Salome

Chapter Four: The Aftermath

Early the next morning, Thor slipped to his chambers. He handed his bloodied clothing to his handmaiden with orders to burn them, and to ask no questions. He dressed in fresh clothes, took a deep breath and made his way to Odin and Frigga's bedchamber. He rapped on the door, gently.

Frigga had been sitting on the edge of the bed, eyes red with tears, face a mask of fear and worry. The stable master told her both Thor and Odin's horses were present in the stable, yet she'd seen nor heard any sign of Odin. When Thor rapped on the door, she jumped, sighed and called out, "Who is it?"

"Mother...it is Thor."

Frigga all but leapt from the bed, running for the door, tearing it open and embracing Thor tightly.

"Oh, my son. I was so afraid. Your father has gone missing. Please, tell me, do you know where he is?" she begged, clasping Thor's hands in her own. Thor began to weep, lifting her hands to his lips.

"Mother...I did the best I could." he began.

"No, Thor...oh Gods, no..." Frigga uttered, face losing all its color.

"We had made camp, built a fire. We did not know that nearby lay a mother bilgesnipe in her den with younglings. She charged us both, rampaging. I summoned Mjolnir, but she struck me, knocking her from my hand. By the time I was able to wrench free from the grip of her mouth, and summon Mjolnir once more, the beast had already set upon father, rending him apart. I bashed in her skull, but it was too late. I am so sorry, mother." Thor wept bitterly, cleaving to Frigga.

"His body...where is his body? He must be properly seen to so he can enter Valhalla." Frigga asked, tears flowing from her eyes.

"The younglings carried him off and were gone before I could stop them." Thor replied. "Oh, mother, forgive me!" Thor cried, dropping to his knees, embracing Frigga's hips, his cheek on her belly, soaking her gown with tears. Frigga caressed his hair, suddenly stoic.

"Does your brother know?" she asked.

"I told him last night, when I returned. He saw to my wounds, comforted me. I could not bring myself to tell you what happened until now." Thor answered. Frigga nodded solemnly.

"Go be with your brother. I must prepare what I shall say to the people. Please feel no shame. I know you loved your father as much as I did, and you did everything you could to save him. His death was not your fault." she comforted, dropping to her knees and kissing Thor's forehead, wiping his tears away with her hands. "Go on. I will send for you when I am prepared to make the announcement."

Thor nodded, rising to his feet, and helping Frigga to stand. He kissed her cheek, then left, returning to Loki's chambers.

Loki met him at the door.

"Did she believe you?" he asked, worried and frightened.

"Yes, she did. But Loki, I broke her heart." Thor sobbed, and Loki quickly embraced him.

"Remember, Thor, he did evil to her, too. She deserved vindication, just as much as you or I. The blood on your hands is righteous." Loki comforted, caressing Thor's hair.

"We cannot talk out here, let us retire inside, lest someone overhears." Thor suggested, and Loki kissed him tenderly, taking his hand and leading him into his chambers, closing the door.

Neither god knew there were listening ears, just nearby. A young servant boy of fourteen summers old had come to bring the queen her breakfast. In shock and fear he dropped the tray and fled for the kitchen, where his father, Lund, worked washing dishes, pots and pans.