WELCOME TO HEL (published 11/28/2013)

Loki stood in the cold, dark cave that was the realm of the dead and cajoled his daughter.  “Why would you be satisfied with the scraps that Odin throws to you like a dog beneath his table?  He keeps the choice souls as his Einherjar and leaves the dregs for you.  Are you not the goddess of the dead?  Should you not have dominion over all those who have died?  Even the mighty Aesir can die; does that not make us all beholden to your dominion?”

“You flatter me father, but your honeyed words do not fool me.”  Hel said with a dry breathless voice.  “What do you want of me?”

“Merely what any father wants for his only daughter.  I want you to have what you deserve.  I want you to hold dominion over all that which is your birthright.  I want to help you build your army with the souls of the mighty not just the dead which do not meet the standards of Valhalla.”

“Would you suggest I steal from the Allfather?  Would you like to see if even death can die?” asked Hel mirthlessly.

Loki flashed the disarming smile he had perfected since time immemorial, “of course not dear daughter, I would merely lead you to the souls which Odin ignores, not because they are not worthy of Valhalla, but because the Allfather overlooks the opportunity.”

“And where is this mythical realm of heroes whose souls await my embrace?”

Loki smiled again knowing that his plan was nearing fruition.