Page 52 of The Last Valkyrie

Because he can’t detect my blood,I thought, nodding along.

“The doppelganger is dead,” Corym said in Elven, then translated. “Ser’kariothis reborn”—the Lightbearer, Ravinica—“and Dokkalfar have stormed Midgard with jotnar on their side.”

A few murmurs ripped through the two-dozen wood elves at mention ofSer’karioth.

“What is it you want from us?” Jhaeros asked through Corym, showing no emotion or rush. At least his spear was down. “Nothing you’ve mentioned impacts the Skogalfar.”

“Wrong,” I said, also through Corym’s translation as I stepped up at his urging. “The dark elves and giants will storm Alfheim next, once they have Ravinica in hand. The last dragonkin changes everything, and you know it.”

I was trying to call their bluff, based on the reaction at the news of Ravinica’s dragon wings. That was a big deal forallelves, as Elayina had promised it would be.

Jhaeros snorted at me, looking me up and down, and spoke harshly, to which Corym said, “He wonders what the Bloodless One has to offer, or why he cares.”

“My blood,” I said simply—the same story I’d lived through my whole life. Giving it away like a drug people couldn’t get enough of. “Ask him if his people have mages who can utilize my blood. I daresay they do.”

Corym and Jhaeros spoke at length, keeping everyone on their toes. I couldn’t tell the way Jhaeros was leaning based on his words and posture alone. He didn’t want to give too much away.

Finally, Corym nodded. “He says his shamans would take a look at you, see what they can do.” Clearing his throat, he faced me fully, with his brow threading. “Asking for myself, Magnus . . . what do youthinkthey’ll be able to do with it?”

I sighed. “The same thing Vikingrune Academy wants with it, Corym. I think they’ll be able to use it to create super soldiers. Short of that, to create their own ‘bloodless’ mode of transportation. Can the Skogalfar imagine that? Skirting through the realms undetected, using their stealth at an advantage no other realm can use? Giving them the ability to avoid anyone who might do harm to them?”

After Corym nodded his understanding, he and Jhaeros exchanged more words. This time, I saw the expressions light up on the faces of the bronze warriors.

Then the light elf turned to me. “They’re intrigued.”

“Thought they might be.”

Corym crooked a smile. “Only question he has now, bloodrender, is what do we want in exchange for this power?”

Chapter 18

Corym

WE SPENT THE REST OFthe day slogging through the swampy Kiir’luri before reaching the statues of the Twins of Norris’ Pass in the valley north of the forest. Past the forest, plains, and valley, we came upon my city nestled into the side of the mountain.

My heart swelled at seeing the emerald, sapphire, and ruby roofs, the towering marble structures of my people. Last time in Heira’s capital, Alokana, had been a desperate rush to saveAnvarifrom wasting away in Midgard. This time, I could smile upon my homeland with pride.

Golden-armored kinsmen waited for us in ranks along the valley floor, guarding the elevator contraptions leading up to the city. They were stern, serious-faced elves.

They noticed the bevy of wood elves with us and approached with their weapons drawn, leading to some hesitation and a tense moment of the Skogalfar brandishing their own weapons.

Then the light elves recognized me and the front-most soldier saluted. “Company-Prince,” he said with a small bow.

I did not recognize the man, though I knew his station by the patch on his plated shoulder. “You are of Company-Prince Vesryn’s regiment, brother. Where is your commander?”

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