Khalus Goes to Hel

A few hours later the mother and son wake and clean themselves up. They make their way out of the queen's chambers and back to the throne room. "How can I get to Helheim quickly?" Khalus asks his mother.

"It is a realm of death. How do you think?" She replies with snark. She sighs and holds her son's face gently in her hands, "My son, I am truly glad you have found love, but Hel....she is merciless and will not let you leave with a soul she has claimed without paying heavy price."

Khalus nods. "I understand, but I must do this. Emily is everything to me and I will not leave her in the clutches of someone so cruel." he steps away from his mother an closes his eyes with a focus. Magically, Kallista emerges from his body and stands next to him. "She will return to the mortal realm and continue gaining worshipers while I bring my beloved home."

Roshana waves her hand and casts Kallista out of Volsona and back into the mortal realm. "And I suppose you would have me kill you now?"

"I would trust no one else."

The god-queen raises her hand and it ignites in golden flame. "Goodbye, my son." She plunges her burning hand into her son's chest and the flames consume him, turning him to nothing but ash.

Khalus screams in agony as his body reforms. He looks around and sees that he's on a cliff in a massive cavern, large glowing green crystals jut from the walls and in the distance is a city of black stone. Above this city hang the roots of a gargantuan tree, a dragon clings to the roots and gnaws on them with ferocity. A loud screech rings out from behind him and as he turns to look he sees a sickly-looking dog the size of a truck.

The beast charges at him and Khalus snaps his finger to turn it into a butterfly, but it has no effect on the creature. The beast tackles Khalus to the ground and snaps its jaws at his face. Khalus quickly teleports behind the beast and attempts to kick it off the cliff, but before he can do so a whip wraps around his legs and pulls, causing him to fall over.

"Garm! Heel!" A woman's voice calls out and Khalus sees the beast walk over to its master and stand next to her. The woman has long blonde hair that is shaved on one side, piercing blue eyes, and chainmail armor that covers her muscular form. She walks over to the trickster. "What is your business here, outsider?" She asks as she puts a foot on his chest.

"I have come here to make a deal with Hel." Khalus replies with fierce determination.

The woman chuckles. "A deal? That is a foolish notion. Let me guess, a loved one has died and you want them back. Is that correct?"

Khalus nods. "I guess this must happen a lot."

"No. Most understand they have nothing to offer the mistress of death. What is it you think you can offer that she would have any interest in?"

The trickster shrugs. "I don't know. I suppose I'll figure it out when I get there."

The woman laughs. "That is only if you can reach the city. I guide new souls to Helheim and without my guidance you will aimlessly wander this cavern for eternity."

"Then guide me. I would be grateful for your assistance."

"And why should I do such a thing? You are an intruder. I should feed you to Garm." The large dog licks his jowls.

"I am a god. I can give you whatever you desire."

The woman stares at Khalus for a moment before her eyes widen in fear and she removes her for from his chest. "A god. Why didn't I see it earlier? I am sorry. I did not realize. Please forgive this error in judgement." She kneels and bows her head.

Khalus stands up and dusts himself off. "Well that's more like it." He smirks. "I suppose I could forgive this grievance if you guide me to the city. I may even keep my end of the deal and give you what you desire. What do you say?"

"Thank you, great one. I will guide you. It will be a long and perilous journey as the inhabitants are fierce and your power will diminish the longer you are here."

"Then I suppose we should get a move on." They begin to descend the cliff face and make their way through the dangerous cavern of Helheim.