55Isengard was a solo project created in 1989 by the drummer of another Viking Metal band, Darkthrone.
It is in fact named for J. R. R. Tolkien’s Isengard and the figure in the band’s logo was taken directly from the Lord of the Rings RPG namedMiddle-Earth Role Playing. It is not the only Norse metal band to take imagery and inspiration from Tolkien’s novels, and Saga’s father undoubtedly listened to them as well, because as it turns out, Viggo Trygg was not merely a thrill-seeking doctor metalhead…but also a huge nerd.
56Despite sounding like a sneeze to English ears, this sweet eggy pancake is quite tasty and can be had as either breakfast or dessert.
Chapter 19
Avery
They took a cab to Knightsbridge, first because the rain had started again and second because Saga had made a point that she would not be battling for a place to sit on the tube while wearing “these bloody shoes”.
It was an understandable sentiment, as the aforementioned shoes were heels of a magnitude Avery had never seen. The sole of the toe sat on a platform of nearly three inches, whereas the heel itself rose a total of six. They secured to her leg with a series of buckles and straps that twisted all the way up to just below her knee, giving the impression of a gladiatorial sandal. It accentuated the definition of her strong legs in a manner Avery found…hypnotic. This precarious perch raised her height from Avery’s shoulder to just about eye level, and every shift in weight or position engaged different muscles through her lower body.
Avery reminded herself, more than once, that it would be impolite to touch them, even if it was for scientific observation. She wasn’t used to mortal women who didn’t perform physical labor for a living having such defined muscles. She would have to inquire, at a more opportune time, if Saga participated in some kind of sport.
Saga maneuvered in her shoes with the ease of a circus performer on stilts. They were practically an extension of her limbs as they climbed out of the cab and ducked under the awning of the condominium.
The doorman nodded to both of them, opening the door so they could sneak inside out of the rain.
The Regent was appropriately named, as the lobby was decorated for theroyalty of old. Avery thought it looked even a little garish. But what struck her most of all was the monitor on display in the lobby and visible through the great glass doors that showed guests a broadcast rotating through several hidden cameras, making it quite clear to any who entered that they would be watched. She wondered how well this worked to deter break-ins.
Avery nodded to it. “Does that work like the camera on the phone? Capturing images?”
“Should likely capture full video as it’s displaying now. If we’re lucky, they keep footage long enough that we can prove Valentina might have…” Saga frowned as she gave the monitor another look. “Wait a minute, why… Why do you look like that?”
Avery smoothed down her vest self-consciously before checking the image of them was currently on display. “What do you mean?” She scrutinized the video: Her hair was in place, and her suit well-fitted. True, she didn’t quite match her companion’s dress with its short hem and modern cut that hugged the curves of her frame far more than anything Avery had ever seen her in, but she thought she herself looked quite dashing.
Saga glanced from Avery to the video feed, becoming even more perplexed. “In the video, you don’t look like you. I mean, you do, but youdon’t. Your hair is an entirely different color.”
Avery felt the wisps on the nape of her neck raise. Had her glamour failed? She examined the video feed but saw nothing out of place. Dark hair, a light but warm complexion, blue eyes. She grinned at it, then frowned. Her fangs were concealed, her ears still rounded. Nothing had faltered. “I look the same as you’ve always seen me.”
“No you don’t,” Saga insisted.
“What color is my hairnormallyto you?”
“Silver? White? It’s actually rather remarkable, I can’t quite pinpoint the color. It shines. My first thought was that it looks like moonlight…but that’s a weird thing to say, I can tell because you are staring at me, and that never means something good.”
Avery’s mind raced. How was this possible? She’d never fully removedher glamour in front of Saga, and even now, it was clearly still in place so how… “Can you see through glamours?”
“You mean like makeup?”
“May I help you ladies?” The concierge called to them from the desk.
Avery put up a finger to indicate they would be with him in a moment and led Saga off to the side. “Saga, my hair is naturally the color you described.”
Still not understanding, Saga shrugged. “Okay? I mean, considering your befuddlement with hair dye, I sort of figured.”
“And my eyes—or ears, how do those look to you?”
