Nine Realms: Gods and Warrior Hearts

Chapter 12

Time had never passed slower. With the crushing weight of the hammer on his back, it felt like eternity until Ard eventually heard steps nearing. Seconds later, the doors opened and he looked up as much as his extremely uncomfortable position allowed him to.

Thore, together with 4 guards, entered his room.

"Will you behave now or do I have to drag your carcass to the council hall, hammer and all?"

"I know you're desperate to have your toy back...go on, take it."

"One wrong move and the servants can sweep up your charred remains."

Thore stretched his hand out and the hammer flew back to its owner.

Ard got up. His body ached and his neck felt stiff.

Thore would pay for this, but now wasn't the time. The god of thunder had taken all weapons off him before he left and he had no idea where Eldri was. The bond between them didn't respond, which worried him. Whatever was about to happen, he needed to make a plan quickly.

"What are we waiting for?" he said. "We don't want to be late for this lovely little gathering."

Two guards grabbed him either side but Ard shook them off.

"There's no need," he said, flashing his teeth.

With two guards in front and two behind him, followed by Thore, Ard was escorted out of the north wing.

***

When the guards opened the gates to the council chamber, Ard didn't know where to look first.

All Elders lined up to one side of the hall, his father sitting on the throne and his brother Arl...standing next to his oldest brother Atlas. Ard couldn't believe his eyes.

Hella. Hella was there too. The goddess of darkness was standing on the other side of the hall, her eyes fixed on Atlas - her prize, her possession. She looked different to the last time he saw her. Her originally black hair was now golden blond and one of her onyx eyes now blue. One side of her grey and near skeletal face looked rejuvenated with fresh, pale ivory skin. What a peculiar look.

"How? What...?"

But Ard's thoughts didn't manifest into words. All this was too unbelievable.

His brother was back from Niflheim, Hella in Valhalla, his father on the throne. It was hard to grasp. What in the Wyrd's name had happened here!?

"Welcome Ard!" Asereth said. "I know it's been a bumpy start but I hope that from here onwards the meeting will go smoothly and more pleasant for everyone involved, especially with such special guests present.

Ard looked over to his brothers. Arl seemed confused but clearly pleased to see his long lost brother. Atlas though, his face a mask of nothingness.

"You might wonder what brought queen Hella here..."

"Queen!?" Ard snorted. "She is hardly a queen!"

Hella hissed and as if able to turn into a veil of darkness, she disappeared where she was standing just a second ago just to appear right behind Ard, laying a skeletal hand on his shoulder whilst dragging a sharp nail of the normal hand along his throat, drawing blood. Her smell was burning his nostrils. Decay. Damp. Death.

She whispered in his ear "You have grown even more handsome since the last time I saw you. I thought I picked the best brother...maybe I was wrong."

Ard turned around with godly speed and grabbed her by the neck.

"I'll break your rotting bones!"