Journey of an Einherji - The Sword of Summer

Bad Advice and a Good Promise

Thor took me to the brand new Dead Lady Island.

Up close, the giantess seemed even bigger. Her left arm was a small mountain with trees (the giantess's arm hairs). Unlike most mountains, there was no apparent way to climb her arm without climbing tools, maybe her hairs, or her dress of animal pelts could be used to climb.

The only reason I even focused in all that, was because I was scared.

After the God of Losing Hammers said that I was going to have to face Angrboda on my own, he beckoned me to follow him. During our little walk to Geirrod's dead daughter, he didn't said a word. He didn't cursed, or grunted, or sparks flew from his hands, or farted. That surprised me the most.

There was one certain thing: whenever he looked at me, he scowled. It was an angry scowl.

My ring finger was twitching.

I know that Thor could kill me with just one punch, but I didn't like that he was looking at me as if I had done something wrong, which was probable, but I didn't know what I had done.

Only, and only, after we were far enough that it was sure not one of my friends could hear us, the god stopped walking.

He turned to me, leaned on the giantess's arm and folded his arms.

He didn't said a word.

I stood there, nervous, restless, tapping my foot, darting my eyes to everywhere and nowhere.

"So..." - I said after a minute of silence - "What did you mean that I will most likely die?"

Thor huffed and scratched his armpit.

"I didn't say that. I said you are going to die."

"Well, yes. But, you see..." - I took a deep breath - "Why did you ask me to come to talk with you here?"

"Because I'm testing you and your friends, especially the daughter of Loki."

"Ah. Okay, good." - I wondered if Thor was going to smash me into pulp for lying - "Eh... why?"

The god farted affably.

"I don't judge others for their families. The Valkyrie that's not a Valkyrie is not like Loki. But don't tell her that!" - he wagged a finger at me - "It would not work if you did. And of course, I'm testing them all to see if their worthy of knowing the location of the Wolf's island. Or didn't you heard me before, son of Ullr?"

"How did you-"

"I can recognize any half-blood of... my step-son." - he glared.

"I didn't know that you're his step-father." - I said.

"Don't remind me that! It's more than enough with my wife, she thinks he's perfect. I can't stand it when he visits her on our palace!"

"That's... understandable. But, why did you bring-"

"Your friend, the Valkyrie did well." - Thor interrupted - "Her lie was the last proof I needed to know that she isn't like Loki. Of course, I knew who you two where at once. So let me ask you, boy." - he sneered - "Are you like-"

"Like you step-son?"

"Don't remind me that!"

"Sorry." - I took a step backwards.

"Bah! Enough of that. What was I going to tell you?" - he looked at me expectantly.

"Advice on how to defeat Angrboda? Or some help from you?"

"Yes! Advice!" - he said - "Well, there isn't much advice I can give you that will save your life. Angrboda is one of the strongest, ugliest and most ferocious giantess."