"You're bold, sorcerer," the All-Father said, his tone edged with restrained anger after hearing Solomon's request. Exploiting the fractures within the Asgardian royal family for personal gain was something Odin could not tolerate. If not for Solomon's status as the disciple of the Sorcerer Supreme and Queen Frigga's intervention, Odin's seemingly unremarkable dark staff might already be swinging toward Solomon's head.
"Because I must, All-Father," Solomon replied calmly.
The two massive gray wolves, Geri and Freki, growled lowly at Solomon in warning. Though Odin sat on a simple wooden stump, his presence loomed as an immense, sky-darkening figure. The black staff in his hand transformed into a chilling spear, and Solomon could almost hear the wails of souls slain by it.
The sunlight vanished entirely, replaced by a dense canopy of leaden clouds. The distant rumble of thunder urged Solomon to speak quickly.
Though this visit to Odin was not ordered by the Sorcerer Supreme, Solomon offered only a slight bow. He showed no sign of retreat, nor even a hint of regret. His expression was resolute.
"When you and the Sorcerer Supreme are no longer here, I must use every means necessary to maintain the current balance," Solomon said, standing upright and meeting Odin's single eye without fear. Odin read the determination in Solomon's gaze and understood the gravity of his words.
"Building an army is the best method, much like your Einherjar warriors," Solomon continued, drawing a deep breath to steady himself against the immense pressure the All-Father exuded. "I don't know Thor's full potential, but I need to forge an army capable of defending against humanity's enemies."
"Including the Asgardians?" Odin's sharp gaze pierced Solomon's heart like a spear, and his voice thundered like a storm, rattling Solomon's eardrums with the fury of a blizzard atop a mountain.
Solomon knew better than to lie to Odin.
"As long as the Asgardians honor the pact, they remain allies of Kamar-Taj. This understanding has held since the first Sorcerer Supreme," Solomon replied honestly.
Kamar-Taj and Asgard had signed two distinct agreements in the past.
The first pact was between Agamotto, the first Sorcerer Supreme, and Odin. It stipulated that Asgard would handle threats to the Material Plane, while the Sorcerer Supreme would deal with threats from outer dimensions. Solomon had not seen the details of this pact, as his knowledge came solely from the Ancient One's explanations.
The second agreement was established between Odin and the current Sorcerer Supreme after Odin failed to fully reclaim Midgard and consolidate the Nine Realms. This military non-aggression treaty defined their relationship moving forward.
Solomon's reference to Asgard's alliance with Kamar-Taj was rooted in these two agreements. They formed the foundation for Midgard's sovereignty under Kamar-Taj and the long-standing peace between the Nine Realms.
Odin produced a piece of parchment.
"Though you've yet to inherit the title, I want your signature on this contract," Odin said, holding the parchment up for Solomon to examine the text. "You have the makings of a king. I know what it takes to be a good one. Promises can always be broken when profit is at stake. That's why I trust only contracts. This one was signed by your teacher and me. If you sign it as well, we can continue this discussion."
Solomon carefully reviewed the contract. Indeed, the Ancient One's true name and title were inscribed alongside Odin's. However, another unexpected name also caught his eye: Thor.
Though the signature was clumsy, it was unmistakably Thor's, written when he was just a child. Loki, on the other hand, likely had never seen this document. Once again, Odin's favoritism was glaringly obvious.
Finding no issues with the contract, Solomon signed his full name on the parchment, which gleamed with a brilliant magical glow. He felt an intangible connection to the Vishanti and Yggdrasil, the great World Tree that spanned nine galaxies.
In the name of the Vishanti and the World Tree, the contract was sealed.
Satisfied, the All-Father retrieved the parchment.
"The pact I made with Agamotto isn't as simple as you think, child," Odin said, his tone softening. With a wave of his hand, the oppressive storm clouds dispersed, and the towering giant's illusion dissolved. The All-Father once again appeared as a plain old man sitting on a stump.
His expression turned contemplative, almost amused.
"When Agamotto and I faced a great threat, our agreement wasn't simply written on parchment. To prove our sincerity, we carved the pact into stone. That stone lies beneath your Kamar-Taj; it is the cornerstone of your sanctuary. I don't need you to sign a new contract because you are bound by that one," Odin explained. "As for your request, I'll grant it. I'll issue a decree that allows you to commission the dwarves to forge your army's armor."
"However," Odin continued with a mischievous grin, "I have another proposition. If you agree, your entire military plan could receive the support of myself and Asgard's next ruler. But you must first prove yourself."
The All-Father leaned forward slightly.
"Support Thor's ascension to the throne, and ensure he marries Hela. Of course, my daughter is no easy partner. You'll need to demonstrate power greater than hers to seal this deal. If you succeed, Asgard's aid will be yours—and perhaps more."
"Becoming a prince of Asgard is not out of the question. The choice is yours, Solomon."
"Lord All-Father, I already have a companion," Solomon replied firmly.
"So what? You will one day rise to the pinnacle of humanity. What's the harm in having a few lovers?" Odin retorted shamelessly, entirely oblivious to Queen Frigga's increasingly dangerous glare.
In the past, Odin had several lovers, and it was only through Frigga's deft management that the Asgardian and Vanir courts remained stable. For instance, Heimdall, Odin's trusted sentinel, was a child born of Odin and one of the nine Wave Maidens, daughters of the ancient sea god Aegir. Frigga's arrangements ensured Heimdall was granted the powerful position of guarding the Bifrost and distanced from court politics.
Similarly, Bragi, the god of poetry, wisdom, and eloquence, was another of Odin's illegitimate children, born of a giantess. His only role in Asgard was to oversee entertainment at feasts—a position of little political influence, ensuring his neutrality.
With such a history, Queen Frigga's annoyance was understandable. However, when Solomon declined Odin's offer outright, her admiration for him only deepened.
"If you become an Asgardian prince, I'll gift you Draupnir," Odin offered, extending his hand as if the arm ring were already there. "You'll have endless wealth."
Draupnir, meaning "Dripper," was a golden arm ring of unparalleled simplicity and power. Every nine nights, it produced eight identical copies of itself. Though these replicas lacked Draupnir's magical properties, their value and craftsmanship were indistinguishable.
It was a private possession of Odin, and possessing it was a testament to one's status in Asgard. Odin genuinely intended to grant Solomon the title of prince.
"Take it, and ensure Asgard and Midgard survive together!"
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