27
__________________________
____________
Telling my mother that Fen had taken ill and I had to leave was awful. I felt like a horrible daughter.
My mother understood, for the most part.
I’d apologized profusely and promised that I would come back for a visit as soon as possible. I agreed to stop by the hardware store on my way out of town. My mother, in her Midwestern ways, had focused on Fen and his mysterious illness, making an offer to send soup along with me for the journey home.
I’d refused her offer, hugged her, and left before we both started crying.
I walked into the hardware store, not caring any longer how I was dressed.
When my father laid eyes on me, his grin spread from ear to ear. “Is that my sweet pea?” He came toward me with arms spread.
I walked into his embrace, half wanting to blurt out everything that had happened to me these past few months and half stoic, knowing he’d never be able to know the truth. It would literally kill him.
“Hi, Dad,” I said, giving him a fierce hug.
“I didn’t know you were stopping by,” he said jovially as we parted. “Why didn’t you tell us? What a wonderful surprise!”
“I didn’t tell you because of exactly that,” I said. “I wanted it to be a perfect surprise.” I fidgeted. “But I can’t stay. I’m so sorry. Unfortunately, some things have cropped up beyond my control, and I have to leave town immediately.”
I watched his face fall in disappointment. Not a heartbeat later, his game face appeared. “That’s okay, honey.” He sounded sincere. “I’m sure you have a very good reason.”
“I do,” I agreed, nodding. “I actually brought my boyfriend with me, and he just got sick. He has a serious condition, and I have to get him back to New York. But I promise I’ll come back as soon as I can.”
“I hope he’s okay.” My father’s face was a mask of concern.
“Me, too,” I said. “He has these episodes sometimes.” I veered away from naming a particular disease. “He needs to see his personal doctor as soon as possible. We’re heading to the airport immediately. I just wanted to come by and say hello and goodbye before I left. Mom is extremely disappointed. Please tell her how sorry I am again.”
“I’m sure she is,” he said. “But she’ll get over it. Your friend’s health is much more important.” He leaned over and gave me a kiss. “You look beautiful, by the way. I’m happy, even if it’s a short visit, to be able to set eyes on you again.” My father, being the champ he was, didn’t even comment on my ridiculous outfit.
I fought back the tears. “Mom said it was okay for me to take the Jeep. I’ll park it on the old road next to the farm. Fen is waiting there in our rental car.”
I didn’t explain why that was, and my father didn’t ask.
“Sounds good.” He was still smiling. My father, ever positive. “We look forward to seeing you again soon.”
“I promise to let you know well in advance next time,” I said. Now that I knew there was a portal so close, I could literally drop in anytime I pleased. If my life ever settled down. “I have a few friends I’d love to introduce you to. New York has been great for me. I’ve forged some great friendships.”
“That sounds wonderful,” he said. “We’ve missed you, sweet pea. We can’t wait to hear about your travel adventures. But you better get that boyfriend of yours back to New York.”
I embraced him again. “Thanks, Dad. I know I can always count on you.”
“Of course you can,” he said. “That’s what dads are for.”
“Tell Mom I’m bummed about missing her famous lasagna.” I gave him a little wave as I walked toward the door. “Next time, I’ll stay so long you’ll get sick of me.”
“Impossible. You and your friends are welcome anytime and can stay as long as you’d like. Take care, Phoebe,” my dad called. “Always remember that we love you.”
“I love you, too.” Then I was out the door, jogging to the Jeep, swiping at my eyes.
As I drove, I tried to formulate the most logical plan I could.
I had to make a decision about where to go once I got back to the tree. I didn’t have a lot of options. I could go back to Helheim on my own and try to convince Hel to do what I wanted and not to kill me. Odds were she wouldn’t listen to what I had to say, and there could be torture involved. I could head back to New York and search for Fen.
But I quickly ruled that one out, because as soon as Fen and Loki were done fighting, I knew he wouldn’t stick around Midgard.
Staying here in Wisconsin did cross my mind, as Fen might think to look for me here. I could stay in the old barn and keep out of sight from Tracy and Max. But that wasn’t without its own risks. Not only could Fen find me here, but Loki, or the ettins, or the Norns could, too. That would put everybody in jeopardy.
Just as I pulled the Jeep over to the side of the road, I made up my mind.
There really was only one option.
I raced across the fields again, not even looking to see if Tracy was there.
Once I got to the oak tree, I stuck my palm against it, shooting energy out like a lightning bolt, so hard the bark cracked. The tree kindled immediately, and I was sucked inside.
I focused my brain on my desired destination. It was a little tricky, because I’d been there only once before.
When the tree finally shot me out, I was ready.
Or I thought I was.
I rolled, diving to the side to avoid an obstacle, only to crash into a very large, very in the way tree.
I’d forgotten how many trees there were in these woods.
I began to jog toward the small cottage I knew stood at the end of the lane. Vali had to be home. If he wasn’t, I had no way to locate him. It was a risk being in Asgard. I knew I had mere moments to convince the demigod to accompany me back to Helheim.
It was the only way.
The forest was dark. I had no idea what time it was. In the distance, I spotted a flickering light on in the cottage. My hand strayed to my belt, making sure the jewel was still tucked firmly inside.
When I got to the door, I didn’t hesitate to knock.
After a moment, lumbering footsteps ambled toward the door. Vali opened it, ducking to see below the transom. “Valkyrie?” he said. “What are you doing here?”
“May I come in?” I asked with some pleading mixed in. “I can only stay for a few minutes.”
He stepped back, creating enough space for me to slip by. He closed the door behind us. “You’re not supposed to be here, Sister. I watched your trial. You were exiled.”
I faced my gigantic half brother. “I was,” I agreed. “But things have changed, and I’ve come here to ask you”—I sent up a little prayer that Vali would see my way of thinking—“if you’d agreed to accompany me back to Helheim.” Before he could answer, I rushed, “See, the original plan was to wait for Hel to summon you, but now I’m not so sure she will. She doesn’t trust me, and I haven’t had the chance to explain everything about you yet. So, I figured if she saw you for herself, and we could explain it together, it would be easier to sell her on the whole you’ll-swap-yourself-for-Baldur thing.” I was pretty sure I sounded like a raving maniac, but the objective was to get Vali to agree quickly, not finesse my words.
He stared at me blankly for a few moments. “You want me to come with you to Helheim? Right now?”
I nodded. “I do.”
He glanced around his little cottage. “Okay.”
“You will?” My mouth dropped open a little. “Just like that?”
“Of course. If I go there, I will be able to free my brother, the god of light, correct?”
“Yes, that’s the plan.”
“Avenging my brother is my destiny.” Vali’s deep and gravelly voice reverberated around the room. “I will accompany you.”
I hesitated, clasping my hands together. “There’s a chance that Hel will be displeased, and I have to warn you that there’s danger involved. She may even kill me. I don’t think she’ll harm you, but I don’t know for sure.”
“If Hel retaliates against you, I will protect you.”
My heart melted. He was so incredibly sweet. I couldn’t believe his destiny was to live in Helheim for the rest of eternity. I hoped it wouldn’t be too cruel to him.
“I appreciate that, Vali,” I said. “I really do. How about you gather up anything you want to bring, along with the crown, and I’ll wait? We have to leave as soon as possible. If I’m caught in Asgard, I will be in big trouble.”
Vali lumbered off to an adjoining room to get his possessions.
I sat down at the table to wait. It was too bad I couldn’t get a message to Sam. I knew she’d be worried sick, but there was no time.
To my left, something tapped against the window.
I jumped out of my seat, unsheathing Gundren as quick as lightning.
Then I leaned forward, squinting. It was light in the cottage and dark outside, making it hard to see.
Peck, peck, peck.
The outline of a raven solidified. I had no idea if it was Huggie or Mugin. There was a small latch on the window, and I flipped it, easing the creaking frame open.
You are in danger here. Huggie’s words filtered through my mind.
“Tell me something I don’t know,” I said conversationally. “I had no other choice. I had to convince Vali to accompany me to Helheim. We’ll be leaving shortly.”
I have brought something for you.
My eyebrows shot up. “How did you know I would be here?”
It is a gift from your father. He gave you the gift of making portals, and he left them open for your safety. I’ve been waiting in the tree.
“Ah, but if you’ve been waiting in the tree, then you know that Loki came after me,” I said. “You must’ve seen him.”
I did. Odin did as well. The gift I bring is twofold, both gift and protection.
“Why didn’t you bring it to me in Wisconsin?” I asked curiously. “It would’ve been more helpful then.”
I was instructed to give it to you after you encountered Loki. The bird squawked, trying to find purchase on the small sill. But you must still hurry. Frigg cannot find you here, and gossip travels fast.
“What happens if she does?”
You will die. There are many monitoring the tree. To avoid being found out, you must leave immediately and head back to Helheim at once.
“I’m trying to do that,” I said. “I’m just waiting for Vali.” At that moment, the demigod returned, holding a small burlap bag in his large hands, making his possessions look tiny. He peered at the raven, his giant eyebrows creasing. He didn’t look overly shocked to see Odin’s agent perched in his window. “This is Hugin,” I said to my brother. “He says we have to leave immediately.”
Yes, hurry, your gift awaits outside.
Huggie flew off, and I shut the window, immediately heading toward the door. “Do you have everything you need?” I asked.
“I do,” he answered. “I have very few things I cherish. I am ready.”
“Great, let’s go.”
Once we were outside, I circled around to the back of the cottage where Huggie was waiting. On the ground beneath the window lay a small package.
Go ahead, the bird said. It’s for you.
I lifted it, unwrapping the cloth as I went. It wasn’t very heavy. Inside sat a peculiar-looking object. Three interlocking triangles. It was made of metal, possibly silver. It seemed familiar. “What is this?” I drew it out.
It’s called a valknut. It has magical properties.
“That’s right,” I said, remembering where I’d seen it last. “Junnal had one of these in Svartalfheim. It’s made from white magic.”
Yes. It provides protection.
“How?” I asked. “It’s too small to use as a weapon.”
Vali joined me, glancing at the object in my hand. “That’s a valknut. They are very powerful.”
This particular valknut gives you the ability to glamour yourself.
My head shot up. “Glamour? As in, the ability to make myself appear different?”
Precisely.
I narrowed my eyes at the bird. “How did you know I would need such an object?”
The bird flapped his wings and cawed. There are many things Odin knows. It is best not to question it overmuch.
I tucked the valknut in my belt next to the stone. “How do I use it?”
Simply place it in your palm and imagine yourself as other. Now you must hurry. Things draw near. There is a tree behind the house, an old oak. It will get you where you need to go.
I began to move in the direction the raven indicated, Vali trailing behind me. “One more thing before I go,” I called to Huggie over my shoulder. “Did Fen enter the tree after me? Do you know where he went?”
He did.
When the bird didn’t elaborate, I stopped moving. “There’s something you’re not telling me. Is he okay?” A tremor of fear rolled through me.
The wolf lives. But he will not be accompanying you to Helheim. Go quickly. You have in your possession the things you need to accomplish your goal.
I refused to move. The raven perched on a high branch of a nearby tree. “Tell me what happened to Fen, Huggie. Or I’m not leaving.” My tone was unyielding. “I need to know where he is, or this journey will be compromised.”
The wolf has been detained in Asgard. He will stand trial tomorrow at dawn.
“How did he get to Asgard so fast?”
Loki.
That god had tricks up his sleeve. “What happens if Fen’s found guilty this time?” I asked.
The wolf will die.
It was dark now. “How many hours until his trial?”
Three.