The morning sun cast a dusty rose tint to everything it touched. It would be quite the sight, if I could see it. At the moment, all I can see is fluff and feathers. That stupid dragon tried to attack again last night, so Mama wasn't letting me out of her sight. She finally moved after the rooster, most likely the father of this brood, called somewhere in the distance for the fifth time this morning.
Finally, I can breathe.
After the second night, I learned to strip down to my underwear so I didn't overheat. Seriously, mother hens are hotter than a sauna in overdrive. She ushered her chicks outside of the great hall as I got dressed back into my black leggings and navy t-shirt. My running shoes were now gone. I took them off so my feet could breathe, and next thing I knew one of the chicks was eating them. So now I wander around barefoot, which isn't so bad, I prefer it, actually. I watched Mama from inside as she dug up the grass and dirt in search of her own breakfast. The rain last night hit hard and this building was the closest one to take shelter in.
It made sense to call it a great hall. Outside of its immense area space, it gave the appearance of what a hall would look like. Albeit a medieval styled one. I normally stood at five foot eleven inches, but as I look around me, I seem closer to six inches, probably just under knowing my current string of luck.
Despite my current stature, I managed to climb a stack of scrolls and crates to get an idea of what all was in this particular building. There were shelves with the odd book or parchment poking out, a large oval table with a fire pit in the center, and curved benches encompassing it. There were a few burlap sacks laying empty on the floor, along with a few wood shavings. It was clear the area hadn't been used in a while. But why? Where did everyone go?
I scouted out one of the other buildings the previous day. It was lined with cells of iron bars and heavy locks. Also seemingly unused and leaving no clue as to who, or what, may have occupied the cages.
The view was amazing, though. Perched along the edge of a cliff face, the waters reaching far into the horizon from white sandy beaches below.
But I can stare out at the view later. I need food. Real food. Not whatever Mama can find. Speaking of which, here she comes. Her chicks didn't follow her inside this time, happily scratching at the ground and flapping their little wings. I guess Mama got the hint that slobbery pre-chewed earth worms just don't cut it for me. But neither does the live worm she just dropped at my feet.
"I appreciate the thought, Mama, but I'm gunna pass." I slowly inched backward. I am not dealing with that. Even if things were normal sized and I was still just as starving, I'm not sure if I could manage. Maybe if I was beyond desperate, but I'm not there yet.
Seeing my hesitation, she dropped it a little closer to me.
"Seriously, it's not gunna happen." My back pressed against the leg of the bench as she tried once more. "By all means, you can have it." The worm wriggled, getting way too close for comfort. I made the most inhuman screech as it touched me, making Mama freak out and fling the worm across the room. The bench rocked with such force, from her panicked flapping, that a book fell off the seat with an overzealous thud, sending the chicken into more of a frenzy. She flew out of the archway and out of sight, her chicks racing behind her.
Deep breaths, big deep breaths. Leaning back against the bench leg, I watched the worm make its way out the door.
"See you never, creeper." Dissecting a dead worm in high school was enough for me. This "Honey, I Shrunk The Kid" thing is way too much to take. And so far, I've only met animals. And I'm not sure if they are normal sized animals or if there's something even bigger out there. Looking around the room, I already knew there had to be something bigger. Was it people, or some kind of dungeons and dragons hybrid? Did I really want to meet them?
"It would be nice to know I'm not alone in all of this." Sighing as I curled into myself, a pang of hunger washing over me. I really should not be so picky right now, but I don't think that worm would come back if I asked nicely. I think I've got another day or two of starving before it's a death sentence, right?
Pessimistic optimism! It hasn't failed me yet.
Scanning about the room, my eyes fell on the book. I don't remember seeing it on the bench, but hey, it's there now. Maybe I can get some kind of info or clue out of this thing. I tried unraveling one of the scrolls on the floor, but no matter how hard I pushed or pulled it, it just rolled back up on me again. Whatever it's made of is a lot thicker than regular paper. It was heavy. Or maybe I'm just too weak. Either way, I caught glimpses of drawings on it, like a map. Maybe this book had some drawings of a similar design, if I can get it open.
Standing was a bad idea. The room was spinning so much I almost missed the leg to help steady myself. I know I saw some dandelions outside, I'll nibble on some of the petals or leaves or something once I'm done here.
The leather work on the cover was stunning. Well made and sturdy, yet soft and well used too. It was only half my height, so I climbed on top to see if there was a title or something etched into it. There was thick stitching along the edges and the spine, and some criss-crossed detailing stamped into it. A circular design was branded in the center, fine symbols, and runes of similar nature to the totem sprawled out like a wheel.
It was familiar. I'd seen something similar when I was looking for new tattoo ideas.
"Odinn's eye." I traced the lines. My mind was racing. That was definitely the design for Oddin's eye, which stands for knowledge, if I'm remembering correctly, so maybe the book was dropped for a reason, and I'll find answers inside. Right?
"One thing at a time. Let's get it open first." I hopped off the book, stumbling to my knees. Man, I really need food. The borrowers made this look far too easy. Following the edge of the book, I lifted the corner. Or, tried to. Digging my heels in deep and lifting with all might, but it wouldn't open. I took a step back, catching my breath.
"Come on, it can't be that heavy?" Huffing as I swallowed hard. I need some water too. Man, this survival thing sucks. There had to be something to give me some leverage. "Or, I could just untie the string keeping it closed."
I blame the hunger. It's making me stupid, stupid enough not to notice the big knot tried on the opposite side of the spine. Simple enough to untie, and luckily, no one was around to make fun of me for missing something so obvious. It was another struggle, but the cover flipped over with a soft thump.
The first page was scrawled on, from top to bottom, in the similar runic markings as on the totem. Walking cautiously about the page, I noticed my faint footprints being left behind me. Which helped me realize that the writing wasn't done in ink, maybe charcoal? If someone does come back for this, I hope they don't mind my tiny footprints smudging up the writing. Not that it mattered to me since I can't make heads or tails of this rune scripting. But my suspicions were more or less proven. This place is Norse inspired, if I even knew where this was. Was this place even real? If it was, then did I teleport or time-travel? Was this some sort of prank by Loki's doing?
I mean, most people dream of being swept off to another world on some grand adventure. But I would have liked to be better prepared for this one. Staring down at the page, I felt my awe become a desperate cry of frustration.
"Of course! What was I expecting? An instruction manual!" I lept off the page, flipping the sturdy parchment in hopes of finding some images or doodles. Anything to give me some sort of clue. I couldn't focus anymore as my arms shook from exertion. My eyes starting to tear up as I slumped back against the book.
"This is impossible. I'm exhausted, and hungry, and confused, and..." Wiping furiously at my face as I called out to who knows what. "Isn't there supposed to be some sort of spirit guide on these things? I've no weapon, no food, no knowledge of this place. What am I supposed to do?"
My cries were answered, but not in a way I was expecting. It was with a roar, not like a big cat or anything, but a gutteral creature roar. It was loud and far off, but it sounded big. It sent a chill down my spine. Great, just what I need! I was frozen to the spot as I waited, trying to figure out if the beast was coming closer. What I heard was the fast approaching flapping of wings and voices. That got me to my feet. So this place wasn't abandoned, they just weren't home. I couldn't make out clearly what was said, if they were even words, but whatever was out there landed heavily outside the hall, meaning it was huge. I should have gone to the doorway to see what it was and make a plan should it attack, but I decided against it. I can't even manage a dragon without a chicken to defend me, so I'll just hang back in the shadows and observe from a distance.
Several voices sounded together in what could be considered a conversation, but I had no idea what they were saying. It was like they spoke a different language.
"Well, no shit. If the book is similar to Norse, it could be an old tongue." Muttering to myself as I crept backward behind the bench while keeping an eye on the entrance. I had made it about halfway down the bench when their shadows stretched along the floor.
"Holy shit." My legs felt weak at the sight before me. They were impossibly tall. The door frame at least two feet above their heads, and wide enough that both could stand beside each other comfortably. I might reach just above their ankles, but I wasn't about to go see. This is insane! This can't be real!
The early sun shone in from behind, blocking most of their features, but their silhouettes were distinctive. The one on the right was of a slim build with part of his left leg sporting what looked like a prosthetic, his hair was shaggy and he was wearing what appeared to be simple yet well fitted armour. His voice, when he spoke, held a more nasal grit to it but was light with a friendly tone.
The one on the left was more intimidating. Rising just a little taller than the first, with broad shoulders made even broader with the furs he wore. His look seemed more casual compared to the other, not counting the sword at his hip, his hair pulled back. His voice held more timbre to it, though it wouldn't rattle your bones like a bass would. But it was still strong enough to startle me.
"Og allt þetta byggðir þú sjálfur." The broad one commented, running his hand along the woodworking of the doorframe. "Áhrifamikill."
"Það hentaði þörfum okkar á þeim tíma." The other replied as he made his way into the room. I shrank back further as he stopped to pick up the book.
"Ég er bara að segja að mannvirkin virðast traust miðað við hversu hratt þau voru byggð. Frá því sem þú varst að segja mér, hæstv." The broad one left the door to search about the shelves. What they were looking for, I wasn't about to ask. My gut grumbled at me again, begging for something, but I wasn't ready to face what was right before me. Maybe I could hold out a little longer until they left? I could be on death's door as it is. Should this really be what's stopping me? A preditorial rumble from behind me said I may not have a choice.
"Oh, come on." Slinking from the shadows behind me was that damn dragon. Either he didn't notice the others in the room, or he didn't care. I was his prize, and with no Mama to stop him, he had the upper hand. I had no idea if those two beings heard this creatures low growlings as I was more focused on not getting caught by him. I walked slowly backward along the same path I just came from, hands outstretched, trying to keep as much distance between us as possible.
"You just had to pick right now, didn't you. Little bugger." He continued his slow approach, waiting for me to slip up. Just don't get cornered. You need to stay out in open spaces. Easier to dodge. That was all I could tell myself as the fear inside me made my body shake. I could feel a dull warmth spread about my feet as I stepped into the light. Perfect, I was out in the open, meaning if the dragon advanced, I had plenty of space to work with. But I couldn't run forever in my state, and all that was laying around was woodshavings, not much for defense. Not unless one of these guys had a heart to not watch me suffer.
"What er þetta?"
You just had to say something, didn't you, big guy. I jumped at his voice, and that gave the dragon his opening. My head hit the ground hard as he pinned me down, crying out as my arm and side were pierced by his claws. Everything was happening so fast I could hardly keep up. His jaws came down at my head, missing only just as I tried to dodge, his teeth brushing my ear.
"Get off!" I cried, desperately looking for anything to give me even a fraction of an advantage. Did these guys not see this? Or was this a normal occurrence for them?
There was a long splint of wood to my right that might work. And it's within reach. If I live through this, remind me to thank you. Praying to whomever sent me here in the first place. I waited as the dragon reared its head back, jaws opened wide, and I shoved the splint in. Keeping its mouth open. It shook its head furiously, stepping off of me as it tried to rid itself of the splint. Looks like Hollywood got one thing right, but it won't last for long.
Get up! Get up! GET UP! Rolling over, I force myself onto my knees. The room is spinning so much, and everything hurts. I don't want to move, but I know I have to get some distance between me and that thing.
"Einhvers konar tröll or something?"
"Ég er not viss." Another shadow fell over me as I tried to catch my breath. I could feel the blood soak into my shirt, the initial sharp pain dulled to a throbbing ache. I knew one of those beings was near, but I was trying to see where the dragon went.
"Vá. Auðvelt þarna, frú. It's okay." Was he serious? Did he not see what just happened? It is not okay! I finally found the dragon again, and he was pissed. He let out a fiery breath, incinerating the splint, and turned his slitted eyes back on me.
MOVE! MOVE! MOVE!
Scrambling on my feet, I took off as he fired another shot. That got both of their attention. Not the fact that I was bleeding or running away like a drunkard in a panic. I brushed past someone's boot as the dragon fired again, missing me, but I'm guess he hit one of them if their shouting was anything to go by. I wasn't about to stop and look, though. The door was right there.
The commotion behind was replaced with one before me as I skidded outside. My legs crumbled beneath me, losing my footing on the loose stones.
"Typical. Just typical!" I ground out, this sucks.
"Hiccup? Hvað er going on?"
"What er that thing?"
"We're not sure. Bara–someone get that Terror!"
"Sure. Let's suddenly gain the ability to understand them! Why not!" My luck just keeps getting better, doesn't it. Is this new ability supposed to be helpful? I was forced face first into the dirt as the dragon pinned me again.
"Wait, chicken!" My ears were ringing, but I've never been happier to have an overprotective chicken come to my rescue. The pressure on my back vanished as she threw the creature off, angrily screeching and flapping, kicking as she avoided a few blasts of fire. The fight was still too close for me to be considered safe, so I dragged myself across the ground, resting my aching back against the wooden post of the door frame. I guess I didn't get as far as I thought.
A deafening guttural roar filled the air, and I stared in awe at what could only be described as a proper dragon. It was a titan of beast, black as night and furiously baring its teeth. The smaller dragon cowed, debating if it was worth the fight. It huffed irritably but made the wise decision to back off, taking flight and going somewhere. I don't know where, just as long as it didn't come back.
"Don't ever scare me like that again, chicken."
The adrenaline was wearing off, making everything hurt more. I tried righting myself a little more, sitting up a little straighter only to slump back down in pain. My head rocked as my eyes threatened to close. No! Stay awake. Falling asleep would be a very bad thing right now. I tried to focus on something to keep me awake.
I knew they were there, watching me. I could hear them shuffling about, the sound of leather and metal shifting as the one knelt down. He was the scrawny one I saw before, the light glinting off his metal foot. He sat close enough to truly get a proper perspective of things and how big they really were. Or rather how small I was, when you consider the chicken being soothed in the arms of one of these people.
Even though he was on his knees, it still hurt to try and look up at him. The slowly rising sun added more light, showing off the earthy tones of his outfit and all the accessories adorning it, though it still seemed fairly simple in design. I thought I was ready to look at their faces, see who or what I was dealing with. I was wrong. I was not ready to see who I did.
"Oh no." I breathed out, taking in each seeming familiar face in turn. Each looking down at me with mixed emotions of worry or confusion. "Oh, you've got to be joking."
- Og allt þetta byggðir þú sjálfur. Áhrifamikill. And you built all this yourselves. Impressive.
- Það hentaði þörfum okkar á þeim tíma. It suited our needs at the time
- Ég er bara að segja að mannvirkin virðast traust miðað við hversu hratt þau voru byggð. Frá því sem þú varst að segja mér, hæstv. I'm just saying, the structures seem sturdy for how quickly they were built. From what you were telling me, Chief.
- Einhvers konar tröll eða eitthvað? Some kind of troll or something?
- vá. Auðvelt þarna, frú. Whoa. Easy there, bud.