"To tell you the truth Balder, not even I dare look upon Truth. There are things within even myself that I do not wish to see."
Gerard looked to his weapons but Odin spoke, saying to leave them where they lay. "I think we have all leared a lesson similar to your own. And none will again touch those weapons you carry. Now, tell us why it is you are here."
Gerard explained and the light shone off from Odin's golden hair and beard as he listened. Finally when Gerard was done Odin nodded. "I understand these things of what you speak," he said, "and I give you leave to travel my land. Find the reason why your people are being deprived of that power you need and deal with the one responsible as you see fit. I give you power over whoever it might be, power that is not for today, alone, but for all days, hereforth. Do you understand my words, Gerard? Odin gives you leave to do that that he could not do himself, and the power, also, to do it."
"I understand," said Gerard, "I am confused by Odin's gift, but if need be, I will use it."
Odin nodded.
"Lord Odin," said Loki, "It is a custom is it not, after a great warrior has gained a favor from Odin, for him to repay it? Many of us have longed for news of that great War recently fought on Midgard. The heroes that have come here told us only of their own battles, but none have told us of the whole passage of things. If Gerald is as he says, The Keeper of his People's History, let him tell us of the passage of time, of those things done by our descendants."
Gerard sensed a trap, and when it dawned on him who the descendants Loki was speaking of were, he understood. Obviously Odin had been keeping from his people all the happenings of World War Two. "Perhaps," Gerard said, "it would be better if I speak of other things, Lord Odin, for you know I can speak none but the truth, and there can be no softening in my tales. I must tell things exactly as they happened."
Odin gave an angry look to Loki and listened to the clamour of those in the Hall asking that Gerard tell them all.
Finally Odin nodded.
"I understand, Gerard," he said, "what troubles your heart. I have long known the things in your mind. It is time THEY know, too. Perhaps it is wrong that I have kept it from them. Tell your tale. Tell all, and hold not back one word you know."
"I will start," Gerard said, "with the year 19 and 29 on Midgard, in the country of Germany." And as he began to speak, his power to tell and make others see what he was speaking took its full form. The Aesirs sat in spellbound silence as he spun his tale. When he was finally done, the men were silent, and not one woman did not weep. Frigga, Odin's wife, rushed forward, and fell at his feet. "My husband," she said, "My Great Lord and My Love, tell me that there were none of our seeds among these butchers of children, that none of our own did things such as these! Let me know that I still have honor among the women of Midgard." Odin's face fell, as he looked down at his beloved wife.
"I cannot tell you," he said, "something is not so when it is so. Many who are our seed scream now in The Dark Places because they followed this madness."
Frigga threw her hands up into the air and wailed terribly, then flung herself to the stone floor.
"The blood of babes," she cried, "is on my hands! For I have made the monsters that slew them!"
Several of the Valkyries, Odin's beautiful female servants, came forward and picked up their mistress, carrying her off to her quarters. Thor rose and hurled his cup at Loki. "You knew," he said, "you knew what he would speak, but knew that he could not speak with mercy, but would have to tell all! Of all the cruel things you have done, this is the worst of all. Lord Odin, I hold no grieveance against Gerard. He must do what is his people's way, and when he journeys forth I ask your permission to accompany him. For what he was tricked into doing this night, pained him as much as us. And if he fights such evil as these "Naz-zies" by your Glory, my Father, I will stand at his side, but bid Loki to be out of this hall, or surely I will do to him grave harm! For my anger burns like a raging fire!"
"LOKI!" said Odin, "Be gone from my Hall. Do not appear again until Thor's anger has passed, then I will summon you!"
Loki bowed quickly and departed.
"This night is yet young," said Odin, "yet I am weary, more than I ever was when I lived. Is there any favor we can do for you, Gerard, before we retire?"
"If you have a map of Asgard," Gerard said, "it would help me greatly. After seeing it I can make plans for my journey."
"Take him to my library," said Odin, "show him that that he needs. Thor, I must do what I can to comfort your mother. Gerard, any of the handmaidens you wish would gladly do you honor. No warrior sleeps alone in Asgard."
"If Odin pleases," said Gerard, "none of these arouse my zeal, but there are two by you, that have my curiosity. Would it displease you if for one night another had their company?"
Odin looked surprised. "Never has anyone asked that!" he said. "No one else has ever suspected the truth! So be it, Lord Of Light! If it is those you fancy, you may have them for tonight!"
"There is one other thing, Lord Odin," said Gerard. "In the morning there will be three great noises like Thor's thunder caused by a small ceremony I must perform. Warn your people, so they will not be alarmed, and tell your guards to give me the privacy of your highest-most tower."
"If this is a need you have," said Odin "it is granted. Now you will excuse me. I really must see to my lady." As Odin passed Balder spoke to him and Odin ndded. Balder quickly joined Gerard and Thor.
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