The Test of Earth
“To open a door represents a test of sorts. There are many types of tests, and just as many doors. Matching them correctly takes time and patience. Sometimes you just have to take the dice out and roll.”
The door to the elegant old building opened and a stranger came in, looking around the vast expanse of the Inn's foyer with a feigned subdued disinterest and straightening his rumpled great coat. He noted the expensive crystal chandeliers, the rich carpet and wood, the beautiful marble columns. “I have to say, this is rather more overwhelming than I had thought. Are all of Bridgeworld's inns built this way?”
The matronly old lady standing behind the check-in desk adjusted her eyeglasses and chuckled. “The Bifrost Inn is one of a kind, young man. It was built by a competitor of mine and given to me as a wedding gift.”
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
“Was he in the hostelry business or were the both of you competing at something else?”, the young man smiled warmly.
The old woman laughed lightly, a hint of her past beauty peeking through. She examined him closely, “You look like Hades’ dogs have been dragging you around by the coat to use as a chew toy.”
“Why milady. It's the result of spending too much time on the Glory Road. The dogs chewed me up and spat me out. The road doesn’t treat the weary well.”
“No, it doesn’t. It never has. But the Glory Road? I thought that road impassable these days. Something about the old gods and a book.”
The stranger smiled, “I met several gods along the way, but they were teenagers, barely out of puberty. Sometimes I think the Old Gods are dead.”
“You met them? My children? Young man. The Gods don't die. They just reinvent themselves.” She smirked at him, "As you well know."
At that, the man went down to his knees and bowed his head forward, “Yes, that is true Mother. I never could hide anything from you.”
She smiled fondly at him, “Now, as that is over with, come give me a hug and shine on me with the same love you shone upon our world in times past.”
The son rose and embraced his mother.