CHAPTER 5: Cessation of Negotiations
"The gems?" Tivan repeated, blinking several times, then wrinkling his nose as if he wanted to sneeze.
"No," Katirya replied firmly. "You must fulfill your part of the bargain. Release Lady Sif before I even consider handing them over."
"I could take them by force," Tivan pointed out, gesturing with his hands as he shrugged.
"And I could use them to stop you," Katirya countered. "Do you wish to fight me over them?"
A twisted smile crossed Tivan's face. He disliked fighting for any reason. Perhaps, he thought, releasing Sif would be the easiest path. "Fine." Tivan waved at one of the guards in the room who quickly left. They waited in absolute silence.
A shriek broke the quiet. "Let me go, you oaf! I can walk by myself." Seconds later, the guard returned, holding Sif at arm's length as he dragged her along, not allowing the warrior a chance to gain her feet, as he kept lifting her inches above the ground with each step.
"Let her go," Tivan commanded. The guard complied, dropping Sif, who fell to the floor at her sudden release.
Sif scrambled to her feet, glaring first at the guard, then at Tivan. "You!" she spat, completely ignoring the small crowd in the room, in favor of rounding on Tivan, eyes flashing righteous fury.
Tivan ignored her. "There, she's free. Go!" he shooed Sif away from him. "Go home, go away. You are too noisy, and I honestly have no need of you. Your children would be useless, just like you." He looked over at Micarian. "Why did you bring her again?"
"I married her. Seemed the easiest way to get the fools to trust me," Micarian replied, grinning at what he considered his masterful method to get the gems to Knowhere.
"You married her?" Tivan stared incredulously at Micarian. "You could think of no better way to ingratiate yourself given that your sister was married to the Asgardian king? How… why… did I align myself with such a fool?" He whirled around and stalked away from both Micarian and Sif, staring up at the ceiling.
"He is not my brother! I thought we had just confirmed that little item." Katirya glared at Micarian.
Listening to this exchange, Sif realized that Micarian was involved in her situation, "You married me to help him? Why? I…" She glared at him. "So was that all an act back there?"
"Perhaps," Micarian replied nonchalantly. "Didn't realize he was going to bring you in here. I was going to see you got released. After Kiri turns over the stones, that is."
"Seriously? Why do I find that difficult to believe right now?" She looked over at Katirya. "Don't do it, Kiri. I'm not worthy, especially if I fell for his act."
"Sif, you are worthy. I believed he was my loving brother for so long, that he duped you as well is no surprise. He is a liar, as he has proved…" Katirya replied and turned her attention to Micarian and Tivan. "And he, along with Tivan, shall pay for what they have done."
Tivan started laughing, although it sounded more like a giggle than a laugh. "Perhaps, you are unaware of the situation here – you are my captives, you are unarmed, and you cannot defeat me. I am an elder."
"I wouldn't mind helping," Thriana chimed in. "Defeating them, I mean." She realized that the two women might take her offer as help to them. "Besides, I would love to get rid of Katirya. She's been a nuisance since she was born."
"All in good time," Tivan glared at Thriana. "She has to provide me with an heir first." He focused back on Katirya. "Now, child, hand over the Infinity Stones. I have released Sif – she is free to go," he began laughing again. "Although where she is going to go…" he shrugged his shoulders indicating that there really was no way off the planet. He moved closer to Sif looked curiously at her. "Or I could just keep you and add you to my collection. I don't have anything like you."
Sif glared at Tivan as he approached. "No thank you. I shall find a way out of here…"
"Wait!" Thriana shouted. "I thought you just said they were your captives." She sneered at Sif.
"Oh," Tivan looked vaguely up at the ceiling, his mouth half-open. "You are correct, I did. Sorry," he looked at Sif. "You are staying."
Thriana grinned evilly at Sif. "Mica, we could have some fun with her. Didn't you say you married her?"
Micarian threw back his head and laughed. "Indeed, I did, but I've no desire to bed her."
"But you did wed her, and just think of the fun we could have," Thriana said suggestively.
"You sicken me. Both of you," Sif spat at the pair.
"Ignore them, they are not worth our attention," Katirya advised, attempting to maintain some level of control over the situation.
"You want to join us?" Thriana smirked.
"Hardly," Katirya sniffed disparagly.
"Enough, children. I shall decide what happens with them. Now…" he sighed. "Where is Carina?" He snapped his fingers impatiently.
Three workers in the room raced out in search of the servant requested. One returned within a minute with Carina.
"Yes, my lord?" Carina asked nervously, uncertain of his mood given the circumstances. She knew he was attempting to regain the Infinity Stones, but these guests – or captives as she considered both of them, made her nervous. Katirya had visited here before as an honored guest, but now her position was clearly different. She knew what atrocities he was capable of.
"Is there any report yet from Asgard?" Tivan asked. "I do hope you have good news."
Carina blanched, not having given any order. "You have yet to order the attack."
"NO!" Katirya shouted. "Asgard has done nothing to harm you."
Tivan looked at her curiously. "Well, it matters not." Then he gave a disparaging look at Carina. "I thought I told you to attack once she arrived." He pointed at Katirya. He ran a hand over his face tiredly. "Do I have to tell you every little thing? Send out the ships. Destroy Asgard." His voice lacked any emotion so the orders to attack seemed to be nonchalant, almost like an afterthought. "And remind me to discipline you later."
Despite the lackluster manner in which Tivan ordered the attack, Carina ran out of the room. She knew she would not remind him of his last order, hoping he might forget. He often forgot things like that and with Sif and Katirya here, she knew he would be preoccupied with them. Hopefully she would escape his cruelties.
"Why?" Katirya pleaded with him, tears in her eyes. "They have done nothing. Here, take these but spare Asgard." She held out the leather bag which held the Infinity Gems. Micarian did not wait for any orders as he ripped the bag out of her hand. Katirya glared at him.
"I feel like it, and I don't need to answer to you, missy. You need to answer to me. And yes, they have done me harm. They kept both you and my Infinity Gems. " Tivan glanced over to Micarian who was still holding the bag. He gave him a look that clearly indicated he would not accept anything other than the bag being handed over to him.
Micarian hesitated, the temptation to use the gems for himself was strong.
"Now," Tivan commanded and pursed his lips, giving him a sour look upon his countenance.
Reluctantly, Micarian walked over to him and held out the bag.
Tivan grabbed it. Opening it slowly, he peered inside. "Ah, there you are. Now where…" he rummaged in the bag before smiling as he plucked one of the gems out and held it up to inspect it closely. "This one. Not harmed, I see. At least you managed to take good care of them." He stared at it peculiarly. "The Mind Stone if I am not mistaken?"
A look of horror crossed Katirya's face. "No, you wouldn't."
"Oh, but I would," he said in a soft, sing-song voice. "You disobeyed me. And your father… well, I do grant he was not your father, but you did not know that then. If you would have just done what you were told we wouldn't be in this terrible situation."
"It is only terrible because you have made it so," Katirya shot back.
"Well, enough. I'm tired of listening to you," he replied childishly as he advanced on her.
Micarian had positioned himself so that he was standing behind Katirya. As Tivan spoke, he moved forward.
"Kiri!" Sif shouted a warning when she saw what Micarian was planning but was too late.
Micarian leapt forward and pinned Katirya's arms behind her, an evil smile on his face as he sneered mockingly at Sif even as he addressed Katirya. "Finally, you're going to get what you have deserved." Katirya struggled in his grasp but was unable to escape.
Tiven stepped forward and lightly touched the Mind Stone to Katirya's forehead. Katirya looked at Sif for one moment, fear in her eyes before they glazed over, and she slumped down. Micarian released her arms and she fell to the floor.
Tivan kicked her with a pointed toe. "Get up!" he ordered.
Katirya slowly rose to her feet in a zombie-like fashion, her eyes devoid of any life.
"Take her to the cell. I've no desire to deal with her for a while," Tivan turned to depart. Before leaving, he shot over his shoulder. "And that one you married as well. She can keep her company."
"Wait! I thought you said I was free to go!" Sif yelled at his retreating back.
"I changed my mind."
"Whoa!" Clint exclaimed when the Bifrost effect dissipated. "That was intense."
Stark frowned as he became aware of their surroundings. "This is Knowhere? Looks more like Asgard to me."
"We needed to come here first. We have to collect a few things," Thor replied.
Greiwaldt nodded. "We must be prepared for anything."
"Okay, let's collect and get going. The longer we wait, the more prepared this dude is going to be. Let's face it, he has to be pretty sure we're going to mount a rescue attempt," Stark pointed out.
"Indeed," Loki replied grimly.
"Katirya and the Lady Sif are both on Knowhere," Heimdall informed Loki, then gestured towards the entrance of the Bifrost chamber. "I took the liberty of having your skiff ready for you as I know time is of the essence."
Loki nodded. "Thank you." He turned to face the entire party that had accompanied him back from Earth. In addition to Tony and Clint, both Natasha and Steve had joined in the effort. "You may remain here if you wish or come back with us to the palace. We shall not be long."
"I'll just hang out here," Barton answered, not overly eager to encounter the twins as he recalled his last encounter with them.
"Me too," Natasha answered, stepping closer to Clint. "Unless you need us to help collect whatever it is you need."
"No, we just need a few things," Loki replied.
"Uh, I'll go with," Stark answered. He wanted to keep up with everything Loki and Thor were up to if at all possible. He was curious what 'few things' they needed to collect. They were all well-armed, so he knew something was in the works. "Steve, you stay here."
Steve nodded. He had planned on staying anyway but decided not to point that out.
"Heimdall will make sure you have everything you need. He can show you the weapons we have available," Thor stated.
Clint tapped his bow, "I'm happy with this."
"You might wish to consider more than one weapon," Thor said cryptically. "Heimdall shall advise you on what we might expect" He then followed Loki and the others out to the skiff.
Palace guards raced towards the skiff as it landed outside the palace. "I need a small party prepared to follow us. You need to arrive thirty minutes after we do," Loki ordered.
The head of the guards nodded. "How many?"
"No more than twelve," Loki answered as he swept past the guards and entered the palace.
Frigga was waiting for him. "Where's Kiri and Mica?"
"They changed the deal and insisted Kiri was to go with the Infinity Stones. Micarian appears to be behind this entire plot. He has been working with Taneleer Tivan in this whole thing. At least we know who finally," Loki explained.
"Micarian? Tivan? Her brother and father? I am confused." Frigga was shocked.
"Half-brother," Greiwaldt stated. "And Katirya is my daughter." He glanced at the others. "I shall explain it to her while you gather what you need."
Loki nodded. "Kai? Do as your mother requested. Stark, I suggest you just wait here. We shall only be a few minutes."
"Wait! Where are you going? What do you want me to do?" Tony shouted, but his words were ignored as Thor, Loki, and Kai left the entry hall at a run. He glanced at Greiwaldt and Frigga but did not feel like listening to the entire tale again. "Great…" he kicked at the floor. "Left here to just do nothing." He glanced down the hall they had disappeared down. "I can help," he said wistfully, feeling like he was speaking to the air. Plus, he had no idea now what they were doing.
"Yes, you can," a voice off to his right spoke.
Stark whirled around, then glanced back at Frigga and Greiwaldt to see if they had noticed the newcomer. They were too involved in their conversation to realize someone else was in the room. "Who are you?" He stared at the figure in the shadows, trying to ascertain who it was.
Hogun stepped into the light.
"You're one of the Warriors Three, right?" Stark asked.
Hogun nodded. "Yes, and you can help. First, why are you here? Why do you suddenly wish to help after all the damage you caused?"
Tony shifted uncomfortably, recalling his antics. "Yeah, right. I did. I was the one who hooked up that intercom system. Look," he glanced back at Frigga and Greiwaldt, but they were still deep in conversation. "I'm really sorry. I didn't know what Fury was up to. I didn't realize he was working for this dude. I thought he only wanted…"
"Stop! That's enough. You still conspired against Asgard. I'm surprised Loki permitted you to return," Hogun cut him off.
"Well, he understands now," Stark smiled confidently. "Look, I'm here to help. We all are."
"Who else came with you?" Hogun was surprised by this revelation.
"Cap… I mean Steve Rogers, and Natasha, and Clint. They stayed out at the Bifrost. Thor suggested they get some more weapons and Heimdall was helping them. We just came back here to collect some things, although I've no idea what Loki and Thor needed. We're on our way to rescue Katirya and Sif," Tony explained.
"So, why didn't you stay with them? Out at the Bifrost?" Hogun's eyes narrowed. He still did not trust this man.
Tony recognized the distrust. He had to admit to himself there were times he wouldn't trust himself. "You know man, you're right. You shouldn't trust me. I came along with Thor and Loki because I wanted to know everything they plan to do. But as you can see, they left me here twiddling my thumbs. But I promise. I am here to help. What Fury did was wrong and what happened back on Earth… well, that I had no part of."
"Twiddling?" Hogun wasn't sure what this meant, but he was fairly certain it wasn't something to worry about. But hearing the man admit that he followed Loki and Thor specifically to see what they were planning just added to his lack of trust. "Well, I guess you can just wait here and twiddle all you want. They have been playing this whole thing close. No one knows what the plan was, but I'm sure it did not include you or your friends."
"No, probably not. But we're here all the same. And we're here to help. So, go put that in your pipe and smoke it."
Hogun looked confused. "I do not smoke…"
Tony waved his arms in dismissal. "It's an expression. It just means to think about it. They decided we might be able to assist, and they feel we will help them."
"I intend to keep an eye on you the entire time," Hogun warned him. "You had best be true to your words."
"You're going too?" Tony was surprised about this. "Are you part of what we are collecting?"
"We were told to await orders, but to be prepared to depart with little notice." Hogun felt telling him that much was acceptable.
"I wonder what else they are collecting," Tony mused.
Hogun shrugged his shoulders. "They have not confided in me, but that is not unusual. I shall follow my King and his brother and do as they order."
"Say, you wouldn't want a job with me? I could use a few men who followed orders for a change," Stark asked wryly.
Before Hogun could answer, Frigga noticed them. "Hogun! Are you to leave soon?"
"I await word from the King, but their return without Queen Katirya does not bode well," Hogun replied.
"Indeed, it does not," Greiwaldt quickly explained what had happened back on Earth.
Hogun frowned as he heard of the events on Earth. "I wonder who they sacrificed to make them believe it was the Lady Sif?" This stood out as important, but he could not decide why. It was obvious that the trick was meant to be seen as such, at least to him.
"That we know not, but I believe they meant to distract us for a bit…" Greiwaldt stopped mid-sentence as Loki returned with his three youngest children.
"Where's Thor?" Stark asked.
Loki ignored his question. "Where are Volstagg and Fandral?" he asked Hogun.
"As soon as we were alerted to your return, they went out to the Bifrost," Hogun replied.
"Excellent. Greiwaldt, I will have need of you here. Frigga take Runa and the twins out to the Bifrost. My skiff is waiting outside. With Fandral and Volstagg out there they can protect the others from the twins," Loki glanced down at the twins. "You two are not to attack the Midgardians this time. Promise? You have another task to do."
Aud and Sverre smiled up angelically at their father. "We promise, father," they said in unison.
Loki allowed a small smile to appear. "Thank you, now go!"
Frigga gathered the children and headed out to the skiff.
"Wait! What the hell is going on?" Stark demanded. "Are they coming too? Are you putting your children in the middle of all this?" He was astounded that Loki appeared to be planning to take the kids along with them.
"No, Asgard is about to be attacked, unless I am grossly wrong in my prediction of what is about to happen," Loki replied grimly. "The children can assist Frigga in protecting your friends."
"Well, they are your friends too," Stark pointed out.
"I would hardly call them friends, allies perhaps, but I do not count among my friends, people who, even misguided, attack my family," Loki shot back.