Epilogue
Epilogue
Jane and Zev made their way across the battlefield. Rune was already there, standing near the alder tree where Loki and Jane had fought together during her first battle. He waved them over. The three were given places of honor at the front of the gathering.
“So, how does it feel to be a royal advisor?” Jane asked Rune.
“It’ll take some getting used to,” the scholar answered. “But the work has already started.”
Zev shot Rune a knowing look. “It does seem like Loki’s been spending an awful lot of time in the library since we got back...”
“Yes, well, um…yeah.” Rune was blushing. Jane and Zev grinned at him.
The practice battle had been canceled for the day. Instead, all of Valhalla’s residents assembled on the field to watch Loki’s coronation. The throne had already been placed under the tree. Heimdall stood near it, horn in hand, surveying the crowd. When the last few stragglers had joined, he lifted the horn to his lips and sounded it. The crowd parted in the center, and Odin and Frigga walked through the cleared aisle to stand on either side of the throne.
All eyes turned once again to the far side of the aisle. Loki appeared there in an explosion of green light, wearing an elaborately embroidered outfit in green, gold, and black. Under one arm, he carried his horned helmet. In the other, he carried Laevateinn, this time in the form of a long staff.
Still can’t resist a flashy entrance, Jane thought. Well, I guess he earned it this time.
He walked slowly toward the throne, looking solemn and dignified, every inch the king. Just before he reached the throne, however, he turned his head and gave his three friends a sly wink.
He and his parents exchanged a few quietly spoken words, then Odin came to stand before the throne, facing Loki and the crowd. Loki knelt, and Odin placed a hand on his head.
“Preserve the peace, cast aside selfish ambition, act only for the good of this realm and that of the living.”
There was a moment of silence while Odin returned to his place beside the throne and then Loki stood, placed the horns upon his head, walked to the throne, and sat down.
Heimdall nodded respectfully to his new king, then blew his horn once more. When the last echoes faded, the crowd erupted in cheers.
Loki smiled — a soft, sincere smile of contentment.