“What happened? Tiar and Sean didn’t tell me anything.”
Cale nodded and hurried her through the hangar, with Tiar and Aven following. “Cace requested the use of the computers in the Science Unit. He wanted to speed up the process of translating the symbols on the plates you found in Deanaim.” Cale rubbed his hand across his forehead. “I should have sensed the danger. I left him there, alone, vulnerable—”
“Cale, we’ll find him. What did he discover from the plates?”
Cale shook his head. “I only know what he told me last night. He was sure the plates indicated the locations of the four portals, and maybe a fifth on Korin. He believed they also told of a flaw in Dhoran’s nature—his being—and a way to stop him permanently. He was to report to me and only me after he had the translations completed. He understood not to discuss this with anyone.”
They rounded the corner into Cale’s office, and Aven secured the door.
Tiar stood next to the desk and peeled out of his first layer of clothing.
Erynn glanced at the DVSL on the wall. The large screen was split into four segments showing a changing view of the various units, tunnels, and hangars on the base. “When did Cace…How long—”
“About six huairs now.” Aven’s black coat was unfastened. He paced the small room. His expression was fierce, shoulders squared in defiance. “I’ve had Anbas out searching every level of the base since we realized Cace wasn’t where he should have been.”
Erynn squinted at the screen. She shook her head and turned to Cale. “How did…Why—”
“We believe one of the technicians in the Science Unit, Grame, must be a follower of Dhoran.” Cale dropped into the chair behind his desk. “He heard enough of Cace’s explanation of the plates last night, and we think he is behind Cace’s disappearance.”
I have to go to the lower level—station ten—where I had my first encounter with the Shifter. That’s the only possible entry to the base.
“Why do you suspect this Grame person?” Erynn’s tone made it clear she believed differently. “I believe it is Dhoran, inside Nev, using his body as a shield—a disguise. And Shifters are involved, too. I know this sounds crazy, but it’s the truth.”
“I do trust you, Erynn. I accept you believe Dhoran and Nev are somehow combined. After what Cace…” Cale tensed and rubbed his forehead. “Nev is being watched. But until we’re sure he’s Dhoran…” Cale frowned. “I’ve had the base checked and rechecked. There are no breaches.”
Cale still doesn’t fully believe. He doesn’t want to think anyone but a human is responsible. It’s difficult for him to comprehend the existence of Shifters able to move freely about his base. But he hasn’t seen what I have, and until he does…
Cale stood up and walked around the desk. “We’ve made contact with the other two techs present in the Science Unit last night. Grame is not in his quarters, and he hasn’t been seen since he left the unit. It has to be him. No one else knows about the plates or their potential to do Dhoran damage.”
The Shifter will have Cace in Dhoran’s underworld by now. But Dhoran won’t be there—he needs a portal. There is still time to rescue Cace before Dhoran gets to a portal. I must hurry.
“When will Jaer and Sean be here?” Erynn rubbed at the gritty sensation in her eyes with her fingertips. This was going to be another long day in a series of long days.
Cale was silent for a brief moment. “A second blizzard has moved in and is riding the tail of this current one. The break between isn’t enough to get them home safely by transport. I’ve never seen a series of storms like this so early in the season.”
With an added emphasis to the severity of the weather, the lights flickered.
Cale watched until the lamp on his desk resumed full power. “Whill has the emergency generators ready—just in case.”
Erynn frowned. “I want to go to the Science Unit.”
Aven opened the door. “I’ll take you, Erynn.”
Erynn turned to leave and hesitated. She swiveled back to Cale. “Cale, one more thing. Do you know where Nev is?” She felt an icy chill at the mention of Nev’s name, fearing whom and what he really was.
“Yes. He’s in the Medical Unit. Why?
“After Aven takes me to the Science Unit, I’d like to talk to Nev.”
“Again, Erynn—why?”
“Let me talk with Nev first, and then I’ll explain.”
Aven grinned, but there was no humor in his dark eyes. “I know why you want to talk to Nev. Jaer contacted me during your flight here. You’re sure Nev and Dhoran are the same person, like you and I talked about on the flight to Deanaim.”
Erynn quickened her pace. Jaer was already one step ahead of her. Aven was going to stick to her like gumcoga on the bottom of her boot. Her integration into the underworld was complete. Taking anyone unprepared for the illusory perception of Dhoran’s realm—anyone unable to see that world accurately—would slow her down. She wouldn’t take the risk that she could protect and guide anyone but herself from the dangers of a realm so foreign. She would need to lose Aven between the Science and the Medical Units, now that he and everyone else in Cale’s office believed she was headed there next. She did at some point want to talk to Nev. Her stomach fluttered, and a cold chill shivered up her spine.
Dhoran—he’s Dhoran, not Nev.
Cale knew Dhoran/Nev’s location. She could postpone her visit until after Cace’s safe return. “I do have reason to think that Dhoran has taken over Nev’s body. Please don’t say anything outside of Cale and Tiar yet. I want to make sure.”
“I don’t doubt you, Erynn. And I won’t say anything. You’re just not going anywhere by yourself.”
Shift change was in about thirty timnents. The corridors would fill with personnel. Erynn needed to get to the Science Unit and have her question answered. She must find a way to elude Aven and make her way to section ten before the tunnels emptied again. Vid Cams watched with a detached scrutiny, monitoring the entire base. Anbas patrolled the warrens, units, and tunnels. Aven wouldn’t let her just walk away. This wasn’t going to be easy.
Aven pushed through the sliding doors into the Science Unit and was met by Kerk, stationed there to keep watch on the staff and report if Cace showed.
“Been quiet, Aven.”
Erynn pushed forward, asking the techs sitting at the circular desk, “Where are the tablets? Wooden plates inscribed with symbols—from Deanaim.”
Kerk frowned and glanced around the brightly lighted room. “Tablets? I don’t know.”
Aven followed Kerk’s gaze with his own and pointed to a long white counter on the left side of the room. “They were there last night.”
A woman with short gray hair and blue-green eyes stood up and came around the computer station. “The young man this morning asked the same question. I told him there were no tablets and that Grame the lead tech on duty last night wasn’t here when I came on shift. Grame’s due any time. You can ask him.”
Aven crossed his arms. “I’m pretty sure Grame won’t be coming in tonight.”
The woman tipped her head. “Oh? Is Grame still not feeling well? I know he went to the Medical Unit last night. I thought it was nothing serious.”
Erynn spun on the female tech. “Grame was in the Medical Unit last night? When?”
“I don’t know. As I said, he wasn’t here when I came on. I was told he left during his shift and didn’t come back.”
“It had to be after Cace left for the night. Why didn’t anyone tell us this sooner?” Aven walked to an unoccupied corner and tapped the spot behind his ear. He spoke quietly, “Cale, Grame went to the Medical Unit last night after we all left. I’ll have my man there ask the staff…or should he ask Nev directly? Okay. You’re sure? Nev is still there? Good.” He continued to listen to Cale.
Kerk hovered near Aven, awaiting further instructions.
Erynn knew Aven was getting new orders regarding her visit to the Medical Unit.
T
hat’s okay. I don’t intend to go there. Never did. Dhoran has control over the tablets and Cace. Neither is in the Medical Unit.
Erynn leaned against an empty chair pushed under the desk and stared at the open door to the corridor. In a few moments, shift change would begin and the tunnels would fill with personnel. She pulled out the chair, sat down, and stretched her legs. She stared at the three-dimensional screensaver on the monitor. A red orb morphed as it bounced, followed by a blue one, then a green, and back to red. Erynn sighed and realized she was tired and hungry. With her head propped on her hand, she watched the orbs. She listened to Aven’s quiet, albeit one-sided, conversation and settled into the chair.
A sweet, spicy scent filled the air. Erynn closed her eyes and waited for the colors. Blue, green, and deep purple changed to orange and red. The red faded, and a pure white light burned under her lids. A musky, moist-soil aroma replaced the sweet scent. The white light weakened and disappeared, leaving complete darkness. Erynn understood their message. The Anim Blath had led her below. Dhoran held Cace in his underworld.
The sole of her boot vibrated. Her eyes snapped open, and she stiffened in the seat. The subtle sensation stopped before she could confirm the reality of what she felt or thought she’d felt.
I must be really tired.
The delicate pulsation returned. She ran her hands over the desktop, around the computer, and down the arms of the chair. Nothing. The sensation came from directly under her boot.
Erynn pulled her foot back and leaned right to peek beneath the desk. A small e-pad was tucked into the wiring at the back of the space. She straightened and glanced around the room. No one was paying any attention to her. With the toe of her boot, she worked the device free of the wiring and scooted it forward. She reached down and scooped up the e-pad, stuffing it in her pocket. All eyes in the room were still on Aven, trying to catch at least his half of the conversation.
Good.
Erynn rolled the chair under the desk and pulled the small computer from her pocket, keeping it concealed on her lap. She tapped the power slide. The screen lit up, and a prompt:
PREVIOUS SCREEN
flashed. Erynn hit
BACK
and a line of text appeared.
data on main processor wrong grame tampered dhoran nev e-pad clean
She’d found the clue Cace had left—a confirmation to what she already knew. She tapped the files icon, and
DEANAIM PLATES
came up first on the list. She tapped the file name with her fingertip. A password prompt filled the tiny screen. Erynn tucked the e-pad deep into her pocket. Cace was the only one who could retrieve the accurate data on the symbols. She just had to go get him.
Now, how do I get away from Aven and down into the lower level alone? I need a diversion, like…like what if the lights went out? I wonder…
Erynn felt the static build, race down her arms, and snap around her fingers.
Time to break some glass, or at least interrupt the power here in the Science Unit.
She released the charge, visualizing a ball of purple energy shooting straight up through the ceiling above the computer station.
The lights flickered. A short buzz, followed by a high-pitched whine squealed from the bank of computers.
“Shut them down!” The female tech yelled. “The storm is creating an electromagnetic surge. Shut down, or we’ll lose the main processor and all the current data.”
Erynn scrambled from the chair.
Techs worked frantically to power down the big computers.
Aven covered his ears with fisted hands. He clamped his eyes shut. The same charge threatening the computers was obviously interfering with communications—and painfully.
“Sorry,” Erynn whispered and sidestepped to the open door of the unit, glancing from Aven to the outer corridor.
If the power goes, does the door close automatically as a safety measure to keep the unit impenetrable during an attack?
The power died with a deafening bang. Lights popped and went out, leaving the room dark and silent.
Erynn ran. In pitch black, she slipped through the closing doors. The sturdy framed edges slid together. She yanked the sleeve of her jacket free before the thick fabric caught in the vice-grip hold of the locked doors. Erynn leaned against the wall, getting her bearings.
Go right. The stairs to the lower levels are to the right.
Shuffling footsteps preceded the faint glow of hand-held lights.
Oops! The power must be out on this entire level.
From inside the Science Unit, Aven’s voice penetrated the heavy doors. “Erynn! No! Don’t do this to Jaer again!”
Guilt, a rush of fear, and the temptation to let Aven come with her were strong.
This isn’t about my fear. It isn’t about Jaer. I know Cale will be angry with me again, for not telling him. I don’t want to do this alone. But Cace needs help. Now. This is about Cace, his fear, and who is best prepared to find him.
“I guess that would be me.” She felt her way along the rock wall surface, staying pressed against the cold stone. In part to keep from stumbling down the stairs to the next level, but also to avoid personnel rushing through the darkened corridors. When the pale glow faded and the scuff of running boots silenced, she pulled the small lamp from her pocket and shone its meager light around the deserted tunnel. Stairs cut into stone lay a meter before her. The path below was dark, as were the stairs leading up.
I still need to learn control. The power to the whole base is out.
Erynn frowned.
I didn’t think I meant to…but maybe on some level, I did.
“It’s better this way. The Vid Cams won’t find me,” Erynn whispered, rushing down into blackness broken only by her lamp’s faint glow. She took the steps two at a time, first passing one landing, then another, and another. The stairs ended in a small alcove. A mark on the opposite wall told her she was in the right place—section ten. A shorter set of steps leading down and into the chamber was ahead and on the right. Erynn shined the light into empty space below and descended. Discarded packaging still littered the floor. Water dripped on stone with a steady tap, tap, tap.
Behind her, the lights in the tunnels snapped back on, and the previously dark corridors glowed with a comforting allure. She stared up the short set of steps. “Whill must have the generators running,” Erynn whispered and tore her attention away from the light. She shone the meager beam across the back wall and the recessed niches, searching for…
What? Did I think there would be an opening big enough to walk through, or a marker stating, “This way to Dhoran’s underworld. Watch your step”?
A coppery metallic odor swirled past her. She directed the beam to the far left corner in the back of the space. Nothing. She arced the light across the recesses to the right corner. A body lay propped in the corner. His head flopped at an unnatural angle on his chest.
Erynn took in a slow, steadying breath, stepped over to the body, and stopped a meter away. Blood from a large gash across his face stained the front of his jacket and pooled in the creases. She moved closer, stooped, and felt for a pulse in his neck. There was none. She knew there wouldn’t be. His eyes stared down at his lap, unseeing and lifeless. Erynn stood up and took a step back. “You must be Grame. Sorry it came to this for you. I guess you outlived your usefulness. You knew too much and became a danger to Dhoran. Why? Why did you follow him in the first place? What were you promised in return?”
Distant shouts brought her back to the moment. Time slipped away with a cruel swiftness. She had to find the way out and down soon.
A meerat dashed from her left to within an arm’s length of her. The small creature stood up on hind legs, nose twitching in the stagnant air now redolent with the stench of death. Its beady eyes scanned the dead man.
Erynn kicked at the small creature.
It avoided her kick only to return. This time instead of focusing on the body it turned to her, stared up, a
nd screeched in a scolding, demanding chatter.
The meerat scurried away before Erynn could pull back her foot to level another kick. It ran to the top step and stopped. The tiny creature turned toward her again and began its incessant chattering. Erynn glanced at the recesses in the stone and nodded. “The recesses are too obvious—a distraction.” She hurried to the steps, following the meerat’s lead. Her thin light traced over the rock walls of the small alcove.
More voices called above her, louder and accompanied by running boot steps.
She continued to sweep the beam across the solid stone with a rapid back-and-forth motion. “Where? Why can’t I see the opening?” her voice rasped out. One hand gripped the lamp, and the other fisted in frustration.
The meerat was gone, and it hadn’t climbed the main stairs.
“So the entry is here.”
There were scrambling footfalls on the steps above her now.
Erynn glanced up. A glaring white light bobbed across the upper wall. From the corner of her eye, the stones to the right of the stairs wavered in an indistinct line and seemed to overlap. She dropped her gaze to stare at the spot, letting her mind relax and her vision go soft. The stones did overlap, hiding a narrow opening into a space behind the stairwell. She made a dash, squeezing in and vanishing from the alcove as several dark forms silhouetted behind bright beams reached the bottom of the steps.
All light and sound from beyond the break in the wall ceased to exist. Erynn moved in a zigzag pattern about five meters through a confined crevasse that opened into a cavern similar to the one under Deanaim, complete with burning fire pits. She remained concealed in the shadows against the wall. She had left one realm and entered another without an unpleasant consequence. She could accomplish what Dhoran needed a portal to achieve.
Erynn sighed, sensing a brief moment of relief. She stared at the fires in the distance. Shifters moved around the flames, unaware of her presence, for now. On the uneven stone floor between the fires lay a crumpled shape.
Storm of Arranon Fire and Ice Page 28
