Nine Realms: Gods and Warrior Hearts

Chapter 6

Whilst Ard and his friends were asleep...

Asereth, Hector and Aras stood in front of the huge iron gates, behind it the chamber of the grail. The grail was by far the most precious relic in Asgaard and all the nine realms. Shaped like a wine goblet but made of pure gold, it contained a part of the divine power - the aether, the all-powerful substance.

Given to the gods by the source itself, the aether was a blessing and a weapon at the same time, only to be used wisely. It was guarded by Fenris, Wodran's loyal giant wolf, who was instructed to tear limbs of intruders and shred them to pieces should they attempt to touch the grail. A group of priestesses lived in the rooms within the chamber, serving Wodran and the Norns and helping them to wield the grail if needed.

The Elders got there later than expected. They first had to see to Wodran and things turned out more difficult than anticipated. But now they were here. Asereth knocked three times. The heavy iron knocker sent deafening waves of sound through the corridor but they were deep down in the secret tunnel systems of Valhalla, no soul would hear it.

A few seconds passed, then the gates swung open and the giant head of Fenris the wolf blocked the view of what lay beyond the threshold. His ears erect, snarling and baring his monstrous looking fangs, gleaming yellow eyes upon the Elders. They backed off a few steps and Fenris crouched backwards, readying to pounce.

"Fenris, I'm Asereth the Elder." He tried to force authority into his words.

"I know very well who you are." Fenris spoke with a low and horse voice, as if he hadn't used it in a while.

"We...we have come with an important matter that requires the help of the grail."

"You shall not enter this chamber. You shall not lay your hands on the divine grail."

Fenris pounced forward, snapping for Aras who stumbled back, bumping into Hector. Both were clearly afraid of the giant beast.

"I thought so..." Asereth mumbled to the other two.

"May I bring to your attention that we have Wodran's permission?"

"I don't believe it," growled the wolf.

And in this moment nearing steps echoed. A second later three figured appeared at the end of the corridor. Wodran followed by two servants. As they walked over, Fenris narrowed his eyes at the sight.

Wodran stepped in front of Fenris and laid his hand on the beast's forehead. "I thank you for your loyal service Fenris but Asereth, Hector and Aras may enter the Chamber and have my consent to request whatever is needed. The priestesses shall assist." And with that he turned around and walked off, his two servants smirking at Fenris.

"There you have it, now let us enter."

Fenris growled even louder. He knew Wodran very well, knew his scent and tone of voice. Something was off. Wodran smelled different. He smelled of blood. The wolf curled his lips and exposed even more of his terrifying teeth. Then a female appeared behind him.

"Cierladrean, call this hound back, he is clearly not happy with his Master's decision."

"Enter" she said and with a gesture of her hand she ordered Fenris to step aside.

"I will call you when I need you" she said with a soft smile to the wolf. It was her way of dismissing the beast. It obeyed.

The young priestess was beautiful. She had delicate features, green eyes and full lips. Long blond hair fell silken over her shoulders, her head only half covered by a dark blue hood that seamlessly turned into a floor length cloak. A silver headpiece depicting three phases of the moon rested on her forehead.