Locked doors

“Why isn’t it working?” Lagertha screeched slamming her fists against the table brushing off Alfhild’s comforting hands, “It will Lagertha, then we can see what is locked away there” Lagertha nodded but it was the Seer who responded explaining the process, “It’s not just I can make a potion for you to drink and explore these memories... you need an symbolic item, event or an memory to begin so you can open your mind, Ernak’s was his bow” “There has to be a way!” “There is but it isn’t pleasant and Ernak would kill me for doing it” “Tell me!” Lagertha demanded and sighing the Seer simply huffed before explaining, “Pain. A lot of can trigger memories to start, almost like the God is trapped in an human body. The problem is you may not survive the pain and I would need to find that one mark or cut that your god had to trigger it. The problem is we don’t know who you are!” Lagertha sighed before slamming her fists to the table barked, “So what?” “I say we wait for Ernak to come back he may have found something or can offer some advice that could help us!” Alfhild suggested but shaking her head she spat back, “I must know. No I need to know” “Why?” Alfhild snapped back, “She wants to know if she is Freyja” Alfhild laughed before misunderstanding the reason boosted, “And you lectured us about vanity” “It’s not like that” the Seer responded, “Logos’ lover was Freyja. I to am interested in this. If not then who is and who is yours consort? If so is that why you were both naturally attracted to each other?” “Well I have to be female right... that narrows the field a bit” “No I assume you don’t have to be female, you could just have been reincarnated as the opposite sex!” Alfhild pointed out, the seer agreed before replying, “The field is considerable down to 9 possibly 10. You see that mark... only a few went through that to ensure they would be reborn according to Ernak tale they were: Tyr, Odin, Freyja, Thor, Freyr, Idun, Heimdallr, Sif, Loki and Logos. Logos was used to counter Loki who implanted his dna into the device at the end. We know Ernak is Logos leaving 9. You have to be one of them 9” “Why suggest 10, then Seer?” Lagertha questioned and leaning back against her table the Seer explained, “From what Rosa told me, Logos and Freyja went south just before her ****; I assumed seeing their success in the North that Logos would have suggested it to his family in the South... maybe Logos or Freyja were plugged in again, I hope this isn’t true because it suggests more would have undergone the procedure and then how many others are there?!” Alfhild nodded before returning to her suggestion explained, “Like I said. Ernak is looking for his family or something that belongs to him, let’s see what he finds before suggesting anything drastic but for now this conversation never happened. Come on Lagertha we have duties to fulfil.”

“It’s been almost two weeks Ernak are we almost there? The crew is growing restless” Torvi questioned as she stood next to her raiding leader and nodding spoke to his crew, “We have barely a days rowing left and then we can plunder the riches of the land called Greece. I have heard of the sloppy capitol just lay on their backs and don’t even put up a fight and the legendary warriors from the land called Sparta. I ask you all this what do you want? Kill some weak Athenians with all the wealth first or do we test ourselves against those they so called warriors?” Ernak looked back and seeing him look over to the air Torvi knew he was getting an message passed on to him and nodding Ernak raised his hands up to quieten the crews, “These Athenians would be easy but here’s my suggestion... we take on these warriors and plunder their riches, take their weapons and use it against them. We then push north and slay these layabouts? And when we have two much loot to carry we’ll take one of their own ships back home?” the crew cheered and falling back silent Ernak merely turned back around where he heard Torvi ask, “Change of course?” “Logos remembers they lived in the south of Greece, his branch did because it was more secluded and peaceful, just harsher in climate. We may find out more there; I want Gundr to lead the raid and I’ll search for answers” “Does he know?” “He’s Ivars brother of course he knows. He also knows my condition of no damaging temples and an rendezvous if we aren’t back in time” “We?” Ernak smiled before looking at her commented, “I want you with me Torvi. I want you to see it as I do. I know you believe me and therefore you will be rewarded in seeing what I see, learning what I learn and get what I get” “I... thank you, I didn’t think you would want to share such knowledge” “At least you can support my story when i retell it back home!” “You know I would, I would until the end of the world” he nodded wrapping his arm around her, “I know Torvi, I know.”

“This the place?” Gundr asked and nodding Ernak stated, “We take everything we can lay our hands on. Gold and valuables first” “Slaves?” Ernak shook his head before commenting, “Not unless we need them to row our boat” he agreed looking at the other longships getting ready to raid. Then as the ships touched the sand, Gundr handed Ernak the horn, “It’s only right!” Ernak nodded before in one long blow signalled for the raiding to begin. Ernak lead from the front killing the men with Torvi face painted next to him using her shield to knock the unarmed man to the ground, “Where now Logos!” Ernak called out firing an arrow at the farmer who had now armed himself with a farming tool, “What do you mean you don’t know? I don’t care if it’s changed... is there an landmark that you can get your bearings from?” Torvi barged down the nearest door before seeing the temple Ernak stated, “Well whilst Logos is trying to make his mind up, Odin suggested going to the temple. Let’s go!” Torvi retrieved her axe and nodding barked, “Then let’s go!”

Ernak charged to the closing doors but seeing they were stopped by what must have been their Seer or Eastern equivalent she simply spoke, “You obviously want something, no one so distant would come here without a reason... so come in, leave the barbarians out!” Gundr killing the first guard snapped, “You can’t be serious it’s a trap...” Ernak contemplated it before raising his hand up to halt the advance replied, “This is their faith, their scared ground, they wouldn’t dare defile it with blood. Torvi you will come with me; the rest will continue to raid” “Just look after yourself kid” Ernak nodded before replying, “Your faith in me will be rewarded. I will tell you what I can afterwards” “As long as you are honest with us, we’ll follow!” Torvi held her axe freshly wiped clean but seeing Ernak sheath is blade followed his lead but making sure she took the first steps in.

The room was undamaged apart for the partially damaged statue which was in the middle of being repaired, “I’m sorry if we damaged it” Ernak stated bowing and encouraging Torvi to follow suit the woman nodded before commenting, “It wasn’t you. It was another raiding group a few months back. You aren’t clearly from them so tell me where do you come from?” “The north from a land called Denmark and yes we have come for a reason!” Ernak looked to his left to hear from Logos, “This doesn’t seem right Ernak, she’s hiding something I just can’t picture what” “Look familiar?” Ernak queried and nodding the woman spoke, “Who are you talking to?” Ernak looked back to face her and Torvi now with her hand on her axe readying to draw Ernak stated, “Myself, just talking to myself!” she nodded before walking forward stated, “So why have you come?” Ernak contemplated his next words carefully before asking, “Tell me... do you ever question of those who came before us?” it was then that Ernak saw her flinch only for a short time but it was noticeable, “The gods? You mean them?” Ernak leaned back against the wall before asking, “Not necessarily... what about those before us? There had to be someone before us? What if they knew more than us? More developed then us?” the woman grabbed her sword before holding it up snapped, “You’ve heard haven’t you? That I hear the voices of those who came before... so who are you? The Hidden One’s? The Order of Ancients? Or just an scavenger looking for valuables to sell?” Ernak raised his hand to inform Torvi to back off before standing up straight spoke, “Why don’t you tell me my name and I’ll tell you mine?” “No just tell me why you are here?!” “He’s looking for his family” Torvi snapped to which the woman trying to make sense of it spoke, “So you have come from Denmark to Greece to find your family...” “You know what he means!” Torvi spat back but shaking her head they heard, “No. I don’t! So tell me who you are!” Ernak nodded and looking over to Logos heard him state, “I know her... it’s the hair and eyes, it’s Nyx. Tell her about the time she was caught trying to see Artemis to apologise for what her husband did and I covered for her claiming I invited her over to teach me about astrology” Ernak nodded before stating, “Do you remember the time; that you were caught sneaking into my house; to apologise for what your husband did to Artemis and I lied for you. I claimed you were teaching me” “Astrology” the woman finished and lowering her sword asked, “Logos?” Ernak nodded so rushing back to grab an device she quickly activated it to illuminate the room in a golden light and smiling Torvi finally saw the figures that Ernak was talking to and the hooded figure next to the woman.

She rushed up and leaping into Ernak’s arms cried, “I can’t believe it, you survived... I had always doubted it because we heard of no word from the North being successful but yet here you are!” Ernak nodded before stating, “Yes, it was an device; to make the Isu be reborn right?” Nyx nodded before understanding it a bit more asked, “The voices and memories have just started?” Logos nodded before explaining to everyone including the amazed Torvi, “Ernak hasn’t long started to remember the memories and learn the abilities that we have to teach him. Unfortunately Odin is here, we had hoped he wouldn’t make it!” Nyx nodded before asking, “This was your idea so I must ask... how is your host?” Logos looked at Ernak before smiling almost fatherly replied, “He isn’t an host. We’ve agreed that he will maintain his memories and life but also absorb mine, he will eventually accept what he is and what is required of him but he will still enjoy what life he has” Nyx nodded before accepting his decree apologised to her host, “Nisha, I apologise for what has happened; I thought we were here to take control not share” “That’s okay, I am you after all. So you’re Logos?” Ernak nodded as she turned to the only one without anything behind her and asked, “And you?” “She’s Torvi” “Can we trust this human?” Ernak nodded before stating, “I wouldn’t have brought her here if I didn’t. She knows of me and has supported me through this process. She may not have the blood but she is one of us and would lay down her life for us!” Nisha nodded to show acknowledgment before asking, “So what next?” “I’m looking for my sword, the rest of the memories are on there, it’s in my house. The thing is with how much things have changed I can’t pinpoint where or if it still stands” Logos explained and nodding she replied, “We need to find Athena. She’ll know; she was closest to you and Freyja before we all passed on...” Logos nodded which caused Torvi to ask, “Athena is...” “She’s in Athens, where else would she be?” Nisha stated and nodding, Ernak asked, “So what do I call you? Nisha or Nyx?” “Nisha looked over to Nyx and kneeling to her spoke, “Call me Nyx!” Nyx looked down to her and almost looking questioningly to her host heard, “I never had much of an life anyhow” Nyx nodded before touching her hand stated, “I won’t let you be forgotten and thank you!” then as Logos explained Nyx disappeared leaving Nisha now glowing with her markings as she spoke, “I need a change of clothing” Logos nodded to Ernak who signalling to Torvi to find some watched as the reborn Nyx kissed Ernak’s cheek and spoke, “Nice to see you again Logos.”

“Nice to see you in one piece Gundr” he nodded smiling at the small sum of riches that they’d earned before seeing the raven haired woman climb aboard asked, “Woman from the temple? Do I even want to know?” Ernak contemplated it before offering, “Let’s just say she’s my aunt and friend from another life...” he nodded seeing her unarmed person and handing her an axe stated, “If you are going to dress like one of us then at least be armed like one” she nodded to thank him looking to see how it hung from Ernak and Torvi’s waist and feeling Torvi assist her then felt Torvi place a shield to her back, this caused Nyx to state in a playful smile, “It’s nice to see the Northerners haven’t changed you completely Logos!” “Oh how so?” she pointed to the dual blades sheathed to his back before continuing with her point, “You always did favour the dual swords and your mother’s bow. Still haven’t missed a shot I assume?” “Even when I miss it hits” Ernak joked before ordering the ship to sail Ernak called out, “Its time to get some real loot!”

Nyx stood naturally close to Ernak which made him weary but understanding that this must have been the case in the previous life, however Nyx didn’t neglect Torvi either she would willingly talk about her life before the end of the known world and she would also reveal some funny stories about Logos when he was younger; for example his crush on the “untouchable” Athena and how she soon became touched which caused Zeus to riot. “So what are you Torvi his lover?” Nyx queried whilst Ernak looked out at the sea looking for an place to raid, “Not exactly... My sister and him were together, had been for an longtime and when his back was literally turned those who he called family married her off; against her will to his “brother” because he would soon be Jarl of the clan” “So he left?” Nyx asked and nodding Torvi explained, “He had started to hear the voices and feeling betrayed by everyone left to go with Ivar an relative of Sigurd who actually treats him well” Nyx nodded before smirking asked, “And you? Are you his first worshipper? Friend? Family or do you desire to be in his bed?” Torvi blushed and smirking Nyx already knew her answer but waited for Torvi to explain it, “Technically I would be his stepsister but I’m truthfully his best friend after Ragnor did the dirty on him. I... I would love him to move on from my sister but I know he never would and us being together right next to my sister would bring him more pain then simply being alone” “I’m sorry Torvi but I suppose none of this matters. If he is conscious then Freyja will be maybe even both of them and that will cause him to forget about any of his previous lovers, I know it did originally” “Both? There’s two?” Nyx nodded before stating, “The one in the North and the one Logos demanded was prepared in the South in case something went wrong with the North’s. He was going to have an second but he spent his time killing Zeus to stop him for gaining access to it” “What if both are walking around right now?” “Doubt it, ours was highly programmed to be kick in around this time. The north was to just trigger the memories whenever and where it felt like it. This is why I was surprised to see Logos up” “So if you are alive then the others will be including his Freyja” Nyx nodded stating, “And the others” “You sound half annoyed by it?” “Let’s just say me and Logos... it is just like you and Ernak minus the sister and we were together for a few years” “I’m sorry Nyx. If he was anything like Ernak then we have both missed out” “Well it did change later... I didn’t know Freyja was so adventurous and accommodating” “Wait what?” “Let’s just change the subject...” Nyx urged, “I’m going to feel left out soon enough all his family with glowing lines on their bodies and here I am normal” Nyx laughed before replying seriously for a moment spoke, “It’s irrelevant, he trusts you with this information and you around us; that means more than our presence here. He chose you not has to accept you for what you are” Torvi contemplating nodded before looking at Ernak asked, “He looks different now or has he always looked like this? He looks more like Logos” Nyx looked at Ernak as well before replying, “His appearance hasn’t changed, it’s just Ernak and Logos both share a similar appearance to each other, we all do. Now that you have seen what Logos looks like the similarities have just become more noticeable; the lines... well everyone of us with an Isu device has them” “Thank you Nyx. I expected you all to be snobs or look down at me for what I am” “Some of us will because humans were made to be our slaves but I accept that this isn’t our world anymore and some have been carrying us to our rebirth and for that I thank you humans, anyhow Athens is near. I am actually excited for my first raid” “Just stick with us and you’ll be fine.”

“Ready?” Ernak grinned knowing what their answer would be and with an bang against their shields Ernak with one long blow of the horn leapt into the shallow water with Torvi and Gundr with their new ally quickly behind them, “What do I do?” Nyx asked killing an guard patrolling the streets, “Loot everything valuable, kill those who stand in our way!” Gundr stated watching Ernak kill an archer patrolling from the roofs, “You know where this temple is?” “In the centre of city almost, it’s not hard to miss” Nyx replied killing an running away woman, “Nyx, leave the women and the children, the men yes!” Ernak called out pointing out at a merchants stall as they continued through the town, “Almost makes me wish we could stop and explore!” Torvi stated studying the temples and statues that still stood from an civilisation centuries old. “Afterwards!” Ernak spoke taking the weapons from the blacksmiths shop and throwing a spear into an incoming man, “You’re going to need this!” Ernak stated throwing Nyx a sword and sheathing her axe she pointed to the hill, “That building up their. If she is conscious she will be there!” Ernak nodded and separating from the group followed Nyx to the temple above the city.

“Sheath your blades!” Ernak stated hearing the voices crying out to their gods and pulling his hoods up Ernak whispered, “Cling to the shadows until we know for sure what we are going up against! Torvi with me, Nyx take the right” and slipping in they watched from the shadows seeing the people begin to cower furthest away from the doors as the sounds of **** and cheering grew near, “Athena you promised me, you promised me answers. You told me, you promised me answers; you said a hooded figure would come for me and help me understand what is happening but I’m getting is silence, answer me! No of course silence and now these barbarians have come to finish the job” she yelled, “What now?” the youngest follower spoke and grabbing the glowing spear she spoke, “I defend her people!” she readied herself for the doors to be barged open as Torvi whispered, “What now?” Ernak looked to Nyx who nodding walked out from the shadows with Nyx and Torvi following him, the woman stood there aware that there were people behind her and nodding to those trying to warn her simply stated, “So you have come for me? Tell me are you an Hidden One or are you from the Order of Ancients, come to take my power for themselves?” Ernak took an step closer before stating something he didn’t know he knew, “You never did check the shadows Athena even when I was a boy and I took your books and hid” her arms lowered and turning slowly around in disbelief she replied, “You always did steal my work didn’t you, it was your way of calming me down” she smiled and rushing forward leapt into his arms kissing his lips which to all that watched saw his body stiffen clearly uncomfortable by the action and Nyx activating the device once again showed the latest progress of Athena’s host. “Interesting... By the look of it Athena is trying to forcefully take over her host but the body isn’t ready to be accepted” Nyx claimed to which Torvi questioned, “You know this how?” “You see the body behind her is just standing their, well when she talks it’s the human whose lips are moving; we need to fix this as soon as possible” “Nice to see one of us is fully aware!” Athena stated examining Nyx’s new body before seeing how far behind Logos was stated, “That’s explains why you were soo rigid. Whose the human? Your lover? What would Freyja say about this?!” Logos shook his head before replying putting her in her place, “It isn’t like that. Torvi is Ernak’s somewhat sister in law, good friends and trusted ally to us. With me and Ernak, we will merge as one not takeover the host. They have as much right to live as we do and therefore we’ll accept their life as part of ours. Now stop forcing yourself onto your host and explain everything to her!” “With all due respect Logos, this is what they were made for. Without us they wouldn’t be alive!” “They have been carrying our dormant conscious for all their lives and may have lives. Ernak does, a human named Lagertha and he has been through enough crap that I don’t need to effect anymore than I have to. Respect them because when you all didn’t last time a war broke out and killed a lot of us off!” Athena sighed before nodding spoke, “I’m sorry Melanie, this must be a lot to take in; I was just stressing because we weren’t gathered together like we all promised and Logos wasn’t here” Melanie nodded before replying, “A bit of explaining would have helped and I’m willing to share what I can with you, our thoughts were always similar and I was pretty smart for us “Humans.” At least we both agree on Logos’ new host... he’s hot!” Logos laughed which caused Torvi to defend the blushing man with, “He has a woman in his life and don’t forget it and even if he didn’t... I’m next in line! Now come on; Logos needs his sword back. Oh and take this, if you are going to be travelling with us at least look the part.”

“Another one Ernak? Who’s see your sister?” Gundr barked out in laughter until stopping drooled over the glowing spear, “That must be worth a bit!” “And it’s mine!” Melanie stated talking down to him, “Oh I’m sorry your majesty. How should we all address you?” “Since you have asked, you’ll address me as Athena, goddess of Wisdom and warfare” Gundr laughed causing the others to follow suit which caused Nyx to mutter, “Athena, it is their world now, not ours... Either Athena or Melanie is wise!” she sighed before stating to the crowd, “Melanie, for now. Call me Melanie and I’m Ernak’s aunt” Gundr nodded before asking Ernak who was deep in thought, “Where next?” Ernak looked to Athena who asked, “You want to go to your home? If so we should head East from here. I’ll tell you when we are near” “How do we get in?” “There is no key, instead it will react to your voice” he nodded before hearing Gundr snap, “So we are following her? I understand we are searching for you ancestors and your history but the crew won’t keep on following you on wild fantasies. We need proof or commitment to raiding” Ernak nodded before kneeling to his rowing level stated, “Next to me is Nyx an reincarnated Greek god of the night and the one trying to put you in your place is Athena the Greek Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare both possess an artefact made by the gods. Now here’s my promise... After finding this site we will go back to raiding and we will raid soo much that we will have to steal an ship just to bring it all back in” he nodded before grabbing his arm in a way to show he accepted; Gundr stated, “If you did that then we would follow you to Hel and back.”

“Shouldn’t be far from here, I tried to enter it once but like the other groups they had struggled” Athena pointed out as they ventured down the narrow river, “This is all rock?!” “Lucky enough for you both groups have been that obsessed with us that after someone leaked an potential location they have dug it up for us already” “We should be careful then” Nyx replied Melanie agreed before replying, “Both assholes but the Hidden One’s are the slightly better group. The Order would just use us for advancing their power, at least the Hidden One’s are clueless in what to do next.”

There was silence for a few more minutes as they began to search the cliffs for a sign of something, anything. “So what is like to be a Norseman?” Melanie queried and shrugging Ernak asked, “Why ask me? I’m Hun” “Hun? They were from far East weren’t they? And you ended up in the North?” “Thinking back at it now, this must have been the reason my ancestors kept moving from place to place. To answer your question; when it functions it’s just a big village with warriors waiting to raid and fight. They believe if they die in battle they will reach Valhalla and go to Asgard which isn’t as nice as people think to help stop the inevitable Ragnarok; which has already happened, that Solar flare that destroyed the North and later the South; that’s it. Each clan is led by an Jarl and diplomacy is valued unless an agreement can’t be reached then its Holmgang. Apart for the culture and beliefs it’s the same as any other group of people, they have just adapted to their environment” she nodded before asking, “And by the look of it they are all big and axe wielding?” “No, quite the opposite a lot aren’t. The warriors fair enough you would expect it but they are just like anyone else apart for being slightly taller then others. They even have female warriors” “Not many!” Nyx pointed out and agreeing Ernak replied, “The idea is the men are in charge of the earning an living, raiding and fighting but the women are in charge of the household and with this comes a lot more privileges then in other communities. They can divorce their husband if they have reason to, **** punished seriously and as I said they do respect warrior women” Melanie nodded before pushing the topic further asked, “And Lagertha... is she an warrior?” “Yeah I was wondering what she was like too” Nyx asked wanting to see what her current competition was like, “She may not have Athena’s wisdom but she is kind caring and supported me when I had no one. In a world where I was singled out and alone she made me feel welcome and chose to love me when many others would have ignored me and joined in the laughter. She was an warrior at heart tied down by her father’s politics and a fighter against it. Even though she was **** to marry my “brother” she is still fighting with me against them and she put up with my anger, my pain but also my love. If you want looks she is bulkily that Torvi and has darker her, she has piercing eyes and a body that many would crave but would receive an axe in the head for trying. I would die happily with her in my arms or even die for her” Nyx with Melanie and Athena looked over to Logos who nodded in agreement was met by the cold reality of Torvi’s comment, “And when you meet Freyja? What then?” Ernak looked down disheartened by the thought until he simply said, “Then she better be worth it, Logos may want my body and he may want Freyja but hel, if she isn’t worth it, I will fight you ever single of the way for control of it” Logos nodded before replying, “Let’s just find the sword and then concentrate on Freyja. We can’t fight if we don’t know who she is!” Torvi nodded before replying, “If she isn’t, she will be dealing with me!” “And if she is you, magically?” Melanie snapped bitterly by the humans denial to accept their fates, “Then I will try my hardest to be same as her, if not better because I would have an role model to copy and a sister who would kill me for treating him anything less!” Ernak looked down before sighing spoke, “Well there’s apparently two of them out there so... who knows me maybe I’ll get lucky” Nyx seeing the agitated man tried to change the nature of the conversation with, “At least you’ll get a choice and if not... well...” “Well what?” Athena who had been wrestling for control over her host managed to **** out in a smile, “You’ll will find out eventually or you could ask Logos” before losing control and looking back up to Logos he replied, “It’ll probably be part of the sword memories or trigger them; let’s just say the South changed Freyja, changed her a lot. Let’s carry on!”

SIDE-NOTE: To make it easier for the reader I’ve used previous AC characters images for the reincarnated/Sages of each character. Soma= Nisha/Nyx and Randvi’s= Melanie/Athena (And to be fair, it would have made a lot more sense if Randvi was the sage of Freyja given the events of Valhalla).