616 DCXVI. Two New Mentors (1/2)
Odin walked back to his throne and grabbed something that was on it, hidden from Dag's sight.
His two weapons, the Giantbane and Magni's hammer were now in the hands of the strongest God of the Norse Pantheon, who held them high to show them to everyone.
”Dag's dark power derives directly from that of the Frostsinners, but it is more powerful, although it is still in the early stage of its growth. But this, this axe...”
”What is it?” Freyr interrupted, who had never heard of the Giantbane and looked at it curiously.
”I don't know why, but this axe has the power to kill the Frostsinners!” exclaimed the Alfather, leaving his listeners speechless.
Freya approached Odin, extending an arm towards him and asking him to see the weapon in his hands.
He agreed and handed over the Giantbane into the hands of the beautiful Vanir, who later became Aesir.
”I don't understand, Alfather... how can this axe be more powerful than Gungnir, the infallible spear?”
”Wise Odin, I was convinced that it was the dark powers of the Midgardian who defeated the Frostsinner! This changes everything!” Freyr added once again, approaching his sister and looking at the Giantbane up close.
Odin grabbed the axe, looking at it once more.
”I know what you're thinking. You think that, with such a weapon, any of us could defeat our enemies and claim our place in the skies of planet Earth, but that's not how things will turn out” he said, walking toward Dag, who had not said a word.
Frigg followed her husband with her eyes, already knowing what he was going to say.
”The Giantbane, the divine weapon capable of killing the Frostsinners, can only be used by the best of Midgard's warriors. Dag's dark power, combined with the fiery power of his weapon, is the most dangerous weapon our enemies have ever known” Odin said with conviction, handing the axe handle to Dag, who gasped, not believing he was praised by Odin despite having evidence of his weakness.
Trying not to tremble, Dag's hand grabbed the handle of the axe, squeezing it hard: at that moment, it was as if a piece of his body returned to its place.
Freyr and Freya continued to look at the weapon in its owner's hands, imagining whether things would be different if they used it against enemies, having their divine powers at their disposal and failing to surrender to the idea of being weaker than Dag.
”Thank you for having so much confidence in me, Alfather. I will give my best to fulfill the prophecy and save you all from your exile. But what about the comrades I left on Skjold?” Dag asked, thanking Odin for his gesture of confidence.
The Alfather took a long breath and after a silence that lasted a few seconds, he spoke again.
”Yes, Alfather!” Dag replied, with a sad expression painted on his face.
”Going back to Skjold wouldn't be wise, boy. Not now. I have the task of preserving your power, no one in this world can protect you as I will” Odin continued, looking the young warrior straight in the eye.
”I know that. Freydis and I are used to not seeing each other for long periods. If I come back to her, I'm sure she'll wait for me, but... I need to stay on Skjold to know the details of the prophecy. It comes from an ancient manuscript, of which you Gods also do not know the existence, right?”
Freya, after realizing that Dag's woman's name was very similar to her own, looked at him fondly, thinking that despite him being a mortal, his spirit and virtues had led him to achieve the greatest goal of all: to meet the Gods.
”What prophecy are you talking about, Alfather?” the heavenly-eyed woman and long blonde hair asked.