Asgard's Wall

Odin muttered in disgust before turning to the guard.

"Turn him away; I do not have time for this nonsense."

That was my cue; I raised a hand to halt the guard and turned to the All-Father.

"Brother, is it wise to turn away a Master builder in our time of need? What harm can it do to hear him out? I am curious to see this man. If all else fails and he speaks false, our brave and valiant Thor can smite him for his dishonesty. Honestly," I sighed. "I am bored, and we are getting nowhere at the moment. A break and a bit of entertainment will do us good. Moreover, it would give you a chance to have a look at this stallion that he rides. You are always looking to increase your stables," I smirked.

Odin rubbed his beard in thought, "It may prove fruitful. It is decided then. We shall adjourn for the afternoon and see what this so-called Jötunn master builder has to offer. If he plays us false, then he will die."

"And you will have a new pony for your stables," I muttered under my breath.

***

I followed sedately behind the others as if I had not a care in the world. This had the makings of a most enjoyable adventure. Life would be so very dull if the others were left to their own devices. Well, either that or a never-ending war or orgy, possibly both.

Once we made our way through the overly ornate halls to the front entrance, two more sentries stood guard.

"Where is this builder that dares disturb my meeting," Odin demanded.

He was either blind or being obviously obtuse as it was hard to miss the large male and his more giant horse. The guard failed in his description of the two.

This man was definitely a Jötunn, and if he was disguised, it was poorly done. He stood eight feet tall, and his beard was long and thick. Muscle upon muscle bulged underneath the furs that he wore, and his eyes glittered with intelligence. The stallion that stood by his side was a giant in itself. Its mane lay in braids and hung down his back in carefully laid rows. An ebony coat shone nearly blue under the light, and hooves the size of copper plates pawed at the ground.

Hell, Odin would be mad not to want that horse for stud. I envied the builder his steed.

"Greetings, my Lords," the builder's voice rumbled like rocks tumbling against one another.

Odin finally deigned to look upon the man and barely held back a sneer.

I sighed; old prejudices died hard.

"What do you want stranger," Odin said shortly.

"I am a Master Builder, Sire. I travel the land plying my trade to those that need my services. I had heard that you might require someone of my calibre to rebuild your walls."

"What makes you think that you can build walls to my specifications and needs frost giant?"

Both the builder and I flinched. It was nothing more than an insult to call a Jötunn a frost giant. Our natural hue was a wintery blue, and we had many gifts that helped us in colder regions. Still, it stung to be degraded by names.

"I can build you an impregnable wall, my Lord. So tall and strong that none could ever scale it or tear it down."

Odin looked him up and down before allowing grudgingly.

"If what you say is true, how long would it take you?"

"I would need a year, my Lord. Then you would have a wall so strong that none would ever be able to break its defences. Your great city and its people would be safe from all harm."

Odin was clearly mulling this over. It was his habit to rub his beard when deep in thought.

"And you can guarantee this wall of yours. None, not even you, its builder could tear it down?"

The Jötunn bowed his head.

"Great Odin, when I am finished, not even a god could tear down those walls. I would be surprised it all the Aesir together could bring it down to rubble, much less another inferior race."

Oh, this one knew how to stroke a man's ego. He had Odin eating out of his hand.

"What is your price then Builder," Odin asked.

"I humbly ask for the sun and the moon." He grinned wickedly. "Also, I would ask for the hand of the beauteous and most gracious of goddess Freya to be my wife."

"You dare," gasped Freya.

She was not at all impressed to be part of any bargain.

"What you ask for is outrageous," Thor thundered.

Odin agreed whole-heartedly.

"Without the sun and the moon, the world will wither away. Without Freya, it would be a world of not only withered life but the deepest gloom. You ask too much!"

The Master Builder shrugged.

"The sun will still shine, and the moon will still rise. It will only belong to me. A small price to pay," he shrugged. "As for Freya, I cannot disagree. She brings glory and beauty to all she touches, and I selfishly want that. That is my offer; if you are unwilling to pay my price, so be it."

Odin was near to bursting with rage, so I quickly stepped up.

"Master Builder, if you will but grant us a short time to discuss the terms of your offer, we may be able to come to an agreement."

"Loki," Freya cried.

"I can agree with that." The builder nodded.

"Speak amongst yourselves, and we shall meet again at sunrise if you will. I will bid you all a good evening and know my offer is an honourable one. It is simply a matter of trade. It is your choice to accept or refuse."

"Of course," I offered while holding the others back by pure force of will. We will let you know our decision in the morn; a good night to you, Master Builder. If you would like, feel free to stable your horse with our own, and find a table in the hall to eat."

"Thank you for your generosity Lord Loki," He bowed to me humbly.

Ahhh, respect… it was such a rare commodity.