The Awakening_Book 1 of Valkyrie's Curse series Page 3

  Scott started packing the pieces into the padded cases. It was a shame to have to take the brand new toys out of their boxes, and transfer everything to padded cases, but he knew for shipping it had to be done. “Hey, what do you think about copying these user manuals to keep backup copies?”

  “That’s probably a good call. Paper manuals can get easily lost or wet, or destroyed. Why don’t you do that as you pack them? Make the department a copy as well as yourself a backup to read on the plane.” Leroy gave him one of his smug expressions, his brows raised over his glasses.

  “Ahahaha! Should have seen it coming. Yeah, I’ll copy them.” He took the first booklet to the copier. Just going to do English, ok? And I’ll leave the originals here.” He took the clipboard from the shelf to record his copier usage. On the last line was Lena’s thesis.

  He couldn’t help his curiosity. It was still programmed into the printer, so he printed himself a copy of her project report. More of a curiosity and helping him to know Lena, he would read every word of it. He scratched out his user manual and wrote in “error - reprint of above - oops” It was a seventy-five page document. Not a lot of paper or ink, but he knew it would have to be accounted for and certainly didn’t want to cause Lena any trouble.

  He had to admit the truth of what Leroy had said. He seemed to have favor in the department. From just watching the pages spit out, the pictures and illustrations were fascinating. Once it was finished, he moved to the spiral punch and then the Rhino Binder adding laminated cardstock cover and back. This would be his reading material while on his camping trip.

  Once he had her thesis complete he copied the user guide then moved to the next piece of equipment. By the time he had packed and copied all the guides, he was hungry and it was well past lunchtime.

  “Hey, tell you what. Why don’t I go get us some lunch? How about some burgers from Rocket’s?”

  “Sounds great. I haven’t eaten yet and I’m starving.”

  “Yeah, I figured. There’s nothing in our fridge at the apartment.

  “I know! I looked. Who has time to buy and prepare food anyway?” Leroy asked.

  “Don’t know man. It would help if either of us could cook worth shit. Bacon cheeseburger deluxe?”

  “You know it! You read my mind. And get me some of those waffle fries and a cherry pie.” Leroy unconsciously licked his lips.

  “Sure! We going to the Brass Rail tonight?”

  “If I can get everything done. It’s the big end of year party. I’d hate to miss it.”

  Yeah, me too. OK. Going for food. Be back in half an hour.”

  He walked the short distance to his car. Lena was still struggling with loading her containers. Scott realized that the way he stacked them probably made it difficult for her to transfer them into her car. “Here, let me help you with that. Sorry, didn’t think about you having to transfer them.”

  Lena turned breathless towards Scott with a look of relief on her face. “Thank you. I didn’t realize they were quite this heavy.”

  He moved things around and moved the heavier, larger containers to the back of her Highlander then easily transferred the smaller ones. “There you go. That looks like everything.”

  “Thank you so much. I’ve been struggling with those. . . Well, ever since opening the back of my car.”

  “No problem! What are friends for, right?” He closed the hatchback smiling at her.

  “If you want, just push the trolley over there to the curb, and I’ll take it back in to get my stuff when I get back.” He motioned with a nod of his head towards the Ginkgo tree in the curb-enclosed area.

  “You got it! Hope your summer in Macchu Picchu goes well.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure it will. Dr. Simpkins is a stickler for details. You’ll have to let me know about yours. It sounds fascinating. Never spent much time studying Viking lore or artifacts, but it would be great. Diversity, right?”

  She smiled. “It’s good to have across the board experience. I’ve worked American Indian sites, Mayan, and ancient European. This will be my first official dig for Vikings. It’s my dream. I was there once with my dad a long time ago.”

  That’s even better.”

  “Is this nerd bothering you Lena?” Bryce Williams walked up snaking his arm around her waist while glaring at Scott.

  “No Bryce. In fact, Scott was helping me do what you said you would and didn’t show for. You’re late. Again.” She crossed her arms and pulled away from his hold.

  “I got tied up. Sorry, babe.” He caressed her shoulder and gave her a sad puppy dog expression before turning to Scott. “Thanks for helping, but I’ve got it now.” He squeezed her close, planting a kiss on her cheek.

  “Right. Good fortune and good hunting.” Scott nodded his head towards Lena. What she saw in this jerk he would never know. He slowly walked back to his car.

  “Dork doesn’t even know what you do babe. What kind of stupid remark was that?”

  He said it loud enough that Scott could hear.

  “It’s a saying in the department and Scott knows very well what I do. He’s our top student. It’s a reference to Indiana Jones, Bryce. If you ever paid attention you’d know that.”

  She pulled out of his embrace again and got her keys from her pocket. “So are you going with me, or not?”

  “I’ll catch up to you. I have my car over there I just need to stop by the frat house.”

  She clenched her jaw. Of course. She didn’t buy his lame excuse for one minute.

  “Fine. Then you can push this trolley over to the curb by that tree. Make sure that one wheel is over the curb so it doesn’t roll down the hill or I will be fined.”

  It was a small lie, but if she mentioned that it was a favor for Scott, he’d deliberately shove it down the hill.

  “Alright. Meet you back at your place. Hey maybe we could go out for a special dinner tonight before you leave.”

  She didn’t acknowledge his suggestion. She already had plans. If he didn’t want to get on board, that was his problem. She had grown tired of his unreliability and his lack of consideration.

  Chapter 2: Diary of a Madman

  Evil dwells within the heart of a fool for in his mind he puts himself as equal to the gods.

  - Salvie Bok

  “Your drink sir.” The flight attendant leaned over smiling.

  "Yes." He accepted the drink without looking at her, taking a sip before placing it on the tray then waving her off, returning to his work. Shifting his weight in his seat to sit upright as he stretched his neck from side to side. The past few days had been mentally exhausting. To find the details necessary, gather the data, and plan his course had nearly drained him. It was either sheer luck or favor of the gods that had brought Ms. Helena Eskildson’s research across his desk. If his calculations were correct, and they always were, Helena had discovered the entrance to Neffleheim, although that wasn’t the focus of her intended archaeological site. As far as he knew, she was unaware.

  If it turned out to be part of her research, she would be disposed of.

  He’d been an angel investor for the past twelve years. Five years prior, he completely funded a project in Germany, hoping to find the key. Managing to turn things around from that project, selling the German government and a world-renowned scientific research company on the profit sharing, it had been a good return on his investment. That venture at least gained him two ancient rune stones that set him on the trail for the Vanir Scrolls. It was the fate of the gods as it was found on Balder’s day, June 20th, the previous year.

  He took another sip of his drink, motioning the flight attendant for another before setting it back down. This latest dig would unearth the gates to Neffleheim and the alter stone was still near the shore just west of the dig site where he could perform the rituals necessary. It was overgrown but with a little effort, was still usable.

  He felt he had the favor of the Norns, the three goddesses associated with destiny, that were akin to the Greek gods of
fate.

  Having the favor of the gods meant success in his goals. He was destined to be Lif, the last man standing, the lone man that would repopulate the earth after Ragnarok. In essence, he would become the new Adam.

  The rituals were necessary, an integral part of the process before using the key. Unfolding the linen handkerchief carefully, the ancient bronze key looked nothing like what most would think of as a key. A circular piece, about six inches in diameter spanned from his thumb to the tip of his middle finger. Runic writings along the outside edge written within the form of the great serpent Jormungand, the great dragon conquering the gripping animal grouping in a circular band about two inches wide, the design in the eternal triskell pattern. Inside of that, written in runes was the location of the gjallerhorn. At the center were nine swords pointing to an amber stone, nine strands over an open area, the stone center raised with a square notch in the back. It had to be positioned precisely at the solstice.

  He traced his fingers lightly over the amber cabochon at the center before opening his leather bound journal to make a few notes. The role he played would continue just a while longer to obtain the prize.

  The flight attendant brought his second drink. “Is there anything else sir?”

  “How long till we land?” Never looking up from his notes.

  “We will arrive in two hours sir. Would you like a pillow?” The young lady waited expectantly her hands clasped in front of her.

  “No. Just checking my time table.”

  She waited for a few seconds before moving to another passenger.

  The ancient book lay in the seat next to him where he’d set it. An elaborately designed hinged cover of stretched leather over wood, with finely decorated gold clasps and hinges. Unfastening the clasp, he turned the pages to the one he wanted, then cross referenced it against the runes that were etched upon the key.

  He had precisely three months to perform the rituals. The moon phases were already marked in his journal, the specific incantations written out for each step, every detail covered —in this, he could not leave anything to chance. Once he was satisfied and felt comfortable rehearsing the order and the steps in his mind that he would be performing, he closed his journal and set it on top of the book. He swirled the glass with his drink in it, a slight grin slowly began to crease his face.

  Such a shame that his last escort couldn’t have accompanied him on this trip. He was feeling accomplished and energetic. She would have provided some much needed stress relief. He slammed the remainder of the drink. Oh well, he would find a willing girl once he settled in at Roskilde.

  Chapter 3: Farewell

  No friend is he who flatters

  -Norse Proverb

  “Lena, Why can’t we just go out, the two of us?”

  She exhaled slowly, trying to relax her jaw. Her last evening at home, the last she would see her sister for a month, and the last she’d see Bryce for the entire summer.

  That last part really didn’t bother her as he’d been whiny and clingy lately. Two characteristics that were neither masculine nor appealing. His bad habits and callousness were wearing thin on her. She had decided several weeks before that it was time for them to have some time apart and thought that her summer at Roskilde would be enough.

  At the moment, she was rethinking that decision.

  Bryce was hot, but more often than not, he was a jerk. Lena had lost count of the many times he’d embarrassed her. Physically, she enjoyed the sex with him, but knowing that he had been cheating on her tore her up inside. Where things would stand between them was still to be determined.

  Lena mentally flipped back her calendar, wondering when things had derailed, or if they had ever been on the same track. Resentment flooded over her.

  “Because I want to spend time with my sister as well. Do you have a problem with that, Bryce?” She folded her arms over her chest not budging.

  He tried the puppy dog eyes then ran his finger over her arm. “I wanted to spend some alone time with you, babe. We haven’t had much time together over the past few weeks and now you’ll be gone for the entire summer. What am I going to do without you?”

  His touch made her angry. She didn’t like being manipulated and this was all about what he wanted. Indeed. What or whom would he do while she was gone?

  Gabby, her sister had been telling her that many times that Bryce was late, she saw him leaving the apartments across the street. Which was where Rachel Byrnes lived, one of the little sisters to his fraternity. Bryce had been flirting with her even when Lena was with him.

  “I don’t know Bryce, what are you going to do without me? How are you going to manage over the summer without me?”

  “Babe! What’s with this attitude? I know I was late today. Is that why you’re upset?” He tried to pull her closer.

  A slight chuckle rose from her chest as she braced her hands against his chest, preventing him from encircling her with his arms.

  “Now see, there’s an example. You’ve been so unaware of anything pertaining to me over the past few months. The only thing you’ve been attentive to is when you needed something.” She stepped back two steps away from him, just out of his reach.

  His expression changed to one of surprise. “What are you talking about? I went to that hearing thing of yours. I listened to you go on about this dig you’re so stoked about. Which frankly,” He put his hands on his waist, elbows akimbo, cocking his head. “I don’t get. A girl as beautiful as you should be wearing Manolo's and going to clubs, not digging through dirt to scrounge up some old dead dude’s garbage. I mean, do you even wear gloves or do you just dig in with your hands and get your nails all disgusting?” He lifted her hand trying to kiss her knuckle.

  Helena promptly pulled her hand back, her lips pursed. He often made jabs about her lack of fashion and “tomboy” actions.

  “Is it that Scott kid? Did he say something about me? Maybe he needs a good beat down.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Typical.”

  This was indicative of how he thought, it was never him because he was an irresponsible jerk.

  “No, Bryce. It’s not Scott. If you hated attending the panel, why didn’t you skip out? Lord knows you’ve skipped out on the rest of them. And as to the dig that I’m” she made air quotes “stoked about, this has been my dream since my parents died. You know I’m not comfortable in those high fashion excuses for shoes or going clubbing.” Her eyes were downcast towards the scuffed and worn out sandals she wore. “You know, it’s not even your habitual lateness or not following through with something that you say you’re going to do.”

  She crossed her arms over her chest, rubbing her fingers over her upper arm as her mind raced with a million thoughts, trying to remember the last time she was happy to be with him. He didn’t care about her. She hadn’t called him yet on the cheating. She didn’t need this crap in her life!

  The fact that she felt little emotion at this point confirmed her own thoughts that she’d tolerated it out of convenience. Hating what that said about herself and the fact that she’d allowed things to continue, she quickly made up her mind. How could she have become so complacent and be this incredibly stupid?

  A real relationship required effort. An effort that she wasn’t willing to give to Bryce. Effort she hadn’t been willing to give him for a while, if ever. Maybe she wasn’t willing to give to anyone.

  She had to be focused on this project and a relationship was a distraction she simply couldn’t afford.

  Ending things with Bryce was the best option.

  It had to be done.

  “As to your distaste for me scrounging through the dirt for some old dead dude’s garbage, you knew I was studying archeology from the beginning. I see it as ancient treasure, you see it as old garbage. Well at lest we have that difference settled.”

  “No Lena, that’s not what I meant. Don’t do this babe. Don’t twist my words around to something ugly. Of course I know that you’re studying archeology. It’s
exciting in a way, but picturing you covered with dirt and dust isn’t a very sexy image. It’s kind of a turn off.”

  “Oh, well.” She stepped away, rolling her eyes while throwing her hands up. “Whatever it takes to turn you on.” Her lips pursed as she turned back towards him. “Apparently, that’s high fashion shoes and dresses. Sorry, Bryce. I’ve pretended long enough. Here’s the thing. If I have to fit into some preformed mold, then it’s obvious that it’s not me that you want to be with. Guess this means you’ll be finding a new squeeze that you don’t have to dress the part. Or maybe, go tap Rachel and buy her some fancy shoes and clothes. I’m sure she’d appreciate them. By the way, it’s you not me.”

  She opened the door, quickly walking into the house, pulling the door shut it behind her. She didn’t give him a chance for rebuttal, didn’t care to hear anything else that he had to say. Not now, not ever again.

  She leaned back against the door, eyes closed, she let out a slow sigh of relief. That wasn’t at all painful.

  “Well that went an entirely different direction. At least the bleeding has stopped.”

  “What? Who’s bleeding?” Gabby came running from the kitchen, looking her sister over for any cuts or wounds. A puzzled expression troubled her as she got closer.

  “No one is bleeding. I broke up with Bryce. My funds are no longer bleeding.”

  “Oh.” Gabby dried her hands starting to turn back to the kitchen then realization dawned. She pivoted, grabbing Lena’s arm. “Oh! Broke up with him? Really?” Gabby looked shocked.

  Lena pushed off from the door, walking towards the kitchen. “Yes, and I don’t want to talk about how you were right or anything that involves Bryce.”

  The sisters spent the remainder of the evening discussing their summer plans.

  Lena laid out the plans for the camp, and also laid out her plans for when Gabby would come over, scheduling her free time for her.