Jaer made eye contact with Erynn and stiffened. He reached her side in a heartbeat. Glancing back at Roni, he yelled, “Go find Tiar.”
Leaving their packs, Roni ran.
Sean joined Erynn and Jaer. They scanned the bustling port.
“What’s wrong, Erynn?” Sean asked. “I don’t sense anything.”
Erynn raised her arm with slow deliberation and pointed. “There.”
A broad, powerful man in a tailored gray uniform strode through the crowd ahead of two soldiers in gray-green battle armor. His cool-brown eyes swept back and forth, searching the throng of people.
“He’s looking for me.” Erynn focused on his approach. He was the reason for her unease. Their eyes met and he smiled.
She tensed. Years of training kicked in. Erynn shifted into survival mode, ready to react. She glanced at Jaer and then Sean. They also watched the three men’s approach.
The large man gestured with both hands, pointing to either side of Erynn. The two with him drew their weapons, one aiming at Jaer, the other at Sean. People around them screamed and ran. The three continued forward through the chaos.
Erynn sensed the man’s purpose. He was not like Birk. This one had… something—a deeply seated determination and… principle?
He stopped in front of her, still smiling. “Erynn Yager. You’ve come much farther than we expected.” His gaze moved from Jaer to Sean. “If you’ll come with me without a fight, I’ll leave your friends alive.”
Jaer rumbled, “She’s not going with you.” The power coming from him, from his conviction, rolled over her.
Erynn stared into the soulless eyes of this man and straightened. “Like he said, I’m not going with you.” She would make a stand here. They would make a stand here.
He cocked his head and held eye contact. “You don’t exactly have a choice.”
Erynn sensed his confusion. Her assertive response puzzled him.
He’s not used to a female reacting in such a forceful manner.
Reinforcements tried to gain access through the screaming, fleeing crowd. Their noisy advance caused a rush of frightened people to swarm back around her. “I will not go with you.” Erynn stepped forward and circled her adversary. Silence dropped. She saw nothing but the man before her as he continued to leer at her.
***
Jaer took advantage of the confusion. He struck, knocking the weapon from the soldier’s hands, sending short laser bursts up and over their heads. The staser skittered across the polished white tiles under the feet of the panicking throng. Jaer smiled at the unarmed man with satisfaction and glanced at Sean.
Sean spun and kicked out at the man before him. He fell with a crash, body armor clattering against the floor. Sean reached down and yanked at the weapon the man still held.
Jaer’s attention snapped back to the soldier rushing him. Jaer grabbed him by the throat with one powerful hand and punched the palm of his other hand up and into the helmet under the eye guards. His body went limp, quivering. Jaer let him fall to the floor.
Sean won the tug-of-war over the weapon and tossed the staser aside. He reached down, grabbed the front of the man’s armor, jerked him up, and pushed the helmet up over the man’s head.
Jaer stepped behind the man, wrapping his arm under the body armor and around the enemy’s neck. Jaer tightened his hold and forced the man’s head to the side with his free hand.
The pop was audible. The body fell, lifeless.
Jaer glared at Sean. “We’re running out of time.” He turned away and searched for Erynn. He found her circling the uniformed man.
With the realization of their deaths so close, Jaer wished he had told Erynn he cared for her.
Loved her?
Instead, he had pulled away again, ripping the fragile hope that she just might have feelings for him from his heart. He understood that his hesitant behavior puzzled her. Daheln, his inconsistent conduct toward her confused him. He had held his emotions at bay for so long that he was unsure of how to break this old, comfortable, but unsatisfying practice.
***
Out of the corner of her eye, Erynn saw Sean approach, but so did her adversary. He pulled his weapon, swung his arm in a wide arc, and fired.
Sean went down.
Erynn screamed. Her anger exploded. A raging wind filled the station. Gusts pushed at the man before her. He fought to stay upright while Erynn stood unaffected. Abandoned bags and packs flew at the man with vicious accuracy. The lights above them, once bright and garish, began to flicker and pop.
The man, the enemy, was on his knees, flailing at the pummeling bags, unable to regain his footing. Lights blinked rapidly off and on. Erynn saw Tiar and Roni pushing toward her in the strobe flash.
Erynn concentrated on the wind, focusing the power. The man could no longer resist the force she drove at him. He rolled and tumbled against a far wall, where he lay motionless. Erynn took a deep breath and held the air in her lungs. The wind stopped. Lights flickered, dimmed, and continued to pop. They went out, starting at the far end of the terminal and working their way to where she stood.
Tiar ran up, pulling Erynn into action. “We need to go. Troopers are on their way.”
Roni rushed past Erynn.
Too slow, I was too slow. Sean…
Sean was dead. The words repeated through Erynn’s mind. She forced herself to glance over to Jaer, expecting to see Sean where he fell on the cold white floor, the strobe effect making his body a grizzly sight. But Sean stood leaning on Jaer. Blood stretched across his chest. He was injured but alive. Tiar ran to Jaer, taking Sean’s other arm, and they rushed away.
Erynn followed. “Where are we going?”
“There’s a ship just outside. We’re taking it,” Tiar shot back over his shoulder.
They burst through the outer doors, across the landing pad, and up the ramp into the ship. The building behind them went dark. Tiar and Erynn ran to the pilots’ seats and strapped in. Jaer retracted the ramp and slid the door closed. Roni helped Sean to a seat and made sure he was strapped in.
Erynn turned to Tiar. “Do you know how to fly this thing?”
Tiar started the engines. “I hope so.”
Staser fire bounced off the hull of the ship. “Then get us out of here.” Erynn faced forward, tightening her harness.
Tiar got them moving and in the air. With that accomplished, Erynn took over piloting. Tiar turned his attention to the navigational computer and punched in the coordinates to take them to Tamaagra.
Erynn changed directions, taking the ship to a near 180-degree change. She flew, low and fast, just the way she liked it, keeping them under the scanners. When Tiar had the coordinates entered, the screen advised only a slight change in course.
His gaze snapped to Erynn, and he tipped his head quizzically.
Erynn understood before he opened his mouth what he would ask. “I was only trying to make it harder for them to chart our course and follow us. I don’t think I knew which way to go.” She glanced back. “If you’ve got this, I’d like to check on Sean.”
Tiar nodded and turned his attention back to piloting.
Roni had found a medical kit and dressed Sean’s wound. His injury was not life threatening.
Jaer stood watching Roni tend to Sean. Jaer reached out to Erynn, pulling her into him. He gripped her hand and smiled.
His eyes were soft and deep, beckoning her to let go, pleading for her to take a chance. His expression puzzled her.
He squeezed her fingers, brushing his thumb over the back of her hand. He continued to hold her, but his focus had drifted back to Sean.
Erynn felt heat rising into her face.
Just when I think he hates me, he does something so gentle, so—loving?
Sean winced as Roni applied a thin bandage. “I’m all right. The wound is nothing.” He grimaced. “The shot only grazed me.” Sean shook his head. “Stupid. I didn’t turn away in time.”
Erynn touched Sean’s arm. “Are you su
re?”
“I’m sure, Erynn.” Roni helped Sean slip on his shirt.
Erynn nodded and glanced about the small cabin of the ship. Not for the first time, she asked herself if what she did was right. She had brought them all this way when she wasn’t sure where to find Cale, putting them in further danger.
The words of her father came back to her, clear and strong. “Trust Arranon. Trust your heart, Erynn.”
He’d said that repeatedly to her in the past few days. Her heart told her she must go to the mountains beyond Tamaagra.
Chapter 23
CAPTAIN FAYLEN WIPED AT THE blood over his eye. He had been unconscious a short time after the wind slammed him into the wall.
Wind Erynn created and controlled.
Birk’s ranting was true. She had extraordinary powers.
Admiral Newell left the comforts of Korin, making his appearance at the spaceport in Arranoth after the area was secured and the power was restored.
Admiral Newell glared around at the disastrous results while striding toward Faylen. “What happened, Captain?” The deep, confident voice that came from this short, slender man was never expected.
“Erynn Yager, sir. Major Birk told the truth about her abilities.”
Newell’s piercing gray eyes glared at Faylen. He nodded and smiled. “I want her, Captain.” He surveyed the wreckage, and his smile widened. “Can you get her for me, Faylen?” Newell didn’t wait for a response. “If we could control her, command her power…” He spun to face Faylen. “What do you need?”
Faylen smiled and his eyes narrowed. Newell was giving him a second chance. The decision made sense. Faylen had seen Erynn, been in her presence, and experienced what she could do. He was the logical choice for this mission. “Very little, Admiral. A few men trained for survival and the gear we’ll need.”
“Good, Captain. I’ll see you have the best.” Newell stepped back and stared at Faylen. “Don’t fail me again, Captain. You’re being given a rare opportunity, a fresh start.” He smiled. “Bring her to me, and when I am done with her, you can have her.”
“I will bring you Erynn Yager, Admiral.”
Chapter 24
ERYNN STORMED OUT OF THE dilapidated barn’s tall access doors, her jaw set. Jaer mumbled ahead of her, his long strides causing her to run to catch up. The cold morning air and the washed-out gray sky leeched the vibrancy from the surroundings. Weathered wood silvered by years of pelting rain, driving snow, and strong winds added to the lack of color.
“Sir,” Erynn called. “I only said we should talk about who should go to Tamaagra.”
Jaer stopped and spun on her.
Erynn ran into him, bouncing back. “Can we talk about this?” She held her arms out to keep from falling. Once steady, she stepped forward.
Jaer leaned over, his face centimeters from hers. His gaze bore into her.
Erynn held her ground, not retreating. She stared into his eyes, matching his uncompromising attitude.
“Lieutenant Yager, you will stay here.” Jaer’s tone was adamant. “My first consideration is your safety.”
“What about your safety, and Roni’s?” Erynn argued. “If I went with you, I could help. Even if you are Anbas, you might need me. You saw what happened at the station in Imoir.”
“More the reason you should stay here,” Jaer said, his jaw tight. Shaking his head, he made a low rumble in his throat and turned.
He strode off before Erynn could argue over his decision. This time she didn’t follow. She watched him stalk away and then turned and climbed the hill behind the abandoned farm. She gazed out over the rolling fields of ripe grain. Their vibrant yellow and gold colors waited for the sun’s touch. The distant city of Tamaagra shimmered across the valley floor in the half-light of the morning. She reached out and pulled a slender stalk, twisting it in her fingers.
Why won’t Jaer listen to reason?
He refused to accept her help. Erynn closed her eyes, remembering the forest, the pond, and the spectral form of Zander. He’d told her Arranon would help her. She considered that an odd statement, unbelievable and impractical. Then strange occurrences began happening, aiding her. She still had much to learn about her abilities, her connection to Arranon, and how they could help her defeat the alien force taking over her worlds. But she could help Jaer and Roni in Tamaagra. She knew she could.
A breeze touched her face and tousled her hair. The sun rose, cresting the low hills beyond the city. She squinted against the orange-red brilliance. Color returned to the scene around her.
Had it only been a few hours since their escape?
They’d made the flight from Imoir to Arranoth with little trouble, and it seemed their flight from Arranoth to Tamaagra would also be uneventful. This wasn’t to be.
In their haste, they left all their belongings scattered about the station’s floor, along with a few dead enemy soldiers. They escaped, flying well outside Tamaagra’s boundaries and landing at this abandoned farm. The large barn, once used to store grain, accommodated the ship, hiding their presence. They needed supplies before they could start their trek into the mountains. Erynn believed—hoped—they would find Cale there.
Her mind made up, Erynn threw down the shredded stem and started down the path to the barn. Someone there would listen to reason. Jaer and Roni shouldn’t go to Tamaagra alone. Enemy troops would be searching for all of them after their dramatic escape from the spaceport at Arranoth. They would be wanted fugitives.
Erynn moved from the bright early-morning sunshine outside the barn to the cold, dark interior. Tiar and Sean had searched the ship for supplies. Packaged food, medical kits, some foul weather gear, and weapons lay on the dusty floor.
“There’s not much here—enough food for a couple of days. Plenty of weapons, though.” Sean stood with his arms loose at his sides, surveying the find.
Erynn stared at the gathered supplies. There would be no way around the need to go to the city. “I should go with Jaer and Roni to Tamaagra.”
“No, Erynn. I agree with Jaer. You need to stay here, out of sight.” Sean’s voice echoed in the expanse of the barn. His expression pleaded with her not to do anything foolish.
“Jaer and Roni will be better able to slip into the city and out again alone,” Tiar said in an even voice. His long dark hair caught a shaft of sunlight coming through one of the high windows. He moved to stand in front of her. “We don’t need the attention your presence will generate, Erynn.”
Erynn glared first at Sean and then at Tiar. The similarities between them were evident when they stood together—their deep-green eyes and the high cheekbones. “But I could help—”
“Jaer and Roni are Anbas,” Tiar said, cutting her off. “They don’t need help.” He walked back to the ship, moving up the ramp and out of sight.
“Why does everyone keep saying that? Being Anbas wouldn’t have helped get us through the checkpoint and aboard the shuttle from Imoir to Arranoth,” Erynn snapped.
“Don’t be so sure,” Sean said, and he turned away to enter the ship.
Erynn took a deep breath and raked unruly hair from her face. Things were different now. Everything she understood and relied on in the world was gone.
She feared losing any more. She straightened. Jaer was intelligent, and powerful, an extraordinary man. She’d witnessed firsthand what he was capable of in the station on Arranoth. He and Roni would go to Tamaagra, without her assistance, if that’s what he wanted.
Jaer walked into the barn, his face set, eyes dark. Roni walked in behind him.
Erynn stopped her organization of their supplies, stood up, and smiled at Roni.
Roni smiled back, her face framed by brown hair, her green eyes shining with anticipation.
Jaer avoided Erynn’s gaze. “There will be no more discussion. The matter is closed, Lieutenant,” Jaer said and crossed his arms. He still hadn’t looked at her.
She walked up to stand before him. “Do you have what you need, sir?” Erynn
asked, watching his face.
Jaer gazed at her, dropping his arms to his sides, his features softening. “You told me you trusted me. Do you remember?”
Erynn nodded.
“Nothing has changed. I need you to continue trusting me so I can do what I do best.”
“This has nothing to do with trust. I only want to help. This is going to be dangerous. I only believed my insight might help keep you and Roni safe.”
Jaer stepped closer to Erynn, his voice low. “I understand, but this is what Roni and I are trained for.” His eyes locked on hers and he reached out, starting to touch her, but he drew his hand back, his expression guarded. “I appreciate your concern for our safety. We will be fine.” Jaer turned away and nodded to Roni. They walked through the open barn door and were gone.
Erynn watched, wondering if she would see either of them again.
No. They will return. And I will question Jaer about his puzzling manner toward me. I’ll learn if his inconsistency is because of what I am, or something else. Maybe he just needs to understand the way I feel.
Chapter 25
JAER WAS QUIET, THINKING ABOUT the task before him. The road he and Roni walked was deserted, silent in the early morning. Erynn’s warning of danger was foremost in his mind. He trusted her feelings, her forewarning, but they needed the warm clothing and provisions to continue. They must get to Cale. Then their most difficult responsibilities would begin—to overcome the alien enemy.
They approached a suburb of well-kept homes. The pleasant neighborhood was quiet and lined with tall trees, their thick green leaves rustling in the mild breeze. A kiosk at the end of the street directed them to an air platform, where they would access transportation to the city.
After purchasing vouchers, they waited behind six weary-looking passengers under the tinted glass cover of the platform—three men and two women, Jaer noted. The regular commuters seemed uninterested in them. Their wait was brief. The transport, preceded by a low hum and a soft whoosh, glided next to the platform and stopped. The long vehicle bounced, rising and falling on the cushion of air on which it traveled. The doors slid open. People in front of them rushed on, claiming seats. Jaer moved forward, scanning up and then down the length of the empty platform. Roni entered first and walked to the rear, locating two empty seats. Jaer sat down next to her and glanced around.
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