Chapter 8

Vicki swung her sword in an easy, fluid motion. She was in the clearing where she trained with Hott. She was alone and wasn’t afraid or worried at the thought. She heard the whoosh, whoosh as she waved her weapon back and forth. The day had turned crisp and clear, the leaves had either turned or fallen and the scent of snow was in the air. Her grip on the weapon was easy, not tight. It became an extension of herself. Human and steel worked as a team.

She had done it. She had empowered herself. But at what cost? While eating breakfast she had been privy to many looks, amusement, worry and most importantly—respect. But it had hurt her to see the look on Ulfr’s face. Why couldn’t he understand? She heard the rustle of feet behind her and she knew it was Ulfr. She knew how he sounded, his gait. She continued her exercise for a few moments more.

When she stopped, her breath was heavy and she was sweating. She turned to face him. “I need this,” she simply said.

“You were right about the men. I should have known,” he began. “I thought because you were mine no one would dare.”

“And you thought because I was yours, I wouldn’t dare. But I have. If I stay it will be on my terms,” she told him. “I am not your captive. I’m a person. If you can’t deal with that then I need to leave and find my way home.”

Ulfr stood before her. He looked so sad. “When those men forced you they turned you into a possession. Theirs for the taking. You took yourself back without me. What am I if not your protector?”

Vicki looked equally sad. “You’re not ready for an equal, a partner in life. You seem to think all women should be weak and defenseless.”

“I am used to control,” he replied.

“I need some, too,” she whispered.

“But you have control. When you said yes to me, to what we did. Will Falkor and the others destroy us?”

“You took me back to the rape and made me face my fears. I don’t fear you. I only feared you when you were swinging your sword at me. Your touch has been patient. I wasn’t rushed by you. I never thought I would enjoy sex the way we have it, especially after what happened. But because of your excitement and sweet coaxing I wasn’t afraid to try. You can’t keep me tied and bound forever at your side to make me feel safe and to make you feel in control. I don’t know what to do,” she admitted.

“If I could take it back, what happened with those men, I would. I don’t know what to think about you being a warrior woman. When we make love, when we play, you let me have control but it’s an illusion. I know now it’s an illusion, but to be faced so directly with it,” he said pleadingly.

“But it doesn’t mean you would force me. I know you would stop if I asked. Wolf, I feel strong and yet broken. I want to feel your power, it makes me feel safe, but at the same time I still need to know I make myself feel safe. Don’t be hurt, please, it’s not a reflection on you or your manhood,” she said pleadingly.

He nodded and looked lost in thought. He took her by the hand and began leading her away. Farther and farther they went and the entire time Vicki could hear him muttering words of prayer to Odin. They passed the hot springs and still he went further. To Vicki’s surprise she began to see the mist swirl, surrounding them. Ulfr stopped and cupped her face in his hands for a moment. He then took her sword and studied it.

“Only you can decide where home is,” he told her.

She took her sword back. “And I can only find it with this. I’m sure of it,” she declared.

He looked so frustrated and angry and she jumped when he bellowed loudly, “Odin I beg you to fix this!”

The rolling mist began to billow in heavy thick sheets. It enclosed them both and the foliage soon vanished, hidden in the mist. Vicki’s thoughts grew hazy as though invaded with the steaming surroundings. Ulfr began to blur in her vision. Her feet grew shaky and the ground beneath her seemed to move and sway. Ulfr gripped her hand tighter and he led her further into the mist. She couldn’t focus. What was happening? Where was she? All around her, the world began to darken. But it’s midday. Her heart began to pound and she felt terrified. The sword was suddenly glowing in her hand for a few seconds, before extinguishing. She couldn’t feel Ulfr’s fingers clasped in hers anymore. Where was he?

“Wolf?” she called. No answer.

She ran farther into the woods in confusion. The full moon shone overhead to give her ample light. It wasn’t anywhere near to being a full moon when they left. The scent of snow was no longer in the cool night air. She shifted her tight bra and scratched at her fur coverings and when she looked down, she was back in her Halloween costume. What the hell is going on? When she stopped, breathless, Ulfr was before her. He struck the sword from her hands with a brutal thrust from his own. He then snatched her weapon from the ground.

“Wolf? What’s wrong?” she asked, feeling wary. His look was stern and she felt a cold chill race up her spine. He looked like he didn’t know her.

“Yield, Valkyrie,” he demanded.

He was speaking English, but how was that possible? It was just like before when they first met.

“Wolf?” she whimpered.

He leveled his sword at her, pointing it at her heart. She realized, fearfully, he didn’t remember her. She moved further back into the mist with him following.

“I yield, Wolf. Please, I’m yours.” Her hands splayed pleadingly before her and she begged him not to hurt her. She knew she would be safe if she was completely submissive. He wouldn’t ever harm a frightened unarmed woman.

He came closer and closer while the mist rolled and billowed about. Vicki continued her retreat until suddenly the mist cleared. Her eyes blinked in stunned surprise. As she watched, Ulfr began to lose his clothing. It aged and withered and crumpled, falling to the ground as dust before her eyes until he was completely nude.