“Not very observant of you,” said Hermia. “Like America, they also export food. Especially to the northern islands. They are self-sufficient in most metals, because the northern marches of Nefyryd reach well into the foothills of the High Mountains—”

“Mitherkame,” said Gerd.

“The locals avoid that word,” said Hermia. “Too sacred.”

“It always has been,” said Gerd. “That’s why we refer to this world as Westil instead of Mitherhame, let alone Mitherkame. But I see no reason not to name things by their right name, when it’s just the two of us talking.”

“Do you think some tanks and attack helicopters here could make an impression?” asked Hermia.

“Of course,” said Gerd. “But Cortés and Pizarro didn’t win with those primitive muskets and cannon they brought with them. The Inca and Aztec soldiers could have overwhelmed them in moments. They learned enough about the local culture to overcome them with mind games.”

“They also made allies,” said Hermia. “Or at least Cortés did.”

“So yes,” said Gerd, “there are possibilities here. And … even though I’m no Meadowfriend, it seemed as if every grain of pollen in the air was welcoming me. As if this was the atmosphere I was meant to breathe. It’s quite an overpowering sensation.”

“It is, isn’t it?” said Hermia, breathing deep. “So we should probably return to Odin and reassure him that I haven’t buried you deep in the ice somewhere in Antarctica.”

“And yet I still feel…”

“You sound as if you want to do something very wicked,” said Hermia. “I didn’t know anyone but gatemages ever felt that way.”

“We’ve been deliberately invisible the whole time we’ve been here,” said Gerd. “And that was a good plan. Only … shouldn’t we let them know that a Lightrider has been here? I can’t turn off their computers or cellphones with an electromagnetic pulse. But a dazzling display of lightning in a clear sky?”

“Impressive, of course,” said Hermia. “But will that be enough? If the idea is to come here and make an alliance with Nefyryd, shouldn’t you give your display some kind of purpose? A point?”

“I don’t want to show myself in the open yet,” said Gerd.

“Oh, I agree. Let’s leave it anonymous. But show, by what the lightning does, that you’re on their side. A god has come—to protect them.”

“Who were their trading rivals? File Apwor, Barliham, Ru, Nix—”

“Nix is in the far north,” said Hermia. “And I think Loki’s work is all in the far north. From things Danny has said.”

“So the lightning singles out the ships of Nix?”

“I don’t think you should destroy any of them. I wouldn’t want us to start a naval war.”