A Fallen God and An Angel

09. Research and Escape

Summary:

The royal guests finally progress in their search of the Norn Cave.

Notes:

Author's Note:

I'm back at last! Sorry to make you wait so long. I had not been well at all, and it took a long time to recover.

So, as a little apology, I'm posting two chapters at once this week!

Also, I'm now on Tiktok! I'll be posting some sneak peeks, announcements and fun edits, so be sure to follow me @Sarah_Penning

Enjoy!

“This is an utter waste of time!” 

Loki slammed the book in his hands down on the marble table across from him. He and Sera had been locked in the library for hours, searching for any mentions of the Norn Cave's location, unluckily.

“Every bloody piece of text only ever mentions how unsafe the cave is, yet not a single one cites where it is!” He hissed angrily. Sera, who sat sideways in the armchair opposite his with her legs draped over its armrest, watched his outburst with disinterest as her book floated a little above her head.

“It contains the greatest power in existence, Loki. It won’t have a welcome sign at the entrance.” She said bored, gesturing for her book to flip its page. Loki huffed loudly, reaching out to catch a new book that flew off the shelf towards him. He pushed the first book far across the table before resting his crossed feet where it once was. 

Just as she reached to close Loki’s discarded book and toss it in the pile of ‘useless’ books between their chairs, Sera froze. She picked the book up in her hands and studied the open page carefully before returning her attention to Loki.

“Have you come across this symbol before?” She showed him the page, pointing the symbol out. He raised his head slightly to follow her gesture and nodded.

“Only once.” He reached out his empty hand and a book from the discarded pile next to him latched itself into his palm. “It’s not of any language though.” He flicked the book open, flipped it around, and showed her the page. She studied the page carefully before an idea lit her mind.

Sera waved her hands and Loki's books as well as hers and two more from the pile flew towards her. She got up, stretched her arms and approached the empty chalkboard they had prepared for notes. The books followed her, lined up at eye level, and opened themselves for her. The piece of chalk began glowing and scribbling away at the board as the princess circled through the books several times.

Loki watched her for a moment, trying to make sense of the scribbles on the board. When he realized he still could not read them, he sighed and turned back to the book in his hand, burying his nose in it while Sera paced the room.

Before long, she stormed away, muttering to herself that something is missing. The prince shook his head before turning a few pages. He rolled his eyes at the book before tossing it into the discarded pile. Another book flew into his hand, and he idly flipped the pages.

Sera returned shortly after with a large hardcover book in her hands and the aforementioned five books following her like hungry puppies. She carefully read through the book, turning the pages slowly. The floating books alternated in presenting themselves to her as she examined the symbols in comparison with the one in her hand.

Loki skimmed through his book, already knowing it was as useless as the last dozen. He stopped at the final page, his eyes widening. He raked his free hand through his hair as he propped himself up from his seat. The princess eyed him as he approached her. He pursed his lips as he flipped open the book, presenting her with another symbol.