Storm of Arranon

by R. E. Sheahan

  An overcast sky threatened rain, draining the forest of color. The pond creatures shimmered, their blues, greens, and purples vibrant, the water rippling softly.

  Underneath the undulation, Erynn heard their voices. They sang to her of hope and courage and the possibility that forces she had no control over played out as planned, proceeding as determined in a higher strategy.

  Chapter 20

  ERYNN RETURNED THROUGH DENSE FOG and a steady drizzle. When the sun made a full appearance, the cloud-dark sky lightened only slightly.

  The small settlement came into view through low swirling mists, streets slick from the constant sprinkle. The weather seemed not to slow the merchants and traders. Caporas walked among the transports, while people remained outside, conducting their business despite the sodden day.

  Like before, when Erynn slid from her capora, no one seemed to notice her. She pushed through the door into the main room of their lodgings and found Tiar, Roni, Sean, and Jaer seated at a large round table. They glanced up at her entrance with obvious surprise.

  “What’s wrong?” Erynn frowned. Her eyes darted a quick circuit of the polished wooden table.

  Sean came to her and hugged her. “Where did you go? You shouldn’t have done that,” he scolded through a wide smile.

  Erynn leaned back, gazing at Sean’s face. His dark hair and green eyes were striking in an already handsome face. “I had to go, and I’m glad I did. I’ll tell you everything later.”

  Tiar nodded to Erynn, his stoic manner making him hard to read. “I’ll take care of your capora.”

  Roni pushed up from her chair. Her light-brown hair slid over her shoulder. “You must be hungry. I’ll get you something warm to eat.”

  Jaer stood silent behind Sean. “I need to talk to Jaer.” Erynn gave Sean a quick hug and stepped around him to face Jaer.

  Jaer motioned her to the far side of the great room, where they could talk undisturbed. A large open fireplace occupied one corner, and a roaring fire burned in the hearth.

  Erynn backed up to its warmth. “How did you know?” she asked.

  Jaer’s dark eyes studied her. He shrugged. “Leathan thought this might happen. He gave me directions to locations he’d taken your father, places significant to Arranon’s history. Zander had been drawn here because of his connection to those powers and Leathan presumed—hoped—you might experience what your father had.”

  “So it was Leathan. You were acting on what he advised you to do.” Disappointment tinged her voice.

  Jaer took her shoulders. Heat flowed from his hands and electricity buzzed through her. He met her gaze. “I am not like you. There was nothing mystical about what I did. I assumed, after what happened in the street, that you would be leaving soon. I was just being prepared.” Jaer brushed a damp strand of hair from her face and pulled his hand away as if the touch burned him. His jaw clenched and he stared into the fire.

  Erynn took a step back. Her stomach tightened and her head spun with his conflicting responses to her. She narrowed her awareness to Jaer. This was her only defense—the only way she could keep from throwing her arms around him and making a fool out of herself.

  Jaer returned his attention to her, frowned, and asked, “Why were Sean and Tiar unable to sense your approach?”

  Erynn glanced out the window at the rain before returning her gaze to him. “I didn’t want them to know.” She lowered her chin but held his stare. “I didn’t want anyone to know.”

  Jaer’s eyes narrowed, his voice a low whisper. “I believe I understand. What can I do to help, Lieutenant?”

  “I’ve a difficult task ahead of me.” Erynn shook her head. “This will be dangerous. I can’t ask—”

  “You are not alone,” Jaer interrupted. He straightened, his eyes hard with determination. “I am here for you.”

  Erynn nodded and dipped her head. Her brow touched his chest.

  When had Jaer moved so close?

  Before she could pull back, his strong arms wrapped around her. “I will always be here for you, Erynn. No matter what.”

  Jaer called me Erynn, not Lieutenant Yager, or Lieutenant.

  She relaxed into his hold, resting a hand on each side of his waist. She buried her face into his chest. His heartbeat was a steady throb. His long dark hair was soft and smooth under her cheek. “Thank you, Jaer. I was hoping I could count on you.” She breathed in the scent of him—spicy and powerful. Erynn opened her awareness. She couldn’t help her reaction to Jaer and wanted to sense something from him, even if his sentiment was only camaraderie.

  Don’t ever let go. Just hold me like I’m not repulsive to you.

  “Tell me what you want.” His soft lips were at her ear.

  His warm breath played over her skin and sent tiny electric pulses racing to her heart. “Can you get us on a ship? I believe I know where to find Cale.”

  Jaer tightened his hold on her, the line separating them blurring. Nothing existed but this moment. She merged into him.

  In a sudden ripping division, Jaer stiffened, dropped his arms, and stepped back. “Yes, Lieutenant, I can.” He was once again in control and pulling away from her.

  Erynn grimaced at the ache sealing in around her. Pain and hope, uncertainty and faith, shame and yearning crashed over her, a smothering wave of clashing sensations. His opposing emotions tore at her heart.

  What happened to him? Or is it me?

  Roni walked up with a steaming bowl and hesitated, obviously recognizing the tension pulsing in the air.

  Jaer glanced from Erynn to Roni, his expression brooding. He turned away and called over his shoulder, “Eat. Then get some rest. We have plans to make.”

  Roni sat with Erynn while she ate, the table empty except for the two of them. Erynn managed a few bites before dropping the spoon into the bowl and shoving the meal away.

  “You should get some rest.” Roni pushed her chair back and picked up the bowl. “Do you want me to stay with you?”

  “No, thanks.” Erynn offered Roni a weak smile. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

  Sleeping on the cold ground had not made for restful nights. Erynn went to her room, took a long hot shower, and climbed under the warm covers. Dreams of maejen and a mountain of rocky crags covered in thick ice dominated her sleep.

  ***

  Hunger woke Erynn. She dressed and went to the main room. With a bowl of hot vegetable soup, she sat next to the large fire. The rain trailing down the window blurred the view outside. People walked by, their forms distorted through the glass.

  Tiar came from outside and joined Erynn. “I’ve made arrangements to get us to Imoir. From there, we can get a flight to…?” He tipped his head and raised his eyebrows, long dark hair cascading over his arm.

  She avoided his direct gaze. “When we’re all together, I’ll tell you where.”

  Tiar took a deep breath and nodded. “I hope we can get there without having to go to a larger port than Imoir offers.” He glanced past Erynn.

  Jaer stepped up, his hair and face moist from the constant rain. “I have the credentials we’ll need to purchase vouchers.”

  “You were able to get documents for us?” Erynn dropped the spoon back in her bowl. She felt the color drain from her face. “Our names must be on every database in the system. They’ll know where we are.”

  Jaer stared down at her. A smile touched his lips. “Lieutenant, give me a little credit. There are ways to acquire proper, if not legal, credentials.”

  “Illegal documents. Sir, how…” She stopped. What did it matter if they were traveling with forged documents? Circumstances made this transgression necessary. Besides, she wasn’t so sure she wanted to know about this side of her companions.

  ***

  They gathered around the warm fire in the deserted great room later that evening. Gentle rain tapped against the windows, and the wind sighed through the eaves.

  “We received a good price for the caporas and the gear.” Roni sat on the floor between chairs.
Her hazel-green eyes sparkled in the firelight.

  “Lucky for us, they’re still worth something out here.” Sean grinned and nodded from his seat on a long bench.

  “There are more than enough krigunds to finance our passage. We can go to any city we choose.” Tiar spoke just above the pop of the fire. “The ease of our journey will depend on how many enemy troops now occupy Arranon and how seriously those troops are still searching for us. I’m hopeful we can reach our destination from Imoir without needing a larger port and numerous flights. I don’t want to gain the unwanted attention of our pursuers.” He turned his attention to Erynn and waited.

  Erynn shifted in her seat. Faces backlit from the glow of the fire stared at her. “Tell me about Arranon.” Before any of them could question her, she continued. “There’s a place with high rocky crags and glaciers.” Erynn’s attention was on the flames dancing inside the hearth. “A flat open plain with tall grain waving in the wind stretches below the mountains, and a city is just visible in the distance.”

  She continued to gaze into the fire, reading something in the flickering that no one else did. For three nights, the maejen had taken her in dreams to mountain peaks covered in snow and enduring ice.

  Roni spoke, “Sounds like the Maithlam mountain range beyond Tamaagra.”

  Erynn nodded. “Can you tell me more?” she asked in a whisper.

  “There are stories about the Maithlam.” Roni smiled. “No one goes there.”

  “Why?” Erynn tilted her head.

  Roni leaned forward. “They’re haunted. Fierce beasts dwell inside the dark caves and tunnels deep inside the mountain.” She laughed.

  Erynn stood up and gazed out the rain-streaked window and into the dark. “I’m sorry I can’t give you a more precise location. I know we’re taking a great risk by trying this, but we need to go there.” Erynn turned back to the group.

  Jaer walked to the fire. “I promised to take you where you wanted to go. I stand by that promise.” Jaer looked at Tiar.

  Tiar gave Erynn a small smile. “Tamaagra.”

  Roni nodded to Erynn. “I’m ready.”

  “I’m with you all the way,” Sean said, moving next to Erynn.

  Chapter 21

  ERYNN AND RONI PACKED THEIR belongings and left the room to meet with the others in the dining area. Erynn didn’t feel much like eating. The noisy talk and laughter from the morning patrons should have soothed her. It didn’t. Leaving the shelter of this place, endangering her friends, made her question her judgment.

  Should we just stay here? We’re safe, for now.

  No. Safety was an illusion, and temporary. It was time to act—to fight. This enemy wasn’t going away.

  She helped Sean and Roni pack a transport. With Jaer driving and Tiar navigating, they left the tiny settlement. Erynn turned in the rear seat and watched the town recede. Her stomach jumped and rolled, thankful now that she hadn’t eaten much.

  Am I doing the right thing?

  “Trust.” Zander’s words returned, echoing through her mind.

  “Maybe it’s me I’m supposed to trust,” Erynn whispered. She took a deep breath, faced forward, and didn’t look back again.

  ***

  The spaceport at Imoir was small and busy. The invasion of Korin and Arranon had people moving. Erynn kept the hood of her coat low over her face, watching for any sign of enemy soldiers. Industrial gray walls and floor tile gave the space a depressing quality. The lack of ambiance didn’t help her already glum mood.

  Jaer moved up to walk next to her. “Tiar wants us to wait here until he returns.” He guided Erynn in the direction he indicated as he spoke. Hard black chairs bolted to the floor lined the windows in the short hall they were in. “He has gone to see what flights are available and when they leave.”

  When Tiar did return, the dour expression revealed around the edges of his otherwise stoic façade was far from heartening. “It’ll be necessary to pass through a checkpoint of troopers.” He paused and glanced around at the bustling spaceport before turning his attention to Erynn. “We’ll have to go to Arranoth, the capitol, before we proceed to Tamaagra. All flights are being routed through the main spaceport there.”

  Erynn nodded. “Then let’s do this.” Her heart increased an already rapid pace.

  “I have vouchers for us on the next flight. It’ll begin boarding shortly.”

  They moved out of the hall and through the open port to the checkpoint. Erynn removed her hood, knowing that concealment would cause more interest by the troopers than a straightforward approach.

  Roni and Sean led, followed by Erynn, Tiar, and Jaer. Erynn bit her lip as they neared the three guards checking people through a makeshift inspection station.

  Jaer pushed up front to be first.

  Erynn’s hands curled into fists, bouncing against her thighs.

  Stop! You appear as nervous as you feel. Not good.

  The guard took Jaer’s credentials and glanced back to the four standing behind the large man. “Where are you going?” His voice was mechanical under the armor of his helmet.

  Jaer answered, a touch of veneration in his tone, “We’re returning to Arranoth after an extended vacation, sir.”

  “Why would anyone want to come here?” Sarcasm filled the trooper’s tone.

  His fellow troopers chuckled. The sound of their laughter was eerie, metallic.

  Tiar pushed by Erynn, thrusting his credentials at the guard. “We have family here, Sir.” His voice, too, had a humble timbre.

  The guard watched them for a long moment, silent. “Bring the IDs of the three that Admiral Newell is searching for. Let’s check them out.”

  Erynn’s breath caught, frozen in her chest. Their trip was about to end. She recalled her mountain camp, and part of her wished she’d stayed hidden away, safe in the forest. Her reflections took her to the maejen and the aleun. If only she could camouflage herself the way the aleun had. She stared at the troopers in their gray-green body armor, gathering the information that would put a stop to their flight to Tamaagra and finding Cale. They were about to be discovered if she didn’t do something.

  Zander’s voice echoed through her mind. “Arranon will be there for you, Erynn. Just ask and believe.”

  Erynn reached up and took Sean’s hand, pulling him forward to stand with Tiar. She took Tiar’s hand and concentrated on the aleun.

  Am I being stupid? What will the others think of my foolishness after our capture?

  Erynn felt a tingling sensation shiver through her, and a low pop sounded in her ears. A subtle vibration coursed from her into Sean and Tiar. She stared at them and they shimmered, their features vague.

  Jaer glanced back. His eyes flashed with surprise before he returned his attention to the trooper examining their credentials.

  Time slowed. Apprehension at her irrational act grew, but she remained focused and firm.

  The guard stood a moment, studying the identification disks and their ragged group. “Their credentials check out. Let them go or they’ll miss their flight.”

  Jaer stepped through, leading, and they hurried to the docking bay. The ship stood ready, engines warming with a low rumble.

  When they were well past the guards, she released Sean’s and Tiar’s hands. The tingling stopped, followed by the popping sound. Erynn looked at Sean and Tiar. She could clearly see their faces again. “I wasn’t sure that would work.” Her lungs drew in a deep breath, and she sighed.

  Tiar brushed his palm down his thigh. “That, whatever it is,” he whispered, “just saved us.”

  “What is it, Erynn? How did you…? Sean frowned and shook off the tingling sensation, wiggling his fingers.

  Erynn glanced at Jaer. “I keep hearing that I can learn from the life around me. It appears to be true.”

  Jaer reached out and took Erynn’s arm, pulling her next to him.

  Protective? No, possessive?

  After they boarded the ship, Erynn remembered to breathe normally. No o
ne spoke for fear of breaking the spell and having the guards run after them, to be hauled forcibly off the ship.

  Jaer guided Erynn into the first open seat. “Buckle in,” he murmured. Tiar sat in front of Erynn, with Jaer behind her.

  Protecting me again.

  The thought unsettled her. Sean took the seat next to Erynn. He buckled in and stared straight ahead. The doors slid shut and locked in place with a loud hiss. The engine’s soft roar thrummed beneath the chatter of other passengers.

  Sean gazed at Erynn and took her hand in his with a secure hold. “You’ve been busy,” he told her with more than a little awe.

  His strong grip stilled her shaking. “You’ll never know.” Erynn smiled and tightened her fingers around his.

  Chapter 22

  THEY’D MADE THE FLIGHT TO Arranoth. Erynn smiled, unable to contain her relief. She was alive and free, and her friends were with her. They stood in the passenger arrival section of the large and hectic spaceport. No troops patrolled in this sector. Tiar and Sean went to find information on flights out of Arranoth. With luck, their next stop would be Tamaagra.

  Jaer watched the mass of people around him and frowned. He kept Erynn close, tensing whenever a group of travelers came too near.

  Erynn wondered if he or Roni had ever been away from Glaskra and in such a large city.

  Sean returned without Tiar. “We’ll need to hurry. A flight is boarding to leave for Tamaagra, and Tiar is securing vouchers.”

  “It’s that simple? We can leave? Now?” Erynn almost laughed.

  “There will be another checkpoint, but Tiar doesn’t feel the guards will be a problem. Remember, they’re still searching for us around Glaskra.” Sean’s answer made sense. He gestured to the far end of the station, and they hurried away.

  Erynn frowned, stopped, and turned to face the open, crowded spaceport. She rotated in a slow circle, alert. Something was off. There was danger coming. The sensation of evil flowed over her, crashing around her like a crushing wave.