Master of Magic (Dragon's Gift: The Valkyrie Book 5) Read online

  It would help immensely.

  On the way back down the tree, I got even luckier and ran into Ratatoskr. He sat at the base, chomping on acorns and staring at the sky.

  His eyes widened as I flew down to him.

  “What’s that in your hand?” he demanded.

  I held out the growler of beer that Cade had sent me with—for just this scenario. I hadn’t known if I’d run into Ratatoskr, but if I was going to keep visiting Yggdrasil, it’d be good to have the giant squirrel on my side. At the very least, so he didn’t gossip about me.

  “Oh this?” I wiggled the jug so he would take it. “It’s just your favorite beer.”

  He gasped and raised a hand to his chest. “For me?”

  “Of course, silly.”

  He took it. “Thank you. But what are you doing here?”

  “I needed to ask the Valkyrie for help with fighting the Rebel Gods.”

  He scowled. “No-good toad’s bollocks.”

  “You don’t like the Rebel Gods?”

  “Of course not. Where is this fight taking place?”

  “In a forest in Scotland, twenty hours from now.”

  His eyes brightened. “Can I come?”

  He sounded like he was asking to join me at the fair and he really wanted to ride the Ferris wheel. “It’ll be dangerous.”

  He flexed his arms, which were quite puny compared to the rest of him. Then he bared his fangs, which were not. “I like a good fight. And ever since the eagle and Níðhöggr started to get along, there’s a lot less to keep me entertained here.”

  “All right. We’d love to have you. There’s a pair of giant lions you’d probably like to meet.”

  Interest gleamed in his eyes. “Never met lions before.”

  “You can start tomorrow. And thank you for coming.”

  He nodded. “I’ll follow the Valkyrie and see you there.”

  We said our goodbyes, and I returned to the Protectorate castle.

  14

  Nineteen and a half hours later, I flew over the clearing in the woods, watching as my friends and allies arrived to fight. Tension pulled my muscles tight, and nerves kept me moving.

  The Protectorate was already here, members stationed in the trees while Hedy prepared the center of the clearing for the spell that would put our magic into the crystals.

  Cade’s mercenaries had arrived first, led by the African war goddess, Oya. She’d been dressed in fabulous golden armor, and had led her warriors into the woods. They’d melted into the trees and disappeared entirely. I could hear their heartbeats if I really tried, but otherwise, there was neither sight nor sound of them.

  Good thing they were on our side.

  Aker arrived next, the dual lion god, along with Aerdeca and Mordaca. He prowled the perimeter of the clearing, and I flew down to greet him.

  “Thank you for coming.”

  He inclined his head. “You did me a great favor by releasing me. And I’m going to enjoy my vengeance against those who imprisoned me.”

  I shivered, the viciousness in his voice making me glad I wasn’t his enemy.

  Aerdeca and Mordaca were dressed in their usual white and black, respectively, and each wore a tight-fitting jumpsuit and flat-heeled boots, which I had to assume were their fight clothes.

  “When does the fun start?” Mordaca grinned, her red lips glinting in the light.

  “In thirty minutes, once we’ve put our magic in the crystals,” I said.

  Aerdeca whistled. “You are brave.”

  “No kidding,” Mordaca said. “I wouldn’t part with my magic for all the money in the world.”

  “It gives us the advantage we need to win. This way, we determine the timing of the battle and can attack while they’re confused. Anyway, if we lose, the Rebel Gods will catch me and kill me. So I’m motivated.”

  The both nodded, seeming to understand.

  Aerdeca hoisted her bow and turned toward the trees. “Well, I’m going to go find a good spot. Best of luck.”

  Mordaca saluted and followed her.

  Cass, Del, and Nix were the next to arrive, along with their significant others, the shifter Aidan, the half demon Roarke, and the vampire Ares. They’d even brought Connor and Claire, their friends and the siblings who ran the coffee shop Potions & Pastilles in Magic’s Bend.

  I hadn’t seen them in ages, but it would be good to have the mercenary, Claire, and the potions master, Connor, on our side.

  “We’ve got your back,” Cass said.

  “Don’t worry,” Del added. “You’ve got this.”

  I wasn’t that confident, but I thanked her anyway. I gave them each a quick hug, thanked Connor and Claire, and then off they went into the woods, finding their positions to wait.

  The Valkyrie were the last to arrive, Ratatoskr in tow. I could hear him complaining about the puny trees, but I only had eyes for Gunnr, the red-haired Valkyrie who gripped a very familiar sword in her hand.

  I flew down to greet them, and she held it out. “A gift from Odin.”

  “My sword?” My heart leapt as I reached for it. The familiar hilt felt like heaven in my hand.

  “He felt you might need it.”

  “I do. I borrowed one, but it’s not nearly as good.” My mother had given me this sword, and now I would have her with me. She always was, but this was better. “Thank you.”

  “Of course.”

  “What is the plan?” Sigrún asked.

  I explained about putting my magic into the crystals as bait, and they all whistled. “You are brave.”

  That seemed to be the consensus, but I wasn’t sure I agreed. “Once the Rebel Gods arrive, the attack begins. The three of us—you and me, I mean—will fly down and steal the crystals back before they can grab them. By that time, they’ll be trapped within the clearing because it’s impossible to transport out. We’ll take the crystals to my sisters so that we have our magic back, and we’ll join the fight.”

  Gunnr nodded. “I like this plan. Our horses will make us much faster, as well.”

  After a few more minutes of discussion, the Valkyrie disappeared into the trees.

  Hedy approached. “Everything is ready.”

  I looked toward the center of the clearing, where my sisters waited. “All right.”

  I walked toward them, my heart pounding. This was it. In fifteen minutes, Frigg’s concealment charm would fade and the Rebel Gods would come.

  “Ready?” Ana asked.

  “As I’ll ever be.”

  I reached for her hand and Rowan’s, squeezing. “I’m sorry about this.”

  “Don’t be,” Ana said. “They’re hunting all of us. Just because you transitioned first and they’re stalking your magic doesn’t make this your fault.”

  “Anyway, I want to take the bastards down,” Rowan said.

  I nodded. “At least we’re together.”

  “We can do this,” Ana said.

  “It’s now or never,” Jude said.

  “The magic will take a few minutes.” Hedy pointed to the triangle that she’d burned into the earth. “Each of you stand at one of the corners.”

  We took up our positions, and I stole one last glance at my sisters before focusing on Hedy. My heart thundered as she handed us each a crystal.

  They were hollow, each shaped roughly like an egg, and gleamed as if they were made from opal.

  “Your magic will go into there,” Hedy said. “Be sure to keep a tiny bit for yourself, so that you don’t feel the effects of losing your soul. But put most of it into the crystal, which will enhance the signature. That will draw the Rebel Gods, but keep you safe from their attack.”

  We’d only be without our power for a short while—just long enough for our magic to attract the gods before we could steal it back. Still, the idea was freaking terrifying.

  I could see the feeling reflected in Ana and Rowan’s faces as well.

  I drew in a ragged breath, steadying my breathing. Fear had no place here. I had to be
rock solid for this.

  In the distance, I caught sight of Cade. He stood next to a tree, his hiding place for the ambush. His eyes were glued to me. I tried to smile at him, drawing strength from his support.

  Other than Cade, the forest looked empty. It was silent, save for Hedy’s footsteps as she began to pace around us.

  “Hold the crystal in both hands,” she said. “Envision it as part of yourself.”

  I did as instructed, but the crystal just felt like a delicate, hollow rock. Not like it was part of me.

  Then Hedy raised her wand and magic swelled on the air. She walked behind me and touched it to each of my shoulders, then sprinkled some kind of dust over my head. It smelled of flowers and felt like an electric shock of magic.

  Suddenly, the crystal did feel like it was part of me. Hedy repeated the ritual to both Ana and Rowan, and their expressions changed as well. Understanding dawned as their gazes dropped to the crystals in their hands.

  Hedy’s voice buzzed around me, murmuring indistinct words as the crystal vibrated with power. It flowed up my arms, becoming part of me.

  “Feed your power into the crystal, saving only a bit for yourself,” Hedy said.

  It was the most natural thing in the world to follow her orders, so easy to funnel the power from my body into the rock. The magic within me felt like mist, and I pushed it toward the crystal.

  Slowly, my limbs weakened and my body felt foggier. Darker. Heavier. It was the strangest feeling, but I kept going, feeding my magic into the crystal.

  It began to glow, the opalescent sheen brightening. Rowan and Ana’s crystals glowed just as bright.

  My head buzzed. Despite the ease of the transformation, panic threatened at the edges of my mind. It’d been terrible to lose my power months ago. Now, I was willingly giving it away.

  The plan. Remember the plan.

  It was a good one.

  I kept going, feeding the last of my magic into the crystal. I saved just a bit of my healing power and my ability to fly. That way, I could help my friends during the battle.

  When the transfer was done, I nearly staggered. Losing my magic felt like hell, but the crystal had become enormously heavy. Rowan and Ana looked pale, and I was sure I looked no better.

  Magic radiated out from the crystals, our signatures on steroids. The Norse god Hod had said they had a spell that tracked our signatures—well, they were going to find us fast if the signatures were this strong.

  “Two minutes left until Frigg’s concealment charm fades,” Hedy said. “Place the crystals in the center of the triangle.”

  We did as she commanded, nearly dropping the heavy rocks. As soon as I let go of mine, I went to my knees, gasping.

  Ana and Rowan did the same.

  “Holy shit, this sucks,” Rowan said.

  “I feel like I’m going to puke.” Ana looked green.

  I drew in a ragged breath. Slowly, the illness faded. I staggered to my feet, Ana and Rowan following.

  Hedy stepped forward. “When you want to retrieve your magic, put the stone on the ground and stab it with a steel blade to break the crystal.”

  “Thank you, Hedy,” I said.

  She nodded. “Now go.”

  Ana wiped a hand over her brow. “Let’s do this.”

  “Wait.” I gave them each a hug. “I love you guys.”

  “Love you back,” they both said.

  We drew apart. They both looked better—no longer quite so pale.

  We thanked Hedy, then headed off into the forest. They went to the trees, while I flew up to the highest branches, joining Sigrún and Gunnr. They both rode their winged mounts, who’d been enchanted to blend in with the forest. I could still see them, but only because I knew to look.

  “Ready?” Sigrún said.

  “As I’ll ever be.” I took a seat on a high tree limb. “Be aware—the crystals are heavy.”

  “Understood,” Gunnr said.

  Tension suffused the valley. Endless minutes passed as we waited for the Rebel Gods to arrive. I’d felt Frigg’s charm dissipate, so the magic was out there, free as a bird. Ready for the Rebel Gods to find with their spell.

  They’d probably found us already and were mustering their troops.

  Hopefully, the plan would confuse them enough that we’d have the upper hand. Ana and Rowan weren’t sitting ducks. The Rebel Gods would be drawn to their magic, not to them. As long as they didn’t catch us all, they wouldn’t succeed.

  But they didn’t show. Not immediately, at least.

  Minute after minute passed. I crouched on the tree limb, ready to dart down toward the crystals as soon as they appeared.

  When the Rebel Gods arrived, adrenaline shot through my veins. Eleven gods appeared all at once, their power rolling through the clearing. A half second later, demons followed—at least four dozen.

  I leapt off the branch, wings flaring, and darted toward the crystals in the middle of the clearing. One of the gods shouted and pointed, confusion in his voice.

  Behind me, I heard the Valkyrie on their horses.

  The rest of my friends and allies launched their attack, bursting from the trees and providing us with cover as we flew for the crystals.

  In the chaos, it took the gods a moment to figure out what was going on. Most didn’t notice the crystals. But Eris did. She pointed and shouted, and the rest charged.

  Once it became clear where they were headed, flame burst up around the crystals. Claire, Cass’s friend, had used her fire magic to create the barrier as we’d planned. It flared tall and bright, a barrier that I prayed would work.

  Eris was twenty feet away from the crystals. The others were fighting. We would make it in time.

  The Valkyrie’s mounts shrieked in fear. I glanced back, seeing them wheeling away from the gods below. Something had frightened them!

  They were supposed to be okay with fire. One of the Rebel Gods?

  Sigrún and Gunnr’s panicked eyes met mine as they tried to control their mounts.

  Shit!

  It was up to me to save the crystals.

  I flew toward them as fast as I could, my lungs and muscles burning. Eris was nearly to the fire barrier, only ten feet away. The fire flamed high, but the gods were crazy.

  The crystals were so heavy. Could I carry them all?

  I had to try.

  I swept down and grabbed the three crystals, heaving them off the ground. I darted away.

  A bolt of fire blasted toward me and I dived, moving slowly because of the weight of my cargo. The flames plowed into my left wing, making me spin in the air.

  I fumbled the rocks, dropping one.

  Mine.

  It plunged to the ground, right in the middle of the triangle of flame. Shit!

  But I was close to Rowan and Ana. They needed their magic. I prayed that the flame would protect my crystal as I dived into the trees.

  Behind me, the sound of battle raged. The lions’ roars tore through the air, and Ratatoskr’s battle cry of “To victory and acorns!” followed.

  I spotted Rowan and Ana right where they said they’d be, at the base of an oak tree with two trunks. They looked up to me, relief and horror painted on their faces in equal measure.

  I hurled their crystals at them, and they caught them handily, threw them to the ground, and smashed them with their swords.

  Purple smoke rose up from the broken rocks, flowing into Ana and Rowan, returning their magic to them.

  I gave them one last look, then whirled, racing back toward the clearing. I caught sight of Ratatoskr tearing demons apart left and right. He looked like a kid on Christmas morning, tearing open presents. Except he was tearing open demons, and blood was spraying like wrapping paper and ribbon.

  Connor, the potion master, hurled potion bombs from his perch in one of the trees, hitting the demon mercenaries with deadly aim. His sister, Claire, joined Cass in an attack against a blue god who seemed to control ice. Both women fought ice with fire, hurling their flame with
deadly accuracy.

  Caro, Ali, and Haris fought alongside Jude against the god in the brown robe, while Aker, the dual lion god, fought a god shaped like a massive snake. Was that what had scared the Valkyrie’s horses?

  Sigrún and Gunnr had abandoned their mounts, likely letting them return to Yggdrasil, and flew toward Hod, the Norse god. He battled the other Valkyrie, who seemed determined to take down the traitor. He might be blind, but he was so fast I could hardly see him move. Oya’s mercenaries picked off the demons.

  The rest of my friends fought demons and gods, while Cade squared off against Hum Hau, the Mayan god of death. He fought in wolf form, tearing at Hum Hau, who flickered with a light that made him look like a skeleton.

  My gaze went unerringly toward the flame that still surrounded my crystal, praying to anyone who would listen. Let me find it before they get it.

  I spotted it just in time to see Eris—inside the ring of flame. She was so crazy that she’d run through the three-foot thick wall of fire. All her hair was gone and her dress flaming.

  She laughed maniacally as she smashed my crystal on the ground and inhaled the purple smoke.

  No!

  My wings faltered, and I nearly fell from the sky.

  Eris had taken my magic.

  Her laugh was a crazed sound that shot through me like ice. Lightning began to strike, thunder cracking through the air and making my eardrums feel like they were bleeding.

  Shit. She was using my magic.

  I had to kill her. She couldn’t escape with it. Even if I never got it back—grief tore through me at the idea—I couldn’t let her have it. The damage she could do…

  Maybe I’d played this all wrong. I shouldn’t have left my magic behind, but I hadn’t been able to abandon my sisters like that.

  The fight raged around me as Elis’s lightning crashed all around. It lit up trees and fried bushes. Fortunately, her aim wasn’t any good. Not yet, at least. All she needed was a little practice.

  I drew my mother’s sword and charged her, knowing that I was dreadfully outmatched. But at least I had my wings.

  Wind tore at my hair as I hurtled downward, approaching her from behind. She seemed to sense me, turning just as I struck out with my blade.