At the end of the wide corridor, she found the section that controlled the stone access and depressed a button. The door rumbled to a full open position. She tapped the switch again, and the access panel ground slowly closed. Stepping out into the dying light of dusk, Erynn turned and watched the stone reseal. The sound carried a hopeless finality. A warm tear slid down the cold skin of her cheek.
She ran.
Forlorn howls split the silence of the hushed evening. The maejen knew of her intent. At the edge of the forest, black shadows shifted. Three adult katjarmuuds prowled under the trees. Erynn stepped forward. The katjaramuud on the right crouched. A low rumbling growl came from deep in his throat. The other two backed up, ducking behind the first.
They were as large as a capora, but their bodies were much thicker. Powerful legs ended in large, broad paws with sharp claws. Short pointed ears stuck out from dense tawny fur on round heads. Rings of black circled yellow eyes.
Erynn inched closer. The three animals remained low, their posture submissive. “Kathmajoo. Camorra nah al halwan.” Their heads rested on paws. They stared up at her through glowing eyes. “I have to get around the sensors in the woods. Can you help me?”
A low growl came from the lead animal. Together, all three raised their heads and looked to the right. The two in the back stood up, stubby tails twitching.
“I guess that means yes. Okay, let’s go.” Erynn moved next to the leader.
He pushed into a sitting position and leaned his nose toward Erynn, sniffing at her hair and then her jacket. With a loud snort, he pushed his powerful haunches against the ground springing up.
A musky male odor wafted to her. “You don’t smell so good either.” She stepped in line to follow the first one, the two others trailing behind.
Stars blinked into existence in the open sky above the trees. Erynn kept pace with her escorts. She didn’t think about what she was doing—couldn’t, wouldn’t allow the possibility of losing courage and turning back. Her thoughts would have only circled endlessly from Jaer to the alien presence she was about to surrender to. Time ceased. She just kept moving, toward whatever fate held. The katjaramuud led her to the smoldering remains of the village. The unpleasant scent of bitter smoke drifted in the light breeze.
People died here, murdered.
One of the animals raised its head high and sniffed the air. He opened his mouth. A mournful cry issued from the depths of his soul. The call tore at Erynn’s heart.
This killing must stop.
She moved forward, her boots crunching through ice formed after the heat from the fires died and silent cold returned. The rumble of an engine resonated ahead. Lights bounced among the trunks of the trees making a pattern of lacy, deep-purple shadows through the leaves.
Faylen.
Erynn turned in a slow circle. She was alone, her escorts vanishing into the dark recesses of the forest. They’d served their purpose. The heavy transport lumbered forward. She shielded her eyes from the brightness. The vehicle hissed and clanked to a stop. The hatch hummed open.
Faylen emerged, smiling. “Erynn Yager.”
Erynn straightened. Her heartbeat pounded in her throat, in her temples, and in the tips of her fingers. She took in a steadying breath. “I’m prepared to go with you.”
Chapter 45
“ERYNN IS GONE,” JAER SAID, his voice flat. He stood in Cale’s office, staring at the blank stone wall behind the desk.
“Wait for Tiar.” Cale sighed and put his head in his hands.
“He has not found her. He would have told us.” Jaer’s chin dropped. “You know Erynn is gone.”
Cale raised his head and folded his hands, squeezing them until his knuckles blanched. “What are you going to do, Jaer?”
Taking in a deep breath, Jaer straightened. “I asked Erynn to trust me. She did. Now it is my turn to trust her.” He stared dully at Cale. “I will remain here—finish what I started.” His hands fisted. “I will fight when the time comes.” A slight smile touched his lips. “I will wait for Erynn to come back to me.”
Jaer moved through the dim corridors, vaguely aware of people passing him. He found himself at the door to his quarters and hesitated. Erynn’s presence would be there, her sweet scent, the echo of her laughter, and the memory of her warm touch. He gritted his teeth and opened the door. Dark silence welcomed him. He dropped down on the bed, his arm covering his eyes.
This alien enemy had necessitated him leaving his home and family. In the village, they killed Arranons, his people.
For what purpose?
They had taken Erynn from him again. His fingers curled, nails cutting into his palm. If they didn’t find a way to stop Newell, everyone on Arranon and Korin would be victims of this alien machine. All life would cease.
“I hope you have a good plan, Kipa.”
A chime sounded in his quarters. Jaer leapt from the bed and opened the door.
Tiar stood silhouetted in the dark corridor. He shook his head. “No. Nothing. I’m sorry.”
“Erynn doesn’t want us to find her.” Jaer swung away from the door, sitting heavily on the edge of the bed.
“Exactly.” Tiar entered. “Cale wants to see you. He thinks he knows what Erynn may be up to.” He pulled Jaer into the hall. “We have to be ready. Her plan might work.”
“Plan? What plan?” Jaer stopped in the corridor. “How can you know what Erynn has planned?”
Tiar smiled, a rare occurrence. “Our bond, our connection with each other, grows.”
They hurried through the tunnels, their passage echoing around them. The door to Cale’s office slid open. The room was full, everyone talking at once.
Cale leaned against the edge of his desk. “Erynn may just save us,” he said and beamed.
Chapter 46
ERYNN REPRESSED A SHIVER. ICY air burned her throat and sent a chill spreading from her core.
Faylen approached. He continued to smile, but his eyes darted from the surrounding forest to her and back to the trees as he stepped cautiously forward. His boots crunched through the ice. “What brought on this change of heart?”
She let out a held breath. The plume misted, billowed, and disappeared. The tops of the trees swayed in a sudden frosty gust.
Faylen’s attention shot from her to survey the forest again. He gazed up, his expression wary.
“Change of heart. Interesting choice of words.” She glanced at the two soldiers in full body armor flanking Faylen. They held weapons ready. “I’ll come with you freely. They aren’t necessary.”
Faylen’s eyes narrowed and he laughed. “You’ll understand if I don’t believe you.” He tipped his head and frowned. “Why, Erynn?”
Gazing around at the burned-out ruins of the village, Erynn sighed. “I’ll not be the reason for any more murders.”
“Murders?” Faylen shook his head. “Their deaths were simply a means to an end.”
“You killed innocent people,” Erynn snapped. “They didn’t know where I was.”
He relaxed his stance, clasping his hands in front of him. “Regardless, what I did worked. You’re here.” He stepped closer, took her arm, and tugged lightly. “Let’s go.”
Erynn jerked out of his grasp and pushed ahead of him to the transport. “I said I’d come with you.” A frown etched her face, pulling at her lips and tugging at her eyes. Before stepping inside, she glanced up the mountain. Dark shadows moved among the trees.
Maejen? The katjaramuud? Will I ever see this place, or Jaer, again?
Faylen stood at her back, his warm breath on her neck. But he didn’t touch her.
I can do this. I must do this.
She took in a deep breath and let the air shudder out through her open lips. Erynn straightened, squeezed her eyes shut for a brief moment, opened them, and climbed into the transport.
Faylen sat next to her and gestured to the harness. “Strap in.” He buckled into his own restraints. The two soldiers pushed up front, into the control compartment.
Erynn tightened her straps. She was alone with Faylen. “What now?” She stared up into his cold brown eyes. Something flickered there—a spark of warmth, of compassion, the ice melting.
Thawing.
He turned away from her scrutiny and studied the instrument panel before him. “You could tell me where you’ve been.” He reached out and depressed a small button. Dim, yellow light cast an eerie glow over the black-and-gray interior of the transport.
“I was on the mountain.” Erynn glanced into corners and under seats where shadows crouched.
“There’s nothing there.”
“Nothing? I guess you would see the forest as nothing.”
“Where are your friends, what’s left of them? Who died in the crash with the big man in black?”
Erynn dropped her gaze. Her stomach did a little roll. Thinking about Jaer brought a deep ache closing in around her heart. “Roni.” Erynn’s hands fisted. “Roni was with Jaer in Tamaagra.” This was the truth. She could tell from Faylen’s reaction, his nod, that the pained expression on her face worked. Her hurt was real. “If I tell you where Tiar and Sean are, will you leave them alone? They can’t harm you.”
He nodded.
“They’re still hiding on the mountain.” More truth. She studied the floor. Plates of heavy steel were bolted together at odd angles.
“What about the rescue party? Where did they come from?”
Erynn shrugged. “The Interceptors flew toward Tamaagra. That was all I saw.” Rough seams joined the thick metal, darker than the smooth sections of flat steel.
“I believe you’re telling me the truth.” His eyes narrowed. He flicked a switch next to him. “Move out.” The transport rattled to life and lurched into a forward motion.
She continued to stare at the floor. “So, what now?”
“We’ll return to Tamaagra. In the morning, I’ll take you to Korin, to Admiral Newell. He’s looking forward to meeting you.”
She sensed his pride in accomplishing this duty and bringing her to Newell. Taking in a deep breath, air shuddered out. “Is what Birk told me true? Is Damon dead?”
“Damon?” Faylen turned to her, frowning. “Yes, your father is dead. He refused to cooperate. Admiral Newell had no choice. It would have been dangerous to let him live.” He paused. “These are the simple facts, Erynn. Sentiment doesn’t matter. You either assist us or die.”
“Was it always like this with you?” The floor blurred. She wiped the back of her hand across her eyes. Her stomach rolled and her head spun. Sweat bathed her face. Heat flared through her. The air inside the transport was stale and hot. “Can you get some cool air back here? I. Can’t. Breathe.” She reached down, unstrapped the harness, and pulled at her coat. The transport rolled up, over something large and hard, bouncing back to the ground. Thrown from her seat, Erynn’s forehead and palms slammed against the cold metal of the floor. The icy chill eased the fire inside her.
Faylen pulled at her jacket, putting her back in the seat. He fumbled for the straps, trying to buckle them.
“No.” Erynn grabbed his hands. The air popped and snapped with a powerful electric charge. Tendrils of blue static wound around her, entwining her fingers with his.
He hissed in a breath, stopped moving, and stared at her. His warm hands compressed hers. Erynn gazed inside this man, beyond his hard exterior. His dream tore across her mind. A woman, a warm sunny day… the love this woman had for him.
His mother!
His anguished love for his mother, ripped from him. Erynn understood his fear that this vision was real, not a dream. His mother had been murdered when they took him. They trained and shaped him to be a killing machine. But he wasn’t. Buried deep inside his shell of hate, of loathing, there was still life and love in him.
She pulled away, sliding her hands free. Her lungs burned. The static disappeared.
Panting, Faylen pressed his back against the seat. “What… what did you do to me?” His voice came out in a weak whisper.
The air inside the transport took on the familiar sweet, spicy aroma.
Faylen glanced about, wrinkling his nose. “What is that? Where is that scent coming from?”
“You can smell the Anim Blath?” Erynn choked out the words and inhaled deeply. She took energy from the reassuring aroma and straightened, her eyes wide as she watched Faylen.
The transport bucked to a halt. One of the soldiers turned in his seat. “Yes, sir?” His voice was mechanical under the helmet.
“Why did you stop?” Faylen glared at Erynn and then to the soldier. “Keep moving. I want out of this forest.”
“My mistake, Captain. I thought you ordered a stop.” The two men up front glanced at each other and then back out the wide clear panel. The transport lumbered forward, stopping again. “Sir, is there a problem? Should we go or stay?”
Faylen unbuckled, stood up, and slammed his hand against the door’s control panel. The access slid open with a soft whoosh. Icy air swirled in.
Erynn took the cold into her lungs, closing her eyes, and her face cooled.
Better.
She opened her eyes.
Faylen watched her, his mouth slack. “I guess you got your fresh air.” He stood there, studying her. “Let me know when we can proceed.”
“Can we stay here a little longer, with the door open?” Erynn stared outside. “There’s nothing out there.”
He surveyed the forest. “Would you tell me if there was?” He turned his gaze back to her. “How did you do that?” His face went pink. His eyes were a warm brown.
Thawing.
“What? I’m not sure I did anything.”
“Then how?” He glanced forward, to the two men sitting stiffly straight and staring ahead through the panel. “You’re telling me that Arranon, or the life here…” He pushed back the hood of his jacket, wiping his hand across the smooth skin of his scalp. Sitting next to her, he leaned his head in his hands. “I can’t accept a supernatural explanation. The suggestion must have come from you, from the power of your mind.” He dropped his hands and turned to her. “That is something that can be measured and proved—not some living force from a hunk of rock.”
“Just because you can’t measure her power, touch her energy, or see her force, doesn’t mean Arranon’s consciousness doesn’t exist.” Erynn took another lungful of cold, fresh air. “I’ve lived with this all my life.” She couldn’t help the small smile that touched her lips. “She’s real—I’m real.” Her smile gone, she stared at him. “Are you trying to tell me it’s all in my head?”
“Doesn’t matter.” He faced the open door and squinted into the dark.
“This mattered to you once.”
“My only concern is getting you to Newell. Then you’re his problem.”
Newell, not Admiral Newell.
“I’m not Newell’s problem.”
His head whipped around.
“We can leave now. Thank you. I feel better.”
Faylen stood up, closed the door, and contacted the driver. “Go.” He sat back down and secured his harness. “You should buckle in,” he said, without looking at her.
The transport jerked and bounced, traversing the steep incline. Far below the lights of Tamaagra glowed out of the dark.
Erynn shook her head. Her trek up had taken two days to climb to where Faylen found her. They had come down the mountain in less than a night.
The transport rumbled to a stop in front of a tall stone-and-glass building.
Soldiers, some in mottled brown-and-tan armor holding weapons ready and some in dark-gray officer’s uniforms, came forward when the hatch opened. They made a line on each side as Faylen emerged.
Erynn watched the activity around her.
Faylen stared at her. “It’s too late to change your mind,” he said, and smiled.
She glared at him. “I’m not changing my mind.” She stood up and stepped out of the transport. An overwhelming sensation of fear slammed into her. She staggered
under the weight before closing off the emotion. “Tell them I’m not going to do anything,” she whispered.
“Why? Shouldn’t they be wary of you?”
“Their fear—it’s so strong. I… they’re afraid of me.” She stumbled on the walkway outside the entry to the building and stopped. Faylen grabbed her arm and steadied her.
“I won’t hurt them. None of this is their fault.”
“Is what’s happening my fault?” he asked with a small, shaky voice.
“You might want to believe that, but it isn’t true.” Erynn glanced up at him. “You can let go of me. I’m all right now.”
He rushed her through the building and up several floors to a secure room. Guards lined the hallway like they had on the walk. Once inside, she realized she was in a visitor center and in an exclusive guest suite. She stood in a sitting room with two couches, an oblong table between them, and a dining set with four chairs sat before a wide window covered with heavy drapes. Doors on either side of the opulent room lead to bedrooms.
Peeling off his jacket, Faylen asked, “Are you hungry? I can order anything you want.” He dropped onto one of the sofas and pulled off his boots. He stood up and stripped his shirt over his head, followed by another shirt. His bare chest rippled with muscles. He reached down and began to unbuckle his pants.
“Wait! What are you doing?” Erynn backed up.
Faylen frowned, tipping his head. “I’m getting out of these clothes. So I can clean up. I’ve been wearing them for days.”
“Well, undress in there.” Erynn pointed to the door behind him.
His frown deepened. A chime sounded. Faylen walked to the door and slid it open.
A woman with long dark hair and wide green eyes stood there. She smiled when she saw Faylen. “Not tonight.” He shook his head and glanced back at Erynn. The woman put on a pout, ran her finger down his smooth, bare chest, and walked away. Faylen turned when the door glided closed.
Storm of Arranon Page 24