Understanding Ch 9

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Alfheim is the world of the Fae in Norse mythology Squill is an early spring woodland flower , usually blue.

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In his sanctuary in Alfheim, Niall walked a woodland path at sun rise. Time ran differently in this world and it was still early spring. He relaxed into the setting and feel of his land—one of the last sanctuaries of his people. It was very cool and most of the blues, whites and yellows of the closed squill and snowdrop petals were muted against a carpet of brown leaves. Hints of spring were everywhere just likes the promise of day, with the sun barely visible on the horizon through the bare tulip poplar and beeches.

He thought of his great-granddaughter with deep affection. Now she would nurture the promise of the future of the three realms. If he could have entered her life earlier, he could have made it much easier; he could have protected her more thoroughly. They would have understood each other much better and he could have taught her much about the customs of the Fae. But the pattern of her life had been parted from the way of the Fae and the best that he could do now was to gradually reveal relevant aspects of his world to her. There was so much that she couldn't comprehend. No, he would pin his hopes for the triumphant ascension of the Brigant line on the next generation.

The bargaining had been hard. But the Aesir had their needs and could provide the means and he had his needs and could provide a way for the Aesir to achieve them. Although Sookie was only one eighth Fae, the inheritance was enough to produce twins with a mighty destiny. Only Freya had the necessary magic to accomplish the task and assure that one child's nature was overwhelmingly Fae. In return Niall had pledged that both children would be trained in a manner useful to the Aesir. He had no qualms about these arrangements. Sookie would continue to be loved and protected, as would her children. She would have children with the man she loved and would be greatly respected, while he had secured the future of the Brigants.

The Ulswaters had negotiated an alliance with dark elves and some Were packs, but the Brigants had the backing of the Aesir gods. Niall's spies informed him that Ulswater was forming alliances with other deities hostile to the Aesir, but nothing had yet been confirmed. The air shimmered in front of him and out stepped the white armed Lady herself dressed in a filmy gown with floral embroidery highlights whose fitted bust emphasized her mouth watering assets. She wasn't the least bit bothered by the chilly morning Her cheeks dimpled adorably as she smiled at Niall, who bowed and kissed her hand.

"My Lady you look as ravishing as ever!"

Freya beamed and twirled around, "It's an Oscar de la Renta Love Note Gown."

Niall nodded, "A very appropriate choice, my Lady." As they walked down the path Freya waved her hands in a beckoning gesture. Crocus, squill, and glory-of-the snow- burst into flower on either side of the path."

Her laughter was as sweet and as clear as birdsong. "I just couldn't wait to get out of those overalls! Well, your little kinswoman is charming, and very strong and courageous, for a mortal. Her gift is remarkably strong—she picked up on my register immediately, but she held her fear at bay. She will bear strong children, and of course, Erikr is to die for gene wise! I'm so glad I've given him an opportunity to share his DNA again."

Niall's eyes twinkled, "With regards to this my Lady, are the children's natures arranged as agreed? "

Freya paused, her lovely face becoming serious." Now, Niall, you know that there is only so much even I can do. We all have to answer to higher authorities! Odin's my CEO and he'll only allow so much meddling, then we have to let their wyrd work upon their lives. But I did my best. I believe that the Fae will accept the child."

"And the other?"

Freya eyes lit with a fierce delight, " The other is mine! She was my priestess in another life and I will call her to me when she comes to adulthood. She will be a true Daughter of the Blood. She will be her father's daughter. But you must take great care, my prince, the Ulswater and greater forces that influence them will strike."

"When! Can you see when ?" Niall's voice was urgent.

Freya shook her head" I can't foretell that. Looking into the future for me is like looking upon a river. There's a line that I can follow, but it's unpredictable. We're talking about the flow, on wind, water, obstructions that are hidden from me…" She raised her head in alarm, " Someone is coming now."

She turned. A beautiful Fae male with long dark hair appeared and bowed almost to the ground before them. His deep hazel eyes were wells of sorrow.

Freya gently probed his mind and sucked in a breath. "No!"

The messenger nodded. Niall met his eyes and connected with his mind. His eyes welled with tears.

The image of somebody dying was burnt into his mind .Her beautiful form was broken, her vibrant life had shifted into stillness and dust. He was looking into a black hole, looking over the chasm's edge into his daughter Alana Spenser's death. How would he tell Claudine and Claude, that their irrepressible mother was dead when he couldn't comprehend her absence?

Behind the grief was a flood of rage. He was gathering power from the land and his wrath demanded revenge. The energy of earth, air, and water rushed into him and he was beautiful and terrible to behold.

"Who?" Nialls voice rumbled with power.

The messenger trembled before his lord, " My Lord, we believe it was an Ulswater assassin. The Queen was …was with her latest lover who has vanished without a trace."

Niall blazed with blinding light , the full display of a great Fae lord. It had been centuries since Freya had beheld him as the demi-god that he was, when they were lovers long ago.

"Then the Brigants declare war. Gather my retainers and supporters. I will eradicate the Ulswater and all of their kin from the three worlds."

Freya's own essence blazed out. She was, after all, a Valkyrie. " I will support you in this. But in your wrath, don't forget to protect what we have planted. There is nothing more potent than seeing a blade growing amid the desolation of war. Go to war if you must…but protect your own. Protect our future."

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