Chapter 29
The time finally came for Loki and Gallana's foal to be born. Fandral decided to stay behind, but Balder wanted to be there to help. Loki was unsure of this until Gallana nodded. She saw that Balder would be persistent and find a way to be there no matter what. He was clever that way; besides Gallana had a feeling she and Loki would be in need of him during her labor.
The pains had started. At first it was a light kick and then there was much thrashing about as the foal tried to break free from his encasement. All the while Gallana was laying down sweating trying to stay calm. She let out a small moan and then it became a screech. Loki was nestled around her and became startled at his wife's agitation. The scream startled him so he started up, but he remained and did his best to comfort Gallana, and ease her pain.
He muttered charms and wards praying that his wife and child would not be harmed. Balder stroked the mare and patted the stallion assuring them all would be well. No one was sure though; Gallana had been in labor for six hours and still there was nothing but excruciating pain for her. She would turn her head and whinny; she even screamed out in her human voice as tears streamed down her long face.
Loki finally went into his human form and held Gallana's head while Balder wiped her down with water. There was nothing either of them could do to help; both their strengths were spent and Gallana was faltering as she breathed heavily. The foal seemed to hardly move inside her now.
Gallana's eyes were closed when they suddenly shot open. She looked at Loki and said "Get your knife." Loki stared at her and said "What?" Balder with calculating eyes asked "Is it for the foal?" "Yes." Gallana said "Loki get out your knife." Loki's face had terror on it.
How could his wife say this?
"No!"
"Loki if you do not Sleipnir will die! He has eight legs instead of four. He cannot be born naturally as Regalia was."
"But you could die."
"I can't die we all know that. But our son will if you do not do this; he will disappear once he is dead. When that happens you will wish you had never heard me cry. A mother's cry for her lost children is one of the most unbearable sounds to hear; the only other time you hear a wail like that is when her spouse is gone. Now get out your knife and I will guide as to what to do. Balder you will help."
Loki nodded and readied his knife. He waited for what was next. Balder stood by him with wide eyes. Both waited for their commander to give them orders.
"Balder get some straw and wood and lay it on the ground. Then get a cold bucket of water." Gallana said
Balder did so placing everything down gently and far away from his mistress. He awaited more orders while Loki watched. Realization hit him like a battering ram; he knew what to do next. Loki set the wood and straw on fire; he then place his knife into it until it was red hot. He turned to Balder.
"Go to her head and hold it down." Loki commanded
Balder immediately went and took hold of Gallana's head securing it against his chest. He watched as Loki came near with the glowing knife. Tears pricked the young man's' eyes as he knelt down by his beloved wife. He wasn't sure if he could do this. "Loki, do it.!" Gallana whispered as they both felt the colt's life ebbing away.
Loki closed his eyes and opened them before putting one hand on his lady mare's side and bringing his knife down across her belly. He heard a terrible unearthly screech as the knife slashed through to where their young child was. Then there was a sigh and a little whinny. Loki heard a response and grabbed his and Gallana's son from the deep gap he had made.
Gallana then led him through the process of what should be done; when it was over Loki used the same spell Gallana had used to heal his wounds. He knew though that she would have the scar forever. He cried over this until Gallana reached over and ruffled his hair.
"It is a small price to have our little Sleipnir with us my dear Loki." She said softly
All the while Balder was holding the little colt and gently brushing him. When he saw Gallana get up and Loki change back into his stallion form he released the young horse. The young boy watched as the little horse tried to get up.
At first it was very hard for the foal to get up because of his eight legs; but once he became accustomed to them he stood. He wobbled a bit before finding his balance and finally walked to his mother. Balder went and helped him find his mother's milk. Then he patted Gallana and Loki as Sleipnir nursed before leaving the family of Friesians.
"You had me fretting for a bit my love." Loki said
"I know, I became frightened as well." Gallana said
"Sleipnir is it? The first name we decided upon."
"Yes, it was his name before he was born. Every creature, except for those who have human forms, already has a name. A select few people have their names before they are born; I believe you are one of them."
Loki looked at Gallana quickly taking in her words. Could it be true his name was always Loki? Only Gallana would know. What she had said struck Loki and told him it was true. He nuzzled Gallana taking comfort in her words, and steadying her at the same time.
When Sleipnir was done feeding the family lay down and slept. Mother and father were on both sides of the colt protecting him from harm. Both said "My little Sleipnir" before nodding off into dreams of untold glory.
