"Our enemy," said Gerard, "wishes to enslave man, make him like themselves, to reestablish their empire and spread their poison again through the stars. We cannot permit that, no matter how many times we have to live, no matter how we have to suffer, man will be free, the universe will be free, for they carry in them The Blood Of The Lords, and none of The Children's Lords will ever be slaves...never again!"
They were silent for some time, Thor and Balder deep in thought. Neither spoke again until they made camp. Then, Thor spoke while looking into the fire.
"Are we evil, Gerard, because we shut ourselves off and tend to our own business, do not concern ourselves with the affiirs of others, save those who worship us?"
"Of course not!" said Gerard. "You defend your own, which is all well and good. My fight is not your fight. Why should you get involved with the affairs of others? As long as you leave us in peace, I would speak no ill of you, or any of your kinsmen. Odin made Asgard for a reason and shut his people in here. I do not know that reason, but I'm sure it is wise and good. He is as great a Lord as any of my fathers, and I give him the greatest honor."
"And Odin speaks well of your Fathers, also." said Balder, "May They forever be called blessed and holy!"
"Your words are kind," said Thor, "but I am of the opinion that it is perhaps time that The Lords Of Asgard did more against that evil you fight. And, I will speak of it to my Father. Gerard would it shame you if I said you are much like Odin?"
"From Thor, The Son Of Odin," said Gerard, "that is the greatest of compliments. But if you will excuse me, I grow tired. Asgard is unlike The Spirit World, in that you do need to sleep here. Would you wake me for the final watch?"
Thor and Balder nodded. Gerard rose in the morning but did not recharge. "I have enough energy," he said, "to last me until I return. It will be easier if I do not have a full charge."
It took them a little time to find the place where he had first camped. Gerard stretched out his hand and a golden circle appeared, floating just off the ground.
One by one Gerard tossed his weapons through.
"Good luck, my friends!" he said.
Thor seized his arm. "Good journey!" he said. "May all your enemies fall before your sword!" Balder, too, wished him good speed. Gerard stepped through the barrier and the gateway disappeared. Thor and Balder journeyed home.
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