Date: Mörsugur 20th, 598. (Alt: 2nd January, 599 AD.) Location: Götaland (Ancient Sweden.)
"FUCK!" Heath swears in English, his temper flaring from his carelessness. "How, did, she, know?" He reins it in to question Adal, who appeared understanding towards his distress.
"Just as the three sisters of Urðr, Verðandi, and Skuld guide the fate of mennskr, there are other beings of fate that exists for the different species. You had gone against the designed fate of who we shall not name, but simply brand as the Spiritual Guide." Adal slumps down.
"She has a greater relationship to the Spiritual Queen than the Norns do to Óðinn, and had warned that the soul-mimics had not matched their past exactly to what you have dissolved. Now, she is scouting where they were last known to gain clues to what happened." He squats now, understanding the possible carnage that may ensue. "She is cruel to her own children, why does she care?" Heath's mouth made a closed line, his teeth bearing out to nothing but to what countermeasures he should best do, and quickly.
"Because like the Jötnar, they are a persecuted race who have dwindling numbers, if this was not from their comparatively undefeatable nemesis, then they will search for whom they shall take revenge on next." Adal resigns to the last part, like an old, tired man.
"Which direction?" Heath makes sure he does not have any information wrong. "Currently by the south sea's Burgundarholmr (Bornholm island), it will take a day at minimum to arrive." That was enough, and Heath forced himself to wake up after saying thanks to Adal. "You know what, screw the punishment, I'll be warning Gorm." He warps himself in front of him, which leads to an overt reaction to him visibly failing the challenge. "Gorm!" He looks around, seeing he was in the leader's room while he was sitting at his table.
"Prepare for war against the Goddess of the Dökkálfar." Heath gives brevity to the situation. Leading to the Clan Leader to get up immediately and teleport in his hilt from storage. And further information is provided in sequence to gather their defensive potential.
As such, Heath completes the final version of the new weaponised armour with flight capabilities, utilising a similar concept to the hilts with CrCoNi and nanotube mixture for hyperdefensiveness, then copper sheeting for densified runic inscriptions for multiplicative effects and for greater mobile communication through the helmets in recognisable frequencies depending on the creature, so the original 10 armour sets and the 5 deer armour sets are reworked with equal care.[1]
Once completed, an additional 85 of 40 mennskr / 45 deer CrCoNi armour sets are created to be adjusted to the best warriors, each given equal parts 45 short hilts / 45 long hilts. So, a total of 100 empowered knights on the side of the extra 90 Bus-Guard golems.
A veritable fighting force, ready and under command by only two people that are the most entrusted for such a potentially perilous battle. Though, Heath has one thing he wishes to finalise before it is completed, for the urgency of the mental note towards the new private room outside of the Cavern requires attention. He warps into the general space within, which is just a simple empty box with patterned green plants that surround its exterior, the vines and roots forming unique magical inscriptions that Heath would have enjoyed studying.
But due to its urgency, as soon as he was sensed within this room, a magical sensor sprang up, which led to a series of *Zits* and *Pops* to appear, transporting a new soul that would materialise itself into a solid form. It anthropomorphised, and a stout entity began forming.
It was broad and squared in its shoulders, its head appearing normal for a man of his height yet too small for such a wide body, it had arms as thick as Heath's that were cracked and scarred, obvious in having a life too hard for a warrior alone, he was beardless, yet had a thick mane of black hair and eyes set upon Heath with a vehemence to what would appear soon. Heath could feel with his magic that he had a similar signature to Adal, one with the earth in magic and being, and with there being no other sons known of Jǫrð, he guesses.
"I greet Annarr, father of Mother Jǫrð." He takes a bow, so as not to appear disrespectful, yet not as subservient compared to a full knee. "I greet Heath Dollen of the Mennskrðrútan." Annarr does the same in a gravelly voice, as soon as he finishes his bow, both rise in unison.
"I wish I could say we have time for pleasantries, but I will keep it efficient." Heath works his eloquence, a skill learned from his acting classes when he was in high school. "I thank all of your involvement for the safety of these people." He nods towards Annarr, who is pretty much an ambassador between him and a figure much more powerful than himself. He knows they have an end goal and is using it for manipulatory purposes, but if it helps save lives in a hurried moment, he will see the finer line once completed.
"With your aid, we are as prepared as can be for the battle. With your calling, what do you wish for us to do in recompense?" 'For there is always a price.' Was left unsaid by Heath. "Your alliance." Annarr started with. "For the upcoming political tides." He thinks over.
"We know of your ability, to absorb the leftover power of souls. You may take the Spiritual Queen's as a prize. For your sigil would see her as fit for such a punishment from our belief." A table with two stools form between them, made of wreathed vines and flattened roots. "You may sit." Annarr does this action by sitting on his side, then Heath quickly follows in suit. "And." Annarr brings a mental image of his coworker, Adal. "They will keep in touch with you more often through a physical body." Annarr made Heath become confused.
"How would you do such a task when he is meant to stay in spiritual form to better see possible dangers?" Heath understands most of their powers, which he sees him smirk in response. "He will be under your command for you to solve, as seen fit."
Heath keeps his face impassive, but he internally frowns. "I accept the conditions, however, I am not the type to have living underlings. As to solving a puzzle, I do not enjoy going against their own will." Nothing else was said, and a silence swept over them. Annarr was watching him with eyes, ages old to a person who was nothing but a boy to him. "You have no choice. We thank you for the alliance." Annarr starts fading from the chair, causing Heath to physically recoil. "That's it?" Heath said annoyedly in English. He blows air through his nose.
He gets up and warps through to where Gorm and the rest are, expression full of annoyance. "You know?" Heath asks them in general. "Know what?" They answered in a disoriented way. "It may be best for me to decrease the external size of the Cavern now." Heath states.
"And keep it the same in the interior, what your plan was before, huh?" Gorm says, seeing the viability in helping increase the time taken for the home to be found. "Would it be fine for me to do that?" Heath's question was met with a nod from Gorm and looks from the others, it was enough, so he travelled out while still in the boundary of the new shield set up by Jǫrð. He sees the vine-like construction over the rounded fissure that circulates the entirety of his home. 'I will study it once I have time.' He now pictures how this process should be done.
Like other examples in the past, he follows the reverse square-cube law. He focuses on the connections that represent each and every portal and fortifies them through a minor tethering to an astral object, which, in this case, was his own soul.
Now. A concept to latch onto for his intent to work, he thinks to himself of many possible topics, but the greatest two he can focus on are the TARDIS with its adaptable spacing, or Hank Pym, but without the particles. The cavern starts shrinking, but keeps the same internal volume. This repeats thousands of times over a process of a few minutes, until he reaches a space about half a Model meter in width. He sees all of the connections externally work, now he must test if the portals do not cause disorientation when entered. He flies in.
His FOV from how he can see others through his soul bends much the same way as one would travel at superluminal speeds, sections turn more blue and wavelengths separate in scope. 'Blue shifting, did not expect that.' Heath says, surprised at himself.
'If I made the external space any smaller, would it count towards the information density limit and turn this into a Kugelblitz, or, because it is magic, probably not? Something to note down for later.' He memorises how the internal area would affect the teleportation, so that he can directly go in as required the next time he works. He tests the northern portal and sets his intent to travel to the original Völsung compound, he does so under 'normal human' limits and experiences an increased wave of dizziness in comparison to beforehand.
Under this state, he felt it much more intensely, as if put inside of a wash-dryer with a brick thrown in, it tussled in alternate directions while staying true to its path, his soul felt like a flailing in all manner of directions before coming to a sudden stop at his destination.
'If I had a normal stomach. . .' He holds himself by his knees. 'I should increase safety measures by slowing it down to manageable levels.' Which Heath does so, the speed has been decreased to be less than an eighth and for there to be inset speed dampeners. It may take longer, but one should no longer feel as sick through the tempestuous travel. 'Now for an avatar, to provide for Adal. I may not still fully trust him, but he will be a card in information gathering.' Using a similar process for the deer, he moulds a body.
Where did he get the body, you ask? The closest form Adal matched was the wolf, he found a male wolf carcass that had sadly died of starvation, then used it after supplying it with the necessary magic and nutrients to reform it into the werewolf-like description he had before.
It nearly perfectly matched how they presented themselves in the dream realm, the only difference being that it was slightly larger in size, about the height of a normal man while hunched over, and had a longer, thicker tail for easier counterbalancing. Heath's new direct connection with Adal allowed him to communicate with him more easily, as a bonus. 'How does this form look?' Heath internally asks him. 'Like if you were my creator's child in quality.' High praise coming from a person who held Rod in incredible regards.
'Thank you. And is this right for you to enter?' He gives a direct channel through to this soulless biological construct. Adal dove in very quickly. A gathering of magic occurred to allow for the soul to stabilise within the body and after a few Model seconds, the eyes.
They opened with the wisdom of centuries' worth of knowledge and experience. "Well, you went in fast, friend." Heath brought down a hand to help Adal get up. "*Heh*It is a new experience I did not want to waste, Nor expected you to provide me such a high quality of standard. I will make use of it to help this clan." He pauses, scanning Heath. "You are low on magic, even if still a high value, you should rest and absorb materials." Adal advises, knowing that when spending too much in comparison, it makes one feel tired and sluggish.
"Ah, as soon as you turn physical, you become an advisor.*HÁH!*" Heath shakes his head to himself. "You can treat me as a friend, you know. But I will follow what you ask of me." He travels together with him in a gallivant to the (elemental farm.) A small but pleasant walk.
Except for the fact that he was being stared at as if he brought a malevolent monster into their home. Heath had tried to calm them, but they still looked with daggers in their eyes, full of suspicion in case of spies. "What is your expertise on this situation?" Heath lets Adal lay his thoughts out, for he is one of the few people who has been provided enough information on this matter which they could not gather on time. "Those that you have already experienced." Adal fixates his vision, the Spiritual Queen's general direction in periphery.
"Are tamer by less than a percent of her own. She is sinister and cunning, and will treat you to your greatest desires, becoming fulfilled, before taking it all away again." Heath sent over a copy of his knowledge on Slaneesh through the psychosphere. "Like this?"
Adal looked in a mixture of relief and GREAT concern. "Much like that false stellar God, yes. Though she has no Alfrhǫll (Elven hall) to call her own, she sets all of her followers into herself for further equal dispersal or consumption." They pause, looking at this knowledge. "Your people have many ideas for a realm with no magic, imaginative bunch." Adal nods in full acceptance and Heath smiles awkwardly. "Like the one I showed, is she a controller of a concept? If we disturb or kill this Spiritual Queen. . ?" He rolls his hand for a say in the matter.
"She does hold sway over concepts like Freyja's. But this was stolen. Once she is dead, it will only transfer back to its rightful owner." Heath does a final question before he will take on tasks at hand. "Would Freyja know it was us who did this?" Heath saw Adal flinch minutely.
"Yes, though what I can gather from her character, she would not warn any of the other Æsir." From Adal's quickly masked, avoidant demeanour, Heath looked into his eyes, and saw that there was something he was hiding. "Tell me what is wrong with this plan." A tense time occured before Adal gave in. "I am the type of spirit who becomes stressed when tasks have a high chance of future risk. Accounting for her, it is closer to 40% for the Pantheon to search for us." Adal chose to be fully honest, which Heath silently huffed in amusement.
"I will take those odds." Heath gave a half smile while hearing footsteps walk in apropos. It was Asdos, and he appeared rather unfocused in front of them. "Who may this. . . Fellow be?" He, of course, provides correct courtesy. "He is a domovoy, a house spirit if you will."
"A house spirit? Are they not supposed to be rare?" Asdos asks in alarm, memorising of the overseas Clan's Cofgodas (Cove Gods) who were loyal, stuck up and strict, his biasism in full play now over this one's enigmatism. "His name is Adal. Adal, you may know him already, but he is Asdos. Yes, they are rare, but he has come to provide aid." Heath patted Adal's shoulder in a show of camaraderie. Though Asdos still showed his insecurity to a full stranger. "Gorm will be notified of this. Please do not mind." Asdos scampers off.
"He has a history with one of our kin, though not from our creator Rod." Adal realised and shook his head. "Most are much more arrogant, those not from Him?" Heath asks rhetorically with some confidence. "Mm, they do not know how to interact with mortals." Adal blinks.
"In this case, post-mortal, how you have handled it." He walks off into the farm to study it further, as to help Heath with this potential future strife. "I will be here studying it closely while you recover. I may gain some inspiration." His beard would almost float in reaching while his hands were by his sides, as if it were a tendril to grasp at the unknown. Heath just continued absorbing copper, silver and gold and filling his bar, which would take a few more Model minutes. "Hello!" A high-pitched greeting had perforated through the wall.
"Valyria, nice to see you, kid! How has it been?" Heath tried to put his mental strain out of his voice from his tone while intoning with false positivity. Well, she cut to the chase, feeling Heath's soul and his withered perspective. "I want to join the front." She enthusiastically told.
Heath's expression cracked and a fear of loss overwhelmed him. "No." Heath stopped absorbing the materials and crossed his arms. "At best, help with managing the weapons and armour, you cannot, WILL NOT, join our defences." And he was quite serious about that too. "Why not?" She asked, matching one of Jorg's retorts of flexing his muscles by her doing a pose that showed her strength and size. "Of course Jorg showed you that." Heath eyerolled. "I. Said. No." He ordered.
Heath was worried he may be being too strict as his tone reminded him much like his own father's, but he stuck to himself as he knew this was a life or death situation. "Your father is right. This is against a Goddess, not a common bandit." Adal steered in the background.
"I could use a runic injector for fighting techniques, I could learn from Gorm and memorise it instantly, so Papa, why not?!" She, as a very strong being, did a very scary temper tantrum, causing the ground to shake with multiple stomps in chaotic rhythm. "STOP!"
Heath, in his anger, said a power word interlaced with magic, which forcefully paused her in her tracks. "Just stop." He felt like he was going to choice on himself. "I do not want to lose you too." A cliche, yet heartfelt line that pierced her soul. "P-*HRM* Please, do not, go there." He raises a hand to rub her arm, a slow brush of warm skin to alive concrete, for him, touching those he cares for was a sign that they still existed. "So stay where it is safe." Heath pleaded as hard as any father could. (We will see soon if his wish has been followed.)
The Model hours fell, one by one, until the time came for the worst way one can develop. New weapons have been designed to deal death and destruction, silver-coated steel rounds shot through self-replicating ammo cartridges in M249 SAW-like automatic machine guns.
With the grenade covers also altered to allow for silver and cast iron frag rounds as external modifications, they are as good as they can be. "- All we can do is have hope." Gorm can't help but stare in the same direction Adal had once pointed to from behind one of the new machine gun prototypes. He sees its mechanisms and how it operates, even gripping its handle in a resolute posture with the help of the ranged weapon runic injector's aid in handling. "How far is she now?" Heath asks Adal, who is with external communications.
"She is close to Ura Suti (Where the Øresund Strait is.) Travelling southwards now to find the closest Clan compounds and small towns." He folds his hands inwards, arms outstretched, appearing prayer-like. "There will be much death, and I will pay my sorrow forwards."
'A show of respect. I see.' Heath does his own form, the traditional soldier's salute from when he was temporarily in the military before being dishonourably discharged. Behind him, the Völsung's version was putting a weapon-drawn fist against their chest with the blade or shaft facing downwards, but the newest interpretation made it so that it was only the hilt, due to it being too dangerous when powered on. Many of their eyes closed, and once they believed it was time, they opened them again. "Could we not save them?" Valyria asks.
"We will travel soon, but Heath's warp abilities only work if he memorises the location. It will be too late by the time we appear while hiding under all vision abilities." Egill surmises from what he knows, which Heath agrees by a single nod through torn-open eyelids.
"I will travel now. Goodbye." Heath makes sure to follow the direction correctly by following the sun. He uses his ability to generate heat through pressurising the air around him to remove all shadows with a minor red glow, he then casts around himself his own version of the cover of impairment talked about in Chapter 9 and the Unmemorability powers from Chapter 30. Applying both for any and all sensory, so no one can guess how fast or the distance he has travelled. He is ready and zooms off into the portal.
He teleports to ground level, then careens off to the right direction. 'Until I feel but a bit of her presence.' He keeps on guard throughout the entire few Model minutes of journey while travelling so quickly under intangible yet uncomfortably warm conditions.
He finally feels something, almost larger than life and entirely devoid of any positive traits, it is faint, but incredibly pervasive. It does not feel Heath, but he can feel her. It is the Spiritual Queen, and she is P I S S E D.
Her very essence screams violence and all of its possible adaptations, she appears to be getting close to a smaller settlement that appears to be the start of when mennskr soon recorded the first town in 1085, for Helsingborg. 500 Years too early.
He goes onto the ground, fully hidden from view of any possible work and uses the grenade cover to create the temporary portal. Placed, and everyone came through at a marine specialist's pace, guns drawn and ready and all extra weapons placed down for fortifications.
"That." Heath points at the black ellipse-like shape in the sky over the ocean, stilling the ocean and making the sky grey in comparison. "Is the one we need to fight." He exclaims in accusatory fashion, it being obvious that it was a detriment to their peace. "How do none of them see her when she is that obvious?" No names were given, yet all wondered the same. Why is the Norse Pantheon not doing anything with her presence? "They do not see her as a threat, a conceited perspective." Adal's distorted call comes through the portal.
"Of course they do not." Gorm grimaces before preparing all weapons to be aimed directly at her. "I will gain her attention with my strongest attack on the first try." Heath first looks at his left hand, reviewing the sigil. "Soul Dissolution?" He asks, which gives an affirmative green.
So, he channels all of his anger, his rage, his frustrations and violent impulses that he had kept down since the time he accidentally overloaded the first Dökkálfar ambushers. The power in his magic is coursing through him and absorbing what is externally his at an accelerated rate. This anomaly in magic gained a slightly disinterested look by the Spiritual Queen before looking at the mortals below her, her inexplicable looks not following any mortal's standards of beauty, yet captivating all on its own, when she felt a threat reflex.
It could not see anything except the anomaly coming closer at a rapid pace, yet every time it tried to focus, it could not. It put greater magic to her concentration, but it was too late. *KRR-SSHHAAWW* A sound like a fissure in reality, it crushed into the barrier around her.
Deformed, an indent into a thick balloon, it sharpened until it popped. Everything that held her magic in stability crashed down, and the attack launched her higher into the sky-
[1] ᛉ (Protection / Shield / Elk,) ᛇ (Yggdrasil / Yew Tree / Dream Rune,) ᚱ (Horse / Ride / Journey / Thor Rune,) ᛟ (Heritage / Estate Rune,) ᚾ (Need / Hardship Rune,) ᛗ (Man / Human / Self Rune,) ᚠ (Cattle / Livestock / Wealth Rune,) ᛖ (Horse / Twin Forces Rune,) and ᚨ (Odin / Inspiration / Wisdom Rune.)