Storm of Arranon Allies and Enemies

by Robynn Sheahan

  Aven chuffed. “Yeah, I’m looking at him.”

  “You don’t understand. Dhoran no longer inhabits my—this body.” He pushed the heels of his palms against his temples and shook his head slowly. He tensed his shoulders and cleared his throat. “I am Nev and I am alone.” An inner lid blinked across his eyes, briefly turning their clear gold-green color an opaque white. He focused on Erynn and inhaled slowly. “I am not Dhoran,” he repeated, careful to enunciate each syllable. “I can help you find him, though. I know what to search for. I know his plans. I have been inside that evil bashtier’s mind, and I understand . . .” He squeezed his outer lids tight for half a breath. “Too much.” His body shuddered. “You must believe me.”

  Intense despair followed by crushing urgency crashed over Erynn—emotions so concentrated, a choking sob caught in her chest before she controlled the surge.

  A current built in Erynn, pounding inside her head. Her body tingled with static energy. The current rose and ebbed with each of Dhoran’s heartbeats.

  Time slowed and stopped.

  How? I didn’t stop time . . . did I? But if not me, who?

  The air around Dhoran shimmered and pulsed. Colors surrounded him, distorting and combining, only to separate again. Red slid to orange, blending to yellow, changing to blue, slipping to green, and then building into a brilliant gold. He reached out and grabbed Erynn’s hand, the cool skin of his palm touching her. The pulsation encompassing him continued in rhythm to the beat of his heart.

  Erynn’s gaze dropped. Instead of sharp claws digging into her tender skin, strong, elegant fingers meant for healing circled her wrist. A thin line of blood trickled from under his grasp. When she looked up, the evil depth of a gold-green glare didn’t stare back at her. Instead, Nev gazed at her from a fully human appearance. His silver-blue eyes pleaded for a chance, for comprehension, and for mercy. Shock, pity, and compassion collided against her anger at the assault against Jaer.

  Nev glanced around the cell as if seeing the tiny space for the first time, and then he turned back to Erynn. A tear trailed down the pale, smooth skin of his cheek. He tightened his grasp on Erynn’s wrist. Anger rasped his already gravelly voice. “You’re the only one who can truly understand. The very existence of our worlds is in peril as long as Dhoran remains free. He refuses to accept a truth vital to the continued balance of Arranon. He must be stopped. I need your help.”

  Erynn tipped her head, staring, and found it difficult to take in a breath. She tried to tug free of Dhoran’s—Nev’s?—grip on her.

  “Um . . . You’re, uh . . . hurting me.”

  Nev glared down at his hand clutching her and loosened his hold. “Forgive me. I am not familiar with the strength of this body now that I alone control it.”

  Aven jerked as time caught up. He jumped forward and in a blur of movement ripped Nev’s fingers off Erynn, pushing her out of his reach. “Don’t touch her,” he growled.

  “It’s okay, Aven. I’m fine. Really. Just . . .” Erynn glanced at Aven and then continued to stare at Nev. She no longer saw the Dhoran creature.

  Aven’s arm remained outstretched, warning Erynn to keep a safe distance. “Careful, Dhoran. You seem to be adjusting to the Anestipace. Perhaps I should use something stronger.”

  Nev locked gazes with Aven. “Stronger than Anestipace?” He chuckled, the sound low and rumbling. “Have you come to kill me, then?”

  “That depends on you. Make any threatening gesture toward Erynn, and I won’t hesitate to blast your evil—”

  “There’s no need for threats.” Nev stumbled back to the cot and sat down. He turned his attention to Erynn. “It’s not my intent to harm you.”

  Aven chuffed. “No. You just want to breed a race of super-beings, take over Arranon, and kill everyone who doesn’t acknowledge you as ruler. Or worse—make them slaves.”

  Nev shook his head. “None of that is my intention. But you are correct. It is Dhoran’s.” He glanced at Erynn. “Super-beings. Dhoran does have an evil but grand plan, doesn’t he? How can I convince you? I am Nev.”

  “Don’t listen to this . . . this thing’s lies.” Aven spat the words as though they carried a bitter taste in his mouth. “Look at him.”

  Doubt folded over Erynn. “I am looking at him. I don’t see Dhoran. I only see what he—Nev used to look like. When I first met Nev, Dhoran had already possessed him. So I never knew Nev, not really, not without Dhoran. I don’t know, Aven. My seeing Nev instead of Dhoran might be an illusion, a trick.” Erynn shook her head and rubbed at her forehead. “I need to think—”

  Could this be Nev? What is Dhoran capable of? His abilities are limitless. I can’t trust—

  “Ahfarine.” The high chanting voices of the Anim Blath sang in her mind, advising her to trust.

  But trust whom?

  Nev gazed at Erynn with an expression of resignation. “I want to stop Dhoran, too. You have to believe me.”

  Aven rested his gloved palm on the holstered staser hanging low on his right hip. “A trick. I’m not buying it.” The grin he flashed was less amiable than mocking. “But I’ll play along. If you are Nev, where is Dhoran? This seems to be our dilemma, doesn’t it? Is there any way you can prove what you claim?” Aven shook his head. “Ask your questions, Erynn—if you really think he’ll tell you the truth.”

  Nev stared at the floor. “General Gaden implied something had happened to Jaer—an attack.” He glanced up at Erynn. “I’m so sorry. I wish there was something I could do to help.” His gaze drifted to Aven. “You want proof? Who, if not Dhoran, would be able to attack Jaer and not die or at least be injured in the process?”

  Erynn stepped forward. She wanted to see Dhoran’s—Nev’s reactions to her questions and study his responses. “When did Dhoran leave your body? How could he have left while he . . . you . . . both of you were so heavily sedated?”

  Aven held out his arm, stopping her from getting closer.

  “I won’t hurt Erynn.”

  Aven glared down at Nev and smirked. “You’ll understand if I don’t trust you.”

  “I am sorry about your brother. I would do anything to help him if I could.”

  In a soft, trembling voice Erynn asked, “What happened to Jaer?”

  Nev slowly shook his head. “I don’t know. There was nothing in Dhoran’s mind regarding an attack. I do know he hates Jaer, though. Can you give me more details?” Nev rubbed at his eyes again. “Maybe it will help.”

  “Sure. You’d like that wouldn’t you—learning what happened and gloating inside over your triumph. Even though you didn’t deliver the blow yourself, you would claim the victory.” Aven’s tone held contempt. He sidestepped, and the move partially concealed Nev—Dhoran from Erynn.

  “Is Jaer dead?”

  Neither Aven nor Erynn responded.

  Erynn’s hands fisted, her fury building. She experienced an uncharacteristic urge to strike out at Dhoran—Nev and make him take back what he’d said, as if using Jaer’s name and “dead” in the same sentence would irreparably prove his fate. Her lungs burned, and she realized she’d stopped breathing.

  A subtle hum vibrated through the solid rock walls. An alarm sounded in the outer chamber-control room.

  Aven glanced at her and then to the stone surrounding them. “Just a seismic vibration.”

  Breathe. Calm. Control.

  The rumbling ceased and the alarm stopped.

  She’d never caused stone to quake before.

  Nev swayed, anchoring his fists on the cot. “I’m sorry if I upset you, Erynn. And I understand. You don’t want to tell me anything about Jaer.”

  Aven recovered his composure and crossed his arms. “You’re not proving your case. Even if I believed any of this was possible . . . I mean, look at you.”

  Nev glanced down at his fingers, flexing them, and nodded. “I assumed when Dhoran fled, I would die. Dhoran told me I could return—when he was done with me. I didn’t believe him, especially after I was witness to hi
s methods. I truly believed I would never get my life or my body back.” A rumbling chuckle bubbled from his lips. “My body.” He shook his head slowly. “I was surprised when I woke and shocked to find I was . . . alone.” He turned his attention to Erynn. “The change took time. Will I ever be me again? I don’t know. So many questions and no answers.” He sighed. “I’m not really sure when Dhoran left me, or how. I want to help. First, we must get to where you believe me. How can I achieve this?”

  Erynn wondered the same thing. If this poor creature truly was Nev, he’d been through a horrific ordeal, a living nightmare. She shuddered. “Are you sure you don’t know what happened to Jaer? Think.” Her voice took on a pleading quality. “Maybe Dhoran did have a plan to attack Jaer.”

  “I’m sure. I don’t know. Dhoran is arrogant and self-absorbed. He never hid anything he intended to do from me. I’m sorry. Jaer’s attack was after Dhoran left me.” Nev’s gaze darted from Aven to Erynn.

  Aven kept his attention trained on Nev. “Erynn, is there any way you could . . . I mean is it possible for you or Cale or Tiar or Sean to . . . I don’t know . . . determine if he’s telling the truth?”

  Erynn stared at Aven. Her goal was to find out what had happened to Jaer, not to run some kind of psychic personality test on Dhoran—Nev? She had no idea how to accomplish this.

  Am I too late to talk to Dhoran? If so, where is he? Is Nev my only hope to find him? If I do, how do I convince Dhoran to tell me how to save Jaer?

  Erynn frowned and pulled in a deep breath, biting at her lip. Not knowing why, she said, “Jaer was on level four, alone. He was attacked—stabbed.” Her voice wavered. Grief threatened to consume her. She straightened and pulled her emotions back, regaining control. The only way she knew how to carry on was to rely on her lifelong military training. She directed her focus on what must be done to save Jaer’s life. In a level tone she stated, “The techs say his injuries are serious but not critical. Blood loss was not severe. He is unconscious. They don’t understand why.” She turned to Nev. “I believe you . . . I believe Dhoran knows.”

  Nev nodded. “I’m sure he does. I’m guessing Dhoran carried out the attack.”

  Aven wiped his hand over the stubble of beard growing on his cheeks and chin. “Erynn, just wait. Think about this. You don’t believe any of this nonsense, do you?”

  Her frown deepened. An internal quiet filled her, suppressing apprehension and heartache. “I think I do.” Her tone remained flat and impassive. “Like Nev already suggested, do you think anyone other than Dhoran could attack Jaer and get away with it? Why can’t Jaer wake up? Why is he on life support when he should be sitting up, demanding to be let out of the Medical Unit? That’s what the techs said. They can find no reason for his condition.”

  Aven muttered, “We aren’t sure he won’t wake up. When Byan Skye gets here, she’ll know. Maybe the techs missed something.”

  Erynn continued to stare at Nev. “There’s more to this than Jaer’s injuries.”

  Nev swayed again, his focus on the narrow cell door. “Is there any discoloration around the wound? I mean besides bruising. Not that kind of discoloration, but a bright red tint on the edges of the laceration? Or an odd scent, maybe like fermented fruit?” Nev pushed off the cot and began to pace clumsily. “Has Maire considered that Jaer might have been poisoned? From what you tell me, this is a possible—no, a probable conclusion. The only way to keep him from dying is to determine the poison and administer an antidote, quickly. The damage . . . the effects will accumulate until . . .”

  Erynn stepped past Aven and clutched Nev’s jacket, stopping his shambling pacing. “If you are lying to me, trying to trick me. If you aren’t Nev . . . If you are Dhoran . . .” Her shoulders slumped, the force diminishing from her words. More to herself than to Aven, Erynn whispered, “There is something I could try. I’m not sure it will work. In fact, it may be exactly what Dhoran wants me to do.” Her stomach fluttered at the idea of freeing her consciousness, letting her awareness fly, and connect to Dhoran’s—Nev’s thoughts. This was for Jaer. She would do whatever she must to save him, as he had saved her.

  Aven grabbed her arm. “Erynn, what are you—no, wait. We can call for Cale. Tiar and Sean are just out in the control room. Get them first.”

  She twisted, loosening Aven’s hold and took his hand firmly in hers. At the same time, she released her grip on Nev’s jacket and grasped his hand.

  Bright pinpoints of purples, blues, and greens swirled, bouncing off dark stone walls. The Anim Blath soothed and reassured her with these colors, unlike the warning and distress of red and orange. A golden, pulsating aura surrounded Nev, penetrating his being. The glow emanated from within him, radiating light and a calming, healing sensation. A sweet spicy aroma filled the air, replacing the musty dankness.

  High, singing voices rose. “Ahfarine.” Trust.

  Erynn’s curly red hair fluttered around her face in a chill wind. Icy crystals danced with the colorful pinpoints of light, multiplying the reflection of blue, green, and purple in the small space. She took in a deep breath and held it, and the wind slowed.

  The lights faded along with the sweet scent. The high voices followed, carried from the room with the last of the wind.

  Nev pulled his hand from Erynn’s, watching her. “Well, what did you learn?”

  Erynn sighed, her tone cautious. “Dhoran doesn’t seem to be there. Only you, Nev.”

  Aven took in a shaky breath. “Could Dhoran be fooling us? Showing us what he wants us to see?” He still held Erynn’s hand, painfully squeezing her fingers.

  “What do you think, Aven? Dhoran fooled me from the beginning. All that time, I never recognized him for who he really was. That’s why I wanted you to sense what I did.” She turned to Aven. “Tell me what you think. I’ll agree with your decision.”

  Aven stared at Nev. His jaw muscles tightened, released, and tightened again. He took in another deep breath and let it slip out through clenched teeth. “I don’t know. He still looks like . . .” He shook his head as if clearing his thoughts. “We need to talk to Cale—let him sense what we just did. And how do we find out what poison was used on my brother?”

  Erynn pulled from Aven’s tight grasp and crossed her arms over her chest. “I don’t know. But Dhoran does.”

  Nev tipped his head right and then left, rolling the kinks out of his neck. “I’ll help you find Dhoran. I can see through his disguises.”

  Erynn demanded, “But how? How can you see what not even Cale can sense?” Erynn raked her teeth over her lower lip, waiting for a response.

  “Dhoran and I . . . We were one for too long. He can’t hide from me. He’s smart, good at disguises, skillful at deception. Dhoran’s had generations of practice. You’ll never find him without my help.”

  Aven turned toward the door. “I’m not convinced one way or the other. Dhoran, or someone under his control, tried to kill Jaer. I’m not making any decision until I talk with Byan Skye about Jaer’s condition, and Cale about . . . him.” He gestured with a toss of his head toward Nev. “Whoever he is.” Aven knocked on the door to be let out. “I understand you’re special, Erynn. I’m aware that strange, incredible things happen to you and around you all the time.” He stood back from the door as it glided open on thin tracks, disappearing into what appeared to be solid stone. “But I need facts, something I can believe.”

  The corridor outside was lined with Anbas and security, all guardedly watching the narrow door.

  “Erynn,” Nev called in a subdued rumble.

  She turned back from the outer control room.

  Nev’s body shook. He forced his words through gritted teeth. “Don’t wait too long. I want to help, but I can’t do anything stuck inside this cell, for Jaer or for Arranon.” He dropped back to the cot and whispered, “We haven’t much time.”

  Erynn sighed. “Yeah. That I get.” A sense of loss crept over her. A dark shadow closed in, taking the light from her world, sinking deep inside, r
ipping at her already torn heart.

  Nev offered a cause for Jaer’s persistent coma. But knowing this did nothing toward saving him. Nev was right. Jaer’s time was running out.

  The door slid closed, snapped, and locked.

  Chapter 9

  BYAN SKYE HAD ARRIVED AND was in with Jaer. She would soon give a report on his condition. Erynn followed Aven around the corner into the wide white hall of the Medical Unit, her anxiety ratcheting up a notch.

  Cale and Shan stood about halfway down the brightly lit corridor outside the curtained room, waiting. Cale stared at the floor as Shan kept up a one-sided dialog clearly directed at him.

  “What’s she still doing here?” Aven growled.

  Erynn slowed. “Whatever it is, it can’t be good.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll get you in to see Jaer, whether Shan likes it or not.”

  A security officer in a white jumpsuit stood up and stepped from behind his small desk. He held up his hand. “No one but immediate family allowed. Aven, you can go in, but no one else.” He turned on Erynn. “Those are my orders.”

  Aven stepped toward the older man. “I’m sure that doesn’t apply to Erynn.”

  “I’m sorry, but it does. No one but immediate family is allowed—General Athru’s orders. With the attempt on the Fayn’s life, security is high.”

  “I understand. But Jaer and I are . . . close. I need to see him.” Erynn glanced to where Cale stood. “Get Cale . . . General Athru . . . He called us—me to come here.”

  The curtain fluttered. Shan and Cale slipped behind the pale-blue drape and out of sight.

  “Aven, you can go in.” The guard turned to Erynn. “I understand, Captain Yager. Everyone here is concerned about the Fayn. Please return to your quarters. I’m sure there will be a statement issued over the network on the byan’s findings as soon as there is something to report.”