Blood & Dirt

Tasked with rescuing a kidnapped bride and restoring her to her lovelorn groom, it's not investigator Roger Fee's typical line of work. He's mighty hesitant until a hefty check is waved under his nose.

Now he must hypno-learn an alien language while aboard the ultraship headed for primitive and chaotic Nov Austrasia. Assuming he finds the kidnapper's hideout, he'll rescue Vera Dardani from her abductor and see that she returns safety to Earth. Simple enough, but how's all that going to work out?

No such luck. Before long Fee is dodging pirates and disputing with contentious natives. Then it's a rugged jungle trek while being hunted by murderous humans and ravening beasts. Worse yet, There's nothing Vera would like better than to free herself from her valiant rescuer.

Or will she choose to seduce him?

Crazy mixed-up witch! Sure, she's beautiful, but what's wrong her head?
* * * * * * * *
Vera now whined in English, "I'm thirsty."

"Look in the chests—you found my gun easily enough."

"Did you expect I'd let you kidnap me at will?"

"You wanted a boat ride, and I gave you one."

"You lied!"

"Never mind! Get drinks for us all."

Resentment showed in every line of face and body, but she brought jugs for us before slumping with her own into the farthest corner.

I gulped deeply, then eyed her. "You surprise me. I expected more hardiness from one of your nation."

She scowled, not meeting my eye. "I am no true daughter of the eagle, raised like a goat among white crags."