Loyalty and Mischief (WIP)

Chapter 18 - Ready as I'll ever be

Though Nornheim officially belonged to the Asgardian territories, the Queen, Karnilla, long ago declared it a separate sovereignty. Karnilla did not recognise Odin as her ruler, but as long as the Mistress of Magic was not a threat to the other Realms, the Allfather allowed her the impression she ruled Nornheim alone. Something he only did at the insistence of Frigga, who saw Karnilla as a dear friend and sister. 
After making their plans known to their parents, Loki and Thor had requested Frigga contact Karnilla. Lady Sunna was an excellent manipulator. She was more than capable of spinning some tale about Loki taking Sigyn against her will, and despite her enmity towards him, Karnilla might reconsider the apparent alliance she had with Lady Sunna once she learned the truth. But even if the Norn forces of demon and man did not fight this day, they would still have to face the Marauders and Lady Sunna's unknown magic.

The Bifrost carried the Einherjar to the edge of the Norn Forest. From there, Aeric led Thor and Loki on a carefully marked path to where Sigyn was kept in a labyrinth of caves just beneath the ridge atop where the Keep stood. Only by walking the path could one pass the magic shield and get to where the Marauders were. But once inside, none could come out. Not unless they had Lady Sunna's permission.
Had Aeric not pointed out the faint scratches on the trees and rocks, neither Thor nor Loki would have noticed them. They were so randomly placed, an animal could have made them. But when formed together, they formed runes. Barrier runes — basic magic any sorcerer could wield. Effective to keep anything and anyone out, including beings as powerful as Heimdall. The trick to pass was to recognise it. And thanks to Aeric, Loki had.
He undid the barrier with a counterspell, so the army wouldn't fall under its effects. But Loki was no fool, and neither was his foe. This wouldn't be the only thing that would keep him from retrieving his wife. From what Aeric told them of Lady Sunna, she was a cold-hearted and calculating witch that carefully planned everything for herself and her family. Her greatest mistake, however, was making Loki her enemy.

A few miles away from the caves, Thor sent scouts ahead, wanting to be certain things were still as Aeric had claimed before they engaged in battle. Until they returned, there was nothing to do but wait. Yet no one sat idly by. Every man and woman present made sure their sword and axe were sharp, their bow was strung, and their shield was ready to defend the glory and honour of Asgard and retrieve their beloved Princess. 
Thor gathered the Warriors Three, Lady Sif, and the other army commanders, to discuss several attack tactics. The terrain was rough, meaning the cavalry could not attack head-on, but thanks to Aeric's intelligence, they could go around their enemy to surprise them from the side. If Fandrall and Hogun could keep the Norn occupied long enough, Thor could attack the Marauders with Volstagg and Sif. That just left Queen Karnilla's demons.

"How many men do you need?" Thor asked Loki.

"None."

"You plan to go against them on your own?" Aeric asked in surprise.

"We have some magic wielders among the Einherjar," suggested Thor. "They can help you."

"I have all the power I need."

Loki felt his brother's eyes on him as he dismissed the offer. He clearly perceived Thor's confusion from the corner of his eye, but had no intention of explaining himself. His brother would not understand. None of them would.

"I would prefer it if you had these men with you, Loki," insisted Thor.

He rolled his eyes. "Fine. But a lightning strike from your hammer would do more harm than anything they can conjure up."

"So, is this the plan, then?" inquired Volstagg impatiently. "Loki deals with the demons, Fandrall and Hogun lead the cavalry, and Sif and I follow you into battle with the others?"