We Will Pray

“My beautiful daughter.” Odin placed his hand on Desi’s cheek and gazed deeply in her eyes. “This child’s way is full of many dangers.” He gestured to the scene in the humble adobe hut. “You know what will be asked of you, my child?”

Desi didn’t respond, but Michael’s chest constricted with fear and sorrow that he fought to push down so Desi wouldn’t see it. He needed to be strong for her now. But losing her, saying goodbye, was going to kill him.

Odin smiled and pulled Desi against his chest. Michael had to look away, turn his back on them, because the sorrow in Odin’s eyes as he caught Michael’s was almost too much to bear.

“There will be those who will help you,” Odin said to Desi. “And I won’t ever truly leave you, though I cannot go where Loki will take you.”