The Journey to Find Mimir

Chapter 24: When Running for Your Life, Don't Forget to Pack the Essentials

We ran along the snowy landscape for several more minutes. When we had finally caught up to Hearthstone, I was impressed by skilled he looked. The skis were like an extension of his legs as he glided down the snowy mountainside. Even half awake, he managed to maneuver the skis in the direction of the softest powder, and out of the way of trees. I jostled awkwardly in the cat's mouth.

Finally, we stopped in a little clearing. The cat had slowed considerably during the last stretch. Hearthstone pulled up beside them, looking much more awake in the crisp air. The cat spat me onto the ground, panting hard.

I am a bit out of shape, they said. 

I stood up and stretched, one ski on my foot and the other in my hand. I had spent yesterday swinging in the glove of a giant, and part of today swinging from the mouth of a cat. I was happy to be walking on my own two feet.

"Thank you," I said to the cat. "We are so grateful for your help. But what is going to happen to you? Orick sounded really angry."

The cat blinked their amber eyes thoughtfully. 

This is not my first time disappointing the Dammen family. I will be fine. I am just happy to be out of the house. It is nice to be among the snow again...

They purred thoughtfully.

And the birds... I will be on my way now. 

"Thanks again," I said. 

The cat nodded, then bounded into the trees and disappeared from sight.

For a moment, Hearthstone and I stood there, side-by-side, staring at spot we last saw him. Then, Hearthstone pulled the notepad and paper from his backpack. 

How did you talk to the cat? They did not move their mouth. 

I hesitated, then took the pen. 

So, I just found out I inherited one of my mom's powers. I can talk to cats. 

Hearthstone stared at me blankly. Then, the corners of his mouth twitched. 

"It's not funny!" I said, but I was already starting to smile. 

The insanity of our daring escape finally caught up with us. Soon the two of us were rolling in the snow of the clearing, laughing madly. 

You can talk to cats! Hearthstone signed with the biggest grin on his face.

My stomach hurt from laughing so hard. 

M-E-O-W, I signed, which sent Hearthstone into a fit of giggles. 

Just as we were starting to calm down, Hearthstone signed, Giant underpants, and we were sent into another round of hysterics as we were reminded of Orick's horribly tacky undergarments. I couldn't remember the last time I had laughed this hard. I couldn't remember the last time I had felt this good. 

Finally, we calmed ourselves down. I think we were starting to realize that we should be more careful in Jotunheim -- no need to attract more Ingridas, Oricks or Gerts. I pulled out the notepad and the pen. 

But seriously, I wrote, wiping away a tear. Thanks for saving my life. You didn't have to come and get me. 

Hearthstone sobered up pretty fast. 

Yes, I did, he wrote. You saved my life. I need to get you through Jotunheim and to Mimir so I can repay my debt to you. 

Huh. Again, with the weird "in debt" joke he made earlier. I decided to take a different route and change the subject. I took the pen, feeling a bit nervous.