Well, it wasn't going to be up this early, but I just got back from Mexico and I couldn't resist. (You guys can probably thank all the tequila for this...lol). I have been spending my days on the beach, drinking margheritas and making a surprising amount of progress on the sequel. Surprisingly, it doesn't read like it was written by a drunk person, so that's a win...lol. Unfortunately, real life hits harder after a vacation, and I am now back in the bleak cold of Canada. Making bran muffins and drinking cleansing green tea while doing heaps of laundry and uploading new material ;)

Here is the very first sneak peak into the second book in the Dance of Power Trilogy. 'The Weight of Betrayal'. Just a short blip, but hopefully it helps tide you over ;P Some of it may change before the actual sequel gets posted, and it is a bit of a flashback, but it will all make sense as you read it. This is an excerpt from the Prologue of The Weight of Betrayal.

AirCaptainBiggles: I'm glad you read this too! Lol. Let the inner demons run wild, my friend.

Draconic king: I guess you'll just have to wait and see. If I was Odin though, I probably would keep my guard up around the humans...lol

CB73: I loved the goodbye scene. Just another reminder that they really are just a bunch of young adults, still trying to find themselves in a crazy world. Indeed Astrid is going to have to watch herself. Angry outbursts might not serve her quite so well off realm, as the other races will not be as easily intimidated as Snotlout...

Guest: Wow, thank you so much! That is a wonderful compliment and I wish that you had an account so that I could reply to you personally. As for Astrid, I guess we will just have to wait and see. I'm sure her reaction will be heavily affected by just HOW she finds out about Cuithanna... Thanks for the song suggestion. I checked it out, and you are absolutely right! Monster by Skillet is the perfect song, and it works for much more than just the first book :)

OechsnerC: Thanks :)

Sirajknight: Thank you very much. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Rainnnn: More gold stars for you! Lol. As you said, if you make enough predictions, some of them are bound to be right ;P Thank you so much for your support and praise. I'm honestly having so much fun researching and writing these stories, so I can't help but feel glad that other people seem to be enjoying them as well. Inventing the world beyond Midgard has been a ton of fun so far, as the old Norse myths are relatively vague on what many of the worlds and beings are supposed to look like. I can only hope that I've done it justice while still making it my own :)

Prologue: The Seer's Blind Spot

Odin sat alone in his chamber. Fingers massaging his temples as he furrowed his snowy white brow in frustrated concentration, but it was just no good. He had been trying to scry that blasted Rider for the last few weeks and he was getting nowhere. How was this insignificant human continuing to block his sight? It just shouldn't be possible! This unfortunate fact had bothered Odin right from day one. Although, if he was honest, there was nothing insignificant about the human. Neither of the humans, really.

To make matters even worse, he was unable to scry the half-elf prince either, most of the time. The Allfather just didn't know what to make of this uncomfortable situation. Ilweran and Hiccup had the potential to solidify Odin's rightful claim to power. To rally everyone behind them and conquer the evils that threatened the worlds. People of all races liked them, and were willing to follow them anywhere. Together, the two part-human Riders were a true force to be reckoned with. He was sure that they were the humans of the lost prophecy.

It had been foreseen that the ones who would bring an end to this war were approaching. The prophecy had spoken of two Riders. Both with close ties to Midgard. One of night, and one of light. A pair of polar opposite, yet perfectly matched warriors. Fated to restore balance to the nine worlds, and purported to possess gifts that would make them nigh unstoppable. Providing whichever side they chose with unchallenged control over the lands. The moment that Odin had seen Ilweran escorting Hiccup into headquarters, he had known that he was witnessing history in the making.

They were exactly as the prophecy had claimed they would be. Ilweran had always been the golden boy of the elven race. Half-human crown prince, gifted with all of the same physical skill and arcane power as the elves, but with the rugged looks and empathetic charm of the humans. Everything from his white blonde hair to his sunshine eyes and persona making him seem like the embodiment of beauty and light. The women of every realm had fawned over him, and the Æsir and Council members had been equally as enthralled. From the moment that Ilweran had bonded with his dragon, Odin had been sure that they had found the Rider of Light.

Now he just needed to find the darker half that would complete the fated circle. The only problem was that Loki seemed to have somehow learned of the prophecy as well, or at least parts of it. Although the entirety of it remained a mystery, it was clear that this Dark Rider would be from Midgard. Odin had made sure to close the gateway to the human realm right after receiving the vision, but there were always ways around Bifröst if one was clever enough. It became a waiting game between Odin's soldiers and Loki's minions. Each of them anxiously preparing for when a new human would become bonded. It had finally happened, and the race was on.

When Ilweran had reported that the newest Rider had been located, everyone in Asgard had breathed a sigh of relief. Relief that promptly turned to nervous uncertainty when the midnight black night fury landed in the square outside Order Headquarters. The dragon had glared around at the waiting spectators with deeply intelligent eyes of a menacing acid green. The tall and slender man on his back dressed in all black battle armour to match his dragon, complete with a full helmet that concealed his face. He could easily have been mistaken for a draugr, as he peered around the square as well. Bright green eyes glinting through the slits in his sinister mask.

Finally, the man had pulled off his helmet. Giving a brief shake of his head, not unlike a wild dog, before running a hand through his tousled mop of auburn hair. Looking around at them all again with a crooked grin and judging their reactions with a twist of humour as he placed the helmet into his saddlebag. Giving everyone their first real look at the ruggedly handsome face; with its high cheekbones, square jaw, and wickedly clever eyes of brilliant emerald. The ladies had practically swooned as he leapt down from his marvellous night fury and sauntered arrogantly towards the main hall beside Ilweran.

This mysterious human seemed to command respect and attention. Even walking beside Ilweran, who had been nearly a foot taller than him at the time, he still maintained an imposing presence. Seeming to radiate a dangerous sense of carefully controlled power. That's him! That's the dark Rider, Odin had found himself thinking in stunned relief. We have found the Rider of Night! He just has to be the one. Thank the Norns that we got to him first, hopefully... What Loki and his minions wouldn't give to control this one. Hiccup and Ilweran really did appear to be the perfectly opposite pair of warriors mentioned in the prophecy. Becoming fast friends and close allies almost immediately after that day.

They were edgy, powerful, and as unstoppable a team as the Order had ever seen. They were also clever and secretive risk-takers who blatantly denied authority at every turn! Only Odin and Skuld knew the full contents of the true vision, but that didn't mean that parts of it hadn't leaked out over the years. Making others long to have the human Riders in their corner. It was disturbing to think that Odin's most dangerous and sought after resources were completely beyond his control. Both sides of this blasted war desperately desired the Midgard Riders, and as of yet, neither of them had sworn loyalty to anyone but each other. Everyone wanted them, and they both knew it.

When they had finally tracked this second human down, it had felt like a huge victory to Odin. Anyone that talented needed to be secured to their side as soon as possible. Especially before his adopted son's minions could sink their claws into him. Upon meeting Hiccup, Odin and the Council had quickly realized that this Dark Rider and his night fury did not just look dangerous. They were dangerous. The Dark Rider was more powerful than any they had seen before, and much too clever to be contained or coerced. It was worrisome that he had outright refused to be officially sworn in. Had Loki got to him first after all?..

As the first bonded night fury Rider in history, no one knew what he was capable of. Night furies, or 'dark ones', were often feared or mistrusted in nearly all of the realms. Even by other dragons. They were powerful, intelligent, and mysterious beasts that gave off a strong aura of danger and malice. Much like the Rider that this particular one had chosen, it seems. The Dark Rider was just as powerful, mysterious, and intelligent as his night fury, and no one knew where his true allegiances lie either. He had blocked their mental probes as effortlessly as he continued to block the Allfather's sight.

After hours of interrogation that went nowhere, they had eventually been forced to take Hiccup at his word and hope for the best. He was simply far too great a prize to let Loki have. Curse that infernal demon and his devious intelligence! Odin thought with an irritated sigh. Their reactions to the sight of him during those first few moments in the plaza had been enough to give up the game. Hiccup knew they wanted him desperately, and he had played them like the fools they were. Odin would have blamed Ilweran for it, except he knew that the crown prince never mentioned his status to anyone.

Everyone had been on their guard around the man for the first couple of years. Convinced that he was a viper in their nest. Simply biding his time before exposing himself as a traitorous supporter of the Trickster. That he would ultimately be revealed as the catalyst for Ragnarok. Hel bent on bringing about the destruction of everything they held dear.

That time had never come. Although he hated it, Odin had to admit that neither Hiccup, nor his dragon, had ever really done anything to call this suspicion to themselves. Carrying out every mission with the proper ethics of honourable Order members. Disposing of many Loki's top generals without a single moment of hesitation. The others had finally begun to relax around the Dark Rider.

Then he had shown up at the palace one day looking like a bloody elf. Although he and Ilweran now looked even more the part of the prophecy brothers, it was obvious that Hiccup had dabbled in some sort of extremely dangerous magic. Only that could have altered his appearance so drastically. Once again, everyone was on tenterhooks around the man and now those accursed swords of his. Certain that it was finally time for the traitor to reveal his true colours. Still, Hiccup had maintained the same calm and diplomatic demeanour that he had displayed since day one. Slowly regaining everyone's trust, despite the evil presence that surrounded his newly procured weapons.

Odin could feel the overwhelming press of energy radiating from those dreaded blades. Even when they were safely sheathed. Legendary weapons were always powerfully magical, but there was just something distinctly sinister about those particular ones. Although only the most ancient or powerful were able to truly feel the pull of such essence, the others were still understandably afraid of the swords.

The man's inherent brutality seemed to enhance the unsettling aura surrounding the blades. The skill with which he wielded them and their unknown enchantments did not help to ease anyone's discomfort either. They all respected Hiccup, but they remained wary of him just the same. It all culminated into a dangerous man that Odin certainly needed to keep a close watch on. Too bad he couldn't even do that.

Raising from his chair, Odin began to pace the length of the chamber in frustration. Running his hands through his long white hair and causing it to stand on end. There just had to be some way to bring that man under his influence. Ilweran had Queen Lerina's protection and was, therefore, well beyond reach. The Dark Rider, however, had to have some sort of weakness. Something that they could use to reign him in. Some way to buy or force his loyalty. They just needed to find it. If they could break Hiccup, Ilweran would likely follow.

The only problem was that, as far as anyone could tell, Hiccup did not have a weakness. He had severed his ties with his homeland. Been completely unaffected by the revelation of his mother's existence. He refused to be bought with gold, power, or women. He cared for no one, and nothing; aside from his dragon and a few chosen friends. The only women that he had ever bedded were all inconsequential. Usually priestesses in the Temple of Bast on either Vanaheim or Asgard. Often denying the advances of other women from these realms. Claiming that it was simply because his tastes were too singular for the average woman to satisfy.

Odin had initially suspected that Hiccup only used these excuses in order to keep from forming close personal ties. Outsmarting them at every turn, it would seem. Unfortunately, the temple ladies and healers had been quick to confirm that Hiccup was indeed a twisted sicko with a taste for violence. This fit with the shadowy image Odin was already coming to accept as reality. Not that it mattered, really. A hired assassin only needed to be good at their art, and loyal enough to their employer. They were rarely ever 'nice' or 'good' people. Ilweran being one of the rare exceptions.

Knowing that Hiccup was honestly just a sexually deviant monster with dark fetishes did ease some of Odin's fear of deceit. It also destroyed his last hopes of reigning in the dangerous man. They had absolutely no hold over the callous bastard. A man that had quickly become known throughout the realms as the 'Dark Rider'. Even by those that had never even heard of the prophecy. The title just seemed to fit him, and he accepted and owned it. Wearing it like a badge of honour.

Using his sharp wit and dry humour, he befriended everyone. While at the same time, getting close to none of them. Those rare few that Hiccup had allowed within his circle, were not ones that Odin stood any chance of asserting power over. Queen Lerina, Prince Ilweran, and Princess Ilmara of course. All untouchable royals. Then there was Golwen, the Order's Head of the Arcane Arts. She was much too powerful. Lastly, Odin's own wayward son, Thor, had befriended the Dark Rider. Of course he had, as fate was a cruel mistress... It was absolutely maddening!

Just then, a knock sounded on the door of his quarters. Grumbling at the interruption, he bid the person enter. This had better be important, he thought angrily. He was not in the mood for trivial issues right now. The Riders had been on Midgard for two whole moons and he had yet to receive a single report. He only stopped his pacing when Elder Noldo pushed through the door. Looking up into the elf's delicately handsome and slightly haughty features, Odin waved an impatient hand in the air. Plainly gesturing for the elf to get on with it already, and then get out.

"We have had a visit from young Aldanil. A new Rider has been bonded and they have already located them. Apparently, he and Ilweran will present the new bonded one to the Council once their mission on Midgard is complete." The ancient elf spoke with no formalities, as if he was simply passing on interesting information. In a way, Odin understood the old Rider's attitude, even if he didn't like it. The head of the Order was never deliberately rude to the Allfather, but he did not treat him with any particular respect either.

Instead he preferred to act as if Odin was of no more importance than any other non-Rider. As an ancient, and one of those first bonded pairs to ride out into the worlds, Elder Noldo did not have much patience for formality. Anyways, Light or Dark, the elves simply refused to accept any authority figure beyond their own Queen. Except for their silly little festivals to honour Yggdrasil, as if they thought the tree was actually a true goddess with real power... Superstitious fools... Fortunately, they were loyal enough to the Æsir and served their purpose well in the ranks of Riders. Elves being some of the most skilled assassins in all the realms.

Still, their customs were odd at best, Odin mused. They were like animals! Choosing to cling to the wild ways of the nature spirits that they had once been, instead of becoming civilized creatures like the Vanir. They had very few class distinctions in their social structure and held crazy, drunken festivals every other month that no other races were allowed to attend. Never mind the strange name they always used for Hiccup, as if he was someone special...

Suddenly Noldo's words registered in his distracted mind. There was a new bonded rider from Midgard? There had never been two bonded human riders in the same age before, never mind three; and so close together! He had been sure that there were only two of them currently because of the prophecy, but now... The Allfather felt an uncomfortable chill run through him.

Something was happening here that he did not understand. Something far beyond a powerful Dark Rider that was able to block his sight. Seeming to sense his unease, Noldo continued, "Aldanil has assured me that they have only been training the new bonded one to communicate and fly with her dragon. He wanted to be clear that he and Ilweran are leaving her instruction in the ways of the arcane in the hands of the Order. I am quite sure that he knows how little you trust him..." the ancient elf trailed off with a smirk.

Odin grumbled at the snide comment, but the Elder's words did give him pause for a moment. The new bonded rider was a woman from Midgard? This might be just the thing he had been looking for. Humans did tend to stick together and form stronger emotional bonds than the other races. If they could get the woman, they could likely use her to lure in the other two. Men were often swayed by helpless damsels, after all. Allowing a small smile to form at these thoughts, he turned to face the elf.

"I would like to meet this Rider immediately after she has been judged by the council. We need to make sure she swears the oath, no matter what. Do not fail me again, Noldo, or I may just find another to lead the Order in your stead. I will not have one more bonded Rider from Midgard that is outside of our control. You know of the prophecy Noldo. You know as well as I that it is simply too dangerous to leave loose ends when the stakes are this high. Am I understood?"

The elf seemed to bristle for a moment at these words, as the amused expression disappeared from his perfectly sculpted face. Elves did not respond well to direct orders from anyone, nor did they truly accept Odin's claim of authority over the ranks of the Riders. He probably also took offence to the fact that Odin had basically called the crown prince a 'loose end'. After a deep breath however, Noldo relaxed his stance again and tilted his head in a slightly mocking bow. His shapely lips twisting into a bastardized version of a polite smile as a spark of bitterness shone in his rich brown eyes.

"As you wish Allfather. I will do what I can. Unfortunately, these bonded Riders from Midgard do seem to be a tad more wily than you had given them credit for. It is a shame really. To be played the fool by ones who are so clearly inferior. Bested time and again by this 'lesser' race. It must drive you mad! At least, that would be the assumption if one was to judge your sanity by the state of your hair..." With that he turned on his heel and left the room before Odin could form an angry retort. Noldo's deep emerald cloak billowing out behind him.

Odin felt his face twist into an irritated scowl as he angrily attempted to smooth the fly-away pieces of his now unruly mane. Curse those disrespectful elves straight to Niflheim. He would feed them all to Nidhogg if he could! Still, the elf really did have a point. The Midgard Riders had so far proven to be much more skilled at recognizing and pressing their advantage than he had ever dreamed possible. Probably why nobody trusts the humans, he thought with a huff. They are far too unpredictable.

Returning to his chair, Odin decided to see if his vision was blocked from this new Rider as well. If they had already located her, it probably meant that she was with them right now. Which also meant that he likely wouldn't be able to see her either. Placing his fingertips against his aching temples, he peered down into the stubbornly black surface of the scrying mirror and cursed the humans.

First sneak peak into Book 2! How'd you guys like it? Was it enough for you to form some predictions? Prophecies of your own, perhaps? If not, don't worry. I will eventually post another sneak peak down the road. As per this one, I cannot guarantee how soon it will be posted. You'll just have to stay tuned. Love you guys! :D

I think it is safe to assume that Odin will probably have some trick in store to try and slip-up our three heroes. He is ultimately an emperor trying to maintain order in a ridiculously vast empire, after all. Loose ends and wild cards are incredibly dangerous within a ruler's inner circle. The people may rebel, but you need to be able to trust in the loyalty of your special forces, at least...