Norse Valor (2 page)

“Damn it, Svana,” David said, his breath coming out in
heaving gasps. He was as white as a ghost. “You almost went over.”

“Is everyone all right?”

Paul and another man raced to them.

“I’m fine,” Svana said. “David stopped me from taking an
unwanted swim.”

“I heard you scream. You must have been terrified.”

Svana hid her smile behind her hand when Abe said that. She
saw David turn beet red.

Paul chuckled knowing immediately who had voiced the shrill
scream.

“I’m fine really,” Svana said. “David saved me.”

“Perhaps you should consider going below deck until this
little squall passes us over,” Abe said while giving her a once-over check with
eagle eyes. They all noted the gray skies rolling in.

When Svana nodded her agreement Abe smiled and went back
below deck.

Paul, still chuckling, also excused himself.

Svana couldn’t help herself; she knew her eyes were filled
with laughter. David had screamed like that ever since he was a toddler. When
he was afraid, it was the one thing he just couldn’t control. Svana also knew
if she had gone overboard David wouldn’t have hesitated, he would have been
after her in a heartbeat.

“I’m headed for bed,” Svana said. She hugged David. “Thanks,
big brother.”

“You’re welcome.”

* * *
*

Svana couldn’t sleep. She crept up to the deck. The wind
that had been blowing had died down. The yacht that had been pitched to and fro
earlier was now dead in the water. An eerie fog had rolled in. It swirled on
deck. She sat near the bow of the yacht on a padded bench. The creepy mist
seemed to follow her. It moved in quickly to engulf her feet until they
disappeared from her view. It traveled up her calves to her knees and seemed to
peek up her nightgown. Svana tucked her legs underneath her. It felt like she
was being stalked by nature. She watched the mist, feeling freaked out. Nothing
was visible in front of or behind her except the odd glow the mist created when
it swirled around the deck lights. She gave herself a sound shake when she
wondered what would materialize from it.

Svana wrinkled her nose. It was as though the mist had a
taste to it. It invaded her nostrils and slid down her throat. It was
violating. It made her wheeze, assailing her lungs. When she coughed it
expelled from her mouth. As it swished at her hips she batted at it, but it had
no substance. She couldn’t explain the irrational fear that she was being
claimed by…something. Just when she thought she would panic, it then seemed to
stop its assault. She tried to shrug off the strange feeling and remained where
she sat. It would have been impossible to make her way back below deck; she
would just have to wait the fog out. A small blanket was off to her right and
she slung it over her shoulders.

Svana was wearing a tiny, pink lace spaghetti strap nightgown
that fell almost to her knees. Her feet were bare. The air was too heavy and
humid for something warmer. Absently, she twisted the silver ring on her finger—the
only jewelry she never took off. David had a matching one. The ring was an
antique, the emblem just barely visible through wear. The rings had been given
to them by a distant relative on their sixteenth birthday. Her great-great-aunt
had told Svana in private that she would always find her way home to her loved
ones with the magic of the ring. Svana had loved it the moment she had touched
it. David only wore his because the women he dated seemed interested to hear that
he came from a long line of Viking warriors. The idea was comical. Svana could
see her brother as a Viking warrior…
not!

Svana cocked her ear to the side. She thought she heard
distant voices. The lights on the yacht suddenly extinguished. Everything went
quiet. Even the hum of the engine was nonexistent. Once more she was certain
she heard voices across the ocean. Gazing into the mist, she detected no one.
Hands planted firmly on the rail, she rose to her knees. The blanket slipped
from her shoulders to settle around her waist. A sudden gust of cold air
whipped her hair wildly around her face and goose bumps dotted her arms. Svana
peered deeper into the all-encompassing darkness. She screamed when the large
wooden face of a dragon came at her from out of nowhere. The yacht was rammed
and Svana went flying overboard. Arms flailing, Svana howled when she hit the
water. It was freezing.

“
Help!
” she
screamed when she surfaced. A wave slapped her in the face and she coughed out
saltwater. Svana screamed again.

A huge splash sounded from behind her. The mist was so
thick, she couldn’t see anything. Again she yelled for help. Her heart raced,
pounding in her ears. Her skin was dotted in layers of goose bumps. Water
lapped at her from every direction. Saltwater stung her eyes. Silence greeted
her next, just the odd sound of the ocean moaning all around her. Svana’s mouth
filled with saliva and she swallowed hard. She turned slowly, searching for the
outline of the yacht. She could see nothing; she was alone. A cold chill slid
down her back when she felt a tug on her nightie and she cried out. Water
swished and swirled around her. For one terrifying moment a large tail splashed
and the gray dorsal fin of a shark surfaced not more than a foot to her right.

“
Shark!
” she
screamed and backpaddled to get away.

The shark grabbed her clothing and Svana twisted sideways.
The nightgown was ripped from her. She watched the shark move away gumming it.

“Don’t flail,” a deep voice commanded her.

Svana whimpered. Every fiber of her being wanted to swim as
fast as she could but with the heavy fog, she couldn’t see the yacht. The voice
that had called to her wasn’t familiar. Still, it was a beacon in her fear.
Svana stilled as much as possible, her mind willing the deep voice to come
closer. The dorsal fin came up out of the water and Svana held her breath.
Higher and higher it rose then down it slipped until it was gone beneath the
black water.

Oh God, where did it
go?

Svana didn’t know what was worse, seeing the fin or nothing.
The creature could be ten feet or ten inches away and she would never know. It
could grab her and pull her under. The damned thing was toying with her. She
felt a touch to her feet and she screamed once more.

“Easy, I’m here,” the same voice said.

Only he was right behind her.

“It’s going to eat me,” she sobbed.

A hand tugged her wrist and Svana found herself pressed
against a massive chest. A powerful arm gripped her firmly to warm skin. Legs
curled under her to cradle her. She buried the side of her face against his
chest. Her hands clasped his arm, pulling him as tight as possible to her quivering
body. Svana heard David call to her. Another splash sounded.

“Oh God David, no,” she whimpered. She knew her brother had
jumped in after her.

“Be still, sweetling,” the voice said.

“Who are you?”

“Vakr.”

“Vakr?”

“It means watchful, vigilant.”

“Are you watching for the shark?” she whispered.

“Yes,” he whispered back. “Tell me your name.”

“Svana.” The word was said with a heavy stutter.

Svana screamed louder than she had ever screamed in her life
when suddenly the shark surfaced and came right at her face, mouth open. She
could see each individual pointed tooth. All were menacing. Traces of her pink
gown were visible amidst its jaws. The fabric had been shredded, no doubt like
she was about to be. Cold black eyes devoid of a soul almost stopped her heart.
Vakr spun her sideways then to Svana’s disbelief he punched the shark in the
nose. His biceps were like a battering ram. His fist like a steel sledge
hammer. The fish flew sideways and went under.

“Svana!” David yelled.

“David?” she cried back.

Svana could hear the others on the yacht calling as well.
Vakr began swimming with her, dragging her along. The man was strong. They
covered the space from the water to his vessel quickly. A thick rope was thrown
and with one hand holding her and the other the rope, Vakr and she were pulled
from the ocean. Her grip on the stranger who had saved her life was unbreakable
she held him so tightly. Svana understood the true sense of hanging on for dear
life. Vakr’s grip around her waist was just as strong. Her legs dangled down and
when he encouraged her to wrap them around his waist, she obliged. The vessel
wasn’t as high as the yacht and soon enough hands reached over the side of the
vessel to pull her up under her arms. She sobbed in relief when she released
her grip on Vakr and stumbled onto a solid wood deck.

“Wait, my brother is still out there,” Svana cried when her
thoughts cleared. She was ready to jump back over.

“Bring me a blanket!” Vakr shouted as he pulled her against
him.

Svana became aware she was standing on the strange vessel
nude. Her arm crossed over her bare breasts. Everywhere she looked she could
see the eyes of a man staring at her. Her body molded to Vakr’s to shield her
vaginal area. She had been right, he was massive, even bigger than David.
Vakr’s chest was more muscular than any man’s she had ever seen. His arms and
legs bulged like tree trunks. Water dripped down his bare chest. Shoulder-length
hair was darker in the night and she wasn’t certainmof the color.

“We have him!” someone shouted.

A blanket was tossed over Svana’s shoulders and she wept in
relief when David was hauled up over the side. She ran to him.

“Wait,” David called. His hand was splayed in front of him.

Svana stopped short. “What is it? Are you hurt?” she cried.

“No blast it, I’m naked. I think a damned shark stole my
pajama bottoms,” David called to her. “Stupid pervert shark. Must have been
female.”

She heard him mutter. Svana filled with relief, as she
realized he was fine.

“Find him a blanket and some clothes,” Vakr ordered.

Svana went back to Vakr. Her eyes gazed up at him. Water
dripped down his face and chest. He hadn’t asked for a blanket. Svana took the
edge of hers and wiped him, ridding him of as much moisture as she was able. His
body was rock-hard and Svana felt her knees grow weak. Vakr was the most
beautiful man she had ever laid eyes on. She could feel her heart begin to race
as she touched him. He was taller than David and much broader.

“Thank you for saving us,” she muttered.

“You’re welcome. I’m afraid you will be unable to return to
your vessel.”

No she supposed not. She didn’t see any lifeboats. There was
no sign of the yacht. Oddly, Svana felt no disappointment. Vakr had saved her
life, punching a shark in the face for her.

The dragon head must be carved on the bow of his ship, and
she so wished she could see it. Both the man and his vessel were intriguing and
she wanted to get to know him. She went to the side of the boat and peered into
the night wishing she could see more through the darkened mist. For a moment
she thought she heard someone yell her name.

“Paul,” she called.

The voice that answered was faraway and was Abe’s. “Are you
both safe?”

“They are safe. I will keep them from harm. I give you my
word!” Vakr yelled back.

“The wind is picking up and for some reason we’ve lost our
engines. Svana, when you have a chance, radio your father your coordinates and
we will come for you!” Abe called.

Svana felt Vakr brush up against her. He pulled her to him
until her back pressed against his skin. His touch was oddly possessive. Though
damp, his skin was warm and welcoming in the chill air. Again she marveled that
he had saved her life, from a shark no less, so she felt it safe to trust him.

“We’ll be fine, Abe! Don’t worry. Tell Daddy I love him and
will see him soon!”

Vakr tensed when she yelled this. There was no acknowledging
reply.

Chapter 1

The mist seemed to clear as suddenly as it had appeared. The
water was calm and the occasional slap of a wave could be heard off to the
sides. The men who had been milling around her with interest found things to do
when Vakr shouted something to them in a strange language. Funny, she hadn’t
heard him speak to his men in that language before. For some odd reason his
tone remotely sounded like a challenge. Vakr looked stern, his fists balled
¼
and he snarled. Yikes
. Only one huge
dark-haired man stayed where he was, but he grinned at Vakr. When Vakr smiled
back, Svana guessed them to be close friends. The dark-haired man had an “I
have your back” look.

Peering around, Svana was surprised with the size of the
vessel she was on. The dragon head was not only on the bow but on the stern as
well. Apparently, they would never need to turn the vessel around, just face
themselves in the other direction. It was an interesting idea, never having to
back out of anywhere. She didn’t hear the engines humming. Nor was there light
on deck. Thankfully, the moon had returned to give them some luminescence.
Svana shivered, since the air was much colder than it had been just a short
time ago.

“It’s too cold up here for you,” Vakr said when her teeth
began to chatter. “You should be below deck.”

“But David,” she sputtered as he propelled her along.

Vakr changed direction.

Svana was taken to David to say a hasty goodnight since he
was to remain on deck with most of the other men. A place under what looked
like a rough wool cloth was secured where many men gathered. Svana took one
look at all the men eyeing her hungrily and she felt a tight knot form in the
pit of her stomach. She retreated until she bumped into her savior. Vakr looked
her over, then a snug arm wrapped around her waist and he snarled at his men.
He ordered a few of the men below. His language was so odd when he conversed
with his men and his English accent was thick when he spoke to her, but she
understood a safe place was being made for her.

After a brief period, the men returned. She didn’t want to
leave David but Vakr placed his hand on her shoulder and said he would make certain
her brother was settled. Svana didn’t have much of a choice when Ari turned her
around and propelled her in a different direction. Svana studied Ari, with his
jet-black hair down to his wide shoulders and sporting a short black beard. A
long knife hung at his waist, and he was bare-chested wearing dark pants and
high boots. It gave him a roughish pirate look. His eyes were dark brown and he
looked like a hairy bear. A very handsome hairy bear. The man was as large as
Vakr. He was apparently second-in-command to Vakr. When Ari spoke to her, she
didn’t understand one word he said. His voice was deep and loud but suited him
perfectly. He had a nice smile and his hand was warm as he gripped her elbow
when she stumbled over something in the dark.

Svana was surprised with the size of the vessel. The hull
seemed broad and big. Below were barrels and baskets filled with numerous
items. It was too dark to tell what exactly as Ari carried a bowl with what
looked like a stubby smelly candle and she was ushered forward at a fast pace.
Her nose wrinkled when she caught a whiff of the candle. She searched her
brain…she knew that smell. Then realized it was tallow—rendered fat. They had
used the same kind of light in the hut in Africa. It was cheaper than candles
and would store well without decomposing.

Their power must be
off.

The boat was strong and appeared sturdy. Well crafted from
what she could tell, but it seemed old as well as new. It was impossible to put
her finger on her reasoning, but the crafter must have a Viking heritage. Svana
didn’t know much about boats, but this reeked of being handmade. Someone was
very good at their skill, because the vessel was definitely a work of art. She
bet her father would be impressed, and not much impressed him.

Ari took her to a tiny makeshift cabin. A wool blanket had
been tied across a beam for some privacy. The room was bare of anything but a
raised plank piled with fur; her eyes rose at that. Someone was going for
authenticity. Ari practically pushed her onto the low bed with a wide grin and
motioned for her to stay. Ari ran his hand over his face as he gazed down on
her. To Svana he appeared to be struggling with himself over something. Svana
looked up at him innocently. She thought about getting his phone number, in case
Vakr wasn’t interested. Ari made a funny grunting sound, shook his head, once
again motioned her to stay and then left her alone.

Svana had no intention of going anywhere. One fall off a
vessel was more than enough. It was also a bit disconcerting to realize she was
the only female aboard. She wondered if it was a guy’s weekend away or
something. Svana wrapped one of the furs around herself and huddled down into
the pile of softness. With the blanket, she rubbed her damp hair until it was
somewhat dry. She jumped when Vakr flung back the blanket and approached her.

Once again Svana was taken aback by the magnificent man
before her. He stood, with his legs apart, arms crossed over his bare chest, and
his head cocked to the side studying her. His hair had dried a dark blond. She
was certain blue eyes gazed upon her. If he was play acting, he too made a
stunning pirate. One small wax candle lit the room. Vakr had brought some kind
of a bowl with a wick that cast more light, but she could still smell rancid
grease. It was a very unpleasant smell. She thought it odd that they needed so
many different ways to have light. Weren’t their flashlights working? What
about lanterns? Svana frowned, when Vakr’s look turned stern.

“Did Ari touch you?” he asked.

Svana gazed up at him in confusion. “Only my elbow when I
slipped. Why?”

“Did he touch you anywhere else with or without your
permission?”

Svana’s eyes rose in surprise. “Of course not.”

“I could see him straining against the leather of his
pants,” Vakr ground out.

“Well there you go,” Svana said in annoyance. What right did
he have drilling her? It wasn’t as if he owned her. If he was this possessive
maybe she should ask Ari for his number. “If the man was busting out of his
drawers, isn’t it obvious he’s still horny? Besides if you thought for a second
he would pounce on me, you shouldn’t have told him to bring me down here
alone.”

“Ari would not have hurt you. He is a very handsome warrior
and well-liked by women.”

Warrior? What the heck
are these men playing at?
“I’ll try and control my deep animal desire for
him,” Svana drawled out sarcastically.

Vakr looked pissed.

“Onboard you listen to me only,” he demanded. “I promised to
keep you safe. I am a man of my word. You are very beautiful. My men have gone
without women for some time and even the most trustworthy are feeling the
strain. Do not leave this spot. We will reach my homeland soon.”

“I can’t stay below deck forever,” she said with surprise.

Vakr dropped to his knees and gripped her arms. “You will
stay put unless I say otherwise.”

Wow he really is a
control freak.

“You will be allowed on deck when the men row.”

That stopped her tart rebuttal. “Row?” she asked.

“During the day they row when there is no wind for our sail.
At night it is too dark to see. We watch the water for land and debris.”

This was just too weird. “When can I use your radio to call
home?”

“Radio?”

“Your communicating device from vessel to land.”

“Huh?”

“How do you contact your people?” Svana was growing
frustrated.

“We will see them soon. We have been gone a long time,” he
replied.

“Look, speaking of going, will you show me where the
bathroom is?” she asked.

“There are no bathing rooms aboard a vessel,” Vakr said, his
expression was puzzled.

“Oh for heaven sake… Where can I go?”

“I told you that you may not go anywhere.”

“I need to pee,” she stormed.
Damn, is he dense?

“Ah, I see.” Vakr looked thoughtful and rubbed at his chin.
“I’ll be right back.”

Vakr left only to return moments later. He had a pot in his
hand and settled before her again.

“You can’t be serious,” she said with raised eyebrows.

“You would otherwise need to squat over the side of the deck.
It is why it is difficult for women aboard vessels. Many large sea animals jump
quite high and make a tasty meal out of a woman’s irresistible, vulnerable
behind.”

Svana’s mouth dropped open. “I think I’ll pass on both
ideas.”

Vakr shrugged, rose and settled beside her. He lay back with
his hands clasped under his head.

“I beg your pardon,” Svana said, eyes wide when he readied
himself for sleep.

“I promised you would remain safe. I will guard you while
you sleep.”

“Send my brother down,” she demanded. Vakr might have saved
her but it didn’t give him the right to crawl into bed with her.

Vakr looked a bit worried. “I’m sorry, Svana. I don’t wish
to be rude, but your brother is no match for my men. He’s a bit puny.”

“Puny!” she exclaimed.

“How well does he wield a sword?”

“Huh?”

“A sword, Svana. Does he fight well?”

“David couldn’t fight his way out of a soggy paper bag.
Everyone cringes when he holds something sharper than a butter knife.”

“A paper bag?” he asked, his face a mask of curiosity.

Svana was growing tired of his play acting or whatever the
heck it was he was doing but thought it might be best to amuse him, for now.
She cast her glance around. “A musty blanket full of holes.”

Vakr sighed heavily. “Do not fear, he is safe enough. He is
a pretty man but my men are not that desperate.”

Svana’s eyes rose in surprise. The man was serious. “Vakr,
where do you live?”

“A beautiful little village I have not seen in over a year.
We have traveled far and wide.” His expression was soft in the fading light.
“My mother will be pleased to see I have brought home a trophy.”

“Trophy?”

“Yes, you. Of course your brother’s help will be welcome
around the village. Do not worry, since I will not let anyone harm him. He can
pledge his allegiance to me and he will be safe.”

“Vakr, we can’t stay with you. I have to go home to my
father,” Svana said, she was becoming distressed.
Just how far does he plan on taking this?

Vakr sat up but pushed her down into the fur. His look was
stern. “You are mine. I claimed you before the men. I swore to protect you.
Your brother was saved under my command; he is mine also.”

He claimed me?
What the hell does that mean?
Svana was
becoming more confused by the moment. “But when we reach your home, I will
inform the authorities. Vakr, thank you for saving my life but it doesn’t mean
I belong to you…neither does David.”

“It is the law, so you are mine.”

“What law?” she asked incredulous.

“Viking law. I claimed you, so you are mine,” he insisted
again as though she was missing something important. It was apparent she was
making him angry.

“Viking law?” she whispered. Svana tried to still her
pounding heart.
Vakr thinks he is a
Viking?
The man who saved her wasn’t playing a role; he was nuts and she
was alone with him. She was pinned to the fur with his stare. Her entire body
began to shake. “Vakr, there is no Viking law.”

For some reason he smiled and looked enlightened. “Ah, I see
your dilemma. You have no knowledge of us. Many have not. Have you never heard
of a Viking?”

“Yes, they took what they wanted and were very fierce. They
were known as berserkers.”

“If you know of us, it is no wonder your warriors offered no
attempt to save you. They must have been too fearful. I would not have hurt
them, unless they tried to take you from me. I would have surrendered your
brother back. I am a very understanding man.

“I have been to many strange lands. Many do odd things. Some
speak strange, like you. Some claim to have different Gods and different laws.
Some are fools who think if they travel too far they will fall off the earth.
Some have no real concept of time. I am curious about the world. It’s one of
the reasons I travel. Do your people count years? Where I am from we can count seven
hundred fifty-six years. What of your people? Is it the same?”

Svana’s belly heaved.
Seven
hundred fifty-six? Vikings? Vakr isn’t nuts, he is
insane
.
The man was a boulder short of a
mountain and she was alone with him with only a fur wrapped around her nude
body. Vikings raped and slaughtered people. They stole people and forced them
into slavery. Vakr claimed to be one of them. Svana swallowed hard. Her skin
grew cold. Her teeth chattered. She couldn’t help the small frightened whimper
that escaped her lips. Was she about to be raped and murdered?

“Svana?”

“Please don’t hurt me,” she whispered.

* * *
*

Svana was taken above deck by Vakr when the sun rose the
next morning. David was just climbing out from under the tarp he had slept beneath.
He looked disheveled and very grateful to see her. Svana threw herself into his
arms. He squished her soundly to his chest. After spending the night wrapped in
Vakr’s embrace, her brother seemed smaller. She saw David cast a worried glance
at Vakr.

“He’s watching us, and he doesn’t look very happy.”

“I know, David. The only reason Vakr’s allowing you to even
hold me in your arms is because I explained to him that we’re twins. If you’re
worried about me, don’t be. Vakr hasn’t touched me and only one man was stupid
enough to brush against me…I think he’s still unconscious,” Svana replied. She
felt David shudder.