Storm of Arranon Fire and Ice Read online

Her jaw dropped as she stared down at the pieces lying in his palm. “How? I never thought to check for damage after the flight.”

  “You shouldn’t have to. This didn’t happen during the trip here.”

  She pulled her eyes from the ruined bits to study Aven’s face. “What are you saying? Wasn’t all the equipment checked before loading it into the Herk?” Erynn’s head spun to the open door. “The Herk.” She glanced expectantly to Aven. “Can we use the Herk’s COM to contact Glaskra?”

  Aven was shaking his head before she finished. “We’re too far away. The equipment on the ship isn’t powerful enough.”

  She bit at her lower lip. “You think the damage was deliberate.”

  Aven’s eyes darkened, just as Jaer’s did when he was worried. “Yes.”

  Erynn nodded slowly. “Then we’re on the right track by coming here.”

  Aven’s jaw tightened. “We should be careful. Someone doesn’t want us in Deanaim. They assumed that without communication, we’d return.”

  Erynn held up both hands, palms toward Aven. “I’m not leaving.”

  He chuckled. “Relax. I’m on your side. There are obviously secrets here. I believe we should discover them.” Aven scooped omal onto a plate and handed it to Erynn. “Eat. Then we’ll go explore Deanaim.”

  Aven and Erynn stood just outside their base/storeroom and studied the fortress’s interior.

  Thick green grass covered most of the ground. The hearty tufts grew high where they hugged the edges of buildings, sheltered by eaves and overhangs. Some of the twenty gray stone structures with heavy wood-beam roofing were constructed in a single level. Others were taller, with stone piled and mortared to form a second story.

  Aven had his hands on his hips. “Where do we start? Any feelings?”

  She shook her head. “No, nothing. How about that one?” She pointed to a long, low building.

  Aven shrugged. “Okay. Looks like it was once a barracks.”

  She followed Aven up two shaky wooden steps and inside. Small mid-height openings spaced about a meter apart lined both long walls. Some still had remnants of shutters hanging at odd angles. A dark room at the end of the space had obviously been a washroom. Water dripped on the dirt floor from the rotted portions of a wooden trough.

  Erynn turned back into the main room and walked close to the wall. Her gaze traveled slowly up and down. She ran her hands over the rough stone, searching for symbols.

  Aven went to the opposite side, mimicking her actions.

  They met at the far end near the door, both shaking their heads.

  He grinned. “Where to next?”

  She sighed. “You pick.”

  An exploration of the tall building Aven chose took the rest of the afternoon. Erynn searched the lower level, Aven the upper. Both floors were made up of many rooms partitioned by stone walls. She soon realized there was a pattern to the layout. Four large sections with private areas within.

  Family quarters?

  Erynn thought about a time when the fortress teemed with life. She wondered about the people and the families that had lived in Deanaim.

  Are their spirits trapped here? Why?

  She pushed through a closed wooden door at the rear of the structure. The bottom planks scraped against the dirt floor, leaving grooves in the loose soil deposited over generations. Three high, narrow openings cast down thin strips of bright light. Stirred by her entrance, dust swirled and shimmered in the beams, crossed into the voids in between, and then disappeared, only to emerge dancing in the next golden shaft. In a dark corner, a twisted shape hulked against the stone. Erynn took an involuntary step back and bumped against the stone wall. Her hands shook and she fumbled for her lamp, directing the narrow beam toward the ominous form. A pack made of animal hide covered in a fine layer of dust sat in the corner. She chuffed a nervous laugh and stepped closer.

  Erynn sat on the lowest step outside the two-story structure. Orange light seeped around the edges of buildings. Long shadows stretched across the yard of the fortress. The singing of aleuns and chattering of various small animals in the forest had quieted. Day was ending. Her breath fogged and drifted away on a gentle breeze that sighed through the treetops and teased her loose curls. The pack she found lay open at her feet. She reached inside and tugged out a square wooden plate. About three centimeters thick, one side was smooth and polished, and the other was intricately carved with the ancient symbols.

  Aven came out the door that hung askew from one hinge, brushing dust from his quilted black pants. He sat next to Erynn and rubbed his hands down his thighs. “What did you find?”

  She handed the first plate over to Aven and dug in the pack for another. “Not sure. These were tucked in a corner of a back room.” Erynn lay the second down between her and Aven and removed all the plates from the pack. “Are they a child’s toy, like a reader, or just a set of decorative plaques? But why would they be so well protected and left behind?” She turned to Aven. “What did you find?”

  Aven grinned. “Dust. Dirt. Centinents. Webs.”

  Erynn jumped up and faced Aven. “That’s the point,” she said with conviction. “So far, there’s been nothing here. No discarded bits of decomposing clothing, broken dishes, tools, or furniture. This place has been cleaned out. So why leave these perfectly preserved symbols?” She glanced at the plates covered with the Comhra symbols, and her hands fisted. “And I can’t contact Cace.”

  Jaer stood outside Cale’s office, waiting. His back to the stone, his fingers drummed the wall, jaw tense. When the last of Cale’s appointments left, Jaer pushed in. “Have you heard from Erynn?”

  Cale leaned back and rested his elbow on the arm of his chair, his hand propping his chin. “No. The equipment they took isn’t connecting with our COM units. It’s too far. It was an issue we had to consider.”

  Jaer crossed his arms and his eyes narrowed. “Glaskra is not that far. They could relay a message through Leathan.”

  Cale stood up and came around the desk. “I’ve thought about that. What if Deanaim has some electromagnetic disturbance prohibiting their transmission? It wouldn’t be the first place on Arranon to exhibit this phenomenon. And this would explain your ghost lights.”

  Jaer dropped his arms. “If we do not hear something by tomorrow morning, I am going to Deanaim.”

  Cale smiled. “I know you’re concerned for Erynn and your brother. Tam is due back tomorrow. What if I send her, Sean, and Tiar to Deanaim to fly over in Interceptors and make contact?”

  “I want visual conformation of Erynn and Aven’s presence.” Jaer turned and left.

  In the glow of a lantern, Erynn sat on her cot, studying the symbols on the plates. They made no more sense than the last ten times she’d gone through them. She set them down, sighed noisily, and flopped back on the rumpled blankets.

  Aven’s quiet voice came from his cot. “Be patient, Erynn. It’s only the first day. There are more buildings to search.”

  She threw her arm over her eyes to block the glare from the lantern. “I know. It’s just so frustrating. If only I could talk with Cace.”

  The lantern flickered, dimming.

  Erynn sat up and stared at the sputtering light. The glow diminished further.

  Aven jumped off his cot and grabbed another lantern from the corner where their gear was stored. “I’ll take care of it.”

  The room went dark.

  Aven got the second lamp on, only to have the burst of brightness sputter and fade. Again, they were plunged into inky blackness. “What the…The batteries are dead. It’s not possible. I had them charging all day.”

  Bang. Bang. Bang. The heavy door rattled under the assault. But it wasn’t just the door. With a sudden barrage, the walls vibrated, and the roof shuddered in a fierce attack. Wood bowed and screeched. Thick stone cracked and popped, the bombardment deafening.

  Erynn’s heart beat in rhythm with the volley of hammering against the tiny shed. Choking dust and dirt filled the air. Her lung
s burned. She coughed to rid herself of the irritation. Aven did the same.

  The building was sure to collapse if this didn’t end. Erynn stood up and reached out, holding her palms to the door. Static leapt from her fingers and flared through the small space. Shadows writhed in the eerie purple light that jumped and snapped through the air. The electricity charging through her seemed stronger, more powerful than usual. “Enough! Stop! Now!” she shouted, coughing more forcefully. “You aren’t scaring us. If you want to communicate, find another way. You’re obviously strong enough. Show me.” Her chest convulsed in a last spasm of coughing.

  The pounding stopped. The sudden utter quiet was nearly as disconcerting as the hammering racket had been.

  Light glowed from the corner as Aven lit another lantern. “Full charge.” He grinned, brushing debris out of his hair and breathing hard between coughs. Dust continued to filter down from the assailed roof, swirling through the room.

  Outside, a katjaramuud’s scream pierced the silence. Maejen followed. Their chorused howls became a song in the night.

  Erynn shivered. And not because of the animals’ raucous calls. Their voices had a comforting resonance. The temperature in the room dropped, the pressure increasing.

  The air turned ice cold.

  Chapter 15

  NEWS OF SEVERAL DISAPPEARANCES AND one brutal death over a two-day span in Tamaagra, the city in the valley below the base, had the people living there fearing the worst. They believed another alien attack had begun. Local authorities had uncovered no evidence to identify the perpetrators of these crimes. The governing council from Tamaagra called on Cale for help. Cale turned the duty over to Jaer.

  Jaer strode into the transport bay, Roni on his left, Zack on his right. Roni and Zach would lead a small party of Anbas to check the city. These crimes were not likely an alien’s doing. More probable, an immoral and completely unbalanced citizen of Tamaagra was responsible, or perhaps it was a coincidence of several unrelated events. Yet another possibility vied for Jaer’s recognition, grating away at his reasoning, demanding his attention.

  Shifters, or worse. The Socar Batahs.

  If the Shifters were real, then the Socar Batahs could be also. Jaer had never encountered either of these creatures, nor did he know of anyone who had.

  Four men and one woman, new Anbas transfers from Paedrick, readied gear to pack inside the troop transport. They stood to attention at their leader’s approach and in loud voices chorused, “Fayn Jaer.”

  Jaer frowned and held up his hand to the assembled group. The use of his title made him uncomfortable. He had earned the honor, though. A Fayn of his young age was unprecedented.

  Jaer paced slowly before the team. He stared each in the eye. “I want you in Tamaagra before nightfall. Note every miniscule change in the behavior of the forest and the inhabitants. Be attentive to your surroundings in the city.” He stopped, narrowing his gaze. “It could mean the difference between returning safe and meeting an unpleasant end.” Jaer turned his head and stared at Roni, his voice low. “I should be going with you.”

  Roni moved to stand in front of him. Her jaw tightened. “You honored me to command this mission and gave me your confidence. I can do this, Jaer. You trained me well. Do you doubt your instruction?”

  Jaer huffed out a breath and shook his head. “Never with you, Roni.” He spun to Zach and grinned. “Besides, you have the master tracker with you.” Jaer glanced over his shoulder at the five standing next to their gear. His voice echoed through the bay. “Learn from Zach. There is no one better.” He grasped Zach’s shoulder and squeezed. “Be careful, my old friend.”

  “Don’t worry about the little ones. I’ll break them in right.” Zach glanced at the new warriors and smiled.

  Roni straightened and stepped forward. “Grab your gear and get strapped in.” In a mad blur, packs were stowed. Her tone hardened. “Time to go. Get moving.” The transport’s heavy suspension scarcely bounced as seven people hurried inside.

  Jaer watched until the lumbering vehicle edged into the access tunnel leading outside. He scowled.

  Now I have more to worry about.

  “Jaer, I found you.” Shan glanced around and then smiled. “And you’re alone for once. No entourage to keep you safe from me.”

  “What do you want, Shan?” Jaer brushed past her, moving toward the main corridor.

  “You know what I want.” Her voice teased.

  Jaer spun, glaring at her. Shan was almost as tall as he was. “And what is that?”

  “Recognize our commitment, my love.” She trailed her fingers over his cheek. “Take me to your bed,” Shan whispered in his ear. “It’s been a long time, but I remember how to please you.”

  He grabbed her wrist and pushed her hand away. Her scent was strong with what he knew would be a high priced-fragrance. The intense aroma tickled, and then burned his nose. He grimaced.

  She would not last ten timnents in the forest, smelling so. The katjaramuud would kill her just to end the stench.

  Shan’s lips turned down. She sighed. “But I’ll settle for a conversation.”

  Jaer continued into the wide, dim hall. “I will discuss only one thing with you. A separation.”

  Shan hurried to catch up, easily matching his long stride. She bared her teeth. “Why? So you can commit to that half blood? You dishonor me and my family with this insult.”

  Jaer’s hands fisted at his sides. He slowed.

  I may consider leaving you in the forest after all.

  “Yes, I know her dirty little secret. Her mother was Arranon, her father Korin.” Shan stepped in front of Jaer and stopped him. Pale light from ahead cast her face in shadow, making it appear twisted. “The misfit should have had the good sense to die at birth like the others of her kind.”

  Jaer felt his body tense. “You. Know. Nothing.” The words ground out between clenched teeth.

  Only a handful of people know of this half-truth. It may be time to talk with Byan Nev.

  Shan’s breathing increased and her eyes burned with anger. “I will not allow you to shame me.”

  Jaer’s jaw muscles twitched and his lips turned in a slight smile. “I have petitioned for separation under the law of disloyalty. The matter is no longer up to you.”

  Shan turned her head and stepped closer to him. “But I’m here now, trying to make our commitment work. The arbitrator will take this into consideration.” Her tone mocked him.

  Not when he learns of your past behaviors and the flagrant rejection of your vows.

  Jaer stared at her. He continued to watch her for a long moment. “Why do you hate me so, Shan? It is not because of your brother. Can you not find the decency in yourself to allow me this one happiness? And what of the home you have built over the last two years with your new half? Does he not await your return?”

  Shan turned her face away. “He does.”

  “I hear he is influential and has accumulated much wealth. He will give you what I cannot.”

  She dropped her gaze to the rock floor. “He can and will.” Shan’s lips turned in a cruel smile. Her gaze drifted back to Jaer. “You are the Fayn of the Anbas and a hero of the two worlds.” She stepped closer. Her hands moved up Jaer’s chest, and she pressed against him. “Your name is being written into the history of Arranon. My name should be beside yours, with all the benefits that come with this admiration.”

  He tried to step back. She locked her arms around his neck. Reaching up, Jaer pried at her fingers, unfastening her hold on him. He pushed her arms to her sides. “There are many heroes. Many names will be written into greatness. Mine will not be one. Go back to your new life. You are no longer a part of mine. I love Erynn, and I will have her, if she would have me.” Jaer turned and strode away.

  Shan’s scream echoed around him. “Never, Jaer. Do you hear me? Never!”

  Chapter 16

  ERYNN STOOD IN THE CENTER of the small storage building. The banging, crashing assault had ceased, dust settling
. The calls of the animals outside the fortress walls died. Their echoing voices faded. Cold fell like a blanket over the space, the air thick and heavy.

  Aven raised the lantern he’d lit, sweeping the radiance around the tiny room. His breath fogged icily before him. A shiver shook him.

  Erynn’s breath escaped in a frosty plume. She watched the moisture in the air ice and drift down in tiny crystals. “Aven? What is happening?” The words vibrated in her chest. Her mouth moved, but no sound emerged. A deep silence covered her, muting her voice. She brushed shaking hands over her ears and sucked in a shuddering breath. Nothing covered her head or kept the air from entering her lungs. Her ragged exhalation slipped from her open mouth.

  Why can’t I hear myself speaking?

  The attack against them wasn’t over. Even though the pounding had stopped, Erynn understood that their visitation had just begun. Her heart hammered, pulsing with a silent throb in her ears.

  Not good.

  From the rafters above, a wispy shimmering mist settled before her, coalescing into the vague shape of a human. An ethereal arm extended from the condensing mass. Fingers fashioned themselves out of the misty fog. They curled into a fist that pounded the air centimeters in front of her.

  She jumped, startled and frightened by the anger slamming at her consciousness, demanding access. The sense from the presence surrounding her was clear. They wanted her and Aven dead. She glanced at Aven.

  Opaque silver-white forms surrounded him as they did her. He struggled to come to her. His lips moved but she heard no words. His face twisted with his effort to break free. His arms and legs tightened, tensing against the force that held him.

  The room filled with a thick white fog, cloaking everything but the angry specter before her. A phantom hand pressed over her mouth and nose.

  Air no longer passed in and out of her straining lungs.

  The fist of shining vapor before her relaxed its grip. Glowing miasma fingers reached out and grabbed the front of her jacket. With a jerk, she was off her feet, suspended above the floor. She clutched for the suffocating hand covering her mouth. Her fingers slid vainly through the dense mist. There was nothing substantial to grab. She kicked out with no force as if she floated in a viscous material. Her arms thrashed, making no connection. Erynn’s heart constricted with a paralyzing fear.