Chapter Eleven #3
“As best I can,” laughed Sif, “although most of it is relatively new to me, remember. My love, you’ll remember that I tried to reach out with magic, to call for aid?”
“I remember. It was a terrible risk,” Hakon grumbled.
“But one that reaped a good harvest. I managed to establish a connection with my mother, who understood that something was wrong. She and Father were preparing to come find me when that councilor from Visby arrived in the Jomsburg, telling the tale of what had happened there.”
“He’s a good fellow, that Eirik,” rumbled Brynn. “Bloody near killed himself getting to us, but he managed. He’s around here somewhere as well. Insisted! Even managed to put a Skraeling or two into the earth himself.”
“Uncle Brynn.”
“Sorry. Won’t interrupt again,” he said, raising his hands defensively.
“So when Eirik arrived, people understood what had happened. And thanks to the magical connection, my mother was able to track our movements. Thanks to all the gods and goddesses, that meant that several ships of angry Jomsburg Vikings spoiling for a fight showed up when they were sorely needed.”
“It was a very good fight,” chuckled Brynn. “Best Huw and I have had in years.” He put up his hands again. “Sorry. Didn’t mean to interrupt again.”
“I think that’s the end of the tale anyway,” smiled Sif. “But what about you, Hakon? You said you had much to tell.”
Hakon carefully stood up. “We had better gather everyone together,” he said.
***
It was late afternoon by the time everyone had come together and Hakon had told the tale of his dream vision.
“Surtr,” said Gunhilde, shaking her head. “Once again, that wicked giant sets his hand against us.”
“He must hate my family, and Sif’s,” rumbled Brynn. “Huw and I destroyed the bone-wands, and now my sons slay his champion.”
“This fight is not yet over,” Huw reminded him. “Surtr still seeks to break into this world, thanks to this cursed fiery mountain in the far North.”
“I want to know more about this supposed magic that will let Hakon bond with Sif,” observed Astrid.
“Is it even safe?” asked Kasia.
“I am not sure that my daughter should try this,” said Huw uncertainly.
“The world will suffer if she does not,” intoned Sigrid.
“Enough!” shouted Hakon, and the gathering fell silent as he and Sif rose to their feet.
“Mother, Father, all of you, we thank you for your concern, and Odin knows we need your wisdom and counsel. But please, I ask of you, remember that this final task has fallen to Sif and me. I know my woman. If she can be of service to Freyja, and in doing so will help the world, she will do it. I would be a fool to try and step in her way.”
Sif’s face was shining as she looked at Hakon and put her arm around his waist.
“But I also know that I would never, not in a thousand years, let her go without me,” Hakon continued. “So please regard the matter of the if as settled. We are here to discuss the how, and for that, I follow Freyja’s guidance and seek the counsel of Baedi.”
The Elder Witch stood. “Not surprisingly, the lady Freyja was right on both counts,” said Baedi. “There is a way for you two to travel together, and I do know what it is. There are a number of conditions that need to be fulfilled, but simply put, the two of you must be joined to make the journey.”
“Then let us arrange their marriage!” cried Brynn. “We’ve all known that was going to happen since you were children anyway.”
At the back of the gathering, Gunnar instinctively and quietly rubbed his bandaged hand, but for the first time in long years, there was no twinge of pain. He smiled.
Baedi gave a small cough. “Brynn, that is not the kind of joining that I meant.”
“You mean they’ve got to be—hmp!” cried Brynn as Kasia punched him in the ribs.
Hakon felt his face get very hot and he glanced down at Sif, who was blushing and would not meet his eyes.
“Do our, uh, parents need to be here while we hear your explanation?” he asked Baedi.
“I am certain we do not,” said Astrid firmly.
“I trust to your wisdom, Elder Sisters, and that you will watch over our children as they attempt this dangerous thing.” The gathering dispersed save for Hakon, Sif, and the witches.
They could hear Brynn protesting in what he imagined was a whisper, “Well I didn’t know they were talking about fucking!
” and then the sounds of conversation faded away to be replaced by an awkward silence.
“So do we, uh, get a tent to ourselves, or…” Hakon’s voice trailed away as Sif hissed at him. All of this felt surreal, and the young warrior was filled with the urge to laugh, despite the gravity of the situation.
The witches, however, were most serious.
“Erotic magic is some of the oldest and most powerful of all,” said Gunhilde.
“Far too often, we Ironwood witches forget because our interactions with the outside world are fleeting, and we most often use the feminine to tame the masculine. But with lovers who truly share all with each other, it is possible to join these aspects of sexuality together and become something greater. Baedi’s return has reminded us of this.
Perhaps some of our ways may be changing. ”
“What this means for you, Sif and Hakon, is that I will be teaching you a ritual that unleashes your sexual energies and allows you to strike back against an ancient evil,” said Baedi. “Are you committed to this path?”
Hakon and Sif looked at each other and nodded. “Let us begin,” said Sif.