Norse Valor

VIKING
WARRIORS

BOOK
4:

NORSE
VALOR

by

Constantine De Bohon

TORRID
BOOKS

www.torridbooks.com

Published by
TORRID BOOKS
www.torridbooks.com
An Imprint of Whiskey Creek Press LLC 

Whiskey Creek Press
PO Box 51052
Casper, WY 82605-1052

Copyright
Ó
2012 by
Constantine De Bohon

Warning:
The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is
illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without
monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five)
years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Names,
characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s
imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events,
locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental
and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No
part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

ISBN 978-1-
61160
-176-3

Credits

Cover
Artist: Gemini Judson

Editor:
Melanie Billings

Printed
in the United States of America

WHAT
THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

VIKING
WARRIORS BOOK 1:

VALHALLA
HOTT

“Valerie had gone to the lake cottage in a last ditch effort to save
her failing relationship. Once there, she realized that it was already over.
Contemplating her life, Valerie heads down a strange path in the woods. Out of
the mist, a stranger appears—a huge Viking stranger. Hott was suffering
overwhelming grief because of the destruction of his settlement and the death
of his wife and unborn child in a raid. As a Viking warrior, he cried out to
Odin. When he sees Valerie at the edge of the mist, he believes his prayers
have been answered. Hott moves across the boundary to claim her as his own and;
it’s quite a claiming. Hott then brings her to his world. Valerie finds herself
back in the time when Vikings roamed the world. What’s a 21st century girl to
do when she’s without electricity, cell phones or even toilets?

“I’m not usually a
fan of time-travel stories but I do like Vikings so I decided to give this one
a try. I’m really glad that I did.
Vahalla
Hott
combines the two themes seamlessly. Hott and Valerie feel an instant
attraction and when they allow Hott’s dominant brother to join them, the sex
becomes explosive. Hott and Valerie’s relationship blossoms and they do share a
deep connection. I liked both characters and loved the way [they] tried to
please each other. The plot is engaging as Valerie tries to fit into the Viking
culture and Hott and his warriors confront the raiders. The time-travel aspect
is interesting and the details really do make sense. Overall, this was a very
enjoyable read and I do hope that Hott’s brother finds his true love in the
next book.”

Emma

Night Owl Reviews

Rating: 4 Stars

D
edication

For Sean

Prologue

“This chicken is disgusting, Svana.”

“It’s not chicken,” Svana said with a deep sigh. “It’s
Cornish game hen and it’s fine.”

“It tastes like salted rubber.”

“It’s perfectly seasoned. You’re just being picky, David.”

Her brother scowled at her. “Ever since your little stint in
Africa, you’ve been so…so…”

“Enlightened?”

“Boring and accepting.”

“It just put my life into perspective.”

“Perspective is one thing, little sister, rubber chicken is
another.”

Svana just shook her head when her brother practically threw
his dinner at Paul, their ‘water waiter’ as David called him when they were offshore.
He ordered him to take it back and bring him something edible. Paul, a short,
portly man with thinning dark hair in his mid-fifties, bowed respectfully and
cast a quick glance at Svana. His eyes twinkled with mischief. Svana admired
his patience. If she were Paul, she would already have thrown David overboard,
with his dinner. They had been aboard their family yacht for three days.
Svana’s father had insisted she take a vacation. She had admittedly been
stressing for the last two months. Her father was of course too busy to
accompany her so her playboy unemployed brother volunteered to take care of
her.

The thought made Svana’s eyes roll. She wondered who would
take care of whom. Svana’s gaze settled over the endless brilliant blue ocean.
The waves had increased in size, giving them all white caps that rolled in a
somewhat haphazard billow. Clouds were forming in the distance. A slight breeze
ruffled her hair. She tucked a wayward auburn strand behind her ear. The food
before her remained relatively untouched and unappetizing, it was good, no
doubt, but her thoughts were elsewhere. Not more than three months ago she
might have chucked her food back at Paul right along with David. It was a game
they had played when they were young. The two of them had been little terrors.
The cook, Abe, always knew no matter what he served, Svana’s and David’s first
course was always returned. It would seem David still enjoyed the amusement. It
was one of many juvenile pastimes Svana had outgrown.

“You’re no fun anymore,” David said with a pout, but his
eyes sparkled with mischief.

She rolled her eyes at him making him laugh.

For Svana, the senseless game had lost its appeal.
Especially when she could see a starving child in her mind’s eye. She reflected
back on her trip to Africa as she had been doing so often lately. A new passion
had engulfed her. Her mind just couldn’t seem to let go of the primal place.
When Jo-Jo, her friend Joanne, had mentioned going to Africa on safari she had
made it seem fun and exciting. It had started out that way. Their guides were
fantastic and had been falling over themselves to be doting, if not smothering.
The animals were beautiful and exciting. It was thrilling to see danger up
close and remain safe and protected. It was unlike any feeling Svana had ever
felt before. She liked it immensely. The sheer power of a rhino charging was
exhilarating. Watching a cheetah stalk its prey had made her heart pound within
her breast. They had been treated to the heated mating dance of two lions. The
clothing the people wore, the dancing that they were shown in some of the
villages was breathtaking. It was a magical place. So many smiling wonderful
people they had met.

Then one night she and Jo-Jo had gotten drunk. They made the
mistake of thinking they were invincible. Not two feet into the bush and they
realized their folly. They had become separated from their guides then gotten
lost. After wandering the jungle alone and terror stricken, they had been very
lucky to happen upon a small, seemingly forgotten village. It had been a
sobering experience.

The dilapidated huts were shacks. The food, what there was
of it, was so meager and looked so bland and tasteless Svana hadn’t tried any.
The water they were offered was brackish. While sitting on a woven leafy mat in
a dirty corner awaiting rescue in a one-room hut, Svana had been appalled at
the poverty. She had never seen such emptiness in a place. It was as though she
could hear the walls of the hovel weeping. Svana’s family vacations were always
filled with expensive lavish wonders. Everything around her had been controlled
her entire life. Nothing but the best for daddy’s little angels. Especially
after their mother had died when Svana was just thirteen. A time when a girl
needed another woman to talk to. With their father away so often, she and David
had grown even closer.

Svana’s eyes had watched the woman, owner of the hovel, no
older than herself, care for four young children. She was obviously pregnant.
She had no husband; he had died two years previously, from what she understood
the woman to say. Svana didn’t ask how she had become pregnant. All of the
children were malnourished. Spindly arms and bony legs begged for flesh to keep
them warm. Not one of them smiled, as though they never had. Svana had never
seen children who would creep and not skip. They huddled together instead of
fighting or playing.

Jo-Jo had wrinkled her nose in disgust when one of the
children, no more than eight if that, offered to share his meal. It was
apparent they ate only once a day…and sometimes not even that. When Jo-Jo had
refused and the boy had approached her, Svana couldn’t resist stroking his
gaunt little face. Her pale skin was such a contrast to his dark cheek. He was
beautiful. His eyes had looked so old when he gazed upon her. Dark brown eyes
filled with suffering and strength dragged her into his very soul. Svana had
felt trapped. Then it was as though a switch was thrown. A wrong path had led
her in the right direction. Deep down, Svana knew she was a good person and
that she had a good heart. She realized the world didn’t revolve around her.
There was so much she could offer if she thought about others for a change. She
had returned home and made it her mission to help that little village.

“Earth to Svana,” David drawled.

Svana realized she was toying with her mashed potatoes. She
sighed, worried for the children she had been reminiscing about. Without any
appetite, she rose and went to the railing to gaze overboard. Her brother
joined her. His short auburn hair, much like her own, shimmered with crazy
natural highlights. When he smiled at her cheekily and made a face, Svana
couldn’t help but return the grin. Her brother was charming and charismatic.
Unfortunately, he knew it and was a real devil when it came to the ladies and
commitment.

“I know what you’re thinking,” he said.

“Of course you do, you’re my twin. We always know what the
other is thinking.”

“Thanks to you, that little ragamuffin and his siblings and
friends are no doubt soundly sleeping with full bellies and teddy bears
clutched in their little arms. And dreaming about a future.”

“Yes, but is it enough?”

David turned and faced her. His hands gripped hers. “It’s
more than they’ve ever had. You can’t save everyone. Even we don’t have that
much money.”

For once, his dark brown eyes looked so serious that Svana
gave him a spontaneous hug.

David squeezed her hard before setting her away from him.

“If you could have seen what I saw,” Svana muttered.

“Ah, but you see, I won’t see what you saw. You’ve changed
it. The village has clean water and new homes and they’re growing food. The
kids have toys and games and clothes.”

“Until someone comes along and destroys it.”

“That’s why you hired the guards.”

“I know, but
¼
”

“No buts. They’ll be fine,” David insisted. “You gave them
the skills and materials. It’s up to them now.”

“There was an old woman there who cried when we returned
with food and water. She cried harder when I told her I wanted to help make
their village safe. She was such a funny thing. The village soothsayer. She
told me my life would be hard, but filled with love. I told her I was rich and
everything comes pretty easy to me, but she insisted my wealth would be found
in people, not money. I wonder how she is.”

“I’m certain she’s okay. Take some time for yourself. You’ve
earned it.”

“I just worry. They needed me, but I guess they don’t
anymore. I’m happy they’re doing better. I guess I’m just feeling a bit useless
now.”

“Be careful, little sister. Your heart is on your sleeve.”

Svana snorted. “You’re older by an entire five minutes.
Don’t ‘little sister’ me.”

“I don’t mean age-wise. I’m almost a foot taller and a good
hundred pounds heavier.”

Svana had to agree. David was six foot three with a very
muscular build. For all his great size, he was a big baby. She knew the real
reason why he would never see the African village that had captured her heart.
David was terrified of large animals, snakes, lizards…basically anything with
scales, fur or feathers. Svana was the adventurous one. She knew it had struck
a raw chord in their father that she was the tomboy. David could scream like a
girl. He wouldn’t touch anything icky or slimy. David had redeemed himself upon
occasion. When he wasn’t lazing about, he had a real knack for figuring out
problems. Most often he preferred to be flirting and spending.

A splash captured Svana’s attention. “Oh look!” she
squealed. “A dolphin.”

“Yippee,” David drawled.

Svana sighed, Mr. Cynical had returned. “You have to admit
she’s beautiful.”

“I admit nothing. And how do you know it’s female? Did you
look up her tail?” He snorted and elbowed her. “
Tail
, get it?”

“Yes I know what
tail
you’re thinking of. As in piece. Can you ever not think about women?”

“No.” He looked at her with mock horror.

“Sir, your dinner,” Paul interrupted.

David winked at Svana and taking her hand he led her back to
the table. He returned to his meal, covered it in salt and cleaned his plate
without further fuss.

Paul brought them coffee and the twins sat companionably.
David drank his black, like their father. Svana sipped at hers with cream and
sugar. Her virtually untouched plate was still before her. Left discreetly in
case she changed her mind. Svana studied the mashed potatoes. It was a staple
shipped monthly to her little village. The versatile potato. She had become
proficient in her food choices. Much depended on the land for what the
villagers could grow. The rest needed to calculate how many nutrients and
vitamins could be packed in something easy to export. The ideas had Svana
racing for books on nutrition. Then surprisingly, cookbooks. Svana, who had
never cooked a meal in her life, was suddenly creating quick efficient dishes
with few ingredients but with the most benefits. She wanted to share these
dishes with her newfound friends the next time she saw them.

Svana’s entire world became engrossed in food preparations
from land sources and not just grocery stores. She’d had no idea the earth
provided so much that was overlooked. To her surprise it was a great deal of
fun. It was also informative. Her father didn’t have the same appreciation.
When sitting down to dinner on a rare night graced with his company, Svana
listed off many numerous foodstuffs. Her father had tried to remain polite. But
it was easy to see his interest was at best aloof when she tried to entertain
the idea of making flour and coffee from acorns. As she went on and on, his
eyes had rolled.

“Daddy, you can make flour from the inner bark of a tree,”
she had told him, eyes wide. “So many things are found wild, like yeast for
breads and pectin to thicken jellies from crabapples. I tried it today and it
worked. The other day I was making ketchup and…”

His patience had then snapped, his fork filled with caviar
stopping halfway to his mouth. His lobster forgotten. Her father demanded she
take a vacation. His baby girl had no need to become a nature girl. There was
no fear of her ever going without and the nonsense would end. He informed her that
by tomorrow she would be on the yacht and soaking up sun. She had of course
refused. Her decline fell on deaf ears. When her father insisted he was more
than capable of hiring someone to make certain her village would prosper, only
then had she conceded.

With relief, his hand had rested onto hers in a rare gesture
of fatherly affection. He wanted only the best for her and her brother. It was
why he worked so hard, so they wouldn’t have to. He had chuckled and told her
secretly he could care less her brother was lazy and carefree since it was a
life he would have wanted at the age of twenty-three. There was plenty of time
for his precious children to decide what they wanted in life. They meant
everything to him. Svana knew that. She just wished he had more time to spend
with them.

The yacht pitched capturing her wandering attention. Her
untouched roll dropped off the side of her plate and almost hit her lap. David
made a successful snatch for it and put it back. The sun was setting and the
wind was picking up. A gust rose swiftly from the side of the boat. Svana made
a grab for her napkin. It fluttered to the deck. When Svana reached for it it
blew away. She raced after it in hot pursuit.

“Leave it. Paul will get it,” David insisted.

“It could go overboard. There’s enough garbage in the
ocean.” As she said that she made a dive at the rail as the fine material
fluttered over the side. The yacht slanted on a large wave and she was flung
forward, losing her grip on the rail. She was going over.

Svana heard a shrill, high-pitched god-awful scream from
behind her. The sound made her hair stand on end even though she had heard it
before. The next thing she knew David had his arm around her waist hauling her
back to safety.