O-of course, my Lady." Casting an apologetic look at Loki, Theoric took Sigyn's arm and they were soon out of sight.
Loki scowled- he hated that foolish Crimson Hawk! He stalked off towards the library, his usual hiding place, with Thor trailing along behind him. His mind was almost completely focussed on Sif, and how she must be feeling. Knowing she was Karnilla's daughter...He shook his head. It meant nothing. Sif still was and always would be his closest friend. The other detail that kept plaguing his mind was the sound of Jord's voice...it had almost felt like he remembered it from somewhere, but of course that was impossible- he had never set eyes on Freyja and Frey's mother...had he? He frowned, unable to shake the feeling that Jord's voice had a place in his memories...
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Austmadr approached the Observatory, feeling exhausted before he even arrived. He did not feel ready to explain his past actions to Sif, but Karnilla had left him no choice. He took a deep breath and braced himself before going inside.
Sif stood up to face him the moment he entered. He looked at her, but was unable to hold her gaze for long.
"Heimdall tells me that Karnilla spoke the truth when she claimed me as hers," Sif's voice was full of pain, and Austmadr winced. Sif swallowed hard before continuing.
"Yet somehow, Moth- Alti," she corrected herself, "knows nothing of my true parentage, and truly believes that I am her daughter. I want to know how that happened, and why you decided to lie to everyone, including your wife and my true father."
Sif folded her arms. As far as she was concerned, this was non-negotiable. He had to explain himself.
Austmadr sat down heavily, preparing himself to tell the tale of the days he had wished never to think about again...
To be continued...