Both of their eyes went wide as they stared at first Odin, Freya, then the Valkyrie who was attending Odin.
“So, Prima, you have betrayed our Lord Loki,” the blonde stated though to Ephus it sounded strained.
“Let me take care of them Göndul, the male in front is nothing but a mere human I,” the spear bearer started. Both of the females backed up a bit as Ephus started to power up. He was at three fourths his power when the spear bearer stepped forward.
“A wise move hiding your true power though it will do you no good.” She spoke.
“Tread wisely Geirahöð, this one has already done harm to Lord Loki.” Göndul said to Geirahöð.
With a nod of her head Geirahöð advanced then stopped a few feet from Ephus. “I know not what spell or magic you are using but you will fail!” The blonde shouted as she again tried to advanced, though her eyes were locked on Ephus eyes, the confusion going more by the second on her face.
“Why do you hesitate Geirahöð? The Lord Loki has ordered us to destroy him.” Göndul said through clenched teeth. Then to her utter disbelief, Geirahöð dropped her spear then bowed to Ephus.
“What are you doing?” Göndul shouted as she drew her sword advancing toward the first blonde Valkyrie. Raising her sword she swung with all her might towards the bowing Valkyrie’s neck, only to be shocked when her sword was blocked then knocked away.
“I will not allow you to harm her!” Ephus growled as he stepped in front of the bowed female.
“You dare to interfere in the punishment of a disobedient, betraying Valkyrie? It will indeed be a pleasure to show you the error of your actions.” The blond female said as she struck out with both sword and spear.
Shit Ephus thought, when she started to press him back. Luckily, he recognized many of the sword moves she used. Damn he thought, she is far more powerful that I thought. Starting out in the Egyptian style, Ephus saw that he wouldn’t last long.
Göndul was shaking her head, this human/god was obviously using magic to try and defeat her. She was far stronger than that, no one had overtaken her senses, with a roar she thought that wasn’t going to either!
Ephus could see that the female was far different than any he’d met before. The only one he faced before that resisted this long was Enyo. Shaking his head Ephus thought he had an idea, now just to survive to see it through.
When he changed his style to the Greek style, he saw Göndul falter a moment, Ephus took advantage to stare right into her eyes.
Again Göndul, shook her head, what was this strange power that this human/god was using? Thrusting with her sword she was surprised she almost pierced the male’s side. Then the male changed the style of his sword. A thin smile came to her lips, this was a far more aggressive style. More aggressive, less predictable than the first style, though she could start to see holes in his defense.
Damnit, she thought, the longer this goes on the more I want to stop it. Don’t you dare! A voice ripped through her mind. You have to pay this upstart back for the insult he gave me.
This almost made Göndul stop, though she could also feel Loki, pushing her to finish. Something she was finding harder and harder to do.
Ephus started to smile, he could see that Göndul was starting to fight less aggressively. Hopefully, she can break whatever hold Loki has on her.
I was far to easy on you halvgud. Not to worry I will destroy you when we meet again. Came the thoughts of Loki. Göndul stopped completely looking around, now a look of confusion dominated her features. Bah! What can you do? You have two of the weakest Valkyries, plus the war Valkyrie. Even with Odin and Freya you have no hope to win. Loki’s thoughts said. I know their power is low what can they do?
Ephus growled as he reached out again punching Loki in the face, though this time he put all he had into it. Loki shocked, was propelled through the wall into the next room. Colliding with that wall he slowly slid down it a smile on his face. A smile that faded as surprise came to Loki’s face then he passed out.
All four women in the room gasp out in surprise when Loki’s influence was suddenly gone. Both of the new females ran to Odin who was just starting to stir.
Ephus reached inside feeling for his reserves, then he plunged his hands into them erecting a shield around himself. Ephus sat at the other end of the room, shit he was exhausted, he hadn’t got his power back up, now though it was going to take longer. Damn he thought I should have waited.
Another thing that seemed to be stopping him, his concentration was off, way off. Ephus reached out again feeling if any other gods were trying to extend their influence over him.
A silent growl went through him as he could swear that, he was once again feeling the Titans that he had before. Their power was of an ancient nature, therefore more unknown to him. He did have a few ideas since the last time they had talked and met.
Then again Ephus thought, they were also a lot older having had an extremely long time to plot and plan. Damnit it this was starting to grow more and more complicated. If they were truly involved as he thought, he was going to need more information than he had.
Well, he thought, that was all well and good, he still had to get Odin up enough to hold this realm together, ’til he got to the others. Freeing Odin had been a stroke of luck. Ephus didn’t think Loki was so stupid that he might let Ephus slip past him again to free others.
Then again Ephus thought, Loki might just be a dupe for the Titans or some others like the Titans. Ephus tried to shake his head, which caused a dull throbbing to start.
A smile came to Ephus face as he finally had a hand on what was occurring. At least I can fix this he thought with these five I have a few allies. Touching his shield, he started to slowly change its composition. Ephus nodded when he felt the air clear of the influence, he also felt his power rebuilding faster.
Another groan came from where Odin was. Ephus smiled when he saw Odin’s eyes snap open in surprise.
“Where am I?” His voice thundered. Looking around he caught sight of Ephus on the floor. “Just got here and already you are weakened? Bah! Why did we place our hopes in this human!” Odin said as he rushed at Ephus.
Ephus face held a grimace as he knew what was about to happen. Sure enough, Odin collided with Ephus energy shield bouncing hard off it into the nearest wall. Odin growled, then roared as he jumped to his feet to rush at Ephus again.
Ephus held up a hand momentarily stopping Odin. “Might I suggest, you let your power rebuild a bit, before you do something as foolish as, knocking yourself out on my shields?”
“How dare you, I am Odin, ruler of Asgard,” Odin started ’til Ephus snapped his fingers. Almost immediately Odin fell to his knees.
“I dare that and much more, that which I have given, I can also block. What you are feeling is almost all that I gave you blocked. Still think I am weak?” Ephus shook his head when Odin only stared at him with a fierce look. Ephus turned to Freya, “I was afraid this was going to happen.” Reaching out Ephus touched all five of them, even though Odin tried to pull away.