Chapter 11
The Way to Valhalla
Loki assisted Thor with this armor and swords as he was about to finish. He said wearily, "Brother I hope this day that no one will find their way to Valhalla." Odin placed his hand on his son's shoulder and said sadly, "today you will see how our women are worthy to bear our fruit". As Odin, stood in front of the people he deemed most worthy, soldiers, both men and women who had died to protect his borders from his enemies he then began his long awaited speech. "Good people of the northern borders on this day my son, Prince Thor will duel with Lady Hvonn until the death. If she is not able to defeat him in this duel, she must and will take her own life for it is the will of the Gods. So be it! Let the duel begin". Hvonn's heart had skipped a beat, she could see the God of Thunder through the open space in her helmet. Both his and her swords were both raised. Neither were allowed to use shields. Thor's heart was racing, he was beginning to think if he landed a blow to the helmet he could crack it crushing her skull in an instant and it would be a mercy killing. He came down with all his might only to find he was met with a full on block of her sword. She slammed his sword to the ground! She quickly stepped back to give a full on frontal swing to the chest. He fell back and recovered. He knew now she had skill. He swung hard and each time she managed to block his blows to her own chest. He knew that she could not keep this up or so he thought. He said to himself, "by the Gods, let this be my final blow and it let be most merciful to this proud brave young woman." Hvonn braced herself so she could feel it too; the moment she had waited so long for. She thought to herself, " today you will not send me to Valhalla!" Thor swung his final blow to her neck the area below her helmet and where her body armor met. Hvonn was ready; she came at him with such speed and agility with her left hand she drew out her dagger and placed it between the sword and her precious neck. She shoved so hard that Thor was pierced on the forehead, blood trickled into his left eye. Using this to her advantage she spun around swinging the other sword with all her strength that their swords became interlocked. She looked up only for a moment to see her mother, Ingveldur, her eyes were misted over. There it was with the back of her head she butted Thor she came down hard on his right foot and knocked him off balance. As he was falling he came for her to regain balance Hvonn was too quick she came back up in doing so she kicked his sword away. It was over. She took off the helmet her mother so graciously gave to her. She won her title and saved her own life. She leaned in to give Thor a hand up. "My Prince, you fought well, " she said with a smile. He took her hand and looked at her for the first time. Fiery red hair, beautiful green eyes with a hint of freckles. "My lady your skill is unquestionably without a doubt the best I have seen of any warrior maiden." She looked at him sheepishly, "I thank you my Lord." Her mother and father came to her, as did Allfather, he said to her, "tonight I understand there will be a celebration that is when you will receive your title." She curtsied then she said in a low tone, "I thank you my King Odin." He replied, "my child you fought with strength and vigor I am most grateful you lived to rule this day." She curtsied again, then took her leave. Her sister, Runa was waiting for her, she laughed, "you have defeated the great God of Thunder!" They both giggled like little girls, yet both were aware that she would rule after her mother.