253 Start of an emperor part 2

The human who had saved the Aesians and the future emperor Ala was none other than Thor of the Asgardian heaven. A god, and he was the son of Odin, the ruler of the Asgardian heaven.

He had intercepted the berserk war pack as they flew through the Asgardian heaven. He was escorted by winged humans, known as valkyries. They were the greatest warriors who chose whom of the mortal humans would be allowed to receive their place in the mighty and glorious world of Asgard.

The Aesian prisoners were freed and taken to the nearby world of Vanaheim, which was part of the Asgardian heaven. As the captured humans set foot on sturdy soil, they were awe structs by the majesty and beauty of Vanaheim.

Some trees reached the clouds. Large divine creatures were used to build magnificent tree houses with bridges connecting the houses. The sky was purple, with the world living in eternal night, but bright stars lit enough for the world to flourish and plants to grow.

The humans of Vanaheim gathered around the captured berserk flying fortress that was toed to the surface. They brought much-needed clothing, food, and water. To the Aesis humans, all the Vanir seemed like saints. Food was plentiful and tasty to an unprecedented degree. For if even a person with a full stomach would simply weep from the impeccable taste of Vanaheim cuisine.

Ala grabbed a loaf of bread and sat on a log. As all of the captured Aesis humans had eaten, a loud noise was heard. One of the valkyries blew on a horn, and the Vanir soldiers gathered around a rock. On top of it waited Thor, but he did not wish to speak. A giant boar with immense tusks carried a human man with long dark hair that was decorated with golden pine cones.

"I hope you have enjoyed the fruits and harvest of Vanaheim. I, Njörar, king of the Vanir and ruler of Vanaheim, welcome you to my world," The man yelled with a bright smile.

The humans went down to bow to this being, as he was, just like Thor, a god. Never had they seen or felt someone so powerful.

"I am extremely sorry for all the pain and suffering you have experienced. All the loved ones that had been stolen from you. Your homes were stolen. The physical and mental pain of it all. I also know the pain of loss. That is why I offer you all a place here, with me, in Vanaheim. To make new lives here."

The now-freed humans didn't know what to think. Ala was also dumbstruck.

"You all have, of course, the right to choose, but please. For now, rest, enjoy, and feast. You all are my guests," Njörar said and left, with Thor looking happy.

~~

As days passed by, many people decided to stay at Vanaheim. The pure bliss and beauty of the world and the almost impossible bounties the Vanir cultivated made it practically impossible to refuse.

There were still some who wished to return. These were the captured nobles, people who still had better lives and refused to live as equals now with people they saw beneath them.

As it became Ala's turn to decide, he was brought in front of Njörar. He waited for a moment before he gave his reply.

"WAIT!"

Thor came down from the sky, walked toward the young mortal, and stared right into his soul.

"The all father sent one of his ravens. He foresaw potential in the lesser humans. He would like some to be taken to the kingdom of Gunfadal, so they might one day become part of the einherjar. At least a thousand young boys will be taken," Thor said to Njörar.

Njörar felt insulted.

"First, he demands me I take them in into my world. Now he demands that we give some of them away for his little experiments. What is your old man thinking!" Njörar yelled and then protested, "You know what your father promised me. I get to rule my people and world as I want and see fit. He doesn't get to take my people away whenever he wants. And right now, if they choose to, they are my people!"

"Without all father, these people would have been fed to the great beast. He was the one who sent me here to destroy the war pack. So if he wants a small portion of these runts, I will take him, or I and the valkyries will take the pup and the rest by force. Either way, I am not leaving empty-handed," Thor said, pointing at Ala and lifting his hammer as a threat.

Njörar took a step back and felt insulted but also afraid.

"Face it. You, Vanir, and your pacifist ways are too blind and naive to the truth of the universe's nature. Whatever the all-father wishes, it's most likely the best course for our heaven," Thor explained.

"Fine, take the orphans. Have them suffer and die on the battlefield, hoping they can join him in the forbidden kingdom," Njörar said and relented.

Thor smiled and looked at the fearful young Ala. He winked and walked away.