Surtr the Fire Giant advances against me. He is taller than a mountain, his body is made of burning embers, his eyes and his maw shine of a brighter fire in his great horned head of flaming darkness, vast shadows surrounding him. He wields a firebrand, more powerful than any sword. Even with my magical sword, I would have no chance against this demon.

I set firmly my feet on the ground, and lift my stag antler in front of me, awaiting for the first blow. Which comes like hot thunder over my head, and I barely manage to deflect it. My sword arm is already weakening. I strike at him, going for his unholy flesh, laughing when my weapon connects!

I jump back, and do not let him recover. This time I strike first, though his fire burns through my shield and my mail shirt. His brand brushes past me with the force of a bursting volcano.

I roll back and once again I am on my feet, my weapon ready, drops of sweat falling from my brow and sizzling on the hot floor. He runs at me... I try to parry... too late. He hits me squarely, breaking my body, burning me, throwing me in the air for a hundred leagues before I fall on the shaking ground.

With my dying gaze, I look around. Surtr is setting fire to all that I ever held dear. I turn my head, and look for my sister's eyes across the circle of flame. I see her for the last time, and I hold my hand towards her... memories of golden fields and forget-me-nots under the sun. But her eyes, too, are dying.

Before the fire engulfs me, I whisper her name.

"Freyja..."