Kolskegg ran. He ran as fast as he could, the dark forms just ahead of him, dipping behind the thick, hoary trees. The ax in his hand, light and well balanced, was of some comfort. The large shield, the chain mail shirt and the long sword on his hip gave him a sense of purpose.  Again the figure he was chasing appeared, a darker shadow amongst the darkness of the forest. 

Kolskegg didn’t wait; in one fluid motion his right hand tossed the ax forward in a mighty hurl. Leaping atop a mossy log, the Viking’s hand hovered near the sword hilt. The figure had stopped, turning and catching the ax in mid-flight. Glowing yellow eyes peered from the gloom at him, a sinister chuckle echoed through the woods.

The shadow stepped forward, until it was as tall, as the Viking who was atop a thick log. The features of the creature were sharp, angular and fearsome. The yellow eyes hypnotic in the blue-gray face, as the creature reached its full height of nearly twenty-feet tall. 

[color=6ecff6]“You are a fool Kolskegg. You are like all your kind, you cannot see the greater picture, only what is in front of you.” [/color]

[color=f7941d]“No Utgard-Loki, I am well aware of where I am.”[/color] Kolskegg nodded towards the forest, [color=f7941d]“These are Odin’s Wode, and you have something that you stole from the Frigga. I have come to reclaim it and return it to her.”
[/color]

The giant growled, the metallic teeth glinted evilly as he glanced down at the ax he had caught. [color=6ecff6]“You are a fool. You dare meddle in the affairs of Gods?”[/color]

Kolskegg reached for the bag on his belt, as he did so a soft red-orange glow emanated from it.  [color=f7941d]“I dare.”[/color]

Before he could remove the rune stones, Utgard-Loki snarled, swinging the ax in a downward motion, as he did so he uttered a spell. Realizing this Kolskegg leaped for the giant hoping to interrupt him. 

It was too late. The ax struck the ground beneath him, as it did so a swirl of brilliant light rose from the gash the giant had made.  A sudden and intense pressure enveloped the Viking, a wave of heat rose from the upturned ground.  Looking up into the malignant eyes of the giant, Kolskegg swore, [color=f7941d]“I shall find you. There is not a place in the nine-realms where you can hide.  I shall gain my vengeance against you Jotun.”[/color]

[color=fff79a][b]###[/b][/color]

Kolskegg landed with a heavy thud amongst a group of baboons, which promptly scattered in a squealing frenzy. Rising to his feet, the Viking surveyed the area. He stood in a forest, with large boulders around him. In the short distance he spotted ruins of some sort. What they were exactly were obscured by the trees.  Glancing at the baboons that had pulled back to the trees, their chittering continuing as large males padded forward baring fangs. A crooked smile crossed the rugged face of the Viking.

[color=f7941d]“Little ones, attacking me might not be the best thing to do.”[/color] Kolskegg murmured as he stepped around a boulder and onto a small game trail.  Looking at the sky he frowned He had encountered the giant at night and yet it was day here. Utgard-Loki had sent him to one of the realms, the question remained, which one. More importantly how would he return?

Before he took a step forward something caused him to lower his gaze, slowly.  A form, it looked human, but it was dressed in an odd fashion. It was looking through a bag of some sort. He was not alone. Of course not, that would have required some mercy from the Jotun.  Speaking softly, Kolskegg prayed to the Gods.

[color=f7941d]"Great Aesir, Mighty Vanir,
Gods of eternal power,
Fulfill my greatest needs, O glorious ones.
Teach me the magic I need.
Give me a glimpse of your deep wisdom..
Mighty Aesir, the immortals of Asgard.
Ancient Vanir, protectors of Yggdrasil
You who are the shape shifters, the slayers, the independent ones.
Give me the strength in magic I need."[/color]

When he finished the creature had stopped also, she, why did he think it was female? She looked around a moment until their eyes met. As the woman stood up, he ran to his left amongst the boulders and trees. Whatever it was, he was sure she wasn’t alone.  

Running he stayed among the trees, keeping them between he and the woman, and the ruins. A surge of power flowed from the bag at his belt, a warmth washed over him. He would face what creatures that lived in this realm, kill them if need be. Then he would find his way back to finish what he started with the Jotun.