Little Valkyrie

Chapter 2

When I woke up, a horse head was chilling on my chest.

I tilted my head up, and Einar whinnied.

It's about time. Everyone's been up for an hour.

"No one told me!" I said, pushing his head off and scrambling out of the tent.

It was dark... and no one was up. I turned around, and Einar was trying to worm into his bridle. I walked back.

"What are you doing? No-one's up."

I want to walk. I'm used to patrolling.

I sighed and nodded. I put his bridle on and looked around.

Let's go.

"Do you know which tent is my mom's? I don't wanna leave and have everyone freak out."

He huffed and nodded to the tent beside mine.

I poked my head in.

"Mom?" I asked.

She popped her head up. "Yeah, Astrid?" She asked, sitting up, slightly.

"Einar wants to go on patrol. Can I?" I asked.

"Yeah, just be careful. I don't know what he goes after on patrol but, watch out."

I nodded. "Okay mom, love ya," I said.

"I love you too, thanks for asking."

I nodded and popped back out. "Okay, Einar. She knows."

I mounted him bareback, and we took off where he wanted.

"So, what are we patrolling? This is Valhalla. What could go wrong?" I asked.

Nidhogg got in, didn't he? No realm is impervious to invasion.

I nodded. "Lovely. So you're a guard?" I asked.

Yes. And since you're my partner, you can come with me.

"Cool," I said.

I figured you might like it.

We rode along, and nothing really happened.

"It's quiet today, hmm?" I asked.

He stopped as hoof steps pounded the ground. He turned.

Hildr rode up.

"Back to work already?" Einar nodded.

"Well, it's time to head back to the city. Let's go." Hildr informed.

We rode back.

How did she find us? I wondered to Einar.

She knows my patterns and is aware of all the goings-on in Valhalla. Worry not.

I nodded, and we rode back to camp in silence. "So um, do I start when we get...back?"

Hildr nodded.

"Cool, cool, cool, cool. Okay."

My mom walked over. "Uneventful patrol?"

I nodded, and Einar agreed.

"Fortunately," I said.

I am uneasy.

I conjured a dagger and looked around.

"Astrid?" My mom asked.

"Einar's uneasy. I feel weird too."

Mom looked around, and Hildr's horse perked up too.

I conjured a second dagger and looked around.

The ground rumbled slightly, and I looked down. I stepped back and tumbled, as the ground began piling.

Nidhogg came up and back down towards me.

"Aw heck no!" I rolled out of the way, and it ate like 20 pounds of grass.

Nothing new there.

I smiled and looked over at Einar.

He knelt down and bit my shoe, dragging me away from Nidhogg.

"Whoa boy!"

He pulled me behind him and nickered.

Do stay away from him. The older valkyries have more training, Little Valkyrie.

I nodded, and he stormed off.

He stomped on Nidhogg like Khan did to Mushu. When Nidhogg curved back around to get Einar, I chucked a knife at him.

Did it lodge in his torso? Yeah.

He promptly retreated afterwards.

"Don't mess with Einar," I said tiredly.

He came over and nudged my head with his.

"It's too early for this junk," I muttered.

My mom came over and hugged me. "Upsy daisy, baby."

I leaned on Einar and sighed.

"Alright, let's go back to the city. Once we pack and go back, it'll be safer. Especially for Astrid."

I sent Hildr a 'really?' look.

"It is defensible, Lokisdottir. Do not complain."

I shrugged and walked to my tent. "Let's go then. I don't wanna deal with Nidhogg." I asked.

She nodded and began packing as well.

I glanced over my shoulder to where Nidhogg had burst through the ground.

Einar bumped my shoulder.

"What's up?"

This is the first time he's gotten in here this easily. And so many times, too. And I'm upset he's coming after you.

I looked back. "Attached to me already, eh?"

It is my duty.

"Sure. Why does it bug you so much, though?"

Nidhogg isn't intelligent. Someone's telling him what to do.

I turned around. "So someone wants me? I'm dead!"

He nickered. You are valuable.

I sighed. "I'm not going to get to have 5 minutes of peace am I?"

He shook his head.

"Fine, I see how it is." I shoved my roll back in its bag and stood up.

Once I exited my tent, I flicked my hand, and everything was disassembled and in a neat pile.

Hildr shook her head and went back to work.

I nudged Einar with my elbow. "Eh? Eh?"

He nickered and shook his head. Show off.

"Says the one who makes a show of stomping Nidhogg."

He huffed again.

I strapped my stuff to his saddle and went to help my mom.

"Hey, Astrid."

I smiled. "Hey, mom." I held the knot while she tied her bag.

"So, how are you feeling?" She asked.

"Surprisingly, okay. I guess I'm just taking my own death easier than I thought I would. I'm still worried about dad." I said.

She nodded. "Loki's stronger than either of us knows."

I pursed my lips. "He always feels like he's letting you down when I get hurt. I guess he promised you he'd take care of me."

She suddenly looked utterly heartbroken. "He promised when I was pregnant with you. He said he'd 'always, always, always' take care of both of us. He probably felt bad enough when I died. He probably feels worse now."

I nodded. "That's what I'm worried about."