By nightfall, the horse had still not returned, and the mason was incandescent with rage. He stormed up to Allfather’s hall and demanded to see the General.

‘You must think I’m an idiot,’ he said. ‘You sent that mare to entrap my horse. You tried to renege on our deal!’

Coolly, Odin shook his head. ‘You failed to complete the building in time. That makes our agreement void. Just chalk it up to experience, and we’ll part on amicable terms.’

The mason looked round at the assembled gods and goddesses, watching him from their shining thrones. His dark eyes narrowed. ‘Someone’s missing,’ he said. ‘Where’s that little redhaired rat with the freaky eyes?’

Odin shrugged. ‘Loki? I have no idea.’

‘Cavorting with my horse, that’s where!’ shouted the mason, clenching his fists. ‘I knew there was something about that mare! I could tell from its colours! A trick! You’ve tricked me, you two-faced bastards! You slags! You sons and daughters of bitches!’

And at that he lunged at Odin, revealing himself in true Aspect at last as one of the tribe of the Rock Folk; massive, savage and lethal. But Thor was upon him in seconds; a single blow from the Thunderer’s fist was enough to crack the giant’s skull. All Asgard trembled from the blow. But the walls held fast – the mason’s claim had not been an empty one. We had our citadel at last – minus half a gateway – and for a very affordable price.

As for Your Humble Narrator, it was some time before I returned to Asgard, and when I did, I was leading a colt – a rather unusual eight-legged colt of a fetching strawberry hue.

I blew a kiss at Heimdall as I approached the Rainbow Bridge.

The Watchman gave me a sour look. ‘You’re revolting, d’you know that? You seriously gave birth to that thing?’

I gave him my most fetching smile. ‘I took one for the team,’ I said. ‘I think you’ll find that the others will be more than happy to welcome me back. And as for the General . . .’ I patted the colt. ‘Sleipnir – that’s our little friend’s name – is going to be very useful to him. He has his father’s powers and mine; the power to cross over land or sea; to travel with a foot in each World; to span the sky in a single step, faster than the Sun and Moon.’

Heimdall grunted. ‘Smartass.’

I grinned. Then, taking Sleipnir by the bridle, I stepped onto Bif-rost and crossed home into Asgard.

Lesson 7 Hair and Beauty

LESSON 7

Hair and Beauty

Never trust a lover.

Lokabrenna