Marked 4

MARKED 4:

Volva

By Zachary Smith

EXODUS 22:18:  Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.

PAGE 1.  PANEL 1.

START OFF WHERE THE LAST ISSUE LEFT OFF:

KALLISTE HAS HER HANDS UP IN SURRENDER.  A CADRE OF POLICE CARS ARE OUTSIDE THE EXTERIOR OF DAPHNE’S BUILDING, TRAINING THEIR GUNS ON HER.  THERE IS A CONSTRUCTION TRUCK PARKED CLOSE TO HER. WE SEE VARIOUS METAL PIPES STICKING FROM THEM.

OFFICER IN CHARGE:  Put down your weapons and surrender.

PAGE 1.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE VOCALIZES TO THE POLICE AS SHE PUTS THE KATANNA ON THE GROUND.

KALLISTE:  I’m putting the sword down.  All this just for me?  It seems like overkill.  I

                      mean.  I am just a woman.  You’re telling me you need all of this just to

                      take me down.  Shit, haha.  I might be the woman, but you guys are the

                      pussies.

PAGE 1.  PANEL 3.

A LOT OF THE MEN LOOK AT EACH OTHER.  THEY BEGING TO LOWER THEIR WEAPONS.  SHE IS ADVANCING TOWARDS THE NEAREST COP CAR, WHICH HAPPENS TO BE CLOSE TO THE CONSTRUCTION TRUCK WITH ALL OF THE METAL PIPES.

KALLISTE:  I did not mean to hurt the officer that night, the flames grew out of control. 

                      That will not happen here.  But do not think I am going with you willingly. 

                      I will not use my sword if you will not use your guns. 

PAGE 1. PANEL 4.

THE MEN HAVE DROPPED THEIR GUNS, THEY HAVE THEIR BILLY CLUBS, TRUNCHEON STICKS, EXTENDABLE BATON’S, AND RIOT SHIELDS OUT.  KALLISTE IS GRIPPING THE METAL PIPE WITH HER HAND AS THEY ADVANCE.

KALLISTE:  This is more like it. 

ONI MASK:  Blood shed is in your nature.

KALLISTE:  No.  No one dies today, I will just not be taken.

DIALOGUE CONT.

ONI MASK:  Then let us fly away.

PAGE 1.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE HAS TAKEN THE METAL PIPE FROM THE CONSTRUCTION TRUCK, AND IS HOLDING IT LIKE A FIGHTING STAFF.  THE OFFICERS ARE ADVANCING QUICKLY.

KALLISTE:  I’m sick of running.

PAGE 1.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE BEGINS TO STRIKE THEM.

KALLISTE:  “You’ve returned early.”

PAGE 2.  PANEL 1.

ICELAND, 986

A YOUNG WOMAN, FREYA, IS TAKING OFF HER HOOD INSIDE A VIKING HUT.  KALLISTE IS STANDING THERE, STAFF IN HAND, A WOLF, FEN, BY HER SIDE IN THE HUT.  IN THE HUT IS THE FLOWER COMMON MILKWORT. 

FREYA, TALL, BLONDE, AROUND 16, IS DRESSED FOR THE FALL, LONG CLOAK, SHOES, PLAIN TOP AND LEGGINGS. 

KALLISTE’S PICTISH TATTOO IS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF HER FACE STILL.

FREYA:  I know I was supposed to be gone for another day, but while I was out there I

                saw something, in my mind.

KALLISTE:  Freya, you are a true seer, this is why you will replace me when the time

                      comes.  What was it?

FREYA:  The Christened men, they come.  They will be here on the morrow, and they

                mean to force our conversion from the old ways.

KALLISTE:  Go, fetch Olef and Bara.

PAGE 2.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE IS GRINDING THE MILKWORT.  FREYA WATCHES HER.  FEN IS LEAVING THE HUT.

FREYA:  I doubt my brother and sister can do anything about this.

KALLISTE:  Hah.  I do not call on them for aid in battle, though I’m sure we can find a

                      use for them.  I need to give this to the Farmer’s wife, she has been having

                      trouble nursing, and Freyja’s tears will help with that. 

FREYA:  My namesake. 

KALLISTE:  Yes, patron to all of us Volva, but also a mighty warrior woman.  They

                      chose your name wisely.

FREYA:  You chose my name.

BARA (OFF PANEL):  FREYA!

PAGE 2.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE PUTS THE MIXTURE INTO A BAG.  OLEF AND BARA ENTER THE HUT.  OLEF IS 8 AND BARA IS 6.  FREYA IS HOLDING BARA.  OLEF IS JUMPING AROUND BESIDE HER.  FEN HAS REENTERED, TAKING HIS PLACE NEXT TO KALLISTE.

OLEF:  Did you see wolves?

DIALOGUE CONT.

BARA:  Wolves don’t count, we see Fen everyday.

OLEF:  But he is tame, he is not wild.

KALLISTE:  Not tamed, Olef.  He merely minds his manners on my request.  Take these

                      to the farmer, tell him to add them to boiling water and once it cools to let

                      his wife drink.

BARA:  Do we have to?

FREYA:  I will play with you some more, when your errand is done.

PAGE 2.  PANEL 4.

THE CHILDREN LEAVE, FEN WALKS WITH THEM.  WE JUST SEE HIS TAIL LEAVING THE HUT, TO INDICATE THAT THEY ARE GONE.  KALLISTE IS BEGINNING TO REMOVE HER TOP/CLOAK.

KALLISTE:  I’m glad your father remarried.  It would be a shame to let such a handsome

                      man have no one.

FREYA:  My mother…what was she like?

KALLISTE:  Smart and pretty as you, but without the gift.  I sensed when I saw you that

                      their was more to this child.  Maybe that is why your mother did not

                      survive, she had to put everything into you, making sure your greatness

                      would survive.

PAGE 2.  PANEL 5.

FREYA LOOKS CONFUSED, KALLISTE IS NOW NAKED FROM THE WAIST UP.  WE SEE RUNIC TATTOOS FOR LANGUAGE, PERSUASION, ALSO ANIMAL TATTOOS FROM HER TIME IN ASIA.  HER HARPIE IS STILL THERE.  THE MJOLNIR ON HER CHEST IS PRESENT AS WELL.  KALLISTE IS INDICATING THOR’S HAMMER WITH HER HAND.

KALLISTE:  These Christians have been all about recently.  The language of the birds is

                      one of my gifts, like Guthrun, and they bring me news of these men, and the

                      conflicts they are causing others.  One form of protest that some have taken

                      to is the wearing of Thor’s hammer around their neck to show they will

                      not be converted. 

PAGE 2.  PANEL 6.

FREYA HAS REMOVED HER CLOAK, BUT NOT YET HER SHIRT.

KALLISTE:  I took it a step further, as is my want and pleasure.  Would you mark

                      yourself with this symbol as well?  To show you will not be intimidated,

                      that you will not follow their rule? 

FREYA:  …Does it hurt?

KALLISTE:  Like all things that are worth having, it will pain you.

FREYA:  Do it.  Now, before I lose my mettle.

KALLISTE:  What a spaewife you will be.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 1.

IT IS MORNING, JUST OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE IS THE GROUP OF CHRISTIAN VIKINGS THAT HAVE COME TO CONVERT THE VILLAGE, WALKING TOWARDS IT.  THERE ARE 10 OF THEM.

JORGUND, THEIR LEADER, WALKS OUT FRONT, THE MEN TALK BEHIND HIM.

SOLDIER 1:  I heard she was the one who murdered Attila.

SOLDIER 2:  I would believe it.  They say it is she who was around before the world

                       tree.  She saw it when it was merely a seed.

SOLDIER 3:  The thrice burned?

SOLDIER 2:  The same.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 2.

JORGUND LOOKS BACK AT THE MEN, THEY SILENCE.

JORGUND:  This is not the talk of holy men I hear. 

SOLDIER 1:  Sorry, Jorgund.  Just oldwives tales.  Trying to prepare the men.

JORGUND:  If this witch did not die after the first three burnings, we will just have to

                      burn her a fourth time.  Is that understood?

SOLDIERS:  AYE!

JORGUND:  Then no more talk of this.  Let us continue.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 3.

THE TROOP OF VIKINGS HAS ENTERED THE VILLAGE, VILLAGERS ARE SCARED AS THEY ENTER.  WOMEN HOLD THEIR CHILDREN, THE FARMER ON THE OUTSKIRTS LOOKS AT THEM AS THEY APPROACH THE MEAD HALL.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 4.

THEY OPEN THE DOORS, BUT THE HALL IS EMPTY. 

JORGUND:  Sigurd?  Where are you, you lame ergi. 

SOLDIER 1:  I do not think he is here.

SOLDIER 2:  I do not think anyone is here.

JORGUND:  To the edge of the village.  I know where to find the arg.  Hiding behind

                     skirts no doubt.

PAGE 3.  PANEL 5.

THE TROOP APPROACHES KALLISTE’S HUT.  FEN IS OUTSIDE, GROWLING.

SOLDIER 3:  Is that a wolf?

JORGUND:  Don’t piss your pants, if you show the creature who is in control then—

PAGE 3.  PANEL 6.

FEN HAS JUMPED JORGUND, AND HE IS PANICKING.  THE MEN ARE UNSURE OF WHAT TO DO.

JORGUND:  Kill it!  NOW!

KALLISTE (OFF PANEL):  Heel. 

PAGE 4.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE, FREYA, AND SIGURD, THE LAME WARLORD OF THE VILLAGE, ALL HAVE EXITED THE HUT.  FEN IS RETURNING TO KALLISTE’S SIDE.

SIGURD HAS A CRUTCH, AND A MJOLNIR NECKLACE AROUND HIS NECK.

JORGUND:  That foul beast.  I will have it—

KALLISTE:  Well fed if you do not watch your mouth.  How dare you come so to a

                       Volva’s house.  Isn’t it our custom to treat us respect and honor?

JORGUND:  Sigurd!  You would let this Devil’s whore speak for you.

SIGURD:  I know nothing of deviltry, only that she helps to ease the pain of what cannot

                  be healed.  She is a good Volva, and has been so since our village has been

                  here.  Do no insult her, or you insult us.

PAGE 4.  PANEL 2.

JORGUND HOLDS A LETTER.

JORGUND:  We hold here an edict from the monastery to convert any heathens that exist

                      within the area.  They have allowed us any means necessary.  If there are

                      those who do not want to be converted to the true word, then we have

                      permission to deal with them however we like.

KALLISTE:  Good, for I have told my people the same thing.  This makes it fair.

PAGE 4.  PANEL 3.

THE VIKINGS LAUGH.

JORGUND:  We saw your village.  Some farmers, wives and children.  A lame lord. 

                      This is fair.  I think not, witch.

KALLISTE:  Well, if you have no fear of us, you will not mind if we make the first strike

                      then.

JORGUND:  You have not asked your people.  Maybe they would rather hear the word

                      of the true lord.

KALLISTE:  I have spoken with my people.  They like their lord, just the way he is. 

                      Even if he walks a little funny.

PAGE 4.  PANEL 4.

JORGUND CONTINUES TO YELL AT KALLISTE.  THE VIKINGS BEHIND JORGUND NOTICE THAT THE COUPLE FARMERS ARE PRESENT WITH THEIR REAPING TOOLS, THEIR WIVES HAVE LONG SPEARS WITH KNIVES ON THEM.  FREYA’S FATHER, GUNNAR, HAS A SWORD AND SHIEILD, HER STEP MOTHER A SPEAR AS WELL.

JORGUND:  These people are going to die if you do not convert.

SOLDIER 1:  Behind!

PAGE 4.  PANEL 5.

JORGUND LOOKS BEHIND HIM, HE NOTICES THE SMALL FORCE.

JORGUND:  This is insane.  We will slaughter you.

PAGE 4.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE STRIKES JORGUNS DOWN WITH HER STAFF.

PAGE 4.  PANEL 7.

KALLISTE HAS HER STAFF AT THE READY, STANDING TRIUMPHANTLY OVER JORGUND’S BODY.  SIGURD AND FREYA HAVE SWORDS AS WELL.  FEN HAS ALREADY LEPT TO ATTACK.

KALLISTE:  You are welcome to try.

PAGE 5.  ALL PANELS ON THE PAGE.

PRESENT DAY.

THIS IS A BIG FIGHT SCENE BETWEEN KALLISTE AND THE COPS.  THINK THE SECOND MATRIX MOVIE, BETWEEN NEO AND DOZEN’S OF AGENT SMITHS, LESS KUNG FU THOUGH.  THIS IS BRUTAL STRIKING WITH A LONG LEAD PIPE, USED AS A STAFF.  KALLISTE IS NOT AIMING TO KILL ANY OF THEM, BUT SHE IS MORE THAN WILLING TO VIOLENTLY DISARM THEM.  THEY GET SOME STRIKES IN AS WELL, BUT THE RUNES ON HER ARMS GLOW. 

PAGE 5.  LAST PANEL ON THE PAGE.

KALLISTE IS HITTING THE COP WHO STRUCK HER.

COP:  The fuck are those.

KALLISTE:  Magic.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 1.

JORGUND LIES ON THE GROUND, UNCONCIOUS.  THE REST OF THE VIKINGS LIE BLOODIED, BUT ALIVE.  THEY HAVE SURRENDERED.  THE REST OF THE VILLAGE IS FINE.  FEN HAS BLOOD ON HIS TEETH, FREYA AND HER FATHER HAVE BLOOD ON THEIR SWORDS.

KALLISTE:  At worst we gave you wounds that will make you second guess coming

                      here.  Tell your monastery whatever they would like to hear, but let them

                      know to leave us be from here on in.  Take this sack of shit with you.  Let

                      him know that if he returns, our seer has said he will not leave again.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 2.

THE VILLAGERS HAVE PARTED TO LET THE VIKINGS LEAVE AND CARRY JORGUND OUT.  THE VILLAGERS GIVE THEM HARD STARES.  GUNNAR SPEAKS.

GUNNAR:  We will not be so merciful next time.  Odin hungers for blood, and

                                    I intend to give it to him.

KALLISTE:  To the hall.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 3.

EVERYONE IS GATHERED IN THE HALL.  SIGURD IS SITTING IN THE CHAIR AT THE TOP.  FREYA IS HELPING HIM TO SIT.  THEY SMILE AT EACH OTHER.  FEN IS NEXT TO KALLISTE.

SIGURD:  Close one today.  You were magnificent. 

FREYA:  Not bad yourself, old man.

SIGURD:  I’m only five years older than you.

FREYA:  That could be a lifetime where we live.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE IS ADDRESSING THE PEOPLE, SHE IS TO THE RIGHT OF SIGURD, WHILE FREYA IS TO HIS LEFT.

KALLISTE:  The day has come when the old ways have become threatened by a new

                       god.  New to you anyway.  He’s been around a while, but I’ve seen older

                       gods.  And I have chosen my gods wisely.  The length of our lives and the

                      day of death was determined long ago.  The norns have weaved long ago

                      what would happen to us, so why be afraid?

PAGE 6.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE CONTINUES TO ADDRESS THE PEOPLE SHE IS SHOWING THE MJOLNIR AT THE CENTER OF HER CHEST.  FREYA SHOWS OFF HER CHEST.  SIGURD HOLDS UP HIS NECKLACE.

KALLISTE:  Thor, patron the peasant, god the storm who looks out for the farmers. 

                      Others have taken his symbol to show they will not be converted.  I have

                      taken it as well.  Freya too.  For when I am gone, she will be the new

                      Volva.

FREYA:  Freyja, goddess of seers has seen to bless me with the gift of sight.  If not for

                 her, we would not have known of Jorgund’s coming.  These are my gods, and I

                 will not have anyone tell me otherwise as well.

SIGURD:  Help me up, Freya.

PAGE 6.  PANEL 6.

SIGURD IS STANDING, WITH THE HELP OF FREYA.

SIGURD:  I returned to you three years ago, lame and fatherless.  You have granted me

                  your loyalty, even though I have done nothing of notoriety to earn it.  I will

                  pledge to you this.  We will be safe, no matter what.  All I ask is that you

                  understand that I need the help of Kolla, as all of have in the past.  She is what

                  makes our village strong.  If they return, we must follow her lead.  Are you

                  with me?

PAGE 7.  TOP HALF OF PAGE.

EVERYONE IS THROWING THEIR ARMS UP, IN SUPPORT.  FEN HOWLS IN APPROVAL. 

KALLISTE:  Now, we celebrate.

PAGE 7.  BOTTOM HALF OF PAGE.

GUNNAR IS BEING TATTOOED BY KALLISTE, WITH ODIN’S SPEAR.  OTHER MEN AND WOMEN WAIT IN LINE, DRINKING AND EATING.  THE FIRE IS ROARING, A MAN IS SINGING, AND PEOPLE ARE GATHERED AROUND TO HER HIM.

GUNNAR:  You have raised my daughter well.  She is strong, and I do not fear

                                    for her.

KALLISTE:  All of us raised her well, Halldis included.  She has been a good mother to

                      her, as well as Olef and Bara.  Sometimes blood does not matter.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 1.

FREYA SITS NEXT TO SIGURD.  SHE IS POURING HIM DRINK.  HE IS TAKING THE PITCHER FROM HER.

SIGURD:  Like the Valkyries in Valahalla, you serve me mead.  Yet, I do not deserve this kind treatment.  I barely stabbed one of them today.

FREYA:  She disabled two of them, so quit being modest.

SIGURD:  Yes, but only after you disarmed them.  We work well as a team.

FREYA:  Very true.

SIGURD:  Give me that.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 2.

SIGURD IS POORING A DRINK FOR FREYA. 

FREYA:  Served by the lord in his own hall, now I am the one deserving no such honor. 

SIGURD:  I think for the fact I am lord is the only reason your father would not strike me down right now.  I fear him, I always have. 

FREYA:  He is loyal to Odin, no doubt.  Blood is what they both thirst for, but only when

                the time is needed.  My father respects you, in his own way.  It is why he has

                never tried to take the village for his own.

SIGURD:  I love our village.  It has always been pleasant, ever since I can remember.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE IS FINISHING UP GUNNAR’S TATTOO.  FREYA AND SIGURD TALK ABOUT THEM.

FREYA:  Was there ever a time without her?

SIGURD:  There would be times that she leaves us to go on walks, that could last up to a few years, but she always comes back.  When my grandfather founded the village, her hut was already here.  He did so with her permission.

FREYA:  Yet we are not far apart in age.  Do you think she could be Freyja herself, come

                down to aid us?

SIGURD:  I know not.  I am only glad that she chooses to remain with us.  She holds this

                  community together, and I am glad for her.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 4.

THE FARMER IS HAVING MJOLNIR DRAWN UPON HIS CHEST.  HIS WIFE IS BEHIND HIM, BREAST FEEDING THEIR CHILD.

KALLISTE:  I see the remedy worked.

FARMER:  Aye, the little one will not stop sucking now.

FARMER’S WIFE:  Like father like son.

FARMER:  I have chosen to name him Kol, Kolla.  Does that please you?

KALLISTE: More for his black hair, I hope.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 5.

THE FARMER’S WIFE SITS NEXT TO KALLISTE.  THE CHILD LOOKS UP TO KALLISTE FROM HIS MOTHER’S BREAST. 

FARMER’S WIFE:  It is for you, of course.  When our farm was dying, who helped us?  You.  When Eirny was sick, who healed her?  You have done so much for us, this is the smallest token we could give you.

KALLISTE:  You feed me, you provide me with furs and breads.  You give to me everyday.

FARMER:  Allow one more gift.

PAGE 8.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE PAINTS THE MJOLNIR SYMOBL ON THE BABY’S FOREHEAD.

KALLISTE:  I concede.  May you be as strong as The Hurler himself.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 1.

COPS ARE TASING KALLISTE NOW. 

COP:  Take her down, god damn it!

PAGE 9.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE LAUGHS AS SHE IS ON THE GROUND, THE COPS ON TOP OF HER, TRYING TO SMOTHER HER INTO SUBMISSION. 

KALLISTE:  You give lightening to one who follows Thor?  Surely you are not that stupid.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 3.

ALL THE COPS ARE THROWN OFF OF HER.  ONCE AGAIN, THINK NEO AND THE AGENTS IN RELOADED.

KALLISTE HAS CAUGHT ONE BY THE ANKLE AS HE IS ABOUT TO FLY OFF.

NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE IS SWINGING THE MAN AROUND, BATTERING THE OTHER COPS WITH HIM.

ANOTHER COP IN THE CROWD:  She’s lost it.  She’s gone berserk.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE HAS THROWN THE COP INTO OTHER COPS.  HER TEETH, AND FINGER NAILS SEEM SHARPER NOW.  HER HAIR IS BRISTLING.  HER LEFT FOREARM IS GLOWING, WHERE HER WOLF TATTOO IS.  HER RUNES GLOW AS WELL.

KALLISTE:  Not berserk, not yet.  I still have my faculties about me.  Still wonder why

                      you haven’t gone for your gun?  That’s me.  Now we are going to see what

                      else I can do.

PAGE 9.  PANEL 6.

HER RIGHT SHOULD GLOWS, WHERE HER HARPY IS.

KALLISTE:  I’m just getting started.

PAGE 10.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE IS OUT IN THE WILDERNESS, ALONG WITH FEN.  THEY ARE SITTING ON AN OVERTURNED LOG, HER STAFF IN HAND.  SHE IS PETTING HIM.  OTHER WOLVES WALK BY. 

KALLISTE:  Go, run with them for a bit.

PAGE 10.  PANEL 2.

FEN IS RUNNING WITH THE OTHER WOLVES, KALLISTE WATCHES IN APPRECIATION. 

KALLISTE:  You’re the only man for me, Fen.  No one is stronger or more loyal.  What

                       am I going to do with out you?

PAGE 10.  PANEL 3.

FREYA IS WALKING UP BEHIND KALLISTE.

FREYA:  It amazes me how he just listens to you.

KALLISTE:  Maybe I’m part wolf. 

FREYA:  I would believe it. 

KALLISTE:  What is it?  You never disturb me unless something is wrong. 

FREYA:  Two things.

PAGE 10.  PANEL 4.

FREYA HAS TAKEN A SEAT NEXT TO KALLISTE.  THEY WATCH THE WOLVES AT PLAY.

FREYA:  Though it has been a few days without disturbance, I can sense them preparing

                for another strike. 

KALLISTE:  Hmmm…I knew I should have killed them all.

FREYA:  It is sad when mercy is seen as a weakness.

KALLISTE:  That is the world we live in.  What is the other thing?

PAGE 10.  PANEL 5.

FREYA SMILES, AND HOLDS HER STOMACH.

FREYA:  I’m pregnant.

DIALOGUE CONT.

KALLISTE:  That didn’t take long.  Did you wish for me to prepare something

                       to…well…

FREYA:  No.  I will keep it.  I know a volva’s life can be hard, but Sigurd is a good man,

                and he will fill in for those times I am gone.

KALLISTE:  Though the words have never left my mouth, I agree. 

FREYA:  I am worried though.  If they attack, Sigurd might die, or myself.  I do not want

                this child to die before it has a chance to live. 

PAGE 10.  PANEL 6.

WE SEE AN IMAGE OF A HALL ON FIRE.  THE MEN CHEER, WITH BLOODY SWORDS AND SPEARS. 

FREYA:  “But all I see when I try to look past is blood and fire.  It does not look good.”

KALLISTE:  “The future never does, until you are there.  Come, we must prepare.”

PAGE 11.  PANEL 1.

EVERYONE IS GATHERED IN THE HALL AGAIN.  KALLISTE TO THE RIGHT, SIGURD AT THE CENTER IN HIS CHAIR, AND FREYA ON THE LEFT.  WE THE BACK OF THE HEADS OF THE VILLAGERS AS THEY LOOK UPON THEM.

KALLISTE:  That is the plan.  You cannot back down from it.  Prepare yourselves.

PAGE 11.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE IS GIVING MJOLNIR TRINKETS TO THE CHILDREN.  OLEF AND BARA ARE HANDING THEM TO HER AS SHE DOES SO.

OLEF:  I do not like this.

KOLLA:  Good thing I don’t pay you to like things.

OLEF:  You do not pay us at all.

KOLLA:  Exactly.

PAGE 11.  PANEL 3.

THE FARMER’S WIFE GIVES KALLISTE A WOLF’S SKIN.  KOL IS IN HER OTHER ARM.

FARMER’S WIFE:  Fen may not like this, but he was trying to kill one of the kids, and

                                 we need all the goats we have.

KOLLA:  Fen will understand, I think he will like it actually.  It will make me more like

                him.

FARMER’S WIFE:  Would you hold him?  I mean, before…

KOLLA:  Of course.

PAGE 11.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTE HAS ADORNED THE CHILD WITH RUNES AND HAS GIVEN HIM THE MJOLNIR NECKLACE.

KALLISTE:  Now he is battle ready.

PAGE 11.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE HOLDS KOL, HE SMILES AND COOS.

KALLISTE:  Strong as Thor, handsome as Baldar.  Odin will envy you your

                     wisdom, and Loki your cunning.  That is what you will be.

                                                      

PAGE 11.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE HOLDS THE CHILD, SHE IS KISSING HIM ON THE TOP OF THE HEAD.

KALLISTE:  No harm will come to you, or anyone in this village.  I swear it.

PAGE 12.  PANEL 1.

A LARGE BATTALION OF VIKINGS, AROUND A HUNDRED, MORE THAN ENOUGH TO DEFEAT THIS SMALL VILLAGE OF AROUND 15 PEOPLE, HAS SHOWN UP AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE TOWN.  THERE WAITING FOR THEM IS SIGURD, GUNNAR, THE FARMER, AND SOME OTHER YOUNG MEN, AND SPEAR WIVES.  FREYA AND KALLISTE ARE NEXT TO SIGURD, FEN IS BRISTLING AND GROWLING.

THE VIKINGS HAVE A NEW LEADER.

SVEN:  I am Sven, Son of Carl.  I have come to ensure that this village is not breaking the lord’s decree by worshipping false gods and idols.

KALLISTE:  Then you worry for nothing sir, our gods are very real.

PAGE 12.  PANEL 2.

SVEN DRAWS HIS SWORD, THE OTHER VIKINGS DO SO AS WELL.  THERE ARE ARCHERS IN THE BACK WHO HAVE ARROWS AT THE READY.

KALLISTE:  Such a large force, for such a tiny village.  Did you hear something to make

                      you afraid?

SVEN:  I do not fear you, witch.  But if we must kill you to show the rest of these folks that you hold them in a thrall, then so be it.

KALLISTE:  We have no thralls here.  All prisoners are set free, no one slaves away who

                      does not get paid for it.

PAGE 12.  PANEL 3.

SVEN HAS POINTED TO THE ARCHERS.

SVEN:  Then there will be no prisoners to let go of.  Archers!  Ready?

PAGE 12.  PANEL 4.

THE MEN IN THE VILLAGE READY THEIR SHIELDS, GUNNAR HAS BROKEN AWAY TO ATTACK.

SVEN:  FI—

PAGE 12.  PANEL 5.

KALLISTE YELLS OUT.

KALLISTE:  HALT! 

PAGE 12.  PANEL 6.

GUNNAR STOPS, LOOKING BACK.  THE ARROWS HAVE FALLEN FROM THE BOW STRINGS OF THE ARCHERS. 

DIALOGUE CONT.

SVEN:  What are you men doing?  Leash another arrow immediately.

PAGE 12.  PANEL 7.

KALLISTE WALKS TOWARDS THEM.  PUSHING SVEN’S SWORD DOWN.

KALLISTE:  No need.  I will go with you.  Leave this village be, and my spell will fade

                      from them.  They will be more willing the next time you come, since I will

                      not be here.

PAGE 13.  PANEL 1.

BACK TO PRESENT DAY.

BLOODY, BEATEN, UNCONSCIOUS COPS LIE ALL AROUND KALLISTE.  MANY OF THE COPS HAVE SLASH MARKS, AND TEETH MARKS AROSS THEIR GEAR AND ON THEIR CLOTHES.

KALLISTE IS STARTING TO TIRE, REINFORCEMENTS ARE PULLING UP, IN CARS. 

KALLISTE:  Good.  I was thinking this wasn’t going to be a fight.

PAGE 13.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE HOLDS HER HAND OUT TO THE NEW COPS.

KALLISTE:  Do I limit bullet fire, or try to heal myself?

ONI MASK:  Do not ask me.  You wished to not kill them, so you only make it harder on

                       yourself.  I will say this.  You are weakening, girl.  You will not last to

                       much longer before you need to rest.

KALLISTE:  Then we go to the very end.

PAGE 13.  PANEL 3.

GUNS ARE LEFT IN THEIR HOLSTERS.  KALLISTE HAS PICKED UP THE PIPE AGAIN, AND THE SHIELD OF ONE OF THE FALLENT RIOT POLICE.

KALLISTE:  I will not be bound, nor will I surrender.  What will you do with me then?

COP:  Take her down!

KALLISTE:  No bullets it is.  Broken bones you will have to wait.

PAGE 13.  PANEL 4.

THE COPS ATTACK AGAIN, WITH BILLY CLUBS, TRUNCHEONS, AND EXTENDABLE BATONS.  SHE BLOCKS SOME OF THEM WITH THE SHIELD, SWIPES OTHERS WITH THE LEAD PIPE.

KALLISTE:  Guess you boys have never faced a strong woman before.  You know, aside

                      from your mothers.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE IS BEING ESCORTED THROUGH THE FOREST.

SVEN:  You gave in easy, witch.  I thought we would have to kill your whole village

              before you would give in.

KALLISTE:  Only a fool fights a battle they cannot win. 

SVEN:  Glad you admit your error.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 2

KALLISTE CONTINUES TO WALK.  SVEN HAS DRAWN HIS SWORD.

KALLISTE:  I remember you father, Carl, he left the village thirty years ago. 

SVEN:  Aye.  He said he could sense the stench of evil within it.

KALLISTE:  Hahahaha.  Is that what that fool told you?  No, he tried to fight a battle he

                      could not win.  He tried to fight me.  He couldn’t obey the rules of peace,

                      and when he challenged, he lost.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 3.

SVEN IS CLOSE TO KALLISTE WITH THE SWORD.  KALLISTE STILL HAS HER BACK TO HIM.

KALLISTE:  I would put that away.  That is what your father tried to do as well. 

PAGE 14.  PANEL 4.

THE MEN ARE LAUGHING AT SVEN.  HE SEES THIS.

SVEN:  You will die.

KALLISTE:  Not today.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 5.

SVEN TAKES A SWING AT HER, SHE DODGES THE BLADE.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE PUSHES HIM OVER AS HE CONTINUES TO LUNGE FORWARD AFTER THE MISSED STRIKE.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 7.

KALLISTE STANDS, ARMS BOUND, OUT OF THE WAY OF SVEN, THE MEN LOOKING AT THEM.  KALLISTE HAS TURNED TO THE NEXT VIKING IN CHARGE.

KALLISTE:  Your leader tries to kill an unarmed woman, from behind.  He must be the bravest of you all to attempt such a feat.  Sir, would you watch out for me, I’d hate to bring his temper forth again.

SOLDIER 1:  Aye.

PAGE 14.  PANEL 8.

KALLISTE SMILES AS THEY WALK OFF, THE MEN ARE LOOKING DOWN UPON SVEN.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 15.  PANEL 1.

THEY HAVE COME TO AN ABANDONED VILLAGE.  SOLDIER 1 IS STILL LOOKING AFTER KALLISTE.  SVEN IS IN THE BACK.  ANGRY.

SOLDIER 1:  Set up camp in the old hall.

PAGE 15.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE IS EATING, HANDS TIED, CLOSE TO THE FIRE.  SVEN IS WATCHING HER.

KALLISTE:  Are you going to try and steal my food?

SVEN:  Just wondering why we are bothering to feed a heathen that we know we are going to kill.

KALLISTE:  Courtesy, most likely.  It is the kind thing to do. 

SVEN:  Is that the same courtesy you showed my mother?

PAGE 15.  PANEL 3.

ALL THE MEN ARE STARING AT SVEN AS HE GETS CLOSE TO KALLISTE.

KALLISTE:  I spoke to your mother a handful of times in the span that she lived in our

                      village.  Nothing unpleasant, just casual conversation.

SVEN:  Lies!  She died of a sickness, one my father says you cursed her with when they

              left the village. 

KALLISTE:  And we have your father’s honorable word on this, do we?

PAGE 15.  PANEL 4.

SVEN IS ADDRESSING THE MEN.

SVEN:  You men know me, and my father.  We have always done right by our

              Christened brothers.  Now this one, this devil’s whore, calls into question the

              honor of my family.  I will not allow this.  Who is with me?  Who is with God

              against the unfaithful?

KALLISTE:  What would you do with me then?

PAGE 15.  PANEL 5.

TIGHT SHOT OF SVEN’S FACE.

SVEN:  I heard you were thrice burned and survived it.  Let’s see if the fourth time

              sticks.  Grab your swords lads, the legend says that she is to be stabbed as well

              as set aflame.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 1.

KALLISTE IS ON THE PIRE, SHE HAS MANY STAB WOUNDS ALREADY.  ONE MAN IS RUNNING HER THROUGH WITH A SPEAR.  SVEN HAS A TORCH.

KALLISTE:  Haha.  Odin was stabbed with a spear as well.  He came down off the world

                      tree with even more wisdom.  You know a vol is, right?  I guess I just have

                      a bigger cock than you.  You are but fools.

SVEN:  Living fools are better than dead fools.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 2.

THE PYRE LIGHTS UP, FRON SVEN AND TWO OTHER MEN HOLDING TORCHES.

KALLISTE:  I hope you know this will not kill me.  And Freyja will punish you hurting

                       one of her Volva. 

SVEN:  Let this Freyja come then.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE IS LIT UP.  FULL OF FLAME.  SHE SCREAMS IN AGONY.  SVEN SMILES.

KALLISTE:  AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

SVEN:  Scream bitch, scream.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 4.

THE ROPES AND PYRE LOOSENS, KALLISTE COMES FALLING TO THE FLOOR.  THE MEN LOOK AT HER AS SHE BURNS.

SVEN:  Where are your gods now?

PAGE 16.  PANEL 5.

A FLAMING HAND GRABS SVEN BY THE THROAT.

KALLISTE/ONI MASK:  Right here.

PAGE 16.  PANEL 6.

SHE PUTS SVEN’S EYE’S OUT AS SHE IS STILL GRABBING HIS THROAT.

PAGE 17.  PANEL 1.

SOME MEN ARE TRYING TO ATTACK KALLISTE, OTHERS ARE FLEEING.  SHE IS STRIKING THEM WITH HER STAFF.  SHE IS STILL ON FIRE, AND SHE IS CAUSING THE HALL TO BURN DOWN.

PAGE 17.  PANEL 2.

ONE MAN LOOKS BACK HE IS RUNNING AWAY, SEEING KALLISTE BASH IN THE HEAD OF ONE OF THE SOLDIERS.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 17.  PANEL 3.

THE SAME SOLDIER IS NOT LOOKING WHERE HE IS GOING, AND IS STOPPED.  HE IS CONFUSED.

RANDOM SOLDIER:  Huh?

PAGE 17.  PANEL 4.

THE SOLDIER HAS LOOKED DOWN, THERE IS A SWORD IN HIS BELLY.

RANDOM SOLDIER:  Who?

PAGE 17.  PANEL 5.

HE HAS FINALLY LOOKED UP.  FREYA IS SMILING, HOLDING THE BLADE.

FREYA:  Freya, after the Freyja.  Gunnar’s daughter. 

PAGE 17.  PANEL 6.

SHE LOOKS BACK AS SHE HAS TAKEN THE SWORD FROM HIS ABDOMEN. 

FREYA:  For Fridtha, for Kolla.  ATTACK!

PAGE 17.  PANEL 7.

THE REST OF THE VILLAGE COMES CHARGING OUT OF THE WOODS, SOME ARE ALREADY ENGAGED IN BATTLE WITH THE OTHER VIKINGS, KILLING THEM BY SURPRISE, IN THEIR FRIGHT.  WE SEE FEN ALSO ATTACKING A VIKING.

PAGE 18.  PANEL 1.

THE BATTLE STARTED ON THE PREVIOUS PAGE, CONTINUES ONTO THIS PAGE.  WE SEE SPEARWIVES FIGHTING WITH SPEARS, FEN RIPPING THE THROAT OUT OF OTHERS.  CHILDREN USING BOW AND ARROWS TO STRIKE AT THE MEN FROM FURTHER AWAY.  SIGURD IS FIGHTING NEXT TO FREYA.  GUNNAR ATTACKS WITH A LONG SPEAR.

PAGE 18.  PANEL 2.

ONE OF THE WOUNDED VIKINGS CRAWLS FROM THE HALL, KALLISTE IS BEHIND HIM, VERY BADLY BURNT, AND THE HALL IS BEING CONSUMED.  HE CRAWLS, UNTIL HE REACHES A FOOT.  IT IS FREYA’S.

FREYA:  Do you see what you have caused when you tried to dismantle our way of life? 

                Go back to your monastery and tell them this awaits all who trifle with us.  Do

                you understand?

OTHER RANDOM VIKING:  Yes.

FREYA:  Then leave.

PAGE 18.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE FLAMES ARE SMOTHERED BY GUNNAR’S BLANKET.  HE STANDS OVER HER.

KALLISTE:  I think the time has come for me to pass the torch.

GUNNAR:  You are too funny old woman.  Stay, be with us.

KALLISTE:  No, you have a new leader now.  And she can see all the dangers that will

                      come.  I will not be far.  Fridtha will have my protection. 

PAGE 18.  PANEL 4.

FREYA IS HUGGING KALLISTE.  KALLISTE HOLDS HER SIDE, WHERE SHE GOT THE TATTOO IN THE SECOND ISSUE.

FREYA:  You smell terrible.  How?  Should I even ask?

KALLISTE:  Fire burns, but it does not remove that which is permanent.  You will be

                      good.  I love you.  Take care of that baby.

PAGE 18.  PANEL 5.

FEN IS LEAVING WITH KALLISTE.

KALLISTE:  Stay with her.  When you go running, I will be with you.

PAGE 18.  PANEL 6.

KALLISTE IS WALKING AWAY.  FEN IS WITH THE REST OF THE VILLAGERS AS THEY WATCH HER LEAVE.  FREYA HOLDS HER STOMACH.

PAGE 19.  PANEL 1.

FREYA IS HOLDING HER BABY, SIGURD IS RIGHT NEXT TO HER.

SIGURD:  What is her name?

FREYA:  Natalie.  She is of the winter, and this name means something to winter.

SIGURD:  That is not one of our names.

FREYA:  No.  I see it  from far away, but the times are changing, and we must change

                with them if we are going to survive.

SIGURD:  We will survive.  Always.

PAGE 19.  PANEL 2.

SIGURD AND FREYA WATCH NATALIE PLAY.  SHE IS AROUND 6.  KOL IS PLAYING WITH HER, AS WELL AS FEN. 

PAGE 19.  PANEL 3.

FEN IS WALKING OUT INTO THE FOREST.  NATALIE, 10, CRIES AFTER HIM.

FREYA:  No baby.  It is his time.  He needs to go.

PAGE 19.  PANEL 4.

FEN IS BEING PETTED BY A WOMAN, FAR AWAY IN THE MISTS.

FREYA:  He will be happy there.

PAGE 19.  PANEL 5.

FREYA HOLDS SIGURD’S HAND, HE IS DYING.  THEY ARE OLDER.  NATALIE IS IN THE BACK, WITH KOL WHO HOLDS HER AS SHE CRIES.

SIGURD:  So much peace here.  The afterlife cannot compare to this.  You know, I think

                   she told the truth.  I think she watches out for us.

FREYA:  I do too.  She and Fen still run around out there.

SIGURD:  That is good.  I hope I was good enough for you. 

FREYA:  More than enough, husband. 

PAGE 19.  PANEL 6.

FREYA CLOSES HIS EYES.  SHE CRIES OVER HIM.  NO DIALOGUE.

PAGE 19.  PANEL 7.

NATALIE STANDS OVER A SINGLE HEADSTONE.  KOL IS NEXT TO HER.  THEY HAVE A BLACK HAIRED LITTLE GIRL WITH THEM.

KOLLA:  Grandma is down there?

NATALIE:  Yes, dear.  With Grandpa.  They wanted to be buried together.

KOLLA:  I miss her.

NATALIE:  I do too, Kolla dear.

PAGE 19.  PANEL 8.

KALLISTE IS DRIVING A SPEAR INTO THE GROUND, WHERE THERE BODIES LAY.

PAGE 20.  PANEL 1.

BACK TO PRESENT DAY.

KALLISTE IS BEING OVERWHELMED AGAIN BY THE POLICE, BUT THIS TIME SHE IS TOO WEAK TO FIGHT BACK.

KALLISTE (CAPTION):  “I never knew a finer group of people.  I doubt I ever will

                                            again in my life, and I know I have plenty ahead of me as             

                                            well as behind.  You, Freya, my daughter that I never had, are

                                            the finest person I ever knew.  I give you this token, this

                                            burial right.”

PAGE 20.  PANEL 2.

KALLISTE IS BEING HIT WITH THE BATON, TO KNOCK HER OUT.

KALLISTE (Caption):  “You served Freyja, and your husband Odin.  Thus I give you       

                                         this spear, Odin’s chosen weapon, and the male, and let’s admit

                                         lesser equivalent, of our wand.  As you served them both in life,

                                         this is dedicated to you in death.  I hope to one day find

                                         something as satisfying as you had, daughter.”

PAGE 20.  PANEL 3.

KALLISTE IS BEING HANDCUFFED, AS SHE IS DAZED FROM THE STRIKE.

KALLISTE (CAPTION):  “This magic wears on me.  There are times I wish I could just

                                             give it up,   but other times I hunger for it.  Also, I am not

                                             sure of what could kill me.  As long as this mark remains, I

                                             am invulnerable.”

PAGE 20.  PANEL 4.

KALLISTA IS THROWN INTO A COP CAR.

KALLISTE (CAPTION):  “Though I am weakened when I use it, I am afraid there is no

                                             other time in my life when I feel more alive.  Gods help me,

                                             I am a fool.  Fighting a battle…”

PAGE 20.  PANEL 5.

CLOSE UP OF KALLISTE’S FACE, BATTERED, BRUISED, BLOODY.  COP IN THE FRONT SEAT IS TALKING.

COP:  Not one fucking casualty.  What the hell?  We got lucky.

KALLISTE (CAPTION):  “…I cannot win.”

PAGE 20.  PANEL 6.

CLOSE UP OF KALLISTE’S FACE AGAIN.  SHE IS SMILING.

COP:  That is one tough broad.