Realms Gate Read online

Will you chill, Magnus spoke to her. You’re giving me a headache.

  Sorry, but I’m freaking out. Too many people I don’t know. I’m worried I might zap the wrong person.

  Something at the far end of the Great Hall attracted everyone’s attention. Erin used this as the perfect opportunity to slip out the nearest exit. She felt claustrophobic, she needed to escape. She followed the stone hallway until she came across a small room with a blazing fire. Perfect. She glanced inside, no-one was there. She snuck in and sat by the fire, warming her frozen feet and hands.

  “I have never known my son to give up his cloak before.” A soft voice startled her.

  Erin jumped to her feet as an elegant, middle aged woman glided into the room. Her long dress was a deep blue, her hair still blonde and plaited.

  “Forgive me, I did not mean to intrude.”

  “Please stay,” the woman smiled kindly. She studied Erin for a moment. “You are not from these lands, are you my dear?”

  “No. I’m from Muirhead. I’m Erin,” she introduced herself. She thought she’d better as she had a pretty shrewd idea she was talking to the queen.

  “I am Gudrun. Wilhelm’s mother.” She seemed to ooze warmth from her grey eyes. “Are you here alone?”

  “I’m with Magnus and my aunt. They’re in the Great Hall.”

  “Ah, I understand,” she nodded. “I also find it too noisy and crowded.”

  “I usually don’t mind crowds but as I am not in my homeland I’m particularly jumpy.”

  “A wise move.” She poured two goblets of wine and indicated for Erin to sit back down. “How long are you staying with us?”

  “Actually I hadn’t planned to stay at all. Vasmaarian creatures attacked during the day and took my aunt. I had no choice but to follow. An obvious trap by Heinrekh but I could not leave my aunt.”

  “And Wilhelm persuaded you to stay?”

  “Sort of. He had to give up his cloak.” Erin sipped the wine, it was very drinkable, the kind that tastes like juice until you lose all feeling in your legs.

  “You are the young woman that is to become the High Priestess, are you not?”

  “Supposedly. But to be honest, I am not sure what to make of all of this. I had a completely different path mapped out for myself.”

  “Our destiny often lies in a different direction to the one we thought,” Gudrun gave a small sigh.

  “You sound like you speak from experience?”

  “Yes. I always thought I would manage my father’s estate for him, and even marry my second cousin, Harold. I’d carefully mapped out my future. Then I met Olav.”

  “You fell for him immediately?” Erin unclipped her cloak, the heat from the fire combined with the wine was making her feel quite warm.

  Gudrun laughed. “Quite the opposite. I thought he was a poacher and pulled a sword on him.”

  “I thoroughly approve. So how did you end up married to him?”

  “He pursued me relentlessly. The more I resisted, the more eager he became. I guess his persistence won me over eventually.”

  “But at least you had a choice.”

  “I might have told myself that, but when a King decides you are to become his bride, then there is really no choice. Turning him down would have brought great shame on my family. Likewise for you, you can turn you back on us all if you so choose, however it would leave a very dark cloud over your family name. And I suspect that is something you could not live with either.”

  “You’re probably right. But I think I’m allowed to be a little miffed at the legacy I’ve been handed.”

  “I would expect nothing less. From what I’ve heard you’ve already had some powers appear.”

  “Yeah, I almost fried Magnus the other day. He was irritating me at the time, so it was almost justified.”

  Gudrun let out a small chuckle. She glanced up as Wilhelm hurtled through the door.

  “Mother, have you seen…….” He stopped mid-sentence and glared at Erin.

  “Erin? Yes, she right here. Safe and well.”

  “You left the Great Hall,” he scowled.

  “I wasn’t aware I was under house arrest. I came to meet the King out of respect, not to be exhibited like some hunting trophy.”

  “People meet the King in the Great Hall, no-one gets a private audience,” Wilhelm grunted.

  Erin wondered if she could get away with zapping him with a bolt of blue energy as he was starting to get on her nerves. His mother might be a tad upset though and she was very sweet.

  Don’t even think about it, Erin, Magnus barked.

  Spoil sport. But he’s asking for it.

  I’ve wanted to knock Wilhelm flat many a time, but he’s the King’s son.

  And I’m a High Priestess. Nearly.

  We’re on our way, so don’t you dare.

  “I do believe the King is on his way here,” Erin smiled triumphantly.

  “How do you know that?” Wilhelm responded scornfully.

  “Magnus,” Gudrun responded for her.

  A few seconds later, Magnus entered the room followed by King Olav. Erin immediately rose to her feet and lowered her head in respect. He was just as she would expect a Norse king to look. Shoulder length white hair, a good size beard and well-weathered skin.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, child,” he beamed and took hold of her hands. “I understand these are quite dangerous weapons.”

  Erin felt herself redden a little. She wasn’t sure if Magnus had sneaked on her. “Only when I get cross,” she scowled pointedly at Wilhelm.

  “Your aunt has agreed that you will all stay for a few days. We have much to discuss. Tonight you will be my guests at a banquet.”

  “It will be a pleasure,” she responded dutifully. She glanced around for Birdie, but her aunt was nowhere to be seen. Too chicken to face me, Erin muttered to herself.

  Gudrun slipped her arm through Erin’s. “Come, my dear, I will show you to your quarters so you can freshen up.”

  Erin left with Gudrun. “Without wanting to sound too much like a girl, I only have the clothes I’m wearing.”

  Gudrun smiled knowingly. “Men do not think of such matters. I will of course have my lady in waiting deliver some robes to your quarters.” She glanced down at Erin’s heavy boots. “And perhaps some foot wear.”

  Erin followed Gudrun down a maze of corridors and upstairs until she stopped before a large wooden door. She pushed it open and Erin stepped into a beautiful sitting room. The furniture was plush yet elegant, a huge fireplace dominated the centre of the room.

  “These are your quarters for your stay here. There is a bedroom through that door.” Gudrun pointed to the far end of the room. “And also a bathing room off that.”

  “Thank you,” Erin responded graciously. “I must also find my aunt.”

  “Birdie will be in a room just down the corridor.” Gudrun put her mind at ease. “Now I will send someone to collect you in about two hours’ time for dinner.”

  With that she was gone, leaving Erin alone. She glanced around the room, everything seemed kind of surreal. She headed into the bedroom. It was like something out of a medieval film, with a huge four poster bed, another fireplace and rich tapestries and fabrics lining the walls. The room was lit with huge candelabras. It was stunning.

  The bathroom was even more beautiful, as if it had been lifted out of a spa. The bath was sunken, like a Roman bath, and already filled with hot water. The whole room looked to be tiled from marble.

  She slipped her clothes off and stepped down into the hot, silky, perfumed water. It felt glorious against her cool skin and revived all her aches and pains. Perhaps she’d install one like this at home. She allowed her mind to drift briefly to Wilhelm. Now there was a strange mixture. He was undeniably good looking, and she found him quite appealing when he remained silent. But give him his voice and he did nothing but wind her up. The guy certainly belonged in this time zone.

  She dried herself with a heavy cotton sheet and
wrapped it around herself as she headed back in to her bedroom. Lying on her bed was an array of beautiful robes. She selected a powder blue one. It had long sleeves, a lace up bodice and was slightly off the shoulder. To go with it was a pair of soft satin pumps.

  Gudrun had also supplied a selection of make-up and hair accessories. Erin had fun trying to decide what to put on her face. The eye-shadow was easy to distinguish as was the lip colour. Everything else was quite foreign to her. Her hair was tied back loosely with some blue ribbon.

  She glanced in the mirror and barely recognised her reflection. For once she actually looked like a lady. But Norse not English of course.

  She heard a knock at the main door so went to answer it, it was Wilhelm. He looked fabulous in a white and gold tunic, black leather trousers and long boots. And when those eyes met hers, she felt herself redden. She put it down to the dress she was wearing, she preferred to be in jeans and armed with a sword.

  “Are you ready?” he grunted, his mood seemingly no better.

  “For what?” Erin retorted.

  “The banquet.”

  “Are you here to escort me?” She hoped Magnus would have come and got her.

  “Yes.” He scowled, making it very clear that he considered the task demeaning.

  “Give me a minute,” she shut the door purposefully in his face. Erin glanced around the room, to see if she was forgetting anything. Nope. She had no handbag or keys. Her sword was under the bed so no-one could touch it by accident. She was set to go. She opened the door again. “Fine. Lead the way.”

  He led her back through the winding corridors of the castle and down a flight of stairs. Erin really was not used to wearing long dresses and as she descended the steps, she trod of the front of her dress, sending herself flying. Luckily Wilhelm had quick reactions, and instead of landing in a painful embarrassing heap, she was caught in his hold. Staring up into those deep brown eyes, she felt very flustered, she lowered her gaze to his mouth, and for some bizarre reason she started to wonder what it would be like to kiss him. She gave herself a shake, what a horrible thought.

  “A high priestess who has not yet mastered the art of walking,” he remarked sarcastically, setting her back on her feet.

  “The dress is slightly too long for me,” she responded haughtily.

  “Then perhaps I should carry you into the banquet hall in full Viking style.”

  Erin looked at him with an eyebrow raised. “Try that and you’ll find out what it is to be hit with blue energy.”

  He held out his hand. “You must take my hand as we enter the hall. That is a long-standing tradition that cannot be ignored.”

  “Very well,” she grunted and placed her hand reluctantly on his.

  Two large doors in front of them swung open and Erin almost bolted. But Wilhelm had too good a hold on her hand. The banqueting hall was full, row after row of tables filled with men and women, the tables groaning with the weight of food and wine. At the far end of the hall was the table where the King, Queen and their guests sat.

  Wilhelm led her down the middle of the room. She was sure this was his payback for demeaning him earlier. She relaxed when she saw Birdie and Magnus at the top table. Birdie was seated next to the Queen. There was space next to the right of the King, obviously where Wilhelm sat. She figured that women sat on the Queen’s side, men on the King’s.

  Wilhelm ushered her around the table. “You are to sit next to Birdie.”

  Erin was glad to finally see her aunt again. “I thought you’d been abducted.” She sat down and gratefully took the goblet of wine that was passed to her.

  “Sorry,” Birdie smiled guiltily. “I got side-tracked by Ajax.”

  “Who’s he? Some muscle-bound Viking warrior?” Erin was intrigued.

  “Quite the opposite. He’s head of the Archives here. He was giving me some insider knowledge.”

  “Is that what they call it now?” Erin’s eyes twinkled.

  Birdie fixed her with a stare. “You and Wilhelm looked like a very handsome couple walking in here.”

  “The only way I could possibly find Wilhelm attractive was if he were mute. The guy has lived in a gilded cage too long, he is used to giving orders and getting his own way.”

  “I think you might be a bit hard on him. From what I hear, his father does not give him an easy time.”

  “It’s irrelevant anyway. I am only here for a couple of days, then home to normality.” Erin pulled a face. “Actually it’s home to A level results. Perhaps I might extend my stay after all.”

  Birdie laughed. “You would take on Heinrekh over your A level results?”

  “No contest,” Erin winced and took a sip of her wine.

  The King stood up and raised his goblet. “You will all join me in a toast to the new Priestess of Lokranor. She has not yet come of age but has already shown she has the skill and power to defeat Heinrekh. We offer her our protection.”

  All goblets were raised in her direction. Erin could feel herself blushing, she hated being the centre of attention.

  “I think Olav might be a bit confused,” Erin whispered to Birdie. “He called me the Priestess of Lokranor. He should have said Lokmuir.”

  “Men never get things right,” Birdie responded and passed her a plate of meats.

  Erin really wasn’t that hungry, she still felt like she was on display. She was most comfortable when blending into the background. She picked at some chicken and that was it. Actually she longed for some pizza.

  You could try and look a little happier, Erin.

  I want to be curled up at home in my bunny slippers.

  You’ll have to make do looking like a proper lady.

  I miss my sword too.

  There’s no pleasing you, is there?

  No. How soon can we leave the Hall?

  When all the feasting is done and things start to get out of hand. You really must experience a Viking banquet at least once in your lifetime. So cheer up.

  Yippee.

  “Private conversation with Magnus?” Birdie asked.

  “Yep. How did you know?”

  “You get a kind of glazed look when you’re talking telepathically.”

  Gudrun leant over to speak to her. “I’ve asked Wilhelm to give you a tour of Lokranor tomorrow, Erin. I hope this is agreeable with you?”

  Oh joy, Wilhelm. “Yes, that would be lovely.” Erin feigned a smile. At least if he didn’t talk, it would be lovely.

  Gudrun glanced at Erin’s plate. “The food is not to your liking?”

  “The food is fine. I am just not very hungry.” Erin picked at a piece of bread.

  Little by little the hall descended into a raucous rabble. Wine flowed like water and people jostled each other.

  “This is where I usually make myself scarce,” Gudrun announced. “You are more than welcome to stay but it can get pretty rough.”

  Erin slipped out with Gudrun through a door at the back of the hall. Birdie stayed to talk to Ajax.

  “Carry straight along that corridor then up the stairs,” Gudrun instructed. “That should take you to your quarters.”

  “Thank you.” Erin left the Queen and carried on along the corridor but instead of heading upstairs, something caught her eye. It was a beautiful enclosed courtyard, lit with flaming torches. She suddenly had a hankering for fresh air.

  She stepped out into the night air. It was cold but wonderful. She glanced up at the stars, realising that Lokranor had a completely different constellation to hers. It was fascinating seeing a different sky.

  “I’m glad something in Lokranor pleases you.” A soft voice from behind her made her jump. It was Wilhelm.

  “Your night sky is so very different to ours.”

  “That is because we are two different Realms.” He was standing so close behind her, she could feel his warm breath on the back of her neck.

  “It is still beautiful.” She turned to face him. “You did not stay for the drinking in the hall?”

  H
e gave half a smile. “For some reason, I have no desire to get steaming drunk tonight. Perhaps after I have spent the day with you tomorrow I might feel otherwise.”

  Erin laughed, cheeky beggar. “Yes, you are to show me Lokranor. When did you want to leave?”

  “We will go after you have breakfasted. Now come, I will walk you to your quarters. Despite many guards, it is not safe for you to walk these corridors alone at night.”

  She felt his hand touch the base of her spine, it shot a strange sensation through her.