The Bifrost Bridge, chapters 5 & 6

Chapter V

As Hanne and Solskin hurried across the Bifrost Bridge, Hanne couldn’t help worrying about Silje. She hoped that she had been correct about Loki not harming her friend.

From stories she had heard about Asgard and the Bifrost Bridge, Hanne knew that she had a long way to travel. The magic horseshoes were only capable of allowing Solskin to reach the rainbow. Once on it, the pony would have to use his own strength for the rest of the long journey.

Being up in the clouds, Hanne quickly lost her sense of time and space. She knew she had to put her trust in Solskin to get them to Asgard. She kept looking over her shoulder, fearful that Loki might try to follow her in his chariot. Just as she thought the journey would never end, bright light twinkled in the distance and she knew that they were approaching the golden walls of Asgard.

Patting Solskin’s neck she said, “We made it, Solskin. We’re almost there. Heimdall will be there to greet us. I’ll show him the magic horseshoes he had made for you. I know that he will help us.”

Hanne was happy to see the huge, seven-foot-tall, bearded warrior named Heimdall standing at the gate of Asgard to greet them. A falcon perched on top of the gate, looking down at the new arrivals. As Hanne tried to concentrate on Heimdall, she couldn’t help wondering why he looked a little blurry and why she had become so dizzy.

“Hello, Heimdall,” she said.

“Hello, Hanne. It has been a long time since I saw you. What brings you to Asgard?” replied Heimdall.

Before Hanne could answer, she swayed in the saddle. Heimdall caught her in his arms before she could fall, then carried her into the guardhouse just outside the city gates and let her down onto a cot.

“Rest while I take care of your pony,” commanded Heimdall.

Hanne wanted to say something, but she fell asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow on the bed where Heimdall put her. It was hours before Hanne woke up and looked out the window.

Heimdall stood outside looking towards the Bifrost Bridge. Turning to the door to call for Solskin, Hanne saw a honey mead horn and a plate of herring on a table. She gratefully sat down at the table to eat.

Just as she finished the meal, Heimdall came and stood in the doorway, smiling at her. “You look rested,” he observed. “I have fed and watered Solskin for you.”

“Thank you for all your help and for giving Solskin the magic horseshoes that brought us across the rainbow to safety,” replied Hanne.

“You are welcome, little princess. I knew that pony showed great promise when I first saw him. He wears the magic horseshoes proudly. Now tell me, why you are here?”

“Princess Silje was captured by Loki, and Norway is in danger,” answered Hanne. “I want to go to Valhalla and ask the valkyries for help.”

“Loki is in Norway? That is not good news. You better be on your way,” replied Heimdall. The large guardian took Hanne by the hand and led her out of the guardhouse to where Solskin stood in front of the city gate. Heimdall opened the gate for her while she mounted her pony.

Looking inside the open gates, Hanne was amazed with the beauty of this new world. The sky above had never seemed bluer and a gentle warm breeze, like that of a spring day ruffled her hair. The grass was the green color of summer while the leaves on the trees shone in the red and orange colors of autumn. The golden towers of the city glistened in the brilliant sunshine.

“Welcome to Asgard, Princess Hanne,” said Heimdall.

“It’s beautiful! There are so many golden towers, how will I ever find Valhalla?”

“Ride to the highest tower in Asgard, and you will be at Valhalla,” he replied. “Good speed on your journey!”

Entering through the open gates, Solskin trotted down a wide road lined with halls and towers. Everywhere she looked, people moved about on their daily business. It amazed Hanne they were, every one, young and had gleaming eyes like Loki. They all smiled and waved at her as she rode by.

Passing a park, she saw people playing a game on flying horses. Everywhere she looked she was reminded that she wasn’t in Midgard anymore.

Searching the towers as she rode along, she finally spotted Valhalla. Like Heimdall had said, it definitely had the highest tower in the city. Her father and his guards had often told her exciting stories about Valhalla. It was the home of the bravest warriors in the afterlife. All the Norse warriors in Midgard hoped that they would be selected by the valkyries to live in Valhalla after falling in their last battle.

One thing that puzzled Hanne was the falcon that followed her overhead all the way to Valhalla. The graceful bird of prey reminded Hanne of the raven that had followed her and Silje on the way to the lake. She couldn’t help wondering whether there was a connection between the two birds. However, she quickly stopped thinking about the birds when a beautiful, tall woman, wearing a swan feather dress, greeted her at the steps to Valhalla. The woman had long blonde hair, gleaming blue eyes, and a perfect smile.

“Welcome to Valhalla, Princess Hanne,” said the woman. “I am Svava.”

“Hello, Svava,” replied Hanne. “How did you know my name?”

“Everyone here knows who you are. You are a brave girl for coming to Asgard. We like that.”

“I had to come. Princess Silje has been captured by Loki,” said Hanne. “I need the valkyries to help me rescue her.”

“Then you will need to talk to Freya, the leader of the valkyries,” replied Svava.

“Where is Freya?” Hanne asked.

“She’s up there looking at us,” replied Svava, pointing into the sky.

Looking up, all Hanne could see was the falcon. The bird flew down to the ground, and magically changed into the most beautiful lady Hanne had ever seen. She couldn’t help but stare at the woman as she walked toward them, or rather glided. Freya’s sparkling eyes, shiny hair, and flawless skin mesmerized Hanne. When she reached the young princess, she took off her robe of feathers and laughed a wonderful, throaty laugh.

“Princess Hanne,” said Svava. “Allow me to present Freya, the goddess of love.”

Hanne tried to kneel down, but Freya gently pulled the princess to her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“I followed you to see what kind of girl you are. We will reward your bravery by helping you,” said Freya.

“Oh, thank you, Freya!” replied Hanne. “I just hope Silje is still alive.”

“The Princess of Norway is alive and well,” announced a tall woman who walked up to the group. She was almost as beautiful as Freya and she had hair made of gold.

“Hanne,” said Freya. “This is the goddess Sif, the wife of Thor.”

“Yes … Silje has your necklace,” replied Hanne. “She is wearing it as we speak.”

“Then there is no need to worry, Hanne,” said Sif. “The magic powers of the necklace will protect her because no one can take off the necklace except Silje herself.”

“But Silje doesn’t know she needs to keep the necklace on!” exclaimed Hanne.

“Oh, my,” said Freya. “Then we need to hurry. Svava, gather the other valkyries and have them dress for battle.”

“Yes, Freya,” replied Svava.

“And harness the cats to my chariot,” commanded the love goddess. “I’m coming with you.”

Svava grinned, bowed to Freya and ran into Valhalla.

Suddenly, Odin’s two ravens flew down in front of the group.

“We’ve learned more about the trouble in Norway,” announced Hugin, one of the two ravens.

“What news?” asked Freya.

“Fenris has rallied the trolls to attack Tunsberg.”

“Oh, no!” exclaimed Hanne.

“There’s more,” said Munin, the other raven. “Loki left Midgard with Princess Silje, but we don’t know where he took her.”

“Why is Loki doing all of these awful things in Norway?” asked Hanne.

“Because he’s angry with us in Asgard,” replied Freya. “Loki used to live here, but he liked to cause trouble. One day he went too far against Thor’s brother, Balder. Loki discovered the secret that the only thing that could kill Balder was mistletoe, so he made an arrow from its wood and tricked Balder’s blind brother Hoder into shooting the arrow at Balder during a target practice. Guiding Hoder’s hands, Loki made sure that the arrow pierced Balder’s heart, killing him on contact.”

“Then what happened?” asked Hanne.

“Odin, our great father, loved Balder and was furious with Loki for committing murder. He ordered the people of Asgard to capture Loki and his wife and to take them to an island prison. Loki was chained to boulders beneath a tree where a poisonous snake lived. The snake would dangle over Loki and drip poisonous venom on his body. The venom caused Loki great pain when it touched his skin. Loki’s wife, Sigyn, would hold a bowl between the two to catch the venom before it could touch Loki, but the bowl had to be emptied when it became full. Every time Sigyn would remove the bowl to empty it, the painful venom would drip on Loki. This punishment was supposed to last until the end of time, but Loki escaped along with his wife and son, Fenris. The giants are hiding them somewhere. One day we hope to recapture them.”

“What does any of this have to do with Silje and me?” asked Hanne.

“Loki knows everyone in Asgard cares about the people of Midgard. He is hoping we will give him what he wants in return for Silje.”

“What does Loki want?” asked Hanne.

“I know what he wants,” replied a girl, who seemed to appear out of nowhere. She looked to be about fifteen years old and had matching honey colored hair and eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she walked up to Freya. She carried a basket of apples, which she tried to give to Freya.

“Here, take these,” she said.

“Idun, we cannot give Loki your apples,” said Freya.

“We must,” insisted Idun. “I don't want anything bad to happen to Silje.”

Sif walked over to Idun, the immortality goddess, and wiped away her tears.

“Why does Loki want apples?” asked Hanne.

“Everyone in Asgard needs to eat Idun's golden apples to stay young. If we stop eating them, we will age. Loki and Sigyn don't want to grow old. They think that they can force us to do what they want, but we cannot allow that. In time, they will die without the apples and we will be rid of them forever.”

“But Silje will die if we do nothing!” exclaimed Hanne. “She is the greatest friend I’ve ever had and I must save her!”

“Yes, Hanne, we know that,” said Freya. “We will rescue Silje, but we must first save Norway. Loki won’t hold Silje alive for ransom once he captures Tunsberg. Once we save Norway, we will find a bargaining tool to force Loki to give back Silje.”

“You’re right. We do need a bargaining tool,” agreed Sif. “I can help you there.”

“More magic jewelry?” asked Hanne with expectant eyes.

“No, Hanne,” replied Sif, with a grin. “I’m going to lend you my husband, Thor.”

Hanne heard heavy footsteps coming up behind her. She turned around and saw a seven-foot-tall, muscular man with long red hair and brilliant green eyes. He wore metal gloves and an enormous belt around his waist. In one hand, he carried a golden helmet and he held a massive hammer in the other.

Hanne had never seen anyone with such wide shoulders and bulging muscles. His physique was very intimidating.

“So, the trickster is threatening the people of Midgard,” said Thor. “Loki must be stopped. I will help you!”

Hanne looked up at the thunder god in fear and leaned against Sif.

Sif put her arm around Hanne and whispered in her ear, “Don’t be afraid of Thor. He looks fierce, but he has a generous heart. He’ll do anything to help a sweet princess like you.”

Hanne smiled at Thor, who smiled back at her.

“Tell the valkyries, I’m ready to go,” said Thor.

Svava motioned for the guards to open the doors to Valhalla, and out walked fifteen valkyries, wearing golden helmets and breastplates. The sun created such a bright glare on the armor that Hanne had to squint her eyes to look at them.

“We are ready for battle, Freya,” announced Svava.

“Excellent. Svava, take one of the golden apples. We may be able to use it as bait.”

Svava took an apple and placed it in her belt pouch. “Come, Hanne, we’re taking you to Tunsberg with us,” she said.

“What about Solskin?” asked Hanne.

“Don’t worry. He’s coming with us too,” said Svava.

“But how?” asked Hanne. “He can’t fly.”

“Perhaps, he can,” said Svava, with a mischievous smile. She then removed Solskin’s bridle and replaced it with another one.

Overhead, the valkyries appeared on white horses, along with Freya in her chariot, pulled by two large cats. Thor joined them in his chariot pulled by two goats.

While Svava’s horse flew down so that she could mount it, she said to Hanne, “Today, you’re riding with the valkyries!”

“Yes!” shouted an excited Hanne.

Thor raised his magic hammer, Mjolner, up in the air and shouted, “We go to conquer!” Lightning flashed and a clap of thunder shook the ground as the valkyries gave a loud war cry.

“C’mon, Solskin,” yelled Hanne. “Let’s go!”

The pony started running and suddenly Hanne flew with the rest of them. Sif and Idun waved goodbye as the little army flew away to Tunsberg.

Chapter VI

Meanwhile, far south in the realm of Muspelheim, a captured Silje arrived with Loki and Fafni at a grim-looking stone tower surrounded by volcano peaks.

“Welcome to Lidenskap Tower, little Norwegian,” said Loki. “Don’t worry about being disturbed here. No one knows about this place. It’s a secret.”

‘How will anyone be able to rescue me now?’ she wondered. She would have to find a way to escape on her own. From now on, she would pay close attention to everything and wait for the right opportunity.

Silje looked about her, taking in as much as she could, while the drawbridge to Lidenskap Tower lowered. She had never seen a stone structure like the tower ever before. Soot covered the entire building, and the smell of smoke almost overwhelmed her. A moat of fire encircled the tower but just beyond the fire moat, lush green grass extended 200 yards in every direction, glimmering in the setting sun. Cows stood grazing in the ring of green grass around the tower and beyond there, volcanoes surrounded the tower, some of them smoking and rumbling.

Once the drawbridge came down, Silje turned her attention back to Loki.

“Why did you bring me here?” she asked.

“Because it will upset the gods of Asgard,” replied Loki. “Odin’s followers planned to torture me with snake poison until the end of time. This is one small way for me to punish them and get what I want at the same time.”

“You do bad things,” Silje replied. “My father said you killed Balder.”

“So what?” replied Loki. “Balder was a fool. His vanity got him killed.”

“What are your plans for me?” asked the princess.

“You are going to rot in this tower for now,” said Loki. “It will only get worse if you cause any trouble..”

“I want to go home.”

“I don’t have time to listen to stupid little girls,” replied Loki. “Fafni, take her inside.” Loki put Silje out of the chariot and flew away.

Fafni was not pleased with how things were going. Loki was making mistakes that could have repercussions for all the giants in Muspelheim. Dismounting his horse, Fafni started across the drawbridge toward the main hall. “Come with me,” Fafni said.

“Please don’t hurt me,” Silje pleaded.

“Don’t worry. I won’t hurt you,” Fafni said softly.

“You promise?”

“Yes, I promise,” said Fafni, with a hint of a smile.

Silje did not want to go into the tower. She felt safer outside. To postpone going inside for a few moments longer, she looked up at the ten-foot-tall giant and asked, “Where did Loki go?”

The fire giant regarded the little princess for a moment and decided an answer could do no harm.

“He went to see Surt, the leader of the fire giants and ruler over Muspelheim.”

“Oh,” replied Silje. “So this is where you live?”

“Yes, this is where I live. Welcome to our kingdom,” Fafni answered with his deep voice, as he spread open great arms and gave a bow to the princess.

Silje offered him a polite nod.

“Why are the fire giants helping Loki?”

“Don’t ask,” replied Fafni, with a tone of regret. “Now, follow me.”

So Silje followed Fafni into the stone tower and up a long staircase. At the top of the stairs, Fafni stopped at a tall door and knocked on it before entering. Inside was a large room decorated in black and red tapestries on the walls. A fire in the wall, something Silje had never seen before, warmed the room.

A woman almost six feet tall walked across the bizarre room towards them, her black dress swishing in the echo of the room as the dim firelight shone on her golden jewels. Her hair was long and black and her pale skin showed off her sparkling green eyes. Silje watched the woman’s face register surprise and then anger.

“What is this?” she exclaimed. “There are supposed to be two of them. Where is the other one?”

“Escaped to Asgard,” Fafni explained in an emotionless voice.

“Asgard! Is Loki crazy?”

Fafni looked at her without saying a word.

The woman gave him a dirty look and then turned her gaze to Silje.

“Which princess are you?” she asked angrily.

“My name is Silje, and I come from the royal house of Tunsberg.”

“So you’re the Norwegian, eh? Well, I’m Sigyn, Loki’s wife. We are going to be spending time together, you and I. Why don’t we sit and talk; get to know one another better. I’m sure Fafni won’t mind leaving us alone for a little while,” said Sigyn, motioning for Fafni to leave.

Fafni hesitated for a moment, and then he nodded to Sigyn and left the room.

“Please have a seat,” Sigyn demanded of the still standing princess.

“I’d rather not, thank you,” Silje answered. “As you like, princess,” Sigyn replied on a sarcastic note.

Silje looked at the woman in defiance.

“I want to go home. What could you possibly want with me?”

Sigyn looked at her with a cold stare for a moment. She could tell it was not going to be easy to trick this child,.

“We need medicine from Asgard. If we don't take the medicine soon, we will become sick.”

“Why don't you just ask for it?”

“They won't just give it to us! Loki broke too many rules and hurt too many Asgardians. He broke Odin’s heart.” snapped Sigyn. “Then they tortured Loki and gave him terrible, endless pain. They will never help us.”

“What does that have to do with me?” Silje demanded.

“I don’t wish to discuss that with you,” replied Sigyn. “Let’s move on to more important things like rules for you to follow while you are our guest here at Lidenskap Tower. Going outside is forbidden. Muspelheim is a very dangerous place for little princesses from Norway. You could easily get hurt here, so stay out of trouble. As to your needs, I’ve never been to Norway, but I’ve been told your people like to eat fish. Is that true?”

“Yes,” replied Silje.

“Well then, we will have meals you can manage to eat,” Sigyn replied. “Now that you know the rules, I will leave you to think about how to stay safe.” Sigyn then left the room, locking the door from the outside.

***

Meanwhile, Loki guided his chariot through the volcanoes to a large fortress covered in soot. He landed near the drawbridge made of blackened timbers and waited for it to lower. Once inside the fortress, Loki received silent greetings from the fire giant guards protecting Surt's private chamber. He had walked through Surt's halls for ages, and almost everyone in Muspelheim knew and feared him.

Loki knocked on an enormous wooden door, and then proceeded into the chamber, where Surt, the king of the fire giants, stood by a window looking into the red horizon.

“I heard you had arrived, said Surt, shifting his gaze to Loki. “Were you followed?”

“No,” replied Loki.

“I hear you only captured one of the princesses. What happened to the other one?” asked Surt, waiting to see what answer Loki would give him.

“Escaped; she was protected by an unusual enchantment. I didn’t foresee that happening,” Loki reluctantly admitted.

“Sloppy work, Loki,” snorted Surt.

“It doesn't matter,” replied Loki. “She is just a little girl. What could she possibly do to harm us?”

“Nothing, but the fact that she escaped is not good,” said Surt.

“I said it will be all right,” said Loki, tersely. “Everything else is proceeding as planned. Fenris is leading the trolls against Tunsberg as we speak. It won’t be long before both royal families are prisoners in Lidenskap Tower.”

“I’m having doubts about your plan, Loki. Odin better not find out the hostages are being kept down here in Muspelheim. It’s one thing to let you hide here, but it's another to help you collect a ransom. There will be trouble for the fire giants if Odin discovers we are involved,” Surt reminded him.

“You worry too much. My plan is going to work. We both agreed that getting the golden apples was worth the risks involved,” replied Loki.

“Getting the golden apples is the only reason I agreed to your plan. I just hope nothing else goes wrong before Odin gives us what we want,” said Surt.

“Nothing will go wrong. We’ll have the apples and the pleasure of watching the Asgardians weep in despair when we dump the royal families into the pit,” sneered Loki.