“There is a wild theory I have developed about our three friends, here.” Edmund continues as everyone gazes at the relief in silence. “I think the three gods are locked in the Abyss with Volund.”
“How in the blazes do you lock a god away?” Argnier swings his arms around.
As interesting as this revelation has become, Calder is ready to move on before more questions about the temple arise, such as how they gained entry or his conversation with his celestial father.
Edmund runs his hand along the carving. “It would seem a coup occurred over a millennium ago, and our friends are eager for revenge. As a betting man, I would say Freyr and Thrain’s attempt twenty winters ago was just the start. In the Gothi world, there are whispers that Lavinia has been mobilizing Makt worship once again.”
They all shift uncomfortably at the added weight to their quest.
Argnier shuffles next to Edmund. “Did you say you are a Gothi of Gullveig?”
“Yes?” Edmund looks worried at his sudden line of questioning.
“Ah, my friend, I apologize for your situation.” Genuine sympathy spills from Argnier. “Do you feel like you might burst?” His whisper carries enough volume for the entire room to hear.
Calder grumbles internally. Edmund is many things, but he doesnot deserve the eternal punishment that Gullveig inflicts on her Gothi, nor Argnier’s interrogation.
Edmund shifts his weight between his feet until he is out of the firelight. “Of all the Gothi Temples, it is nigh impossible to break from worshipping her.”
“Does she keep blackmailing you?” Argnier doesn’t seem able to stop asking questions.
Edmund’s responding expression looks anguished. “She denies you the ability of a sexual release.”
“But you hump anything that moves?” Argnier tilts his head, undoubtedly struggling to conceptualize what it would be like to constantly be denied that sensation.
“It is a bit like being edged directly into the sun,” Edmund snarls. “Let’s move along.”
Aura lightly touches Edmund’s shoulder. “Did they know? Did your parents know when they agreed to send you?”
Hurt reflects in his dark eyes. “No, but you should know better than anyone that little lord’s children keep their mouths shut when life collapses around them.”
She steps away, looking as if he has struck her.
“We should keep moving,” Calder says, pulling Aura toward the door as the other two follow closely behind. “There were a couple of doors on the lower level. I'm sure that's the direction.”
They descend to where he searched earlier, but find only old Gothi living quarters, a spoiled kitchen, and a washroom.
Argnier exclaims, “I found something!”
They rush to the end of the passage in time for him to pry open a stone door leading to a wide corridor that ends in two identical grand stone doors twice the size of Calder. Engraved on the doors is Makt’s symbol, which resembles a standing stone with a slanted top.
“My sight might not be what it used to be,” Argnier pants from the exertion, “but I know a fancy door when I see one.”
“Good find.” Calder strides through the passage and opens one of the grand doors with a loud groan.
Inside is a Great Hall larger than any he has ever seen before. Thevaulted ceilings feature wooden crossbeams with chains suspended at varying intervals. Wrapped in the chains are bare skeletons. Leveled seating lines both sides of the room, where a wide altar crafted of white marble stands at the center. Stains along the altar and the floor nearby signal everything they need to know about its original purpose.
His head begins to throb with anticipation of leaving. Distancing himself from Makt has been his primary motivation since he was a young boy, and now that urge to flee burns beneath his skin.
At the end of the hall is an iron weapons rack supporting a great axe. The blade is crafted from rare Astrian steel. The faintseidrglow of the room illuminates the iridescent metal, believed to be the strongest ever uncovered.
Calder sighs at the obvious trap.
“How is there light in here?” Argnier glances at the dark ceiling.
“Seidr,”Calder replies as his heavy boots thud toward the other end of the chamber, prepared to spring whatever Abyss-filled shit Makt has planned for him.
Aura and her battalion of flames stay behind him as Edmund and Argnier fan out, inspecting for trap triggers in every nook and cranny of the chamber.
