Chapter Twelve

Amora woke feeling emotionally exhausted, but at least her body was rested. she lay there content, listening to the thrum of the ship's engines... She sat bolt upright. Wait. Ship's engines?! She threw the blanket off and scrambled to her feet. "Skurge!"

She ran to the cockpit. There was nothing but stars outside the windows.

She clenched her fists. "SKURGE GUNNLODJARSON, GET IN HERE RIGHT NOW!"

"I'm right here."

Amora whirled. "What are you doing?"

Skurge's face hardened. "Keeping my word to Atum by keeping you safe."

"No!"

"Yes! You may have made a deal with that demon but-"

"But what? Taking me away isn't going to do anything! He can find me no matter what I do and if I'm not there, how can I possibly stop him from killing everyone there?!"

"I don't care about them! I care about you."

"Then we're going back," Amora said firmly. "Because my deal with him isn't limited to one space. My deal was I defeat him, I prevent him from killing anybody for one night. He kills them all, and I... I belong to him. It doesn't matter if I'm there or on the other side of the known universe! I've seen what he can do. We have to go back, it's the only way."

Skurge stood, eyes narrowed, moving to stand between her and the ship's controls. "No, we are not!"

"Didn't you just listen to what I just said?" Amora screamed at him. "We have to go back!"

"Well, I'm not going to let you!"

"HAVE YOU LISTENED TO A SINGLE WORD I AM SAYING?"

He spoke calmly, thinking she was hysterical. "Amora, I understand you're afraid, but no mere demon can track you across the universe!"

Her jaw dropped. "You really don't know what that was, do you?"

Skurge's brows knit.

"I told you that I've met him before and you still think that I'm overreacting?" she demanded. "Don't you think that I know what is happening here better than you when you don't even know who that is?"

"Who is it, then?"

"Chthon."

Skurge paled. "You made a bargain with that?!"

"What else was I supposed to do? At least this way I have a chance." She walked past him, setting new coordinates.

He watched helplessly. Now what?

"Why weren't you listening to me?" Amora said, her voice even but angry still.

He shook his head. "I just wanted you to be safe. I... I suppose I decided I knew best. I won't do it again."

Amora turned and buried her face into his chest. "I don't know what to do. I know I have to try to stop him but I don't know how."

Skurge held her tightly. "I wish I knew what to say."

"Say nothing," she replied. "Make love to me."

He knew that wasn't exactly a panacea, but did as his lady commanded. Time enough to think of problems later... He swept her into his arms and carried her back to their room, laying her on the bed and kissing her passionately. Amora was almost feral, tearing at his clothes. Moans and groans filled the ship for several hours. When they were done, they lay in each other's arms, panting.

"He called you granddaughter."

Tears filled Amora's eyes. "You know I told you my parents were forced to... that I'm the children of siblings..."

"Freyja and Atum."

She nodded, her voice cracking. "But I'm not the first child of incest in the family."

"What?"

She told him about Chthon, Gaea and Atum.

When she was done, Skurge felt sick with horror. And he wants to do the same to her! His grip tightened. "We just have to prevent him from killing for one night, that's all, right?"

"If he keeps his word," Amora corrected miserably.

Skurge gritted his teeth. "Assuming that he will, wouldn't a protection spell keep him from murdering anyone?"

"A protection spell for the entire population of a planet?" Amora sounded dubious. "It works in theory. Whether I can do it, though..."

"Can you?"

"I doubt it. Maybe if we evacuated the planet... then there wouldn't be anybody for him to kill, and he'd be prevented from killing."

It was Skurge's turn to look doubtful. "Evacuate the whole planet in a day?"

"Evacuate who we can and cast protective spells on whoever is left..." Amora sighed. It was hopeless.

Skurge's face brightened inexplicably. "He didn't say you couldn't ask for help, did he? I know you can't reach Atum, but is there no-one else who could help?"

"Loki. But it will take days to reach Jotunheim." Amora thought hard. "I don't know if there's anybody else... Wait. How far are we from Heliopolis? I visited once as a child, I have an uncle there. Thoth..."

Skurge was already moving towards the cockpit, dressing quickly. "We can be there in less than two hours."

"Good." Amora got out of bed and located her own clothes. Now I just have to hope that Birdbrain doesn't let us down...

"My my, aren't you clever?"

Amora turned. She screamed, covering herself the best she could with her clothing. Chthon's shadow was seeping in through the ventilation. She darted for the door, but it slid shut. Seconds later she heard Skurge hammering on it, but it didn't budge. Amora shrank back against the wall as Chthon slowly became solid. His red-on-black eyes greedily roved over her, an evil chuckle escaping his lips.

She cringed away as the demon reached for her. "What do you want?"

"I'm curious about why you're breaking your word..."

"How exactly am I breaking my word? We agreed that I would prevent you from killing, you never specified how."

She edged away as his fingers brushed her bare arm. He leaned forward, his arms on either side of her, coming dangerously close. Amora felt her fire start to kindle in her chest. She fed it, feeling it grow hotter and hotter. It was her only defense!

"And you never specified that I couldn't take you in the meantime." Chthon chuckled again at Amora's fear. "You've already allowed one grandfather your body, I think it's only fair I have a taste... But then where would your motivation be?" He withdrew.

Amora nearly sagged with relief, still clutching her clothing tightly against herself.

"If you insist on bringing Thoth to do your work for you, I'm afraid I'm going to have to alter our deal. Five dozen dead each night, and one kiss for now to tide me over until you've lost."

Amora recoiled. "No!"

"Well, then I suppose it'll be your Jotunn that will die tonight. With no hope of defeating me."

Amora's heart stopped. Her face was ashen, but she forced the words out. "Fine. Take a kiss if you must." Her stomach churned as Chthon drew nearer, grinning.

"And I get Thoth as well," she added before his lips could touch hers.

He chuckled. "Agreed." He pressed his lips against hers; he tasted like ash.

She closed her eyes, trying not to think. She prayed Skurge wasn't aware of this, that he never found out...

The demon drew back laughing. "I look forward to when I have the rest of you, little one. Your lips are like hers, I wonder what else will be..."

"Get away from me!"

Chthon faded away, his voice echoing behind him. "I'll leave you. For now."

Amora was still shaking when Skurge finally burst through the door, looking frantic.

"What happened?!"

"Chthon," Amora said flatly. "If we get Thoth, then the death count will be five dozen a night."

Skurge scowled darkly. "Fine... then we don't get Thoth... Atum has other relatives in Heliopolis, maybe one of them could help?"

"I don't think anybody else will help us. Heliopolitans have worse attitudes towards us than we do towards Midgardians." Amora didn't tell him that she had already paid the price to get Thoth. "Thoth is the only one I know of."

"Doesn't Atum have another daughter? Sekhmet, or something... she's a fierce fighter, isn't she? And surely she'd help her sister."

"They don't know about me!" Amora shook her head emphatically. "They can't know. Do you understand?"

"Can it hurt to ask her for help?"

"Maybe, I don't know! The agreement was that I could have Thoth, nobody else!"

Skurge narrowed his eyes. "Agreement?"

Amora winced.

"Don't ask me, please."

"Amora." Skurge cupped her face. "You can trust me."

She closed her eyes. "Hekissedme." It came out very quickly and very quietly. Skurge's expression turned murderous.

"What?"

"In order for us to have Thoth for help I had to let him kiss me."

Skurge turned away for a long minute. Amora's heart sank. He hates me...

"He keeps manipulating you into doing what he wants." Skurge's voice was low, growling.

"What else was I supposed to do?!" Amora knew she sounded near tears.

"I don't know." He turned back to her. "I don't know."

"That's not really helpful..." Tear-filled eyes met his. "Do you hate me now?"

"Hate you?! How could I?"

"Because you and I are together, and I let him kiss me!"

"He manipulated you. He's toying with you, making you do what he wants. I know that you didn't want to."

"It doesn't undo it, though." Amora hung her head miserably.

Skurge cupped her face. "It was just a kiss, and we won't let him have more than that. Never." He wasn't sure if she would want him to kiss her now, after that, and so merely embraced her. She was shivering with the cold. "You probably should dress... I love you."

He kissed her forehead gently, before leaving to continue navigating the ship. Amora dressed quickly and joined him outside.

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Sif sat in blank shock in her mother's house, waiting for Thor. Her arms were wrapped around herself and her mind churned. We thought Asgard was safe! How did Karnilla get here? She was so lost in thought that she almost screamed when a hand touched her shoulder. She whirled. Thor knelt next to her, eyes full of sorrow.

"Sif."

She flung herself into his arms.

"Sif, my love. Shhh. I'm sorry... what happened?"

"I don't know... Karnilla masqueraded as a soldier on Alfheim, taunted me, came back here, I followed... she knocked me out. When I came to, Mother was..."

"Where is she?"

Sif pointed. Thor clasped her hand once before standing, bracing himself as he looked into Alti's room. He recoiled in shock. There was so much blood! He'd seen death in battle, but this murder of a defenceless woman... He went to Alti's side and slid her eyes shut, and then covered her face with a blanket. Sif didn't need that blank look of horror etched in her mind forever.

A soft footstep alerted him that he'd acted just in time. Sif had followed him inside, face white. She swayed on the spot as if she was going to pass out.

"Sif-"

"She's my mother." The warrior took a deep breath and slowly walked forward. She knelt beside Alti's still form, and touched her hand gently. "She's already going cold."

"It's not your fault."

"I could have gotten here sooner. I could have fought better."

"Just like I could have been with Odin the night he died. What ifs don't change anything, Sif."

"You're right." Sif buried her face into his shoulder. "She's all I had left!"

He stroked her midnight hair. "You still have me."

"Until you die marching on Surtur. Or I do. It doesn't matter, what needs to be done needs to be done."

Thor nodded, his expression bleak. "I'd give anything to secure peace right now, but..."

"Wars don't win themselves."

"Exactly."

"Nanna!" Sif pushed away from Thor. "Nanna was here. I need to make sure she's alright!"

"She's fine, she went to find Balder."

"But she saw Alti die, I have to be sure she's alright!"

"Alright. Let's go find her."

Sif nodded, and then turned back to her dead mother. "We can't lust leave her here. Not like this."

"I'll send someone from the palace to bring her there. But we shouldn't stay here. Let's go."

Sif leaned on him, allowing him to gently guide her out of the room. "Karnilla will pay."

"Yes, she will."

Sif nodded. "I'm going to kill her myself. Somehow."

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Amora and Skurge reached Heliopolis quickly enough, and landed the ship. As they exited it, they found themselves faced with a dozen or so armed guards, led by a lithe young woman whose round gold eyes and tawny skin reminded Amora of a lion.

"I am Sekhmet, captain of the guard. State who you are, what business you have in this city and why traces of Chthonic energy has been detected on your ship."

They both froze, not having anticipated this.

"Failure to answer will forfeit your lives," Sekhmet warned, stepping forward.

"I am Am-" Her new name would mean nothing. "Sigyn Freyjadottir. That makes us cousins, Sekhmet. My companion Sk-"

"Helblindi Gunnlodjarson."

"- were visiting a world and were set upon by Chthon. We came seeking Uncle Tooth - Thoth - for aid in defeating him," Sigyn said. Sekhmet was almost as intimidating as her father!

The lioness eyed them coldly. "I'll send word to Thoth. You will both remain in our custody until your words are confirmed or denied."

Sigyn nodded, her head hanging. She was going to have to tell Thoth the whole story... How would Sekhmet react to that?

"I call him Tooth sometimes, too, cousin. Just to annoy him," the lioness whispered as she shepherded Sigyn and Helblindi to a nearby building. "You look like Freyja and you smell like her, but you'll understand I need more confirmation that you are who you say you are."

"Like what?"

"Thoth will know. He might not admit it at first, but he will know." Sekhmet cast a critical eye at Sigyn's clothing. "Your attire doesn't look Asgardian. And your Jotünn friend is far from home. Usually they stick to their home realm with annoying diligence. Unless they're invading others."

Sigyn shook her head. "Helblindi and I are just exploring."

"Exploring?"

Helblindi nodded.

"Hmm."

The inside of the building was sparse, but there were chairs that they could wait in.

Sigyn and Helblindi sat, still feeling somewhat uncomfortable. Sekhmet watched them for a minute, before standing. "I am going to fetch Thoth. Both of you will be here when I return." She marched out without another word, making it clear this was non-negotiable. The travellers exchanged looks. Sigyn managed half a laugh.

"Still think coming here was a good idea?"

"If it lets us win against Chthon, yes. What about you? Do you think coming was a good idea?"

"I'd do anything to stop Chthon."

"Anything is a risky thing to offer, Sigyn." Helblindi looked worried.

"It's the truth, though." Sigyn's expression was peculiarly blank. She had an idea of how to distract Chthon for a night, to prevent him from killing anybody... It was a last resort, though, and she desperately hoped that she wouldn't have to...

Helblindi was eying her suspiciously. "Whatever you're thinking of, I can already say it's a bad idea just from your expression. Promise me you won't do anything stupid?"

"Define stupid."

"Letting him... have your body just to distract him for a night."

Sigyn's posture remained erect and upright. She didn't even blink. "I won't do that unless it's an absolute last resort."

"Correction: you're not doing it even then!"

"If he wins, he has me forever. If by just once I can save lives and be free of him-"

"Have you considered that this might be exactly what he wants you to do?"

"Yes, I have."

"You're lying."

Sigyn's face darkened. "I know what I'm doing."

"I know you think you know what you're doing, but-"

"I am a busy man, whyfore must thou pull me from important works?"

They both jumped at the words echoing down the hall. Sekhmet's low voice spoke in reply, seconds before the door opened. Sigyn and Helblindi both stood.

The thin, beak-nosed Thoth came scurrying in, casting nervous glances over his shoulder. Sekhmet followed.

"Well?" she demanded.

"Well what?" Thoth replied, looking annoyed.

The lioness rolled her eyes, gesturing at Sigyn. "Is she one of Freyja's daughters or not?"

"Who?"

"Freyja! The Mother Goddess's youngest daughter, Atum's favourite sister. One of the twins."

"Mother hast had more than one set of twins, niece," Thoth corrected, eyes narrowing at Sigyn. "Thou lookest much like Gaea, child, but -oh!"

"Oh, what?" Sekhmet asked.

"Perchance I might speak with young Sigyn alone?"

"How do you know my name?" Sigyn demanded.

Thoth waved at her to quiet her, staring at Sekhmet.

She stared at him for a minute before nodding curtly. "Five minutes." She left. Helblindi glanced at Thoth, then back to Sigyn. He raised an eyebrow.

She nodded. "Go. I'll see you in a few minutes."

He left, clearly reluctant. Thoth was gazing at Sigyn in shock.

"Hello, Uncle Thoth," she said nervously.

"What art thou doing here?"

"I came to speak to you. To ask for your help."

"Whyfore?"

"My companion and I were on a world recently and Chthon 'visited.' He offered me a deal. He's going to kill five dozen people every night unless I can stop him. One night with no deaths. That's all I need. And then he'll leave them alone."

"And shouldst thou fail?"

Sigyn shuddered. "You know what he did to Gaea."

Thoth's face went ashen. "Mayhap I should call upon Atum. He would ensure thy safety far better than I couldst."

Her heart rose. "You can do that?"

"Mayhap. If he responds to me."

"How long will it take? We have to get back to the planet tonight, to at least try to stop Chthon from killing them."

Thoth looked at her worriedly. "Mine demon uncle would not grant thee access to this city for nothing."

Sigyn froze- she hadn't even considered that! "You think he wanted me to get here?"

"Verily, though I dread the reason why."

Sigyn wrapped her arms around herself, starting to shake.

"Did he demand a price?"

"What?"

"Thou heardst me. Did he demand a price?"

"Yes."

Thoth made a move as if he wanted to embrace her but didn't know how. "What price didst he demand?"

The memory washed over Sigyn again, making her feel ill. "I'd rather not say."

Thoth's eyes narrowed, and he studied her for a long moment. "Niece, I must know."

"Why?"

"For if certain things hath come to pass, I must needs know, for thy sake..." he said awkwardly.

Sigyn flushed at discussing this with her uncle, but kept her voice steady as she answered. "He demanded a kiss," she shuddered. "But nothing else has happened."

Thoth looked relieved. He nodded. "Good. Good. I perchance can cast a protection spell upon thee, that will scorch him at thy touch. Be warned, though, it shall not work if thou hast made an agreement with him that allows him such things."

Sigyn frowned. "I haven't agreed to anything... except he can have me if he defeats me at this game. Is that going to affect the spell?"

Thoth's shoulders sagged. He nodded. "It will become invalid should thou lose... But in the meanwhile, it should protect thee."

Sigyn exhaled in relief, not really wanting to ask her next question, but knowing she had to. "Is it possible for him to access Heliopolis?"

"Possible? Yes. But he dareth not. Our people are too powerful for him."

"I hope you're right..." Sigyn's voice trailed off as Sekhmet marched back into the room.

"Five minutes are up."

Helblindi followed Sekhmet inside, and moved to join Sigyn. "Everything all right?"

Sigyn nodded.

"Eldest niece, wilt thou take thy sister to your apartments whilst I return to mine library for certain specialties?"

"Cousin!" Sigyn corrected, her heart rate spiking.

"And sister," Thoth said, scratching his head.

"No."

Sekhmet looked nonplussed. "We know what happened, Sigyn."

Sigyn went white. "How?!" Did Atum tell them? Why would he do that?!

"Even the mighty Atum needs must have an outlet for his frustrations," Thoth said wryly.

"So he told you," Sigyn said dully. "I suppose I can't fault him."

Helblindi scowled. "I can! How dare he reveal that without consulting you?"

"Watch your words, Jotünn!" Sekhmet growled.

"He didst not exactly reveal it, my niece and her companion," Thoth shrugged. "All those years ago, when Chthon's demands resulted in certain actions, Atum came to me, asking for me to end his life. When I heardst of thy birth, it was plain for me to see."

"That doesn't explain how she knows." Sigyn glanced at Sekhmet.

"I can smell it. As soon as you landed. You smelled more like a sister than a cousin, so I asked Thoth when I fetched him."

Sigyn glared at Thoth. "And you just told her? It didn't occur to you to ask me first? What if I hadn't known?"

"She threatened to scratch off my face!"

Sekhmet nodded. "I did."

Sigyn was bemused. "Do you threaten people often?"

Sekhmet shrugged. "It gets me results."

"It's no wonder you have the reputation that you have."

Sekhmet's eyebrow rose. "What sort of reputation?"

"You don't know?"

"I rarely travel into the realms of the lesser go- uh, the other realms."

"You're known as a fierce warrior," Sigyn replied then.

"More like a bloodthirsty brute who only has loyalty to family," Helblindi corrected.

Sigyn glared at him.

"What? I don't believe in sugarcoating things."

"I like him," Sekhmet declared. "And you're right. I am a bloodthirsty brute, so show some respect."

"That's not something to brag about, you know," Sigyn said.

"Why not?"

Sigyn scowled. "Are we going to do that spell thing or not?"

Thoth jumped, as if he'd forgotten. "Of course! I must retrieve certain artifacts beforehand though."

"Go on, then!" Sigyn urged. The sooner I'm shielded from Chthon, the better...

Thoth scuttled out of the room.

"What sort of spell are you talking about?" Sekhmet asked suspiciously. "What brings you to Heliopolis?"

Sigyn didn't answer. Helblindi spoke hesitantly.

"You know we were targeted by Chthon. Thoth offered Sigyn a protection spell, that's all."

"And you know this how?" Sekhmet drawled. "You were outside with me. Don't think that you can tell me your hearing is better than mine."

"It's only common sense," Helblindi replied stiffly.

"Mm-hmm." Sekhmet flashed claws. "I don't like liars. Now who's going to tell me the truth?"

"The truth about what?" Sigyn folded her arms. "Thoth is going to put a protection spell on me so that Chthon can't-" She cut off.

"Yes?"

"You know what he's like, don't you?"

Sekhmet nodded. "I know he enjoys tormenting women- oh." A scowl crossed her face. "Are you saying he's molested you?"

"No, not yet, but he's threatened to."

Sekhmet growled audibly. Sigyn shrank back as the lioness advanced. Helblindi made to step between them, but a yellow-eyed glare from the lioness stopped him.

"I told you, sister, that I do not like being lied to. I can smell him on you."

Sigyn tensed. "He blackmailed me into a kiss so I could come here and seek help! Alright?" She glared at her half-sister.

Sekhmet was silent for a long time. "Chthon needs to die."

"Agreed. But just saying it isn't going to make it happen."

Sekhmet grunted. "Come along. We can at least feed you while you are here." She led Sigyn out of the room. Helblindi looked uncomfortable, but followed- he wasn't leaving Sigyn alone!

"It was just a kiss though?" Sekhmet said abruptly, turning back once they were in a small residential building. "He didn't do anything that might result in pregnancy?"

"No!" Sigyn shook her head. "It was just a kiss. Why?"

Sekhmet's expression was dark. "We don't need any more complications."

"We?" Sigyn repeated, her brow furrowing. "I don't-"

"You don't think I'm going to let you go back to wherever you came from wherever you came from without me, do you?"

Sigyn stared. "You don't even know what is happening!"

"I know my sister is being threatened. I defend my family. I'm going with you." Sekhmet folded her arms, as if her statement settled everything.

Sigyn and Helblindi shared a glance. If Sekhmet came along, what would Chthon do for "breaking their word?"

"You can't."

"You can't stop me."

"Who canst not stop thou doing what?" Thoth's unannounced return broke the tension.

"My little sister here is trying to tell me that I can't join in on whatever bloodbath she's trying to prevent Chthon from bringing about. Don't look at me like that," she snapped at Sigyn and Helblindi's dumbfounded faces. "He never makes himself known unless he's planning something huge. I fought alongside my father for several centuries by the time your mother was born, Sigyn. I know something about Chthon's methods."

Sigyn met Sekhmet's gaze steadily. "And what if I told you the deaths will increase if you accompany us?"

"That depends on who will die."

"All life is a sacred gift of the universe," Thoth interjected. "We shall not take unnecessary risks."

"Some life is more sacred than others," Sekhmet returned. "I am returning with you."

Sigyn looked at Helblindi helplessly. Now what could they do?

Helblindi stepped forward bravely. "And if we say you can't come?"

"Then you can't leave. Simple as that."

Thoth frowned. "Bloodthirsty niece, you will only endanger your sister further if you insist on accompanying us into battle."

Sekhmet sneered at Thoth. "What would you know about it, birdbrain?"

Helblindi spotted the obvious problem. "Wait- us? I don't recall actually asking you to join us, Thoth..."

"Of course I am, Blue One," Thoth replied. "Thou canst not take on Chthon with just the twain we see here. As for you, Sekhmet, you forget that in the absence of Atum I am Helipolis' king, and in my absence you are its queen. You cannot shirk duties to the city."

"But you can?"

"We both knowest that Atum only named me successor for pity's sake, and to appease Mother's anger. You always reign here."

Sekhmet paused, unable to really counter that argument. "But, Thoth, you're no warrior, how do you plan to face Chthon?"

"Hath you never wondered why it is he never attacks me?" Thoth replied calmly. "I have defences against the demon."

"I don't like it."

Don't you, lioness?

Everybody tensed as Chthon's voice echoed in the room. Helblindi moved to Sigyn's side. Sigyn's hands flared. Sekhmet growled, unsheathing her claws. Only Thoth seemed unafraid- at least, he showed no reaction.

"Show yourself, demon!" Sekhmet snarled.

I do not take orders from children, Chthon replied, purring.

"I am no child! And you are nothing but a coward, taunting others from a distance!"

Perhaps you will regret those words, granddaughter.

"SHOW YOURSELF, CRAVEN!" Sekhmet screeched.

As you wish. A shadow began materialising, leeching all light from the room.

Helblindi put his arms protectively around Sigyn, and Thoth tugged Sekhmet back a step. Chthon laughed.

"You all would do well to fear me more than you do."

Sigyn muttered a curse under her breath as Chthon moved closer.

"What business do you have with my sister, monster?" Sekhmet demanded, moving to stand between them.

"Hardly your concern. She and I made a bargain..."

"You haven't won yet!" Sigyn shouted at him.

"And you are seeking help from the lioness. That was not in our terms."

She shivered involuntarily.

"If you insist on her aid as well, then the stakes raise. Eight dozen die each night you fail to defeat me."

Sigyn went white. "No!"

Chthon laughed. "Do you wish to forfeit the game now then, and simply surrender yourself to me?"

Sekhmet snarled, drawing her weapon, but Sigyn knew it would do no good. Indeed, Chthon merely struck her aside as he advanced on Sigyn. Thoth cast a spell, a glowing rune forming between his hands; it flew towards Chthon, but bounced off his thick skin.

"What?" Thoth cried, paling.

"You fool! What spells do you think truly work against me?" Chthon laughed. He flung Sekhmet away as she charged him again, and turned his gaze back to Sigyn. "Eight dozen, granddaughter. But what shall I take in the meantime to seal the oath?"

Helblindi and Sekhmet attacked at the same time. Both were hurled back, hitting the walls with sickening thuds.

"Stop!" Sigyn shouted as both struggled to their feet. "There's no point to this right now!"

Thoth scurried around Chthon and threw his arms in dramatic protection around Sigyn. "Thou shall not touch her!" he shouted and in a low voice, so quiet that only Sigyn could hear him, lips hardly moving. "Let him kiss you."

Sigyn couldn't believe what she had just heard, but then Thoth was ripped away and she was left staring Chthon straight in the eye.

"Well? How shall we seal this oath again?"

Her voice was expressionless. "Kiss me."

Chthon chuckled, cupping her skull in his hands. Sigyn's stomach churned and she tasted acid in the back of her mouth. Chthon's grin was huge as he pressed his lips to hers again. Sigyn wanted to be sick. There were yells of rage from Helblindi and Sekhmet. Thoth's expression made little sense (not that anyone noticed). He looked almost... triumphant.

Chthon's hand gripped her jaw, prying it downwards, sticking his tongue into her mouth. He pressed his body against hers, and she pushed at him. When he wouldn't move, she bit him. Black foul-tasting blood seeped into her mouth, and she almost retched.

Chthon grunted in pain. Pulling back he slammed his fist into her face; her vision blacked out and she collapsed to the floor. Her head was yanked back up by her hair and when her vision cleared she found herself staring into Chthon's face.

"It will be interesting to watch you break!"

There was a tawny blur, accompanied by a feral scream of pure rage, and suddenly Sigyn lost her balance as Chthon staggered. Falling to the floor, she couldn't see what was happening. Helblindi rushed to her, shielding her. There was a loud crack, and then Chthon dissolved into shadow.

"I will see you tonight, little granddaughter." He laughed and was gone.

"Sekhmet," Sigyn gasped, pushing past Helblindi to check her half-sister.

The lioness made an angry mewling sound, cradling an arm twisted at an odd angle. She snarled at Sigyn when the younger goddess tried to examine her.

"Leave me alone!"

"Hurry, hurry!" Thoth squealed, pulling vials and swabbers from the folds of his cloak. "Niece Sigyn, I must ask to see down thy throat."

"What?"

"Open thy mouth, I beseech of thee!"

Sigyn glanced at Thoth sceptically, but did as he asked. He peered down her throat intently.

"Thou bit him! Excellent, excellent!" Thoth quickly swiped some of the blood from her cheek and but the swab into a vial, and then swabbed her lips with a damp swab. "Didst he... how might I sayest this? Tongue thee?"

"What business is it of yours?" Helblindi snarled. "And what are you doing?"

"I am attempting to carry out an experiment, one thou wouldst not understand, Blue One."

Sekhmet set her bone and got to her feet. "Explain, Uncle."

"This is necessary!"

"Why?"

Thoth gave her an exasperated look. "Canst thou not see?"

Sekhmet snarled.

"Verily, I will tell thee! To cast a spell of protection on an entire populace, I needed essence of the demon himself, his traces. The blood is good, but his motivations must need be in the spell for proper protection. He is clearly after a carnal encounter, if he hast-"

"Yes," Sigyn interrupted. She didn't want to listen to Thoth's babbling. She just wanted him to take what he needed so she could clean her mouth from Chthon's traces. Thoth closed his mouth mid-sentence, plainly put out at being interrupted, but finished his work quietly.

"So you can cast the protection spell more strongly now?" Helblindi asked for clarification.

"Yes, and a broader one at that. I wilt be able to cast a protection of all inhabitants of five years an younger by nightfall, shouldst we return with two hours before sunset."

Sigyn blinked. "And what about those older than that?"

"I canst only do so much at once! It shall have to wait for the morrow."

"Perfect." Sekhmet growled. "So all the toddlers will be safe tonight, if we get there in time, but eight dozen adults and adolescents will die!"

"What wouldst thou have me do? I have only so much strength!"

"Let's just get out of here. I'll send a message to the senate, telling them that they are in charge until our return," Sekhmet grumbled, still cradling her arm as she stalked out. "You, Jotünn, prep the ship while Tooth completes his sample-collecting!"

Helblindi obeyed automatically, used to taking orders. Thoth continued analysing his samples while muttering about how his name wasn't Tooth. Sigyn stood there, feeling awkward and useless. "Can I clean my mouth now?"

"Hmm? What?"

Sigyn rolled her eyes. "I'm going to go wash my mouth out."

Thoth blinked owlishly. "Why hast thou not done so already?"

Sigyn spoke slowly, as though Thoth was challenged (as she was starting to think he was.) "I couldn't exactly clean my mouth while you needed samples from it, could I?"

"But I art done!"

"You didn't tell me that."

"Can thou not seest that?"

"No!"

Thoth stared at her, wondering why it was that it seemed everybody in this universe besides him was so slow. "Well, I am."

Sigyn threw her hands up. "Thank you for enlightening me!" She marched out of the room, leaving Thoth alone. He shook his head.

"Why art all my older brother's children so easy to anger?"

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Angrboda glanced round curiously at the small, modest dwellings that were dotted here and there over the fields. Loki squeezed her hand.

"Very different to what they had in Jotunheim, isn't it?"

She nodded. "Do you think we'll actually be welcomed?"

"Well... Jotunheim was their home, too. I imagine that some of them, at least will..."

Angrboda straightened her shoulders. "Let's go see."

They felt many eyes on them as they walked through the encampment of the former slaves of Jotunheim. Nobody greeted them.

"Where should we go first?"

Angrboda glanced around, wrapping her arms around herself, looking unusually vulnerable. "I don't know."

Loki glanced around, spotting someone he recognised. "Geirmund!"

The man, who was blue-skinned and hairless but was the same height as Loki (due to his half-Jotunn, half-Norn heritage), looked up. He turned his back at once and entered his dwelling. Loki grimaced. He glanced around; they weren't getting hostile looks, but nobody really looked welcoming. Angrboda suddenly began to stride forward.

"Gerda?"

The blonde woman stopped what she was doing and stared at the ground.

Angrboda stopped in front of her. "How are you?" she asked awkwardly as Loki joined her.

"Very well, my lady." Gerda wouldn't look up.

"I don't know why I'm here," Angrboda muttered, and turned around. "I'm sorry. Goodbye."

Loki caught her by the arm, whispering in her ear. "Angi, we have to at least try."

"What does it matter?" Angrboda didn't even bother whispering. "Jotunheim has been destroyed, what does ANYTHING MATTER ANYMORE?"

Loki glanced around warily, but none of the former slaves seemed particularly surprised. Did someone tell them?

Everybody was staring at them, expressions ranging from pitying to blank to angry. Loki didn't know what to do. Angrboda was facing him, daring him to do something, but he didn't know what to do! What could he say to these people who had lost so much, suffered so much... They had all been slaves of the Jotünns, most of them were half-Jotünn themselves... Would they mourn Jotunheim the way Angrboda was?

Angrboda suddenly crumpled against him, her body wracked with sobs. Loki held her, shocked. She never cried!

"It's gone, Loki! We were rebuilding. We were making things better."

He stroked her fire-hair, wishing her could do more.

"Your majesty?" Gerda had edged closer, her voice timid. "Perhaps... you would like to come in for a cup of tea?" Her hands twisted nervously.

Angrboda's head turned slightly, and then Loki felt her nod. He kept an arm around her as they ducked into Gerda's large home. The blonde glanced warily at them as she set the table with some fine china teacups. Gerda poured three cups, then looked at the monarchs, and found herself lost for words.

"I've been meaning to ask you," Loki said awkwardly, "at Balder's wedding I saw you holding hands with Lord Frey?"

Gerda flushed. "Yes. Lord Frey has been most kind to me."

"Good." Loki didn't know what else to say so had a sip of tea, wishing it was wine.

"I-is there anything left of... of Jotunheim?" Gerda's voice quavered.

Loki shook his head regretfully. "I'm afraid not."

Tears rolled down Angrboda's face again.

Gerda looked down. "I... This may sound odd but despite everything I loved Jotunheim. I only came to Asgard because I wanted a fresh start. But every day I'd wake with the ice in my mind. I was going to go back, someday..."

Hesitantly, she moved to her king's side, putting her hand on Angrboda's shoulder. "It is comforting, in a way, to see that others share my grief."

Angrboda managed a small smile at her. "I'm sorry that I wasn't kinder to you while I was growing up."

"Perhaps you have a chance to become friends now." Loki interjected, smiling at Gerda. The half-Jotünn flushed, ducking her head.

"I don't think so," Angrboda muttered. "Some things cannot be undone."

Gerda glanced at her. "I would not object to seeing you occasionally, my lady."

Angrboda was silent. Loki reached to put his hand on hers, but she pulled away before he could touch her. "Jotunheim is destroyed."

"I know, my lady."

"Then there's no point in calling me 'my lady' anymore. I have no title now."

Gerda went scarlet. "It would be wrong of me to use your name."

"Why? There's no point in anything else."

Gerda shifted uncomfortably, unsure how to respond.

Angrboda looked up at her briefly before turning her gaze around the room. "This almost looks like the houses back in Jotunheim."

"Yes. When we moved here Odin had housing available, but I don't like those square boxes."

Angrboda actually laughed. "Neither do I! They're ridiculous."

"Yes, they are." Gerda smiled briefly.

Angrboda turned. "Loki, would you mind giving us time alone?"

Loki smiled at his wife. "Of course not." He left quickly, thinking perhaps he'd approach some other refugees. Angrboda and Gerda were left alone.

"Has anything been heard from Lord Helblindi?" Gerda ventured cautiously.

Angrboda shook her head. "No. The Asgardian seer Heimdall assures me that he and Lady Sigyn are well, but he has not contacted me himself."

"I'm sure you worry for him."

Angrboda shrugged. "He will probably return with a child of his own."

Gerda smiled warmly. "I think he'd be a good parent. He was always kind to me when we crossed paths."

"He was a kind man. I hope... I hope Sigyn is treating him right. I was furious when he ran off with her. I'm glad he did now. I hope he never comes back. I hope he never learns what happened to Jotunheim."

Gerda tentatively placed her hand on Angrboda's trying to offer comfort. "At least some of our people survived."

"Yes." Angrboda sighed. "Gerda... was I a good king?"

"Yes." Gerda nodded firmly. "You and Queen Loki did wonders for our society."

"And yet... it's all gone."

A silence fell. Angrboda sighed.

"I should be going."

Gerda nodded, wishing she wasn't so tongue-tied.

Angrboda stood, and hesitated. "Gerda... I... wish you luck with Lord Frey."

Gerda flushed. "I-I'm sure I don't know what you mean, my lady. Lord Frey is a good friend. I wouldn't dare hope-"

"You were holding hands with him at young Balder's wedding. Don't you think that means something?"

Gerda flushed deeper. "I would be content to be his mistress," she admitted. "But he hasn't even tried to kiss me."

"Have you shown him your interest in any way?"

Gerda looked uncomfortable. "It's not my place."

"You're not a slave anymore. Why isn't it?"

"He is a lord of Asgard."

"And you are now a free citizen of Asgard. I do not see a problem."

Gerda sighed. "No. You wouldn't. Good day, my lady."