INTRO   Welcome to CHAPTER 12 of the Kinsmen Die podcast, home of fantasy fiction based on Norse mythology that’s written and read by me, Matt Bishop.   In this podcast I read my first novel, Kinsmen Die, one chapter at a time. Every five chapters, I recap the key plot points and provide some insight into the myths I’ve referenced in the book as well as some of the creative choices I’ve made along the way. Please, leave a review on whichever platform you listen on. That’s one of the key ways to raise the show’s visibility and letting me know what all you listeners, from all over the world, think of the podcast & book — a five star review would be great, but hey, do what ya feel. Here’s a super quick recap of what’s been happening in the book: Baldr, the son of Odin and Frigg, has disturbing, unexplainable dreams. Frigg summoned Odin back to investigate them, but it seems that a town in Vidar Odinsson’s territory was attacked. Vidar is there now, but he called for reinforcements. Odin’s about to ride out to his son’s aid, with Baldr. Meanwhile, Loki is up to something beyond dinner with his family. And, Hodr, who we rejoin in this chapter, has just arrived back in Ifington and has gone home. Let’s do this. Chapter Twelve Hodr “I won’t need you this evening meal, Hodr,” Alara called from the cooking area of their small longhouse, where she was preparing a midday meal for him. “I wasn’t expecting you back for another day or so.” “Turned out my timing was good,” Hodr said. “Why that trader won’t ride another night up here is beyond me. He’d make twice as much.” He heard the swish of her dress as she moved closer, pulling the smell of warm bread and fish along behind her. He felt her loom close, and a moment later heard the clunks of the stoneware cup and the wooden platter on the table to his side. He sat on the bench built into the wall opposite the main door. It was thrown open so that fresh, cool air mixed with the warmth inside. She squeezed onto the bench beside him and snaked an arm under his. “I’m glad you’re back early.” Hodr let her statement hang in the air, then grinned and squeezed her hand. “I am, too. Kona nearly yanked me off my feet when she smelled the river.” “So you decided to wait?” Her tone was forced, neutral. He shifted on the bench to face her—not that it mattered, since he couldn’t see her. “I thought about just going, but...” He shrugged. “I’m sorry.” “Oh, Hodr,” she said, touching his cheek. “It’s all right. When you’re ready, you’ll go.” “I’m not being fair to you, and it’s not—” “You know you get like this every Midwinter, right?” “Do I?” “Yes.” He heard the smile in her voice. “And it’s all right. Really. I knew what I was getting into.” He snorted. “No, you didn’t.” “Well, no, not at first. But after that...” “Maybe I’ll go after Midwinter, so I don’t get all mixed up in my brother’s celebration.” “You say that every winter.” She patted his leg. “Go when you’re ready.” “If I wait too long, my father will probably be gone again,” he said, laying his hand over hers. “And I’m not being fair to you.” “But you haven’t talked to your family let alone your father for what, fifty winters? I understand, Hodr, really I do.” He pulled her onto his lap. “Not a night goes by that I don’t thank Aegir for sending me to you.” “And I love you, Hodr. I’m a patient woman—but not sixty winters patient,” she said, smiling. He knew because he heard it in her voice and felt it in her kiss. She slid off his lap. “Eat up, before it gets too much colder. I’ll be in the way house. And don’t you come in tonight. I have it covered.” “Well, I have to do something to earn my keep around here,” he said, reaching out to try and pull her back onto his lap. He caught nothing except the whisper of her dress. “Go muck out the stables, then,” she called from the doorway. “I can smell them from here.” OUTRO Well, folks, that was CHAPTER 12 of Kinsmen Die. I hope you enjoyed it. Hodr sat and conversed with a woman named Alara; they appear to be in an intimate relationship. And they’re talking around a topic that while familiar to them is less so to us. As I read, and re-read…and re-read…these chapters, I see things that I either did on purpose, didn’t do deliberately … or forgot that I did on purpose For example, I have three pairings of man-woman couples … Odin and Frigg, Loki and Sigyn, Hodr and Alara. The only disagreement…the only negative tension is between Odin and Frigg. Maybe I shouldn’t admit this…but I don’t remember I did it on purpose — juxtapose seemingly healthy relationships with a potentially unhealthy one, I mean. It feels like it works, though — for me, at least. But why don’t you let me know what you think by rating and/or reviewing the podcast on whatever podcast app / platform you use. they’re one of the key levers to raising the show’s visibility Along with sharing the podcast. That also helps a ton. And finally, please consider supporting my work by buying my books or in some other way – likes, follows, Patreon, Locals, etc.   I’d also enjoy hearing from you. You can email me at mattbishopwrites@gmail.com    And with that, I will leave you with this thought from the sayings of the High One, Odin himself:   This is the Bellows translation, available on Sacred Texts https://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/poe/poe04.htm   Verse 12   Less good there lies | than most believe In ale for mortal men; For the more he drinks | the less does man Of his mind the mastery hold.