Erynn pushed away from the bed, pulling her legs under her. Pain didn’t race after her movements.
He held the rim to her lips. Her hand slipped over his, guiding the cup to tip farther against her mouth. She drank. Cool liquid eased her sore throat, loosening her voice. “Thanks.”
He poured more and held it out to her.
Erynn took the cup and sipped. “Have you been here the whole time I slept?”
“I didn’t want you to wake up and be alone.”
“Someone else could have stayed.”
He smiled, shaking his head. “You still don’t get it, do you?”
She glanced around the room. “I get it.”
“Good. Then stop questioning why I want to be with you.”
Her gaze traveled back to his shadowed face. “Can I go? To my quarters?”
“It’s late. Or should I say early. Stay here until morning, and then you can go. I want you to take it easy, though. For a day or two.” He grinned. “No chasing monsters.” Nev sat on the edge of the bed, took the empty cup, and set it on the nightstand. He motioned for her to lie down and pulled the covers around her. “Do you want something to help you sleep?”
“No.” She frowned and yawned.
He laughed quietly. “Okay, but if you can’t get back to sleep, do you promise to tell me?”
“Promise,” Erynn said, her eyes already closing.
Chapter 12
BREAKFAST HELD NO APPEAL. ERYNN stared down at the tray, knowing she would have to eat something before Nev allowed her leave the Medical Unit. She needed to talk with Cale. Convincing him to let her go to Deanaim was more important than ever. There had to be some written proof of the four portals’ existence. Without this knowledge, it could take years to find them if she didn’t discover a map, or a guide of some kind. Deanaim was as good a place to start as any.
I don’t have much time. Dhoran grows powerful and will start another war. Soon. This time, he might win.
Voices in the corridor caused her to pick up the fork. It poised over an orange-colored lump of…“What is this?” Erynn whispered, her nose wrinkling at the spicy scent wafting up from the plate.
The curtain drew back. Nev and Cale entered. Erynn dropped the fork and slid off the edge of the bed. Her boots made a snap when they hit the stone floor. “Cale. I need to tell you about what happened. I talked to—”
“I know. You spoke with the man who attacked you.” His voice was too loud, cutting off her account.
“Yes I did. I mean no. I didn’t.” She shook her head. “Not a man. I told you. He was a Shifter. But that’s not what’s important. I also—”
“Enough, Erynn.” Cale’s tone changed to one of pity. “You were confused. Your injury made you hallucinate and see things that aren’t possible.” He turned to Nev. “May I speak with Erynn, alone?”
Nev nodded and tipped his head. “Sure. Try and get her to eat.” He smiled at Erynn, his eyes wide, and such a beautiful, bright, silver-blue. “I have real sick people to attend to, unlike you.” He spun and walked away.
Erynn’s attention whipped to Cale, and she gritted her teeth.
Cale watched her. He grinned and put a finger to his lips. “Wait,” he whispered.
Her mouth opened in surprise. She listened as Nev’s footsteps disappeared down the hall.
What is this about?
Cale moved the tray. He sat on the edge of the bed and patted the spot next to him.
Erynn joined him.
Cale studied her. He rubbed his chin. His eyes narrowed. “Nev knows we, you and I, have visions, prophecies, and certain abilities. That much was necessary. Everyone on Arranon and Korin believes you’re something special. Nev doesn’t know everything regarding you or me, though. But by now, I’m sure he has questions about you. Our physiology differs from others that are not of mixed parentage.” He reached back behind Erynn’s head and tapped lightly at the base of her skull. “Here. Those of mixed blood have a slight anomaly. There’s an additional, small lobe in our brains not present in those of pure Korin or Arranon heritage.”
Erynn rubbed at the spot when Cale removed his hand. “Nev doesn’t know? I mean, that you have a blended heritage?” She glanced at the DVSL. Dark clouds built against a blue sky. It would snow soon. She frowned. “What about flight physicals?” She turned back to Cale.
Cale nodded. “I have a trusted friend, a byan. She takes care of that for me. Always has.” He glanced at the DVSL, then back to Erynn. “I’m sure Damon knew enough not to take you to just any byan. He had someone he trusted with you.”
Her brow wrinkled. “Yes, but…I guess I never realized that it was because I was physically different.”
Cale put his arm around her shoulders. “Special, Erynn.” He squeezed, leaned in, and kissed her cheek. “That you see and communicate with Zander must remain a secret. I want to keep this between Tiar, Sean, and Jaer. Unless Tam knows.” His lips threatened a smile.
Erynn shook her head. “She knows Damon isn’t my real father, but we never talked about Zander. Tam hasn’t asked a lot of questions.”
His voice softened. “I trust Tam. She knows to keep what we discuss private. When Nev releases you, come to my office. We’ll talk about what happened last night, and what Zander told you, in private.
“What do I tell Nev? I mean if he asks about me. Why I’m diff…not like others?”
“You can tell him the truth. You’re of mixed parentage. I believe not telling Nev the reason for your physical differences would cause more questions than him knowing your secret. Nev took a privacy oath and I trust him to adhere to his ethical vow. That, and he’s fond of you. But don’t tell him about your parents. Your mother or father.” Cale gave her one last hug, stood up, and moved toward the corridor. He turned back. “Nev probably believes that Damon is your biological father. He will probably question you about who your mother is.”
“Wait. Will Nev even connect the physical difference with my being of mixed heritage? Maybe he’ll just think the extra lobe in my brain is an abnormality solely unique to me.”
Cale stared past the door, to the bright, empty corridor. “Nev is intelligent. He’s a good man. I was lucky to recruit him as the base byan.” He was silent for a brief moment. “An accident was bound to happen eventually, to one of us. Not just you or me. There’s Sean and Tiar now, also. Nev has questioned my situation for some time, asking me pointedly why I don’t allow him to do my flight physicals. I believe Nev had his suspicions about me. And now he has a physical explanation for your extraordinary abilities.” Cale’s gaze dropped to study the clean, white stone floor. “He’ll ask,” he whispered and left Erynn’s room.
Nev showed up again after she’d picked at the food and eaten as much as she could handle.
He glared at the tray and sighed. “I guess that will have to do.”
“Can I go, then?” She heard the harsh tone in her voice. Any ease she had begun to feel around Nev was gone. He couldn’t know her, not truly.
Not like Jaer does.
This truth made her angry, but not with Nev or Jaer.
I’m the one with secrets.
Nev shook his head, pulled a small computer from his pocket, and switched on the device. “Give me just a couple of timnents, Erynn. I’d like to clear up a few medical questions I have first.”
Okay, here it comes.
Erynn bit her lip and crossed her arms. “What?” She clamped her jaw tight to keep the shake out of her voice.
Can I do this? After a life spent hiding the truth, can I share my guarded past?
Nev’s forehead creased as he stared at the computer in his hand. “An anomaly was detected on your brain scan. Nothing to worry about,” he added hurriedly and turned his attention to Erynn. “I believe for you this is…normal.”
Erynn only nodded. She didn’t trust her voice.
“You don’t seem surprised. Perhaps you were told by other byans of this—”
“No. I didn’t know
until today, just now.” Erynn shifted from one foot to the other. “So if it’s normal for me, can I go?”
Nev tipped his head. “Aren’t you curious? Maybe this is the reason for your abilities, the visions and dreams.”
“Yeah, and maybe it isn’t. I’d rather not become someone’s science project. I like my brain in one piece, not dissected so you can figure out what makes me different.”
The muscles in his jaw bunched. “Erynn, I would never…And you aren’t different. Unique, yes. You are rare and precious to me.” He took in a deep breath. “I’d like to ask you about your mother. Is she…Is it possible she may have been from…Arranon?”
Erynn’s fingers curled, nails biting into her palm. “Why? Why is that important?”
Nev stared down at his hands. “Erynn, I…Okay. You can go.” He edged around the curtain toward the empty hall. “If your head starts hurting again or your vision blurs, let me know.”
“My mother died before I was a day old. I never knew her.”
Nev turned back to her, quiet, waiting.
She shrugged. “At least that’s what I was told. My dad told me she was beautiful, smart, funny. He loved her very much.”
“Did he tell you your mother was from Arranon?”
“You’re asking if I’m aware that I have a parent from Arranon and a parent from Korin.” She paused. “Yes. I understand I shouldn’t be alive.”
Nev took a shambling step, then another, and another until he stood in front of her. He brushed the backs of his fingers across her cheek. “But you are. I’m so glad you’re alive. You can’t begin to understand how happy I am you’re here.” He smiled, the half grin making his eyes dance.
The door glided open, and Dhoran entered the tidy workspace. Warm air swirled in ahead of him. Static popped off his fingertips, arcing to the doorframe. This body no longer resisted his will. He could feel his old power growing stronger each day.
Soon, it will be time to begin my assault on those who oppose my authority.
Behind the desk, the fighter wing commander General Gaden stood up and bowed his head. Thick gray hair slipped across his shoulders. “My Lord.” He straightened, his brown eyes wide. “Did the Shifter’s trick obtain the information you sought?”
Dhoran dropped into a chair and glared at General Gaden. “Erynn hides the truth about her Arranon mother. But why? She admitted her mixed parentage, but nothing else. Why conceal the truth about her mother?”
Gaden settled back into his seat. “The birth records—”
“A man as powerful as Damon Yager could have easily falsified the records to protect his child.” Dhoran sighed, the sound more growl than just a release of breath. “Gaden, what did you find out about the supposed mother? Did she exist?”
Gaden turned to a monitor on the desk, swiveling the screen so Dhoran could see. He pointed to the monitor. “She did exist, My Lord. Her family was influential, wealthy, and powerful in Korin’s political world. There is a marriage certificate, a commitment document, between her, Alessa, and Damon Yager. Then, of course, her death record was filed the same day as Erynn’s birth confirmation.” He swept a thin finger across the screen to display those two forms.
Dhoran snorted. “Tampered with. They must be fake, imitations.” He sat there, staring at the monitor, and smiled. “Doesn’t matter.”
“My Lord?”
Dhoran’s grin widened. “Zander’s daughter is somewhere on Arranon. Is she as powerful as her father?” He shrugged. “Maybe not. What if she didn’t inherit all her father’s abilities? Will I find her in time to carry out my plan? Erynn is powerful, and she’s here now, accessible to me.” He stood up and walked around the desk to stand behind Gaden. He grasped Gaden’s tight shoulders. The man flinched, and the tension in his muscles increased.
“Yes, My Lord?”
Dhoran massaged, digging his strong fingers deep. He leaned down and whispered, “Erynn made the wind stop.” He chuckled and tipped his head. His lips nearly touched Gaden’s ear. “What would the progeny of two such extraordinary mixed bloods be capable of achieving?”
Aven stood in the hall. He gave Erynn a weak smile. “I’m to watch you. No more attacks, or Jaer will…Well, I’d rather not go there.”
Erynn stared at him. She knew this was coming, but not with Aven. She thought that maybe Jaer himself would take over guarding her.
What if he had, what then?
A part of her wished it had been Jaer.
“Where’s Jaer?” She turned and walked away, not wanting Aven to see the disappointment she knew clouded her face.
Aven stepped in alongside her. Long dark hair cascaded over his shoulder. “He didn’t think you wanted him around.”
Erynn bit her lip. “It’s not that I don’t want him around. It’s hard for me to be around him.”
“What’s the difference?”
She watched Aven. He had the same dark eyes as Jaer, the same intensity.
Aven glanced up the tunnel. “You don’t think this is equally difficult for him? He loves you.” He chuckled. “I never thought that was possible of Jaer. You changed him, Erynn.”
“He’s not mine,” she mumbled.
Aven sighed. “Ah, but he is.”
Her heart skipped and her breath caught.
They sidestepped around three men talking in the corridor outside Cale’s quarters.
Aven whispered, “Did you know the commitment between Jaer and Shan was arranged?”
Erynn’s attention snapped to Aven. “What?”
Cale emerged from the office. “Aven, you should come in and hear this.” He frowned. “You’ll be accompanying Erynn to Deanaim tomorrow.”
Chapter 13
TINY PELLETS OF ICE SWIRLED on the gusting wind and in the open bay doors. Shafts of golden sunlight pierced thick iron-gray clouds, seeking a firm hold, grasping the forest cloaked with a mantle of fresh snow.
Erynn came around the front of the ship for the third time. The smooth black surface reflected her intense concentration as she inspected the exterior.
Again.
Aven leaned against the open hatch. “How many times are you going to go over the Herk [HrC-Hover Craft]?”
She glared at him and continued her route. “You don’t want to crash, do you?”
He sighed. “That’s not what this is about, Erynn. You keep checking the main corridor. I’ve seen you. Do you want me to contact Jaer? Get him down here so you can say good-bye?”
Erynn spun around. Her mouth worked at a rebuff, but she couldn’t get a denial to verbalize. She stared out the open doors instead. The last of the storm gave way to blue sky. She squinted at the brightness. Her gaze swung back to Aven. “No. But where is he? I thought…I mean…I’m leaving. You’re leaving. If not me, doesn’t he have anything to say to you?”
Aven cocked his head and smiled at her. “Jaer gave me my orders last night. You can guess what they were.”
“Yes, I can imagine.” Erynn frowned and smoothed her heavy flight suit.
Cale trotted down the metal stairs from the control room. “Erynn, Aven, is there a problem?” His gaze darted between the two of them.
Aven shrugged and tipped his head toward Erynn. “We’re making sure we won’t crash.” He grinned and nodded with enthusiasm.
“We’re leaving. Right now.” Erynn squeezed by Aven and through the narrow hatch.
“Are you sure?” Aven whispered, turning his head to follow her.
“I’m sure.” Her heart skipped and her pulse quickened. Once inside the aircraft, Erynn smiled and dropped into the pilot’s seat. “Let’s do this.”
She slipped on the communication link, securing it around her ear. The device buzzed with quiet static and connected to the chip under her skin.
Aven climbed on board and pushed his large frame into the seat. He pulled the straps across and down, buckling in.
Erynn flipped switches. The hatch swung up, closing with an airtight hiss. The engine hummed, and the ins
trument panel before her lit up, gauges jumping to life. Thick, clear sections bolted to solid metal posts surrounded the cockpit. She watched the ground crew push the Herk, rolling it to the scramble pad. When they backed up, standing by the open hangar doors, Erynn tapped the connection behind her ear. “All clear, control?”
Cale’s voice sounded through the tight compartment. “You’re cleared for launch. And, Erynn, be careful.”
“I will.” She took hold of the stick and feathered the controls under her feet. The rotors above whined, spinning faster and faster. Soothed by the cramped interior of the Herk, the scent of warming electronics, and the familiarity of flight procedures, Erynn gained focus. The small ship levitated, rising straight and smooth. She turned the nose toward the sun, tipping forward. “Be back soon.” Erynn accelerated and they shot away, the landscape below a blur.
Aven twisted a dial on the panel before him. “Coordinates are plotted into the NAV-COM.” The flight path would take them nearly halfway around Arranon and through several time zones. He turned to Erynn. “Are you going to engage Auto-Fly?”
Erynn shook her head and smiled. “No. I like to pilot.”
Aven chuckled. “Yes, well, no fancy flying, okay? I’ve seen what you can do. I don’t need to experience your expertise first hand.” He glanced away from the scene outside. “Please.”
“Don’t worry. This ship isn’t built like an Interceptor. The Herk wouldn’t handle that kind of stress.”
They flew on in silence. Erynn enjoyed the freedom of flying after so much time confined inside the base.
Aven’s posture had relaxed. “I talked with Tam last night. She wanted to come with us, but since she’s on Korin, she understands that we needed to go before she could get back.”
Erynn frowned. “How’s her father? I heard he was doing better.” With all that was happening on the base, Tam’s family crisis had slipped her mind more than once.
“Recovering nicely. Starting to drive the rest of the family crazy. He won’t sit still.” Aven stared out the clear section next to him. “Tam will be home soon. I mean back to the base.”
Storm of Arranon Fire and Ice Page 10