That turned out to be harder than I’d previously thought. Even in the shade of the trees, the peculiar light was unsettling. Midnight, yet the sun still shone redly through the treetops. It made it hard for me to sleep; besides which, Thor’s stomach was rumbling almost as loudly as Skrymir’s snoring. I was ravenous, and yet I knew I couldn’t ask for Skrymir’s help in opening the knapsack. For a start, Thor would kill me, then he would probably kill himself in a fit of mortification. Second, Thialfi and Roskva were there, and they expected better of us. And so I lay, hungry and sleepless, and wondered what I was doing here, when I had a wife in Asgard.

Yes, that’s how far gone I was. I actually almost missed Sigyn.

Eventually, Thor sat up. I could tell he was making an effort but even so, stealth really isn’t his thing. Through one half-open eye, I watched as he went over to Skrymir’s side. He was carrying Mjølnir, and I could see he meant business. That botched attempt at killing the giant – and in front of his number-one fans – must have been preying on his mind. Once more, he raised the hammer and brought it down with a sickening thud . . .

Skrymir awoke. ‘What’s that?’ he said. ‘I’m sure I felt a twig drop on my head. Is that you, Asa-Thor? Why are you up? Is it morning already?’

Thor looked distinctly put out at this. ‘It’s nothing,’ he said. ‘Go back to sleep.’

And so the giant turned over again, and was soon as soundly asleep as before.

The next time Thor waited longer, but I knew he wasn’t asleep. Thor isn’t what you’d call good at hiding his aggression, and between the mutterings, the gnashing of teeth, the rumbling stomach and the animal sounds, I could tell he was feeling frustrated. At last, he got up, Mjølnir in hand, and, striding up to Skrymir, dealt him such a terrific blow right between the eyes that birds fell stunned from the sky, trees fell and the whole of the neighbouring countryside trembled with the impact.

Skrymir sat up. ‘Is it morning?’ he said.

Thor was visibly shaken.

‘There must have been birds nesting in that tree,’ said Skrymir, getting to his feet. ‘I’m sure I felt something drop on my head. Still, never mind. I’m glad you’re up. It’s time to get on with our journey. Have you had breakfast?’

Thor just snarled.

‘Then let’s get going. My home isn’t far. But – a word of warning. My people aren’t used to strangers, and they won’t take kindly to arrogance. You gods may think you’re the bee’s knees in Asgard, but here in World Beyond you’re just cute little wannabes. Utgard-Loki and his men won’t stand for any nonsense.’