We each saddled our horses. Mine was a light brown called Bekka, Loki's was a black stallion named Firestorm, Thor rode a white spotted horse by the name of Akafi, and the others rode gray or brown horses with names I could never recall. We rode out of the stables and charged through the lower levels of the city. It always surprises me how fast people manage to get out of the way. In this reckless manner we galloped across the rainbow bridge and slowed only when we approached Heimdall. There we dismounted and walked the last few meters.

"You are dressed warm enough for where you are going," he said in his powerful voice.

"So you will take us there?" asked Thor, not even questioning his knowledge of our plans.

"Yes." Heimdall turned and led us into the gate. "Never before have frost giants slipped in under my gaze; I wish to know how this happened." As we lined up in front of the portal he stuck his sword into the pillar, like a key into a lock. "Just know that if your return would cause a danger to Asgard I cannot open the bifrost for you. Best of luck." And with that we were sucked into space. Like many times before, I held on tight to Loki's hand. He gripped mine in return this time. I think there was still something bothering him, what it was I could not say.

We landed on a cold slab of ice near the edge of a cliff. Too close for my comfort, I backed up a few steps. All around me it was cold and gray, almost like the weather in the Northern most places of Norway in the middle of winter. Every breath hurt a little and you could see our breath in the air. I conjured up a warmer coat for myself and hugged it tight.

"Remember what I taught you," Loki admonished. "It is only an illusion; it is not actually making you warmer."

"True, but I enjoy the trick of feeling like my fingers are not about to fall off," I shot back.

"Enough. Let's get this over with."

We cautiously walked further into Jotunheim. Somehow it managed to become even colder. Only Loki seemed not to mind. And though we had resolved to talk, not fight, Thor was spinning his hammer in his hand. We walked until we reached a great, flat plain surrounded by enormous pillars of ice. It had the appearance of a great hall. Loki slowed and allowed Thor to be the sole leader of our company. It was a subtle power play I had seen often; Loki was silently indicating that he would take no responsibilities for anything that happened next.

"Your presence here is unwelcome," a voice, soft but powerful, spoke from somewhere in front of us.

"Show yourself!" demanded Thor.

"You should turn back. Go home." A figure arose from on of the pillars. "You know not the consequences of your visit."

"I do not come to fight," Thor insisted. "I come only seeking answers."

"Yet even that could cause a war." The giant seemed weary. "I am offering you a safe passage back home. You would be wise to take it." Loki quickly walked up to Thor and whispered in his ear.

"Come on, Thor. Let's go." He turned to the frost giant. "We accept your most gracious offer."

"Know your place, brother," Thor snarled in response. Loki took a step back, hurt. I laid my hand on his shoulder in comfort. We stood there in anxious silence. "Tell me, how did those frost giants get into Asgard?"

"There are other ways to enter and the house of Odin is full of traitors." I looked at Loki in confusion, surely there were only four in the house of Odin, yet he continued to stare straight ahead.

"Do not disgrace my father's name with your filthy lies!" yelled Thor. Laufey snarled at Thor.

"Your father is a murderer and a thief! And you," he pointed at Thor with a long, blue finger, "you say you come to talk of peace, but I can see it in your eyes that you long for a great battle. You crave a war to prove yourself a man."

"Thor, stop and think." Loki had moved back up to Thor's side. "We are clearly outnumbered."

"I told you to know your place. I'm king, not you." And if he wasn't king, I think I would have smacked him for that.

"You don't know what your actions would bring about...I do." Laufey seemed to shrink. "Go now, while I still allow it." Thor jerked as if to leap forward, but Loki grabbed his shoulder and held him.

"We will accept your most gracious apology." He turned Thor around. "Come on, brother." Thor reluctantly began walking back the way we came, we followed him. I walked over to Loki.

"Good work," I muttered. But then King Laufey spoke and our hope of leaving was doomed.

"Run back home, little princess." We halted and Loki and I looked at each other.

"Damn," we said in unison.