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"Alone?" Time stood still.
"Yes, he spoke of needing to rescue his brother," Gunnar replied, his expression somber. "I will take you to him."
"Lead the way."
Gunnar gestured for his men to lower their weapons and regroup, then turned to lead us through the treacherous marshes – and, I prayed, closer to reuniting with my family.
I followed Gunnar and his Raiders. The half-sunken ruins of an ancient civilization loomed before us, their decaying stone structures draped in ghostly moss, creating an eerie atmosphere. I could only imagine how desperate these warriors must have been to seek refuge here, but their determination was admirable.
We parked our transport vehicles in a hidden location nearby, shrouded by twisted trees and dense foliage. Stepping out, the damp air clung to my skin, and the muck underfoot threatened to swallow my boots whole. The scent of decay hung thick, making it difficult to breathe.
"Welcome to our humble abode," Gunnar said with a wry grin, leading us into the sunken ruins. The darkness swallowed us whole, and I couldn't help but feel a chill run down my spine.
Inside, the air was heavy with moisture, and the sound of dripping water echoed through the crumbling halls. The walls were slick with algae, and every step I took seemed to stir up centuries of stagnant dust. My stomach churned at the thought of Skadi being trapped in such a place for weeks on end.
"Sorry about the mess," Gunnar muttered. "We've been stuck here in these wetlands for weeks now, running low on supplies and food. But we won't give up on saving Skadi."
I felt a surge of relief knowing that my sister still lived. "She managed to get word outside of her whereabouts," I informed him.
"Skadi was always resourceful indeed," Gunnar agreed, a hint of admiration in his voice.
We continued through the dark, Finally, Gunnar stopped before a worn wooden door and pushed it open, revealing my son, Thor, hunched over a small table, diligently sharpening his dagger.
"Father!" he cried, his silver eyes lighting up as he caught sight of me. He dropped the dagger and ran into my arms, and I hoisted him up into a bear hug, my boy, my heir, was safe in my embrace.
"Tell me what happened," I urged gently.
"Some bad men came into our room the middle of the night," he explained, his voice quivering. "I cut myself free with a dagger and tried to cut Loki free when they caught me. The men tried to stop me, and I jumped out of the window of the vehicle, leaving Loki behind." Tears filled his eyes, and he choked out an apology for abandoning his brother.
"Sometimes I forget you're just a child," I murmured, hugging him tight. "It's not your fault."
"We have to save Loki!" Thor insisted, his determination fierce.
"Of course we will," I reassured him. "But you'll be going to the Keep first. Your father is worried sick."
Disappointment flickered across his face, but he nodded. "Yes, Father."
"Váli, arrange an escort to send Thor back to the Keep."
"Yes, Your Majesty," he replied dutifully.
Gunnar's eyes widened in surprise at the mention of my new title, and he quickly knelt. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I did not know."
"Stand," I commanded. "We are past formalities. Now, tell me about the fortress where Skadi and my son may be held."
"Of course," Gunnar agreed, rising to his feet. He led me to a makeshift meeting room, where pictures of a formidable castle adorned the walls, along with potential routes to reach it.
"This is Trelleborg Castle," he informed me. "Built before Ragnarok, it has somehow survived out here in the wetlands. The Spectral Raiders have spent weeks trying to infiltrate it to rescue Skadi. We've just come up with a new plan, but our supplies are running low. We were afraid our rescue attempt would turn into a last stand."
"Nobody will make a last stand if I can help it," I vowed, my voice unwavering.
Gunnar grinned ear to ear. "That's what I like to hear."
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
THORSTEN
"I arranged for an escort to take Thor back to Hrungnir Keep," Váli stated just before we began our meeting.
