We arrived back in the gateway and Odin told us all to report to the hospital wing. He had things to say to Thor. Loki stayed but when I tried to stay with him Sif grabbed my hand and pulled me along. In the hospital wing the nurses mended my shoulder and healed my other minor injuries. Volstagg was the most hurt; the arm where one of the Jotuns had grabbed him was still slightly blue and it was taking a while for the blood flow to return. We found it very unnerving. After we were all healed, we returned to one of the rooms with a fire. There we waited for Thor and Loki. W hadn't waited long before Loki walked in.
"Thor has been banished to Earth," Loki said with no emotion.
"What? Why?" Volstagg demanded.
"Odin was furious at him for leading us into Jotunheim and starting a war. He stripped him of his powers and sent him to Earth. I think he hopes that Thor will become less war hungary."
"Can't you talk to Odin and get him to shorten his banishment?" Lady Sif asked.
"No." Loki glared at her. "He has no patience, he does not know the meaning of humble, and he thirsts for war. Is that the sort of king you want?" He whirled around angrily, his long green cloak swishing behind him. "That is not the king Asgard needs." And with that he stormed out of the room. I ran after him.
"Loki," I called out. "Wait." He paused and I caught up. "I never properly thanked you for saving me. I would have been only a pile of broken bones." We walked a little before he responded.
"It was nothing." We walked further. "That's not what you wanted to talk about, was it?" he asked.
"No," I conceded. "I wanted to tell you I agree with you." He looked at me in surprise. "I always thought Thor was unfit to be king. He is too bloodthirsty and he never thinks things through. He is rash and cares only for glory." I looked at Loki. "If I had to choose someone to be king next-it would be you." He stopped and looked at me.
"You really think so?"
"Yes." He hesitated.
"But what if I'm not who you think I am?"
"Who are you really?" I was confused.
"I'm not sure," he said, defeated. We walked some more in silence. "Why don't you rest; battle often saps your energy. You are more tired than you think. See you in the morning for lessons." I realised we had walked to the door of my room.
"Good night," I whispered to his back as he walked off. I stood and watched his unique stride with his cape floating behind him gently. He turned the corner and I retired to bed. He was right; as soon as I lay down on my bed I fell into a deep sleep.