The Accidental Archmage, Edmund Batara [read after TXT] 📗

after Freyr’s Sword held by

the fire jotunn Surtr. Oh, I didn’t send him unprepared. He wore massively enchanted

armor and weapons. He lasted around five seconds. Impressive.”

Shit, thought Tyler.

“So, what happens now?” asked Tyler. All of a sudden, he wanted to get out of the

god’s presence. Loki’s story and his casual way of telling him that he purposely sent a

person to be barbequed by a fire giant because he was fed up greatly unsettled Tyler.

“I just wanted to see what the hubbub was all about so here goes - Nice to meet you,

Tyler,” Loki gave him a smile and shook his hand. Earth style.

“Don’t worry, no time has passed in the tavern. They won’t even realize you’ve been

gone or that we’ve met. Even deities won’t know. I do have some tricks up my sleeve.

My magic is not only Vanir or Aesir, it is also Jotunn. I may have also learned other

skills from friends,” winked the smiling god, “Though I may look you up from time to

time. There’s that scared face again. Stop that. I won’t impose or be a burden. I may

even think of a gift to give you for taking up your time.”

“Uh… thanks?” answered Tyler.

“Without further ado, we’re back!” whispered the god. For some odd reason, Loki’s tone

and choice of words reminded Tyler of Jack Nicholson’s grinning face and dialogue in

the movie “The Shining”.

The world again swirled around Tyler. He found himself back at the tavern, clasping

Farman’s forearm. Reality bit Tyler.

As he found himself back at the tavern, disorientation set in.

“I am Ty….. Havard,” he stuttered, catching himself in time, “And my companion there

is Jorund, a huskarl of a friend.”

Jorund gave a nod of acknowledgment. He remained silent. Not even a grunt. Though

his eyes were still focused on Farman.

“Please sit down. You do owe us two rounds of ale,” said Tyler with a grin, gesturing at

the table. Quick on the uptake, Tyler recovered enough to get back into character.

Farman sat down on the bench across Jorund. Tyler could see Farman’s left hand make a quick gesture while seated. Jorund couldn’t see what Farman was doing but Tyler

could as he was seated on Farman’s left. All the while, Farman was smiling at Jorund.

Tyler noticed that Jorund was stock-still. He looked at Farman and raised his eyebrows.

Farman looked at him and whispered, “Making sure he didn’t see anything out of the

ordinary.”

Tyler blanched and worried about the god’s action. Farman noticed.

“Oh, don’t be such a baby. This doesn’t work on visitors. There’s no magical energy in

your bones.”

“Won’t the All-Father notice? He’s sworn to him, you know,” Tyler quickly whispered

back.

“Nah. I can cover my traces easily. Why do you think I was able to do the tricks I have

done without him noticing?” came the murmured reply, “Anyway, it’s done. Let’s get

back to our show.”

It was a surreal experience for Tyler though he again learned something vital about

how magic was practiced in Adar. But it was still a strange encounter, the fact that he

had Loki in front of him never left Tyler’s mind. It was all a charade, for Jorund’s

benefit. They talked about trade and possibilities of linking up mercantile ventures as

well as possible trade routes. It was all beyond Tyler’s limited knowledge. Farman was

doing most of the talking while Tyler murmured something about furs and lumber. In

turn, Farman talked about iron ore and the possibility of an overseas trading venture.

The huskarl, in turn, appeared to be listening to the discussion. The promised ale did

arrive at their table. After a while, Farman excused himself, saying that the merchants

would be open for business by now and he had to do some errands. He mentioned he

could be reached at the Metwold trading guild house. Tyler gave the Gothi’s house as

his address, saying he could be staying in town for a while but emphasized that he was

but an apprentice trader.

After Farman left, Tyler turned to Jorund.

“Are you hungry, Jorund? We can have our day-meal here, if the food is good.”

“The food is good, my lord. The roasted beef made the Greek way is excellent. I would

also suggest the teganites, a sort of Greek bread topped with honey or cheese,

depending on availability.”

“Let’s try that,” agreed Tyler, noting the sign of a cross-cultural exchange, at least in food. Jorund appeared to be a gourmet of sorts, as shown by his familiarity with and

evident love of Greek food.

Jorund gestured to the tavern maid and ordered for both of them. Tyler was still stuck

with ale as the staple beverage.

“How long have you been a huskarl of the Gothi, if you don’t mind me asking,” asked

Tyler, trying to make conversation with the taciturn warrior.

“For about a semester, my lord.”

Now that’s illuminating, sarcastically thought Tyler, just what the hell is a semester?

“How did you become one of his huskarls?” Tyler assumed that the Gothi would have

more than one huskarl, being an important priest.

“I was a warrior of Jarl Thorvald. The call came for huskarls to serve a new and

important Gothi of the All-Father. I volunteered as I have always considered the All-

Father as my personal deity. Other warriors have Thor. But the All-Father also

exemplifies wisdom and a warrior should have bravery, honor, skill, and wisdom in

equal measure.”

“How old are you then?

“I am of twenty-one years, my lord.”

“Have you been in battles? Against humans? Against creatures?

“Several battles, my lord. I have lost count. The last being between Jarl Thorvald and

Jarl Leifr of the Eagle Banner. Also against bandits. I have also fought dokkalfr,

svartalfar, and wild jotnar. I have also been a mercenary in my younger years.”

Tyler was impressed. The man is clearly a battle-hardened veteran. Though he wished

Jorund would be a bit more talkative. It was like talking to a machine. No exposition at

all. Come to think of it, he had not seen the man smile nor laugh.

“Are you married? Children?”

“Not anymore, my lord. My wife and child died during a raid by wild jotnar on our

village.”

“My condolences, Jorund.” Tyler sympathized with the man, he must not have been married long before the jotnar raid. Though at the same time Tyler was wondering

about