Her thoughts reeled and raced. Concern for Jaer’s welfare in the Medical Unit hit her like a rogue wave. Without Cale or Aven to protect him, she would have to trust that Byan Skye and Roni—
“Yes. Gaden made sure—” Nev stiffened. He reached out with his free hand, clutching Erynn’s arm. “Gaden. He’s working with—for Dhoran. He’s planning—”
“We know.” Erynn let go of Nev and turned toward the door, breaking his grasp on her arm. She stepped forward, put her ear close, and listened.
Nothing.
Erynn glanced back at Nev. “We need to find Dhoran. That means getting you and me out of here and to Tamaagra.” She slid the door open enough to peek into the control room. There was still just the one tech, facing away from her. He leaned back in his chair, feet up on the counter below the instrument panel.
“Does Gaden know Dhoran is gone?” Nev whispered in a deep rumble.
Erynn quietly shut the door and stared at Nev. He didn’t appear to her as Dhoran anymore, but he still sounded like him. The effect was disconcerting. “I don’t know. Why?”
“Because if they, Dhoran’s followers, still think I’m him, we might use that to our advantage. I know who some of them are.”
Erynn frowned and considered this a moment. “If Gaden believes he commands the base, why hasn’t he freed you, Dhoran? I mean . . . if he still thinks you’re him and not who you are—Nev.” She rolled her eyes. “This is confusing.”
“Gaden commands the base? Where is Cale?” Nev’s voice was tight with concern.
Erynn bit her lip and studied patterns in the stone floor. Her heart felt as if it were shrinking along with her world. “Gone.”
“Gone?” Nev’s voice raised in pitch and volume.
“Shhhh,” Erynn hissed. “He left me messages. We can’t discuss this now. I’ll tell you later. When—If we get out of here.”
Nev shook his head. “Get knocked out for a few huairs, and the whole place goes to daheln.” He was quiet a moment. “How much time does Dhoran have on us? When did he leave for Tamaagra?”
Erynn threw her hands up in exasperation. “I don’t know. Again, why?”
Nev’s eyes hardened and his tone lowered. “War is his focus this time—war and a plan to alter Arranon, and not for the good. Dhoran can’t see beyond his own twisted desires. His actions will destroy all life on the surface as surely as the alien enemy would have.”
Erynn stared at Nev. Dread coiled around her spine, cold and unyielding. “Worse than a war between the realms?” Anxious fingers found a loose thread at the hem of her jacket and started winding and unwinding the thin strand around one finger. “What kind of changes?”
“Dhoran believes he’s found a way to manipulate his surroundings. He prefers warmth, abhorring the cold of the surface. Once he regains his strength, his power, he’ll start shifting Arranon’s climate. This will have a destructive effect on all life, even Dhoran’s.” Nev slammed his fist against the wall with a solid thunk. “Dhoran refuses to believe he could fail in anything he attempts. He considers his power so great he can rework the very fabric of life and survive.” Nev faced Erynn. “We have to get out of here. Finding Dhoran is vital. He must be stopped.”
Erynn nodded. “We haven’t much time. Jaer doesn’t either. Maybe only days—”
“To save Arranon, we have to find Dhoran. We have to stay on his trail.” He laid a hand on her arm, and sighed. “Perhaps long past Jaer’s time.”
Erynn shook her head and slapped away his hand. “What are you suggesting? That I let Jaer die?” Fury returned, breaking the ice of fear. Her emotions roiled, distorted. She didn’t know whether to be terrified or angry.
“If it will save our worlds, yes. Don’t you think Jaer would make that choice? Even you are willing to sacrifice yourself.”
Erynn’s eyes narrowed. Purple tendrils snapped from her fingertips. “You don’t understand anything about me. Don’t pretend you do.” She leaned forward, shoulders drawn, and her jaw tight. “You have no idea . . . You can’t begin to understand . . .” Erynn let a restricted breath escape, diffusing the tension in her body. She glanced around the narrow, dim cell. He did know her, or at least he knew what she was—the consequence of parents from two worlds. Her anger receded. “Is there any way we—you—can help Jaer now?” Desperate pleading colored her tone.
“We need a plan. I’m willing to try. But we must hurry. The more time we spend here, the farther away Dhoran gets and the more difficult he’ll be to locate. We can’t risk him leaving Tamaagra, skipping from one place to another until we—I can’t find him.”
Erynn leaned toward Nev again. Her words rushed out in a flood. “You could get a message to Byan Skye. Ask her to test for poison.”
Nev stared at her. “Do you think she’ll believe me?” He shook his head. “Besides, I’m sure Skye is checking into every possibility, including poison. You have to understand, Erynn. There are so many toxins that without knowing the exact substance, it would be like . . . like grabbing air in your hand and picking out distinctive molecules.” He reached up as if catching something. His fingers opened in front of her eyes, empty. “Arranon’s, and Jaer’s, only chance is to find Dhoran, and quickly.”
Erynn lowered her head, lips pressed tight. In a brief moment of self-doubt, she questioned her ability to follow through with this crazy scheme. She looked up and nodded. “Okay,” she whispered. “Do exactly what I tell you. Don’t fall behind. Do you understand? No matter what you see, don’t fall behind me.” She turned to the door and pressed it open a few centimeters. She turned back to Nev, frowning. “How much of Dhoran do you think is still in you?”
Nev’s lip twisted in a sneer. “How much of Dhoran is still in me? I hope none.” He stared at Erynn, his head tilted. “I’m not sure I know what you mean.”
Erynn licked her lips and wound the string from the hem of her jacket around her finger again. “What I mean is if I slow time, if I stop everything from moving forward for a moment, how will that affect you? It wouldn’t have done anything to Dhoran, but what about Nev—you? Will you freeze with time?”
Nev’s eyes narrowed. “You can—”
“Yes. Can we discuss this later?”
Nev shrugged. “I guess there’s only one way to find out. Unless you can test what will happen?”
Erynn shook her head. “Can’t. I need time to ummm . . . recharge. It can take a few timnents. I’ve already used this ability, getting into your cell. I’m taking a chance it will work again so soon. We don’t really have any other choice, though.”
“Then I suggest we do this.”
Erynn slipped the door open a bit more. Electricity gathered, snapping around her fingers. Blue static flared and raced out in a jumbled arc.
Time stopped. The guard froze, his feet up on the desk as he leaned back in the chair. She glanced behind to Nev, hoping he was aware and able to move.
He tipped his head, raising his eyebrows. “Should we go now?”
Erynn sighed with relief. “Yes, quickly.” She darted through the control room and around the corner. Nev closed the door and kept pace behind her. Powerful currents flowed through the air, seeking and finding Erynn as she raced to the first set of stairs and ascended. When they were well out of sight and had reached the safety of a higher corridor, Erynn stopped and held a finger to her lips. No shout of alarm followed them. Their panting breaths and the eerie drip of water from the ceiling were the only sounds.
Nev nodded, moving with stealth and silence to stand next to her. “Now what? I mean if you can’t do that again for a while,” he whispered.
Erynn frowned. “I’m working on it.”
“Didn’t you have a plan when you came to get me?”
“No. Not really.” Her attempted smile caused only one side of her lips to rise. “Fast and low. That’s the way I like it.” Warmth crept up her neck and into her face. Erynn raised her hands to her cheeks and her fingertips traced the four scars, still raised, they bu
rned and were hot to the touch.
The scars brought vivid memories of when her first encounter in a transition station had nearly killed her. The Socar Batahs and Shifters used these stations to travel from one location in their underworld to another. Erynn had hesitated when she approached what appeared to be a standing two-meter radius of radiant, swirling blue liquid. Pushed from behind, pitched into the vertical opening, Erynn’s breath had left her. Drom, a Socar Batah and the trialath’s leader, hadn’t intended to hurt her. His slap across her cheek was meant to get her breathing, but instead, his sharp claws left her face scarred.
“Fast and low?” Nev mumbled, shaking his head. “Okay. No plan. So what now?”
Erynn was quiet a moment. Her eyes widened. “The transport bay. We can leave through the access tunnel.”
Nev’s right eyebrow lifted. “We won’t run into anyone who would stop me? I’ll be permitted to just walk out?” He indicated his appearance with a sweep of his hand.
Erynn glanced at Nev and turned away. She wiped damp palms down her thighs. His appearance was an issue. He was Dhoran to everyone but her. “No. Not looking the way you do. You won’t make it three meters. But then, neither would I.”
Nev sighed. “Then why did you break me out of my cell if you didn’t have a plan to get us off base?”
“I have some of this figured out. I can get us to the transport bay.” Erynn shrugged one shoulder. “That part is easy. There’s something else I can do.”
Nev stiffened and tipped his head. “Erynn,” he whispered. “Someone’s coming.”
Muffled conversation trickled toward them from down the corridor.
Erynn straightened her shoulders, her breathing calm. “Take my hand,” she commanded, not looking at him.
“What good—”
“Just do it! Trust me. Please.” She glanced back, frowning, and grabbed his hand. She envisioned the Chamelaren blending into his surroundings. Vibrations ran through her into Nev. The familiar pop sounded in her ears.
Nev’s hand squeezed hers. “You’re crushing my fingers,” she complained through gritted teeth. “Ease up. But don’t let go.” She continued to tug at Nev until he stepped in close to her, hiding their clasped hands. “Act normal,” Erynn muttered. “Just in case they can see us.”
“Normal? For who? You or me?” Nev shook his head. “See us? Why wouldn’t they see us?” he whispered in a low hiss.
The voices approached, louder now, a mix of men and women. “Where do you think General Athru is?” “Don’t know.” “They say they’ve looked everywhere.” “You know Kira still hasn’t been found.” “Yeah, but security isn’t looking for her like they are General Athru.” “What about General Gaden? Do you think—” The small group, three men and two women, coming toward them quieted, their attention shifting to Erynn and Nev.
Erynn nodded, her posture rigid. “Yes, sir. I can have that information for you by tomorrow. Will that be soon enough?”
The group kept walking but glanced at Nev, waiting for his response.
Erynn jabbed Nev in the ribs with her elbow.
Nev’s breath huffed out. He leaned over and whispered in Erynn’s ear. “I really don’t think you want them to hear me, the way my voice sounds now.”
The women rolled their eyes and the group kept walking, passing without a second glance. Their conversation continued in soft murmurs farther down the dim corridor.
The tunnel ahead was empty. “Don’t let go of my hand, no matter what. And loosen up a bit. Your unease is obvious, like you’re up to something.”
“I am up to something. I’m—we’re escaping.” Nev’s fingers loosened their crushing grip. “How did we . . . Why didn’t they . . .” He sighed. “I don’t understand.”
“I’ve changed the way we look, our appearance. As long as you hold my hand, and nothing rattles my concentration too much, we won’t look like us. In fact, I’m hoping we won’t be seen at all.”
“What . . . Who do we look like? Not seen at all?” Nev’s eyes narrowed, his voice low, cautious.
“I don’t know who we look like—just vague, nothing remarkable or memorable. Not like . . . like us.” Erynn glanced back at Nev and smiled.“Are you familiar with an aleun, the Chamelaren, that can change its appearance to match the environment?”
Nev frowned and shook his head.
“No?” Erynn nodded. “I was fortunate to spend time with a pair of Chamelarens.” Her smile dissolved. “Seems like a long time ago.” She turned back to the empty corridor ahead of them and stepped forward.
Nev didn’t budge, didn’t follow, stopping Erynn. “What do you see when you look at me, Erynn? Not just now, with this . . . whatever you do. But when I am not vague or indistinct.”
She stared ahead and then back at Nev, her eyes narrowed. “I see you—Nev. I’ve seen you since last night in your cell when you took my hand. It hasn’t changed. Now come on.”
“And you believe what you see? That inside this shell of Dhoran, I am Nev.”
“Yes.” Erynn tugged. She sensed time slipping away.
Nev didn’t budge. “Good. You’re going to need to trust me.”
Erynn scowled, her words pressed through clenched jaws. “I do trust you. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be out of your cell.”
“No,” Nev said with conviction, stepping back as far as their joined hands would allow. “I sensed you had hope, expectation, a desire of truth, but not complete trust.”
She scanned the corridor in both directions. “Would you have trusted me if you were in my place?” She started forward.
Nev stood, not following, stopping her again. “Yes. I believe I would. You recognized the truth in my cell after you touched me. I saw it in your eyes. But you still don’t always accept what is right before you, even with the abilities you possess.” He shook his head, his expression radiating sorrow. “I was witness to so much in the time I existed with Dhoran . . .” Nev’s gaze dropped to the stone floor. “You can’t imagine. My experience when it comes to him is . . . well, more than I would wish for anyone.”
Erynn spun on him, her teeth grinding. “You don’t know what I’ve seen or been through.”
His lips thinned, and his blue eyes hardened. “Nor you I.”
“Fine,” she huffed, one fist planted on her hip. “You want to stand here and debate who’s had the most unusual life, or do you want to get out of here and find Dhoran?”
Nev grinned, and his fingers relaxed in Erynn’s. “Okay. We can go.”
Erynn frowned to prevent a smile from spreading. “Stop being difficult, then.” She tugged at his hand, and this time he followed.
Nev slowed, his brow creasing. “They mentioned Kira.”
Erynn glanced back. “Yes. She’s missing. I’m sorry. You worked with her, didn’t you?”
“Not really.” Nev resumed his pace to keep up with Erynn. “She worked in the unit, but I rarely saw her. She seemed to be a nice person. Strange she disappeared so close to the same time Jaer was attacked. I hope she’s all right.”
Their conversation ended as they made it unchecked to the transport bay. Erynn guided Nev to the rear wall, the blocked access tunnel to their right, and slipped behind a troop carrier. She peeked over the hood of the massive vehicle and stared out at the bay. “The panel is closed. Hadn’t counted on that.” She ducked back down behind the transport, biting at her lip. A long red curl fell over her forehead and she raked it back, tucking the strand behind her ear.
Nev glanced at Erynn and then back to the locked access panel. “So what now? There has to be another way.” He stared, unfocused, at the tracks of the troop carrier. “Let me think.”
“It’s doubtful the on-duty crew would have given Dhoran transportation no matter who he appeared to be.”
“There is your first mistake.” Nev tightened his hold on Erynn’s hand. “He will do whatever it takes to reach his desired goal. When it comes to Dhoran, assume the worst.”
Running boots and shoute
d orders sounded from the main corridor. Men and women in security jumpsuits stormed into the transport bay, weapons drawn. They were three abreast, double-timing a column into the massive space, reaching the middle before they stopped. General Gaden followed, approaching with purpose through the center of the bay.
Erynn and Nev tucked in close to the transport, deep in shadows.
“This can’t be good news,” Nev muttered.
“No.” Erynn pulled her gaze from Gaden and scanned the area of the bay she could see. “We need help.”
An older man in a white jumpsuit, his long gray hair pulled into a red-and-gold cocha, shouted orders to transport bay crews.
“Whill,” Erynn murmured in a hopeful tone. “He’ll help.”
“Can we trust him?” Nev’s whisper grumbled from deep in his chest.
“Yes. Cale does.” Erynn tugged Nev to the rear of the carrier, remaining in a crouched position. They slipped quickly to the next, a smaller version of the first but positioned closer to the stone wall and nearer the exit.
“Will he let us take a transport?”
“Don’t know. But he will if he can.” She watched Gaden talking at Whill, pointing to the contingent of security standing to attention and then to the transports five wide and six deep against the far wall where Erynn and Nev hid.
Gaden spoke to Whill and nodded toward the assembled troops, who remained at attention. The one-sided conversation finished, and Gaden walked back out into the main corridor.
The assembled troops turned their attention to Whill.
“At ease.” Whill pointed toward a small office next to the bay’s entrance. “Line up at the door, and I’ll have my crew distribute snow gear.” He started toward the access panel, closing in on Erynn and Nev. He frowned and stopped, turning the opposite direction. Whill gestured to a hanger duty crew as he walked away.
“He’s leaving. Do something. Those troops will come this way, and soon.” Nev’s low, rumbling tone sounded more like a growling katjaramuud.
Storm of Arranon Allies and Enemies Page 9