XVI
Sif rounded a corner within the confines of the Palace of Asgard, being closely followed by a dozen Einherjar who surrounded the mortal Jane Foster who was now dressed similar to how she would be if she was not on duty.
Granted, the clothing was better fit for a younger Asgardian and had actually been her clothes when she was younger and smaller than she was now but it was still much the same appearance of what she wore underneath her own silver armor, compromising of a red dress with a paneled skirt, black pants and boots.
Luckily, they fit her well enough and weren't that loose fitting. It still irked her when she saw the human wearing her clothes but she had volunteered them and could not complain much because of it.
The Sword of Asgard led the group to a prepared room that was nearby to the Arbor of Yggdrasil. The additional four Einherjar as well as the Arbor Guard along with herself would be a befitting protection of the Aether.
At least, she hoped the Arbor Guard would assist them should the Dark Elves make an attempt at the Reality Stone. Their duty was that of the World's Tree and it was a toss-up at whether they would abandon their posts to assist them unless Malekith made a direct attempt at the World's Tree.
Just to be sure, she sent one of the Einherjar to make a case for them. It would do to know if they would help or not. Otherwise, they would be inclined to call for additional guards. She didn't think Perseus would mind if she did. She would have simply pressed them into her service though with the shortage of manpower and Perseus' own war planning it would be better if she sought the personnel through official means.
Her thoughts turned to their commander.
The Greek had been methodical. Callous even in his approach to war. Even if she hadn't seen him since he left her with the mortal Jane.
Sif had to admit that it was the most organized the Asgardians had been in war since the conflict with Jotunheim when Odin himself led them to war against the Frost Giants and that was millennia ago.
Even with the might of Asgard stifling the fires across the cosmos and the Nine Realms in the wake of Loki's madness, they had suffered tremendous casualties that could have been avoided with a competent commander at the helm.
However, with the King in his Odinsleep shortly after sending Thor to Earth to detain Loki, the only ones to fill the gap were the Warrior's Three and herself as even Tyr could not leave the King's side given his position.
Thor was a good step from them but he wasn't the Allfather.
They were effective and victorious yes, but disorganized and chaotic for the matter at hand and were simply running off like chickens that were without their heads.
The skirmishes and battles on Vanaheim were testament to that. They should not have suffered as many casualties as they did. Their opponents were mere marauders, pillagers and pirates even, with shoddy and piecemeal equipment at best, that shouldn't have stood a chance against the legions of Asgard.
Yet, they did.
There was a chance that the Asgardians could have been driven back and as much as she loathe to admit it, Perseus was providing that competent command that was usually filled by Odin and she could find no fault in his direction even in the rather abrupt bloodshed in the dungeons.
She didn't know how to direct a war. Not many on Asgard practiced it due to the prevailing peace. They may be a people of renowned warriors but if there was nothing to be fought, then there was nothing that was able to test their mettle against.
As Odin himself said, 'They are peacekeepers of the cosmos first and soldiers second.'
Sif could not even remember when the realm had been on an actual warpath as even the small conflict with Jotunheim had happened when she was just a swaddled babe.
All she heard were whispered praises from the Palace staff and the Asgardian warriors she passed by when the group would move to a new location. Though they thought it was Odin that was leading them.
She wondered about that, while it was an open secret that the Greek Demigod had been elevated to Executioner, it seemed only the Einherjar of the Palace and the rear echelon had been made completely aware of who exactly it was that directed them.
He had probably made it clear that his hands in the matter would be discrete and none of the Einherjar, usual gossips that they were, felt inclined to speak on the matter at all.
Sif was pulled from her thoughts when she saw Heimdall rounding the corner towards them. Hofund, sheathed at his back and looking as imposing and stoic as he usually did whenever he moved. He wasn't stopped though some curious glances were thrown his way by the posted Einherjar.
Having set herself up beside the door, Sif stood and greeted the renowned Sentry. "Heimdall."
The dark-skinned Asgardian inclined his head to they younger woman but stood close and leaned lower. "Lady Sif. I come with a message from the Prince." She cocked her head in confusion and steeled herself.
Was this an attempt to get to Jane?
She had hoped, no, wanted for Perseus to be wrong.
The Sword of Asgard did not think that she could stand against Thor, not that she wanted to in first place. She had spent her life dedicated to Asgard. the Throne. To actually fight against her friend whom she had grown up, played and fought with was not something that she wanted to experience nor do.
She also knew that the Greek, in light of his most recent actions, would not be taking too kindly if Thor attempted such a thing.
The Prince of Asgard would no doubt find himself in a cell right beside Loki for the remainder of the conflict.
"I hope you are not attempting to get to Jane." Sif bit out quietly. Should the nearby Einherjar realize such a thing, they may not be so forgiving nor would they risk the implications.
"I am not." He flicked his eyes about the hallway, the Einherjar were standing stoically or sitting on stools throughout. It was an amenity she allowed. The corridor was buried deep in the palace and they would have to first go through others before they got close to them.
The sound of fighting and struggle would be well heard before the Dark Elves even reached their outer guard and should that occur, Sif was assured that Perseus would react accordingly and not leave the matter just to her.
Heimdall continued. "Thor seeks to speak with you. In some time, if you are amenable to it."
Sif did not doubt that it was the Prince attempting to get to Jane. But perhaps she could dissuade her friend. She did not want to fight the person of her affection nor see him get locked up or worse, killed for a mortal.
"I cannot leave my post." Sif spoke but didn't dismiss the request outright. Her idea held merit. If she could speak to Thor she may be able to convince him not to try whatever he may be planning.
The Sword of Asgard knew the Executioner would not be so understanding.
Heimdall hummed and looked about, the Einherjar she had sent to make a case to the Arbor returning and approaching the two. He saluted her with an arm across his chest. "The Arbor Guard states that they will defend the Aether should the need arise."
Sif nodded and the Einherjar warrior walked away to resume his post further near the entrance while also casting a curious glance towards the Sentry of Asgard. Sif turned to the nearest Einherjar who was watching the exchange. "If I were to go and meet with the Prince, would you be alright until I return?"
The curious look was replaced by one of concern. "Lady Sif, I do not think that to be a good idea."
It was good that she knew exactly what buttons to push in order to get what she wanted. "Are you saying that you are incapable of acting without me?"
"Tha-" The Asgardian narrowed his eyes. Sif was quick to cut him off, though her voice was curious and wasn't accusing nor insinuating.
"That it may have been a mistake to elevate you to Einherjar? Surely, a few Dark Elves won't be able to get past you?" It was a risky statement to make. The Dark Elf attack was still fresh on everyone's minds as it had only happened the day before.
But she would be the first to admit that Asgardians were inherently prideful and prone to bouts of unthinking when they were flustered and caught flat-footed.
Sif got around that whenever she was embarrassed by simply keeping quiet and focus on other things. Like the small banter she and Perseus had when he had caught her in her own words that she had been practically watching him sleep.
Even if it was at the behest of the Allfather.
The warrior in question blustered for a moment and he turned red in embarrassment. Heimdall intervened before he could speak however, much to the warrior's relief. "It is okay. The Executioner has allowed this one absence."
Sif minutely narrowed her eyes at the Asgardian watchman. Was he being truthful or not? Perseus did not seem the type to take that kind of risk. He had all but scolded her in that regard.
But she had never known the Sentry to be a liar, in fact she knew that he absolutely detested the very concept of falsehoods considering his keen senses. It was why he had a poetic speech pattern and his penchant for riddles to let the listener pull their own meaning from his words.
To say that the Greek had allowed her to escape from this duty meant that someone would confirm it for their own ears, especially considering that her duty was to protect the mortal and in turn the Aether.
If Thor was planning on this to be a clandestine meeting then his hopes were entirely dashed.
Sif threw a glance to the Asgardian who looked skeptical at the claim. "Perhaps this will suffice as proof." Heimdall withdrew a small scroll from within his armor and handed it to the guard.
He scrunched his eyes as he read the contents, before slowly nodding. "My apologies, Heimdall, Lady Sif." While the guard handed the scroll back to Heimdall, he threw a pair of narrowed eyes at her. Most likely for her words.
She internally shrugged her shoulders. Her words may have stung and it was only Heimdall's fault for not producing the scroll earlier. So if he was angry with her than he was just being childish and instead blame the stalwart sentry.
Sif nodded slowly as she turned and peaked into the small room that they had procured for the night.
The mortal was laying on the provided bed simply staring at the ceiling above. "Lady Foster." The woman looked towards her from her reclining position but did not respond except with a slight questioning look. "I will be attending a meeting. I should not be long but if you require anything, the guards have instructions to help in any way they can."
She nodded. "I think I'm just going to sleep." Sif responded with her own. Hopefully, she would rest well. The day's events were rather abrupt and tomorrow would most likely be just as stressful.
Sif closed the door feeling slightly bad for the mortal woman. It was not her fault that the Aether was within her, had she known what it was or what its origins were, chances were that she would have avoided it.
The Sword of Asgard followed Heimdall from there and once she was sure they were out of earshot of the others. She spoke quietly from the near the side of her lips. "What did Perseus say of this meeting?"
"The Executioner does not know." She near stopped in her tracks and at her stumble the Sentry explained. "Simple illusion magic is not beyond me, Lady Sif. The Einherjar saw what I wanted him to see."
Sif nodded if only slightly. "So this is to be a secret meeting then?"
Heimdall did not answer right away, instead they continued their trek out of a side entrance of the Palace. It was then did the old Sentry speak. "It is to be a secret meeting, with the Prince, Fandral and Volstagg to devise a way to save Asgard. We are to be stealthy as we reach the meeting place to avoid patrols."
The Asgardian threw a dark cloak to her which she quickly adorned over her arms and armor. It was larger than she and she guessed it was probably one of Volstagg's. It certainly had the middling smell of mead on it that was usually accompanied by the warrior.
It was probably as good as an answer that she guessed as they soon began sneaking through the streets of the Golden City. Ensconced everlight was extremely prevalent throughout the avenues much moreso than usual and torch-bearing patrols of Asgardian warriors being led by Einherjar were stalking the streets and posted near major junctions.
She could be silent due to her nimble and lithe figure but it was certainly a sight seeing the imposing and large watchman move as quietly and deftly as her. They easily made it to the mead hall, passing by quite a few patrols in the process.
Inside, as Sif took off her hood, she could see an equally cloaked Volstagg and Fandral. Thor was also there, having stood when the Sentry and Sword of Asgard had entered the tavern. There was a small candle of everlight in the center of the table where they sat.
"Sif, Heimdall. It gladdens me that you would come."
Sif's voice brooked no argument in her words. "Thor, what do you think you are doing?" The implication was clear. She did not approve of this course of action.
The Prince of Asgard spared a glance to her other friends who looked just as burdened as the Prince. "Sif, you have to unders-"
"No, it is you who does not understand." The maiden spoke stepping up to the wooden table and placing both her palms upon it, attempting to keep her anger in check. "Asgard is waging a war right now and here you are plotting and scheming."
Thor looked away but his retort held as equal an anger as hers did and just as quiet. "Everything I do is for Asgard, Sif. Lest you forget I am still the Prince of this realm. Everything is for the people and their safety and not just for my own desires."
The others, minus Heimdall, looked uncomfortable at being caught in the middle of the quarrel. "Thor, the your mother almost died!" She whispered in exclamation. "Had Perseus not intervened, she would have! Asgard was almost infiltrated for a second time! Had Perseus not intervened, they would have!"
It was at that did Fandral stand in defense of his friend. "The Greek executed defenseless prisoners! Not even the Allfather would have done that even if they started the riots! The Greek is pressing more and more Asgardians into the armies when this war could have been over and done with yesterday!"
Sif had thought long and hard on that while doing her duty protecting the mortal and she knew just what to say. "He was right to do so! The Einherjar Legions have been fighting nonstop since the Bifrost was repaired. They are exhausted and spread thin and what would they have come home to? A war-torn home having fought for nothing? You look but you do not see! They would be beaten, in their minds, spirits and on the battlefield! Thor, the Dark Elves attacked the heart of the Throne and emerged victorious, not in their objective but in shaking Asgard!"
"Enough!" Heimdall intervened. "Sif speaks the truth." He intoned to the other three before turning to her. "But do not think that we have not considered the consequences, Sif. Should Malekith press hard enough, this war will turn the seas red in blood. He holds no attachment for our people nor for their home. Perseus is likely to tear the realm apart in the quest for victory. Something that I will not allow to happen and I do not think that the King would be inclined to stop him. So we must act."
Sif breath caught in her throat at the words, any retort she might have had died on her lips. The Watchman was not known for exaggeration but her trust in him was already shaken when the ever-truthful Asgardian lied about this meeting already.
"What would you have me do? Go against the Executioner that was anointed by the Allfather? Go against someone that is doing everything in his power to protect Asgard!?" Sif spoke, harshly and quietly.
Thor answered this time, his voice full of conviction. "If Perseus is not willing to take the fight to the Dark Elves then we will, having the best of Asgard on mere patrols is nothing short of a waste. Asgard is not the impervious fortification that he believes it to be. Its armies are built to be on the offensive and on forward momentum. To stagnate here would just keep the people in the crossfire. Would you be a part of that Sif?"
Sif scowled but said nothing in response. Thor knew she would not have no part in having innocent Asgardians being cut down because someone decided to entrench themselves but it has only been a day since they were officially brought to war.
Did she think that this would be all that Perseus would do? Simply stagnate? It was very clear that they and the Greek knew what Malekith was after. The Aether and to maximize his weapon, he would need to use the Convergence to do so.
Perseus was playing for time and Sif was not as sure as she once was to believe that the Executioner would fight the Dark Elves, if he believed it to be advantageous to simply wait it out. What if Malekith started raiding and pillaging Asgard itself? Would Perseus determine that the cost of life was negligible to the risk?
The Asgardians knew not their true numbers nor their full capabilities. What if the Dark Elf Lord was simply also biding his time and amassing his strength. What if that was what Perseus was playing at? Amassing Asgard's own militancy and preparing for when the Dark Elves would attack in force?
Sif's thoughts ran a mile a second as she regarded the situation she found herself in. She was a warrior at heart. Thinking about Perseus' situation was making her head spin. Directing soldiers, managing campaigns and waging war on a grand scale ill suited her.
There was simplicity when being the soldier. She didn't have to often worry about the grand scheme of things, simply kill the foe in front of her.
But what the Prince was saying made sense to her. Having the best of Asgard being little more than show pieces was something that didn't suit her. She needed to be active. To fight and not be a simple caretaker and guardian.
And here was Thor. Playing and adding an additional front to a war that was all but being waged in the shadows and minds of the leaders on either side.
That was where they may have the advantage. Perhaps that was where the key to victory lay. To force the two sides into open confrontation where Asgard would have the advantage.
Sif sighed as the group looked to her. Thor was still the Prince of Asgard, regardless of Perseus' elevation and Odin's decree, and she was still the Sword of the realm.
If there was to be a play to protect Asgard, she would be obligated and duty bound to be a part of it.
"What do your require of me?" Sif asked with finality.
Thor smiled only slightly but still wary as he gestured for her to sit with them. Good. Sif thought to herself as she sat down across the small table. You ask much but give little. So I do this for Asgard. Not for you.
Not this time.
It was a thought that sent a chill down the spine of the Asgardian woman but she shook it off for the time being. It was not something that she would dwell on now. Not with Asgard and the cosmos on the line.
Heimdall maneuvered beside them but still stood over them.
Thor began speaking, his voice low and leaning into the wooden table as he did so. "What I am about to ask of you is treason of the highest order. Success will bring us exile and banishment."
"Or death. Considering it is Perseus, we cannot rule that out however slim the chance is. He may kill us before the Allfather can intervene." Volstagg grumbled.
Heimdall nodded as did Thor, while Fandral simply sulked into the table, nursing a tankard of whatever he had. Sif did not think the Greek would go as far as that.
For his viciousness in the dungeons, there was a merciful side to him. He could have cleaned out the dungeons proper but did not do so. He could have killed Lorelei, and as much as she would have relished the sight, he did not.
He could have left the mortal, Jane, anxious and despondent. Yet he did not. He took the time to ensure her a semblance of normalcy and comfort even if it was for the war effort.
The Prince continued though. "Failure shall mean our either being thrown into the dungeons or death. In regards to our Executioner and Volstagg's words, it is unknown what course of action he may take should we be caught by him. We must move Jane off-world, specifically Midgard."
Sif scrunched her eyes and her heart nearly stopped at the implication. "You mean to set Perseus against Malekith." She deduced and their was a nod in response. Thoughts of the conversation in the Archives of Yggdrasil between her, the Allfather and the Greek pervaded her mind. "What of the Olympians? What if they make an attempt at the Aether? If they do, you would simply be moving the war from Asgard to Midgard."
She did not relish the thought of bringing what would have been a brutal but short conflict into a world that could drown the humans in a war that would cost them millions of lives.
"That is where Loki comes into play." Thor explained. "His magics in illusions and subterfuge are second to none. As soon as we arrive, he will mask our energies and signatures that would draw their attention. I along with Fandral will deal with the guards in dungeons and break him out." The Prince brought out a small holographic orb, that displayed a small depiction of the Palace in an amber glow.
Why didn't he do so when he was on Earth before? Was her question but she did not voice it. Instead she continued to listen.
"Here." He pointed to an open balcony a little ways away from the Healing Chambers of the Palace that highlighted at the gesture. "Volstagg and Heimdall will secure us transport. There is a skiff there that will take us to the Bifrost."
"Wasn't the Bifrost closed?" Volstagg questioned, looking to Heimdall.
"The Greek felt it prudent to prepare transport for the Queen should the Dark Elves make another attempt to infiltrate the Palace and placed under the protection of the Einherjar on Vanaheim. Hours ago, I was assigned to take the skiff under my own protection so as to escort her myself."
There was a slight silence.
"And I am assuming Sif, as the principal guardian to Lady Foster, will bring her to us?" Fandral spoke up.
Sif hissed in displeasure. It was a good plan.
If not for the fact that she had already prepared rooms all on the wing where they would have to movepast the War Chambers in order to leave. She would also have to lose their guard. Twelve Einherjar were nothing to scoff at. She was good and had no doubt she could easily take the challenge but if even one of them shouted out an alarm, then she would be overwhelmed.
She was also not fond of the idea of having to fight fellow Asgardians.
Not only that but if she was traveling with anything less than the expected twelve Einherjar in escort, questions would be raised and surely draw Perseus' attention.
The Sword voiced as much. "I may need help. I am not the sole escort to the mortal. I can take a few of the Einherjar but if they are not dealt with quickly they may raise the alarm."
There was another silence.
"What if you were to take her past the dungeons?" At the questioning looks, Volstagg explained his words. "As soon as you free Loki, you could help Sif and could use his magics to occlude yourselves as you make your way to the skiff. Make it seem as if you are palace servants or guards."
Sif thought on it. It was a sound plan, but needed to be timed perfectly. If she was too early she could not linger and if it was too late, she would be forced to avoid the dungeons.
Not only that, but Thor and Fandral would have to be just as timely with their dispatching of the prison guards.
"We would need communicators to coordinate." Sif said.
Fandral smiled and dug into his cloak and pulled five of the devices from within and set them on the table. They were small beads that stuck inside the ear to which they all did and after some slight feedback that made her wince slightly did they appear to be working.
"Is this the plan?"
"Not all of it." Thor explained as the small amber depiction for the palace enlarged to display the entire city, only a miniaturized version of it and it only encompassed a small bit of the table. Thor began tracing a line from the palace while explaining. "We will want to avoid these areas."
Several spots lit up on the map.
Heimdall spoke. "Those areas contain large amounts of warriors and Einherjar who would attempt to shoot us down. We will not have a lot of time before word reaches Perseus that Lady Foster has been absconded with."
The line was not entirely straight and curved over the main thoroughfare twice once near the beginning of the palace and also right at the end where the main pavilions and marketplace was located.
It looked as if they might actually pull this off but there was something that she felt a need to say.
"There is no guarantee that Malekith and Perseus will appear at the same time, particularly if Malekith makes use of the Convergence." Sif pointed out. "We may have to fight the Dark Elves ourselves."
Thor spoke resolutely. "Then we will do so. Between the five of us, we will be alright. Besides, Perseus will not stand idly by. He will be right behind us the moment the Bifrost is in use regardless if we are found out or not."
Sif's thoughts turned to Jotunheim and that mess of an expedition but she didn't voice her concerns. If it did come down to it, she hoped that Perseus would make it in time to assist. She did not favor her chances against an army of Dark Elves that made use of ranged weapons as their standard even if she had her own lance.
There was silence as they all mulled over their own thoughts. Thor and Fandral looking intently at the map while Volstagg stood, shaking the crumbs of whatever he may have been eating from his cloak. "We begin tomorrow." Thor announced quietly as he stood as well, prompting the other two present who were still sitting to stand with him. "It will be our best chance with Perseus still preparing."
Sif nodded stiffly, her thoughts jumbled as she thought over a multitude of things and the coming day. Something that would have been stressful without this backroom plotting.
"I'll be taking Sif back to her post." Heimdall said as he donned his cloak again, having discarded it upon entering the tavern. "We will be less conspicuous than if you were to travel alone."
She didn't say anything in response and followed the wizened Sentry through the tavern hall and through the streets of Asgard. They were able to avoid the patrols easily enough as the night fully settled in.
It did not take long for the two to reach the palace and the entrance that they had originally left through. The glimmering gold of the structure still standing imposingly over the city.
They had only made it a handful of meters into the Palace when Heimdall stopped abruptly in his tracks causing her to do the same. He looked about, his amber and gold irises glowing in concern. "We are not alone." He intoned quietly.
There was no mistaking the voice that answered the watchman's words and they cut through the eerie silence that had pervaded the hall. "No, you are not." Sif's breath hitched as she turned to look towards the source.
Standing there leaning against one of the many golden pillars in the chamber, hands crossed across his armored chest and in a hand was a navy blue hat with a white stitched symbol on display for her to see. His helmet was clipped to his hip and his stygian blade sheathed at the other side. They both turned to face the Executioner of Asgard.
She could see no other guards but she doubted that he was fully alone. He looked at them with his poisonous sea green eyes impassively, regarding them fully. "Greek, we-"
"Tell me a lie and being thrown in prison will be the least of your worries." He cut off the sentry who had quieted at the words and shared a glance with Sif. Their weapons were out of reach and the Sif doubted she could throw off her cloak and make to draw her sword before being put at sword point. Heimdall even less so. Hofund being a greatsword and sheathed at his back would be a cumbersome thing to attempt to do with someone who was, without a doubt, faster than he at sword play.
There was another terse silence as both parties faced off with each. As if reaching some sort of conclusion, he pushed off from his reclining position and stepped away from them. "It looks like we have some things to talk about. You alert your friends and I'll arrest you all."
There was no physical indication that he wanted the two to follow him but they did so anyways. There was no escaping this confrontation. None of the assumed guards moved to escort them.
The trio walked the halls towards the War Chamber in a silence. She was used to shouting and declarations of retribution being made. That she could handle. This eerie quietness was torture for her. He didn't look nor speak in anger nor did he look glad that he caught them. Only a weariness had sagged his shoulders with slight burdens. Though his voice held an edge of promise that ensured the two made no attempt to alert their co-conspirators.
They walked abreast of each other with the two flanking him and they entered the Throne Hall of the palace and it was abuzz with activity still. Braziers of flickering everlight lit the entire hall.
The work to restore the damage wrought not lessening in the slightest as the night staff of the Palace continued the duties of the day as masons and metalworkers moved to repair pillars and the Throne of Asgard proper.
Asgardian warriors and neither Einherjar were exempt from duties as they assisted where they could. Those that weren't assigned to a guard posting were moving barrels and crates of rubble out of the way to be reused.
Curious glances were thrown their way but Sif stared forward not meeting any of their eyes for fear they may give away what she was thinking. Sif had never been good at masking her emotions and would not try her hand at doing so right in that moment.
They approached the War Chamber proper. A single Einherjar was flanking the wide entryway though he did not carry shield nor spear and instead wielded a pair of Asgardian longswords sheathed at each side of him. His arms were crossed against his chest and merely inclined his head in greeting to them as they entered.
If the Throne Hall was busy with activity, the war chamber was a veritable storm. Aides were delivering small scraps of parchment to those who she knew to be commanders of the standing armies while a peak into the communications center was as equally chaotic as adjutants relayed information between groups.
The Greek led them through a hallway that was attached to the main chamber and into a small study. There were two others, Einherjar to be specific, within the study flanking the doorway in relaxed postures. She recognized them to be Olaf and Bjorn.
Perseus maneuvered to the other side of a desk that, except for a small space in the center, was packed with old tomes and scrolls. Sif guessed it to be the information on the Dark Elves that he requested when he first took command.
"Shut the door." He said and Olaf did so without hesitation.
The pair, Sentry and Sword, stood before the desk unsure of what to do. "I want you to tell me the exact nature of your meeting."
There was a silence as Heimdall looked to the twin Einherjar.
"He didn't say anything to me if that's what you're worried about." Percy said before either could speak.
"He is the only one that would have known."
"He told another to tell me." Percy intervened. "I am not above loopholes in promises as much as I hate to take advantage of them, especially when it concerns whatever I may be planning. Besides, it was not hard to guess that something was going down. Four of Asgard's best warriors leave their posts within half an hour of each other?" The insinuation was clear.
"You have agents among us?" Sif couldn't help but ask. Spies? Who among her could she trust now?
"I told the Einherjar and other Asgardians to report anything that may seem out of hand or should be investigated. It was their decision to inform me that you had all left. Olaf here was questioned by Thor for my plans. You two told the guards that I had sanctioned a meeting. Volstagg and Fandral had the same excuse."
Sif bit her tongue, not in malice but for her own foolishness. "You already know of our plans. Why waste our breath in telling you?" Heimdall said.
A small pause as he set his palms on the space before them. "Contrary to what you may believe, I am not all-knowing. I am not perfect and am prone to making mistakes but I learn from them. A popular saying on Earth," He raised his hands and gestured with two fingers from each hand. "'It's called being human.' I experienced this before and it nearly lost us the war against Gaea." He sucked in a breath as something flashed in his eyes. Most likely a memory at what had happened to him, Sif assumed. "I took steps to ensure it didn't happen again. Now either tell me what your plans are or simply walk yourselves into the prisons. You've already wasted enough of my time as it is."
Heimdall looked away at that, clearly not wanting to be beholden to the Greek.
But Sif was conflicted. Had he wanted, he could have already thrown them into cells and arrested them. The fact that he didn't said that he either did know already and wanted to see if they would tell the truth or didn't actually know what they had talked about as he claimed.
She felt a pit settle in her stomach.
And so the Sword of Asgard decided it would be in their best interest to be truthful. It was not like lying would do much but be a hindrance. For all she knew, the Greek had already removed her from her post as guardian and moved the mortal to another location, rendering the entire plan moot anyways.
"We planned to get Jane off of Asgard, specifically to Earth." Sif said and the sinking feeling in stomach near engulfed her in the feeling of betrayal to her friends. Heimdall did not look to her as she said the words.
Nor did Perseus as he continued to stare at her.
So she continued and told the Executioner all that she had heard and through it all he had remained impassive. Not speaking or asking for clarification. Only absorbing the information that left her lips.
When she finished recounting, the Greek nodded and stepped towards a table at the side of the room. One she recognized that was capable of holographic display. "Show me the route that you would have taken." A map materialized as Bjorn brought it up and Sif did her best to recount the path that Thor had shown them. "And I am assuming the troop placements are from what we discussed earlier, Olaf?"
"Yes." Was the simple reply. "All at the junctions and major points."
Bjorn worked the controls and placed dots wherever they were needed. It was a near-perfect replica of Thor's map. "Heimdall. Is this accurate?"
The Sentry glanced at the display and merely nodded, stiffly.
"Good. Now let me to show you both something. Bjorn." He nodded to the other Einherjar who began maneuvering the dots.
They were now not as spread out in those specific areas but were now concentrated in many large pockets lining and flanking the route they would be taking. Still, out of the way and enough for them to outmaneuver in a skiff. In fact, they would have an easier time of it now given the density. The only thing they would have to worry about would be artillery and other skiffs.
The Executioner began speaking once again. "In about ten minutes, orders will slowly begin to be issued to these new locations, strategically placed at important cross streets so as to respond to any incursions the Dark Elves may attempt. Due to this, we will be lessening the guards for both the Aether and the prisons by roughly half."
What? Was Sif's only thought.
Heimdall and Sif looked to the Greek who didn't visibly react but continued. "Wars are not won in a day but perhaps this one can be."
"What are you saying?" Sif spoke. "Are you saying you will help us?"
"No. Simply easing the process so to speak. Malekith needs to believe that control was lost and that there is infighting amongst Asgard." Perseus said. "That being said. I have to ask that none of you repeat what you have heard or will hear in this room. Is that understood? That means Thor, Volstagg and Fandral and everyone else are to remain ignorant of what is about to be discussed."
Olaf and Bjorn immediately agreed, nodding their heads. Sif and Heimdall on the other hand were skeptical but nodded slowly after a moment. Though the watchman looked displeased at doing so.
Sif did not react, not visibly at least, as her mind stilled at his words. It was like she had thought when she confronted Thor in the tavern. Perseus had been planning something or had an inkling as to what he may have done.
"Your attempt will need to be believable. So when the order is given to stop you by any means necessary, it will be done as such. The skiff will be sabotaged, as Olaf suggested, so that it will be forced down here if you aren't shot down beforehand." A highlighted section near the main pavilions glowed brightly. "From there you will make your way on foot to the bridge where you will encounter next to nothing in the form of resistance from Asgard's warriors as they will be positioned to far away to intercept in time. Enough time for Malekith to determine whether he wants the Aether that badly."
"And if he doesn't take the bait?" Heimdall asked, concern lacing his voice. "A lot of this is circumstantial at best."
"Welcome to war." Was his retort. "A lot of planning is circumstantial at the best of times. The guards around the mortal and the dungeon sound the alarm regardless of their numbers? Loki isn't as good with his illusion magic as you believe him to be? The whole of the Palace will descend on you. You get shot down or you are otherwise forced to land before you reach the area? You will be intercepted by a group of Asgardian warriors before Malekith has a chance to react and placed under arrest at best. Malekith doesn't take the bait or you get to the Bifrost before he reacts? I'll stop you. You proceed with leaving Asgard? Don't even bother attempting to return. King Odin will most likely banish you regardless if your first scheme works or not."
He did attempt to reassure them however. "Just know that the moment Malekith shows his face for the Aether, if he does, this war will be over."
"How can you be so sure of that?" Heimdall's words were and Sif was inclined to agree with him. He had his powers but anytime he used them, he exhausted or injured himself. This was not Earth. It was Asgard. It may have been a potent display when he healed the Queen or killed a handful with a wave of his hand but what if Malekith used his ships? Thor could only do so much.
For a moment, he didn't respond and it seemed like he wouldn't. "For being honest and upfront with me, Lady Sif, I'll show you why." He finally spoke as he clasped his hands behind his back and stood before the Asgardians.
If she had blinked she would have missed it, but for the barest of moments dozens upon dozens of swirls of water formed into existence before morphing into neat and perfect orbs of water in the air about them, flitting and rotating as they did so. She was not the only one shocked and more than a little awed at the display. Heimdall and the two Einherjar were also wide-eyed at the display.
Perseus hadn't so much as twitched to summon the orbs of water.
It simply did.
He did not look at all fatigued nor prone to bleeding from his nose as he did so many times before.
"H-how?!" Sif breathed. She watched as the the orbs of water dissipate into a fine mist before dissolving entirely as if they never existed in the first place. There was no sign of tiredness nor sweat at the exertion.
As if it hadn't ever been a detriment to his health that he called upon his powers.
"When we win this war, I'll tell you." Was his only answer, his voice betraying nothing though there was a flicker of amusement as he glanced between their expressions. "For now, I believe you both have your postings to return to."
Hearing the dismissal for what it was, the Sword and Sentry of Asgard filtered out of the room with Perseus trailing behind alongside Bjorn and Olaf. No sooner, did he enter he maneuvered to the center table where the amber hologram displayed the city in its near entirety.
She hoped that his plan would work.
By the Nine Realms, she hoped that Malekith would show.
If not, so she could remain in her home, then to watch Perseus tear apart the beings that would attack it.
Thor walked slowly through the palace as he took in his surroundings, Mjolnir, a welcome weight at his waist as he did so . It was quiet but with a slight hum of activity and the sun was barely beginning to take shape over the skies of Asgard, filtering into the and through the high open archways for an ambient natural light.
As he had heard, and had seen throughout, the palace staff and the stonemasons and metallurgists had been working hard and non-stop to repair the damages done to his home just two days prior.
The Throne was still under construction but was near complete while most of the rubble was drawn away into large piles where others were working to reuse the material to repair the massive golden and stone columns that had been knocked down when the Dark Elf Harrow had brutally forced its way into the hear of Asgard.
Strong steel lifts were being set to be used while others were working and discussing what they could salvage from the broken stumps that were all that remained of the golden pillars. A couple were already finished from what he could tell, as they were clearly not wasting time to restore the encompassing hall, with runesmiths etching and engraving Asgardian runes and filigree into the supports.
Einherjar, Asgardian warriors, palace staff and workers offered slight bows as he passed by them and Thor thanked them for their hard-work as he continued to walk steadily towards the dungeons. He wasn't, technically speaking, banned from entering the Palace as his father had led him to believe, instead, he just wasn't allowed anywhere near Jane.
So there wasn't a fuss at all when he strode through his home. He passed the War Chambers and chanced a glance within, past the Einherjar warrior that was flanking the door and could see aides, captains and Perseus hard at work continuing the defense of Asgard.
As much as he expected it, the Greek hadn't so much as spared a glance in his direction as he was so invested in the reports he was receiving.
Which was good for him. The Prince of Asgard didn't need anyone to get suspicious of him and if anyone was going to do it that currently resided in the palace at the moment it would be Perseus and the King. But with his father with his mother, it would only be the Greek.
He passed the location quickly not wanting to test his luck in that regard. It was bad enough that they had to pass the location again, and not just with his brother but with Jane as well and right underneath his very nose.
He brought a finger to his ear, applying a very small amount of pressure to the communicator bead that he had received from Fandral and contacted the man, the intent to do so clear in his mind so he would only speak to the Asgardian in question. "Fandral, are you there yet?"
"Just waiting on you." Was the snarky reply. "I have to ask, did you take the scenic route or the one by the training grounds?"
Thor didn't bother replying to that. He did in fact take the scenic route so as to draw less suspicion to himself where he could've taken one of the side entrances to expedite his journey. The training grounds were clear on the opposite side of the palace.
The Prince hurried his pace slightly as he passed more staff of the palace who bowed slightly at his presence before continuing whatever they were off to do.
It was not long until the Prince of Asgard arrived at the threshold where they would have to descend towards the dungeons. Fandral walking up to him a moment after he did so.
Thor nodded to his friend and they moved towards the dungeons together. They approached the silver vault entryway of the prisons with it only being manned by a single guard where there used to be four. Before they approached, Fandral explained the severe decrease in security even if Thor had a vague idea. "With the dungeons cleared out, there was no need for such a large security force."
Thor took the lead. "I'm here to see Loki." The Einherjar glanced between them before nodding and pushing an amber button on the side of the obsidian colored walls. A heavy thud and whirring could be heard as the vault doors unlocked and began to slowly open.
It seemed that Perseus was keen to reactivate some additional security measures that the prisons had. Luckily, that it would not be an issue as it opened both ways and was magically keyed to open to members of the Royal Family and those that were assigned to the posting down here, with Loki removed from the keys as due to his own imprisonment.
As soon as it allowed the two Asgardians slipped into the long corridor towards the cells, the everlight flickering slightly at the gust of air that entered alongside them.
Loki was still in his cell, laying back upon the couch provided and reading a book but still looking rather bored and wearing simple clothing. Around them, in the adjacent cells and the ones across the wide pathway were other Asgardians who had also been given a modicum of comfort, though not to the lavish degree that Loki's was.
Thor did not know why Perseus would go to such lengths to ensure their comfort here, particularly after that his brutal massacre of their previous inhabitants but he didn't dwell on it long, he was here on a mission and would not be dissuaded nor distracted.
The guards spared them a few glances but nonetheless left them alone, not caring as the duo of Asgardians approached Loki's cell.
"Brother." Loki intoned, not looking away from his book and continued to read as he flicked a page. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Loki." Thor greeted while Fandral kept a respectful distance from the two. That was probably for the best. "I see you are doing well."
His brother inclined his head slightly, which looked awkward given that he was still lying down, in acknowledgement and spoke his response but it was quiet and gave the impression that it was a whisper. It didn't even look like Loki was speaking. "So what has the Executioner done that has forced you to come to me for help?"
Thor's voice was equally as quiet. "He has done nothing and that is why I have come. So that something could be done."
"There is nothing you can offer me that will get me to leave this cell." Loki's voice was still a whisper as he spoke, though it whipped in front of him as if it were pacing. Thor had already figured that the Loki reclining on the couch was a mere illusion and that the real Loki was before him was somewhere near the amber barrier.
Fortunately, none of the guards were inclined to question the odd sight of Thor staring at his brother that was all but ignoring him. Perhaps, Loki was using his magic to make it seem like this was just a pleasant conversation between the two.
"And why is that?"
The response was delayed but it came regardless. "You did not see it, brother. He snapped the necks of half a dozen marauders with a simple wave of his hand." The voice held a tinge of fear much like it did when the two had dueled upon the skybridge of Stark Tower. "I value my life. He does not like me and the Greek made it expressly clear that should we give him cause, it would mean our immediate execution. Without the King or Queen, I would not test the limits of his newfound authority."
"What if I can offer you a chance to live in exile of Asgard?" Thor said. "You would be free."
A scoff was heard. "And the moment I do something that draws Odin's attention, I will have the whole of Asgard descend upon me. Some freedom that is."
There was a small silence. "It is better than wasting away in here." Thor pointed out. "And perhaps if we succeed it will be a sanctioned exile rather than forced."
Another silence before Loki responded, his voice lower than a mere whisper as if he had actually considered his words. Thor figured it was his desire to simply be free of the cell that piqued his curiosity if not Thor actually going to Loki for help. "And what role would I play in this mad scheme of yours?"
And so Thor told him, after the Prince of Asgard finished, he could almost feel the smirk playing at his brother's lips. It was not a big role but it was important, with the amount of activity in the palace his magics were essential in getting them to the skiff. "And you came up with this on your own? I'm impressed. It so unlike you to favor the route of the clandestine rather than to punch your way out."
Thor didn't react nor did he respond. He didn't want to give his brother the satisfaction that he had learned from him in his own tricks.
"What makes you think you can trust me?"
"I don't but betray me and I'll leave you here to deal with the Greek on your own." Was his immediate reply. Loki always valued his own safety. If his words were any indication then the last thing his brother wanted would be an encounter with the Greek Demigod.
There was a heavy pause.
'Thor,' Sif's voice came through, a near whisper. 'I will be nearing the dungeons shortly.'
Thor spoke quickly. "Make up your mind, brother. It is about to begin."
At that, the illusion dropped, the reclining Loki fading from view whilst a standing Loki appeared before him adorned in his trademark robes and crouched at eye level and his trademark smirk right in his face. "Then let us begin."
"Fandral." Thor immediately said as he stepped to the nearby pillar of Loki's cell as an amber display lit up at his prompting.
"Right." And no sooner did the charismatic swordsman speak did, the amber shield in front of Loki collapse.
The nearby Einherjar paused only long enough to regard the situation before they immediately leapt into action, shouting for help as they did so.
The thick stone walls and vault doors would drown out any pleas for help from being able to reach the outside. Since it was standard procedure to avoid communicators in the dungeons due to the risks it would involve should a prisoner get a hold of them, they were able to not worry about the outside not finding about them being found out until they were already well on the other side of the palace, if not, already on their way to the Bifrost.
Regardless, one of the Einherjar moved to engage Fandral while another ran past him, intent on sounding the alarm. He didn't get very far as Thor stepped in front of him, already brandishing the renowned hammer and thrusting the flat top against the helmeted head of the warrior, with just enough force to knock him out and not to kill him.
He was already committing treason as it was. He didn't need to give his father or Perseus any more of a reason to come after them.
More shouts started to come from within the palace but they were not as numerous as he had been led to believe. The three began to engage them, taking care not to kill any and merely render them unconscious.
"Thor, I am coming up to dungeons. You better be there." Sif's voice rang in his ear again as Fandral shoved the last of the Einherjar into Thor, who swung his arm at his face. The Asgardian warrior went down and didn't get back up, groaning as he lay on the floor and blood pouring from his nose.
"Go!" Thor shouted as he and the two others rushed to the prison doors as Loki and Fandral prepared themselves in front of the doors as Thor began to manipulate the hologram amber controls.
The doors clinked open and no sooner did it open, Loki leapt and tackled the surprised Einherjar to the ground as Fandral kicked the head of the guard, knocking him out rather easily.
The maneuver reminded him of Get Help but Thor didn't say anything as he and the two others continued their journey upwards, all three of them rushing up the stairs taking two or three steps at a time. "I guess I was wrong! We are punching our way out!" Loki snarked as he moved up the stairs.
"Shut it!" Fandral was clearly not in the mood to hear Loki's usual commentary whenever they landed themselves in a situation.
Loki didn't speak any more as the moment they heard the sound of a scuffle from ahead of them. Thor was in the lead, quickly taking in the situation. Two of the Einherjar were already on the floor sprawled as Sif had lashed out with her shield ropes and captured a running Asgardian by his ankles.
Thor barreled into the nearest one, tackling him to the floor, while Loki moved to knock him out with a kick to his face and Fandral intercepted the one that made to attack Sif while the fleeing Asgardian was brought unceremoniously to the floor and forced to fall flat on his face as the maiden warrior tugged harshly on the ropes of her shield.
Thor stood satisfied in their work. Though he also expected more warriors than before, still he didn't let it distract him and moved to Jane who had a shocked expression on her face at the sudden occurrence.
"Thor!" The two embraced each other and for a moment Thor felt whole again as hugged her tightly. "What's going on?"
"We are getting you off-world to end the war." Thor quickly explained. It left out much detail but it was the beginning and the end of it.
"Alright, you two loveb-" Loki cut in but was subsequently slapped in the face with a resounding smack by Jane causing him to smirk in response as he looked to Thor. "I like her."
"You!" She slapped him again, causing Loki to smirk again. "That was for New York."
"Regardless," Sif said but Thor spotted a smile that tugged at her lips at the display but she also sent a withering glare to his brother. "We need to get moving. It will not be long until another patrol comes by and discovers what has occurred."
"She is correct." Fandral added on. "Loki do your magic."
Loki scowled and took charge before his smirk returned in full force. "Thor link your arm with mine and your mortal girlfriend. Sif and Fandral, lead us as if you are escorting us."
"What are you doing?" Thor asked as he moved to do as his brother said and at the questioning looks from the others he began explaining but he did so quickly.
"We are going to play the part of the illusion." His smirk didn't die as his image shifted to that of an unassuming woman servant of the palace, who sent a wink to him as soon as it completed. The voice was as equally feminine as the form. "Hmm, you look ravishing, my Prince." It sent shivers down his spine and not the good kind.
Thor looked down at himself and could see that he was also an unassuming woman servant of the palace. Though seemed to have a curvier form as well. His beloved hammer was nothing more than handkerchief at his side. He looked to where Jane was.
Instead, it was another unassuming woman of the palace, though her dress was a deep maroon, almost blood red and hugged her body tightly, rather than the flowing golds and silvers of the usual staff.
"Hmm." Loki spoke. "I pictured a gold dress instead of that horrid thing."
Thor flexed his arm and Loki winced. His form may have changed but his strength was hardly diminished.
Thor decided he would kill his brother if they ever got out of there.
"By Odin's Beard!" Came a deep voice from beside them. Thor looked and it was a duo of Einherjar in place of Sif and Fandral. He didn't know who was who. They looked like any other Einherjar of the Palace. "Loki-" A growl. So that was Sif. Fandral never growled.
Fandral simply looked gobsmacked at the sight.
"Let us be off then!" Loki interrupted her as he dragged the illusioned Thor and Jane past them. The illusioned Fandral and Sif following loosely behind instead of leading the way as they were supposed to.
"Fandral, stop staring. It is unbecoming of an Einherjar." Loki quipped as Thor watched him cast a wink to the man in question. "Or keep doing so. I do not mind as much as Thor does."
Thor flexed his arm again earning another wince from his illusioned brother.
"It is Sif, you snake!" Said man was actually Sif apparently, though it was a male voice that was a harsh whisper and didn't sound at all like Sif. "Is this how you snuck into my chambers to cut my hair?!"
"Now that would be telling." Loki retorted smoothly but the wide smile gave him away. Thor could only imagine the glare that was coming from the woman.
Err…man…
They continued on, easily passing by a score of posted guards and servants who were busy with other things. No one the wiser and no one paying attention to them though a few looks were sent towards Jane who shrunk at the attention.
Thor did admit that she struck a beautiful image.
"Di Immortalis!" A heavily accented Latinized shout was heard from up ahead and Thor seized up as did the rest of the group at the amount of venom in the voice though Jane stumbled slightly at the abrupt motion as her own breath also hitched. There was no mistaking who that was. Were they found out? At the worst possible time as well?
"Make way!" Einherjar pushed aides out the way as Perseus rushed out of the War Chamber sprinting past shocked and surprised staff and warriors alike, as three other Einherjar followed in his wake, also sprinting. "Move! Make way!" More shouts were heard as they continued to resound and echo throughout the halls..
But he was not heading towards them nor the dungeons.
But to the other side of the Palace.
Something happened. Something bad happened.
Were the Dark Elves attacking now? They began moving slowly as everyone was ordered back to their duties by nearby guards. It didn't seem like it. No one was visibly reacting to what may have been an attack and guards weren't rushing about as if one had been occurring.
A heavy weight began to settle in the pit of his stomach as the came to a horrible realization as the crossed the width of the Throne Hall.
There was only one other thing that could provoke such a reaction from the Executioner of Asgard as Thor's thoughts stilled at the revelation. Mother.
He could not stop now. Not when he was this close and already committing treason.
Thor only hoped the Greek saved her life.
He did not know what he would do if his mother did pass on to Valhalla.
They continued forward and Loki put a reassuring hand on his shoulder and Thor did the same for his brother who must have reached the same conclusion as he did. He felt a Jane shudder slightly. Though why he didn't know.
They group entered within the sight of the silver skiff that was being worked on by an engineer while the entryway was being flanked by two Einherjar. Volstagg was in the middle of the threshold casually leaning on his greataxe and speaking jovially with one of the guards while Heimdall was looking down at the Asgardian underneath the skiff in concern.
"Well, it looks like this little charade has come to an end." Loki's smirk did not dissipate in the slightest, though his voice appeared to have lost its mirthful quality. "I hope you know what you are doing, brother."
"As do I. Volstagg!"
Just as he said that several things happened.
Jane collapsed into his arm and Thor reacted instantly by cradling her. Loki, on the other hand, dropped the illusion as Sif and Fandral rushed forward as well. Volstagg hefted his axe upwards sending it into the chest into the unsuspecting guard while Sif brandished her large silver shield and rammed the adjacent guard into the wall behind him.
The first guard didn't fall immediately but the ensuing bash with the face of the axe-head sent him sprawling. The second guard simply slumped from the impact before he even had a chance to react while Fandral and Heimdall quickly knocked the engineer out.
The panel from where he was working from sparking as Heimdall moved to replace the silver panel.
The last thing that happened was a single unbroken blast of the Palace Horn.
They have been discovered.
"Jane, are you alright?!" Thor asked fearfully as he began to carry her bridal style towards the skiff as they all began embarking it.
Her eyes flickered open revealing vibrant red irises.
No. Thor thought. She scrunched her eyes and gasped in pain but bit her lip to put a halt to any screaming as if she was actively fighting the influence of the Aether.
She spasmed in his arms as he settled over her in front of the cushioned front of the skiff. "Get us out of here!" Thor boomed as Fandral took the skiff to the skies.
The communicator on the skiff beeped. It was a cacophony of noise as panicking voices began to shout in a discordant symphony. The voice known to all present and one they had been desperate to avoid. "Find them! Don't let them leave Asgard!" The voice of Perseus cut through them. His order was a near clap of thunder as it snapped the jarring aides into an organized manner.
His voice was one of impatience and growing frustration but held a level of order and authority that brooked no argument.
"They have been spotted on the Royal skiff!" A voice he recognized as Olaf's cut through the communicator as well. It appeared they were transmitting on all of the army's frequencies. Desperate as they were, he didn't fault them for it. He also was not surprised that they were so easily spotted, the Royal skiff was an easy thing to see out of all the golden military skiffs that were usually in the air.
That and they were flying right in front of the Palace for all to see. The open aired craft would give them any concealment.
He felt and heard Jane wince and whine in pain as tendrils of red energy began coursing about her.
The pause was only a slight one. "Shoot them down." It was said with a finality that sent a shiver down the spine of Thor and Volstagg did what he was about to do and sent the blade of his axe to cut it in half, disabling the communicator.
In response, the sky lit up in a shower of amber tracers as the artillery cannons began to open fire. Fandral, being the best pilot among them, made the craft dance around the beams of energy. The other occupants of the skiff were forced to grip the handrails as the pilot did so.
Jane screamed in pain as a red energy near expelled from her throat as she clutched tightly onto his cloak. The energy was sucked back into her mouth and Jane convulsed.
He was following the path with expert memory, weaving among the golden towers and spires of Asgard. Armed and armored golden skiffs began chasing them as they moved out of range of the palace artillery.
Then the last thing he wanted to see reared their ugly, obsidian and bladed forms.
More Harrows than he could count at a glance began fast approaching from the seas of Asgard, pulling mist and water into the as they cut closely over the water. The war skiffs moved to disengage from them entirely as they pushed their own craft to intercept the Dark Elf fighters.
The skies of Asgard exploded in red and amber energy as both waves of Asgardian and Svartalfar vessels crashed into each other. Explosions of fiery oranges and reds erupted into the air leaving tufts of black smoke and falling ruined wrecks of both Skiff and Harrow in their places.
Thor felt it however, they were slowing down. Thor looked glanced over the side fearing the worst as they began to descend from the sky. The panel that the engineer was working on having fallen off and sparking violently from the circuitry within.
"Fandral put it down! Else we crash! We will run the rest of the way!"
Explosions rocked about them as Fandral followed the order, probably not knowing what else to do. Thor picked Jane up, who had screwed her eyes shut from the pain and was violently twitching from it as well.
The moment the skiff was even close to the ground, Thor leapt from the craft followed by Sif, Loki and Fandral who had leapt from the silver tiller. Heimdall and Volstagg were not far behind leaping from the craft as the skiff crashed into the street below.
Please hold on! Was only Thor's thoughts on the matter as they continued to run through the streets of Asgard as metal and organic material rained down upon from the dueling craft above.
Sif led the way, weaving through the streets as Asgardians ran screaming into their homes and other places of shelter. Thor steeled himself at the sight and continued to move as Jane continued to thrash more and more violently in his arms.
The group reached the main pavilions where they were greeted by a sight that he did not want to see.
They halted in their tracks as Malekith and dozens of Dark Elves behind him stood between them and Bifrost bridge. The massive grotesque creature from before was joined by another, flanking their leader whose face was half burnt from Thor's bolt of lightning at their earlier encounter.
Lightning began arcing off his and Jane's form, having opened her red eyes, most likely in delirium at the sudden stop.
She screwed them shut again as she convulsed as more and more tendrils of red energy began to encompass her.
"I would have what is mine, Asgardian!" The voice was full of venom as he whipped his hand upwards and Jane flew from his arms and into the air before them. Thor shouted in alarm as Jane was held there by the strange force that the Dark Elf Lord wielded.
Arcs of lightning continued to flicker off of Jane's form as she screwed her eyes shut. Her body continued to convulse and thrash in pain.
Thor immediately launched Mjolnir at Malekith whose monster had leapt in front of and batted the hammer away making it careen into a nearby building, a cracking and crinkling smile forming on its stony face.
And that was the last Thor saw as an explosion threw him and his group backwards.
Disoriented as he was Thor looked upwards and began to force himself to stand as he watched an armored form and helmeted form land unceremoniously on the ground in front of him. Jane was nowhere to be seen.
Sif was standing at his side, covered in soot from silver helm to black boot as she defiantly brandished her spear and shield against the enemy.
Heimdall and Loki were picking themselves up, Fandral and Volstagg slowly doing so as well. All covered in soot as they faced off against the veritable horde of Dark Elves before them.
He didn't think he looked any better.
A swirling mass of shining and blood red liquid floating between him and Malekith.
The Aether.
"You lose now, Asgardians." Malekith's devilish smirk pervaded his face as his thrust a gloved hand forward.
The Aether responded, as a tendril of the red liquid lashed out to him.
But before it could make it even halfway, it stopped suddenly.
He heard a grunt and clatter from behind him and Thor looked.
The Prince of Asgard never looked so relieved at such a sight.
Standing there with his own hand out at the Aether, was a disheveled but helmed Perseus, eyes glowing a powerful, prismatic sea green through the helmet. His shield out and displayed as if having expected to fight though his spear was on the floor.
And behind him and from adjoining streets were groups of dozens of Asgardian Einherjar and warriors all ready for battle.
They stood still for a moment as both sides regarded the other watching the seemingly invisible tug of war for the Aether.
"Protect the Greek!" Sif shouted in alarm as he reached the same conclusion.
And it was as if the gates to Hel had broken open.
Three quotes again!
'There's nothing so much like a God on Earth as a General on a Battlefield.'
-Michael Shaara
'Pretend inferiority and encourage his arrogance.'
-Sun Tzu
'Secret operations are essential in war, upon them the army relies to make its every move.'
-Sun Tzu