“Oh don’t look at me like that, Odin.” She sighed. “I’m only here to keep up my end of a bargain.”
“You would interfere in this?”
“I would.” She chuckled, waving Vár toward Erik. “Is there any reason I shouldn’t?”
Odin lifted his head, looking down at Hel, still holding Gungnir in his hands. He pointed the spear at Erik. “You know what he is. And yet you would stop me? Is that what you wish on us all?”
Hel laughed mockingly. “Of course I know. Why would I bother with him if I didn’t?” She smiled coyly. “But a bargain is still a bargain.”
“And why should I not be rid of him? What do I care for your bargains?”
Hel’s face darkened but the smile remained, daring Odin to defy her. “You can destroy him. Go ahead. But you know I’ll have you return what’s mine if you do… all of it.” Her tone changed to one that was almost chipper. “Or, you can let him walk out of this wonderful hall and return to my wonderful city. I mean, either one works for me, but since I came all the way here, I don’t feel like leaving without a gift.”
Odin seethed, his teeth grinding. Without a word, he put Gungnir back in its place and stormed out of the hall. The valkyries left with him and the hall stood empty again, except for Erik, Göll, Hel, and Vár. Hel immediately turned and took her leave.
“Just in case I need to say it myself… Come see me, Erik. We have a lot to discuss.”
With that she was gone, Vár still at his side. He ignored her, crouching beside Göll. She was breathing, but exhausted. Erik lifted her, struggling to hold her up with exhaustion coursing through his body. The blow that killed Gunnr had been nearly all the strength in him. He walked from the hall with Vár beside him. She kept close to him as they walked into the square. It was empty now, quiet.
Erik looked at Vár. “Why are you here?”
“Seems I’m not allowed to watch you from a distance anymore. Hardly my own choice.” She looked him over. “Though, you are certainly more interesting than Hel had said. Saving a murderess and standing against the Allfather.” She laughed. “Very interesting.”
They returned to the streetcar, Erik eager to return to the hotel and make sure that Tove and Ljunge were still alive. There was no way of knowing if they were. Vár offered no help, saying she’d not had the pleasure of dying in Odin’s hall of doomed men.
He reached the hotel, carrying Göll upstairs. She had shown no sign of waking during their trip and her breath was still shallow. It was stable enough, though. The clerk seemed surprised to see him return but came to Erik anyway when he entered.
“Y-y-you have… returned? From Valhalla?”
Erik walked past the man, who turned, following him. “Yeah. Seems like it.”
“That is… very…” The clerk cleared his throat. “Of course, you are still welcome. Your party has returned… they… the girl seems worse for the wear but the man— such a charming man— he said it would be alright.” The clerk entered the elevator and pressed the button for the top floor. “They are in the same room.”
Erik thanked the clerk, carrying Göll to the door. He could hear Tove screaming from the far side. Vár opened it and Ljunge stood, hands going to the empty sheaths at his sides.
“Erik.” He calmed seeing Erik. “And the valkyrie.” He chuckled. “I hadn’t expected either of you, if I’m honest.” Ljunge smiled, giving an exaggerated bow to Vár who scoffed and went to find a chair.
Erik took Göll to the bed, laying her beside Tove before collapsing onto a couch and giving a heavy sigh.
“I’m hungry.”
“Punching a valkyrie hard enough to turn her to gemstones likely does that to a man. Not that I’d know.” Ljunge was looking at Vár. “Why is Hel’s seductress here?”
Vár looked at Ljunge. “You would do well to mind how you speak of me.”
Ljunge looked at Erik, eyes wide. “I like her, Erik.”
As much as the comfort of Ljunge’s carefree nature was welcome, Erik could not stop himself worrying about Göll. He would have to go and see Hel and have some answers to his questions. He sat up on the couch.
“Ljunge. Go order some food. I’ll explain everything that happened in Valhalla.” He paused. “Well, all the parts I understand.” Erik looked at Göll lying motionless on the bed. “I’ll be asking Hel about the rest.”
chapter|35
Ljunge brought food, including some for Tove, in case she made it past her pain, and some for Vár, likely in case she would like him better for having done so. She ate the food but showed no real appreciation for Ljunge’s effort. Though Tove had stopped her screaming, she was still incapable of moving for the most part.
When the meal was done, Ljunge sat himself unnecessarily close to Vár and acted as though it was incidental, turning the attention to Erik.
“What plans do you have?”
Erik sighed, unsure exactly what it was he intended to do. “Assuming Hel has no intention of carrying on, I plan on finding out what we’re supposed to do now.” Erik buried his head in his hands in frustration for a moment. Without moving his hands, he continued. “It seems pretty obvious that fucking Odin wants to kill me. That’s a pretty new piece of information to deal with.”
Ljunge crossed his legs, leaning toward Vár. “Well, what have you done to him?”
“Nothing. I didn’t even believe in him until I ended up getting stabbed in the lung by flying crazies. Maybe a few hours before, actually, but that’s not really important.”
“You did not believe in Odin?” Ljunge gave a disbelieving laugh. “Who do you imagine
