Wilson's Words

The Norse Legend: Baldur, God of Light dreamed his own death. Odin travels to the Underworld to speak to a long since dead seer called Volva to find out how to stop Baldur’s death. Volva warns him that Baldur will die by the hands of his own brother, Hodur. Odin returns to find that Frigg had asked every living thing not to hurt Baldur in order to prevent his dream coming true. The mistletoe wasn’t asked because it was deemed too unimportant. Loki, the God of Mischief, learned about the forgotten mistletoe and made an arrow out of it. Loki gave the arrow to Hodur, the blind god, Baldur’s twin brother and with the help of Loki guiding his aim, Hodur threw the arrow, hitting Baldur and killing him. Baldur’s soul is taken down to the Underworld.

The Gods:

• Baldur: 17 years old. Had a car crash a few weeks after he passed his driving test involving himself, Hodur, Odin and Loki. Nearly a full year has passed.
• Hodur: Baldur’s twin brother. Is in a wheelchair after severe damage to his lower back paralysing his legs.
• Odin: 18 years old. Boyfriend to Frigg. Survived car crash but lost his left eye after glass and other shrapnel injured him. Now has a fake glass eyeball.
• Frigg: 18 years old, girlfriend to Odin. Motherly over her male friends.
• Loki: 18 years old, was also in car crash. Received several deep cuts to his arms, neck and face that needed many skin grafts to heal properly.

The Chapters:
1. The Dream – Deadly visions.
2. Aftermath Continues – Reflections on impact of the past.
3. The Warning – Message of caution.
4. Evil Thoughts – Private grudges and alternative medication.
5. The Deceit – An accident and betrayal.

1. The Dream

“Can’t we go to the Ida bar instead? They believe me there. This one might suss me out.” Baldur asked nerves vibrating like tiny bells in his voice.
“It’s simple. Show them your ID and walk in.” Odin answered as always surprised by how anxious his friend became when they were committing the smallest of offences.
“It’ll be fine Baldur, just follow us. It’s going to be fun,” Frigg encouraged. “Only if he doesn’t believe you which I doubt will happen. Besides, after next week you both won’t need to lie anymore.” She smiled fondly down towards Hodur as well as Baldur.
“Yeah then you can buy us a drink instead of me.” Odin joked, giving Baldur a grin.
“You’re right. I have done it before. Nothing went wrong then did it? And this is the last time.”
“Now come on, one final time.” Amongst the flash of her golden blonde hair her motherly gaze disappeared to be replaced with a determined and formidable glance towards the one guard standing outside the bar entrance.
“Come on Loki. Let’s see if we can make you into a cheery drunk. Again.” Odin teased taking a few steps forward.
Loki just mumbled in reply, his glare not changing a fraction. He once again tugged the tall neck of his black coat further up so it encircled the lower half of his head and concealed his neck.
The pair of lovers strode towards the guard, flashed their ID cards and waltzed inside, Loki skulked swiftly behind them like an obedient black cloud. Leaving Baldur and his twin hesitating outside the bar.
“Well let’s get going then.” Hodur added impatiently from the wheelchair. “It’ll be easy bro and I can always claim you’re my aid again if you like?”
“It’s easier said than done, each time.” Baldur looked down at the plastic card in his hand, wishing it was the new one due to arrive next week, where the details on it were true like those of his friends. “Ok, here it goes.” He took a deep breath and began pushing the wheelchair towards the entrance and the guard.
But before he even got near the door there came several loud calls from inside, of ‘Sarah’ and ‘Stop!’ which accumulated in two girls rushing out. The first girl out didn’t see or perhaps remember the rail which framed the sloped step of the entrance and went head first over, landing in a heap on the concrete pathway. Her body began to gurgle and writhe, vomit began squirting out of her cut and bleeding mouth. Her breathing was harsh, jagged and irregular. She seemed to be choking and unconscious.
“Shit.” The guard muttered running past the two boys towards the convulsing girl, her friend already standing in tears at the sight, still calling out her name. Once kneeling over Sarah and holding her head off the concrete the guard shouted into his radio on his shoulder, “Carl, code red, front door, we got another one.”
“That poor girl.” Hodur whispered up to Baldur.
“Yeah.” Baldur’s eyes were transfixed on the pitiful sight of another fun night ending in tragedy. “Let’s get in before he notices.”
So the pair of brothers passed the pair of friends, one whose life was quickly fading away into the shadows.

2. Aftermath Continues

“What was that bang?” Baldur stood in his brother’s bedroom doorway, hands on his hips and an extremely concerned gaze, one that Hodur has witnessed many, many times over the past twelve months.
“I’m fine. Just knocked some books over.” Hodur replied honestly, before reaching down from his chair, picking them up and placing them back up against the wall on his desk.
The mirror on the opposite wall showed a curious pair of twins. Baldur on the right had white blonde hair with pale blue eyes but even paler skin. Hodur on the left had the same hair if a bit curly, bright green eyes and healthy pink skin. It seemed odd that the happier and better looking of the pair was the one in the wheelchair. Further signs of the trauma caused by the accident on Baldur both physically and mentally.
“Oh right, do you need help with anything else?”
“No, I can manage thanks.” Hodur looked up at his brother with great affection, aware how Baldur may never fully accept Hodur’s new independence in his wheelchair. Regret and endless sorrow still drove Baldur with the need to repent his brother for the accident by any means necessary, even when help was no longer needed and forgiveness was already granted.
“Oh ok, well, you sure you don’t need anything else? Like a drink or a snack? I can go fetch you it now, I don’t mind.”
“You’re sounding like Mum again.” Hodur added with a weak annoyed tone.
“Ok, ok I’m going. I’m just next door remember?” Baldur gave a timid smile.
“Baldur go! Don’t make me run you over!” he made a short gimmicky charge forwards in his wheelchair.
At that Baldur’s face fell blank. “I am sorry.” He quickly vanished back into his bedroom in turmoil once more.
“Ugh stupid, stupid, stupid boy.” Hodur cursed himself slapping his forehead for being so insensitive. He sat for a few seconds in silence staring at his now vacant doorway, pondering on whether to go in and talk to his brother. Yet when reflecting on past similar conversations on this thorny subject Hodur realised that Baldur has to learn by himself that he is forgiven and no debt needs paying without Hodur having to tell him over and over again.
Hodur pushed himself forward, closed the door quietly and turned around again heading for his desk. He couldn’t help but pause when his eyes caught onto the photo frame beside his computer. It was of him and Baldur, Odin, Frigg and even Loki included, all smiling, laughing and cheering, drink glasses raised high in the air, celebrating the twins seventeenth birthday.
It was only a year ago but so much had changed since then that it felt like ten years. A void of space, a period of time where everything was different to what all of them expected or even wished to have happened that year. No one then realised how much a simply drive could change their lives.
Returning to his computer screen he signed into his MSN. The box opened up showing his twenty four long list of friends.
Loopy Loki is offline.
Odin-the-wise is online.
Frigg-loves-chocolate is offline.
Seeking someone to talk to Hodur opened up a conversation window with ‘Odin The Wise’.
Boy on Wheels says:
Yo Odin
Odin The Wise says:
Hey Hodur, hows things?
Boy on Wheels says:
Same old same old. Managed to upset bro tonight. I think he may need to see a councillor again. He’s still not moving on.
Odin The Wise says:
Sad to hear that mate. He always seems happy when he’s out with us.
Boy on Wheels says:
Yeah I know, he seems ok but I just don’t know if he will ever recover from it.
Odin The Wise says:
Sounds a bit like someone else we know but at least he’s not going down the wrong road to recovery.
Boy on Wheels says:
Why? What’s up with Loki now? He hasn’t left another councillor has he?
Odin The Wise says:
Hell no thank god. He’s managed to stick with this one for at least a month. It’s something else he’s done. One of my mates reckons he saw Loki hanging out with some known drug dealers last week.
Boy on Wheels says:
Shit, drugs is not the way to deal with his problems.
Odin The Wise says:
I know try tellin him that. I asked him out right whether he had taken any, he said some but only once and he won’t do it again. Just says he’s mates with that lot cos they go to the same mosh parties.
Boy on Wheels says:
Do you believe him?
Odin The Wise says:
Kind of, I know they do go these mosh night things so it does make sense but I can’t honestly say whether he is remaining clean or not. I made him swear to remain with his current councillor at least though.
Boy on Wheels says:
Well at least some good will be happening for him if he keeps seeing this dude.
Odin the Wise says:
Well he isn’t openin up to me so I’m glad he’s opening up to someone else. Anyhow tell that brother of yours, from me, that he better buck up cos I’m not having him cry on your birthday. Frigg says she won’t have it either. He’s gonna be happy, preferably drunk and looking ahead not back.
Boy on Wheels says:
I will do, I’m sure he’ll appreciate it. And getting drunk will definitely liven him up a bit. Bring a few packs over before we go out and he’ll be laughing all night long, maybe even get him on the karaoke if he’s excited enough LOL.
Odin The Wise says:
Great! That’s Wednesday night sorted for entertainment. The Ida Bar has karaoke on so we’ll go there.
Boy on Wheels says:
Brilliant. Well I best get on with this history essay, I’ll text ya later. Say hi and bye to Frigg for me. I’ll pass on the message to bro.
Odin The Wise says:
Alrite mate, speak to u later. Frigg says hi and bye back LOL cya
Hodur signed off and closed down the MSN window, a big smirk on his face as he looked forward to his and Baldur’s eighteenth birthday with an even bigger sense of delight.

3. The Warning

Odin signed onto his college email after his conversation ended, eager to find out if anything exciting has happened on his Facebook profile. Instead he found this:

*Student Notices* An important message for all 18 year old students:
To: All Users
From: College Dean [j.norton@york.college.uk]
I have received a very worrying letter from our resident Police Officer, PC Volva here at the college, with regards to drink spiking in local bars, pubs and clubs in the area. Over the past few months there has a been troubling increase in the cases of young people admitted to the local hospital after having their drinks spiked with drugs as well as extra alcohol which can cause serious damage to the drinkers health and in a few unfortunate situations has resulted in tragic deaths.
PC Volva strongly recommends that when drinking from bottles using ‘Spikeys’ which is placed in the neck of the bottle still allowing space for the straw and liquid to pass through but also makes it difficult for drugs to be added to drinks. ‘Spikeys’ can be found at all pubs and bars in the area so please do ask for one next time you order a drink. As for open top drinks such as beer or wine glasses it is simply a matter of constant observation and keeping it close on your person or with friends you can trust. Any one in a busy bar or club could be carrying drugs and lacing drinks, even those who may be ‘chatting you up’ which could lead to date rape etc. Trust no one but those you know personally well.
The rule is simple “Drink and Drugs do not mix. So protect yourself, protect your drink.”

4. Evil Thoughts

‘Slipknot’ was yelling, screaming and swearing loudly through his speakers as he continued to doodle curvy and dagger like images upon paper in red and black ink. His black hair now past ear length swinging in front of his face, appearing almost like horns from his point of view with his head looming above his drawing. His nokia let out an evil laugh. He stopped, put both pens down and looked at its small, dull screen.
New Message: Kat
He selected the ‘read’ option.
From: Kat
Hey Loki wanna come out 2moro nite. Dave knows a mosh bash happening. Interested?
He began typing his reply, his black painted nails seeming like blunted claws.
Cant. Baldurs and Hodurs bday 2moro nite.
Within a few seconds he had a response.
From: Kat
Aw come on plz! You cant miss it. Say your ill or sumthin. We all miss ya. You dont like him anyway
He picked up his mobile and clambered onto his bed.
The others are expectin me to be there. Can’t bale out.
The mobile laughed again in his hands.
From: Kat
We aint seen ya in ages Loki. Fritz even has some more smack for ya.
The mention made him glance over at his gothic calendar. The Friday of that week was circled in red with the word ‘councillor session’ scribbled over it. Then to the biscuit tin on top of his bookcase which he remembered was empty.
I need em before Fridays session with ‘Mr. sensitive’ otherwise mum will make me see psychologist again. Could you like give em to me before you go to the bash?
Her reply was a bit longer coming.
From: Kat
I can’t but Holly can. I gotta be with Dan. Get to meet band ya see. Which bar will ya all be at? Wat time?
He retraced his message inbox back to earlier that afternoon when he had a text from Odin with the birthday night out details on.
We’re at the Ida Bar, from around 8ish. I’ll be there before. Odin still thinks I’m clean. I’ll probly need em just to get through the night with Baldur around anyway.
The photos around his room had familiar faces of the gang, but the odd few that were taken since the last summer had two face shaped holes cut into the photograph. Only Frigg, Hodur and Odin were recognisable.
From: Kat
Cool. I’ll arrange for Holly to drop the stuff off too ya. Shame ya can’t make it. Will I see ya on the weekend?
He sighed to himself already recalling the wave of numbing calmness that sweeps through his body each time he takes a dose of Heroin. It seemed to be the only pain killer which got him through the day.
Yeah I’ll be there. Thank Fritz for the smack. Tell him I’ll pay him on Saturday. See ya soon Loki.
Leaving his mobile on his bed he returned to his desk, carefully removing the red and black pens once more and continued with his sinister looking drawing.

5. The Deceit

Loki once again clung to the bar as if it was his only point of reference and allowed his long dark hair to leave only one eye and half of his nose showing above his up turned collar. He received a few curious looks from the barmen regarding his black disguise but he was beyond caring or even explaining why. He daren’t even look up to the mirrored drinks shelves. Just the thought made his whole body tense and his innards cringe. He hadn’t looked at a mirror since he had had his final skin graft to his face and neck. The glaring red cuts on his face and neck still scarred his mind like the glare of a light bulb when focused on. He bowed his head over his drink, about to take his alternative medication to numb his body and release his mind from the chaos that churned within. Just one small sniff from the powder concealed in his tissue would be all that it takes to make the crowds, the noise and the ever curious gaze upon him bearable. Not forgetting the presence of the one who had reduced him to such a low level.
“Hey stranger, what you still doing over here?”
The happy voice made him jump and insides squirm, his fingers fumbled in slight panic dropping the powder into his drink from the tissue, he watched it begin to dissolve amongst the swirl of alcohol and ice cubes. Inside his mind he cursed as fifty quids worth became wasted. He turned round and found the happy face of Hodur looking up at him.
“Nothing.” Loki answered, a hint of annoyance escaping in his tone.
“Oh right, well Baldur’s decided to have a proper drink now even though he’s already had a couple too many. He told me just to bring him back a surprise. What are you having?”
“Archers peach schnapps.”
“Sounds nice, I’ll get that for him then. I don’t think he’s had it before.”
There was another awkward long silence between the pair as Baldur’s drink was served and paid for.
“Put them both on my lap with that tray then I’ll carry them over to the table. Come on. Odin won’t sing happy birthday without you.”
Loki hesitated for a split second as he placed his glass beside Baldur’s on the tray, noticing the lack of difference between them, before placing it on Hodur’s lap. They both made their way through the crowds to the small table at the back where Frigg, Odin and Baldur were gathered.
“There you are Loki, what kept you?” Odin asked his voice raised over the noise.
“The bar was busy.” Was his simple answer.
Loki allowed Baldur to take one of the two glasses on the tray before claiming the other. His eyes glancing from one to the other. He didn’t drink his own, simply held it in his hands like a precious vase.
“What have you got for me then Hodur?” Baldur asked curiously inspecting his drink with a smirk. “Not a full glass of vodka is it? I’ve already had six shots worth.” He grinned dopily at them all.
“No, it’s Archers Peach Schnapps.”
Baldur took a swig of it into his mouth. “Mmmm not bad. Good choice bro.”
“Well now we’re all together we can finally raise a toast to Hodur and Baldur. Get your drinks ready.” All raised their glasses and bottles high. “Happy eighteenth birthday Hodur and Baldur! Welcome to adulthood!”
“Happy birthday boys.” Frigg chorused brightly.
“Happy birthday.” Was Loki’s contribution without any hint of feeling behind it.
“Cheers guys.”
“And thanks for the presents they were great.” Hodur added with a grateful nod to each in turn, even to Loki whom simply stared into his own glass as if he was able to see through it into the depths of the earth and learn how the universe was made.
Then with a chink of their glasses they all began to drink. Loki didn’t claiming to be no longer thirsty.

***
“Baldur? You alright mate?” Odin asked supporting his friend who was tripping over his own feet in a very feeble attempt to walk forwards.
“I feel dizzy.” Baldur’s whole figure was visibly shaking as he clung to the wall outside at the back of the bar’s building.
“Maybe all that drink’s gone to your head.” Odin tried to make light of the situation.
“He would be very drunk but he shouldn’t be this unsteady on his feet. Look how much his hands are shaking, vodka, cider and schnapps shouldn’t make you shake like that.” Frigg commented seriously standing beside them.
“Who got his drink?” Odin demanded attempting to keep Baldur standing up right with his back against the wall to prevent him falling over.
“Hodur did.” Loki answered simple and to the point. No sign of pity or sympathy for Baldur whose breathing was becoming louder and harsher as if breathing through a metal gauze in his throat.
“I did but I did nothing to it, how could I have done? I can’t reach the bar. Loki passed it down on a tray to me to bring over.” Hodur protested feeling accused.
“Right, did you see anyone put anything in it Loki?”
“Do you think he’s been spiked?” Frigg asked panicking at Odin’s track of thought.
“Perhaps, it’s the only explanation and his eyes are quite dilated. Either way he isn’t very well. He needs a doctor.”
“I’ll go get some help.” Loki spoke before briskly walking back round the corner towards the bar entrance.
“Just sit down Baldur, that’s it and try to calm down. ” Odin kneeled beside his best friend. “Just take deep breaths. That’s it.”
“You’ll be alright soon bro don’t worry.” Hodur added trying to be as much comfort as possible. “He will won’t he Frigg?”
“I’m sure he will be once we have help.” She looked at her watch.
Five minutes passed and Baldur was beginning to wretch violently, fluid came up in squirts and gushes.
“What is Loki doing?” Frigg snapped striding around the corner and stopped still. “That guard’s still there! What the hell is Loki playing at?” she complained out loud receiving only more anxious glances from the others. “Oy! Bouncer! We need some help over here!”
“Baldur!” Hodur yelled making her turn.
“Mate! Come on wake up, don’t go to sleep. Open your eyes.”
Frigg glanced over and saw Baldur slumped on the floor, his breathing still rapid and loud and his eyes fluttering under his eyelids. Odin knelt over him, giving him a shake and tapping his face but getting only quiet mumbles in response. Baldur was still vomiting but with his eyes closed and clearly no more conscious sense within him, his body was struggling to cough it up properly.
“I tell you I don’t deal with the drunks…not again.” The guard cursed charging forward and lifting Baldur’s head onto his lap before grasping his radio once more. “Greg, code red, a lad’s been spiked, left from the door. Hurry.” He looked up at the three troubled friends. “One of you should call his parents. They’ll need to meet us at the hospital.”
“What? Why? He’s going to be ok right? He’s going to be ok?” Hodur pleaded. “It’s alright Hodur, I’ll make the call.” Frigg wiped back her tears, her mouth trembling fighting to control her emotions at the sight and went away to make the worst phone call of her life.
“Ugh where the hell is Loki! I’m going to kill the little git!” Odin yelled into the night hoping the traitor heard him. But his anger vanished as Baldur’s breathing got scarcer and the mechanical wail of ambulance sirens approached through the darkening shadows.

Funeral Note
Dearest brother,
Nothing is the same. You didn’t deserve to go the way you did. We all love you. We all miss you. Be at peace wherever you are. We will meet again, I know it. Your brother in this life and the next. Hodur.
God bless you sweetie, miss you always. Xxx Frigg xxX
You were the best mate I could ever have. Will miss ya always. Odin