War of the Realms Prelude #1

Balder is sent by Odin to make the perilous journey to Loki's realm to ask the god of mischief for aid in combating an ancient evil. Malekith makes it there first and sways Loki to his side. Balder, forced to break his vow of non-violence by a taunting Loki, cuts off the schemer's head and wanders into the desert to die. Loki, the trickster, retrieves his head and replaces it.