The black book in Thor's hand was a record. It was used to note all those fallen in battle, so that they would be remembered, no matter how long ago it was. For Asgardians were a race that were constantly at war. It wasn't always possible to retrieve the bodies of those who fell. The least they could do was make sure that they were properly remembered and sent off, even if their bodies weren't retrieved.
"I don't understand. When did this happen?" Forseti questioned, genuinely curious about the new addition to the body count. "If I remember correctly, last night there were seventeen of us." He was truly baffled by the current situation. How could a team that had lost only three members in six months, lose two, more than half that number, in just a single night. His pleasure from admiring the playing kids had long been replaced with sadness, anger, and curiosity. For curiosity, he wanted to know what exactly happened. He was sad because he knew each and every member of the team. Asgardians were highly sociable, capable of making friends with any and every one- except Olympians. He loved each and every person he had started the journey with. And every time one of them had to leave them, he was burdened with a heavy load of pain and guilt. He always blamed himself for not being strong enough to protect them. To be fair, it was silly that he thought this way, for even Thor, one far stronger than he was, couldn't save them. It wasn't his fault that he always felt this way. The blame fell to his godhood. He was the god of justice. His sense of justice made sure this burden always remained, and it acted as fuel for the last emotion- anger. This anger was directed towards their killers- towards those who dared take the life of an Asgardian. And most often than not, he succeeded.
"The two went out this morning. And haven't returned since. And you know that none of them have ever missed breakfast." Thor spoke lightly. "At first I assumed that they were just running late. You know we Asgardians are horrible at keeping track of time" Forseti nodded at his uncle's words. That assumption was a logical one, since Asgardians weren't known for their timing.
"However, a few minutes ago, I felt the magic of the black book stir. I knew then that new names had been added. It was confirmed when I opened it."
The black book was coated with the runic magic of Freya and Odin himself. It looked unassuming, but it was anything but ordinary. If anyone else apart from Thor had attempted to open the book, it would be impossible. This book wasn't one of a kind though. All the gods had such a book, Forseti included. But for this mission, only Thor had left his on. That's right, this book could be turned on or off. This book had the energy signature of every single Asgardian. As long as you were born in Asgard, the book will pick up your signature as a form of recognition. Once a person joined the realm of the dead, their names would be written in it, informing the gods that they had lost one of their own. The book was connected to its owner, allowing them to sense when a new name was added. But it wasn't so simple. If they were prompted each time a person died, they would have no rest. Although Asgardians had vitality stronger than most, those who didn't wield did die earlier than those who did. So it would be exhausting to have to receive prompts about newly departed each day. But the book was special. The owners could mark down those they wanted information on, hence would only be prompted when these people passed away.
That wasn't its only function though. It also allowed long distance communication between the gods. That was how Thor and his team stayed in constant communication with Asgard although they weren't anywhere close to it. As for its range, it didn't really have any. They were yet to see its limit in that regard. Freya had assured them however, that it wasn't omnipotent and had a limited range. But so far, that range seemed to be unlimited.
"That means…" Forseti orated. "Whoever killed them is still around. And judging by the silence here, it occurred outside the city. We just have to locate their energy signatures. That wouldn't be hard." Thor continued his nephew's train of thought.
Forseti quickly gulped the remaining ale and picked up a chicken drumstick. Thor did the same.
"Should we bring the others?" Forseti asked. "No, they should stay. But we must set up a barrier just in case the murderer comes looking. We don't want any more casualties."
Forseti nodded at Thor's reply. He was on board with the blonde god's decision. Someone who could kill two Asgardians was definitely strong. If this person was to attack the city, the casualties would be astronomical. Just to be safe, they would have to create a barrier around the city, and a spell for the remaining Asgardians. The city's barrier would be one for protection. But the one for the Asgardians would be a sleeping spell. They needed the other team members to be docile and unmoving until they returned. Of course, the barrier wasn't absolute. Both spells would be linked so that if the city was breached in some way, the sleeping spell on the team would be broken as well. That way they would be able to defend themselves and the city of any powerful intruder. And even if they weren't capable of killing them, they would be able to hold them off until the two gods returned.
"Let's leave"
"Is it done?" Outside the city Thor stood with his entire body covered in a cloak. Forseti who had just joined him wasn't any different. "Yes. It is done. What about you?" Forseti answered Thor's question and asked one of his own.
"Also done." Thor replied. "Activate." At Thor's command lightning flashed across the sky on this very bright day. But as quickly as it appeared, so did it disappear. In the large city, very few witnessed this strange sight.
"It must be nice to have lightning accompany you in everything you do. Even a simple barrier is no exception." Although the city didn't look any different, Forseti knew that was just to the mortal eye. Any wielder above the earth realm would be able to see the faint light that covered the city. And during that short moment when lightning flashed across the sky, Forseti could make out algiz and eihwaz, the runic symbols for protection and defence. These symbols appeared with the lightning and disappeared with it.
"Not always so Forseti. Power like that makes it difficult to conceal anything. Everyone sees what you do." Thor grumbled.
"It isn't as if you hide anything though." Forseti mumbled. Thor smiled embarrassingly, for his nephew's words were spot on. He was the god of thunder. Everything about him was done openly and resoundingly. That was why he was never sent on espionage missions. Though to be fair, Asgardians rarely did any espionage. They were mostly too loud for missions like that. Odin and Heimdall may very well be the only quiet ones amongst them. Odin, Heimdall- and his brother.