Chapter 2 #3
From inside her feather cloak, the goddess withdrew a round ashwood shield, painted with a sweeping falcon in full flight.
Its glorious wings were outstretched, a sunburst radiating behind the raptor as if it soared from the sun itself.
A glittering rim of golden metal encircled the outer edge, etched with a repeating triad of runes that shimmered like living fire.
Amber gems shone between the markings, their golden glow pulsing like the heart of the sun falcon.
Brynhildr recognized the trio of interlocking runes along the metal rim.
Algiz, for protection.
Tiwaz, for valor.
And Gebo, a sacred gift from the goddess.
She accepted Falksjkoldr, her fingertips reverently tracing the runes, sensing the thrum of power and the divine favor which would shield her in future battles
Gripping the handle, she rotated the shield to heft its weight, pivoting as if in a dance of combat. A current rippled up her left arm, the spirit of the shield pulsing in rhythm with her own pounding heart. “It hums with power…” she murmured, breathless. “And it knows me.”
Freyja’s golden eyes glimmered as she reached once more into the depths of her feathered cloak. “My final gift to you, shieldmaiden of flame, is Falkhjarta — the Falcon Heart.”
From the folds of her shimmering cape, the goddess withdrew a golden corslet, shaped to fit the contours of a woman’s body.
Wrought from golden metal that glistened like sunlight, a magnificent falcon with unfurled wings and amber eyes stretched across the gleaming breastplate.
Behind the glorious bird, a radiant sunburst of inscribed runes and inlaid amber gems pulsed with tangible power.
Brynhildr’s breath caught as Freyja offered the corslet to her.
Tentatively, she traced the polished surface, marveling at the flawless craftsmanship. When her fingertips brushed the amber gems and inscribed runes, they flared beneath her touch.
“Let me help you.” Yrsa’s reassuring voice calmed Brynhildr’s quavering heart as the volva guided her trembling arms into the enchanted corslet.
The clasps at the shoulders and sides clicked softly into place, the golden armor glistening and molding perfectly to her body, as if it had been uniquely crafted just for her.
“These vambraces are golden metal, like the corslet, but with supple leather on the inside, to allow freedom of movement as you wield Sólfalkr and Falkskjoldr.” Freyja handed Brynhildr the pair of curved armored plates, each etched with falcon feathers and runes, like the corslet itself.
Yrsa fitted the first vambrace over Bryhildr’s forearm, threading the leather strap underneath and fastening it through the golden buckle.
Brynhildr secured the second vambrace herself, admiring the gleaming golden feathers, intricate runes, and glowing amber gems.
Pride warmed Freyja’s mellow voice as she offered Brynhildr the remaining pieces to complete the enchanted armor.
“The amber leather is reinforced for strength, yet flexible enough to bend with you in battle. And the copper color of the rich hide not only complements Falkhjarta, it captures your essence as the Sun Falcon Shieldmaiden.” With a radiant smile, Freyja presented the leggings, boots, and gloves, all in rich bronze hues of amber leather, intricately tooled with images of protective runes, radiant sunbursts, and falcons in flight.
Yrsa helped Brynhildr fasten the straps of the leather leggings whose markings glowed softly along her sleek thighs.
The fitted boots were perfectly shaped to support and protect her feet.
And when Brynhildr slid her shaking hands into the supple gloves, the chestnut leather, etched with falcon feathers and runes like the corslet itself, pulsed with potent fire.
Her Sun Falcon armor complete, Brynhildr sensed it come alive, wrapping her in divine strength, agility, and defense.
She unsheathed Sólfalkr from the scabbard at her hip and raised the Falkskjoldr shield with her left hand. The golden corslet and copper leather hummed in harmony with the falcon weapons, the amber gems and runes glowing like the sun, pulsing with the rhythm of her heart.
Tentatively, she swung Sólfalkr in a swooping arc.
The blade sang as it cut through the salty air wafting into the chamber from the open window overlooking the fjord.
Falkskjoldr moved effortlessly to shield an imagined strike, pivoting with her as if guided by falcon wings.
She spun, testing the movement of the corslet and vambraces as she lunged forward, the boots gripping the pinewood floor, the leggings bending like living leather.
Energy flowed from the golden armor, rippling up her arms. Brynhildr deftly raised the falcon shield to block a simulated blow, countering with a swift, sleek strike of her sword.
Every motion was seamless, the armor flowing fluidly with her body, amplifying her strength and speed.
The runes along her thighs and gloves shimmered as she moved, glowing brighter with each coordinated sweep.
She halted, chest heaving and spirit soaring. The trinity of enchanted weapons—corslet, sword, and shield—was a divine extension of herself.
Freyja’s amber eyes glimmered, her luminous smile radiant as the sun. “My triad of gifts will enhance your heart, your soul, and your destiny. No mortal enemy may defeat you. From this day forward, you shall bear the name Sun Falcon. A shieldmaiden fated to ride with the Valkyries.”