Several transports, red and blue lights flashing, approached a closed gate at the far end of an access road.
Erynn glanced over, her heart leaping, palms instantly slick with sweat. “They’ve found us.” She shifted her attention back to the controls and frowned. “That gate wasn’t locked or guarded when we came through.”
Hijak snickered from outside the open hatch. “Don’t worry. Not just anyone can come through our security post, government credentials or not.” He slammed the door, smacking the side of the aircraft twice with his palm.
The transports squealed through the slowly opening gate, racing down the long road to the scramble pad.
“We’ll never make it,” Kira cried. She buckled in behind Erynn.
Nev strapped into the seat next to Erynn, his actions quick and jerky.
“I’m good at this, Nev. Flying—it’s one thing I’m good at. Trust me. Just need to warm things up a bit.” She glanced at Nev. “Don’t want to crash.”
Nev smiled briefly and nodded. “Thanks. I appreciate your vigilance. But hurry.”
Erynn let out a deep breath through gritted teeth. “Yeah. I get it. Hurry.” She grinned. “Fast and low. No one will be able to track where we’re going.” She glanced at the transports, lights blaring against the shadows of buildings. “Not that they don’t already know.” She waved at Boss and Hijak.
They stood to attention, saluting her.
Erynn bit her lip, tears brimming. She saluted the two veteran pilots and mouthed, “Thank you.”
Sirens screamed, and four dark transports, light bars flashing, rushed toward the scramble pad.
“Time to go, Erynn. Now!” Nev leaned back in his seat, his feet braced against the floor.
Erynn’s attention darted to the control panel. She stared at the instruments, willing them to higher RPMs.
The transports skidded to a stop, surrounding the aircraft. Agents jumped out, stasers aimed. A man in a dark coat stood behind the transport’s open door, shouting over the snarl of twin engines. “Captain Yager. Cut the power. Surrender now and come with us.”
Kira screamed from the backseat. “Hurry, Erynn. Hurry!”
The engines reached minimum power. She finally had the necessary thrust for takeoff without crashing them into a mountainside. Erynn twisted the throttle, and the screaming rose. She feathered the controls, and the ship rose smoothly. Erynn glanced out the side window.
A woman in a black suit rushed to the center of the scramble pad Erynn had just occupied, waving her arms, obviously shouting at the other agents. They stood down, dropping stasers to their sides, and stared at the rising aircraft.
Erynn pulled the stick back, and the T-Twenty-Seven shot off toward the climbing sun. Erynn piloted well around the city, staying low over the lush valley and close to the gradual hills. She entered the coordinates for Glaskra into the NAV-COM.
Open fields gave way to forests dotted with clear blue lakes racing beneath them.
The scent of warm electronics, the hum of engines, and the steady vibration of air slipping around the sleek body invigorated Erynn. “The flight will take about five, maybe six huairs. Get some sleep if you want.”
Nev stared at the land skimming away under them. “I’m fine.” He glanced behind Erynn. “But Kira’s already asleep.”
Erynn nodded, glad they had taken the time to find Kira and bring her with them. “She’s had a rough few days.”
They flew through time zones, racing the day. When the sun went down and there was little to watch anymore, Nev did doze.
***
Erynn’s second sunrise in less than five huairs appeared above the purple horizon directly ahead of her. Fingers of sunlight shot across the ground, entwined with long shadows from the primeval forest. Treetops swayed in the wind, clearing the sky of clouds and low fog. The surging motion of the aircraft made the blue-green boughs look like gentle waves on water. Golden light reflected off the shining surface of the control panel.
Nev stirred. He yawned, stretched, and opened his eyes. “Sorry, Erynn. I should have kept you company.”
“You’re fine. I love flying. And it’s only been a few huairs. I could keep doing this much longer and not get tired.”
A small yellow indicator light blinked on the control panel.
“What’s that?” Nev asked, his voice tight.
“It’s nothing. Just the NAV-COM. We’re almost there.” Erynn adjusted controls, and the ship tilted to the right. We’ll see Glaskra in about five timnents.
The sun continued its ascent, and the sky turned from gray to blue. The wind chased the last of the wispy strands of fog from around the trees.
Much like the first time Erynn saw Glaskra, the city appeared among the deep-green forest. Behind a tall pale wall, creamy-white buildings with red roofs lined winding streets of silver ribbons. Memories flooded her—Jaer and Roni, Tiar and Sean, Leathan and the children that lived here, protected. They were like her, special because of their mixed parentage.
Birk, the alien agent who murdered her dad, Damon, died not far from Glaskra. First assaulted by a fierce wind of Erynn’s summoning, an asador herd had finished Birk, piercing him with their antlers and taking him deep into the woods to die.
Erynn’s heart had opened to who and what she was in the forest surrounding the city. Arranon had first spoken to her there, showing her what she was capable of, encouraging her to ahfarine—to trust.
Below, a landing pad materialized inside the city walls. She slowed, taking the small craft lower, all but skimming the treetops.
From a speaker, a metallic female voice called, “Captain Yager, this is Glaskra control. You are clear to initiate landing sequence.”
“Copy, Glaskra control. Initiating landing sequence.” Erynn sighed. “And thanks.” She gently landed dead center on target.
“Anytime . . . Sparky.”
Chapter 26
ERYNN UNBUCKLED AND PUSHED FROM the pilot’s seat. She made her way to the hatch and released the lock. Icy air scented with the musky aroma of the forest filled the small craft’s cabin. Golden shafts of the rising sun laid a radiant path before her. Aleuns chirped and swooped among the branches of the majestic forest beyond the city wall. Low chattering of small animals joined their varied songs.
Glaskra. The city sat like a glimmering jewel, peaceful in the early morning light.
Leathan hurried from the edge of the scramble pad, stopping just ahead of the aircraft.
Erynn smiled until her cheek muscles hurt, feeling as though she wouldn’t need an Interceptor to fly. “I’m here Jaer. I’ll see you soon,” she whispered. Erynn unbuckled a weary Kira, and with Nev, helped her descend the steps to the tarmac.
From the surrounding aircraft and buildings, men and women in black tunics and heavy quilted pants emerged. They had been silent, unseen, until they chose to make their presence known.
Anbas Warriors.
Erynn and Nev stopped, Kira standing unsteadily between them.
“They’re here to help. Right? Erynn?” Nev shuddered. “Unless they believe I’m Dhoran—that I’m the one responsible for their Fayn’s present condition.”
With slow, deliberate steps, the Anbas closed in, surrounding Nev and Erynn.
Erynn stared at Leathan. “No. They allowed us to land—”
“Made capture easy for them.” Nev straightened, adjusting his hold on Kira.
“Where’s Sean and Tiar?” Erynn’s stomach felt like she’d dropped off a steep cliff. “Where’s Roni?”
One man stepped forward. His stoic expression made him impossible to read. Light-brown hair lifted in the breeze, and he stared from Nev to Erynn with narrowed hazel eyes.
Erynn opened her awareness. He gave away nothing. He knew how to conceal his emotions, both inside and out.
Silence filled the forest. Even the aleuns quieted, waiting.
The warrior’s attention locked on Erynn. His left hand rested on the hilt of the dygaer hanging in its short sc
abbard at his hip. “I am Pyrn. My fellow Anbas Warriors and I defend Glaskra . . . and our Fayn. After your call to Aven, Roni, Tiar, and Sean flew to Tamaagra to investigate the Anbas you claim were responsible for your release from the authorities. They’re still in the city and have found no sign of these Anbas.”
Erynn shook her head. “I never saw them. I was only told they were there.” She stared at Pyrn. “Why? What’s wrong?”
Pyrn didn’t answer. His piercing glare remained on Erynn. “Is it true?” He said nothing more and only continued to stare at Erynn. The Anbas, twelve in all, waited, ready.
Pyrn asked her the same question Captain Erac had asked Nev. Possibilities flashed through Erynn’s mind.
Are these followers of Dhoran? No. Not the Anbas. But could it be possible? Are they asking if Nev is really inside his own body? Do they want proof Nev and I didn’t conspire in Jaer’s attack? Is it true. Is what true? How do I answer? How do I get us out of this?
Wind sighed through the trees and along the eaves of the buildings. Tops swayed with a gentle motion. Limbs swept slowly back and forth in a high keening moan.
Pinpoints of blue, purple, and green flashed before her eyes. The sweet aroma of the Anim Blath surrounded her. High singing voices filled the air. “Truth is truth,” the Anim Blath sang into the breeze. “This is no trick question. The right, the correct answer, is in your heart. As we have always instructed you, follow your heart, Erynn.” The voices quieted. The flashing lights faded. The spicy scent drifted away on the wind.
“There is only one truth,” Erynn began. She nodded to Nev and let go of Kira.
Nev offered her a shaky smile, taking all of Kira’s weight.
Erynn stood tall. Her jaw tightened. Her hands fisted. “I love Jaer. He loves me. That is the truth.” She leaned toward the Anbas Warrior, her eyes narrowed, staring up at his hard exterior from centimeters away. “So if you aren’t here to help us, get out of our way.” Currents sparked and popped, arcing around Erynn.
The wind rose to a powerful roar with a sudden intensity. Trees bent with the driving force. Limbs snapped. Dust swirled.
The Anbas ignored the squall around them, keeping their focus on Erynn.
Nev squared his shoulders, shouting over the rush of wind. His voice rose. “You’re the Anbas Warriors of Arranon. You have the power to stop us, right here, right now.” He glanced at Erynn, his eyes full of sorrow. “But please don’t. Help us get to Jaer.”
Leathan stepped in next to Erynn and Nev. He took hold of Kira, helping Nev keep her upright. He addressed the Anbas. “Make your decision, Pyrn. I stand with Erynn and Byan Nev.”
Pyrn glanced around at his comrades. They all nodded. He turned back to Leathan, Erynn, and Nev. “I received a message from our Fayn days ago, huairs before the attack. He spoke of a coming chaos—of friends betraying Arranon and enemies becoming our allies. He knew of this prophecy because of Cale—General Athru. Fayn believed him.” He turned his piercing gaze on Erynn. “Fayn spoke of the one thing I—we—the Anbas Warriors could always trust. You, Erynn—his Kipa. No matter how crazy or unbelievable the truth would sound.” Pyrn drew in a deep breath and let it out through his nose. “He charged us with keeping you, and those with you, safe at all costs. We, the Anbas of Arranon, are prepared to help you.”
Nev, Leathan, and Erynn released a collective sigh of relief. The building wind and snapping currents of electricity calmed and faded.
“Can you take us to Jaer? Get us past Shan and in to see him?” Erynn’s voice trembled, and she wiped at her eyes.
Pyrn nodded. “We can and will, Erynn.”
Two med techs hurried forward, taking Kira from Nev and Leathan. “We’ll take good care of her.”
Kira stopped and turned to Erynn. “Thanks.” Her gaze shifted to Nev. “Both of you.”
***
For the second time in a few short weeks, Erynn stood in Leathan’s office. As before, he perched on the edge of his massive wooden desk. Flames blazed in the hearth, and the faint scent of smoke from a thousand past fires permeated the air. The lines around Leathan’s hazel eyes seemed to have deepened since their last meeting. His age showed.
Erynn glanced at the door behind her. Memories of a time not so long ago took her to an image of Jaer, leaning against that very door. His dark eyes had watched her reaction as Leathan explained his connection, his unlikely friendship, with her father, Zander. She pulled back her musing. “What about Jaer? Byan Skye gave him the antidote, right? He’s okay?”
Pyrn had accompanied them into Leathan’s office. He stepped forward. “Erynn, we tried. Byan Skye found the antidote. It’s rare, as is the poison. But she managed to find a vial and had it within a couple of huairs of your call.” Pyrn stopped, turned his back to the group, and stared at the fire.
Erynn bit her lip, controlling not only a scream, but her trembling voice. “What happened?”
Pyrn glanced back at Erynn from hooded eyes, his expression grim. “Shan welcomed us, seeming eager we had found a cure for her cheille and our Fayn. Byan Skye prepared the syringe. Shan was there, standing beside Jaer. She reached out, picked up the vial with the antidote, and . . . dropped it. The vial shattered on the floor.” Pyrn’s hands fisted. “Shan started to cry.” He snorted. “An act in my opinion. Going on about how the tiny bottle just slipped out of her fingers. All she wanted was the name of the miracle that would save her Jaer.” Pyrn’s jaw muscles bunched, any further explanation blocked by anger.
Erynn’s stomach clenched, her lips pressed tight, shoulders slumping. “Did you get more antidote?”
“Skye tried.” Leathan’s low voice carried in the silence of the somber room. “As Pyrn said, it’s rare. She had to order some from the manufacturer in a remote region at Arranon’s pole.” He chuffed. “Safer, you know—replicating deadly toxins in a place so if one did get out, it couldn’t live in the frigid temperatures.” Leathan stared at Nev and frowned. “I’m amazed Tamaagra’s little Medical Unit had any.”
Erynn steadied herself, pressing a hand against the smooth warm wood of the desk. She bit at her lower lip and the salty taste of blood touched her tongue. “So Byan Skye couldn’t . . .” Erynn nodded, her mind spinning, finally finding the path to the next logical action. “Then we need to. Nev has the antidote. We have to hurry.”
Pyrn shook his head. “Shan allows no one near the Fayn. Now that it’s too . . .” He glanced at Leathan and then back at the fire. “It’s her right.” The knuckles of his already fisted hands turned white.
Confusion popped like a bubble bursting against a sharp point. Anger exploded inside Erynn, red-hot and absolute. Currents built and static snapped. She lunged at Pyrn, and he took a step back. She advanced, matching his retreat, her voice tense and edged with menace. “It’s her right to kill him? You, the powerful Anbas Warriors of Arranon would allow this?” She stopped and backed off, breathing deeply, shifting her attention to Leathan. His grim expression told her all she needed to know.
Leathan watched Erynn. “Byan Skye is here, in Glaskra. Shan made her leave Jaer. She’s no longer allowed to . . . sustain his life. Once this last effort was no longer a possibility . . . Shan wants no further measures taken to prolong his suffering.” Leathan looked at Erynn. “Shan revels in the promise of power Jaer’s death will give her—the attention she receives as the grieving cheille. She thinks it’s her right to share Jaer’s status as Fayn of the Anbas Warriors and hero of the two worlds. She is spiteful and angry, and believes this is a form of justice for her—for the wrongs she judges were inflicted on her.”
Erynn stared at Leathan. Her muscles tightened, stance rigid. “Wrongs? What wrongs?” she spat. “Shan left Jaer—to be with another man. I . . .” Her shoulders slumped. “Me. It’s because Jaer loves me. That’s why she believes she’s been wronged. Because of who—what I am.”
Leathan sighed. “Shan’s narcissistic possessive nature causes her so much hurt. Her only relief, albeit it fleeting, is to impose her p
ain on others.”
Erynn twisted back to Pyrn. “Well, you—the Anbas should be allowed to see him. Shouldn’t you? He’s your leader, your Fayn.” Heat rose in her face and fury colored her tone. “Demand to see him.”
“We will be allowed to give him an Anbas burial ceremony—to see him after he is dead.” Pyrn walked to stand by the fire. His clenched fist on the stone mantle pounded out a slow beat.
Erynn’s fluctuating emotions plummeted. She turned back to Leathan, her voice soft and quivering. “What about Jaer’s family? Aven? His parents, brother, and sister. What about them?”
Leathan nodded. “Aven tells me his family is given time with Jaer, but they are watched.”
“In their own home? Why? Why is Shan doing this?” Furious at this disrespect, Erynn paced the tiny space in front of the desk. She raked curls from her eyes with a shaking hand. “What does Shan think is going to happen?”
Nev’s attention turned to Leathan. “The problem hasn’t changed. How do we get close to Jaer?”
From the back of the room, near the door, a young voice called, “We confront Shan. We use what our heritage has given us. We use what Shan hates about who and what we are against her.” Iyan stood in the open frame, his long blond hair reflecting the burnished light in the room. Iyan, the oldest of the children, was of mixed blood, a parent from each of the two worlds. He stepped forward. A cold, calculating smile tipped his lips, and his eyes narrowed. The determination in his expression created a façade, making him appear much older than his young years. “We do whatever we must to save Jaer.”
Nev turned and studied Iyan. “What about the guards?”
Iyan stared at him. “What about them? They aren’t Anbas. They aren’t of mixed parentage. They have no special abilities.”
Erynn put her hands up and pushed into the center of the room. “Yes, but they will most likely have stasers or weapons of some kind. No one should be killed—not one Anbas.” She glared at Iyan. “And most certainly not one of us. Jaer wouldn’t want that. He would rather we let him die.”
Storm of Arranon Allies and Enemies Page 23