WAR OF ICE AND STONE

Part I: Homecoming

By Kristi Manchester

Asgard, home of the Gods stood illuminated by the star filled ebony sky that surrounded it. Pierced only by those brilliant stars and by rolling flashes of violet eldritch energy the sky did nothing to hide the city from view. Even from a distance though it was clear that the city stood in a state of reconstruction. Vast buildings bore the marks of past battles and were scarred with jagged cracks, scorched marks and in places where the fighting had been most fierce traces of craters remained. But none of the damage obscured the sheer magnificence of Asgard. With beautiful buildings of polished stone, silver and gold the city was dominated by a number of truly amazing works that showcased the craftsmanship of the Gods. Chief among these was the palace of the All-Father which stood tall at the center of the city.

Odin’s palace was built in a set of tiered sections lined with tall polished walls and was made of dark polished stone. The walls were lined with eternally lit torches and were patrolled by stout, well-armed warriors. On each tier there stood statues of the Gods and Goddesses that formed the Aesir. Upon the first two there stood many of the Asgardians, shown perfectly in polished marble with eyes of gems. The third was set with the children of the All-Father Odin himself, this included Thor with mighty Mjolnir, Vidar, and even the Mischievous Loki. On the final tier stood three statues of staggering size that portrayed Odin himself and his powerful brothers Villi and Ve. All three looked out in different directions over the city, keeping watch over the Odin’s realm. Between the tiers set in the walls were stained glass windows that told the story of first the creation of the worlds and finally the end of them.

Within the city few buildings could compare to the Palace but the treasury and the great hall Gladsheim stood among them. The treasury was built from polished stone, flawlessly set as if to have no noticeable breaks between stones and was roofed with gold and silver. Its doors were tall and made from a heavy golden bronze but what was clear to the eye was the recently repaired section of wall which was noticeable only due to the web of crystal filled cracks stretching out around it. Gladsheim was a great hall that was long, wide and made of the same stone as the other buildings. Its doors were tall and were set with massive mugs overflowing mead and crashing together as if in toast. Other smaller buildings that matched Gladsheim were spread through the city along with a large market place of merchants.

The city was surrounded by a wall with equally large gates that stood barred with rune marked iron bars. The walls themselves were built from ancient and solid wood with iron banded around them. Two armored guards stood at each gate and sentinels walked the walls, bows close at hand. Because of the coming festivities the way leading to Jotunheim was only lightly watched.

Though an incredible sight, the buildings were not what first drew the eye…that honor went to the rainbow bridge Bifrost. Built from three colors of red, blue and yellow which flowed and mixed with each other when they met to form violets and emerald greens. Bifrost was the only way to enter Asgard from earth and was blocked by two gates as well as being watched over by the eternal sentinel Heimdal. The God himself stood before the massive gate, powerfully built with a great horned helm over his head and a thick furred cloak over his shoulders. Dressed in armor of crimson and gold with a thick beard of rust red and piercing eyes of emerald green. Arms corded with muscle were laid bare and he rested a gloved hand on the hilt of a two handed sword and the other on the trumpet Gjallar that hung off his belt. His eyes watched over the bridge carefully even though trumpets could be heard blaring behind him.

The gate which he stood before had been recently re-built after the past war. Though matching its original size and strength the gate was changed in a number of ways. The only thing that betrayed these changes could be seen only on close inspection were the hundreds of thousands of runes engraved in the surface. Though massive the gate had been sundered once and the Dwarves who had rebuilt it would not allow that to happen again.

From atop the wall trumpets once more pierced the night heralding the coming of the expected guests. The great gate opened and in rode the Warriors Three.

On horses they rode into the city, with Fandral the handsome on a horse of pure white while to his right rode on a dark gray horse the always dour Hogun who wore his trademark horned helm and to Fandral’s right rose on a brown stout horse Vostagg the wide. In his hands Volstagg held a leg of lamb and a large barrel like mug of mead. Miraculously Volstagg’s horse was able to support his weight without moving slowly or with evident pain. The Warriors Three were dressed rather flashy save with Fandral who wore his customary emerald green and Volstagg in his magenta. Hogun on the other hand wore dark blues and blacks. Behind them they pulled a large cart covered by a black silken sheet with golden runes along its edges.

They were met by a small gathering of the Gods, chief among them Odin. Dressed in mighty armour of gold and silver he stood tall and mighty with a grand helm resting on his head. His thick beard was braided well and his left eye was covered with an ebony patch marked with minute stars. Over his armor he wore a silvery gold robe with brilliant red runes set in the gold that lined the foot of the robe as well as the sleeves. On his belt was an ornately crafted sword and on his shouldered perched two crows while two massive gray wolves sat on either side of him, these were his companions Freki and Geri.

Behind him stood some of the Asgardians who awaited the arrival of the Warriors Three. Among them was Tyr the even handed, clad in silver and blue armor with his black hair tied back in a ponytail. An azure cloak draped over his shoulders and hid his left arm from view. Beside him stood Baldur the most beloved of the Gods, dressed in ceremonial armor of blue and gray with his customary crowned coif. She of the raven black hair Sif stood beside Baldur was dressed in magenta and golden clothing of shimmering silk and a winged circlet on her head. Also with them was Thiafli the swift messenger who alongside the host of warriors stood behind the Gods. Upon seeing the All-Father the Warriors Three came to a halt and dismounted. As one they walked forward and knelt, head bowed with fist to brow before Odin.

“Hail to thee All-Father.” Fandral said, his words echoed by Hogun and Volstagg. “We hath returned with good tidings of a quest completed successfully. We were victorious over the foul beast Falgindrief, he will not trouble the fair Elves again.”

With these words said the assembled let out a mighty cheer, voices raised in praise for the mighty Warriors Three and the great deed they had accomplished.

“Such news calms my troubled mind.” Odin said, his voice carrying easily over the now quieting crowd. “We are in debt to your bravery fair Fandral, stalwart Hogun and brave hearted Volstagg. Let the lands echo with thy deed this day and let thou be known throughout history as great warriors of unmatched worth.”

“You honor us All-Father.” Hogun said, his voice quiet and deep.

“It is nothing less than thou deserves.” Odin said, smiling broadly as his one blue eye looked out over the three kneeling men. “What trophy of thy incredible feat did thou return with?”

With that said Fandral stood and walked back to the cart, pulling the black sheet away to reveal what they had brought with them. Upon the litter rested the massive head of a red scaled dragon. It was nearly the size of Volstagg himself with it’s mouth open in a death cry showing teeth as long and thrice as sharp as short swords. The dragon’s eyes were light ruby with thick cat like black slits and it’s head was set with jagged horns around the ridged armour of it’s head. The scales gleamed in the starlight and the lower jaw with its thick reptiles tongue hanging out was covered in thick viscous blood. The horns and teeth were an off ivory color and were dull compared to the gem like eyes. With a flourish Fandral presented the head of Falgindrief.

A great cheer accompanied by thunderous applause met the display of so great a trophy.

“Most impressive my friends.” Odin cried out, his tone cheerful and his smile wide. “Thy deed is most valiant indeed. All of Asgard will know of your Valor this day. Now as for…”

“I beg forgiveness but I must speak on a matter that cannot wait even another second!” Volstagg said, interrupting Odin as he stood to his full height, towering over Fandral and Hogun. In his hands he held the broken bone of the leg of lamb, sucked dry of all marrow and the now empty flagon of Mead. “When shall we be eating?!? I fear that I shall waste away to nothing if we tarry long before the promised feast.”

All went silent at the show of outright rudeness by Volstagg the vast but Odin merely shook his head and Fandral and Hogun merely rubbed their temples.

“Aye Volstagg the most rude, one does not need to All-Father to hear thy rumbling stomach. T’is like hearing a great avalanche of stones falling down the great mountains in Jotunheim.” Odin said. “The feast promised to thee will commence on this very eve…Thou will have to make due till then though one of your size has little to fear from starvation.”

A chuckle arose from the crowd followed by a loud cheer at the announcement of a feast though if one looked to Volstagg he would be led to believe that all was lost for the mighty warrior looked crestfallen indeed. It was at that moment when Hogan and Fandral were beginning to attempt to brighten Volstagg’s mood that the Thunder God arrived in a flash of azure lightning. Still dressed in the ruined remains of his armour and holding in one hand the mighty hammer Mjolnir and in the other the destroyed remains of the Thunderstrike.

“Father I must speak with Thee!” Thor cried out.

The gathered Gods and warriors turned to look at Thor in surprise and sudden worry. Odin looked to his son and his expression darkened with concern.

“What hast befallen thee my son?” Odin said, his hand falling to his sword as he looked to Tyr, God of War. “Help my son to the healers.”

Thor waved off the aid of his brother God and strode forward to his father, holding out the remains of Thunderstrike in his mighty fist. “I am well enow Father but I must speak with thee on matters most dire.”

Odin studied the ruined weapon and then his son before looking around at the crowd behind him as well as the Warriors Three before him.

“Though yet I hath not heard my son’s news the feast will still commence on this eve.” Odin said. “The Warriors Three hath done a truly wondrous deed and as is custom they will be honored. Prepare thy selves for the celebration.”

With a bow the Gods and warriors began to leave to take care of affairs before the coming feast. The warriors talked rather loudly of the defeat of Falgindrief and the battle worn appearance of the mighty Thor. The Warriors Three bowed as well and with clear looks of concern on their faces mounted their horses and dragged the dragon’s head off to be stored. Once all had gone Odin nodded to Thor and the two walked through the streets of the great city of Asgard. Thor slid Mjolnir into his belt and brushed debris off his shoulders as he followed Odin.

“Now my son…tell me what hast happened to thee on Midgard?” Odin said.

“Much has occurred in the past days Father, events on fair Midgard that require thy attention.” Thor said, his hand clenching tight on the ruined mace. “Vile shape shifters and dark runic magiks torment the people of New York.”

“Dark runic magiks?” Odin asked, his eyes growing dark as they neared the treasury. “I do not care for the sound of this news…start from the beginning my son for I must know all that has occurred.”

As they walked Thor began to tell his tale of the attack on New York by what he had believed to be the leader of the Shi’ar Imperial Guard Gladiator but had turned out to be a War Skrull. After defeating the false Gladiator, he had made his way toward a hidden base told to him by the now dead War Skrull. Once he arrived he prepared to enter but was stopped by a guardian, Thunderstrike…Eric Masterson. Though he tried reason the confrontation turned to battle and they fought fiercely which led to the wounds he carried now. The battle took them down into the bowels of the base and inside he discovered the twisted lab and it was here where the battle with Thunderstrike came to an end, causing the death of Eric Masterson. At first he believed Masterson to be another Skrull but while dying he did not revert to his original form and instead fell apart into dark runes. What Thor found out was that a cloaked man had come to Eric and tricked him into defending the Skrulls. Thunderstrike was revived using magiks Thor thought kept secret and it was upon discovering them and also due to the crime done against Eric Masterson that Thor came to Asgard.

“Thou faced a friend from the past resurrected? Thou art right…Only old forbidden magiks could do what thou claims.” Odin said, stroking his beard slowly as they stopped before the treasury, in front of the recently repaired section of the wall. “Did noble Masterson tell you anymore about this cloaked man who t’was behind his revival?”

“He could remember naught but the initial meeting Father.” Thor answered, “The Skrulls that I hath found were in various guises including one shaped as my own. I believe this is part of a greater plot but I cannot tell what its goal is…nor why Thunderstrike was used in this.”

“The answer to thy question is simple, Masterson was used in order to weaken thy resolve in battle…for when one must fight a former ally his heart is not in the battle.” Odin said, his eyes scanning over the damaged wall. “I believe that what occurred here connects to thy recent troubles my son. The death of Haldre and Jarnier and the theft of a book of the most secret magiks and runes was most likely used in the resurrection of the brave wielder of the mighty mace Thunderstrike. The thief t’was not caught and even now we seek this fiend out…I believe he may be behind this scheme you have found.”

“Perhaps thou art right father but these matters weigh heavily on my mind…” Thor said, studying the cracks. “I feel that we must find this villain and bring him to justice for what he hath done.”

“Already do I seek the thief who stole the Tome of Aengrim.” Odin said, sighing slightly as he looked to his son. “I will find him Thor, and once I have he will pay for his crimes both against Asgard and Midgard…For now though we must prepare for the feast.”

“A feast Father?” Thor said, turning to his father. “A feast for what reason?”

“The Warriors Three have completed a feat of extraordinary significance and thus deserve a feast most grand.” Odin said, looking his son over. “I will find the villainous cur who hast done these vile deeds my son, but for the moment go and prepare for the coming feast for thy presence wouldst be a honor to thy friends and allies.”

“As thou says father, though my blood burns for vengeance against this hidden enemy.” Thor said before he and Odin began the walk to the palace to prepare.

Hours later after Thor had left his fathers company he emerged from the palace to make his way toward Gladsheim. No longer did he wear tattered pants and boots or the cuts and bruises of battle which he was adorned with upon his arrival, wearing instead ceremonial armor of his station. More ornate than his normal armor he wore a deep red cloak, lined at the edges with ribbons of gold which were embroidered with ancient runes which draped over his back but left his mighty arms bare.

Over his chest was a golden chest plate engraved with Mjolnir at its center and lightning cracking down around it. His shoulders were covered with pointed shoulder guards also engraved with the hammer of Thor over twin crossed lightning bolts. His thickly muscled arms were covered by deep blue banded armor sleeves which ended at his red gauntlets. Around his waist was a belt of thick leather studded with ruby gems and from it hung Mjolnir. A skirt of golden scale armor hung from the belt and he wore deep blue pants which ended at his golden armored boots with his normal knee guards.

Upon his head rested his winged helm though now it was golden and guarded the bridge of his nose as well as his eyes, which looked out through the well-cut slots. Every detail on the armor was cut cleanly and with a precision not often seen in the works of man.

The streets were empty on this night and the God of Thunder could hear the sounds of music and laughter ahead of him. “Though mine friends doth deserve such a feast mine heart is not in this celebration…” Thor thought, as he reached the doors of Gladsheim. “I fear that we hath little time to find this new threat and the fate of Midgard worries me…” His hand fell to his powerful hammer Mjolnir, his blue eyes flashing brightly before he walked up the doors, resting a large hand upon them. “Twill be best to stay on mine guard though I toast the brave and honorable Warriors Three…” he thought with a slow look around before pushing the doors open and stepping inside the great hall to join the others in toasting the Warriors Three.

Inside the hall was massive with a floor tiled in marble and a wall lined with constantly burning torches. Between the torches rested broken shields ranging from cloven wood to ornate golden metals studded with rare jewels and designs. The hall was well lit by both the torches on the wall and the stone supports that helped to hold up the high ceiling. The supports were fashioned at there middle into mighty statues of great warriors who held up the upper half of the support with one hand while holding a burning torch in their free hand. Each statue was intricately crafted with burning light in their eyes. What dominated the room was the beautifully crafted long table of solid wood. Its length was amazing and the amount of food it could hold incredible.

On its surface one could see a engraving of the great world tree Yggdrasill and the connected nine worlds but on this night the engraving was hidden beneath the massive amount of food being served. Dozens of dishes were set out upon its wide surface, foods ranging from leg of lamb, and large bowls of roasted potatoes to exotic deserts including layered capes of custards, creams and gelatin from across the realms. Venison and racks of ribs were set next to displays of rare and sweet fruits.

The center was reserved for the massive roasted pig that held a large apple in its mouth. Large pads of butter, shakers of sugar, salt and any other spices are placed all across the table along with bottles of wine. Mugs overflowing with ale, beer and mead were placed before chairs. The smell alone was mouth watering and the sight could kill a starving man but the Thunder God was not alone in his appreciation of the feast before him for around the table was sat a pantheon of Gods and warriors.

Along the sides in high backed cities sat first closet to the door the host of warriors who had met the Warriors Three at the gate. Dressed in their finest armor of gold and silver they had already begun to pile food on their plate talking amongst themselves. Across from one of the warriors was Thiafli dressed in fine leather armor. Next to him sat Tyr on one side, drinking a from a large mug held in his right hand with his left still hidden under his cloak. Across from him was the mighty God of the harvest Frey, with his horned helm set upon his head of thickly braided hair. Foam decorated his beard and he wore well crafted hide armor with intricate leaf designs set in emerald down the arms and chest. Beside him was the blind God of winter Hod who wore light tan robes with fridges of icy white.

Across from him sat Idunn the Goddess of Immortality, dressed in a flowing gown of honey suckle color with violet rune lined ribbons over her soft tan skin. Her hair was the deepest blonde and the gown through seated was meant to accent her curved build. Next to Idunn was Hermod who wore his armor made for his speed, flexible and made of mystic metals. Beside Hod was Thor’s brother Vidar who had arrived recently from his farm lands. Upon his head rested his long horned helm and upon his powerful build he wore a leather armor vest fur guards over his shoulders, his arms other wise bare save for banded wrist bands.

Sitting next to Vidar was Balder who dressed much as he had when he met the Warriors Three and across from him sat no one, the seat left open for Heimdall. The Warriors Three sat next to each other and already Volstagg’s platter for a plate was piled high with a massive mug of ale already clutched in his hand. Across from Hogun sat the beautiful Sif, dressed in a magenta long sleeved short dress, form fitting to her shapely yet athletic build and her long ebony black hair cascading down her back. Beside her was an empty seat and beside that chair was Odin’s wife Frigga who was dressed in flowing blue and white gowns, her long silver white hair put in two long thick braids. At the head of the table in a throne like chair was Odin with both Freki and Geri at his sides. The All-Father wore his armor from earlier with robes of gold and emerald green draped over it. Upon his shoulders sat the ravens Hugin and Munin.

“Ah Thor, come join us.” Odin said noticing the arrival of Thor. “Thou hath arrived well before Volstagg the vast hath devoured the entire feast.”

The All-Father’s comment raised a loud long bout of laughter from the group and though Volstagg glared about him, he was already piling more food on his platter. During this Thor walked to the empty seat between Frigga and Sif and sat down with a slight bow. He nodded to Frigga before smiling softly to Sif and turning to look at his father.

“I apologize Father, mine brothers, sisters and friends for mine lateness.” Thor said, picking up his full flagon of mead. “t’was only a hour ago that I walked out of the chamber of healing with mine wounds fully cared for.”

“Of course mine son, it gladdens mine heart to see thou well.” Odin said, smiling as he took a long drink of his own massive mug before tossing a piece of meat to both Freki and Geri. “Thou hath arrived in time to hear the Warriors Three regal us with the tale of their great feat.”

“A tale I expect to have battle to peak even the interest of the God of War.” Tyr said, his eyes gleaming in the light as he took a bite of a leg of lamb.

“We don’t all enjoy a tale based only on the amount of battle Tyr.” Idunn said, sipping her wine.

“Aye, bravery and acts of valor do a good tale make.” Sif said, eating a piece of ruby red fruit that vaguely resembled an apple. “Now enow, we would hear the tale first before we judge the deed further.”

“As wise as thou art beautiful Lady Sif.” Thor said, smiling softly as he continued to select food to take. “Now on with the tale!”

“No, no my friends, we must wait for Heimdall before our tale of daring-do is told.” Fandral said, smiling wide and chuckling loudly. “Would not do to have to repeat such a harrowing story now would it?”

“Bah, thou make to much of a battle well fought.” Hogun said, taking a huge bite of roasted pork and washing it down with a long swig of ale.

Volstagg laughed loud between periods of stuffing his mouth full of various foods and drinking huge quantities of drink. His words were muffled and food spat out of his mouth as he talked. “We earned this feast, and we shalt enjoy it yes? Tell them the tale of our bravery already!”

“Cover thy mouth heavy one!” Baldur said grinning, “The food goes in ones mouth not out pouring out of it.”

All around the table laugher filled the hall and with a shake of his head Odin took a long drink and held up his head which silenced the table.

“We shall give Heimdall a little more time to arrive before hearing about thy quest.” Odin said, his blue eye gazing over them. With that said the Gods, Goddesses and warriors returned to talking amongst themselves as they awaited the arrival of the eternal watchman.

Meanwhile on the rainbow bridge Bifrost Heimdall stood looking outward toward Midgard and listening with senses beyond that of even the most perceptive being. His hand clenched absently on the hilt of his sword and he casually brushed his cloak off his shoulder. It had been his duty to keep a last watch for anyone attempting to attack Asgard via the Bifrost bridge and he would not retire to Gladsheim without being sure that there was no threat. To this end he opened up all of his senses and stood absolutely still while he listened and watched for anything even slightly out of place. To him even a birds wings flapping on Midgard was crystal clear but this he silenced, focusing in only on the bridge itself and because of that he heard as well as felt the appearance of someone behind him. With reflexes born from years of combat experience and natural God’s agility Heimdall swung his sword back out behind him in a smooth arch but the mighty blade was deflected mid swing with a shower of emerald energy.

“What sorcery be this!?” Heimdall shouted, falling back a step with his two handed blade held now in both hands.

Before his green eyes stood a man in robes of layered emerald and gold, his boots a brilliant emerald and upon his head a golden circlet with twin upturned horns. Around him flowed a shimmering water like emerald shield that showed no sign of being hit save for a slight ripple just now playing out over the edges of its surface.

“Loki,” Heimdall snarled out, still holding his blade at the ready. “What brings thou to fair Asgard on this night?”

“What brings me to fair and exalted Asgard thou asks? Tis my home, doest thou not remember oh observant one?” Loki said, a sneer playing across his slender face as a hidden glow lit up his violet and green eyes. “I hath come to pay homage to the stalwart heroes known as the Warriors Three, wouldst thou bar mine way?”

“I was not told of thy invitation to the feast, mischievous one.” Heimdall said, his voice dripping with contained anger. “Nor do I believe that thou art welcome in the palace of Odin nor the whole of Asgard. Be gone with thee or I shall…wait…dost thou hear that…marching feet…?”

“As always so perceptive Heimdall…tis thy strongest skill but I am afraid that hinders mine plans for the night… ” Loki said with an overly dramatic sigh as he simply waved away his shield and rose up slowly into the air with his robes flowing about him. “I think tis time to deal with thee.”

“No foul one, tis time to at last deal with thee!” Heimdall cried out, leaping straight at Loki with anger in his eyes. “Have at thee!”

“Fool! Feel the powers that only I wield!” Loki shouted before putting his hand out, palm out toward the leaping Heimdal. Speaking ancient words of power Loki’s eyes flared up with emerald flame and from the air itself flowed eldritch energy gathered around his
hand. With a final word the power exploded out in a blast of brilliant color that enveloped the attacking God, stopping him in place and with a sharp crack threw him nearly fifty feet back to crash into the bridge.

Heimdall rolled for a short distance, before coming to a stop while the shattered remains of his helm and sword fell a few feet from him. His body smoked, his cloak all but burnt away with his armor shattered from the attack and much of his skin was burnt. From his blade and helm tendrils of smoke rose and all was still save Loki who drifted down to land on his feet. His cruel green eyes lit with mischievous joy as he first looked to the smoldering body of Heimdall before turning his gaze to the gate to the mighty city Asgard.

“Now with that bit of business taken care of…tis time to enjoy the fruition of mine plans.” Loki said, grinning widely. “Best to watch of afar I think.”

With a dramatic flourish he bowed to the badly injured God before vanishing in an instant, seeming to fade away as if he had never been there to begin with.

Too far away to hear the attack on Heimdall the feast in Gladsheim was in full swing. The Gods, Goddesses and warriors ate and drank merrily with tales of feats being told from all around the table.

“That was truly a fight that will naught be forgot in the halls of Valhalla for many a year!” Tyr said, taking a long swig of ale. “Though the foul trolls will never forget the name of the God of War!”

“A tale of valor indeed Tyr, though thou hath never beaten the vile champion of Geirrodur himself, Ulik,” Thor said. “Now that be an enemy worth facing in battle. I remember one such fight where…”

“I think that tis enow mine son.” Odin said, his watchful eye seeing the anger appearing in Tyr’s eyes at being bested in deeds by Thor. “We hath waited long enow for Heimdall, he shalt hear the Warriors Three’s tale…now let us begin.”

“Of course All-Father, now thou knows we were sent to Alfheim the land of the light elves to slay the dragon Falgindrief,” Fandral said, a wide grin coming to his face as he recalled the past adventure. “We traveled swiftly upon the fastest steeds toward the village said to be closest to the foul monstrosities lair, the village of Lianna’thalas…Now I would be quite the fool if I didst not mention the truly lovely ladies of the Light Elves…With beautiful eyes of blues and gold, soft lush lips, hair spun from shimmering silk and slender lithe…”

“Enow Fandral! We were asked to tell of our quest not to talk of the light elf women,” Hogun growled out, interrupting Fandral and tightening his grip on his mug.

“Hah! Fandral only thinks of the women, thou knows this Hogun!” Volstagg said, chuckling loudly before taking a massive bite out of a rib.

“Thou hath no understanding of the truly fine things in life Hogun and Volstagg tis only the beautiful women who hold mine attention,” Fandral said winking to Sif. “Now, if there art to be no more interruptions I will continue. In Lianna’thalas we met with the counsel member and were told of the beasts lair and what had been attempted before. We were told of its vile crimes and of the destruction the fiendish Falgindrief hath wrought.”

“Of course this was told over the most delicious food to be had in all of Alfheim…with even fruits enow to satiate mine own appetite for a short while.” Volstagg said, grinning widely with a hand on his vast stomach. For a moment he let his platter remain empty but for only a moment for he quickly began to refill it. “t’was truly wonderful, plates of venison, piles of baked potatoes and hearty salads of the like that I hath never…”

“Aye, aye mine friends I am sure the women and the food t’was truly great but perhaps thou could continue on to the slaying of the beast?” Thor said, shaking his head with a sigh. “Hogun, after the meeting didst thou track down the villainous Falgindrief?”

“Aye Thor, we tracked the beast easily by following the carnage it left in its wake,” Hogun said. “We found the lair carved in the rocky wall of a nearby hill. The edges were blasted black and ash covered the ground all about the opening. Moving in we drew our weapons and prepared for battle. The walls were smooth in places as the dragons foul fires melted the rock itself.”

“In the cave as we traveled ever deeper, we saw a by torchlight the remains of many brave warriors of the elves. Naught but bones remained but t’was clear that a truly large battle took place.” Fandral said, his tone taking on the appropriate dread as he motioned broadly with his gloved hands. “Onward we went till we came upon an opening to a hall lit from an opening in the ceiling that let the days light in. t’was this entrance that Falgindrief used most frequently I think and t’was his lair for sure…The stink of dragon dung and the charnel stench of a slaughterhouse t’was enow to kill a less stalwart set of heroes. Within we looked, and before our eyes we saw the massive dragon himself who luckily enow did not see us.”

“T’was nearly enow to cause even eye to lose mine appetite…the stench and the sight of the beast I mean,” Volstagg said. “But t’was lucky indeed for we moved stealthily into the cave, and thus got the drop on the monster.”

“Bah! Got the drop thou says?! Hah…we only caught him off guard as thou were the distraction with thy ‘whispering’,” Hogun said with a dark laugh as Volstagg seemed to turn red with rage and was about to speak before Hogun beat him to it. “While Volstagg drew the dragons attention I climbed up onto a high ledge and Fandral with his blade moved behind the beast.”

“Its speed t’was amazing but Volstagg’s girth wouldst not be takin’ so easily by only a fierce dragon!” Fandral continued. “He hath managed dodge the attack and land a blow with the mace he hath with him. While the beast quickly recovered Hogun dropped upon it from above, his mace smashing down upon its head just as it prepared to strike at Volstagg once more. The ground itself shook as the weapon hit and Falgindrief’s head broke the ground with the impact. It t’was then as Hogun was knocked aside by the scythe like claws that I chose to attack…with speed and agility unmatched I ran along the serpents tail, along its back and to its neck to leap in the air and with blade sharp and true to pierce its eye with but one strike.”

“As Fandral’s sword pushed in ever deeper we had recovered our wits and renewed our attack. Hogun ran forward and with a blow that couldst even rival you Thor he shattered the beasts leg with his mace,” Volstagg said, grinning wide through his fire red beard. “The beasts scream was deafening but it gave us no pause as we attacked a new. I launched mine self at the serpent’s thrashing neck as it sought to dislodge Fandral and grabbed hold of it. Mine vast strength and mighty girth allowed me to ground the fiendish being.”

“T’was a day to be thankful for Volstagg’s great weight aye Fandral?” Hogun said which drew a loud chuckle from all in attendance. “Whilst the dragon was held I assaulted with savage fury, mine mace bashing great wounds upon its body and the sound of thick bones splintering.”

“Aye, it’s body in ruin and its teeth finding no target it raked great grooves in the rock but t’was to late as I shoved mine blade deep into the foul brain,” Fandral said, repeating the motion with his knife and a roasted potato. “His death throes were truly great and even Volstagg was thrown away as was I but it quickly died. As thou asked for a trophy as proof we cut the head off the beast and dragged it from the lair to the village. The light Elves were of course quite grateful and as I mentioned the women were truly beautiful but alas we couldst not stay for more than a day…”

“In their gratitude they gave us a cart on which we carried the head and a small feast,” Hogun continued. “T’was enow and we headed back to Asgard. If not for the element of surprise I think, we wouldst have fared far worse.”

“Perhaps thou art right but that does little to mar thy great victory,” Odin said, rousing a mighty cheer from the table. “Thou art truly warriors of the Realm Eternal and thus hath earned this feast.”

Suddenly a colossal fist crashed through the solid stone wall of Gladsheim, the stone showered out crashing into the table and before the Gods could react two hands pried open a massive entrance into the hall. The act of rending the walls caused one of the great warrior statues to snap in half and land upon the table sending food and splintered wood in the air. A tall giant of staggering height stood tall in full armor and from behind it poured into the tear a host of many trolls.

“Who wouldst dare to so brazenly attack Realm Eternal!” Thor yelled out, leaping to his feet and drawing Mjolnir. Around him the other Gods were quickly regaining their footing and though the table had been all but shattered from debris did not seem hurt. A few warriors did not far so well and lay broken under shattered stone.

“We wouldst attack those who wouldst lay siege to the great kingdom of Geirrodur and that of the might Utgard-Loki!” a mighty troll shouted, a cruel morning star in his hands. “Now tis time all ye accursed ones for a reckoning.”