There is an order to all things, even where it is not apparent it exists. There must also be a balance. There was a lot of chaos introduced into the world recently and it must be balanced. The Lords of Order look for someone in the world of men that might be an Agent of Order. Their gaze turns upon the Earth seeking such a champion and one of them finds someone who meets the criteria and pleases her rather odd sense of humor. Gervais Winthrop Evanston Nottingham, has just inherited the title of 21st Baron Nottingham and having so far spent all of his first summer since graduating from an all boys boarding school attending his father's funeral and then the ceremony that made him officially Baron in his father's place he is an unhappy young man who is hoping his life will now return to something approximating normal. He will be disappointed.
His twelve years in boarding school were not very happy as early on an upperclassman had seen his full name and in a burst of malicious brilliance coined his nickname (which he bore up under until graduation) from the acronym, G.W.E.N. As one can easily imagine being called Gwen in an all boys school was very hard on young Mr. Nottingham and his lack of proficiency at any sport except fencing did not help. Still he was very good at fencing and had developed a great sense of humor as well as having a keen mind whose fruits he was always willing to share. Gwen therefore did have friends and they were the sort that stay with you through thick and thin. They had postponed Holiday travel plans and been with him at his family's ancestral home during the funeral and investiture and, when he wasn't worrying about all the official business he would now need to take care of or at least oversee, he worried about how he could ever repay them.
They, of course, told him not to be silly. That they did not require any sort of repayment, "That's what friends are for" said one and all. Still he had decided on giving them something for their troubles and when Mr Newcombe came to visit he thought he might have the perfect way. A legal agent of his grandfather, a Mr. Newcombe, who was mostly retired but had been one of the trustees that were handled the reading of the will and the transfer of properties and goods. Except it seemed that not everything had been transferred yet.
"I'm sorry Mr. Newcombe but I'm not sure I'm following you. Are you saying that my grandfather instructed you to deliberately hide part of his inheritance from my father? Why should he have done so and why should you be telling me about this now?"
"Well there is a reason your grandfather decided not to bequeath this particular legacy to your father. You see, he didn't meet the criteria."
"And I do?" his Lordship asked skeptically.
"And you do," Robert Newcombe Esq. answered firmly.
"What would these criteria be?"
The solicitor, for that is how such men are called in England, fidgeted a little and then replied, "Well your Lordship I can't be specific because of an oath of secrecy I took. At least I can't unless you also take the same oath and agree to be the guardian of this inheritance until you find a worthy successor."
"Using these same mysterious criteria you can't be specific about?" Sarcasm positively dripped from this sentence. The new Lord Gervais had developed a biting wit as a means of defense and sharpened it daily for twelve years. His friends often said that you could etch metal at 20 paces with his tone when he really got going.
The lawyer fidgeted some more, "That is correct your Lordship."
"Well if you can't be specific then you will be general or you will leave both my house and any possibility of convincing me behind you. Is that clear?"
"Yes, your Lordship. If I may have a moment to collect my thoughts I'll endeavour to satisfy you without breaking any oaths." Robert Newcombe thought quickly, he truly wanted G.W.E.N. to agree as it was the hereditary duty of his family and his testing so highly at a time when ... perhaps that was it. "Well your Lordship the results of the DNA test that confirmed you were the son of the old Baron were also used to determine whether or not I'd make you this offer and also determined your father's unsuitability." There, hopefully that would satisfy him.
The new Baron's eyebrows rose, "There would have been considerable delay and expense doing that sort of test in my father's time and couldn't have been even a possibility of it in grandfather's. How did you pick him for this so-called guardianship?"
"Well your Lordship that was before my time but I assume the caretakers of the time used their best judgement. I myself initiated DNA testing when I came into my current office. I like to flatter myself that I move with the times."
"Hmph," snorted G.W.E.Nottingham, "And I suppose that if I should ask what the title of that 'current office' might be you'll say it's covered by that oath you spoke of so cryptically before?"
"Yes, your lordship."
The new Baron's curiosity was piqued. He would love to know just what this man was talking about but his suspicions were quite aroused as well. "How long do I have to decide?"
"Well, your Lordship I would really prefer an answer as soon as possible."
The Baron snorts, "Hmph, I dare say you would, but the question is 'How soon is it possible?' right?" He considers, "Nothing you have told contravenes your oath so far right?"
"True, your Lordship." The man looked a bit puzzled.
"And I've certainly taken no oaths," he continued.
"Also true your Lordship."
"Then I shall seek advice. Some of the friends any man could have are staying with me at this time." He stands and walks to an intercom and hits a call button then sits back down.
Soon a servant enters, "Yes, your Lordship?"
"Find Tommy, Ben, and Colin and ask them to meet me here in their are not busy," he told that worthy who bowed and retreated from the room.
Shortly three men enter in expensive but casual clothing. Ben was first, Benjamin Avery Wallace III officially, Colin was second, Colin Warrington Roderick Armitage to give him his full name, and Tommy came third, Thomas á³ Conchobhair to be more precise. His parents had changed it from O'Connor before he was born and he'd had more than his fair share of trouble at school because of it. The other three always backed him up in any fight however and the only real damaged that showed was his scarred and flattened knuckles.
Once they have been brought up to speed they go into a huddle and discuss things in quiet tones the solicitor cannot quite hear.
Eventually they break and his Lordship smiles, "Alright we'll go. Under two conditions."
Newcombe raises his eyebrows, "What conditions?"
"First, that they come along and second we'll be wearing swords. None of us learned to use a gun but we're all quite good with blades so we'll bring some with us." He smiled, "Just for our protection you understand."
"Well, it is highly irregular but I think I can make an exception for you. When shall we start?"
"Tomorrow morning."
"Very good your Lordship, I'll return to escort you then." He stood and bowed slightly before a servant was called to show him out.
The next morning all four of them were attired identically in Safari clothes with sabers at one side and long daggers on the other. They looked old fashioned but dangerous. Mr Newcombe picked them up in a limousine and took them out west into Wales. They drove for several hours and eventually came to an apparently ruined castle on a hill.
"The mysterious inheritance is stored here?" G.W.E.N. asked.
"Yes, your Lordship. It is here we'll ask you to take oath and here the inheritance will given to you." He exited the limousine and bowed, "If you'll all come with me?"
They got out of the vehicle and followed him into the old castle. The inside was considerably better taken care of than the exterior and it was obvious that it's apparent dilapidation was only a disguise. They were lead down two floors via new and well maintained stairs to a stone door that looked both old and strong. It was well taken care of, but it was still clearly centuries old. "It is dolomite. One of the toughest natural materials on the planet. We/ve considered replacing it but it's held up well for it's age," Mr. Newcombe said as he approached a keypad to the side. "This keypad, of course, is of more recent vintage. I had it installed myself actually." He entered a very long sequence of numbers and hit a large green button.
The new Baron Nottingham had noticed that the numbers were the first seventeen prime numbers but didn't see any need to comment on his knowledge. He did smile a bit smugly as he watched the middle aged lawyer slowly tug open the thick, heavy door. Inside on an imacculately polished floor were four armed men surround a very large metal safe. They wore uniforms with no rank insignia and their shoulder patches showed a Welsh dragon only.
Three of the men came to attention but the fourth gripped his rifle in both hands and said, "Halt! Give password or be fired upon!"
"There is an order to all things from greatest to least," Robert Newcombe Esq. replied calmly.
The soldier replied, "To defeat Chaos an Agent of Order is needed." He hadn't put down his rifle but he wasn't pointing it at them either.
"I come guiding one whose family is known. He may be the one we seek," Newcombe finished the traditional challenge and response.
The rifle was lowered, "You come in good time but with many, why is this?"
"He would not come without them and they would not be dissuaded. They also all refused to come unarmed for safety's sake."
One guard, nearly seven foot and with scarred face and hands rumbled a question in a deep bass voice, "Aye, I see that and I'd be the last one to say there aren't times when a good blade is the best weapon for the job but if it were me I'd have brought guns."
"Well for my part," Tommy said, "I never learned to use a firearm but I have a solid decade of experience with a sword."
"That's a good reason it, Aye!" The giant of a man rumbled a laugh. "It's to see a man who values his friendships like you do," he said smiling, "I've got no problem with all of ye being here."
The man who'd challenged them on entrance nodded, "If you're of a mind to bring them, I'm of a mind to allow it. Let us get the Oath of Secrecy done then we'll explain what all of this about." He gestures to the safe behind him as the soldiers step away and rack their weapons. Each steps forward and introduces himself by title and last name. The leader is Lt. Jones, the others are Sgts. Nash, Williams, and Edwards. After the introductions, lieutenant Jones spoke up, "Each of you please put your right hand on the safe."
The exact text of the oath may not be printed here but they all recited it and the safe glowed white as they finished. Afterwards all of them but one left the old castle and went to a nice Inn nearby and seated in comfort by a roaring fireplace and with a glass of good Islay scotch to hands of both the talkers and listeners a history unfolded. The three soldiers who came with them took turns telling it.
"Our group was started by Solomon the Wise thousands of years ago..." and as they sat and sipped and listened to the story unfold the four friends went from confused to skeptical to believing to awed. Eventually the story wound down to a close, "And so we have stood guard against all unnatural threats ever since then."
"What sort of unnatural threats?" Ben asked.
"Well primarily those sent by the Lords of Chaos. You see, there are many dualisms in this world; life and death, hard and soft, light and darkness, but the one that we are concerned with is Order and Chaos. There are other realms beyond the material, two of these are the Realm of the Lords of Order and the realm of Mordru, Lord of Chaos. Mordru defeated all the other lords of Chaos and now has his sights set on Earth. We fight him to keep Earth free and because even his failures leave destruction and sorrow in their wake. The earlier we stop him the less damage he can do. The Lords of Order do not interfere directly but they have loaned us some of there strength and taught us powerful magics. We have chosen sides in the war between Chaos and Order and our choice seems good to us. We have seen what chaos and its avatars do and we want no part of it."
"Avatars?" asked Colin. His Lordship G.W.E.Nottingham was silent but was paying close attention to this answer.
"Yes, both the Lords of Chaos and Order occasionally choose a human to house a goodly portion of their power and when one power does this the other is never far behind. As far as we know these avatars or agents are never given any actual orders, or direction. Apparently just being a focus of the power of Law or Entropy is enough to further the cause of one or the other."
"Are you saying you want us to join this group, this Order?" Gervais asked.
"Recently we received word that there is a new avatar of Chaos unleashed in the world. Apparently she was routed by the new heroes in Las Vegas but as long as she is a focus of chaos we'll need a focus of Order to keep the balance." Sgt. Williams looked at Gervais, "Your grandfather was an agent of Order and many of your ancestors were as well."
"So you want me to be the next avatar of Order?" Gervais asked wide-eyed. He'd just finished his third glass of fine single malt and it cushioned the shock a little but he was still stunned.
Jones nodded solemnly, "Mr. Newcombe has assured us that you are an eminently suitable candidate. Your grandfather was an excellent avatar." He smiled at Gervais, "It is a true shame you never knew him. He saved the Earth itself from several schemes of Mordru and other threats as well. He was good friends with the man who was Earth's Sorcerer Supreme at the time and together they routed all manner of evildoers. He wore the golden mask of Nabu and for more than twenty years was the scourge of all things evil." The smile dimmed and vanished, "He should have retired. He could have left on a high note but he still saw it as his duty and continued until the odds caught up with him. I'm sorry."
"We can't tell you it's safe but it is necessary," Newcombe states, "If I could do it instead I'd volunteer in a heartbeat." He looks sincere and intense as he continues, "I can and do promise that will back you up to the hilt. If you take up the mantle of Order anything you need you will have if it is within our power."
"Aye," the large Edwards rumbled in agreement, "we will that! Even if you pull Excalibur from the vault. You've my personal word on that too."
"What!" All four friends shouted, "Are you saying Excalibur is real?"
Jones chuckled, "Yes, and if you draw it there will soon be a new king on the throne of Britain but I doubt that will happen. You will need to pull one artifact from the vault. It will allow you access to the power and once you have used it you will have some abilities whether it is with you or not." He shrugged, "we can't say what abilities exactly sorry."
"What else is in the vault?" Gervais asks.
"Well, the Golden Mask of Nabu was lost with your grandfather but there is a copy of Newton's Principia in his own handwriting, a literal Shield of Law, a literal Scales of Justice, the original Magna Carta, Gae Bolg, spear of Cáºchulainn, and there is also Joyeuse. If you pull that tomorrow we'll all be getting on planes to Europe to help you create an Empire but I doubt that will happen either. There are various equations as written by famous chemist and physicists and a chinese puzzle box whose purpose has become lost. We are sure it belongs but no longer sure why." He yawned a few times as he spoke and when he finished he stood up and stretched, "Well today has been long for most of us and tomorrow bids fair to be as well so I'll be heading off to my bed and I'd advise you all to do the same. If you've got more questions, ask them in the morning please. WE'll be leaving at first light and hopefully we'll have his Lordship back at his manor by lunch. Good night all." He left the room and shortly a maid entered and showed each of them to a room. Gervais was the last one to leave and she stayed the night in his room gently and happily relieving him of his virginity.
The next morning Baron Nottingham is grinning through his hangover and even though he tries to concentrate on choosing an artifact his imagination keeps throwing up vivid images of her. He barely registers the drive back to the castle but when they arrive back at the safe the magnitude of what will happens hits him. He also experiences doubts that anything at all will happen. As the others exchange passwords he briefly considers grabbing a sword on purpose just to see if they really will back him for a throne but then decides against it, just in case they were serious.
"What happens if nothing in there seems right?" Gervais asked.
"Well if that is the case we'll need to move on to the next vault. There are four altogether but don't worry about it unless it happens," Newcombe responded.
"Where are the others?"
"Russia, China, and South Africa so let's hope you find something here," Jones replies as he opens the heavy door.
Looking inside G.W.E.N. saw the two famous swords crossed against the back wall, a Roman spear just in front of them, then several handwritten manuscripts including one that seemed to be a physics book written by Isaac Newton himself, other notebooks and sealed scrolls of ancient paper and vellum, a shield seemingly made of Sapphire, a pair of old-fashioned metal scales, another spear with Celtic writing glowing on the shaft and a box seemingly made of several woods.
He reached inside with his eyes closed and an item seemed to leap into his hands. He pulls it out and opens his eyes to see what he picked, it is the wooden box. He looks at Newcombe and the soldiers, "So what does this one do?"
Newcombe blinked, "I'll have to check the listing on that one. Unless one of you gents recognizes it offhand?" He looked at the soldiers who all shook their heads.
Lt. Jones quickly produced a listing, "Let's see. It's not Excalibur, not Joyeuse, not the Spear of Destiny, not Gae Bolg, ..." his voice trails off to mutters but young Lord Gervais is shocked to hear that what he thought was a copy of the Magna Carta was in fact the original. Eventually he finishes up with, "It's listed as 'box of extremely rare woods, contents unknown' and a note saying that only the right four can open it." He looks up, "I guess we'll see what is in it today as I doubt you four are here by accident."
Roger Newcombe Esq. nodded, "Let's go out in to the sunlight so I can take a good look at the box before you open it though, just in case."
Jones nodded, and the others closed and locked the vault. One of them stayed behind and all the others moved outside to look at the box in daylight.
"It tingles a bit," Gervais said.
"It doesn't hurt though?" Colin asked.
"No, at least not so far." Gervais replied.
Once out in the sun some of the woods gleamed and some seemed to absorb light and reflect not a single photon back out. Newcombe peered at it while taking care not to touch it. "Rare woods indeed. I recognize several extinct types that used to grow in the forests that used to be in what is still called the fertile crescent." He pointed to one in particular, "This is the rarest of all, Fraxinus Giganteum, part of the World Tree spoken of in Norse Religion."
Ben gasped, "You mean Yggdrasil was real and Gwen's got some of it in his hand?"
"Yes, that is exactly what I mean." After he finished looking and making notes Newcombe spoke again. "Okay, if you three would stand around the box and each touch it while his Lordship attempts to open it, I believe that should work."
The four did as suggested and the box opened. Out of it poured a seemingly endless amount of cold white fog that surrounded all four and hid them from sight.
When the dense fog cleared the four had appeared in a very large hall made of woods like the ones that made up the box which is suddenly nowhere to be seen. Along the walls of the Norse styled hall were long tables of oak at which men and women were feasting. That was really the best word for it. They were eating and laughing and drinking and chatting and the foods were of the best quality. The seated were all fit and graceful. They were being served by women who were all amazingly lovely. Behind the servers were shields hung on the wall, the arched ceiling beams were intricately carved and so were the base boards. At one end of the very long hall there were double doors that were closed and barred and at the other was a dais with a throne. On the throne was a woman so amazing all four young men stopped and stared even though they were still a fair distance from her.
They were still standing there with their mouths open when a voice from behind them said, "Be welcome to Folkvangr, Freya's halls. She gets half of the valiant dead from the battlefield and also those who die defending hearth and home and hosts them in grand style until the end of all things."
They turned and their eyes tried to widen as large as their mouths, for standing their was the woman from the inn! She was now dressed in well fitted leather and wearing both sword and shield but it was obviously her. She smiled at their confusion, "I'm sure you have many questions but I hope you'll continue to hold just a little longer." With a gesture toward the front of the hall and the throne she continued, "I'm to escort you to Freya without delay." She moved through them and waved to them, "If you'll follow me?"
She escorted them to the front of the hall and went to one knee in front of the dais while bowing her head, "These are the ones you commanded me to watch for Lady."
The woman seated on the throne was even more awe inspiring up close. It would be easy to believe her a goddess even without any other evidence. Without being told the young men all went to one knee as well. She smiled at them all and gestured for them to rise.
"Welcome to the avatar of Order and his companions to my hall Folkvangr! I am Freya and I am glad you chose the box that contained my blessing. Odin has recently taken a renewed interest in the place you call Earth and I would to have agents there as well." She smiled, "Perhaps it is not entirely accident that you come here now but I could not be certain, only work to make it likely."
She rang a small gong by her throne, "Sit ye and take refreshment whilst I tell thee what I would have of thee," Freya gestured as a table was set up in front of the dais and sat herself at the head of it. The young men shrugged and seated themselves on the long benches to either side along with Myste as women who were beautiful if not quite up to Freya's standards came in and served them. A platter with steaks and baked potatoes along with a pitcher of mead were placed on table then each of them received a golden goblet and tableware. After the ladies filled their goblets with golden mead they left.
Freya lifted her goblet, "To you mortals!"
Gervais smiled, "A toast I can appreciate." He lifted his goblet along with the others, "To us!" They all drank, the mead was sweet and heady. He hadn't tried mead previously but he doubted it would have come close to the taste of this, "It tastes like sunlight and summertime!" The others nodded awed.
Freya smiled, "Well if you agree to my proposal then I will have some delivered to your halls upon Midgard for valiant warriors in my employ should be able to taste what awaits them in my halls when they finally lay down their burdens."
"So this is the afterlife but we are not yet dead?" Ben asked. As at the same time as Tommy said, "So you need us to do some fighting for you?"
"Yes and yes," Freya answered with a smile. "I know you, Gervais are to be the new avatar of Order and I would fain like to assist you and your friends but in return I would ask of you certain small favors from time to time." She looked serious again, "I can promise you it will not require you to break any oaths you have already sworn nor should interfere with your duties to the order. It will merely be an occasional additional errand for which you will be well compensated."
"By what exactly, aside from this admittedly excellent drink?" Colin inquired.
"Well I will give you each a gift to take back with you to Midgard," she said and smiled at them waiting for the obvious question.
Gervais asked the question he knew she was expecting, "What manner of gifts?"
"The gifts will be amulets made by Alfar smiths. They will help you with that which all new heroes need most, experience. Each amulet will provide you with a link to a Valkyrie with centuries of experience. You world has undoubtedly changed since they were last abroad in it but I am sure you will find their advice helpful. The amulets will also convey my voice to you on those occasions I need a favor from you. If you agree then I would extend to your companions the boon you received from Myste," Freya replied.
"We can hardly complain about that but please do not think me overly cynical if I wonder as to your reasons," Gervais replied. He looked at Myste, "I had thought that night your own idea. Was it then merely a chore, a duty you felt compelled to fulfill?"
Myste shook her head, "I volunteered for the mission my lord. I was well pleased that night and while I may have been false about some things the pleasure I gave and the pleasure I received were both true." She smiled at him, "Yeah verily, the pleasure was necessary to form a bond but it was still sweet for all that was it not?" She turned her attention to her food then, letting her words sink in while she ate.
G.W.E.N. nodded to her, "That is true but I'd still like to know the reason behind it." He looked up at Freya, he couldn't bring himself to be upset with her but curious he could manage. "Goddess? Is the loving necessary to forge the connections to the amulets? And can you tell us the sorts of favors you might require?"
While she sat considering Tommy muttered, "If the food is as good as the mead I'll not pass it up." He forked one steak and one potato onto his plate and was soon eating with gusto and a huge smile on his face. The others took this as a cue and enjoyed the meal why they waited for Freya to speak.
Freya did not join them but Myste ate with as much enjoyment as any of them. When they were finished Freya nodded, "It is meet that I answer your question but know that I cannot explain completely. There are aspects that only another being such as I could understand, and some that should not be spoken lest your very knowledge of them prevent them from occuring. However I can give you the basics and you certainly deserve at least that."
She sipped from her goblet, then spoke, "It is not currently possible to directly place one of my Disir on your world. Once it was different but, conditions let us say, have changed so that my sending Myste to you was the work of years and far from direct. However if my ladies should have a ... bond with someone from your world then connections becomes much easier. I still won't be able to send them to your world to do my bidding directky but they will be able to talk to you and hear you without any further preparations... once you've bonded with them. There are many ways to create this bond but the best for me, for reasons that would be too hard to explain, are sex and battle. Since I was hoping for your active cooperation I thought it best if the gentler form was used." She grinned at them and there was a momentary red glint in her eyes, "Still if any of you prefer combat though, that could certainly be accomodated as well."
Then the glint was gone and smile became softer, more human, "Once we have that bond I will have a presence on your world. It won't be the same as what once was but it will suffice for my purposes if you accomodate me while not actively engaged doing things for the Order. In exchange you get mead from my halls and the amulets that should aid you in your endeavours. Especially at the start when you are necessarily lacking in experience."
She lowered her goblet and looked them each in the eye, "How say you? Aye or Nay?"
Looking into her eyes each of them felt there was but one answer to give and they gave it in unison, "Aye!"
“Well said,” Freya smiled. “Now while I chat with milord Baron and Myste the ladies will escort you to the valkyries to whom you are to be bonded.” She gestured and three of the serving girls came out and each took one of the men by the hand and lead them from the room.
Freya smiled at the two remaining, “Myste since you are able to do so I will ask you to go back with the Baron physically. I will also give you both amulets but I think your advice will be more useful if one of you is present in person to give it.”
“Of course Freya,” Myste said.
“I assume you mean for her to stay with me?” Gervais asked. When Freya nodded he asked, “How will I explain her suddenly moving in?”
Freya laughed, “Don't Lords occasionally take women back to their castles still? In the past such a thing would be quite natural.”
He replied, “It would have to be seen as her choice to be legal and even then it would still be at least a small scandal.”
Freya laughed again, “Oh my. Well I guess Myste can survive a small scandal and just to be clear Myste you are not required to do anything for him but advise. Anything else you do for him is your own choice.” She looked from one to the other, “Is that clear to both of you? If anything more comes of your relationship it will be entirely your doing.”
While Freya gave Gervais and Myste relationship advice the other three were led through a door to three doors along the same corridor. Tommy looked at the others and shrugged, “I'll go first.”
Once he'd stepped inside he looked around and saw a large, comfortable bed in the center and weapons along three walls, “Impressive.”
“Aye, it is indeed. Are all mortals of such a size these days or did I get lucky?” he heard from the open door behind him.
Tommy turned and saw a beautiful woman only a few inches shy of his six foot six inch height, “Well one of us is lucky for sure but I might disagree with you about which one of us it is.” She was a redhead and if he had to guess he'd say she was a natural one. She had a spray of freckles across a beautiful face and an athletic body not particularly well hidden by her loose belted tunic and sandals.
She chuckled, “I am Sigrun. So which impressed you more? The bed or the number of weapons?”
“Well both are worthy of admiration I'm thinking,” he replied smiling. “But if you're asking which I'd rather be using next I'd have to say the bed.”
She chuckled throatily “Well then you're in luck.” She unbelted the tunic and set it and the sword hanging from it hanging from a peg on the wall. “Well? You'll have to move quick to keep up with me,” she smirked as she unstrapped her sandals. Tommy grinned at her and started removing his shoes.
Variations of this same scene played out in the other two rooms. Eventually though the women were satisfied and the magic was complete. Hungry again and rather tired the three friends were led back to Freya's table by their new lovers to find her instructing Gervais in how to use the abilities of an avatar of Order.
“Well met companions of the avatar,” Freya said. “Come sit and drink more of my mead whilst the amulets are prepared.”
“I hope there are more of those steaks available as well,” said Colin. “I could use a bit to eat right now.”
“Are you saying I drained you of all your strength warrior?” teased the small but muscular blonde on his arm.
“Drained of strength? No, but I'll need at least a meal and some drink before I can do it again,” he said back hoping she didn't take him literally.
The other men agreed that they could use a bite as well and laughing Freya clapped her hands, “Refreshment for these men weary from the battle between the sheets!” Smiling women brought out platters of food and fresh mugs as the six sat at the table.
“So is this bond well formed?” Gervais asked.
Freya nodded, “Aye, I felt it form as I spoke with you. There should be no trouble with amulets and who knows if, conditions let us say, keep improving then mayhap these ladies might yet join you for more fun in Midgard.”
“I'd like that,” a tall raven-haired woman said from beside Ben. “He was gentle but knowledgeable. I find I like that combination.”
“I'd like that too Erica,” Ben said. “Although, unlike Colin, I think I'll need a good meal and a night's sleep before I can manage a creditable encore.”
Erica laughed, “It is well then that you shall have plenty of time to recover. But remember that you need not use the amulet only to talk tactics and strategy. The enchantment shall not run out no matter how much you use it so if you would speak to me of softer things than war say on and I will answer you in kind.”
By the end of the meal a servant brought out eight necklaces of some shiny, silvery metal and handed them to the eight of them, including Myste and Gervais. “Well you are almost at the end of your present stay in my halls and I do not wish you to return soon for your next entrance here will be a permanent one. However before you go I have a final gift for the Avatar of Order. Something thought lost.” She reaches under her throne and pulls out a golden mask with two eye slits, “This is the mask of Nabu thought lost with your grandfather. I cannot restore him to you but this I can return to you if I choose and I am happy to do so. Just do not put in on until you are back in Midgard as it would not react well with the magics of this land once active.”
She passes it to Myste who hands it to Baron Gervais. He takes it and says, “Thank you very much Freya for all your help.”
She smiles, “I was glad to do it. Take care of Myste and she will take care of you. Goodbye and fare well until you return.” With that she gestured and they were back on the grass where they'd started from only now Myste was with them.
Author's Note: Sorry this chapter took so long.
They reappeared in another cold dense fog and as it started to thin they heard Newcombe’s voice say, “I’m glad you’re back because you are needed.”
“I’ll be there when you need me,” Gervais said.
“We’ll be there,” Tommy said.
“All five of us,” Myste added and the waiting men gaped as the fog thinned enough for them to realize that although four had left five came back. They gaped wider when the fog had lessened enough for them to recognize her and see that she was wearing leather and chainmail with a distinctly functional look to it as well as a sword and a dagger in well worn sheaths.
The Baron waved their questions away, “It’s a long story and I’ll want to be sitting comfortably for it. So why don’t we go back to the manor and we can all tell what we saw and heard while relaxing in the library?”
Colin smirked, “It’s also possible that we might have a lovely new drink to share with you by the time we get there. Although maybe not yet as it does have a long way to go.”
Newcombe and the others were even more curious after that statement but reluctantly agreed to wait and after securing the rooms under the ruin they all went back to the manor. Once seated comfortably in the library the questions started up again. After getting a oath out of them to tell no one else about it Gervais told his story followed by the other telling of their experiences ending with Myste.
“Now remember you are all sworn to keep this to yourselves,” the baron said afterward.
“Yes, of course,” one of the guards said. “But this is wonderful news. We can help you with the necessary documents if you need it lady.”
Myste smiled, “I thank you but it is not necessary. My Lady Freya has seen fit to provide.“ She brought out identification documents that looked perfectly genuine then added, “And the folks at the inn think that the Baron was so captivated by me after our night of passion that he came back and offered to take me back with him to his manor.” She smiled, “As far as they or anyone knows I agreed and am happily living in sin with him here.”
Newcombe and the guards just nodded but Gervais blushed and his friends smiled. “She did say that whether or not you did anything of the sort was entirely up to you. I don’t want you or anyone to think I’m trying to pressure you into anything.”
Myste smiled, “Yes dear. You are a gentleman and I’m sure they all know that.” She stood and stretched, “Now it is late and we have had a very eventful day so I suggest we all go to bed and get some rest … eventually.” She reached a hand to Gervais, “Coming milord?”
As he took her hand Tommy said, “Not at the moment but I’d wager he will be!”
Gervais punched his shoulder as he passed, “You’re just jealous you’ll be sleeping alone.”
Myste rolled her eyes, “Ignore his infantile innuendo milord.” She led him from the room and the servants led the rest to guest rooms for the night.
The next morning Gervais wakes up and manages to slide out from under Myste without waking her and gets into the shower. When he gets back into the bedroom Myste is awake and stretching sleepily.
Gervais smiled, “That's amazing to watch but I think we need to go buy you some modern clothes. Just in case you want to leave the house some time and blend in.”
Myste laughed, “Hopefully we have time for breakfast first?”
He dressed as he thought then said, “Certainly! I'll meet you downstairs then. After breakfast we'll make a day of it. It'll be a combination tour of the neighborhood and shopping trip.”
However right after breakfast the young Baron decided to put on the helmet and see what happened.
His mind filled with arcane knowledge. It took him several minutes to get used to the sensation but while wearing it he had great knowledge of magic. Only order based magic of course, but quite a lot of that was useful.
Putting the helmet aside for now the guys started sparring with Myste to get better at swordplay and she started reading up on the history of the world since she and her sisters were last here.
Gervais was correct in that gossip ran a bit amok at the news that he had met a girl in a local tavern and after a one night stand brought her home with him. However Freya was also right in that Myste was completely indifferent to any stares or whispers when she was in town and eventually it blew over. Myste and Gervais spent the month of July getting used to each other and she quickly became one of the gang to the other guys.
As August started they received their first call to action and while slightly nervous they were also eager to put their abilities to use and help people.