The Frostians

Chapter 35

**Chapter 35: A Shocking Return**

Back in Midgard, the village thrived in the peaceful days that followed the turbulent battles. The crisp morning air carried the scent of fresh pine and damp earth. Kristian and Alysandra had settled into a peaceful rhythm of life, content in their newfound peace after so many trials. The sounds of the village, from the hum of work to the laughter of children, brought them a sense of calm neither had known in years. Tyr and Mimir, ever present, had also found a place in this small world, though the weight of the realms still hung over their heads.

Kristian and Alysandra walked together in the village square, her hand gently resting on her belly, hiding the secret she had yet to fully share with him. Kristian smiled at her, feeling content in a way he hadn’t for a long time. His life had always been about battle and sacrifice, but here, with her, it felt like everything he fought for was worth it.

Suddenly, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by frantic shouting from the village outskirts. “Thor has attacked Vanaheim!” came the cry, sending a wave of tension through the village. The people stopped in their tracks, fear etched on their faces. Everyone knew what Thor was capable of, especially when angered.

Kristian’s eyes widened in shock as he turned to see the source of the commotion. A group of travelers, breathless and wide-eyed, stumbled into the village square, their clothes torn and singed from a battle they had witnessed.

“He’s back, and he’s destroying everything in Vanaheim,” one of the travelers shouted. “But... something strange happened. Two Frostians appeared and fought Thor!”

Kristian’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Frostians. His thoughts raced as he grasped Alysandra’s hand tighter, his expression hardening with concern. “Frostians? In Vanaheim? Who were they?” he asked, stepping forward.

The traveler wiped the sweat from his brow, still catching his breath. “We didn’t catch all the details, but... one of them was powerful, wielding frost like I’ve never seen before. And the other, the other seemed familiar. He called himself... Kaldor.”

Kristian froze. The name hit him like a lightning bolt. *Kaldor*. An old friend, someone who had fought by his side during the darkest days of Overland. But Kaldor had disappeared years ago, lost in the chaos of the world’s upheaval. The thought that Kaldor was alive, let alone fighting Thor, shook him to his core.

“Kaldor?” Kristian repeated, his voice barely above a whisper, disbelief evident in his tone.

Alysandra, sensing his inner turmoil, placed a hand on his arm. “Kristian, if it really is Kaldor, then he must be here for a reason.”

Kristian clenched his fists, his mind racing. “If Kaldor’s in Vanaheim, then something terrible is happening.” He glanced over at Tyr and Mimir, who had also overheard the news, their expressions grim. “We need to know more. I can’t just stand by.”

Mimir’s head, held in Tyr’s hand, spoke up. “Aye, lad. If Thor is invading Vanaheim, and Kaldor’s involved, there’s a storm brewin’. It’s no coincidence.”

Tyr nodded, his usual calm demeanor giving way to concern. “We must learn what’s happening in Vanaheim. Kaldor could be the key to understanding what’s truly going on.”

Kristian looked down at Alysandra, seeing the worry in her eyes. He squeezed her hand gently, trying to reassure her, though his own heart was conflicted. “I’ll go,” he said softly. “I have to find out what’s happening. If Kaldor’s fighting Thor, it means something far bigger is coming.”

Alysandra, despite her worry, nodded. “Just be careful. You’ve fought so much already.”

Kristian smiled at her, brushing a hand across her cheek. “I’ll be back before you know it.”