Chapter 9
Stranger in the Night
Thor did not speak to Odin through out the long ride to the Northern borders. Odin never once looked at Thor. Loki only stared straight ahead into the mountains, as he heard the wolves howling off into the distance. He thought that this would be a good time to sew discord among his brother and Odin , except, that he remembered the promise that he made Frigga. The soldiers that accompanied were not so merry as the night before as they made their way to the camp where the Lord Brimir would meet them. Loki's keen ears heard a rustling noise in the woods. He moved away from the soldiers, and led his horse down the mountain's rocky path. He could see movement among the trees in the forest. He dismounted his horse when he reached the bottom of the ravine. Using his sorcery he would be able to catch the perpetrator. He could hear them breathe, and their rapid heart beat a few seconds more, and then …..
He materialized right behind the being in the forest. He grabbed the hooded figure, but, it was too quick. The next instant before Loki realized it he was staring down a long sharpened wooden staff. To his amusement he made out the face of a young female who was pointing it in his direction. Neither spoke at first, finally, Loki could not resist a smile, "my dear if you would please I am beginning to get the impression you do not like me." The young girl laughed, "I don't I think I will kill you." Just as she thought she had the upper hand, Loki vanished only to reappear behind her as he gripped her staff. He deftly pulled it away from her. He also pulled her hood away from her face. It couldn't be he thought. He believed that she was still a child. If he was right he would have to take a chance. "My apologizes, my lady Runa, I see now that you are on your night watch, I presume," then he bowed to her. "Might I beg your forgiveness for my boldness?" Runa still fuming, pointing in the direction of her father's camp. "my father has been waiting for all of you, now go!" She said nothing more and left. Loki watched, as she ran off into the night. What raw beauty he thought, and such savagery, how can any man resist such temptation? He went to find his horse and his way to the camp.