Her Viking Saviour (Lore & Love Trilogy #1)

Prologue

Odin tapped his foot impatiently inside the root of Yggdrasil while he waited for the Norns to acknowledge his presence. He could not help a wry smile at their indifference, the only ones who could and did treat him so. They were ancient but still youthful, all-knowing but uncaring, as was their nature.

Gives me a good dose of humility at least .

He rolled his eye at the thought. Patience was not one of his virtues. This was an earthy space. Dirt and grass, wood and stone. He breathed the scent in deeply, so pure and untouched by any other living realm.

Give me the smell of mead, battle sweat, and the heady aroma of a woman .

More moments passed and still they did not speak to him, nor even look at him, so he watched them. Urd stared blankly at her hands and Skuld watched Urd. Verdandi tended a large pot over a roaring fire, humming tunelessly to herself. To think that these three held the fate of the worlds at their fingertips, for gods and mortals alike. Odin shook his head in disbelief as he always did when he paid a visit to the Norns. He cleared his throat since the tapping of his foot had gone unnoticed.

"Ah, Odin," Urd spoke, but her gaze was still on her hands, her silvery blonde hair curtaining her expression. "We have not forgotten you. Time passes differently for us."

They always reminded him of this. That, while he was a god–the God of all gods, realms, and all who dwell in them—his authority did not include the Nornir. The fact that he had been addressed meant he was getting somewhere.

"Of course, Urd, forgive me. It is an honour just to be in the presence of the wise and fated," he said with a bow.

He knew this pleased Skuld for she saw everything, even if her gaze was directed at Urd. Now she turned to him, and he gave her his most charming grin. Skuld was the most attractive of the Norns, though he knew better than to attempt to seduce her.

"You come seeking guidance for one of your warriors." It was a statement rather than a question, her tone a soft purr.

"You are unsure what to tell him when he calls on you for advice about his path. You want to know his fate," Verdandi said.

"Torben Ulfson is currently in Mercia, and I foresee him becoming sickened by the battles and bloodshed. He is a man capable of many things, but he is one of the most fierce and talented warriors I have seen."

"You are correct, Odin. There are many paths Torben “Hel-Bringer” Ulfson could walk. You are also right that he tires of the pillaging, destructive ways of the Viking; the bloodshed of men, women and children. If he stays in abroad, in time, he will become a shadow of his former self. If he returns home to lead and care for his people, he will still honour you by living the way of the Norse. He will be ready and able to defend his lands in Midgard, in your name."

Odin nodded, soaking in the words. Torben had been calling to him, asking for Odin’s wisdom, a sign. And now Odin could give him one. There was good in Torben's heart, a rarity in this time.

"My thanks, Urd, Skuld, and Verdandi—your wisdom leaves me much to contemplate."