The Long Road

3

Loki wakes to the sound of a crackling fire. Something heavy is draped over him. He slowly opens his eyes. He wonders if he is dead and this is some sort of afterlife. His surroundings come into focus. A blue creature stirs a cauldron over the fire. Loki watches for a moment before pushing himself up.

"Ah. Little one, you wake."

"Yes. I do."

"You fell asleep on the ground. Why did you not return to your encampment?"

"Encampment?"

"You are from one of the armies resting nearby, are you not? A page, perhaps, judging by your age?"

He is confused as he takes off his mittens until he sees the colour of his skin. Blue. Like theirs.

"I am from no encampment. I...my story is a bit of a mess. I do not wish to tell it."

"You speak as though you are grown, but you appear young."

"I assure you, I am grown." Or near enough, he thinks. He has not quite come of age.

His host dishes two bowls of something that smells delicious from the cauldron and offers him one, "Sit. Take some supper. You have slept through the day and you must be hungry." He accepts the stew and eats heartily. "Do you have a name?"

"Loki."

"Well, Loki. I, Cor, welcome you to my home. Dine and rest."

Loki's eyes are closed mere moments after he settles back into the bed.

In the morning, Cor makes breakfast and asks Loki to talk as they sip something sweet and mulled, "I thank you for your hospitality, Cor. But I have lost far more these past few days than I thought possible. I hope you will forgive me if I cannot repay your kindness with my story."

"But why not?"

"Because I fear that I will be killed if I tell it."

Cor eyes him suspiciously, "Ought I fear you?"

"No. But you ought to take me to your king. Then I will tell my story and perhaps he will let you listen."

Cor agrees and it is not long before they set off into the cold, Loki leaving his cloak behind, his sweater draped over his satchel. He wonders if his appearance reverted to his native one only after his blood turned to ice.

When they arrive at the temple, Loki hopes the new king does not know he killed the previous one only days before.

Cor leads him to the heart of the complex, kneeling before the throne, "King Leif. I found a guest on the ice last night. He is quite small, but one of us and grown. He wishes to speak to you."

Leif regards him suspiciously, "You found him? In what manner?"

"He appeared to be cold."

"One of us, cold?"

"I attribute it to his small size, my liege."

"Your name, runt?"

Loki bites his tongue, keeping his sarcasm in check, "Loki, sir." He bows.

"And how did you come to be where you were?"

"I...I was banished here. By Odin All-Father."

There is a flurry of activity around Leif and Loki is forced to the ground, ice knives at his throat, "Do not say that name here."

"It will make telling my story difficult."

"Who are you?"

"The adopted child of Asgard's king. I have always been told he rescued me from this place, an infant left to die on the ice. I do not know if this is still true. He has decided to return me. Do with me what you wish."

He hears whispers around him. They think he is a spy. Someone shouts that he ought be killed. Loki bows his head. He hopes his mother will not mourn too deeply.