The gods of the old world have stood aside, obeyed the ancient laws giving free will to men, and now, when our realm and yours hang in the balance, we are still bound by our covenants. The laws are clear: we can act only through man. And in all the world, there are only two strong enough to defeat them. One born for it, the other through great sacrifice.

You should know better than to mount another's war-horse, I said with a smirk, Or perhaps he took offense to being called a mare.

The seer is a woman?

You'll pay for that, spawn of Loki. I'll tear your gown from your body and have you here on the floor.

I think I've made it clear I would do anything for you.

Though I suppose you would have like that better, since you Northmen are so eager to die. Not just die, Leif corrected, Die in battle.

Find the Northman's seer. There is a power you must master before you can complete your journey. The enemy is closer than you think. Every moment you waste brings them closer to their goal.

In all the world, there are only two strong enough. One born for it, the other through great sacrifice.

Then ... some of the Jötnar are also your gods? I asked. Some are, Leif answered, and some are not.

Our tongues met, and the reaction within me was like the sudden flash of lightning.