AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She nodded. “I’d wondered if it was him who tried to harm me. Odin’s ravens were nearby, but he is virtually powerless—except as a messenger. Had I known Loki was nearby, though…” Her hands curled into fists on the arms of the throne, and the wood creaked in protest.
“I’ve tried to aid her as much as I can without coddling her. I’ve given her what knowledge I have, listened when she needed it, and encouraged and bolstered and scolded when necessary. I am not the Guide, though, and my actions put both Pixie and the First in danger.” He hung his head. “I have murdered no one, but I am ready to accept the judgment and punishment for the crimes I did commit.”
Freyja and Frigg rose as one. He braced himself as they exchanged a look.
“Wait!” Pixie’s voice rang across the space, echoing against the far walls. She strode forward in her human form, then shrank into the small, black cat she’d been born as.
“Do you have something to add, Guide?” Freyja asked, the mildness of her tone edged with irritation.
Pixie bowed her head. “I am not the Guide.”
Archibald stared at her. “Of course you are. You bonded with her, fought with her so seamlessly it looked like a choreographed dance, and your energy bolstered each other. That’s why she was there, how she saved me.”
“No.” Pixie’s tail switched back and forth. “She appeared as soon as you were speared, sword in hand and spitting mad. She’d killed three of Loki’s creatures before they even registered she was there.”
“How did she find us?” Archibald asked dumbly.
“Look at your feet,” Pixie directed.
Archibald stared at her but did as she instructed. He sat back on his haunches and picked up a single paw to examine it. It was fuzzy and pink, as always. He cocked his head at Pixie.
“Your feet were shredded,” she pointed out. “You could barely walk, and yet you sprinted away after the fight ended on whole feet and with more energy than I’d seen you with the entire time we were together. And the First’s strength was bolstered when you woke. You bonded with her. You are her Guide.”
Archibald shook his head to negate her words. “I didn’t bond with her. I didn’t want anything to go wrong in the ritual, just in case I’d remembered it wrongly.”
“Maybe not fully, and yet…” Pixie said.
Archibald sank into himself. If he’d screwed things up so badly that he’d bonded with her when it should’ve been Pixie, they’d have no choice but to execute him. Only death could sever the bond.
He bowed his head. “So be it,” he whispered. “Please make it quick.”
“Make what quick, Archibald?” Freyja asked.
“Death. I know I’ve wronged you over and over, but please have mercy.” The words nearly stuck in his throat. So many mistakes.
“He tried to sacrifice himself to save her,” Pixie said. “And she cried when he left. He is not the Guide I would’ve been, but he is strong, clever, and loyal.”
Frigg and Freyja strode across the arena to stand in front of the cats. “And you would abdicate in favor of him?” Frigg asked.
Pixie crouched next to him. “I would, especially if it means you won’t kill him.”
“Then we accept your recommendation and your resignation in favor of Archibald Maelstrom, but with two conditions.” Frigg looked between them.
“What are they?” Pixie asked.
Archibald raised his head in amazement, unable to believe what was happening.
“Archibald, you must complete the ritual as soon as possible. You have bonded with her, but until it is complete, neither of you will experience the full benefits. It is fortunate that it works as well as it does.” Freyja crouched in front of the cats. “Pixie, you must guide him as needed. You have more knowledge and very different skills. You will be a partner at times, a mentor at others, and a friend when needed. Do you accept, Pixie Sunshine?”
She nodded her small, furry, black head. “Yes.”
“Archibald Maelstrom,” Frigg said, crouching next to Freyja, “do you agree to treat Pixie as a teacher and mentor as well as a friend?”
“Yes. Oh, yes,” he said fervently.
The goddesses rose. “Then it is done.” Freyja winked at them. “And you’re welcome for the open door…”
The ground shook, and dust rose, blinding him.
