So it was too hot to get anything done, and then I went out of town, and then I had to sort things out at work and here we are, back with more story.

We left our antihero after a visit with Frigga and a talk about family history. Well, she talked and he listened.

We will now undergo a change in narrators, because while Heimdall sees a lot, he doesn’t see inside people’s heads. He finds this a relief, generally, if you want to know the truth. 

The usual disclaimers apply, as noted in Part One, and while we’re at it, here is Part Two and Part Three.

(Source: fidelioscabinet.livejournal.com)

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The usual disclaimers apply here, but you all knew that, right? If you aren’t sure what the usual disclaimers are, see  Part One.

The third day this state of affairs continued, the queen came to visit him. One day, or two, might have been an outbreak of childish sullenness, or passing melancholy; longer than that, and the possibilities began to be troubling. We do not suffer from many illnesses, but those rare ones may be grave. She placed her hands on his throat and felt his pulse, and then on his face. He stirred only a little at this, and when she strove to rouse him, her efforts brought no more result. She watched him for a while longer, and then sent for the king, who came and studied him as well.

“Well?” the queen asked at last.

“It is not an illness,” the king said. “Indeed, wife, you have seen this before, although not, I think, in him. He has exhausted himself, and sleeps until he can recover his strength.”

“How has he done so?”

“Fighting his bonds. I do not doubt that he will try once more when he awakes. But he is bound still, and shall remain so for some time.”

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Progress may not be terribly fast here; I’m having to do a lot of writing at work, which doesn’t leave a lot of brain left for side projects.

Once, again the usual disclaimers apply, as noted in Part One

Alone in his chambers (for he would not speak to the elder prince, who led him thither, and so his brother left him) the younger prince stood still for a long moment, his eyes blank and empty, fixed upon nothing. At last he stirred, and stepped to a window. I noted a hitch in his gait, he who had been as graceful as a fish or a seal in the water, or as a hawk or falcon in the air. He opened the casement, and rested his head and hand against the jamb, lifting his arm as if his shoulder pained him. He had not moved so before the king, hiding his hurts as a wildcat would. He stood so, looking out into a hidden garden, until twilight verged into darkness. Servants, directed by the queen’s steward, had kindled fires, drawn a bath, and laid a meal, but he did not stir until they had left again, and thus he washed and dressed himself, and carved and served his own meal, and when he had eaten, made himself ready for bed. 

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