The cabin already had a lit hearth. Inside, there were several beds, a table, a small kitchen, and upon the table stood the mead tankards they had obtained in Asgard. It was a pleasant place, though quite simple. Without a second thought, Rodrigo stepped close to the fire to warm himself.

  —It is most shameful, Rodrigo-san, that such cold should suffice to best thee—Susanoo remarked indignantly as he entered the cabin.

  —Can you?—Tania asked Menrva.

  The goddess tried to fly, yet she only levitated a few centimeters before dropping heavily to the floor.

  —No. It is utterly impossible—said the Etruscan goddess, disappointed.

  —I will attempt to reach that hill in less than a second—Epona said, taking a starting stance.

  The goddess sprinted and reached the hill, but when she turned back to her companions, they all wore expressions of denial.

  —What good is being a mare, Epona, if you run so slowly?—Anpiel asked sarcastically.

  —Two minutes, Epona. Only slightly better than an average human, who would have taken five—Tania added.

  —Damn it… I was already accustomed to feeling useless, but this is absurd—Epona muttered as she returned to the group.

  —We cannot fly; we cannot move swiftly—Anpiel said, disappointed. —That caravan we sold in Normandy would be of great use right now.—

  —Calm yourselves—Menrva said, walking among them. —Perhaps this Sedna may help us. There must be some technology here to reach the Haida territories.—

  —That raises another issue: which route do we take?—Tania asked.

  —We must locate Odin, Thor, and the others, and also visit Tula for Rodrigo’s personal mission—Ana replied. —Ideally, we should divide into three groups.—

  —Agreed. But first, let us reach the entrance to Adlivun—Menrva said, when she suddenly felt watched.

  At that moment, Tania fell silent, deathly so.

  —There are people here—Tania said, scanning the surroundings.

  —Yes. I am certain we are being ambushed—Anpiel added, on guard.

  —Remember: though we cannot use our powers fully, they are still enough to mortally wound humans. Whatever happens, do not go too far—Menrva ordered.

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  —If you permit it, I can handle them—Anpiel offered.

  —Do you know how to fight in the human world?—Menrva asked.

  —Yes. I have served on several missions there and learned to fight without divine power. This will not be a problem—replied the angel.

  —Very well. But we will need information—Menrva said. Anpiel bowed in thanks.

  —You stable girl, watch how to fight so you can learn something—Anpiel shouted at Epona, who merely scowled.

  Anpiel began to walk forward with his arms raised, calling out:

  —We're not looking for a fight, we want to be taken to your leader.—

  The men watching them did not understand his words.

  An arrow suddenly flew toward the angel’s chest, but he easily dodged it.

  —I reiterate my interest in reaching a peaceful agreement—Anpiel continued, yet five arrows now flew toward him.

  Stepping into the attack, Anpiel seized a fallen log, blocking three shafts while swiftly avoiding the other two.

  He dropped the log and raised his hands once more.

  —We come in peace. Please. We wish to see your leader, Sedna.—

  An uneasy silence followed, broken only by whispered murmurs.

  —Sedna?—asked a man emerging from hiding.

  He carried a bow and arrows, wore a light tunic, and had long black hair. Though he stepped forward, he kept his aim fixed on Anpiel, whose hands remained raised.

  The man spoke, but Anpiel could not understand him. Amid the unfamiliar sounds, however, he caught the word Sedna.

  —Yes. Sedna—Anpiel replied, gesturing. —We wish to see Sedna.— He bowed.

  —They would have helped us greatly had they taught us this people’s language—Epona muttered in frustration, as she and the other goddesses also raised their hands.

  More men emerged from hiding, bows trained on them. They looked similar: dark hair, brown skin, beige tunics and trousers.

  As they murmured among themselves, Anpiel recognized the word Erikson and abruptly shook his head.

  —We are not part of Erikson nor his people!—he declared.

  At that moment, Rodrigo and Susanoo stepped out of the cabin in surprise, only to find several Skr?ling surrounding them with bows drawn. Susanoo instantly placed his hand upon the hilt of his katana, but Menrva shouted for him to do nothing.

  One man—clearly of higher rank, marked by feathers upon his head—approached Anpiel and attempted to speak in the divine tongue:

  —Sedna camp. We go.—

  —Remarkable. These people have heard the divine language and attempt to speak it—Tania thought.

  —Thank you. We will follow—Anpiel said with a bow.

  The man signaled, and the Skr?ling lowered their weapons. He turned and walked eastward from the abandoned settlement, the others following.

  —We should go with them—Anpiel said.

  —Incredible. I thought you would end up brawling with them—Epona remarked as she approached him.

  —Don't you remember what they told us, you clumsy mare? We're the guests and we have to follow their rules—Anpiel snapped. —Moreover, the fact that he knows even a few words of the divine tongue proves they have direct contact with gods. A conflict, and their masters would surely have slain us.—

  —Could you have explained that without insulting me?—Epona pouted.

  —You are a fine negotiator, malak—Menrva said, approaching Anpiel. —Now I understand why this girl, and the others, risked their lives to save you from Ares.—

  —Your words honor me, Lady Menrva—the angel replied, embarrassed.

  —I wish you would treat me with that same respect someday, Anpiel—Epona added, still pouting.

  Anpiel then signaled the group to follow the Skr?ling, who were leading them to Sedna. Rodrigo and Susanoo relaxed and complied, and all the members of Orniskem formed a small cluster and followed the men—who nevertheless kept them surrounded, just in case.

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