A Valkyrie's Apprentice: Book Two

We Move

"If you're going to try, go all the way. Otherwise, don't even start. There is no other feeling like that. You will be alone with the gods, and the nights will flame with fire. You will ride life straight to perfect laughter. It's the only good fight there is." 

― Charles Bukowski

– T A Y A H –

The men fussed over Yanu, who was found hidden in a corner of our supplies. True to the word of my immortal the camp was spread about like a strong storm had blown through. Not obliterated to ash like an original.

I thought through it again replaying her words as I stared down at the gleaming silver helmet in my hands.

Five originals. Now three destroyed. Only her and one other remained somewhere on the realms. I felt the power. It was so immense it felt impossible. The same way the object in my hands felt. Almost diamond-like holes for eyes, joined by a thin line cutting down to the jaw. It was like the helmet of the forger but infinitely more powerful. A shudder traveled through me without permission.

"Get him some blankets or something!" Kaden rumbled angrily in John's direction.

"He's not a newborn for wenches sake!"

I heard a smack and released the helmet back to the side of my hip where I strapped it. I walked over to the fussing mortals and dropped to a knee before Yanu. He rushed from Kaden's towering form and hugged me tightly. I chuckled and patted him on the back before drawing him back.

"Trust me, Yanu. You've got the best guardian on the realm looking out for you now." I told him as he shook in my arms with confusion.

Her smooth voice cut over the camp in the Kanton translation and he laughed at something. I frowned and glanced at the demi-god who was piling supplies together in travel packs again.

"You did not tell him what I said!" I accused.

"Of course I did not." She snorted. "It was not true."

I raised an eyebrow. "So you doubt your power?"

"It's because I doubt it that I am stronger than the rest." She stated with a dark smirk.

I rolled my eyes and looked back to the child. I ruffled his hair making him giggle before pulling out a gleaming dagger and offering it to him hilt first. His wide eyes grew wider and stared.

"Tayah I don't think that's–" Kaden began.

"Try not to kill Kaden." I told him casually. "Or do. Either way." I shrugged, rising to my feet.

Yanu palmed the small blade with a big grin and turned to Kaden. The hulk was already running in the other direction with a small warrior in tow. I walked back over to the immortal and leant against a log watching her. She let it continue for a few more slithers until she leant back against the remains of a bare tree and crossed her arms.

"Ask."

"Do you really think giving me a relic is a good idea?" I deadpanned.

"Yes."

"Even after what happened the first time..."

"Even more so."

I sighed and scanned over her armour, back to the dark obsidian always sat on her back. I caught her smirking when I found her face again.