“Did you catch the other one?” was the next voice I heard.

 

“No. He ran into one of the lava tubes and we were…”

 

“I think we know why. There’s a branch in there.” The first voice was annoyed. “Do we know where she comes from?”

 

Branch meaning…a branch of the tree. Made sense to me. I contemplated telling them.

 

“She claimed to be Loki’s daughter, but she’s certainly not Hel.”

 

“No, she’s not. If it is her we’re supposed to send her…and any weapons she’s carrying…to the capital.”

 

“And if she is? You really think we’re equipped to escort a prisoner of this rank and potential power?”

 

“She hasn’t broken out yet.”

 

I couldn’t help but cut in with. “Only because I wanted to see if you believe me. How about you let me out?”

 

“Why would we do that?” It was the first one to speak. I suspected he was the captain.

 

“Because, as you pointed out, I have rank, and if Surtur finds out you put me in a regular cell, he might not be pleased.”

 

…and he fell for it. Or maybe he wasn’t sure whether to see me as a dangerous invader or a kid. The door opened.

 

Mustering my dignity, I stepped out into the corridor. “So, Surtur wants you to take me to the capital. I’ll get there…on my own time.” I smiled.

 

I was trying not to make it a nice smile.

 

The younger of the two stepped back.

 

The older shook his head. “Nice try, but if I don’t follow orders he’ll demote me and promote somebody who will.”

 

Or worse, although… I let my thoughts tail off. My head still hurt a little bit. “I had to try.”

 

Any weapons meant my sword was here somewhere and if I let them get me on the road, there might be better opportunities to escape. “You haven’t even thought to ask why I’m here.”

 

“Obviously some spying on behalf of the Aesir.”

 

I laughed. “I’m Loki’s daughter. You think I’m spying for them? No, I’m spying for one person. Myself.”

 

The captain studied me. I was mingling lies and the truth. Truth was if Odin asked me for information I’d probably turn it over.

 

Truth was I wasn’t working for him at all right now.

 

“Then what were you looking for? Here? In the blasted lands?”

 

“A clue as to why they’re blasted.” I studied him. “Believe it or not, I’m here to help.”

 

I don’t think he believed me.