Ljunge shrugged. “I only know the way to one place I can eat and sleep. And that way is to follow you.” He smiled. “Besides, we should dine together at least. Toast to new friendships. I will buy the food, even!”
Erik couldn’t bring himself to be bothered if Göll was unconcerned. There was no good reason in turning Ljunge away, and a friend was better than a stranger or an enemy if the pervert was honest.
“Sure. I’ll take free food.”
“Then it’s settled! I’ll even treat the flat-chested demon!”
Tove swung, connecting hard with Ljunge’s arm. He gave no reaction which only served to further Tove’s anger. She pouted again, moving to Erik’s side and keeping close to him until they reached the lobby of the hotel.
It was easily the nicest hotel lobby Erik had ever seen the inside of. Fine wood carvings, with statues of gods and goddesses all around, all lacquered and shined. Off the lobby was a restaurant and there was polished wood and marble on nearly every surface. The clerk at the front desk looked up from his counter and, when he saw Göll, immediately pulled up a bell, ringing it enthusiastically.
Erik stopped. He couldn’t be sure exactly the meaning of the bell, but he didn’t want to seem to be a threat if burly men came from the sides of the room. None did, and the clerk waved him over.
“Oh, honored einherjar, you are most, most welcome. Please, we will take your packs.”
Bellhops in bright green uniforms came out, relieving all three of the group of their packs and taking them to the side of the lobby where they waited attentively.
“It is a fine choice you’ve made, coming to our establishment. Might I have your name?”
Erik looked around, not sure how to feel. “Uh, sure. Haki Erik Styrsson.”
“Ooh.” The clerk raised his eyebrows, impressed, and wrote the name down. “Well, Haki, is that the name you prefer?”
“Erik.”
“Very good. I must say, you are most welcome and, of course, as you’ve graced our fine inn with the presence of one chosen by Odin we are happy to extend to you our three finest rooms, free of charge, and any meals you may need.” The man smiled.
Erik knit his brow. “Why?”
The man seemed more confused than Erik was. “I’m sorry?”
“Why give me the rooms?”
The man laughed. “Oh, I do apologize. It has been so long since there has been an einherjar among us here that I simply forgot how arduous your travels can be.” The man came around. “I will explain and show you to your rooms.” He led them toward an elevator. Ljunge and Tove both looked at it curiously, only Göll followed Eric in immediately. “I see you know of elevators, Sir Erik. An impressive man.”
“Yeah, they’re not new.”
“Very, very good.” The man was genuinely pleased for whatever reason. He waved Tove and Ljunge in, following and pressing a button. “The presence of an einherjar does us a service, of course. The brutes beyond the bridge cannot understand the glory you bring to all humankind by serving Odin. We—”
“Ah!” Tove shouted as the elevator started moving. “What’s happening? This box closet is moving.”
“It goes up… just calm down, okay? It’s normal.” She clung to his arm and Erik motioned for the man to continue.
“We all among Helborgen understand the value of the einherjar. You will make us all proud come Ragnarok. They are concerns far from the minds of those simple farmers. No offense intended to present company, of course.”
They rode to the top floor, exiting. There were no windows in the hall and only four rooms at all in the area. The clerk pulled three keys from his pocket and moved to the rooms.
“We only need two,” Tove said, her arm still latched to Erik’s. “One would do, as Ljunge’s not with us.”
The clerk looked surprised. “Is he not? I’m sorry if—”
“No, it’s fine. A room for him. Sorry. Just two, though.”
“Very good.” He opened the first door, handing the key to Erik. “Then I will leave you your privacy and show Sir Ljunge to his room.”
Erik walked into the room first. As soon as Göll had closed the door, Tove lost the ability to control herself. She immediately ran to the windows, looking out over a park.
“It’s beautiful! There is so much here that makes no sense! Is it all magic? The gods have magic, it must be the same for Hel. She is a goddess, is she not?”
Göll scoffed at the statement, something Tove didn’t seem to care about. Erik explored the room, finding a bathroom complete with tub, shower, and toilet.
“Indoor plumbing!” He’d said the words louder than he intended to and Tove came running.
“What is it?”
“Toilets!”
Tove looked around the bathroom, not sure what exactly he was referring to. “The white chair!”
“How is it a toilet?” She walked over to it, Erik behind her, nearly prancing in his excitement.
“Look, you just use it like normal. And then…” He pulled the cord above the toilet and it flushed. He rolled his head back. “Ahhh, it makes… it’s so good. Tove, you don’t understand. And you wipe with this paper. Or,” he looked around, pointing to a second bowl, “you use that thing. It’s called a bidet.”
She nodded for a moment. “You told me about the paper. I remember that.” She turned around. “What is this closet?”
Erik walked to it, opening the glass door and turning on the water.
“Water!” She walked over, putting her hand in it. “Hot water!” She licked her hand. “Clean water!” Tove turned, pushing him toward the bathroom door. “You need to go. I have to use this…”
“Shower.”
“Shower, yes. I need it.” She shut the door behind him and he heard her giggling on the other side.
Erik went to sit in one of the half dozen chairs scattered around the room. The lights were electric but there were no more modern items. No radio, phone, or television.
“It’s weird.”
Göll came over by the chair. “What is?”
“It’s
