There is an urban legend in Savannah which is rooted in fact. There are tunnels underneath the city, constructed a long time ago, for which no definitive explanation exists. Some were supposedly used to kidnap hapless men from taverns, to be pressed into service as deckhands by passing pirates. Others may have been used as underground morgues during a Yellow Fever outbreak in the late 1800s. Perhaps the tunnels were used as drainage systems, or for shelter during hurricanes. Although one or two tunnel entrances are still accessible, most of the network has long since crumbled, been walled off, or been built over. Nevertheless, speculation continues…until now.
I managed to score an interview with the receptionist at the Asgard Embassy, downtown Savannah. Rodentia (last name withheld) is a bureaucRat, the administrative class of beings from Asgard. She agreed to answer a few questions about the tunnels and how they relate to a deeper conspiracy of silence.
Rodentia, can you tell us a little about where you work?
(Giggles) There are several Asgard Embassies around Midgard—I mean Earth—but they’re all secret. I work at the embassy built underneath a bookstore in downtown Savannah, Georgia. The embassy helps expatriates and tourists with any problems they might encounter in Midgard. We’re a major stop on the Rainbow Bridge subway system.
What is the Rainbow Bridge subway system?
The subway leads to Asgard, of course. Heimdallr, or Mr. H as he likes to be called, is the Station Master. The Rainbow Bridge is the passage between the Nine Worlds. It used to be a lot more primitive, but Mr. H modernized it considerably over the years.
Can anyone use the Rainbow Bridge?
Oh, no, but there are rules and regulations I’m not at liberty to divulge. The immortals don’t mind if I talk about things in a general way because they rather enjoy the glamour it brings. But if I were to go too far, Mr. H would have me brought to Odin for a hearing. I wouldn’t want Odin to turn me into a cat or something (shudders).
Are you saying the stories that compose Norse mythology aren’t myths?
The immortals are as real as I am (giggles), but much of the rest has changed over time. Many of the old stories were exaggerated or flat-out wrong. Even Emrys Drew used a lot of the old myths in his novel The Asgard Adventure. He’s so good-looking, though, I’d forgive him anything (sigh).
Thanks, Rodentia!
Kidnapped from Earth and abandoned in Asgard of Norse mythology, Dani Avery must fight to return home. When she stumbles upon a band of outlaws, Prince Rein agrees to take her to the Rainbow Bridge personally. Although Dani is attracted to the handsome elf, his only interest seems to be in separating her from the magical sword and shield at her side. In Asgard City, rules, regulations and bureaucrats stymie Dani’s quest. Increasingly frustrated and desperate, she seeks help among powerful immortals. Unfortunately, Dani becomes ensnared in a devious trap that may leave her stranded and alone in Asgard forever.
The Druid – An Asgard Adventure Book One fantasy novella available from Musa Publishing (all formats) and Amazon. ($2.99) Look for Book Two in June!
Child of Yden (Author Suzanne G. Rogers) 