Rainscape

by Jaye Roycraft

  “True power is an intoxicant, is it not? Admit it. DeStar has not this power, will never have it. And he will never make you feel like this.” She felt her body react and tried to pull away, but couldn’t. The arousal she felt was both unwelcome and uncomfortable, yet increased when he ran his thumbs over her nipples, teasing them to an almost painful hardness. He dragged his mouth from hers, but kept his large hands on her breasts.

  “Yes . . . just imagine how it will feel to have my mouth where my hands are now. But we will leave that for another time. When you come to Detour, you’ll have all of me, and I will have all of you.”

  “Detour?” was all she could ask.

  “My humble home. If you want to visit the Void, take a right hand turn at the Wiara.” T’halamar’s laugh was short-lived and bitter. “Go now. Tell DeStar what I told you. And remember, no spithra will never be able to satisfy you the way I can.”

  The energy flow retreated. Dina found her legs and ran out of the Oasis. Back in her room she cleansed herself as thoroughly as she could, but still felt dirty.

  How could she have walked up to T’halamar and allowed him to kiss her like that? She’d been compelled to go to the Oasis, she was sure of that part of it. She had been compelled to kiss him, too. There couldn’t be any other explanation. Yet there had been no denying her body’s reaction to his kiss. How was she going to hide this from Rayn?

  She thought of Rayn, and his cooling aura, and suddenly she thought no more of her embarrassment. Rayn’s power was no match for Gyn’s. She knew it. Gyn’s aura shouted masculinity, aggression, and power—a primary, positive force. He had easily brushed aside Rayn’s programmed “protection.” What other explanation could there be?

  She was suddenly very afraid.

  Sixteen

  Death in the Mines

  IT WAS THE eighth hour the following morning when Dina sat with Jon in his room, preparing for the meeting with Hrothi. She hadn’t slept well, and her nerves felt frayed and rubbed raw. Her mind was anything but clear. A look at Jon did not make her feel better about their pending meeting. His long hair hung limply around his ears, and his eyes had taken on the shade of freshly frost-killed plants, dull and dark.

  “Karjon, you have a priority one call from Minister Chandhel waiting.”

  “Now what? Computer, answer with visual,” grumbled Jon, raking a hand through his hair to sweep the long strands from his eyes.

  The computer image of Chandhel’s somber face appeared. “Agent Rzije, I’m afraid there’s been another incident at the mines. Another death.”

  “Another miner?” prompted Jon, when the Minister paused.

  “No. It’s Karsa Hrothi, Chief of Security. The area’s been secured, pending your and Commander Katzfiel’s arrival. There’s a transport leaving from the AEA Center in a quarter hour. Be on it. I’ll meet you at the mines.”

  “Gods,” breathed Dina.

  Jon swore loudly. “Get what you need from your room. Now!”

  Dina returned in less than a minute, and they were at the Center in less than ten. There was a frenzy of activity on the AEA hoverdeck, as Katzfiel barked out orders to his men. The Commander spared Jon and Dina only a glance, albeit one that would wither an anghwi, and jerked his head toward the craft, indicating they should board. Dr. Lumazi was already aboard, as well as numerous AEA officers. Dina didn’t see Chandhel. Doubtless he had his own transport.

  In a moment everything and everyone was loaded, and the hovercraft ascended and accelerated toward the Albho Mar. Dina’s mind had felt frozen since hearing Chandhel’s voice proclaim Karsa Hrothi as the victim.

  She knew she should be concentrating on what she had to do once they arrived at the mines, but all she could think about was her earlier meeting with Rayn, Kindyll, and Raethe. She had told Rayn she would be meeting with Hrothi. What had been her exact words to him? She tried to remember. She had relayed her feelings to the two ex-miners that Hrothi could be an ally. To Rayn she had simply said she was going to meet with Hrothi, but Rayn’s men could easily have conveyed to him her conversation with them.

  It was too much of a coincidence. In her profession, Dina had found there was no such thing as coincidence. Last night she had feared for him, but now, in the light of day, everything seemed different. She felt a chill of dread spread throughout her limbs as she thought about Rayn. She thought she’d been right about him, and everyone else wrong, but was that possible?

  She had allowed him to compel her. His compelling commands were supposed to have been protection against T’halamar, but they hadn’t worked. Maybe it wasn’t that Gyn was stronger. Maybe Rayn’s commands had had nothing to do with protection. She had placed her life in his hands, and now the chill deepened to a cold fear. What commands had he really placed in her mind?

  Her mind was lifted from its reverie by the sound of Katzfiel’s voice. “Gentlemen, and ladies,” said the Commander, nodding to Dina and Dr. Lumazi, “Here’s the situation as we have it. Karsa Hrothi, Mother Lode’s Chief of Security, was found one-half hour ago outside the Kewero Kel by one of his staff members, Kalyo Rhoemer. Hrothi was dead on the scene. Thus far we have no witnesses. The scene has been secured, and Rhoemer has been held in isolation pending our arrival. No one at the mines has been allowed to leave or enter. Agent Rzije, of the IIB, will have authority at the scene. Agent?”

  “After viewing the scene, my partner and I will interview Rhoemer. Commander, I’ll need a list of everyone at the mines, including miners, Mother Lode personnel, and any visitors. And I’ll need a statement from each. Doctor, I’ll need your report on the victim as soon as possible.”

  Katzfiel nodded and started issuing specific instructions to his men. Dina forced her mind to start working. Their scheduled meeting with Hrothi. She had to find out who knew about it. It wouldn’t have been a secret. Perhaps someone had been in Hrothi’s office when Jon had made the call. Perhaps he had mentioned the meeting to an associate. Dina gave her head a small shake. As much as logic told her that Rayn was involved, she found herself persisting in trying to believe him innocent.

  The hovercraft settled at Dheru Kel, and its passengers assembled quickly at the entrance, where they were met by Rum Ctararzin, Operations Manager for the mines. Ctararzin escorted Katzfiel, Dr. Lumazi, Jon, and Dina to the murder site, while the Commander’s men began their interviews.

  Ctararzin addressed Jon on the way. “This is intolerable, Agent Rzije. We’ve tried to be patient, but this investigation, as has been obvious to everyone, has been a farce since the beginning.”

  “With all due respect, sir, we have work to do,” Jon replied, not slowing his stride.

  “Your work seems to be nothing more than closing the gate after the herd escapes. The Mother Lode Board will be convening tonight, and I don’t think the results will be to your liking.”

  “Fine. You do what you have to do.”

  “Don’t be flippant with me, young man. A report from me can break you. Both of you.”

  THUS BEGAN A long and grueling day for Dina. Though she’d met Hrothi only briefly, she had liked him, and it was hard to look at the remains lying on the hard ground just outside a long-abandoned entrance to Kewero Kel.

  Dr. Lumazi was with the body. The area had been cordoned off, and no one else had been allowed access to the body. Two uniformed AEA officers stood guard nearby to make certain no one disturbed the area surrounding Hrothi.

  “Please, Agent Marlijn, be brief.” The doctor’s voice was soft, but authoritative.

  Dina knelt by the body, not wishing to disturb it, and looked at the doctor, who had knelt with her. “I understand. A moment is all I need.” She cast her eyes down at the handsome face, glad the eyes were closed so she wouldn’t have to look at their lifeless blue depths. Dina’s gaze moved downward to the partially opened mouth. As if he were trying to tell her something . .
. Her eyes moved lower still, to where his left hand lay curled across his heart. Dina saw several lines across the back of the hand, not scars, not wrinkles, but part of a design. She gently pushed the cuff of Hrothi’s sleeve upward with her gloved hand, and looked at the wrist. The colors of the tattoo remained vivid. The symbol of hope, she thought, and let the cuff slide back down the arm and over the wrist.

  She knelt a moment longer and stared at the rugged face, the features a mask of stillness. Dina looked at the abundant steel gray hair, and her eyes followed the thick curving strands, which, like living tendrils, embraced his ears and blossomed into long silver sideburns that flared beneath his cheekbones. Something wasn’t right.

  Dina looked up quickly at the doctor, and their eyes met. Before Dina could speak, the doctor cut her off.

  “As I said, Agent Marlijn, please be brief. I need to get the body back to the Medical Center as soon as possible. I can’t preserve it in this heat. Perhaps you would like to accompany me? I’m sure the findings would be instrumental to your investigation.”

  Dina locked her gaze a moment longer with the hazel eyes that seemed so familiar. “Yes, thank you, Doctor. I understand. Let me just tell my partner where I’ll be.”

  Later that evening, after everything possible had been done, Dina returned to the Visitor Center. She had run the gamut of every possible emotion during this day, sorrow, frustration, anger, disbelief, astonishment, and satisfaction. And it wasn’t done yet.

  Rayn!

  I hear you, Dina. There’s no need to shout.

  Shout? Damn you, you arrogant krek! I haven’t even begun yet. What do you think you’re doing? Are you crazy?

  She normally sat quietly when transporting herself to the Road of Time in preparation for talking to Rayn telepathically, but now she paced back and forth in her room, her anger giving energy to her tired body.

  If you’re referring to Hrothi’s murder, it had to be done. I had no choice. The situation was far too dangerous.

  You could have told me about this. No, I take that back. You should have told me.

  And you would have agreed? I hardly think so. Besides, there was no time.

  And now I’m a part of it anyway. This will cost me my job, you know. What am I supposed to tell Jon? And the Minister? Chandhel’s called for a meeting at the ninth hour tomorrow. What am I supposed to tell them?

  Dina reached for her head, as if to grab a fistful of her hair, then dropped her arm in frustration.

  Stall them. Blow whatever smoke at them you want to. Just make sure you do one thing. Give me time.

  For what? She was sure she wasn’t going to like the answer.

  Hrothi’s only step one. Now that he’s out of the way, T’halamar and the others have to be dealt with. Did you find out who they are?

  Yes, all but the middle man. But I think I know who he is. But, Rayn, we need proof. Proof. Do you understand that?

  She dropped onto the edge of her bed.

  You’ll get it. Did our friends talk to you about Rhoemer? He’s the next one we have to worry about.

  Yes, but it’s dangerous.

  Where is he now?

  Dina sighed. She was in the middle of this crazy scheme, like it or not. The AEA Center.

  The word hasn’t been spread yet?

  Dina took a deep breath and held it, trying to relax. No, I was waiting to talk to you. Just what are you going to do next?

  Hold you in my arms. Meet me at our usual spot. The rest of this has to be said face to face.

  Ten minutes later in the small room of the housing complex, Dina looked at the dark shadows under Rayn’s eyes and the lines around his mouth that made it appear as if a great weight were pulling at him, and this time she had no trouble reading his features. The man looked exhausted. All her anger and fears drained out of her, and she went to him without a word. He banded his arms around her, and she buried her face in the curtain of his hair, inhaling his scent, as if she could thusly draw on his strength.

  “Oh, Rayn, everything is such a mess! Jon will kill me, and if he doesn’t, it won’t matter. I’ve broken so many rules and regulations that my career is finished even if I do solve this case.”

  He laughed softly. “The lives of countless people are at stake, and you’re worried about rules and regulations?”

  She laughed as well, but it was not a sound of joy or mirth.

  He put his hands on either side of her head and drew her gently away so that she could see his face. It’ll be all right. Everything you need to conquer is right here, he communicated, massaging her temple and stroking her hair. She looked into his golden eyes, as clear and intoxicating as Cygian brandy.

  “It’s so easy for you,” she breathed.

  “No, T’anga’cha. Not so easy. Not so easy.” He held her again, caressing her gently, until she finally pulled away a little.

  “You’ve called me that before. What does it mean?” she asked.

  “Now if I told you, the word would lose its magic, wouldn’t it?”

  “Krek,” she said, smiling.

  “That’s better. I told you I’d help you, and I will. Now, little girl, tell me what I can do first.”

  “Well, I have to know about the mantis Xuche. I’m sure he’s involved in this somehow.”

  He pulled her down to sit beside him on a narrow bed. “Ah, friend Xuche. He arrived after I did, but before Gyn. I have no use for any of the mantis. They are all words, nothing but words. Xuche roamed the desert, trying to establish a following. There were a number of people who were attracted to the desert even before the killings started, you see. He did manage a few followers, mostly ‘shadow dancers,’ the weak, the easily led, and those who didn’t mind living the most austere of lifestyles. In case you haven’t noticed, my people don’t want for much.”

  Dina smiled. “The AEA report stated that Xuche claimed to be the leader of the Dailjan.”

  “Either the report was falsely made, or Xuche lied. Or, he could have been compelled to say that. He was never with me or any of my people.”

  “Did Xuche have a connection with Gyn?” She tried to show no reaction when she said Gyn’s name. He wove the fingers of his right hand gently through her hair, smoothing it away from her face.

  “I’m sure their paths crossed. Everyone who lives in this desert comes across everyone else eventually.”

  “Did you or any of your Dailjan tip off the AEA to Xuche’s presence and location in the desert?”

  Rayn shook his head. “No. I had no use for the man, but I wouldn’t turn over a fellow, what do you call us? A fellow ‘dark outworlder’ to the angwhi.”

  “I think I know who did. Could Gyn have made Xuche a pawn?”

  “Very possible. Gyn has the ability to make anyone a pawn.”

  “Except, of course, you,” Dina said, her smile reappearing.

  “Except, of course, me.”

  “Arrogant bastard.”

  Rayn’s mouth cocked up in that half smile that irritated Dina. A second later, though, the smile was gone and his brows were knitted with concern. “What about Rhoemer? If he doesn’t trust us, we won’t be able to take care of him.”

  “He trusts us, so he says. How will we get the word of his location to the right people?” asked Dina.

  “Don’t tell me you haven’t witnessed how quickly a rumor spreads throughout a workplace? Rae and Dyll assure me that the desert rats are infamous gossip-mongers. Don’t worry, it’ll be taken care of. All you have to do is see that Rhoemer is taken to an unsecured location. I want to make sure my men can get to him.”

  “We can’t keep the AEA out completely. Are there any you trust? I haven’t met any I would trust with the time of day,” added Dina, her eyes flickering up and down Rayn’s face.

  “I believe that.�
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  “Don’t start.”

  “Very well. Do you know a Sergeant Hrugaz?”

  “I’ve met him. He didn’t impress me.”

  “You can trust him. This is his place we’ve been meeting in.”

  Before she could open her mouth to protest the secret he had kept from her, he leaned forward and took it in a slow, deep kiss.

  Breathless, she pulled back and looked at him with suspicious eyes. “What was that for?”

  “For what I’m going to tell you next.”

  Rayn told Dina of his plan to confront T’halamar himself.

  “You are crazy! Rayn, don’t go, please! He’ll destroy you.” Dina started to panic. She had a feeling that Rayn would go no matter what she said to him, but she had to try to stop him.

  “No, he won’t.” The simple statement, quietly and confidently uttered, failed to reassure Dina.

  “Rayn, no, listen to me! I know what he plans to do to you. I know.”

  Rayn frowned. “What do you mean, you know?”

  Dina hadn’t wanted to tell Rayn about her last encounter with Gyn, but now she had no choice. “I met with him at the Oasis. He compelled me to go there, and he compelled me to stay with him while he told me what he would do, first to you, and then to me. He was laughing the whole time, as if I were nothing but a toy.”

  The expletives that, even in a foreign tongue were becoming familiar to Dina, spewed forth, as Rayn jumped off the bed and strode to the window.

  “Tell me exactly what happened.” He was still facing the window, but Dina got the impression he wasn’t seeing anything beyond the glass.

  She shivered at the chill in his voice, but couldn’t feel much worse than she already did. “There was nothing I could do against him. I couldn’t even move. I had no will at all. He didn’t hurt me, but he could have done anything to me, anything . . . or he could have compelled me to do anything. And I would have done it. No matter how degrading, how vile, I would have done it. That was the most frightening part. Not what he did, but the possibilities of what he could have done, or could do in the future. And you . . . he doesn’t plan on killing you. He’s going to destroy your mind, reduce it to that of a child’s . . .” Her throat tightened, and she couldn’t continue.