From his perch, ones again Thor was observing his favourite Jotunn as Canute was preparing himself to head out.
Five snow wolfs had been made ready for Canute and the men he had chosen to follow him, currently Canute were having a few final words with his little brother Malik.
"I am leaving the clan in your hands brother." Canute stated. "Keep them safe, each have chosen to follow us."
"Follow you brother." Malik replied. "I shall do my best! I wont let you down!"
Canute smiled lightly. "I know." he stated. "You will do well."
"Thank you. That means a lot." Malik replied then he halted. "Are you quite certain you should go?" he asked. "Someone will recognise you there, the secret will be out."
Canute sighed deeply. "I am afraid I must. These people chose to follow me so I have a responsibility. If a tyrannical king is chosen. He could demand our annihilation or subjugation. That cannot happen. It must be assured that a fair king is being chosen."
Malik halted. "Brother… Are you?" he asked.
"Not if I can help it." Canute muttered. "But I may have no choice, we'll see."
Malik sighed deeply. "What-ever you decide to do brother. You know I am with you. Always."
Canute nodded putting a firm hand on Maliks shoulder. "I know. And I will be for-ever thankful my brother."
Thor sucked in a breath, a big lump in his throat. He knew… This, this was what he and Loki should have been. But he had messed it up, destroyed his own chances.
He shook his head, there was no helping that now. Not any more and he looked as Canute walked to the four warriors who awaited him, and would follow him to the great clan leader summon.
Canute turned to Rygul whom in spite of his missing arm had proven himself to be one of their strongest warriors, just like Thor had predicted.
"I apologize for taking you away from your wife while she bears your child." Canute said.
"No! I will follow you anywhere my lord." Rygul stated. "It is because of you I will even have a chance to meet my child! And any future children will be because of you."
Canute glanced at Rygul. "You may want to reconsider those words, secrets may be revealed on this journey which could change your mind."
"Never!" Rygul stated. "You are my leader. No other. And I will follow you."
Canute smirked. "Very well then." he went to his own snow wolf and jumped on. "We were not invited to this meeting, but we will force ourselves in." he stated. "They will not be allowed to choose a new Jotunn King without us being present."
Thor nodded firmly, his fist tightening. This was important, this will determine the future of Jotunnheim itself. Norns guide you Canute!
If the decision was left to me, you would be King of Jotunnheim. The others may have noble blood, but you have something far more valuable.
An honest desire to see Jotunnheim itself rise ones more, and the will to make it happen.
The others, they want power. They want riches and an easy life. Not you! You never took the easy way. You walked the hard path and faced every hardship with a raised head. Getting into the dirt together with your people.
Raised the walls of your houses, together with your people. Fought the battles, with your people.
I learned much from you. Canute… I have started to think about what kind of King I myself want to be.
Ones I thought a kings duty was to sit on his throne, far above his people. From where he could look down and observe.
You though, you never sat above your people. You walked with them, every single mile they walked. You walked to.
I desire this. That's the king of King I desire to be! I know now there is much more to learn. About life! About living. Just a regular life with regular people. And I will learn. I swear I will.
Loki… Thor looked towards the abyss. You always sought to learn. And you would chew me out for refusing to ever learn. You called me an oaf, and said my stubbornness and refusal to learn would be my undoing.
You were right… You were so right Loki! I promise, I will do better! Look over me Loki. I wish to make you proud!
Your life will not have been in vain! I will remember the things you tried to teach me. And this time, I will learn. By the norns I swear to you brother!
Behind the helmet Loki was grinning. His entire body was soaked in blood, though it was hard to see on the black clothes. He looked at the blue runes he had left behind. Behind the helmet his eyes were glistening in madness as he proudly looked at his handywork.
"The true king will Rise again. Death to Thor!"