Thruor showed back up the next day. “I kicked his butt.”

 

“The fire setter?”

 

She nodded. “Didn’t kill him. Just tried to make him think twice about the orders he’s following.”

 

“Better you than me.”

 

She grinned. “You do it and it’s personal. I do it and it’s a reminder of the fact that he could start a war this way.”

 

“I talked to Sarael. I don’t think there’s much Heaven can do, but…”

 

“They can be aware and protect their own people.” Thruor let out a breath.

 

“You’re bleeding.”

 

She glanced at her upper arm. “It’s nothing.”

 

“Let me wrap it?” Even with our healing it was a good idea to bandage wounds. She came inside and I wrapped the injury.

 

“I didn’t even notice it,” she admitted.

 

“Occupational hazard.” She hadn’t killed him. I was glad of that, even if it wouldn’t have been permanent.

 

“So…we need to think about a next move. I might have slowed him down.”

 

“Or Surtur will just send somebody else.” A pause. “I need to get a weapon from Muspelheim.”

 

“So you can examine it.”

 

I nodded. “I think I need local help, though.”

 

“I wish I’d thought of that. I’d have taken his.”

 

I shook my head. “Something from the armory nobody will miss would be better.” And I suspected I could get enough help to get it.

 

And then I could see what happened if it was destroyed. Which might cause all kinds of explosions. But…I had a feeling I had to try it sooner or later.

 

It would tell me something. Of course, if it was a sentient weapon, Balgefa might have objections.

 

The firegiver.

 

It was right there. Forged for me. “Would you ask Clara and Seb to see if they can work out the next target?”

 

“Plan on trying to get ahead of them?”

 

“I wield fire too. Maybe I can…”

 

“Get into a mental duel with a fire giant.” A pause. “Well, you have a decent chance of winning.”

 

I grinned at her. “I intend to try.”