Loki

Chapter 28

When he opened the door to the armory, Loki was met by the sight of Yardaff and Enchessa standing in the gate to Jotunheim. Yardaff was still holding the Ice Casket, and Enchessa, Loki noticed, was holding the decree of her exile. It occurred to him that, if all of the passages between all of the realms were to be dismantled, she would not be able to go into exile in Hel, and he wondered what would become of her.

"Yardaff," Loki greeted his brother, making the traditional Jotun gesture of respect.

"Loki," Yardaff said, returning the gesture.

"Silvertongue," Enchessa said at the same time, also returning the gesture.

They stood. Yardaff looked at the crowd behind Loki, and his glowing red eyes found Darcy. "Ah," he said, "I see."

Loki smiled. "Have all the Jotuns returned to Jotunheim?" he asked.

"Yes," Yardaff confirmed with a nod; "everyone is where they belong, save myself and Enchessa."

"What will her fate be?" Loki asked curiously.

"My Lord has yet to decide," Enchessa answered. "We were waiting to hear what your plan is."

"My plan is for everyone to be in the realm they should be when the gates between the realms are dismantled," Loki said. He looked at Yardaff. "Brother, you have more right than anyone to bear witness to Odin's death - it would be wrong if you did not," he told him. "The destruction of all the gates between the realms will not - can not - be an instantaneous feat; you ought to have a few seconds to activate the gate and return to Jotunheim once you've seen Odin's blood spilled."

Yardaff nodded to show that he understood.

"This means that Enchessa will have to return with you to Jotunheim, or live out her exile here on Asgard," Loki went on. He looked at Enchessa. "Unless you would rather attempt to find a gate from here to Hel in the time we have left?"

"The chances that I would be able to do so are slim to none," Enchessa pointed out. She turned to Yardaff. "What do you decree, My Lord?"

Yardaff thought for a minute. "I will not abandon you to live here," he told her at last; "you may return to Jotunheim with me…but you will still be ostracized by all Jotuns."

Enchessa bowed her head. "As you say, My Lord," she said.

"You're taking this extremely well," Loki commented.

Enchessa looked at Loki, and a spark of her usual contempt flickered in her eyes. "Such is the nature of a royal decree," she hissed. "I must do as Yardaff says."

Jotun magic is very powerful indeed, to have this sort of effect on her, Loki thought, but he didn't discuss the issue any further. "Where is Odin?" he asked Yardaff instead.

"I'm here, boy!" spat a contemptuous voice from further inside the armory.