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Viking Vendetta

DON HELIN

During his time in the military, DON HELIN served at several stateside posts and overseas in Vietnam and Germany. He is the author of ten award-winning thrillers that draw from his military experience, including three tours in the Pentagon. Don is the editor of the anthology, Voices From The Pandemic, and author of his personal memoir, From Army Regulations to Novels: A Writer’s Journey. Both are multi-international award-winning books. His novel, Secret Assault, was selected as the Best Suspense/Thriller at the 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. His novel, Toxic Pulpit, won a New York Book Festival award. Buried Relics is a national award-winner, and Roof of the World was a finalist in the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Award. For more information, visit DonHelin.com.

Viking Vendetta

Colonel Zack Kelly is taking a well-deserved vacation cruise. Zack and his parents, as well as his daughter, Laura, look forward to learning more about their heritage, as described in the Viking Sagas. Meanwhile, a terrorist organization sets out to rewrite history by poisoning staff with radioactive materials at the Italian embassies in the United States and in Canada. Lieutenant Colonel Rene Garcia from the President’s National Security Office must investigate. Zack’s vacation cruise takes a left turn into chaos as Zack and Garcia become ensnared with the Sons of the Vikings. This shadowy organization will stop at nothing, including kidnapping and mind control, to ensure the Vikings receive just recognition for their discovery of North America, rather than Columbus. Zack and Garcia must stop the Sons of the Vikings. When Zack’s cruise ship is hijacked by the organization, the two must act fast to thwart a mass-casualty event. The clock is already counting down.

DON HELIN Award-winning author of TOXIC PULPIT

Publisher Page

an imprint of Headline Books

Terra Alta, WV

Viking Vendetta by Don Helin copyright ©2026 Don Helin All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents, except where noted otherwise, are products of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously. Any other resemblance to actual people, places or events is entirely coincidental. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any other form or for any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage system, without written permission from Publisher Page. To order additional copies of this book or for book publishing information, or to contact the author: Headline Books, Inc. P.O. Box 52 Terra Alta, WV 26764 www.HeadlineBooks.com mybook@headlinebooks.com Publisher Page is an imprint of Headline Books ISBN 13: 9781958914991 Library of Congress Control Number: 2026938748

P R I N T E D I N T H E U N I T E D S TAT E S O F A M E R I C A

To Elaine for her love and support — Love Always. To Dennis — Long time friend and talented reader. To Cathy, Ashley, and all my friend at Headline Books. You’re the best. To my Pennwriters Critique Group—Cindy Hospador, Melissa Nordhoff, Melissa Roos, Sarita Roth, Jennifer Ericksen, A great group. Thanks so much.

The Story Within The Story I grew up in a Norwegian family, so I never thought much about Genealogy. Then, my mother’s cousin and her husband visited Norway. She had no actual person to contact in Norway, but only an address she had gotten out of a family album. She told me about landing at the airport in mid-Norge (Middle Norway) at a town called Trondheim, from where our family had originally emigrated. “I looked out the airplane window,” she said, “and couldn’t believe it. Groups of people stood on the edge of the field, cheering and waving American flags. When we entered the terminal, we were surrounded by laughing, crying, cheering people, all shaking our hands.” She told me about putting her name in what she called ‘The Book.’ This is a history of people born in Trondheim who have moved to other countries. Both of my grandparents, who had moved to North Dakota, were in the book, as were my parents. She even placed my name in the book. Years later, my wife and I traveled to Trondheim on a tour. I was able to reach my cousin who drove to see us. There were three in her car, two cousins and one woman who said she didn’t think she was related, but was excited to meet us. It was a treat to get to know my cousins and I stayed in contact with one of them for many years. With this information, I became more interested in my heritage and read a number of the Viking Sagas for background.

These Sagas were passed down through generations of families, providing valuable insights into the Vikings’ journeys and the interactions with the lands they encountered. The Vikings were active from the Eighth through Eleventh centuries, controlling much of Europe. Their shipbuilding techniques and navigational skills enabled them to travel vast distances, establishing trade routes and settlements along the way. They embarked on a wide range of expeditions from the Baltic and Mediterranean to the British Isles and France. Their journeys took them as far east as Russia, as far south as North Africa, and as far west as Greenland, Iceland and North America. In 1961, Norwegian explorer Helge Ingstad and his wife, archaeologist Anne Stine Ingstad, discovered and excavated the Viking settlement at L’ Anse aux Meadows on the northern tip of Newfoundland. With these Viking Sagas as background, we took a cruise around Newfoundland to see where the Vikings had landed in 1000 AD. The idea that Columbus, who came to North America 400 years after the Vikings landed at L’ Anse aux Meadows and has been celebrated with the discovery of North America, has caused huge frustrations for many Norwegians and became the basis for my book. I found the Viking Volva, a sorceress, has appeared in a number of Norse Sagas. She is able to enter a trance and communicate with the spirits. I wondered if this Viking Sorceress could be sent here by the god, Odin, to help those who are trying to gain the recognition they deserve. Is any of this possible? I don’t know for sure, so you’ll have to figure that out on your own as you read Viking Vendetta.

1 Washington, D.C., June 1, 10 a.m. The twelve men sat in the back of the historic Norwegian church, their voices echoing as they defined the next steps in their strategy to regain the credit they all felt was due to their Viking ancestors. Leon Alexander rose, stretching out his lanky frame, and searched the faces of each of the others. In a booming voice, he spoke, “The true founders of North America, those pioneers who sailed so far, many to the distant corners of the world, were robbed by another group of men. We know those men did not deserve any of the credit they criminally stole.” The men all stood, cheered, and applauded. “All right,” Alexander continued, “we have talked and talked, but now it’s time to act.” The men applauded again. Alexander walked around the group, glancing at each of the men in turn. “All of those in favor of following the path we have discussed, even if it proves dangerous to us, raise your hands.” His gaze swept the group, and he nodded at the raised hands and smiling faces. “Now, I want each of you to keep your right hands raised.” Watching in satisfaction, he led their chant. “We are joined in support of our heroic ancestors who have given so much and had their reputations stolen. Our bonds will not break. We swear 7

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on the graves of our Viking ancestors and will not let anything or anyone stand in our way.” He looked around at the group of men as they all said in unison, “We promise this oath on the body of our almighty god, Odin.” They began exchanging handshakes. Alexander walked around and shook hands with each of the men. He patted some on the back. He knew he had the support of the volva, the Viking sorceress, whom the mighty god Odin had turned to in his hour of need. There was a growing body of archaeological evidence of real women with spiritual identities that aligned with the description of a volva. He had not shared yet with these men that one of these women had come to him and told him, indeed, the time had come to seek justice. Alexander knew he must follow through. She would be here, watching, willing to share with the spirits how he did it. He knew with her on his side, he could not fail. It had begun and would not end until their Viking ancestors were celebrated as the heroes they were. No one could ever take that away from them again. Never. *** The next morning, filled with his increased spiritual energy, Alexander called and checked the hours of the Italian embassy. He discovered the embassy was open Monday through Friday by appointment only and remained closed during weekends and on holidays. This is not at all what he wanted to hear, so he had to revise his plan. Getting in and out of the building without leaving his name, picture, or even a trace of being there was what he needed do. Nothing else would work. 8

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Because of this recent information, he didn’t know what his next step should be, but he had to figure it out. He couldn’t fail. The volva would be watching him. He found himself sweating when he thought about her and all the rest of his responsibilities. Staking out the embassy from a small pub across the street, he noted several deliveries made to an entrance on the right side of the building. Any deliveries obviously would need to go through a scanner. He knew there could be a problem with the package he planned to deliver. How could he do it? There had to be a way. He thought about it for a while. The best bet for him would be to keep an eye out for a friendly secretary he could enlist to help him. Someone he could convince to carry the package of material inside the embassy without being questioned by security. After patiently watching the embassy, he spotted his prey. A tall, heavy-set woman came out of the building at exactly the same time each day. She turned left and looked to be headed home. He needed to figure out a way to get to know her and bend her to his will. This would be a challenge, but again, he told himself, he could not, would not fail. When she exited the embassy, she normally walked with a well-dressed, middle-aged man. Alexander remembered seeing the man in an informational photo and knew he was one of the senior executives at the embassy. Perfect. The gods and the volva must be on his side. If he could enlist this woman to do what he wanted, she most likely would not be checked. He followed the woman and noticed she stopped at a trendy bar for a drink almost every day. This had to be his best bet so far. Sitting at the bar, he noticed her drink was a Manhattan, and she usually had two before she headed home. A plan began to form in his mind. He would need to practice a routine to gain her trust and be oh, so careful. 9

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He needed an assumed name as he couldn’t use his real name. And it had to be a name she could check without uncovering anything suspicious. He decided to choose his middle name, Baard. He liked it because he had been called Baard as a youth. It is a good Norwegian name that means “Tall and strong,” which he liked. The chances he would make a mistake using the name Baard were slight, and he had to risk it. No way could she know his real name.

2 St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, June 2, 10:30 a.m. Colonel Zack Kelly, on a well-deserved vacation from his duties on the president’s National Security Task Force, and his daughter, Laura, strolled along the main street of St. John’s, having only woken up an hour or so before at the Sheraton Hotel. They had arrived at 10:30 the night before on Air Canada from Toronto after a long and exhausting flight from Washington, D.C. Zack put his arm around his daughter and leaned over to her. “How are you doing? I’m finally starting to shake the sleep out of my eyes. Hope you are, too.” “To be honest,” she replied. “I’m beat from finals. But I’m excited to be here. This is the vacation we both need. And I’m ready.” Zack hugged her a little closer. “Oh, man, I’m so happy to be here with you. We’ve both been going in so many directions, and finally, we have a chance to settle back a little and spend time together.” Laura had just turned twenty-one and recently finished her junior year at George Washington University. She was a starter on the college soccer team, earning a scholarship that helped Zack’s billfold. Zack thought back and remembered how excited he’d been when she had moved to D.C. from Minneapolis. Her mother had been recently jailed for selling drugs. That had been three years ago. 11

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His ex-wife had gone through a tough time after their divorce and turned to drugs. She couldn’t afford the drugs, so she began selling them. Of course, she got caught and jailed. The first six months after Laura’s move to Washington were tough for Zack and Laura. But with a lot of honest talking, help from her boyfriend, Rodney, plus her position on the college soccer team, things were now much better. Zack’s initial meeting with Rodney always made him laugh. He had just arrived home from work when he spotted a yellow Volkswagen parked outside the house. Zack got out of his car and walked up the sidewalk. A tall, young man stood talking with Laura. A closer exam showed the young man had a diamondstudded earring in his right ear and a small silver ring in his right nostril. Thick, brown sideburns contrasted with the dyed orange hair on top of his head. She introduced him. “Rodney plays lead guitar for the rock band the ‘Evildoers,’ and I’ve been to some of his concerts. I realize he isn’t exactly your normal kind of guy, but I hoped maybe you’d want to go to one of his concerts with me.” What an understatement, Zack thought. “Ah, sure, I enjoy country music. But I am certainly willing to try something a little different.” The kid caused a rift between Zack and Laura for a while, but later on, Rodney showed the type of guy he really was. This led Zack to change his opinion. But that’s another story. And now, Zack and Laura were on a getaway together. Laura had done a great deal of research on trips and talked to many of her friends. She had finally picked out the Canadian Maritimes for their vacation. This selection was fine with Zack. Zack had heard his father talk often about the Vikings and his Norwegian lineage. When he told his parents about their trip, they expressed interest in going to see where the Vikings had first landed in North America. 12

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Laura loved her grandparents and enjoyed spending time with both. Also, this was an opportunity for Laura get to know her grandfather better. Zack was delighted they accepted the invitation, and it looked like a fun trip for the four of them to share. As they walked, Zack took Laura’s hand. “We’ve only got about an hour until we need to get ready to load our stuff. I’m wondering if we should be headed back. The boat pulls out about four o’clock this afternoon, and we sure don’t want to miss it.” She thought for a moment, then clicked her fingers. “I think we’d better go make sure Grandma and Grandpa are up and at ’em. Ready to go.” As they walked, Zack asked, “Are you still thinking about whether or not you want to enroll in graduate school?” Laura looked down at the pavement briefly. “Not sure. Lots to be said for taking a break from school for a year or so. Make some bucks.” Zack nodded. “I have a lot of friends where a one-year break turned into forever.” “I understand,” Laura said. “Big decisions ahead, but let’s for now only worry about our cruise. I’m looking forward to it.” “Your grandfather suggested it after his trip to Norway,” Zack said. “He was excited about uncovering our roots in Trondheim, you know; they call it Midt-Norge.” Zack looked down at the sidewalk for a moment to organize his thoughts. “While he was there, he talked to the keeper of what they call ‘The Book.’ People who have lived in Trondheim and moved away are all in the book.” “Exciting to think about,” Laura said. “I’m so pleased about how it worked out,” Zack said. “Both my grandfather and grandmother were in the book, and so were a number of other relatives. I hope to meet some of them when we travel to Norway, whenever that is. You can bet Norway is now in my planning cycle.” 13

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Laura laughed. “I look forward to seeing where the Vikings landed and learning more about it. I understand that’s part of this trip.” Zack looked back toward the hotel. “I’m with you there. But we’d better move. We need to board the boat by 1600.” Laura laughed. “Actually, Dad, the correct term is we will embark at 1600. Need to get your sea legs and sea terms.” Zack joined in her laughter. “Good point.” They walked back and met his parents when they pushed in the front door of the hotel. Zack waved when he saw them. “Hey, I see you’re up. How did you sleep?” Roger took a sip of his coffee. “Not long enough. ’Course we should be able to catch up on the cruise.” “How did you sleep, Grandma?” Laura asked. “It was so good to stretch out on that bed,” Ethel said. “Hard to be cramped up on the airplane. But I will have to admit, it was tough pulling myself out of bed this morning.” “Have to agree with that,” Roger added. “Not so bad once we found the coffee bar. What say we go find the place where we’re supposed to wait to board?” The four of them headed for the site listed in the brochure. Promptly at 1600 hours, they embarked and were directed to their cabins. Ethel and Roger planned to share a cabin, while Zack and Laura each had their own cabins. They walked around on the boat to find their cabins. Actually, Zack needed some help from a crew member. Once at their cabins, they split up and everyone began to unpack. Zack was glad that once they were in their cabins, there would be no more packing and unpacking until they headed back to the airplane. On other trips, he remembered having to pack and unpack at each stop. Not on a cruise.

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But for now, he pulled out a drawer and took shirts and a couple of sweaters from the suitcase, then slipped them into the drawer. *** At 17:45, they were called to the auditorium to participate in a mandatory ship safety drill, carefully following the crew’s instructions. Zack hadn’t spent much time on a cruise ship. He appreciated the training and felt confident he now knew what to do in an emergency. At 1800 hours, they received a briefing from the resident manager with an overview of the organization of the ship. They had been given a program to follow along with what he said. Zack knew he would need to read it again to get the information straight. Next, they listened to the expedition leader provide a summary of the trip itinerary. Zack’s head swam from all the information, but both briefings were helped along by handouts. He also enjoyed talking with Laura about each briefing. After a happy hour, which Zack found would be a regular occurrence over the next ten days, they were directed to the main dining room for an incredible meal with many options. Zack chose the fish, his dad and Laura steak, and his mom a lighter meal of a tasty seafood salad. Excitement permeated their discussions as they discussed all the events over the next ten days. Zack asked Laura what she thought would be the most exciting for her. She thought for a few minutes, then said, “I think Red Bay, where we’ll talk about and see all the Basque ships and the few sunk here.” Roger took a sip of his drink. “I agree with that, but I think for me, I’ll be most excited to see where the Vikings landed. When 15

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your mom and I were in Norway, I heard a lot about all they did. Now, I look forward to actually seeing it.” All too soon the programs wound down. They found themselves moving toward their cabins, tired but happy. At her cabin door, Zack reached over and hugged Laura. “So glad we’re doing this.” “I am too, Dad. I look forward to the next ten days. Will not only be exciting, but educational, too.” *** Laura finished unpacking a few things, then sat on the bed, her mind swimming about all the fun things that would be happening over the next few days. She sat there relaxing for a while, then decided to get up and walk outside to stand by the railings. A chance to look at the water for a few minutes. She wasn’t quite that tired yet, and she loved the water. Stepping out in the hall, she noticed it was colder than she had first thought. She went back inside to pull on a jacket; the wind bit a little. Wrapping the jacket around her, she walked up the stairs and stepped out onto the deck. The boat was moving at a good clip. It was exciting to watch the water splash as the boat cut through the waves. She stepped up to the railing and leaned over a little to watch the water. Oh, man, she loved it. This was going to be so much fun. So glad she was here. As she stood there, she couldn’t help but notice the young man standing a few yards further toward the bow of the boat. She had spotted him at dinner. Tall, slender, blond hair, blue eyes, and a nice smile. He glanced her way, nodded, but didn’t move toward her to say hello. Quiet guy. She liked that. She had fought her way 16

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through all the wolves at school, all the hotshots who weren’t really hotshots, really just pains in the rear. She debated walking over and saying hello, then decided, maybe another time. Watching the water and the stars for a few minutes longer, she decided enough was enough. Time to head inside. Maybe she would have a chance to meet him another time. She hoped so.

3 Washington, D.C., June 3, 5:30 p.m. After watching the woman from the embassy and waiting for her at her work, Alexander followed her into the trendy bar. He remained glad he had decided to use the name Baard to hide his real identity. He was dressed in his best suit and knew he would only have one chance to make a good impression. The first impression would be critical. He needed her to accomplish what he wanted done. He watched her walk over to a small round table in the corner. She ordered what he knew from his surveillance was her favorite drink, a Manhattan. It took about fifteen minutes before she finished the first drink and spun the empty glass a little. As he suspected, she was getting ready to order the second one. Perfect. Time for action. He motioned to the bartender and told him he wanted to order a Manhattan. Giving the bartender a tip, he told him he would like to deliver the drink himself. The bartender nodded and smiled as he gave Baard the Manhattan. Baard had to compose himself and give his brain a small subconscious shove as he carried the drink to her table. He hoped he was doing it right. He didn’t want to be too pushy or make her feel cheap.

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When he reached her table, he made a short bow, then placed the drink in front of her. “I couldn’t help but notice you were sitting here alone and had finished what I thought looked like a Manhattan.” She looked up, watched him carefully, then smiled slightly. Baard felt the smile to be a positive sign. “I’m sure it’s probably very unusual for you to be here alone. I figured I’d better hurry over to your table with a second drink for you, before some other guy beat me to it.” He held out his own Scotch and water in a toast. “Please allow me to toast a beautiful woman.” She squinted at him for a moment, then smiled again and held up her glass to return his toast. “I haven’t seen you in here before, but I’m not one to turn down a drink from a real gentleman.” He toasted her, then set his glass down on the table. “I imagine I need to leave because one of your many male friends will probably arrive in a few minutes. Sadly, I’ll probably lose out, but I thought maybe I could join you for a short time.” She set down her glass, stared at him again. Putting her finger to her chin, she pretended to think for a moment. “You’re in luck. One of my boyfriends may arrive any minute but will probably be too late and he will definitely lose out.” He laughed. “In that case, I’d better drink quickly. I don’t want to miss my chance to have a drink with you.” “Well,” she replied, then chuckled, “You stand an excellent chance of moving much higher in the pecking order. So please sit down.” “Thank you. My name is Baard, I happily accept your kind invitation.” “Well, Mr. Baard, it seems you are in the lead, so maybe you’d better sit down here before someone else comes along. I’d probably have to send them away.” With that, Baard pulled a chair up a little closer and settled in. “Before I go any further, let me tell you I’m assigned at the 19