24 LONDON AND CHERTSEY, SURREY, 2021AD
Since passing time in Aelfheim and Midgard, otherwise known as the Earth, bear no comparison, Jake was still kneeling under the triumphal cross dominating the nave of the Church of the Annunciation at Marble Arch. The war of the elves was concluded and Liffi was back in Ydalir as he prayed. His forehead ached so much that he knew his decision to pray to the archangels, begging help to rescue Alice was correct. The quietude of the Anglo-Catholic place of worship, empty at this time of day except for himself, aided his concentration. But it was broken when he felt a thigh brush next to his in the pew he had chosen. How was this possible in a deserted church?
Raising his head, he looked into the enchanting golden eyes of Freya.
Suddenly, he remembered
