Dead Chaos by T. G. Ayer Read Free Book Online

know."
    "Okay." I nodded and let it go. No sense in upsetting Frigga further. I wiggled to the edge of the bed and Frigga handed me a cloak. The muscles in my back twinged and complained as I swung the cloak around me and tied it firmly at my throat. "Thank you , my lady. I am most grateful." I bowed before the goddess, emotion building in my throat.
    She held me by the shoulders and drew me closer. She cupped my chin in her palm and said, "Valkyrie Brynhildr, you have so much strength and courage that you continue to be an inspiration to all of us. Please do not lose heart. I will pray we find a way to restore your wings to you."
    I blushed. At the closeness to the goddess, at the depth of her emotion. All I could manage was a quick "Thank you," before hurrying out of the bedchamber.
    ***
    I walked the passages, heading back to Odin's hall. I remained so deep in thought that I would've bumped straight into one very muscle-bound, not to mention armor-bound, chest had Thor not thrust his hands out to grab hold of me.
    "I'm so sorry, my lord."
    "No need to apologize, Bryn. Deep in thought were you?" He grinned.
    "Yes, I was actually."
    "Where were you coming from?" The tone of Thor's voice changed a degree as he looked down the passage in the direction of Frigga’s room.
    "The Lady Eir provided me with some medical treatment." I hoped the brief answer would be enough.
    "Ah, I see. And how are you feeling, my dear?"
    "Better."
    "Anyway, it is a good thing we ran into each other. There is something I need to tell you."
    "Okay," I said slowly.
    "Come with me, Bryn. What I have to say must be said in private." Thor turned and led me down the first passage to the left. It came to an abrupt end, occupied by three large carved stone seats. Enormous tapestries covered the walls and softened the hard lines of the makeshift room.
    Thor took a seat and motioned for me to sit opposite him. I did as directed and waited as he remained silent for a moment, as if struggling with his impending revelation. The longer he waited the more twisted and tight my nerves became. At last he sighed. "There is no good way to tell you this. On the way back from Midgard, Loki managed to escape."
    "What?" I asked, the single syllable falling from my lips in abject horror.
    "Loki is growing in power. He knows more than we do and we have no idea how he is doing it."
    My ears were ringing. Loki was gone. He was back out there, ready to make a right fine mess of things again. I sighed, my chest tight and cold. "What about the doctor?" I asked the question, very much convinced that Loki would’ve taken his son with him and that I would not get my revenge on him.
    "That is what we cannot understand. He left Dr. Lee with us and just disappeared as we returned on the Bifrost. The doctor is safely locked up in Asgard's dungeon. We have also placed an armed guard to watch him in case Loki plans to return for him. I must admit it is very disconcerting to know that Loki seems to have the ability to come and go as he pleases."
    My gaze snapped to Thor's face. The god was confiding his concerns? Could things get any weirder? "Has the All-Father decided on a suitable punishment for the doctor yet?" I asked.
    "The All-Father has been engaged. But I do believe Dr. Lee is his very next priority. Perhaps we should go to him and ask him now. I think he is free now."
    I rose and turned to leave the little seating area when Thor called out my name. "Bryn." I stopped and faced him, taking in the sadness in his eyes. "I am so sorry about your wings."
    "That's okay. They're gone and I just need to get used to them being gone." I was trying to be as strong as possible and his sympathy was not helping.
    "I understand how you feel. But you must also allow us to mourn your loss with you," said Thor. "You have become so much a part of Asgard. My father dotes on you. He has grown to care for you, much the same as the rest of us. Your strength is inspiring, and your courage also gives us