Capítulo 7: What Say You?
Odin stood on the golden dais in the center of the village square. Michael stood next to it, his arms crossed, a dark and worried expression on his face. On the first step of the dais, Mahria stood in her full glory - golden wings extended, her body armor gleaming in the late afternoon light, and her sword unsheathed in her hand.
It wasn’t as if they were expecting trouble, not exactly, but together they had decided on a show of strength, and so here they were. Mahria and Michael flanking their king, their god, as the plan was presented to the people.
For their part, they waited restlessly for Odin to begin, whispering among themselves. Most of the whispers were correct, and that troubled Michael. The only way they could possibly know anything of what was to come was if Loki himself had told them - or begun the rumors the citizens of Asgard now spread like a virus among themselves.
Michael glanced over his shoulder at Desi, who stood with the Valkyrie acolytes. He caught her gaze and felt himself relax just a fraction as she smiled at him and gave him a small nod of reassurance. He shouldn’t fear the people. He wouldn’t. They were his brothers and sisters. His friends. He knew their hearts as well as he knew his own - surely they would see the right in this plan.
“My people,” Odin said, lifting his hands slightly to quiet the crowd. His magic-amplified voice carried easily over the multitude and silence soon fell upon them. “Many of you already know that my council and I have been working on a plan that would allow more of you to have the opportunity to earn Ascension. Some of you don’t wish for it, and that is fine, but many others do, and I have no wish to deny you. However, Ascension has always been a place of rest for the gods - and I cannot make you all gods in your own right.” He smiled, and the people laughed.
Michael gauged the mood around them as hopeful, even cheerful - Odin’s tone suggested there would be a path for Ascension for them and now that they knew that was a possibility, their concern waned. He relaxed, dropping his arms to his side - though he noticed Mahria had not altered her stance at all.
“I understand the rumors are already lighting your imaginations, so let me put them to rest.
“Ascension will not be earned by all. You must exhibit a commitment to all we stand for here in Asgard; you must be exemplary, true citizens.” Odin smiled gently as he looked out over his people - so great a number that Michael could not count them all. “If that judgement were to be made today, every one of you, I’m sure, would meet these requirements.
“However, there must be more. I hope you all can understand, that you must become like a god - with power over good and evil, right and wrong - in order to be truly found worthy.
“It has been my passion to create for you a life as perfect as I can make it. Here, you are free from disease, brutality, the whims of nature and the forces of evil. You know of evil - we have had to fight against it, whether in the guise of the giants or the Sveltalfahr - but it has never been allowed to coexist with you. You know me,” he added now in a softer tone. “You love me. And so you trust me and fight with me, seeing the good as so distinct from the evil.”
Michael’s body tensed once more as he anticipated what was to come. He sensed the confusion and tension growing in the people as well.
Odin took a deep breath, then raised his voice so it rang with the authority and clarity of a general, a king. A god. “If you wish to gain Ascension, you must choose to leave this place and to be stripped of your memories. You will live on Midgard - a world much like our own but without a god of its own; it is subject to the whims of nature, and the ebb and flow of life.
“There, you will be reborn as a child, grow and live, every day choosing right from wrong, good from evil as you learn to overcome the natural world - and the natural cravings of a body made of earth.”
In response to the cries of concern and protest of his people, Odin raised his hands, placating, gentling. “I will not leave you helpless, my children.
“I will watch over you. I will send my warriors, as angels to watch over you. And you will retain your essence - that spark of Asgard that resides in each and every one of you. It will be hidden, but I promise you - if you nurture it, choose to honor it as you grow and learn - you will be equipped to arrive victorious at the end of your natural life.
“At that point, you will be given a choice, and you will have full knowledge with which to make these choices. For at the end of your time on Midgard, your desire for Ascension may have waned. You may no longer desire to join the stars and live in perfect peace and happiness. You may choose to join the warrior Valkyries or convene in Valhalla to train and work to protect Asgard against her enemies.
“You may choose to return to life here in Asgard.” Odin swung his arms, indicating the beauty that surrounded them on all sides. “Or, you may choose Ascension.
“There are many and varied gifts for the cost of a natural life that is but a moment to what you have known.”
Odin paused now, considering his people. Michael and Mahria did the same, but everyone seemed to be considering this, thinking. Michael exchanged a glance with Mahria and saw the same reservations he had reflected on her face. Could it really be as simple as this? Could they accept the plan?
Finally, Odin raised his hands high over his head. Michael looked up at him, smiling at the radiance shining on his king’s face. “What say you?” Odin called out.
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