Storm of Arranon

by R. E. Sheahan

  The transport bounced out of a rut in the road. She watched the tracking system up front next to the driver. The arcing green bubble revealed a clear screen. Their course ahead was open. She stared out the forward panel. The transport sped along winding roads to residential streets, not slowing until they neared a high structure in the city center.

  The transport pitched to a stop at the bottom of polished white, stone steps leading to double doors of frosted glass at the building’s face. Erynn climbed from the vehicle. A garden filled with colorful plants surrounded the large building of opaque white stone flecked with gold. Cool morning sunshine had opened large dark-purple and deep-blue flowers on short thick stems, their leaves wide and pointed. They had a strange, mottled skin—geometrically patterned wedges of black against a grayish-green background. This was quite different from gardens she knew of at home. She wrinkled her nose at the biting, spicy fragrance.

  The door above burst open. Armed men and women rushed out and met them halfway up the steps, sweeping them into the relative safety of the building. They wore black uniforms, like Jaer’s.

  Jaer asked a woman, “Have they come to the city yet?”

  Concern etched her young face. “No,” she answered, her tone more grave than her expression. “They are still scouring the Baeul Forest for you.”

  They talked as they hurried down a long hall of gray-and-white marble with more etched glass doors framed with a polished, red-tone wood.

  Erynn kept pace behind Jaer, listening intently.

  “Good. Take Lieutenant Yager and provide her with fresh clothing. Aven, see to Tiar and Sean,” Jaer directed as he walked. “Tell Leathan that all went as planned,” Jaer ordered another man, and he sprinted off. The remaining guards marched down the hall with Tiar and Sean.

  “Wait, what went as planned?” Erynn skidded to a standstill and took a step back. “How could you make plans? You would need to know…” She glanced around the wide, empty corridor.

  Jaer stopped and half turned to Erynn. “It was only a matter of time before the enemy showed themselves. We prepared for that incident.”

  “Why do I need to see this Leathan Tal?” Erynn stiffened, frowning.

  Jaer shifted his body toward her but left space between them. “He knew your father. There is nothing more to it. Leathan wants to help you. To do that, he needs to talk to you.” He straightened, seeming larger than he had a moment before. “No one will harm you.” His fingers curled into fists and then uncurled.

  Erynn released the breath she held and pushed her hair away from her face. “I know. I’m sorry.”

  He smiled. “Do not apologize. You have every reason to be wary. I would question your response if you were not suspicious.” He motioned to the young woman standing behind him. “This is Roni. She will take you to clean up and change clothes before we meet with Leathan. If you need anything, tell Roni.”

  Roni moved to Erynn. Her worry-lined face smoothed with her smile. “I’m glad you’re all right. The news of your capture had us concerned.” Roni spoke reassuringly and took Erynn by the arm. “Fortunately, Jaer was able to quickly assemble a plan to get you here.”

  Erynn sensed Roni’s sincerity and accepted the honesty in her light green eyes. Erynn’s mind reeled from exhaustion and the events that led her to this place. She yielded to Roni and went with her.

  Chapter 12

  ERYNN ENTERED WARM, INVITING QUARTERS. Sturdy, dark wooden furniture covered in plush deep-blue material sat on a thick white carpet. She checked her boots to make sure she didn’t track mud.

  “Fresh clothes,” Roni said, handing Erynn a neatly folded pile. She stepped to a door at the rear of the sitting room. It glided open. “You can clean up and change here.” Roni turned on a light in a bedroom.

  “Thank you.” Erynn glanced in to examine the space. More white carpet and oversized furniture.

  Must be for visiting dignitaries.

  A large raised bed with an elaborately carved headboard beckoned, but Erynn knew there would be no sleep in her immediate future.

  “Through there.” Roni pointed. “There’s a shower. Lots of hot water.”

  “That sounds good.” Erynn leaned against the doorframe.

  “I thought it might. Take your time.” Roni smiled and turned away.

  The shower did feel good, but Erynn didn’t linger. She believed there would never be enough hot water to thaw the ice that had replaced her once-warm blood. With her hair dried, she left it loose, in soft curls. She dressed in the thick white shirt, quilted tan pants, and heavy boots Roni had given her.

  Roni waited in the sitting room of the quarters and handed Erynn a large mug when she walked in. Sunlight poured into the room from large windows and glinted off the golden highlights in Roni’s light-brown hair.

  Erynn wrapped both hands around the cup, feeling the heat, and raised the rim to her lips. The flavor was faintly sweet and spicy, with a syrupy thick consistency.

  “That’ll put the glow back in your cheeks,” Roni stated, picking up another mug and taking a drink.

  “Thank you. It’s good. Hot.” Erynn shivered, that inner chill beginning to melt. She tipped her head and smiled. “Are you Captain, or Major Roni?” Erynn continued to sip at the drink. Warm sunlight melted the ice in her blood. Erynn enjoyed the comfort of clean, dry clothes, the heat of the sun, and the uplifting sensation the drink gave her—simple comforts she’d never considered before.

  Roni shook her head. “We have no ranking as you do in your military.” She moved to the window and stared out at the lush gardens. “We work together, for a common goal. I recognize who my superiors are, as I understand who I have authority over.” Roni turned back to Erynn. “That’s the way it’s always been, and the practice works for us.”

  Erynn frowned, considering the arrangement. There would need to be a great deal of trust and honor involved.

  A knock interrupted Erynn’s musing. Roni hurried over to open the door. Erynn set down the mug and followed.

  Jaer stood in the hall. His gaze swept over Erynn and lingered on the fall of loose curls framing her face. His eyes warmed, and his expression softened. “I am sorry you were not given time to rest. This is the best we can offer you for now, Lieutenant.” Jaer ushered her away as he spoke, “You still are not safe.”

  Lieutenant? Okay, I understand—we keep this relationship on a professional level. I just thought… I was sure I sensed… No. I was mistaken.

  Erynn walked quickly to keep up with Jaer, watching him. “I appreciate all you’ve done, sir. Is there any way I could get word to my father?” She was unable to control the tremor in her voice when she asked about her dad.

  Jaer stopped. He glanced at Roni, and his eyes narrowed before turning to Erynn. A frown etched his features. “Korin is occupied by an alien power. There has been no communication for some time now.” He searched Erynn’s face, focusing on her bruised cheek before locking on her eyes.

  Erynn brushed self-consciously at the tender spot. Her voice dropped to a low murmur, “I understand, sir.” Maintaining eye contact, she asked, “Do you know what happened to Cale?”

  Jaer nodded. “Only what we heard from their last transmissions. Cale, Tam, and Mikal escaped. They left the beach, staying below the scanners. This is the only good news I can give you.”

  “Mikal!” Erynn exclaimed. Her voice had a hard edge and echoed about the hall. “Are you sure Mikal was with Cale?”

  “Yes, Lieutenant. Mikal left with Cale.” Jaer looked down at Erynn, his frown deepening his dark eyes. “Is there a problem?”

  Erynn turned away from Jaer and toward the double doors that led outside, took a tentative step forward, and stopped. Her hands fisted and her body tensed.

  Just where am I going? To deal with Mikal? It’s too late now. I never liked him. I should have…

  Jaer took her arm, and she spun around. Her jaw set with determination. Heat starting along the sides of her neck burned into her face. “We’ve got a p
roblem, sir. Mikal is our enemy,” she said with resolve.

  Jaer released her. “Let me get you to Leathan.”

  They walked through a maze of corridors and down long steps of gray stone. The temperature dropped and Erynn shivered, the chill inside her returning. The scent of age, moldy and musty, came from the moist rock tunnel. Jaer pushed through a heavy wooden door and held it open. Erynn entered a small room with dark paneled walls and a smooth stone floor. An open rock fireplace in the back corner radiated light and heat. The trace aroma of smoke from hundreds of fires over the years lent a faint undertone to the air. Burnished metal lamps gave the space a warm glow.

  A man sat on the corner of a glossy wooden desk. He stood as Jaer, Roni, and Erynn walked in.

  Erynn smiled, relieved to see Sean.

  “Please join us, Lieutenant Yager.” The man’s voice was even and moderate in tone. “I’m Leathan Tal.”

  He was older than her father and not an Arranon.

  When and how did Dad meet this man? He never mentioned him to me.

  A voice bubbled up from somewhere deep inside her, questioning her logic. “Zander lived here. He could have known him.”

  She silenced the voice. She would find out shortly who and how. Erynn turned her attention to Leathan. He had lustrous, thick gray hair worn long and pulled back in an ornate clasp at the back of his neck. His eyes were hazel, set in a rugged face. He wasn’t of pure Arranon heritage. His features weren’t typical, his hair catching behind his ears.

  “You have questions. I’ll do my best to answer them.” Leathan motioned to the seats before the desk. The sleeve of his deep-blue tunic caught the light from the fire. His quilted pale-gray pants reflected the faint orange glow.

  Erynn sat next to Sean. She glanced behind.

  Jaer stood by the entrance. “Before you begin, Leathan, Mikal, it seems, is an agent of our enemy.” Jaer’s voice rolled over her.

  She winced. His words had a piercing quality.

  Leathan returned to sit on the corner of the desk. He turned his gaze on Erynn. “Are you certain Mikal has betrayed us?”

  Erynn perched on the edge of her chair, her hands gripping the front of the seat. “Yes, I’m positive, sir.”

  “I saw him, too,” Sean said, nodding.

  “He was aiding Birk,” Tiar added.

  Erynn bit her lower lip. “Is there any way we can warn Cale?” She frowned as the full impact of the situation hit. Mikal was an enemy. More pain collided against her, like a physical blow. The truth of his actions had been right there in her midst all along. The all-too-familiar mix of anger and shame crashed over her.

  “I didn’t know about Mikal, Erynn, and I was closer to him than you,” Sean confided quietly. He dropped his gaze and studied the stone floor.

  Leathan’s voice brought her back. “Cale can’t be warned. At least not yet. He’ll handle any situation from Mikal’s actions.” He clasped his hands and spoke with a slow cadence. “This scenario is one we’ll see repeated in the days to come. There are many who have betrayed us.” Leathan stared at Erynn. “I need to talk about your father. Would you rather we continue in private?”

  Erynn’s gaze locked on Leathan. Her spine stiffened, and her skin grew cold. “Sir, if we’re to trust each other, there should be no private meeting.”

  Jaer shifted behind her.

  What could Leathan tell me about my dad? He is no traitor.

  Leathan smiled. “Good, Lieutenant Yager. I knew your father. We became friends when he visited here before you were born. I showed Zander around the Baeul Forest—”

  Erynn stood up, the back of her legs bumping the seat edge. The chair scraped against the smooth floor. Her eyes narrowed, lips pressed tight. She shook her head, long curls swaying with the motion, the icy trepidation gone. “Damon Yager is my father.”

  “You’re right to defend his role, Lieutenant,” Leathan said in a soft voice. “Damon is an honorable man. I hold him in the highest regard. But Zander is your blood.”

  She stiffened. “How do you know this? I don’t understand. Why is my parentage important?” Erynn shot back in a harsh tone, her arms rigid at her sides.

  Jaer cleared his throat.

  Erynn’s head whipped around. He leaned against the door, arms crossed. She watched his chest expand, shoulders rising slowly. He exhaled. His deep gaze fixed on her.

  Releasing her own pent-up breath, her body relaxed. She turned from Jaer’s fathomless eyes. She met Leathan’s gaze. Her voice lost its edge. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have interrupted you, sir.”

  Leathan glanced at Jaer and then continued in a reassuring tone. “I’ve always known about you, Erynn. From the time you were born I’ve kept track of you, for Zander, because I knew he couldn’t.”

  “You sound like Cale. I do understand I have abilities because of Zander and my mother.”

  He smiled and laughed. “Yes, there is that. But I told you—Zander and I became good friends.” Leathan stood up and moved to the back of the room. “Did you ever wonder why Zander came to Korin—beyond the purpose of meeting with government officials?” Leathan asked. He opened an access into a dark corridor. “Come with me and I’ll show you one of the reasons.”

  Her dad had told her why Zander had come to Korin. After the war for autonomy of the two worlds, Zander sought to encourage greater acceptance between their cultures.

  Erynn took a tentative step forward. Glancing back, she saw that Roni, Tiar, and Jaer remained. She hesitated.

  Jaer smiled and nodded.

  Sean stood behind her. “Come on, it’s okay. I’ll go with you.” He put his hand on her shoulder and, with a gentle pressure, guided her past the desk.

  Leathan led them through a dim hall to an ancient wooden door. Beyond this entry, handcrafted granite steps spiraled up a tower of engraved stone. Carvings adorned the circular wall but were difficult to make out in the muted light that came from an arched opening above.

  At the top of the stairs, they moved through a sunny courtyard to a metal gate set in a stone wall. A path led to a squat building with large windows. Leathan depressed a panel, and the door slid open.

  Erynn found herself in yet another hallway, but this one was bright and cheerful. Voices of children reciting lessons came from one of the rooms. Leathan entered, gesturing for Erynn and Sean to join him.

  Eight children ranging in ages turned in their seats. They all smiled when they saw Leathan, but their smiles faded at the sight of Sean and Erynn.

  A young man stood at the front of the room and walked forward to greet Leathan. “Welcome, Siefan Tal.” He glanced sideways at Erynn and frowned. The young man motioned with his hand. All together in clear singsong voices the children responded, “Welcome, Siefan Tal.”

  Erynn gazed around the room. Young faces turned in her direction, their eyes wide. The children had varied skin tones, hair, and eye colors. Some had short hair framing their beautiful faces and some medium length, loose about their shoulders. Only one had the traditional style, long and pulled back, clasped at his neck—the young man who had first greeted them.

  “This is Iyan. Iyan, this is Lieutenant Erynn Yager and Lieutenant Sean Tannen,” Leathan introduced. “The rest of these rigeads you’ll get to know in time,” he teased, prompting giggles from the younger children and eye rolling from the older ones.

  Iyan glanced back over his shoulder and smiled.

  “Continue your lessons,” Leathan said, his tone light. “We’ll join you later.”

  Leathan guided Erynn and Sean out of the room. When the door slid shut, he walked slowly down the bright hall. “Zander came here, drawn to an area of Arranon emanating power.”

  “Power?” Erynn asked and frowned.

  “Great power.” Leathan nodded at Erynn and continued. “I wish there was time to tell you of all the wonders I saw while traveling with him. Zander told me about the special children born of mixed parentage and their connection to Arranon.” Leathan stopped in a pool of su
nlight before a window. Silver hair, shining in the bright light, trailed down his back. His gaze was distant, his expression wistful, evidently seeing amazing sights. He sighed and his gaze darted from Sean to Erynn.

  Erynn straightened and gasped. “Were there children on Korin with mixed parentage? Is that why Zander was there?”

  Sean took Erynn’s hand and squeezed. His deep-green eyes focused on Leathan.

  “No. Zander found no special children on Korin. Just your mother, Alessa. She was beautiful and quite charming. There seemed to be an instant connection between her and Zander.”

  A thousand questions about her mother and Zander competed for attention, seeking a voice. But now was not the time. Later maybe she could ask Leathan, if there was a later.

  Leathan returned his attention to the view of the sunny courtyard. “I’m not like you. I’m not gifted,” he said. “Zander did leave me with an objective, though. He assigned me the task of being alert to any children born on Arranon that might have extraordinary abilities.”

  Erynn glanced back at the closed door to the classroom. “They’re diff… special.” She turned back to Leathan. “Our governments did lie about the deformities—the deaths.”

  Leathan stared out the window. His eyes appeared lighter, more green than brown in the glaring sun. Water shimmered on their surface. “Yes.” His voice was barely a whisper, the tone deep. The heavy lines in his ashen face showed a sudden tension. He frowned, wiped his palms down his thigh, and glanced at Erynn. He turned back to the window, took in a deep breath and let it out through pursed lips. The nervous gestures stopped. His lids closed for a brief moment, and his manner changed to his previous calm. The heavy creases around his eyes and mouth smoothed, and a healthy color returned to his skin.

  Mentioning the government upset him. Why?

  “Zander advised me to keep their existence a secret. He assured me that a powerful Siefan would come one day and there would be a great need for the children’s abilities. I believe that Siefan is Cale Athru. Current conditions have required his hasty departure into hiding.”