Chapter Seven

“What do you mean, I have Trollek DNA?” Erika stared at Magnor, wondering if she’d heard correctly.

Magnor motioned for her to move along. She scrambled after him, resenting how he’d turned her life upside down. If he’d never turned up, she would be at the art show, exhibiting her wares and working toward her goals of opening a gift shop and getting an education degree. She didn’t want to be here. Maybe she could ditch him somewhere and go home.

He squinted in the bright sunlight. “We have time now for more explanations.” His steady pace was easy to follow. “Let me start at the beginning. Before recorded history, the Originals inhabited Earth. They predated your known ancestors.”

“Where did they come from?” She watched her footing as they trekked along the dry ground, glad she’d worn closed-toe boots. A black insect scuttled under a nearby rock, making scorpions come to mind. The air, hot and dry, clogged her nostrils with dust.

“They came from out there.” Magnor gestured to the heavens. “Their descendants took different paths on this planet. One group lived close to nature until mankind encroached on their territory. Those were the Trolleks.”

She glanced at him. He wore a serious expression, like a schoolteacher aiming to ingrain a history lesson in his students.

“Wait a minute. What does out there mean?”

A muscle twitched in his jaw but he didn’t meet her gaze. “Do you truly believe life exists only on this planet? That your god created you for some divine purpose?”

She bristled at his derogatory tone. “I believe a creative intelligence designed the universe but then let evolution follow its natural course. So far we’ve seen no evidence of sentient life elsewhere. Still, it might exist, despite the fact that we’ve gotten no response to our radio signals sent into space.”

“Maybe the listeners chose not to respond.”

Her mouth dropped open, and a gust of wind blew grit inside. She coughed and sputtered. “Where do you and your pals come from, Mister Magnor?”

He rounded on her, his sharp eyes flashing yellow. “We originate from a planet named Karrell, although some of my colleagues have homes on other worlds.”

“Other worlds?” Dumbstruck, she could only stare at him. She stumbled over a rock and caught her balance.

His smoldering gaze captured hers. “You need to accept these truths, my lady, because soon the beasts will be upon us again. I have to know you will obey my commands without hesitation.”

“Sure. Whatever.” A breeze whistled through the forlorn terrain that stretched endlessly on all sides of them, the sun blazing overhead. She didn’t have the energy to defy him.

He resumed his pace, sweat dribbling down his face. Maybe he should wrap his cape around his head for protection from sunburn and moisture loss. Erika wished she’d thought to bring a hat. It would have provided relief.

She shifted the straps of her bag, which weighed down her shoulders. There wasn’t anything to do about it, so she trudged onward in silence.

If she complained, Magnor would take on the burden, and she didn’t care to stress his arm that might still be healing. She swallowed, her throat parched. A drink would be welcome now, but it would be wise to conserve their water supply.

“Tell me more about the Drift Lords,” she said as a distraction.

He shot her an approving glance. “The League formed eons ago when Trolleks first began invading Earth through the dimensional rifts. The warriors are called to arms only when an incursion happens. The rest of the time, they lead their own lives.”

“So what do you do when not deployed to dispel the enemy?”

“I have other duties.”

“Such as?”

“That is not important now. You need to understand the danger in the present.”

Clearly, she’d touched upon a painful subject. What life did he lead when not fighting with the Drift Lords? How did he come to be recruited into their team?

Hoping she would have time later to delve into his personal history, she sought explanations on a more familiar topic.

“How much do you know about the Trolleks?”

Magnor pursed his lips. “Humans persecuted them, and they were no longer welcome here. During a natural rift between dimensions, they passed through the gate to another world with pristine forests and fertile fields.”

“So why do they want to invade us? Weren’t they happy in that place? It sounds ideal.”

He gave her a wry glance. “Were your Native Americans happy when they were forced from their land? The Trolleks felt this was their rightful place. In prior times, they made incursions during rifts, and the Drift Lords were able to force them back before the portals closed. This time, as I said earlier, the beasts devised a means to force the rifts open.”

“But your team sealed them shut again?”

He nodded in acknowledgement, his braids swinging against his sober face.

“Stopping the invasion isn’t our only imperative. With the rifts remaining open, the accumulation of cors particles would have breached the point of no return. The dimensional drift would have widened, causing a massive shock wave destroying everything in existence. That was Loki’s original plan.”

“He’s the demon you mentioned?”

“Yes, and he manipulated the Trollek king into ordering the invasion.” Lines crinkled around his eyes as though something else weighed on his mind.

“And now that you’ve sealed the rifts?” Could the Trolleks have another purpose besides taking back what was theirs?

“The main threat is from the beasts stranded here and from Loki, who grows more powerful. What he can’t accomplish one way, he is now trying to bring about through natural disasters.”

Erika wanted to ask him more, but her mouth was too dry and the heat had drained her energy.

The sun beat down upon them without mercy. Tying a scarf around her head provided relief, and her focus narrowed to their long and dusty trek.

“Let’s rest now,” Magnor said after another half hour or so. “It’s best to conserve our strength during daylight.”

He wouldn’t get any arguments from her on that score. Erika sank onto a rock after eyeing the nearby soil for crawly things. She took a few gulps of water, craving more but rationing her portion.

Sitting next to her, Magnor covered them both with his cape to provide some shade. “I don’t like how we’re targets out here, but there’s nothing we can do about it.”

“Why not turn on your invisibility shield?”

“It would consume too much power to remain cloaked for so long.”

“You should put on some sunglasses. You’ll be blinded by the glare.”

Her remark made him smile. She liked how it eased his worry lines and removed the tension from his posture.

“I have an inner eyelid. It’s transparent so I can see through it, but it acts as a filter.”

“You said you’re from a planet called Karrell. What’s it like there?”

“My home is in the mountainous region beyond the Hills of Agoora, where snow can be seen on the Great Crest peaks.” His tone was so low, she could barely hear him. “At least, that’s where I grew up. It is my home no longer.”

“Why is that?”

He shifted his position, bumping her shoulder. “We’ll use up too much moisture by conversing. Lean against me if you wish, wife.” His arm went around her in a protective embrace.

Obviously, talking about his home upset him. Why was the man so reluctant to speak about his past?

****

Magnor folded the redhead against his hard length, every curve of her imprinted on his form. He fought the urge to covet her body and to bury himself inside her. She’d be repulsed if she knew the truth about him and would shun him the same way as his people. He could never reveal his shame and dishonor and wished she would cease her probing questions.

Why did she care, anyway? Their marriage was a farce that she’d nullify as soon as possible. Circumstances forced them together for now, but doubtless she’d want to continue with her life once the Trollek threat diminished.

The scent of her hair drifted his way on the wind, and he inhaled with longing. His dreams of a family had dissolved upon his banishment. Maybe it was for the best. Erika would never stay home and raise babes, like his tribeswomen. True, the females of the Tsuran battled alongside their men as warriors, but Erika had ambitions that went beyond home and hearth. She wouldn’t be happy in a domestic role.

On the other hand, he admired her determination and her resilience in the face of adversity. She’d kept an open mind and had begun to accept her role in the prophecy.

The least he could do was to protect her from the personal threat posed by Dokter Algie Morar, the Trollek scientist who’d declared herself queen on this side of the rift. Algie had made it her mission to capture the women associated with the Drift Lords and use them as test subjects in her genetic experiments.

The only way to stop her was to find the secret weapon that would destroy the Trolleks.

He kept a wary stance as Erika dozed beside him.

Time passed until his ears picked up an engine noise from above. A spec appeared on the horizon and grew bigger. He nudged his companion.

“Erika, wake up. I believe our transport has arrived.”

The shuttle descended in a cloud of dust as she roused. He helped her to rise, and then they headed across the dirt-packed surface to the boarding ramp.

****

“Erika, this is Paz Hadar,” Magnor said to introduce them.

“A pleasure to greet you.” The pilot gave her a broad grin after exchanging fist bumps with his comrade.

She murmured a polite response. Were all Drift Lords as good looking as these two? They could pass for reincarnations of the Norse gods. This one had engaging dimples and twinkling blue eyes beneath a thick head of caramel hair. The resolute tilt to his stubbled jaw suggested he viewed adversity as a challenge.

Hadn’t Magnor mentioned the sons of Thor in that prophecy? Maybe they truly were descendants, and the ancient myths held more reality than people believed. That would make Odin one of her ancestors?

Shaking her head in confusion, she climbed the ramp.

Magnor’s hand at the small of her back urged her past the hatchway. Paz plopped into the command chair at a console that reminded her of the space shuttle. She and Magnor had no sooner stepped across the threshold than the boarding ramp whined to a close behind them, and Paz initiated lift-off.

She grabbed at a metal bar on the bulkhead as her head spun, but it wasn’t from the sharp angle of ascent. Amazingly, she felt hardly any motion at all. The flight deck held an array of gleaming instruments and dynamic displays labeled in foreign symbols. What kind of craft was this?

“Take a seat, Erika.” Magnor indicated a row behind the two pilots’ chairs. “If you don’t mind, I’ll sit by Paz so we can catch up.” He rummaged through a cabinet onboard and tossed her a bottle of water and a bag of trail mix. Carting his own snack, he joined his companion up front.

Erika settled into a seat, the cap off the water before she’d even met the cushion. Water dribbled down her chin as she drank greedily before tearing into the nuts and dried fruit. Exhaustion claimed her, not only from the desert heat and the strain of their trek, but also from the shock of recent events.

Her appetite temporarily sated, she sagged back, yearning for some peaceful time alone.

“We’ll touch down on the resort roof,” Magnor was saying as she woke from a short nap.

With a jolt of alarm, she straightened to observe their approach to Las Vegas through a wide viewport in front. Why couldn’t they just fly her home?

She voiced her request. Magnor twisted around to regard her, his lips pressed together.

“I’d like nothing more than to see you to safety, but you’re coming with me. The threat isn’t over. Even though you may have turned off your tracking device, the Trolleks know about you now. They will seek to capture you.”

“Oh, that’s great. I suppose those forms we filled out for our marriage certificate would tell them exactly where to find me.”

His eyebrows raised, Paz glanced at Magnor. “What marriage? Did you leave something out in your report?”

Magnor cleared his throat. “Sorry, I haven’t formally introduced you. Paz Hadar, meet Erika Sherwood—my wife.”

“It’s Erika Magnor now,” she pointed out, “or don’t the women where you come from change their names after they’re married?”

Magnor glowered at her, as though the subject irritated him. “You haven’t made the change legal yet. And why would you want to do so?”

She shrugged. “Good question, since you’ll probably divorce me as soon as your mission is over.”

“I’ll divorce you? Excuse me, but you’re the one who thought the wedding ceremony was a farce. You can seek an annulment.”

Erika leaned forward and poked his arm. “Just because you tricked me, don’t think I’m getting rid of you so fast.” You’re mine for now, husband. Get used to it.

Did she truly want him as a spouse, or was her statement due to the stipulations of her trust?

A flush of guilt washed over her. She hadn’t mentioned the terms of her grandfather’s estate to him, in particular the part where she had to stay married for a year to earn control of her funds. Magnor had been too busy telling her about the threat from the Trolleks who’d invaded her world.

She shifted her gaze to his broad shoulders, confident posture, and determined profile. Despite her efforts to learn more about him, she knew so little about the man. Yet he’d behaved honorably toward her, acted concerned for her comfort, and vowed to protect her.

His eyes narrowed, as though he sensed her mood and the secrets that silenced her. “Perhaps it wasn’t I who tricked you, wife. Maybe I’m the one who was fooled.”

Paz waved a hand in the air. “Can you lovebirds continue this later? We’re approaching our vector.”

Seething at Magnor’s insinuation, Erika addressed the pilot. “Hey, here’s another idea. Why don’t you turn this thing around and fly us to Copenhagen? Wouldn’t that be better than using a portal in that resort?”

Magnor faced forward again, his spine stiff. “Our orders are to destroy any recruitment centers we locate.” He glanced at Paz. “Did you bring the supplies I requested?”

“Aye. It’s too bad Dal is busy. He’s our demolitions specialist,” Paz explained for Erika’s benefit. “I’ll help you set the charges, but then I have to leave to continue my assignment.”

“Where is your woman?”

“Jen is with Nira and Lianne. They’re hunting the runic inscription that will banish Loki from this realm.”

Erika swallowed as he banked their vessel. As they approached the Strip, she discerned the pyramid on the Luxor resort and the Parisian Eiffel Tower.

“We can go in cloaked, but I’ll have to disable the inertial dampeners. Hold on.” Paz punched in commands on his touch pad console. The craft jerked and then began a spiral of descent.

Erika gritted her teeth and clutched her armrests at the steep decline. She stared at the viewer in front as though in a dream. Surely this couldn’t be happening to her. Maybe she’d still wake up and it would all be a nightmare.

If only!

Her life had become a kaleidoscope of events too bizarre to comprehend. Better to go with the flow and worry about the consequences later.

They made a clean landing onto a flat part of the roof at the Viking Vegas Resort. Had only one day passed since she’d met Magnor and they’d fled from this same site?

Wait, this was Saturday. She could still make the art show!

Or not. Her friends weren’t planning to blow up the convention center too, were they?

The men stood and proceeded toward the exit.

“Here’s the uniform you requested and a new case for your sword.” Paz paused to hand Magnor a couple of items. “And this bag has the explosive charges. Be careful with it.” He grabbed another sack for himself and hit the exit button.

Erika rose to join them. “Um, boys, aren’t you forgetting about the innocent people inside this complex?”

“We’ll make sure no humans are harmed,” Magnor assured her. “You and I will locate the portal while Paz targets the casino.”

“How can he lay charges with so many guards around?”

“Easy. He’ll sit down at a blackjack table, for example, and slap a pack under the table. It’ll stick on contact. No one will notice as he makes his way around the room.”

“Let’s hope the security cameras don’t pick up on him.” Her brow furrowed. So many things could go wrong.

Magnor tapped his friend’s arm. “Signal me when you’re ready. Erika and I will vector out from the transfer station right before you detonate by remote.”

Paz gave him a grim look. “And the fire alarms?”

“We’ll have to allow enough time for people to clear the place.”

“What about the hotel and conference center?” Erika asked as they strode toward the rooftop door. Paz had cloaked the vessel behind them so it wouldn’t be detected.

“Our goals are to disable the casino where the Trolleks select candidates and to blow the portal. Remember the man who broke into the Green Room during our competition? He screamed out a warning not to go downstairs. If this site is similar to others, the portal is located underground. That’s where you and I are headed.”

Magnor cracked open the door, his sword drawn and his face wary. He peered inside before giving the all clear signal. Paz brushed past. The other Drift Lord gave them a mock salute and then disappeared down the stairwell.

“Would you like to make a brief visit to the art show to retrieve your wares?” Magnor asked.

She gawked at him. “You would do that for me?”

“I regret you will be missing the main event. We can at least make the effort to collect your items.”

“But where would I put them? I don’t have any luggage other than what I left in our hotel room. Wait, I have an idea. I could pay another vendor to ship the goods home.”

Magnor sheathed his sword. “You can say your sister is ill, and you had to cancel your engagement at the show.”

“My sisters are never sick.”

Her cynical tone drew his curious glance, but he failed to comment. “Nonetheless, this will be an appropriate story to gain cooperation.”

“Yes, you’re good at that, aren’t you?” Why did this guy get under her skin so much? Everything he said, every action he committed, just made her itch to confront him. Or kiss him. “Let’s get going, or Paz will be finished with his job way before us.”

“I suspect he’ll lift off before we’re done at our end.”

There goes our backup. Wondering what trouble they’d encounter this time, Erika followed him down a few floors and into a hotel corridor where they caught an elevator. Her ears entertained a low buzzing noise. What caused that? She’d forgotten to mention it to Magnor.

At the lobby level, he detoured into a men’s room to change into the clothing Paz had provided. When he emerged, he wore a belted black tunic and tailored trousers to match. The sword was neatly hidden inside a long cylindrical container. He’d slung the strap over his shoulder. Nonetheless, wasn’t he worried they’d be identified on sight?

“I like your team’s outfit.”

He grinned at her. “The fabric acts as protective armor against light projectile weapons.”

As they entered the convention center and strode down the aisle where her booth was located, Erika spotted a pretty blonde chatting up her neighbor. Her neck prickled. The woman reminded Erika of the attendants in the casino. If her instincts were correct, that woman might be a Trollek.

It made sense the enemy would be interviewing people associated with her. She and Magnor might as well be wearing big red targets painted on their foreheads.

She grasped his arm. “They’re watching my booth. We’ll have to leave my things behind.”

Those were some of her best sculptures, too. Swallowing her disappointment, she turned to go but Magnor stopped her.

“We can still employ someone to pack your things and mail them home.” He found an amenable vendor a couple of aisles over, left the information, and paid the fellow an appropriate sum.

She’d meant to ask him about his source of cash, but not when he hastened her toward the casino.

“It’s likely the Trolleks have concealed the entrance to their underground base somewhere nearby. That’s their usual mode of operation.”

Erika bowed her head, glad she still wore a scarf as they strolled between rows of slot machines. Patrons sat on benches, frowning in concentration at games that looked incomprehensible to her. She didn’t spot Paz anywhere. Could he have finished laying his charges already? No, the Drift Lord would have signaled them. He must be keeping a low profile.

“How do the Trolleks get people to go below?” she asked Magnor in a hushed tone.

“They don’t have to convince anyone. One touch, and humans respond to their commands.”

“Then look for a bunch of people with vacant expressions.”

They picked up the trail in the buffet restaurant, where Erika and Magnor had been invited to go for their wedding breakfast. Behind the lunchtime salad bar was an innocuous door labeled Private.

A regular stream of customers shuffled through this door. A costumed human employee stood by, nodding at each person who went past.

“Our turn,” Magnor said, his eyes glittering. “Don’t look so frightened. They’ll know you’re not confounded.”

She washed her face of all emotion. “How’s this?”

“Perfect.” He clapped her shoulder. “Onward, my brave wife. Let us put an end to this enemy camp.”