The Norse Sorcerer

Author

Acknowledgments

Once again, I would like to thank the brilliant team at Tule Publishing for everything through each and every step of seeing The Norse Sorcerer published.

A huge thank you to Meghan Farrell. It is always great to know you are just an email away with continued support, encouragement, answers and quick responses to whatever I need. I really do appreciate that so much.

To Jenny Silver, Lee Hyat, Nikki Babri and Cyndi Parent for all each of you have done with promotions, corresponding with the cover designer, ensuring all the links for ordering are in place and various other responsibilities I am probably not even aware of. I know how valuable your contributions are to seeing my series published.

To my developmental editor, Rachel Jackson, thanks so much for absolutely everything. I feel really indebted to you for how much you assisted me with The Norse Sorcerer. It was truly the most challenging book I have ever written. Your input, ideas and assistance have helped so much with making Mikkel a likeable hero and his and Brenna’s relationship a believable love story. I am grateful for your interest and your support and really happy you are enjoying the series.

To Helena Newton thank-you for the terrific copy editing. One day I will master the lie versus lay dilemma…or maybe I should just have my characters do less lying together. Lol. Of course that is not likely to happen.

I am sure you are also entirely tired of the word entirely and hope to never see it again after how many times you needed to delete it. I had no notion I used that word so much so thanks for pointing that out. Thanks for catching the differences of spelling in character’s names and other important details that I tend to forget when I am focusing on the story.

Thanks to Marlene Engel for the great proofreading. No matter how many times I go through my manuscripts, there are errors missed and I am so glad to have trained, experienced eyes checking over and catching the mistakes.

I would like to commend Ravven on another beautiful cover. Her designs continue to awe me. I thought I couldn’t possibly like another cover as much as the first in this series, but I was wrong. I love this one, too. It really captures the steamy but dangerous appeal of Mikkel and the gentle loveliness of Brenna. I continue to receive so many compliments on these stunning covers.

Again I want to thank my family, my husband Mark and daughters, Katrina and Jerilyn for all the assistance with day to day life when I’ve been off on a Viking ship in a distant century. Thanks to my beautiful grandkids for offering love and inspiration.

I also want to thank my much appreciated and always supportive friends.

Thanks to the amazing readers who have reached out to let me know they enjoyed the first book in my Vikings of Highgard series and are looking forward to reading more. That is so good to hear. I hope you continue to love the series as much as I am in writing it.

Chapter One

"Asta, where are you? Brenna called as she stood outside the sealed entrance to the forbidden caves. You were strictly warned not to go inside these dreaded caves of death!" Her voice sounded shrill even to her, but she was beginning to panic, for Asta had been gone since sunrise.

By the goddess Solveig, Brenna! I am not within the infernal caves! Asta blared.

Brenna jumped, startled by her twin sister who now stood directly behind her. She breathed a sigh of relief even as Asta chastised her.

You are not my keeper, Brenna. Being born first, although in truth apparently mere ravens’ calls before me, does not indicate you must watch over me like a Highgardian goshawk. You are as annoyingly protective as our older sister. I thought with her gone we might actually enjoy more freedoms.

You sound pleased Torunn is no longer here with us in our realm of Highgard! Brenna accused.

That isn’t true. Asta’s sad tone confirmed her words.

Two whole moons have passed and the vessel in which Torunn traveled has not reappeared to take us as we expected, Brenna said. I am becoming increasingly fearful. Torunn will have been in Midgard for some time now. I know she’s dauntless and strong and surely able to defend herself, but I yearn to know she is safe. I want the three of us to be together again. The longer you and I remain here in Highgard, the greater the possibility we will fall ill with the scarlet affliction.

I’m not without concern for her, Brenna, but I did warn you and Torunn. I’m not certain we should have trusted the light-beings when they insisted we go to Midgard. Neither of you would listen to me and Torunn’s impulsiveness and desire to protect us might have brought about her own demise. She may not have safely journeyed to Midgard, to Norway, the land of the Vikings, Asta suggested.

Dare not speak those words, Asta! Surely, she made the journey safely. I feel it in my bones; Torunn lives. As our eldest sister, she bravely set out to find a location where we would be free of the threat of the Red Death. Perhaps Midgard and our realm of Highgard are simply not on the same moon cycles. The vessel will surely reappear soon so that we can join her. The night of the next whole moons will soon be upon us. I’ll go to be with Torunn, and then you will follow when next the moons wax.

Have you had a vision of Torunn since she left Highgard? Asta questioned.

Brenna shook her head. No, none at all. None to suggest she has arrived safely, but none to reveal she’s been harmed or is in peril.

Nor have I. With our sisterly bond, I believed we would sense her presence even though she is in another world. With our Highgardian gifts of seeing the truth and the future, I thought we would know, Asta said.

I thought so as well, Asta. Sometimes I do wonder about the purpose of our powers, of our godly magical abilities, if we don’t even know what has happened to Torunn. None of us predicted our younger sister Eydis’s death either, Brenna remembered woefully.

Maybe we weren’t permitted to see those visions for it would have been too painful for us. As an irrefutable seer, it is certain Eydis knew, but she simply protected us by not informing us of her prophetic visions of her own impending death, Asta said.

You have no signs of the affliction, Asta? Your eyes remain clear with no redness within, no fever or cough?

You asked me that this very morning as you do every morning, midday and night. Asta sighed. See for yourself, Brenna the Healer. I know it will ease your mind if you determine for yourself. Asta touched her arm in reassurance.

Brenna stared into her twin sister’s eyes and was relieved to discover they were a lovely shade of dark blue, as always, and the whites remained clear with no sign of red. She placed her hand to Asta’s brow, smiled when she was cool to the touch and then tightly embraced her.

Brenna, you are in a constant state of disquietude. I know you have always been diligent in tending to our health, but you were once filled with cheerfulness and unfaltering optimism. It was a joy to be in your company for your lightheartedness made you a treasure to all. Now you have changed and being in your presence leaves me uneasy. In truth, I avoid you when I am able.

Asta, often noted for her abrasiveness and speaking her mind with little regard for others, did appear to be concerned for Brenna as she offered her advice.

Perhaps you might go to the Ensorcell Forest, gather herbs…use your much-loved mortar and pestle, brew an elixir or concoction of some sort, maybe create more of the lovely fragrant potion for washing our hair.

I have created numerous remedies, Asta. I’ve collected ever so many herbs now bundled and tied, drying within my healing chamber, more than I could use even if we weren’t soon leaving Highgard. There are several bottles of the fragrant hair potion in our bedchamber. Finding herbs and creating potions and remedies is how I have filled much of my time since Eydie died and Torunn left.

Then go to the Whispering Waterfall, stand beneath it and allow the waters to calm you. Attempt to enjoy your remaining time in Highgard. You’ve always possessed a caring disposition for others, but with Eydis and Torunn gone, your mirth seems to have left you, Brenna. You’ve always derived joy from nature; go now to spend time with the birds and the animals. Do something besides constantly following me around and asking of my condition!

Brenna lowered her eyes and nodded. She was well aware she’d been unsettled much of the time since Torunn had gone. She disliked feeling responsible for Asta’s safety and she gave much credit to Torunn, for she’d capably borne responsibility for her three younger sisters for seven sun’s journeys since their aunt and grandmother died. Torunn was clearly much more suited to be the protector.

Torunn would dislike you comparing yourself to her! Asta had evidently heard her thoughts, as she so often did.

She would dislike you hanging about the caves as well.

Do you suppose Torunn has found a man in the human world? Asta surely purposely changed the subject for the caves were a point of contention between them. Do you think she has experienced the wild primal urges and physical desire the light-beings spoke of? Do you suppose she’s lost her virginity and been passionately joined with a man?

Asta, why would you dwell on such occurrences? I hope she hasn’t.

I hope she has! Asta insisted. It is what is meant to be shared between males and females. It’s true, we’ve never seen a male in Highgard. They all died of the scarlet affliction. Therefore, we haven’t had the opportunity to know this lusting the light-beings mentioned, but I do hope Torunn has found a man and has found much physical pleasure.

But are you not fearful of men, Asta? The light-beings also told us men are often lusting brutes who force themselves upon females. Would you wish that for Torunn?

Of course not! In truth, I would like to be there to witness what would surely happen should a man attempt to force himself on Torunn. She has killed horrid beasts, slain massive, fierce nidhoggrs with ease. She would snap a lecherous man like a twig!

I am not certain if that eases my concerns or causes me to fear for her even more, Brenna admitted. You recall, our shared visions suggested these Viking men are often tall and brawny, fierce and ruthless. Perhaps Torunn may not be capable of defending herself against them, especially if they are unscrupulous or bloodthirsty.

I think you might do well to spend time with a man, Brenna. It is apparently a means to relieve unease and said to cause a pleasing, euphoric sensation.

Asta, you are impossible! Why would your mind dwell upon this at length when we are not even in the human world?

Why would you not dwell on it? I think you might wisely choose to dwell on it rather than Torunn’s fate, or the possibility the vessel might not return, or I might have begun to show signs of the Red Death…or if there are enough stores to feed us till we leave Highgard or…

Enough! Brenna interrupted. I am off to the Ensorcell Forest and the Whispering Waterfall to find solitude…and you can wipe that smug grin off your face, Asta Seer of Spirits, and go speak with Eydie’s spirit.

Asta had been truly relieved when Eydis’s spirit had finally begun to come to her, for she had worried she may not be capable of seeing her. Although Brenna’s Highgardian powers did not include any abilities to see or communicate with spirits, she did clearly hear Eydis calling to Asta even now.

*

Brenna stood under the gloriously warm waterfall and allowed the water to comfort her body and ease her mind. She grinned, for Asta had been correct, spending time in the peacefulness of the Ensorcell Forest and under the soothing water had finally calmed her. Asta’s demeanor was often fractious, but her heart was true, and her suggestions made with good intent.

Brenna loosened her lengthy, curly golden hair. She wore it twisted at the sides and then tied back, never entirely free the way Asta did, or in a side plait like Torunn, or two plaits like Eydie had. She wondered how women in the human world fashioned their hair or if it was floor length like female Highgardian hair.

As she stood there unclothed beneath the waterfall, she experienced the oddest sensation, as though she was being watched. Besides the animals here, it was only Asta and herself left in all of Highgard. Nearly everyone had died of the Red Death. With her kinship to animals, Brenna would surely not feel unsettled if it were only an animal observing her. This felt markedly different. She hastily dove within the water and when she emerged she stayed within the pool, covered to her neck by the water, and looked intently around her, for she remained unnerved.

She considered her worries and consequent sleeplessness lately might have caused her to suffer an affliction of the mind and be overly suspicious. She spotted one large raven high in the tree; it appeared to be staring straight at her. That would not typically unsettle her, for ravens were one of the animals connected to the House of Solveig…ravens and wolves.

She and her sisters were the thirteenth generation of the goddess Solveig, a sister of Odin. Solveig had been imprisoned in Asgard but escaped. She’d been warned she’d be killed if Odin ever found her again. Soon after, Solveig found the beautiful realm of Highgard. Solveig and her peace-loving followers and the many generations of their descendants had lived here ever since.

There had been some difficulties and life in Highgard was not always without challenges with wild beasts and unpredictable times. Yet the crops had grown well, the orchards were abundant, and the forests filled with animals to provide meat and furs.

There had been some disagreements between houses and families, the usual petulance when many people lived together, but mostly it had been a harmonious time for centuries. There had been some instances of disease and illness, but never a widespread affliction for Highgardians were a hardy people, strong and tenacious. However, the deplorable Red Death had hit their realm with an unrelenting voracity.

First the men and boys developed large bright red disfigurations upon their faces and bodies and often experienced a slow, unpleasant death, for the malady sometimes lasted many sun’s journeys. The women and girls usually only suffered for a few moons, for other than the same blood-red eyes and weeping blood, there were no outward signs. Instead the Red Death ravaged their bodies internally and more quickly but with fewer visible symptoms. The insidious scarlet affliction, the detestable Red Death, had finally claimed all the others.

The sisters’ aunt and grandmother had died some time ago, their aunt killed by a nidhoggr, one of the frightening corpse-eating creatures found in their realm. Bestamor died simply because she was elderly, and possibly due to a broken heart after losing her daughter.

It was always believed those of the direct line of Solveig were immune to the scarlet affliction until their youngest sister Eydis fell ill and died of the horrid malady some moons earlier. Their older sister, Torunn, left soon after to journey to Midgard. Now there was only she and her twin Asta left in the entire realm of Highgard.

Brenna looked intently at the raven. With her keen Highgardian eyesight she was able to clearly see the bird, though it remained a considerable distance away. She was startled, for the raven possessed unusual blue eyes, sky-blue eyes. When she closed her own eyes, she envisioned a man with eyes identical to the raven’s. He possessed dark black hair and many odd markings, black and dark blue symbols upon his skin. She saw him smile as though he actually saw her. Something in the smile caused her to be both intrigued and uneasy. She opened her eyes and was relieved to see the raven was gone.

Chapter Two

Asta and Brenna sat at the lengthy table in the Hall of Ancestors. The huge chamber with the massive stone walls and grand tall ceiling was so extraordinarily large, their voices often echoed. The four sisters had taken delight in that as children, and often called out loudly to each other simply to hear themselves.

The room had nearly endless marble pillars, huge arched windows, and the enormous walls were adorned with a multitude of tapestries and paintings of ancestors they’d never met. The largest painting was of the goddess Solveig, sitting here in this very room on her Highgardian throne. Brenna liked the painting, for Solveig’s eyes were filled with humility and kindness, not superiority, vanity or wrath as were often mentioned in the tales of the gods of Asgard. Brenna and her sisters often noted Torunn bore a striking resemblance to Solveig, but Torunn always dismissed their compliments on her remarkable beauty.

Brenna and Asta had not been here in the Hall of Ancestors for some time. They usually chose to take their meals in the gardens or their bedchamber since Eydis had died and Torunn was gone. Now they sat together at the absurdly long table in the huge hall. They ate broth, salted venison, apples and berries.

You are unusually quiet, Brenna. What unease fills your mind tonight? Perhaps you are now dwelling on what it might be like to lie with a man? Have you begun to experience sudden wild desire?

Brenna narrowed her eyes at her sister and shook her head. The light-beings said after the males in Highgard died the older females combined their powerful magical abilities and created a spell that ensured females would no longer experience physical desire. As long as no males were born, and only females remained here, it was to be so. Has their spell failed, then? Are you filled with wild desire to find a man so that you might couple? Is that why you can speak of little else?

Asta laughed. I am simply filled with curiosity, Brenna. You cannot tell me you haven’t thought of it as well, for I do sometimes hear your thoughts.

"With curiosity, certainly it has crossed my mind on occasion. It is what those here in Highgard once shared. Our mother and father shared a great love, or so it was said, and they created four daughters, so they did lie together even after Father was apparently much physically changed due to the affliction.

I never expected to see a man or to ever feel such needs, so I certainly have not dwelled on it at length. Since the light-beings instructed us on the way it is between males and females, and on the primal urges we will apparently experience when we are amongst men…and the powerful desires of males, it is surely on my mind more than it might have been. I am confident when I journey to the human world and experience such desires, I will not be displeased, and it will not be off-putting to me, but there is little sense in dwelling on it now.

Asta appeared to be deep in thought. Do you think it is painful, the physical joining of male and female? she asked.

You are recalling the unsettling ordeal we witnessed when we happened upon two spotted mountain wildcats mating.

I believe it disturbed Torunn more than any of us. Asta smiled as she remembered.

With the frightening screeching, Torunn surely thought they might turn on us…until she saw what they were actually doing. She told us to close our eyes and back away. It did seem to be displeasing and surely painful. The female wildcat did not appear to approve of the joining, Brenna recalled.

Do you suppose it might be so with our kind or with humans? Asta asked again.

Well it is not as though we would have questioned Bestamor or Aunt Magnahild much in that regard for we were still young when they died. Torunn always answered our many inquiries, but she wasn’t capable of answering queries about males and physical love. We may have asked Mother, but we were less than three sun’s journeys when she died.

Or when Mother was taken or journeyed to the human world. Asta dared to mention what they now suspected might be the truth.

I would truly like to learn of Mother’s fate, Brenna admitted.

Isn’t it better to contemplate what intimate physical joining might be like than to attempt to discern Mother’s fate or Torunn’s safety?

Perhaps, Brenna agreed with a smile.

So, do you suppose it is painful? Asta asked again.

I can’t believe it would be so, Brennna replied. The sheep don’t seem opposed or so frantic, nor did the deer I once saw mating in the Ensorcell Forest. Why would females partake in such joining if it was painful? That couldn’t be how it is for Highgardians, for apparently it was desired by male and female alike and not simply for the purpose of creating offspring. It is said females craved it as well. I don’t believe you or I would care to be with a man if it caused pain. Surely no female Highgardian or human would desire pain!

If we knew the size of the male appendage then we might better judge if the joining would be painful or pleasurable. How large do you suppose male appendages might be? Do you suppose Highgardian and human males would be of similar proportions?

I’m sure I don’t know, Asta. How would I know that? I’ve not seen a Highgardian male, much less his appendage, so I certainly couldn’t speak of the proportions of a human male. The light-beings did say the human world, the land of the Norse, was chosen because the people there are often tall and strong, similar to Highgardians, but how would I know the size of any part of them?

Do you think perhaps the appendages might be the size of that of a wolf or a sheep, a deer?

The wolf I once tamed seemed to have his pizzie exposed for us to see quite a lot. But when would you have seen those other animals’ pizzies?

Asta laughed at the word their grandmother had used when speaking of the male sex. I haven’t seen them…well a sheep’s pizzie, and yes the wolf you tamed, but you’re the one who knows much of animals.

I suspect the size of a man’s pizzie would be entirely dependent on the size of the Highgardian or the man, just like hands or feet or breasts in women, Brenna surmised.

You and I are similarly proportioned in breast size—we are twins and nearly the identical height and shape. Eydis was ever so tiny and most displeased she possessed very small breasts. Torunn is tall and statuesque and notably more blessed in that regard, Asta said.

It would have been a ridiculous consideration for Eydie to have breasts like Torunn, or legs or arms or any part of her. The girls laughed.

Eydis once jested that if Mother had carried many more daughters they would have eventually been the size of infants even upon adulthood, Asta said.

You spoke with her spirit earlier today? Brenna asked.

I did. I am surprised you did not ask me of this till now.

I don’t want you to think I wish to pry into all aspects of your life. I believed you would tell me if you wanted me to know.

Are you envious I can speak with Eydis and you cannot? the always straightforward Asta asked.

Brenna considered it as she looked at Asta. I don’t deny I would adore the ability to see and speak with Eydie again for I miss our little sister very much. But I am not envious of you. I am happy you are able to see her; it must be a great comfort. I am content with my ability to heal and my closeness with animals. The visions sometimes unsettle me, but I am mostly pleased with my Highgardian gifts.

I would be envious, perhaps even bitter. If I could not see Eydis…if you could speak with her and I could not, I would be consumed with envy.

I do appreciate your honesty, Asta, well most of the time. She smiled.

You are truly kind, Brenna—good-natured and generous.

Not always, Asta. But I am curious to know what you and Eydie spoke of today. I had a strong sense she wanted to speak with you and I heard her calling to you. It hasn’t happened before, but I heard her voice within my mind.

Eydis told me to stay away from the caves.

Did she? Brenna hoped Asta would listen to Eydis, for Brenna felt concern in knowing the caves drew Asta to them. Well I hope you will abide Eydie’s wisdom and heed her warning. She senses danger then?

She said nothing good would come of me entering the caves.

It is my belief as well, Asta, and the light-beings did say the imitators dwell within the caves. Surely you don’t want to encounter another imitator, for they are most convincing. It isn’t worth the risk of entering the caves or finding another of the deceptive beings. If one could accurately convince you he was our father, perhaps they could imitate Eydie or Aunt Magnahild or Bestamor. I urge you to listen to Eydie and to me, Asta. Don’t go near the caves again and never within them.

Asta fidgeted on her chair. It was clear she was uncomfortable discussing the subject. She had once seen a spirit who said he was their father and the light-beings believed it had been an imitator. Although Asta, Seer of Spirits, was indeed capable of seeing many spirits and it was her most prevalent Highgardian gift, she had never seen their father’s spirit before nor the spirit of any male Highgardian. The imitator posing as their father had tried to convince them they should stay in Highgard and not make the journey to Midgard. Brenna believed Asta was not wholly convinced it hadn’t been their father, but she preferred not to discuss the matter. Now, Asta chose not to reply to Brenna’s comment about avoiding the caves. Instead, she spoke more of Eydis.

Eydis said you should no longer be fretful. She assured me the vessel would come when next the moons have waxed. It will not be long now.

You didn’t think you should tell me this, Asta, that it might not be worthy of mentioning?

Asta’s dark blue eyes filled with uncommon tears and she turned from Brenna as she spoke. You think I wish to be parted from you, to be entirely alone in Highgard? I think I’d prefer for you to stay with me, for the two of us to suffer whatever fate might befall us together. You were once of the same mind that when we died, we would die together.

I believe there will be hope for us in Midgard in the world of humans. Besides when you remain here, you will have spirits to speak with…Eydie, and Bestamor and Aunt Magnahild. It won’t be long till you make the journey as well. If I could stay behind and speak with Eydie and wait to take my turn to journey in the vessel, I would, but I can’t see or speak with her. You know how I fear being alone.

Asta nodded and Brenna saw she understood.

I am the only one of my sisters who has such a distinct fear of being alone. Throughout my life when I was off in the forest, or the meadows, while the animals always comforted me, I was consoled to know you and Torunn and Eydie were close by…that I was not alone. I’ve never spent a night alone in all my life. You often did when you went to sleep in another of the many long-vacant Highgardian homes. I never went exploring Highgard all on my own for days as Torunn did, for I truly despise the notion of being alone.

I know of your fears, Brenna, and you of mine. The thought of being in the dark frightens me to the core. When I spent those nights alone you can be sure the fires, torches and candles burned brightly in the chambers. I abhor the thought of being in the dark. Her face suddenly filled with unease. Do you believe it is only darkness Eydis saw? When the scarlet affliction left her eyes gravely impaired, would she have seen only darkness?

Eydie admitted her eyes burned hot as fire and were nearly sightless. Any light near her eyes caused her pain; but no, Asta, I don’t think it was only darkness she saw. And Eydie didn’t fear darkness, she feared the nidhoggrs and the goubelins. She was terrified of them. Brenna recalled her younger sister’s dread even at hearing the sounds of the horrid beasts.

What do you suppose Torunn fears? She always appeared fearless, Asta asked.

She fears not being capable of keeping us safe, Brenna said without pause. When Eydie fell ill and eventually died we all grieved, we all ached with the unbearable loss. You felt responsible because you’d taken Eydie into the caves and I lamented for I couldn’t save her for all my efforts. Torunn was especially heartsick, for as the eldest she always felt it was her duty to keep us protected.

Asta nodded. It must have been an impossible consideration as a young girl herself to always feel the need to keep all of us safe. I truly hope she is even now passionately joined, torridly engaged with a human male or perhaps one of the lost Highgardians. Asta raised her eyebrows and smirked as Brenna simply shook her head again.

As I was saying… Brenna cleared her throat to stem Asta’s constant discussion of physical joining. Escaping Highgard is surely the only way to protect us from the Red Death. I know leaving us was difficult for Torunn, for always she wanted to protect us, but she has a fine, brilliant mind and strong intuition. She knew the only way to ensure our safety was to follow the light-beings’ advice and go to this Norway, to live amongst the humans often known as Vikings to make certain this location was safe, Brenna stated.

But even if she arrived there without incident and then discovered it was a dangerous place, she would have no way to inform us. She couldn’t warn us that we may be sent to our deaths. Even the light-beings are unable to see the human world; they have only seen scattered visions. They don’t know if the three Highgardian boys sent away so long ago made it to the human world, or if they remain alive. Clearly, they won’t know if Torunn made it there without incident. The light-beings have not come to us since Torunn left, Asta said.

I think somehow Torunn would find a way to alert us if she believed we shouldn’t make the journey. As for the light-beings, I suspect they will return to us when the vessel arrives, when it is my turn to journey.

Eydis assured me it would be soon.

They sat together in silence for a time and then Brenna broached a subject that had been on her mind since she’d seen the odd raven.

Asta, do you recall the woman Runa who once lived in the small cottage in the lowlands, in the hills near the Crystal Mountains?

I do. I remember we went there a time or two with Aunt Magnahild, but only if Bestamor didn’t know, for she did not approve. I haven’t thought of Runa for some time.

She was the last Highgardian woman alive not of the Solveigian line, Brenna said.

We would have been eleven sun’s journeys when she died. I well remember because Aunt Magnahild died fighting the nidhoggr who was attempting to get to Runa’s body. Then Torunn, still just a girl of only thirteen sun’s journeys herself, killed the horrid nidhoggr so both Runa and our aunt would transcend, Asta said.

Yes, it was a tragic day. I am certain Bestamor would have lived longer if her only remaining daughter hadn’t been killed; if she didn’t bear the enormous responsibility of caring for four young girls.

Perhaps—although she was elderly when she died, over a century it is said, Asta replied.

Brenna considered that. But if that was so, why were Mother and Aunt Magnahild still young? If they were truly Bestamor’s daughters, could she have actually carried and birthed them when she was elderly? Brenna asked. I am a healer, but I truly know nothing of carrying a child or childbirth. Few babies have been born in our realm because of the Red Death. We were less than three sun’s journeys when Eydie was born and we weren’t allowed near the chamber when Mother gave birth.

I hadn’t thought of that. You are correct, Brenna. Even with her many powers, Bestamor would surely have been too old to bear children when Mother and Aunt Magnahild were born. She would have been well past seventy sun’s journeys. That would have been impossible, no? There do seem to be a good many secrets within our family. Do you suppose Bestamor was our great-grandmother then?

I am uncertain. That might be the truth of it, but why haven’t we questioned this before? Why with our intuitive abilities, wouldn’t we have known or sensed it?

I suppose because we were young it was simply the way of it all our lives. We thought Bestamor was our grandmother, our mother and Aunt Magnahild’s mother. But why did you speak of Runa today? Asta asked. She was said to be a dark sorceress and feared by many. I do recall that much.

I remember. Bestamor believed it was why she lived so long without becoming ill with the scarlet affliction. She lived well past the time when all the women and girls of the other twelve houses not of the line of Solveig died. Bestamor said Runa’s dark magic kept the Red Death from her door, Brenna said as she brought to mind the memories of that time. Bestamor seemed to disapprove of Aunt Magnahild’s friendship with Runa.

Would dark magic not be accepted or even welcomed if it could thwart the scarlet affliction? If I possessed dark magic, I would employ it without pause if it saved us from the Red Death, Asta admitted.

But Bestamor always said with dark magic came dark consequences sometimes felt for generations.

Asta’s blue eyes filled with uncertainty and she pushed her hair behind her ear as she always did when she was especially contemplative.

But still you have not told me why you spoke of Runa today, Asta prompted.

I recall hearing frighteningly disturbing stories of Runa. She apparently possessed the ability to send her consciousness within animals and other Highgardians. It was claimed she could somehow enter the mind of others and see what they saw. But what is considerably more unsettling—it was said she could even control their thoughts. It was rumored she sometimes took the form of a wolf or a raven, even a nidhoggr or a goubelin, Brenna said.

That is unsettling! But it could also suggest she was a shapeshifter, for apparently they once existed here in Highgard as well. But who would wish to go into the minds of animals or shift into the shape of animals, especially such horrid swamp creatures as nidhoggrs and goubelins? Asta pondered.

I think I might like to see through the eyes of an animal at times. I can understand why Runa might have done so but controlling another Highgardian’s mind is unconscionable. Perhaps it might have been simply a tall tale. Maybe she did possess dark magic and some of her deeds were questionable yet exaggerated. I cannot believe Aunt Magnahild would truly be a friend to her, die defending her body if she was a dark sorceress with malevolent intent or had a history of bending others’ thoughts or controlling their minds.

I think she must have possessed some form of dark magic, but why do you speak of Runa today, Brenna? Asta asked again with some impatience.

Brenna breathed deeply before she responded. Today when I was bathing in the Whispering Waterfall, a raven watched.

Animals often watch us no matter what we are doing, and they are especially drawn to you, Brenna, with your kinship to them.

Brenna shook her head. No, it wasn’t like that. It is difficult to explain, but I felt as though it was not an animal that watched me, but a Highgardian. It truly unnerved me, and the raven had very blue eyes. I am certain of it.

A raven with blue eyes? Asta scowled uncertainly as her brow furrowed. She pushed her light brown wavy hair behind her ear again as she remained deep in thought. Do you think there could be others like Runa who are capable of such feats? Could there possibly be others who remain alive somewhere high in the Crystal Mountains or in the dark mountains beyond? Asta asked with growing interest.

I suppose we wouldn’t know for certain. We have never seen or heard any signs of other Highgardians. Perhaps they could be hidden away from nidhoggrs or goubelins and might not want to venture here to our Solveigian fortress. We have never gone to the mountains before, but Torunn did. She stayed away for many nights and searched the area for some time.

But even Torunn could not have searched every area of the mountains. Look how vast they are! Asta went to the large window and gazed up at the mountains. Brenna stood beside her and they watched as the sun began to set over the beautiful mountains in question.

No, even Torunn with her strength and endurance could not have searched every portion of that enormous mountain range, and beyond the Crystal Mountains are the dark mountains, Brenna said. Torunn never went to the dark mountains.

So, we may not be alone in Highgard after all?

I don’t sense there is anyone here with us, Asta. As I said, it is difficult to explain.

Could it have been Torunn somehow attempting to see us from the world of humans?

She wasn’t capable of such feats here in Highgard; however, the light-beings did suggest our abilities and powers may be altered in Midgard. But the raven did not possess dark sapphire-blue eyes like Torunn, but more a clear sky blue, like the sky on a beautiful summer day.

Then perhaps it was someone from another world, someone in Midgard. Do you suppose it could be one of the lost Highgardian boys with the capability of seeing across the realms? Asta questioned.

Who can say? We don’t even know if the boys lived to reach Midgard, or if they remain alive now. We were never told who the three boys were, what families or houses they belonged to. We weren’t even born when they were sent away, and Torunn was only a newborn, Brenna said.

Torunn has claimed twenty sun’s journeys, two more than you and me; therefore the three boys have been gone from Highgard for twenty sun’s journeys, Asta stated.

They would all be adults now if they survived and if they still live, Brenna added.

If they possessed abilities like Runa, they may be capable of seeing us here in Highgard. I suppose that might be true.

Do you recall hearing whether Runa had children—a son, or sons who might have been sent to the land of humans? Brenna asked.

I am uncertain. Aunt Magnahild never mentioned it. Being Runa’s friend, she would surely have known. But our aunt was oddly unforthcoming whenever we asked about the vessel and the journey the Highgardian boys were said to have made, Asta recalled.

I remember she refused to discuss it. Although often willful and headstrong, she usually answered our queries, but not if we spoke of that topic. Brenna nodded.

I suppose I might summon her spirit and ask her now?

Do you believe that as a spirit she will be more willing to speak on it?

Well if she isn’t, she won’t refuse to speak on it as she did in life, but simply vanish before my eyes. Asta smiled. Spirits are often inclined to do so.

That might be a useful ability, Brenna jested.

I agree. Asta chuckled.

Would you summon Aunt Magnahild? Although I can’t see or hear her as you do, I can sometimes sense her energy around me.

I will attempt it, Asta agreed.

Chapter Three

"How do you summon a spirit, Asta?"

Sometimes I only need to think of them and they appear; other times they come to me without being summoned. Most often, I close my eyes and place my hands before me as though I am beckoning them to come to me. But with Aunt Magnahild, I usually have to loudly call her to me and she is not always swift in responding.

That does not surprise me. Brenna remembered her aunt as being stubborn and very strong-willed. Have you ever asked the spirits anything of their realm? Have they described what it is to be a spirit or revealed much of where they dwell? Brenna questioned. Has Eydie ever mentioned it to you?

They don’t speak of it…even when questioned their answers are always vague and noncommittal. I think perhaps it is not for the living to know. I believe to be a spirit is to remain mostly a mysterious consideration and their realm is to be known as only an intriguing mystical location…until we are actually there ourselves.

Brenna nodded and Asta elaborated, But Eydis has assured me she is happy and content. She’s said there is no pain or disquietude there, only joyous peacefulness. She is with Bestamor, Aunt Magnahild, Father and the spirits of so many others who have gone before, Asta added.

It is a great comfort to me to know Eydie is no longer in pain, and that they are together, that one day we will all be together again. We will finally meet Father. But Mother isn’t there; Eydie has never seen her there?

No, she assures me, Mother is not in the world of spirits. She doesn’t believe she died, Asta replied.

But what if Mother simply didn’t transcend? What if she died and her body was consumed by a nidhoggr? What if her spirit is forever caught between the world of the living and the dead? That would be a fate worse than death! Even the light-beings seem to know nothing of Mother. Does Eydie know where Mother is then? Has she gone to Midgard?

So many questions, my ever-curious twin sister. I asked Eydis that as well. She said being a spirit does not offer her the ability to know all. Asta paused before speaking again and drummed her fingers on the table, evidently deciding whether she would tell Brenna more.

What is it, Asta? What do you keep from me? Brenna asked.

Eydis did tell me something of Torunn.

Eydie knows of Torunn’s fate? How can that be? What news does she have of Torunn?

She only knows something of Torunn because Torunn has nearly entered the realm of spirits three times since she left us! Asta spoke swiftly and quietly as though she wasn’t certain she should speak of it at all.

Brenna gasped and put her hand to her chest, for she felt her heart lurch. Asta, why did you not speak of this before? Torunn is my sister, too. I have a right to know of this!

This is the very reason I didn’t mention it; I knew you would react with such distress. You already bear too many concerns, Brenna. You have possessed an uncommonly nervous disposition since Torunn left. I did not want to cause further vexation, for in truth I’m very concerned about you.

But Asta, you must share the good and bad with me, as sisters and most especially as twins—you must.

Since you did not hear my thoughts on the subject, I believed it best I keep it concealed.

I am not so fragile as you think, Asta. You cannot conceal important news from me because you feel I cannot bear the truth or because I am an empath and have been filled with fretfulness as of late. I have good reason to be fretful: we lost a sister to the Red Death, and another has gone to a distant world and apparently nearly died as well, not once but three times. Because I am sensitive and weep easily doesn’t mean I am unable to withstand pain or hardships. I am not feeble or faint of heart. I am also a healer and I am stronger than you think! Brenna fumed.

I have never thought you were weak or fragile, Brenna. You are an undeniably strong woman and I am proud you are my twin sister, but you are an empath and you not only feel others’ pain, you take on their pain as well. If I can protect you from misfortune or conceal truths that would only cause further fretfulness, then I feel inclined to do so.

Please do not attempt to protect me. Torunn protects me, you protect me, our aunt and grandmother did, even Eydie attempted to protect me. I am an adult not an infant. Evermore you must promise to share the truth with me. Even now, you must tell me, has Torunn crossed to the spirit world and you did not have the heart to tell me? I thought certain with my intuitiveness and my visions I would know if Torunn lived no more, but I did not sense her to be near death, so perhaps I am mistaken.

Eydis cannot see Torunn’s location. She doesn’t know if she journeyed safely to Midgard. But she told me she did speak with her when the veil was thin and Torunn was close to the spirit realm for she was dangerously cold and near death. Even though she has had three close brushes with death, Torunn lives. Eydis is certain of that!

Praise be to Solveig and all the Highgardian gods! Pray it remains so and that soon we will all three be together.

We will, Brenna; I am certain we will.

You were about to summon Aunt Magnahild’s spirit, Brenna reminded her.

I will soon do so, but for now you must eat. Eat your broth before it is completely cold. It will nourish and strengthen you! Asta said in a mocking voice, for Brenna often made similar statements to her.

Is that how I sound then? Do I truly sound shrewish and vexing in my heckling and needling you? Brenna asked.

In your defense, you’ve maintained your own pestering and goading me as well as taking on Torunn’s nettling. Who could blame you for no longer being capable of mirth or jesting? As a born healer and now a protector as well, how could you sound anything but a harping, overprotective, malcontent ogress? Asta chided.

Brenna smirked at Asta and apparently startled her completely when Brenna lifted her bowl and tossed the remaining broth upon her. With mouth agape, Asta looked down at her stained tunic but responded in a burst of laughter and sprayed Brenna with broth as well. Next, she swiftly hurled berries and apple cores, then moved behind the protection of the table should Brenna retaliate.

Brenna giggled as she playfully leapt at Asta and smeared berries on Asta’s face and tunic and in her hair, then hastened under the table, crawling on her hands and knees with Asta close behind. They giggled together and continued their frivolity. Asta caught her by the leg and she tumbled to the floor in uproarious laughter as Asta smeared a handful of berries on herface and hair as well.

Asta leapt onto a table and raced down the entire length with Brenna close behind. Brenna surprised her once more by retrieving a pitcher and slinging the cool water at her sister.

Call me an ogress, will you? Brenna laughed so hard she could barely catch her breath. Accuse me of being malcontent and unable to jest any longer! Their laughter echoed off the walls of the Hall of Ancestors in a merriment that had once been common with the four sisters, but not shared since Eydis became ill.

Asta’s hair and tunic were soaking wet. She raced after her twin as she dove beneath another table. They bounded in and out, above and below the tables, scattering flood, sending tablecloths to the floor and then, breathless, Brenna hid and insisted Asta close her eyes and count for a time before she came to find her. They hadn’t done so since they were children. Asta finally located her hiding beneath the Solveigian throne. They laughed together, and Brenna put her arms around Asta and squeezed her tightly.

I do so wish we could journey to the world of humans together, Asta—to the land of the Viking people.

As do I. Asta’s voice grew immediately solemn. But we both saw the diminutive size of the vessel. It was very small and extremely narrow…

And dark! Brenna voiced Asta’s thoughts as they came to her. Oh, Asta, I had not thought of how the journey will be for you in the darkness of the vessel. Perhaps you might take some form of light with you?

A torch, a candle, a lantern? How do you suppose that might bode for me in a wooden vessel?

It was made of wood, wasn’t it?

Yes, a type of wood I’ve never seen before and couldn’t determine, but I believe it was wood. Aunt Magnahild once said she had a vision of humans being placed in narrow wooden vessels and buried beneath the ground when they die.

Buried beneath the cold ground, all alone in the dark? Brenna gasped. That is a horrid consideration.

For me as well, although she did say in another of her visions some human bodies were lit aflame, Asta added.

I do not find that consideration much more appealing! Brenna retorted.

I have always been drawn to fire, as you are to the Highgardian soil, Torunn to water, and Eydis was to air, but I cannot say I would relish the notion of being lit on fire, having my body turned to ash, and the smell must be ever so putrid! She turned up her nose and covered her mouth with her hand as though she might gag. Do you recall when in your weariness during Eydis’s illness you singed your hair while making the concoction for her afflicted eyes? Asta asked.

It was dreadfully acrid. If a human’s body is measurably comparable to ours, having an entire body burned would be very unpleasant, Brenna said. I am grateful that as Highgardians our bodies encounter peaceful transcendence. Being surrounded in radiant light and transmuted into glittering remnants scattered to the wind and taken to the Solveigian Solace is much more appealing. I hope all Highgardians, no matter if they are no longer in the godly realm of Highgard, still experience transcendence. I pray it will be so for all of us when we are in Midgard.

I will hope for that as well, and as far as the journey, if you can bear being alone in the vessel for an undetermined time, then I suppose I will endure the darkness. Asta sighed.

Before I make the journey, I could leave you a potion that might allow you to sleep during your own journey. Surely that would be preferable to you—perhaps to both of us. If we simply fall into a deep sleep and waken when the vessel deposits us in Midgard, would that not be better?

I suppose it would. I thank you for that possibility. But for now, I think we both look as though we need to bathe in the hot pools or shower beneath the Whispering Waterfall. You have a multitude of squashed berries in your lovely golden hair!

I can’t imagine how they might have gotten there, Asta!

You were the instigator, Brenna the Healer! I think you would not approve of how you now appear! Asta chuckled.

And I suppose you think you look like a stately goddess in your stained tunic with bits of apple and berries stuck to your face?

Brenna tossed another pitcher of water at Asta and it splattered one of the Solveigian tapestries.

Brenna, you have always been so proud of our fortress, the Hall of Ancestors, the paintings and tapestries.

Now I think I should like to open the shutters and the doors and let all the animals here in Highgard have free run of our fortress when we are gone, Brenna said.

Asta’s mouth gaped open again at Brenna’s unusual attitude.

I have allowed animals within the fortress before, Brenna said.

Yes, a few animals, now and again, but even still you made certain they didn’t create great messes within and you have always been tidy, clean and precise in all you do. Even when gathering herbs and creating remedies, you do so in a neat and organized fashion. There is seldom a hair out of place or a smudge of soil on your face, ever!

Brenna pulled her long hair free of its ties and allowed it to fall across her face, shook her head so it was completely disheveled, made a childish expression, crossing her eyes and sticking out her tongue. Asta looked at her with disbelief yet again.

Do not be fretful and given to such disquietude, Asta! Brenna said in a joking manner, mimicking how Asta had spoken to her. Perhaps you might go to the Whispering Waterfall, dear sister, and allow the water to calm you, for you appear unsettled! She giggled and raced out the door and through the gates of their fortress with Asta on her heels.

*

They both sat within the very warm waters, basking in the effervescence, still smiling at their earlier gleefulness.

It is good to laugh again, Asta. I have missed laughing with you.

I have missed your laughter, Brenna.

Do you not bear guilt because of Eydie? Brenna questioned.

When she was dying, Eydis specifically asked us to bear no guilt for her death, Asta chastised.

Brenna shook her head. No, I don’t actually mean because of her death, but because we still live, and she does not, Brenna whispered. We still feel the sunshine on our faces and the sensation of this beautiful water, we can employ all our senses, gaze at the sunsets, feel the Highgardian breezes in our hair, taste sweet berries, hear the music of birds, and we share our sisterly bond with physical affection. I can embrace you and hold your hand, Brenna said as she grasped Asta’s hand even now.

Eydis has assured me that where she is, she remains warm and safe. She experiences joy and comfort and the location is filled with peacefulness.

But would she tell you if it was not? If she suffered fear or torment, would our kind and caring Eydie inform us knowing it would cause us pain as well?

Your intentions of remaining carefree lasted all of a dozen raven’s calls! Asta accused. Our sisterly bond is not broken because Eydis now dwells on the other side of the veil. I feel it just as keenly.

As do I, Brenna sighed. But I would give much to embrace Eydie in my arms or take her hand as I hold yours now.

I do understand, Brenna. Because I can talk to Eydis and see her lovely smile and sparkling eyes, it is easier for me. There was a time when I didn’t believe she would come to me, when in truth I truly wanted to go to her…to escape the torture of the Red Death and simply purposely go to be with her on the other side of the veil. I did consider it for a time, Asta admitted.

Oh, Asta, you didn’t tell me that. I didn’t hear such darkness in your thoughts.

Don’t be overly fretful, Brenna. I knew I could never cause such misery for you and Torunn. I know how aggrieved you would have been. Your empath’s heart would have been broken and Torunn would never have forgiven me for all eternity! She might have fed my body to the nidhoggrs, so I wouldn’t transcend, so I’d never find peace, Asta jested. I do miss Torunn. Although we often disagreed, I miss her.

As do I, but we will be with her soon. I am certain Torunn is safe in the land of the Vikings and from this time forward I will fret no more for her. She is very capable of protecting herself. Brenna sighed deeply and then exhaled.

Brenna, have you been into the stores of wine? We are only ever to taste wine during the four feasts of Solveig.

We should drink it all, Asta, consume every last drop! Brenna said with delight. Surely the wine can’t be left for the birds and the beasts. We’ll go down to the underground level of the fortress and retrieve jugs of wine. Doesn’t that sound like a fine notion for this night?

So, you aren’t fearful for Torunn any longer?

Torunn is strong, intelligent and fearless. She has her sword and her blade. She has fought off nidhoggrs, therefore I refuse to worry for her any longer. I choose to believe she will be well and we will see her soon in the land of the Vikings.

You do not recall our previous visions of these Vikings, the bloodthirsty, fierce Norse warriors. I do hope Torunn will truly remain safe if she is with these ruthless, brutal people. She doesn’t have her crossbow, Asta lamented.

Do you purposely attempt to make me fretful, Asta, after I have decided to simply turn over a new leaf and be more carefree?

Asta shook her head. No, but always you and Eydis and Torunn worried for me. It isn’t as though I haven’t thought of Torunn being in danger, especially since Eydis told me she’s been in peril and near death, but as I said, you always had concern enough for me as well.

Brenna smirked at Asta but did not speak.

What is it? You have that twinkle in your eyes, that mischievous grin I haven’t seen in some time, Asta observed.

I was considering, perhaps Torunn has found a brawny Viking warrior and is even now passionately joined! Perhaps she is not in danger, but in a Viking’s arms, in his bed…with his pizzie…

"Brenna the Healer, you have been into the wine!"

With Torunn’s power and endurance it is certain that Viking man will be well pleased, also, Brenna dared to suggest and watched to see her twin’s reaction.

What has come over you, Brenna?

"I don’t want