Matt Bishop

Kinsmen Die Matt Bishop

Frigg, Almother of Gladsheim, fears that her son Baldr, afflicted by a strange malady, is dying - which should be impossible since Frigg used ancient magics to make her son immune to all harm. As Baldr's condition worsens, Frigg summons her husband Odin, Alfather and master of magics, back from his wanderings. On the eve of Odin's return, the Jotunn attack a remote Aesir town thereby inexplicably breaking the forty-year peace. These events initiate a search for answers. Odin sends his son Vidar to investigate how and why the Jotunn attacked. Through mystical and mundane means, Odin strives to figure out what affliction ails Baldr. Frigg learns of a witch's plot against herself while also exposing a seeming rebellion among the people of Gladsheim. Meanwhile, Loki agrees to help the Jotunn in their renewed war against the Aesir. Their plans help further his own subtle plan of revenge against Odin and everything his former blood brother holds dear. But, Loki must tread carefully. If he is exposed then he loses all hope of freeing his children and avenging the death of his wife. If Vidar fails to learn how and why the Jotunn attacked, then Gladsheim is potentially at the mercy of a foe against which they cannot defend. If Odin fails to uncover the source of Baldr's illness, then Baldr may die. If Frigg cannot defeat the plot against her, then she risks losing her life and her city. And if Loki wins, then kinsmen die.