After three weeks of trials, Odin became desperate. He ordered the army to sweep through the rural villages and pick up any Alpha that had not tried their hand on Mjolnir. If none could be found, he'd have no choice but to consider a foreigner.
Thor Borrson stoked the fires of his crucible. He had another dozen swords to forge before finishing the order for the local garrison. His heavy apron was black from years of collected soot and he had charcoal smears on his face. An Einherjar, one Thor did not recognize, approached his shop.
"You! Blacksmith. Have you been to the capitol?" The soldier asked. Thor put down his hammer and grabbed a cloth to wipe away the dirt and sweat from his palms. He glowered at the man, annoyed to be interrupted from his work.
"The swords will not be ready for another week. I'll bring them to the garrison when they are done."
"I am not here for that. I asked you a question."
"No, I haven't."
"Then by order of the King you and all other Alphas of this village are commanded to travel to the palace."
"Why?"
"Have you not heard?"
"Obviously not. What does the King want with me?"
"By royal decree, any alpha that can lift the mighty magical hammer Mjolnir will be the next King of Asgard. So far everyone that has tried has failed."
"And how many is that?"
"Everyone. The entire population of the great city has tried."
"This is foolishness. I have better things to do with my time than make a long journey to try to win some sort of fairytale prize."
"If you do not come willingly, we are commanded to take you by force."
"You're serious about this, aren't you?"
"Very. You must come with me now."
"Fine, but you get to tell the commander at the garrison that his order will be late." Thor said. He went inside his home and packed enough clothing to get him through the week along with some food provisions and a book to read. It would take three days of travel to reach the capitol and that did not account for any stops along the way. Some of the other men with him in the wagon were busy excitedly speculating and fantasizing about lifting Mjolnir.
"When I'm King, I'll abolish taxes." One man said. The others all cheered and praised him. What an idiot.
"And I'll decree that every village gets their own healer! No more traveling an entire day's ride to get treatment for a minor injury." Another man said. Thor nodded his head. He did agree with that one. Each man in turn stated what they would do if they were King, except for Thor. He sat there trying to read and half listening to their musings. His silence eventually got the group's attention.
"Hey smithy, what would you do if you were King?" A man named Fandral said.
"I think I would first focus on wooing the man that was supposed to already be our King." Thor said. The others laughed at him.
"What? The Omega? He's a prince sure, but still an Omega. He cannot run the country." Another man said. Thor closed his book and looked at him.
"The man was born to rule, educated, trained in the art of political warfare, tax collection, inter-realm negotiation, and magic. Omega or no, he was groomed to be our King and now that has been taken from him. I feel sorry for the poor bastard that lifts the hammer. He'll be murdered in a fortnight." Thor said and turned his gaze back to his book. A sour mood washed over the men and they all sneered at Thor for being realistic. Except for Fandral. He looked impressed.
"Oye, he's just saying that because he knows he won't be worthy!" Said the snaggle-toothed man with a crooked nose.
"Neither will you be. A man as ugly as you can't be King. There's laws against it." Fandral said.
"Oh shut it!" The men laughed and provoked one another for entertainment. It made the time pass faster and while Thor didn't participate, he did enjoy some of the humorous banter. By the time night fell Thor was ready for a soft pile of hay to stretch out on. They reached an Inn and the soldier paid for rooms for all of the men, which was more than he expected. Thor was glad that at least he wasn't being forced to pay for this unwanted pilgrimage. A hot bowl of stew was sent to his room and the lass carrying it lingered there after he took it from her.
"Thank you miss."
"You're welcome." She said, and stood there. Thor reached into his pocket to retrieve a copper and tipped the girl. She walked to the door and shut it. Thor raised an eyebrow at her behavior.
"I'm lonely." She said.
"Forgive me miss. You are quite fetching, but I am tired. I want to sleep."
"Perhaps a morning call to help you rise then?"
"No, but I thank you for your hospitality." Thor said to be polite. The servant girl pouted and took her time leaving his room, looking over her shoulder at him with begging eyes. Thor couldn't help but smile. Omegas and Betas liked him. They always have. Had she run into him a couple of centuries ago, he would have been more than eager to take her up on her offer. In his youth he burned through every young person in town and broke many hearts. His peers in the village came to hate him. But the frequent empty couplings with scores of strangers lost its appeal after a while, and it made him feel numb inside. None of them meant anything to him and he felt longing for a deeper connection. He hasn't had sex with anyone for about a century now. The break had been good for him. He learned how to connect with people for reasons other than sex.
He ate his meal and went to sleep, rising in the morning for another long day on the road. The entire second day he spent engrossed in his book of poetry, taking brief breaks to admire the scenery if it was particularly pleasing. On the third day he felt anxious to return home. There were so many chores that needed doing and he did not have an apprentice to oversee things in his absence. Nor a son, which would have been ideal. Thor pondered the capitol city then, feeling curious. He'd never been to Gladsheim before. Perhaps he'd meet someone there that would keep his attention. If nothing else he might find some entertainment, maybe even some intrigue and excitement. If he was lucky, he'd get to see the hammer get lifted by The Great Elusive Worthy One.
It was late afternoon when the wagon entered the city. The sun was getting low and twilight was threatening. They reached the foot of the palace and their escort barked at them to get in line.
"Oye, there's got to be 50 people ahead of us! This will take all night!"
"Nay, one tug is all that is required for the test. See, they are gone as quickly as they approach." Thor said pointing at the dais. The royal family was no longer watching. They'd given up after the first week and now the Captain of the Guard was tasked to witness the momentous event. He looked bored and slightly irritated.
"He's a happy fellow isn't he?" Fandral said to Thor.
"He probably thought he'd be the one. You can see the arrogance on his face. It's eating at him watching the peasants try to lift it." Thor said.
"I hope it is a peasant. Wouldn't it be refreshing having one of us ruling Asgard?"
"Aye. So is this your first time in the capitol?" Thor asked.
"Yes. You?"
"Aye. I'm Thor."
"Fandral. I'm a third son of a third son of a noble man. Which means I'm worthless."
"I'm a blacksmith by trade."
"I'm good at pleasing the ladies…for a price." Fandral said. Thor gave him a bemused and curious look. "My father is embarrassed by me. In truth, this royal decree was well timed. I've been kicked out of my home. My father said it was high time I learned how to earn a real living. The free transport to the capitol was fortuitous."
"So you aspire to become a dandy in the court?"
"Not professionally. No, my father is right. It is high time I obtain a job. I'm going to try out for the Einherjar."
"That is no small ambition. I wish you luck. Hey after we fail miserably, would you like to explore the city with me tonight?"
"Only if you promise to do something you'll regret." Fandral said. Thor chuckled. They were almost there. Only five people were in front of them now. The wind had picked up while they were talking and a storm was gathering overhead. The Captain noticed too. He looked up at the sky and then down at the long line of riffraff in front of him. His lips curled.
"That is all for today. The rest of you come back tomorrow." He said. The next man in line cursed obscenities at him and the two men came to blows.
"Well that's just fantastic." Fandral said.
"Come on. I'll buy an ale if you tell me some entertaining stories." Thor said.
"Deal."