KODRAN HAD NEVER seen his uncle look so furious. And there had been many times over the years when he should have because ruling a kingdom wasn’t for faint of heart. But this was a first.

Heidrek, Bjorn, Kol, and Raknar intercepted Naðr before he got too far and upset every last villager and warrior when that was the last thing they needed right now. The men spoke in a hushed circle, clearly trying to get Uncle Naðr under control.

“We need to tell him about this ring, Kodran,” Erica said. “It might help calm him.”

“Why?” his mother asked with a frown. “What can it do?”

“It...” Erica shook her head as she tried to clear her thoughts. Kodran frowned as he sensed the haze that overcame her mind. 

“It what?” Aunt Veronica prompted.

“Something’s happening,” Erica whispered as her eyes went to the sky. “Grant’s reaching out. Something’s going on back home.”

Though her siblings came close at the distress in her voice, Kodran kept her in his arms and supported her. Suddenly her eyes whipped to Samantha. “There was a tree here. A Yggdrasill you used when you first traveled back in time.”

“Yes.” Sam’s eyes went to the mountain behind the Fortress. “It’s up there.”

Erica’s eyes shot to Vivienne. “Your people are coming in through that tree.” Her eyes widened as she listened to something nobody else could hear. “Hallstein’s been baited, and he’s right behind but...” She shook her head. “Grant can’t pinpoint what direction he and his crew are coming from.”

“Fuck,” Kage muttered. “I can’t tell you how bad that is. We need a location, Sis, and damn fast.”

Erica nodded. Her eyes flew from the mountain to the sea before they went to Kage and Vivienne. “I hate to ask this of you two but—”

“Ask us any damn thing you want to,” Viv said.

“Agreed,” Kage added.

“I need you to split up.” Erica offered them an apologetic look. “I need Viv on the mountain and Kage, I need you with me.”

“Done,” both said at once.

Kodran had never been so proud of Erica than when she took control with such confidence. Like the others, he didn’t hesitate to follow her instructions.

“In fact, I’m splitting everyone up right now.” Her eyes went to her sisters. “Cyb and Sam, you’re on the mountain with Viv. Be ready to welcome those ancient Sigdir dragons and point them in the right direction.”

Her eyes went to his mother and Aunt Veronica. “You need to keep your people calm and direct your warriors.”

She looked at Uncle Kjar and Aunt Aella. “Do you have some of those shiny shields here?”

“Of course,” Aella said, clearly impressed with Erica’s take-charge attitude.

Erica’s eyes met Kjar’s, and she hesitated.

“Say what you will,” he murmured. “Do not lose courage now, woman.”

Erica eyed him for another moment before she nodded.

“Are your daughters and Vigdis still on Mt. Galdhøpiggen? Are they on the other side of those shields?”

“They are,” Kjar acknowledged.

“Good.” Erica’s eyes stayed with his as she swallowed then seemed to gather the courage he told her not to lose. “Because unfortunately, I might just need to lead the enemy straight to their doorstep.”

Again, their eyes held as Uncle Kjar processed whatever she might mean by that then finally nodded. “Then they will be ready.” He looked to Aunt Aella. “We will be ready.”

She nodded, her gaze calm and confident. “We will, Husband. As will they.”

“What about me?” came an all-too-familiar burr. “Where would you like me, lass?”

“Adlin,” Emily exclaimed and grinned widely as she and Håkon headed their way. “I was wondering when you were gonna show up.”

“Aye, wee Emily.” He grinned in return. “We have had some nice conversations, have we not?”

“For sure!” She narrowed her eyes at Håkon in annoyance. “See, I told you I knew a famous wizard.”

“Which brings me to you and Matthew, Shannon,” Erica said as she looked at her sister. “You need to stay right here with your kids and be ready.” Her eyes flickered to Matthew before they returned to Shannon. “He’s Hel’s dragon, and she has a soft spot for all four of you. That’s going to mean something, and when it does, you need to be ready.” She cocked her head as understanding seemed to dawn. “You four should be on the shore where Matthew was revived. Your last connection with Hel.”

“You mean to tell me that I need to keep my children in harm’s way?” Shannon said through clenched teeth as she pulled them close. “Are you seriously asking me to do that, Sis?”

“Harm’s way is exactly where I want to be, Mama,” Emily declared as she pulled out a dagger and narrowed her eyes. “It’s time we end the enemy.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Sister.” Håkon nodded as he pulled out his own weapon. “We will battle them all, and none will survive.”

“Absolutely not,” Shannon started to say but trailed off when Matthew’s hand landed on her shoulder, and his eyes met hers.

“No,” she whispered. “You can’t possibly support this.”

“We are stronger as a family.” Then his hands rested on Emily and Håkon’s shoulders. “This is our chance to take revenge. To finally put an end to the dragons who separated us all to begin with.”

“But they’re just children,” she argued.

“Powerful children,” he reminded.

“Very,” Emily agreed.

“Odin sort of powerful,” Håkon put out there, but Emily shook her head and mouthed, “That’s a little over the top.”

Håkon flexed his tiny muscles and gave his blade a look before he mouthed back, “So you say.”

“I think we should listen to Erica, Shannon,” Matthew said softly as their eyes held. “And I think that our children are never safer than they are when they’re with us.”

“I will stay close as well,” Sven volunteered. “I would die before any harm befell Emily and Håkon.”

Kodran didn’t miss the troubled look that crossed Bjorn and Sam’s faces. While they were proud of Sven, they all understood that Shannon and her immediate family were about to become a very crucial part of how all this went down. Because they were the only ones who could enter in and out of Helheim. The only ones who could follow the enemy through both worlds.

So Sven had just volunteered to put the inevitable target on his back as well.

“Thank you, Sven,” Shannon murmured as her eyes stayed with Matthew’s. “And while I wish I could tuck them away somewhere safe, you’re right. Our children are safest with us.”

Shannon’s eyes went from Sven’s to Bjorn’s. “Your son goes where you want him.”

“I go where I wish to go,” Sven ground out and narrowed his eyes on Bjorn and Sam. “You cannot order me otherwise.”

The truth was Sven would never leave Emily’s side during something like this. He would die first.

Sam and Bjorn looked at each other again before his cousin inhaled deeply and nodded. “Keep Emily and Håkon safe, Son. Make us proud.”

Sven nodded. “You have my word.”

Sam’s eyes grew moist and narrowed before she embraced Sven and muttered, “You better stay safe, got me?”

“I have got you,” Sven said with determination as his eyes met hers. “Because if I do not stay safe, neither does anyone I am protecting, no?”

“That’s right.” Sam ruffled his hair, which clearly embarrassed him, before she gestured at those who were supposed to follow. “Okay, my sis-in-charge gave an order. Let’s go!”

When Bjorn started to follow, Erica shook her head. “Sorry, but we need you and your warriors right here at the Fortress defending these people. Making sure your warriors and Heidrek’s men work well with each other.”

He scowled but nodded and headed off to prepare.

By the time Erica looked at Cybil, his new queen had nothing but respect in her eyes. Eluf might have brought all this together, but Maeva was driving it home.

“And what would you like Heidrek to do?” Cybil asked.

“We’re hitting the water,” Erica said as her eyes flickered from Kodran to Lauren, Tait, Heidrek and his uncles before they landed on Kage. “We’re putting what Hallstein will think is the bulk of our power right out where he can see us. Right out where we’re vulnerable.” Her eyes swept over everything. “This will also spread out the demi-gods. One on the water, one on the mountain and the other in the heart of the village.”

Nobody said anything at first until Heidrek said, “You want us on ships.”

“Our ships,” Naðr murmured, a strange glint in his eyes as he nodded. “Out a ways on the sea. As if we’re preparing to defend from that angle.” His gaze went to the churning black clouds in the sky, and a grin crept onto his face. “The weather does not look promising for that sort of thing.”

“It doesn’t,” Kage agreed, an equally devious grin on his face. “It looks dangerous.”

“And what better thing is there then a dangerous sea?” Kadlin asked as she gripped her dagger and grinned at the rough ocean.

“I do like a dangerous sea,” Svala agreed as her eyes narrowed on the horizon and she met Kadlin’s grin.

“Wouldn’t be the first storm I sailed into,” Sean said, eying the sky, the Maine seaman in him not daunted in the least.

“Good.” Erica nodded. “Thank you.” Her eyes went to Kodran. “We’re with Naðr on his ship. I think Eluf should stay as close to Maeva as possible.” Then she looked at the others. “You should each be on different ships. Separate. And spread out.”

“I would like to fight alongside my father,” came a soft but firm voice. “I wish to be there to confront Hallstein once more.”

Naðr nodded and wrapped an arm around Meyla. She might be down an arm and scarred because of the enemy, but there was nothing but fire and defiance in her eyes.

“I would like that, Daughter.” Naðr nodded. “Has Valan made contact with my granddaughter, Aðísla yet?”

Meyla shook her head. “No, but he senses something is happening...that she might be out there somewhere.”

“Of course she is,” Naðr assured. “She is as much a warrior as her mother.”

Though she had been missing for years, Matthew had seen Aðísla’s spirit before he returned to life so everyone was optimistic that she would be back with them soon.

“I would like to join you as well, Uncle Naðr,” Runa volunteered before Amber shook her head and said, “Absolutely not. You’ll stay with your aunt and me.”

“But I am a great fighter,” his teenage sister exclaimed as her eyes pleaded with Kodran. “Tell her I am, Brother. Tell her you want me by your side.”

“No,” Erica cut in and shook her head, troubled as she looked at Kadlin. “You don’t want to fuck around when it comes to Hallstein and his crew. They like young women. They perceive them as weak and vulnerable. I’ve seen them do unimaginable things.” She shook her head. “You should stay in the village with your little sister, Kadlin and protect her with your life.”

“But...” Runa started to say before Kodran, Tait, and Kol growled, “You will listen to Erica.”

Rather than respond, Runa scowled and made her way back toward the gates.

She might be mad now, but she would be thankful later.

Everyone said their goodbyes then headed down separate docks. Heidrek joined Raknar on his Drakkar ship. Lauren joined Kol on a smaller vessel. Svala, Tait, and Sean would spread themselves out as well. Sean might not have any powers, but he had a sort of grit and perseverance they needed right now.

“And what about me?” Adlin reminded. “Surely I can be of use.”

“Why don’t you stick with me?” Erica said. “You always seem to know more than we do and it might come in handy.”

Adlin nodded, pleased with her decision.

“Let’s just hope he stays manifested long enough to be helpful,” Erica said into Kodran’s mind.

“That’s the least of my concerns,” he replied as he took her hand. “What do you need me to do? Is there anything specific?”

Erica nodded as the three Vanaheim seers came through the front gates and eyed the sky. “Yeah, I need you to help me deal with them.”

“And what should they be doing?”

Erica met his eyes and shook her head. “I have no idea.”

Yet it seemed they did because they approached with calm expressions, their eyes now on her hand. Better yet, her ring.

“We will be most useful fighting alongside seers,” the woman seer said, her skin glowing and her eyes a little dewy. “Whether they be full blooded or not.”

If he wasn’t mistaken, the haughty, uptight female had been loosened up considerably thanks to her male counterparts.

Erica must have thought the same thing because her eyes narrowed on the female seer then widened slightly before she muttered under her breath, “Way to go Vanaheim seers.”

“I will travel with you,” the female seer said to Erica, trying for a crisp tone but coming off a little throaty as though she had been overusing her vocal chords...or maybe her throat in general. “And my kin will be split between your most powerful full-blooded seers and whatever halfling in need.” She tried to look stern but still came up lacking. “Because there are plenty of halflings to choose from, yes?”

When Erica rubbed a hand over her face in exasperation and was about to reply with something that wouldn’t be pleasant, Kodran cut her off. “Though they aren’t seers, one of you should remain with them.” He pointed at Matthew and his family. “Because they can do what we can’t.”

“And what is that?” the female asked, her tone still somewhat condescending.

“They can access Helheim,” Kodran informed. “And when they do, they will be protected by its ruler, Goddess Hel.”

All three seers appeared surprised and impressed.

“Another one of you should go assist our head seer.” Kodran described her lodge. “Not only does she have a demi-god with her, but she is connected to many other seers.”

The female glanced between the males and nodded. When they hesitated, she frowned and made a gesture. “Go now. You know where you are needed.”

“They don’t want to leave her,” Kodran said into Erica’s mind.

“I see that.” A small smile came to her mouth. “I think they’re smitten.”

“Come on. It’s between them.” He took Erica’s hand and pulled her after him. “Tell her to follow when she’s ready.”

There was no mistaking the smile in her internal voice. “There’s something sort of sweet about a ménage a trois finding love at the brink of war.” She winked. “Double the impact if you know what I mean.”

Kodran almost chuckled. Almost. Mainly because he loved the fact Erica could find humor in the midst of all this. Before they boarded, he cupped her cheeks and made sure she saw in his eyes how proud he was of her. How much he believed in her. “You have done very well, Erica. Now we’re going to do this together. We’re going to win this war. Do you understand?”

“I do,” she whispered, grateful for the strength he was lending. “It’s been a long time coming.”

“Has it ever,” Kage said and held down his hand. “Come on, Sis. Let’s deal with this shithead once and for all.”

Kodran’s eyes met Kage’s as he helped Erica up. There was no more discontent in her brother’s eyes. No, they were both ready to wage war against a man who had hurt her for far too long.

“So when will we learn of this plan of yours?” Naðr asked as men made fast work of loading weapons onboard.

“Soon,” Erica murmured as the female seer made her way down into the ship. “It’ll have a lot to do with timing and how well I can pull off communication with Hallstein on Maeva’s behalf.”

“Och, ‘tis good to be sailing the seas with you again, old friend,” Adlin exclaimed as he appeared and smiled at Naðr. “It has been many moons since we last fought alongside one another.”

Naðr eyed him with amusement. “Yes, but you were of a much larger stature then, were you not?”

“Aye,” Adlin conceded. “And soon enough, I will be again. Twenty winters or so from now in my next life.”

Naðr nodded, impressed and clearly a little thrown off. “I wish you only the best, my friend.”

Adlin nodded, pleased it seemed by his upcoming life.

Kodran unsheathed the Gungnir blade and looked at Erica. “We will need this, yes?”

Erica nodded. “I think we’ll need everything from that to the ring...” Her eyes went to the Vanaheim seer. “To her.”

“When will you try to make contact with Hallstein?” Kodran asked, more concerned than he was letting on.

“As soon as we’re out on the water,” she replied as the ship was unmoored. Her eyes went to the sky. “Why is it again, that bad weather is good right now?”

“We tend to do our best battling on rough seas,” Naðr said with a gleam of anticipation in his eyes. “My brothers and I once won another war on a day like today.”

A day, Kodran didn’t bother to mention, where they had battled not dragons but humans.

“Because moisture has the ability to muffle dragon magic, the weather will also help keep our telepathic communications from Hallstein and his dragon,” Kodran supplied.

“Which means it’ll likely give him the same benefit.” Erica continued eying the sky as rowers began to navigate the ship away from the dock. “But that, I suppose, is where the other Maeva will come in handy.”

Kodran braced his feet, wrapped an arm around her lower back and pulled her against his side when the sail was unfurled, and the ship leapt forward through the choppy water. Lightning zig-zagged across the soupy sky and thunder rumbled. “It’s good Heidrek brought his blade. I think Thor will be lending his support very soon.”

“Here’s hoping.” She winked at him. “Though I suspect he already did.” Her eyes fell to the ring. “Because something tells me his magic had a little something to do with getting this ring where it needed to go.” She gave him a knowing look. “Seeing how his blade was part of the ceremony.”

“True.” Kodran eyed her hand. “I’ll be curious to see what that ring can really do.”

“Me too, it should be...” she started to say, but her words faded as she seemed to sense something.

“He’s coming,” she whispered as her eyes glazed over. “I can hear him.”

Kodran entered Kage and Naðr’s mind. “It’s happening. She’s making contact with Hallstein.”

He tried to remain calm, but it was alarming to know she was reaching out to the enemy. That she was connecting to someone who had caused her so much harm. It said a lot for her courage. He lowered her to a bench and kept a supportive arm around her. Unfortunately, her mind was a million miles away and inaccessible.

Kage sat on her other side, just as troubled as he kept a close eye on her. “I ended up supporting this idea, but now that it’s happening, I wonder if I was wrong.”

Kodran couldn’t agree more. “You’ve shared a lot with us about Hallstein. Is there anything else you can think of? Any weaknesses you might have overlooked?”

“I think you’re holding his weakness,” Kage said. “He was pretty damn possessive of Erica...I mean Maeva. If anyone’s gonna trick him, it’s her.”

Kodran hoped so. Because since the beginning, it always seemed like the enemy was one step ahead of them. His eyes swept over their surroundings. All the ships were on the water and in position. Everyone was ready. Good thing because a second later, Erica’s eyes cleared, she shot to her feet and all hell broke loose.