INTRO   Welcome to CHAPTER 28 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 TEN chapters, or so, 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. Today, we’re back with Odin for a very short interlude beside a tree. The last time we were with him, he agreed to let Vidar try to figure out why, and how, the Jotunn had attacked Hals. Let’s do this. Chapter Twenty-Eight Odin Odin dismounted beside the tall, solitary tree on the outskirts of Arnheim’s Forest. Behind him, the long column of Einherjar clattered to a halt. Wineskin in hand, Odin kneeled before the shrine at the tree’s base. He brushed leaves and twigs from the rune stones, poured wine into the soil as an offering and asked the local disir for her protection. At a throaty call from high above in the darkening sky, he stood. A pair of winged shadows fell fast toward him. He raised his arms and caught them, grunting beneath the weight of thought and memory. Their talons dug in as they sidled up to perch on his shoulders. Sleipnir snorted indignantly at the ravens. Muninn cackled at the mare and then turned, beak clacking as she swallowed a strip of meat Odin dug from his bag. “Oh hush,” he said, holding up more meat for both ravens. Anything? Feathers rustled as they shook their heads. Your son reports, Huginn replied. No enemy on the plains. Muninn said, He rides into the town. From there into the mountains. It was good news, and some progress. Thank you. Fly to my wife. Tell her we return, victorious. And then a rest for you both. Huginn launched himself into the air, fast as thought. Muninn lingered a moment and then followed her brother eastward toward Gladsheim. Long shadows stretched across the spreading land below the forest like stitching on a quilt, with hundreds of homesteads and villages sewn into it like buttons. The shimmering line of the Silfr ran a wandering line across the quilt, curled around the far hill’s northern edge, and slipped out of view. Above that quilt, Gladsheim stood, its high walls built from the tall trees of the forest that had once covered the farmland before them. He remembered the degrees by which he and his Aesir had exposed the bare land—young arms with broad axes felling old trees. Even as they had made peace with the Vanir, the First War with the Jotunn had begun. And then those same arms had felled Jotunn. “What news, Father?” Baldr asked. He sat his horse, hands resting on the saddle horn. “Vidar’s sent word,” he said and waved for Saglund to approach. When the hersir had reined in beside him, he said, “Huginn and Muninn bring word from Vidar. He’s found no trace of more Jotunn on the plains round Háls. He now rides into what remains of the town and from there into the mountains.” “Excellent news, Sigfather,” Saglund said. “Perhaps now my Einherjar can return to Gladsheim. Undoubtedly they’ll just be in the way.” He gave Saglund a stony look. In a quiet tone, he said, “They are my Einherjar, Hersir. They, and you, ride when and where I say. Is that clear?” “Of course, Sigfather. I meant nothing by—” “My son and I will ride the remaining league alone. You and the Einherjar may gallop ahead. Freki and Geri have made sure your route is clear. Huginn and Muninn will tell my wife that we will arrive soon.” A black look wormed its way across Saglund’s face so quickly that it was gone before he saluted. But it had been there. “At once, Sigfather,” the hersir said. He sawed his horse’s head around and rode back to the dismounted column of Einherjar and relayed the order. Temper, temper, Saglund. He’d have figure out what exactly gnawed at the man. Odin looked over at Baldr, who was watching him closely. “Once they’re well on their way, Baldr, I will include you in an old secret.” And then I’m sure you’ll wonder how many more I keep. OUTRO Well, folks, that was CHAPTER 28 of Kinsmen Die. I hope you enjoyed it. We were with Odin as kneeled beside a roadside shrine, spoke with his ravens, dealt with a grumpy Saglund and was about to share a secret with his son Baldr. This scene recalls the conversation between Baldr and Vidar…and then Vidar and Odin…regarding a device found during the Last War with the Jotunn. There’s a little bit of world building going on here — describing the lay of the land and how Gladsheim sits on a hill and, no, it does not look like Minas Tirith. The river Silfr — which just means “silver” — winds it way around that hill. Next week we’ll be back with Frigg for a much longer chapter. Before then, if you have the time and inclination, please take a few moments to rate and/or review the podcast — that provides valuable feedback for me and helps boost the show’s visibility. As does sharing it. And if you’re so inclined, shoot me an email at mattbishopwrites@gmail.com. I’d love to hear from you.    As always, I’m going to read from the Havamal, sayings of the High One, Odin himself. As usual, I’ll be reading from Bellows and Larrington. Bellows, Verse 28 Wise shall he seem who well can question, And also answer well; Nought is concealed that men may say Among the sons of men. Larrington, Verse 28 Wise he esteems himself who knows how to question and how to answer as well; the sons of men cannot keep secret what’s going around about folk. For me, it’s the last two verses in either translation that are problematic — they just don’t seem to fit with the first two verses. The same held true after I looked at several other translations…none of them make it much clear. And having done all the reading I’m not convinced that the first two lines and the second two really fit together — and without diving into the Old Norse itself, which wouldn’t make sense in an audio-only format, I’m going to content myself with reworking Bellows a little: Those who can question well, and answer well, seem wise. What people say while around others cannot be kept secret. Thanks for listening.