Chapter Five
Sigyn and Helblindi sat, bored out of their skulls, as they waited for the Kree to come take them from the dungeon. Sigyn sighed heavily. "I wonder if anyone's missing us terribly yet."
Helblindi pulled her into his lap. "We can go back."
"No. No, I don't want to."
"Neither do I," Helblindi admitted. "This sense of freedom, of not having to answer to anyone but ourselves... it is intoxicating!"
Sigyn nodded her agreement, and then looked around at their prison. "But how are we going to get out of this one? If just one of these walls could be breached, we could try to escape, but..."
Helblindi tapped on the wall. "Fire and ice."
"What?"
"Fire and ice. We could probably break this wall down together."
Sigyn's eyes lit up. "Good idea... if they don't stop us before it works."
"They won't have a chance." Helblindi grinned, already beginning to focus on freezing the floor and walls.
The frosty white quickly spread; when he stepped back, Sigyn took a deep breath and threw out her hands, flames billowing from them. In a matter of minutes, an ominous groaning could be heard from within the walls, which began to sag and crack.
"It's working!" Sigyn tried to cut out her flames - and couldn't.
Helblindi began sweating heavily as the temperature increased.
"No!" Sigyn gasped. "Stop!"
She began to panic- the more she tried to quench the flames, the hotter they became! The door of the cell melted into molten liquid. Helblindi cried out in pain. The guard rushed over to see what was going on, just as a burst of flame erupted into the corridor.
"No!"
"Sigyn!" Helblindi cried, and then, "Amora! You know how to control this!"
Sweat broke over Sigyn's face. "I can't!"
He suddenly leapt forward, over the molten stones, and grabbed her wrists. In seconds, her hands were encased with ice. The fires died, and they dazedly walked out of the cell- or what was left of it. Helbini saw the guard's remains, and tried to block Sigyn's view.
She was shaking. "Let's get out of here."
He kissed the top of her head. "Yes. Let's go to the next planet."
"Agreed."
They began moving in the direction they'd come from in the hopes of finding their ship, when alarms began blaring. The Kree must have realised they'd escaped. Helblindi grabbed Sigyn and picked her up. He began to run; they needed to get off this planet immediately! He ran as fast as he could, thanking the Norns that he soon spotted their ship. There were shouts behind them, but they were soon in the ship and leaving Hala. Sigyn slumped against the co-pilot's chair as Helblindi took off.
"I can't control it."
He glanced over her. Her expression was blank. "You can, when it's small things."
"I need to be able to control the big things, too."
Helblindi set the coordinates randomly and let the autopilot take over. "Did I hurt you?"
"No." She looked up at him. "Maybe I just have to be somebody else. Maybe I need to start being Amora, and not Sigyn."
"Haven't you been Amora?"
"No. I haven't. Amora doesn't care about anybody but herself and Skurge. Sigyn thinks she has to care for everybody." Her expression became steely. "Amora doesn't care."
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Nanna moved as fast as she dared towards the Bifrost. If I can just get to Midgard, I can get Grandmother to summon Uncle Atum, and end this... She could just make out Heimdall in the distance. At least he's there, and not somewhere else!
If you turn back now I will let you choossse one family member to let live.
Nanna ignored Set's hissing voice, continuing to walk. They're ALL going to live, once I stop you!
Ah, dear little Nanna. It'sss no wonder that Brave Balder chossse to love you. Ssso bold.
Nanna stomped up the steps. "Heimdall!"
The gatekeeper turned towards her... and she stifled a scream. His golden eyes were a sickly shade of green, his expression utterly blank.
Do you sssee now? Set hissed triumphantly. You can do nothing but obey.
"I'll tell Mother then!"
And instantly an image came to her mind, her mother lying flayed open on a table, but still living, still breathing, while Nanna herself stood over her body, working at her insides with a scalpel and bloody hands...
"NO!" It came out a scream. "No, please."
Obey, and thisss will not be necessssary.
"Is this how you claimed Balder?" Nanna asked, her hands shaking.
No. Thisss isss. And a brief image came to her mind of herself, Balder standing over her, knife in hand, calling her a slut and whore and- "Stop it!"
Will you do asss I ssssay? Set sounded cruelly amused.
"Y-yes." Nanna hung her head, hating herself.
Then go back to the palace. And I do not want to hear you ssspeak of betraying me again, underssstood, little niece?
"Yes." She turned slowly, her head hanging as she walked back to the palace. Her heart was heavy. But she couldn't just give up! For the sake of her child!
I sssaid ssstop.
Her heart sank. Aren't any of my thoughts private anymore?
No! Set laughed.
Tears filled her eyes. What are you going to do to us? Balder, me, the baby.
You and your beloved will die. Your child will be me.
Nanna managed to hold on to herself until she got back to their chambers. Then she collapsed into heart-broken sobs. My baby...
"Nanna?"
She looked up to see Balder sitting on the edge of the bed, tears running down his cheeks as well. She was overcome with the desire to be in his arms and rushed to him, throwing herself at him so forcefully that he fell backwards. She kissed him passionately, wanting to be close to him. His arms embraced her. Somehow, if we're together, somehow this will all work out, she thought desperately. "Somehow."
"What?"
She shook her head. "Just hoping, however pointless it may be really." She didn't want to talk. "Kiss me." He drew her closer, embracing her tightly. She pressed herself tightly against him as they lay on the bed, just wanting to forget...
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
"Queen Gullveig," The messenger bowed before the young Vanir queen. "The bifrost has been opened again."
"More prisoners?"
"Yes, your Majesty."
"Send them to the dungeons with the others. I will speak with them later. Their pleas must be heard, and their families informed that they still live. Go."
The messenger bowed and left. Gullveig smirked. A few more battles, and Asgard will find itself facing war on two fronts. They will pay for not protecting my father!
She sat on her throne, crossing her legs, enjoying the way her armour felt. She had no doubt who was really to blame for Njord's death. Atum may have taken the blame, but what cause would the sun-god have to murder the king of Vanaheim, unless he was prodded into doing so by one of her older siblings? Frey made no pretence for his hatred of their father, and Freyja, the whore, could make any man do whatever she wanted, brother or not.
I wonder how many times... Gullveig let the thought trail into disgust. "Guard!"
The guard came in and bowed. "My queen?"
"Send a message to Asgard. I am concerned for my older brother and sister, and would very much like to see them, along with my nieces and their husbands and children."
The guard nodded and bowed out.
One more battle... Gullveig rearranged herself. One more battle and I will have my revenge.
She sighed, lost in thought, trying to decide where to strike first when the time came.
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
"Lord Frey!"
The Vanir turned to see what the messenger wanted. "Yes?"
"A message from Queen Gullveig of Vanaheim, for you and your sister." He handed Frey a sealed envelope.
Frey nodded in thanks and took the letter. He was already on his way to Freyja's house, and so slid it into his pocket as he continued on his way. He quickly got to Freyja's. A smile of relief broke over her face when she saw him and she rushed to embrace him.
"You're back," she said, pulling away. "Good. I've been worried."
He shook his head good-naturedly. "Will you ever not worry for me?"
"I'll stop worrying when you retire from war." Freyja managed a weak laugh, knowing that would likely never happen. She noticed the letter. "What's that?"
"A message from Gully, apparently."
Freyja frowned. "To both of us?"
"That's what I was told."
"Strange... we haven't been on speaking terms for a while. What does it say?"
"Haven't opened it yet." They retired to her parlour and sat down. Frey broke the seal.
"Dearest brother and sister, I know that it has been a long time since we have spoken on friendly terms, but I am finding myself extremely regretful of everything that has passed between us. With this war I worry constantly for you. I would appreciate it very much if I could see you, and my nieces with their husbands and children. I cannot come to Asgard, the pressures of being queen are too great, but perhaps you could visit me some time, if there is any love left between us. Your devoted sister, Gully."
The twins exchanged looks.
"A visit to Vanaheim couldn't hurt," Frey mused.
"Ha," Freyja said, her brow furrowing. "Gullveig was always very close to Njord. I have no doubt that she blames us for his death."
"What could she possibly want in that case? With this war, I doubt she'd invite us for a visit just so that she can confront us about it, not during a war!"
"That's true. And I have missed Gully..."
"So have I. It will be good to be able to talk to her again. Make sure that she's doing alright. See how she likes being the queen of Vanaheim." Frey smiled. "In times like these, family are all we have."
"You're right."
"Have you received any word from Sigyn?"
Freyja snorted. "I got a postcard. 'Hello Mor, doing well, not pregnant yet. Love Sigyn.' She's off running around who knows where with that Jotünn Helblindi doing who knows what, and she sends a postcard telling me that she's not pregnant?"
"I suppose that's what she thinks you worry about most."
"That is one of my concerns... but at least if she was pregnant, I could insist she come home! Who knows where she is right now..."
"Atum said she was alright, and safe with Helblindi, didn't he? I doubt he'd be mistaken about that... anyway, shall we send a reply to Gully, or just surprise her?"
"Let's send a reply," Freyja sighed. "I doubt that it would be a welcome surprise to show up with my brood. And I suppose I should talk with the girls, to see if they even want to go to Vanaheim. I would like to visit Hnossa's memorial."
"Then it's decided. I will send a message back at once, telling Gully that you and I will visit briefly at least. That is, if I can get a pass. Thor may want to keep me here."
Freyja nodded, and then she stood up, anger flaring in her eyes. "This is all because of Austmadr. If he hadn't killed Odin... I know we never got along, but I never once wished murder upon him! To be assassinated at his own son's wedding... And I slept with the man who did it!"
"You didn't know what he was planning."
"I should be a better judge of character. I only did it because Njord told me not to." Freyja exhaled heavily. "Do you have to report back to the palace immediately, or would you like to see the girls?"
"It's pretty late. Will they still be up?"
"Idunn gave me strict instructions that if you had the time you were to come see them. The sentiment was echoed by the others. I know that Bragi wants to talk to you for sure."
Frey nodded. He was exhausted, but he could spare the time to go visit his nieces briefly. "I report at dawn tomorrow, so I have to get home fairly quickly, but I think I can make it to their houses."
Freyja nodded. "I can walk with you if you're weary, I don't think I can sleep."
"Thank you. I would appreciate the company."
They set off together, heading towards Lofn and her family's residence first as it was closest.
"We haven't heard much," Freyja said as they walked. "It's like the time during the Jotünn war when our forces were losing."
"We have not yet lost a battle to my knowledge," Frey responded reassuringly. "You must be remembering the Jotünn war differently than I am."
"Perhaps. I just hope that this ends soon. I can't bear all the bloodshed."
"Some people say war is inevitable if you want to ensure peace." Frey sighed. "I confess I tire of it too."
"Karnilla had very publically banned Austmadr from her realm," Freyja continued angrily. "She uses his death as an excuse. I can only think that she put him up to his actions, trying to weaken Asgard!"
"Freyja, please let's talk of other things. I live in battle, but battle has not consumed everything yet. How are the girls doing?"
"They're fine. Little Skaldi is beginning to walk. Idunn's boys shower her with attention. It's going to be an upset for the little one when they have another cousin to fawn over."
Frey blinked. "Another cousin?"
Freyja's hand flew to her mouth. "...I think I just spoiled Nanna's surprise."
His eyes bulged. "Nanna?"
"You don't have to say it like that. She's been married for almost six months."
"Six months..." Frey shook his head, his expression nostalgic. "It feels like yesterday when she was learning to walk."
"I know. All my girls are grown and having babies of their own."
"Except Sigyn."
Freyja sighed, her bright eyes clouding over. "I imagine she'll have a child soon enough."
Frey raised an eyebrow. "Could you sound less enthusiastic?"
"None of my daughters have lived away from Asgard since Hnossa."
Frey nodded. He still didn't understand Sigyn's departure. And with a Jotünn no less! Loki had assured him that this 'Helblindi' was a good man, but still... a Jotünn? He shook his head. His niece was hard to understand.
They reached Idunn's and knocked on the door. Idunn's eldest son opened the door, and immediately ran inside, yelling.
"Mor! Da! Grandmother and Uncle Frey are here!"
Idunn soon came to the door and embraced Frey.
She smiled warmly. "I'm glad you're home safely, Uncle. I see Mor took my 'bring him straight here' command literally!"
Frey laughed. "Can we come in?"
"Yes, of course. Var is here, already. I'll send Bragi to gather up the rest of my sisters so that we don't keep you running around."
"That sounds like a good idea," Freyja agreed. At least, she thought, I know that most of my daughters are safe and sound. She blinked back tears as she remembered finding Sigyn's letter to her, telling her she was leaving. She had gone to Jotunheim immediately...
Freyja was ready to beat Loki until he was half-dead as the bifrost retreated into the sky. Thor was standing beside her, but she was so angry she didn't think anything could stop her. Loki just stood there, with that stupid fake look of confusion on his face! As if he didn't know what was going on!
"Where is she?" Freyja demanded at once.
Loki blinked. "Where is who?"
"Sigyn!" Freyja brandished a piece of paper at him. "Where is my daughter, you forked tongued slithering-"
"Lady Freyja, please!" Thor interrupted, shooting an apologetic glance at Loki.
"PLEASE YOURSELF!" Freyja roared.
Loki shook his head, trying to assimilate this. "Sigyn's missing?"
In response, Freyja thrust the paper into his hand. He looked down and read the hastily scribbled note. His jaw dropped.
Dear Mor,
I love you. I love my sisters and brothers-in-law and nieces and nephews. I love you all. I'm writing this so that you don't worry. I'm leaving Asgard. By the time you find this, I'll already be gone. Mor, you always said that I was your little rebel. Well, I rebelling now. I'm running away with Helblindi the Jotünn and we're going to see the stars together. This is a shock to you, I know. And it's sudden. But for once in my life I did not want to be responsible. So I've got myself a lover and we're going to be irresponsible together. Please don't be mad. This is what I want. I'll come back someday.
Love Sigyn.
Loki's mouth opened and closed a few times in shock. "Sigyn wrote this?!"
Thor had to physically restrain Freyja from lunging at Loki. "WHO ELSE WOULD HAVE WRITTEN IT, YOU SLIMY WORM?"
Loki backed up warily as Angrboda came to see what all the shouting was. Silently, Loki handed her the note. She read it and her brows rose.
"Where is my daughter?" Freyja demanded through gritted teeth.
"Where is Helblindi?" Loki asked.
"He hasn't returned from his hunting lodge..." Angrboda looked up and groaned softly. "How long does it take to get from Asgard to Jotunheim on one of your ships?"
"Four days."
"How long ago did she leave?"
"Almost twelve hours," Thor replied.
"It's a three day walk to Helblindi's lodge, we should make it just in time to stop them," Loki exclaimed.
"Three days walking. How long flying?" Thor retorted.
"Too long," Angrboda sighed, pointing at the sky. "A storm is blowing in. We'll have white-out conditions in a few hours."
Freyja was on the verge of tearing her hair out. Why weren't they saying anything useful? "Isn't there any way to get a message to him?"
"No." Loki gritted his teeth. "What are they thinking?"
Angrboda shrugged casually. "Maybe they're just tired of being taken for granted."
Freyja's fury flared. "Do not suppose to know what my family is like!"
Angrboda blinked. "I was not implying anything about your family in particular, I just meant that from what I've seen, Sigyn focuses very much on pleasing others. Or so I thought when I met her in Asgard."
Freyja didn't say anything, although it was true...
Thor exhaled heavily. "So do we go after them, or-"
"Of course!" Freyja whirled on him, glaring. "What else did you have in mind?"
"Well- I mean no offence when I say this!- but it does seem as if Sigyn left willingly, so maybe..."
"Besides that," Angrboda interjected. "You cannot possibly head out when a storm like this is on its way in. You'll be frozen solid within hours. I'm sorry. You'll just have to hope that they change their minds."
Freyja slumped to the ground, her head in her hands. Where was Sigyn? Why had she left?
Loki knelt in front of her, though careful to stay out of arm's reach. "Sigyn is smart. She'll come back to her senses."
Freyja took a deep breath. "I hope you're right, Loki."
.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Freyja paced anxiously, rubbing her fingers on the two jewels of her bracelet. It had been nearly a week! Where was Atum? His distinctive knock on the door answered that question. She rushed to open it, quickly.
"What's wrong?" he asked instantly, knowing that it was only with great need that Freyja called on him. "What happened?"
She shook her head, eyes brimming. "Sigyn's run away."
"WHAT?!"
"Don't shout!"
"Sorry... I just... Sigyn?"
Freyja nodded. She handed him the note.
He read it quickly. And sighed. "Freyja, I actually thought she was in danger!"
"She could be!"
"She left of her own free will."
"With a Jotünn!"
"What difference does that make?"
Freyja opened her mouth to retort, but stopped abruptly as she remembered Atum's deceased lover Farbauti. "I just want to make sure she's safe."
"So you want me to find them?"
"Yes!" Freyja tried to calm herself. "Sigyn has never done anything like this, I need to know she's safe."
Atum exhaled heavily. "And you have no idea where they might have gone?"
Freyja shook her head soundlessly.
He shook his head. "It could take years to track them down."
"But can't you try?" Freyja wailed, rapidly losing her fight to stay in control. "What if she gets lost, or stuck? What if she dies? What if Chthon finds her?"
"I didn't say I wouldn't be looking!"
"Thank you."
Atum nodded slowly. "I hope this Helblindi is a good man, though..."
Freyja shrugged. "You'll have to ask Loki, I didn't even know Helblindi existed until I found this note!"
"The name sounds familiar..." his face darkened. "Gunnlod's son."
Freyja's brow furrowed. "Who?"
"Nothing," Atum said quickly. "Just know that I will find the two of them and make sure that Sigyn is alright."
He left without another word. Freyja only felt more worried now. What did he mean?
Freyja shook herself out of the memory and smiled at her grandsons, who were crowded around Frey. "Everything will work out. It has to."