Free Ragnarok: The Fate of Gods by Jake La Jeunesse Page A

anyone.
                  But as it was now, he was nothing more than an ineffective figurehead.
                  Lilith didn’t care about his problems.  He was reminded of her loyalty to the overlord on a daily basis.  It was he who pardoned her father when he was awaiting execution.  It was he who permitted him to continue his work as a governor.  The Karellan was the only one who gave him a fair chance. 
                  He also introduced Lilith to Dumah.  “Every good leader must appear a family man,” he had said.  “This girl comes from a good family.  She’ll do you well.” 
                  Dumah had been grateful.  She had proven indispensable.  But he had realized now she had initially been placed by the Karellan to keep an eye on him. 
                  All because of his pesky devotion to being a man of honor. 
                  “I know during the war you had a tendency to follow your own path,” she said.  “As I understand it, this is what made you a great soldier.  But the war is over.  You’re playing a different game now.”  She was right.  He hated it, but she was right. 
                  “You’ve got to play it right,” she continued.  “Be obedient.  Follow the rules, even if you don’t like them.  You have to do this on their terms.  That’s the only way you can change things.” 
                  “Hugin said the same thing today.  ‘Consider my position.  Follow the rules,’ and what not.” 
                  “He’s right,” she said.  Dumah scowled at the thought.  “Purge these thoughts from your mind.  Be grateful you saved the city, but be patient.  You can’t do it all now.  Your day will come.  Just do what you’re told and don’t screw things up.”
                  Theirs was far from a perfect marriage.  “I guess you’re right.” It sounded more through-the-teeth than he intended. 
                  “Good,” she said coldly.  “Now will you come to bed?”
                  The thought was as inviting as a den of snakes.  “No.  Somehow I don’t feel like sleeping.  I’ll go into my study though, so I don’t disturb you.” 
                  She must have been satisfied with that because she let him walk to the door in silence.  But when he grabbed the handle, she added, “Oh, Adam?”
                  “Yes, dear?” 
                  “War is for heroes.  Politics is for snakes.  Try to change that and you’re bound to fail.” 
                  “Trust me, Lilith,” he said half to himself.  “I already know.”

Chapter Five: Missions
     
     
     
     
     
     
                  It was seven in the morning.  Late spring.  The wall of the city was the only place in Lower Nifelheim that ever saw the sun.  It had been up for nearly two hours, and all three men knew that. 
                  That’s when they had woken up. 
                  Zeke and Charlie arrived precisely when they said they would.  Daniel was the only one who was slightly disturbed by the change in plans, but he kept his thoughts to himself.  No one could have guessed. 
                  One of them, an Asian man who was a full head shorter than Daniel, approached Charlie with his hand extended.  “So you must be the famous soldier we’re escorting.  Jae-Ho Kim.”
                  Zeke walked past them coldly.  “Famous may not be the right word.” 
                  The small man pulled his hand back and nodded awkwardly at Charlie.  The giant stood there and crossed his arms. 
                  “This what we’re driving?” asked Zeke.  He nodded at the car.  It looked like a boat with tank treads. 
                  A black man who was nearly as big as