AUTHOR'S NOTE: I just wanted to thank you all so much. We have passed 100 reviews! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Born to be a King
Chapter 17
King Beyard stood at the head of the massive table in the center of the Strategy Hall. Standing around it were the nine individuals who would decide the fate of the five kingdoms. On the table, a holographic depiction of the surface of the realm of Angharad was displayed. Much different to Dwyvendale, it was a realm inhabited by mythical beasts and fairies. Its terrain boasted beautiful enchanted meadows littered with placid rivers; tall, dark mountains that were suspended in the sky and kept connected to the ground by massive chains made of Scabrite metal. The realm was governed by Ljósálfr, chief woman of the light fairies. It was a world filled with magic and augury.
Everyone listened as Beyard described to Loki and Barbara what they would soon find.
"Angharad houses the Reality Gem. It's located in the vault beneath the temple atop the tallest Mountain Cloud" he explained "getting in will not be easy, not even for you"
"How so?" Loki asked.
"The Mountain Clouds are guarded not by one, but two powerful broods whose sole duty is to defend the temple from any and all those who may try to retrieve the gem"
"But I fight on your behalf. As your subjects, they must obey"
"You don't understand. I was the one who made them swear their oath. Not even I can go near that stone, and there is a reason why. The Infinity Gems are the most powerful relic in the universe, predating its existence. They will test you. To be in possession of one is to fall prey to their allure. That's why Victor von Doom is dangerous. He will not stop until he has all six"
"Which stone does he have now?" Barbara asked.
"He took the Time Gem from the temple at Perterus. He leveled all the villages around it before he broke in" Zelius spoke "we lost a hundred thousand Jotun refugees in the attack"
"We cannot afford the same carnage in Angharad or anywhere else" Beyard said "Ljósálfr, are you certain that Fenrir can be reasoned with?"
"I am, my king. The moon favors our enterprise" the light fairy replied.
"Wait, FENRIR?!" Loki and Barbara asked in unison.
"Why, yes" Beyard replied, surprised at their shock.
"As in THE Fenrir, the gigantic wolf who bit the hand of Tyr?" Barbara was astonished.
"The one and the same. Did you really think he was banished to Niffleheim? No, he is here, protecting one of my most sacred relics"
"Pray tell, what other creatures inhabit these five kingdoms that I need to know of?" Loki asked curious.
"Well" Beyard replied as if it were the most common thing "Jormungandr is the protector of Marr, the kingdom of water, he watches over the mer folk from the nether regions of Guul. Rock giants live in Perterus as well as elves, frost giants and dwarf alike. The Shadow Legions are descendants of Dark Riders from Hel, and their horses are the reincarnation of fire demons"
Barbara looked at Loki, who mirrored her surprise.
King Beyard laughed at their expression. "Believe me, Fenrir is the least of your worries. If caught in the right moon, he may be compliant and may even fight beside you. We're in luck, tonight we have a waxing moon which means he is not in the foulest of moods. But what you really need to worry about are the dragons"
For a third time, Loki and Barbara were astonished.
"Unlike Fenrir, dragons are not reasonable. They attack any and all who even attempts to cross the bridges to the mountains" Ljósálfr explained "even with Fenrir's support, we will have to face them. They will attack us, but we cannot attack in return. The dragons are sacred to the realm, and to my people. They are creatures of fire, and as such they cannot be tamed. They attack by instinct, nothing more"
Loki walked around the table, studying the holographic display of the Mountain Clouds. He observed the highest one, with the crowing temple atop it. He moved his hand over it and the image expanded to show the structure inside, and the way to the vault underneath.
"The stone is kept inside a compressed chamber. Once you break it, you will have no more than five seconds to restrain it, or the stone will expand and destroy the entire realm" Beyard said.
"Sounds easy enough" Loki replied, studying the image of the six stones that now came up "which stone do you house here at Dwyvendale?"
"The Power Gem, kept under the protection of Diarmaid. The location of it is a secret to all, save for he and I. The time will come when I reveal the location to you"
Loki looked at Diarmaid and Beyard, then he turned back to the holograph. He examined the six gems, but in his mind a plan was concocting. He needed to know the location of the Power Gem, and soon.
"Durrgo" he turned to the commander of the Shadow Legions "how formidable are the forces that are now under my command?"
"The Shadow Legions number ten million warriors, my prince" the commander spoke from under his hooded cloak "there is no force in the universe that can stand against them. Victory over this human intruder is naught but certain"
Loki raised an eyebrow at that. "Ten million warriors. Then how is it that Perterus now stands destroyed?"
"We march only at the order of the king, my liege"
Loki turned to Beyard, but the king immediately held a hand up, stopping the accusing questions that he knew were already on Loki's tongue. "Let me explain. When we lifted the veil, we did so because we reached out to Asgard. We did not know that someone else was already looking for the stones. So, when word reached me that our borders had been crossed we rejoiced, certain that an Asgardian envoy was on its way and we would soon find you. The attack came out of nowhere and we had no time to react. By the time Durrgo reached Perterus, it was over. There was nothing that could be done"
"Show me the Jotun settlements of Perterus" Loki requested of the intelligence system as he swept his hand over the table. The diagram of the stones disappeared and was replaced by the live image of the refugee world. Barbara gasped at the horrific images. Smoke still rose from the leveled settlements, the gigantic temple atop the hill was in ruins, and the icy wasteland was a perfect replica of Jotunheim.
"The survivors have been taken in by the neighboring settlements. Our Jotun brethren now number only three hundred thousand" Zelius said sadly.
"You're Jotun" Loki said to Zelius, admiring his formidable height and powerful build.
"I am, my prince"
"It will take us years to rebuild and restore the settlements so they can be hospitable for our race once again" Ireena interjected "without the Casket and our home planet destroyed, their resources for survival are limited. I fear our people will one day be no more"
"And yet the Casket still sits adorning Odin's weapons vault" Loki scoffed.
"He must have had good reason for it" Beyard said.
"You admire him, don't you?"
"I know the sacrifices he was forced to make to ensure the survival of the Nine Realms. I know the burdens he carried, the guilt, the regrets, the accomplishments he celebrated and the joys that drove him forward. I know, because was my brother once. One day, I assure you, you will say the same thing about Thor"
Loki scowled at the mention of his sibling, staring into the holographic model before him. He couldn't think about Thor. Not now. He sighed, pushing those thoughts away. There were plans to attend to and goals that needed to be reached.
"So" he began "we have an army of mechanical warriors to decimate, a stone to retrieve, a mythical wolf to persuade, and dragons to avoid. Anything else that requires my consideration?"
"No, that seems rather accurate" Beyard said "once you return the stone, it will be placed under Diarmaid's protection, and hidden again"
"Use this case to contain it immediately after you break the compressed chamber. Whatever happens, it must not touch the ground" Diarmaid instructed, pulling a small chest from his cloak. He opened it, revealing a small yet intricate metal case inside.
"The only way to reach the temple is by crossing the chain bridges. There is a magic which governs the Cloud Mountains that blocks any other. Teleporting will be impossible" Ljósálfr said.
"Leading by air may be the best option if you are to reach the stone first" Durrgo interjected.
"No" Loki replied "I will lead by foot. You will lead the air strike and destroy all of Doom's ships. I will keep his attention on me and lead him away from the stone while Barbara retrieves it. You will then take her away from the battle and keep her hidden until it's over"
"Great strategy" Beyard admired.
"I will veil her and hide her amongst the fairies once she is in possession of the stone" Ireena proposed.
"Very well. We will need all Jotun warriors who survived the attack on Perterus if we are to face dragons. Zelius, you will lead them and shield us from a premature fiery death"
"As you command" Zelius declared.
"Stingadr, half of your Inkeri forces will lead the initial attack and open the way for us to cross the bridges. The others will stay here to protect the king"
"It will be an honor, my prince"
"Ljósálfr, your elves will aid the Jotun warriors in keeping the dragons at bay"
"Will do, my prince" Ljósálfr replied.
"Excellent. You all have your commands. We will assemble on the cliff facing the bridges to the second highest mountain. We're done"
Loki and Beyard dismissed the realm leaders, leaving only the king, Loki, Barbara, Diarmaid and Ireena inside the chamber.
"Loki, I have something I wish to give to you" Beyard said, motioning to Ireena. She walked to a table on the far end, and retrieved a large bundle wrapped in cloth. When she returned, she unwrapped it and presented the item to Loki.
"This is The Merciless Spear. It was my weapon during my days as a warrior, a gift from my father in my youth when I was only an Asgardian prince. Now, I give it to you"
Loki's fingertips traced over the beautiful weapon. Made entirely out of gold and lined with black Scabrite and white ivory, it was a double ended spear. On the bottom end was a spike, and on the top end was a fearsome curved blade with jagged pointy endings near the hilt. It was meant to trespass the opponent when lunged, and to tear it apart when withdrawn. Loki looked up at Beyard in awe, then he took the weapon. It was somewhat heavy but just light enough to support his speedy and lithe method of fighting.
"Thank you father" Loki said, looking into Beyard's eyes. He breathed the last word with all the gratitude and sentiment he could muster, but not feel.
"It was forged by the very same dwarves who produced Gungnir. Wield it, and the mere sight of it will install fear into any who dare oppose you. 'Tis a fit companion for a king"
"I shall make you proud, and this spear will see many a glorious battle fought in your name"
"Taint it with blood, Loki. The blood of those who dare rise against the good of the universe. Now go, my son. Within a day, we will celebrate your triumphant return"
Loki bowed to Beyard and left the Strategy Hall, Barbara in tow.
Beyard simply watched them go.
Dawn was about to break.
The skies were at their darkest when the small entourage left the palace on horseback and took the straight, crystal road to the tall tower at the end. Here, the city ended and the colossal dark mountain that marked the border of Dwyvendale rose proudly to the heavens.
"We must ride the Conveyor to the Ether Road" Ireena instructed as they dismounted.
They entered the glass tower and walked to the platform at the end.
"Mehmet, it is time" Ireena said.
Immediately, the platform lit up and transformed into a carriage. Then without warning, it took off and sped upwards. No more than a breath later, they were standing inside a golden structure suspended high above the atmosphere. Very similar in structure to the Observatory of Asgard, on its center stood a colossal man holding a mythical sword.
"May I present Mehmet, our gatekeeper" Ireena said to Loki and Barbara.
"I am The Promised One's most faithful subject" the gatekeeper said, falling on one knee before Loki.
"How long have you performed the duties of gatekeeper, Mehmet?" Loki asked.
"I have been at my post for nearly twelve centuries, my prince"
"Then may you perform them for many more" Loki said "may you be as loyal to me one day as you are now to king Beyard"
"I swear it on my life, Promised One"
"Excellent. Now, take us to Angharad"
Mehmet rose and stood on the platform. He sheathed his sword into the base and the gears of the Ether Road, Verdandi's secret means for interstellar travel spun into action.
Then a blinding light filled the dome, and Loki, Barbara and Ireena disappeared.
King Beyard sat on his throne. At the bottom stood Diarmaid.
"Have you concocted what I require? It must be done the moment they turn from Angharad" Beyard asked the chief magician.
"I have almost completed your request, my king. Prince Loki will triumph in battle, but may I suggest not executing your end of the bargain until after the feast celebrating his victory? You mustn't act precipitously. The eyes of all five kingdoms are upon us now that The Promised One is finally here"
"My agreement with that human intruder was clear. I deliver what was promised in return for his exit by the next full moon. That is only three days away"
"Have you prepared everything needed for when all things are put in their rightful place?"
"I have" the king replied, looking at the floor deep in thought. Intrigue and conspiracy were the only ways of securing a kingdom. The sacrifice that was required of him weighed heavily on his shoulders, but he could not deter from what needed to be done. The one prophesied had finally arrived, and the young prince had no choice but to accept what the Fates had prepared for him. And even if he was unwilling to comply, the Fates had their methods of fulfilling the destiny he had tampered with.
Beyard lifted his eyes to Diarmaid, determination and purpose shining in his deep blue eyes. "The Fates always find a way, but sometimes, they use us as means to achieve it. Make ready Diarmaid, for in no more than a month we will seal a betrothal and celebrate a marriage. The treaty between Odin and I will be fulfilled"
End of Chapter 17
AUTHOR'S NOTE #2: Next week, the battle of Angharad!
Responses to reviews:
DoctorLokiLove: Oh yes, THE SMUT! How I missed it! Lol... Glad you liked the chapter, hun! Sorry to hear about your little issues with the meds. Any type of pharmaceutical takes time getting used to. I know, I suffered from really bad migraines a couple of years ago and I was placed on something to help keep them at bay. About a week ago I had an accident at work and I fractured the bridge of my nose, so I'm taking Vicodin for the pain. Man, that stuff is crazy! I was out of it for about ten hours the first time I took it! Lol
Forbidden Moons: I heard of that audio book and listened to that specific clip that someone posted on Tumblr. Dear god, that man's voice is like liquid velvet! I had headphones on and the second I hit play it was like having an eargasm lol. You are absolutely right, there is a dark twist that is coming in an upcoming chapter, and just in time now that Loki is prince regent. I wonder, what will Thor say about this new development? Hehehehehe... and what does that do for Arik, who is still locked up in Idunn's temple, especially considering that there is a Hel hound scouring Asgard looking for him? Hmmm... I wonder :-p To answer your question, I've heard that the book "Breaking out of Beginner's Spanish" is a great took for anyone looking to perfect the language. Wow, that is a beautiful quote! Very true to apply to our daily lives!
CLTex: Thank you so much darling! Oh yes, I missed my pair um... reacquainting themselves LOL. It's been a while! ;-)
Guest: Oh geez, thank you Karen! What an awesome compliment! *blush*
LisaF: Thank you so much Lisa! Hope you're doing ok!