READ WEBNOVEL The Land of Horus!
*Vol.1: Tales of a God.
Chapter 33 - The Land of Horus!
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Pov. Thor.
Our trip to the pantheon that would become Egyptian land was without much trouble. As soon as I notified the others of my absence I visited Frey one last time when I learned he had woken up.
When I visited Frey it was... Weird?
For some reason, he didn't seem to like my visit.
How do I know this?
Basically, when I walked into the room I could see that he looked at the door with a smile... But when he noticed it was me the smile turned into a grimace.
He was still yelling nonsensical things like:
'I will never accept you!' or, my favorite, 'I thought you were my best friend! How can you betray me like that?!'.
It was kind of obvious that my longtime friend was angry, and when I asked him 'why' he just said:
'Don't make a fool of yourself! You do this to me and now you pretend to be ignorant?'
As Frey refused to answer me, I just shrugged.
I wouldn't waste my time with meaningless conversations.
So I just gave Frey the reason I was visiting him.
The Skiðblaðnir.
After Frey's fight against Perun, the Skíðblaðnir was destroyed, and as I felt a little responsible for that, after all, I was the one who dragged Frey to fight, so I decided to fix it.
It took six months, in theory, it should be at least a few decades to fix it, but with the '*lightning armor*' the time was greatly reduced.
As soon as I gave Frey the Skíðblaðnir he was silent before looking at me and saying: 'I'm still angry... But thank you'.
He seemed a lot calmer, so I told him about my trip.
Prince Vanir just nodded and said he would like to go, but it was time for him to establish some dominance among the Vanir gods so that no one would contest his right as heir.
I was proud.
After all the 'god of peace' had finally 'grown some balls'.
With this change in Frey, in addition to his performance against the Slavs, I knew that now the Vanir gods would think twice about trying to usurp Frey.
Of course, there would be some 'bad apples', but over time they would be 'discarded'.
I said goodbye to Frey and left his room, then returned to my house in Midgard, only to find Hel waiting at the door.
With a big backpack on her back.
This obviously wasn't the smartest move by the Loki kids.
"*sigh* Hel… Why are you carrying a backpack?" I asked.
Hel seemed to get more nervous as I could see that her face was turning red and sweat was starting to collect on her forehead.
"Errr... It's my basic needs," Hel said.
It is a fact that Hel, the 'queen of the Norse underworld' and the 'personification of death'... does not know how to lie.
"Hel... You know I've seen you pack and pull things out of the shadows, right?" I asked, with a raised eyebrow.
Hel looked like a deer looking into a car's headlights.
"This... This is... Ahh... Who do I want to fool..." Hel muttered as she put the backpack on the floor.
I just looked at the backpack and said.
"Fenrir can go out..." I said.
It was then that Fenrir jumped out of his backpack and took a sitting position in front of me.
He looked like a kid who'd been caught doing what he shouldn't have.
"*sigh* You know damn well why Fenrir won't be able to go..." I said looking at Hel.
At least she had the decency to look embarrassed.
"Sorry... I just don't want him to be alone again..." explained Hel.
...I can't blame her, I didn't want to leave Fenrir alone either.
But also taking the untrust-prone 'god-killer' to a land of gods he's never seen before would be a mistake.
Fenrir, as much as he doesn't show it, doesn't trust others very much.
Being deceived by his own father contributed a lot to this behavior.
Now, if Fenrir were to interact with a god from a different culture, it is very likely that he would end up hurting someone... But that wasn't the only reason.
The Egyptians were known for their 'true forms'.
The 'true form' of an Egyptian god was most often related to animals.
I don't even want to think what Fenrir would do if he saw a cat-headed god or goddess.
I'm pretty sure Fenrir would go for the kill.
"I understand Hel, I don't want to leave him either... But it's necessary because of what might happen on our trip, we can't bring trouble to our pantheon" I said.
While Hel knew it was for the best, she didn't seem to like it at all.
"Right..." murmured Hel.
I then put my hand on Hel's head and ruffled her hair, which ended up making her smile.
"Don't be like that, you can visit him every day remember? You have the transport rune here," I explained.
This seemed to cheer Hel up.
"You're right, by the way, cousin... who else is going with us on our journey?" asked Hel curiously.
"Well, besides you and me... Sif has shown interest in going too, as well as Hermod and Vali, and due to my mother's request, a Valkyrie will accompany us," I replied.
This seemed to get Hel's attention.
"A Valkyrie? I didn't know they could leave Asgard..." Hel said.
And actually, Valkyries don't usually leave Asgard.
There are only thirteen Valkyries, with Brunhildr being the leader.
It was unlikely that Brunhildr would accompany us, after all, she has the responsibilities as the leader of the Valkyries and the personal guard of Frigg.
"You're right, they usually don't leave Asgard. But I think I agree with my mother about the need for a Valkyrie to accompany us, after all, they have more knowledge about current supernatural politics, but enough of that, we're on our way out, and we'll meet the rest of the people in the rune of Ásbrú" I said.
Hel nodded in response and then looked at Fenrir.
"Goodbye, brother... I promise to stop by tomorrow to see how you are doing," Hel said, with a sad tone.
I then looked at Fenrir.
"Well, remember what I taught you if someone tries to break into our house, and it's not me or Hel... Aim for the throat," I said.
Fenrir seemed to understand what I had said, for he barked in affirmation in response.
"Cousin! This is rude!" said Hel.
If there was one thing Hel cared about, it was being a good host.
That, however, could be something stupid when it comes to this world I'm living in.
"Come on Hel, the people must have arrived already," I said.
And so, we set off towards the rune of Ásbrú, located in the archipelago north of Midgard.
The archipelago was called the 'cold edge'.
Using my carriage, we ended up arriving at the site in no time, and that's when I realized we were the last to arrive.
"Finally! I don't know how much longer I should wait," said Hermod.
I immediately grimaced.
"No one is forcing you to go," I said.
Hermod soon replied.
"Oh, I want to go, the problem was that I had to keep watching this," said Hermod, pointing towards Vali.
Was Vali... Talking to the Valkyrie?
"I already told you Hrist, I'm sorry! Can't you forgive me so we can start over again?" asked Vali.
Shit...
"You flirted with a waitress... in front of me!" Hrist replied.
"I was drunk! I didn't know what I was doing!" said Val.
"Don't blame the drink! This does not improve your situation, because it shows that you have no control when it comes for drink, I don't deserve this!" said Hrist.
It was just what I needed, a trip with an ex-couple.
"Cousin… What's going on? This is normal?" asked Hel whispering to me.
"Believe me Hel, you better not get involved so you won't get a headache," I said.
And so our journey began.
Hrist opened a quick teleport circle to a location that no pantheon held.
Coincidentally, the site was what would come to be called the 'Richat structure' in my time.
According to Hrist, it was recognized as a 'no man's land' and a great spot for quick trips.
Pov. Third-person.
A group of six people walked through the scorching desert.
"Sand, sand, Oh! Look!... MORE SAND!" said Hermod.
"For the love of our father, stop complaining!" said Vali.
Hermod then looked at Vali.
"I have every right to complain! We are 'WALKING' to the land of Horus when we might as well teleport closer! But noooo your girlfriend said it wasn't 'advisable'" said Hermod, mocking.
Vali seemed to have gotten angrier.
"Hrist explained very well why we can't teleport closer! What do you think Horus would do with strangers who appeared out of nowhere on his land? Invite for a drink?" asked Vali, irritated.
It was then that Hrist even commented after hearing the sibling argument.
"Besides… I'm not his girlfriend," Hrist said, pointing at Vali.
Vali looked embarrassed, but Hermod saw a... Opportunity.
"I'm curious…Hrist, as one of the most beautiful Valkyries I've ever seen, are you seeing anyone? If you give me a chance, I guarantee that – "Hermod said until he was interrupted by the Valkyrie.
"While I appreciate the compliment, I know of your reputation for lusting after married women Prince Hermod," said Hrist.
Hermod was upset.
"It was just one time! Also, I didn't know she was married!" said Hermod indignantly.
While these three argued, Thor could be seen walking calmly as he was followed by Sif and Hel.
The reason Sif and Hel are following Thor closely? Well, you see...
"Could you let me go?" asked Thor, looking at Hel and Sif who were grabbing his clothes.
The reason Sif and Hel were so close was simple, given Thor's height, his shadow was quite inviting to protect themselves from the sun.
And as Thor was taller, consequently he walked faster than the others, which was why Sif and Hel grabbed Thor's clothes, to make him walk at the same pace as them.
"Sorry big guy, but given our current situation your shadow is too seductive," Sif said with an apologetic smile.
"I agree," said Hel walking slowly.
Thor could only sigh in defeat.
It was then that a loud noise was heard, and the noise was coming from... Sky?
*Boom*
This noise was the shock wave that occurred just as something fell from the sky near the Nordic group.
The impact caused a cloud of dust that blocked everyone's view.
But the dust cloud didn't last long before it was dispersed by the cause.
The first thing the Nordic group saw was two wings that were outstretched due to dispersing the dust cloud.
The noble-looking creature wore gold carvings on almost every part of its being. And it was tall, about 7 feet tall, it didn't seem to have a lot of muscle but, due to the creature having wings and a hawk's head, it was a little obvious who it was...
"I am Horus, the sun god of the skies, and protector of these lands until the day I find myself in Ra's boat, fighting alongside him... As the protector, I wonder what you Nordics are doing so far from home" said the creature, now identified as Horus, as he crossed his arms.
It was then that Valkyrie Hrist proceeded to start talking…or at least she tried.
"Greetings noble god Horus!"
The one who had spoken was Hermod, who approached the Egyptian god as if he were an old friend.
"We are on an adventure! Our group intended to visit your vast kingdom which is famous for the unique culture of your people! I'm, personally, quite curious about the stories that revolve around you lord Horus, your battle with your uncle is famous even in – " said Hermod, before being interrupted.
"Spare me the ridiculous flattery and go straight to the point, Nordic," said Horus, in an irritated tone.
Truth be told, Horus was feared for many reasons.
His fight against his own uncle, Seth, was well known to other pantheons.
A story of betrayal and revenge.
A fight that lasted a millennium.
However, it may be strange that the other pantheons didn't dare interfere or even take advantage of the discord of the conflict... The other pantheons didn't have the courage for one simple reason.
Ra.
The strongest solar deity.
Although Ra was, without a doubt, the strongest of the Egyptian pantheon, there was also the existence of beings of absurd power.
A good example was Seth and Horus.
Seth, after being defeated by his nephew, instead of being killed, Ra spared him and instructed him to stay on his ship forever, helping Ra hunt down the sun god's nemesis, the eclipse dragon.
Ra saw Seth as someone useful to be used for something more productive.
Horus, on the other hand, was well known for his temper...
A good example? During the confrontation between Seth and Horus, Seth challenged the hawk-head god to a simple contest of strength.
However, Horus, tired after centuries of fighting over something that should have been his by right, tried to get his own mother, Isis, to hurt Seth during the competition, so that Horus could deliver the final blow.
However, Isis didn't have the courage to hurt her own brother... Horus, in turn, saw this as a betrayal.
And a betrayal from his own mother.
When Horus realized that his mother would not hurt Seth, blinded by rage, Horus ended up ripping his own mother's head off.
Fortunately, Thoth, the wisest god, ended up saving Isis by healing her.
Thor came to Egypt for a single purpose, to learn such a healing technique from the god of wisdom.
"Lord Horus, it is an honor, I am Hrist and my purpose for coming here was due to someone who seems to have an interest in the magic of your people," said Hrist.
This seemed to have interested Horus.
"Hmm... We're not exactly allies... So why should I let you learn my people's magic?" asked Horus.
That was... A reasonable question.
"How about an exchange?" asked Thor.
Horus, while wanting to answer the question, stopped for a moment and stared at Thor.
"Tall... Red-colored hair... You must be the bastard son of Odin, your name is Thor, isn't it?" asked Horus.
Vali and Hermod looked insulted, after all, they were also sons of Odin, but it seemed that Horus didn't care much about their presence.
It seemed that all of Horus' attention at the moment was on Thor.
"...I don't think we introduce ourselves properly, I'm Thor and these are my brothers Vali and Hermod, WE are children of Odin, this is our cousin Hel, my close friend Sif and the Valkyrie is called Hrist. We came here to see your land, but I particularly want to meet Thoth if possible, and I'm willing to make a small exchange for our stay in your land," said Thor, as he introduced each one of his group.
This seemed to have interested the Egyptian god.
"And what do you have that you suppose I want?" asked Horus.
It was then that Thor removed another necklace from his storage necklace.
But a very different necklace.
"I hear that you like one particular goddess who has 'two different faces'..." said Thor, with a smile.
It was no secret that Horus was in love with the goddess Hathor.
Hathor, however, suffered from the same thing her father Ra had.
In the ancient world, it did not have a certain name, but in modern times the name was well known.
Personality disorder.
Hathor was the goddess of the sky, she also represented dance, music, love, joy, motherhood, and sexuality, as well as aiding the journey of mortal souls to the afterlife.
Her other personality, however?... Could be described as bloodthirsty.
Sekhmet.
Goddess of war, disease, and healing, a symbol of pure and intense emotions such as passion and anger.
It is said that during Ra's rule on earth, he created Sekhmet to punish mortals who disobeyed him, however... It was not a pretty sight.
Sekhmet did not differentiate 'guilty' from 'innocent'.
When the goddess stepped onto the earth went on a rampant killing spree, crying out for blood.
Ra, after seeing the result of his creation, was regretful and ordered Sekhmet to stop the killing, as he saw that his daughter was killing innocent people.
But the goddess was so clouded by the lust of war that she kept killing.
Although Ra could kill her, he refused to kill his daughter and so came up with a plan.
Ra had the idea of getting her drunk with a red drink and only then creating the other personality...
Hathor.
Sekhmet drank Ra's mixed drink without batting an eye for one simple reason… It was red, just like the blood of her victims.
As soon as Sekhmet passed out from drinking, Ra appeared and then created another personality for Sekhmet.
Hathor would be Sekhmet's opposite personality.
While Hathor was the symbol of love and happiness, Sekhmet was the symbol of hate and war.
Two personalities share the same body.
"…So what, son of Odin? Can you do something?" asked Horus.
It was then that Thor's smile grew.
"This necklace in my hands will separate the wearer's personalities into two bodies, although the divine power will be split in half, there will be two separate people, to bring them back together just channel the divine power of both into the necklace and the two personalities will return to share the same body," said Thor.
That had definitely got Horus interested.
"Hmm... Are you sure it will work?" asked Horus.
The Norse god just replied.
"You have my word," said Thor.
Thor then tossed the necklace to Horus who as soon as he picked it up began sizing it up for any treacherous function.
After a while, Horus looked towards the group.
"... You are welcome in my lands, by my word and by the law of the guest you will not be harmed, I will report your stay in my lands to the rest of the gods, so feel free to explore my lands, but I recommend that you stay out of trouble. Now that the situation has been resolved, I will leave now" said Horus, as he spread his wings and flew towards the sky.
When the Egyptian god came out, Hermod was the first to comment.
"Thor... How did you made that necklace?" asked Hermod.
Not only was Hermod curious, but most of the group... Except for two people.
One was Thor, and the other was the one who helped Thor regarding the necklace's function.
"Well, I had a little help from our cousin, who has a weapon with a very interesting function, right Hel?" asked Thor, looking at Hel.
Hel just smiled sheepishly.
"Hmm… It's no big deal, 'Starvation' did all the work," Hel said, with a weak tone.
Hel's 'knife'.
A pretty underrated weapon.
Thor asked for Hel's help during these six months to prepare the perfect necklace for Hathor, using one of the powers of the 'knife' of the queen of the Norse underworld, which was to divide, or in this case separate, souls.
Once Thor was able to transfer the knife's power through the corrupted ice, he forged the amulet.
The result was nothing but satisfying.
Basically, while repairing Frey's ship, Thor successfully managed to forge some items that could be useful on his journey.
Why did Thor do that?... Well, most gods never give things away for free.
It was always good to bargain.
"Let's go! Our little journey is just beginning!" said Thor, as he resumed walking.
Well... That's it, folks!
Hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Until next time, don't forget to leave a comment!
Forgive me in case of grammatical errors... I tried. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I still haven't figured out how to link the paragraph images... Someone, please help me!