The Norse Protector

By Leigh Ann Edwards

She learns the ways of the fiercely loyal, but undeniably dangerous Vikings

Torunn the Strong and her sisters, the descendants of the Goddess Solveig of Highgard are the only survivors of the dreaded Red Death. Tall, blonde, beautiful, brave and skilled in weaponry, Torunn will do whatever is necessary to save them from the scourge that killed their people. Forced to leave her sisters and her world behind, she is transported to the land of the Vikings where she is to discover the fate of the lost Highgardian boys sent there twenty years earlier.

Near death, she is saved by Brandr, a fearless, tall, muscular, ruggedly handsome man once a Viking warrior. Torunn and Brandr are forced to battle the brutal mountainous climate, wild beasts, and dangerous enemies. Neither want to admit they are falling deeply in love, for Torunn hasn’t ever met a man before and Brandr’s past is filled with tragedy and betrayal.

Is it possible for them to find happiness together?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• Release date: Jul 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781950510658

Book preview

Author

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank the fantastic team at Tule Publishing for all they’ve done in seeing The Norse Protector completed.

Thanks to Meghan Farrell for your quick replies to my many questions, and for being there for me every step of the way since I began this journey with Tule nearly four years ago.

Thank you to Lee Hyatt for your much-appreciated assistance with the preparation of the cover art and in corresponding with the cover designer.

I also am grateful to Jenny Silver for all your diligent work with marketing. I look forward to your help in promoting the series.

Rachel Jackson, I am really indebted to you for your amazing developmental editing, your continued suggestions and all your great ideas. To Helena Newton, thanks for ensuring the copy-edits were done so very well. Thank you to Marlene Engel for your great edits, too. I know editing is a really huge part of a book’s success.

Each and every component of the process of publishing is remarkably important. Therefore, I am grateful to all of you.

Thanks to Ravven for the stunning cover design. You have once again accurately brought my vision to life. The characters on this cover are nearly identical to how I pictured Brandr and Torunn when I was creating them.

Thanks to my wonderful family for encouraging me even when I was often an absentee wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. I appreciate your support during the time I researched, wrote and edited this book and the Vikings of Highgard Series…when I was clearly off in Viking-age Norway more than here with you.

Thank you to my understanding friends who are so important to me and whom I have seen even less in the past few months.

I am thrilled and excited for readers to be introduced to my characters. I thank all of you for helping me to continue living my passion and realizing my dream.

Prologue

Long ago, the Norse goddess Solveig, sister to the mighty Odin, was imprisoned for speaking out against his wrathful deeds and constant warring. When Solveig used her powerful abilities to escape Asgard, many like-minded gods and goddesses of twelve other peaceful houses followed Solveig to her newly discovered realm of Highgard.

Solveig capably veiled her realm from her unforgiving brother and the other vengeful gods in Asgard, for Odin threatened to kill her and anyone who stood with her, if he should ever find them. As long as they remained in Highgard, they would be protected from his unmerciful ways.

Solveig and the Highgardians long reveled in their peaceful new realm but eventually grew weary of the endlessness of immortality. They merged their vast abilities to ensure they, and all their descendants, became mortal. They would maintain their various godly powers, but like the humans of Midgard, they would eventually die.

For thirteen centuries their descendants lived and thrived. Their magical realm flourished until a devastating scourge descended upon them and gravely affected the Highgardians. First the males became afflicted and often suffered for many years before their deaths.

In hope of saving some of their kind, three young boys were sent to Midgard, but Solveig’s veil, meant to protect her people, prevented those in Highgard from ever discovering if the three safely accomplished the journey. One decade after the affliction began, all males in Highgard had succumbed to the unrelenting Red Death.

The dark days of suffering were not over, for another strain of the malady struck the females. Unlike the males, their demise was mercifully swift, usually ending in a few torturous weeks. In the measure of three moons only six females remained in the entire realm of Highgard, all of the direct line of Solveig. For seven years it was so.

When the relentless plague resurfaced, the descendants of Solveig’s direct line, long-believed immune to the Red Death, tragically learned no one was resistant. Unless the last survivors discover a way to end the plague or leave their realm, the time of the once beautiful, powerful Highgardians will draw to an end.

Chapter One

The Realm of Highgard

The three women sat at the bedside of their cherished sister, Eydis…Eydis the Perceptive, her birth-given title. A potent elixir had been administered and now Eydis seldom woke. It was a relief to them, for when she slept her tormenting pain appeared to be finally eased.

Throughout her life she’d been smaller than her older sisters. Since she’d taken ill, Eydis had become much thinner and appeared nearly child-like on the immense bed in what had once been their mother’s chambers in the Solveigian fortress.

Her time draws near, Brenna the Healer whispered as her eyes filled with tears.

Brenna’s twin sister, Asta, Seer of Spirits, silently sat at the end of the bed, her eyes filled with sadness.

She, Torunn the Strong, the eldest sister, held Eydis’s small hand, uncertain if she was aware of their presence any longer. When she began to waken, it was clear every movement…every breath, was agonizing. Brenna immediately reached for the elixir and held it to her lips, but Eydis opened her blood-red eyes, touched her hand, and shook her head.

No more, Brenna, she said in a raspy breath. I must speak to you, my beloved sisters…while I’m still able.

Her voice was weak, her tongue thick from the elixir, but she began. Above all, I wish for none of you to bear guilt because of me and this cursed affliction…not you, Torunn, because you couldn’t protect me…or you, Brenna, because you couldn’t save me…and not you, Asta, because you blame yourself for me becoming ill. No one is to blame! She slightly shook her head, took a long breath, and spoke again. Although my heart shall forever remain here with each of you, my sisters, by this day’s sunset this sorely afflicted body will die.

Their own hearts were surely breaking, yet no one attempted to deny it would be so. Eydis the Perceptive always brought truth with her credible title. Her perception was infallible, her predictions never wrong.

Tears brimmed in Torunn’s eyes as she held Eydis’s small hand tighter, never wanting to let go. Brenna emitted a sob as she tenderly soothed Eydis’s fevered brow. Eydis first turned her eyes to her.

Your tender touch and gentle presence has greatly comforted me during this difficult time. In truth, you’ve been a comfort to me throughout my life, beautiful Brenna, my kind and caring sister.

I love you much, Eydie, my precious baby sister, Brenna said.

I love you, too, Brenna, Eydis whispered, and she patted Brenna’s hand with affection.

Tears now slid down Torunn’s cheeks in witnessing her sisters’ emotional exchange. She gently squeezed Eydis’s hand and she turned to her. Her once sparkling blue eyes filled with vibrant life, were blood-red, so red you could no longer determine her eye color. Eydis took several breaths and spoke again.

I feel your strength, Torunn. Always I’ve felt your strength and protectiveness, but above all I feel your unending love.

You are a treasure, Eydis, and it is true, my love for you knows no bounds.

Nor mine for you, Torunn, she whispered and attempted to squeeze Torunn’s hand in return.

Eydis strained to see Asta who remained at the foot of the bed.

Asta, come closer, Brenna urged, but she did not.

You needn’t draw nearer or speak, Asta. I recognize words are difficult for you, but I understand your heart, my sister. I am consoled in knowing we will speak again, Eydis said.

Asta nodded, but it was clear Eydis felt her dubiousness.

"I promise I’ll speak with you soon, Asta. My spirit will come to you."

Still, Asta did not reply.

Torunn, I require your blade, Eydis requested.

Torunn was uncertain of her intentions, but Brenna spoke.

If the pain is too much to bear…if you wish to see the torturous agony ended today, you cannot see it done in such a gruesome manner, Eydie. I will give you a more potent elixir. You’ll drink a greater quantity, simply fall asleep and not waken. That would be a kinder…

Brenna, I don’t wish to use the blade to end my life, although I admit I should possibly like to gouge out these gravely afflicted eyes. They are nearly sightless now and they burn as hot as fire! She inhaled deeply. It was the first time Eydis had mentioned any discomfort in all the time she’d been suffering.

Torunn’s blade is required so I may swear a blood oath to you, my sisters.

Torunn pulled her blade from her boot and passed it to Eydis. Even the weight of the small blade appeared heavy in her weakened hands and she struggled.

I will need your assistance, Torunn.

You must be cautious, Eydie, Brenna said, but was soon interrupted by her taunting twin.

Or what…she’ll be injured…she might die? Asta finally spoke in a typically sarcastic manner.

Eydis smiled, softly laughed and then coughed.

I thank you for your humor, Asta. Dark and dry as it may well be, it has been a welcome distraction even to the end, even on the bleakest days.

Where do you wish to be cut? Torunn asked.

Eydis held her hand to Torunn; she made a quick cut and Eydis winced only slightly. Torunn wiped her blade and returned it to her boot. As the blood flowed, Eydis held her tiny hand high so all her sisters could see. Because it was her oath to them, only her blood was required, but they would need to acknowledge and accept it.

I swear I will return to you in spirit, Asta. By our eldest ancestor, the great goddess Solveig, I avow I will send messages to all of you through Asta. This will not be the last day I speak with you, and if the gods see fit to grant me a final request, my spirit will appear to all of you one day.

Torunn touched her hand to Eydis’s blood and then held it toward the gods. I accept your oath as truth! Torunn said.

I accept your oath as truth! Brenna followed Torunn’s lead and through her tears, she lifted her hand upward.

Asta did not speak and Torunn threw her another displeased expression. Brenna mouthed Asta’s name in a silent plea.

I hear your skeptical thoughts, Asta, Eydis said.

I have never seen Mother’s spirit in all the time she’s been gone, Asta finally admitted.

By Solveig’s powers, I promise I will come to you, Asta.

I accept your oath as truth! Asta finally hastily touched her hand to Eydis’s blood, repeated the words and halfheartedly raised her hand.

"I sense you’ve only accepted to appease our sisters…to avoid a stern scolding from Torunn…to ease my mind because I am near death. But I will see you again!"

Her voice was weaker. The discussion and blood oath had drained Eydis of what little strength remained. She began coughing, deep coughs that racked her small body, and blood sprayed from her mouth. Torunn wrapped a ragged cloth to Eydis’s palm while Brenna tenderly wiped the blood spittle from her lips.

Eydis closed her eyes and her breathing grew slower. No one spoke for some time and the silence was disquieting as her breaths grew less frequent. They were all startled when Eydis spoke in a hushed whisper. Torunn and Brenna leaned closer to hear.

Torunn…sing to me.

Sing? Torunn asked in disbelief. Her throat tightened and her heart ached in knowing Eydis was dying.

Torunn…sing the song Father wrote for Mother; the one Mother sang to the three of you. I wish to hear the song you sang when I was a child for I requested it each night…the beautiful song I’d hear as I drifted to sleep. I do so long to hear it now, Torunn! Eydis whispered.

The lump in her throat was so immense, Torunn doubted she could speak, much less sing. She inhaled and a sob escaped.

Eydis whispered, I sense your deep sorrow, Torunn, and I hear your thoughts. You wish to suggest Brenna might sing for you think she has a finer singing voice…and you believe Asta may be capable of singing without weeping…but it must be you…it was always you. When you sang, you sent me to a peaceful sleep; I felt loved and protected and safe wherever my dreams might take me. Send me off with the song, Torunn.

Torunn squeezed Eydis’s hand again, took a deep breath and began, though the first words were croaked at best.

"One day we’ll gaze at the Crystal Mountains,

Reflected in the Violet Sea.

By the Whispering Waterfall we’ll stroll,

My own true love and me.

We’ll hear the soft bells on butterfly wings,

Near the Mirrored Lake again,

We’ll be together always as we were back then.

No longer cruelly parted, my only love and I.

Free to kiss in the Moonlit Meadow once more.

Beneath the two silver moons in the sky."

Brenna and Asta both joined in to sing the last line as all the sisters had done as children. Then they’d sung with exaggeratedly high-pitched voices often in laughter and merriment. Now it was soft and sad for only three voices ended the song. They looked to see the peaceful smile upon her face and knew their beloved Eydis’s suffering was finally over.

"For even death cannot separate hearts such as ours,

And our love will live on for all time," Torunn sang in a whispered voice.

You’ve never sung that part before, Brenna said as she wept.

I didn’t want any of you to think of it as a song of sadness, but of love, hope and reunion. Father wrote the song for Mother after they’d been forced to live apart when the afflicted boys and men were confined to the caves because of the Red Death. Father suffered in those caves for five sun’s journeys, and our grandmother Bestamor said he sang the song to Mother just before he died.

Even death cannot separate hearts such as ours, Brenna sang as she looked at their dear Eydis.

And our love will live on for all time, Asta whispered, and all three sisters repeated, And our love will live on for all time.

Torunn nodded, kissed sweet Eydis’s hand and wept.

*

They remained stunned, filled with sorrow and uncertainty. They’d known without intervention from the gods, Eydis’s death was inevitable. Still, they were in disbelief. Their brilliant, beautiful, intuitive little sister—who in the span of the fifteen sun’s journeys of her short life had filled their own lives with light and laughter—was truly gone. Their collective grief palpably spread through the chamber and the stark reality of Eydis dying from the Red Death left them all in certain peril.

She, Torunn the Strong, forced to be matriarch, parent and protector at an early age, remained holding tight to Eydis’s tiny hand, unwilling to let go. Brenna the Healer, who had diligently cared for Eydis, laid her head upon her chest perhaps hoping to hear a faint heartbeat, yet surely knowing she would not. Asta, Seer of Spirits, remained at the foot of Eydis’s bed, clearly purposely distancing herself lest she be incapable of maintaining her stoic countenance or concealing her overwhelming sorrow. Tears continued to fall down Torunn’s cheeks and the tenderhearted Brenna sobbed openly. Asta finally broke the silence.

Tears will do nothing for Eydis…and a thousand seas of tears will not prevent the three of us from suffering the same dreaded fate!

Torunn glared at Asta, knowing her callousness was a ruse to hide her own pain.

Do you believe for even a single raven’s call our compassionate Eydis would begrudge us our melancholy tears, Asta? Do you think she wouldn’t weep as much if one of us suffered this fate?

Asta turned away from Torunn’s eyes, surely filled with accusation, but Torunn spoke on.

As an empath Brenna suffers not only her own pain, but yours and mine also. Can you not stop your constant taunting…especially this day? Torunn sniffled and wiped the tears from her eyes.

Torunn the Strong, the eldest remaining descendant of the Solveigian line, dares to shed tears instead of fulfilling her self-imposed duty of protecting her sisters? Asta sarcastically mused.

Torunn’s shoulders straightened and she could sense her eyes blazing. She inhaled deeply as she held her head high. Her floor-length pale blonde hair typically worn to the side in a thick plait was partially unraveled, uncommonly tangled. It spilled onto the bed entwined with Eydis’s nearly identical light locks.

Do you dare to blame me for not protecting Eydis, or Brenna for not healing her? Perhaps in the apparently unending wisdom you’ve gained in your eighteen sun’s journeys, you could inform us as to how we might have saved Eydis. Tell us what you, Asta, Seer of Spirits, might have done to keep her from this fate or admit to us why Eydis thought you might blame yourself for her contracting the illness!

I don’t blame you or Brenna and from the time her eyes became red I knew Eydis could not be saved. I’m simply willing to admit our inescapable doomed fate while the two of you foolishly believe it may not be so.

We are not being foolish. We simply choose to hold on to a hopeful future. We must discover what caused the scourge that has eliminated our people, but for the four…the three of us, she sadly corrected, it need not be a certainty we meet the same end. Eydis was small, always frail, never quick to recover from Highgardian illnesses or common injuries as the rest of us…perhaps because she did not receive our mother’s milk as a newborn…maybe she did not thrive for she missed Mother’s nurturing, Torunn pondered.

She had the three of us as mothers for we loved her as if she were our own precious child. I always hoped we made up for our mother’s absence…and our grandmother and aunt assisted before they died, Brenna said.

Torunn knew Brenna’s words held much sincerity.

Yes, in truth Eydis was always showered with an abundance of unending love, Torunn agreed.

Our combined love could not save her, nor will it save any of us. We all must face the unavoidable reckoning, Asta said gloomily. Brenna will undoubtedly be the next to go. In attempting to keep the two of us well, she’ll surely take no time to rest or see to her own health.

Brenna glanced quickly at Asta, clearly fearful of her words, but soon turned away.

Next it shall be me who dies for I’d not live long without my Brenna. We shared our mother’s womb and have never been parted even an entire day. Without my twin, my own heart would surely stop beating.

This time Brenna stared at Asta who seldom voiced her feelings and often appeared nearly heartless. Asta soon returned to her pessimism and continued her bleak predictions.

Torunn…you’ll undoubtedly be the last to fall. Always the strongest, you’ll fight the affliction and be the final Highgardian to die. Have you seen that hard truth in your treasured runes? Her tone was laced with her usual sarcasm, but purposely cruel. It irritated Torunn; her temper flared despite knowing that was Asta’s intent.

If you do not end this infuriating blather, my deliberately vexatious sister, you’ll be the next to go when your skull is crushed, and every one of your bones shatters as I toss you over the Highgardian cliffs and into the pit of boulders! Torunn seethed.

Asta smirked, evidently pleased she’d provoked her sister’s fiery temper. This further annoyed Torunn and she glowered.

Stop this petty quarreling, both of you! Brenna intervened. Eydis would not wish for you to bicker and certainly not when her body is not yet cold!

Asta chuckled in an antagonizing tone. You’re quick to fill Eydis’s position of peacekeeper, Brenna. I suppose given your good-natured disposition that was to be expected.

Brenna ignored her fractious twin and Torunn gazed out the nearby window at the large golden-orange sun setting low in the sky. The time of Eydis’s transcendence is near, Torunn said.

They all worriedly turned toward the window when they heard a long silent, but disturbingly familiar sound in the distance.

The Solveigian fortress is the strongest in all of Highgard. Surely no beast could break through these walls! Torunn declared but stood and studiously looked out the tower window.

We must ask the gods to ensure Eydis’s transcendence is swift before one of those despicable beasts reaches our fortress, Brenna said.

Asta nodded with uncommon fear in her eyes. I think our pleas to the gods would continue to fall on deaf ears.

Torunn knew there was no time for talk or pleading. She would meet the creature before it got to the gates in order to protect Eydis’s body and ensure she would go to rest with the gods. Torunn stood tall and resolute as she went to retrieve her weapons.

Torunn, you don’t intend to battle a nidhoggr…a horrid corpse-eater? Brenna whispered in warning. You suffered deplorable wounds last time.

That was some time ago. My skills have been much perfected since then…my powers are stronger. To prevent it from devouring our sister, I most certainly will battle the beast!

You would die defending our lost sister? Asta questioned.

You would not? Torunn bristled. You would see her lose the chance to transcend?

You know I would defend her, but Eydis would not thank any of us if we die in saving her corpse from desecration…even if it meant she did not transcend.

When our aunt Magnahild, our mother Vora’s sister was killed, I held the beast at bay until the transcendence occurred. When Bestamor died, the two of you protected her body while I slayed the nidhoggr, Torunn remembered. We must do so now for Eydis.

The frightening roaring and hissing grew louder. The creature was drawing perilously near. Brenna’s eyes filled with terror as she spoke.

There is not only one beast approaching!

Chapter Two

"They never travel in pairs!" Torunn declared, but quickly lifted her sword and her crossbow from where they rested just outside the chamber’s doorway.

Brenna insisted there be no weapons within a chamber where someone was ailing. She claimed their very presence impeded the healing. As Torunn slung her crossbow on her back, she sternly warned her sisters.

Stay here and watch over Eydis. I’ll return when I’m able.

Torunn, if you go to face two nidhoggrs alone, we will be made to mourn two sisters this day! Asta cautioned.

There are not only two creatures! Brenna shook her head. There are five of those horrific beasts now fast approaching our fortress.

Five? Asta and Torunn chimed together even knowing Brenna’s sudden premonitory visions were not to be questioned.

Why would so many beasts be together? They are never found together.

Torunn did not reply to Asta’s query. Stay here! she ordered once more as she glanced at her sisters, stepped on the window ledge and nimbly dropped to the ground below.

*

Torunn may be a mighty warrior descended from immortal gods, but she is not immortal, Asta stated as the twins both went to the window.

Brenna nodded. Torunn has always been undoubtedly brave and powerful, but she meets each challenge without thought of her own safety. She fretted. They both heaved a sigh as they saw Torunn had landed without incident.

What would we do without Torunn? I must do what I can to assist her, Asta said as she hastened toward the door and located her own smaller crossbow.

I’ll go too, for if the beasts get past you and Torunn, I’ll not be capable of keeping them from Eydie. Besides, if we—the last of the great Solveigian line—are about to meet our end, then let it be united in battle rather than slowly dying from an excruciating malady! Brenna stated.

Asta and Brenna’s eyes met; they nodded and hurried down the tower’s steps.

Outside the gates, Torunn had already slain one immense nidhoggr. Two arrows protruded from the beast’s throat, her sword remained imbedded in its chest, and her hair and tunic were covered in its thick, foul-smelling, black blood.

Asta and Brenna stopped in their tracks as they saw another hideous creature approaching. Their large elongated heads resembled a huge serpent, but with two menacing tongues as sharp as any blade. Their grotesque scaly green bodies bore six thick legs, each with ten toes and long equally dangerous sharp claws on each foot.

I told you to stay where it’s safe! Torunn blared as she shot an arrow at the second creature, pulled the sword from the first beast, and then effortlessly climbed the nearby tree and flung herself onto the other monstrous creature’s back. She drove her sword deep into its throat and the beast fell. Torunn jumped off before it hit the ground, and Asta and Brenna had to quickly move out of the path of the huge creature as it fell. As it thundered to the ground the pungent black blood splattered them as well.

They were terrified to see another nidhoggr crash through the gates and two more followed. For their tremendous size, they were swift. One was already staring through the tower window at Eydis, and they were further disturbed when they saw two others heading straight toward them.

*

Torunn’s hands shook and her heart beat faster as she looked toward her sisters. She knew she would not be able to protect them while battling the beasts, and she wasn’t confident she could keep the beasts from Eydis. Perhaps they would all die this day. If they were eaten by nidhoggrs none of them would transcend; they would never see one another again. She couldn’t allow that to happen.

You are not the only sister with Highgardian powers, Torunn. Though we do not claim your mighty strength, we do have uncommon abilities and we will fight with you! Brenna valiantly hollered over the sound of the roaring beasts.

Brenna closed her eyes and summoned assistance. To the east flew a flock of giant gyrfalcons. Torunn saw her call them to her and they obediently responded.

Asta placed her hands before her beckoning the spirits of those who might best benefit them. Soon the rumbling of footsteps could be heard even above the din of the nidhoggrs’ deafening hissing. In the distance the spirits of an entire colony of marsh giants, surely dead for centuries, willingly answered Asta’s plea.

Torunn smiled at her sisters with pride and gratitude, slung her crossbow over her shoulder, then capably scaled the wall and landed on the window ledge as the nearest nidhoggr smashed a broad gaping hole in the wall of the tower chamber. As the wall began to crumble beneath her, the crossbow plummeted, but she had no time to bear concern for the loss of her weapon. She was falling but struggled and finally grabbed hold of the window ledge as she fell. She clung to the ledge as one of the beast’s sharp-edged tongues grazed her arm and tore it open. She screamed in pain and began to fall again.

This time Brenna sent a huge gyrfalcon to catch her. The immense golden bird with a wingspan as wide as one of their fortress’s turrets was a formidable creature. It flew upward and caught Torunn who promptly dropped onto the nidhoggr’s back just as it stuck its enormous head into the chamber where Eydis lay. In response, the beast reared up and Torunn caught hold of one of the nidhoggr’s razor-sharp scales to prevent herself from falling, but in doing so her sword hand was injured and her sword clanged to the ground far below.

Jumping off the beast, she charged into the chamber and pulled the bedcovers from Eydis’s body. She threw them on the detestable creature, covering its bulging eyes. While it was momentarily blinded she tossed a candle on the bed covering along with the nearby pungent herbal concoction. It burst into flames and the beast shrieked. Torunn pulled her blade from within her boot and leapt from the window yet again onto the flailing creature. She repeatedly plunged the knife into its snout and head. As it fell to the ground she rode out the fall, retrieved her sword and aptly sliced off its gigantic head.

She glanced back to see Brenna had commanded the gyrfalcons to attack one of the remaining beasts. The huge birds with their sharp pointed beaks viciously pecked at the nidhoggr. It finally ran in an attempt to escape the huge, fierce birds. They would not relent and the wounded nidhoggr was driven over the nearby cliffs and onto the jagged rocks below.

Asta used her crossbow to shoot three quick arrows at the last nidhoggr and then capably commanded the giants’ spirits to surround the beast. The spirits picked up the nidhoggr and tossed it into the very pit Torunn earlier threatened to throw Asta.

Torunn joined her sisters and they stood together daring to finally take a breath. They smiled triumphantly, but Torunn’s fears soon returned as they gazed up at the south wall of the Highgardian fortress now reduced to crumbling rubble. The massive golden gates with the sacred Svefnthorn symbols had collapsed and were possibly irreparable.

Torunn retrieved her smashed crossbow. Only twisted metal and splintered wood remained; she would need to fashion another as soon as she was able. She sighed wearily as they returned to the tower chamber.

*

Inside the fortress, a huge portion of the tower wall was missing, but they were relieved to see Eydis’s body remained untouched. They saw the trail of blood on the floor from Torunn’s wounds. Brenna immediately assessed the slash on Torunn’s arm and the damage on her hand.

Your wounds will need mending and an elixir so they don’t become purulent.

It will wait until we witness Eydis transcend, Torunn insisted. Brenna obviously knew she’d not be swayed and passed her a ragged cloth. Torunn wrapped it around her hand and held it to the bloody wound on her arm. They resumed their previous positions near Eydis and silently waited. It was Asta who finally broke the unsettling quietness.

Do you suppose our mother experienced visions and purposely named each of us with humorous intent? Asta questioned.

Bestamor said Mother possessed the power of prophetic visions, but I do not understand your question, Brenna replied.

Torunn, as the eldest and the only one of us who has any clear memories of Mother, do you know if she was given to humor or irony? Asta pressed.

I have memories of Mother, of course, but they are scattered. I regret they’ve become cloudy.

Both sisters stared at her clearly hopeful she would enlighten them with what she did remember of their mother, especially on this dark day when their hearts ached for their lost sister. Torunn finally spoke.

I recall the warmth of her arms around me…the sound of her lovely voice when she sang to us. I have a clear image of Mother sitting upon this very bed with the two of you in her arms as infants. Even now I recall the loving expression on her face. She adored her children.

The twins both smiled at that, clearly pleased their mother loved them without question even though they were incapable of remembering her love. Torunn continued speaking, drawing from her memories.

I recall Mother’s scent. She closed her eyes and smiled as though she might be capable of summoning the scent even now, but she shook her head. I regret my memories of Mother have faded. Fifteen sun’s journeys have passed since she died, and I was barely the measure of five sun’s journeys then.

Brenna and I had not seen three sun’s journeys when she died. You must attempt to recall…was Mother given to humor?

Torunn shrugged, also confused by Asta’s words. Sadly, I cannot even recall the sound of Mother’s laugh.

Asta finally explained, The meaning of the name Eydis is goddess of good luck. Clearly that has been proven tragically incorrect!

They all stared at Eydis, her long lashes resting on her pale cheeks as though she were simply asleep, but Asta turned away and continued speaking.

The name Brenna means sword, and Brenna has never lifted a sword or any other weapon… She’d likely not do so even to save her own life.

Brenna always adamantly refused to hold a sword or learn of weaponry even though their aunt Magnahild, and later, Torunn had suggested the need for her to learn to defend herself should she ever be in a situation where she could not call upon her powers.

Asta means divine beauty of which I am admittedly lacking, Asta said.

Torunn and Brenna attempted to disagree with this statement, but Asta placed her hand before her and continued speaking.

Torunn means Thor’s love. Though I’m certain if our far distant cousin were to look upon your breathtaking beauty, with your pale blonde hair and eyes as dark and shiny as exquisite blue sapphires, your enviable height and undeniably praise-worthy female form, he may very well fall hopelessly in love with you…

Bestamor always warned us against comparing ourselves to each other, attempting to measure our gifts or our flaws against the others, Torunn scolded. She claimed it would cause irreparable damage to our sisterly bond.

Asta rolled her eyes and crossed her arms as Torunn spoke on.

Asta, you are truly beautiful even if you cannot see it. We all surely have something we might prefer to trade for that of our sisters, but we are different, and we should accept our diversity!

By the expression on Asta’s face, Torunn knew she didn’t share her opinion, but Torunn attempted to convince her.

Do you think for one raven’s call I wouldn’t perhaps like Brenna’s remarkable ability to heal or yours to see spirits? It would be more of a comfort than simply being swift of foot and strong enough to move boulders. Do you not think I might have liked Eydis’s ability to hear others’ thoughts?

Believe me when I say you would not care to hear my thoughts! Asta sneered, but Torunn ignored her and continued speaking.

I admit, occasionally I have envied Eydis’s petite form, and Brenna’s shimmering curls while my hair is entirely straight, and your attractive skin, Asta, that turns gloriously golden when you catch the sun, when mine is ever-pale. But we must revel in what makes us unique!

When you are through issuing a wise speech worthy of any Bestamor might have given, would you allow me to continue speaking, Torunn?

Torunn nodded her head but threw her sister another look of reproach.

The name Torunn indicates you are Thor’s love, but he and his father, Odin, don’t know of our existence. All the gods of Asgard evidently know nothing of Solveig, or any of her descendants in this realm, otherwise they would not have lived peacefully here in Highgard for so many centuries, Asta said.

Peacefully until Highgardians began to suffer the dreaded Red Death, the terrible scarlet affliction, Brenna related.

Perhaps Odin is the reason for our affliction after all. If he is capable of controlling all worlds as was claimed by the elders…he might have discovered our realm and thrown a curse or created the deadly malady that will surely be the end of us all, Asta pondered.

It couldn’t be Odin. Our grandmother always claimed Solveig used her powers to effectively veil our world. He can’t see, sense or know of us as long as we remain here in Highgard, Brenna spoke with certainty.

I loved and respected Bestamor, but she also urged us to believe our line was immune to this horrid scarlet affliction, and yet our own Eydis is undeniably dead, Asta replied.

Bestamor truly believed it was so for no females of her line developed the Red Death even when every other Highgardian house was stricken and they all died. Bestamor was a very old woman, well past a century when she transcended. Apparently, all females of our line died of being aged or from misfortune. Our own mother died in childbed and our aunt Magnahild perished while fighting off a nidhoggr, Torunn said.

You are like Aunt Magnahild, Torunn—dauntless, strong and brave, Brenna commented.

You are both equally brave, and Eydis was valiant as well, through all her suffering, Torunn spoke sadly.

Now Eydis is dead…at best transmuted into particles of light, dispersed to the air, Asta said. At worst, soon to be eaten by a nidhoggr. If the transcendence does not occur soon, we all know more will come!

Torunn nodded in dismal agreement. The nidhoggrs’ food source is diminished and the beasts are clearly desperate. I suppose we should be grateful they do not eat the flesh of the living and are disinclined to attack unless they’re attempting to get to the dead.

I fear our time of gratitude has ended. The often pessimistic Asta sighed. Torunn ignored the gloomy comment and continued speaking.

The beasts have an aversion to feasting upon the carcasses of most other Highgardian creatures. They inherently know when death is near, but they must be starving for we’ve never seen them together before, Torunn explained as she went to the window again and stared at the horizon. Satisfied no threat was near, she sat down by the bedside and once more clasped Eydis’s hand.

Torunn noticed Asta’s lip quivered in her attempt not to weep. Always compassionate and affectionate, Brenna went to her twin. The two bore nearly identical heights, builds and features, both lovely and shapely, both with Highgardian women’s floor-length hair. Brenna’s hair was golden blonde, with bountiful curls, but twisted at the sides and tied back; Asta’s lustrous brown hair was nearly always unbound and free-flowing. Brenna’s eyes were several shades lighter than her twin sister’s darker blue.

Torunn let go of Eydis’s hand, not wanting to note how cold it had become. She joined her sisters. Taller than the twins, she wrapped her arms around them and the three clung to each another. Asta barely allowed her tears to fall and soon cleared her throat and pulled away while Brenna and Torunn remained holding one another.

Torunn, do you remember Mother’s face? For I cannot envision her, Brenna whispered.

Torunn nodded. Mother was beautiful. Eydis is…Eydis was— her voice shook as she corrected —nearly a reflected image of our mother. Though she was smaller than Mother, who was perhaps more the height and form of the two of you, Eydis’s face was much like hers, Torunn offered. Although Eydis never knew her since she died giving life to Eydis, she was the most like Mother…kind, and ever-patient.

Each of my sisters are blonde, beautiful, and caring like our mother, Asta sighed with notable discontent.

You are not as petulant as you would have us believe, and you are undeniably beautiful, Asta! Brenna stated.

Clearly not as stunning or benevolent as you, Torunn, Eydis, or apparently our mother.

Did you hear none of Bestamor’s warnings of the destructiveness of comparison? Torunn asked. Do you allow none of my words to get through that stubborn head of yours, Asta?

Asta’s face was set in a willful expression. Torunn sighed but continued to speak.

"Having fair hair does not depict beauty or goodness. According to the elders, a good many of the gods from the line of Odin are fair-haired, and several of them are murderous and malevolent.

I do recall Mother saying she believed I’d inherit our father’s height, and Brenna his curly hair, but you, Asta, were the one to inherit our father’s light brown hair and golden skin. He was apparently notably physically attractive. He was struck down with the scarlet affliction and held in the Highgardian caves before my birth, therefore I never met him, Torunn reflected.

But you were conceived before he fell ill. Perhaps that explains why you are physically powerful and why you heal quicker than the rest of us, Brenna said.

I believe physical strength is simply my most prevalent Highgardian gift, like your healing or Asta’s ability to speak with spirits, and Eydis’s gift of always knowing everyone’s fate.

I doubt it could be considered a gift if she was able to see what fate held for her, Asta dared to suggest. Torunn and Brenna did not reply.

I understand Mother would have thought it her duty to visit our father. But how did she continue to lie with him and carry three more of his daughters? Like all the afflicted males, he was apparently hideously disfigured with bright red growths covering his face and body, Asta said with disdain.

Bestamor and Magnahild said Mother loved Father very much. The song Father wrote for Mother clearly spoke of their mutual love. It was apparently a shared desire for male and female to wish to lie together and evidently being intimately joined was pleasurable. Perhaps Mother loved Father so greatly she was not repulsed by his disfigurement, Torunn suggested.

Brenna and Asta both appeared uncertain of that and Torunn saw them exchange a look of matched revulsion.

Mother was apparently nearly inconsolable when Father died. Bestamor told us she only lived on because she had the three of us to care for, and she carried Eydis at the time, Brenna said.

Now we’ll all suffer that grim fate, Asta declared, when they suddenly heard the distinct ominous hissing again. Torunn hurried toward the window, dropped the blood-soaked cloths, and slowly unsheathed her immense sword.

Torunn, you cannot hope to fight off more of the infernal creatures without your bow, when you already bear wounds to both your arm and sword hand.

I’ll borrow Asta’s bow. It is lighter and…

Are you so eager to prove me wrong and be the next to die? Asta interrupted.

Torunn finally observed the deep slash on her arm and the blood that remained dripping from her hand.

Perhaps we might carry Eydis to the dungeon? The transcendence will likely occur before the beasts find us, Brenna suggested.

They would surely destroy the entire fortress, Torunn said.

If we are to die, I’d rather die here in the tower than in the darkness of the dungeon, Asta, always fearful of the dark, whispered.

Their conversation was cut short by a familiar humming, a sound they’d not heard since their grandmother transcended. The nidhoggrs were apparently aware as well, for their hissing roars stopped and Torunn glanced out the window, relieved to see they’d already turned back toward the swamps.

The sisters watched as Eydis became gently encased in mesmerizingly radiant light. Her small body glowed, then slowly disconnected into innumerable brilliant particles of light energy. The tiny wisps of light rose to caress each of the sisters as though offering a final farewell, before floating above them. A warm gust from the open window caught the glittering remnants and scattered them to the wind and surely to the gods.

They’d no longer need to fear the nidhoggrs for they would only return if another one of them died. But how they would avoid the Red Death was an entirely different matter.

Chapter Three

Brenna pulled away from her persistent twin as Asta stared into her eyes.

Asta, you are exasperating! Should I begin to show signs of the malady, I assure you I will alert you first. If my eyes should turn deep red and begin to weep blood I will tell you so you may gloat at being correct. You needn’t gaze into my eyes a dozen times a riset! Brenna’s tone was uncharacteristically snappish.

Asta next walked toward Torunn, surely intent on examining her eyes, too, but she sprang upward and landed upon the ledge above them.

The next time you stare into my eyes, Asta Seer of Spirits, I may blacken your own so you’ll see nothing at all. Did you not predict I would be the last to fall? Torunn seethed.

We are exhausted. Our weariness has made us intolerant and disharmonious. We’ve slept so little this past moon attempting to discover a way to keep us protected from the malady. We hoped to learn what might have caused the Red Death or what might be done to prevent contracting the affliction, but the runes, our visions, and the spirits speak only of more death, Brenna sighed.

There was mention of the legendary vessel. The vessel allegedly carried the three lost Highgardian boys to safety on another world, Torunn said.

That is clearly only a widely embellished tale meant to offer hope to a dying race! Asta scoffed.

But if it is a merely a tale, why then would the runes, the visions and the spirits all speak of the vessel? Torunn argued.

Asta shook her head. Do you suggest we search all of Highgard…all the vast mountains, valleys, meadows and swamps for a vessel that may not exist…a vessel we’d not recognize if it was here before us…or if we were standing upon it even now? Asta shook her head and stomped the ground where she stood.

We must finally use our combined powers! Torunn insisted.

The twins looked at each other in disbelief at her suggestion.

Bestamor always adamantly advised against it. Do you not recall what happened the only other time we attempted to combine our magical abilities?

Torunn glanced at Brenna with notable impatience. Asta chuckled at that for Torunn was never impatient with Brenna.

Do you suppose Torunn might have forgotten when the ground shook till the sun set and the skies thundered for half a moon? Do you think it simply slipped her mind the animals behaved unpredictably, or that hundreds of spirits came to me without being beckoned? Do you truly believe she forgot she experienced the ability to soar through the air with no apparent way to control her movements and crashed down so violently the bone in her leg shattered and broke through the skin?

I don’t actually believe she’s forgotten. I was merely cautioning against it, Brenna said.

Torunn glanced down at the lengthy scar on her shin on her otherwise unscarred body. Even the recent wounds inflicted by the nidhoggr were now only tiny faint lines.

I haven’t forgotten, Brenna. I do still wonder what might have happened if the two of you had not let go of my hands. Torunn smiled. That time we combined our powers out of curiosity and perhaps foolish rebelliousness since there were no adults here to prevent it. But now I’ll not stand by and wait for the next of us to be stricken with the affliction. I’ll not see another sister die if our powers might assist us.

Neither of the twins replied and they wore identical expressions of uncertainty.

Are we in agreement something must be done before another of us becomes afflicted, that we must seek an answer from our combined powers? Torunn questioned.

Her sisters nodded. Then take my hands and we will form a circle as we did before.

That day there were four of us combining our abilities, Brenna said and they surely all recalled Eydis’s excitement in melding their powers.

That day went remarkably well for us! Asta sarcastically whispered under her breath.

Do either of you have another suggestion? Torunn stared at her sisters as she spoke. I would gladly accept your wisdom. You are both gifted with visions; I have only my runes to guide me!

I know no other way, Brenna stated as she held her hands to her sisters.

Nor do I, Asta said as she, too, offered her hands.

As the three formed a circle near the hallowed location of the Whispering Waterfall, the wind began to blow and the trees to sway. The nearby meadow immediately filled with many spirits and the several animals gathered there as well.

As Torunn began to rise upward, her sisters intended to let go to terminate the powerful combined magic, but Torunn shook her head and instead, they held tight. They began to rise with her. Their eyes grew wide when they rose to the height of the waterfall, but in little time all three simply settled down gently on the ground. Soon the wind stopped blowing, and the spirits simply vanished and the animals returned to the forest. Everything around them grew calm and suddenly unnaturally quiet.

That was disappointingly uneventful! Asta stated.

No one broke a bone; we should be grateful of that. The always positive Brenna sighed.

Torunn turned as she was the first to hear the humming sound that always accompanied a transcendence. She was filled with disbelief and let go of her sisters’ hands. Surely, they would not be turned into particles of light while they still lived, even to avoid the Red Death. She withdrew her sword and stood before them.

By now two beams of nearly blinding light had come into view. The shimmering beams formed the outlined shape of Highgardians, but their faces remained featureless and bodies continued to glow.

Lower your sword, Torunn the Strong! We mean you and your sisters no detriment. The three of you and your combined powers have summoned us. The voice was clear and resonated within them as though they heard it with their ears, but also within their minds.

We had no knowledge or intent of summoning you. Who are you? Torunn asked with sword still raised.

We are the elders elders, the gods gods, the ancestors ancestors.

Do you have an impairment that causes you to repeat words? Asta boldly asked. Or are you simply struggling to speak in Highgardian tongue?

Asta, Seer of Spirits, you would be wise wise to employ your keen mind and still your own own sharp tongue!

Where have you come from? Are you of the gods? Brenna dared to ask as she approached closer in her curiousness. Torunn quickly stepped between her and the odd beings.

We came from the sky sky, the stars, the sun. Not of the gods but sent sent by them.

Asta rolled her eyes. Have you lost your mind’s mind or has something affected your tongue’s tongue? Perhaps the gods might have sent someone who could actually speak speak with us!

Asta, you should not provoke them! Brenna whispered.

"Brenna the

Reviews for The Norse Protector

[ashpreads · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book is a fantastical journey into Nordic mythology and Norwegian lore. The characters are bold, strong and mysterious in their own right. I enjoyed every moment and had a tough time putting it down. I can’t wait for the next bookAdvanced Review Copy provided by NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.