Marina, Battle Warrior To The Gods

By Ian Johnstone

Something very evil and very powerful was somewhere in the mountains. Warrior could feel it. It threatened the balance of the worlds, beyond the control of the Gods of Asgard.

There would be a battle. It was inevitable, and Warrior knew it, a war in the Outer World that would have far-reaching consequences. This malevolent power was alien. It came from beyond the realms, beyond the territories of Earth, and yet it would use all the evil so long confined in the Underworld, calling out evil gods, raising terrible creatures and beings only vaguely remembered in myths and fables, and resurrecting vast armies from Man’s past.

Skilled in command and in battle as Warrior was, this was beyond his experience. As reluctant as the Gods of Asgard might be to trust her fully, they needed Marina, Battle Warrior to the Gods. Her skills went far beyond those of mere mortals and even beyond those of the few gods who were practiced in battle. If the malevolent power could raise armies of the long-time dead, so too could Marina. More importantly, she had the intelligence to understand her enemy, to manipulate him, to wear him down, while the armies of the living and the dead battled across the Outer World.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Strict Publishing International
• Release date: Feb 4, 2014
• ISBN: 9780857793300

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Marina, Battle Warrior To The Gods

Ian Johnstone

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2014 Ian Johnstone

Published by Strict Publishing International

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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CHAPTER ONE

It was very evil and very powerful, and it was either already on the surface of Midgard or it was close and ready to strike.

Warrior had stood outside the tigers’ cave for four days without moving, and he could sense it. The balance between good and evil had been upset. He had felt this type of evil before, from the god Dark Storm, but this was so much stronger and the undertones held menace that he had never encountered.

Could he be mistaken?

Had one of the evil gods escaped the confines of the Underworld and was now walking the surface? No. He pushed that thought aside. This evil was so powerful and intense that it had to be alien to Midgard. He had felt its presence the moment it arrived, and yet his senses were telling him that it was trying to remain secret.

There was more unrest, and Warrior was sure that this evil, whatever it was, had caused it. It had disturbed the Underworld, and that could never be good.

It was close, Warrior was sure. It was definitely on his side of Midgard, and it was near the mountains or even on them with him.

Warrior thought back to the Sorcerer who was evil to the core, and he wondered whether perhaps it was something the Sorcerer had managed to leave, something that could do evil even when the Sorcerer had gone. He dismissed that idea as impossible almost as soon as it entered his head. The Sorcerer had not been as powerful as they had first thought. Yet, anything was possible. He would keep the thought alive. He might return to it later.

This evil felt far too strong to be just one mortal, and it was far stronger than the evil demons that had been summoned to the surface. The power behind it troubled Warrior. If it was not mortal, then it must be alien to this world, and there was now no doubt in Warrior’s mind of its power and its intensity. This must be something new, something unknown in Earth’s territories.

Warrior thought about the entrance to the Stepping Stones to the god, but he dismissed that idea too. Marina had told him that the Sorcerer had pulled down half the cave to close the entrance for all time. Since the time of the Sorcerer, the gateway to the realms had been changed. There was not a single Key now but several, and they were spread out over the Outer World. Each realm had part of the Key, and even if you had five parts without the sixth there was no entrance to the realms. Warrior was one of the few exceptions to the rule because, like his mentors, the Creators, he used the mists of time to travel.

The Creators appeared in front of him, and he bowed in respect.

You are troubled, Warrior, and we too have felt the unbalance. Yes, we have felt its power, but you cannot fight it. This is Power Extreme, and far too powerful for your kind of wars.

My Lords, the evil is not moving about as I would have expected. It remains in one place, as though it were waiting for someone or something. Neither can I pinpoint a location where it is resting. Stranger still, my Lords, my senses tell me that this is an evil god, but I know the evils gods on this world and I can identify their essence. This is not one of them. It is alien, and I am unsure.

Yes, Warrior we hear what you are saying, but for an evil god to arrive from another world is unthinkable. It is also, we think, impossible. We agree with you that if this is a god then he is more evil and powerful than Dark Storm. It is emitting evil at an enormous rate, as if it is becoming stronger by the moment.

Warrior shook his head. In any other case, my Lord, I would tell the gods of this danger, but what can I tell them? I don’t want to start panic in the realms, but at the same time I think they should be informed. Unless I can actually see what Midgard and the gods are up against, there is nothing I can say to them. They know that my senses do not lie; and now is not the time for stupid rhetoric. Should I wait until it becomes plainer? Or should I tell the gods to tighten security, knowing that I will be ridiculed for not giving them enough information?

We, the Creators, think that after the trouble with the Sorcerer, the gods will be happy to receive all the information they can get, however vague. Before the Sorcerer, no mortal ever came so close to them with the intention of doing them harm. It might be wise to inform them of impending danger, and tell them that as soon as you know more you will inform them of your findings. Until you discover what you are up against, you can do no more. Perhaps this power will take a different course and the balance will be restored. Perhaps we may not need to fear its evil.

The creators left, and Warrior was alone once more, although he knew that the Valkyrie was close. I have to talk with the gods, Valkyrie, Warrior announced, and then he faded.

* * * * *

Warrior appeared outside the Well of Urd, and Lord Odin called to him as soon as he had fully materialised. Warrior, enter. Is this a courtesy call, or have you reason for this visit?

Yes, my Lord. I have been standing outside the cave these past few days, and I have sensed an intense evil. I cannot say what generates it, and neither do I know exactly where it is. It has not moved from the mountains where I first sensed it, but it is real. The only time I have ever felt evil coming close to this was Dark Storm. The evil and danger that I sense is only a little less than, dare I say, the Warlock.

Lord Forsetti rose from his seat. He shouted, If it is everything you say, then why have you not gone in search of it?

My Lord, I have just told you that it is on the mountains. My senses pick up a single intensity, but no more. Where would I search, and how would I recognise it if I found it?

Then what is the point of telling us this news, Warrior, if you have no idea what it is? Lord Thor sat back in his seat.

My Lord, forewarned is forearmed. I feel this may be like an evil god, and one with power far superior to the gods we know.

Lord Forsetti jumped up again, shouting, That idea is preposterous. Adjust your thinking, Warrior, and then apologise to the gods for suggesting that one of them has changed to the dark side.

I will not apologise for something I have not done. I said that it was like an evil god, and the powers it possesses are immense. And yet, my Lord, I know that it is not any of Midgard’s evil gods from the Underworld.

Lord Thor asked incredulously, Are you trying to tell the gods that this evil is a god from another world? Ridiculous.

As Thor sat down, Warrior could see that he was not laughing, but at the same time he was trying to belittle Warrior’s warning.

"My Lord Thor, I am sure that you and I had this same conversation before. I will tell you now that when I passed this idea in front of the Creators they did not make light of it. I believe that something was said like your remark when I spoke of the Warlock, who was a danger to the whole of Midgard.

"I also believe that the Sorcerer collected most of his power from a cloud that arrived from beyond this world. The Sorcerer was, if I remember correctly, only a footstep away from the realms and a real threat to the gods. I have no idea what evil is sitting on the mountain, but I honestly believe that it is not of this world.

I was hoping that Asgard would send messengers to the other realms warning them of this uncertain impending danger. However, I see that I might have to send my Valkyrie to do their work. I take the defence and security of the gods and the world below seriously, because if the gods in their entirety are not pulling their oars together, then the ship will sink.

Lord Thor was about to stand again, but the thundering voice of Odin called, Sit down, Lord Thor.

Lord Heimdall stood up. I understand what you are saying, Warrior, and as we are speaking the lookouts are being briefed. I have also sent heralds out to the other realms. Warrior, may I suggest that if this evil is from another world, then perhaps after such a long journey it is disoriented and confused. That might be the reason it has not yet moved.

Thank you, my Lord, and your suggestion has not fallen on deaf ears. That may well turn out to be the reality of the situation. I think that I must seek further advice, because as we speak this entity or whatever it is still has not moved. Warrior then looked at Lord Odin. With your permission, my Lord?

Yes, Warrior, go with the gods’ blessings.

Warrior faded into the mists of time and re-appeared on a mountain. For once, he had managed to transport to precisely where he intended to go, and he was outside the cave he sought.

Enter, Warrior. We have been expecting you.

With no hesitation, he walked inside and sat down where the old woman indicated.

The evil is on the surface and resting, but it will only be for a short while. It is re-forming into the being it once was. Yes, Warrior, it is a being, and powerful. If not for an unseen accident he would be the god of his own world by right of conquest. The Creators know of this being, but they will not have expected it to be here. It is not written in the pages of time. In fact, it will not be found in any of the pages available to us, but you know of a place where the scribe knows all the secrets. On this subject we can tell only of shadows, and of the present and future we have no knowledge.

At this point, Warrior realised that the audience with the two Sisters of Knowledge was over, and it had left him more confused than he was before he arrived. He left the cave and faded, reappearing in a desert by a small complex of tents. With one step he was inside, walking towards the dim light.

Welcome, Warrior. Sit down and we will talk.

Thank you, Oracle. I believe you know my quest.

The girl looked down at a star plan on her desk. "Some many thousand years ago, there was a world not unlike your own. It was heading for a fall, because the good gods had lost control. There was a bad god, but not just bad like Loki that you know so well. This god was evil and fiendish. His intelligence went far beyond the other gods, and he was far more dangerous than Dark Storm before the good gods arrived. The thinking was by the Creators that the good gods had let them down and were to be punished. It was because of the far-reaching damage on the surface of this world.

"However, before the Creators had a chance to vent their anger, something most unusual happened. The largest of the world’s moons left its orbit and fell. In minutes, it impacted on the surface, and in the blink of an eye the world disintegrated. All that was left was dust and debris and a few pieces of rock no bigger than meteorites, a few lifeless balls of rock drifting through space.

The Creators were satisfied, despite the carnage. Justice had been served, and they stepped back. It was over, they thought, but not one of them realised that there was still evil, the real evil, hiding in the midst of the destruction. With so much evil on that world, its power was masked, and no one thought to check more carefully. The evil god was still alive and was clinging to one of the larger fragments of rock, hoping that sooner or later it would come within the magnetic pull of another world. Indeed, that cloud of meteors passes close to the Earth every year, and this year he was lucky. Now this evil god is on your world. His name is Lord Sabre, and his powers are immense."

What trouble will he cause on Earth?

He will not be content with mischief and trivialities. His plan is to start where he left off on the world called Maya.

The girl saw Warrior’s expression change, and she added, Yes, Warrior. You know the name, and yes you are right: they are one and the same. The Creators realised there might be life remaining on the larger fragments that remained of the world. They were too late to recognise the evil, but there was a very large section that not only remained in one piece but also retained its atmosphere, for a while at least. By chance, there were mortals on it who had held onto their faith and obedience to a god who had avoided evil. The Creators rescued them, erased their memory of the old world, and found a new home for them. You have spoken to this old god on many occasions, and she will always help Warrior.

Warrior understood. He knew this ‘old god’ well, and he knew that he would need to find her once more. How can I destroy the evil god, Oracle?

"You cannot, Warrior. It is not within your capabilities to destroy him. There is only one person that can destroy him, and her creator will inform her of her task. Even so, she cannot do it alone. She will need your help and the assistance of others, if she is to have any hope of success, and it will take time. Fortunately, for Lord Sabre to gain entry to the realms will be far more difficult for him than when he tried it with his own world. Be under no illusion, Warrior. This will not be a quick fight. Lord Sabre is better prepared than Palandrake ever was. This is a real god, and he will have the full force of the evil gods helping him once he offers to split the spoils.

"As we talk, Warrior, he is gaining entry into the Outer World and he has already stepped out of the Spire of Time. He is still in disarray, collecting his thoughts, but he grows stronger all the time. He is summoning the Underworld, and they hear him and many will heed his call. Oberon will command thousands of bad Elves from throughout the realms, and he will not hesitate to join this new, powerful evil. Lord Sabre will need to control all six Keys to gain entry to the realms, or at least the majority of them. Three Keys, or less, is not an option for him.

Our trump card is Marina, and it is she who will make the play. You must listen to what she says. Without you, this battle will be lost, and without Marina, it is pointless starting.

The girl fell silent, and Warrior realised that his audience with the Oracle was over. He stood up. May your Creators always be with you, Oracle.

May the Creators be with you, Warrior.

Moments later, Warrior was back in the mists of time, and then making another appearance at the Council of Gods. Once given the floor, he told the gods all he had been told about this new evil, and, as he had expected, there were expressions of dismay and even of fear.

Warrior, Lord Thor spoke. You must go to the Battle Warrior to the Gods, Marina, and give her instructions on this task she must already know is hers.

My Lord, I cannot tell Marina anything. You must have heard what I said? Marina will decide, and she will lead, and she will need help. If she needs an army, then she shall have an army, but that decision is for her and for her alone. I cannot defeat this evil god, whatever resources are put at my disposal. I have neither the knowledge nor the weapons.

Then why is she not already here and telling us her plans?

I have no idea, my Lord Thor, but I would imagine that she will not be outlining her plans to anyone. I doubt that she will even tell me everything, although I must be part of whatever she needs to do.

Lord Forsetti stood up. There you are wrong, Warrior. If this Council of Gods demand that she informs us, then she will do so or be punished.

My, Lord Forsetti, if you wish to punish her it will be so, but I would like to remind you of the last big silence and its consequences. Also, if this god is as powerful as we believe, then most likely he will be aware of everything that is said here, so if Marina were to speak out loud to the gods of her plans, she might just as well walk out of these Council chambers and never return. At this moment we have no idea what this evil god can do and what he cannot do, so it makes sense to assume the worst and to take every precaution.

Lord Thor was about to jump up and disagree, but he thought better of it. Point taken, Warrior. I agree with you entirely, but do you have any idea when we might expect her?

The Creators know all that you know, my Lords, so I would think that she is being briefed as we speak.

* * * * *

Marina was indeed just being briefed by her Creator.

Marina if you are unsure and need help, I am but the blink of an eye away. There is no shame in asking me for help as you are learning your trade. Mistakes are expected, but you will not make the same mistake twice. You must remember, Marina, that you can wield more power than all the gods in the Universe put together. How you choose to wield it is what you are learning. Already you know all that I know, and as I learn so too do you. You are an extension of me, and I will never leave you wanting.

Thank you, my Lord. I will try to live up to the trust you have in me.

My blessings are with you and Brandon.

The Creator faded, and Marina appeared in the Outer World by the Twin Falls. Brandon, Drusilla and Topaz were with her, and she examined the ground as if looking for tracks.

There has been no movement here for a long time, so I conclude that if Lord Sabre has help from the Underworld already then it has not passed through these gates. We will carry on to the Drinking Cup of the Gods and stay there for the evening. It will be a good place to wait for Warrior.

* * * * *

As Warrior was talking to the gods on other matters, one of the Valkyrie appeared.

My Lord, the Battle Warrior to the Gods, Marina, has been seen at the Twin Falls at the End of the World.

I would have thought Marina would have come to see the gods first, said Lord Heimdall.

I am sure that once she has something to tell you, my Lords, she will be here. She has not changed her ways. She takes care of business first, and then explains her actions. She will know that I have been briefing the gods, because her Creator would have told her, my Lord.

Warrior took his leave from the gods and appeared by the Twin Falls at the End of the World. He knew that Marina would go to the Drinking Cup of the Gods for the evening. On seeing her, he dismounted and walked over.

Warrior, I have given you Avalon, Star and Cloud, as your personal Valkron. This Lord Sabre will have a small army with him tomorrow, because I know that Oberon is on the move. His army is even bigger this time and will not be taking any chances. I know from the other realms that he has a mixed race of bad Elves. His army will be upward of five thousand. All the evil gods are going out of their way to help Lord Sabre, so you too must command a substantial army of Elves and Fairies. I have assembled them ready to be here on my command. If we need to talk of plans, Warrior, I can place a shroud of secrecy around us so that no one hears, not even our own Creators, although they will be able to read the plan because we are part of them. Hopefully this god does not have the ability to read minds, but we must be aware of that possibility. My senses tell me there are many things he can do that we would have thought impossible.

We will go and see the Elves in Elfdom castle at first light to pick up part of your army. Then, as we did in the last war in the Outer World, we will enlist the fairies from the Forest of Secrets. It will be nice to see Sand Piper and his wife again.

Warrior thought about Marina’s words but said nothing. He accepted that she knew what she intended to do, and that she should have full control of where and when the action should take place. Warrior was simply a warrior and fought battles with the sword, but Marina was a Battle Warrior and used her powers directly at the evil. Warrior knew that she would have to be at her best to defeat this god.

* * * * *

Nights were short in the Outer World, and it was not long before they were both riding towards Elfdom castle. Once at the gate it was the same fiasco.

Hello, who are you? State your business.

I am Marina, and I would like to speak with your Queen, Queen Amelia.

How do I know that you’re telling the truth?

Stick your head over the top and take a look.

Don’t tell me what to do. I have a job of high importance.

Would you please just go and tell the Queen that I am waiting outside the gate.

There you go again, telling me what to do.

Grenfeld, just go and do as I ask.

How do you know my name?

I am Marina, and of course I know your name.

"Well, ok. I never realised you were that Marina. Open the gate! he shouted. Marina to see the Queen."

Marina was going to ask him how many Marinas he knew, but she knew that you could argue with Grenfeld forever and not make any progress. He had a strange type of logic and a very bad memory.

The Queen came out of the main doors, and shouted, What’s all this noise? She looked over, and then added, Hello, Warrior, Marina. Do we have more trouble in the Outer World? She then looked up to the watchtower. You actually let someone through the gate on your own, Grenfeld.

Who did? Call the guard and have those two Elves on the gate punished. How dare they let people in without permission?

The Queen was still looking at the watchtower and shook her head. I am not sure whether he is getting better or worse, but at times I might as well be in the watchtower myself.

Marina informed the Queen of all that was happening, but she left out many of the main details. If there was any chance, however remote, that Lord Sabre had the power to hear what they said, there was no point in telling him what they knew. In any case, it was a matter of ‘need to know’, and, as well as there being little point in worrying the Queen more than necessary, much of the information she simply did not need to know.

It was not long before Warrior and Marina left, with an army of two thousand Elves behind them commanded by Villias. Warrior looked at Marina and saw the knowing smile on her face. She had her three companions close by her side. Warrior was to her left, just a horse’s length behind. It felt strange to him to be letting someone else make the decisions and give the commands, but he knew it had to be this way. This was Marina’s battle, and Warrior was there only to aid her when the need arose.

* * * * *

Marina’s army travelled far before the Forest of Secrets could be seen in the distance. At almost the same time as they