Bound: The Kongahälla Legend, #3

By Jenny Fikke

Hild rubbed her palm against her forehead. She didn't know what to do, and she hated feeling like this. First of all, she needed to stop obsessing about him and suppress her feelings. Avoiding him altogether. If she didn't see him, maybe her feelings would disappear, and she could forget about him. But so far, it had the opposite effect on her. A large raven flew toward her. It landed on her arm. The large black bird carried news from Asgard. She rolled open the small paper in her hand and read. It revealed the unimaginable truth of what happened. Her hand was shaking when she stared at the words. The man she loved was missing. All her doubts were gone. She had to find him. Using her Valkyrie power to ensure his safety, she wouldn't stop until she found him. When she did, she would never let him go again.

 

"If you haven't read this series you should. I highly recommend it..."   - Ben Thompson

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jenny Fikke
• Release date: Apr 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9788269319644

Book preview

2. MIDGARD

Irubbed my palm against my forehead. I had no control over my feelings when it came to him, and I hated it. Even though I had spent so many nights in his strong arms, I knew I needed to stop obsessing about him and suppress what I felt. So, I decided to avoid him. I thought that if I didn’t see him, maybe my feelings would disappear, and I could forget him. But unfortunately, it had the opposite effect on me: I thought of him all the time. Months had passed and, when spring arrived, I rode to his farm, even though I knew I shouldn’t. When I got there, I slowed Bello near the building where I had brought him to that winter. I glanced up at the smithy; my eyes followed the narrow path up through the yellow grass which was now laying flat against the ground. There he was, loading the wagon with things he was going to take to the market. He pulled some fabric over the wagon, then sat on the driver’s seat, clicking his lips together before driving down the hill, towards the forest and the city of Kongahälla. Jumping my battle horse over the leaning fence, I followed at a distance. I knew I needed to leave him alone, but I just wanted to see him. I needed to know he was alright. I stayed away. I needed time to force myself to understand how insane this relationship really was. I needed to wait until I could think straight again. Without him.

It was just another day, heavy rain clouds hanging overhead, like a grey lid above the battlefield, as I walked around, as I always do, choosing the dead men I wanted for Valhalla.

Meanwhile, the heavens emptied water over the fighting men and the Valkyries among them walking the muddy ground. I killed some of the men who challenged me. And then I noticed that there was a man, he was standing completely still amid the fighting crowd. He was covered in mud, and it looked as if he had been rolling around in it.

He just stood there, but I knew that he saw me, the real me, which was impossible, since I had masked myself with magic. No mortal man could see the real me unless they were dying. I stopped before him.

Did you want something? I asked.

My inner predator woke inside me and wanted his blood, and I didn't have any objections. In an instant, I had changed, and stood before him in my magnificent battle armor. I grabbed a sword out of the air and pointed it at him. The man slowly raised his arms in self-defense, his mud-clad hair like thick, muddy braids on his head.

Why are you staring at me? I asked.

I leaned my head to the side and studied the man for a moment before I attacked. Gracefully, I twisted my body, ready to cut his head off.

I will not fight you, he said, lowering his arms.

I stopped my attack in an instant, the cold metal of my blade now resting against his neck,

If you don’t fight, I will kill you, I told him. 

With a graceful move I swept his legs out from under him and watched him float in the air for a moment before landing in the wet dirt with a splash. The mud was so deep that he almost drowned in it. The man raised himself up on his elbows and tried to get back to his feet again. But I put my boot against his chest and kept him where he was.

I asked you a question.

Why are you being like this? he roared, grabbing my boot with his hands as he tried to push it off himself.

But he couldn’t. Slowly, I pushed him further down into the mud. Then I pushed him under the surface and kept him there. He let go of my boot and tried to push himself up, but I kept him under. When I thought enough time had passed, I let him up.

The man I let up was furious.

I recognized you! I have never seen you like this; I thought you were...

I interrupted him, Recognized me? I doubt that very much I said without feeling looking him up and down. Why did you stare at me... human.

I placed the tip of my sword against his heart, then raised it in the air to thrust it into him.

It’s me... he said, Arnor!

I stopped at the last moment, and slowly lowered my sword before I dropped it and it disappeared.

Arnor? I asked.

It’s me!

I changed back to my usual self and forced the predator   back into my soul; it still wanted to kill him.

I could have killed you!

The reality of what had just happened hit me hard and I felt my throat closing. I couldn’t breathe as I realized how close I had come to killing the only man I had ever really loved.

You disappeared... he said.

I looked at him.

I didn’t know what to do to find you. He walked up to   me, I tried to see you in Asgard but...

I told you not to come there. I said.

I know.

He took my hands in his. Inside, I fought to keep control of the part of me that wanted his blood. He looked at me, watching my inner struggle with a calm that didn’t help at all.

It's better if you don’t touch me right now, I said through clenched teeth. For your own good.

I stared down at his muddy hands as they held mine.

If he had any idea how close he had come, how close I had been to killing him. I wanted to take my hands out of his. I wanted to take back my control; the control he stole from me every time that he touched me. No control, I thought. I have no control! His touch gave me shivers of pleasure.

I missed you so much, he mumbled, lifting one hand to touch my cheek.

My eyes followed his every move. I moved back, and he followed, so I stopped. His moss-green eyes studied me as if I was a wild animal he was scared to chase away. And I wanted him so much. I swallowed as my heart pounded in my chest, but he just kept watching me. I raised my eyes to his. He was so beautiful; covered in mud, but still beautiful. His nose, those high cheekbones, and those lips, I wanted to kiss him muddy or not. Being this close to him was intoxicating, and all I wanted to do was to lay my cheek against his firm chest and let his strong arms surround me.

3. MIDGARD

The dead and dying laid scattered around us. The battlefield was growing quiet as survivors from the losing side were being taken captive by the victors. All that remained now was death, and Valkyries walking the field. I searched his face, then walked up to him. I rested my head against his shoulder and his strong arms embraced me. The two of us stood there, still in the middle of the battlefield. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, and I knew, that in that moment, I had never felt more at peace. The slow beating of his heart filled my senses, and I knew that he was all that I needed.

I knew you would be here, he said. I know it was...

Fury rose and bubbled through my veins, You’re an idiot! I told him.

I pulled myself out of his arms pushing him back. The sudden thought of losing him was so unbearable that I could hardly breathe.

I can’t believe that you're this stupid! I told him.

The other Valkyries on the battlefield glanced at us, before returning to their duties.

His demeanor shifted and I could tell that he was angry. His black pupils dilated in his moss green eyes until they were almost black with rage. His energy was powerful. The prince glared at me, and small explosions of red magic filled the air around his muscular body. I watched in disbelief and all I could think was how amazing he was. A fascinated smile spread across my face and my anger passed in an instant. All I knew was that I needed to kiss him, now, so much. He roared at me, but I didn’t listen. All I could think of was all the things I needed to do with him when I got him naked. I snapped my fingers and Bello stood beside me. Arnor looked confused.

Get up I said, gesturing for him to climb onto Bello’s back. He looked at my battle horse.

I mounted Bello and he climbed up behind me. We rode towards the farm and, when we arrived, I took his hand and led him to the barrel of rainwater. I took a bowl and poured the ice-cold water over him. He shivered as I rubbed the dried mud off his skin with my hands - between my kisses. He pulled off his muddy battle gear. His teeth rattled and it made me smile. Water glistened on his muscular body and soon he was much cleaner. I used magic to remove the rest of the mud from his body, then I grabbed his hand and led him to the bedroom, kissing him, savoring his soft lips on mine. His strong hands undressed me. I changed into a dress with magic, and he into loose pants. Still wet, he pulled his hands through his hair and ruffled it, laughing. His laugh made my heart skip a beat.

Tréna, I said.

Instantly, a wind of magic swept around him, and he was dry. The prince smiled an amorous smile and pulled my dress up over my head, then pulled it off. He threw it aside and the desire I saw in his eyes made me crazy.

Walking backwards, he sat on the edge of the bed and I walked up to him and straddled him. His strong arm grabbed me around my waist as he moved his body backwards up onto the bed with me on top of him. We kissed as he laid back and I moved myself on top of him, his arms around me. I brushed my hands through his soft wavy hair, caressing his neck and shoulders. He twisted around, laying me down on my back with his weight on me. It was weird, I had always had control. But sex with him, it was different. He looked down at me with his clear and open green eyes.

You are so beautiful, he said, then kissed me again.

Kissing my neck, pushing himself up with his strong arms, his kisses traced a path down to my soft breasts. I watched him as he looked at me through his long dark eyelashes. His amazing eyes studied my every expression as he kissed my nipples and teasingly sucked the tips, before his kisses continued down to my stomach. He moved his body down between my legs, lifting my leg in the air he kissed the inside of my thigh, still watching me as I watched him. Then his kisses inched in between my legs, making me breathe deeper. I moaned as his tongue found that spot and kept it there until I thought I couldn’t take it any longer. I shivered like a leaf in his arms. His hard cock lightly brushed the inside of my thigh before he entered me. Slowly and forcefully, but tenderly too, he took me with his deep thrusts, kissing me, tasting like salt on my tongue. I pulled him close to me, whispered that I needed him to take me harder, faster, wilder. And he varied his tempo, and I got on top of him, mounting his cock then riding him. Arnor pushed himself into me and sat up to kiss me. His kisses trailed down my neck to my breasts as he caressed my back with his palms... We made love until we fell asleep in each other’s arms.

I woke abruptly and sat up with a jolt. I stared at the bed next to me, and saw it was covered in blood. An icy shiver ran through my body. What happened? Had I hurt him? I didn’t want to look at the lifeless form beside me in the bed.

No... I whispered and found I couldn’t breathe.

Tears filled my eyes and rolled down my cheeks and then I screamed.

Arnor...!

Hild!?

He shook me carefully.

I blinked and it took me a second to realize that I had been dreaming and where I was. I moved away from him rapidly, away from the bed.

You were dreaming... sobbing... he said worry in his eyes.

I didn’t know Valkyries had nightmares...

We don’t ... this is wrong, I need to go, 

I dried my eyes with my arm and rushed to dress myself, then walked out.

Hild? he called after me.

Leave me alone! I said and rode off.

4. DARKELFHEIM

Inside one of the many rooms, in the dark and mighty black palace of Darkelfheim, the black prince rose from his comfortable red recliner. He walked away from the seating area, with its fluffy red carpet, out onto the shiny black floor. He bent down, stretched his arm out to write the large sparkling runes with the tip of his finger as he spoke their names. The runes glowed like sparkling gold on the polished black floor. Instantly, a large magic window appeared and hung in the air before him. The prince straightened his back and, with his lean form and beautiful clothes, looked majestic.

At first, the magic fog covered the window's surface, but then the world inside it became clearer. He saw a luxurious room with a large bed covered in fluffy pillows. Behind the bed, exquisite wallpaper covered the walls on which hung gold-framed paintings. Three light elves stood at the foot of the bed: two with bright green hair and one with silver. All three of them stared quietly at the prince with astonished looks on their faces. Their silver eyes studied him closely, and it occurred to Rhym that they had probably never seen anyone like him before. Most likely, they had only heard of the captured prince in Darkelfheim.

Good day, he said, bowing politely. I am Rhym, the ruler of Darkelfheim. I’ve been told that you will capture and bring my younger brother to me.

No... Not us... We can’t do that. It... it must be someone else, of course. Don’t worry about it... we can easily find the right people here in Asgard, Pern, the silver haired light elves told him.

Are you in Asgard now?

Yes, we are renting a room in Asgard City. Pern answered.

Bring my brother to me. Do not hurt him, or I will have you killed.

Rhym narrowed his black eyes on the elves.

Yes sir! We will make sure that nothing happens to the prince.

The three elf men glanced at each other where they stood.

Rhym looked relieved.

Good.

He turned to leave but stopped himself, then turned back to face the magic window.

We will talk again if needed, he said.

We will. Yes, sir... Yes sir... Pern straitened his back. We will make it happen. Don’t you worry about anything, sir.

Alright then, Rhym replied, and, with a wave of his hand, the magic window vanished.

The light elves looked at each other.

He looked like a black prince... one of them said.

I know... spooky... another agreed.

Do we know someone who can fetch the prince for us... someone with no connection to Lightelfheim or us at all? Pern asked.

His silver eyes searched the other two’s faces. The green-haired elves shrugged and looked bewildered.

Well, I am sure we can find someone here in Asgard to do it...

The others agreed.

We could use magic humans from Midgard and make them do it... I'm sure there are plenty of them around Asgard's many markets... Pern thought aloud.

Yes. I'm sure there are plenty of humans here, another light elf agreed.

We could look for them in the bars on the main street, the other suggested.

We could, yes... Yes, we definitely could... Pern said, trying to look shrewd.

Alright... let’s go!

The three light elves walked out of the hotel.

Pay attention! Let’s find the humans we need so we can finally go home.

The other two light elves nodded, they stared closely at everyone they passed, checking to see if they were human. Eventually, they decided on a bar.

Let’s go in here.

This one? I don’t know... Do you think there are humans in there? Do you? Or should we try another place? There are plenty down the street too.

Let’s try this one. Pern said and walked in.

They entered the bar; this one had a Roman theme. The outside of the counter was covered with the square shields that roman soldiers used; the walls were decked with roman swords and spears and shields; oil lamps stood on each table, and torches hung on the walls, finishing the look to perfection. After looking around for a while, the light elves found two human men sitting at a table that looked perfect for the job.

Hello good sirs... Pern began, bowing deeply to make an impression.

Eh... Hello...? the two men answered.

These two were not from the finer parts of the land, and one was fat, the other thin and tall.

I am Pern, and these are my two companions, he gestured towards the other light elves who also bowed deeply.

Algot, the fat man said without getting up, and smiled a toothless smile.

Sverker, said the tall and skinny man.

Can we sit? Pern asked.

I guess... Sverker said.

Can we have some beer! Pern shouted to the server who nodded, then hurried away.

When the beer was ordered, the two humans became a lot more interested. The humans and light elves all drank and drank - and the conversations became looser and looser.

We found a Valkyrie! Pern burped loudly. She sold us information about where the prince was hiding...

The guy we're getting is... a prince? Algot asked.

Yes... although... he's not an important prince. No one will miss him or anything like that... not at all. Pern smiled a reassuring smile.     You are not doing anything wrong. He made some large gestures with his hands to emphasize his words. You are simply delivering from where you find him to another place, and... that is it, he said innocently. And when that is done, then you get paid... Simple!

How much? Sverker asked.

A lot... But before you can get paid, you have to fetch him, and then deliver him to this other place... Pern looked innocent.

What other place? Sverker asked.

Don’t you worry about that; I will draw you a really good map.

Alright.... That sounds great! Sverker said looking at his companion.

Anyway... the Valkyrie who told us where the prince is hiding... he chuckled, struggling with a pestering hiccup that would not stop,     she sold us the information about him... as if he was a pig... Pern chuckled. As if she was selling a pig in the market. He hiccupped.

She said 'I will give you the pig'... He raised his eyebrows. I mean 'the prince', she said. This guy’s safety meant nothing to her... He looked at the two human men who were listening.

She wanted us to get him. So, you might say you even have the Allfather’s blessing to do this... So, you have absolutely nothing to worry about; you are doing the worlds a huge favor getting this guy, Pern said, watching the men with his silver eyes and nodding reassuringly.

Alright, Sverker looked at Algot, who looked eagerly back at him, we'll do it.

Great! Great!! They all shook hands, then the light elves, fully intoxicated, staggered out of the bar and back to the hotel room where they had spoken to Rhym earlier.

Pern bent over, losing his balance, and staggering across the floor. He steadied himself by holding on to the window seal with one hand, then wrote the large magic runes on the hotel room's floor. A large magic window appeared before them.

Good day, ruler, sir... I... we... Pern, who was still holding on to the window seal, hiccupped. Sorry, he said, looking at the other two light elves, who had looked offended when, at first, their contribution had not been mentioned.

Pern hiccupped again.

We... have arranged it... as requested; the prince will be brought to you, sir.

Rhym looked at the three drunk light elves.

Alright. Good! he said, keep me updated.

Then with a wave of his hand, he closed the magic window.

5. MIDGARD

Iwatched the sun sinking towards the horizon as we left the battlefield. Leaving the dead behind, we rode towards the village, where celebrations were already in full swing. I had stayed away from my prince since that last time when we ended up in bed. It was exhausting, but I needed to stay away for my own sake; I knew I needed my feelings for him to cool down. The sky above me was gold, pink and orange, and I watched the black silhouettes of the dark trees in the distance. To me, they looked like the outlines of bodies against the light evening sky. All the fallen I had gathered on the battlefield were now resting in my soul bag. The losing soldiers who had survived the battle had been captured and brought to the winners' farms. They were about to become thralls and learn to serve their new masters or mistresses.

Trud slowed Nex down and stopped beside me. I swung my leg over Bello’s back and landed on my feet. The large battle horse snorted, and I caressed his large head, then removed the saddle from his back and let him loose. The water in the lake before us was dark and still. I fiddled with the buckles on my armor, then let it fall to the ground, and waded into the lake. Skuld let her horse go too, and walked, barefoot, across the green-blue reeds and into the water.

She swam towards me as I floated on my back, watching Trud, who stepped over Skuld’s armor. She too, waded towards us. She loosened her long, fish bone braid with her fingers, then shook her dark brown hair out before diving into the water.

So, what do you think your prince is doing tonight? she asked me with a playful smile.

He is on his farm, hammering away and thinking of me of course, I said, trying to hide my blushing cheeks and smile.

"You know, you’ve changed... You're completely different since you met him. I never find you on your midnight walks like before. And