Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight.

Warning: This story contains mention of sexual assault and graphic violence.


That night I drifted in and out of sleep, not daring to move from the branch. Each time my lids closed and sleep embraced my sore body, I would jar suddenly awake, my entire being alert and searching for any sounds of the guards or the angry bear that I barely escaped. Time slipped away into the night, and when the glow of the moon began to dim, I finally moved. Slowly I descended the tree, listening with each step for any approach.

Silence.

I retrieved the cloak and slung it over my shoulder, the shredded fabric grazing the quiver that held only a few remaining arrows. Gritting my teeth against the pain and soreness from my limbs, I moved silently through the woods. I needed an animal, one small enough that after I killed it, I could hide the body, but large enough to soak the cloak in its blood. Deeper and deeper into the thick trees I ventured in search of my prey, and found nothing. Sighing, I turned back towards the way I came in hopes of finding something a little closer.

Water.

Of course, animals would be attracted to water. If I hid in a tree I could wait for one to come drink. I moved with purpose towards the stream I had bathed in and found another tree, closer to the water, in which to hide. Stiffly, I climbed the branches until I felt hidden from both men and animals, and waited.

My tired and sore limbs seemed to sink into the rough bark of the branches and I allowed my mind to wander. I thought of what I knew and the plan I had formed. Everything was planned under the assumptions I made, of the knowledge that had washed over me only nights prior in the forest.

My heart ached as I realized only nights ago I had been with my sisters – all of them. Nada had been alive, and though worry and tension had settled upon us that final evening, we had been together. Would I ever see them again? Were they safe? Did my attacks purchase any time, provide any distractions to ensure their wellbeing?

Everything hinged on one assumption and if I was wrong ….

No, I could not allow myself the possibility that everything I thought I knew was wrong. I had to be right. Or at least, I would die under the assumption that I was right. That was the only solace, the only comfort I could hold onto. When so many had been ripped from me – from my father, to my sisters, Jarpr, and Nada – I had to have something to hold onto or else I knew the grief would descend upon me and crush me beneath its weight.

I did not have to wait long. The sky was beginning to brighten along the edges when a wild boar approached the pool. It was smaller in size, probably only a year or two in age; I knew I would have to kill it with one strike or else it would scream and run away. My strength had waned and I knew I would be unable to catch it.

Breathing deeply, I withdrew an arrow and placed it in my bow. Pulling it taunt, I eyed my target and released. The arrow flew quietly through the air and thankfully hit the boar directly in the head. The animal collapsed with a small scream onto the ground. Before I descended from my location, I looked around the dense forest for any signs of the guards or the bear.

Silence.

Quickly I climbed down the branches and retrieved the body. I pulled the carcass behind some brush before I withdrew the knife in my boot and cut the flesh of its belly. Blood oozed from the wound and using my fingers, pulled the wound further apart to free more blood. I retrieved the cloak from my back and began pushing the ruined material into the blood and watched as it absorbed the hot liquid. When the cloak seemed covered with the boar's essence, I threw it over the brush and towards the stream.

Grunting, I stood and picked up the boar's body. I had to hide it somewhere and quickly. In the distance, behind two large trees, I could see a formation of rocks. While the boar was smaller, it was still heavy, and I was exhausted. Yet I pressed on until I reached the rocks and began to use my hands to shovel loose dirt away until a hole was large enough for the carcass. The sky was almost completely bright and I knew the guards would be returning very soon. I scooped the dirt on top of the body and then placed loose stones on top of the dirt to hide the freshly broken ground.

I looked back to the water and wondered if I had enough time to clean my hands or if I should immediately return to the trees. Crouched near my makeshift grave, I shifted from foot to foot as I thought.

Then I heard them approaching and knew I had to move. I stood and moved further down the path, then found a tree, and pulled myself to the safety of its branches.

I gulped in air as I waited for the guards to come closer.

Their footfalls seemed to echo loudly as they walked over the hill and came into view.

Find it.

They scanned the ground and the sky as the moved through the woods, and I felt my heart hammer in my chest.Find it! Closer and closer they walked and I felt my chest tighten in fear.

Should I draw my bow? Should I shoot them? What if there were more?

Then I heard one of them, "Look there!" he shook his companion and pointed towards the pool. They sprinted to the pool and retrieved from tattered cloak. The first guard touched the damp material and pulled his hand back. Peering at the red stain on his fingers, he pulled them to his nose and breathed deeply. "It's blood," he said.

The other man nodded. "Do you think," he paused.

"There's so much of it. Could someone still be alive after loosing that much blood?"

Both men stood in silence.

"What should we do?"

The stood, huddled together, looking down at the rags, and seemingly deep in thought.

"Let's return, tell the King she's dead," the first man stated.

"What if she's not?" the other asked, clearly hesitant.

The first guard turned to the other, brows drawn together, "If she's not now, she will be. No one can survive that."

"Should we look for her body?" the other asked, his shoulders were hunched and his eyes seemed to scan the trails ahead of them nervously.

The first guard considered the question for a moment as I held my breath. If they insisted on finding a body, they would find none – and they would not believe I was dead. Moments seemed to tick by as the silent duo considered their options and my hope began to dwindle.

Panting from the branches, my fingers twitched in response to the anxiety filling my body. I moved slowly for the arrows in my quiver, only a few remained, and knew I would have to kill these two men who had been given the unfortunate task of hunting me down. Like the boar before them, I would have to hit them in the head, hopefully killing them instantly so they would not be able to make any sounds. If there were others, they could hear the commotion – especially if I missed my targets, and I knew I lacked the strength to successfully flee from them. My heart thrummed loudly in my chest and I knew I would be unable to kill both instantly with the same arrow.

Yes, there would be noise.

Probably a lot of it.

But I saw no other way to escape.

Trembling hands lined up the next arrow and I knew that as soon as I released the first, I would have to lined up and fire the second arrow to kill the other guard.

That's when I heard it.

The bear roared loudly in the forest, the sound echoed around us, and I saw the two guards visibly jump from the angry sound.

"No, that animal has probably made her into a meal. Let's leave this place."

Finally, his companion nodded and together they turned and exited the woods. Breathing a sigh of relief, I waited a little longer in the trees. Only when I was sure that no others would come looking for me and that the bear was nowhere nearby did I move down the tree.

I moved towards the temple, following the path from the tree line. When I reached another small pool of water, I paused and cleaned the dirt and dried blood from my hands and then continued along my way. When I reached the temple, the sun bobbed along the horizon, the sky brilliant shades of orange and purples. My stomached grumbled loudly, reminding me that I needed to eat. Patiently, I waited until twilight descended on the forest and the clearing around the temple and began to stalk quietly towards the doors.

No guards or people were about and crouching, I shuffled along the long porch, behind the statues of the gods, and through the arched doorways. The temple looked the same from my last visit, only now there was bread and water on the table. Three bowls were set along the smooth wooden surface and I could hear the soft bubble of a stew cooking over the fireplace. If I stole the food, the priests would be alerted to my presence and I did not know if they held any loyalty towards Yåkov.

My decision was made for me when a steely voice whispered behind me, "Do not move," it commanded.

I gulped audibly and then feinted towards my left. Behind me, I sensed the man shifting in the same direction, then whipped around to my right instead. My fingers were bunched into a fist and I was prepared to strike the unknown man who had addressed me, when my body suddenly stilled.

"You!" I gasped, looking into the somewhat familiar face of Audvard. He pulled down his darkened hood, revealing his short hair and no longer darkened eyes.

They were golden.

Like Jarpr's eyes.

He smirked and lowered his hood.

"Yes, me."

Behind me I heard the shuffle of feet and peered over my shoulder. The three priests were assembling their meal, seemingly oblivious to us. I returned my sight to Audvard.

"You're like him." I whispered.

He nodded; a curt and somewhat stiff gesture as he waved his hand in front of him. "Come, let us sit."

The priests had set a forth bowl on the table and bowed to me as they filled it to the brim with a steaming meat stew. I inhaled deeply and my stomach grumbled angrily at me. "Eat," Audvard commanded.

Again the priests seemed to ignore our very presence as they ate their stews quietly. I arched a brow at Audvard while I gulped down the first mouthful of stew, the hot vegetables and meat burning my tongue. "They don't expect you to eat?"

He laughed, "Do you?" he asked in return.

My tongue felt thick and tender from the burn, so I replaced the spoon in the stew and picked up a warm piece of bread to dip in the steaming bowl. "No, I suppose not," I answered. The thick liquid absorbed quickly into the soft bread, I blew against the food, and then popped it between my lips. My stomach was feeling much better with each bite and gulp and despite the still tender flesh of my tongue, I continued to eat as quickly as possible. When my bowl was emptied, the priests looked to me – almost expectantly, then to the god who sat next to me. "Would you like some more?" he asked quietly.

I looked to the priests again and worried how much food they had for themselves. "You're worried?" Audvard inquired.

"Yes, do they have enough food?"

He nodded. "Yes."

"Then yes, I would like some more." I answered, a blush heating my cheeks.

Audvard muttered what sounded like a command in a foreign tongue and the priest nearest me retrieved my bowl and began to fill it from the heavy pot that hung over the fire. I whispered my thanks when he sat the bowl down in front of me again.

Once more I greedily ate my food, barely slowing or even mindful of my rudeness at consuming the food so quickly. Finally, my stomach felt settled and the water was sloshing in my belly. "Thank you," I whispered to the priests and inclined my head to display my gratitude.

It was an older man who spoke first, one I recalled from my childhood when I had visited the temple with Father. "Thank you, young Queen."

Puzzled I asked, "For what?"

What could anyone be thankful to me for? I had utterly failed my kingdom in almost every way imaginable since my father's passing.

"For returning the gods," he answered, his voice humble and awed as he gazed upon Audvard seated to my side.

"I did not return them," I answered, not knowing what else or how else to answer. Did they know that the gods were walking among us? Did it even surprise them? Or as priests, did they expect the gods to always be walking among us?

"Come," Audvard instructed, rising next to me, "let us walk."

I nodded my head and rose from the bench. My muscles were still tight and sore from my fight Yåkov and then my hasty retreat into the forest.

We walked outside, to the large porch with the gods' statues lining the edges. The night had descended once more, and the forest was quiet. I looked to my right, towards the village, and knew that time was short. I would have to act soon.

Would Audvard assist me? His presence could only mean the kingdom of Tyr was not far behind, and yet he was alone. And I realized, that even in the village, there were not many guards – a few scattered ones, but not enough to make a showing. At the time I had assumed – and I snorted at my many assumptions – that the people's willingness to turn to Tyr had not required a large group of guards to take over the land. Rather, only a few to bring food and to protect the village from Yåkov's men.

"It is time, isn't it?" I asked, peering out into the night air.

"Yes," he answered.

"My kingdom is mine no longer is it?" If I was right, then my question was only half true – but could I trust him? A breeze passed through, whipped around my skin, and chilled my bones.

Tonight.

I would have to act tonight.

"No," he replied.

My whole body burned in response to his answer – my eyes burned with unshed tears, my throat seemed to thicken as I swallowed, and at the same time I felt utterly free. The same thought that had burdened me before now flew through my mind, tempting – I'm free, I have no further obligations to this land.

And yet, I knew that was not the truth. Regardless of title, my duty remained. I was obligated to see my plan through, to ensure the safety of my people – and once they were safe, I would finally rest. Once the lands were secured, I could grieve for those lost and finally allow myself the sweet release I had so desperately longed for. But that time was not yet upon me, and work had yet to be completed.

"I need your help," I whispered. I knew this was coming, had prepared for it, had prayed for it even. In the dark forest while my sisters lay only yards away, when Nada was alive – I had planned for a moment like this. No shock seeped through my bones or anger. Acceptance. I had accepted what would come to pass.

Curious, Audvard tilted his head to the side. "You seem – resigned? And yet, what could you need my help with?"

I motioned back towards the temple. "There is something I need to make, and I need to create many pouches or even a barrel of it. I suspect you are much stronger than I am, and could carry it – quietly to the palace."

He chuckled again, "My Queen, I am here to retrieve you. I am unknown in this land and my only mission – to enter the palace and return with you. Although I am surprised at how calm you are, I expected a great deal of screaming and fighting."

I did not bother to ask why he had been sent to retrieve me. I already knew. The difference was – he did not know that I knew.

"It will help," I continued. "I've seen it."

He stilled then, stiffened beside me, and I could the anxiety rolling from his body. "Seen it?"

I nodded. "Yes, I have seen that it will help. I saw it a long time ago but did not know the meaning. I know what will happen and I need your help." Images flashed before my mind – the fire, the broken bodies, the loss. My heart ached as I imagined what lay before me, but I knew that it was needed and that only the purge I had planned could finally free my kingdom – my people.

"I am curious, nothing more. And because of that, I will help you. But mind me, little Queen – we will depart this land before the sun rises. Do you understand?" his voice was firm, eyes narrowed, and shoulders hunched. I did not doubt his sincerity.

"We must be quick," I began and he smirked. "Follow me."

We returned to the temple where the priests had completed their meal and cleared the table. The pot had been emptied and sat empty next to the hearth. I wondered if they had another pot? Or if that was their only one? I hesitated to ruin something they needed for food.

Sighing, I turned to the three men, two old and one young, and explained what I needed – quicklime and pine resin, and to bring the pot to a rolling boil with a few other ingredients. We would need to melt the resin to create the potion I needed.

Several hours later we had created several large leather pouches of my potion. Inhaling deeply, I turned to face the three men who had worked alongside me. "Thank you," I bowed to them. "Stay safe this night."

They each turned to bow to Audvard who inclined his head respectfully in acknowledgement. Then we turned and entered the forest nearest the road.

The night sky was filled with large, angry clouds and I knew we needed to hurry. I was indeed very lucky if the sky would open up and pour a storm out onto the land. It would only help my plan, but only if I completed my task before the rain began to fall.

"Why are we traveling in the woods?" he asked.

"Do you not know?" I called to him over my shoulder as he trailed behind. He carried most of the leather pouches, allowing me to only carry what I could secure to my waist. "I'm supposed to be dead," I laughed. While staging my own death had been far from pleasant, I found myself able to laugh about it with the man who walked behind me.

"I see," he replied. "You have not told me what we are doing with this potion of yours yet," he called to me.

"What? You don't already know?" I teased and stepped carefully though the foliage at my feet.

"No," he replied.

"It's fire," I answered and I heard him stumble behind me. Quickly I turned to face him, surprised and worried that he had lost his balance. Had Jarpr ever lost his balance? Could gods be clumsy?

Shock seemed to engulf his whole body – stiff limbs, tense face, bunched muscles. "It will become fire," I quickly amended, confused by the odd reaction, "It is known as Greek fire. Our Arab slaves taught us the secret, however the secret has been handed down through the priests. They are skilled at alchemy and therefore are more able to create the potion. Do you know of Greek fire?" I asked and resumed my walk through the woods.

"Yes," he answered.

"Good, so you know what needs to happen?"

He nodded. "We will never arrive to the palace at this rate, not in time for what you have planned," he paused, "Would you have gone through with this alone?"

I nodded and kept walking.

He sighed. "I see you are set on this. Very well. Climb onto my back, we will travel at my speed. This is far too slow for my liking."

Never had Jarpr offered me a ride on his back, nor had I ever witnessed his speed – although I suspected he must have been very fast to escape notice so often. I remembered the night I became aware of his otherness and how he had used his speed to light a fire.

Breathing deeply, I turned to Audvard and circled behind him, then carefully and somewhat nervously, climbed on his back. "Hang on tight," he instructed.

I should have closed my eyes.

The trees surrounding us blurred by in odd shapes off green and brown as Audvard sped through the foliage. Wind whipped over my skin, chilled me, and I ducked my head into the juncture of his neck and shoulders. A sickened moan seemed to float up from me and I bit the inside of my cheek to stop myself. While Audvard traveled smoothly – there was no sway as he ran; I clenched my eyes closed against the sickness that threatened to overtake me. All I could hear was the sound of the wind as it rushed over our bodies and I felt, rather than decided, my hands grip his shoulders even tighter, as if it would save me.

Then, it was over.

He stood on the edge of the forest directly behind the palace. The sun had set, the woods had darkened, and the moon had begun to rise in the sky. On unsteady legs, I climbed back to the ground and felt my entire body sway. I leaned against the nearest tree as I attempted to settle my thoughts.

In the distance I could hear Audvard's voice, he was speaking to me – giving me instructions, and yet it sounded as if he were so far away. My ears rang and a strange humming seemed to fade out all the sounds around me, created an echo that made it impossible to focus.

Audvard's cold hands gripped my shoulders and shook them slightly. "Highness," his voice was closer now and I squinted in the dark to focus on the blurred face before me.

"Yes?" I mumbled as I swiped my eyes in an effort to clear my vision.

Slowly, the god came back into focus before me and I could finally make out his words. "I will pour this around the castle and return. It looks like it will rain very soon, so we will need to be on our way before then."

"You said I had until dawn," I objected.

"That was before I knew what we were carrying." He answered.

"No, I must finish this."

He shook his head and straightened, "I will allow you to remain here as long as we can stay, however your safety is important. Should you be in danger, we will leave immediately. Otherwise, I will allow you to remain until dawn." Deftly, he snatched the leather pouches at my waist and turned away from me, "I will return, stay here," he instructed. Then he was gone.

I breathed deeply as I watched the palace I had called home. The palace I had met my sisters, where I have lived, laughed, cried, and fallen in love. I thought of all that the stoned walls held inside – the people, the memories, the maze. I remembered my picnic with Jarpr, my fights with him, the massages and his stories. My entire life had been lived inside that palace. It was, without a doubt, significant to me. It was a beacon of strength to my people, a place of comfort and hope.

And tonight I would burn it to the ground.

"Don't worry, Audvard," I whispered, "it all happens before dawn. They come before ..." And with that, I stood and silently walked towards my awaiting tomb.


A/N: Only four chapters remain! :) I wanted to get this update in as soon as possible to make up for my two week delay on Chapter 28. Whew, so what are your thoughts? Do you see the end? What do YOU think is going to happen? There have been some great guesses and theories, and I hope the ending will live up to your expectations.

Teasers: Sundays over at Twilight Fic Zone and Mondays at Fictionators.

Fic Rec: I'm on the hunt for something to read during my lunch breaks (well they are kind of my lunch breaks - I eat during them, that counts right?).

Next Installment: Once Ginnungagap is complete, I am aiming to begin posting the next installment beginning in late September (I want to be several chapters ahead of posting). I'm going to try something very different (for me) and was hoping for some feedback. I think I have a name set for the second installment, however I want to hear YOUR thoughts. Ginnungagap II (not my current working title) will pick up where we leave off at the end of Ginnungagap. So I'm taking suggestions for the next title. If I pick your title, I'll either 1) write a chapter of your choosing from Ginnungagap from whatever POV you choose or 2) Send you the first chapter of the second installment at the beginning of September or late August (atleast 2 weeks prior to posting).