Suddenly, there was a loud scream, like a battle cry. Santa looked more alarmed than ever. "Jon, Karyn! We have to go! Now!!!"
Swooping down from the clouds above were what looked like three women, each riding a flying horse. "Wait, are those ..." Jon started.
"Yes, that's right. Those are Valkyries," Santa said. "Now move! And don't let that green light that reflects off of them touch you! It'll mean certain death!"
Santa, Jon, and Karyn all ran as quickly as they could, fortunately finding shelter in a nearby cave opening. Once safely out of harm's way, Santa looked back at his reindeer, dismayed by his decision to leave them. But so far they seemed to be safe.
"You better explain what's happening," Jon said.
"Isn't it obvious? They must be working with Supay," Santa said.
"That doesn't make any sense. Supay is an Incan god. Valkyries are Norse. Why would they even have anything to do with each other?" Jon asked.
"Yeah," Karyn said, also wanting to know what was going on.
"Jon," Santa said, sighing. "Everything you think you know about ancient myths and legends?"
"Yeah?"
"Forget about it all. Supay and the Valkyries may be part of different cultures, but they both come from the same place. Here, in the Hinterlands. Loyalties and alliances exist between many individuals that may not make much sense to you, but to me, it's how it's always been. Right now, it seems that the Valkyries are working with Supay, so as long as we're here, we should stay clear of them."
"Okay, well, if Supay has allies here, he must also have enemies. Maybe we should seek them out. Maybe they can help us. They could at least tell us how to escape this place," Jon said.
