| New Tales Of The Norse |
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 I am considering writing a VERY SHORT horror story for All Hallows' Eve. The title would be ' Return of the Pagan Martyrs ' . It could be fun to let a few hundred, or thousand, of our honored dead out of their graves for a night ! " Revenge can be as sweet as candy." ( Not a bad promo line ! ) - Ravensheart  Frigga's Challenge  * Unlike in the past, however, I will be posting a new chapter every other day. I hope everyone enjoys the Gods tale ! - Ravensheart   Gna standing before All- Mother Frigga Despite being sick as a dog I have finished my 46th short story and have begun the process of editing the tale. I have however changed the name of the story ( A writer's prerogative ). This story which was originally to be a short story of only 4 chapters grew to 11 chapters of 88 hand written pages. Which equals about 150 book pages ( depending on font size ) I will begin posting the story next weekend which is now titled : Frigga's Challenge ( Gna's Glory ) © 2015. - Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart )  356. The Autumnal Host  Sif : The Harvest Queen The empty corn stalks stand dry and brown under the Autumnal sky, While the V- shaped formations of geese have gathered south to fly. As the ancient year wheel slowly turns another notch to the third quarter, The nights become longer, while Sunna's visits with us are much shorter. Flowers, once covered with lovely morning dew, now pay a frightful cost, When Autumn's winds blow cold they turn the precious moisture to frost. As the warmth of our growing Summer begins to sing its last sad refrain, The leaves slowly turn to color, and in the brisk winds they fall like rain. Though the fields seem most barren, the granaries have been filled to overflow, The Gods have provided the means for sustenance throughout the winter's snow. Bring in the valued livestock, gather the firewood, and keep your family held tight, Gather yourselves round the great fire, and tell stories by its mesmerizing light. Form up a circle of kindred, fill the drinking horns, and pass them once around, Allow your minds to run free, and your honored words to become spellbound. The first round is for the Mighty Gods, our honored ancestors the second toast, Remember to save the last honor for the Goddess Sif, She is our Autumnal host ! - Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ) © Copyright, 2015.  Freyja's Necklace  Loki, as always keeping to his word, returned to Aegir's Hall while the Gods were holding a feast for which the Sea Jotun brewed his wonderful ale. The hall was lit with gold that shined like the sun, and the horns were kept filled by Aegir's faithful servants Fimafeng and Eldir. Everyone was having a wonderful time in the sea Jotun's peaceful sanctuary. All that is save one ! No one quite knew how Loki entered the hall, but in a fit of rage the Deceiver of Gods killed Aegir's servant Fimafeng. The Gods were appalled ! They picked up their weapons, and shields, and chased the Mischief Monger into the forest. Loki came back a short time later, however, and had words outside of the hall with Aegir's other servant . Eldir warned the Trickster not to go inside, but Loki said that he refused to be denied, and reentered the great hall. Inside, Odin, who still feared that Loki would tell of his affairs with Minda and Saga, told his son Vidar to rise up and give Fenrir's father his seat. Almost immediately after being served ale by Odin's son, Loki began to verbally assault each of the Gods and Goddesses in turn. He accused Bragi of being no warrior ! Idunn, Freyja, and even Frigga of being whores ! The God of Lies told tales of how Njord bore his son from his sister, and that Tyr's trusty wife was the mother of his son ! But worst of all Loki let slip that he had planned the killing of Balder. The ale made Loki bold and unafraid of the Gods. That is, until Freyr's servant Beyla felt the mountains tremble, and announced that Thor was returning from the east where he had been fighting Jotuns. When Thor heard Loki's evil words he threatened the Trickster with his hammer. Loki at first remained defiant, but soon he decided that discretion was the better part of valor, and reluctantly fled the hall. Before Loki left, however, he uttered ominous words directed at Aegir and the Gods. " You brewed the ale Aegir, but never again will you hold a feast in your hall. May everything you own fall to the flames and drag you down with it ! " Loki screamed as he fled. Many in the hall were confused by the Deceiver of God's words. Odin, Frigga, and Heimdall, however, gave each other fearful glances. For they knew of what Loki was speaking. All three simultaneously whispered : " RAGNAROK ! " - The End - Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.  Freyja's Necklace  Odin by Ludwig Pietsch ( 1865 ) Not a single soul in Asgard would step forward to defend Loki, which delayed the trial for almost a full cycle of Asgard's moons. Syn, who normally would defend those charged with a crime before the God's assembly recused herself because she felt she had already decided in her mind that Loki's actions were unpardonable. As the trial neared it was only Sigyn who would stand with her husband in the great court to defend him against the many counts he was charged with. The Trickster had much to answer for ! The Asgardian laws that he was charged with breaking included : Trespassing, breaking and entering, theft, fleeing from the scene of a crime, and attacking and injuring another Asgardian in the commission of a crime. The penalty for committing such transgressions ranged from banishment to execution. In the weeks leading up to the trial Loki asked to see Freyja, Heimdall, and Odin. All three refused until Sigyn begged them to go and see her husband. Freyja and Odin relented, but Heimdall, who still had a small wound on his buttocks from where Loki the seal had bitten him, flatly refused. Freyja was the first to arrive at Odin's hall to see Loki. As she was let into the locked chamber by Vali and Vidar, Freyja grinned as she saw the Deceiver of Gods chained to a table in the middle of the room like a common dog. After Odin's sons left the Vanir Goddess walked over to the helpless Loki and stared angrily into his eyes. " What is the matter Trickster, why don't you shape change into the disgusting serpent that you are and slither out of here on your belly ! ? " she asked in a sarcastic tone. Loki grimaced as he moved his arms and legs in the chains that bound him to the table. " Great Odin has placed a runic spell upon these chains which prevents me from changing my form . " he told her sadly. Freyja bent over and inspected the chains. Loki had not lied. The irons that held him firmly in place were indeed deeply engraved with runes, and as she ran her fingers over the letters she could feel the powerful seidr that Odin had used on them. The Vanir Goddess smiled when she remembered back to when she taught the Valfather the ancient art of magic. " Your blood - brother must be very angry with you this time Loki ! " she told him with a big grin. Loki raised his head, and returned her grin with an evil smile of his own. " I did not ask you here to discuss my bindings, or how angry All - father is with me. I asked you to come so that we could talk about you Freyja . " he explained to the Vanir Goddess. Freyja turned her head slightly and frowned. " Me ? " I am not on trial here ! " she blurted out angrily. Loki laughed, rattling the chains with every chuckle. " Yes, that is true. However, certain ..... things ..... might come out at the trial that you might not want others to hear. " he told Freyja with an evil laugh. Freyja cupped her hand and a small field of magical energy formed on her palm . The Vanir Goddess stood over Loki and placed the swirling mass in front of his face. " Be careful what you say evil one ! " she told Loki. Loki looked over at the magical sphere that the Goddess had conjured up, and then he looked her straight in the eyes. Both orbs sparkled with the same force of the cosmos that she held in her hand, but Loki had little to lose, and only a few moves left to play to save his life. " I hear the Dwarves, the creators of the Brisingamen necklace, are still smiling over the unique way you paid for that exquisite piece of jewelry ! " Loki told her with a wicked grin. Suddenly the energy field that Freyja had conjured disappeared in the blink of an eye. The Vanir Goddess grabbed Loki by his collar and stared deeply into his eyes. " Disclose how I paid for the necklace, and I will kill you ! Not even Great Odin will save you from my wrath if you tell anyone that tale ! " she told him angrily. Loki shrugged his shoulders as best he could in spite of the retaining chains. " It is not that I want to tell anyone of the unusual circumstances of your purchase..... but you never know what might just slip out at the trial ! " he explained to her. Freyja took a deep breath, and gave the Mischief Monger a frustrated look. " And what do I have to do to make certain this tale is not told ? " she asked. Loki laughed. " Well I certainly don' t expect you to sleep with me ! I simply want you to ask Odin for leniency at my trial. " he told her. " I cannot deny that I took the necklace, or that I did not injure Heimdall, but if the victim of my " prank " were to tell Odin to go easy on me ..... well ..... I might just forget all about how you paid for the necklace. " he added confidently. Freyja turned her back to Loki, and began to walk towards the door of the chamber. " I have your word that you will remain silent ! ? " Freyja asked. As Vidar opened the door to the prison Loki answered. " Of course my dear ! " he told her with a huge smile. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Two days later Odin came to see Loki. The Valfather was not as patient with his blood - brother as Freyja had been. He was tired of Loki's immature and destructive behavior, and was done with defending his dishonorable acts. If not for the tearful pleading of Loki's wife Sigyn, the All - Father would not have bothered to come at all ! " Why have you asked me to come see you !? " Odin demanded impatiently. Loki slowly lifted his head up as if it weighed a thousand pounds, and peered over at Odin. " I wanted to ask for leniency. " he told his blood - brother. The Trickster grinned broadly. " What I did I cannot deny, but is it really necessary to punish me with death for such a foolish act ? " he added sarcastically. Odin turned and began to walk towards the door. " You have broken our laws, and injured a fellow Asgardian. Your punishment is mandated ! " he told Loki as he was about to leave. Loki Laughed ! " Frigga has forgiven you for sleeping with Gunnlod, and she has been very understanding that Rinda bore you Vali to avenge Balder's death. " he said casually. But I wonder if she is aware of all the time you have been spending at the great farm in Sokkvabekk with Saga ? " Loki asked . Without allowing Odin to reply he continued. " And I wonder how she would react if she found out that you slept with the sea maiden Minda for ..... what was it .... three nights .... just to capture me ? " he asked his blood - brother. Odin spun around and pointed a finger at Loki ! " My wife must never know of such things ! " he shouted . Loki smiled. " And she won't ..... as long as you are lenient in your judgement of me at my trial. " he told Odin with a hint of anger in his voice. The Lord of Asgard was trembling inside with fury as he answered ! " I will see what I can do for you ! " he replied angrily. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ The trial began the next day at the court of justice near the Spring of Urd. Syn was relentless in her prosecution as she hammered home every point of Loki' s evil act. The prosecutor described how poor Heimdall, on a mission from Odin himself, was injured on said mission by Loki who had taken the form of a seal. Heimdall took the stand and told the whole story from beginning to end without much prodding from Syn. She played on the twelve judges sympathy, and on Odin's respect for the Vanir, when she spoke of the immense sorrow that Freyja had to endure when she had her necklace stolen. Syn was greatly surprised, however, when Freyja, who was expected to be one of the star witnesses, refused to go after Loki while on the stand. The prosecutor was further dismayed when Freyja asked that the judges consider banishment instead of death for Loki as punishment. " The Brisingamen necklace is so beautiful that it makes those who come in contact with it want to possess it at any cost. I am not sure that I can fully blame Loki for his unfortunate actions. " she told the court as she looked directly at Loki. Sigyn, who had never been in court before, and who had no idea how to defend her husband against such charges simply pleaded on her knees for her husband's life before the judges. Her sorrowful wailing echoed through the chamber as the tears fell from her eyes like raindrops from a dark cloud. Syn herself felt great pity for her, and helped her back to her seat before the judgement was rendered. As the twelve Gods began to vote on whether Loki should be put to death, or outlawed from Asgard, Loki stared menacingly at the All - Father. Thor, Vali, Vidar, Forseti, Tyr, and Freyr all voted for death. Njord, Bragi, Ullr, Odr, Hoenir, and Hermod voted for banishment. As Odin read the votes out loud he looked over at Frigga and then glanced back at Loki. " The jury is deadlocked, and now the final decision is mine to make. After weighing all the factors, including Freyja's insistence of leniency, and Sigyn's heartfelt pleas, I have decided to cast my vote for banishment ! " he told the court without emotion. " Heimdall, Magni, and Modi take Loki to Bifrost and see that he leaves Asgard at once ! " Odin commanded. Loki jumped up out of his seat and with a huge grin he shouted : " You have not seen the last of Loki ! " the Trickster screamed as he was lifted off of his bench by Heimdall. As Loki was being escorted out of the judgement hall he noticed Aegir sitting in the back row of the court, and slipped out of Heimdall's grasp . " Perhaps I will return the next time you brew your ale Aegir ! " he shouted to the Sea Jotun. Heimdall tried once again to grab the Trickster, but he was as slippery as a fish. Modi, angry as ever, tried to get an arm lock on Loki, but he was thrown by the Deceiver of Gods to the floor. Loki laughed defiantly at the Gods until he felt himself being lifted off the ground from behind by Magni. The Mischief Monger was certain he could not get out of Thor's strongest son's tight grip, though he tried anyway. " I will make you all pay for this ! You Asgardians think you are so high and mighty, but you can be brought down ! " he screamed as Magni carried him out of the hall . The courtroom burst out in laughter as Magni carried Loki away like a sack of potatoes. Magni became rougher as they reached the Spring of Urd. " Come little one, " Magni told Loki with a smile, " We are going for a little walk ! " The only ones not laughing in the great hall of justice were Freyja and Odin. Both were thinking the same thing as Loki was taken from the judgement hall kicking and screaming. " Why did we allow our own personal agendas to cloud our judgement on this monumental day ? ! " they asked themselves. As Odin and Freyja looked over at each other they both came to the realization that Loki had tricked them once again ! - End Chapter 11 - Next : Epilogue - Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.  Freyja's Necklace  From his great high -seat at Hlidskjalf Odin watched the events unfold below him. The Lord of Asgard shook his head in disgust as he observed Loki and Heimdall, in the form of seals, biting at each others tails. " What childishness is this !? " Odin shouted in the empty hall. Although Odin was embarrassed by the whole affair he had found himself cheering Heimdall on when he saw Asgard's watchman place his head through the Brisingamen necklace, and swim for shore. And when Minda grabbed hold of Loki and held the Mischief Monger All - Father punched the arm of his high - seat out of sheer joy ! Odin's satisfied grin was soon wiped from the great Asgardian's face when he heard an all too familiar voice. It started as a low whistle in the distance, but soon it grew in its intensity until it was the only sound that Odin could hear. All - Father was grateful that Frigga was not beside him at this moment. For Minda's song had an effect on men that was intensely sexual, and even a God as powerful as Odin had trouble resisting her sensual calls. It was then, as Odin was imagining Minda's beautiful face, that Hermod entered the hall. " I have done as you asked my Lord, and I hope that my mission has served you well ! " he told Odin. Odin looked down at Hermod, who was on one knee, and for a moment at least tried to ignore Minda's sexual whispers. " You have done fine my son ! Go and rest now Hermod. Heimdall has retrieved the necklace and is now, as we speak, returning to Asgard. " he told the great messenger God. Then the song in his head grew louder, and the King of the Gods rose up off of his high - seat. " I must go now, and bring back Loki to be judged for the evil deed that he has done ! " Odin told Hermod as he walked away. Odin threw open the great golden doors to his hall. He looked left and right before whistling a high pitched tone. " Sleipnir ! Come to me Sleipnir ! " Odin shouted. Moments later his great white horse pulled up in front of the hall. Odin placed his foot in the stirrup, and mounted the steed in one easy practiced motion. With a gentle kick and a slap of the reins Sleipnir reared up ready to fly. " Sleipnir ! To the singasteinn ! " Odin commanded his eight legged horse. Through Asgard, and over the Rainbow Bridge, raced the horse that could fly like the wind ! It took only moments for Sleipnir to reach Midgard, and in no time the great horse was galloping up the Norwegian beach towards the singasteinn. Odin halted Sleipnir at the water's edge for a moment before continuing. At this close of a distance Minda's song reverberated through the Lord of Asgard like Thor's booming thunder. " Enough Minda ! " I am here !! " he called out to the sea from the shoreline. Almost at once the seductive singing ceased, and slowly Odin's mind cleared. When he felt in control once again Odin gently kicked Sleipnir into a gallop, and the great horse rode over the waves like the bow of a fine ship. Odin reined in his steed, and stopped his horse on the far side of the singasteinn skerry that was flat. Below Odin sat Loki, looking very worried and tired, and next to him lying upon the great rock, in a very seductive pose, was Minda. The sea maiden looked up at Odin with a wicked smile upon her face. " It is so good to see you once again great Odin ! " she said in a sultry voice. The All - Father dismounted Sleipnir, and had to brace himself from trembling inside. The mere sound of her voice was enough to drive most males crazy with desire. " And it is wonderful to see you again lovely maiden. " Odin replied trying to hide the unavoidable blush he felt rising in his cheeks. Minda flapped her tail, and wriggled her body to get herself completely out of the sea water. Once she was on dry land her forked tail turned into two long very shapely legs. Slowly and very seductively she stood up completely naked before Odin. The sea maiden walked over to the one - eyed Asgardian, and kissed him gently on the cheek. Her lips next met his soft earlobe with a gentle, playful tug. " What is this foul creature's life worth to the Lord of Asgard ? " Minda whispered in his ear. Odin closed his eye in response to her soft caress. " Name your price beautiful sea maiden, and I will pay it ! " he responded. Minda pulled away for a moment and smiled playfully at Odin. " I wish to be pleasured by Great Odin of Asgard for three nights. " she told him as she gently rubbed his chest. Odin knew that only through anger could he control the lust that was building inside of him. " And if I refuse !? " he asked sternly. Minda laughed and kissed Odin on the cheek. " If you refuse I will tear your little friend apart, and throw him in the ocean for the fish to feed upon ! " she told him with a slight grin. Loki had not said a word in the hope of not incurring Odin's wrath, but now the Lord of Mischief spoke up. " She is a very lovely little creature, blood brother. It seems such a small price to pay for my life. " he told Odin. Odin winced at the sound of Loki's voice. Then the All- Father sighed as he spoke to Minda. " I will come to you in nine days ! " he told her in an exasperated tone. Minda kissed Odin , and then jumped back into the ocean. As she popped up out of the waves she smiled at Odin. " I will be waiting for you ! " she replied with a little giggle before submerging and swimming away. Odin's eyebrows lowered, and his forehead furrowed as he turned his attention to Loki. " Mount up ! We are going back to Asgard ! " Odin shouted at his blood brother. ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Heimdall dismounted Gulltop at the bottom of the golden steps of Sessrumnir. As he walked up each step he could feel the earth tremble with every sorrowful tear that Freyja wept. When Heimdall reached the landing at the top of the stairs he looked down at the necklace and whispered to himself. " Brisingamen you are much like Freyja herself ! You are so beautiful that everyone wishes you to be theirs ! " he said softly with a smile. Heimdall reached down and pulled on the lever to open the door. The golden hinges creaked as it slowly opened into the darkened hall. At the other end of the great main chamber Heimdall saw Freyja sitting on her high - seat wiping her eyes with a silken handkerchief. On either side of her stood Frigga, Fulla, and Gefjon. Kneeling on the floor before the Vanir Goddess was Sigyn who seemed equally upset. Sigyn rose up and stood next to Fulla as the stoic sentinel approached. Heimdall, holding back a smile, stopped in front of Freyja's high - seat and stood silently for a moment with the necklace hidden behind his back. Freyja looked up from her dampened handkerchief and gazed into Heimdall's eyes with a glimmer of hope. " Is there any news of the whereabouts of my beautiful necklace ? " she asked, almost choking on the words. Heimdall could no longer hold his emotions inside. With a broad smile on his face the guardian of Asgard slowly swung his hand out from behind him to show the Goddess her necklace. Freyja's swollen eyes bulged in their sockets as she jumped up from her seat, and took the necklace from Heimdall. " My necklace ! My beautiful Brisingamen necklace !! " Freyja cried out joyfully. The Vanir Goddess stood for a long moment gazing upon her prized possession. In part she was once again taking in the sheer beauty of the piece, but she was also closely inspecting the necklace for any signs of damage. When she was sure that the Brisingamen necklace was unharmed she stepped forward and gave Heimdall a small kiss on the lips. " You are truly a heroic warrior in the most chivalrous sense ! " she told Heimdall with a trembling smile, and tears of joy streaming down her face. Heimdall nodded his acceptance of her thanks, and then held out his hand. " May I ? " he asked. Freyja at first frowned, but when the meaning of his words became apparent to her she handed him the necklace, turned around, and then lifted her beautiful hair with her hands. " Of course, my hero ! " she said with a giggle. Heimdall gently placed the necklace over Freyja's head, being especially careful not to catch the jewelry in her curly hair. As Freyja bowed her head slightly forward he clasped the necklace in the back securing it. " Now Brisingamen is back where it belongs, and here it will remain forever ! Beauty with beauty ! " Heimdall told her with a little smile. All - Mother Frigga had never heard the stoic Heimdall acting so gallantly, but as she watched Freyja turn to face Heimdall she noticed a change in the Vanir Goddess. Freyja no longer looked happy, or excited, as she spun around and looked Heimdall in the eyes. " And who was the scoundrel who stole my necklace !? " she asked angrily. Heimdall raised his eyebrows in surprise at the sudden change in Freyja. Then with a grin he replied. " It was the trickster Loki who took your necklace great lady ! " he exclaimed. As Sigyn gasped in horror, Freyja grabbed Heimdall by his chest armor and gave him an evil look of which he had never seen before from the beautiful Vanir Goddess. " Where is he ! " she demanded. " He is currently in the custody of Odin. I believe that there is to be a trial soon my lady. " he told Freyja. Sigyn suddenly raced for the entrance to Sessrumnir with tears pouring down her face. As she reached the golden doors she turned and shouted : " Please have pity on my husband ! Please ! He only did if for me !! " she screamed hysterically before leaving the great hall. Freyja sat back down on her high - seat. " Perhaps Odin will be kind to Loki, but I will show him no mercy ! " she shouted at the now closed doors . - End Chapter 10 - Next : Chapter 11 : Loki's Trial - Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.  Freyja's Necklace  Loki, in his seal form, was not in control of his faculties. His only thought, and purpose, was to swim out to where that beautiful voice was calling to him. It rang in his ears, and soothed his thoughts, as he swam ever closer to the source of the melody. And the nearer he came the greater became the ache and need to reach his destination. Heimdall, using the powers he had inherited from his Jotun mothers reluctantly transformed himself into a seal, and dove into the cold ocean. Heimdall, however, was not as familiar with shape changing as was Loki, and at first he floundered in the water like a wounded fish. It took the silent sentinel several trips to the surface to catch his breath before he was able to get his flippers to work in unison. First he would steer right, and then he would overcompensate and veer left. By the time he finally was able to swim in a straight line Loki was well out in front of him. Loki had not seen the rock from the shore that jutted up out of the ocean like a small island. The force that was calling to him in a seductive whisper was drawing him to what Loki could only describe as a singasteinn. Despite the constant singing that drew him ever nearer, Loki became wary as he came closer to the skerry, and slowed down to take a better look before climbing up onto the rock. Heimdall could not understand why Loki was heading out into the depths of the ocean. " The deceiver of Gods would have been better served if he had hidden himself in the mountains, or among the trees of a deep thick forest. " Heimdall thought to himself as he began to gain a little on Loki. After doing an unintended complete spin in the water, Heimdall saw what Loki was heading for out in the ocean. Up ahead a rock rose up out of the vast sea like a large mushroom towering over a field of grass. Heimdall wriggled his long nose, which tickled his large whiskers, and whispered to himself. " I have never seen a skerry this far out in the ocean. How unnatural ! " he thought out loud. Loki slowly circled the great stone, which seemed to almost magically float in the middle of the sea. The Deceiver of Gods noticed that on the back side of the rock it had a level edge that was fairly smooth. With no one in sight , and the melody seemingly coming from this location, he decided that he would rest there to decide what to do next. Loki circled around the singasteinn first and picked up a little speed using his large flippers, and then swam rapidly towards the rock. As he saw the lip of the rock just ahead he launched himself into the air. Just as Loki felt his blubbery little body leaving the water he was tugged back into, and under, the water from behind. The force was such that the Brisingamen necklace did not follow Loki back into the water, but flew off of his neck, and landed precariously close to the edge of the rock. Here a wave of almost any size and strength could wash it off into the depths where it would be lost forever. As he sank deeper into the ocean, Loki circled his body around to see what had gotten a hold of him. What he saw shocked him ! A seal had grabbed a hold of his tail with its teeth, and was forcing him under. Loki was unsure what he should do until he decided that two can play that game. Loki curled his seal body all the way over, and bit the attacking seal's tail ! Heimdall screamed inside from the intense pain as Loki's teeth sank into his tail. The Guardian of Asgard could not believe the incredible silliness of it all. Here in the middle of the ocean, on Midgard, two Asgardian Gods were biting each other's tails in the shape of seals ! " Not even Bragi would dare tell such a tall tale ! " Heimdall thought to himself. But there they were twirling around in circles under the Northern Sea, neither one willing to relinquish their hold on the other, as they sank deeper and deeper into the cold dark water. They both knew that this was not a contest to see who could hold onto the other's tail longer, but a struggle to see which of them could hold their breath the longest. In that regard Heimdall held the advantage. Before grabbing a hold of Loki's tail Heimdall had inhaled a huge breath of air that filled his lungs. Loki, on the other hand, was surprised when he was caught, and was only able to take a short breath before becoming submerged. The trickster held on for as long as he could, but when his lungs began to burn for oxygen the trickster let go of the other seal's tail, and pulled himself away as hard as he could. The force of Loki's sudden movement ripped off the end of his tail causing intense pain, but it released him from his enemy's grip. Heimdall felt relieved when the intense pressure of Loki's grip on his tail subsided, but a moment later his opponent swirled his body around in a circle and Heimdall was left with only a bloody stump in his mouth. When the shock of what happened wore off Heimdall spit out the bloody chunk of tail and swam after Loki, who was headed at full speed to the surface. Loki could feel the pressure and pain of holding his breath for so long in his lungs, his eyeballs, and even in his head. He felt as though his chest would explode at any moment, and yet as he looked up at the surface it seemed so far away. Loki used his front and rear flippers in such a way as he had never swam before. Then, just as he was about to involuntarily inhale, he shot out of the water as though he were pumice being expelled from a volcano. Loki landed on the singasteinn hard, and immediately shape - changed back into his natural form. Unable to move as he tried desperately to inhale enough air, all the trickster could do was lay flat on the rock and gasp for what his body so desperately needed. Heimdall surfaced at the edge of the rock and took a long deep breath. Unlike Loki, however, he was not incapacitated by his lack of oxygen. As he bobbed up and down for a moment in the water he saw the Brisingamen necklace hanging off of the edge of a pointy rock. Ignoring Loki's plight Heimdall put his neck through the necklace, and then dove back into the water taking the Brisingamen with him. Loki saw the seal take the necklace, but at first he could not respond. Finally, when he felt reinvigorated by his intake of oxygen, he rolled over and was about to shape change back into a seal when he felt a sharp pain in his rear. As Loki contorted his body he saw the blood running down his legs, and his eyes narrowed and his anger grew. " That son of a bitch seal bit me in the ass ! " he said out loud. Loki shape changed once again into a seal and dove back into the ocean. He had seen the other seal swim away with the necklace, and he knew that it would be weighed down as it swam back to the shore. As he turned to swim around the rock Loki was very confident he could catch the little thief. Then, once again something grabbed a hold of him, and he could not move ! Heimdall was struggling with the necklace as he swam back to the beach. As he peered behind him he heard a splash and moments later he saw Loki as he swam to the side of the rock. Heimdall began to swim with renewed energy, but he was fairly certain that he could not out swim Loki. When Heimdall looked back at the rock again, however, he saw Loki go under and not come back up. From time to time he continued to peek behind him to see if Loki had resurfaced, but he was now nowhere to be found. When Heimdall reached the surf he immediately shape changed back into his God form and walked to the beach. As he emerged from the sea water he whistled to Gulltop, who obeyed his command instantly and came running to its master. As Heimdall mounted Gulltop he realized that he had been wounded by Loki's teeth in the behind. For Heimdall it would be a long and very painful ride back to Asgard. Loki shape changed back into his Jotun form as soon as the creature threw him violently onto the rock. The beast had the head of a water serpent, with a massive set of teeth, and the tail of a common fish. As Loki lay there preparing to fend off the creature it suddenly changed into a beautiful maiden. " You are lucky, one called Loki, for Odin has asked that your life be spared. Of course when Valfather is done with your punishment you may wish that you have stayed with me ! " she told the land creature with a sly grin. " When Odin arrives we will see if your life is worth three nights of pleasure ! " she told Loki as she began to laugh like a mad woman. With one hand the water maiden lifted Loki off of the rock, an then she began to sing another song. This time she was singing to Odin himself ! - End Chapter 9 Next : Chapter 10 : The Necklace Returned - Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.  Freyja's Necklace  Hermod nodded and left the great hall. He mounted Sleipnir, then reined him around, and headed for Bifrost. Hermod was concerned ! Odin was usually very explicit when he ordered him to perform a task for him. The time Odin asked him to ride to Hel, to seek the release of his brother Balder, he knew exactly what his mission was, and how to carry it out. Although he failed to win Balder's release, he had done his duty well, and was honored by Odin with an arm ring for his valiant effort. Now, as he rode Sleipnir past the Bifrost bridge, he was quite unsure of what he was about to do, and he was uncertain of the outcome ! Heimdall walked to Bifrost, and there at his hall he saddled his horse Gulltop. The silent sentinel then made ready to leave Asgard. As he mounted his gold maned horse he wondered why Odin did not ask Hermod to take him along on Sleipnir's ample back. Gulltop was a fine horse, but it was not nearly as fast as Sleipnir ! Heimdall gently kicked his mount into a gallop, and as he approached the Rainbow Bridge he was glad to see that Vali and Vidar were already in place to guard the golden realm. The great guardian of Asgard had known Odin for many millennium, and he was certain of one thing. Odin did not think like others. The All- father always planned his actions from start to finish, and he never left anything to chance. If Odin wanted him to arrive on that beach in Midgard later than Hermod there was surely a good reason for it ! It did not take Sleipnir long to make the trip from Asgard to Midgard. Trees, mountains, and even vast oceans were only minor inconveniences for a horse that could run like the wind, and fly like an eagle. As Hermod set Odin's great steed down on the sands of the Norwegian beach he looked around in every direction. There was nothing, and no one there. The Messenger God was totally and absolutely alone ! Hermod dismounted and walked to the edge of the surf. The first time he called her name he felt like a fool who's mind had deserted him. However, as silly as Hermod felt, he, like Heimdall, trusted the Lord of Asgard, and he continued to call her name. But as Midday turned into late afternoon the Messenger God began to wonder if maybe, just this once, Odin had been wrong. As evening fell upon Midgard Hermod was about to admit defeat and return to Asgard when he heard an odd splashing in the shallow waters. As Hermod turned he was shocked to see what was swimming in the surf ! Her hair was almost as golden as Sif's, and she wore no clothing that he could see ! Her breasts were large and firm, and her skin tapered into green iridescent scales below her belly button. As he watched her coming closer he noticed that the water maiden swam through the water as easily as any fish in the ocean. Hermod began to walk towards the water's edge, to better communicate with the water maiden, when suddenly she changed into a horrible creature with huge sharp teeth, and cold black eyes. Hermod stopped dead in his tracks, and unsheathed his sword in case he was forced to defend himself. " Come no closer, or I will draw you into the water, and end you life, land being ! " she told the creature standing upon the shore. Hermod, however, did not back down, and walked on to the water's edge. " Are you the sea maiden called Minda ? " Hermod asked in an uneven tone. The mermaid swam further into the shallows, and looked up at the creature that hovered above it. She studied every part of him before she finally answered. " I am MInda ! It is unusual for anyone to call out my name. For it is the last thing that my victims hear before I devour them and end there lives. " she told him. Only one being has ever escaped my grasp, and you are not that individual ! " she added with a wicked giggle. Hermod knelt down in front of the horrid creature with the sharp nails, and pointed teeth. " I am the Asgardian Hermod, and I have been asked by Odin to come to this place, and ask you for a favor. " he told the creature. The creature suddenly turned back into the lovely form that Hermod had first seen ! " Odin ! It has been a very long time since I last laid eyes...... and my hands..... on such a fine creature as Odin ! " she told Hermod with a huge smile on her face. It was then, as he looked into her sea green eyes that he realized who and what she really was ! This beautiful creature that lay half naked in the surf below him was a siren who sang to sailors, and lured their ships onto the rocks, and skerries that jutted out of the ocean, injuring and stranding them there. Then the water maiden would transform into the voracious creature he had seen only a moment ago, and devour those she had enticed to her Singasteinn ! " Odin sends his greetings, and wishes you to sing a song for Loki . " Hermod told the sea creature. The mermaid lay on her back and teased Hermod by cupping her breasts seductively with her hands. " Does Great Odin wish me to kill this Loki, or shall I merely capture the land walker ? " she asked with a flirtatious smile. Hermod could feel his body begin to tense, and his throat tightened up. The usually calm messenger also began to break out in a nervous sweat as he felt himself becoming aroused by the creature. " I..... I ..... I believe he wishes you to hold Loki until Heimdall comes to bring him back to Asgard ! " he told her trying to hide the fact that he was blushing. Minda grinned from ear to ear. " You want me ! I can feel it ! " she told Hermod with a wink. Hermod nervously removed the sweat from his brow before answering. " I am here to carry out my Lord's command. I will not dishonor him by disobeying his orders. " he told her while struggling with his feelings. Minda laughed ! " Odin's pull is still stronger than mine after all these years ! " she told him joyfully. " Yes, I will do as Odin asks, and I will not harm the one I have enticed to my Singasteinn. " she told him. Hermod felt her grip on him loosen, and he quickly regained his composure. " Then I will leave you Minda, and I thank you for you cooperation . " he told her before walking back to Sleipnir. Minda swam out into the ocean a short distance before turning and looking back to the shore. " Tell Odin he owes me a kiss ! He will know what I mean !! " she shouted to Hermod before he left. Minda swam out to her Singasteinn and began to sing a lovely song especially for Loki. The melody was sung in such a high pitch that it carried for many miles around. As she sang her song to Loki, she imagined she was singing to Odin himself. For he was the only being who had ever escaped her grasp after she had lured him to her rock home. In a cave, twenty miles away, Loki sat hiding in the darkness still wearing the Brisingamen necklace. Suddenly, and inexplicably, he had the urge to go down to the sea shore. The sensation was unrelenting and almost sexual in nature, and as strong as the Mischief Monger was he could not resist its pull. Loki found himself drawn to the ocean, and by morning he was standing in the same sand as Hermod had the day before. As Loki scanned the empty beach he became aware that the voice that was calling to him was not on the shore, but was instead somewhere out in the ocean. His present form was not conducive for swimming, so with a mere thought, and a flick of his hand, Loki turned himself into a seal. The Mischief Monger closed his eyes for a moment to listen to the beautiful song drifting across the waves, then clapped his flippers together and jumped into the surf. At the other end of the beach Heimdall witnessed it all from his horse Gulltop. He quickly kicked his mount into a galllop, and dismounted at a run when he reached the spot where Loki had jumped into the surf. Heimdall stared out over the endless ocean and heard Odin's words echo in his mind. " I need to send Heimdall, who was born of nine Giantess mothers, and who also has the ability to transform himself into other creatures, to catch Loki. " Heimdall shook his head from side to side in disbelief. " I cannot believe what I am about to do ! " he said out loud. - End Chapter 8 - Next : Chapter 9 : Two Can Play That Game ! - Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.  Freyja's Necklace  Heimdall was surprised when he reached Sessrumnir and the front doors were unlocked. As he entered he could hear Freyja crying in one of the back chambers. He also saw something that he had never seen before. Throughout the hall hundreds of Freyja's cats were standing with their teeth bared, and their backs arched as though they were expecting something very bad to happen. Then Heimdall felt the first of many tremors to come. Freyja's sorrow had now turned to anger, and her seidr, unrestrained, was shaking Asgard with every beat of her broken heart ! Heimdall carefully made his way past the hissing cats to Freyja's chamber. Inside he found the Vanir Goddess sitting at a table with her face buried in her hands. Off to the left on the table, with its lid opened sat the box the Brisingamen necklace was in when she received it from the Dwarves. Now it was empty, and Heimdall knew instinctively that it had been stolen. " Freyja ! " Heimdall said softly. " Are you hurt ? " he asked. The Vanir Goddess spun around on the bench she was seated on and looked at Heimdall with eyes that were both tearful and vengeful at the same time. " I am fine Heimdall . " she told him. " It is my heart that is broken. For someone has stolen my beautiful necklace ! " she told him angrily. Heimdall was about to offer his sympathy for her loss when suddenly the front doors of the hall flew open and Hermod ran into Sessrumnir. " Heimdall ! Heimdall, I know that you are here ! " Hermod shouted. The silent sentinel walked back out into the hall and waved to Hermod. " Yes I am here ! I came when I heard the Goddess wailing. " he told Hermod. Hermod ran over to Heimdall and grabbed him by the arm. " All - Father wishes to see you at once ! " he told Asgard's protector. Heimdall turned and peered into Freyja's bed chamber. " I must go now Freyja ! I promise you I will not rest until I have found the one who has taken your Brisingamen necklace, and on my oath it will be by my hands that it is returned to you ! " he told her confidently. Hermod tugged on Heimdall's arm again. " Please Heimdall ! Odin was adamant that you come at once ! " Hermod told him again. Heimdall nodded to Odin's messenger. " Then we should not keep Valfather waiting any longer. " Heimdall replied. Outside of Sessrumnir Odin's great horse Sleipnir awaited them. Hermod mounted first, and then he took Heimdall's hand and helped him up onto the great steed. Hermod hit Sleipnir gently with the reins, and kicked him with his spurs. Within a few short gallops the great horse was airborne, flying at great speed towards Odin's abode Hlidskjalf. Sleipnir landed next to the last golden step that led up to the great hall, and both Hermod and Heimdall dismounted quickly. Once inside the hall the two Asgardians proceeded toward the viewing chamber where Odin could look out over all the nine worlds from his great high - seat. There they found the All -Father staring down on Midgard watching something very intently. Hermod knelt before his Lord. " I have brought Heimdall great Odin ! " he told the preoccupied Lord of Asgard. Odin did not respond to Hermod, but instead looked over at Heimdall. " Loki has outdone himself this time ! He is nothing more than a common thief ! First he steals Sif's hair, then he kidnaps Idunn, and takes her golden apples, and now..... now he has stolen Freyja's necklace ! " he told Heimdall angrily. Heimdall shook his head in disgust. " Have you sent Thor after him ? " Heimdall asked. Odin narrowed his eye, and pounded his fist on the arm of the high - seat. " My son, once again, is off chasing after Jotuns to protect Midgard, and is not here to serve his father, or Asgard ! " he explained loudly to Heimdall. Hermod stood up and bowed respectfully to his father. " Allow me to go after Loki, my Lord ! I assure you that I will bring him back to Asgard to pay for his crime ! " he told his father. Odin rose up from his high - seat, and pointed to Heimdall as he spoke to Hermod. " No ! Loki is a crafty son of a bitch, and a Jotun shape changer as well. I need to send Heimdall, who was born of nine Giantess mothers, and who also has the ability to transform himself into other creatures, to catch Loki. " he explained to his son. Heimdall nodded to Odin. " I am honored that Valfather has so much confidence in me, but who will guard Bifrost and protect Asgard in my absence " he asked Odin. Odin managed a weak smile. " I understand your concern my old friend. I will have my sons Vali and Vidar watch over the entrance to our Asgardian realm. " Odin explained. Hermod turned away from Odin. " Can I be of no help at all to my Lord ? " he asked dejectedly. Odin stepped down off of Hlidskjalf and placed his hand on Hermod's shoulder. " Does my messenger feel unappreciated ? " he asked Hermod. Hermod turned and faced Odin. " I simply wish to serve you my Lord ! " he reiterated. Odin smiled at young Hermod. " As much as I need Heimdall to go after Loki, I need you, my swift messenger, to take Sleipnir and ride to a beach called Huk Badestrand on the shores of Norway, in Midgard . There you will meet with a sea maiden named Minda." he told Hermod. Hermod gazed at Odin with a puzzled look upon his face. " How shall I contact her, and what message do I give to this sea maiden ? " he asked. Odin smiled and looked into the distance as if he were searching for a long lost friend. " Simply call her name, Minda, over and over, and she will come. " Odin told his son. Hermod nodded. " And the message ? " Hermod asked. Odin laughed ! " Tell her Odin wishes her to sing a song for Loki. She will know what it means ! " he explained. Heimdall looked at Hermod and then at Odin. " And where in all of Midgard should I look for Loki ? " Heimdall asked Odin. Odin seemed surprised by the question. " Why my old friend Heimdall, you will go to that same beach........ and Loki will come to you ! " he told the silent sentinel with a little grin. - End Chapter 7 - Next Chapter 8 : The Singing Stone - Glenn Bergen, ( Ravensheart ), © Copyright, 2015.  |
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