Read Two Ravens and One Crow (Novella) for Free Online

man intent on regaling us with specials and options he’d been at pains to memorize, but Odin stopped him and spoke in the modern Norwegian language. »We will all take the full six courses,« he said. »If there are options, please leave it as chef’s choice. And please inform the sommelier that we also trust his judgment regarding wines for the remainder of the evening. We have much to discuss and do not wish to be distracted with decisions to make.« A credit card appeared in his hand. »This will assure you that we will pay for whatever you serve.«
    The waiter bowed, took the card, and said, »Very good. I’ll return shortly with the first course, which is crayfish from the fjord and—«
    Odin waved him silent. »We’ll figure it out when we eat it, my good man. Forgive me if I am being rude. I assure you we will tip generously.«
    »Very good,« the waiter repeated, and went away to orchestrate what would no doubt be a very large bill. Odin returned his gaze to me and his language to Old Norse. Before he could enumerate the reasons I deserved to die, I jumped in. I had much to answer for, but I wouldn’t passively accept whatever he wished to say—especially regarding my supposed lack of honor. I like to think I have a smidgen of it, at least.
    »Odin, wise as you are, I am sure you have already noted that I twice held Gungnir in my hands and twice refused to target you personally when I could have done so. In both cases, I chose to do that which would secure my safety and nothing more. You sit here before me today because I stayed my hand. Twice.«
    »And you think because you spared my life twice that you are honorable?«
    »The entire reason I came to Asgard was to honor my promises. I killed only those who seemed bent on killing me. The Norns tried first but killed Ratatosk instead. Having no choice, I slew them and then went to the hall of Idunn and Bragi. I could have slain them, but I left them alone.«
    »But you stole one of Idunn’s golden apples! Your honor is the honor of a thief.«
    »A thief who keeps his word. You tried to kill me for it shortly thereafter. I could have taken your life. Instead—with great reluctance, I might add—I took Sleipnir’s.«
    »There was no honor in that decision. It was strategically the best course of action, because it occupied the attention of the Valkyries as well. Had you slain me outright, they would have pursued you to avenge me.«
    »Even so, my point remains: I responded with violence only when it was first offered to me.«
    »Ha! What violence from Thor prompted you to bring a party of men and giants to Asgard to slay him?«
    »That is a separate matter. But, again, I was keeping my word.«
    »You promised to kill Thor?«
    »No, I promised to provide transportation to Asgard.«
    »So in your mind you have done us no wrong?«
    »I did not say that, Odin.«
    We paused as the waiter brought out the first course. The crayfish was there, but so was a small trout roulade. I sampled it and discovered that the chef knew what he was doing. If this was to be my last meal, I couldn’t ask for a finer one. None of the gods touched their food. They watched me eat and waited for me to continue.
    »On the contrary,« I continued, »I believe I acted shamefully during that second trip, and I deeply regret what happened. I apologize to you both, though I know the words are inadequate.«
    Odin snorted. »They’re worse than useless. It’s insulting that you would even try to pay for what you did with a meaningless phrase.«
    »How would you suggest that I pay? Paying with my life is not an option.«
    I expected an argument here, but Odin surprised me by agreeing. »No, it’s not,« he said. »There’s not enough of you to pay the blood price.«
    »Blood price?«
    »It’s a common enough concept.«
    The waiter swooped in and cleared the first course away before depositing the second in front of us, a seafood soup garnished with avocado and other goodies. Once he left,