Page 24 of Her World In His Hands

Sassa shook her head. “Not really recognised. Your presence declares your high standing.”

“What a charming thing to say, I’m flattered.”

“What do you want Odin? I’m tired, and fed up with the chaos you gods have wrought in my life.”

“I am not at all surprised. I confess to feeling rather ashamed of my part in how things have turned out for you, Sassa. I’m here to help make things right. You’ve impressed me with how you coped alone for so long. I had no idea you were pregnant when I parted Njord from you. I want you to know I didn’t really consider how my decision would affect you, I was too intent on teaching Njord a lesson. He does tend to get above himself, as you may have noticed.” His smile was gentle while his eyes shone with sympathy. “And now Skadi has behaved in a grossly unacceptable way towards you. In short, I feel I owe a boon dear girl.”

“A boon?”

“Yes, you have earned my admiration, Sassa and I want to help. So, tell me, my dear, how would have liked your life to have gone?”

“How do you mean?” she asked suspiciously.

“Budge up and I’ll explain.”

Sassa swung her legs down and watched as Odin settled beside her. He turned to face her; his arm slung casually along the back of the couch. Clearing his voice he asked, “If you could begin your meeting with Njord over again, what would you choose, to never have met him, or to meet and marry him, remaining by his side for all eternity?”

Her brow creased as she pondered his question.

“Skadi!”Njord bellowed as he strode into his former wife’s palace. “Show yourself!”

The other gods copied his yells until the halls echoed with her name. She couldn’t fail to have heard their cries and yet she didn’t appear.

Njord cursed her stubbornness and strode up the sweeping staircase, she wasn’t getting away with her behaviour not this time!

Throwing open the double doors of her boudoir, Njord stepped into the room and stopped. Thor bumped into his back and other gods into Thor so that the entrance to the chamber was blocked with gods and Njord was shoved forward. He staggered into the bedroom. Everyone fell silent at the scene before them.

Loki sat astride Skadi’s back, a knife held to her throat, his face a mask of hatred.

Njord couldn’t remember ever having seen Loki look more deadly, the sight chilled his bones. Giantesses lived a very long time but they were not immortal. One slice of Loki’s knife and Skadi would be no more. He might be angry with his ex-wife, but he didn’t hate her. She was the mother of his children, and she would always hold a special place in his heart. “Loki what is happening here?” he asked gently.

The god of mischief looked far from playful right now. Njord motioned the crowd behind him to stay back.

“Loki?” he prompted, edging further into the chamber.

The god’s arm tightened about Skadi’s throat. Her eyes rolled in fear and Njord sent out waves of calming to ease her panic, he saw her stance relax and turned his power onto Loki. “What has she done to warrant this?” he asked.

“She kidnapped Sassa and held her in a bird cage. I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t been able to rescue her,” he replied, his grip on the giantesses throat slipped as Njord’s calming technique reduced his rage.

“Is this true, Skadi?” Njord asked.

“Yes,” she whispered, “but — ”

Loki tightened his grip, “Bitch!” he snarled.

“Let her speak, Loki.”

“Why should I listen to you, you’re no better! You abandoned Sassa in her hour of need, for this lump of nastiness? I am descended from a giantess, but you shamemyancestry andyours,bitch!” His hand shook with rage and a bead of scarlet blood appeared on Skadi’s throat.

With startling suddenness, Njord launched himself at Loki, the blade flew from the God of Mischief’s palm and sailed through the air. Njord flashed out his arm and caught the knife handle on its decent. He lowered the blade to Skadi’s throat.

“If anyone has the right to end your miserable life it is me! Loki is right! You’re a vicious bitch! No one harms my Sassa and lives!”

The tableau froze as a flash of blinding white light filled the room and Odin appeared between himself and Skadi. To his utter astonishment Sassa also appeared but in front of the paramount God.

“Are you alright?” he asked urgently.

“I’m fine, but what on earth’s happening here?” she asked looking bewildered.

---