Chapter Four
Sif made her way to Alti's house slowly. Thor was in council with Frigga again, and she had just heard from Frey of Ander's death. She came straight to her mother-aunt's home, thinking it best that she hear it from Sif rather than from some stranger. Alti's child will never know its father now... She sighed heavily before raising her hand to knock.
The door opened before she got a chance and Alti pulled her into a tight embrace, her rounded belly pressing against her.
"Sif! You're back, you're safe." Alti pulled back to get a good look at her. "Are you injured?"
"No," Sif tried to reassure her, but Alti looked... disappointed? "Are you aware of the look on your face, Mother?"
"If you were injured that would mean you'd stay in Asgard, where it's safe, for a little while at least." Alti embraced her again. "Come in?"
"I can't. I have a strategy council to attend. I only came because... Ander."
Alti's face went white but she held her daughter's gaze steadily. "Injured or dead?"
"Dead. He died bravely-"
"All men die bravely, as long as there is someone to tell their mourners that is how he died." Alti's hand went to her stomach.
Sif looked at her sadly. "I'm sorry... is there anything I can do?"
Alti's brimming eyes met Sif's. "Yes. Stay here, at least for a while, so I don't have nightmares about losing you too."
"Mother... I can't. I'm needed out there, in the war-"
"Are you so needed?" Alti's voice was almost a whisper. "Can't you stay for a few weeks? Isn't there something besides risking your life that you can do for this war, Sif? There has been so much death. I don't know what I'd do if I lost you!"
"Do you express these same fears for Heimdall?" Sif asked hotly. "Or is this because I'm a woman?"
"This is because you are my daughter and I see grieving mothers every day. Heimdall is not in any battles, he's safe from harm in his work." Alti took Sif's hands in her own. "I know that I never gave you much reason to listen to me, and honestly I was truly wrong about so many things. But please, please listen to me now, Sif. There has to be something that you can do besides risking your life at every turn!"
"I risk my life so that this little one will never have to, Mother," Sif said earnestly, placing her hand on her mother's stomach. "I am risking my life because it is Austmadr and Karnilla that started this and I have a duty to try to undo the harm that they have done."
Alti nodded heavily, eyes now on the floor. "So there's nothing I can say, then?"
Sif sighed, her heart constricting with guilt. "Have I ever not returned when I said I would?"
"Your previous adventures were not during war!"
Sif's head bowed. "I know. But I've been in battles before, and I am the goddess of war."
"Curse Odin for giving you that title!" Alti exclaimed, her eyes firing.
"I would be out there even if he had not," Sif replied sharply. "But with it, I feel... I feel as though Tyr is standing with me, watching over me."
"He would have been very proud of you. I am proud of you. I just wish I could be proud for other accomplishments."
"This is all I am good at, Mother. My place is in war. I am a trained warrior, I have no right to do any less than our other warriors." Sif sighed heavily. "I will request a brief leave while at the council, if you wish me to. I can say you wish my presence to help you as you grieve. And there is still the question of Ander's estate to settle. He has parents, but you carry his child..."
"I have estates of my own. His parents can have his until the child is old enough to take charge of them. I am sure we can work something out." Alti blinked rapidly. "Thank you, Sif. It will do me good to know that you are safe, at least for a little while."
Sif nodded once. "I have to get back to the palace now," she said, wondering if her mother would believe her if she didn't ask for a leave at all, and merely said that it had been denied. She probably would.
Guilt formed a lead ball in Sif's stomach, but she couldn't excuse herself from war now, just to appease Alti's fears! Every warrior was needed, and Karnilla's assaults showed no signs of slowing.
A war like this has not been since the Dark Elves, she thought to herself. At least now Asgard does not stand alone.
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Karnilla oversaw the return of the dead from her latest battle lost to Asgard. She felt nothing but triumph as she viewed the bodies. Asgard truly thought that this was her earnest battle, that these little skirmishes showed the true strength of her armies. They would know soon enough what the truth was! Turning on her heel, she went back to her palace and dismissed all of her servants. Lounging on her chaise, she sipped at a glass of wine.
Suddenly a pair of hands closed around her neck. She startled, but then felt the heavy, jewelled necklace that they were fastening around her throat. A pair of lips pressed against her bare shoulder.
"How fares my queen?" Balder's voice purred
"Your queen?" Karnilla asked scornfully.
"My queen." He pressed her against the chaise and climbed atop her, kissing her deeply. "My beautiful queen."
"I am my own queen, little prince."
"I did not dispute your independence," Balder's lips continued exploring her neck; Karnilla's eyes closed as she sighed. "I merely enquired as to how you are faring. The loss of a brother must be hard on you, especially since it motivated you to war..."
Karnilla smirked. "Austmadr's death is naught but an excuse, as you know well, my treacherous Prince... it gave me a reason to move against Asgard, something I have long desired to do. And when their armies are beaten down-"
"Then you and I shall rule what remains, as I promised." Balder hissed softly in her ear. "Provided your armies fulfil their duties."
"They will," Karnilla vowed, before twisting round to press her lips to his. He is a remarkably attractive young man, and with such ambition... She enjoyed their 'negotiations' even though she had no intention of truly sharing Asgard with him when the war ended. A poisoned cup of wine could solve that issue, unless of course- she arched her back as his hands caressed her- she chose to keep him as a consort... but not an equal ruler.
"Gullveig is in need of only a few more warriors before she can stand against Asgard," Balder murmured. "Perhaps an attack on Asgard itself is warranted."
Karnilla frowned. "Asgard is too heavily fortified. My army will be crushed."
"Then it is time for the dwarves to make known their allegiance. No more secrecy."
"You want dwarves to march against Asgard? What foolishness could drive them to that?"
"I'm sure my beloved can think of a reason," Balder whispered. "One more battle..."
"I could attack Midgard-"
"No. They are clever, those mortals. If they got a portal generator, they would overrun the nine realms. They're like cockroaches, by numbers alone they would subdue us."
Karnilla laughed scornfully. "You are a soft little boy!"
He pulled back and arched a brow. "A boy? I think it's time I show you again what sort of man I am!"
Karnilla laughed and grabbed his throat. "I had better enjoy it!"
He grinned. "You will."
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When Balder came back to himself, he was in the woods, high above Asgard's capitol, with no memory of the past few hours. He had told Nanna that he was going for a walk to clear his mind, as Set ordered him to. They had come out here, and Set had taken control of his body entirely.
I've bathed, he realised, and then felt sick. You've been to see Karnilla.
Yesss. Set sounded amused. I mussst keep all my pawnsss believing they are my sssole confidantsss.
I'm married!
Ssso? You have not broken your vowsss! I was the one who slept with Karnilla, not you.
The Aesir shook his head, his stomach churning. You're still using my body, it doesn't make it any better!
I could let you watch next time, or perhapsss allow you the sssensationsss-
NO!
Then do not complain. It could be worssse. Set chuckled. Ssshouldn't you get home to your wife now? Ssshe'll be worried.
Balder's head hung low as he slowly made his way out of the forest. He hated himself, he wished that he had never been born! He could only pray that he would be killed in one of the battles he joined in... but given that Set took control of him during those times, letting him watch but not participate, he doubted that would happen. Perhaps Atum's foresight would come true and Loki would-
I won't let that happen, Balder. You know that. Atum'sss ssson will die sssoon enough, and then he will not be able to end yoursss. Bessidesss, did Atum sssay that he wasss going to kill you himssself? Foresssight is a tricky thing. It'sss becaussse of hisss action while you were a baby that I am able to take control of you ssso thoroughly. And it isss becaussse I can posssesss you like that that you will meet death eventually. Perhapsss that isss what Atum foresssaw. That Loki caussesss your death, and thossse actionsss have already been ssset in place.
I hope I die before Asgard falls! Balder's thought was harsh.
Do you truly think I would allow that?
No.
Then husssh, or next time I go sssee Karnilla or Gullveig, I'll have you watch.
Balder took a deep breath, trying to silence his thoughts. He wished there was something he could do... but there wasn't. There wasn't anything anybody could do anymore.
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After hours of meetings, Sif wearily made her way towards her chambers, wondering if she could bathe before she slept. It sounded extremely tempting, but she wasn't sure she had the strength to keep her eyes open if she sank into a tub of warm water. And drowning seemed like a lousy way to go!
"I'll bathe in the morning," she muttered to herself, stifling a yawn. She went into her bedroom, stopping only to remove her boots, and laid down on the bed, willing sleep to come while she had a chance for it.
It seemed that the instant she closed her eyes, there was a knock at the door. Groaning, she dragged herself out of bed to answer it. Frigga stood in the corridor and Sif straightened before the queen-regent.
"I apologize for intruding, Lady Sif, I was just wondering if Thor is here."
Sif shook her head.
Frigga sighed. "Have you been to see your mother? She's been very worried about you."
"Yes, I saw her earlier today. How does she fare, truly?"
"She puts on a brave face, but I am concerned for her health, and her child's. She's been in the healing rooms with false labour several times this month, but her child is too young to be born yet."
Sif's face whitened. "Is the child in peril?"
"Yes. With all the strain Alti has been put under... Another shock could-"
Sif didn't wait for another word. She pushed past Frigga rudely and raced out of the palace, her exhaustion forgotten. She ran through the streets, her heart in her mouth. Another shock. Ander's death. Wouldn't her mother have said something? Maybe, maybe not. Alti was always convinced that she had to stand tall on her own. She reached the house quickly and knocked once before entering.
"Sif?" Alti asked sleepily when the younger woman found her dozing off on the sofa, a book in her hand. "What's wrong?"
Sif let out a breath of relief and sat beside her mother. "Frigga told me some things that had me worried."
Alti blinked back sleep, trying to understand. "Are there new tidings from war?"
"No, she said something about you having had a few false labours, and being under stress. I just worried that news of Ander's loss would-"
The older woman shook her head. "Sif, I'm fine."
"Are you really or are you just saying that so I won't worry? I know that we haven't always had the best communication."
"I'm fine."
Sif couldn't help but feel like she was lying. "Couldn't you at least take up residence at the palace?"
"Frigga has offered that, but no. I'm staying in my own home."
Sif groaned in frustration. "Could you at least invite Freyja or someone to stay with you? I don't like the idea of your being alone."
"I am more than capable of caring for myself, Sif. I've been doing it for a while now. Don't worry about me."
"I only worry because I care."
"And I worry for you, too." Alti managed a small smile. "You were never going to ask to be allowed to stay in Asgard for a brief respite, were you?"
"I- I did ask, but-"
"Sif, you're a terrible liar."
Sif's shoulders slumped. "Alright. I didn't ask, and I wasn't going to. But if I did, would you have somebody come stay with you? Please?"
Alti contemplated her shrewdly. She nodded once. "So long as I am present at your request. But it's late. Would you like to stay in your old room tonight?"
Sif nodded gratefully. "That would be nice, thank you." She returned Alti's sudden smile, while wondering how she was going to explain away Alti's presence at tomorrow's council while she asked for leave. But I'll find a way, if it means she'll have someone stay with her.
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Loki stroked his daughter's fuzzy red hair as she slept in his arms. He smiled, marvelling at how tiny she was, even by Aesir standards. He suspected that she had been born a little early, but she was healthy and hale and could scream to prove it. He shifted slightly, putting an arm around Angrboda who was laying next to him. On her other side was Fenrir, while Jorm was snuggled up against him.
"We will have to find our way to Asgard soon," Angrboda whispered. "She needs her name."
Loki nodded. According to Jotünn tradition, grandparents named a new child. Frigga was the only one left to do that... Atum, he thought, but shook it off. I haven't seen him for months, and we have no way to contact him.
Loki's eyes pricked with tears. "Odin should have had a say in this as well."
Angrboda kissed his forehead, knowing how much the death of his adoptive father hurt. "Perhaps then we should name her after him? It is an accepted practice."
Loki snorted. "We are not naming our daughter Odin."
"Angrbod was one of Laufey's greatest friends. Adding an "a" makes it feminine. We could call her Odina."
Loki frowned. "Maybe... I don't like the name much, to be honest..."
"Do you have any ideas?"
"I thought we agreed that Frigga would name her?"
Angrboda raised an eyebrow. "And you think she won't choose a name similar to Odin's?"
"No, I don't. But she's perfect, don't you think?"
"Perfection is impossible," Angrboda replied swiftly, but then kissed their daughter's downy forehead. "But she is as close to perfection as I've ever seen."
"I love you, Angi."
"I love you, too."
The baby cooed happily, reaching for Angrboda's hair, before a small pucker appeared in her tiny forehead and her pink skin shifted into blue. A toothless smile spread on her face- she was obviously very pleased with herself!
"She is getting very adept at that," Loki noted, kissing his baby's cheek. "She's going to have powerful magic."
"Yes, she is." Angrboda sighed. "I just wish she didn't have to live her first months with a war going on out there. You know it's only a matter of time before Jotunheim is attacked by one of Asgard's enemies."
"That is why we are fortifying our defences. You know that."
Angrboda brushed her hand over her daughter's face. "I hope we never need them. The thought of anything happening to her..."
"I know. But I think I've got the magical barricades in place now. I'll do another check tomorrow, but if I'm right, then nobody with ill intentions towards us will be able to break through."
"Alright." A thought struck her. "Will the wards hold if you and I leave for Asgard?"
"Yes. They aren't dependent upon my continued presence."
Angrboda nodded. "Good. We had best sleep now."
Loki agreed. He closed his eyes. "Goodnight, my love."
"Goodnight."
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Thor woke cold and alone. He reached over for Sif but then remembered that she had not come to his bed the previous night. He turned over, wondering if he could get some more sleep. After a few minutes, unable to quiet his thoughts, he groaned and got up. It was barely dawn.
Walking to the window, he stared out. There had to be a way to end this war without more bloodshed! Maybe if he was able to negotiate with Karnilla... He sighed heavily. It was a good idea, but he doubted the council would approve it- it would be a risky move, entering Nornheim now. But he had to do something... Deciding that wallowing in his own thoughts was unhealthy, he dressed and left his chambers, determined to see if there was anybody in the training grounds willing to spar a bit with him. He needed to clear his mind!
It was a welcome surprise to find Sif out there, sharpening her sword.
"Good morning."
"Thor," she greeted. "I didn't expect anybody else up this early."
He sat beside her. "Where were you last night? I waited for you."
Sif winced. "I'm sorry. I went to speak with Mother and ended up staying the night."
Thor frowned sadly. "She did not take the news of Ander's loss well then?"
"No... and she says she wishes me to take some leave from battle. I know I will probably not be granted it, but..."
"I can see what I can do," he offered.
"No, don't. I will ask myself. Plus she's insisted on being there when I make the request, so..."
Thor blinked. "How will you explain that to the council?"
"I have no idea!"
Thor thought. "I will make sure it's allowed if you want."
Sif smiled gratefully. "It would be a help. Alti is under so much stress. Frigga says she's gone into false labour a few times. I just worry that if she's alone..."
Thor reached over and grasped her hand. "Everything will be fine in the end, you'll see."
"Thor, we're not children. I know that there is much death to come yet."
"I know." Thor dropped her hand. "I was trying to reassure myself."
Sif rolled her tense shoulders. "I know. I'm sorry. Come on, let's spar."
"I have another idea-" Thor began, but it was at that moment that the Warriors Three appeared in the training grounds.
"What are you two doing here?" Fandral asked. "I would have thought you'd have other things on your minds."
Sif stood. "I need to fight." She looked around at her closest friends. "Volunteers?"
They all looked hesitant- the look on Sif's face usually meant her sparring partner was going to get injured!
"I will." Thor stood.
"Having a lovers' spat, are we?" Volstagg teased mildly. The looks both of them gave him made him shrivel on the spot. "I was only jesting!"
"Don't," Sif ordered stiffly.
"Alright... " Volstagg backed away, giving Thor and Sif room to spar. "War puts everyone in such foul moods!"
After several hours, a guard came summoning Sif and Thor to the queen. Both sweaty and worn out, they wearily returned their swords to the equipment room, bidding farewell to their friends while trying to make themselves presentable before heading inside.
"What could Frigga want?" Sif picked a leaf out of her braided hair.
Thor shrugged. They reached the throne room quickly, and Thor saw that Balder and Nanna were already there. For a moment his heart sped up, worry overtaking him, but then he saw Loki and Angrboda. A smile broke across his face and he rushed to embrace his brother. Loki returned his embrace whole-heartedly, beaming.
"I missed you, too." He laughed, pre-empting Thor's usual greeting. Sif's eyes were on the small, red-headed baby in Angrboda's arms. Her heart melted, and a foolish smile spread over her face.
"Hello there," she cooed, putting her finger in the baby's hand. "Aren't you adorable! What's your name?"
"Why do infants turn all Aesir into babies themselves?' Angrboda wondered.
"Because they're cute." Thor tickled his niece under the chin. "Yes they are!" He said in a baby tone.
Angrboda shook her head. "I rest my case!"
The baby gurgled, smiling at getting so much attention.
"What brings you to Asgard?" Thor asked straightening.
Loki smiled warmly at Frigga. "It is a tradition on Jotunheim for the grandparents of a child to name her. We thought you might like the honour."
Frigga's eyes brimmed with tears.
"Would you like to hold her?" Angrboda offered.
She nodded eagerly, holding her arms out. Angrboda handed the baby to her, and she immediately grabbed for a loose lock of Frigga's hair.
Frigga laughed. "Just like her father!"
"Please don't name her Lokia," Angrboda said nervously.
"I will not. May I have some time to think on this, though? It is a very important decision. You don't want me to name you wrong, do you?" She cooed at the baby.
"What about Thora? " Thor offered.
"Definitely not!" Frigga laughed.
Sif looked thoughtful. "Have you thought of naming her after Loki's birth mother? It would be a good way to honour her, surely?"
Frigga looked at Loki and Angrboda. They glanced at each other, and Loki shook his head.
"We considered it. But we decided that we wanted her to have her own name, not one burdened by so much sorrow."
Balder moved forward then, taking his niece's tiny hand in his. "What about Hela?"
"Hela?" Thor repeated. "What does that mean?"
"Nothing that I'm aware of. It's just a pretty name, I thought."
"It is," Frigga agreed, and glanced at her son and daughter-in-law to see what they thought of it.
"I like it," Angrboda said.
Loki nodded his agreement. "It looks like your uncle named you, sweetling." He crooned to the newly-named Hela. She beamed a toothless grin. Loki looked at Balder. "Thank you."
Balder smiled and nodded. Loki vaguely wondered why his little brother's eyes seemed so hollow.
It must be this war, he thought, moving over to put an arm around Balder. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," Balder nodded. "Nanna and I have an announcement."
Everyone turned to him curiously, waiting. Nanna moved to his side, and he put his arm around her. "Hela will have a cousin in about eight months!"
Thor grinned and embraced his youngest brother. "Life still grows."
Frigga teared up, embracing Balder and Nanna. "My youngest, becoming a father!"
"Mother! Don't make a fuss over me. It's time for baby Hela to be fussed over!"
Loki chuckled, and put an arm around Balder. "It's time for us all to be fussed over. Who knows when we'll have another chance?"
Balder smiled. "Alright, you win." Loki clapped him on the shoulder before turning to congratulate Nanna. The smile turned into a pain-filled grimace, which he quickly wiped off his face, hoping no-one had seen.
Sssteady, boy. Don't ruin their happinesss.
Can't you leave me be, at least for a little while? Balder pleaded. Like you did for my wedding.
That wasss but one time, Balder. I cannot risssk it again.
I ha-
I've heard it a thousssand timesss, Balder. Think of sssomething elssse to sssay!
Fine. I loathe you!
Set hissed with laughter. Clever... Ssstop talking to me now, you're ignoring your family.
Balder blinked, looking around. Loki was eyeing him worriedly.
"Are you alright, brother?"
"Yes. Just distracted. I'm sorry. So Thor's the only one who's not going to be a father any time soon... Unless Sif's been hiding something from us."
Thor and Sif both went rigid. They had forgotten that Balder didn't know that Karnilla had cursed Sif as a teenager, that she would never be able to have children of her own...
Loki noticed their discomfort, and interrupted. "Nanna, would you like to hold Hela? Call it practice." He winked.
"I'd love to!" Nanna took the baby from Frigga. "Although I have had practice with my sisters' children. Oh, but look at that hair! It's redder than the sunset!"
"And she's got green eyes," Frigga noted.
"Most times she does," Loki corrected. "Sometimes she likes to turn them red. Especially when she's hungry."
"Shape-shifting." Nanna shook her head. "At least I don't have to worry about that!"
"It's not that difficult having a shape-shifting child," Frigga reassured her and jabbed Loki in the side gently. "They do have a tendency to be tricksters, though!"
Loki smirked. "And Hela will learn from the best!"
Angrboda mock-groaned, rolling her eyes. "Save me!"
Frigga laughed. "I'm not sure if I can make it to Jotunheim for regular lessons, Loki, but I'll try!"
"Mother! I am the best."
"Care to put that to the test?"
Loki cast illusions of himself all round the room, all moving at once. He smirked. "Best that!"
Frigga closed her eyes briefly and they suddenly found themselves on a sandy white beach.
Angrboda gasped in shock, never having seen anything like this. "It's beautiful!"
"Well look at this!" Loki flourished his hands.
The beach was replaced by a tropical rainforest. The air was hot and moist, and the colours and varieties of the trees and plants everywhere... Brightly coloured animals and birds flitted in and out of sight, their calls echoing everywhere. Angrboda wasn't the only stunned one this time.
"Incredible." Nanna gasped. "Is this a real place?"
Loki nodded. "Yes. It's on Midgard, it's called the Amazon."
Nanna grabbed Balder's arm. "When this war's over, we're moving there!"
"But I was under the impression you don't like snakes," Loki said innocently, and a giant anaconda draped itself around Nanna's shoulders. She shrieked and jumped. Loki regretted his prank seconds later, as he'd forgotten that she was holding Hela...
Thor jumped forward, plucking the baby out of the air as Nanna instinctively threw up her hands to get rid of the snake. Hela blinked, surprised, and her face scrunched up. She began screaming. Nanna went white, pressing her hands to her face. Loki and Angrboda both rushed forward to check on their daughter.
"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"
Angrboda was breathing heavily. "It's alright... someone should have known better." She glared at her husband.
"Yes, I should have. I'm sorry, Nanna."
Angrboda gently took Hela from Thor and handed her to Loki. He cradled the baby close, humming soothingly. Angrboda was tense, looking worried and out of her depth. Frigga silently put a hand on her shoulder.
"I don't know how to treat babies," Angrboda confessed. "I don't have the experience."
"Don't worry, Loki has plenty. He was my primary caregiver, after Mor," Balder said.
Angrboda's fire-brows rose. "Really?"
"Yes!" Frigga laughed. "Whenever Balder woke me in the night crying, Loki was always seconds behind me to help!"
"As I recall, it lead to some rather nasty nicknames," Loki added, giving a mock glare at Thor and Sif.
"We were stupid children," Sif defended herself. "Besides, he turned out alright!"
Nanna smiled lovingly at her husband. "Better than alright." She reached out to embrace him, pulling back when he remained tense. He wasn't smiling. "What's wrong, Balder?"
"Nothing," he muttered. "I'm just... Father should be here. And he's not. He's never going to meet his grandchildren."
Every face in the room fell. Frigga put her hand on Balder's shoulder. "He might not be here physically, but you know he's watching us from Valhalla."
"Assuming Valhalla isn't a fairy tale." Balder muttered darkly.
Loki reached out and grasped Balder's shoulder. "I'm pretty sure it's real."
"How would you know? You haven't died!"
"I wouldn't be certain of that." Loki rocked a quieting Hela, his face darkening with memories. "After I fell into the Abyss... things happened."
Frigga whitened. "Loki, perhaps this isn't the best time."
"I'm just saying... I'm pretty sure Valhalla is real. I know Hell is."
Angrboda took her husband's hand, hating the haunted look in his eyes. She knew all too well that he still had nightmares occasionally, but he'd never discussed the events after his fall from the Bifrost.
"I hope you're right," Balder replied. "About Valhalla and Hell. Some people deserve eternal suffering."
"Balder!" Frigga gasped, shocked to hear her optimistic son speaking that way.
"What? You think murderers and liars deserve reward after death?"
"This doesn't sound like you," Thor said, concerned.
Balder turned away and headed for the door. "Just months ago I thought that if everybody just loved each other and hugged instead of fought we'd all be happy. Today I've killed dozens of men. I'm not me."
No-one knew how to answer that, mainly because Balder was right, however little they liked it. Hela began fussing again in the silence, wanting attention. The door thudded loudly as it shut behind Balder. Nanna hesitated a moment before following after him. Loki bounced Hela, looking grim.
Frigga sighed heavily, before endeavouring to change the subject. "How is the rebuilding going on Jotunheim?"
"Not so quickly, now," Angrboda said sadly. "There are more pressing things at the moment. However, it does look as though our crops will grow better this year than they have in decades."
Frigga nodded. "If you need additional aid from Asgard, feel free to ask. We cannot spare much, with this war, but we will do what we can."
"Thank you," Loki nodded. "But I feel that you need the resources more than we do. Although if you could spare another blacksmith or two to oversee armour production..."
"Of course."
A silence fell, no-one knowing what else to say.
"We had best get back to Jotunheim," Angrboda said. "We only came so that Hela could be named. There is a lot of work to be done."
Frigga nodded. "I'll escort you back to the Bifrost."
Thor and Sif exchanged looks. "So will we."
Thor took Sif's hand, and Frigga had an arm around both Loki and Angrboda as they walked. Loki smiled at the familiar gesture; Angrboda felt slightly uncomfortable, but tried to hide it.
Balder stood against his balcony, watching them go. He knew he only had a few moments before Nanna found him, and struggled to bring his anger and hate back behind his mask. If she grew suspicious, Set would kill her and he could not let that happen!
No, you're right. Young Nanna ssshould not die yet.
I do not want to talk to you!
Oh... and I thought I wasss sssuch good company... perhapsss Nanna will be willing to talk with me, if I inform her what'ssss really going on?
Leave Nanna alone!
I think not, boy. When ssshe comesss you will place the crown on her head.
It felt as though the ground beneath his feet disappeared. Balder reeled, stumbling back from the balcony in horror. "No!"
"No what? Balder, are you alright?" Nanna appeared beside the bed.
His eyes widened fearfully. How had he not heard her come in? "Nanna, get out of here!"
She blinked. "Look, I know you're upset, but-"
"You have to get out of here now!"
"What? What's going on-"
"Nanna, please-"
Very well. If you won't ussse the crown on her, I ssshall.
"NO!" Balder screamed, falling to his knees as pain overtook him. Nanna rushed to his side - and then he was in the hot, dry desert next to the blood ocean and the seven-headed snake was laughing at him. "NO! NO! NO! NO!"
He tried with all his might to wake himself, break Set's hold, just this once... "Nanna! Please, please don't! Please, I'll do anyth-"
"Too late, boy. Ssshe isss mine now."
And then Nanna was standing beside him in Set's hidden dimension, blinking in surprise. She looked around in confusion and then shrank back in terror from the snake.
"Hello, my sssissster'sss granddaughter."
Balder wrapped his arms around his wife. She clung to him, but swallowed and spoke bravely. "Are you Chthon or Set?"
"I am a ssserpent, what do you think? Foolisssh girl..." Set turned to Balder, one of his heads winking. "Thank you for delivering me another ssslave, young Balder. You are a good ssservant."
Nanna backed away from Balder, going white. "You let him bring me here?"
"No! No, Nanna, I didn't! I was trying to stop him, I-"
She turned and ran.
"Nanna!" Balder ran after her.
Set sighed. "Sssso typical. Come back, dear children. I am not finisssshed with you."
Balder had been under Set's control so long that the order instantly made him stop and walk back towards him, though he fought and cursed. Nanna still had some of her free will left and continued to run.
The serpent hissed in annoyance. "Ssstay here, Balder. I musst retrieve your bride." He slithered away quickly, following Nanna.
Nanna was feeling utterly exhausted. Because of Set? She heard him coming after her, and realised that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't outrun him. She turned, snatching a rock from the ground. She hurled the stone, hitting Set straight in one of his putrid-green eyes.
The angry hiss he gave off only frightened her more, but she grabbed more rocks, prepared to fight for as long as she could. She flung another one.
"SSSTOP!"
Nanna froze against her will. Suddenly, Set's long form was coiled around her. She screamed, trying to free herself, but failed.
"Sssilence."
"Let her go, please. Please!" Balder was begging when they returned to where he was standing. "I promise, I won't fight you at all anymore. Just let Nanna go!"
Nanna actually felt hopeful for a second. Until Set spoke.
"I think not. You will both make yoursselvesss usseful now."
"What do you want me for?"
"You carry a child. It ssshall be of great ussse to me." Set put Nanna down; she went straight to Balder's arms.
She pressed her face to his chest. "Did you really bring me here on purpose?" Her voice was a whimper.
"No, I swear, I was trying to keep you away. That's why I was telling you to leave, I hoped you'd escape, but..." He hung his head. "I failed."
"Nothing could ssstop me," Set added. "You are only little godsss. I am older than your realm."
"Atum will stop you," Balder hissed. "Somehow. He always has before!"
Set did a shrug of sorts. "Perhapsss."
"What do you want with our child?" Nanna whispered.
Set laughed. "Why, I want to create a perfect hossst, of course. Possssession from infancy will ensssure the child never rebelsss."
"No!" Nanna screamed, clasping her hands over her stomach protectively. "I won't let you!"
"You can't ssstop me."
Nanna's face hardened. "I'd die before I let you take my child!"
"I know. But you do not have that choice.."
Her eyes flashed. "I will kill myself if that's what it takes, monster!"
Set rolled his eyes. "I will not let you. Tell her, Balder."
He nodded miserably. "I've tried."
Nanna scowled. "Maybe I'll just go to Gaea."
"Yess, pleassse do. It will make killing her ssso much easssier. I'll posssesss you and have you bring her to me!"
Nanna's face went white. Balder held her close.
"Why are you doing this? What do you want?" Nanna whimpered.
Set sighed. "Why do you little godsss alwaysss asssk that? I want revenge. Isssn't that enough?"
"No. We've done nothing to you!"
"True. But by you I will hurt her."
Nanna's blue eyes filled with tears. "If you wanted to hurt Grandmother, you didn't have to go through all of this. I've seen the way she looks when she talks about you. She still loves you."
Set recoiled, hissing. "Liessss!"
"No, it isn't. If you'd seen her, you'd know that."
"Do not think you can trick me, wench!"
"I'm not trying to trick you!" Nanna's blue eyes were earnest. "I'm trying to save my baby!"
"You can't." Set turned away.
"Gaea does love you!"
"Liesss!"Set vanished. Begone. I will ssspeak with you both sssoon.
Balder and Nanna jerked awake, still in their room, both of them white with fear. Nanna's eyes shone with tears.
The jade Serpent Crown lay between them.
"I am so sorry," Balder whispered.
Nanna let the tears fall. "I don't understand... how did you end up with..." She gazed helplessly at the crown.
"It was on Jotunheim. I touched it and felt the overwhelming desire to keep it... brought it home. Put it on. Became his slave. Everything that has happened is my fault. Set used me to plan Odin's death. And he's been using my body to seduce Karnilla and Gullveig."
Nanna recoiled from him, looking sick, unsure which part of that horrified her the most. "All this time- everything that's happened... the war..."
He nodded miserably. "Set's used me to arrange it all."
"Why didn't you stop him?"
"I tried. I tried." Balder began to weep. "I tried."
"But surely you could have-"
"He kept threatening to kill you, Nanna! I couldn't let that happen, so I obeyed, trying to keep you safe for as long as I could... and now this has happened. If I could kill myself now, I would."
Nanna pressed her hands to her mouth.
"He would show me images of what he would do to you... I couldn't watch that happen!"
Nanna blinked rapidly. "If one of us could just get to Midgard- tell someone-"
"That would only serve his purpose, Nanna. He wants access to Jord!"
"So what? You're just giving up?"
"There's no other choice!"
"No." Nanna shook her head. "There has to be a way!"
"There isn't. If you don't obey, he just takes over and uses you to do what he will anyway. And it's worse." Balder's gaze was on the ground. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."
She lurched to her feet, pushing him away. "You might have given in! I'm not going to!" She turned and ran out of the room. Balder rested his head in his hands.
Now that isssn't very nice of her, isss it, Balder? I think I ssshall have to fetch her back.
"Leave her alone, please."
No.
Balder felt Set depart from his mind, and slumped over, defeated.