Burrowing her forehead between Skars’ shoulder blades, Raine managed to make it to Earth without passing out.
“We’re almost there. Keep your eyes closed until I tell you to open them,” he instructed her.
Tightening her arms around his waist, she felt the nejim begin to slow then descend. Listening, she heard Skars raise the protective shell then felt him getting off.
A small, surprised squeal came out of her when she felt Skars lift her from the seat and into his arms.
“Keep your eyes closed.”
Raine couldn’t prevent the small giggle from escaping her. Even with all the turmoil Earth was going through, and her brother hating her, she had never been happier. She no longer worried about crashing and burning with Skars. Her big husband would protect her and what the future held for her.
“You can open them.”
Raine felt her feet lowered to the ground.
“I told you that you would feel the ground at your feet again that we can call home.”
Opening her eyes, she stared around the empty area that he had brought her to. Then she glanced at him, not understanding what he was showing her. There was nothing around as it was a bare wasteland but …
Then it dawned on her. Her eyes went misty when she saw how he was watching for her reaction.
“I can build our home here … or”—Skars pointed to a spot farther away and to the side—“there. Tomorrow, we’ll bring soil from another area so we can plant crops here.” He turned and pointed behind them. “The area is large enough for the clan. It has ample supply of fresh water once we—”
A sudden blast had Raine practically jumping into Skars’ arms.
“What was …?”
Skars’ teeth gleamed through his beard. Taking her by the shoulders, he turned her so she was facing one of the surrounding mountains.
“That was Thorsen blasting close by. We only wanted one way into this area unless on foot or air.”
Raine couldn’t hold back the tears any longer.
“You aren’t pleased?” he asked, his smile disappearing.
“I am,” she sobbed, turning to throw herself into his arms. “How could I not be? You just moved a mountain for me.”
Glossary of Characters and Terms
VIKINGS FROM MARS
Spoilers ahead…
Arne:
Martian Viking. Warrior, Part of Skars’ inner circle. Often guards Raine.
Astrid:
Martian Vikings’ seeress. Reva’s older sister that died.
Bjorn:
Martian Viking. Warrior. Part of Skars’ inner circle.
Brinn:
Human. Co-worker of Raine’s at the bank. Somewhat close to retirement age but pretends to be younger. Raine is concerned for her health. Her fiancé never came to get her when the bombs were fired. Friends with Raine.
Bruulls:
Alien species that Raine wanted to sacrifice. Green and mushy with squished-up faces.
Crinda:
Small creature that is extremely rare, with a gentle spirit and an affectionate nature. It is used as highly prized pet. It dies easily if not taken care of properly. Its grey eyes remind Skars of Raine’s eyes.
Dobbs:
Human. Deceased. Former co-worker of Raine’s at the bank. He died during an alien encounter when foraging for supplies with Lucas.
Doth:
A purple vegetable that tastes like a potato.
Emma:
Human. Co-worker of Raine’s at the bank. Close to retirement. Friends with Raine
Erik:
Martian Viking. Computer systems trainee of Thane’s. Can’t figure out how to work the Vikings’ computer systems after Thane’s death. Skars and Thorsen consider him useless.
Ferajorin:
Species from another planet.
Fwetasip:
A fruit from an alien planet. Tastes like cantaloupe.
General Dartar:
Olggan. King Jurzed’s general. Usually leads his king’s warriors into battle.
Grones:
Alien species. Particularly vicious. Uses its strong tail as an advantage in a fight; often used to serve a death blow. Flesh eaters.
High Archuru:
Top warrior. Male Viking who is the crowned victor of the festival of competitions. The current High Anchuru is lethal and cunning; Skars believes he stops at nothing to achieve his goal.
Hilda:
Martian Vikings’ seeress. Reva’s oldest sister and wife of Ulf that died.
Hithea:
Alien food. Tastes like chicken.
Iaslamire:
The planet where snowdrops grow, the flower Raine likes.
Já:
Yes in Norse
Karina, Kaz, Kennedy, & Silvia:
Other retirees who were in the bank vault.
King Jurzed:
Neptunian Viking. Bounty Hunter/Guardian. Leader of the Olggans because he saved their planet. On the hunt for Xioarius. Cousin species of the Martian Vikings.
Lanree:
Alien animal. Known for its howling and screeching. Skars compared Raine’s screaming to that of a lanree.
Leron:
A planet. Known in the galaxy as a place where any sexual encounter can be had between any species.
Lucas:
Human. Manager at the bank. De-facto leader of the group who hid in the bank’s vault to find shelter. Has been taking care of his sister, Piper, since their parents died. Friends with Raine.
Manitorz:
A place on planet Leron.
Milly:
Human. Customer service representative at the bank. Most hated employee. Hates Raine and has it our for her. Raine is afraid of her because she reminds her of her schizophrenic mother, who abused her when she was a child.
Nei & Neinn:
No in Norse
Nejim:
Small carrier vehicle the Vikings use as a transportation device on Earth because it is agile enough to maneuver through small and tight spaces. Equipped with thermal radar. Raine thinks they look like motorcycles inside balloons.