Chapter Four

Mandy walked down the corridor to Freya's chambers. When Sigyn had not shown up at the stables, Mandy was worried that something had happened to her friend. If anyone would know where Sigyn was it would be her mother.

It wasn't like Sigyn to stand her up. She had never done it before, not in all the years Mandy had known her. They had met in New York, where Sigyn had owned a comic book store and they became fast friends.

If someone had told Mandy two years ago that she would be living in Asgard she would have thought they were crazy. Yet here she was. That was all right though Mandy didn't mind being the only human in Asgard and definitely did not miss New York. She reached Freya's door and knocked.

Freya rushed to the door hoping it was Loki with good news.

"It's only you," she said disappointed.

"It's only you? Mandy asked. "Who were you expecting?"

Freya stepped aside so Mandy could enter. "I'm sorry, I thought you were Loki."

"Loki? Freya what's going on? I haven't seen Sigyn and Loki isn't around," Mandy asked with concern in her voice.

Freya walked away from Mandy. She turned back around and faced her daughter's friend. "Sigyn is gone and Bari too."

Mandy gasped. "What do you mean gone?"

Freya's eyes filled with tears. "She's been kidnapped."

Mandy rushed to Freya and gave her a hug. "Oh my god, I am so, so sorry. When? How did it happen? Who did it?"

Freya pulled out of the hug and wiped her eyes. "It happened early this morning in the garden while she was walking with Bari and Hertha. We don't know who did it, but Loki is supposed to go to Helheim for further instructions."

Mandy stood there shaking her head. "I just can't believe it." She stopped shaking her head and stared at Freya. "Why would anyone want to do this?"

Freya shrugged her shoulders. "I do not know. I suppose we will find out when Loki returns."

~O~

Loki arrived on Helheim by way of the Bifrost. He stood and looked around for any signs of life. Life on Helheim would be rare. Except for the Queen most of the people here were dead. He ventured forth not really knowing which way to go. The note had not been very specific. He stopped short when he heard a familiar voice.

"Father? Why are you here? I have not seen you in a century."

Loki smiled when he saw his daughter Hela. "I am sorry it has been so long. I should have come here sooner." He frowned. "I am afraid my visit here is not a happy one."

Queen Hela stared at Loki. "What is wrong?" She asked puzzled.

"I am here for instructions on how to get my wife and son back," Loki answered.

Hela let out a deep sigh and stepped closer to her father. "That would explain this," she said and handed him a piece of paper. "I found this on the floor of my bedroom. I had no idea where it came from or how it got there. I'm sorry, but I read it because I thought it was for me."

Loki took the note and read it carefully. No doubt my Lady of Death has read this. She is both a clever and dangerous woman. Be careful around her. Loki looked up at Hela then back to the note and continued reading. If you thought your family was here, you are mistaken. This is simply a place to negotiate. Turn around slowly I am behind you."

Hela walked past Loki before he could turn around. She shouted at the hooded creature in front of her. "How dare you enter my realm without my permission? You are not dead and have no right to be here. If you do not leave immediately I will kill you and send you to Hel."

The hooded creature narrowed its eyes. "I have no quarrel with you Lady Death, so do not give me a reason to have one. I am here for Loki."

Loki swiftly turned around when he heard Hela shouting. He quickly walked over to her and stood facing her. He vigorously shook his head. "Hela, do not get involved. I am who this creature wants to talk to," he said and pointed at it with the paper still in his hand. "Please, my family may be depending on me."

Hela backed off, and stood with arms folded in front of her. She stayed close enough to see and hear everything, just in case Loki needed her help.

The creature reached out and touched Loki on the shoulder. It sent a shiver down Loki's spine. He turned slowly and faced the creature. "Go ahead, negotiate," he said seething.

The cloaked figure smiled. "Here are my terms. You kneel before me and swear allegiance to me, be my constant slave for the rest of your life and I will let your family go."

If Loki could fire daggers from his eyes this creature would be dead. "Now you will listen to my terms. You will release my family unharmed. If you refuse, I will kill you here and now and Hela can have her fun with you. I will not negotiate!"

Hela moved forward until she was between Loki and the hooded creature. "Nothing would please me more then to torture you."

The creature disappeared without speaking a word.

Loki clinched his fist and let out an angry hiss. "Where is my family!"? He shouted so loud the ground shook under them.

Hela turned around. "Well that went well," she said sarcastically. She pointed in the direction the creature had been standing. "I do not care who that was. If it comes here again, it is mine!" Her tone softened and she moved closer to Loki. "If I have anything to do with it father, your family will be returned to you, unharmed."

Loki tentatively smiled, "Thank you, Hela, I appreciate it." He turned away from her and paced while waving the note about. "What do I do now? It is gone and I still do not know where my family is or who that was."

Hela looked over her shoulder before speaking. She then paced along side of Loki. "I can go any where except Asgard. That is because of Grandfather. I will travel the realms and find out who that creature was."

Loki stopped pacing and let his arm lower to his side. "Father is no longer alive. You did not know this because he went to Valhalla and you only govern Helheim. I am King now, and as King I say you are once again welcome to Asgard."

Hela stopped pacing, her green eyes shone brightly. She gave Loki a long hug. "Thank you father. It will be nice to visit home once again." Before Loki could respond, Hela disappeared.

Loki looked skyward and called out to Heimdall. The Bifrost appeared and he was whisked back to Asgard.