A Death Up Above - Chapter 6

“Where is he Odin?” Achlys grabs Odin by the collar and shakes him around. “Don’t play with me, where is he?”

“This is not what I had in mind when I said I wanted to talk.” Odin spits out trying to breathe. He shoves Achlys off as he breathes in and out heavily. “Listen kid, he wanted to talk.”

“Great.” There’s an awkward silence between the two. “So where is he?”

“I came here to deliver you to him.” Odin says with a sudden change of tone in his voice.

“Okay, let’s go then.” Achlys says excitedly.

“I’m not doing that.” Odin growls.

“What?” Achlys yells in shock. “Why not?”

“You were quite rude to me.” Odin smirks. “I can’t have someone act like that in front of him.”

“Look I’m sorry alright. Just forgive this once.” Achlys begs Odin. “I promise you I won’t do it again, you have my word.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Odin mutters as he looks back at her. “Listen to me kid.”

“Goddess.”

“Whatever just listen.” Odin says as he sits back down on the tree stump. “You have to let go of it. I know what you are going to do and I won’t let it happen.”

“You don’t have a say in it.” Achlys snaps back. “That’s not your decision, it’s mine and mine alone.”

“Sometimes it’s my responsibility to have a say in it Achlys.” Odin states. “Even if all of the realms are against it.”

“Just take me to him, Odin. Let me make my choices.” Achlys says. “You have to trust me on this.”

“Okay then.” Odin says. “We’ll go. Oh, I’m sorry I meant you’ll go.”

“I’ll go? What do you mean aren’t you supposed to be taking me to him?” Achlys asks confused.

“I’ll guide the way, some of the way.” Odin says firmly. “You want my trust, get up there yourself.”

“And?”

“And I won’t get in the way of your choice.” Odin says with uncertainty in his voice. “You can’t just beg for someone’s trust Achlys, you have to earn it. Once you make it up there without my help, I’ll trust you to make the right decision.”

“Alright then.” Achlys says proudly. “Point the way.”

“Follow me.”