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King Laufey never thought that the conquering of Midgard would cause such a war, especially not with Asgard. Had he suspected such an occurrence, he never would have decreed expansion. As it was, Odin Allfather arrived on Midgard and slaughtered the Jotun army. Even with the Casket of Ancient Winters, the Jotuns stood no chance. Now, with his forces retreating home and the Aesir following, he had to prepare their home. Laufey found his mate, Hilgaudi, singing quietly to their son. The babe was immature and beyond runtish by Jotun standards, but that had not stopped the people from celebrating a true heir’s birth, nor did it deflate Laufey’s love for his son. He had fathered others, but one was outcast for his brutish ways, and Helbindi’s other parent did not wish to be claimed as mate, at least not by Laufey, which he did not begrudge.
“Hilgaudi, the Aesir force comes. For our son’s sake, it is best if neither of you were in the palace upon their arrival.” Laufey warned.
“I will not hide! I have proven my status just as any other warrior. The babe will be safe in the nursery!” Helgaudi assured.
“The Aesir attacking us on behalf of the Midgardians was unprovoked, and we were not prepared. I will not have my mate and son, who barely lives as it is, be in such danger when the Tyrant arrives to
demand surrender. I would not give him the opportunity to see how he can hurt us if it is avoidable.” Laufey pleaded.
“Where do you suggest we hide? The whole palace will no doubt be surrounded.” Helgaudi demanded.
“The temple, majesty. Even the Tyrant would not dare defile a sacred temple. Would he, Father?” Helbindi asked upon entering the nursery to see to his little brother’s safety.
“Yes, good. Helbindi will accompany you both there with light provisions. Helbindi, upon returning to the palace, you must cover yours and Hilgaudi’s tracks.” Laufey advised.
“Yes, Father. Come majesty, come little one, we will find safety in the temple.” Helbindi rushed the two out of the palace and deposited them safely in the temple, covering all evidence that they were inside on his return.
While hiding, Hilgaudi sang lightly to the infant who was so freshly released from the healing ward. Finally, pronounced strong enough to live after weeks of uncertainty, a name had yet to be chosen for the crown prince. Suddenly, there was crashing too close by.
“Hush, little one. Do not let them hear where we are.” The temple rumbled. “Wait here, sweet one, I’m out to put warding around the doors and windows. Fear not. You will be safe! The people will see the celebration of your name day soon, my Love.” Hilgaudi spoke softly to the babe.
Hilgaudi, in trying to protect the babe, left him on the altar and exited. The fighting was spreading, and care was not taken. Aesir did not recognize a non-warrior, and Hilgaudi was quickly struck down. After some time, the little prince sensed not all was right and started crying for his protectors. He felt like he cried for hours, his little lungs were on fire, yet none came. Surely someone would come soon.
His little cries started to become hoarse and weak from overuse. Then someone came. Not one of his protectors, but another. The other smiled at him, and through the connection of the other’s hand on his head, the little prince was able to see the image of ‘child’ this one held, so he changed his appearance to fit. After all, if his protectors would not come for him, then perhaps this one would now watch over him.
“Hello, Little one? What are you doing all alone in the temple? I never thought a Frost Giants babe would be smaller than my own. Is that why you are out here? You were too small to be granted life by those who bore you? I will not judge you so harshly. You will come home with me, my wife Frigga will welcome you, as will your new brother, Thor. You shall be Loki, second prince of Asgard!” Odin recognized the markings on the babe as being those of Laufey’s line. ‘So, a babe born a runt is cast out even by the king? No matter when this one is old enough, he shall return and be granted his rightful place among his people.’
*
As soon as the last of the Aesir were at the Bifrost sight, Laufey ordered care for the dead to commence. He had important business before he aided his people. With the Casket taken, as recompense for the Jotun’s supposed unjust attack on Midgard, Jotunheim would need its little prince now more than ever.
“Helbindi, I’m off to fetch my mate and son. You are in charge while I am assured of their safety,” Laufey said.
“Yes, Father. Careful, I am sure once I removed traces of any being there, Hilgaudi would have put up protective wards. …Such as he could.” Helblindi cautioned. Hilgaudi was never strong in magic, which is why the babe was born small and weak. He needed more magic than was available. None understood quite how much magic this particular babe needed, nor would they now have a chance to find out. Laufey smiled at his son for being bright enough to think of such caution before he headed off.
Once the temple was in sight, Laufey saw the damage done and started to rush. In his haste, he tripped over something he had not noticed. Twisting around, Laufey’s eyes met the sight of his mate’s mangled body. The Jotun king was filled with almost debilitating dread. Laufey shot to his feet and made for the temple, whose door was open. All inside was silent, and looking around, it was clear there was no child. The roar Laufey let out shook the temple and toppled some of the weaker structures farther off. The warriors in the field all stopped and looked toward the secluded temple. Helbindi, knowing what precious cargo was believed to reside within, rushed off to see what distressed his father so.
Helbindi saw Hilgaudi’s body on his dash to the temple, and his blood froze. He slowed his approach to the door. Looking in, there was no splash of blood, no crying babe, no babe at all. Laufey was huffing with rage as he stood and turned. Exiting the temple, the king went to the Bifrost sight, Helbindi right on his heels. The Aesir were gone, even the runes made by the Bifrost were already covered with snow.
“Father? What would the Aesir do to a babe? What purpose would they have in bringing it back to Asgard? Would they know who it is?” Helblindi asked
“If Odin sees the child, he will know the royal markings. If he is never shown the child, then I shudder to think what an Aesir soldier would do with a Jotun babe,” Laufey stated his thoughts.
The soldiers had continued working and found Hilgaudi’s body. They needed no further explanation on what the king’s shout had been about. The work slowed with the added weight of the loss of their little crown prince, many fearing what the child would be put through in a life forced to live in Asgard as a Jotun. From that point forward, all Jotuns’ hearts darkened toward the Aesir. Their hope for a strong future was stolen on the heels of such a devastating defeat. One caused by their hope to find a colony that would be better suited for infants to survive, so fewer are lost to the harshness of Jotunheim as infants.
*
On Asgard, the king and queen raised their two sons. One born of Asgard who flourished and grew as a strong young warrior, the other who struggled with health and a warrior’s growth. Due to his constant lack of health and his slight frame, Loki was shy, making it hard to make friends. There was also a constant fear of being abandoned that hampered the young boy’s social growth. As it was, the amount of magical energy the boy had stunted his growth until the queen recognized his need for more dietary supplementation as well as magical feeding until the boy’s body could sustain his magic better.
Thor, from the time he was old enough to understand he was a big brother, and his little brother was not as strong as he, took it upon himself to be the younger’s protector. That did not mean that he never joined in his friends' taunts about Loki’s lack of battle hardiness or social aptitude. Thor was constantly pushing his brother to be brave and to work harder to be like him. Thor thought he was helping, he was too young to see the damage he was doing. And, though Loki did love his older brother dearly, resentment and jealousy grew. Everything was so easy for Thor while Loki had to try so hard and never measure up. Loki eventually learned to be able to fake his way through social interactions by studying others. Finding he was a quick study, Loki sought out more knowledge, which did not aid his standing as a warrior or fighting ability, but it did allow him to expand his mind and his magic to grow.
Loki knew he was different, and if not for his brother, he would have no friends. He didn't mind over much for he did have his brother, Thor would never leave him behind, and any friends Thor made would be Loki’s friends too by default. Frigga took a special interest in the child and helped him to cultivate his magic. There were some who didn't fully believe that Loki was from both their king and queen, given the timing of his arrival. They didn't know if he was a child born of Frigga, meaning the Goddess of family was unfaithful, or a product of Odin, who would be lost without his queen. This caused many to be suspicious of the younger prince, and it showed. Loki knew that he was not trusted. He didn't understand why, but as he grew and suspicion began to be cast on him for many things, he started taking credit regardless when he realized, from a young age, that his fault or not, he would be punished, so he might as well make a name for himself.
*
A century passed since the end of the Frost wars. Young Thor is 150, and little Loki is just past 100. Laufey, as well as most of his subjects, have been in a depression during this time. Not for the taken casket as the Aesir assume, but for the taken prince whom they have heard nothing of. Laufey has officially named Helbindi his successor, as he has lost his mate, and it is unlikely he will find another. Helbindi still goes to the abandoned nursery when he needs time to think.
Odin decided it was the proper time to send in emissaries to discuss the peace. The Jotuns have been held down, and rebuilding was slow without the casket, Odin knows. Perhaps it was time to shore up relations with this realm to smooth the way for when Loki would take its throne. With this in mind, Odin sent a delegation team to discuss the limited return of the Casket of Ancient Winters. Odin thought that returning the casket for short periods of time with a delegation of Aesir to facilitate the rebuilding of Jotunheim would foster the peace necessary and forge new bridges between the two ancient enemies.
The emissaries from Asgard were allowed to enter the crumbling palace with no resistance, but also no formal greetings. This soured the mood of the Aesir before talks even began. Regardless, they had a job from their king, and it would not be from them that this fails.
“King Laufey, King Odin sends his regards and wishes to bring a new, more complete peace to our two realms.” The councilor started.
“And what does King Odin say about returning my son?” Laufey asked a bit snidely.
“…I am sorry, King Laufey. Which son do you refer to?” The councilor asked
“The one stolen from the temple! If King Odin wants peace, the Aesir will start by giving me answers of my son. The stolen babe, what was done to him?” Laufey was short-tempered in his discussion.
“When was your son stolen? Do you have any leads on who stole this son?” The delegates are confused; they only know of the two grown sons of Laufey. The infant stolen had not gained enough health for his birth to be announced before the end of the war that led to his being taken.
“My son was stolen out of a temple by an Asgardian at the end of the war! I will have answers before Asgard EVER has peace from Jotunheim!” Laufey bellowed. The delegates all looked around their group, hoping someone had something useful for this.
“We know nothing of a stolen Frost—umm Jotun. The boy would now be a century old. At that age, it would be hard to hide a Jotun on Asgard—” The councilor started.
“If you know nothing, then go back and confer with your king! Round up the soldiers who were here at the end of the war and find answers. Go to your gatekeeper, who sees all. Without answers of my son, no Asgardian will be welcome on Jotunheim during my reign!” Laufey slammed his fist onto his chair arm as he yelled.
With that, the delegates all filed out of the palace and back to the Bifrost sight to return home. Heimdall had been monitoring the regression from Earth that day, making sure none stayed who should not; he knew nothing of a stolen child. The delegates had hoped to bring Laufey’s demands with a solution to their king, but if Heimdall does not know, then it would need to be a king’s decree that brings all soldiers back for questioning.
“My Lord, King Laufey would speak of nothing besides a supposed stolen babe. He claims that his son was stolen from a temple at the end of the war. If we find no answers about the boy, then returning would be to go to our deaths, as of Laufey’s decree,” The councilor relayed.
“I see. And did you ask Heimdall of this lost child?” Odin asked.
“Heimdall was monitoring Midgard at the time to get all non-Midgardians off properly. He did not see Jotunheim,” The councilor explained.
“…Very well. I shall think on this,” Odin stated vaguely.
“Should we not summon all who were on the field that day and ask who knows about a frostling?” The councilor asked.
“The war ended a century ago. If the boy was brought here, would he not have been noticed by now? Would he have survived so long away from his natural habitat? No, I do not think it worth the time and effort to search for one frostling. If Laufey does not want peace, then as long as the Frost Giants do not cause trouble outside Jotunheim, we will simply forbid any Aesir from going to Jotunheim, for their own safety,” Odin decided. So, the decree went out that it would mean death for an Aesir to venture to Jotunheim.
With the meeting adjourned, Odin went in search of his sons. He found them both in the back garden. Thor was playing with his new friend Frandal, and Loki was reading and practicing his magic. Odin decided to take the afternoon to aid his youngest son in his study of magic. Loki was overjoyed at the attention and did his best to impress his father. It was quite rare that Odin would forgo playing with
Thor to spend time with Loki.
*
Centuries passed, and the two princes grew happily, or so it was believed. Asgard and Jotunheim never did find true peace, and with the embargo on traveling to Jotunheim, it seemed they never would.
The day of Thor’s coronation, Odin never feared more for his family than when he discovered Frost Giants in the trophy room. If they had discovered Loki…it did not matter. Loki was in the throne room, and these Jotuns were obviously after the casket.
When Thor demanded he be allowed to go into Jotunheim, Odin felt that fear again. He knew where Thor went, Loki would follow, and Jotunheim was one place Loki must be kept from at all costs. They were willing to leave him to die as an infant; what would they be willing to do to him as an adult? Then, mere hours later, a guard came to tell him Prince Loki tasked the guard with informing the king that the two princes, Lady Sif and the Warriors Three, were on their way to Jotunheim. Thor was dooming his beloved brother with his arrogance and blood lust.
On Jotunheim, Laufey did not believe that the Jotuns shown into Asgard would be returning. He understood their desire to bring some life back to the planet, so he did not halt the volunteers but made sure they understood they were not granted royal permission either. Therefore, he was not surprised when the Crown Prince and his party arrived to see him. Laufey hated Thor for being granted life when his own son was taken, and no doubt killed. Why was this prince granted a full and bountiful life when his own was not even granted a week’s worth of health in his poor little life?
The young prince does not understand the cost of war, but Laufey will bow no longer to a tyrant of Odin’s blood. When Odin appeared to collect his wayward bunch, Laufey decided not to grant the old tyrant the turning of the cheek. Laufey stared into the eye of the man responsible for his son’s death and reaffirmed there would be no peace. Odin was given the terms for peace centuries ago, he should count himself lucky these 6 were not killed on sight.
Upon returning to Asgard, as Odin was casting Thor out, Loki was desperate to have his brother near. Thor was always good at comforting and protecting his younger brother, even when Loki did not want or necessarily need it. But now Thor was on Midgard, so Loki had to find out the truth for himself, alone. When Odin fell into the Odinsleep as Loki raged, the young prince first feared that he had somehow done this to his father. It was not until he had time to think and speak with his mother that his mind started to truly fall into deep corners.
Back on Jotunheim, one warrior, badly cut across the chest, confided in the warrior brother who aided him. The young prince’s skin turned blue when touched by a Jotun. The young prince who matches the age their own crown prince should be, had he lived. A boy raised by the tyrant who did nothing to attempt to respond to their demands for answers when peace was at stake. A young man with magic who may be able to lead others through the folds between realms….
The warrior brought his wounded comrade to the healing center and then went off on his own. He followed the hidden path and sought out the young prince.
“…What are you doing here? The last of your ilk who came were destroyed. Do you believe you will fare better?” Loki asked. The warrior paused, then knelt.
“I come looking for a prince, long taken from his home and raised by a tyrant. I would serve this prince to bring him back to where he belongs,” The warrior said.
Loki, who grew up on the horror stories told of the Frost Giants, tensed. Is he to be tricked back to that frozen waste for an execution that failed when he was saved? Who else among the Frost Giants knows the truth? If only one came here, perhaps he is the only one to know; he killed the one who grabbed him after all.
“I cannot leave this place while Odin still breathes. You think he would allow a captive prince loose from his grasp?” Loki started laying his impromptu trap.
“Does the tyrant not sleep? Does he have power over you, even now?” The warrior asked.
“…Yes. The Allfather is powerful, even in his sleep.” Loki answered.
“I can release you from his hold if you would only show me the way to his chamber….” Loki was trapped. Does he let this beast kill the man who abducted him and lied to him his whole life? …Or maybe he shows that he is not with them…. Maybe he shows his father that he is a good and loyal son who will always protect his father? So, Loki led the Frost Giant to the king’s chamber and got him in without fuss. Just before the Giant struck, Loki conjured the scepter and killed the Jotun, calling for the guards, what he got was Thor and a battle. Loki was already falling into a mild madness; had he gotten the needed support, then his mind could have healed, and he saved; instead, he fell.
It was months later when the destruction of the Bifrost attack was fully measured and lives lost were counted, the warrior who had grabbed the young prince that day this all started went before Laufey, curious to know about the boy.
“My King, if I may inquire about the boy? The comrade who brought me to the healing chambers seems to have perished in the attack. But did he get a chance to tell you about the boy?”
“I have heard nothing about a boy? Speak clearly.” Laufey stated.
“Sir, when the tyrant’s son attacked, I grabbed hold of the younger prince. His arm guard shattered, and I touched his skin. He did not burn; his skin turned blue, spreading out from my touch. He is of a similar age as our prince would be…. Do you think it is possible the tyrant raised your son, hiding the truth from all?” The warrior asked.
“If you speak falsely—” Laufey started to rise.
“Never about our prince, Highness! Never about the boy….” The warrior was quick to object.
“Thank you, I will look into this personally,” Laufey stated, already thinking of a plan.
The Jotuns had marked where and how to pass between the realms. Laufey used it now. But instead of skulking upon arriving in Asgard, he showed himself and demanded that he be brought to the Allfather. He demanded the presence of both king and queen as well as privacy. Thor insisted on joining them, which Laufey had no problem allowing.
“Laufey? You and yours continually use this secret door to sneak into my palace—” Odin blustered.
“I will show you the door and help you seal it, Tyrant. I only come here for my son! I want Jotunheim’s crown prince returned. Where is my little one?” Laufey demanded
“He is not yours, Giant! He is my brother! You lost claim to him when you left him to die—” Thor started shouting.
“‘LEFT HIM TO DIE?!’ He and my queen were hidden in a temple away from the fighting as the war came to a close. I believed not even the great tyrant, Odin Glad-of-War, would dare desecrate a temple. Did you not find it odd that the supposedly abandoned child belonged to the king? Or that he was so well swaddled with provisions near enough to keep him and his protector for a day or two? Did you think at all before killing the Jotun, placing protective wards around the temple, and stealing a babe?” Laufey shouted.
“…The child was alone when I came upon the temple. If there was a Jotun there, he had fled or had already been killed. I heard a child crying and I went to aid it. I found the child alone, and when I held him, he changed his look to fit a child of the Aesir. He was a runt. How was I to guess he was there for his safety and not a sacrifice?” Odin answered coldly.
“‘SACRIFICE?!’ How dare you! The war was started when you chased us off Midgard, where we were searching for a sight for a new nursery to better aid our young’s survival. He was small because his mother did not possess the amount of magic needed for him to develop fully before birth. We had not yet had a chance to name our child, as he was barely out of the healing house with a decided chance at life, when you came breaking down our doors. You took our casket so we could not rebuild, but when you took my son, you took mine and my people’s desire to rebuild. He was our hope; that is why we hid him from you. And even then, you took the thing most precious to me and my people, the loss of our tiny prince is what has kept us broken all these centuries!” Laufey lamented.
“You loved Lo—you still love your son. Why did you never inquire after him then?” Frigga asked kindly.
“What did your emissaries tell you was my condition for peace? I did not even demand a return as I believed him dead. I would have easily granted peace and easy travel between our realms had I only been given answers as to what became of my son,” Laufey returned.
“Father, is this why we were barred from ever going to Jotunheim?” Thor asked.
“Without answers, I swore there would be no peace. Gods below, had I not decided to fulfill my malicious curiosity as to what made this golden prince worthy of life while mine had been killed, I would have had the entire party, my son included, slaughtered at the Bifrost sight….” Laufey had crumpled at that revelation.
“But you did allow them to live. And I have no right, but I thank you for that, with all that is left of my heart.” Frigga consoled the distraught king.
“I care not for your heart, woman. I wish to see my son. To hold him if he will permit. Where is Prince Loki?” Laufey demanded. Frigga let out a sob, and Thor turned away.
“…Loki is the one who unleashed the Bifrost upon Jotunheim. He learned the truth of his heritage, and he reacted poorly.” Odin hesitated to explain.
“You think I would blame him for your mistakes. I, and the rest of Jotunheim, forgive him. I wish only a chance to meet him!” Laufey stated plainly.
“I destroyed the rainbow bridge to stop the Bifrost from destroying Jotunheim. Loki fell, but I caught him…. He just did not wish to be caught.” Thor said sadly.
“…What are you saying? Where—” Laufey started, horrified.
“He fell into the void. Heimdall cannot see him, I no longer sense his life force within the nine, and my husband cannot find him either.” Frigga cried.
“You take him from his home and give him a lie. Then you rip that lie away and toss him out like trash,” Laufey stated, depressed.
“NO! I love my brother!—” Thor started to defend himself.
“He is not your brother! He was my son and brother to Helbindi. And if you cannot see how all your lies and schemes led to this. Led him to ‘let go’, then you do not deserve him. And there is no way to repair the peace between our two realms. Keep your poison out of my lands, Tyrant. And I will keep my people away from the poison of this one!” With that, Laufey left. He would seal the passage, but from his end. He would make sure that the rest of his people were safe from Asgard. Jotunheim had lost to much to them already.
*
Laufey returned to his home. He dictated his greatest mages to finding ways of traveling the stars, his scientists to postulating where the void could have led Loki and any who could to search for him through their own means. One of the mages was able to duplicate reports of Asgard’s second prince’s growth. Laufey read over those in the hope of getting to know his son. He saw the truth of how his son was treated. The slights and ostracism, the Aesir had always seen him as different and made that clear to him. His son, even dressed up like a member of the royal family, was never accepted.
A scientist believed he had found where the young prince could have landed, his trajectory through the void. The location disheartened Laufey. Mages focused on traveling to this dark rock, a place filled with hate and pain. His son was not seen, but evidence suggested there was one among the wicked race there that could be him. With great clarity, the mages saw Loki land on Midgard and his subsequent attack and failure. Thor was on sight to retrieve Loki, and Laufey had no illusions about getting his son back now. There was a path found to the one who gave Loki the directions from his master, and Laufey followed that to gain retribution if necessary.
Upon arriving, Laufey could immediately sense the intense hatred and desire for revenge from The Other. Talking with the creature, Laufey learned Loki’s actions on Midgard were not fully his own, and the prince had been promised punishment for failure. Laufey could only imagine what Loki had already gone through at the hands of such creatures, and after a lifetime of pain, Laufey would alleviate what he could for his lost son. So, now Laufey decided to be the trickster, he formulated a lie to save his son.
“You and your master are quite adept at magic to hide my beloved son from me and more impressive to keep him from being able to reach out to me. Even Odin Allfather had not been able to break our connection. I could not get to my son, but he found ways to get back to me. He made sure to have his real father in his life from an early age.”
“…The little prince said he was Asgardian!” The Other stated angrily.
“Of course, he did. Who would be foolish enough to attack Asgard? He has been returned there to both of our dismay. He was working on making his way home before you found him. Now he fears retribution brought to me, so he allows Asgard to hold him,” Laufey returned.
“He cannot escape the prisons of Asgard so easily,” The Other protested.
“Not easily, no, but he can escape. He is a most powerful mage after all,” Laufey taunted.
“You say he stays there to protect you?” The Other asked, thinking himself sly.
“Yes, but I come here for retribution for him. You think I do not know what you put my son through? You think I would let that stand?” Laufey started building up his anger. If he can take any of these terrible beings with him, he would.
“You think to make me pay…?” The Other jeered. Laufey smiled evilly in return. He could see The Other coming to the proper conclusion. Suddenly, The Other attacked. Laufey was ready for him and parried. The two fought, but Laufey already planned on losing. With his death, this being would think to have greatly hurt Loki, it would have to be enough. The Other struck a killing blow.
“Let it be known that Laufey, King of Jotunheim, dies because of the failure of his son, Loki Liesmith! And I hope he will suffer for it!” The Other left, not caring to watch Laufey die. One of Laufey’s mages slipped in and retrieved his dying king.
“Your highness, what can be done?” The mage asked.
“Get Helbindi,” Laufey demanded. The mage brought Laufey to his successor. “Now leave us.”
“Father! We need healers!” Helblindi yelled.
“NO! Just us, son. I orchestrated this. The being that held your little brother planned retribution. He believes he has gotten it. He believes my death will cause Loki great suffering. My little Loki has suffered enough. I would take what I can for him,” Laufey explained.
“…So, my brother is now safe?” Helblindi asked.
“As safe as I could make him. Protected, if jailed, on Asgard. His tormentor’s main stooge was fooled into thinking revenge had been dealt. Loki should be safe now, and you, my son, will lead this kingdom, lift it out of its ashes, and bring it hope once again.” Laufey encouraged.
“…I will do my best, Father. Peace to you, as you return to the loving embrace of your mate, Hilgaudi, who is sure to be awaiting you on the other side. Guard, bring a mage!” Laufey looked to Helbindi, confused at the cry. Laufey only wished for peace now. “High mage, can you show us Asgard. The prisons and the newest prisoner—Loki Laufeyson,” Helblindi requested. The mage complied, and Laufey died with a smile on his lips, watching his little son inspect the barrier keeping him in place.
On Asgard, Loki feared sleep. He knew that The Other could get to him through the dreamscape. That night, he had a vision of Laufey dying, but his view had not been corrected. As far as Loki knew, he was abandoned by Laufey. Loki was confused that this was the only thing The Other sent him. No pain, no visions. Loki had never been so lucky, why now is retribution not visited upon him as promised?