Thaw

Treason.

I opened my eyes and stumbled forward, regaining balance before I could completely face plant. There was an electrifying feeling around me like static, I was definitely not on Earth anymore. 

I slowly stood up and looked around, I was in a spherical gold structure, an unconscious man lay on the ground a couple of feet from me. On a raised platform another man stood, holding a large sword. He swiftly put it into a scabbard on his back and descended the platform.

"It's an honor to meet you, Astrid," he said reaching a hand out. 

"You're Heimdall I assume," I replied, taking his hand without averting my eyes from his vibrant gold ones. 

"Yes, I'm sorry for the unwarm welcome, but you must put this on, we will need to disguise you," He said taking a large dark cloak out of his satchel and handing it to me. 

"What with the guy?" I asked nodding to the man on the ground as I tied the cloak strings loosely around my neck and flipped the hood on.

"About that, we must delay announcing your arrival for as long as possible."

"Now we must hurry, I'm afraid we don't have much time," he said looking around.

We started on a brisk walk to the exit.

He led me out of the golden structure and into the warm air outside, I gasped taking in the sight, it was everything I imagined and more, the enormous palace stood out against the golden kingdom from where we stood on the seemingly never-ending rainbow bridge. I was brought back to reality when Heimdall tugged on my hand forcing me to hurry along.

We jogged along the bridge, me sneaking peak's to the side to see the water beneath us. Not even halfway across, we saw 2 specs advancing till I was able to make out figures on horseback coming full speed towards us.

"That can't be good." I muttered slowing down in fear.

"I'll take care of this, do not use your abilities, don't make yourself known," Heimdall advised pulling me behind him. I nodded and gulped,

The soldiers slowed to a stop before us. 

"Heimdall former keeper of the Bifrost, you are wanted for treason to the crown, and using the Bifrost without command of the allfather," One of the soldiers said, getting off his horse. 

"The child is whom you summoned?" The other asked, noticing me behind Heimdall, I took some steps back and hid behind my hood.

"I suggest we skip the formality," he said pulling the long blade from the holster on his back.

"Very well," The soldiers drew their own weapons,

"We will take you both, one way or another," 

I took Heimdalls advice and distanced myself from the fight, I watched amazed as Heimdall took on the 2 men easily, he seemed to know their moves before they even took them, I assumed his vision assists in that way.

Heimdall decided it would be faster if we took the horses the soldiers had so helpfully brought to us. I mounted the grey stallion with white splotches and rode by Heimdall and his brown horse's side into the kingdom. He knew exactly where to go, guiding us through winding paths into the city. We passed market places, gardens, monuments, houses. It was beautiful. 

The townspeople did not pay us any mind, this sort of thing being normal apparently. We rode through the less populated parts of the city and soon entered a large forest that seemed to house no one. We slowed to a trot and were finally able to talk.

"Why did the men say you are wanted? Thor had told me you are most loyal to the throne?" I questioned.

"I was, still am, but the one who sits on the throne now, isn't as loyal to me," he replied, giving no further explanation.