Power Play: Act 1 Svartalfheim (Ragnarok on Ice) Read Free

returns.”
    “As do I.  Something is certainly not right with the entire situation in Asgard and hopefully I can find out some information to help us.”
    He shook his head in agreement.  “And let us find out that there is nothing to worry about in Jotenheim.  If the ice giants are on the move again, it could be most tragic.”
    “Agreed.  May The Norns watch over you Ustin and bring you back safely.”
    He took my hand, “And you Rumil,” he gave me a knowing smile, “for I picked the elves who will be going with you.”

Chapter 4 - Attack
     
    I looked on at the four young elves gathered in front of me.  I knew all four well and it was a relief to me that all were fairly competent in the art of stealth.  Drexler and Krang were brothers, both very good with blades.  Maya was a shaman and to be our medic, and finally Ryle was the youngest but also the best in terms of tracking.
    “Ustin chose each one of you for this team based on your skills.  As your team leader it is my job to keep you all safe and most importantly figure out how to mesh our skills together.  It is late in the day, so I figure we can find out how well we do.”
    I pulled out my dagger, and they all looked at me like I had a head injury.  Drexler was the first to speak.  “Lady Rumil, just what would you like us to do?”
    “The four of you are to attack me.  In this exercise, I will be the opponent and you are to work together to bring me down.”
    “Is there a catch to this exercise my lady?”  Maya, the medic had the least amount of combat training and her nervousness showed.
    “There is always a catch!  We will play to first blood.  If any of the four of you can draw blood from me, you win.  On the opposite side, each one of you I draw blood from, is out.  If all four of you fail, then we do it again.”
    Each of their reactions told a story.  Drexler and Krang had the look of excitement on their face.  Maya looked pretty scared at the thought of real combat.  Ryle’s was the most interesting; his gave off the impression he had heard a funny joke.
    I brought my dagger up into the ready position.  They all looked at me and finally I just sighed, “Whenever you are ready.  Keep in mind we do not have all the time in the realms to be fooling around.”
    This got their attention and each brought their weapon to position as well.  The brothers were the first to come at me, twirling their blades in very intricate pattern.  Unfortunately for them, it was too much wasted movement and after just a couple of parries from my own dagger, I was able to cut each one of them on the cheek.
    “I do believe you are bleeding and are out.”
    Both were startled that their attacks ended so poorly, but walked off without a word.  Maya and Ryle were both looking on, neither one had made a move during the brothers’ assault. 
    Maya was clutching her staff and meekly made her way towards me.  She was an excellent healer, but I needed her to have some battle mettle.  I rushed at her and brought my blade down towards her in a slow manner.  She brought her staff up and blocked it.  I repeated this a few more times and each time she was able to block an attack, you could see her confidence grow.
    “Very good Maya!  Feel free to use that staff to hit me too!”
    I had been concentrating so hard on helping Maya that I forgot Ryle was still here.  It was only when I heard someone close by jumping that I looked up and saw him coming towards me.  With his dagger extended, I had to roll forward towards Maya to avoid the blow.
    “Oh my!  You nearly got me there!  It looks like I underestimated the two of you!”  I was pleasantly surprised by Ryle’s ambition in attack.  It was all for naught, with their best chance gone, I quickly ended their assault by cutting Maya on the leg before she could react.  With her out and my attention solely on Ryle, it did not take long to finish the training sequence and draw blood from him as