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SAGA TERRA: JORDAN THE WANDERER



Saga TerraJordan the Wanderer

by

J. Michael Gallen



Novel and cover art copyright © 2011 Jeremy Michael Gallen. All

rights reserved. Any unauthorized copying of the text in this novel will

result in criminal prosecution. All characters and events in this novel

are fiction. Any similarities to characters and events in real life are

unintentional and purely coincidental.



In memory of Edgar Ray Harrison, himself a world wanderer.



Table of Contents

I The Journey Begins 1

II The Road to Reykjavik 10

III Into Iceland 15IV Beyond Asgard 19

V Further into Midgard 23

VI Of Mercenaries and Meyn 33

VII Through the Lands of Shadow 47

VIII The Connexion Republic 60

IX The Shrouded One 85



1

C hapter I

The Journey Begins

The albino antlerless deer had finished clothing himself with bluerobes, a red neckerchief, a blue hat with an upward-curving brim and pointed crown, brown shoes with white socks, and a black eyepatch on

his left eye, when a knock came at the door. He responded, "Yes?""Jordan! Are you almost ready?" inquired a female voice.

"Yes, Dana!" Jordan responded, grabbing his long gnarledwooden staff and advancing to the door to unlock and open it,

revealing his black raven companion Dana Quill, dressed in a brownrobe, holding his infant son Jordan Deere the Younger in a white cloth,

albino just like his father. "I'm ready to go searching for her, now.""To the stables, then."

They then headed to ground floor and wandered to the back of Valhalla, where the extensive stable area jutted from its posterior.

Upon his entrance, Jordan opened one of the doors to reveal a black fly, which he and his female companion removed and mounted. The

fly then started towards the doors at the hall's end, where guardsopened the double doors to allow for their safe egress. Outside, the fly

turned around and flew beyond Valhalla, passing its barriers,connected in a hexagon by six towers, colored blue, violet, green,orange, red, and yellow.

Not even a minute had elapsed by the time the fly exited Edeninto the vast tundra of the Arctica Province of Asgard, where their

secrecy was certain. During the flight, Jordan gazed back at the city,which spiraled for several levels and ended at its top with Valhalla.

After burning the image into his mind, he gazed forward beyond thefly, seeing nothing but the whiteness of endless tundra. At one point,

the riders saw on the ground what possibly could have been a village, but then again, it was probably an oddly-shaped pile of snow.

For hours, the Aesir tundra passed, and since the northern portion of Asgard pointed away from the sun during the winter, it was

hard to tell the time of the day; Jordan knew his son had been bornearly in the first day of Odin in the year 4876 III.A. Thus, he guessed it



S aga Terra: Jordan the Wanderer

2

was still the Twilight Period, given his fly's ability to cover greatdistances in a short time. When he saw light on the ground, he

promptly turned the fly around, circling the light until the beast landed."Hello?" called a voice from the igloo whence the light came,

with a black-cloaked monk emerging."Greetings!" returned Jordan as he dismounted. "Could you

perhaps tell us what time of the day it is?""It's still night, sir! Care for a rest?"

"A decent proposal. Could you shelter our fly?""Certainly!" agreed the monk as he took the fly away. "Head

down into the church! A room just opened up for you!""Wait a minute, Dana," began Jordan, "you don't think«"

"I'm tired«" she yawned."Never mind, we'll take the room," accepted Jordan, entering

the igloo and descending a long set of stairs into a large, astonishingsanctuary of ice, dimly illuminated.

Here, another monk led the travelers through a door behind thealtar into hallways, and then into a vacant chamber, with most of its

furnishings, such as a bed, nightstand, and wardrobe, ironicallywooden, with a comfortable-looking sofa being among them. "Sorry

you each couldn't have separate beds, but I suppose you'll have tomake do with this."

"It's no problem," assured Jordan."Good night, then," bid the monk as he left.

"Well, I take it you want the bed, Jordan.""No, you and my son may have it," assured Jordan, checking

the drawer below the wardrobe's doors to discover spare sheets. "I'llsleep on the sofa."

"Are you certain?"

"Indeed. Now good night.""Okay, then," agreed Dana as she lay in the bed with Jordan the

Younger in her clutch, with Jordan sleeping on the sofa, both resting

soundly.

A few hours into the Daylight Period of the First of Odin,Jordan awoke, got on his feet, rubbed his eyes, stretched, and yawned.

A few seconds later, he heard Dana and his son yawn. The raven gotout of bed and then did the same. "Sleep well, Dana?"

"Yes. What of you, Jordan?"



THE JOURNEY BEGINS

3

"I am always well-rested. My son looks the same, as well.""He's probably hungry, too," suggested Dana, breastfeeding the

Younger Jordan.A few minutes later, knocks came at the door, and Jordan

invited, "Enter."A monk then entered. "Ah, I see you're both awake. Breakfast

will be ready, so you'd better hurry along.""With pleasure. Come, Dana."

"Yes, Jordan."They followed the monk through the halls of the frozen church.

During the walk, he wondered, "So, what brings you both out here?""Princess Jenova has gone missing."

"Oh?""Aye, she eloped with a man from Otterland."

The monk then halted. Dana asked, "What bothers you?""A boy from Otterland came here last night with a nun."

"Where are they?" asked Jordan"I'm deeply sorry, sir, but they left last night."

"Whither do they fly?""I don't know«Otterland?"

"And how do we get there, exactly?" inquired Dana."I haven't a clue«"

Sighing, Jordan acknowledged, "Very well. Let us dine, and perhaps we can think clearly for a change."

Then they headed to the dining hall, sitting and seeinginnumerable breakfast dishes on the table. Everyone bowed their

heads, with the prayer beginning. "Dear Lord, we thank You greatlyfor this breakfast You have given us as well as two new friends. Please

bless them with all Your might, and see to it that what they seek is

found. Please further our prosperity and grant us long, healthy lives,and we shall honor You forevermore. Amen."

"Amen," repeated everyone else, starting breakfast.

Afterward, the monk from before wished to confirm, "So, sir,

you suggest that the nun we met last night could in fact have beenPrincess Jenova?"

"Was the man named Franklin, by any chance?""Why, yes, sir! How did you know?"

"I know him personally. Who did the woman say she was?"




4

"She said her name was Jenna.""Jenna«Jenova«" muttered Jordan, then saying aloud, "That's

her, alright, Dana. We must fly to Britannia.""But we still don't know where Otterland is exactly«"

"Oh, there shall be plenty who will know where Otterland is.""But in which direction will we fly to get there?"

"South, most likely.""Let's hope they did, Jordan, or else, we'll wind up in some part

of Midgard we don't know very well.""Neither of us knows Midgard very well. Now let us leave;

Franklin and the Princess already have a decent lead, but we can catchup if we travel with few stops."

"Right. Let's go, then.""Sir, could you show us to our fly?" Jordan asked the monk.

"Why, certainly!"The travelers then followed the monk outside to a grove of

igloos, evidently stables. Jordan and Dana stopped when they saw themonk enter an igloo and take out their fly, which they promptly

mounted, soaring beyond the edge of Arctica above the frigid seas.Gazing backward, Jordan saw the Province disappear into the morning

fog, which he feared would hamper today's travel. Eventually, nothing but whiteness surrounded the travelers and their fly, with not even the

waters below being visible. Nonetheless, Jordan ceased not the flight,though the whiteness suddenly thickened to a point where he couldn't

see Dana, his son, or even himself. Unexpectedly, moreover, he felthimself turn upside down, and fell from the fly.

"Dana!" he yelled."I've got you!" she returned, with Jordan's fall stopping.

"We must find land quickly!"

Then the blizzard slightly thinned, with Jordan then seeingDana in flight, holding him with her right talons, while she held Jordanthe Younger with her left arm. "Is my son alright?"

"He hasn't cried once since his birth! A silent one, isn't he?""Silence is a virtue. The storm clears. Mayhap we can land."

"Let's try, then," agreed the raven, pointing a talon of her freeright hand west, with Jordan gazing in that direction to see a long

sliver of land. "Quickly, before the storm resumes!""But where is our fly? I see him not."

"Perhaps the storm sent him into the seas?"



THE JOURNEY BEGINS

5

"Perhaps, and I intend not to search for it.""Let's go, then."

Dana then hoisted Jordan and his son westward to the land,soon arriving and landing. Afterward, they gazed around to see that

they stood near the edge of a snowy peninsula. Beneath the snowwasn't ice, but rather grass, and barren winter forestland lay southwest.

Since Jordan had rarely left Asgard in his lifetime, this for terrain wasnew to him. "Is this...Britannia?"

"It most certainly seems so.""We must find a village and confirm our whereabouts."

"But let's try not to get lost. Let's go. Since I can fly, I can keepa good lookout."

"A decent plan."Jordan then handed Dana his walking stick, as he desired to

have both hands to hold his son. Afterward, Dana took to the skies,occasionally gazing downward so that she didn't lose Jordan, while the

deer did the same for his avian companion. The deer occasionallygazed northward and southward, noticing the seas gradually become

more distant as the evident peninsula thickened. Jordan sincerelyhoped that these environs would ultimately yield a road, a surefire sign

of civilization, but thus far, he saw nothing but barren trees.After about an hour, Dana landed before Jordan and exchanged

the walking stick for Jordan the Younger so she could breastfeed him.Inquired the deer, "See anything significant?"

"Yes, a village is close. Follow me."Jordan followed Dana for a few minutes, but stopped when he

felt his boots contact what he then noticed was a wooden sign, uponwhich was the word "Skálar." That the sign indicating the name of the

town was in disrepair was not a very good sign, and neither of the

travelers could see inhabitants. Nonetheless, they continued into thevillage, its houses also in a dilapidated state and mostly of stone andwood, seeking signs of life. Seeing the doors of one of the abodes to be

ajar, the duo entered, unsurprisingly finding themselves shrouded intotal darkness.

"Hello?" Jordan vainly called out."I think it's safe to say this village is a ghost town."

"Indeed. Do any highways connect to this town?""Not that I saw when I was flying."

"At least this is a sign that people once dwelled in this land."




6

"I'm still not certain if this is Britannia or not.""Neither am I. Skálar sounds more like an Aesir name than a

Britannian name.""The Aesir have influence all over the world, so there could

still be villages with Aesir names in Britannia.""We can only hope."

Jordan and Dana then departed the house, heading back in thewilderness of what was possibly or was not Britannia. Handing Jordan

the Younger back to his father and taking to the skies once more after seizing his walking stick, Dana eventually disappeared from view,

leaving Jordan to follow alone. He slowly walked so that Danawouldn't lose him, although to be on the safe side, he eventually sat

upon a rock in the middle of the wilderness, gently swaying his son sothat he could further pacify his quiet, peaceful disposition.

About a minute or so later, Dana landed before Jordan, proclaiming, "I've found a road!"

"Nice work, Dana. How far away?""About twenty kilometers from here."

"Any towns nearby?""I didn't see any, but I'll scout again once we get to the road."

The journey to the discovered road took roughly three hours,with the avian Dana having to keep in mind that Jordan couldn't keep

up with her flight, and thus traveled at the same slow pace as he did. Nonetheless, they ultimately came to the road, which was devoid of

traffic, although they continued to keep their hopes up for other signsof civilization as they began following it in a west-northwesterly

direction as Dana indicated. She ultimately took to the skies oncemore, but returned a minute or so later, with a smile upon her face.

"Another town, Jordan!"

"Is it inhabited?""That I know not.""Then why waste our time there?"

"It's a stop along this highway.""Well, it wouldn't kill us to give it a look then, would it?"

"No, it wouldn't. Let's go."For the next hour, the travelers followed the road as it

continued north-northwestward but then curved west-southwestward,with the town of Heidarhöfn coming, apparently devoid of life just like

Skálar. Jordan called out, "Hello? Is anybody here?"



THE JOURNEY BEGINS

7

No response came after a few seconds. Dana noted, "I think it'ssafe to say there's no one here, either. Let's continue."

"A bloody waste of space, these abandoned towns," cursedJordan, "but fortunately we've a road to follow now."

"But how long it'll be until we find people, we still know not."The road curved south-southwestward after Heidarhöfn,

remaining that way for the next few hours. If not for the large breakfast they ate earlier that day, the travelers would have been

starving, though they nonetheless felt a few pangs of hunger, withlunchtime drawing near. The two therefore hoped they would find

inhabitants of this mysterious land eventually, maybe even food,whatever they ate. During this time, Dana kept hold of Jordan the

Younger, breastfeeding him whenever he awoke and gently swayinghim when he slumbered, with only the sound of the travelers' footsteps

being audible through the silent terrain.Eventually came a surprise: an intersection of highways, more

shocking since Dana hadn't taken to the skies to scope out the terrain.Inquired her companion, "So, which way shall we take?"

"Take your son for a moment," Dana urged, handing over Jordan the Younger, and leaping into the skies, ultimately plummeting

but floating as to soften her fall. Taking the deer baby back, she noted,"There don't seem to be any towns nearby, so which way to go I

unfortunately know not, although I did see a coast to the west.""We go west, then, and perhaps encounter a fishing village."

"Might as well. We're lost, nonetheless."Thus, the travelers turned right, with the intersection heading

west but slightly north, then sharply curving south-southwestward.Shortly after it sharply jutted in a west-northwesterly direction, the duo

reached an intersection running southward, with Jordan noting as he

took hold of his son, "You know what to do.""No problem," assured Dana as she once more leapt into the

skies, landing after about a minute or so. "Good news."

"Do tell.""I think there might be a farm to the south."

"It's probably abandoned, but we might as well try to see if anyone's there."

"I saw smoke coming up from it, so perhaps it isn't.""Unless it's burning..."

"There didn't seem to be a fire, so I doubt it."




8

"Is it a straight path to the farm?""Yes. You want me to check for inhabitants?"

"Certainly. Take my son; he could use the warmth of a housefor a change."

"Yes, Jordan," agreed Dana, taking the Younger Jordan andflying away.

His walking stick his only companion now, Jordan traversedthe southern intersection, somewhat enjoying the solitude. Somewhat

restless because of his sluggish pace of travel, however, he began torun, encountering an eastward curve after less than a kilometer. The

road remained straight eastward for some time, curved southeast, andthen between south and southeast, before Jordan eventually saw a vast

open field in the middle of the wilderness, laying north of the highwaywhile the wilderness continued southward. After another road

intersection, a southern field joined the northern one, and ultimatelythe current road ended at another that ran northward and southward.

Directly ahead were a few buildings, with smoke coming froma chimney attached to what was undoubtedly the residence of the farm.

A shoveled path ran towards this house, with Jordan following it andreaching the abode with stone walls and a wooden roof, where he

rapped the main entrance. Jordan called out, "Hello?""Coming!" one of the evident occupants of the residence

responded, followed by a few footsteps and the door opening to revealthe evident patriarch of the household. "Ah, your companion told us to

expect you. Come on in!""My thanks," Jordan bid as he entered, shutting the door and

taking in the warm atmosphere of the farmhouse."So you're lost, eh?" wondered the patriarch as he led Jordan to

the dining room, where Dana sit breastfeeding his son and the rest of

the farmer's family sat. "Allow us to fill you in!""That would be a treat, as would this meal if I may partake,"

welcomed Jordan.

"You may," the matriarch invited, "but first, let us pray.""Bow your heads," the patriarch urged. "Dear Lord, we thank

You for this meal we are to partake, and for bringing these lost gueststo our humble abode. Please give them direction when they depart, so

they may find what they seek. In Your name we pray, amen.""Amen," repeated everyone else, eating dinner.



THE JOURNEY BEGINS

9

"So," began Jordan after dinner was over, "Is this Britannia?""No, it's the Greenland Province of Asgard," corrected the

patriarch. "We're not exactly sure where this Britannia place is.""You might find answers in Reykjavik, the Provincial capital,"

the matriarch interjected."Where is it?" wondered Jordan.

"The other side of Greenland, in the southwest," informed the patriarch. "Maybe you could take a ship to Britannia from there."

"We could loan you a fly," the farmer's wife stated."My thanks," assured Jordan. "That will make our trip easier."

"Anyway, you must be tired. We have spare quarters for youand your wife."

"She's not my...""I'm his baby's nurse," Dana stated.

"Follow us," the patriarch urged, with Jordan and Danacomplying, following the farmer and his wife upstairs.

"I'll take this room," Dana stated, entering with the baby."Now for your room," indicated the wife, taking Jordan the

Elder to another door, which he opened, entering. "Good night.""To you as well," responded Jordan, finding his way to the bed

and resting.



10

C hapter II

The Road to Reykjavik

The next morning after breakfast, the farmer and his wife escortedJordan and Dana, his son in hand, to the stables, where their beasts of

burden noisily chattered for their own breakfast. The patriarch andmatriarch opened one of the stable doors, revealing a hungry fly that

they promptly fed. Afterward, the farmer asked Jordan, "Would your companion like a fly as well? I imagine that she would become tired

flying naturally.""I can manage, thanks," Dana assured.

After equipping the fly with a blanket, saddle, and reins, thefarmer and his wife led it into the stable hallway, bidding Jordan to

mount. Bid the former, "Safe trip to you both.""Our thanks again for your hospitality," stated Jordan.

Then the albino deer tugged the reins, the fly then flapping itswings and beginning its journey outside the barn into the Greenlandic

wilds. Dana followed in flight, the Younger Jordan safely in hand, andthe travelers soaring southwest, glimpsing a frozen lake to the north

and vast snow-covered farm fields directly below. At times, theProvince of Greenland certainly upheld its moniker, what with many

greenish patches that were likely the result of geysers, of which Jordanheard there were plenty of here.

About half an hour later, the travelers noticed a seaside towntowards which they descended, then hearing several chimes followed

by two rings indicating the second hour of the Daylight Period had

arrived. Following the town were distant waters, with the fly and Danaregaining their prior altitude to avoid crashing into the ships that dared brave the frigid seas. Land came again a few minutes later, which then

seemed endless as the seas had, with a gradual increase in the terrain'selevation coming, as well, not to mention the occasional river.

Given the two o'clock departure from the prior village, thetravelers managed to get a good grasp of how much time elapsed as

they flew, with mountains becoming more numerous as the secondhour passed. Once three o'clock arrived, the deer and the raven gazed

below to notice a wide road that quickly fell below the horizon behind



OF MERCENARIES AND MEYN

11

them, with large lakes coming and passing, not to mention another waterside community where smoke emerged from an apparent plant.

At the turn of the fourth hour came more mountains, with the sight of awhite glacier dominating their views to the south at five o'clock.

The sixth hour brought with it another frozen lake fueled fromthe waters that melted from a nearby glacier to the northwest, with the

terrain beyond it becoming slightly smoother. Once the seventh came,Jordan and Dana felt themselves hungry, hearing the seven o'clock

bells come from a settlement below they assumed was a military base,what with many inhabitants marching in formation, with a fleet of flies

leaving, no less. Here the two began their descent, ultimately landingas a soldier came to them and saluted.

"Welcome to Fort Thingvellir! May I see some identification?""Certainly," agreed Jordan as he showed his passport, Dana

showing both hers and the Younger Jordan's as well."You both are all clear! What might be your business here?"

"We're hungry," Dana noted as the Younger Jordan acceptedher bosom for want of milk.

"Reykjavik is about half an hour's flight west-southwest of here! Surely you can find a restaurant there!"

"We can hold out for that long," assured Jordan. "Come, Dana,let us depart."

After a half hour's worth of flight from Fort Thingvellir, Jordanand Dana saw a vast seaside settlement they believed was the capital.

They circled above the town, lowering their altitude with eachrevolution, until they reached the streets and landed. Naturally,

Greenland's capital was far more populous than the previouscommunities the travelers had witnessed, with some residents taking

surprise when they landed in the streets. Passersby began to stop and

glimpse the wanderers, most with neutral expressions upon their faces.A few soldiers broke apart the crowd, themselves apparently curiousas to what the wayfarers willed.

"Welcome to Reykjavik, you two!" greeted one of the cricket-mounted soldiers. "Did you two come from the base?"

"No, we're travelers," corrected Jordan. "We're merely stoppinghere for a bite to eat."

"Have you heard of a place called Britannia?" asked Dana."You might be able to catch a ship there, and grab a bite to eat

along the way, at one of the shipyards."




12

"Our thanks," bid Jordan, remounting his fly, he and Danataking to the skies again.

West they flew again, soon seeing the docks, landing again andseeing several queues before several evident ticket booths. Mercifully,

the sight of travelers with a fly wasn't for sore eyes, as a few of thetownsfolk in the queues had beasts of burden they intended to take

with them in their travels, including beetles, ants, cockroaches, and thelike. The wanderers patiently awaited their turn in their chosen queue,

which luckily moved at a steady pace, only a few minutes elapsing bythe time their turn came, with the ticket seller bowing.

"Welcome, friends! What can I do you for?""Three tickets to Britannia, if possible," besought Jordan.

"Three tickets to where, you say?""Britannia," reiterated Dana.

"Oh, my apologies, but we don't sell tickets to Britannia,whatever you call it. Heck, I've never even heard of that place!"

"Well, where can you take us, sir?" wondered Jordan."Either the Iceland or Arctica Provinces."

"We'll take Iceland," decided Dana."Iceland it is! Two adults and one child²one hundred and

twenty-five Kronas, please!""Here you go," indicated Jordan, paying.

"And here you go!" indicated the clerk as he distributed thetickets. "Have a nice trip!"

"And have a good day, sir," bid Jordan.The travelers, with their fly, passed through an archway near

the ticket booths, approaching a great white vessel by a jetty, whoseentrance plank a sailor guarded. "Tickets, please!"

"Here," indicated Dana, handing over the tickets.

"Climb aboard, then!"They agreed, ascending the plank onto the vessel, where many

other sailors prepared for the trip to the Iceland Province. Many

civilian passengers wandered among the sailors, most progressing tothe rear, descending below deck. A sailor came and took their fly,

transporting it to a horizontal metallic grating that other seamenelevated and pushed to the side, with a crane taking a wooden platform

nearby, allowing transport below deck of the fly and other beasts of burden. The travelers followed most of the civilian passengers to the

aft of the vessel, descending and entering a dimly illuminated area




13

with many wooden tables and chairs."Hopefully they're still serving lunch," wished Jordan.

"Aye, I'm starving." Not too long after they occupied a small table with two chairs

did a servant come by and greet, "Good evening, you two, andwelcome aboard the Great White North! May I start you off with

something to drink?""Mead, if you would," ordered Jordan.

"Water, please," requested Rowena."I'll be right back with your drinks and to take your orders."

After the servant left, the adults scanned their menus. Theformer soon commented, "The fish and shrimp seems nice."

"As does the worm sausage," added Dana.The servant eventually returned, giving Jordan his mead and

Dana her water, inquiring, "So, ready to order?""That we are. I will have the fish and shrimp, if you would."

"And I'll have the worm sausage.""Got your orders! They'll be ready shortly."

Their lunch came about ten minutes later, and they enjoyedtheir respective meals, washing them down with their drinks. Upon

returning to check on the two customers, the servant asked of theempty dishes, "Shall I get all this all out of your way?"

"Indeed," agreed Jordan."Will you be back with our tab?" wondered Dana.

"Oh, the ticket prices cover meals, so you two can enjoy therest of the day, if you wish."

"But we just couldn't let you go on like that.""And why would that be?"

"Here's a tip," Dana noted, giving a hundred-Krona coin.

"Um, thanks, I guess. You two have a nice day, now!"Jordan then asked. "So, shall we enjoy the rest of the day?""Certainly," Dana agreed, leaving the table with the deer.

Thus, they ascended onto the deck, seeing that the ship hadalready sailed some distance from Reykjavik. The remainder of the

day was relatively uneventful, with Greenland eventually becominginvisible to the travelers, nothing but distant seas now around them.

The Great White North traveled at a relatively steady pace, what withthe sailor magicians on the aft deck propelling it with long steams of

water they shot from their hands. The sailors worked in shifts since




14

constant use of their magic drained them, with the seamen whose shiftsended retreating below deck to rest until they were able to perform

their magic without fail again.The sun eventually set, and the travelers tired, retreating below

deck for dinner and a well-deserved rest. Jordan and Dana, the deer baby still in hand, separated into their quarters, with the former briefly

illuminating his chamber so he could undress and find his way to the bed. Before he went to bed, Jordan glimpsed the bottom of the closed

entrance to notice a shadow arrive and briefly stop, steadilylengthening as if someone outside were spying upon him. As the deer

began to kneel to see who it was, the shadow quickly disappeared, andhe opened his door, peering outside to see no one.

Closing the door again, Jordan blew out the light in the lanternand retreated to his bed, crawling under the sheets and struggling to

enjoy his slumber, what with the possibility of someone spying onhim. He opened his eyes and gazed at the bottom of the door regularly

to see if the shadow returned, with evident sailor shadows coming andgoing, none stopping to spy on him again. The hallway ultimately

darkened, providing the deer with no opportunity to keep a lookout for the spy or spies, after which he ultimately forgot about the possible

spy and fell into a deeper slumber.



15

C hapter III

Into Iceland

Jordan slept well through the night and a little into the next morning,in fact sleeping so well that he didn't hear the first few knocks on his

cabin's door. When he did hear it, he got out of bed, stretched, andwent to the door, opening it to reveal, to his surprise, a sailor instead of

Dana. Greeted Jordan, "Good morning, sir.""Good morning. I've come to tell you that the ship will be

cleared in an hour, and we don't want any stowaways.""Are we in Iceland yet?"

"Yes, sir.""Which city, I wonder?"

"Angmagssalik.""Very well," acknowledged Jordan, exiting and seeing Dana

standing in the hallway, holding his son. "Good morning, Dana!""Same to you. Shall we eat before we leave?"

"Would that be okay with you, sailor?" inquired Jordan."As long as you make it quick."

"Come, Dana."Then they headed to the restaurant, which wasn't as active as

last night, though it did have a few customers. They took the sametable they had last night, awaiting service. Soon, the same servant from

before came, surprised to see the customers he had served before."Good morning! May I start you off with something to drink?"

"Water for the both of us," requested Jordan.

"Two waters it is! I'll be right back to take your orders!"Once the servant left, they lifted their menus, seeing they had

changed, undoubtedly to accommodate the morning. Jordan uttered,

"What to order, what to order«""They still have worm sausage," indicated Dana.

"No thanks," refused Jordan. "I may just have some bread and butter. You may have some too, since it will be a large loaf."

"If my worm sausage doesn't fill me," agreed the raven.Eventually, the servant returned, asking, "So, ready to order?"

"Indeed. I will have the bread and butter."




16

"The worm sausage, please.""Got it all down! One bread and butter, one worm sausage!

Your orders will be ready in a few minutes!"As the servant left, Dana inquired, "So, what are our plans for

today? Shall we keep to the west?""Mayhap we shall."

"Iceland is basically one large icecap, Jordan.""So it is. Winter sickens me«"

"Shall we turn south then?""Perhaps, if the weather is cooler in that direction."

"But will we still be heading across Iceland?""Indeed."

"Well, odds are that we won't be getting any lunch, but if we'relucky, we may reach the western edge by sundown."

"Let us hope so."A few minutes later, Jordan and Dana got their meals, with the

latter giving a hundred-Krona tip. Both enjoyed their food, and theraven did have some of the deer's bread and butter. Afterward, they

headed onto the deck, looking west and seeing a small snow-coveredvillage. The couple went to the horizontal metallic grating, noticing it

to be open and seeing a sailor ascend upon a platform that bore their fly. Jordan mounted it, while Dana spread her wings, with both leaping

into the skies and beginning their westward trip across Island.A few minutes later, the two began soaring across a wide strait

that lasted for roughly ten minutes, with jagged mountains becomingvisible once they cleared it. For the remainder of the second hour, the

terrain remained this way, with vast frozen wastelands to the north andextensive seas to the south. When the third hour commenced, nothing

but frozen tundra replaced the mountainous terrain, which lasted for

several hours. Dana was certainly correct in saying that Iceland wasone giant ice cap, with Jordan wondering when it would end.

During the sixth hour, chasms began to appear in the tundra,

with Jordan dreading an accidental fall into them, although Danaappeared perfectly content in her natural flight. Seven o'clock came,

and snow-capped mountains once again appeared, giving the deer some hope that they would reach the other side of the Iceland Province

in due time. At this time, Jordan became hungry, aware that lunchtimewas upon him and the raven, although he knew he could definitely

survive at least another hour or two without food.




17

During the eighth hour, a wider chasm came with frozen seas atits bottom, ultimately replaced by more snowcapped mountains, and

then more seas. Beyond the seas, the travelers witnessed a welcomesight: a town, into which they began their decent, landing safely. At

this time, the two took a leisurely stroll through the town, with Jordanescorting the fly and Dana breastfeeding the Younger Jordan. The

residents of this town had taken care to clear the streets of snow,although there wasn't much traffic here, although there were some

children playing.Approaching the children, Jordan greeted, "Hail, friends."

"Hail right back at you, sir," returned one of the children,asking, "So, what do you want, sir? A tour of Sukkertoppen, perhaps?"

"We will pass, young man. Is this the capital?""No, that would be Nuuk, to the south."

"I see. Would you happen to know of a place called Britannia?""Nope, never heard of it," the boy replied, "but maybe the folks

of Iqaluit would know something.""Iqa-what?" asked Dana.

"Iqaluit, capital of the Nunavut Province. You may be able toget a ship there to Britannia, but I'm not sure. You can catch a ship

from here to Iqaluit, but why can't you just fly there? You have a fly,sir, and you have wings, miss."

"We just don't like to travel nocturnally," answered Dana."Afraid of the dark, are you?"

"Hold your tongue, boy," admonished Jordan."You're the boss. Anyway, I'll take you to the docks."

"Our thanks."The child then led the travelers to a ticket booth at the docks,

informing, "Dad, these people want to take a ship to Iqaluit."

"No problem! Two adults and one beautiful baby boy; that'llcome to a hundred and twenty-five Kronas!"

"Here, sir," indicated Dana as she paid.

"Rich, are we?""But of course. Our tickets, please?"

"Here, take them!" bid the seller, handing them over. "Oh, andhave a good trip! Your ship's the Northern Exposure, right yonder!"

The Northern Exposure was a great white ship, looking similar to the Great White North. A sailor stood before the stairway plank

leading aboard the vessel, and upon seeing the three passengers and




18

their fly, he requested, "Tickets, please."The three complied, and the sailor stated, "Hop on aboard!"

They obeyed, ascending the plank and seeing that the sailor followed. Once aboard, they headed to the rear while the sailor

elevated the plank aboard, closing the entrance gap. Once he had doneso, he took their fly to a horizontal metallic grating, opening it and

signaling a crane to bring a platform there, which he and the fly boarded, afterward descending below deck. As for the travelers, they

descended below deck, unsurprised to see that they had entered a vastactive dining hall, where they sat at a table fit for two.

Only a few seconds later did a servant arrive, greeting,"Welcome! So, may I start you both off with something to drink?"

Jordan and Dana respectively requested mead and water, withthe servant indicating afterward, "I'll be back with your drinks and be

ready to take your orders, then! Enjoy the voyage!"After the servant left, Jordan and Dana lifted their menus,

seeing them to be quite similar to those back aboard the Great White North. The former suggested, "I reckon this vessel and the one we took

from Reykjavik came from the same shipwrights«""The only shipbuilding company I know of is The Great White

Seas of Asgard," informed Dana. "They're the official suppliers of the Navy's vessels, known for their snow-white appearance.."

Jordan sighed. "I truly need to study more of Asgard.""Don't worry, I have you covered," Dana quipped, looking into

her menu and observing, "Ah, they have the worm sausage, too. I think I'll stick with that."

"They too have the fish and shrimp."When the servant returned, the travelers ordered, receiving

their meals a few minutes later and devouring it. While the ticket

prices covered meals (proving more that the Northern Exposure andthe Great White North were of the same shipbuilding company),Rowena felt obliged to pay a hundred-Krona tip, which made the

servant's day. Afterward, they enjoyed the rest of the day, ultimatelyretreating below deck for dinner and a rest, although Jordan didn't

slumber so easily, fearing he and Rowena were lost in the world.



19

C hapter IV

Beyond Asgard

Morning came quietly for Jordan and Dana, though they awoke before

sailors pounded on their cabin doors demanding they leave. After theyentered the hallway, a sailor passed, winking at them. Then the two

entered the eatery, sitting at the same table as last night, with eachstarting their morning with a mug of water, courtesy the same servant

from before. The breakfast menus, unsurprisingly, were similar tothose back on the Great White North, with Jordan ordering bread and

butter (the whole of which he ate this time) and Dana sticking withworm sausage, which she too ate entirely. They then headed onto the

deck to discover a beautiful winter morning, with fresh breezesflowing across the vessel.

To the north, they could see a town at the base of mountains,undoubtedly Iqaluit. Dana stated, "It's beautiful, Jordan."

"Indeed. Let us depart.""So«shall we keep going west?"

"No, I feel like turning south this time.""Do realize that Nunavut is one of the southernmost Provinces

of Asgard. We will eventually leave it if we travel south.""We have our passports, do we not?"

"Yes, Jordan."Once Jordan retrieved his fly, he and Dana took to the skies,

reaching a decent altitude above the mountains around Iqaluit, and

afterward, they started flying south, finding themselves above water for about an hour. Afterward, they reached terrain that was moremountainous, which they easily passed for the next hour, ultimately

reaching more seas, which, after a few minutes, seemed endless. Closeto the afternoon, a wooded island appeared on the southern horizon,

where the two decided to break. Jordan let the fly graze while he heldhis son and Dana went to the coast to fish for lunch.

Jordan built a fire while Dana fished, with the raven ultimatelyreturning with three fish, one for each of the adults and one for the

baby, which she gutted and cooked. Once they were through, the deer




20

mounted his fly and his companion, taking the Younger Jordan, begansoaring southward again, with her albino comrade following, and both

ultimately departing the isle back onto the endless seas. At seveno'clock, land appeared again, flat and forested like the previous island,

with the wilderness this time seeming endless like the seas had.About an hour later, they reached the very first township in this

land. The buildings seemed primitive, their chief materials being woodand stone; the villagers too wore simplistic clothes. Some of the

villagers were of species neither traveler had seen before. Once thetwo had landed, they took a short stroll around town, observing its

sights and discovering its chief industry to be skins from various beasts of burden, including beetles, ants, spiders, and so forth.

Eventually, Jordan bowed before a villager who bowed in return."Hail, friend," greeted Jordan.

"You welcome here. What you wish, sir?""Information."

"That quite obvious. What for info you want?""Information on our whereabouts."

"Yes, sir. This Kuujjuaq, village in Kingdom of Acadia.""Acadia," repeated Jordan. "Would you happen to know about

a land called Britannia?""No, but I know of Asgard to north, Otteria to southwest, and

Labrador to east.""Thanks anyway, sir," bid Jordan, remounting his fly.

"Where shall we go, next?""Otteria, perhaps?"

"Why, Jordan?""The nation sounds awfully suspicious. The Prince came from

a country with µOtter' in its name«"

"Otterland," affirmed Dana, "the Grand Duchy of Otterland.The nation the man mentioned was Otteria, not Otterland."

"Do not certain nations go by different names?"

Dana sighed, "Let's face it, Jordan, we're lost! We should go back to Asgard to get some real help in finding the Princess."

"Asgard has far more pressing matters, Dana.""As you wish. Shall we continue south?"

"Indeed."Jordan and Dana had spent about ten minutes within the

village, though compensated with agile flight. No more than half the




21

eighth hour had passed by the time the forested terrain of Acadiaheightened, though the territory flattened out in the end. When three

quarters of the hour had elapsed, they flew beyond a lake in the middleof the great white wilderness, and with the ninth hour came yet another

lake. A few minutes later, Acadia's forested terrain experienced a dipin elevation, bringing along a river, though the previous altitude

recurred after a few more minutes.More time elapsed, and yet another stream was visible through

the woods (unless it was the same one from before). No rivers caughtthe travelers' eyes for the following time, although another increase in

elevation accompanied by a great range of snow-capped mountainsdid. In the middle of these peaks, once the tenth hour arrived, was a

lake connected by rivers running from northwest to southeast. Half anhour later, they passed above a lake connected from the north by a

single river, after which the mountains continued. Near the hour's end,the elevation dropped, and at eleven o'clock, they passed more water,

in which lay a mountainous island whose edge they passed in a fewminutes; shortly afterward came a smaller island. At the middle of the

hour, the duo reached a village at the bottom of a great dam of stoneand wood, where they landed.

"Hail, young sir," greeted Jordan a primitive-clothed boy."Hail. What you want, sir?"

"Could you tell us where we are?""This Manicouagan, sir."

"Are we still in Acadia?""Yes, sir."

"Would you happen to know a place called Britannia?""No, but I know Kingdoms of Labrador and Brunswick to

northeast and south."

"Thank you, young sir.""Let us leave, Dana. After another hour, we shall call it a day."Hence, they reentered the skies and continued south, following

the river from the village as it curved southeast and led to a decrease inelevation, where winter woods were again visible. The woods

eventually dipped again, and the river soon intersected with another coming from the northeast and continuing south. At the river's end

were a village and wide river, where the adventurers landed when thetwelfth hour arrived. They now stood on jetty, gazing south to see land

at a distance, determining that to take a ship from here would be




22

unnecessary. Several anglers sat upon the jetties, undoubtedly seekingdinner, and Dana, taking a free spear, wanted to do the same.

"Ah, lady want to fish, no?" observed a nearby fisherman."Indeed. I think you'll find my skills to be unparalleled."

"Well, you show us, then!""Watch." Dana threw the spear into the water, where it seemed

to sink. "The hunt is on«""You lose spear, ma'am," suggested one of the fishermen.

"Just you wait," urged Dana, the spear strangely emerging fromthe water, and bearing twenty-one fish across its length. After catching

the spear, she indicated, "I can catch more if you'd like.""Yes, we want more! You empty fish in our buckets."

"Will do!"After Dana distributed the fish into the buckets, she continued

to fish from the river (called St. Lawrence; the town was ComeauBay), until all the buckets were full, after which everyone hurried to

the town's assembly hall. A great feast occurred there to commemoratethe harvest of all the fish, which would be enough to feed the village

for many weeks. When it ended, the mayor invited Jordan and Dana toovernight at his abode, which they accepted, what with the next day's

arrival being imminent. Filled with fish, both Aesir retreated toseparate chambers. Dana took the Younger Jordan into hers, and

everyone slept soundly throughout the night.



23

C hapter V

Further into Midgard

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. "Breakfast ready soon!"Jordan stirred awake, getting out of bed and walking to the door,

opening it to reveal the native who knocked. She led Jordan and Dana, baby in hand,, downstairs to the dining hall, where the village leader,

alongside top community politicians, sat, awaiting the morning repast.Jordan and Dana received seats near the mayor, pleased to see them

for the first time since last night."Good morning!" greeted the mayor. "How you fare?"

"We fare well, thank you," answered Jordan."So, you stay here longer?"

"We have a long way to travel, still," informed Dana."Oh, it too bad you not stay. This good village to raise young

one, you know.""Sorry, but we have greater tasks ahead of us."

"So, where you go today?""South, we suppose«"

"What you expect to find south?""Honestly, we haven't a clue," indicated Jordan. "Say, sir,

would you happen to know a land called Britannia?""I not know of Britannia. You can try Brunswick to south."

"Perhaps we will ask around there for more information.""Ah, but they probably not know much, either."

"But it's worth a try," suggested Dana.

"Yes, anything worth try. Ah, here come breakfast now!"Thus, many servants brought loaves of bread and small clay

dishes of butter to the table, along with knives for spreading. Trays of

fish joined them as did plates and forks. Jordan stated, "Fish again.""We've gotten used to it," suggested Dana.

"Now we pray to Lord," the mayor surprisingly stated."And which Lord would that be?" wondered Jordan.

"Why, Lord of Gods, of course!""Good or bad?" followed up Dana.

"Good Gods of Asgard. Holy Kingdom just north, you know."




24

"So it is," agreed Dana. "May I do the honors?""Yes, you our guest, you have honors."

"Many thanks, sir. Dear Lord, we thank You for this meal Youhave bestowed upon us and bid You to grant us long, prosperous lives

with little hardship. We also wish You grant the outsiders here today asmooth journey across Midgard to see through their goals and live well

in the end. As long as we live, we shall forever appreciate Your blessings and work for good in Your name. Amen."

"Amen," repeated everyone else, commencing breakfast.

"A decent repast," complimented Jordan, his fly's reins in hand,as he and Dana wandered to the end of one of the jetties at the docks;

many townsfolk followed to see them off. To the mayor, the deer bid,"Thank you very much for your hospitality, good sir."

"You quite welcome. You have good trip.""Thanks again." When Jordan and Dana finally reached the

jetty's end, the former indicated, "Let us depart, Dana!"When the two took to the skies above the river, the townsfolk

waved their adieus, soon returning to the village on their own business.The time was now the second hour of the Daylight Period, and the

town was quickly behind them only a few seconds later. The land tothe south swiftly approached, though a quarter of the hour had elapsed

by the time the two reached it. The land across the wide river wasquite mountainous, and the duo hovered briefly before the first of the

great peaks. In fact, they saw a highway before the range, the first theyhad encountered thus far in Acadia, which they decided to follow,

eventually reaching another town whose architecture was no differentfrom that in Comeau Bay, where they landed.

"Welcome to Rimouski," greeted a villager. "You want tour?"

"We'll pass," rejected Dana. "Do you know anything about theworld outside this village, though?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Have you ever heard of Britannia?" inquired Jordan."No, but I hear of Meyn and Brunswick."

"Are we still in Acadia?" wondered Dana."Yes. You want to get to Brunswick, you follow road to

Riverloop, and just outside is southeast intersection, which take you toCabano and then to Brunswick. That do it."

"Thank you for your directions, sir."



THROUGH THE LANDS OF SHADOW

25

"You welcome. I off now!"After the villager dashed away, Jordan indicated, "We will go

to Brunswick. We shall follow this highway as the young man stated.""Aye, Jordan."

The travelers then exited Rimouski to the southwest, flyingabove the highway between the mountains and the river. They

occasionally flew during their trek, still following the road. Eventually,a village became visible, whose entrance sign read, "Riverloop."

Rather than to land there, however, the travelers soared past it, seeingthe expected highway intersection, which they began following

southeast. Another town soon passed, undoubtedly Cabano, but again,they bothered not to stop there, keeping the road in view as they spent

the hour's remainder completing their excursion through Acadia, soonspotting the national border, an extensive wall of wooden logs.

Wishing not to stir any international controversy, they landed before the doors under which the highway ran, meeting a pair of

border guards, one requesting, "Passports, please."After the travelers showed their passports, the second guard

observed, "Ah, so you're all from Asgard? Cold enough for you wayup there in Valhalla?"

"We've gotten used to it," joked Dana."First time traveling?"

"For me, at least," Jordan informed."Cute child, I say. He looks just like you, sir. Would this lovely

lady be your wife?""My child's nurse," corrected the deer.

"So he is. Well, we don't find anything suspicious about you,so you're free to enter Brunswick. Enjoy your visit here, alright?"

"Yes," replied Jordan as he and Dana continued.

A few kilometers later, they entered the first town of themountainous nation, Edmund. Spotting a young boy near the entrance,Jordan bowed and greeted, "Hail, young sir."

"Um, I hail you back, I guess," the boy returned in asurprisingly civilized disposition. "What do you need?"

"Information.""What kind of information?"

"Information about Britannia, if you can provide it.""Sorry, but I've never heard of Britannia in my life, but I have

heard of the Acadian Republic and the Kingdom of Meyn, not to




26

mention the Kingdom of Edward and New Scotia. Sorry if this doesn'thelp you, sir."

"Oh, you have certainly helped, young sir," assured Jordan,with the mention of New Scotia stirring his thoughts. "Tell me, boy,

what you know about New Scotia.""I'll do my best. It's officially called the New Scotia Colony."

"A colony?""Indeed."

"Of whom, may I inquire?""Old Scotia, of course, or the Kingdom of Scotia."

Gasping, Dana informed her Lord with a whisper, "I've beenthere, Jordan! We've got our first clue about where the Princess is!"

"Wonderful," agreed Jordan, continuing, "Now we just have tofind out where exactly Scotia is, and how we can get there«"

"It's way east across the Atlas Ocean, far from Ymir.""And what, pray tell, is Ymir?"

"This continent, of course!""Is it? Very well."

"You know, Jordan, we can always take a ship to Scotia.""Indeed, but we should visit New Scotia first. Where, child,

would we be able to find the Colony, and how would we get there?""New Scotia's southeast, sir. Just follow the highway without

taking any other roads, and you'll get there.""Our thanks," bid Dana, urging, "Come on; let's go!"

"Later!" bid the boy.Then the travelers took to the skies again, leaving the town and

soaring southeast. Only a few seconds later, they saw an extensivewooden boundary across the mountains, making the two keep their

distance from the border for fear of illegal trespassing into whatever

nation lay south of Brunswick. The travelers counted four villagesalongside the national border, and after the fourth, they saw themountains dip into winter woods, though the peaks quickly reappeared

further to the southeast. Eventually, the mountains again dived into thewilderness, and with this came a village called Plaster Rock.

After breaking in the town, renowned for nearby red cliffs anda sawmill that evidently served as the primary industry, the travelers

resumed their trip, following the highway as it wound through thewinter woodlands for a few minutes before snow-capped mountains

were visible again. The sight of them occupied the rest of the fifth




27

hour, although there was a village deep within them through whichanother frozen stream spanned. They followed the highway through

the mountains, eventually seeing them vanish with the fifth hour.With the sixth hour's arrival came the appearance of more

forestland, which seemed endless this time. Briefly after the mountainsdisappeared, another winter river came that the road crossed. About a

third of the hour had elapsed when they saw the highway pass througha village, within which yet another river wound. Endless winter woods

occupied the sixth hour's remainder, with a river passing underneaththe road near its end. When the seventh hour came, another township

did as well, this one called Moncton, where many roads intersected."I starve," indicated Jordan as he and Dana landed. "We should

find somewhere where we can dine.""Yes, I'm sick of fish. I could use something different."

"That seems like a nice place," observed Jordan, pointing to atwo-storied building whose entrance doors wooden wedges lodged

beneath their bottoms held open. "Well, what do you wait for, Dana?Shall we dine there?"

"Indeed," concurred Dana as they entered the eatery, a servanttaking their fly to the stables.

They then found themselves in an area with seats for waitingand a servant taking table volumes. When the travelers arrived at the

podium behind which he stood, he greeted, "Afternoon, friends, andwelcome to the Moncton Mouthful! How may I serve you?"

"Quickly, if you would," jested Jordan, afterward requesting,"Deere, party of three."

"Two and a half, you mean!" the servant attempted to correct."No, three," affirmed Jordan. "My son is as Terran as anyone

else, thank you very much, but two seats would suit us fine."

"If you insist. Come right this way!"They then followed the servant through the restaurant,

eventually sitting at a table fit for two. A few seconds after the servant

returned to the podium, another came and greeted, "Good afternoon,friends! May I start you all off with something to drink?"

"Two waters, if you would," requested Jordan."Two waters! I'll be right back!"

Once the servant left, Jordan informed, "The people here seemmore civilized than those we have encountered thus far in Midgard."

"Well, Scotia is without a doubt a civilized nation, and folks




28

from New Scotia probably found their way into Brunswick.""Aye, and we shall be in the Colony by the end of the day, and

hopefully find our way to Old Scotia afterwards.""And we'll find our way to Otterland from there, of course.

Anyway, we should probably look at the menus; the servant will be back any time now."

"Aye, let us do so," agreed Jordan as he and Dana lifted their menus, unsurprised to see vastly different foods than they were used

to, although many familiar meals were present. "I notice thatsandwiches mostly dominate the menus here."

"How surprising; a worm sausage sandwich is among them,"Dana indicated. "I'll certainly be having that."

"They have the fish sandwich, as well. It sounds delicious."Right when Jordan and Dana had decided upon their orders, the

servant returned with the mugs of water they requested, afterwardinquiring, "So, are you two ready to order?"

"A fish sandwich and a worm sausage sandwich.""Got it all down! They'll be ready in a few minutes«"

Once the servant left, Jordan worried, "What shall we do if wecannot enter New Scotia?"

"Come now?""What if they close their borders to travelers such as us?"

"What makes Your Lordship worry about that?""Because colonies, I have read, tend to become rebellious

against their parent nations«""Oh? Well hopefully Scotia rules its Colony with an iron fist."

"If not, then it will most certainly be a turbulent land.""Oh, I wouldn't worry so much. I'm sure that we'll get in, find a

ship, and get on with our search for the Princess!"

"And if not?""Look, I'm sure there are many ships outside of New Scotia

that'd be willing to take us to Britannia! So don't worry!"

"Until we find out whether or not we can enter the Colony, Iwill still worry until then."

"Oh, please«"Finally, the servant returned with a fish sandwich and worm

sausage sandwich, which they ate. The bill for the meal was tenBrunswick Dollars, although the servant was friendly enough to take

ten Aesir Kronas, given that the currencies of diverse nations in this




29

region of Terra were relatively equivalent. Afterward, they left therestaurant into Moncton's streets, taking a brief tour around the town to

notice that its chief industry was shipbuilding, with the two soonfollowing the highway back into the winter woods of Brunswick.

A few minutes later, the highway intersected with another thatthe travelers ignored. Further through the hour (the eighth, as they had

spent one hour back in Moncton), the highway crossed a river, andsoon afterward, another highway. When the hour ended, they passed

through a village called Dorchester, and spent a sizable fraction of theninth hour continuing their trip through the frozen woodlands. When

half the hour had passed, the two ventured through the town of Midgic,and once the tenth hour came, the travelers reached a seaside

settlement called Port Elgin."Strange," suggested Dana. "Surely we'd have come to the

national border by now«""Indeed; it seems as though we have reached the end of the

highway, and I see not the border, either. If we are still in Brunswick,we may be able to take a ship from here all the way to Old Scotia."

"There's a possibility. To the harbor!"Thus did they pass through Port Elgin, reaching the harbor and

a ticket booth, where the seller saw his potential customers andgreeted, "Why, good evening! How may I help you?"

"Do you perchance sell tickets to Scotia?" wondered Jordan."Come again?"

"Old Scotia," elaborated Dana."Oh, yeah, Old Scotia! I would sell you tickets, but I can't."

"We implore you, sir!""I'm really sorry, but you see, Old Scotia and New Scotia are,

well, at odds, as we speak."

"At odds?" wondered Dana. "What do you mean, sir?""Well, there's a big scare going around that Old Scotian ships

are sailing across the Atlas, and we don't want any sinkings, so to

speak, so any travel beyond these lands is strictly forbidden!""Why are Old and New Scotia in conflict, sir?" probed Jordan.

"Heh, obviously you folks aren't from anywhere around here.You see, New Scotia declared its independence recently, and an attack

by Old Scotia is imminent any day, now."Dana sighed, "This couldn't have come at a worse time«"

"Tell me about it! I've got family in Old Scotia too! But I could




30

still sell you tickets to the Kingdom of Edward, although I don't knowwhy you'd bother; you've got wings, lady, and you a fly, sir, after all."

"We will simply turn around and follow the Brunswick coast,"Jordan indicated. "We will surely find something eventually."

"Jordan, we could wait until the tension between Old and NewScotia settles down, and maybe then we could go to Britannia."

"Aye, but that won't be for years!" inputted the seller."Better late than never," wished Dana. "I suggest that we don't

wander too far from these parts, Jordan.""Indeed. We can seek a town in which to settle for a few years,

and return here occasionally to check the status of the war for independence. When tensions mitigate, we will finally sail to Old

Scotia and continue our search for the Princess.""Sounds like a plan, Jordan. Let's get out of here, shall we?"

"Aye, the day has yet to end."Then they walked away, following Port Elgin's streets to the

south, finding that one led outside the city. About half of the tenthhour had elapsed when the duo left the burg, following the highway as

it stretched south. A few minutes later, they reached the border between Brunswick and New Scotia, where sentinels stopped them.

"Passports, please!" requested one of the guards.Despite knowing that they wouldn't get into the Colony, Jordan

and Dana nonetheless complied. "Our apologies, but we just can't letoutsiders into our country. Things are pretty turbulent as we speak."

"How goes the independence war?" Jordan inquired."So far, so good. Old Scotia hasn't even attacked yet, but all

our coastal towns are on high alert.""Good luck," bid Jordan, following the border west.

"Hey, you two aren't trying to cross illegally, are you?

"No, sir!" insisted Jordan, seeing that many guards patrolledthe top of the wall. "We wish not to start an international crisis«"

"Very well; just be sure you don't accidentally cross over."

Jordan and Dana agreed and then flew near the border for thehour's remainder, evoking many glares from the sentinels atop the

wall. Obviously, most of them believed that the wanderers sought possible ingress into New Scotia. They soon distanced themselves

from the border to avoid their glares. About a minute before the hour ended, the two crossed a highway, and afterward found themselves by

a cliff, which they started following to the southwest, occasionally




31

gazing southeast to see the Colony, which was surprisingly serene,though this would likely change in coming months. For all of eleven

o'clock, they took their time to enjoy the winter milieu.When the twelfth hour came, they reached the southwestern tip

of the peninsula they had wandered for the previous hour. Beyond theseas to the west, the two could see land, which they hoped didn't

belong the New Scotia. Since it wasn't too great a distance, thetravelers decided to cross, arriving in only a few minutes. They then

followed the new coast southwest, eventually feeling the land curvewest. During this round of their travels, they took to the skies, so only

half the hour had elapsed by the time they reached the town wherethey would stop for the day, Alma, which lay at the base of mountains,

which apparently harbored some sort of military base.After wandering Alma for a few minutes, they saw a two-

storey building with a wooden sign above its entrance depicting awhite bed, undoubtedly an inn. The two entered, finding a lobby area

with a man sleeping behind a counter. Evidently he heard the footstepsof his customers, since he lifted his head, opened his eyes, and rubbed

them, blinking a few times before standing, smiling, and bowing."Welcome to the Soldier's Gate, my friends!"

"Obviously the mountains harbor a military base.""That would be Fort Fundy, sir," indicated the servant.

"They're on high alert since New Scotia's declared its independence.""Yes, we heard about that," Dana stated. "We hope nothing bad

befalls these parts.""As do I, ma'am. So, you wanna stay here tonight?"

"But of course. How much?""Fifty Dollars."

"Would you accept Aesir Kronas? Surely you cannot refuse

money from the Sacred Realm.""From God's country? Oh, I just couldn't refuse money from

Asgard! Fifty Kronas it is!"

Dana then paid the requested amount and asked, "Does this innserve dinner, by the way?"

"Sure, I'll be sure to get your orders once you two, I mean, youthree, are settled in. Follow me!"

Hence, Jordan and Dana followed the clerk upstairs to their chamber, containing two beds and a table for two, upon which a pair

of menus sat. They immediately sat in the chairs, scanning their menus




32

and promptly deciding upon their dinners. Jordan alerted, "Wait, sir.""Yes?"

"We are ready to order.""Oh, settled in, already?"

"Not quite," responded Dana, "but we are ready for dinner.""Heh, heh, what'll it be, then?"

"I will have the shrimp, and a mug of mead," ordered Jordan."The worm sausage and some water," requested Dana.

"Got it down, friends! Enjoy your stay here!""We will try," assured Jordan, with dinner, and a well-deserved

rest, ultimately coming.



33

C hapter VI

Of Mercenaries and Meyn

Jordan and Dana slept well through the night, with the former awakingfirst. He got out of bed, stretched, and walked to the window, opening

it to see the mountainous Fort Fundy, active with marching soldiers.Suddenly, a knock came at the door, and Jordan answered it, finding

the same clerk from last night. "Good morning!""To you as well."

"What can I get you to eat?""We have not discussed that, sir."

"Well, you should, since the menus are there on your table!"Jordan eyed the table to see that the menus indeed sat atop it,

with Dana, surprisingly, sitting there as she scanned one of them while breastfeeding his son. Seeing the servant, she ordered, "I'll have the

worm sausage and worm eggs, please! And some water!""Worm sausage and eggs and water!" repeated the clerk.

"Please await my selection if you would, sir," implored Jordan."Just get him the bread and butter with some water!"

"Will do!" the clerk complied as he left the travelers in peace.Jordan then closed the door and returned to the window, eying

Fort Fundy; Dana eventually joined him. "It's beautiful, isn't it?""Aye, Jordan. Seeing another nation's military certainly makes

us appreciate ours more.""Indeed."

"Speaking of which, do you really think it a wise idea to leave

the military out of the search for the Princess?""They need not concern themselves with such petty matters.

Defending Asgard is their most important priority now."

"Well, I disagree, but I guess further debate would be futile.""So it would, though I do pity that we could not have furthered

our diplomacy with Otterland. I would have gladly loved to meet therest of its royal family."

"As would I.""Strange folks, these are," Jordan then heard a voice mutter.

"What was that?" he, eying his breastfed son.




34

"It certainly wasn't your son," the raven jested.Suddenly, an agile figure leapt through the window above

Jordan and Dana, landing, straightening himself up, and then turningand bowing before the three guests. He was a yellow rabbit with

blonde hair, yellow eyes, and two sheathed swords slung to his back."Well, sorry for my little intrusion, folks."

"And who might you be, stranger?" Jordan interrogated."You can call me D.W. I'm from the Republic of Ursina."

"And where is that exactly?" wondered Dana."Way to the southwest; several thousand kilometers."

"A trip there is certainly out of the question," stated Jordan."I could take you all the way there! I know a few shortcuts!"

"We shall pass, nonetheless. Are you a soldier?""Well, I'm a mercenary. Wherever there's a war, I just pick a

side and fight! I just heard New Scotia's declared its independence!""Which side would you support?" asked Dana.

"Why the rebels, of course!""Because you sympathize with their cause?" probed Jordan.

"Maybe, but I'm pretty sure there wouldn't be a lot of Scotiansoldiers around if the Colony declared its independence. I'd fight for

the host nation if they had a good reason for keeping their colony, but Idon't really know why a faraway Kingdom like Scotia would wanna

assume responsibility for a place that's well outta their reach.""You're out of luck if you wish to help the rebels at all," began

Dana, "since the Colony's closed its borders to any outsiders.""Well, that's a shame. Guess I'm stuck with you guys!"

"What made you take interest in us in the first place?"wondered Jordan.

"Well, it's not too often you see a male white deer with no

antlers and a raven wandering these parts. You two just seemed likeinteresting people, that's all. I take it you're from Asgard, no?"

"How did you know?" Dana sarcastically wondered.

D.W. laughed, continuing, "I overheard you talking about somestrange things happening up there«."

"We were«" began Jordan."Acting out a play, that's all," covered Dana.

"Really? In Ursina, acting's pretty big business; I was a player myself. Speaking of which, let's get back to our business, shall we? I

didn't get your names, yet«"




35

"Jordan Deere the Elder.""Dana Quill, and this is Jordan Deere the Younger."

"Well, looks like your boy takes the most from you, sir. Let'ssee, a canine or lupine feet and tail«obviously you're not his mother."

"I am his nurse.""Ah. So, what of his mother, then?"

"She tends to our home in Asgard," Jordan answered."I hope she's doing well by herself«is she all alone?"

"She's got company," insisted Dana."Good to hear. So, is it okay if I travel with you? I don't have

any place to go now since New Scotia's borders are closed.""To be quite honest," began Dana, "we don't quite know where

we're going, either.""What about Otterland? Unless you made it up«"

"It is a real nation," affirmed Jordan, "but we know not how weshall get there because of the independence war."

"Well, where exactly is Otterland? I could help you find it.""Britannia," Dana noted. "Have you heard of it?"

"Yes, indeed! It's far across the Atlas Ocean! We could catch aship there! From someplace other than New Scotia, of course."

"We disagree," countered Jordan. "We thought for certain thelink between Old and New Scotia would expedite our trip to Britannia,

but since they now clash, our hopes of travel there are slim, and we areuncertain if others along the east Ymiran coast will take us there."

"Why don't we just ask around? Surely there's someone willingto take you there! Come on, what do you say?"

"It's worth a try," agreed Dana, "but I wouldn't count on it.""Well, let's get outta here, then!"

"We await breakfast," informed Jordan.

"Well, I'm sorry about that." KNOCK, KNOCK. "Yikes!""Ah, breakfast at last!" stated Dana, who then looked around

and could see D.W. nowhere in sight. "Where did he go?"

"I'll get it," indicated Jordan, opening the door to reveal theservant, who entered and put the meals on the table. "Our thanks, sir."

"Hey, no problem!" bid the servant as he left.Jordan then sat at the table to eat his bread and butter. "I

wonder where our friend is«"The lapine's voice then asked, "Is the coast clear, now?"

"Indeed," answered Jordan, after which he looked up, surprised




36

to see D.W. by his side. "Agile, are we?""I have to keep in top shape, sir. Sorry if I scared you there."

"You scared us not," assured Jordan. "Let us simply eat, shallwe? You are quite welcome to join us, of course, D.W."

"Well, I'd be obliged!"Following a solemn prayer, breakfast began, and all was eaten.

Afterward, someone knocked at the door, Dana indicating, "I'll get it!""Well, it's been a pleasure. See you later!"

"D.W., do wait«" insisted Jordan, but he was nowhere insight; the deer supposed he had defenestrated himself, since the

window curtains now fluttered. "Such an unusual fellow«""Oh, I'm sure we'll run into him again."

"Unless he runs into us."Knocks at the door came again, with the raven answering it,

revealing the servant. "You folks finished with breakfast?""Yes, sir. Come on, Jordan, let's go!"

"Indeed." He then joined the raven, following her into the inn'ssecond floor corridor.

Once downstairs, Jordan and Dana checked out, the former retrieving his fly, and exited into the streets of Alma, unsurprisingly

frigid. As the two began to follow the roads southwest, a familiar voice panted, "Well, I'm back."

"D.W.?" wondered Jordan."I'd never abandon decent folks like you! So, where to?"

"We follow the coastline southwest.""There must be someone willing to take us to Britannia."

"If you don't, then I'd be glad to take you two there myself!""Have you any experience on the seas?" inquired Jordan.

"Well, no, but I do know that the lands across the Atlas aren't

just limited to Britannia, so even if we crossed, we probably wouldn'tget there right away."

"Yes, we needn't sail straight to Britannia," agreed Dana.

"From where we land on the other side of the ocean, we could find our way to where the Princess is, Jordan."

"A risky, but most logical, proposition," affirmed Jordan, "butwe shall begin our nautical trip in another nation to the south, what

with the looming independence war in New Scotia.""Yes, Jordan, but the next few nations to the southwest may be

alarmed too by the turbulence in New Scotia."




37

"Then we shall trek until we find sailors that know not NewScotia's nuisances."

"Well, what're you waiting for?" wondered D.W. "Let's getoutta here! Meyn lies west!"

D.W. hopped behind Jordan on his fly, with the insect andDana then taking to the skies. followed. The travelers inched

themselves from the Brunswick coast, fearing to fly directly aboveFort Fundy. Jordan inquired, "So, what is Ursina like?"

"Well, it's a beautiful land, sir. I come from a city called TheAngels. Lots of diverse folk live there, mostly actors and actresses

skilled in the art of the stage.""The whole world is a stage, where everyone is an actor,"

suggested Jordan, "and life one long performance.""Especially for your avian companion. Do you envy her, being

a lowly Terran and all?""Not at all. What of you?"

"I don't mind at all!"About an hour passed since the wanderers left Alma, and they

could then notice a river flow from the mountains to the seas. Half anhour elapsed, and the travelers could see an abbey in the middle of the

wilderness, with Aesir flags surprisingly flying atop its corner towers.Since the travelers wished to stay clear of Aesir territory, they soared

away from the monastery. Then the northern mountains started fallingout of sight, what with the coastline's extension to the southwest.

"Not the churchgoing type, are you?" wondered D.W."Why do you ask?" asked Jordan.

"Well, you seemed a little afraid of the abbey back there.""Don't meddle in our affairs, mortal," admonished Dana.

"Why? Work for Niflheim, or something?"

"Heavens, no!" snapped Jordan."Are you sure?""If we were working for Niflheim, WHICH WE AREN'T,"

Dana angrily began, "why would we have traveled all this way?""Well, spies travel far and wide, don't they?"

"We are from Asgard !" affirmed Jordan."My apologies; sorry I brought it up in the first place."

"Besides, communication with Niflheim all the way fromAsgard would be virtually impossible," indicated Dana.

"Unless you're telepathic«"




38

"No more of this!" commanded Jordan."You're the boss!"

The mountains then fell below the northern horizon, and bothdistant woods and coasts came for the next two hours. Afterward, the

travelers saw another Aesir monastery sitting between the southern bay and a northern lake; roads ran northeast and southwest from the

abbey. Despite this majestic milieu, the wanderers continued their flight. A few minutes after the sanctuary, the southwest road branched

northwest, though they still followed the southwestern branch. Thewayfarers, while following the highway, had seen that they were

inland; wishing not to evoke the attention of any potentialBrunswickers wandering the path, however, they strayed southward to

the coast. Eventually, they saw a fjord running north from the bay. Theinlet quickly disappeared only for a wider one to come an hour later.

When the eighth hour came, the travelers landed in Black Harbor, an active seaside town. Asked Jordan, "Shall we eat here?"

"Well, I could eat," D.W. suggested. "That looks like a good place yonder."

Jordan and Dana saw D.W. indicate a corner building, its twoentrance doors held open by small wooden wedges at their bottoms,

through which many passed. The travelers entered, after Jordan stabledthe fly, finding themselves in what was undoubtedly a restaurant, its

main area two floors tall, with a rectangular second floor balcony perimeter upon which chairs, tables, and of course, people, sat. A

vacant table wasn't in sight, however, so the travelers sought one.Their search at first was in vain, until they saw three vacant stools by

the counter in the bar area, which they took. Cooks constantly wentthrough a pair of swinging doors behind the counter, a promising sign

they would get quick service.

Menus sat before the three customers, which they scanned.After deciding on what they wanted, a servant behind the counter asked, "So, whatcha folks want this afternoon?"

"A fish sandwich, please, and a mug of water," Jordan ordered"A worm sausage sandwich, and water," requested Dana.

"A salad and a water," desired D.W."Thankee kindly," bid the servant as he went to the swinging

doors, opened them, and shouted out the orders. After returning, heindicated, "Your orders'll be ready in due time."

As the servant went about other business, D.W. informed,




39

"Well, Meyn draws near.""We have made excellent progress today," Jordan stated.

"Do you two have passports?" inquired D.W."Yes," answered Dana

"In that case, we'll go through the border at Camp Bell.""Camp Bell?" repeated Jordan.

"Well, yes, it's right across the Passamaquoddy Bay. I've got aniceboat here, and you both are welcome to join me."

"And leave our fly behind?" wondered Jordan."Actually, I think it would be for the best, since we're too

conspicuous flying.""You make a good point, Dana."

"I've got a few friends at Camp Bell, so crossing the bordersshouldn't be too hard," D.W. noted.

"Let's hope not," wished Dana.A few minutes later came the trio's orders, which they ate. The

tab was thirty Brunswick Dollars, which D.W. covered, leaving agenerous tip; afterward, they exited. Jordan and Dana followed D.W.

to the harbor, where they boarded his iceboat. "Let's go!"Thus, D.W. untied his iceboat from the jetty, letting the vessel

slide across the frozen bay. The lapine steered southwest, feeling thewinter wind whisk the iceboat away. Jordan and Dana, gazing from the

aft, watched Black Harbor vanish in only a few seconds. When it wasout of sight, the two carefully ventured to the iceboat's fore and eyed

the frozen water. While distant land was visible to the north, they kepttheir sights southwest, expecting Camp Bell to come shortly. Travel by

iceboat was certainly faster than flying, though such travel wouldlikely not consume the remainder of the trio's trip, however long it

would continue. After entering Meyn, they assumed, the journey

would continue on land, perhaps by cricket, if they could find any.After half an hour of sailing, the trio saw land appear over the

southwestern horizon. As it neared, they saw that it had near its edge a

tall barrier of wooden logs, their tops sharpened. Camp Bell thisevidently was, an apparent military base, what with its security. There

were many jetties outside the fort, each with many iceboats tethered. Nearing the base, D.W. slowed his vessel until it halted by one of the

piers, to which he tied it.Once the trio got on the pier, D.W. asked, "Well, that fun, eh?"

"Better than flight," responded Jordan. "A pity it is we may not




40

ride again for a while.""A nice ride," added Dana, "but we still have a ways to go

before we're clear.""It'll be a while," concurred D.W. "Come on, let's go in!"

The trio then traveled to the entrance of Camp Bell, which hada wooden bridge above it. Moreover, wooden outpost towers with

pyramidal canopies stood on either side of the gate. Once soldiers sawthe three travelers, one standing in the open lookout area of one of the

towers shouted, "Identify yourselves!""It's me, D.W.!"

"Ah, welcome back, sir! But who are your companions?""Jordan Deere the Elder and Younger, and Dana Quill!"

"We'll need to see some passports! Open the gates!"Immediately, the gates opened, and a pair of guards exited,

scanning the travelers' passports and granting them ingress. Once thetravelers were in Camp Bell, the gates closed, and several sentinels

came near the wanderers, evidently distrustful of them. Of this, D.W.assured, "Don't worry, men; my friends won't cause any trouble!"

"You we trust, sir, but your companions are new here.""Aye, looking at the registry," started another soldier, "we

couldn't find their names. But getting into our base another timeshould be easier since we've now got your names recorded; that is, as

long as you don't make any trouble here.""We will likely not return," advised Jordan.

"Where are we, anyway," Dana began, "still in Brunswick?""In Brunswick and Meyn at the same time," affirmed D.W.

"Huh?""This base is used by the Militaries of Brunswick and Meyn."

"Ah, I see."

"Well, to be honest, we're still technically in Brunswick, butwe'll be completely in Meyn in a few minutes. Camp Bell isn't exactlya village, so it'll take a while."

"Especially with war looming here," supposed Jordan."True," a guard agreed, "now that New Scotia's declared its

independence.""And whose side are you on, exactly?" interrogated Dana.

"Probably New Scotia's, since they're closer than Old Scotia.""We could stay neutral, but New Scotia's far too close for

neutrality, and we do need to keep our nation's defenses up if




41

necessary. It's a pity we'll have to fight, but it's a necessary evil, andonly God knows how things will turn out in the end."

"I hope things fare well in the end," wished Jordan."But I hope Scotia doesn't attack us if they retake the Colony."

"We'll defend our homeland if necessary.""To our deaths!"

"Now matter how strong they are!""But we're not too worried, since it's winter, and we're sure

Scotia wouldn't send forces across the Atlas in freezing cold weather.""Besides, they probably haven't the faintest clue their Colony's

even declared independence!""Who knows, there mightn't even be a war! Maybe Old Scotia

will realize that managing a faraway Colony is a silly idea!""But still, we have to be prepared for the worst, don't we?"

"Yeah, I'd probably expect an attack next spring at the least.""Heck, they could be dumb enough to try and retake New

Scotia in the dead of winter!""I'm sure they're not that stupid!"

"But we've got an advantage fighting in our homeland! They'll be far from home, so their morale couldn't be as high as ours!"

"All that'd really boost their morale would be their loyalty totheir motherland."

"Bah, patriotism's the last refuge of scoundrels like them!""Never underestimate the power of patriotism! We need to be

as loyal as possible to our homeland if we need to defend ourselves!""Aye, it's not like they'll be defending their homeland!"

"Who knows, their homeland might just come under attack while they try to crush the rebels, giving them another war to fight!"

"And possibly halving the force they would end here«"

"But we shouldn't make any predictions, for those that meananything are those that actually come to be."

"In-deed!"

The sentinels continued to chatter, slowing the travelers' progress through Camp Bell. An hour had elapsed by the time they

finally reached the official checkpoint into the Kingdom of Meyn,where the soldiers around them dispersed. Once there, a pair of guards

crossed their halberds, with one requesting, "Passports, please!"The travelers concurred. One of the soldiers had recorded their

passport information on a registry, perhaps to make their next border




42

crossing quicker. As the wanderers began to pass into Meyn, one of the soldiers inquired, "Is this your first time going into Meyn?"

"Indeed," answered Jordan. "Why?""Well, two of our soldiers wish to guide you if necessary."

"We shall pass," began Jordan, but then Dana interrupted."That would be delightful, wouldn't it, Jordan?"

"I suppose so«" the white deer reluctantly agreed."Well, the more, the merrier!" piped D.W.

"Snow! Cole! Come here!" commanded the soldier.Then two female warriors approached. The first was of a

species neither Jordan nor Dana had seen before, her most prominentfeature being her white tail with light gray stripes. Her eyes were light

gray, too, as was her hair. The other warrior, on the other hand, was a brown-haired, brown-eyed collie. Saluted the former, "Greetings. I am

Sergeant Ophelia Snow of Meyn's Royal Army.""And I am Sergeant Susannah Cole," introduced the collie.

"Charmed, for sure," assured Jordan, shaking Sergeant Snow'shand first. "I have never seen one of your kind, milady."

"I am a mephite," affirmed Snow, "a kind of weasel.""Weasel«" muttered Jordan, thinking of the Prince with whom

Asgard's Princess had eloped."Is something wrong?" Cole inquired.

"I fare well, milady.""We shall lead you through our homeland," stated Snow, "for

we are sure that all of you, except D.W., have not been in Meyn.""That won't be a problem," assured Cole. "Guards! Bring us

our crickets!""Yes, madam!"

A minute elapsed, and the guards returned with a trio of

crickets, colored white, black, and brown; Snow stepped by the whitesteed, with Cole stepping by the brown one. Of the black cricket,Jordan inquired, "For whom is that one?"

"For your lady, sir," answered Snow, "Unless she wants to fly."I could use a break from flying, now that you mention it,"

Dana desired, mounting the black cricket (being certain to keep theYounger Jordan tight in her free arm), which then gave a cheerful

chirp. "Hey, she likes me already!""I shall ride with her," wished Jordan.

"Two to a cricket is plenty, sir," stated Snow.




43

"With whom shall I ride, then?""Me, sir. D.W. shall ride with Sergeant Cole."

Jordan watched D.W. mount the brown cricket and Cole hopon behind him, embracing the lapine tightly. Snow then urged the deer,

"Mount him, why don't you?""That I shall," obeyed Jordan, mounting the white cricket and

feeling Snow embrace him.Once everyone was ready, they galloped through the

checkpoint, entering Meyn. The time was eight o'clock, and thecompany kept west through endless woods. Meyn's forest was no

different from Brunswick's; not even a river that appeared a little under a half hour later, across which the three crickets leapt, affected the

silence. After that, they entered the village of Whiting, through whichanother stream flowed (or was it the same one they had recently

crossed?), where they followed a road to the south, exiting back intothe woods. Gradually, the highway curved west, passing another river

and intersecting with another road, until it swung back south into thetown of Machias, when the ninth hour arrived.

Another highway ran through the town, although they kepttheir current path, following it back into the winter woods. Only a few

minutes had elapsed when they could see to the northwest a river thatsurprisingly ended at the highway, unless it flowed underground. A

quarter hour later, they passed through the town of Jones, sitting alongthe southern seas, and a quarter hour after that, through Addison, also

by the ocean (a river flowed into the seas here, too). Another quarter hour later came Mill Bridge, which indeed contained many mills on

the seas and a river. At the hour's end came Gold, a quaint township.A quarter of the tenth hour passed before they passed through

the town of East Sylvan. At the middle of the hour came the hamlet of

Hancock. A quarter hour after that came Ellsworth, through whichseveral highways ran, although they kept west. When the eleventhhour came, they were in the middle of the woods, continuing their trip

without relent. Fifteen minutes passed, after which the travelersentered East Orland. At the hour's halfway point came Bucksport,

sitting at the very northern tip of a sliver of water that widened to thesouth. Afterward, they felt the highway curve south, continuing for a

quarter hour to another seaside settlement, Sandy Point, its sands buried by snow. At the twelfth hour came Searsport, where Jordan

halted his cricket, obviously aware of the time.




44

"I think we should stop here for the night.""Exactly what I had in mind," Snow stated.

"Searsport is on our itinerary," indicated Cole. "We will indeedstop here tonight. Tomorrow, our journey resumes, and once we reach

the border with New Hampton, we'll part ways.""New Hampton," repeated Jordan, "Another colony, no?"

"Indeed. The Kingdom of Hampton, its fatherland, is far acrossthe Atlas, in a land called Anglia, which is in turn part of a larger land

known as Britannia.""Britannia«"

"Its neighbors include Scurry, Zexen, Kent, and Otterland.""Otterland! I must travel to Otterland!"

"You'll have to wait on that, Mr. Deere, sir," mentioned Snow,"what with New Scotia's independence and all«"

"Confound the independence war! I simply wish to find a shipwilling to take us to Otterland! I must find the Princess!"

"Calm down," urged Cole. "Complaining gets you nowhere--except maybe in politics, but that's a different matter. Look, once the

tensions between Old and New Scotia settle and winter ends, perhapsthen you could take a ship there."

"If fate allows it. The tension could brew for years...""I could always take you to Ursina!" suggested D.W.

"We shall wait on this side of Ymir, thanks very much.""Your loss!"

"Speaking of which, when will you part ways with us?""I'll stick with you as long as it takes to get you to Otterland!"

"Just remember to part with us before we arrive there.""Well, there's plenty I've not seen here in Ymir, so I won't be

braving new territory until I've completely covered this continent!"

"Very well. I tire of travel. Shall we find an inn?""Over there," Snow indicated. "Go ahead and check everyone

in, Mr. Deere, sir. Susie and I'll take care of the crickets."

"I'll help too!" volunteered D.W."I'll come with you, Jordan," Dana stated.

"Come then," urged Jordan as he and the raven entered the inn,finding an active lobby. Despite this, the check-in desk wasn't too

busy, and both the deer and avian went there, the former requesting,"Two rooms, if you would."

"A hundred Dollars," stated the clerk.




45

"Blast," cursed Jordan. "Please wait; I am certain our friendscan cover that. I mean, we have money, just not your kind."

"I don't have all day. One hundred Dollars, please.""One hundred Dollars!" repeated the voice of Susannah Cole as

she came to the desk and placed a coin before the clerk.""Now you're speaking my language, little lady."

"That's S ergeant , you dimwit!" the collie crossly corrected."Oh, and I forgot to register your name."

"Being the payer, I shall register my name for everyone.Sergeant Susannah Cole."

"Ah, welcome back, Sergeant! And I see you've brought Snowand a few guests, too! They your prisoners, or something?"

"Travelers," corrected Snow. "They are Jordan and Dana, andI'm sure you've met D.W."

"Yes, he used to work here," informed the clerk."Really?" Dana inquired the lapine.

"Well, a vagrant's gotta have money. I've worked everywhereacross these parts. The more I work, the longer a résumé I build up,

and the easier it is for me to get a job anywhere!""Unless you fared poorly in your previous jobs," Jordan jested.

"I fare very well for my work, Jordan, old man.""He's not lying," concurred the clerk.

"Well, sure, I only work for about a month or two, just to get alittle money, and then I'm on my way again to explore Ymir!"

"Hey, hurry up!" protested a customer from behind."Our apologies," lamented Jordan as he and his party departed

the queue that had formed. Then he suggested, "Shall we dine? Thatseems like a nice eatery yonder."

"It's on me!" indicated Cole.

"No, Susie, you paid your share. Dinner shall be on me!""Then go ahead, Ophelia."Then the travelers entered the restaurant, where Jordan had

lobster, Dana worm sausage, Cole and Snow a roach steak, and D.W. asalad. Everyone but Dana drank mead along with their dinners, and

Snow indeed covered the bill, which came to thirty Meyn Dollars.Afterward, everyone ascended to the two second floor chambers,

where the women (plus the younger Jordan) occupied one room, andthe men occupied the other. Gazing outside the window, Jordan

admired the Yggdrasil Moon, its light beaming beautifully through the




46

flora atop the Great Tree, and wondered what happened back in Zionand what became of the Princess. He could sadly seek not the answers

to his questions, and closed the window, getting in bed and sleeping.



47

C hapter VII

Through the Lands of Shadow

"Wake up, sleepyhead!" D.W.'s voice bellowed the morning of Odinthe Seventh.

Groaning, Jordan awoke, seeing the room was still dark.However, he could see D.W. at the window, gazing at the rising sun.

Cold winter winds whisked through the chamber, which Jordan felt infull force once he had gotten out of bed. Despite the low temperature,

he trudged to the window and saw the sunrise above the easternhorizon, near it being the shadow of Yggdrasil's trunk (the flora-

enveloped moon at the top shined still). Jordan thought this spectacleto be magnificent. Valhalla, on the other hand, was completely dark

for half of the year and completely illuminated for the other half,rather than alternating between light and dark like the rest of Terra.

For a while, he couldn't tear himself away from the window, keepinghis eyes on the sun and rarely blinking. On the other hand, D.W. paced

the chamber, sunrises obviously being nothing new to him."Beautiful," commented the deer.

"Well, I've seen plenty, but yeah, it's pretty, alright.""When do you suppose the women will awaken?"

"Unless they had a slumber party, I'd give µem a few minutes.I'm sure soldiers like Snow and Cole care about their schedules, so

they'll probably wanna leave after breakfast.""We shall wait and see«"

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. Having concentrated on the

sunrise, Jordan took surprise at this sound. After the deer sighed, D.W.assured, "Don't you worry, Jordan, old boy, I'll get it!"

D.W. then opened his chamber's half of the double-sided

doorway leading into the females' chamber, with Sergeant Cole havingopened her side's door and greeting, "Morning!"

"Well, howdy, Sergeant!""Today we travel to the end of Meyn! We can make it by the

day's end, so let's move!""Alright, Sergeant! But we will have breakfast, right?"

"But of course! No one can travel on an empty stomach."




48

After closing the door, D.W. and Jordan readied themselves for the day ahead. Afterward, they exited their chamber, meeting the

females (with Dana, of course, holding his baby), with whom theytraveled downstairs. After turning in their keys, they headed into the

dining hall, eating a hearty breakfast (both Sergeants paid the tab), before exiting the hotel and going to the stables, where they got their

crickets. Jordan and Snow took the white one, D.W. and Cole the brown one, and Dana the black one; then they left Searsport southwest.

The time was two o'clock in the Daylight Period when they departed.For the next quarter hour, winter winds whisked the company,

adding considerable chill to their trip. Afterward, the town of Belfastcame, which the Sergeants said was the capital of the Waldo Province.

Half an hour elapsed after the company's reentry of the winter woods,after which came Lincolnville, sitting at the base of a mountain.

Through this great peak went a tunnel into which they rode, guided bymany torches that a few sentinels wandering the walls maintained.

Many of these soldiers recognized Snow and Cole, saluting them. Thetunnel spanned five kilometers, its exit indicating the company's

entrance into the Nox Province.At the third hour came Camden, after which the riders followed

the road south along the eastern coast, beyond which they could see afew islands; Snow and Cole said that people inhabited them. The coast

passed for half an hour, until the party reached Rockland, capital of the Nox Province, where the highway turned west and led them back into

the wilderness. A quarter hour later came Warren, through which astream ran south, and after that came more woods; at one point, the

company could see a lake to the south. Near the end of the hour, Snow and Cole indicated the Lincoln

Province had come, and when the Daylight Period's fourth hour

arrived, they passed through a town ironically named Waldo, with ariver running through it. Another quarter hour later came a riversidetown, Newcastle, which indeed had a castle-like appearance, what with

towered walls surrounding it. A quarter hour after that came a bridgespanning a wide river, followed by the provincial capital, Wiscasset.

Shortly afterward came their arrival into the Sagadahoc Province, andthen, at the dawn of the fifth hour, Bath, its provincial capital.

A quarter hour and another provincial boundary later, they passed through the town of Brunswick, bearing the name of the

previous Kingdom; Snow and Cole indicated that settlers from that




49

country had founded the town. Another quarter hour later cameFreeport, ironically not a port. For the next half hour, the highway

bordered the eastern coastline, after which came not only the sixthhour, but also what the Sergeants said was the largest city in Meyn,

Portland, also the provincial capital of Cumberland. Here, Danaslowed her cricket to look around, though this annoyed the others.

"Looks like the perfect spot to have lunch.""It's still too early," opposed Snow.

"Besides, we have something planned when we get to the border," elaborated Cole.

"We need not lose ourselves in a city such as this," agreedJordan, "so come, Dana! We still have a while to go."

"Oh, all right. My hunger can wait, I suppose."While the current highway ended in Portland, Snow and Cole

showed the way southeast through the city, after which they reachedanother highway leading back into the winter woods. Despite the brief

delay back in the city, the company had wasted little time in reachingthe small town of Scarlet once a fourth of the hour had passed.

Another quarter hour (and crossing into the York Province) later camethe twin towns of Saco and Biddeford, the former sitting on the north

side of the river and the latter on the south side, being the bigger of thetwo. When the seventh hour came, they had passed through no town at

all, drawing complaints from Dana. At the hour's halfway point,though, came the town of York (ironically not the provincial capital),

with the Sergeants insisting that the national border was but a fewminutes away. A quarter hour later came the border town of Kittery,

sitting on both the edge of the Atlas Ocean and the edge of Meyn.Upon entering, they could see the extensive stone barrier

spanning from the ocean's edge to the northwest. The town itself

wasn't wholly busy, perhaps with many eating lunch at their homes.Jordan asked, "So, we have come to the edge of Meyn. What now?"

"Lunch, of course!" replied Snow.

"We have a house here, where we'll make ourselves lunch.""I'm starving!" exclaimed Dana.

"Where is your house?" wondered Jordan."I can answer that!" D.W. stated, obviously having been here

before. "Follow me!"Thus, D.W. led everyone through Kittery, stopping at a single-

storey abode with a small stable building. Dismounting, Snow




50

reminisced, "Haven't been here in a while«""We've lived most of our lives in Camp Bell," elaborated Cole.

"Well, I'll take care of the crickets," volunteered D.W.All three crickets followed the lapine to the stables, during

which Snow and Cole led their guests inside their abode. The livingroom followed their ingress, having but one sofa wide enough to fit

two people and a small table about half a meter tall. Given thesimplicity of this abode, guests were obviously uncommon for the

Sergeants. Invited Cole, "Make yourselves comfortable, if you can.""It's not much, but you won't be staying here long."

"Indeed," agreed Dana."We still have the rest of the day ahead of us," affirmed Jordan.

"We'll start lunch," indicated Cole. "Go ahead! Sit down!""We treat our guests with honor, so it's yours for now, but not

for the taking, of course.""We need not another burden on our backs," jested Jordan.

"And if you did try to take it," continued Cole, "we'd kill you,of course, knowing you wouldn't be able to get away too far with it."

"We aren't that idiotic," assured Dana, sitting down."Just relax and cook lunch," urged Jordan, sitting by Dana.

"I'll help!" volunteered D.W. as he entered the house."Come along then," urged Snow. "You two just relax."

"What exactly are we having?" wondered Dana."Our special recipe," answered Cole. "We won't spoil it for

you, so you'll have to wait.""Yet D.W. will see this µspecial recipe,'" Jordan stated. "What

makes him worthy of knowing what it is?""Because he volunteered to help," replied Snow.

"Can we help?" asked Dana.

"Too late for that, now!" snickered Cole as she, Snow, andD.W. entered the kitchen, shutting and locking the door behind them.

"This µspecial recipe' better be good!" muttered Dana.

"I am certain it will be fine," assured Jordan."I do hope they can cook."

"We have greater things to worry about.""Yeah, the Princess certainly won't find herself."

"The further south we tread, the higher hopes we have to catcha ship to Britannia."

Sighing, Dana suggested, "Had Prince Franklin not stumbled




51

into Valhalla, none of this would've ever happened«""But his homeland is to bear the Savior, supposedly."

"True..."A few minutes later, Jordan and Dana heard the kitchen door

unlock, and out came the Sergeants and D.W., the latter carrying asteaming pot he placed on the table. Snow and Cole set four bowls and

spoons on the table, afterward sitting on the floor, as did the lapine.The pot held a kind of stew containing various kinds of meats and

vegetables, which everyone ladled into their bowls after they said a prayer. The concoction, thankfully, satisfied everyone at the table.

"A fine meal, Sergeants," complimented Jordan."Why, thank you, Mr. Deere, sir," responded Snow.

"Would there happen to be anything to drink with this?""Oh! The tea!" exclaimed Cole. "I'll go make it now!"

The collie scrambled up and rushed back into the kitchen.Jested Jordan, "I meant not to trouble anyone."

"Oh, don't worry about it; the important thing is that you'veenjoyed our stew."

"This is quite delicious," Dana commented. "Do they serve thisat Camp Bell?"

"Yes, with fresh bread, too. Oh, we would've made bread, too, but we don't want to keep you too occupied. Besides, Susie would

throw a fit if she realized we forgot the bread.""Indeed; we need not stress her any further," laughed Jordan.

Soon, Cole returned with a tray containing a teapot and four cups, which she sat upon the table, afterward pouring tea into each of

them and distributing them across the table. Then she sat back at her place on the floor and took a small sip from her cup. "So, need

anything else? Oh, the bread ! We forgot the bread!"

"Don't stress out about it, Susie," assured Snow."But we always have bread with our stew!""Too late for that now," suggested Dana.

"Oh, all right," Cole reluctantly agreed, eating more stew."So, we shall not see you two for a while," stated Jordan.

"Our time together was great," commented Snow."But I do wish we had made some bread," lamented Cole.

"Do stop with that. By the way, you're welcome to take our crickets. Consider it a gift."

"Our thanks," complimented Jordan.




52

"Any time," returned Cole, with tears coming to her eyes."Let's hope we meet again," wished Snow as the travelers

headed to the entrance."Well, I'll be coming back, that's for sure!" assured D.W.

Once outside, the travelers headed to the stables, retrieving thecrickets that were now theirs, after which they galloped through the

rest of Kittery, reaching the border. Once there, patrolmen halted their progress. "Passports, please."

The travelers complied. Afterward, another one of the guards bid, "You may enter. Welcome to the New Hampton Colony."

"Stay clear of Vermin, will you?" another guard requested."We always steer clear of any vermin, sir," assured Dana.

"I take it you folks haven't been in these parts before."" I have!"

Ignoring D.W., the guard stated, "Vermin's our neighbor westof the Connexion River."

"I thought Maplewood was west of the Connexion!""That's no longer the case, sir. A peasant named Alucard Dyne

led a revolt, proclaimed himself King, established a new order, andclaimed absolute power over his people, going so far as to rename the

country. War is inevitable, so we advise you to stay clear of Vermin.""You might have a bit of trouble getting through the Kingdom

of Massgraves, as well," added the first patrolman, "for they're on the brink of establishing a full alliance with Vermin."

"But if you insist on continuing south, do so with caution.""That we shall try," assured Jordan.

"Still, they don't sound like friendly countries«""And don't forget Rogueland!" the second soldier added.

"These lands have changed a lot last I came," informed D.W.

"Aye, who knows, total war could break out here.""Again, we do urge you proceed cautiously."Jordan, Dana, and D.W. finally entered New Hampton, the

time being nine o'clock in the Daylight Period. They immediatelyentered the town of Portsmouth, although they continued south, soon

entering the Colony's winter woods, no different from that they hadencountered all through Meyn. A quarter hour later came North

Hampton, and after that, more white woodland (with the occasionaluncovered brown speck of wood, of course). Jordan and Dana

especially took surprise to encounter the border with Massgraves in the




53

middle of the hour, with a tall, extensive wall of stone atop whichsoldiers patrolled. As for the entrance into Massgraves, it was a large

pair of arched wooden doors. At their bottom stood a pair of black-cloaked guards, their faces apparently invisible.

One simply demanded in a cold, hissing voice, "Passports«"The three reluctantly complied. "They hail from Asgard«"

Returning the passports, the first wraith urged, "Don't move..."The trio complied, watching the wraiths turn to the massive

wooden doors and raise their hands, after which the doors startedopening into Massgraves. The lapine quietly commented, "Well, this is

amazing! You know, I don't remember this big wall being here tenyears ago! Heck, I don't know how anyone could construct something

like this in that time!""I know who they are," Dana whispered. "The Nidhoggr!"

"The Nidhoggr?""The dark necromancers of Niflheim, bringers of death and

decay, servants of the Dark Lord? I think we should turn back.""Nay, Dana. We have come so far through Ymir. Besides," the

deer then started whispering, "you have your secret weapon.""I will use it only if our lives are at risk, which could be soon."

"We cannot start a war here, Dana.""I suppose you're is right."

After this, the doors stopped creaking open, and the wraithsadvised, "Come«"

The travelers obeyed, then seeing on the side of the road anodd carriage drawn by a black roach. The carriage had an unusual

septagonal shape, its bottom being much like the lower five sides of anoctagon, and its rooftop being triangular, with one barred window on

each sloped side. The carriage and its four wheels were metallic, and a

hinged septagonal opening on its posterior let wraiths herd ragged,chained prisoners inside. Unfortunately for the wanderers, the wraiths pointed them to the carriage.

"Go«" ordered one of them, and the trio complied, withwraiths taking their crickets.

The wraiths followed them to the carriage, seeing them enter and sit near the entrance, which the wraiths closed quickly, locking

them inside, with the only light coming through windows above. Themetal was cold, making for uncomfortable transportation conditions.

Nonetheless, the carriage began to move briskly, and the travelers




54

hoped their trip through Massgraves wouldn't last long. What wouldhappen to them when the day ended was sadly beyond comprehension.

"What are you three in for?" inquired one shackled prisoner."For being Aesir," responded Jordan.

"Really?""My avian servant and I are, though the rabbit is but a vagrant.

What of you, sir?""Failing to do my master's biddings. They may execute me."

"How terrible«" Dana sympathized."Death is sweet compared to life as a slave«"

"Hope may yet exist for you, sir," Jordan assured."Oh, the times I've heard that...my masters have forever

promised me freedom in exchange for my labor, yet they have never followed through«"

"What were things like a decade before?" wondered D.W."I was living a happy life with my wife and children, but Lord

Sweeney became King and things took a turn for the worse. Thugsmurdered my family, and I became a slave to the new order of the

Kingdom of Massgraves. I have nothing to live for now«""Poor thing«" Dana again lamented. "Does anyone live in

freedom here?""Only the bureaucrats«"

"I wish we could do something, sir," stated Jordan, "but I willkeep you in my prayers."

"Thank you«"The prisoner then curled himself and fell asleep. Jordan and his

companions then eyed the rest of the prisoners, all with melancholyvisages. None willed to converse, so the travelers stayed silent. Jordan,

curious of the Kingdom, crawled under the barred windows and

elevated himself (his entire height could not span the carriage, and hestill bent his knees), seeing the dark nation's territory: barren, decayingtrees barely dotted the landscape, ironically devoid of snow despite the

frigid air. Clouds completely covered the sky, too, and thus,illumination was dim. Jordan could then see the carriage cross a frozen

river, its ice having a grayish hue. Afterward, Jordan ducked andscooted himself back by his companions.

An hour elapsed, after which they could hear muffledconversation outside, and thus, Jordan returned to the slanted windows

and got up as high as he could to gaze outside, this time seeing a great




55

stone city, containing just as grim a disposition as the countryside.Bone-armored soldiers and black-cloaked wraiths patrolled the streets,

aristocrats conversed, and the occasional slave got a flogging. Theslave from before stated, "This is the grand citadel of Bastion. I

believe this is the Dangers Borough«""You once lived here, sir?" wondered Jordan.

"Yes, many years ago. My family and I were quite prosperous.Back then, this was the Kingdom of Mathias, and good King John

Kenny ruled kindly. Oh, how he fought Parliament just to secure prosperity for his people! Yes, he was perhaps the finest King ever to

rule this nation, but then one day, someone assassinated him«""Who would commit such a crime?" consulted Jordan.

"Alas, no one knows. The current regime insists that hisassassin is long dead, but we the people do not believe so. Some

believe the current regime conspired to assassinate him, but they, of course, deny that, and even silence those who believe so."

"Through death, I assume?""Indeed, and the government denies its own atrocities."

"Very unsurprising."Just then, the conversation outside evaporated, and Jordan saw

that the vehicle had reentered the barren countryside. Of this, the prisoner indicated, "Don't let the countryside fool you, sir. What we

have just left was but part of Bastion. We shall shortly reenter it.""Such a large citadel," acknowledged Jordan, though he

believed Valhalla was grander.Eventually, a gray frozen lake lay to the west, and afterward

came a highway intersection where the driver took the western fork,still driving near the lake. At a distance, on the northwestern edge of

the lake, Jordan could see what appeared to be a small part of Bastion,

perhaps a hamlet. Eleven o'clock had arrived when the carriagereentered Bastion, where stone buildings again shadowed the vehicle.Soon, the highway bordered another lake, this one to the south, which

the city wholly surrounded. After the first quarter of the hour, thecarriage reached another intersection, where the driver turned south. In

the middle of the hour, the city again vanished, replaced by barren,treeless countryside, with lakes east and west.

Another quarter hour passed before the carriage again reenteredBastion, with countless grim nobles, soldiers, and wraiths eying the

vehicle. Jordan and Dana most certainly wondered what would happen




56

to them here, although the infant Jordan was naturally silent andignorant of his surroundings. For a while, the carriage traversed

Bastion, with no apparent end. A quarter into the twelfth hour, whenthe dark sky darkened more, the carriage crossed a bridge, and for the

first time in a while, the prisoner spoke."We're finally reaching Central Bastion, where I once lived«"

"How long will this trip continue?" Jordan worried."This is where all the wheels of government have turned in this

nation for centuries. Let us hope the wheels don't roll us over«""Indeed," Jordan concurred.

Many residents of Bastion saw the carriage pass through their sector of the grand citadel. The vehicle soon took a western branch off

the current highway, rolling immediately to thick metallic doors that promptly opened (with telekinesis obviously at work), revealing what

was evidently a prison, with countless metal-barred windows, throughwhich many captives gloomily saw the arrival of more prisoners. The

driver turned his vehicle left near the entrance staircase (which led toanother pair of metallic doors).

The vehicle soon reached and drove into a stone buildingconnected to the main prison, undoubtedly the stabling area, where it

finally stopped. The posterior door then opened, and a few wraithsentered, chaining and shackling all prisoners but the Aesir (D.W.

unfortunately received chains). The prisoner that had repeatedlyspoken glimpsed the Aesir one last time before his captors tugged him

away. The lapine, too, eyed Jordan and Dana, albeit with a cool face, before he followed his own captors out of the stabling area.

"Why aren't we being shackled?" Dana wondered."It could be a trap. We shall exit, but let us do so with caution."

"Agreed."

They then exited, stopping immediately and hearing a wraithindicate, "These are the Aesir."

Wraiths then emerged from the sides of the carriage, and

another ordered, "Follow us«""Don't try anything foolish«"

"Or we shall kill you«"After the wraiths led the two outside the stables, Jordan

wondered, "What wish you of us?""We're just going to ask you a few questions«"

"After all, you do hail from Asgard«"




57

"Our greatest enemy«""You're in league with Niflheim?" asked Dana.

"Indeed«""Our King serves the Dark Lord..."

"May he live for ten thousand years...""What other nations here are allies of Niflheim?" asked Jordan.

"Vermin and Rogueland«""But we do wish to expand our influence..."

"Ymir shall be ours..."Jordan asked no more, and the wraiths led him and Dana up the

entrance stairs into the prison, where they led them throughlabyrinthine hallways, stopping before a door and leading them into a

room with two chairs and other necromancers. Bid the wraith, "Sit«"Jordan and Dana complied. "Thus begins the interrogation..."

"Why do you travel through Massgraves?""We simply wish to pass through," Jordan insisted.

"Are you spies?""No," replied Dana. "We are but a family wandering Ymir."

"Show us your passports," demanded one of the wraiths, andthe travelers obeyed.

After returning them, one of the interrogators inquired Dana,"You are not his mother, are you?"

"I«""No, she is not, but she is the nurse of my child."

"Yes, that's right; I do nurse him once in a while.""What of his real mother?"

"She is back in Asgard.""So you abandoned your wife to elope with this wench?"

"Hey!"

"Our relation is nothing of the kind. I seek my nation'sPrincess, who does elope with someone."

"And where do you hope to find your daughter and her love?"

"A nation called Otterland.""Otterland?"

"I think I've heard that name before«""Yes, Old Hampton's near Otterland unless I'm mistaken«"

"Aye, in Britannia, far across the Atlas«""Just a stone's throw from Asgard«"

"Well, not exactly a stone's throw, but pretty close«"




58

"That's where the Savior's supposed to be born«""But it got destroyed, I'm certain«"

"So the world will soon be ours«""I hear Niflheim plans to establish a base in Britannia«"

"Malice Island, I think they'll call it«""It'll be a nice step towards world conquest«"

"With Asgard out of our way, no one will stand in our way«""Do you forget your interrogation?" interrupted Jordan.

"It's over. We'll take you to your cell for the night, andtomorrow, you'll be taken to the Connexion Republic and released«"

"Sounds like a plan," suggested Dana."Get up and follow us«"

Jordan and Dana stood up, following the wraiths outside andagain through the labyrinthine corridors. They stopped at a cell door

with a small barred window on its upper half, which they unlocked,leading the Aesir inside, afterward securing them in their cell, dark

except for the light that came through the window. Asked the avian,"Do we get anything to eat for the night?"

"I would doubt it, for we are Aesir prisoners, after all."KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. "Dinner!"

Afterward, Dana indicated, "I guess we will eat after all."Then the door opened, and in came a wraith with a pair of trays

bearing bread, soup, and water, which he placed on the floor. Thewraith inquired, "Oh, they didn't give you any light?"

Then with a snap of his finger, the wraith made appear a light,its source a candle sitting on a table near the cell's sole bed. A

confounded Dana complimented, "Um, thank you?""Hey, don't mention it. Later."

Then the wraith left, closing the cell door and locking it.

Observing his tray, Jordan saw that the soup steamed, and that the bread was fresh out of the oven. The raven, evidently noticing thesame, noted, "Hmm, prison isn't so bad after all²not that I'd want to

spend an eternity here.""They could have poisoned the food," admonished Jordan.

"Oh, I'm sure it's fine."Jordan reluctantly agreed, eating his meal. Nothing tasted

abnormal, though he still held some doubt. His worries aside, hefinished his meal and leaned against the cell wall to begin his slumber.

Asked Dana, "Wouldn't you like the bed?"




59

However, Jordan had completely fallen asleep, and thus, shelay on the bed, which, while not wholly comfortable, was adequate for

a night's rest. Jordan, she thought, likely had a more uncomfortablerest against the hard, cold stone wall, and despite this troubling

thought, she enjoyed her slumber, managing to sleep past the momentthat a wraith, maybe the same one from before, entered and retrieved

their trays, afterward leaving them in solitude. As she slept, Danasuddenly worried about whether or not the wraiths had envenomed

their food, and would never see another day. However, given theclarity of her thoughts, not to mention her continued respiration, she

assumed that the wraiths hadn't tampered with their food, andcontinued her slumber, still hoping the wraiths would release them in

Connexion so they could continue their search for Princess Odina.



60

C hapter VIII

The Connexion Republic

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. This awakened Jordan, who heard Danaand his son yawn. Now evident was that the wraiths had not poisoned

last night's dinner. This was a relief, and Jordan invited, "Enter!"The door unlocked and opened, revealing the same wraith from

last night, who bore two trays with breakfast, again consisting of water, soup, and bread, the former being transparent and the latter two

steaming freshly. Distributing the trays, the wraith bid, "Eat up. I'll be back in about ten minutes."

Both ate their meals. As they did so, Dana asked, "What do youthink will happen to us today?"

"We leave this blasted prison.""Even if by death?"

"Death is out of the question, I assure.""In that case, my secret weapon will go to good use."

"Even if the whole Kingdom chases us, our trip will continue.""The further south we get from the Nidhoggr, the better."

"Indeed."KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. "Come in!"

The wraith reentered. "Time to leave, now."Jordan and Dana nodded and followed the wraith through the

prison to a giant pair of doors they recognized as the entrance. Thewraith opened them and led them outside and down the staircase to the

road by the prison façade, which they followed to the stables. Into the

stables they went, where the beasts of burden, chirped, clicked, andwhatnot, for breakfast; some necromancers already fed the starving bugs. The guiding wraith quickly dashed to a pair of wooden doors,

opening them and beckoning the travelers to follow through. Once inthe stable, they saw a carriage covered with an arched black canvas,

along with a black roach, which the wraith fed and petted.Afterward the wraith urged, "Hop aboard. It's time to get you

somewhere safer.""Our thanks," Jordan bid, entering the carriage through its

black entrance curtains and falling into total darkness, as did Dana.



THE CONNEXION REPUBLIC

61

The bottom of the carriage was cushioned, and innumerablesheets, presumably pitch-black, as well, enhanced this comfort. Once

his passengers were inside, the wraith, while pushing the carriage intothe stable building's main hallway, inquired, "Ready?"

"Not quite," indicated Jordan, worried about D.W. "Would youhappen to know where a prisoner named D.W. is?"

"D.W.? He broke out last night and flew away. The Army'slooking for him now, so hopefully they shouldn't mind us."

"Flew away?" asked Dana. "Do you just mean µescaped'?""Oh, no! He literally flew away after he broke out! He's got

wings, you know!""That we knew not," a baffled Jordan informed.

"Oh? Well, he does have yellow-feathered wings«""I wonder why he hid his wings," contemplated Jordan.

"Because the Nidhoggr despise avians and seraphim, I suppose.So, ready to leave?"

"Yes, sir," affirmed Dana.Without another word, the wraith lashed his roach and made it

dash outside the stables and turn onto the road before the prison. Thevehicle eventually faced the entrance, whose gates opened, letting it

enter the streets of Bastion. Jordan sat near the back of the carriage,keeping a narrow slit of the curtains open to see the city's morning

milieu. Many nobles, wraiths, soldiers, and bureaucrats wandered thesidewalks, undoubtedly off to work. The carriage soon bordered the

eastern seas at a decent elevation, though none of the city at this timewas visible across these waters, which ultimately disappeared, again

enveloping the vehicle in the city's shadow. The seas did soonreappear, and across them were a few small islands with buildings

upon on them. Shortly afterward, the seas narrowed into a river a

bridge crossed. The carriage eventually crossed another stream, thoughan accompanying sea wasn't visible.

A few minutes later, the carriage reached a junction with a

highway running southwest, which the wraith took. Here, Bastion began to become distant to the north, although the city still bordered

the road's southern side. A small lake passed to the south, as well, andwhen the carriage crossed a river, this spelled the end of the city for

now. Another lake, this one larger, passed to the south, and almostimmediately afterward, the city surrounded the highway again, albeit

for only a few seconds.




62

When another highway ran south from the current one, thewraith steered onto it, and soon passed again through Bastion for only

a few seconds. His vehicle then passed through a seemingly endlessstretch of barren wilderness, interrupted when it sandwiched itself

between a lake to the east and, unsurprisingly, more of Bastion to thewest. The city quickly fell from the western side of the road, where it

remained until the carriage passed yet again through a thin sliver of thecitadel for a brief intervention.

Back in the woods, Dana asked, "How much more of this blasted city is there?"

"Quite a bit, but I assure you that we've now left it at last."As the wraith stated this, his vehicle passed through a small

town, West Bridgewater, which a river quickly followed, as did more barren wilderness. "That, I assure, was not Bastion."

"We believe you," Dana snickered.For the next hour, the countryside remained relatively serene,

were decaying forestland one's idea of serenity. The highway didintersect with another, although the driver ignored this and pressed

onward. Another river came sometime later, although with it came notanother village. The wraith, too, ignored another highway intersection,

and once the following river came at the end of the hour, it did so witha township named Assonet. It was not too long afterward that the

carriage finally sandwiched itself between another great city to thewest and a large lake to the east.

"This is not Bastion, but Fallen River," indicated the wraith.South went the carriage between the lake and city, until the

wraith met another highway where he turned west. Another highway jutting south came a minute later, which the wraith took, reaching an

international checkpoint a few more minutes afterward where fellow

wraiths patrolled, seeing the vehicle and being happy to see one of their brothers pass the border, without even bothering to check hisidentification, cargo, and whatnot.

"We're now in the Kingdom of Rogueland, ally of Massgraves," indicated the wraith, as Jordan and Dana noticed with

surprise that the large city around them had vanished, replaced,unsurprisingly, by more decaying forestland.

Southeast through the woods, the travelers could see a lake,though it disappeared as the highway curved west. Eventually, the

carriage left the woods into another great city, this one named




63

Tiverton, which, as the wraith indicated, was essentially theRoguelandic side of Fallen River. Not even a kilometer had passed

before the carriage drove onto a bridge leading the vehicle onto anisland called Acidneck, still part of the Rogueland Kingdom. The

carriage passed through decaying woods for only a few seconds whenit reached the city of The Haunters, by which it quickly passed. At one

point, the highway touched a bay, only to jut back south into thewoods. Eventually, after the carriage briefly touched the edge of

another city, Portsmouth, bearing the same name as a town back in New Hampton, the highway narrowed as the necromancer drove

further south across Acidneck Island.A moment came when, like before, the travelers could see

southeast through the trees another small lake, and afterward came ariver crossing, and then another, ironically, of the same stream a

minute or so later. Shortly afterward came Middletown, followed byyet another river crossing and then the city of Newport, which

appeared strikingly similar to Bastion (the wraith indicated that mostcities of the Nidhoggr had similar architecture). A few minutes into

this city, the carriage drove onto a long stone bridge leading to another Roguelandic island called Conning.

Here, the highway sharply turned north, crossed another river,and jutted west, eventually leading the vehicle to another long stone

bridge to the mainland. A few minutes later came a highwayintersection the wraith took south (to the east lay a wide river). The

carriage soon passed through Lakeshores, sitting by the eastern tip of alake, and then curved southwest through the woods, with occasional

bodies of water visible through the trees, not to mention a town or two.The road crossed a narrow river before passing through seemingly

endless woods, where the highway curved from the west to southwest

and then somewhere in between south and southwest, followed by theappearance of a lake bordering the road to the north.

Another town was soon visible to the north, which passed

quickly, and shortly after that, a lake to the south. A few minutes later,Chartown bordered the road to the south, and afterward, the carriage

crossed a river. A large lake was visible through the southernwilderness, replaced for a brief moment by more woods, before

another pond passed the vehicle. The dilapidated village of Hovelsham, whose name was fitting, what with poor, shoddily clothed

peasants and decaying buildings easily matching the woodlands,




64

passed afterward. Sometime later, a town was visible through thewoods to the north, followed by a small pond visible in the same

direction. Then the road curved northwest, passing a highwayintersection to the northeast, before stopping in the town of Westerly.

A great wall of stone with countless watchtowers served as the border between the Connexion Republic and Rogueland, similar to that

between Massgraves and New Hampton. The wraith turned hiscarriage west onto an intersecting highway, where the previous one

ended, driving straight to the wall, where a voluminous pair of archedwooden doors gave entry into Connexion. When the carriage stopped,

Jordan and Dana could hear a wraith request, "Passport«"The driver evidently showed his passport, as the requesting

patrolman bid a few seconds later, "You may pass. Good luck in your endeavors, if you live to tell of them."

"Later," the wraith at the driver's seat stated, driving forth.However, the wraith only traveled briefly before halting again,

with Jordan asking, "Why do you stop, sir?""You're safe now. I'll bring you only this far into Connexion.

Were I to go any further, I would surely be arrested. Thus, I shall letyou travel alone again."

"Thank you for your gratitude," Dana bid."My pleasure. Now to get back to Massgraves so they don't kill

me for being AWOL!"Jordan and Dana then got off the carriage and waved their

adieus to the wraith, who turned to return to the border. Jordan andDana then faced west to see the town their escort had taken them,

called Paws. As they trekked there, they saw that snowy woods onceagain surrounded them, a relieving sight after spending quite some

time in the decaying territory of Massgraves and Rogueland. After the

travelers entered the town, which was far cleaner and civilized than thetownships of the previous nations, a resident greeted, "Welcome toPaws of the Otterland Province!"

Gasping, Jordan bewilderedly asked, "What did you say?""Oh, Lord!" the greeter exclaimed, showering coins upon

Jordan and Dana. "Just take it all, okay?"As the greeter started escaping, Jordan lifted his meter-and-a-

half-high frame, slapped him, and commanded, "Calm yourself!"After Jordan released him, Dana informed, "We aren't

interested in your money, sir."




65

"Then what would you be interested in? I have some things athome you may like."

"Your possessions interest us not," affirmed Jordan. "We justwish to know what you mean by µPaws of the Otterland Province.'"

"The town of Paws in the Province of Otterland in the Republicof Connexion! But it's not the only Province. There's also Midland,

Windham, Tolland, Hartford, Litchfield, Fairfield, and The Haven.""Otterland," muttered Jordan. "Surely we could not have come

all the way to Otterland after losing ourselves for some time«""But you have, fair travelers!"

"Is there more than one Otterland?""Yes, ma'am! WAY to the east across the seas lies Old

Otterland, of which the Connexion Republic was once a colony.""Truly?" inquired Jordan.

"Yes, sir. About a decade ago, Grand Duke Odysseus I gavethe New Otterland Colony independence, seeing that it had become

financially and socially sovereign. His country had also gotten plentyrevenue from the Colony and didn't need it any more. Thus, he issued

a decree saying that New Otterland was free to pave its own futurewithout its fatherland's intervention. Since then, New Otterland, or the

Connexion Republic, as it's since been called, has prospered as anindependent state. It's also the wealthiest nation in this part of Ymir."

"Seems like a good place to raise your son," stated Dana.Jordan asked, "Could anyone here take us to Old Otterland?"

"Probably not. Connexion's been in high alert since Mathiasand Rhodes became Massgraves and Rogueland, and it could be a

matter of time before Connexion, well, reforms itself.""Is there anyone in Ymir willing to take us to Britannia?"

"You'd probably have to go way to the south, and even so,

you'd have a lot of footwork to see through before getting there.""Indeed«""Why do you want to go over there, anyway?"

"We seek someone, but if things continue like this, we just mayforfeit our search until peace returns to these parts."

"I wouldn't count on that for say, another hundred years or so.Of course, I'll be dead then..."

"Well, thank you for your, uh, information, sir," bid Dana. "Ithink we'll go now."

"Indeed," agreed Jordan. "Good day, sir. My sincere apologies




66

about that little incident.""Hey, don't sweat over it! By the way, you're welcome to

borrow two of my crickets for easy riding through Connexion!" Thevillager then escorted Jordan and Dana to stables adjoined to a house,

opening two of them and both bringing out and saddling a pair of black crickets, which they mounted. "Have a safe trip!"

Then they galloped through Paws, soon reentering the winter woods of Connexion. A short distance from the village, the raven

asked, "Do you honestly wish to forfeit your search?""The Princess has chosen her own path, as much as I disagree

with it, and it is likely too late to stop her. She has likely wed PrinceFranklin and consummated her marriage."

"Aye, but the world beyond Asgard is dangerous, not quite the best place to raise the Savior, but alas, our search for her has but taken

endless diversion since we left Asgard, and I fear that to continuewould be wasteful. I tire of this search, Dana!"

"Shall we return to Asgard, then?""Nay, for we have already come so far, and I wish to see how it

fares for the next few years. After all, ages have passed since I last leftAsgard, and I think it prudent to raise a child outside the Holy

Kingdom for once.""Are you serious?"

"Indeed. Besides, I am certain our home is in good hands.""Very well. What shall we do for the rest of the day, then?"

"We continue to travel.""To find the perfect village, eh?"

"Or city, whichever most catches my eye.""Let's go on, then."

Thus, the riders continued west, passing two rivers in only a

few minutes, after which they could eventually see another town, this by another river. "That looks like a good place, Jordan."

"We cannot simply settle for the first choice, Dana. Surely

there are plenty others in the Republic. Let us continue.""Heh, I guess it didn't quite µcatch your eye.'"

"It is still a possibility. Let us continue for now."They thus continued, soon coming to another riverside village

in the woods. "How about that one, Jordan?""Another possibility, but again, it is not one of the only towns

in this country."




67

Only a short time later, they reached a more widespreadcommunity consisting of a city divided by a wide river. "Now that

looks like a nice place to live.""Maybe so«but the day is not even half over."

They passed the city, soon seeing another village in the woods,no rivers by it this time, and Dana, knowing what would be Jordan's

response, stayed silent. A minute or so later, they reached a crossroadsof rivers, containing another town within them. A longer time elapsed

before the next village came, bordering a wide river's eastern banks.Again, Jordan ignored this town, continuing forth and encountering yet

another village, another candidate to be his son's hometown. Shortlyafterward, they saw what appeared to be a military base, what with its

taller-than-usual wooden boundaries, before which Jordan stopped."I don't think we'll be able to live in a military base..."

"I understand.""Wait, you're not thinking of joining the military, are you?"

"I simply wish to break, but I could «""But if you were to die in war«"

"It is but a possibility, Dana, though highly unlikely.""Right. So, are you ready to continue?"

"Indeed."Then they passed through the base after showing their

identification, continuing across Connexion close to its southern shore.They passed another village followed by a river and then yet another

town. Another river came, then a village, and then another streamflowing into the southern seas. After the next river, however, came a

small city. "How about here, Jordan?""Not quite«but I sense that we come close."

"Speaking of which, it's getting near lunchtime, isn't it?"

"We shall explore some more potential communities, and thenwe shall break for lunch."

"Sounds like a plan!"

The city passed, but a minute later, the travelers encounteredanother, this one covering more area and bordering the western banks

of another river. The travelers stopped at its entrance bridge, withJordan reading its entrance sign: "The Haven; this could be the one."

"Yeah, it sounds really nice--The Haven. Surely it couldn't be asqualid pit, could it?"

"It seems not a squalid pit in my eyes," seeing that the streets




68

and buildings were clean, and that the residents wore tidy clothes."Hmm, you have a point. Well, what are you waiting for?"

"We must eat, first«""Oh, yes, I'm hungry."

"How about that place yonder?" wondered Jordan, pointing to amulti-storied stone building with many entering and exiting through

the entrance doors, by which stood a few signs indicating what was onthe menus. "It seems to be a nice eatery--on the outside, at least."

"There's only one way to find out if it's nice on the inside!""Aye," agreed Jordan as he and Dana crossed the stone bridge

into The Haven, then crossing the street to the restaurant, whose namewas, appropriately, The Gateway of The Haven. After they stabled

their crickets and went to the entrance, an exiting customer, seeing thetravelers, held a door open for them, for which Jordan thanked, "We

appreciate your kindness, sir.""Hey, no problem," the man replied as Jordan and Dana

entered, noticing a few people waiting for tables on benches.Jordan went to the waiter standing behind a podium and stated,

"Deere, party of two.""No problem! Right this way!" The waiter than took them to

the bar area, seating them both. "You'll be served shortly.""That was quick," observed Dana.

"Because our party is not exactly large," Jordan indicated,lifting his menu and finding what he wished to order.

"Welcome to The Gateway of The Haven!" greeted the publican. "Anythin' to drink?"

"Water would suit us well," replied the Jordan."Water it is!" The bartender quickly filled two mugs with

water, placing them before the travelers. "Here ye go! I'll be giving

you a bit of time to think about your orders.""You could take them right now," stated Dana."Ready already? Ye folks must be starvin'!"

"Starving, not necessarily, but we are hungry," assured Jordan."So, what'll it be then?"

"A worm sausage sandwich," ordered Dana."And I shall have the fish sandwich."

"One worm sausage sandwich! One fish sandwich!" the bartender bellowed to the chefs in the kitchen. "They'll be ready in a

few minutes! µTil then, how about a little conversation?"




69

"That would be fine by us.""You two ain't from around here, are ye?"

"No, sir.""Where ye from, then?"

"We hail from Asgard.""All the way from Asgard? Good one! Seriously, what brings

ye so far to Connexion?""We sought someone, but we seem to have lost her."

"Givin' up, are ye? That's sad. So, is it all the way back toAsgard for ye?"

"No, we're thinking about settling down here," stated Dana."Indeed, to give my child a decent hometown."

"Well, what'd this person you were looking for say to that?""She probably wouldn't mind," acknowledged the raven.

"I am certain she is happy where she is now.""Aye, good to know, good to know. But to think ye've come all

the way here for zilch!""I wouldn't consider our trip through Ymir to be wasteful,"

Dana countered."We have both seen many faces and places one would never

see in Asgard.""Meh, and I thought everyone had everythin' in Asgard«"

"But I believe my child would be far better off growing in acrossroads of many nations, so he can have a better understanding and

tolerance of different people and cultures.""Sounds like a plan, my man!"

"But we will need some source of income," suggested Dana."Ye two got anythin' in mind for work?"

"Nay, but we do have money enough to last us a few years,"

indicated Jordan."But I still think we should look for jobs, right, Jordan?""Sounds like a plan, my woman," Jordan (poorly) imitated the

bartender. "What for work would one find around here, anyway?""Well, there's a call for fishermen down at the harbors«"

"I could handle that!" piped Dana."Whoa, hold on there, missy, I said, fisher men. I ain't sure if

that'd include women.""I'm quite skilled, so I'm sure they'd look past my gender."

"Y'better hope so. Most of the fishermen µround here don't take




70

too kindly to ladies.""I'll fight the system, if necessary."

"Just don't get yourself hurt, O lovely one.""If anyone would get hurt, it'd be them."

"Whoa, them's fightin' words!""Do quiet yourself, sir," admonished Jordan, "but please,

impart to us more of your knowledge of work in The Haven.""Well, there's a hirin' call for instructors at The Academy«"

"What for an academy?" Jordan wondered."The largest academy in Connexion, that's what. They teach

most anythin' from math to science to swordsmanship«""Swordsmanship? That I could handle, and Dana here could

handle spearmanship.""Well, aintcha in luck, µcause their military division's in serious

need of instructors!""Thank you for this information," bid Dana.

"Hey, no problem! And here comes your lunch!"Chefs exited the kitchen, giving Jordan and Dana their

respective meals, which they ate hastily; the tab came to twentyConnexion Dollars. Upon giving twenty Aesir Kronas to the publican,

he replied, "Well, it ain't Dollars, but at least it's God's money.Seriously, though, if you folks plan on livin' here, ye can't pay with

Kronas forever, y'know.""We will convert them, then," assured Jordan.

"Sounds like a plan, my man!""See you again sometime, I suppose," bid Dana.

"Good luck in your little job hunt!"Jordan and Dana left the restaurant, retrieving their crickets and

seeing the afternoon rush persisted. Jordan muttered, "The bank«"

"Excuse us!" Dana then bellowed. "Anyone know where wecould find a bank?"

At first, her call seemed to be in vain, although a well-to-do

individual, while walking by the travelers, replied, "Right down thestreet for about two blocks. You can't miss it!"

"Our thanks," stated Jordan."New here?"

"Indeed.""Heh, good luck!"

"O-kay," concluded Dana.




71

The man vanished into the crowd, and the travelers thenfollowed his directions, galloping two blocks until they saw a building

with a sign that read, "East Haven Bank" above its double-door entrance. The two stabled their crickets again and ascended a brief

staircase to the doors, going through to discover a lobby as busy as thestreets. They sought the shortest queue (which was still quite long) and

got in line, waiting as it slowly advanced to the counter. Looking tothe front, Jordan could comprehend the queue's sluggishness, what

with the time necessary to count all coins customers wished to deposit,withdraw, or convert. To watch was painful, though the careful actions

of the tellers were necessary to ensure accurate business."Dana," Jordan whispered.

"Yes?""Exactly...how much money did you bring?"

"I, uh, think a couple million Kronas..."Though he raised his eyebrows, Jordan snickered, "Maybe we

need not work after all!""But we may still need it to, uh, blend in with the crowd«"

"True, but«""If You don't wish to work, I'll do so alone."

"If anyone would work, I would. Women need not overexertthemselves anyway«"

"What does that mean?""It means you can stay at home to raise my child."

"But he's your--and to a lesser extent your wife's--child«""Am I to harass others with him while I work?"

Dana sighed and concurred, "You're right. But do spend some time with him."

"That I shall."

"It's not like I was cut out for fisherman work anyway.""You would have done fine.""Aye, but I wouldn't be a µnatural' as they call it."

"Well, you would have easily given yourself away.""Yeah«"

For the following few minutes, the queue moved sluggishlyuntil Jordan and Dana's turn came. The teller greeted, "Welcome to the

East Haven Bank! How may I serve you?""As quickly as possible, if you could," wished Jordan.

"Well, I'll try my best, sir! It depends on what you want."




72

"Very well," noted Jordan. "We have some money to convert.""Travelers, are you?"

"Indeed," agreed Dana. "Ten thousand Kronas.""That'll be two Dollars to one of your Kronas, ma'am."

Dana withdrew ten thousand-Krona coins from her pockets, placing them before the teller. "Now convert, boy."

"You, ma'am, have made my life easy.""Have I?"

The teller easily exchanged twenty thousand-Dollar coins for the Kronas before concluding, "This should hold you and your

husband over for a few years, no?""He's not my husband; I am his child's nurse. Back to the

money, yes, it should hold us over for a few years. Our thanks.""And have a good day, I guess."

Converted currency now in hand, the travelers left the bank into the streets of The Haven, retrieving their crickets and again

clueless on how to proceed. Before Dana bellowed for help, a youngorange-furred, brown-eyed, brown-haired feline child came to them

and asked, "Hey, are you the travelers my dad met some time ago?""That depends upon who your father is," responded Jordan.

"Well, he bumped into two travelers and their kid outside TheGateway to The Haven, and he sent me to find them, you know, to

help them find their way around.""Yeah, that'd be great, thanks," accepted Dana.

"Would you happen to know where The Academy is?""The Haven Academy? Sure, it's west of here. It's the largest

building, or rather, collection of buildings, here in The Haven, so noneof us should be able to miss it. Well, let's go!"

Jordan and Dana then followed the feline through the streets,

with the afternoon crowd thinning not. While they wandered, the deer asked, "What is your name, child?"

"Timothy Cath."

"Well met, Tim. I am Jordan Deere, and this is Dana Quill, Mychild's nurse, mind you."

"And your child, Mr. Deere?""Jordan Deere the Younger. I, of course, am the Elder."

"Figures. So, what brings you here to The Haven?""We seek a place where we can settle down and live our lives."

"Where are you from?"




73

"Asgard.""Ah, God's country, so I've been told."

"He does live, child.""I'll keep my faith up, then."

"Just don't depend upon Him too often," Dana admonished."Uh«okay."

Tim Cath soon led the Aesir to a long stone bridge spanningthe wide harbor, where he pointed across the waters, indicating, "This

is The Haven Harbor! Yonder you'll see The Haven Academy."Across the Harbor, Jordan and Dana could see a great stone

citadel, undoubtedly The Academy, with many a tower and multi-storied building; it apparently contained its own shipyard, as well. As

Tim stepped onto the bridge, he asked, "Beautiful, huh?""It rivals Valhalla," acknowledged Jordan. "It would most

certainly be fit for a god, should the interior do the exterior justice.""Oh, it does," assured Tim. "I attend the school myself."

"Do you?" wondered Dana."Yeah, it's great! Great teachers, and my scores are topnotch!"

"Then why do you stray like this?" probed the raven."We get the Month of Odin off! School resumes next month!"

"Every child deserves a bit of freedom now and then," statedJordan, who then realized today was Luna's Day. "By the way, would

your Academy happen to have a church?""Yes, sir!"

"How convenient," Dana commented."Once we've crossed, it's just a few more blocks to the

Academy," indicated Tim.To cross the bridge took a few minutes, and afterward, Tim led

the Aesir left along the coastal road, with The Academy nearing. The

street darted west once it reached the walls around The Academy,along which Tim led the travelers until he reached a large archedentrance. Everyone walked through into a cavernous area with a tall

steel gate blocking the way, before which were smaller doors on either side of the tunnel. Each of the two doors contained a small window,

both being open then, with sentinels peering through. Both doorsopened, with guards exiting, naturally halting everyone's progress.

"And just what's your business at The Academy?""I, for one, seek employment," affirmed Jordan.

"Well, we, for one, need to register anyone who comes here!"




74

"Guys, it's me, Tim Cath!""Ah, Thomas' son! You, young sir, may pass."

One of the guards then raised the gate and let the young feline pass. As he did so, he told the travelers "See you in the lobby!"

After the gate dropped, one of the sentinels stated, "I'll takecare of these guys."

The guard then led them into the right-hand side of the tunnel,sitting them both in wooden chairs, getting registry papers, and starting

his inquiry. "So, is this your first time visiting The Academy?""Indeed," answered Jordan.

"Your names, please?""Jordan Deeres the Elder and Younger, and Dana Quill."

"Well met. You may proceed. Well, get up!"They heeded, exiting the security area into the tunnel, where

the guard told his companions, "Raise the gate!""Will do!"

A few seconds later, the gate opened, and the travelers exitedthe tunnel, noticing the snow-covered lawn before the main Academy

building to which the path extended. The Aesir walked to the entrancesteps, ascended, and entered the main building through the large pair

of wooden doors, entering the lobby, where Tim awaited. He indicatednear the lobby desk, "Over here!"

Jordan and Dana walked there, with the woman sitting behindthe desk greeting, "Good afternoon, you two!"

"Our greetings," returned Jordan."I've been told you seek employment here, no?"

"Indeed. Has young Tim enlightened you to this?""Yes, sir. So, what position do you seek?"

"I know not. Have you a registry we may scan?"

"I do, sir," indicated the clerk, handing Jordan the registry,which was surprisingly brief, listing around ten available posts, amongthem being swordsmanship instructor, which caught his eye the most.

Spearmanship professor populated the list, too, though he was bent onDana raising his son. "Find something to your liking, sir?"

"I have," stated Jordan, with Dana then snatching the registry."I'd like to see it, too," the raven indicated as she sought a

desired position. As she soon handed it back, she stated, "I could become a spearmanship professor«"

"My son«"




75

"The Academy does have a nursery, run by Lady Piers.""And just who would that be?" Dana wondered.

"Barbara Piers, wife of Judge Victor Hartford Bucks, SupremeGeneral of the Connexion Army?"

"Uh, they're new to Connexion," Tim told the clerk."Oh, right. Anyway, I think you know your way around here

well enough, Tim, so I'll let you guide them around.""Will do, ma'am!"

"So, where to first?" wondered Dana."We shall meet Lady Piers to see if she is a worthy caretaker--

if I become employed.""What about me? I thought You said I could work, too«"

" If our meeting with Lady Piers fares well.""She's a Supreme General's wife; how bad could she be?"

"We shall see.""Follow me!" urged Tim, guiding the visitors through the halls.

Since school was out, there were few students in the halls,though this made for an easier trek. Eventually, Tim stopped before a

pair of doors, above which read, "Nursery.""Here we are," the young feline indicated. "Go on! Enter!"

The two did so, entering a vast chamber spanning two floors,with many young children wandering around, some playing or sitting

at tables drawing, writing, reading, studying, and so forth. Severalwomen wandered about, as well, some with infants they nursed.

Despite all this, however, the nursery was surprisingly silent. Giventhis orderly disposition, Jordan supposed that his son would become

orderly, as well, were he to allow him to remain here. Shortly after their entry, an albino sheepdog approached Tim and the Aesir,

greeting, "Good afternoon! Ah, Timothy, welcome back! And I see

you've brought company!""They're travelers from Asgard that are thinking about settling

down here--well, maybe not right here, but at least in The Haven."

"Charmed, I'm sure," Piers stated. "Oh, I've not introducedmyself, have I? I'm«"

"Barbara Piers, no?" Dana guessed."How did you«"

"An educated guess. We heard all about you in the lobby.""Oh, right. So, what brings you folks to The Academy?"

"The will to work, Lady Piers," responded Jordan.




76

"Same here, if you're an effective guardian," added Dana."I think she and the nursery have already proven themselves."

"Why, thank you, sir." Turning to Dana, Piers determined,"You obviously aren't the boy's mother, are you?"

"His nurse.""Ah, then maybe you'll consider working here?"

"Actually, I want to become the next spearmanship professor.""Oh, you're quite the kidder--what's your name?"

"Dana Quill, and no, I'm serious.""Really? Surely you'd be better suited for nursery«"

"I'm no expert in nursery. I wish to teach spearmanship.""If so, my husband will be the judge of that."

"Your husband works here?" Jordan asked."Yes, when he's not surveying the Army or fighting in a war.

He heads the Military Department here, and should be in his office for inquiry. Tim, I'm sure you know the way."

"Yes, ma'am! Follow me, guys!""Oh, and sir..."

"Deere. Jordan Deere.""Would it hurt at all if we looked after your child while you

wander the campus?""Not at all," replied Jordan, signaling Dana to hand him the

Younger Jordan, whom he in turn gave Piers. "Be good, my child.""C'mon, let's go!" Tim urged.

The Aesir followed the feline again through the school.Eventually, Tim stopped before another pair of wooden doors, above

which read, "Supreme General Judge Victor Hartford Bucks.""Well, here we are," Tim indicated, knocking a few times.

"Yes, come in!" a voice boomed.

Jordan opened the door, going inside with Dana and Tim. Thethree found themselves within a two-storey-tall chamber much like thenursery except that bookcases lined both floors. A desk sat at one end,

and a short-brown-haired, brown-eyed, brown-furred, brown-antlereddeer in military garbs sat in the chair behind it. Two chairs sat before

the desk, too, which Jordan and Dana took, with Tim sitting on thecarpet, all awaiting the conversation that would follow. "So, what

brings you here today?""The will to become a swordsmanship professor, sir."

"And, uh, the will to become a spearmanship teacher, for me."




77

"Interest in the open positions, I see. For the past few years, Ihave taught basic weaponry, but since war may come, what with New

Scotia's independence and all, I feel fit for tasks that are moreimportant. Sir, I wish to test your swordsmanship, as well as your

spearmanship, milady. You, sir, would probably stand a chance againstme, but as for your mate, alas, I don't know."

"Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I'll lose to you!""We shall see to that, if you're serious about becoming an

instructor here. Now I shall take you to the barracks, where I will testyour skills. Follow me."

The Supreme General got up and guided the Aesir to theentrance, telling the feline child along the way, "You may see to your

own business, young Master Timothy.""Aw, can't I watch?"

Sighing, Bucks capitulated, "If you insist, young one."The Supreme General led the travelers and the feline into the

barracks, which were vacant and with diverse weaponry, from swordsto spears to bows and arrows. Drawing two blades from the sword

rack, he gave one to Jordan and kept the other, twirling it beforespeaking. "Now then«what's your name?"

"Jordan Deere the Elder.""Yes, well met, Jordan. Let us begin! Keeping in mind that this

isn't to the death.""I would not kill an ally, of course, unless he turned traitor."

Right as Jordan finished his words, he crossed blades with theSupreme General, who fought well, although he nonetheless deflected

every attempt by his adversary to strike him down. Even as he beganto sweat, Jordan persisted in battling the Supreme General. To see his

opponent stop swinging his sword surprised him, and he himself

pointed his blade to the ground, only for the Supreme General to raisehis blade back up immediately and continue the battle. Jordan wasagile enough to retaliate, and after about another minute, the leader of

the Connexion Army dropped his sword."Good fight! You, sir, are fit to instruct in swordsmanship!

Now I shall see if your friend here can fight just as well with a spear!""You just watch," taunted Dana, accepting a spear from

Supreme General Bucks, who was clutching his own."Let us begin«"

Immediately, Dana spun her spear, knocking the Supreme




78

General's across the barracks. "Told you so.""Well, done, madam. Your skill with the spear, in addition to

your looks, could kill.""Enough of the flattery, sir; I think I can handle being a

spearmanship professor.""The semester begins the Second of Neptune. You are

welcome to stay at The Academy until then. We have student and teacher dorms here, and I shall see that you get yours."

"Our thanks," bid Jordan."Yes, you're welcome. I shall process you both for hiring and

write a note to the Dormitory Head requesting lodging for you both."Bucks then wrote a note at a desk in the barracks, handing it to

the Aesir. "I bid you a good afternoon. If you will, you can meet mywife and me in the dining hall this evening for a feast to celebrate your

coming to The Academy.""Yeah, that'd be great," indicated Dana.

"See you until then.""Good day," returned Jordan.

After everyone left the barracks, Tim piped up, "Wow, that'sgreat! Now I'll be seeing you two all through the next term!"

"Yes, it'll be a pleasure to know you, boy," Dana affirmed."Okay, the dorms...let's go, shall we?"

"Go we shall," agreed Jordan.Tim then led the Aesir through the halls again, stopping before

another pair of doors, above which read, "Dormitories."After entering, the party encountered an intersection, with a

sign on the wall reading, "Teachers to the left, students to the right."Tim, of course, took the travelers left, bringing them through a

smaller door along the way that a small lobby area followed. The clerk

at the counter then spoke, "Young Master Cath? This isn't your area,I'm sure you know by now."

"No, but these two here have a note for you!"

"Then tell them to give it to me and scram!""Uh, okay. Give it to them, please, Mr. Deere, Ms. Quill."

Then Tim left the lobby on his own business as Jordan gave theclerk the note, which she briefly scanned. "Ah, so you've just now

filled the swordsmanship and spearmanship professor positions! I'llshow you to your rooms right away!"

Then the clerk emerged from behind the counter, signaling the




79

Aesir to follow her. Through a few halls they went, ascending whatseemed to be endless spiral stairs, which passed several doors.

Looking through the occasional arched windows that passed as well,the two could see that the main campus buildings were below, an

indication they ascended a tower. A few minutes later, the clerk stopped before a pair of doors she opened, revealing a hall with doors

on the left and right, and an open arched window at the end. The clerk led the Aesir alongside the left wall, stopping at a single door.

The clerk drew a key from one of her pockets, asking, "Okay,who gets this room?"

"Dana may have it.""Then here you are, madam," the clerk stated as she gave Dana

the key, which she used to unlock her new quarters, afterwardentering. The clerk then led Jordan to the following door, which she

unlocked, giving him the key to the chamber. "And here you are, sir!""My thanks to you," bid Jordan.

"Well, I bid you both a good afternoon.""Thank you. Now be off!"

Once the clerk left, Jordan entered, seeing a large curtained bed, a wardrobe, a desk, a nightstand, and another pair of doors that

piqued his interest. After closing the entrance, Jordan couldn't help butwalk to the doors and open them; however, they required his key, as

well, which he used, opening the doors and taking surprise to feel thewinter wind gush onto and over him. These doors led outside, with

Jordan proceeding onto the stone-railed balcony that gave him a grandview of The Haven. Looking left and right, he saw that the other

chambers had balconies, as well.The view being truly awe-inspiring, Jordan commented, "This

indeed rivals Valhalla..."

"Milord!" a familiar voice shouted from the left.Looking left, Jordan saw Dana on the next balcony, herself

awed at the view. "I see your room has a balcony as well!"

"Yeah, it's great!""Our new home«"

"What, Lord?""Oh, nothing. I will see you later, Dana."

"See you later? Why? Where are you going?""I am µgoing' to rest«"

"Well, later, I guess«"




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Without another word, Jordan reentered his quarters, closingand locking the balcony doors, afterward eying his bed. The white

curtains he drew open, after which he climbed onto the multi- blanketed mattress, which was quite soft and surprisingly fit his three-

meter frame. Then he shut the curtains, closing out the outside worldand giving himself a much-needed rest. During his slumber, he thought

about the Princess of Asgard and how she fared with Prince Franklinof Otterland, happy or not in her new marriage.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. "Mr. Deere! Please wake up!"

After hearing this familiar young voice, Jordan reluctantlycapitulated, leaving his bed through its curtains, landing on his booted

feet, and stretching. Instead of immediately heading to the chamber'sentrance, he eyed the balcony doors and wandered there, taking the

time to sneak a peek outside and confirming that evening had come.After more knocks, he assured, "I come, child!"

Jordan then went to his room's entrance and opened it to revealyoung Timothy Cath. "Good evening, Mr. Deere."

"To you as well, child.""Sorry to bother you, sir, but the Supreme General sent me to

fetch you for a feast to celebrate your being hired.""A feast, you say? I could use a bite to eat."

"Then come on!" urged Tim, grabbing one of Jordan hands (hisother locked his chamber and pocketed the key).

Tim led Jordan out of the hallway onto the spiraling tower stairs, which they descended to ground floor. They then left the

dormitory lobby into the halls of The Academy. Here, Tim againshowed good knowledge of the school by leading Jordan quickly to the

dining hall, into which several open arched doorways granted access.

The two entered the area, which spanned at most five floors and hadwindows on the opposite end spanning its height. Several students, oldand young, dined at the stone tables, past which Tim led Jordan to a

pair of wooden doors above which read, "Instructors Only.""Well, here you are, sir."

As Jordan opened one of the doors, He eyed the young felineand inquired, "Do you not come, young one?"

"I'm, uh, not invited. It's for instructors only, you know.""Very well. I shall see you later, lad."

"Um, have a good dinner, I guess."




81

Tim then left, and Jordan entered the instructors' dining room,which spanned one floor and had much shorter windows, all open and

letting the evening light through. The tables and chairs here werewooden; several adults occupied them, among them being Bucks and

his wife. A smaller table sat at the chamber's end, at which sat afamiliar face and his wife. The orange feline indicated, "Ah, here's our

other guest of honor! Everyone, please give a warm welcome to theother one of our newest professors, Mr. Jordan Deere!"

He and the other instructors applauded; Dana saw Jordan andsignaled him to sit next to her, which he quickly did. She whispered,

"Took you long enough.""Ms. Dana Quill and Mr. Jordan Deere have been kind enough

to fill the positions of spearmanship and swordsmanship professor, andwe give both of them our humble gratitude."

The other teachers applauded again. "They come in a time of uncertainty in our Republic, when the Nidhoggr have overtaken our

neighbors. War is inevitable, but we are thankful to have SupremeGeneral Judge Hartford Victor Bucks leading our grand military."

The Supreme General rose, and again, the teachers applauded.After Bucks sat, the feline continued, "And all students here should be

proud to have me, Thomas Cath, as Schoolmaster."Again, applause filled the hall. "I hope to continue my service

and preserve The Academy's glory. I hope all students here leave oneday as independent souls that can find their own ways in this uncertain

world. To speak of uncertainty, we must, of course, seek the blessingsof our Lord through prayer. So let us all bow."

Everyone did so. "Dear Lord, we thank You for our prosperityand glory of The Haven and its Academy. We bid You protect us from

whatever danger the Nidhoggr may pose for us in this troubled part of

Ymir, and help us triumph should war emerge. Finally, we pray for our health as we dine upon this repast, and bid that You forever remain inour hearts come what may. Amen."

"Amen," everyone else repeated, after which dinner began.Once most in the hall had eaten, they got up from their seats

and wandered about, discussing sundry topics from the school to the Nidhoggr. Relishing in this opportunity, Jordan found his way to the

Schoolmaster, whom he greeted, "Good evening, sir.""Charmed, I'm sure...ah, Jordan; well met."

"You were the one Dana and I saw on the streets earlier today."




82

"Yes, that. Funny how fate works, huh?""We shall not disappoint The Academy."

"Yes, Bucks told me all about your skills. If all soldiers werelike you two, then there'd be no war, that's for certain!"

"A pity that few do match our skills.""Aye, but that's life, I suppose. So, where are you from again?"

"Asgard.""Ah, God's country. Such fine lineage you have, to come from

the largest, strongest nation in this world. Heck, I'm sure if Asgardwere involved in all that's going on here, they'd sweep all our problems

away with their might!""But the Nidhoggr are not to be underestimated. To come here

all the way from Niflheim is a testament to their strength.""Ah, whatever. But I do hope things settle out one day."

"As do I sir. So«same place tomorrow?""Come again?"

"For breakfast, I mean.""Yeah, sure."

"Thank you, and good night.""You're off already?"

"Indeed. I have already taken a liking to My quarters.""In that case, have a good night, Jordan."

"Adieu." Then Jordan told Dana, "I shall return to my quarters.Care you to come?"

"No, I'm having a good time here, but thanks anyway. Goodluck trying to get back!"

"I shall manage, I hope."Jordan left the teachers' dining hall into the students', where he

sought Tim; no such luck he had. However, he assumed that most of

the students would return to their quarters after dinner, so he followeda few unsuspecting pupils outside the dining area into the halls of TheAcademy. Slowly and stealthily, he followed them, hoping one day

that he wouldn't need such reliance. To return to the dormitory areatook a few minutes, and Jordan took relief to see the familiar doors

leading to the split between student and teacher dorms.Just as he reached for one of the door handles, a hissing voice

interrupted, "You there!"Jordan looked around to no avail. "Must be My imagination..."

As Jordan again reached for a door handle, the voice came.




83

"You! O albino one!"Jordan turned, seeing a single wooden door creaked ajar, with

white fingers clutching it from within. The fingers quickly disappearedinside, and Jordan slowly walked there, grasping its handle and

gradually opening it, after which something or someone suddenly jerked him inside, shutting the door. "Who are you? Friend or foe?"

"That depends upon how this conversation goes, Mr. Deere«""Just what is your business with me?"

"Otterland«""What of it?"

"I can get you there«""But this region is, as you probably realize, unstable."

"Stable or not, I can get you there«""But I have recently become a professor here«"

"What do you care more about: your career, or the Princess?""I am concerned about her, but..."

"Do you not wish to find her?""I am certain she is happy where she is right now..."

"But would it not be a sight for her to see her father again?""Just...how do you know all this?"

"I've been listening, of course...""For whom do you work?"

"I work alone...""You lie."

"How do you know?""I sense that you do."

"Ha! You've no proof! How dare you question my integrity!""Well then, why would a complete stranger hide in the

shadows and ask me if he'd like to travel all the way to Otterland?"

"I just wish to help you. Is that too much to ask?""If you cannot fulfill your offer, then yes.""I assure that I could indeed take you to Otterland!"

"I shall refuse nonetheless.""Then get out! See if I ever offer you anything again!"

"You are far too shady," contested Jordan as he exited."It's your loss, you know, having no idea of what's become of

the Princess as she lives with a complete stranger, maybe has childrenyou'll never get to see, and you die with those regrets«"

Jordan grunted, shutting the door and entering the dormitories.




84

At the intersection, he turned left, ascending the dorm tower until hereached his and Dana's hall, entering his quarters. He unlocked the

door, entered, and locked it, just in case the stranger were to stalk himand attempt to coerce him once more into going to Otterland, whatever

he truly meant by that--death, perhaps. Before retiring for the day,Jordan walked to the balcony doors, opened them, and wandered forth

to behold the evening's beauty.The balcony faced south, so west was right, and east left; thus,

Jordan could enjoy both sunrises and sunsets if desired. Because thelatter occurred as he stood, he went near the railing and gazed right as

the sun fell below the western horizon. However, he did occasionallystare east at the darkened sky, wondering how the Princess fared in

Otterland, had she arrived there yet. This thought made it difficult for him to concentrate on the sunset, which he nearly missed. His mind

still troubled, he left the balcony, locking its doors, and finally retiredto his bed, trying to sleep. Just who was that stranger?



85

C hapter IX

The Shrouded One

NOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. This awakened Jordan, who feltas though he had not slept long enough. Still, he got out of

bed, slipped his hooves into slippers, and walked to theentrance, which he unlocked and opened, revealing a shady, black-

hooded figure he could see was a white wolf. "We meet again«""You«"

"Have you reconsidered?""No! Now leave at once!"

"You'll be«"However, Jordan had slammed the door before the stranger

could finish, and then headed to the balcony doors, wishing not tosleep any longer. The doors he opened, revealing an early morning

atmosphere, the sun barely showing itself above the eastern horizon.While Jordan could see the shadows of the balcony rails, he could also

detect an unfamiliar shadow that shifted about and faced him. "You!How came you here?"

"That I shan't disclose, be you ever so rude...""To be honest, I wish not to know."

"You give up pretty quickly. So...shall we go to Otterland?"Jordan then raised the lupine, dangling him over the balcony's

edge. "Enough of this!""Go ahead! Kill you career and get a death sentence!"

"If you promise to harass me no more, I shall release you."

"I promise! I promise!""Very well." Jordan then took the stranger away from the

balcony, through his chamber, and to the entrance, which he opened,

afterward tossing him into the hallway. "Be gone!"Jordan slammed and locked the door, doing the same for those

leading to the balcony. He dressed in blue and white instructor'sclothes, replacing his slippers with brown boots as he did so, and

returned to the entrance, which he was about to open when knockingcame yet again. Muttered Jordan, thinking the stranger had returned as

he unlocked and opened the door, "He shall receive due justice..."

K




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"Good morning, Mr. Deere!""I told you I--oh, good morning to you, young one!"

It was Tim. "You told me what, sir?"Sighing, Jordan stated, "Students are not allowed here«"

"I...was just a little worried about you. And I'm sure you'll needmy directions."

"Yes, until I can finally find my own way around.""It's still a little early, but I'll take you to the dining hall."

"My thanks, young one.""No problem!"

As Tim and Jordan wandered to the stairwell door, Dana exitedher chamber, also wearing blue and white garbs. "Is everything okay?"

"Indeed, all is fine. Why do you ask?""I heard doors slam just recently."

"Did you?"Wishing not to probe further, Dana stayed silent before asking,

"So, why don't we go to the dining hall?""Tim is here, and he shall lead us."

"Come on, follow me!"Jordan and Dana then followed Tim down the stairwell. During

the descent, the deer inquired, "Have either of you seen a shady figurearound The Academy?"

"No, Jordan.""Nope."

"Why, did you encounter someone you deem suspicious?"Jordan grunted, remaining silent. They ultimately reached the

dorm lobby and exited into the Academy halls. Jordan tried tomemorize the path by which Tim led him and the raven to the dining

hall, which seemed familiar, as it hadn't been the first time he trudged

the trail. Unsurprisingly, no students wandered the halls now, and after a few minutes, the arched entranceways into the dining area greetedthe trio. The tall windows were closed, so the hall was dark, although

light came from the open doors leading into the teachers' dining area."I'm sure you can find your way from here. See you later!"

Tim left, and the Aesir blindly navigated their way past thestone tables to the illuminated area, where a few instructors sat,

walked around, or discussed sundry topics. Schoolmaster Thomas wasamong them, to whom Jordan promptly wandered. "Good morning!"

"Likewise, sir."



THE SHROUDED ONE

87

"How goes this fair morning for you?""Not so well."

"And why is that?""Have you encountered a strange man in The Academy?"

"Sorry, no." Jordan then regressed to a seat near his table. "DidI say something wrong?"

"No--it is nothing, really.""Well, whatever. Just glad to have you here this early!"

For the next few minutes, other teachers entered the dininghall, which, when completely full, prompted a prayer the Schoolmaster

led, and afterward, breakfast, which Jordan humbly ate; once finished,he left the area. Surprisingly, the main dining hall had no students,

being dark still, except for the thin slits of light between the tallwindows. He blindly found his way back into the dimly lit halls of The

Academy, unfortunate to lack Tim guidance. While he had vainlyattempted to memorize the path from the dorms to the dining hall, he

unfortunately forgot it already. Nonetheless, he started to wind his waythrough the labyrinth that was The Academy.

Jordan stayed near the wall where the dining hall entrancewayswere, although this strategy served him not, for he eventually

encountered a four-way intersection. From where he stood, he chosethe right path, although another four-way crossroads followed, after

which he selected paths randomly, hoping that he would eventuallyfind his way to the dorms. While Academy guards did roam the halls,

Odin forwent any kind of aid from them, hoping that simple trial anderror would lead him to the dorms.

"You look like you're lost, sir," a guard noticed. "Do you needto get anywhere in particular?"

"I am fine," Jordan lied, resuming his confounding trek.

He took relief to see a pair of wooden doors after several moreintersection selections, although above them read "Docks." WhileJordan turned away at first, he quickly turned back, curious about the

campus shipyard. Thus, he opened the doors, entering the followinghallway, for once a straightforward path that ended in a vast covered

area with many diverse vessels. A large arched entryway grantedegress onto the seas south of Connexion, with the glimmer the sunrise

gave the waters bedazzling the lost deer.Jordan eyed the complex system of jetties protruding from the

wide stone entrance path and soon spotted a black-cloaked fisherman




88

sitting at the end of one, awaiting a catch. Was this the stranger? Therewas only one way to find out. Jordan wandered the jetties, their

supports frozen solid in the water (though the campus guards hadevidently made some kind of effort to keep the open water from

completely freezing over as indicated by the scattered shards of icenear the large exit), eventually nearing the fisherman.

"Good morning to you, sir." No response.

"Any luck so far?" Jordan then saw that the fisherman's bucketwas empty. "Oh, my apologies. A fine morning, is it not?"

Yet again, the fisherman spoke not."Listen, I must apologize for my behavior before."

The stranger's silence continued. Wondering whether he was ina trance, Jordan reached for the bucket, although the stranger suddenly

clutched its thin rope with his left hand, tugging it out of reach. Thewhite deer backed away, the angler then placing his bucket back in its

previous position. His interrogation being in vain, Jordan capitulated,"Very well, I shall leave you be for now. A good day to you."

Jordan turned and started walking back to the stone walkway,halting when the stranger informed in a far less sinister voice, "Sir?"

He turned back to the stranger, now unhooded, with his long,curled white hair and white-irised eyes glimmering in the morning

light. "What is your will, stranger?""First of all, don't call me µstranger.' My name is Finn Olaf."

"A pleasure to meet you--I hope.""Aye, it'll be my pleasure to take you to Otterland«"

"When do we leave?""Whenever you're ready!"

"Then now, if possible."

"Hop aboard, then!" invited Finn, pointing to a moderatelysized vessel, the S ea Wolf .

"She is lovely for a small ship."

"Small it may be, but there's room for us both, you hear?""Indeed." Jordan boarded. "Has your ship any lodging?"

"Yes, there's a spare room down below. Oh, and plenty food,too! Who could forget the food? There's plenty out at sea, too, and I'll

see to it that you get enough to eat!""My thanks."

Finn then boarded his vessel, untying the rope holding it to the



THE SHROUDED ONE

89

jetty and sitting between the extensive oars, both of which he clutched,rowing them and bringing his ship out to sea. Despite the apparent

tedium of this labor, Finn showed no signs of tension as he rowed. Nonetheless, Jordan asked, "Do you need any help, sir?"

"No, I'm fine. Do as you will! Admire the seas, go down andtake a rest, anything! I'm skilled at this, if you don't trust me!"

"I doubt not your skills. I just worry that you hurt yourself byrowing alone."

"Hey, thanks for your compassion, but I'm fine! So just leaveme be! I don't need any help! I work fine alone!"

"Understood. My apologies to have asked.""No problem! Just do what you want, except dive overboard, of

course, or bail out at the last minute!""I wish not to abandon this vessel or the voyage."

"Heh, good man. I need you to come all the way, anyway!""Pardon?"

"Never mind. You mind; just sit back and enjoy the ride!""I shall do my best."

"Heh, good luck! It'll be a long ride!""Very well," agreed Jordan as he leapt atop the cabin's roof,

laying on his wings and gazing upward.The S ea Wolf eventually left the covered harbor, with Jordan

now beholding the gray winter skies. He turned around to face theschool, witnessing its grandeur, especially its towers. On one tower, he

could spot a black figure standing upon a balcony, evidently admiringthe seaside. Suddenly, the figure leapt from the balcony and soared to

the ship. Jordan realized this was Dana, and immediately dropped tothe deck of the ship, opening the cabin doors for want of sanctuary.

"Just what're you doing, Mr. Deere?"

"That stranger flying towards us...take care of her, if you can.""No problem! She stalking you, or something?""In a way, yes."

"Well, you just relax down below. If you want to sleep, thechamber to the right's free."

"My thanks.""Don't mention it!"

Jordan closed the doors, enveloping himself in total darknessand carefully descending the stairs to flat ground. He slowly walked

forward and to the right, extending his hands and eventually touching a




90

door, across which he felt until contacting a doorknob. The door hethen opened, entering the chamber and shutting himself within deeper

darkness. He blindly felt around until he felt the bed, onto which heclimbed, afterward covering himself with its sheets and hoping for the

best of whatever would happen on deck.

A few minutes later...KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. "Hey,Jordan! The coast is clear!"

"I come," assured Jordan, opening the door and seeing Finn."What of the raven?"

"Oh, I've taken care of her! Trust me, all's clear now!""Very well," agreed Jordan, following Finn back onto the deck.

He then leapt back onto the cabin roof, gazing north past the portside of the ship to see the Connexion shores, with The Haven

gradually passing out of view. Jordan took in as much scenery as hecould, for he knew that nothing but distant waters would replace it in

maybe a few days or so. Just how did Finn deal with Dana? Thisthought troubling him, Jordan dropped onto the deck near Finn, who

warned, "I told you I don't need any help! Take a rest, go fishing,admire you surroundings, do something !"

"What happened to her, Finn?""What happened to who, now?"

"The raven!""Oh, her? Don't worry, she's gone, so you can rest easy!"

"Hmm! Very well."Wishing not to bother Finn any further, Jordan returned to his

room below deck, resting again..

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK. "Wake up! We've arrived!"

To hear this surprised Jordan, who leapt onto his bootedhooves, opening the entrance to see Finn, lantern in hand, whom heinquired, "Have we arrived in Otterland already?"

"No, but we have arrived somewhere!""And where would that be, kind sir?"

"Tear Ring Island, just off the coast of Rogueland!""How long have I slept?"

"Oh, I reckon a few hours...yeah, that's right.""Strange...it seems like I slept for but a few minutes..."

"But enough of that! Let's go up and see the island, shall we?"



THE SHROUDED ONE

91

"Aye, I yearn to behold this firsthand.""Oh, I'm sure you'll just love it! It's to die for!"

Jordan heeded Finn, exiting the chamber and ascending to thedeck of the S ea Wolf , whence he could see a gloomy village

accompanied by a dark atmosphere of gray skies, decaying trees, andironically, no snow despite the cold. He followed Finn onto the jetty to

which he had secured his ship. Once Jordan and Finn were in thevillage, the latter indicated, "This, sir, is Ermine!"

"It seems so...lifeless.""Well, everyone here seems to like shutting themselves in their

homes, so the silence is forgivable. But let's not worry about that , now.We've gotta get you to Otterland!"

"The Princes... muttered Jordan as he followed Finn throughthe hamlet to its exit, seeing the wolf enter a building, where he

started, "What are you«""I'm just getting better means of conveyance across the island!

Walking won't do us any good! You'll surely need me to get across!""Indeed."

A few minutes later, Finn left the stable building with acarriage drawn by a white roach. "Hop aboard!"

Jordan obeyed, climbing into the covered wagon among a fewcrates. The carriage began to move, with Jordan gazing out the back

curtains, noticing Ermine fall behind. This was certainly Roguelandicterritory, what with all the decaying, leafless trees, dark skies, and so

forth. To the north and the east, Jordan could see distant mountains,above which storms raged. If this were an island, the deer thought, it

was surprisingly large, what with the lack of coastline in all directionsexcept the southwest.

"Just how large is this island?"

"Large enough, Mr. Deere.""I see«"The carriage rolled on, and tired of the scenery from the

posterior, Jordan moved to the anterior near Finn, gazing over hisshoulders to see a stone city in construction ahead. The white lupine

indicated, "The city of Gogh is straight ahead, Jordan old boy!""Gogh«" muttered Odin.

"Yes, Gogh," repeated Finn. "Well, it was once called Gloss, but the name got changed once the Nidhoggr took over. Speaking of

which, I think it'd be a good idea to close the curtains while I get us




92

through, since you're from Asgard and all...""Aye, sir," agreed Jordan, closing the curtains, though he still

peered through a slit.He saw the carriage reach the stone gates in construction before

Gogh, where Finn halted his roach. Jordan saw wraiths approach thevehicle, and surprisingly, they immediately allowed him to enter upon

seeing his face. Was he important here? Whatever the case, Finn drovethrough the city, which many a shoddily clothed peasant helped erect.

Jordan painfully watched wraiths and bone-armored guards whip thosethat didn't work fast enough, though he knew that to do something

about this now would be folly. The wagon quickly reached the other side of Gogh, where wraiths quickly waived the vehicle outside.

Back into Tear Ring Island's seemingly endless landscaperolled the carriage, with more decaying trees and occasional distant

mountains. Curious about the quick trip through Gogh, Jordan asked,"Are you important here on Tear Ring Island, sir?"

"I've been through these parts several times. They know me.They don't want to spend time identifying me over and over."

"Understood." A few minutes later, Jordan saw another towndown the road, though not as grand as Gogh. "Ah, another town, I see.

Will guards need to waive you through once more?""No, we're both pretty much in the clear as we speak, so go

ahead, open those curtains."Jordan obeyed, letting the cold breeze flow through the

carriage. "So, which town is this?""This would be Falsechurch."

"It sounds very unwelcoming," observed Jordan, noticing thatlike in Ermine, no one wandered the streets. "Does no one wish to

emerge from their homes?"

"Most folks here on Tear Ring Isle are introverts, Jordan. Don'texpect to make a lot of friends while you're here."

"I expect nothing other than to reach Otterland."

"Well, you should also expect a long trip across the Atlas if you want to get there, first."

"Indeed. I hope our voyage fares well.""I'll see to it that it does," assured Finn once the carriage had

left Falsechurch.The carriage now ran directly south of a wide inlet, naturally

frozen over, its water a grim gray, with the occasional fish in stasis. To



THE SHROUDED ONE

93

see buildings suddenly replace this scenery surprised Jordan, whoinquired, "Where are we now?"

"Grangemouth," responded Finn as he immediately steered hiscarriage onto a new road, catching Jordan off guard. "From here on,

it's a straight path to Dyne!""Dyne..." Odin subtly repeated.

"Something the matter, Jordan?""Did you say the next town is called Dyne?"

"It's not a mere town, You know. It's the capital of the Shadow--er, Tear Ring Island, another grand city like Gogh! And yes, it is

called Dyne! Why do you ask?""It sounds...familiar, that name«"

"Well, if you've been near the Kingdom of Vermin, it should,Jordan, for King Alucard Dyne rules it with an iron fist! Aye, the

Nidhoggr name many of their towns and cities after their heroes!""Who rules this region as we speak?"

"Why, the King of Rogueland, of course!""What is his name?"

"Just enjoy the trip, Mr. Deere."Saying no more, Jordan saw the northern cliffs of Tear Ring

Island pass, relieved to finally be on the Isle's other end. "Mr. Olaf,from here, is it straight to Otterland?"

"Oh, no! We'll have to sail a long way north before sailing eastto Britannia, where Otterland lies! We'll hop a few islands in

Massgraves first, go further north, and then we'll sail east! We don'twant to wind up in the middle of nowhere, do we?"

Eventually, over the horizon came another city in construction,undoubtedly Dyne, sitting by the sea. Once at the incomplete gates,

wraiths immediately waived Finn through, after which came the sight

of laboring peons that helped construct the capital. To notice guardsand wraiths mercilessly lash the laborers was painful, though Jordancontrolled his anger. Finn drove his carriage to the central tower, its

upper floors still in construction, and halted, after which he leapt ontothe stone streets. Jordan himself exited the carriage onto the streets,

noticing a few wraiths approach the wagon."Shall we take your carriage, Lord?"

"Go right ahead, sirs," beckoned Finn."Follow me," hissed Finn.

"Indeed," agreed Jordan. "You are important here, no?"




94

"Yes, Mr. Deere. Let's just leave it at that, okay?""Very well."

As Jordan and Finn reached the tower entrance, wraithstelekinetically opened the doors, letting the two enter; the first

chamber they encountered was vast, with spiraling stairs leading upand down, and a platinum chandelier providing illumination. Finn led

Jordan to descending stairs, where he asked, "Whither do we go now?""To the harbor, of course, so we can continue to Otterland."

Afterward, Jordan followed Finn down the stairs, with groundfloor disappearing behind and above them. The stairs ended in a

perpendicular hallway, into which Finn led him past many singlewooden doors to an arched pair ending the hall. The white wolf

opened these to reveal a darkened chamber into which Jordanreluctantly followed him. When the doors behind closed, the deer

could see nothing. Finn proclaimed, "Milord, I have brought him."Suddenly, the chamber illuminated thanks to chandeliers that

formed a hexagon centered by black light, with the other chandeliersclockwise emitting blue, violet, green, orange, red, and yellow flames.

Then gazing forward, Jordan saw Finn standing right of a throne inwhich a black-cloaked figure sat; another shrouded stranger stood left

of the throne, as well. The white lupine then removed his hood, as didthe other two figures. The one standing left of the throne was a black-

haired, black-eyed, black-furred, black-horned goat, and sitting uponthe throne was an equally jet-black donkey.

"Where am I?" Jordan wondered."You're in the court of Alucard Dyne, the King of The

Shadowlands," replied Finn. "Well, kneel , infidel!"Jordan obeyed, and then the goat introduced in a deep,

monotonous voice, "I am Alexander Rae Baldwin Gogh, servant of the

Dark Lord, before whom you kneel.""The Shadowlands? Dark Lord? Have you deceived me?""Indeed," replied Finn. "I am not a mere stranger. My mission

was not to lead you to Otterland, but further north here, to TheShadowlands, formerly Scotia. I am Fenrir MacAuliffe, Supreme

General of Niflheim, and I, too, serve the Dark Lord!""How could I come so soon to this part of the world?"

"Why, the power of the Death Rune!" answered Fenrir, thenremoving his black robes to reveal his white garbs underneath, not to

mention white fur-covered demon wings.



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95

From one of his pockets, Fenrir drew a transparent orb, with arune-inscribed platinum band, undoubtedly the Death Rune. This he

clutched in his left hand, making it glow and transform into a scythe,with a long platinum handle and crescent-shaped crystal blade, which

he twirled before striking the ground with its handle, sending echoesacross the room. Fenrir then lifted his weapon and vanished,

reappearing before Jordan. "Now you can see how I got you here in nomore than a day! Surely you would recognize this power..."

"How «""Do you take me for an idiot? Once I saw you, that raven, and

that boy of yours, I knew I had to follow you to Connexion. I knew youwere he, and heard you sought the princess. How often do people like

you wander into Midgard? I even sensed the power of one of Asgard'sRunes! Aye, you're powerless without a Rune of your own!"

"But why have minions of Niflheim come here?""Location, you imbecile! Do you realize Britannia is but a

stone's throw from Asgard? Not to mention those countries across theAtlas, though to a lesser extent. Yes, now that we've captured you, no

one will stand in our way!""What of Dana?"

"Oh, I dueled her while you were in the cabin! I was about tokill her, but she escaped! At least we know where she is!"

"But I heard nothing...""More magic from the Death Rune! I placed a barrier around

that room so you wouldn't hear a thing outside!""Blast«"

"Now, Mr. Deere," Gogh spoke, drawing a jet, platinum- banded orb he clutched in his left hand and morphed into a blade with

a crescent-shaped platinum handle and sharp jet blade, "You die."

"Cut me down," invited Jordan, "but my soul shall move on.""Oh, we'll see to it that it doesn't !" cackled Fenrir. "I'll trap

your soul in my Rune so you don't transmigrate into anyone!"

"A sound plan," lauded Gogh. "Let us kill him, now."Simultaneously, Gogh and Fenrir rushed Jordan, goring him

with their weapons and seeing him fall, his white blood staining thefloor. King Alucard congratulated, "Good work..."

"Anything for our Lord," welcomed Gogh."Long may he rule!" hailed Fenrir, then eying the dying deer.

"What shall we make of him? Dinner, perhaps?"




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"Do as you will..." the King of The Shadowlands invited."Dinner it is!" proclaimed Fenrir, transforming his scythe back

into the Death Rune and absorbing the deer's soul, indicated by a glowand visible white specter around it; the wolf pocketed his Rune

afterward. "Well, that takes care of that.""He shall make a fine feast," agreed Gogh.

Both headed to the exit from the hall (with a pair of wraithstowing Jordan's corpse away), and Fenrir inquired, "So, shall we sack

Otterland again?""In due time, Fenrir. They have probably boosted their forces

since the last invasion, so we should build ours up even greater. Manyof our cities across the lands of Gaia are still incomplete, so we are

vulnerable too. And do not forget Otterland now has the White Rune.""But we have the Seven Satans, you included, and our Runes!

We could crush them now and take the rest of this pitiful world!""Do not be so reckless, Fenrir. The last invasion of Otterland

was, in a way, a failure.""But we crushed them, Alec!"

"Yes, but one of them told Asgard of the invasion, and perhapsthey will thus pose a greater threat to us."

"Why should we worry about Asgard? Scotia's just a stone'sthrow from Arctica! Zion's in the middle of a frozen wasteland! We

could just march across, crush their capital, and all would fall!""Asgard is the most powerful nation on Terra! It is not all Zion

or Arctica.""I just think destroying the heart of their empire would rid them

of anything for Lord Odin's followers around the world to look up to.""Do you really think those fools would surrender just because

their capital was taken?"

"I'm sure it'd hurt their morale, Alec.""Maybe so, but definite strategy is a greater necessity. There is

also the matter of the declaration of independence by rebels in the New

Scotia Colony.""Oh, they won't stand a bloody chance! The Nidhoggr already

control many nations in Ymir! And the other countries there are on the brink of falling under our control! They're surrounded!"

"Indeed, victory shall be ours.""Then why worry, Alec?"

"The Savior..."



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"Not that rubbish again!""It is of grievous concern, Fenrir. Do you not know that

Niflheim has lost two great wars five and ten millennia ago?""Aye, but we'll win this time!"

"Do not be so arrogant! We must consider all possibilities before we declare victory! We must consider our weaknesses!"

"Weak? Us?""For one, the distance between Niflheim, its allies, and its

colonies puts us at risk. We cannot guard all our lands at once.""Blasphemy! Asgard has the same weakness!"

"Silence, fool! Their lands, on the other hand, are in relativeunity, and they have few colonies to care for. We must also consider

alliance with the free nations all across Midgard.""We don't need those weaklings!"

"Not every Midgardian is weak, Fenrir. We need all the power we can muster if we wish to defeat Asgard, godless or not. The more

allies, the better. The Kingdoms of the Gaian Empire and the countrieswe already control in Ymir are decent starts."

"Yes, I guess you're right. I mean, being near Asgard is a slightadvantage, but«"

"It is a huge advantage, you fool! If we can have all the other nations nearby join us, we will practically be in Asgard's backyard!"

"Already we are, in a way.""By sea, maybe, but not yet by land. Assault by every front

would weaken them.""Well then, Alec, with whom do you suggest further alliance?"

"The nations of Jotunheim and Vanaheim, still live freely.""Hmm, do go on!"

"The nations around Yggdrasil waver as well."

"Even Babylonia? Yes, taking Yggdrasil---that'd be a great step in our conquest!"

"Do not forget it is also the world's life source. To destroy it in

the flames of war would spell doom not only for Asgard, but for Niflheim and all of Midgard, as well."

"Did I suggest destroying the Great Tree?""Nay, but to hear you suggest that would surprise me not."

"I know destroying Yggdrasil would destroy Terra with it!Maybe we could use it as some kind of weapon!"

"Then many would will to destroy it and thus drain the world's




98

life source...""That's why I think turning Yggdrasil into a weapon wouldn't

make them even think about destroying it!""But there would still be many that would wish to destroy it..."

"Ah, but to destroy Yggdrasil itself would be a challenge. It is quite massive! Legend has it a whole world lies at the top!"

"We cannot depend upon legends to conquer the world.""But do you ever see the top of Yggdrasil glow at night?"

"That would be the forbidden fruit , imbecile. The great trunk glows the same as well."

"But it'd be nice just to climb all the way up there, eh? Or better yet, fly there!"

"No one has ever made it to the top of Yggdrasil. Again, Irequest that you not dwell too much on legends."

"Well, you believe in the Savior, don't you?""That was an actual prophecy."

"Yeah, I get the picture! Why don't we just burn them to theground again and do it permanently? I'm sure the Savior hasn't even

been born yet, and we could take the White Rune! The Savior would be powerless without his precious orb! Who knows, we could even kill

those who will create and birth him! Be logical for a change, Alec!"Groaning, Gogh suggested instead, "It would be more logical,

Fenrir, to give them a good sense of peace and security before striking.Give it time, will you?"

Sighing, Fenrir agreed, "Very well; I'm sure the Dark Lordwouldn't approve of my recklessness. Maybe he has better plans!"

"You cannot depend upon His Lordship for everything.Besides, the Black Rune has not yet fully empowered him."

"That's because you're hoarding it all for yourself, Alec!"

"The Dark Lord's power depends not only upon the Black Runeitself, but the six other Black Runes, as well. Without me and the other Satans, he would be nothing more than the peasant King of The

Shadowlands and Vermin.""How're things going on over in Ymir, by the way?"

"The New Hampton Colony could fall any day, Fenrir.""Heh, pitiful Anglians and their precious colonies. Too bad

they're all divided, eh?""But they relate very well, I have heard. In fact, the last I heard

of the Anglian nations, they seriously consider unification to be on par



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with the Gaian Kingdoms.""They're still outnumbered, anyway!"

"Numbers matter not. Skill matters far more.""Yeah, you're probably right."

By now, Gogh and Fenrir had reached the other end of thehallway. They opened the doors there to reveal a vast teleportation

chamber, every bit as grand as the Dark Lord's throne room, withseven chandeliers symbolizing the Seven Satans, and a giant mystic

circle torches surrounded, with their colored flames symbolizing theSatans, as well. The circle itself was the Emblem of Niflheim,

containing a dark gray crescent pierced by a gray sword whose handle pointed to the center of the crescent's curve. Gogh walked to the

center, turning and facing Fenrir, who followed as well yet halted before the open circle of torches.

"Alec! Aren't you staying for dinner?""I will consider it later..."

"There won't be any later, Alec!""I could care less about consuming him..."

"Your loss! Where're you going, anyway?""Malice Island."

"Oh, there, huh? Meeting up with your friends, are you?""I cannot neglect my fellow Satans."

"Oh, so you're gonna dine with them, now?""I shall return in due time. I will see you later, Fenrir."

"Uh, bye, I guess."Fenrir backed himself to the hall's entrance, seeing Gogh stand

on the circle's center, closing his eyes and beckoning forth the device's powers, with the rising flames from the six torches indicating the flow

of energy. The Emblem of Niflheim glowed, and in a great flash, Gogh

vanished. Rubbing his eyes to recover from temporary blindness,Fenrir turned and left the chamber. At dinner, Fenrir consumed the bulk of Jordan, with the cooks and soldiers having taken tiny

samplings. Though the meal ached Fenrir's stomach (the cooks andsoldiers in fact died from what they had eaten), he recovered and slept

saga terra - jordan the wanderer

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