“What’s so important you’d be discussing the matter outside in this storm?” a deep voice called over the wind, causing all of them to turn. Two security officers in heavy coats and hoods approached, stopping less than a meter away, their gloved hands resting on holstered stasers.
Erynn’s heart lurched into her throat. She took an involuntary step backward, tight against Nev. Her breath plumed and mingled with Nev’s rapid exhalations before the wind snatched them away. Alarm burst over her from Nev and from Vars.
Vars stepped forward, placing himself between Erynn and the officers. “We were just leaving, sir.” He reached back and playfully tugged Erynn’s hood, drawing it low over her face. He twisted and threw his arm around her shoulders, obstructing her from their line of vision. Vars leaned toward the officer and grinned up at him from under the brim of his hood. “Women,” he whispered and chuckled. He jerked his head toward Nev. “I brought a friend to our lunch date. Wasn’t a smart thing to do. She’s a bit upset.” Vars started to turn away, Erynn tucked into him. “Come on, my love. Our transport’s just up the street.”
“Wait,” the officer ordered before Vars moved even one step. His tone commanded obedience.
Vars’s arm tightened around Erynn. He turned his face to the officer.
Erynn realized Vars was only about eight centimeters taller than she was. He carried a few extra pounds, mostly around the middle. The soft padding pushing against her wasn’t just his heavy jacket. The thumping of his heart hammered through the coat’s dense filling. His breath hitched against her ear. Erynn ducked her head to peek around Vars.
The officer, whose nametag read Jole, stared at her. His gaze shifted to Nev, and his eyes narrowed. He tapped behind his ear.
Erynn had watched Cale make this same motion many times. Her heart ached with the familiarity the gesture held.
“Station Twenty-Three. Officer seven one seven. Copy?” Jole shouted the last over a roaring gust. He hunched, feet braced, back to the wind. “Yeah. We got lucky. They’re still here, standing out front. Only three, though. Don’t know where the fourth one is.” He paused, listening. “Yes, it’s Captain Yager and the byan, plus one. We’re on our way.” Jole tapped again. “Dara, Joph, bring the transports around. Let’s get to the station and sort this out. Inside, where it’s warm.”
Wind screamed down the street, knocking against them with a jarring force, driving snowflakes to race sideways.
Nev grabbed Erynn’s hand and squeezed. She didn’t complain. Erynn held on to him just as tightly.
At the same time, Vars released Erynn as if she were too hot to touch. “My transport is just down the street, officer,” Vars pleaded. “Sorry. We’ll leave. Just let us go. We didn’t do anything wrong, you know.”
“You’re not going anywhere,” the other officer said, stepping forward, her tone as commanding as her partner’s. She reached out, the rasping swish of her deep-blue coat sleeve against the body of the heavy jacket lost in another powerful gust. Gloved fingers clamped around Erynn’s wrist. “Relax, Captain. Just come with us. Don’t make this difficult.”
Nev’s face paled, his eyes wide. He stared at Erynn and mouthed, “I told you. Friends. To detain us. Or worse.”
A transport rushed from the left, sliding to a stop in front of the bar. Red and blue lights flashed, reflecting off large white flakes, warning other vehicles to proceed with caution, had there been any. A third officer stepped cautiously from around the front of the vehicle.
Another security transport sped from the opposite direction, lurching to a stop in front of the first. Two more officers emerged, hands going to stasers at their hips. These two quickly moved on Nev, one on each side of him. They grabbed his arms and pulled him toward the second transport, breaking his clutching grip on Erynn’s hand.
Erynn didn’t need to open to Nev’s emotions. The panic on his face told her all she needed. Heat drained from Erynn’s face. Her breath catching, she stepped toward Nev, pulling against the officer’s hold and calling over the wind, “No! We need to stay together.”
The female officer tightened her grasp on Erynn’s wrist, tugging her back. “It’s okay. We’ll take care of him. You’re going with me.” She smiled. “He’ll be okay. And so will you. It’s procedure. You can’t be transported in the same vehicle.”
The driver of the first transport approached Vars. “What have you got to do with all this, Vars? This isn’t your usual area of operation.” She tipped her head, glancing at the high-class bar-restaurant. “A little rich for your customary marks.”
“I was only trying to help, Tany,” Vars whined.
“Help? Sure, Vars. Help them right out of their credits. I want to check on this . . . help.” Tany gestured toward the first transport. “Get in. You can tell me all about it at the station.”
Vars walked beside Tany to the security vehicle, dividing his attention between her and the slick street. “Sure. No problem, Tany. You know me. We’re good, you know.”
Nev called to Erynn, his words solemn. “Don’t wait for me. The poison is Nathnimrai. Remember that. Nathnimrai. It’s rare. Hurry. There isn’t much—”
The door slid shut, cutting off Nev’s instruction. The transport jerked into motion and advanced up the street, crunching through crusted snow. Her last view of Nev was his pleading blue eyes. The lightness she so recently enjoyed vanished, replaced by a sinking heaviness. Tears brimmed. A deep sense of loneliness, despair, and fear flooded her. Erynn murmured, her words spirited away by the storm, “Nev . . . no. Jaer needs you.” His sudden absence hit her like a wild punch. “I need you.”
A third transport rolled up not long after the first two disappeared behind a screen of whirling flakes. No spinning red and blue lights fractured the gloom. The engine whirred quietly, and the side door opened. The female officer escorted Erynn inside, sliding next to her. “Relax, Captain,” she whispered into the warm quiet of the vehicle, smiling with intent.
Erynn just didn’t know what—or who—her intent encompassed.
***
Erynn sat in a square, gray, windowless room, alone. The roar of the storm slammed the sturdy building, making its presence known. The tiny space held three molded chairs and a small table. Light issued from a short bank of bulbs under a white cover attached to the ceiling. The cubicle’s only redeeming value was warmth.
The door clicked open and a blonde woman strode in, tall brown boots tapping on the hard floor. A thick cream-colored sweater and gray pants accentuated her athletic build. “Hello, Captain Yager. I’m Officer Nash. You doing okay? Can I get you anything?”
Erynn steadied her breathing. “I need to go. I have . . . something important to take care of.”
“We’ll get this sorted out and you on your way as fast as we can.”
Erynn opened her awareness. “Where are Vars and . . .” Erynn didn’t know whether to say Nev or Dhoran. “And the other man with me?”
Confidence and a sense of great accomplishment streamed from Nash—that and curiosity. She sat on the corner of the desk next to Erynn. “Vars?” She grimaced and waved her hand, dismissing Vars’s existence. “He’s being questioned.”
“About what—”
“We’ll get to him . . . Erynn.” A touch of veneration colored Nash’s tone when she said Erynn’s name.
Nash’s obvious respect for Erynn could be for more than one reason—her much publicized service to Arranon or her companion, Dhoran. Nev told her Dhoran had followers here. He just couldn’t remember who they were, or where.
Nash nodded, slowly releasing her breath. “First, I need you to answer some questions for me.” She stared down at Erynn, her blue-gray eyes dreamy. “I was told you didn’t want to be separated from . . . Dhoran.” She uttered Dhoran’s name in a soft, trembling voice.
Erynn bit at her lower lip. Did this woman fear Dhoran as the evil sovereign of the underworld bent on destroying Arranon, or did she hold him in esteem, her master come to save his loyal follower
s. The possibility of a third option swirled through Erynn’s thoughts—the unfortunate Byan Nev who was now stuck in a Dhoran look-alike body.
Nash continued. “The officers reported you need a transport to get you through this storm. Where are you going? Back to the base? I can help you—see you’re both returned.”
Erynn tipped her head and studied tiny fissures in the cracked gray wall. She bit back her eagerness. “We do need to get back to the base.” Her attention returned to Nash. “You could help us? Now?”
Nash moved from the edge of the desk and pulled a chair around to face Erynn. She reached out and took Erynn’s hands. “Yes.” Her voice trembled with that one word, breathy and full of awe. “Why did you come to Tamaagra?” Nash took in a deep breath and released it slowly. “General Gaden advised me you were in the city. I’m to help you and our master in any way I can.”
Erynn resisted the impulse to pull free of this woman’s touch, but she didn’t. Nash’s loyalty was clear. “We came to Tamaagra looking for someone.” Erynn shook her head. “It doesn’t matter now. It’s important we get back to the base, immediately.”
Nash straightened in her chair and gave Erynn’s hand a squeeze before letting go. “How quickly I can return you to the base will depend on several factors. I’ll do my best.”
“Can I see Dhoran?” Erynn whispered, producing a waver in her voice.
“Soon. I have spoken with General Gaden. He made my instructions clear. At least where it comes to you and . . . and Lord Dhoran.”
Erynn nodded, asking a little too quickly, “What are your instructions?” She switched her tact, playing the part of Dhoran’s chosen. Erynn straightened in her seat and glared at Nash. “Have you talked to Lord Dhoran? This detainment is hindering your . . . our master’s plans.” The words acted out in this manner left a bitter taste in her mouth.
Nash dropped to her knees before Erynn. “It’s true then, my lady. You have accepted Dhoran—our lord. He will unite the realms and bring lasting peace to Arranon. Together you will bear the children of a new rule.”
Erynn stood up and walked around the chair behind Nash, fisting her hands to stop their shaking, or from striking out at this foolish woman. “Answer my question. Have you talked with Dhoran . . . your master?”
“Forgive me, my lady.” Nash stood up and turned toward Erynn but kept her head bowed. “Lord Dhoran is in a room with Captain Erac. Erac is not loyal to our cause. Many here are not. There are only a few of us in the city.” She glanced at Erynn and then quickly looked away. “I was fortunate my request to talk with you was approved.”
A chill crawled over Erynn’s skin. She straightened her posture, maintaining her bold manner. “I want to talk to Captain Erac—alone.” Erynn hoped for a chance to convince him Nev was no threat.
A tap at the door interrupted. An officer poked his head in the partial opening. “Hey Nash. Where’d they stash Vars? Captain Erac wants to know.”
Nash glanced at Erynn and composed herself. She turned to the officer. “Interrogation Three with Tany. She brought him in.”
“Tany’s at her desk. She must have cut him loose.” The door closed.
Nash gazed at Erynn, her eyes wide. Fear replaced her confident manner. “Why is Vars important, my lady? You don’t need him. I can help you now.”
Erynn forced her voice to be strong. “Then get me in to see Erac.”
Nash went white. “I can’t. Not yet. I’m sorry, my lady.”
“What if Captain Erac locks Ne—Dhoran up? We must get back to the base. It’s vital. Time is running out.” Erynn made a slow circuit of the room. Nev told her not to wait, that she should go without him. But she couldn’t abandon him, with allies or enemies.
Nash followed Erynn’s progress. “I’m working on it, my lady. Security needs to know you are not with Dhoran against your will as was first reported. General Gaden sent word that the attempted murder of the Anbas Fayn and Cale’s absence from the base has been blown out of proportion. Emotions were high, and much of what happened was a mistake, an accident, a misunderstanding.”
Erynn stopped. “Cale’s not on the base? Where is he?”
Confidence seeped back into Nash’s manner. “Don’t worry, my lady. He can’t harm you. He’ll be taken care of.” Her lips turned up in a sneer. “In time.”
Erynn scowled, her jaw muscles bunching. Cale had gone to Glaskra, as he had relayed in his message through Aynn. “What about security on the base? What is their account of what happened?”
“They concurred with General Gaden. What choice did they have? Everyone present after the attack is gone.” Nash leaned into Erynn conspiratorially. “All those not loyal to Lord Dhoran have evacuated, leaving the base to General Gaden and the growing number of Lord Dhoran’s faithful. Even the Anbas and their Fayn have fled, and he’s as good as dead. They had no witnesses to question.”
Erynn controlled her anger. She closed her eyes and slowed her breathing. No wonder Nash was so agreeable about getting her and Nev to the base. Only Gaden and Dhoran’s followers remained. Cale had managed to evacuate everyone, including Jaer.
Aynn’s words came back to her. “Cale said he’d meet you in Glaskra, with Jaer.” Jaer was in Glaskra, probably at his family’s home.
“How much longer will we be held?” Erynn demanded.
“My lady, you must give me time. I’ll work on getting a transport to take you and Lord Dhoran to the base.” Nash frowned. “A few more huairs won’t matter.”
“What about Captain Erac and the way Dhoran looks, the changes in his appearance? Lord Dhoran’s power, his strength, has erased Nev’s consciousness and is changing his physical appearance.” A lie. The opposite was now taking place. Erynn dropped her gaze for a moment and then stiffened, staring unflinchingly at Nash. “What does Ga—General Gaden say? How is he explaining this?”
Nash smiled, her tone full of amazement. “What an honor to be present during the emergence of our master as he once was.” She pulled in a shuddering breath and regained control of her emotions. “No one here has ever seen the byan Nev. General Gaden advised the authorities that he was injured in an accident while on a recent trip home to see his ailing mother.” Nash paced the small room, her excitement building. “He notified everyone that might possibly be involved in finding you that Nev had sustained burns to his eyes and areas of his body.” Nash’s face flushed and her eyes sparkled. The particulars of Dhoran’s physical transformation exhilarated her.
“Sounds like General Gaden’s made an allowance for every possibility.” Erynn shivered. “Are there any Anbas here in the city?”
Nash’s rapturous expression faded. Her voice clouded with aggravation. “There were three in the station earlier this morning. They spent over forty-five timnents behind closed doors with Captain Erac. They are our one weak link, my lady.”
“Yes. I agree. They threaten Lord Dhoran’s plan for Arranon. That’s good to know, though.” A tingle of understanding began in Erynn’s mind. The sensation warmed the ice of fear that had gathered in her since being seized by the authorities. Aven had sent Anbas to help her. She worked at keeping excitement out of her voice. “Do you know what the Anbas and Captain Erac discussed?”
“No,” Nash spat. “But I can guess. They came with their interpretation of what happened to the Fayn.” She sighed. “It’s to be expected. They’ll seek revenge in the guise of justice.”
A tap at the door brought the same officer who had poked his head in earlier. “Vars is gone, Nash. Slipped out without anyone noticing.” He gazed at the floor and shook his head. “He’s slippery, that one.” His attention turned to something beyond the door to his left. “Oh, it looks like Captain Erac is finished with the byan.” He turned his face to Nash. “How much longer you gonna be, Nash?”
Nash rubbed her hands together and glanced at Erynn, her expression somber. “I think Captain Yager and I are done. There’s nothing wrong. We don’t need to hold her any longer.”
Erynn
pushed from the small room, stopping in the door. “I’m free to go?”
“Yes.” Nash nodded. “Feel free to contact me if you need help.”
“I will.” Erynn glanced back at Nash. “You’ve done well. Advise General Gaden we’re fine. I have your assurance no one will bother us again?”
Nash moved to stand next to Erynn. “Of course.” The my lady was evident, even without Nash saying the words.
Erynn turned to watch Nev approach. Her gaze flicked toward Nash, her head tipped, and her eyebrows drew together.
Nev frowned, obviously catching the signal but not understanding her meaning. “What?”
“She is a follower.” Erynn smiled and bowed her head ever so slightly, a gesture only Nash and Nev would discern.
Nash followed Erynn’s lead and inclined her head. She didn’t allow her eyes to meet her master’s.
Erynn sensed Nash’s rush of emotions, awe and respect mingled with an overpowering desire to serve, to demonstrate her undying devotion. Erynn couldn’t understand why anyone would choose to follow Dhoran. They couldn’t truly believe his rule would be best for Arranon. It was as though they were under a spell.
Nev nodded. “I see,” he said in a low but authoritative tone. He stepped in next to Nash but didn’t take his eyes from Erynn’s. “You’ve done well. Come on, Erynn. It’s time to go.”
An officer walked up and handed Nev and Erynn their packs.
They strode from the busy staff room out into a wide hallway of muted browns and tans, slipping into the straps of their backpacks. The polished marble floor reflected the bright lights that hung in burnished metal fixtures from the high arched ceiling overhead.
Erynn’s gaze darted around, making sure no one listened. “What did Captain Erac ask you?”
A few people glanced in their direction and then hurried away, stepping as far from Erynn and Nev as space allowed.
Storm of Arranon Allies and Enemies Page 19