The Awakening_Book 1 of Valkyrie's Curse series Read online

  Contents

  The Awakening

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Epilogue

  About the Autho

  The Awakening

  Book 1 of the Valkyrie Curse Series

  Ellie Mack

  Published by L. McAtee Marketing, USA

  Copyright © 2018

  This ebook is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, re-sold, duplicated, hired out, or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior written consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

  Copyright © 2018 Ellie Mack

  This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in this novel are fictitious and are products of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual events, or locales or persons, living or dead are entirely coincidental.

  Cover design: Shannon Nemecheck, Nemo Designs

  Formatting: Shannon Nemecheck, Nemo Designs

  Cover model: Savanna Rundel

  Photography: Kayden Rundel

  Editing: Editing with a touch of Grace; Grace Augustine

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, photocopy, recording, or other — without the prior written permission of the publisher. The only exception is brief quotations in printed reviews.

  Copyright 2018, Ellie Mack

  To protect the privacy of those referenced in this book, names and details may have been changed.

  Cover design, 2018, NemoDesigns.

  OTHER BOOKS BY ELLIE MACK:

  Red Wine & Roses

  Genre: Contemporary Romance

  Julia Mathers has had bad dates, but the blind date for a New Year's Eve party takes the cake. Derek Snow, a sexy ambitious lawyer has definite plans for his future and a relationship is the furthest thing from his mind. From their first meeting, the fireworks fly as the embers of passion ignite into a blazing inferno. Until Derek's ex, a fashion model has designs of her own. As Julia works to overcome her insecurities, Derek realizes a love he cannot deny, but is he too late? Red Wine & Roses takes the reader on a treacherous journey of love, betrayal, heartbreak, and self-discovery.

  Quotidiandose: 30 Days of Sass

  Genre: Humor; Non-Fiction

  This humorous collection of daily musings combines edgy, funny, practical, everyday reality with a dose of personal sass. There are life-lessons in the words that are applicable for everyone. An offering of motivational encouragement that is sure to brighten your day!

  Roxy Sings the Blues

  Genre: Romance Suspense

  Scars tell the story of a past. Roxy's scars aren't visible but they have carved her deeply and the pain they caused pours out through her music. If facing an uncertain future after losing her mother wasn't enough, a failed relationship from the past returns to wreak havoc. Just when she was trying to build a new life for herself, the troublemaking ex Devon drags her into danger. Roxy sits in the spotlight of a pivotal investigation. Detective Devon Miller is hot on the case and stirring the embers of forbidden fires.

  Will Roxy hit the right note to help her old flame solve the case in time or will she be left singing the blues?

  Break Line – appearing in Tempting Fate: A Charity anthology (all proceeds benefit Cancer Research Institute)

  Genre: Contemporary Romance

  Ex-marine Nathan Fletcher had to get away. Everything was crumbling under the constant pressures of coping with PTSD and he had to regain control. When opportunity knocked to relocate to paradise, he couldn’t pass it up. He had it all – paradise, family, and the career of his dreams. Nathan even had the best therapy in the world, the ocean. His life was perfect.

  Tragedy strikes, taking more than his leg with it. His confidence is shattered leaving fear in its place. If it weren’t for his cousin and new best friend Kai, he might give in to the demons of his past and present.

  Fate seems to be mocking the once cocky marine when a petite Hawaiian beauty becomes his physical therapist. She pushes all his buttons ten ways to Sunday! Nathan is torn between irritation with Kini Okana, and his desires for her.

  Can Kai and Kini help him overcome the trauma that has turned his world upside down or will Nathan let the tragedy rob him of his future dreams?

  DISCLAIMER:

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced, shared, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher.

  This publication is not intended for use as a source of legal advice. The information contained herein is the express opinion of the author. Any perceived slight of specifics, people, or organizations are unintentional.

  Copyright © 2018 Ellie Mack

  All rights reserved.

  ISBN -10-1978053428

  ISBN-13:978-1978053427

  DEDICATION

  For Sarah and Hannah

  My life is better because of you both. For all of those made up stories at bedtime, the snake in a pillowcase, the princess with the sword, the secret passages, . . . Thank you for helping me to cultivate my idea garden!

  MY DEEPEST GRATITUDE

  Thank you to my family and friends for their support and patience.

  Writing is a solitary act, but it wouldn’t be possible without a huge support system. There are numerous people that I owe my gratitude:

  Thank you Larry for everything.

  Thank you to my beta readers – Misty, Shellie, and Rhonda.

  Thank you to my morning sprint group – Chatty Chicks. You ladies rock! Thank you Karen Docter for the ongoing Just Write sessions and continued encouragement! Thank you to my wonderful editor – Grace Augustine. Without her, no one would want to read my messes. Thank you to everyone who has supported my writing!

  Prologue: Gods and Glory

  Honor is life,

  for with no honor one may as well be dead.

  Loyalty is life,

  for without one’s clan one has no purpose.

  Death is life,

  One shall die as they have lived.

  - Poetic Edda

  Silently the ship slid over the water. The oars secured, men at the ready, they awaited the signal. Silver moonlight danced over the surface of the sea. No one dared to cough or even to clear their throat as all eyes were on Jorvic Thorskill, their leader.

  Olaf, Sven, and Aella glanced between themselves nodding. They had fought together in other battles, but this was the first in their homelands. They touched their swords to their chest and made the family sign, mouthing silently together "united by birth, bound by blood".

  An insurgent had taken their lands, their women, and killed their king. Now it was time to reclaim wha
t was rightfully theirs.

  The ship slowed as the v-shaped hull found the soft sand. Jorvic gave the forward motion. Two men steadied the ship as the others slipped into the surf. It was only knee-deep, the men sloshed forward as quietly as possible. By the stealth of moonlight, they slipped through the secret door on the outer wall.

  Surprisingly, there were no guards stationed on the other side. Sixteen men moved into the tunnels. There were no torches lit nor were there any guardsmen. Once inside the village, the men spread out, killing the pale usurpers.

  Olaf and Sven ran to their father's house while Aella ran to the temple. His assignment was to get the key. Aella easily slew the two men at the temple door. They were slow and unprepared for his assault. Aella saw a shadow move beyond the curtain. He took the sword from the hand of the second guard he had killed. Now armed with two swords he moved forward cautiously, muscles tensed at the ready. Aella moved behind the altar and found the secret compartment in the back opened. The key was gone!

  Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a movement. He had to get that key! Aella moved to follow the thief. Swiftly he thrust his sword forward spun around and struck again with both swords, removing the thief's arm. As the arm fell to the ground, the key dropped free. For a split second, his eyes followed the key, enough time for the man to raise his broad axe, but Aella was faster and thrust again. One sword found its mark in the enemy's chest, the other slashed across the man's throat.

  Ivan Thorskill, Jorvic's younger brother fell to his knees, blood flowing from his neck and chest, spurting from the shoulder. Aella watched as if in slow motion. The full weight of his actions bore down with sudden clarity. This wasn't right.

  What was Ivan doing taking the key when Aella was given the task?

  He picked up the key tucking it into his pouch. Aella slipped out of the back entrance to go to his father's house and tell his brothers what had transpired. He had misunderstood orders before and hoped to the gods that he had not failed this time. Up ahead there was a loud clank. Aella darted back into the shadows, his heart pounding as he tried to work through the mishap. Jaw clenched, chest heaving as he forced himself to take shallow silent breaths, swords raised to defend himself. Now was not the time to let fear take hold. Aella mentally scolded himself for not following orders while at the same time he was certain that he had heard correctly. He swallowed hard as footsteps approached.

  Jorvic and two other men crossed the main green in front of the leader’s tent. Jorvic was heir to the throne so at first Aella didn't think it was odd. However, the usurper pale King stepped out to greet him, bending slightly in acknowledgment. Aella watched in silence, hidden in shadow as the usurper King handed Jorvic a pouch. He could only assume it was gold or precious stones.

  "My brother shall have your key shortly" Jorvic bowed his head slightly and tucked the pouch into his waistband.

  "For the key you can have your pitiful village back. My men have grown bored of your women."

  Jorvic tensed "and my wife?"

  “She remains untouched as requested.”

  Jorvic sighed. “I wish to see her, to speak with her now.”

  The usurper motioned with two fingers raised above his shoulder and Jorvic’s wife Nissa was brought out, hands bound.

  “Have they touched you?” Jorvic touched her cheek.

  Jaw clenched she jerked her head to the side, flipping the loose strand of hair that covered her face back. “If by touched you mean spat upon, beaten, and pissed on - yes they have. No one has taken me to bed if that is what you are concerned with.”

  He called one of the men closer. “Go see what keeps Ivan.”

  Aella moved quickly back through the temple the way he had come. If it were discovered that he killed Ivan, his own clansman, his entire family would be destroyed. He ducked inside the tunnels. There were hidden rooms within the walls. If he could get to a supply room and wait for his brothers, mayhaps they could advise him on what to do. He dared not light a torch in fear that it might alert any of Jorvic’s men to his whereabouts. Feeling his way along the cold stone wall he found the niche where their supply room was. He moved along the narrow wall until he bumped into barrels. There he crouched, waiting, praying to Odin for understanding and for mercy. He had no idea how much time had passed. It seemed an eternity.

  Aella had nearly convinced himself that the best thing to do would be give himself up to Jorvic, hand over the key, and confess his crimes when he heard voices from the tunnel along with the amber glow of torchlight. His hand was on the hilt of his sword ready to fight when his eldest brother Olaf came through the doorway.

  He let out a huge sigh. “Who else is with you brother?”

  “Aella? Olaf waved the torch in front of him to find where Aella stood.

  “Aye, tis me. He stood perfectly still, nervously waiting to see who else would follow when Sven bumped into Olaf’s back.

  “Oomph” He stepped back a bit. “Ya big oaf. Why’re ye blockin’ the way? This barrel’s heavy, now move your arse.” Sven set the barrel down as Olaf stepped aside, placing the torch into the iron hanger on the wall. As it cast its light around the room, they saw Aella covered in blood. The two men rushed to their brother. “We thought you were dead! Jorvic is in a rage. Ivan’s been killed and three of our men are missing, including you.”

  Olaf felt his brother, searching for the wound where the blood was coming from. “Where are you hurt?”

  “I’m not injured. The blood tisn’t mine.”

  “You gave them a good fight then.” Sven slapped him on the back.

  “I’ve trouble. Big trouble.” He glanced to the doorway. “Are you alone or will there be others carrying supplies?”

  “We’re alone brother. What’s the trouble?”

  Aella raked his hand over his beard. He took the last swig of wine from his wineskin. “I did what I was instructed. I thought I understood the order. I went straight to the temple to fetch the key. The guards were half-asleep and gave little fight. But, I was too late. Someone had already taken the key. I saw movement and I reacted without thinking.”

  “I’m not seeing the trouble Aella. We heard the orders given. You were told to go to the temple to retrieve the key.”

  “Then I am very confused as to why.” Aella’s eyes flickered back and forth between his brothers. Sven and Olaf exchanged a knowing look between them, realizing that this must be serious.

  “Go on then” Olaf’s voice was soft and low.

  “I killed Ivan. I didn’t know it was him till it was too late. He had the key and was taking it to Jorvic. I thought mayhaps I misunderstood my instructions again. I’ve gotten confused before.” He stopped, breathing heavy, his chest heaving as he raked his hand through his hair, turning nervously to look towards the doorway.

  “I went to the courtyard, was going to cut across and find you at father’s house. Then I saw Jorvic and his guards walking across the greens to the grand hall. He walked right up to the door and the usurper came out. The usurper told him he protected his wife in exchange for the key,” Aella licked his lips, his mouth having gone dry in disbelief. “then Jorvic added that Ivan would be bringing it shortly. He asked to see Nissa. She was brought out bound but whole. She confirmed that she had not been touched. He gave Jorvic a pouch in payment. When he sent his guards to find Ivan, I came here hoping to catch you, that you’d be alone.”

  His stomach lurched, not seeing any options. He would be put to death for certain. Him, his brothers, and their families. Damn his foolishness!

  Olaf’s jaw clenched and his brows furrowed. He knew his brother would not lie. He also knew that Jorvic was not as honest. He had lied to his own father the king in front of all the men. He lied to Nissa that he did not visit his fredla, or mistress in the next village to the west. He killed a clansmen for raping a woman that he desired. Olaf also knew what he’d found upon return to his own home. His son left to care for the youngest children, his wife and eldest daughter were gone.
r />   “Brenna and Ingmar were not spared. They are dead.” His son told him briefly of the brutalities inflicted upon them, how his wife had stood up to the men who raped their daughter. They beat her, made her watch as they savaged Ingmar, cut her face, then slit Brenna’s throat. Bjorn was left to clean the mess and care for his younger siblings.

  “Aye. Elise was not spared. She is swollen with the seed from one of her attackers. She said there were many. I fear she has gone mad from it. She threatens to cut out the offending seed from her gut. She hid from me at first, shamed by what they’ve done to her. I will castrate every last one of these pale cur for it.”

  “Why would Jorvic make a deal with this man? Let me see the key Aella.” Olaf reached out towards his brother, palm up.

  He took the key from his pouch and handed it over.

  Olaf looked at it carefully, tracing his finger over the markings as he read.

  “By Odin’s beard! The key to Nefflehiem. There’s only one reason anyone would use the key. To sound the horn and raise the Valkyrie to do their bidding and start Ragnarok. Whoever summons the Valkyries, they will do the summoner’s bidding and bring victory. Does the fool Jorvic not realize this?”

  Sven looked the key over. It was a round metal disc with a cut out slot in the middle. Around the outside of the ring were runes. He took a piece of wood from an old barrel, and broke off a small piece, then burned the end of it. Carefully, he copied the runes on the piece to the wall where it was larger and easier to read.

  Olaf grunted. “Trouble indeed Aella, but you may have saved us all.”

  Sven stroked his beard reading the runes. Suddenly he got a puzzled look and took the key to the torch to inspect it closer. Turning it in his hands, he motioned Olaf over. “Look here!”

  Sven ran his fingers over a smaller ring of runes on the inside edge around the slot cut out. “There are two keys, two doors that must be opened at the same time.” He lifted his head, looking into Olaf’s eyes for a minute. “We must find the other key and hide them away.”