Taken aback, Thor frowned. "You would go without me?" But the reasoning was sound. Loki needed a win and Thor needed to be out of sight of Steven for at least a generation of Midgardian natural life. A raid upon Midgard and the initial training of impliable slaves would take forty years or so. Steven would grow away from him and be a different man than he who had left. Thor would be able to have him again, bed him again if he wanted, and enjoy him without feeling this crushing need for him. There would be others in the meantime. They would both forget--

He held u a hand before Loki could argue or offer counsel.

"No. You are correct. You will take Fandral and the Lady Sif as your captains along with their armies. That will leave the bulk of our forces upon Asgard if needed and Heimdall can recall all of you should we need more warriors for any reason. Bring back the best Midgard has to offer, my brother. I shall speak with the Great Council and begin preparations. I will expect the raiding ship to be ready by tomorrow evening. I know it is not much time to gather what is needed but.... I shall miss you while you are gone. But I will have sport of my own to tell you tales of when you return."