Dawn of Gods

By Ivan Martins

SINCE THE BEGINING OF HUMANITY, GODS AND WARRIORS fought in the wars driven by their ambitions and elaborated strategies, like a player does with the pieces of a chessboard. They departed from their dwellings in Godheim, which was the world in which all the gods inhabited and descended to the land of men - known as Midgard - to help the humans t

• Language: English
• Publisher: Faell Literary Agency
• Release date: Feb 4, 2019
• ISBN: 9780692191231

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Dawn

Of

Gods

IVAN MARTINS

Faell Literary Agency LLC

1110 Brickell Ave S. 701B

Miami FL – 33131

ISBN – 978 0 692 19123 1

This adaptation first published by Faell Literary Agency LLC.

Text Copyright © Faell Literary Agency LLC

All rights reserved.

All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publishers.

Published by Faell Literary Agency LLC.

Cover Art by Amanda Geisthövel Querido

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Disobedience

Chapter Two: Unholy Guardian

Chapter Three: Unexpected Fall

Chapter Four: Meeting with Destiny

Chapter Five: The Discovery of The New World

Chapter Six: Hidden Power

Chapter Seven: The Worker’s Mission

Chapter Eight: Supernatural Senses

Chapter Nine: Convenient Visitor

Chapter Ten: Facing the Past

Chapter Eleven: Imminent Attack: The Black Knight

Chapter Twelve: Hidden Eyes

Chapter Thirteen: Furious March

Chapter Fourteen: Escape Plan

Chapter Fifteen: Fidelity

Chapter Sixteen: End Barrier

Chapter Seventeen: The Prince’s Weakness

Dawn of Gods

I’d like to dedicate my gratitude to my parents Jorge and Fátima, and also my sister Elisa for believing in me and helping me through this journey.

SINCE THE BEGINING OF HUMANITY, GODS AND WARRIORS fought in the wars driven by their ambitions and elaborated strategies, like a player does with the pieces of a chessboard. They departed from their dwellings in Godheim, which was the world in which all the gods inhabited and descended to the land of men - known as Midgard - to help the humans to war and to teach them to furiously cry their names between their teeth, while were preparing for a battle that would result in the victory or defeat of their proper kingdoms.

The gods, having their names whispered in battle, demanded that men should have great courage and physical effort, and thus, fulfill their duties of assisting them during combat, be it directly or only with the aid of spells that reinforced and increased the effectiveness of the simple mortals in combat.

Odin, the great King of the gods and also known as the father of all, was responsible for giving order to the Aesir, clan in which lived the most powerful gods that inhabited the kingdom of Asgard, great in size and beauty. This kingdom was the center of the great feasts and meetings where the gods decided the steps to be taken when something serious happened.

Below Odin came the follower gods, those who received the initial orders of the greater god and performed them, but with only one difference: they did their will during confrontations. However, the rules were very clear, and no one should descend into the world of humans without the order of the greater god, Odin. It was also to be expected that being among humans was not wonderful, for they acted instinctively. Hatred and fury made them easily killed in battle, and because of men’s ambitions, the gods were able to control them from the dimension of where they were. After all, humans were extremely open and exposed to the reveries of a god who leading to a destination to which he often craved, and the men offered no resistance.

Just below the hierarchy of the gods appeared the Valkyries, warriors who were commanded by the goddess Freya and who served and obeyed the orders of Odin. The Valkyries were especially charged with leading the souls of the dead in battle, from Midgard to the world of Godheim, and when they arrived in the kingdom of Asgard, they were all obliged to take the dead to a great and majestic hall known as Valhalla, which stood in the center of the complex of the abode of the gods. Everything formed an immense and unique palace, in which the gods lived.

Odin’s throne occupied a prominent place and lay farther down the hall, where a large red carpet covered the floor accompanied by large tables leading gods and warriors killed in battles to their beautiful throne made of gold and wood.

It was also up to the Valkyries to decide who the winners would be in a fight, being able to rid the bravest of men of death by choosing who would die or live. They could even determine the course that wars could follow, thus protecting their favorite warriors. They also served Odin as messengers, and when they departed for this purpose, they traveled and crossed the skies with their swift horses.

After leading everyone to Valhalla, the men became known as Einherjar. They gained the purpose of serving and protecting Asgard under Odin. There they would also live for the combat, and when they were not in service, they would train during the day and at night, they would enjoy large banquets, where they celebrated and fought preparing for the great day of the final battle, later known by the gods as Ragnarok.

Chapter One

Disobedience

BRUNHILD, THE MOST POWERFUL VALKYRIE AND ODIN’S FAVORITE, as she descended on a mission to collect warriors dead in battle and wandering in the strange land of mortals, heard a groan of pain and moved slowly toward the sound. The land of mortals was also known as Midgard, and she walked in a vast field almost entirely made up of boulders and pastures covered with snow, which were slightly yellowish due to the strong cold.

She was the sub commander of the entire detachment of the Valkyries and led them only on field missions. In the absence of her superior Freya, the goddess of love and fertility, she generally commanded all detachment of warriors.

Guided by the agonizing sound, Brunhild met the leader of a Viking army, and as she approached the great and valiant warrior, he looked at her doubtfully; he did not know if he was delirious or if he really saw what his unbelieving eyes showed him.

Beautiful Brunhild, in addition to wearing the usual bronze-colored armor of her special regiment, held her handsome helmet on one arm and wore a cloak to protect herself from the cold. She removed her hood from her head, revealing her beautiful black hair, long and straight, with small braids in front of her ears. She stared at the man with her blue colored eyes and beautiful features that made the warrior admire her, no matter how hurt he was. After a brief pause, the Valkyrie, with an air of superiority, said:

Hello brave warrior, according to the laws of the gods, I oversee leading you to Asgard so that you may enjoy a hearty banquet and we count on your strength for the final confrontation. Help us to gain from the invading forces. But first, my leader, King Odin, would like to welcome you to the Valhalla hall.

Soon the man dropped his sword and with blood between his teeth, gasped with difficulty saying then:

Yes, ma’am, I will do as you wish. He smiled. I’m brave and valued, am I right?

The Valkyrie smiled, for what the man said was true. He was a great general who fought under the command and doctrines of the great god Thor, and was to be a great warrior, strong and overgrown like a wild bull, full of himself and very vigorous. He went on to say:

I hope your father, the great Odin, knows what he’s doing, for this battle ends here. My wife and children that I will leave will continue to live, and possibly be enslaved and then killed by enemy armies.

Valkyrie Brunhild saw that the brave man on his deathbed let a tear fall. In the world in which they lived, men delighted and celebrated the fact that they were in Asgard every night at great banquets, where they ate and drank until they were satisfied. They also fought each other to train their skills and yes, for her, it was a good thing. She did not quite know what sadness was, for there all moments were of glory and bravery. Then Brunhild knelt by one of his legs and placed her beautiful helmet decorated with beautiful white feather on top of a stone.

What’s your name, warrior?

The warrior, even though seriously injured and breathing with difficulty, answered:

M-my name is Arth, miss...! Please, whoever you are, I’m aware that you didn’t come as a coincidence, I lost on the battlefield ... but, my men, my village...

The Valkyrie looked at him briefly, then said:

Don’t worry, your warriors are as brave as you are, and they will also go to Asgard. My sisters are taking care of this, and as I have been ordered, I will take you with me.

I have a family and I would not want to leave them here. I ask for a second chance, if that’s possible! The man on the ground sighed and looked at the clouds that were swept by the wind. The Valkyrie looked discontented for a few brief seconds, then closed her eyes. Then, with a sigh, she replied:

So, you are asking me to stay among the living men? You know where I come from and what my purpose is, and yet you’re still standing up to your request?

Then the warrior stopped for a few moments, and almost unable to speak, said:

No, I’m not sure, but you must come from the lands far beyond this one!

The Valkyrie smirked.

Hehe ... yes! It was curious, but the warrior from another world seemed to be captivated by the man on the floor. She even changed her way of acting, being more receptive and friendlier to him.

I see you know a little about it ... I will do as you wish, even if I break the rules. You will not remember anything that happened until you were seriously injured, but you will survive the wound. she said.

The man smiled and then said:

Next time you come, I will not ask to stay ... I’ll take care of the things for these to walk in my absence, I will find a substitute!

Yes, if that happens again you will have to come with me. said Brunhild.

Thank you, my lady. The man smiled.

Very well, I don’t have much time with you. Know that your men will not have the same chance. What I’m doing is unique and for you only, so I’ll be quick, because if you die in the meantime you can fall into the bowels of the underworld or stop at a lost dimension that is impossible to leave.

The frightened man looked at Brunhild.

What do you mean impossible? He asked afraid of the answer. Will I stay there forever?

Yes, only one managed to get out of there until today, but don’t worry about that.

Okay. Thank you. Said Arth.

The beautiful Valkyrie now looked at the man from above with a face of compassion.

Surely you owe me something ... but I’ll hurry. You will not remember our conversation until we meet again next time. It was a pleasure, Arth.

Then she approached the brave man and placed her hands on his forehead gently, with a friendly smile this time and followed by a breath of tenderness.

Curiously, in the warrior’s mind everything seemed to start spinning, and a nice smell of roses flooded his senses. It was then that everything turned white and began to distance itself.

Brunhild took her helmet and this time put it on her head. She stood up, looking at the warrior again from above. She briefly examined it further and then contemplated some of her companions doing their duty in the immense camp that was full of wounded and killed in combat. The man on the floor seemed to have fallen asleep, and the bleeding stopped gradually, increasing his chances of survival. It was then that he got up with great difficulty and looked towards the Valkyrie, but he did not see her, and he did not remember anything either. He followed in a certain direction, which she assumed was his battle camp.

Sometime later a second Valkyrie, like Brunhild, appeared. She had several braids in her hair, blue eyes, and she was also very beautiful. Incredulous, she looked at Brunhild and with slow steps, stopped short behind her.

Noble sister and my commander, what have you done? Odin will not forgive you. How could you…

Enough! Brunhild snapped. I know I’ll have to deal with the consequences. Do not worry Mist, you did a good job. She said firmly. For the first time I made a decision that was mine, even if wrong. Yet I have decided and will pay for it, I am aware of my error and satisfied with whatever sentence Odin gives to me.

Brunhild, still looking worried, closed her eyes with a big smile.

The young Valkyrie Mist, who was still incredulous, accepted Commander Brunhild’s words, bowed briefly positioning herself to the right of her shoulder. It was when a bridge called Bifrost opened before the warriors and would lead them from Midgard to Asgard. They promptly rushed up and were taken back to their places of origin.

On the way, other Valkyries were trying to find the warrior that Brunhild was supposed to find. It was when Mist looked at her companions demonstrating that her leader’s conduct had failed, but they all remained silent and with their postures firm, pretending they had not noticed anything.

Returning to the domains of Asgard at Godheim, the leader of the Valkyries, along with her warriors, made her way to the main hall where the Gods stood, followed by a few dozen warriors brought from Midgard. Entering the palace, at the end of the main hall, was Odin, as she drew closer to the throne, the Valkyrie knelt, revering him. Odin looked at her for some time with extreme sovereignty.

The white-bearded god wore a long white robe with black details over his body. There was a red cloth attached to his shoulder that covered part of his left arm, with which he held a staff with a green stone at its end. He also wore an eye patch over his left eye, and on either side of his throne rested a portentous crow.

Is everything all right, Brunhild? You seem a little shaken to me! Odin asked, seeming to know of the problem brought by the young warrior. He also seemed to know what she was thinking, and even if he did not, he seemed to be able to read her mind.

Not at all, my lord! She answered, bowing her head. Everything is all right.

The Valkyrie seemed to deviate completely from the subject and it was then that Odin returned to watch her body language.

Where’s the army leader I’m waiting for? He asked. Do you really think I don’t know? Did you ever think I’d be so easily fooled? Odin asked, looking impatient.

No, my lord and king, not at all, I just thought you would reconsider, for the man had a family and a village to ...

Enough! Odin interrupted her. Do you really think you can make decisions for me? Or do you think you know me completely, so you can put words in my mouth?

This time Odin rose angrily.

I am Odin, god of gods, patron of Asgard and you leader! And so, I condemn you a punishment, so you can deal with the consequences of such foolishness!

He now spoke in a ruthless voice to the Valkyrie, who stood still, only listening to what Odin had to say.

At his words, Brunhild did not even protest, only bowed her head in agreement with the utterance of the supreme Odin.

Very well. I’ll call Thor and Freya so I can set a proper punishment. he added.

Yes, my king. she said, still low.

It was when Odin hit his staff on the ground, that a group of temple guards appeared. These wore metallic armor and helmets that covered only the head, leaving their faces fully exposed. They already seemed to know what it was about and what Odin’s order would be. The front guard nodded and then withdrew from the great hall, followed by four other companions. The other Valkyries were standing, listening to the condemnation of their leader. They all remained serious, and only Mist showed a little feeling as she averted her eyes at Brunhild a few times.

You did a good job today, my beautiful warriors. Odin said, pausing at once. Take the new Einherjar to their proper places, they must rest. he ordered to the group of warriors ahead.

After hearing the orders, the Valkyries would all strike at the same time with their right foot firmly on the ground, making a great crack echoing through the hall, and so they retreated in orderly groups as they systematically marched out of the great castle.

After a few minutes a beautiful blond woman with curly hair and green eyes appeared. She wore beautiful light green garments, which left part of her beautiful waist and legs exposed; she had a happy countenance when she bowed to Odin with an elegant gesture.

Freya, I want you to do something. Odin said, pausing briefly.

I trust you to choose the punishment you deem necessary for Brunhild. he went on. And before she could respond, a silhouette appeared stomping through a narrow hallway that came from the left. He was a tall, strong man, wearing metallic, graphite-colored armor, with blue eyes and blonde hair, who now crouched beside the Valkyrie, then stood up again.

And to aid in this task I’ll put you Thor, to be the protector of the cell that will confine Brunhild. Odin ordered.

Thor, hearing his father speak, smiled, hiding his spirits, for it was a fact that he was very pleased with the task that Odin had him to perform.

There will be no better protection than this, my father! He said.

And this was how Freya, with a gesture of reverence, spoke:

Dear Odin, king of kings, with all due respect, I cannot let something so ancient and severe come to pass. and she sighed. And in that case, I’ll test my ability as the main challenge.

Haha, I already expected that! Said Odin, amused. So, let’s see. Show me what you have in mind, my lovely Freya.

All right let’s go to my quarters. She said with a quick glance and a friendly smile. I’ll explain everything on the way.

As they followed the vast corridor, the winds beat on the curtains, causing them to dance slowly, making visible the light of the moon that plagued the marble of the columns. These supported parts of the immense dwelling that was the castle of the gods, lit by torchlight where some guards could be seen standing in front of each door of the great building, and sometimes a small patrol group would walk in the corridors.

Arriving in the rooms of the goddess everyone could see a huge half-open room protected only against the rain, but open at the sides. It was very well decorated and had beautiful curtains and small bells that emitted soft sounds when hit by the breeze. This part of the great castle belonged to Freya, and it looked like a porch that had small waist-high walls and served as the boundary of the goddess’s rooms.

Outside, near the abode of the gods, just ahead was a very beautiful tree, where on one of its majestic branches rested a somewhat curious owl, who was now looking at the emerging group inside the room. She kept looking, analyzing each movement in detail.

Well, look, she pointed out. A magnificent being looks at us! Looks that nature is in our favor. Freya said with a beautiful smile on her face.

Odin and Thor stared at the large, yellow-eyed bird staring at the group.

It was then that the noble golden-haired god let out a grunt of rage.

For the love of Asgard! Let’s get on with it before the damn fox decides to show up! Thor said, cursing someone and then pointing his finger at Freya’s face, asking her to speed it up.

She responded with an air of indignation.

No reason to anger Thor ... Loki must be doing the head of the newcomers against Odin! She sighed.

That boy does not waste time when it comes to winning supporters for his rebellious army.

Do not say that! Protested Odin. That kid thinks he’s as smart as anyone, and the worst of all is that he succeeds in persuading many with his tricks! But all right, let’s get down to business. he continued.

Right. Freya stepped forward. The proof for the challenge is this: I will give Brunhild an eternal slumber, and she can only awaken when you, Odin, find it necessary, or until someone comes here and breaks it. But it’s not that simple. One must mainly kiss Brunhild so that this chord of the punishment imposed by me can be carried out. Freya spoke lightly.

As expected of the goddess of love! Celebrated Odin. But I will add something else, let me see ...He, placing a hand on his long white beard, let a thoughtful growl escape. Well, as I said, Thor will stand as guardian and will prevent anyone attempting to enter without my permission, especially the treacherous Loki.

Odin’s words had a great deal of provocation and when they were heard by Thor, they filled his chest with excitement and a growing adrenaline that made him laugh, euphorically. Odin purposely managed to reach the key point of his son’s emotion.

Freya narrowed her eyes at the ease with which Thor met the request, so much her ingenuity to fall into the intentional trap of Odin.

Yes! I accept the mission, Loki who dares pass through this door! May the fate of the insolent fox cross mine, and then I will give him the proper lesson! Said the god of thunder, now folding his arms with an extremely evil grin. Then he let himself be carried away by a brief laugh that filled the room.

Very well, so be it! Freya put into action the plan of punishment to Brunhild immediately. ordered Odin turning to the goddess of love.

The Valkyrie Brunhild seemed to agree with the plan, placing herself at the disposal of Odin and Freya with a faint smile on her face.

Very well dear Brunhild, sweet dreams!

Freya walked over to her servant who was now receiving the touch of her forefinger on her forehead and thus fainted falling into a deep sleep. Before she fell to the ground, she was supported by Thor, who placed her on a lightly lit and very comfortable bed in the goddess’s room.

The work here is finished, I’m going to main hall. I must establish the function of the newcomers to Asgard at dawn. And you, my son, be ready, only leave when necessary. Odin commanded with an evaluative tone about Thor.

I will be the best warrior of all, and I will honor my post. said the young god, who now sat in one of the chairs, and settled himself.

Minutes later Freya wandered in the room and glanced over at Brunhild, who was now sleeping an extremely deep sleep.

I’m going to bed. It was a pleasure to be at your service one more time. Count on me always. Freya looked at Odin after reverencing him.

Seeing that he agreed, she left the room and went to her room.

Odin looked once more at Brunhild lying down and at Thor. Then, without any expression on his face, he headed for the second destination, being led into the great main corridor which extended to his quarters.

Thor, still wide awake, sighed, and at the same time, as he scratched his head, he suddenly stopped.

Oh no he stood up. I’ve forgotten the giants, I must contain that detachment to the east of the wall before they decide to turn against us, and this will cause even greater fury in my father! Thor said to himself, now pacing in the room where the Valkyrie slept in his deep sleep, but again he sat down a little thoughtful.

He looked very worried and tried to think about the situation.

"I do not think Loki will notice my absence in the meantime, nor will he be able to easily unravel the challenges imposed by Freya! Well, so being, I will