First Fire Read online

  His tail unfurls and he moves away from her, still watching for danger as he launches into the sky. Her white, blonde hair flies around her face from the force of his wings beating. He makes a circle around the valley, scanning the distance for enemies. Finding none, he dives, roaring as he makes his approach. Fire streams from his mammoth mouth, so hot Beathag thinks she might be blistered by it. She does not shy away though, she lets it burn away her shame. Asger circles the valley, his fire burning everything, so hot it kills the fertile soil, knowing it will never grow another living thing. All who come here will witness only destruction. They will know their fate if they make the mistake of harming one of the Tuatha. As he finally lands beside her, there are fresh tears on Beathag’s face, but he can sense something else.

  He hears a new strength in her voice as she speaks, “Thank you, my friend. This is the start,” she draws a breath, looking around. “I’m not sure if you feel it or not, but she is coming.”

  Asger swivels his head, looking for Ylva. Not seeing her, he studies Beathag for clues. Her magic enters his mind and she understands his question. ‘She is not close, but she has felt you and she is closing in. She is searching. I can feel the beast that has claimed her, it fears you because of the hold you have on both Ylva and herself. Fears that you will help others cage her again, locking her away in the cave forever.’

  She stumbles back as if pushed. Gasping, her eyes widen in fear, “We must go, NOW! You are not ready for this fight yet.” Trusting her instincts, he picks her up and launches into the sky, furiously beating his wings, he turns to the portal. He roars out with a cry, hoping it will alert Morrigan.

  ‘Call your mother, Beathag, call her now,’ his voice is urgent in her mind.

  In an instant, both Danu and Morrigan connect to them, their apprehension coming through the link. On the Isle, Danu looks to Morrigan, worry is etched on her face, “Mother, open a portal closer to them, they will not make it. She is closing on them too quickly.”

  Seconds later, they are flying through the shimmering barrier between the worlds, and as they do, Danu works to close it. Asger hears a shrieking scream of anger and frustration push through the veil; a beastly howl for the loss of its prey. Landing near the gardens, he shifts in seconds; it is getting easier and faster. Hands on his knees, he pants, not only from exertion but also from apprehension. His dragon is also worried, physically he discerns he can best her but now that he has felt her magic, unease fills him.

  The four stand looking at each other. Beathag with a look of sympathy on her face. Morrigan is the first to speak; her voice shaking with worry, “It has progressed faster than I thought. Too many things hurt her in such a short period of time, including the guilt over her father. It is all causing her not to fight; she has let the beast loose. She is choosing to drift away.”

  She turns to her mother, her entire being crying out for help. Danu swiftly pulls her into her arms. Looking at Asger over her daughter's head, she ponders, “We will reach her. We just have to figure out exactly how.”

  The three women turn to go, Beathag grabs his hand, squeezing it tightly before stepping away. Asger stays behind. Looking around, he realizes they came through onto the emerald green, rolling hill behind the gardens. He often comes here, looking out over the vastness of this world, ribbons of light often sparkling in the sky. Seeing them in the sky now, he realizes that he has seen them bleeding through into the night sky in his world. Beautiful ribbons of colored lights in the darkened skies, his people have long believed they were proof of the gods, and he now realizes how accurate they were in their beliefs. It makes him wonder at the thinness of the barrier. Ylva is smart, she will figure out a way to get here on her own, even with Danu locking the portal closed. Sitting, he runs his fingers through the thick grass, reminding him of an abundant fur hide, so much softer here than on the other side.

  ‘Well, dragon. Any ideas?’ Sighing, he rubs his brow in frustration at the situation. The dragon considers him, as he lays in his cave, Asger getting the impression he does have an idea but does not want to share. So he sits, pondering his options. The sun is long gone when lightning lights up the sky. Startled, Asger scans around; it does not storm here.

  Cautiously, Asger approaches the gardens; someone has arrived. The golden colored eyes of the dragon surface slightly, aiding Asger. Asger stumbles as he adjusts to the world through the dragon's eyes. Everything was sharper, more vibrant. He could see the heat of those in the garden, the women and three others that have joined them. Circling to come in behind the newcomers, he creeps closer. The male on the left suddenly turns his head and glowers right at Asger, a smirk on his face. They knew he was here. Abandoning his stealth, he moves nearer but stops and falls to his knees when the All Father turns to face him. Odin studies this newcomer, sensing his children's blood coursing through his veins.

  Power reverberates through his voice, as he says, “Rise, Guardian. I am told you wish to leash my granddaughter.”

  Asger glances nervously, a feeling he does not care for, at Morrigan. Her head bobs slightly. “I dinnae wish to shackle her, my Lord. I wish to free her.” He is proud of how steady his voice is. Inside he feels slightly sick to his stomach and he has an awful dry mouth. Morrigan looks at her mother with pride in her eyes, they had chosen him well. Asger sees the exchange and it causes him to stand a bit straighter. His eyes dart to the one standing on Odin’s right, nearest to Morrigan. Hooded with blue battle paint on his face, the smirker continues to grin. Asger is not fooled though, this one is taking his measure. While a smile covers his face, it does not reach his eyes.

  Morrigan notices his glance and moves to his side. “Asger, I feel you are at a disadvantage, let me introduce my father Odin, my Uncle Loki, and,” she notes the female warrior beside the All Father, “this is Ragnhild, the first Valkyrie.”

  She places her hand on his shoulder, seemingly to show affection but in reality, she is steadying him. She is connected to him and can feel his physical and mental reaction to those who stand before him. Asger’s eyes widen, Loki, the Trickster, not only fierce, but devious. Asger is aware of his reputation but he has also heard old tales of Loki, this is the one he must win over. As Asger glances over to Odin, he notices Loki give Morrigan a genuine smile, love shining in his fog, grey eyes. Asger imagines they will change to the color of the mountain stones in his anger.

  Loki watches Asger, judging his nature, touching the dragon within him. The dragon studies him back, recognizing him from the old world, acknowledging his battle skills. Asger’s sudden anger brings Loki back to the conversation. His brother is speaking of how they should let him deal with Ylva. Odin will never change. He will always think of war and power. Loki notes Danu’s caress in his mind, pleading for his help. It is still hard for him to understand the love she once shared with Odin, but his niece is a pleasing gift of it. He has already made his decision because his brother cannot gain control of Ylva. She is too powerful, but he now realizes who he must plot with.

  “I will not leave her! She will not be lost to the beast. She would never choose to harm people. Her nature is loving,” Asger yells, stepping closer to Odin. The dragon and the man ready to go to war for her. It is Ragnhild that stops him with a flexing of her wings.

  “Guardian,” Danu’s calmness washes over him.

  Morrigan’s voice whispers through his mind, ‘Asger, careful. My father is not one you wish to fight head on. We will save my girl but we must use caution. We need the others help to contain her magic.’

  Lightning lights up the sky around them as Odin narrows his eye at Asger, anger turning it a chilling white blue. Morrigan’s gaze turns to the heavens and Asger notices the crow circling. More of Danu’s calming magic floods his body as he slows his breathing.

  Sucking in a deep breath, he closes his eyes a moment before speaking to the All Father. Turning his eyes down in submission, choosing his words carefully, “My Lord, please forgive my disrespect. I hae yet to master control of
my dragon’s power, combined with my Berserker blood, it is at times wild. I will, of course, do whatever is thought to be best.”

  Loki is impressed with his wording, connecting with Morrigan, ‘I like him. He is cunning. He is a good match for your girl.’

  The goddess drops her head down, trying to hide the triumphant grin on her face; they had their ally. Her uncle is the best one to have. He has often gotten the better of her father. Composing her face, she peeks up at her mother, the tiniest flicker of understanding makes her aware of Danu’s knowledge.

  Danu grips Odin’s arm, looking at him imploringly. “I would talk to you alone. We do not need the others to make a final decision. I also have another question that only you can help with.”

  Odin’s eye was back to a bright blue, and in it, Asger perceives triumph. The god thinks he has won but whatever he had planned for Ylva, it was not good. His stomach tightens and his heart is pounding so hard he is sure the others can hear it. His brain is scrambling to find a way to save his love. Danu glances back at him, her eyes glowing with an inner light and he thinks he might have missed something.

  “Ragnhild, let us go. Odin can make plans and we will do whatever is needed of us,” Loki suggests before disappearing. He is certain she will hesitate. The Valkyrie looks to Odin, her eyes narrow as she quarters the area.

  “Do you think someone would attack my father here while I am present, Ragnhild. Do you assume I could not protect him?” demands Morrigan. She lets her mist flow out around her, screams echo from it, her green eyes have turned hard and cold.

  The Valkyrie steps back, realizing her mistake, “No, my Lady, of course not. I have guarded him for so long that I do not know how to not do so.”

  Morrigan pulls her mist back but her eyes stay hard. “You should return to Yggdrasil, and wait for my father there. I promise he is safe here with my mother and I.” There was no option but for Ragnhild to go. She shifts away.

  Loud enough for her parents to hear Morrigan speaks to Asger. “We should fly. It would help you learn control.”

  If he had not been looking at her, he would have missed the slight raising of her eyebrows. Nodding slightly, he steps away so he can change, this time it only takes a few moments. Chuffing, the dragon blows smoke at her. Both man and dragon are pleased that they are getting faster and it is becoming less painful. In an instant, a giant raven is before him, one with green eyes blinking at him. She takes to the air and he is scrambling to catch up to her. His massive wings flap and soon he is gliding beside her but he lets her lead. They soar through the shimmering sky, heading far from Odin. Flying for a long time, he is amazed at the size of this world. He realizes he never strays far from the house and the gardens. He is lost in his thoughts when he notices she is landing. Circling back, he finds her perched in a massive tree, his dragon is instantly reverent. Asger questions him and is startled to realize what tree this is. Scanning the ground, his dragon shows him the extensive root system before landing beneath the branches. It is then that Asger understands just how large the tree is, they are dwarfed beneath it. He shifts back, quicker than before, and stands turning in a circle, amazement stamped on his face and wonder filling his heart. The Tree of Life.

  He startles as Morrigan appears beside him. With a smile upon her face, Morrigan asks, “She is beautiful, is not she?”

  “She?” he whispers, looking at the tree.

  “Yes, She,” a chuckle escapes her as she watches him. “She will protect us from prying eyes, ears and magic. She cares immensely for Ylva, and even though she is not happy about the destruction you did at the valley, she does understand the need. The Tree of Life was heartbroken but she had not known of Beathag’s captivity. She is who is tracking my daughter, her roots travel the world.”

  His eyes widen as the tree shivers and leaves rain down on them. He catches one in his hand and tucks it into his shirt.

  “It is an exceptional gift,” Morrigan whispers.

  Asger jumps as Loki appears in front of him. The God laughs at his discomfort. “Darling, she sent word to me,” he smiles at his niece before turning to lay a respectful hand upon the trunk. Loki conjures chairs and they sit. As they do, branches curve down toward the ground, shrouding them in a curtain of brilliant green. Asger surveys around them speechless. “Now we can speak freely. Even the strongest of us will not be able to hear through her shield.” Morrigan’s eyes sparkle with love. Someday, Asger would ask about the tree, but for now, he must focus.

  “How are we going to save her?”Asger inquires, as he leans forward, keenly hoping they have thought of a solution. Loki and Morrigan look at each other, something passing between them. Unease courses through his body.

  “Please, listen to everything before you react.” That statement from Morrigan confirms his suspicions that this was going to be bad. Clenching his hands, trying to loosen his fingers which are stiff, he purses his lips and fights to remain silent. Morrigan nods to Loki.

  “We have conferred while you traveled here and have decided we need to let my brother catch Ylva. In fact, we need to help him catch her.” Asger leaps to his feet, muscles tense, thoughts racing trying to come up with any other solution. “SIT DOWN!” Loki’s eyes dance with flames in his anger. Asger had been wrong. They had not darkened in rage but grew lighter as the fires burned. Asger sinks back into his seat wary of Loki’s anger but stiff and ready to fight if need be.

  “Both of you please calm down. Uncle, he loves her. Asger, my uncle, also loves Ylva. Actually, she is one of but a few that he adores and who adores him back. We have a plan. You must listen.” Asger relaxes slightly, trusting the goddess, but he keeps his eyes on the Trickster.

  The flames recede as Loki begins to speak. “As I was saying, we help Odin capture her. You are our weapon, Guardian. Danu, Morrigan and even this one,” he touches the trunk of the tree, “believes you are the key to bringing Ylva back to us all.”

  Startled, Asger peers up into the branches. “Why would I be the key?” He looks back to Morrigan, studying her reaction.

  “She loves you. You hold her heart and her heart is the strongest part of my girl.” Love shines in Morrigan’s eyes. “We do not know for certain, but mother and I also believe something happened in the ritual. Something that strengthened the bond you already had.”

  The dragon was listening and growls at this new information; amber eyes looking out at them as he rises closer to the surface. “He is not happy. Did ye know that ye would join us all?” Asger felt weak at the idea of binding her to him without his and her permission. “That is what ye did, right? ye bound us together, all three of us. It explains, not only the dragon’s reaction, but at least some of her lack of control.” He paces away, the vein on the side of his head is throbbing and he cracks his knuckles. His eyes are glowing more brightly when he turns back. “Ye hae taken our free will,” his words are ground out through clenched teeth and his face reddens in anger.

  Shaking her head, Morrigan comes to his side. “I swear we did not know. We think it was part of our ritual but also part of both the dragon and Ylva’s magic. Their magic had to have been seeking another for neither you, nor Ylva, to know what was happening. Dragon, had you longed for a mate?” she implores quietly. Watching Asger for a reaction, she got one. She was jerked back by Loki just as the dragon burst forth, the change instantaneous. She could not help the awe and pride she felt. His head turned level with them and he roars, the force blowing their hair. She understands his anger. Reaching out she lays her hand on his jowl and gazes into his eyes. “I think she also longed for a mate, someone to love, and someone who was her match in all things. Her magic saw that it was you, you who could temper the beast. Asger who would stand beside her and love her - beast, magic and all. Both magics saw the mate that was wanted, that was needed. It knew there would never be another whose souls would match. Magic often knows what is best. It made sure that neither would ever be alone, for you are each other's destiny - soulmates. I think when we sepa
rated you instead of becoming stronger together, it weakened her. Then we lost her father, and she chose to retreat. She has chosen to allow the Berserker to run free. We have to give her a reason to take back control. YOU are that reason.”

  His tail twitches in agitation. Asger was dumbstruck. The dragon needed to get close to Ylva, then he would be able to tell if what they thought was true. If their magics had combined, he would be able to identify it, feel it. Asger trusts his dragon’s judgment, believed he did not know, and they both could not sense any deceit from Morrigan.

  Asger stood before them once more, his change instant. Panting slightly, he imparts the dragon’s thoughts, “He says that on the old world sometimes magic was wild. That ye hae all forgotten, it was the magic that was first; it gave itself voluntarily to ye. That even he forgets it sometimes does what it will.”

  Loki paces away, hands joined behind his back, eyes unfocused. Breath slowing as he slips into the past, remembering events from lifetimes ago. Memories dancing through his head. They stand waiting for him to join them in the present and after a while, he smiles slyly. Locking eyes with Asgard, Loki thrusts his way into his mind, his magic winds around the dragon, searching for something. A bark of laughter startles the others as finds what he seeks.

  “It was your magic, Dragon; it is primordial. Your kind was formed with it. You were first and your magic is the oldest; it is still wild magic. We have forgotten so much. Niece, your ritual was for binding the two souls. The magic understood that it would take the four joined together to produce the perfect soulmate. .”

  “Soulmate,” Asger whispers the word. “What does it mean, exactly? And what do ye mean by four?” Morrigan’s look of joy made him sure it had to be a good thing. Within him, his dragon purred. Soulmate was beginning to sound very good indeed.