Steven found that he missed James dearly as well. The more experienced slave had been everything he strove to be, he had been kind, competent, and self assured without ever overstepping his mark. No wonder he had been favoured. And now he had to step into that void, and he felt wholly unprepared. Should he have stepped in and asked his prince to let him help? Had he done the right thing hanging back?

He only knew his master looked saddened now that the Jotun princess had left, carrying the casket once more.

Not that Thor would be allowed much time to rest, for Sif would come to his tent and only barely await being announced before entering. She looked concerned, highly strung.

"Thor, we are all worried that this Jotun sorceress has placed an enchantment on you, you cannot mean to ride with her into Asgard as though she is an ally."