Jaer helped himself. He nodded. “I will get you some more.”
Tam stared at Jaer. Her mouth fell open. “Erynn?” A smile started, spreading to her eyes.
“Oh, Tam, this is Jaer and Roni.” Erynn gestured. “And Tiar, Sean’s brother.”
“Hi.” Tam drew the word out.
Jaer handed Erynn’s fork back to her and stood. He stared down at Erynn. “Be right back, with more cearach.” He smiled.
***
Cale joined them as they finished their food. “I know you’re all tired, but if you could give us a little time…”
Jaer took Erynn’s hand in both of his and gently squeezed.
Erynn returned the grasp as best she could with her fingers engulfed between his large palms.
The area around them was empty. From several tables across the room, people turned and stared, leaning in to each other, appearing to speak confidentially. Three women and an older man stepped up to stand behind Cale.
“Erynn, will you come with me?” Cale rose and gestured for the new arrivals to sit at the end of the table.
Jaer squeezed again and released his hold. “I will talk to you soon.” He smiled.
“I’ll see you later, Erynn. We still need to talk.” Tam grinned and slid out of her seat.
Erynn moved away with Cale. She glanced back at Jaer. He watched her, his expression relaxed.
Erynn and Cale walked through the gloomy tunnels and down a long set of stairs. Minimal lighting at the uppermost angle of the corridors caused their shadows to leap first before them and then behind them. The smooth rock floor echoed their course through the granite warrens.
At the end of the steps, several dark passages led off an alcove. Cale turned right, to the farthest tunnel.
Erynn hesitated. “Where are we going?” Zander’s story of Dhoran and his underworld loomed in her mind.
Cale stopped, turned, and tipped his head. His features were vague in the low light. “Just a little farther.”
She took a deep breath and followed. The tunnel swept around a wide bend. Bright light—natural, not artificial—seeped into the dark. She could smell fresh air tinged with the scent of needle leaves, musky and sharp. They stepped into a massive, wide hangar, bathed in sunshine from the three open bay doors. Technicians busy at their duties hustled among the aircraft that filled the space.
Erynn only saw the long line of Interceptors gleaming at the front of the queue.
Chapter 39
YOUR LIFE CHANGED QUICKLY, DIDN’T it, Erynn? Arranon is quite different from Korin. This must be difficult for you.” Cale sighed. “What happened out there?”
Erynn watched Cale. His mouth was set in a firm line. The smile slid from her face.
A cold wind whistled in around the open bay doors.
“Let’s go outside. I need to hear everything.” Cale guided her to the windswept landing pad nature had carved out of the gray granite mountainside. Cale stared out over gentle inclines beneath the niche. He squinted against the glare of the setting sun reflecting off fresh snow.
Air, biting and sharp, washed over her, mingled with the spicy scent of the expansive forest far below.
Erynn wanted to ask Cale about the base. The formation appeared to be natural, but some of the massive installation must have been man-made. She glanced away from the wide view and to Cale. He watched her, waiting for her to answer. “Well, after I got away from Birk I met up with Tiar and Sean. Then we met with Jaer and his people before going to Glaskra—”
“What happened to Birk?”
She twisted a loose thread from her jacket around her finger. “He died. The animals took him.” She lowered her head.
Will he believe me?
“How? Tell me exactly what happened.”
Sighing, Erynn began the strange tale. She left nothing out, not the animals that had aided her or the wind that seemed to surge and calm at her will. She told him how she had disguised herself, Sean, and Tiar like the aleun, and how the maejen brought her to this place in dreams. He didn’t interrupt, but listened, his eyebrows rising with each new disclosure. She ended with her loss of time, the colors, and the voices, finishing on her last encounter with Zander. “He wanted you to know about Dhoran. He doesn’t believe Dhoran’s dead. The Anim Blath fear this invasion will awaken his dormant soul and bring his evil back to Arranon.”
“Zander always worried Dhoran would come back. He died trying to make sure that would never happen. Apparently, he failed in his attempt.”
“That’s how Zander died?”
“Yes, that’s how your father died.”
“My father. Have you heard about my dad? Can you tell me anything?”
Cale stared at the ground. “I’m sorry, Erynn. Jaer told me what Birk did— how he bragged that he had killed Damon.”
“But have you heard if it’s true? Maybe he was only trying to…” Erynn shook her head. “I don’t know. Maybe it was a lie.” She watched him.
“After landing here, we’ve received no transmissions from Korin, or many places on Arranon.” He glanced up, reached out, and took her hand. “I can’t tell you he’s alive, as much as I’d like to.”
Erynn nodded and dropped her gaze. “I just… he’s all I’ve ever known—all I ever had—and I love him. If he’s gone, I’m alone.”
Cale let go of her hand and wrapped her in a hug. “No. You’re not alone. You’ve always got a home here, with me. I want you to feel you can come to me for any reason. I’ll be here for you, Erynn.”
“Thanks, Cale.” She hugged him back. “I appreciate all you’re doing. I’ve felt very welcomed since I arrived. Your support means a lot to me.”
“Good. I want you to feel welcomed. And you are. You know that, don’t you?”
“Yes. I do.”
He tipped his head. “So, back to what happened. It’s true, then. You can influence the weather.” His face smoothed, his gaze full of fascination. “I heard the transmissions from Newell’s troops, about your escape, your abilities. You’ve got them scared, Erynn.”
“You can do those things, too, can’t you?” Erynn asked, her voice getting higher.
Cale shook his head and barked a laugh. “No. Zander told me it was possible—said he could teach me. He never got the chance. I guess you’ll get to teach me.”
“I would, if I knew how I did it.” She bit her lip and gazed out over the rim of the shelf.
He laughed again. The tone was affectionate. “I’ll walk you back to your quarters. I think you’ll have to fill Tam in before you can get any rest.” He gestured her into the bay, leading the way back through the tunnels to the common room. “Get some sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
***
Cale was right. Tam waited in the common room. She handed Erynn a bottle.
“What’s this?” Erynn asked.
“Beoir, or something like it,” Tam said, taking a drink from her own bottle. “You need to relax.”
Erynn took a drink. The flavor was slightly bitter and a touch fruity, with that underlying spice flavor.
Tam dropped into a chair. “Is it true, what Sean said about you? Damon Yager isn’t your father?”
Erynn sat down across from Tam. “He’s not my biological father.” She met Tam’s gaze. “I’m sorry, Tam. My life was a secret. I couldn’t tell anyone. Damon…” Erynn shook her head, “my dad made sure I understood that.” She bit her lip and watched Tam.
“Your real father, he’s an Arranon?”
Erynn nodded.
“Is he the reason you can do the things you do?” Tam frowned.
“He and my mother—the combination.” Erynn stared at the floor. There was no reason to get into the added abilities Zander had passed to her. Polished to a high gloss, the stone reflected the images of the furniture setting on it. Veins of green, yellow, and gray ran through the dark rock.
“We start new today, right now. No more secrets. Agreed?”
“Agreed,” Erynn said, smiling at
Tam.
Tam tipped her head, her eyes narrowed, and she grinned. “Jaer?”
Heat flooded Erynn’s face. “First tell me about Mikal.”
Tam’s smile faded. “He kept trying to get Cale to let him take an Interceptor, to go find you. His constant whining got annoying.” She folded her long legs under her. “I finally confronted him. The story he told me sent me to Cale.”
“What story?” Erynn asked.
“That you and Mikal were in love. He said you told him you loved him the night we went to Coeunn’s.” Tam stared at Erynn.
Erynn snapped her mouth closed, shaking her head. “No, I didn’t.”
“I know.” Tam’s expression was smug. “His behavior irritated you. Anyone could see that. I thought for a while that maybe you and Sean… but there was something about the two of you—like brother and sister.” Her gaze focused on Erynn.
“That’s exactly what it feels like.” Erynn’s eyes went wide and she straightened.
“You don’t know why?” Tam was grinning again. “Think about it.” She settled into the chair. “Eventually even I figured out the reason.” Tam stared at her. Eager anticipation danced in her gold-brown eyes. “It’s because of your heritage, your connection to Arranon. How do you feel about Tiar or Cale?”
“Like family,” Erynn whispered.
“Yes.” Tam slapped the arm of the chair. “I knew I was right.”
“Thanks, Tam,” Erynn laughed. “I guess I need you around to sort the more complicated things out for me.”
“Exactly. Now, Jaer?” Tam leaned forward.
Heat crept into Erynn’s face. She didn’t know what to say, or how much. This topic was unfamiliar territory. She cleared her throat. “What do you want to know about him?”
“Not just him—you and him.”
“There’s not much to tell you, Tam.” Erynn yawned. “We’ve been on the run.” She rubbed at her eyes. Maybe Tam would get the hint.
Tam sighed. “Fine, tomorrow. No details left out.”
“Tomorrow,” Erynn agreed.
***
In her quarters, Erynn finished in the washroom. She requested a long-sleeve shirt and soft baggy pants to sleep in. Sliding the door open and switching off the light, she turned toward the sleeping cubicle. The room was dark and the DVSL showed the deep night outside, no stars, no moons, nothing. The chair in front of the computer station creaked.
Erynn froze.
“You do not think I would let you go to sleep without saying goodnight, do you?” Jaer’s softly accented voice came to her from the shadows.
She walked over to him. “How did you—”
His hand reached out and slipped around her waist. He pulled her into his lap. His fingers wound into her hair at the back of her neck. “Quiet.” His lips found hers.
Erynn wrapped her arms around his neck. His long, soft hair brushed her cheeks.
Jaer pulled back. “My quarters are right next to yours.” He kissed her again. “If you need anything, the access code to my room is 787.” He stood up, still holding her. “Good night.” He brushed another quick kiss across her lips and let go.
The door slid open. His dark form moved through. The door shut.
Chapter 40
CALE APPROACHED ERYNN AND TAM as they left the dining hall. The lines around his eyes tightened, and his lips drew down in a frown.
Erynn stopped when she felt the apprehension radiating from him. “What’s wrong?” she asked before he reached her.
“The wing commander, General Gaden, and I are having a… disagreement about you.”
Erynn shook her head. “Me? Why?”
“He wants to test you on the simulator before putting you in an Interceptor.” Cale looked away, down the dim tunnel. “I told him this wasn’t necessary.”
“That’s all? Go through a simulator examination and I can fly?” Erynn smiled. “I’ll do it.”
“One simulator flight would clear this up quickly. I’m sorry, Erynn. They don’t understand.” Cale tipped his head. “Just one favor?”
“What?” Erynn frowned.
“Don’t hold back,” Cale said, smiling. “Show him what you’ve got.”
***
Wearing a flight suit, Erynn slipped into the seat of the simulator. She buckled in and tightened the strap of the helmet under her chin. The canopy hummed into position and locked. The cockpit wrapped around her, safe and familiar. Out the solid panels, the view brightened, cleared, and showed the landing pad on the ledge next to the hangar.
“Initiate engine start-up sequence,” a voice instructed from the speaker inside her helmet. “You’re all clear for scramble, Lieutenant Yager.”
“Copy.” Erynn flipped four switches to her left. The instruments before her lit up. The engines whined. Blue static wrapped around her gloved hands and she pulled the throttle back, feathering the controls. She glanced from the instrument panel to the forward screen of the canopy. The scene wavered. She felt the sensation of rising. Hovering, she turned and soared over the ledge, skimming the tops of the trees, low and fast. A canyon appeared in the distance, winding through the gray stone topped with snow. She angled the ship and headed toward the chasm.
Cale told me to show him what I’ve got.
A smile spread across her lips.
The canyon’s narrow opening rushed forward. Erynn flipped the fighter sideways, speeding through the gap. The walls widened, narrowed, and widened again in a dizzying flux while angling first to the right and then the left. She kept the Interceptor centered. Her speed increased. Dodging protruding boulders, she navigated the ravine, never causing a single pebble on the banks to dislodge from their location.
An alarm followed by a flat, mechanical voice sounded through the cockpit. “Warning. Warning.”
Erynn’s smile widened. A red light on the panel flashed, reflecting off the canopy. The dead end of the canyon appeared. The Interceptor raced toward the high, flat wall. She smelled hot electronics. Her hand gripped the control stick and pulled. The Interceptor shot straight up. She spun, pirouetting through the sky. Bright sun alternated with the blue openness as she twirled upward. Her laughter bounced about the cockpit.
She stopped the spin and leveled out. A quick yelping alarm filled the air. Three ships closed in, firing. One came at her from the left, one from behind, and the last from ahead. Erynn pushed the throttle forward, racing toward the advancing ship. The enemy continued to fire. She changed position with slight but precise adjustments each time a bolt raced at her. The laser fire slid by, a clear miss. Pushing a red lever at the bottom of the throttle, her speed increased. She shot past the opposing aircraft, away from the one coming up on her left and the one from behind. Erynn banked, turning in a tight arc. All three were there, on her targeting screen.
They fired as one. A bolt skimmed the right rear section of her fighter, knocking the ship hard. The wing dropped. The body of the aircraft shuddered and lurched. Her helmet bounced off the canopy. “Oh no you don’t.” Tendrils of blue static swirled around and then through her. Another burst closed in, coming her way. Erynn dove. The ground rushed forward. The controls shook, vibrating through her.
“Pull up. Pull up,” the flat, mechanical warning chanted.
“Not yet,” she whispered. Time slowed to a measured beat.
Now!
Adrenaline surged, her stomach tightened, and her mind cleared. Erynn exerted pressure on the controls. She turned hard and pulled back. She came out of the dive, her right wingtip less than a meter above the ground. The smell of burning wiring intensified. Continuing to climb vertically, she increased her speed, pushing the fighter. Sunlight glinted off the targets above her. She smiled and aimed. The screen lit up. Three marks flashed against the yellow grid, their images a blinking red. “I’ve got you.”
A calm, melodic, female voice chimed from the acquisitioning system. “Targets acquired.” A slight pause followed. “Targets locked.”
Erynn fired three times.
The voice continued. “Targets destroyed.”
Erynn flew through the fireball of exploding ships, pushed forward on the controls, and leveled her rising fighter. The scene around her broke up and flickered. Sparks danced from the instrument panel. A bang reverberated through the canopy. The view outside went dark.
Not good.
The test was over.
Erynn slid the lever to disengage the canopy and pushed the panel back. She removed the helmet, laying it on the seat as she climbed out of the simulator. Her gaze darted around the small room. Cale, General Gaden, and several others stood staring at her as she emerged. The smell of burned components was stronger. She could see wisps of white smoke drifting upward.
“Remarkable,” Cale said in an expelled breath.
“Remarkable?” General Gaden bellowed. “She just destroyed the Interceptor simulator.”
“You were the one that insisted she be tested,” Cale shot back. “Besides, the simulator’s not destroyed. The computer’s just shorted.” He turned to Erynn and smiled.
“I’m sorry, General Gaden, Cale. You said not to hold back. I didn’t.” She started to bite at her lip, stopped, and straightened.
General Gaden relaxed a bit. “Well, I guess the damage can be repaired. That was a remarkable demonstration.” His lips tightened and he glanced at Cale. “Put her in an Interceptor.” He spun around. “Get this fixed,” he said in general to those gathered as he stalked from the room.
***
Erynn met with Tam in the common room of their quarters. People sat in quiet conversations, playing cards at the tables, or reading in the corners. News of her incident with the simulator preceded her.
“Nice flying, Erynn,” a man sitting at a table said as she entered.
“Wait till the enemy tries to fly against you, Lieutenant,” a woman called from in front of the DVSL.
“We’ll show them,” another male voice joined.
A collective shout went up, filling the space.
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