“A simple potion to offer you visions. I can cook a stronger one if you’d like.”
I snort. Lightheaded, I sit on a bench. Light is brighter than usual. Dancing orbs flickering back into inexistence.
“How long was I gone?”
“Not long.”
“How could you do this to me?” I ask in disbelief.
“Don’t be silly, girl. I was only opening your eyes. It’s a Volva’s duty to show her students a glimpse of the other side.”
“A glimpse? You call that a fucking glimpse?”
“It wasn’t that much. I barely felt any?—”
“I thought I was dead.”
“Perhaps you are. Perhaps you are still dreaming.”
“Please…”
Enough of this shit. I stand but stumble, my legs ill-prepared to carry my weight.
“Sit, child. Let us talk.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“You would be wary, scared. It would affect your experience negatively.”
“How could it possibly have been worse?”
“Well, just trust me—some journeys are harder than others.”
“Fuck…”
“You need sleep,” states Ylvin. “But first, tell me what you saw.”
“You wouldn’t believe me.”
“My dear, I’ve talked to a wolf the color of blood. I’ve had trees force me to dance. I will believe you.”
“Well, I think it was…” I hesitate. I will surely sound like a crazy woman saying it. “It was the Norns.”
“Norns? Which ones?”
“Urd, Skuld, and?—”
“Verthandi,” says Ylvin, her eyes lighting up.
“Yes. She was the worst.”
Ylvin is excited, kneeling next to me.
“Such a blessing!” she whispers. “You are touched, my dear Kilda. Please tell me, what did they say?”
“They bickered a lot,” I say, making Ylvin laugh.
“I’m sure they did.”
