The Norse Explorer

By Leigh Ann Edwards

The more she attempts to ignore him the more irresistible he becomes

Asta, Seer of Spirits of the thirteenth generation of the line of the goddess Solveig, is intelligent, lovely and amusing. However, she is not only headstrong, but purposely difficult, abrasive, and sarcastic. Asta believes she is entirely alone in the realm of Highgard. However, after she discovers the disturbing truth, she escapes to Midgard to search for her sisters. In the beautiful, but often treacherous location of Iceland she encounters a young man from her realm. She fully intends to keep him at a distance but finds it impossible.

Hagen the Explorer is everything Asta believes she is not. He’s ambitious and adventurous, purposeful and optimistic. To save her life he is forced to resort to methods of which she disapproves and possibly cannot forgive. Yet, Asta and Hagen are irresistibly drawn to one another.

Hagen sees her remarkable beauty and her true potential, but she consistently pushes him away. Will love and desire win over her strong will and stubbornness?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• Release date: Jan 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9781951786281

Book preview

Author

Acknowledgments

Again, I have so many to thank for seeing this book published.

Firstly, Meghan Farrell at Tule Publishing, I want to say a huge thanks for all you do. You have been such an immense help with this book and all the others. I do really appreciate it. To the other members of the great Tule team, Jenny Silver, Nikki Babri, Cyndi Parent, and Lee Hyatt, I want to thank each of you for everything you have done in getting this book to production. Thanks to Jane Porter as well for forming such an amazing publishing company which allows so many authors to share their stories.

Thank you to Rachel Jackson for your wonderful developmental edits. You always have terrific ideas on how to improve the storylines and make the characters shine. I’m happy you liked Asta and Hagen’s love story and adventures.

Thanks to Helena Newton for your copy editing. It is always reassuring to know you are so very competent and catch all my errors. I really am grateful for the list of characters you create when you are doing your edits as well.

To Marlene Engel, I very much appreciate your trained, objective eyes in proofreading also.

I want to say thanks again to Ravven for your fantastic cover design. You continue to amaze me with your talents. I couldn’t count how many comments I’ve had on the beautiful designs you continue to create.

To my wonderful husband, Mark who has taken up so much of the slack in so many ways while I’ve been writing this series, it doesn’t go unnoticed, my love. To my daughters and family, I am grateful you have been so understanding in how much time has been dedicated to this series. Even my beautiful grandchildren have been so patient although they must have begun to wonder if grandma was ever coming back from her stories.

To the readers of my two series, thanks so much for reaching out with your great comments and support. I am always so pleased to hear my characters are important to you as well. Thanks to everyone for all your support.

Chapter One

The wind rattled the glass of the arched windows in the Hall of Ancestors. It whistled through the cracks in the ancient stone walls and echoed off the pillars. The entire fortress was chillingly silent and the howling wind only added to the unsettling eeriness. Asta stared at the long-empty tables in the immense hall. She remembered the many times in her nineteen sun’s journeys when she and her three sisters had spent time here. Only recently she and her twin sister, Brenna, had laughed together and played as children, racing amid the pillars and weaving in and out between the numerous tables throughout the enormous hall. Now, there was only disturbing silence.

Asta was the only Highgardian remaining in their realm. Brenna and their older sister Torunn had both recently journeyed to Midgard, to the world of humans. Eydis, their youngest sister, had died some moons earlier when she contracted the unrelenting Red Death, the plague that had hit their realm and decimated their people. Asta prayed Torunn and Brenna had made it safely to Midgard. When the two Highgardian moons were whole in the sky again, Asta would journey there as well to be with her sisters. That thought comforted her as she made her way through the silent fortress.

She walked through the winding corridors and entered the bedchamber she and Brenna had shared all their lives. Asta recalled Brenna’s lovely laugh and her sunny disposition. She remembered the many times they’d stayed awake talking, sometimes the entire night, and how they’d often laughed until they could scarcely breathe and their sides hurt. The empty bedchamber was suddenly unbearably lonely. The torch flickered ominously near the doorway and Asta added more wood to the fire.

Although Asta didn’t actually fear being alone, she disliked it far more than she’d thought she might. She had always required time apart from her sisters, but that had been on her own terms, when she had chosen to be distanced or alone. Even though she was capable of communicating with spirits, it did not take the place of being with Brenna or Torunn.

Asta’s greatest fear was darkness. Ever since she was a child, she recalled being desperately afraid of the dark. Fortunately, Brenna had always been understanding. She hadn’t objected to the shutters being drawn at night to hide the dark, and the torch and hearth burning brightly while they slept.

You aren’t alone, Asta. She heard the voice beside her and turned to see the spirit of her youngest sister, Eydis, perched upon the bed. You are Asta Seer of Spirits; therefore, you are never truly alone.

That is true, Eydis, and I don’t want you to think for a single raven’s call I don’t appreciate your presence. You know I do, but I miss Brenna terribly.

She is your twin, of course you will miss her the most. You have not been parted in all your lives. How could you not long to have her here with you? I sense you do miss Torunn as well, though you might be more hesitant to admit that.

You’re correct, Eydis, Asta sighed. I certainly wouldn’t admit it to Torunn, but I do miss her more than I believed I would. Although we often disagreed and she was exasperatingly overprotective, I always felt safe when Torunn was here.

She was our mother for seven sun’s journeys after our aunt and grandmother died. Only thirteen sun’s journeys herself at the time, Torunn provided for us, cared for and protected us.

Yes, we owe her much, Asta agreed.

Soon you will go to Midgard to be with Brenna and Torunn.

Will you come to be with us, Eydis? As a spirit, are you able to cross over to other realms?

I’m not certain. I can’t go to Torunn and Brenna now for I have attempted it, but seeing spirits is not one of their Highgardian gifts. When you are in Midgard, I hope I will be able to come to you, but if not…we will all be together again one day in the place of solace.

I do hope you are able to journey to Midgard, Eydis.

Asta turned quickly toward the shuttered window for she heard a distinct whisper. She was nearly certain it called to her…a voice she sensed might originate from somewhere in the dark mountains. She was accustomed to hearing voices, for as a seer of spirits she could also converse with them and they often spoke to her. But this did not sound like a spirit, yet clearly it must be for she was alone here in Highgard. She felt her heart thud faster when she heard the whisper again.

Do you hear that, Eydis?

Do not listen, Asta. It is surely a voice from somewhere beyond the Crystal Mountains.

I disagree. The voice of another spirit suddenly spoke. I think you would do well to listen. Asta turned to see the spectral figure of Runa. Asta had seen Runa’s spirit before and spoken with her on occasion, but she had never come to Asta here in her bedchamber. Runa had been a sorceress in life and even as a spirit she remained beautiful, but undeniably unsettling.

I did not invite you here within my chambers, Asta said. I am sure you are aware this chamber is warded. Although you are clearly powerful enough to enter, it doesn’t mean I want you here.

I am not certain I want to be here, but there are topics we must discuss.

Asta sighed, but thought Runa was likely correct.

You think I should listen to the voice? Asta asked.

It is doubtful you can ignore the whispering. You should listen, but do not reply or acknowledge and don’t ever go to the voice, Runa warned.

Well it’s not as though I’m going to attempt to scale the Crystal Mountains and explore the dark mountains beyond to see if that is truly where the voice originates. I’m not Torunn. My powers do not include great physical strength and endurance.

But you must not heed the voice, for then the being may be capable of coming to you, Runa said.

Would you stop being so entirely cryptic and unforthcoming, Runa! Tell me who it is and what they want.

Runa shook her head and her floor-length ebony-black hair swished eerily as she turned toward the shuttered window as though even she was fearful of what lay beyond.

What would cause a spirit to be afraid? Nothing can hurt you as a spirit, can it? Asta asked.

No, they cannot hurt me now. However, they have caused immeasurable pain and suffering for many, not only here in this realm, Runa said.

That isn’t of any help to me, Runa. Giving me cryptic snippets of information is only going to add to my inquisitiveness, Asta said as she stared at the spirit-woman and then at Eydis’s spirit. Do you know the truth, Eydis? Do you know who whispers to me?

I can’t hear the voice, Asta. The goddess Solveig once told me only those with the inherent natural ability to hear spirits or recognize darkness can hear their voices.

So, there is more than one? That’s great; truly perfect to know there may be more than one voice I should hear, but never follow. Clearly Runa and I can hear them, but as a spirit you aren’t able to hear them, Eydis?

Your sister, Eydis, had no darkness within her in life or in death, Runa answered as she stared at the window. It was evident she heard the whispers even now.

I have a darkness within me? Asta questioned though she had always believed that to be true and surely didn’t need confirmation.

The imitator—one of the beings who are depleters but can make you believe they are someone else—was once able to come to you. You hear the voices from beyond the mountains. Only those with some amount of darkness within them are able, Runa said.

Asta stared at the window as the whispers continued and her knees suddenly trembled. She lowered herself to the bed to still her unsteady legs. With her keen Highgardian senses she caught her sister Brenna’s scent upon her pillow. Asta clutched it to her. She envisioned Brenna’s lovely golden curls and her bright smile and the whispers stopped.

Runa nodded. Always thoughts of light and positivity stem the voices, but that is not necessarily beneficial.

You are confusing me, Runa. You’ve told me not to listen to the voices, but now you are saying hearing them may be beneficial. That is entirely contradictory.

Listen, but do not heed. Perhaps if everyone here in Highgard had been capable of hearing the voices we would not be in such a dire predicament now. They might have believed what was happening and found a way to prevent it; there would not be only one Highgardian left here in this realm.

You are not helping me, Runa. Tell me the whole truth or nothing at all. Tell me what I should know or be gone!

You are not ready to hear it all, but you must know some. The voices are older than any of us known as Highgardians. It was the goddess Solveig who named this realm and decided it should be called Highgard. With her Asgardian powers, before she created the veil to conceal our world, she was capable of seeing across the realms to Asgard, but only if she looked downward, hence she named this realm Highgard.

I don’t need a lesson on the history of how the realm was named or the location of Asgard in relation to Highgard. I need to know about the voices! Asta impatiently scolded.

How did your aunt Magnahild put up with your sarcasm and belligerence for so long? Runa said. Her voice sounded displeased and impatient also.

"Not so long. Brenna and I were nearly three when Mother died…or when she left us, which is apparently the truth of it. Her alleged death was just one of the many lies told to us through the years. We were eleven when our aunt was killed by the nidhoggr while protecting your body so you’d transcend, Asta accused. Therefore, our aunt only needed to put up with my belligerence for eight sun’s journeys. I suspect I was not always belligerent when I was a small child. Perhaps living to see almost everyone in our realm claimed by the Red Death aided my disposition. Maybe never being allowed to meet our father because he was sealed away in the dreaded caves of death before losing him to the scarlet affliction and believing our mother was dead as well…being left entirely alone but for my three sisters might have made me cynical and untrusting even at an early age."

Yet your sisters do not suffer such cynicism or unpleasantness, Runa dared to suggest.

"As you are surely aware, I am not like my sisters. If I am to believe all I have heard, you, Runa the dark sorceress, were certainly more unpleasant than me, and dangerous as well," Asta said as she glared at Runa.

Runa actually smirked at that.

But, Asta, Eydis interrupted. You must also remember Runa did save Torunn when she was only a newborn, and she saved Mother’s life that day as well. If she hadn’t, you and Brenna and I would never have been born.

Yes, I suppose we are all connected whether we want it to be so or not, Asta admitted. Would you finish telling me what I must know?

Runa nodded. When Solveig and her followers came to this realm, they believed there were no other people here, only the birds and beasts…but they were wrong, Runa finally said.

Again, Runa stopped speaking and Asta impatiently drummed her fingers on the wooden stand by the bed.

As a spirit you are eternal, so clearly you’re not in any hurry to tell me the truth; however, I am not a spirit or immortal! I could die of the Red Death waiting to hear you finish this riveting tale! Asta stated.

The beings fed on blood, Runa continued, apparently ignoring Asta’s sarcasm. First on the blood of the magical horses that once were abundant here. When they were gone, they started on the drakis…the mystical dragons. The drakis were much more difficult to kill, but they did manage to get to them. I have never seen a dragon or a horse for both were extinguished before I was born, Runa said. When the dragons were nearly all gone, the beings apparently began feeding on the blood of Highgardians.

I suppose we should be grateful we weren’t their first choice, Asta said with a sneer.

The dragons protected Solveig and the other Highgardians, Runa continued, as did the ravens, gyrfalcons and other winged creatures. They often warned when one of the beings was nearby. The pale-faced fiends have a particular aversion to ravens. It is why no one from Highgard will ever take the life or eat the flesh of a flying creature.

I did always wonder the reason why that was so, Asta admitted. Bestamor told us the last draki died when she was a child.

Yes, it was some time ago. After the drakis were gone the beings were more easily able to prey on the people here in Highgard, the descendants of Solveig and the other gods originally of Asgard who followed her after she escaped from Odin’s prison in Asgard.

These beings truly drank our blood? Asta said in disgust. Often prone to an unsettled stomach, she gagged at the very consideration.

Yes, it is said they needed blood to sustain their lives.

Who are they, these confounded beings that fed on the blood of horses and drakis and then on Highgardians?

They have been given various names through the centuries in the many realms they have descended upon. In Midgard they have evidently been termed vampires. Here, they are known as the depleters, for they drained the blood and depleted the lives of our people.

Why have we never seen them? Why did they not come to us when there were only my sisters and I here? Surely even Torunn wouldn’t have been able to defeat such horrific creatures.

They don’t feast on Highgardian blood any longer for our blood is tainted. Now they hope to leave Highgard to search for other worlds, other realms they might infest.

Asta stared at Runa, for she was aware there was much she wasn’t telling her.

What do they survive on now, then?

They are evidently able to place themselves into a state of deep sleep for a lengthy time so they do not need to feed. However, when they do waken, they whisper to those who are able to hear them.

Asta shuddered at that. She had many questions for Runa but wasn’t even certain where to begin.

Why is Highgardian blood tainted? she finally asked.

It is a long and unpleasant tale, Runa admitted.

Since I am not to leave Highgard until the two moons are whole, I suppose I have time to listen. I need you to tell me everything! Asta demanded.

You may not wish to know, Asta, Eydis said as sat upon the bed beside Asta.

"That may be true, but I suspect I need to know."

It happened when my own grandmother was a girl, Runa said and her spectral eyes held a far-off look. Many of our people were being taken; our numbers were already diminishing.

But you claimed only people filled with darkness would hear the depleters, and you said they had to be acknowledged for them to get to us.

When dark happenings and dismal times fall upon us, people are often filled with gloom and darkness. Trying to remain hidden away from beasts that drained their blood caused much fear and panic. Darkness filled the minds and hearts of the Highgardians. Some suggested they choose who was to be given to the depleters, that perhaps the weaker people and even the children be given to save the strong. They thought it might buy some time until they were capable of finding a way to defeat the depleters. There was much dissension and suspicion between houses and violence erupted, which only caused more darkness amongst our people.

I suppose that would be true. When so many became infected with the Red Death, dread and gloom could be felt everywhere. Asta nodded for she did recall how it had been, even though she’d only been a young child at the time.

Runa sighed heavily at that and turned to look at Asta as though trying to decide if she should continue with her explanation. She took a breath and finally spoke on. "As you know, all Highgardians have some type of godly or magical powers maintained through the centuries and passed on through the generations.

There were the healers—who created herbal remedies or dealt in alchemy needed to assist with healing injuries and maladies—but many also had the gift of a healing touch. There were warriors—those with unusual godlike strength and endurance. There were the seers or prophets—able to see the past or predict the future. There were shapeshifters who could shift their shape to whatever they desired, and sorcerers or sorceresses who created many types of spells and delved in both light and dark magic. There were minders—those who could bend the mind or hear the thoughts of others; the gazers, like you—those who see spirits, but also the true form of others. There were the shapsters, who could make you believe you see them in a different form than they actually are; even a mindless beast like a goubelin can unwittingly be a shapster. The shifters were able to move from one place to another simply by thinking of it. There were the trovers, the time-rovers who could move about through different centuries with ease. Of course, some Highgardians had a mixture of some or many of these gifts passed down through the generations.

I know of this, Runa, well some of it at any rate. I haven’t heard of shapsters and didn’t know those who could move in such a manner were called shifters. Apparently, our mother was a shifter, then. I have never been called a gazer before, but I do see spirits. I didn’t know anyone could move through time. But I’ve heard much of this information since I was a child. What does this have to do with the depleters or any of this?

I am getting to it, Asta. It is not something that can easily be revealed, else everyone would have known all the terrible details, Runa admitted.

Asta sat cross-legged on the bed and pushed her long light brown hair behind her ears. She was nearly bursting with the need to know all, but she sensed Runa would not be rushed and so she inhaled a long deep breath and waited. Runa sat beside her and Eydis on the bed as she spoke on.

All the many healers and the sorcerers finally banded together. It was imperative to find a way to stop the depleters. Many of the warriors, our strongest people, had gone with their bows, spears, and swords. They attempted to get to the dark mountains to destroy the depleters, but most of them never returned. A good portion of those who always defended the Highgardian people were simply gone. The Highgardians became more and more vulnerable.

Runa stopped speaking and Asta thought she’d like to shake the woman to make her simply tell her the entire truth.

The healers and sorcerers created many potions and remedies, Runa said.

Potions and remedies for what? If the warriors couldn’t even get to the depleters what good was a potion or remedy, and why wouldn’t they be trying to create a poison to give to the depleters?

The depleters are immortal; even poison would not kill them.

Then why did the Highgardians send their strongest people with weapons if the depleters were immortal? Asta questioned.

They didn’t know at the time and learned the hard way. When their bows and spears wounded them but would not kill them, they discovered they were immortal. Only if they were decapitated or burned could they be killed, but they seldom got close enough to accomplish a beheading or death by fire.

Solveig and the other original gods of Highgard were immortal as well, isn’t that true? Asta asked.

Yes, and that is also connected to all of this. One of Solveig’s many godly abilities was prophecy, the ability to see the future. She knew one day her people would be at risk of extinction. Therefore, she and several others created a spell that ensured any being found here in Highgard would become mortal; they would no longer live forever.

The people were being threatened and killed and the Highgardians decided to use their powers to ensure everyone died? That is completely absurd to my way of thinking. The numbers were diminishing so they simply decided to end their lives?

It does sound rather absurd, but they clearly believed the spell would ensure everyone in the realm including the depleters would become mortal…or perhaps they thought the blood of Highgardians would be less sought-after if Highgardians were no longer immortal.

I suppose that might be an understandable assumption, Asta agreed. But it didn’t work then? The depleters still lived off the blood of Highgardians even though they were mortal? Obviously, if the depleters are still here they are able to survive on the blood of mortals.

It is believed the depleters were able to put a protective warding around their lair. When the spell was spoken with them hidden away within the far recesses below the dark mountains, evidently it didn’t affect the depleters. They remained immortal, but the Highgardians did not.

Don’t you think Solveig should have seen that as well if she was such a powerful prophetess? Asta asked as she shook her head.

Do you see all spirits, Asta Seer of Spirits? Runa said with accusation in her spectral voice.

No, I can’t see the spirits of any male Highgardian, Asta sheepishly admitted. But I am not the great goddess Solveig. I am of the thirteenth generation of her line therefore our godly powers have surely diminished through the hundreds of sun’s journeys.

Even Solveig couldn’t see all, Runa said.

Could you get back to the relevance of the potions and remedies then? Asta asked.

After much discussion and many possibilities suggested, the healers and sorcerers needed to find another means to make certain the depleters would not find Highgardian blood so appealing.

That doesn’t sound like even a minimally favorable notion to me! Asta said and she stared at Runa.

Runa slowly shook her head. Apparently at first it was successful, for it did what it was meant to do. The Highgardian people were no longer hunted and taken. For two generations it was so. It was believed the potion had worked in saving the people. The depleters weren’t seen and even their whispers weren’t heard in all that time.

How was the potion administered to an entire realm? How was it given for generations?

It was placed in the water and the soil. The ingredients and the measure were safely guarded so the healers and sorcerers could continue to keep the people safe from the depleters.

What happened then? Asta asked. What went wrong?

I don’t know if anyone is certain of the actual reason. It was believed the remedy wasn’t created exactly to measure, or perhaps the constant use in the water and the soil caused the potency to become fractured or unsafe.

What were the results then? Asta asked, although she was certain she might have guessed.

The Red Death happened, Runa admitted. As a seer, I saw it when I was a child, a horrid affliction that would take the lives of our people. I saw the bright red eyes, the unsightly scarlet growths, the tears of blood and the inevitability of death.

It wasn’t truly a plague then? It was actually caused by the remedy created to ensure the depleters wouldn’t want our blood?

Runa nodded her head and even as a spirit, her sadness and regret were obvious. What was meant to save our people, killed them, killed them all but for you and your two sisters.

Chapter Two

Asta stared at the spirit of her sister, Eydis. She remembered how she’d suffered from the horrid scarlet affliction and finally succumbed to the Red Death. She shuddered at the memory.

Why were those from the line of Solveig not affected if it was in the water and the soil? Asta asked.

We can’t be sure. Even Solveig doesn’t know. Perhaps because the gardens and water supply near the Solveigian fortress are separate from the rest of the realm it might have kept you protected. Perhaps there was some immunity among your line, Runa suggested.

Clearly not adequate immunity, for Eydis died from the horrid Red Death! Asta grew undeniably enraged as she dwelled upon it, knowing all the deaths including her younger sister’s death could have been prevented if not for the despicable potion added to the water and soil.

I am no longer in pain, Asta. You must remember that—and being angry because of something that was done centuries ago will benefit no one, Eydis warned.

It might not benefit anyone, but I can hardly stop myself from feeling angry, Asta said and even as she spoke, her entire body went rigid. The frightening voice within her mind whispered to her even louder. She was considerably more afraid now for there were more voices calling to her.

When you are angry or fearful, the voices of many depleters will come to you. They will be stronger and more insistent, Runa warned her.

You hear them, too? Asta asked Runa.

I do. I have always heard them; even as a small child I heard them.

Why do they come to us; why do they come to me? If they can’t drink my blood what do they want from me?

I suspect they want you to lead them to another world, another realm they can overtake, another world with an adequate supply to feed them.

Why don’t they find another world themselves? Why would they need me?

Evidently, most of them are still in a state of sleep, and only the most powerful among them would be capable of leaving the dark sanctuary within the depths. They sometimes come to us in the form of imitators.

The imitator who came to me pretending to be my father was one of the depleters? Asta asked.

I suspect all imitators are depleters. It is believed some have already been sent to Midgard, but apparently their powers are not as strong there. Solveig believes they would need others with godly powers and a darkness within them for their strength to grow so they can assist the others in leaving Highgard.

Someone like me? Asta asked.

And me as well, Runa admitted. After everyone in Highgard had died but you and your sisters, your aunt and grandmother, and me, they came to me often. The whispers nearly drove me to the brink of madness and I saw their grotesque pale faces everywhere in the darkness. I knew if I found a way to get to Midgard, they would follow me, so instead, I drank a large quantity of the potion.

You took your own life? Asta said in disbelief.

It was only days after I drank the potion I became inflicted with the Red Death, Runa said as she nodded. Yes, I took my own life. I didn’t want more depleters to get to Midgard. I believe my two sons and the other boys sent in the vessel so long ago are there, and that they are still alive. I believe your mother—Vora—and the two boys she took with her are there, and now your two sisters.

Wait. You said two sons; you sent two sons to Midgard? I didn’t even know you had two sons. I heard your son Mikkel had been sent in the vessel with the two other small boys, Brandr and Hagen, when they were all young children, but I didn’t know you had another son.

Very few knew of my firstborn son, for I kept him hidden away. His name is Destin; he was nearly five sun’s journeys older than Mikkel. He was sent before the other boys.

Asta had a great deal more questions now. We only recently learned Eydis had a twin brother and Mother took him with her to save his life, but we didn’t know there were two boys. Who was the other boy Mother took to Midgard?

He was my son! Another spirit entered the chamber and stared at Asta with serious eyes.

Aunt Magnahild? You had another son as well, besides little Bjorn who was killed so long ago?

The spirit nodded her head. I carried a second son nearly five sun’s journeys after Bjorn’s death.

Why did you stay here with us in Highgard then? Why didn’t our mother stay here with her four daughters? You could have taken your son and our new baby brother. You could have been with your baby and Mother would have been able to stay with four of her children instead of only one.

Your mother, my sister—Vora—had just given birth to twins, a baby girl and boy, young Eydis and Knute. They were born somewhat early so they were small, but both were healthy. Vora knew the baby boy would be at risk of contracting the Red Death, for at that time only the males were affected.

I understand that. But you haven’t answered my questions, Asta said becoming more confused and considerably more irritable in wanting to understand.

"I was not ready to give birth; it was not yet my time. I also did not possess the power to summon the vessel so I couldn’t have gone later after my child was born. Only Vora and Runa possessed that ability and they needed to summon the vessel together, both their powers were necessary.

"I sensed I carried a baby boy and I knew the only hope for him was to leave Highgard with Vora. I was still to carry for two more moons, but I needed to see my son saved. Mere raven’s calls after Vora gave birth to Eydis and Knute, I insisted Vora cut my unborn child from within me. Although Vora was reluctant to do it, she agreed. The baby was removed from my belly. He was so very tiny; we waited for him to cry. It took some time, but finally he cried, only a weak cry, but he was alive.

"I had lost much blood and time was short. Vora feared I might not live. I certainly would have been too weak to make the journey to Midgard and then to care for two newborn babies. We needed Knute and my baby boy whom I named Manning, to leave our realm as soon as possible. So, your mother hastily mended the slice in my belly.

Vora was truly heartsick to leave her four daughters, but she knew she was the only hope for Knute and Manning to survive. I only held my son for a short time while she mended my wound and then I put my tiny Manning in her arms and she gave me wee Eydis. We made a promise to each other to place our sister’s newborn child to our breast, to nourish and to love and care for them as we would our own. I promised to aid Bestamor in caring for all four of Vora’s daughters. The vessel was then summoned and they left.

Why do I not remember you nourishing Eydis at your breast? Wouldn’t I have questioned that?

You were young, Asta. I often fed Eydis away from you girls. I think Bestamor and I suggested all women, and not simply women who had recently given birth, were capable of feeding children at their breast. Even Torunn had only lived five sun’s journeys at the time, so it is unlikely any of you would have questioned it.

Do you know if Manning and Knute and Mother survived the journey to Midgard? Asta asked.

They are not in the realm of spirits…the place of solace. Therefore, it is hoped they are safe in Midgard. Solveig’s veil still disallows us to see Midgard, Aunt Magnahild said.

Asta shook her head. Her mind whirled with all the information she’d learned. Once more, she felt nearly everything she’d learned as a child was incorrect; the truth had been gravely twisted or entirely concealed.

Why didn’t they simply stop placing the potion in the water and the soil? If they’d learned that was causing the Red Death? Wouldn’t it be reversed if they didn’t add it to the water any longer? Asta looked at Runa as she spoke.

"It took a long time to discover the true reason for the Red Death. By then it was not only in the water and the soil, but in the fruits in the orchards, the succulents in the gardens, the grasses the animals ate, hence in the meats we consumed. Every food source we possessed was affected. They quit placing the potion in the water, but sadly, the damage was done. We made many attempts to create another potion to reverse the effects, but never with the desired outcome.

It was always hoped the water and the land would recover, but alas, it is now too late. You and your sisters and hopefully the others sent to Midgard will be the hope for our people to live on, although not here in our beloved Highgard, then somewhere. Perhaps in a few more centuries it might be safe to return or perhaps someone learned enough may be capable of creating a potion to reverse the horrid effects, Runa replied.

Our people might have suffered less if the depleters had simply drained our blood, Asta dismally suggested.

They do not simply drain the blood, Asta. They drain the very core of the existence. They drain their souls so there is nothing left to go to the place of solace. Those who were taken and killed by the depleters did not transcend. None of them, Runa said.

By Solveig’s throne! That is a horrid thought!

It was a terrible dilemma. The Red Death was despicable, the pain and the suffering, but those who succumbed to the affliction were mercifully taken to the place of solace. We believe those who were drained by the depleters may have also become the despicable, immortal soulless creatures themselves.

This keeps getting better and better! Asta whispered to herself. How am I not to feel dark despair at hearing all of this? What do the light-beings know of this? Couldn’t they help us in some way? she asked.

The light-beings only attempt to give hope to a people on the brink of extinction. They hope to ensure some of our kind live on…as do the dark ones.

The dark ones? How can dark ones help us?

They are similar to the light-beings, but they are capable of doing what is necessary to ensure our kind live on. The light-beings can’t intentionally do harm, not one malevolent deed even in the name of goodness or to ensure a positive end. They can protect Highgardians, but it is not within them to willfully harm anyone.

Who are the dark ones and where are they now, if they are supposed to be helping us survive?

Most are already in Midgard, but some are here employed in another capacity, Runa said.

More secrets? Asta accused.

Some things are best known only to a few, Runa suggested.

Asta rolled her eyes, which was common when she was displeased with something or someone. Torunn had often scolded her when she did so. For not the first time today, Asta wished Torunn were here to assist her with sorting through all this information. If Brenna were here, too, the three of them would attempt to make sense of the impossible and if they couldn’t, at least they would be capable of consoling one another.

You must not heed the whispers of the depleters. Be aware, but don’t go to them, Runa warned, pulling Asta from her thoughts of her sisters. Keep close to the fortress. It won’t be long till the moons are whole and it is hoped the vessel will appear and you will then journey to Midgard. If you do not allow their dark whispers to penetrate your thoughts it is less likely they can follow you.

How can they follow me if they can’t leave the recesses below the dark mountains? How can they come to us as imitators if they must stay beneath the ground, and how is it you believe some of them are already in Midgard? Asta wasn’t entirely certain she wanted to know any of the answers to her many questions.

They can take many forms, Asta. During certain moon phases when Highgard is blanketed in darkness, those who aren’t in a deep sleep can leave the caverns and come above the surface. They can also move through the underground caverns and tunnels to the caves of death. That is where you saw the imitator—isn’t that true?

Yes, I was in the caves when the imitator came to me in the darkness. Besides not being drawn in by their whispers, how am I to avoid them until I can make the journey in the vessel?

Keep within well-lit areas, keep the torches burning bright, the hearths and fire pits constantly lit. Do what brings you joy and light, for dark thoughts as well as dark places can make them stronger and more likely to be capable of coming to you.

That is why I have always feared the dark!

You were right to fear the dark and without Brenna’s bright presence and Torunn’s protection, you are now far more vulnerable.

It might have been better if I had been sent to Midgard first, and if Brenna and Torunn were left behind. They likely wouldn’t have heard the voices.

But if Torunn did hear the voices she wouldn’t fear them and she would go to them, certain she could defeat whatever threatened them, Magnahild suggested.

That is true. Torunn always felt she was nearly invincible. She would have gone to protect Brenna and been killed by those fiends. That is a deplorable consideration! Asta stood and began to pace the bedchamber as Runa spoke.

Brenna feared being alone, Runa said. If she had been left alone in Highgard, even her usual optimistic thoughts would surely have turned dark. It is likely anyone facing such horrific creatures would be filled with fear. Fear, anger, envy and hatred, all such dark emotions call to the depleters.

I suppose it is fortunate I am the one who remains. Asta stared at Runa as she spoke on. What if I don’t go in the vessel? If I should remain here, if I should die here of the Red Death or if I fell into the pit of boulders or onto the jagged rocks of the Violet Sea? Would that prevent the imitators from getting to my sisters and the others? Would it stop them from going to Midgard?

They would surely find another way. As I said, we believe some are already in Midgard. Even your dark thoughts in thinking death would be better will surely excite and encourage them, Runa said.

Those thoughts are no darker than dwelling on how many Highgardians have been killed by them and their souls depleted. How can my thoughts not be dark while fearing I might aid the depleters in getting to Midgard, thereby helping them get to my sisters?

You and your sisters are said to be the hope of many worlds. The three of you, the last of the Solveigian line are needed, Asta Seer of Spirits, Runa urged.

Stay safe and well until the vessel comes and then journey to the land of the Norse to be with Torunn and Brenna. It is what must be! Aunt Magnahild insisted. I pray you will discover what happened to your mother and find her and Manning and Knute…as well as the other boys who were sent there.

Asta sighed, as even now she heard the disturbing whispers calling to her. As the two spirit women left her, only Eydis’s spirit remained. Asta reeled at the enormity of everything she’d learned. She shook her head, took a deep breath and added many logs to the fire until it blazed high in the hearth.

Chapter Three

"Asta, you cannot remain within this bedchamber a raven’s call longer. You need food and you cannot live without water. The night of the whole moons is still some risets away." Eydis’s spirit nudged her awake.

Asta’s eyes immediately went to the fire in the hearth. It was low and even the torch did not seem to burn as bright. She’d added wood to the fire half the night and attempted to stay awake, but clearly, she’d fallen asleep.

If you are fearful and exhausted you will also be more vulnerable, more susceptible to their whispers and dark suggestions, Eydis warned.

Eydis, maybe you could go to the hall and bring food and water back to me, Asta suggested, but knew she was grasping.

I am a relatively new spirit, Asta. You are surely aware I cannot move objects or lift any item within the physical world…not yet.

You can nudge me awake, Asta disagreed.

Only because you are my sister and we share a blood connection, Eydis explained.

Then perhaps Runa or Aunt Magnahild could go for me. They have been spirits for over seven sun’s journeys.

Just go to the hall, Asta. I will walk with you so you won’t be alone.

If an imitator or a depleter should come to me, you won’t be of any use, Eydis. If you can’t lift an item of food it’s doubtful you can help defend me from such horrible beings. You couldn’t even lift a weapon. Would a weapon even harm them enough to deter them when they are immortal? Asta wondered aloud as she stared at her crossbow. Could I behead them with my crossbow?

Taking nourishment will surely benefit you more. It is doubtful they could come inside our fortress. Sitting here in need of food and water and becoming weaker and more fearful will certainly not aid you in any way. If they can worm their way into your mind, it is unlikely your location is so important.

But Runa and Magnahild told me to stay within the fortress so clearly my location is important. My bedchamber is warded from most spirits so it may keep the depleters from entering as well.

I believe Runa and Aunt Magnahild’s intent was to simply make you aware of the depleters and to encourage you to use your sharp mind and intuition. Don’t stray beyond the gates of the fortress during the times of darkness, but surely you can walk to the great hall so you can find sustenance.

Asta heard her stomach grumble and protest its emptiness, and her throat did feel completely parched. It had been an entire riset, the time from sunrise to sunset, since she’d moved from her chamber, plus a full night.

Come, we’ll go now, Eydis’s spirit insisted and she floated across the chamber to the door. She stared hard at it and suddenly the bolt lifted. She grinned broadly and clapped her hands, undeniably excited by her accomplishment.

You might be some help after all! Asta smiled and opened the door with Eydis close behind her.

There were no windows within the hallways so even during daylight the long winding corridors of the fortress were dimly lit. Only a few scattered sconces lined the walls. Asta carried her crossbow and the torch from within her chambers. She used the torch to light the candles in the sconces as they walked.

Asta heard a sound behind her and her heart jumped to her throat. If she’d been Brenna she would have undoubtedly screamed loudly. She turned to see a squirrel scampering merrily down the corridor.

Infernal creature! By Solveig’s throne! Brenna, when I see you, I think I might actually shake you! Ever since you opened the tower windows and allowed the creatures within the fortress, they are everywhere, birds and beasts alike.

I don’t believe Brenna can actually hear you, Asta, and I’m certain Brenna only did it so you wouldn’t be alone.

Suddenly several large blue butterflies with glowing wings surrounded her. Asta smiled at that.

Do you suppose Brenna could send these creatures to me even if she is in another realm? It is something she did for me when she was here with me. She knew of my fear of the dark so she often sent the glowing butterflies to me.

Perhaps she is able to do so. That would be a comfort to you, Eydis said. Brenna always knew exactly what to do to comfort each of us.

She truly did, Asta said. It would be a great comfort to me to know she sent the butterflies, like having a part of Brenna here with me now. It would ensure my thoughts are less dark.

Eydis smiled brightly at that.

They finally made it to the hall and to the adjoining kitchen with its many immense cupboards and lengthy shelves that held provisions. When Asta opened the doors and peered inside, she shook her head.

There isn’t much left; there’s truly very little.

You haven’t gone down to the storage chamber since Brenna left? Eydis asked.

Asta shook her head. I thought Brenna and I had brought up enough food to last me until the vessel came to take me on my journey. I suppose I underestimated.

Asta looked out the arched windows to see the sun had nearly set. She certainly wouldn’t go out to the orchards to pick fresh fruit, or to the gardens to secure succulent greens. Even though they were just beyond the gates, it would be dark by the time she returned.

The storage chamber that held the salted meats and dried fruits was dark, no matter how brightly the sun shone, for it was located in the lower levels of the fortress next to the dungeon. Throughout her life Asta had nearly always avoided those areas. Her stomach rumbled again as she went to the immense fountain in the center of the hall. She sat upon the edge, placed a cup within and took a long drink of the cool water.

One can go without food considerably longer than water. I will wait till sunrise, Asta said as she pulled out a small portion of dried berries she’d found in the cupboard and slowly chewed on them.

That would scarcely feed a bird, Asta, Eydis said.

It will last me till morning, Asta insisted.

Asta Seer of Spirits, I have never known you to be cowardly! a female voice declared.

Asta jumped at the sound and quickly turned to see who had spoken. It clearly wasn’t Eydis and, in truth, it did not sound like a spirit. Asta could recognize spectral voices, for they quivered ever so slightly. This voice was strong and unwavering.

Asta glanced around the immense hall, for she couldn’t see anyone. She stared at the many tapestries and paintings and hesitantly walked toward the voice.

She started and felt her heart skip several beats when she saw a female standing before her. She gazed up at the painting of the goddess Solveig and then to the woman and back again. It was the same person; she was sure of it.

Are you an imitator? Asta managed.

Do you believe I would actually tell you if I was an imitator?

I suppose not, Asta said and she stared at her and walked around her more than once and the woman smiled. You are not a spirit, Asta observed.

No, not a spirit. The woman sighed.

But you cannot be Highgardian. You must simply be a vision, for you certainly cannot really be Solveig. You would surely be over two thousand sun’s journeys of age. It was always said you created a spell to ensure none of the gods and goddesses here in Highgard would be immortal any longer.

The woman walked toward the throne of Solveig and slowly lowered herself to sit upon it. Her face had become drawn and her eyes clouded as she spoke. Ahhh yes, the spell to end immortality! It did ensure all Highgardians would die…all but me.

You have never died? Why did the spell of mortality not work for you?

I cannot say. I suspect it is because I was one of the original Asgardian gods, but I can’t know for certain.

You have lived here all this time? Where were you all the times we might have needed you? Did you hide away somewhere?

You have as many questions as your sister Brenna, my dear girl.

My dear girl…only Bestamor referred to us by that endearment.

Solveig’s image suddenly changed to resemble Bestamor. Now Asta’s great-grandmother sat upon the throne and Asta slowly backed away from the woman and she felt her eyes widen in disbelief.

How did you do that? Are you an imitator or a shapeshifter, a shapster…what type of confounded creature are you? Asta stammered.

I suppose I am most of those, but not an imitator, for they pretend to be someone else with nefarious intent. I have needed to appear as many others through the years. I couldn’t simply allow everyone to know my spell had ensured everyone else died, but I remained immortal.

Why do you appear as Bestamor now?

Because, dear Asta, I was Bestamor. All those years I was here with you as your grandmother—your bestamor—because I needed to be here for you.

But Bestamor was our grandmother’s mother.

Your grandmother Thora’s actual mother, Inkeri died in childbed. I made myself appear as her and maintained her mannerisms and personality when I raised Thora. I remained here with Vora and Magnahild as their bestamor and then assisted with raising you and your three sisters.

Asta stared at the spirit of her younger sister. Did you know this, Eydis?

Not till recently, Eydis admitted.

But we saw you die! We saw our bestamor die; we all watched her transcend.

I have died many, many times or appeared to have died. I have been to the place of solace many times. Always I came back. I had to make it appear that I died and like Runa and other mind-benders, when in Highgard I can make people believe they see something they do not, and even change their thoughts.

But you could have stayed here with us! Asta accused. Torunn was too young to be left raising us. That was cruel and unfair of you.

You all needed to grow strong and independent. You all needed to be readied to go to Midgard.

But you could have saved Eydis. Surely with all your many godly abilities you could have saved Eydis from her suffering or from contracting the Red Death?

"If I could have done so, I would have, dear girl. The four of you are as dear to me as my own children who died so many centuries ago. That was a bane I have lived with endlessly. I created the spell of mortality that eventually took the lives of my children and grandchildren…nearly all my many descendants, but still I remain.

Perhaps that was my dismal fate, to live with that on my mind and my conscience…to live with a broken heart. She sighed again and Asta saw tears on her cheeks. The great goddess Solveig wept for all that she had done, all she’d been a part of.

Sadly, even that is only a portion of the terrible truth, dear Asta. I was also one of the sorceresses who worked to create the potion to ensure the depleters would not kill our entire race. But as you are now aware, it did not go as planned, not by any measure.

I am certain you only did so with our best interests at heart, Asta said when she saw how grievously it weighed on the goddess’s mind even though she maintained the appearance of her bestamor. She simply nodded and her eyes stared off at something in the distance and Asta was able to see the hundreds of spirits that now surrounded them…surely many who had been taken by the Red Death.

You were Bestamor, but also many others through the centuries? Asta questioned attempting to change the dismal topic, for she was certain the depleters would be well aware of the depths of sadness within this great hall.

I was, Solveig said and the white-haired ancient woman whom she’d known as her bestamor faded away and the distinguished goddess Solveig was there once more. I needed to be many others and I did serve several purposes. Some here in this realm but also in other realms.

Torunn looks much like you, Asta observed as she stared at the goddess.

You are correct, Asta. Of all my descendants Torunn is the most like me in appearance. Although I had some of the gifts of strength, Torunn has far surpassed me in that regard. Each of you four girls have some of my abilities, as do your brothers.

Brothers? There are more than just one, more than Eydis’s twin, Knute?

There are others, but you will learn more of them when you are in Midgard.

Couldn’t you take me to Midgard now? If you are able to move from realm to realm, from world to world so effortlessly, couldn’t you take me now instead of waiting for the vessel? I would avoid listening to the whispers of the depleters.

They notice the movements of the vessel less than when someone goes through the veil. That is why I first created the vessel, Solveig admitted.

A noisy vessel hurtling from the ground is less noticeable to those who dwell within the ground than the movements of a magical goddess once of Asgard? Asta shook her head. I understand none of this.

I can move about unnoticed, but when I take others it is not so. One day it is hoped you will understand all of it, Asta Seer of Spirits.

I am not so certain I want to understand or know any of this. It might have been simpler to be young and naïve…to be kept in the dark! Asta said, once more with sarcasm. Or perhaps not!

No, you do not want to be in the dark, certainly not now while you are alone, Asta.

Have you seen them? Have you seen the depleters? Asta asked.

Solveig turned her dark blue eyes, so like those of Asta’s sister Torunn, to look at Asta. She nodded her head. I have seen many of them. They do not look so different than you or me. They have paler skin and lighter eyes, for they do live beneath the ground’s surface and they mostly avoid the sun. Even when they are imitators, that is how we sometimes are able to distinguish between those who they are attempting to imitate. Their skin is pale and their eyes light. They cannot be in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

I had never seen my father before so it was surely easier for the imitator to trick me.

You also wanted to see your father, and they would know that. They are clever and cunning. They prey on our innermost thoughts and deepest desires, which makes them significantly more believable and more dangerous, Solveig admitted.

Why did you decide to come to me today? After all this time, why today?

I know what it is to be fearful and I have heard their whispers many times before. Besides, you and your sisters are very important to me after spending time with you all those sun’s journeys and you are exceedingly important to all of Highgard and Midgard, perhaps to all the other worlds as well.

No amount of burden or heaviness in that notion; no tension at all in that consideration! Asta sarcastically said with a scowl.

You are ever-amusing, Asta. I think perhaps that is one of your greatest gifts—to approach every hardship with humor and joviality.

Torunn would disagree. She did not see the humor in most of what I said or did.

She perhaps couldn’t admit to seeing the humor, for that was not her lot in life—to be the joker or the jester. She needed to be the strong unfaltering sister.

I suppose I am glad I was not given that lot, Asta admitted.

We must make do with whatever lot we’ve been given, but it does not indicate we must accept the fate intended for us.

That sounds ominous. You are as cryptic as Runa.

I suppose I am at times, for I too have a darkness within me.

Well you are Odin’s sister, the god of war and chaos; how could you not have some darkness within you? Asta smiled.

Even Odin was not entirely dark. He sometimes said I was his guiding light, but that was before we quarreled so terribly and he had me thrown in a prison I could not escape.

But you did escape, Asta said.

"Eventually, but I