21
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Hel stood in the doorway, her arms crossed, the fingers of her dead hand drumming her forearm. She looked unsurprised to see me in Fen’s room, which was strange. She strolled in with her weird gait. “Come with me,” she demanded. Then she spun around and left.
I glanced at Fen, both my eyebrows raised. “This is so weird. She didn’t even look miffed to see me here.”
Fen led me out of the room. “My sister has always been peculiar. She is incredibly hard to read.”
“That’s the understatement of the century,” I grumbled as I allowed Fen to lead me out. “First I thought she was tolerable, then I thought she was evil, then I thought she was crazy. Now I’m not sure what to think. But I do know she tried to kill me.”
“Likely so.” Fen grinned. “It won’t be the last time.”
“There’s nothing funny about this,” I chided. “We’re trapped in Helheim with a crazy lady who we have to convince to let the god of light go in order to gain our freedom, all before she succeeds in killing us.”
“Relax, shieldmaiden,” he said. “I have no doubt we will prevail. It will just take endurance on our parts.”
“Endurance and finding my missing object.” My mind rushed to piece together what could’ve happened to it. I could’ve lost it in the vortex, but that didn’t seem likely. It had stayed secure during my first trip, and I know it was tucked tightly into my belt. My guess was one of the spirits took it. They didn’t have much in the form of entertainment around there, or maybe they needed payment in order to help me? Maybe it had been the soul who’d helped me. He’d had plenty of time to take it before he woke me up.
I wasn’t looking forward to going back there, but there was no choice.
Story of my life.
Hel was up ahead, still unconcerned if we were following. I spotted the river before I saw the thrones. We were back in the main room, the room Fen just said she never leaves. I spotted the shadowy figure of Baldur sitting in the same place, and my heart ached for him. I yearned to talk with him, but I had to get Hel on board first.
She rolled up to her throne and, with a flourish, sat. She angled her head forward just enough to let us know she wanted us to stand before her.
We complied.
“You both have defied me,” she said. “I am unused to having anyone not do as I say. In this realm, I am the supreme leader, and the souls are compelled to follow my order.”
So you’ve said.
Fen squeezed my hand before he spoke, indicating that I should keep quiet. “Sister, we have come here on a mission, as I’ve told you already,” he started. “We are sorry for the intrusion into your realm, but we don’t plan to burden you for very long. Phoebe has some interesting information I think you will like.”
Hel cast her eyes on me.
As always, I focused on the dead, gray one. I just couldn’t look away. I cleared my throat. Since I didn’t actually have the jewel, I couldn’t relay the entire story. If she found the prize herself, which she could likely do in a heartbeat, who knew what would happen? Mersmelda told me that I could give it to her only once she agreed to let Baldur go.
“Well?” Her voice was harsh since I hadn’t offered anything up yet.
“Um,” I stalled. “I do have information you will like, but I’m not ready to reveal it yet.” Fen’s face was questioning. “But your brother’s right. Once I divulge it, I think you’re going to be excited.” Could Hel even get excited?
She placed her hands together, setting them on her lap. “I have no reason to keep either of you alive. You were sent here as punishment. You have both provided brief entertainment, but I must go back to doing my job.” As if on cue, there was a boom followed by a blast of light as flames erupted behind us on the river. The ball continued rolling until it passed over the bridge. Hel stood and made her way down to where the next soul awaited her judgment.
I used the time to lean into Fen to whisper, “I have to give her that thing that we talked about that went missing, but only after she agrees to let Baldur go. That means we have to find it first, or she will. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you all the specifics, but there was no time.”
“That’s very important information,” Fen said. “We must think of a new plan.”
“Yes,” I agreed.
Hel sentenced another soul to hard labor. She was done in a jiff. We were hardly interrupting her day. Or was it night? Impossible to know.
Once Hel made it back to her throne, she glared at us, her expression more intense than before. “I haven’t forgotten my order,” she said. “Tell me what it is you have for me, or die.” Everything was so matter-of-fact with her.
“Like I said, I have news for you…”
She inclined her head, waiting for me to finish. Very slowly, the beasts crept in around us. They’d been given some kind of signal that we’d missed.
Fen dropped my hand, his hackles up. “What is this?” he snarled. “You call your dogs on us? You think they will stop me?”
“No, Brother.” She sighed. “I don’t believe they will stop you. At least, not this lot. But, you see, I have an unending supply, and they multiply quickly. Not to mention, I’m bored.” She glanced pointedly at me. “I grow tired of waiting.” The beasts snarled and barked at the prospect of getting to taste fresh meat. “I’m certain my dear pets could rip apart the Valkyrie before you could kill them all, which would be interesting to watch. I wonder what color her aura will be when she’s dead. I’m thinking it might be light yellow.”
This was the part where I remembered Mersmelda telling me that Hel was a fan of pain and agony.
“There is no need to sic your beasts on us,” I said. “The news I have to share is that…I’ve found someone better to replace Baldur in his seat of honor, someone who is your equal match.”
“There is no one better than a god to occupy the throne next to me,” she replied, her tone haughty.
“I’m talking about another god,” I said. Well, a demigod. “One who is eager to meet you and has dreamed of being able to rule next to you his entire life.”
Hel stood quickly, making me stumble. Fen caught me with his arm. “No one rules with me. I lead this realm alone.”
“Of course you do,” I amended, clearing my throat. Dumb mistake. “I should’ve been more careful with my words. I meant that this god is eager to be your companion in any way you see fit.” I jumped on the vanity bandwagon, adding, “He has told me that he thinks you are…an unparalleled beauty.”
“You lie,” she said.
I’d hit a nerve.
“I’m not lying,” I assured her. “I was shown his earliest memories by the raven Mugin. They were all about you and this place. He is your true companion, unlike the god of light, who seems…a bit distracted.” We all glanced at Baldur, who stared off into space somewhere above my head. The beasts inched closer. I could sense Fen’s unease, which would quickly morph into anger and action very soon. I had to keep talking. Convincing Hel was priority number one. “Honestly, you can’t be satisfied with Baldur. He’s clearly no match for you. You need someone alive, like you.” Was she alive? Half alive? “Someone you can have a conversation with and…actually touch and feel.” I’d had to choke those last words out. Imagining Hel in any way amorous was akin to dousing my eyes with acid.
By the look on her face, I might have gone too far.
Maybe Hel didn’t like being touched?
“There is no one in any of the realms who fits your description,” Hel declared. “If there was, I would know it.”
“Are you a seer?” I asked. She inclined her head but didn’t answer. “I’ll take that as a no. I was told by a powerful oracle that he’s your match, and like I said, Mugin, Odin’s agent, showed me his memories. I saw him as a boy fantasizing about Helheim. He’s wanted to come here his entire life.”
“Why? No god would come here willingly.” Her tone was definite. “No one visits this place unless they are dead.” She gave me a sharp look. “Or they’ve been exiled.”
I’d piqued her interest. I had to keep going. “You’ll have to ask him when he arrives,” I said, laying the groundwork. “I know what I saw in his heart. And I’ve spoken to him. He’s ready to come here.”
She settled back in her seat, crossing her arms. “I do not accept it. I am content with the god of light as my companion. There are none who possess as much beauty as he. I am finished with this conversation.” She gave a short, staccato whistle, and all the beasts began to snarl. “If you want to live, leave me. I will figure out your punishment soon. Follow the beasts—”
“Wait,” I said. “I have a tiny request before we go.” It was risky to ask, but I had to try. “You said I could talk to my brother if I gave my blood to the river. Can I do it now?”
Hel peered at me like I’d lost my mind.
Maybe I had.
“The deal remains the same,” Hel said. “The river requires your blood as payment.”
Fen was alarmed. “You cannot give Gjoll your blood,” he said vehemently.
“Why not?”
“Because then the river will know you.”
“Why is that a bad thing?” I asked.
“Because it just is,” he argued.
“Isn’t where we go when we die already fated?” I asked. “I will either go to Valhalla, or I will come here. Does it really matter if the river has my blood?”
Fen turned to his sister, seething. “Vow to me right now that if Phoebe gives her blood to the river, it cannot call her back to this place.”
“I do not control the river,” Hel said, her tone back to bored. “The chit won’t be able to talk to her brother without some kind of offering. He must become corporeal and, to do so, it will take blood.” She ended on a shrug, like it meant nothing to her one way or another.
“Please don’t do this, Valkyrie,” Fen implored, holding both my hands. “You aren’t familiar with our worlds yet, but blood is potent and can be used against us. This is exactly why my sister wants you to give it to the river.”
I bit my lip. “I understand,” I said earnestly. “But we came down here with a purpose. Without achieving our goals, we have no life together in Asgard. I want that life, and I hope you do too. I have to speak with my brother at some point. I have to know what he thinks about everything and get his permission. We can’t take him out of here without his cooperation.”
“Then I’ll give my blood to the river.” Fen glared defiantly at his sister.
“Then only you will be able to speak to the god,” she said. “One payment per person.”
She had to be making this up as she went along, but it didn’t matter, since she was the boss.
“Fen, it’s going to be okay,” I soothed, reaching up to stroke his face. “I believe in fate. It’s what brought us together. It’s what made me a Valkyrie, and that’s why we’re here. I have to speak to Baldur. If the river pulls me back here, then it’s meant to be. We can’t do this without the god of light’s help.” I looked at Hel. “How much time will I have with him?”
“That depends on how much blood you offer,” she said.
“Will the conversation be private?” I asked.
She shrugged. “That can be arranged.” I didn’t really trust her to keep her word, but it was better than nothing.
“Okay,” I said. “Let’s do it.”
Fen stayed my hand as I reached for Gram. “Please don’t.” He glanced at his sister. “There must be another way.”
“There is not,” she stated firmly. “As I informed this Valkyrie before, you are both anomalies. There is no precedent for this. Living, breathing beings do not just waltz into my lair. I cannot force Baldur to become corporeal. There must be a sacrifice in order to do so, as it changes the fabric here.”
I didn’t trust her, but we weren’t going to change her mind. “I will pay the price you ask.” I gently broke away from Fen as I drew out the dagger and walked toward to the river.
Flames erupted near me, but I didn’t even flinch. It was becoming commonplace. Hel ignored this new soul in favor of watching me perform the sacrifice.
Fen came forward to stand by me, his face set.
I held my palm over the river and gave up a silent plea. Please let this be the right decision.
Then I pressed the tip of Gram into my flesh.