‘You’d throw me out of Asgard?’ I said. ‘Do you know what that would mean? I can’t go back to Chaos now. I’d be helpless, at the mercy of every one of the Rock Folk who felt like getting payback for what I did to cheat their friend out of the price of building a wall.’

Odin shrugged. ‘Your choice,’ he said.

Some choice. I looked at Thor. ‘You wouldn’t prefer an apology?’

‘As long as it’s deeply felt,’ said Thor. ‘And I promise, you’ll feel it deeply.’ He raised a fist. I closed my eyes . . .

And then came inspiration. ‘Wait!’ I said. ‘I have an idea. What if Sif could have new hair, better than she had before?’

Sif gave an indignant grunt. ‘I’m not wearing a wig, if that’s what you’re suggesting.’

‘No, not a wig.’ I opened my eyes. ‘Hair extensions, made of gold, that would grow just like your natural hair. And it wouldn’t need curling, or styling, or bleach, and—’

Sif said, ‘I don’t bleach my hair!’

Thor said, ‘I’d rather hit him.’

‘And let her hair grow back on its own? Well, if you’re happy to wait that long . . .’

Thor gave an indifferent shrug. But I could see that Sif was intrigued. She wanted her Goddess Aspect back, and knew that the fleeting satisfaction of seeing me bite the dust was never going to compensate for the loss.

She gave me a look that could have stripped paint, and put her hand on Thor’s shoulder. ‘Before you give him a pounding, dear, let’s just hear what he’s offering. You can hit him anytime . . .’

Thor looked doubtful, but let me go. ‘Well?’

‘I know a man,’ I said. ‘A smith. A genius with metals and runes. He’ll spin Sif a new head of hair in no time, and probably throw in some extra gifts for us as a token of goodwill.’

‘He must be a very good friend of yours.’ Odin looked at me thoughtfully.

‘Er, not exactly a friend,’ I said. ‘But I think I can persuade him to help. It’s just a matter of offering the right kind of incentive – to him, and to his brothers.’

‘You’re really that good?’ said Thor.

I grinned. ‘Better,’ I said. ‘I’m Loki.’

Lesson 8 Past and Present

LESSON 8

Past and Present

Never trust an artist.

Lokabrenna