Chapter 15: Jotunheim
Loki and Brigid sped up to the main hall. True to Loki's word, Thor was throwing a tantrum worse than any toddler. When they arrived, the great table had been tossed over, scattering wine and food everywhere. Thor, his face red and his jaw clenched, was fuming as Loki and Brigid sat beside him on the steps.
"It is unwise for you and the Midgardian to be in my company, brother," Thor said angrily.
"Well, you heard him, Loki, let's leave him to his thoughts," Brigid said hastily.
"This was to be my day of triumph," Thor said, still seething with anger.
Brigid fought to hide her happiness at Thor's misfortune as Loki put on a sympathetic face.
"It'll come, in time ," he comforted his brother, "If it's any consolation, I think you're right. About the Frost Giants, about Laufey, everything. If they found a breach in our defenses, what's to stop them from returning with an army?"
"Exactly!" Thor said in frustrated agreement.
"Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do without defying Father," Loki added.
Thor got an excited look in his eyes, like he was planning something mad.
"No! No no no, I know that look!" Loki chided, pretending not to like where things were going.
"It's the only way to ensure the security of our borders!" Thor boomed.
"Thor, it's madness," Loki countered, trying to dissuade his brother.
"I am just the bride to be, but I agree. You saw the scene they left and I don't fancy being turned into an ice pop," Brigid chimed in.
"Madness? What sort of madness?"
The three turned to find Lady Sif and the Warriors Three entering the room. Volstagg helped himself to preparing a meal of meat and cheese as Thor spoke.
"We're going to Jotunheim," Thor declared.
"This isn't like a journey to Earth, where you summon a little lightning and the mortals worship you as a god," Fandral reasoned. "This is Jotunheim."
"My father defeated their armies and took their Casket," Thor argued. "We would just be looking for answers."
"It is forbidden!" Sif cried.
Thor chuckled as he knew his friends too well to be scared of rules. "My friends have you forgotten all that we have done together? Fandral, Hogun, who led you to the most glorious of battles?"
"You did," Hogun replied.
"And Volstagg, to delicacies so succulent you thought you died and went to Valhalla?" Thor questioned.
"You did," Volstagg replied.
"Yes!" Thor laughed. "And who proved wrong all who scoffed at the idea that a young maiden could be the fiercest warrior on Asgard?"
"I did," Sif said flatly.
"True, but I supported you, Sif," Thor laughed. "My friends, we're going to Jotunheim."
The four warriors nodded and left to prepare. Loki and Brigid remained behind and could not help but marvel at their plan unfolding.
"Is your brother always this pigheaded?" Brigid asked. "It's a wonder he doesn't fly with his head full of hot air."
Loki could not help but laugh. "Sometimes I wonder the same."
"I don't remember him being this stupid in the stories," Brigid recalled.
"Where did you hear these stories of Asgard? Loki asked.
"My mother," Brigid answered. "She never told me your brother was an impulsive fool. Or at least the stories omitted that."
Loki laughed. "I can see why you want to get even with my brother. If I were in your position, I'd be out for blood, too."
"I'm glad we see eye to eye, especially because your mother is a saint and I'm baffled how she ended up with a block of ice like your father and an asshole like your brother" Brigid said half in jest, comforted by Loki's compassion.
"Well, I'm glad we agree on that end," Loki said with a smile. "I honestly would have to kill you if you said a word against my mother."
"Well, we're both in luck because I like her," Brigid commented, her smile widening. "You would have liked mine. She told me how powerful you are. She praised your cleverness."
Loki chuckled. "Well, she sounds like she was a brilliant woman, just as you are."
Brigid smiled then her face turned quizzical. "So are we truly going to Jotunheim?"
Loki wore a long pensive look. "If all goes well, no."
"But if they don't your brother looks like more of a fool, so silver lining," Brigid said cheerfully.
"Something like that," Loki chuckled. "Come, let's join my brother and his friends."
Brigid and Loki headed down to the armory where they joined Thor and the warriors who were fitting themselves for battle. Loki armed himself with knives before he approached Brigid with a sword. "Things could, and they might indeed, get messy."
Brigid brandished two large axes. "No worries. I prefer double axes."
"You any good with those?" Loki asked.
"I'm a Scandinavian-Irish, axes are what we do for fun. Don't you have ax throwing here?" Brigid asked with a crooked smile.
"Can't say we do," Loki replied with a perplexed grin.
"Well, if we survive, I'll show you how to ax throw like my father taught me," Brigid said cheerfully.
"You have my word, although I don't think anyone could beat my brother at throwing things," Loki replied.
To this, Brigid tossed her ax, sending it into the head of a training dummy, leaving Loki with his jaw hanging open. Brigid retrieved her ax with a cocky grin. "Can your fathead brother do that?"
Loki wiped the stunned expression from his face. "No, I don't think he can."
"Like I said," Brigid said with a smile.
Loki and Brigid then joined everyone in the stables. Before they could leave, Loki approached the guard. Thor caught sight of it and approached his brother.
"What were you doing?" Thor asked.
"Making sure we're not followed," Loki replied.
"Are you sure it's wise to bring the Midgardian?" Thor asked.
"Midgard Norn, asshat," Brigid snapped as she callously flipped Thor off. "And I'm still your wife to be, so I kinda have no say in this."
Brigid pushed past Thor with her horse, giving him a nasty look.
Loki chuckled. "I envy you, brother. Your marriage is going to be so wonderful. I hope I'm as fortunate as you."
"You like her?" Thor asked in disgust. "She's so impudent."
"I'd say spirited," Loki countered laugh.
Thor rolled his eyes as he mounted his horse. Together the company rode out to the end of the Bifrost where they were met by Heimdall.
"Leave this to me," Loki said confidently as they approached Heimdall. "Good Heimdall-"
"You're not dressed warmly enough,"Heimdall said flatly.
"I'm sorry?" Loki replied, confused.
"Do you think you can deceive me?" Heimdall demanded.
"You must be mistaken," Loki said earnestly.
"Enough!" Thor snapped, knowing the conversation was going nowhere. "Heimdall, may we pass?"
"Never has an enemy slipped my watch until this day," Heimdall said suspiciously. "I wish to know how that happened."
"Then tell no one where we've gone until we return," Thor replied.
As the friends entered the chamber, Volstagg chuckled at Loki's poor luck. "What happened? Silver tongue turned to lead?"
Heimdall placed his sword on the pedestal and the gateway began to glow with lightning. "Be warned. If your return threatens the safety of Asgard, Bifrost shall remain closed to you and you'll be left to die in Jotunheim."
"Couldn't you leave the bridge open for us?" Volstagg asked.
"To leave the bridge open would destroy Jotunheim with you upon it," Heimdall explained.
"I have no plans to die today," Thor declared.
"None do," Heimdall chimed in.
In seconds, the group was engulfed in the white lightning and whisked away to Jotunheim. Contrary to the warm brightness of Asgard, Jotunheim was nothing but a dark, desolate frozen wasteland. There was not a soul in sight as they arrived which gave everyone a sense of unease.
"Well , this is bleak," Brigid commented.
"We shouldn't be here," Hogun said warily.
Despite Hogun's wariness, the group pushed on.
"Where are they?" Sif asked.
"Hiding, as cowards always do," Thor replied angrily.
Before long, they heard a deep voice. "You've come a long way to die, Asgardians."
From out of the shadows came a Laufey, blue skinned and red eyes glaring at his unwanted visitors.
"I'm Thor Odinson," Thor boomed.
"We know who you are," Laufey said wisely.
"How did your people get into Asgard?" Thor demanded.
"The House of Odin is full of traitors," Laufey replied with a toothy smile.
Thor was furious. "Do not dishonor my father's name with your lies!"
"Your father is a murderer and a thief!" Laufey snapped, jumping to his feet. "And why have you come? To make peace? You long for battle, you crave it. You're nothing but a boy, trying to prove himself a man."
"Well, this boy has grown tired of your mockery," Thor sniped.
From the shadows, as least four more Jotun soldiers appeared, drawing their icy weapons.
"Thor, stop and think. We're outnumbered," Loki pleaded.
"I agree. I would think go pissing off something that can step on us," Brigid chimed in, shivering at the sheer size of the Jotuns.
"Know your place!" Thor snapped.
Loki remained silent while Brigid flashed Thor a dirty look.
"You know not what your actions will unleash," Laufey said gravely. "I do. Go now while I still allow it."
"We will accept your most gracious offer," Loki said graciously.
Thor was livid as Loki beckoned his brother to leave. It would be a relief to say things ended quietly but alas there would be no story.
"Run back home, little princess," jeered a Jotun.
"Shit," Brigid said under her breath.
"Damn," Loki whispered.
Before anyone could blink, Thor's hammer flew into the chest of a Jotun and sent another flying.
"Next?" Thor challenged.
Before long, dozens of Jotun soldiers swarmed them. Brigid, armed with two axes, threw one that embedded in the skull of one before burying another in the chest of another. Loki tossed his dagger at one before he noticed another charging toward him. He sent the creature flying to his death as he waved his hand and disappeared before reappearing behind a crevice. Suddenly they heard Volstagg scream in pain before crying out, "Don't let them touch you!"
Loki was charged dagger first toward a Jotun who grabbed his wrist. Instead of pain, Loki's eyes dropped wide open as his hand turned icy blue before he stabbed the creature. To Loki's bewilderment, his icy blue hand changed back to normal. In his confusion, Loki did not notice a Jotun charging behind him. Before the enemy could strike him, he was impaled by an ax. Loki turned to find Brigid with a confident smile. Suddenly, an icy barrier buried itself in Brigid's torso. Brigid cried out as Loki pulled her off the icicle.
"Damn," Brigid breathed as she held her bleeding wound. "I was really hoping not to die for your stupid brother."
Brigid knew no more as she faded in Loki's arms. Loki was stunned as he scooped Brigid into his arms and carried her away as a Jotun monster chased after them, cornering them on a precipice. Before they could be devoured by the monster, Thor appeared and sent Mijolnir flying through the skull of the beast. Despite Thor felling the beast, they were surrounded by Jotun soldiers. Before they could be overcome, a great light shone overhead and Odin appeared on his steed, Slepnir, a great eight legged horse.
"Father, we'll finish them together!" Thor cried.
"Silence!" Odin replied angrily.
Laufey approached the Asgard king. "Allfather, you look weary."
"Laufey, end this now," Odin requested.
"Your boy sought this out," Laufey argued vengefully.
"These are the actions of a boy. Treat them as such," Odin reasoned.
"We're beyond diplomacy, Allfather," Laufey said, his voice filled with hate. "He'll get what he came for. War and death."
"So be it," Odin said with a nod.
A Jotun drew a knife but before he could strike, he was sent flying as the Asgardians were safely spirited away in a flash of light.
Thor was infused with rage as he stood in the gateway. "Why did you bring us back?"
"Do you have any idea what you've done? What you started?" Odin demanded.
"I was protecting my home," Thor argued.
"You cannot protect your friends. How do you expect to rule a kingdom?" Odin countered before motioning to a wounded Fandral, "Get him to the healing room now!"
Loki was perplexed as his father did not acknowledge Brigid, who lay still in his arms. "Father, what of Lady Brigid?"
"There will be no marriage," Odin declared. "The lady may return to Midgard and die there."
"Father, she was wounded because she saved my life," Loki pleaded. "Surely she deserves her life for mine?"
Odin nodded and Brigid was carried off to the healing room by guards. "When she is healed, she returns to Midgard."
Loki remained behind as Thor grew angrier. "The Jotuns must learn to fear me as they once feared you."
A chill ran down Loki's spine as he remembered his blue skin as Odin continued. "That's pride and vanity talking. Have you remembered nothing I taught you, about a warrior's patience?"
"While you wait and be patient the Nine Realms laugh at us," Thor chided, "You'd stand giving speeches while Asgard falls!"
Odin had enough of Thor's attitude as his eyes flashed with anger. "You are a vain, greedy, cruel boy!"
"And you are an old man and a fool!" Thor snapped back.
Odin paused for a moment and his voice was quiet for a moment. "I was a fool to think you were ready."
"Father," Loki pleaded before Odin wheeled about and growled at him, rendering him silent.
"Thor, for your stupidity, you have unleashed your loved ones to the horror of war!" Odin boomed as he pounded Gugnir and began to tear Thor's cape and epaulettes. "You are unworthy of these Realms, you are unworthy of your title, you are unworthy of the loved ones you have betrayed! I now take from you your power! In the name of my father, his father before, I Odin Allfather, cast you out!"
In seconds, Loki watched as Thor's armor melted off , Mijolnir returned to Odin, and in an explosion of light, Thor disappeared. In another instant, Odin tossed Miljolnir through a portal to land on Midgard. Loki smiled at his plan's success before he made way to the healing room to tell Brigid of his brother's fate. When Loki entered the healing room, Brigid was seemingly asleep on the bed, and she was whiter than a sheet.
Loki approached a healer. "How is the Midgard Norn?"
"She hasn't responded to treatment. She's been badly wounded, my prince," the healer replied. "We've managed to stop the bleeding but we need to further examine her before we know the extent of the damage. She is quite brave, for a mortal. I don't know any Midgardian that would risk their life for an Asgardian."
Loki nodded as he considered this before he spoke. "Leave me with her."
The healer nodded and bowed before Loki sat at Brigid's bed. "I hope you can hear me. Our plan worked. My brother is gone. I hope this pleases you. You did so well, my friend."
Loki thought for a moment. He did not know why Brigid risked her life for him after his family kidnapped her. It was completely bizarre to him. Yet he knew such bravery should be rewarded. "Rest well, my friend. I will make sure your courage is rewarded a thousand fold."