Lesedi awakens to a dark new day on Asgard:
Steve?-On Midgard, and according to Heimdall, dealing with his own problems. Missing him was painful, needing him but deciding not to call just made matters worse.
Frigga-resting among the stars after deli...
The stars were starting to fade when Dalla nudged me. I didn't say a word, there was no need, because I understood it was time to go.
I looked about to see the others gathering their packs and bedrolls. I began to do the same, but Ingemar immediately took my things and began packing.
"Thanks, but--"
"I'm packed and ready to go," he said quickly, not sparing me a glance. "Check the horses for us?"
I walked over to them, and felt they were none the worse for wear, except a little surprised that we were moving so soon. I also sensed thirst. "The horses need watering."
"There is a small lake not far from here, may be our last chance," Erik nodded as he saddled his horse. He began saddling mine. "Very light saddle."
"A present from Loki," I said softly. I missed him. "He never liked my dog. He wanted me to bond with Njola."
"Oh, but you love--"
"Brooklyn--"
"More?"
"Yes," I chuckled. "He was a gift from my husband before we were married." I watched Erik's motions slow.
"Ah, I see," he said softly. "But you did not bring him?"
"No," I shook my head. "he is with my son. Brooklyn is a great comfort, small enough for him to take everywhere."
In minutes we began riding out of the forest.
We began to race the terrain. We were actually racing against the dawn.
To my right I could see the Mystic Temple in the distance in Muspelheim. It was such a grand place in the middle of nowhere, but its presence-physical and spiritual-were unmistakable. I could feel that we were being watched, but no one moved from it, and that made me feel relieved. To my left I 'd seen Jotunheim capital in the distance, easily mistaken for simple mountains, and I suppressed my own fears to realize they were oblivious. I wanted to keep it that way.
"What are we looking for?" Ingemar asked as the sun rose.
"I get the feeling it is waiting," I slowed my horse.
"What is waiting?" Erik asked.
"The Mystic Temple is awake," I said softly. "I don't think it always is...not like this."
"Milady?"
I mustered up a smile for Dalla. "No worries. Let's not do that--"
Suddenly, I saw a wind storm form in the distance. It came from nowhere. It was coming toward us.
"Stay the path!" Ingemar called to us.
We did, and it disappeared in a wave along the mountains.
Ingemar shook his head. "I agree, something is here."
We could see more mountains.
"Why isn't there ice and snow?" Dalla asked.
"If we go back north, there will be plenty," Ingemar answered. "But here in the plains where Asgard and Muspelheim meet Jotunheim, it is much warmer. Jotun do not come here unless necessary because the heat decreases their powers."
We looked out at the mountains. It was beautiful, but I had the overwhelming sense of another presence. Even the horses were uneasy.
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But then I saw it. I stopped looking in the distance, and looked at the rock before me. I could see the twisted body, the ears, the eye gazing at me. I held my breath. Could it be...?
It blinked!
"Oh, God," I breathed.
All turned to me.
"What is it?"
"Don't you see it?" I said, unable to take my eyes off it.
"What?"
"I don't see--"
"The dragon, right there!" I pointed.
Suddenly, the eye blinked quickly, and the horses began to prance. The rock split across and the mouth formed.
"Lady Lesedi Rogers," The rock dragon finally spoke. "An honor."
