Storm of Arranon Fire and Ice

by Robynn Sheahan

  He chuckled again. “They know you are awake.”

  “Who?” Erynn frowned and reached out to the solid form eclipsing the light.

  He took her hand and placed her palm over his heart. “Jaer.”

  A slow, steady beat pulsed under her fingers. His skin was warm and soft. “Jaer?” Her frown deepened, tightening her forehead. “Then I’m not awake.” She leaned into him. “But I’ll take what I can get. A dream of you will do.” The words croaked out of her dry throat.

  He pulled her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “Then go back to sleep, Kipa.”

  Erynn stiffened and swallowed. She grimaced at the pain in her throat. “Already am, remember? Would you answer me?” She licked her chapped lips. “Who knows I’m awake? I mean, if I was,” she whispered hoarsely.

  “The maejen.” His voice was muffled against her hair. “They came to the base. Showed me where to find you.” His arms tightened around her. “They saved your life.”

  She relaxed. “Hmmm. Okay. But you should know we decided not to keep score.” She shivered and snuggled into him, taking his heat. Her nose pressed against his bare chest, and she breathed in the spicy scent of him.

  His leg crossed over and enfolded her. “You and the maejen came to this agreement?” His exhaled air was warm. “I am not sure I will ever get used to this…connection you share.”

  Erynn’s teeth chattered. “Yes…agreement.”

  “You are still so cold.” Jaer scooted closer. His hands were hot on her back. “We will just have to stay like this until you are warm.” There was an unmistakable satisfaction in his tone.

  Her body took his heat, and the shivering quieted. “Whatever you say.” Her icy flesh responded to the fire he radiated. “Answer one other question for me.”

  “Yes?”

  “Where is Roni?”

  “Roni is still in Tamaagra. She is doing well. Better every day.”

  “Good. She can stay there, can’t she? Safe—in Tamaagra—with the good byan?” Erynn shivered, but not from the cold.

  “Of course, Erynn. Roni has a good byan. She is out of danger now.”

  “Good. Safe.” Blue tendrils of soft static swirled, and Erynn floated into a deep sleep.

  Wind slammed the tent sides demanding entrance and moaning through the trees when it was denied. Pale gray light outside added a subtle change to the dim yellow luminosity cast by a heater.

  Erynn stirred, rolled over, and reached out. The space next to her was empty but warm. “Dream.” Consciousness returned. She frowned and sat up, pushing out of thick blankets. “Then where did all this come from?” Erynn glanced down. She was wearing only a t-shirt and underwear. Her boots and the rest of her clothes lay in a pile on the other side of the small tent. Her mouth was dry and her throat raw, as if she had been screaming for huairs.

  Have I?

  She stretched her arms and legs, wiggled her toes, and arched her back with only a slight complaint of aching muscles. Everything seemed to be in working order. Scanning the interior, she found a pack of bottled water next to the head of the makeshift cot. Erynn crawled from the covers and took one. Twisting the bottle open, she tipped the cool liquid into her arid mouth and down her parched throat. She sat back, surveying her surroundings.

  Could it be Jaer? No. That would mean my dad’s here, and the milamora. It was just a dream. So who?

  The storm tapped insistently on the tent. Chilled air seeped into the small warm space, and Erynn shivered. A cylindrical heater in the center of the tent cycled. Clear glass sides sat atop a thick metallic base. The transparent middle glowed a fierce orange, and a roar rose from the overworked unit.

  Erynn tipped her head. She remembered the sound of an ocean and the brilliance of a setting sun. “Is this what I experienced?” she whispered. More memories cascaded in on her—warm skin touching hers and Jaer’s soft voice. “Then where is he? But if it wasn’t Jaer, then someone else…” She shook her head and sighed. “I can’t think straight. I need food.” The recollection of Brock’s rich phocia and the sweet fruit tart made her mouth water. Pursing her lips and swallowing, she said, “Get dressed first.”

  She stood up, her muscles protesting, and took two shuffling steps to the piled clothes. Dropping to her knees, she realized the items were bagged in clear plastic. “They don’t look wet.” She frowned and slipped open the top. She quickly closed the bag. “Oh. Hmmm. Maejen.” Erynn wrinkled her nose, held her breath and then released it in a whoosh. “Wet maejen who’ve recently hunted.”

  After tossing the bag against the side of the tent, Erynn turned back to the bed. She grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around herself, securing the corners in the front. Careful not to trip over the excess fabric around her feet, she began the search for something to eat. Behind the water, she found a small case that held packaged food. She reached in, taking the first one her fingers touched. Labeled “Achcear”, she tore it open and bit into the concentrated moist square. This wasn’t like the protein bars. It had flavor. Devouring one, she grabbed another, not even caring what it was.

  Outside, the soft whir of speeders grew near. Snow flopped against the bottom of the tent. Needle leaves scratched at the sides in a gust of wind moaning through resistant branches. Shadows crossed the wan light. A maejen growled a warning deep in his throat.

  Erynn searched for something, anything to use as a weapon. Finding nothing, she braced herself to face the intruder.

  “Maejen!” The male voice was unknown. His tone held fear and loathing. “You allowed them to stay?”

  Dark shapes low to the ground moved around the outside of the tent. The first growl was joined by several more.

  “Watch it,” another male cautioned.

  Erynn sucked in a breath and let it shudder out through gritted teeth. Her hand tightened on the front of the blanket.

  “Do as I say. Stay put. The maejen will not harm you.” This voice touched her very soul.

  Erynn’s heart leapt.

  Jaer.

  The tent flap was pulled aside, and Jaer pushed through. He stood there covered with snow, staring at Erynn. His expression was uncertain.

  “Hi.” Erynn couldn’t suppress a smile.

  “Hi.” His manner was tentative.

  Waves of relief, joy, and love mingled with…fear cascaded from Jaer. An avalanche of emotions struggled for control.

  Fear? What’s wrong? The men outside? No. Jaer fears no man. Then what—

  She stiffened with understanding.

  It’s me—my rejection. He believes I’ll push him away again.

  Erynn tried to move forward but tripped in the tangle of blanket and fell right into Jaer’s open arms. “It was…” she shook her head. “is you. I thought I was dreaming before.” She stared into his dark, pained eyes and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him close. Snow melted from his coat, forming drops on her hands, soaking into her shirt and down the blanket. Her body melded into his. The line between them blurred and disappeared. There was nothing outside this moment. No raging storm. No snow. No howling wind. No maejen. There was only Jaer. His warmth, his spicy scent, the rhythm of his breathing, and the beat of his heart was a feast of sensations. The powerful nearness of him enveloped her.

  Jaer tightened his hold. He buried his face in her neck. His breath shuddered in and then out, warm against her skin. He sank to the ground not releasing his grasp on her and taking her with him in a gentle collapse.

  A blast of wind rocked the tent caving the canvas in on one side. The pop of it snapping back into place startled Erynn, and she jumped.

  “We can not stay here,” Jaer whispered. “The storm—it will get worse.” He pulled back and stared into her eyes. “I have a safe place for us until this weather moves through.”

  Erynn bit her lip and nodded. “Oh. Okay. Then it’s back to the base?” She reached up and touched a strand of Jaer’s long hair. Aware of the contrast to her pale skin, she watched the soft dark lock slide throug
h her fingers. When she came to the end, she glanced into his deep-brown eyes.

  He smiled. “No.” He smirked at her.

  “No?” She frowned.

  “The storm is predicted to last at least two days, lots of snow and wind making travel unadvisable.” Jaer brushed the backs of his fingers along her jaw. “You are stuck with me.” He tipped his head, the smile gone.

  Erynn leaned in and whispered in his ear. “Good. A couple of days shouldn’t make a difference.” She kissed his cheek, working her way to his lips.

  Another gust slammed the tent.

  One of the unknown men called above the wind, “Jaer, we haven’t much time.” He pushed the tent flap open. “Sorry to interrupt. But if I die out here, Wilo will kill me. She’s funny that way.”

  Erynn could barely make out the bearded face beneath the heavy hood covered with snow. He disappeared back outside the tent flap.

  Jaer stood up, lifted Erynn with him, and set her on her feet. He bent over and reached into a pack, producing a clean white jumpsuit fit for extreme weather. “This will be better than what I found you in.” He wrinkled his nose. “And it does not smell of maejen.” A thick coat followed. “Get dressed. I will start packing the gear on the speeder.” He leaned down, nuzzled her neck, and whispered, “We will resume this…discussion when we are alone.”

  Erynn hurried into the jumpsuit and coat. There were new boots for her also. She helped gather the gear, food, and water still in the tent. With the heater off and packed away, the air quickly chilled. Gusts of wind slipped in whenever the flap opened. Ice formed, slick and shiny on the interior walls.

  When there was nothing left inside, Erynn followed Jaer to the speeder. The maejen were gone, off to find shelter from the storm. Abundant large flakes connected with one another. The air seemed a solid wall of white. She could see nothing—not the trees or the tent behind her. A gust knocked her sideways. Jaer caught her, not letting go until she was secure on the seat. He gave her a full helmet and tugged on his. Jaer climbed on in front and started the engine. He twisted the throttle and raced away, splitting the curtain of snow.

  Chapter 29

  CACE FROWNED AND BENT CLOSER to the screen. He rubbed his eyes. Soft light above the computer station blended with the silver radiance from the monitor. The scent of the great dinner he’d eaten lingered in the air. His mom’s cooking was far better than the Medical Unit food. Cace could hear her cleaning up in the kitchen. Dishes rattled and cupboard doors closed with a soft thump. The comforting sounds of an everyday routine made his heart feel as if it would burst.

  I’m home. And I’m well.

  The rest of the room was dark. Shadows lay peacefully in corners around and under the meager furniture. His frown deepened and he glanced at the notes he’d made on the small e-pad [electronic pad]. “Could these symbols really be evidence of detailed coordinates to all four portals?” He scrolled through his scribbling, checking his work. “Appears to be,” he whispered. His heart rate jumped from its slow lub-dub to a more upbeat pace. “Have to make sure.” The pulse throbbed in his neck. He pushed out of the chair and grabbed for his coat.

  “Where do you think you’re going?” Cace’s mom came from the small kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. “You were released from the Medical Unit early, on the condition that you would not over do.” She leveled a warning gaze at him. “Byan Nev wants you to rest.”

  “Mom, I feel great. Better than I can ever remember. Besides, this is important. I need to check something on the computers in the Science Unit.”

  She walked forward. It only took a couple of steps to stand in front of Cace. The family quarters they shared were tiny, but the cozy space was home. “They won’t let you just walk in there. You’re not allowed.”

  Cace hunched into the oversized coat and noticed that the sleeves didn’t seem as long as they had a few days ago. He shook off the pleasant surprise and grinned. His appetite had kicked into full-on teenager gear, and the effect was starting to show. “They will if Cale tells them to. I’m headed to see him first.”

  She was shaking her head. “You can’t bother the general this late.”

  Cace sighed, his shoulders slumping. “Cale told me I could come to him anytime. Like I said, Mom, this is important.”

  She stood there, arms crossed with the towel dangling from one hand. “You contact him first. I don’t want you walking the warrens alone.”

  Cace turned back to the computer. “Thanks, Mom.”

  Aven arrived before Cace had time to finish his second after-dinner meal. Scooping the last of the achcear into his mouth, Cace handed his mom the empty plate and followed Aven into the dim corridor.

  Aven smiled, clapped Cace on the shoulder, and squeezed as they walked. “Hey, kid, what’s up?”

  “I found the locations…” Cace grimaced, eyes narrowed. “I think I found the locations of the portals—in the tablets you brought from Deanaim.” He pulled in a deep breath. “I need to check my findings against the computer in the Science Unit.”

  Aven chuckled, his brown eyes crinkling. He nodded and his expression sobered. “Big time, huh, Cace? Cale will get you in.” He squeezed again. “You’re bulking up, kid. Ever think about joining the Anbas? We could use your intelligence.” He turned his head and stared at Cace. “Along with the muscle.”

  Cace straightened and squared his shoulders with pride. His cheeks burned.

  Is Aven serious? Could I be an Anbas Warrior?

  Cale’s office was open. He sat at his computer, his long hair a monochrome gray in the soft glow from the monitor. “What is it, Cace?” Cale stood up and walked around to the front of the desk.

  Cace realized his hands were trembling and shoved them into the pockets of his coat. “Let me check this first. Please. It’s important. I need to know that I’m correct before I say anything.”

  “Sure. Let’s go.” Cale glanced at Aven. “Thanks, Aven.”

  “I’ll tag along, if you don’t mind. I’ve always wanted to see the Science Unit. This way, I get to watch the whiz kid in action, too.”

  Cace grinned, but the smile quickly slid from his lips. He didn’t feel too smart right now. He felt scared. That tingle of alarm at the base of his brain flared into a dump of brawling bonthar, quills and all, right into his stomach. The symbols told him more than just the locations of the portals. He believed they would reveal insights into Dhoran, his vulnerabilities, and how to stop him. Forever.

  I shouldn’t have eaten that last plate of achcear.

  With Cale’s influence, Cace was allowed access to the mainframe in the Science Unit. Cace sat at a bank of computers around a circular desk four meters in diameter and entered the required programs he needed into one. The information fed into two others connected to the imaging controls. In the dimly lighted room, centered above the ring of computers, a hologram vision cleared into view. Vibrant blues, greens, and browns from Arranon’s equatorial region reflected off white walls, ceiling, and floor. The icy Polar Regions sparkled under a brilliant sun as the planet slowly rotated. Each result processed through the multiple units had produced the same representation, creating a detailed three-dimensional full-color panoramic sphere of Arranon.

  Cace added a topographical overlay with an orbital view, showing areas of extreme temperature fluctuations and high electromagnetic field anomalies. “I’m unable to get this kind of resolution on my computer. Besides, with the accuracy of the Science Unit’s central processor, I can pinpoint within a centimeter. Make sure the locations line up the way I believe they do.”

  Two technicians stood up and walked around the three-dimensional scene before them.

  One of the techs shook his head, frowned, and tapped the keyscreen of the computer in front of Cace, deleting the image. “So. It’s Arranon, with a map overlay of areas high in EMF and sectors of temperature variations—all easily explained. What am I supposed to see here?”

  Cale stiffened, his voice low. “I understand this is your unit,
Grame. But this is my base. Let Cace explain.”

  “The symbols on the plates from Deanaim tell a story, or they explain the history of…Arranon.” Cace glanced from Cale to the tech and then back to Cale. “More important, I believe they give clues as to the whereabouts of the four portals—information impossible to uncover without the technology we have now.” Cace punched in the programs again, and the hologram returned. “When the plates were made, the people of that time knew two things.” He returned his attention to the desk and swept a finger over the monitor, touching a two-dimensional likeness of the hologram hanging suspended above the computer station before him. The hologram image rotated slowly. “There. See the area of high EMF?” A red dot indicated the spot. “Somehow, they—the people who made the plates—understood that there were four points on Arranon exhibiting extremely high EMF.”

  Grame leaned around Cace and tapped the keyscreen with more force than necessary. Multiple locations placing a hundred more red dots appeared on the suspended hologram. “And there, and there, and there. Not a stretch of the imagination. It’s been proven that many people are sensitive to the side effects of EMF. I’m sure the same was true of our ancestors.” The tech straightened and turned to Cale. “General, I must protest this interruption. I was in the middle of an orbital sweep—”

  “Enough.” Cale glared at Grame. “You can continue your duties when I say.” Cale’s tone softened. “Go on, Cace.”

  Cace deleted all the dots except the one he had placed and took a deep breath. “They also recognized that a rare number of these locations were coupled with constant high heat signatures.” Cace brought up the overlay showing temperature. The area beneath the red dot glowed red, signifying heat, while all around shone muted shades of blue, suggesting cold.

  Cale stared at the hologram. “That’s over Deanaim—the site of a known portal.”

  “Yes!” Cace said with excitement. “And it’s cooler than it was just a few days ago. Was Erynn successful in closing that particular portal?”