Uncarved by Kira Shay

Author:Kira Shay [Tone, Kira]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: FSF Publications
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven: Seiðr

Whatever Skuld expected a domicile of a goddess to be, her imagination failed her. The large, golden double doors opened to a darkened hall. It took Skuld’s eyes a moment to adjust to the dimmed lighting. When she could see, it took everything in her not to gasp at the sheer luxury before her.

Every inch of the hall was a barrage against the senses. Dozens of candles created a warm glow that illuminated the space. Tapestries of red and gold covered the walls, making the room seem smaller and more intimate. Treasures and fine art littered tables and shelves. The candlelight reflected off of their polished surfaces. Thick ornamented braziers were spaced every few feet, adding to the candles’ illumination and diffusing an exotic scent from the spices and herbs smoldering in their bowls. Skuld found the aroma strangely comforting; it summoned images of warm sunny days in fields of blossoming flowers. The hardwood floors were covered in furs and thick carpets, making each step feel as though they were walking on top of clouds.

A soft meow drew Skuld’s attention downward. At her feet, a large, fluffy orange cat stared back up at her.

“Look, Skuld!” Brynhildr whispered in an odd, high-pitched voice. “A cat!” The Valkyrie picked up a similar-looking orange cat and hugged it to her face. “It’s so soft!”

“Put the cat down,” Skuld admonished.

Brynhildr scowled at the Norn and kept cuddling the animal. “He likes me.” As the words came out of her mouth, more cats approached, emerging from hiding places all over the hall. Their coloring varied, ranging from solid black, to calico, and everything in between. Skuld counted at least nine, but there might have been more. The din of their meows filled the room. Strix hooted and ruffled his feathers, not appreciating the feline presence.

“Who dares to come into my hall unannounced?” a sultry, feminine voice demanded from the farthest reaches of the hall. Skuld couldn’t see who spoke as they were concealed by a section of curtains at the back of the room.

Skírnir stepped forward. “My lady, it is I, Skírnir, returned from the mission to Álfheimr your brother bade me to go on.”

“Skírnir,” the voice lost it’s harsh, commanding done and gained a softer, more indulgent familiarity. “You return to us. Tell me, was your journey successful?”

“Yes, my lady, though the path to Álfheimr grows more and more turbulent. I fear the realm will soon be unattainable from the river.”

“I see. We shall have to find another way to connect with our elvish allies. I am sure you and my brother will come up with something.”

“Yes, my lady. I’ve also brought you the visitors you have been expecting.”

A weary sigh emanated from the curtains, just loud enough for the visitors to hear the agitation.

“I am not fit for company, Skírnir. Send them away.”

Skírnir gave the two women an apologetic smile. “But my lady, they are here and I do believe you have been expecting one of them for quite some time now.

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