The Valkyrie's Hunt - COMPLETE

Chapter 8. For Love's Sake

"Please," his voice held the edge of summer's sacrifice as Mr Tam welcomed Luci into his office, "call me Tammuz." 

He had already cleaned up and changed into a creamy cotton shirt and skin tight indigo trousers which disappeared into the shadows beneath his glass topped desk. The glitter in his golden nail polish catching the light and drawing Luci’s gaze as he gestured languidly at the guest seat. She hadn't noticed it during the performance but had no doubt it had contributed to guiding the audience's attention precisely wherever the once-god chose. 

Luci explained the true nature of her hunt, apologising for the deception of his staff. 

"I hope you can understand why?" she finished, "and my urgency?" 

Tammuz nodded slowly, his dark eyes intense on hers as he weighed up his response. Luci was as much at his mercy here as she had been, bound and suspended, on the stage. This was where she had been led by the Web of Wyrd, it was now his choice as to what pattern would be woven next… A look of resolve swam through his eyes and he leant back into his seat. 

"Yes. I saw her." he replied, and Luci let out the breath she had been holding. "And in fact I believe I have more than you were hoping for."

Tammuz stood, turned, and unlocked a cabinet behind him, drawing out a small carved box which hummed with magic Luci recognised. He placed it upon the desk and she reached for it. 

"No." he said, firmly, placing his palm on the box and pulling it further out of reach. "Your thief, "Tess" was the name she claimed, exchanged this token for passage to Helheim, and I imagine you will require the same transport in order to continue your hunt. What will you give me for the same?"

Luci felt her expression darken. 

"I have already performed as you demanded. Unless you are looking to become my next meal, Tammuz, then I am not certain there is anything further I can offer you." 

A sad smile played at the corners of his mouth. 

"Bring me Ana." He said simply. "Then you can have both this trinket, and safe passage to Hel." 

"Ana?" 

"I believe you know her brother. Robin. " 

"Robin's sister? How am I supposed to find a girl who disappeared a year ago? The trail will be old and cold and I have no idea where to even begin looking." Luci began wracking her brains, not only would this be tricky, it would waste valuable time and energy to remain in this realm. 

Tammuz waited for the Valkyrie to quieten. 

"I didn't say to find her, I said to bring her."

"I'm sorry?"

"I know where she is, I just cannot reach her. And neither can the human police." 

"So where, pray tell, would that be?" 

"In the Ironwood. The Great Forest of wolves in the realm of the giants." 

"You're sending me hunting in Jotunheim?" 

Tammuz nodded. 

Luci considered for a moment. 

"And bringing your wayward staff member home would be enough for you to return my shield to me, and open the gates to Helheim?" 

"Oh, Little Valkyrie," Tammuz shook his head. "She doesn't work for me. She is my beloved." 

Well. There was a twist.

It'd been a while since Luci had gone up against wolves, and tracking down someone's lost love would be a fitting way to honour the lost Queen of the Valkyrie's, Woden's lost love, at the same time. This could actually be fun, Luci decided. 

"Deal."