Thor and Soren walked through the grand corridors of Asgard, the golden halls echoing with footsteps and reverent voices.
As they passed, citizens bowed respectfully to the Thunder God. Warriors halted their drills, placing fists over hearts in salute.
To the people, Thor was more than a prince, he was the living embodiment of glory, the protector of realms, the invincible king of war.
Soren raised an eyebrow, lips curling in amusement.
"You know… for someone who's been benched for a while, you've still got quite the fan club."
Thor chuckled, his cape billowing behind him.
"I fought for them, bled beside them. A warrior doesn't forget his people. Nor do the people forget their warrior."
Soren nodded, half-impressed. "That explains the mural of you punching a dragon on the outer wall."
"Ah, yes." Thor grinned. "Fandral says they exaggerated the size. I say they didn't make it big enough."
But the warmth in Thor's smile didn't reach his eyes. Beneath the cheerful exterior, a storm brewed.
Meanwhile, high atop the royal palace, in the cold silence of the throne room, Loki sat draped in regal splendor. His fingers curled around the scepter like a serpent coiled for the strike.
A guard whispered in his ear.
"My king… Thor has returned."
Loki's eyes narrowed. "Thor… returned?"
"How dare he! Heimdall… that traitorous watchman!"
He slammed the scepter against the floor. Everything was in motion, everything! Laufey's army is waiting at the border of Jotunheim for Loki's signal.
We are seconds away from history, and now he dares to ruin everything.
His mind raced. But there was no turning back now. He had made his choice, plotted his path. With Odin asleep, Loki had power. And with Laufey's death, he would have dominion.
"Send the signal." He said coldly.
Back in the palace corridors…
Thor stormed ahead, fists clenched, rage simmering just below the surface. He approached the great doors to the throne room. The guards, unsure, stepped aside without a word.
"Where is Loki?" Thor demanded.
Soren followed, silent but attentive. His eyes scanned every corner, he could feel the tension in the air.
The massive doors creaked open, revealing the throne.
And there, lounging like a serpent on gold, was Loki.
"My dearest brother." Loki said smoothly, a false smile playing on his lips.
"How unexpected. And look, you've recovered your powers. Congratulations."
Thor's eyes immediately locked on the scepter in Loki's hand, the royal staff, once his father's.
"You sit on a throne that does not belong to you." Thor growled. "And hold what is not yours."
Loki tilted his head.
"Father is sleeping, remember? Someone must rule. Or did you expect me to let the court fall into chaos while you were banished?"
Thor took a step forward. "You lied to me. You said he was dead."
Loki sighed dramatically.
"Yes, well… even gods are not eternal. He slipped into the Odinsleep without warning. None of us can say if he'll ever awaken. I'm simply… preparing Asgard for the inevitable."
"You speak of preparation, but what are you planning with the Jotuns?"
Loki's smile faltered for just a heartbeat, then returned.
Before Thor could charge, Soren spoke, his voice cutting through the room. "Thor."
"This isn't the time for shouting contests. We have a patient to wake."
Thor paused. Then nodded grimly.
He turned back to Loki.
"I won't argue with you. But when Father wakes… and he will… you'll answer for everything."
He turned, cape swirling, and began to leave with Soren.
Loki watched them go. His smile never wavered. But his eyes…
As the doors to the palace closed behind them, Thor exhaled heavily. His earlier bravado faded, and beneath his broad shoulders, worry had begun to settle.
"Father always prepared in advance when he entered the Odinsleep." Thor muttered, more to himself than to Soren.
"But this time… it happened suddenly. No signs, no warnings. That's what troubles me."
Soren, walking calmly beside him.
"Sleep or death, it doesn't matter. If your father's spark is still there, I can bring him back. That's a promise."
Thor glanced at him, surprised by the confidence, but grateful for it. "You speak boldly, Midgardian doctor."
"I'd call it certainty" Soren replied with a wink.
Soon, they arrived at the great Temple of Sleep, a solemn place built from silver stone and runes that glowed with faint golden light. Two guards clad in shimmering armor stood at the entrance.
When they spotted Thor, they straightened and bowed.
"Your Highness Thor!" They called out in unison.
But as Soren stepped forward, they crossed their weapons to block his path.
"Forgive us, my prince." one said. "But outsiders are forbidden from entering. Only family may approach the King during his Odinsleep."
Thor stepped forward, voice rising with authority.
"He is no ordinary outsider. This man is the healer I summoned from Midgard. Only he has a chance of waking Father before it's too late."
The guards hesitated, their expressions torn between duty and loyalty. The Temple's rules were ancient, unchangeable.
"Asgard faces a grave threat," Thor said firmly. "If my father doesn't wake soon, we may all fall. I take full responsibility. Let him through."
Still unsure, the guards exchanged looks.
But at that moment, the temple doors creaked open with a soft hum.
From within stepped a regal woman… Queen Frigga, her silver-gold gown flowing like moonlight, her eyes wide with recognition and disbelief.
"Thor?" Her voice trembled.
Thor turned, and his face softened.
"Mother."
Frigga rushed forward, tears forming in her eyes as she embraced him tightly.
"You came back… Odin, he… oh, I feared I'd lost both of you."
"I'm here now." Thor whispered, holding her gently. "And Father will be too. I promise."
Frigga wiped her tears, noticing Soren behind him.
"And who is this?"
"This is Soren." Thor said, stepping aside. "A healer. Perhaps the only one who can save Father."
Frigga looked at Soren, her eyes searching. For a moment, she hesitated. Then, with a soft but commanding voice, she turned to the guards.
"Let him pass."
The guards, hearing both the prince's and the queen's words, stepped aside. Soren gave a polite nod and followed them into the temple.
The Temple of Sleep was hushed and still. Glowing runes pulsed softly on the walls. At its center lay a platform suspended in energy, radiant and ethereal, like a cradle woven from starlight.
There, Odin rested.
The Allfather.
His beard as white as snow, face aged yet majestic. His breathing was slow, but steady. His essence… faint.
[The King of Gods: Odin]
[World Level A+]
[Ability: Authority Lv 10, Wisdom Lv 9, Combat Lv 9]
Soren raised a brow, A+ not bad for an old, blinded man.
Thor glanced at Soren nervously. "Can you wake him?"
"Yes."
"But not here."
Frigga frowned. "Why? This temple is sacred, it's built for his rest."
Soren turned toward her, calmly.
"And I need more than rest. I need access to tools, to energy beyond what Asgard allows. I need to bring him to my Earth."
The room fell silent.
Frigga's expression wavered. "You want to take Odin off-world? In this condition?"
"If he stays here." Soren said gently. "He may never wake. If we move now, I can stabilize his spiritual energy before the decline becomes irreversible. The sooner, the better."
"Mother, I trust him. I wouldn't bring a stranger into Father's temple if I didn't believe in him." Thor nodded.
Frigga looked between them. Then slowly, she nodded.
"Very well. Take him. Bring him back to me."
꧁𓊈𒆜༺⚜༻𒆜𓊉꧂
Dare you peek into my other tales? The opening three chapters of select stories are free to all.
PhantomDream