Nev still sat in the chair, staring out the window, the pack in his lap. He’d removed the heavy jumpsuit. The caitni bags were rolled out, one next to the other on the bed, with blankets carefully folded and laid over the tops. “Like I said, I can throw my bed on the floor—if you need more room.” Nev stood up and moved into the washroom, his dark form backlit by the bright light over the mirror.
Exhaustion and a full stomach made thinking about anything but sleep impossible. Erynn took in a tired breath and let it out in a rush. “No. It’s fine. Really.” She sat on the side of the bed and grinned. “You aren’t going to revert and go all crazy on me, are you?”
“I hope not,” Nev scoffed. He twisted back to her and tipped his head, long sandy-brown hair slipping over his shoulder. A thin smile curved his lips. “Thanks, Erynn.” He swung into the tiny room and his hand locked on the door handle, knuckles white. He faced the mirror and stared at his reflection. “Erynn. My eyes. They’re blue! Normal human blue.”
Not quite awake, Erynn smiled and mumbled, “Just like the color of your cocha.”
***
Into the darkened silence of a deep slumber, a hand clamped over Erynn’s mouth. Hot breath hissed in her ear. She reacted instinctively, flinging off sleep, casting the fog of dreams aside. Purple currents arced from her fingers as she grabbed for the hand pinching off her breath.
Through clenched jaws, Nev gasped at the stinging pain but didn’t release his hold over her face. He rolled on top of her, pulling her to the floor inside her caitni bag and pinning her.
Erynn squirmed and thrashed between his weight and the confines of the bag. He had her trapped.
Outside, a flashing current of brilliant orange energy burst, illuminating the tiny room in a fiery glow.
“Erynn, listen to me. Stay down!” Nev whispered through gritted teeth. “Dhoran’s outside.”
She froze and nodded her understanding, pulling in the static.
The eerie illumination faded, returning darkness to the room.
Nev removed his palm from over her mouth, grimaced, and shook his fingers. Air shuddered in and out rapidly from his lungs. He crouched, edging around the wall to the window. Nev held up his hand. “Stay down. He doesn’t know where—only that I’m close. He’s provoking me, trying to frighten me into revealing where we are.” He chuckled, the sound awkward. “He’s succeeded as far as scaring the daheln out of me.”
Erynn kicked out of her bag and it bunched at her stockinged feet. “We should go after him,” she whispered into the dark. A sliver of pale light seeped in through the crack in the curtains. She reached to grab her jacket from over the chair and held it tight against her.
Nev stood up, his back pressed to the wall. He carefully lifted the edge of the drape, peering through the tiny gap. “I didn’t think he would—or could, act this soon. He’s worried about my presence, the things I know about him.” He glanced quickly at Erynn, before returning his gaze out the window. “And you.”
The hallway outside their room came alive. Loud voices punctuated hurried footsteps that thrummed dully on the carpet. From the city, sirens blared in the distance, growing nearer.
Another assault blasted from the alley below, this time with an arc of red static energy, casting an eerie glow over the interior of their tiny room. A long piercing scream swelled from inside the abnormal radiance, swirling, diving, and cutting off as the brilliant illumination faded.
Sirens wailed, surrounding the building, replacing the ghostly shriek.
Nev dropped the edge of the drape and turned to Erynn. “He’s gone.”
Erynn jumped up, pulling on her coat. “Let’s go. Before he gets away.”
“Not a good idea. Dhoran will expect you to do just that. He’ll be ready, waiting. I’m no fighter, and you have no weapon. We know where to start in the morning and he won’t return tonight. This little display took a lot of energy. He won’t risk running himself too low. He’s only just acquired a new host, and his powers are limited.” Nev’s eyes lit with hope. “I felt his weakness.” He bent, scooped up Erynn’s bag and blankets, and laid them out on the bed. He shook his hand again, flexing his fingers. “I’m sorry I startled you. I imagine you thought I was ‘going all crazy on you.’”
She watched him and nodded, tapping the bulge of the dagger in her inside pocket. “Yeah, me too. Sorry, I mean . . . for the shock.” What she’d done to him must have hurt like daheln.
He moved around the bed, lay down on top of his blankets, and stared up at the ceiling. “You can slow or stop time, communicate with some animals of Arranon, change your appearance, and you can shock. Very useful . . . and painful.” He rolled, watching her. “I know there’s more. So what else?”
Erynn shrugged out of her coat, tossing it over the chair again. She sat on the edge of the bed and sucked in a deep breath. “Yes, there’s more. Okay, here goes.” She bit at her lip. “Actually, I can communicate with all the animals. It’s just that some of them aren’t friendly toward me. And I can hear Arranon herself through the Anim Blath. They’re part animal, part plant . . . I think—a sentient consciousness of a very old life form.”
Nev took in a breath, as if to ask a question, but he let the air escape through his nose without speaking.
Erynn curled on her side to face him. “I have influenced the weather around me.” She frowned, blinking slowly, exhaustion creeping over her. Her eyes wanted to remain closed. “Not sure how that works, but I’m getting better at it.”
Nev stared, unfocused, beyond her. “Ah, yes. The lake. That was when Dhoran realized you were . . . special—a half blood, like him. He saw the electromagnetic field around your Interceptor.”
Erynn frowned. “I thought it might have been during my stay in the Medical Unit after the Shifter punched me and left me unconscious.”
Nev’s gaze cleared and shifted back to her. He smiled and reached his hand around her head, tapping lightly at the back of her skull. “The extra lobe at the base of your brain that showed up in the tests? The physical proof of your gifts?” He shook his head. “Dhoran already knew by then. Why do you think the Shifter attacked but didn’t kill? Dhoran wanted confirmation of what he surmised about you so he set up the attack. While you were in the Medical Unit, you told Dhoran, well, the being you thought was me, Byan Nev, that you had a parent from Korin and a parent from Arranon. Just not which planet each parent was from.”
Erynn nodded. “I forgot you were aware of what was going on that whole time.” She sighed loudly again and continued. “I have seen and spoken with ghosts, spirits of the dead—mostly my father, Zander.” She quieted, thinking about Zander, wondering where he was and why he wasn’t helping her.
Nev nodded. “Dhoran knew about Zander’s daughter. He didn’t know who or where she was, though. He realized who you were just before Cale and Aven discovered his masquerade. He had no time to act on this knowledge.”
Her head sunk against the soft pillow. The heater in the room kicked on with a low hum, and she snuggled in, taking pleasure in the added warmth. She wanted to get this account of her gifts over with, but her body demanded sleep. “Sometimes I have flashes, visions of the future, and . . . I can sense emotions from others.”
Nev closed his eyes a moment. “That’s how you knew about Aynn.” His tone was low, and she didn’t like the awe that wove around his words.
She scowled, but the expression faded quickly. “This hasn’t been easy, you know. The agreement between Arranon’s and Korin’s governments is to slaughter children of blended parentage along with their families—to keep secret a race they fear might one day take over.” She rolled onto her back, pulling a thick blanket up to her chin. Her lids were heavy, her body relaxing, floating. “Even now I must be careful—hide who and what I am.” She yawned. Her voice was barely a whisper. “There are still those that would not understand and might try . . . to . . . kill . . . me.” Her eyes closed, and the awareness of the room faded.
Silver fog swirle
d in a warm breeze. Zander stepped from the brilliant mist, followed by Damon, Faylen, Cale, Nev, and finally Jaer.
The awe had disappeared from Nev’s voice, replaced with a poignant sympathy. “And now it’s up to you . . .”
In unison, the others joined Nev. “An outcast, to help save Arranon. You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here for you, Erynn.” Zander floated toward her, coming closer, his face clear. Love enveloped Erynn. A smile warmed Zander’s brown eyes and he nodded, vanishing after the others had disappeared into the shining vapor.
Their words drifted softly across her thoughts, and Erynn let go, dropping back into a deep sleep.
Chapter 18
STEADY RAIN FALLING FROM A leaden sky heralded in the morning. Wind hurled fat drops in an irregular tapping at the window, bleeding in a zigzag blur down the glass. The drapes were open and watery gray light filled the tiny space.
Erynn emerged from the washroom, running her fingers through long curly hair.
Nev had caitni bags, blankets, and their harsh-weather jumpsuits stuffed into the packs. “I didn’t think we would need the heavy gear today.” He glanced up after securing the straps over the bulging contents.
“No, but we will need to buy new clothes. My white flightsuit and your blue medical jumpsuit stand out. We don’t need the attention.” She slipped into her coat and picked up her pack. “I’ll ask at the desk if there are any used-clothing stores in the area. My guess is there are.”
They left the room and went down to the front desk. Erynn handed the access disk to the attendant behind the counter. “Are there any clothing stores, preferably used clothing, nearby?”
The woman at the desk was as similarly unenthused as the man from the previous evening. She didn’t bother to look up when she answered. “There’s a second-hand clothing store seven intersections up on the right.”
Erynn patted the countertop. “Thanks.”
Wind-driven rain blasted them as they stepped outside the shabby but sheltering walls of the guest service. Their coats dripped by the time they’d travelled the seven blocks and reached the used-goods store. Their sodden appearance was no different from other bargain hunters, garnering only a quick glance from shoppers as Erynn and Nev entered.
Erynn stood and surveyed the large space, guided to the right by a long row of dark pants and shirts. She flipped through clean, fresh clothing in good condition, stopping at a black tunic and matching pants in her size. The heavy garment buttoned on the side with epaulets on the shoulders, and the pants had a dark stripe four centimeters wide down the outside. The combination of a military and an Anbas uniform appealed to Erynn. She continued her search, finding a couple of high-necked sweaters, gloves, a leather jacket with a hood, and tall boots—all the items black.
At the far end of the row, Nev had several articles of clothing in his size draped over his arm.
They took turns in the only changing room. Erynn went first. The tunic and pants fit as if tailored just for her, and she smiled at her reflection in the full mirror. She pulled on the boots, transferred her father’s jeweled dagger from her thick white coat to an inside pocket of the leather jacket, and slipped into the stylish piece. Erynn stuffed her white flight suit, jacket, and boots into her pack. Any more additions and they would need another. She considered leaving the flight suit but couldn’t part with it, and they might again need the heavier gear.
She stood guard for Nev while he dressed, and considered their next move. Since renting a transport would require ID, that probably wasn’t a good idea. She chuckled at the memory of her reaction to Jaer’s producing fake IDs for their trip from Imoir to Tamaagra to find Cale and the base. No matter her hesitance for dishonesty, the ruse had worked. Hard to believe those past events leading to this moment had taken place only a few weeks ago.
From inside the small changing room, Nev called in a muffled voice, “It’s best we stay on foot—no transport. I’ll be better able to . . . to do whatever I need to do that way.” He opened the narrow door and raised his hands, head tipped. “Well?” A deep-green sweater over a brown shirt accentuated his muscular build. His physique was further enhanced by dark pants, a hooded leather jacket, and laced boots.
“Good. You look . . . good . . . fine.” Erynn inclined her head. “Wait. How did you know I was thinking about getting a transport? That’s several times now you’ve picked up on my thoughts.” Her eyes narrowed. “Do you read minds?”
He frowned. “I did? No. I guess I must have been thinking along the same lines as you—just seemed to be the logical flow. Back to the five-story apartment building, and on foot.”
“Yeah, maybe. You ready?” Erynn turned toward the door. Their purchases paid for, they went back out into the storm.
Wind drove icy rain, stinging her face. She pulled the hood lower. Transports whirred by, throwing a spray of water in their wake. People on the sidewalks strode with purpose, all hurrying to their jobs or homes, or on various errands.
They moved back to the main street, turning left. After two intersections, Nev slowed. “Here,” he said, stopping in front of a small café. He stared in through the wide window, frowning.
Erynn inhaled sharply and spun, staring into the bright space. People sat, eating and talking at tiny tables. She quickly scanned faces. “Who? Which one is Dhoran?”
Nev tapped her shoulder and chuckled. “It’s not Dhoran. I’m hungry. Let’s eat. We may not get another chance.”
She let out a pent up breath. Icy wind swirled, sending the rain dancing in a confused whirlwind of conflicting directions. “Don’t do that. You scared me.”
He watched the flurry of drops spin and slow, directed once again by the true wind. “I see that. I’m sorry. I remembered passing this place on the way to the used-clothing store.” He inhaled deeply, his nostrils widening. “Smells good.”
“Yeah, it does.” She grinned. “Guess we really shouldn’t go into battle on an empty stomach.”
Nev chuckled and activated the door, finding an empty table in the far corner. They ordered from a screen on the back wall.
A young woman, quite far along in her pregnancy, promptly delivered their meals. “Enjoy,” she said with a cheerful smile.
“She shouldn’t be working,” Nev said, picking up his fork. His tone was severe, but some of the coarseness seemed to be gone from his voice.
“Hmmm.” Erynn nodded, her mouth full. She chewed and swallowed. “She won’t be at work tomorrow.” She picked up her glass, washing down the hot food. “That baby girl is ready to make her appearance.” Her lips turned in a smile, watching the young woman deliver another tray of meals.
Nev picked up his glass, held it near the rim, and swirled the contents. He sipped, watching her—silent.
“What?”
He turned his attention back on the food. “Nothing. Except . . .” Nev sighed. “Do you really think I’m connecting with you, mentally on some level?” He shook his head. “How?”
She glanced around the room and then at him and shrugged. “Welcome to my world. Seems like it—a little, anyway. Would that be so bad?”
Nev’s eyes narrowed. “Any connection between us . . . I don’t think it’s a good idea. Dhoran could tap into that bond and—”
“So what do we do?” Erynn set down her fork and leaned over her half-empty plate.
He sat back heavily in his chair. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m wrong about a connection between us giving Dhoran the ability to listen in. I can’t hear him. I only pick up on his presence, the aura of his essence.” Nev shivered. “I hope that’s the most he can do with me.”
They finished eating in silence.
Erynn slipped paper credits into the slot and placed an additional five on the table for their waitress.
Nev stood up, glancing around the warm, inviting space. He walked the opposite direction, away from the exit and to the rear of the cheery room.
“Nev, this way,” Erynn hissed, gesturing toward the door.
> He held up a finger, winding through the tables to where the young woman had just dropped off a steaming plate of omal to an older man.
She smiled at Nev’s approach. “Was everything satisfactory, sir?”
He leaned down, whispered into her ear, and turned away, striding toward Erynn.
The young woman stood still a moment, her face flushed, her smile growing.
Erynn frowned. “What did you say to her?” she asked when he was close enough.
“I told her I was a byan and that she should go home, take the rest of the day off, and get some rest before her daughter comes—that the birth process will begin within the next few huairs.” Nev tipped his head and pushed through the access ahead of Erynn. “I also wished her baby wisdom, strength, and good health. I’m a byan. This is what I do . . . what I did, before . . .” He lowered his gaze, rain thrashing through the open door.
Wind gusted, swirling his words away to join the street noise.
Erynn nodded and glanced around at multi-story stone and glass structures with dirty windows. The two-lane main street was plugged with transports, horns blaring, everyone in a hurry to get where they were going. People huddled in hooded coats, rushing around the little island that was Nev and Erynn.
Someone bumped Erynn, hard, knocking her toward the busy street where the transports were moving again. She flailed, dropping backward into oncoming traffic.
A gloved hand whipped out to catch her arm, pulling her back to the safety of the sidewalk. “I’m sorry, couldn’t see. Actually I wasn’t looking, not really. Didn’t expect anyone would stand still in this downpour, you know—not anyone with good sense, anyway.” His tone relayed annoyance. He squinted at her from under the dark hood pulled low over his face. “I had my coat down against the wind, you know . . .” Hazel eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “Erynn? Erynn Yager? That unusual curly red hair and . . . well, no white flight suit, you know. Even out of uniform, I’d recognize you. Yes. Yes, it’s you!” He smiled, lines deepening around his eyes and mouth. “What are you doing here?” His head swiveled, surveying the streets and shabby buildings. He raised his hands in a gesture of disbelief. “I mean here, you know.”
Storm of Arranon Allies and Enemies Page 14