Soldier *Sequel to Empty*

Chapter Eleven

Evangeline sat up, her entire body tensing.

A deep scowl sat on her features, eyes as livid as a dancing flame.

" This is not a social visit." She growled. " I came for my brother."

The hooded figure made his way down his thrown.

"Ah, the boy," A wicked smile formed. His rotted teeth became visible and his breath stunk of death.

"Yes. The boy. I need to see his condition before any deal shall be made."

The gruesome king clucked his tongue.

" Wise Child. "

She heard him whisper in the black speech to his other shades.

They soon disappeared.

" You, said a trade."

"I did."

" Trade what?"

Just then, the wooden doors opened.

A curly haired teenager, with the greyest eyes she had ever seen stood in the doorway. A hand flew to her mouth.

" Levian?"

His head lifted at his name.

She gasped, his cheeks were sunken in. His eyes held dark bags, a scrape was above his eyebrows.

" Your price, shade."

"A relic. From the house of Odin. You may take the boy, but we will have our relic before the winter returns."

Evangeline nodded.

" The relic?"

" The casket of Joutenhiem."

" A deal."

A low cackle was her response. "Don't think we will forget, Gypsy. We never forget."

The king turned to a black mist, her brother dropped to his knees. She dismounted her horse, running to his side. Thor followed behind her.

She pulled Levian into her lap, tears slicked her face.

Thor picked up her brother.

" We must leave, this place seems cursed, let's not stay longer than we must."

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   Evangeline gripped her brothers hand tight. He was asleep in the healing ward.

Thor sat across from her.

" I can't believe, after all these years, he's alive."

" He might not be the same."

" I'm not the same. He is my only family." She looked up. " I saved him as much as he is saving me."