Sticks and Stones

By Robynn Sheahan

Erynn is heartbroken but there is no time to mourn, Dhoran and his evil forces are growing stronger. Desperate to stop him, Erynn races back to her home planet of Korin in search of a legendary artifact that might stop Dhoran once and for all.

The secret mission is full of dangers and complications. Jaer, the Anbas warrior sent along to protect her, no longer remembers the relationship they once shared. Even without his memories he must learn to trust Erynn and her abilities or all will be lost.

• Language: English
• Publisher: NewLink Publishing
• Release date: Jun 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781941271360

Robynn Sheahan

I have always been a reader. I love books, all the characters you meet, grow to love or hate, and the exciting places stories take you. When I wasn’t able to read, I listened to audio books on tape or CD. Still do. So at any given time, I probably have and audio book and an e-book or paper back going.I wrote stories as a kid, usually about horses and dogs. Later, I realized I wrote fairly decent newspapers articles and was being asked to write letters for friends and family.I started to dabble in writing while working as a Paramedic/Firefighter in Northern California. Trust me, it’s not like it appears on TV. There was plenty of time for books, mostly reading them.I didn't seriously start writing until I moved to a ranch in Oregon. While waiting for lambs to be born in the middle of the night, I would head back to the house for an hour or two and sit down at the computer. Before I knew it, I had a book. It wasn't good, needed lots of work, but I learned a few things along the way.I got involved with critique groups and went to writer's conferences. I was on the fast track to learning.About four years ago the dabbling became more serious when worlds and characters screamed for, no, demanded attention. So I wrote my first manuscript. Then I wrote a second, a third, and a fourth. Wow!Ideas from dreams follow me into warm sunny days or the quiet of falling snow. What ifs feed a vivid imagination. Even miss-typed phrases may lead to an "aha" moment. Brain storming sessions standing in windy, dark parking lots with fellow writers release thoughts that pry at the corners of my mind, grasping for purchase. Sometimes the ideas pursue me, with persistence.The line-up of book ideas in my computer grows. Those will get their chance to be heard and seen when my Storm of Arranon Series is finished.Hmmm. Finished?

Book preview

For Henry Laurie Sheahan

~Dad~

You instilled in me a love of animals and nature.

I miss your gentle spirit and patient soul.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Acknowledgments

My sincere thanks to old friends, Martha, Ruth, and Linda, who, during marathon gatherings, kept me motivated and feeling very much loved. And to new friends from the East Valley Writing Workshop, those Wednesday night sessions were great fun and I learned so much.

I want to thank NewLink Publishing for this opportunity, and Denice, my editor, for her time, effort, and patience.

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

Chapter 50

Chapter 51

Chapter 52

Chapter 53

Chapter 1

Captain Sean Tannen ran, his boots slipping on icy pavement. Slowing, he looked over his shoulder. Quick. In here. Heart hammering, he skidded around the corner. Straining to see in the weak light, Sean stumbled into a dark narrow alley and ducked into an opening after the first in a long row of bulky trash-compacting units. Steps ahead of his brother, Major Tiar, and Roni, an Anbas Warrior, he squeezed forward, making space for them behind him.

Distant siren wails rose and ebbed around tall, blocky structures of glass and stone, approaching in a constricting radius. More joined the high shriek, looping and overlapping, penetrating the cold still night.

We should keep moving. Roni panted. Her voice taut, she said, This isn’t a good idea.

Tiar shook his head. We’ll only run into a patrol. We’re surrounded.

They’ll find us for sure if we stay here. Roni’s gaze darted around the tiny alley.

Pressed against the damp wall, Sean’s quick breaths plumed. I’m open to suggestions. He stared at Roni and Tiar tucked in tight behind him. Black clothing blended into the darkness, emphasizing their wide eyes and pale faces. Sean’s stomach churned. We’d better think of something fast. Any ideas?

"Beirig din." Roni’s angry grumble alerted Sean. She gestured behind, to the end of the alley.

A security vehicle crept along a parallel street, shining a brilliant white light far into murky nooks. For an uncomfortable moment, Sean didn’t dare breathe.

Ahead, red and blue strobes slashed the night, arcing over gloom-shrouded buildings. Visible through a narrow gap between wall and compactor, five dark-gray security transports, one after the other, raced down the street.

Sean whispered, I think there’s a pretty good chance security knows where we are.

I’d say it’s more than a chance, Tiar said, his voice low. Long dark hair slipping over one shoulder, he peeked around Roni. They’re tightening the net around us.

The cuff of Roni’s thick black tunic sleeve rustled against heavy quilted pants as she checked her holstered staser. All we did was a ask a few questions at security headquarters. We didn’t do anything wrong.

Tiar’s weight shifted, boots scuffing the pavement. Maybe Sean and I have. Our presence here interested someone higher up on the bureaucracy chain, he said in a muted but defiant tone. CIB operates covert death squads on both worlds—Arranon and Korin. Specialized units created to hunt down and murder mixed bloods and their families.

Core Bureau? I thought they—never mind. You think they know you and Sean have a parent from each world? How? Roni’s low whisper rushed out in a frosty plume.

Sean’s thoughts raced to an unpleasant end. He stared down at an oily puddle shimmering in the faint amber glow of a streetlamp. I can think of one way—Dhoran. He knows about us. His eyes narrowed. Some of us anyway. His efforts to rule Arranon would go a lot easier without us mixed bloods and our powers to challenge him.

Shouts rumbled through the canyon of buildings, indistinct, but advancing.

They aren’t being very covert now. Roni thrust her chin toward the street.

A hard edge sharpened Tiar’s usual cool tone. That’s not CIB. They’re using Tamaagra’s security officers to flush us into the open. He rose and hurried to the corner of the alley, facing the street. Pressing against the wall, Tiar stayed clear of the radiance cast by streetlamps, his gaze tracking right, left, and across at dark, empty buildings.

Sean followed, swayed by a sudden chilled gust whistling into the narrow passage. He glanced up at dripping eaves. Did you hear that? Someone talking just below the sigh of the wind?

I didn’t hear anything. Roni’s eyes darted from one side of the alley to the other. What were they talking about? Not us, I hope.

I couldn’t tell. Sounded like a foreign language, maybe. Sean shook off the notion. Never mind. We need to get out of here.

Agreed. Roni shifted in behind Tiar, her voice low and raspy. But again, how?

Wind moaned along high eaves. Once more, that cadence of a foreign language mingled in the soft, mournful sigh. A shiver shot down Sean’s spine and he fought the urge to glance overhead again.

Remember when Erynn drew on the ability of the Chamelaren and disguised us at the spaceport checkpoint? Tiar stared at Sean. We have to try. If we can’t …. His head tipped to the left and he shrugged.

Sean stiffened, his shoulders squared. No pressure, huh? He took a step back, deeper into the alley, concealed by shadows. His insides flipped and fluttered. Their freedom, and possibly their lives depended on success.

Tiar shook his head. No pressure, little brother.

In a shuddering exhalation, Roni chuckled. Can’t hurt to try.

Opening his mind, Sean closed his eyes. The crimson Chamelaren, an aleun with the ability to change colors, to camouflage his feathers, and disappear into his surroundings filled his thoughts. He concentrated, willed the talent of the Chamelaren to manifest in him. His fingers tingled. A low thrum resonated through his body and a loud pop sounded in his ears. Just like before, when Erynn changed us. Sean sidestepped into weak light from the streetlamp filtering into the alley. He hoped he no longer looked like himself, a young man with dark, close-cropped hair and brilliant green eyes. Am I different?

Tiar’s attention darted from watching the street to the alley. He searched the small space, his brow furrowing. I—I can’t see you. You’re not just blurry or indistinct—you’re invisible. One of Tiar’s infrequent smiles turned his lips. Well done, little brother.

Perfect. Roni grinned.

Glancing down, Sean examined his hands, patted the white jacket he wore over the flight suit, and well, everything appeared to be in place. His gold ring encircled with clear green stones tapped a metal buckle with a soft chink. What the—wow! A wide grin pulled at his cheeks. That’s not what happened with Erynn. We weren’t invisible. Just—just vague. Not like ourselves.

Think about it, little brother. Does the Chamelaren take the appearance of another aleun? No. He is unseen.

Sirens stilled and tires squealed to a stop at the far end of both streets connecting the alley. The thump-snap of closing doors shattered the sudden quiet. For a breath, not even the wind whispered among the buildings.

Shouted orders bounced off stone walls and wide windows reflecting, revolving red and blue lights.

A voice, muffled by distance, echoed along the building fronts. Stay alert. Search the alleys. Try every door, make sure they’re locked.

Yes, sir, a mix of male and female voices shouted.

Rapid boot steps pounded the street, approaching from all directions, closing in on their position.

They’re coming. Roni stiffened. Her fingers grasped the hilt of the dygaer sheathed at her hip.

Tiar grabbed Roni’s hand. He reached out, found Sean’s arm, and closed his eyes.

Just think about the Chamelaren, about what it can do. Sean licked his lips and glanced toward the street.

Tiar’s efforts to imitate the aleun’s camouflaging ability generated a powerful energy flow. The low thrumming in Sean rose, vibrating through his core and pulsing in his ears. The tingle in his fingers increased, snapping in a blue static discharge. Sean tipped his head watching Tiar and Roni waver for a moment. The alley echoed with a dull pop. I can still see you.

I can see you again, too. Tiar nodded. I think as long as we stay connected while we’re all invisible—

Sean shook free of his brother’s grasp. Tiar and Roni blurred and vanished. Yeah. You’re correct. Can you see me?

Tiar’s exasperated sigh plumed in the icy air. No. Take Roni’s hand. And don’t let go.

Reaching out, Sean groped the air until he clutched Roni’s seeking hand. I’ve got her. Tiar and Roni flickered into view.

Hope they don’t have infrared scanners, Tiar mumbled. We may be invisible, but we do have a heat signature.

Roni pushed Tiar while tugging Sean toward the sidewalk. We need to get to the street before we’re trapped.

A scuffle of boots on pavement preceded three security officers hurrying into the narrow alley. Voice high with excitement, a thickset woman shouted her commands. Search around and inside every compactor. Surveillance has them in this sector.

One of the officers brushed Sean’s arm and lurched to a stop. He leaned forward and made a wide sweep through the air with his hand.

Sean pivoted and dodged the swipe.

Staring at the vacant spot and blinking, the officer rubbed his eyes, shrugged, and joined his team.

Sean grinned and followed Roni’s insistent tug.

Security transports blocked the intersections to the right and left, strobes flashing. Officers in gray and black combat armor barricaded the sidewalks holding staser rifles ready. Chatter from vehicle COMs punctuated fierce gusts that rocked the transports. Wind pressed an unseen force against those guarding the street.

Slowing his pace, Tiar edged to within four meters of the nearest officer and stopped.

Roni glanced behind. Now what?

Tiar’s low tone held a chuckle. Diversion.

Sean directed his whisper toward Tiar. Need help?

Cold determination honed Tiar’s words. I’ve got this. He held his palm chest high. Fingers splayed, he gathered the electromagnetic energy around him into a tight orb. Brilliant blue static snapped and popped from his hand. Tiar aimed and pitched the buzzing, crackling ball of writhing currents toward the farthest vehicle.

Energy exploded inside the open door with a shower of purple sparks. The siren produced one quick yelp and cut out. A low wail followed and mounted to a steady ear-piercing yowl.

Like a contagious disease, the vehicle next to the afflicted one shook. A shower of orange and yellow flashes burst from the interior. Its siren joined the first in a discordant keen, echoing off stone. Storefront windows shuddered under the resonant onslaught, cracking with sharp reports, cascading in thousands of tiny cubed segments over the sidewalk.

In rapid succession, the third and fourth transports joined the fireworks display, their long, high shriek added to the cacophony.

Voices bellowed over the tumult. Shut. Them. Down.

I’m trying, came a frustrated shout from the first transport.

Nothing’s working, someone screamed from the second.

Try harder. Shut those vehicles down, demanded a red-faced officer.

Static from COMs competed against the clamor. Angry voices broke through the crackling. What’s going on down there? Sending backup.

Combat officers rushed off the sidewalks toward squalling, sparking vehicles.

Tiar, Roni, and Sean raced past the caterwauling blockade, continuing until the yowling was a distant high-pitched hum.

Impressive. Roni panted, looking from Sean to Tiar.

Show off. Sean snorted.

Slowing to a hurried walk, Tiar shrugged. Hey. It worked. He glanced back, one eyebrow raising.

Where do we go now? Roni stared behind, past Sean, and into the dark beyond the nearest streetlight. Can’t go back to the spaceport. Probably crawling with security and CIB. Our herk is most likely locked in a guarded hangar. Head tipped, she chuckled. I suppose we could steal a ship or a transport. It worked before.

Sean’s thoughts flashed to their first trip to Tamaagra in an aircraft stolen from the spaceport in Arranon’s capital city of Arranoth. His voice cracked. Seems like a long time ago.

Eight weeks, four days, Tiar said, his tone pensive.

A glow shimmered against the night sky a couple of blocks away. The multicolored aura shone, a welcome greeting above the cityscape. The faint bass beat from a live band mingled with raucous laughter. Sounds of people—lots of them—increased with another sudden shrill gust of wind. A rumble of thunder boomed overhead.

Brow knitted, Sean stared up at the sky. Odd. There was no storm predicted tonight. Stars once brilliant against the black backdrop disappeared. Lightning flashed across and under dark roiling clouds.

Wind whipped around them, releasing words from the swirling vortex. Cadjoo. Mabrath. Rihl.

Sean jerked Roni and Tiar to a stop. Tell me you heard that this time. The voice. Inside the wind.

Yes. Tiar’s gaze slipped away from the sky, his focus on the street ahead.

Voice? Roni licked her lips. You heard a voice? What did it say?

Cadooth? Mabra ril? Sean wiped sweat from his eyes. Something like that.

Cadjoo. Mabrath. Rihl, Tiar repeated. It’s Comhra. Help. Death. Run.

The quick whop, whop, whop of rotor blades split the air, climbing above the skyline. Six herks flew in a widening search pattern, red laser shafts cutting across the area. One swooped in a tight arc, skimming the building tops. Light flashed from the hovercraft’s underside, tracing the path of an infrared scanner. The thin red beam stretched from building to building and raced up the street toward them.

I think it’s time to run. Sean pulled Roni in front of Tiar, leading them toward the lights and sounds of a celebration.

Chapter 2

Captain Erynn Yager rushed down the gloomy circular staircase, boot heels drumming hand-carved stone steps. Her fingers skimmed the cold, rough texture of curved rock wall etched with symbols of Arranon’s ancient language, Comhra. Electromagnetic energy trailed her fingertips, leaving a brilliant blue ribbon fading behind her, absorbing into the dark stone.

Heart thumping, the throbbing pulse built in her ears. Icy dread coiled around her spine, chilling her to the core. Her rapid breathing echoed in the close space, giving Erynn a sensation of confinement. She jumped over the last step, her breath hitching, and shoved at the narrow side-door. Heavy wood scraped against the gray stone floor, and she burst into the dimly lit room.

Leathan Tal leaned against the edge of his massive desk, staring at the glowing screen of a hand-held electronic pad. He straightened and twisted toward Erynn’s noisy entrance. Erynn? He stared at her, his hazel eyes wide.

From the hearth behind the desk, orange flames flickered. The warm glow shimmered in his long gray hair. The faint, smoky scent of countless fires permeated the space.

Skidding to a stop in front of Leathan, Erynn sucked in a ragged breath. You haven’t heard from Sean or Tiar or Roni? They’re missing? She took a step forward, close enough to see the white stubble on his gaunt cheeks. Why wasn’t I told? Dhoran has them. But where? Locked in his dark underworld? Tormented and beaten by Shifters, like Cace?

Fear skipped and tumbled along her nerves. She closed her eyes and held in a deep breath. Stop. Calm down. Don’t think the worst. Eyes open, she released her breath through pursed lips.

Sympathy, sorrow, and concern rushed from Leathan, flooding over Erynn, jerking her back to the moment. The walls closed in, leaving no air. She envisioned a broad beam of light spiraling into a pinpoint of radiance, narrowing her exposure to his emotional barrage. The claustrophobic sensation faded.

Lines around Leathan’s eyes narrowed and deepened with his frown. His gaze darted toward the front of the space before returning to Erynn. I wasn’t expecting you this morning. It’s… it’s not a good time.

Subtle movement caught from the corner of Erynn’s eye drew her attention to the main door of the office. She froze.

Jaer, Fayn of the Anbas Warriors, stood with his back against the doorframe, arms crossed. In the low amber lighting, his black uniform—thick tunic, heavy quilted pants, and tall boots—merged his powerful form with the dark paneled walls. His fathomless brown eyes stared into hers, just as before, triggering her recent memory of him standing in the exact spot.

Erynn’s breath wheezed through her constricting throat and her stomach lurched. She hadn’t seen Jaer since he woke from a deep coma and near death, five days, three huairs, and twenty-one timnents ago. Her knees threatened to buckle, to pitch her into a heap on the cold stone floor. She squeezed her eyes closed, willing her lungs to draw air and her heart to slow its maddening pace.

She lowered her head, unable to look at Jaer. His proximity pierced her already raw emotions, pain ripping her aching heart. You’re here. I mean, in the city, Erynn said, her declaration tentative. Last she knew, he remained at his family’s farm in the mountains outside Glaskra, recovering. I didn’t know… Erynn bit at her lower lip. Jaer is alive. Just because he doesn’t remember me, or the love we shared, or much of his life for the past year—

Captain Yager. Why would you be contacted regarding what’s clearly Anbas business? Jaer’s smooth voice echoed inside the confined space.

Anbas business? Erynn’s tone rose, her arms stiffened. Sorrow whirled away, replaced by a flash of annoyance. Her pulse calmed into a slow, deliberate rhythm, and her chest expanded without conscious effort.

Yes. Anbas business, Captain.

Jaer’s continued use of her rank to address her plunged Erynn into yet another memory. After they met, Jaer always referred to her as Lieutenant, or Lieutenant Yager, never as Erynn—until their first kiss. The past appeared to be repeating itself. Only this time I’m Captain. Fine. I can play the part. I’m questioning, sir, why you think this is clearly Anbas business. I don’t see it that way and I’m sure Cale, General Athru, will agree with me. Sean and Tiar are Interceptor pilots under General Athru’s command.

Jaer’s arms dropped to his sides and he strode to stand in front of her. Words strained between clenched teeth. I’m handling this, Captain. My Anbas are tracking Roni’s movements in the city. They’re questioning anyone who might have seen them. Searching places only Anbas know to look. We will find them. You have no business—

"I have as much business as you in this situation, sir." Head tipped back, chin thrust forward, Erynn’s gaze locked with his stony glare. The four thin, raised scars across her cheek burned, but she didn’t back down or turn her head to hide the hot flush spreading over her face.

Jaer’s dark eyes narrowed, his jaw muscles bunching under a neat black beard.

Jaer. Erynn. Leathan stepped forward. We, all of us, need to focus on the situation. If it turns out there is one.

Erynn glanced at Leathan and her ire faded, but not the heat flooding through her veins. You’re right. We should work together, Ja—sir. We always managed before. Unscathed by Jaer’s show of intimidation, she fought the urge to collapse against him, to breathe in his spicy scent, to meld into his warmth. She hoped her bold façade hadn’t altered, giving away the longing and grief that boiled inside her, straining toward the surface.

Jaer’s hard countenance softened and his eyes warmed. His tone held no menace. I’m just doing my job as Fayn, Captain, keeping the people of Arranon safe. That includes you. I read your file. You hadn’t even graduated Academy on your home world of Korin before you were compelled by the alien invasion into duty. You’re young, still not legal age. He shook his head. You have your whole life ahead of you. Why do you insist on taking risks that may cut it short?

Erynn’s chest tightened and her focus blurred. Jaer’s words brought an unwanted reminder of her upcoming birthday—a day her adoptive dad always celebrated with love, even if it was only the two of them. This year, there would be no dinner of her choosing, no gifts wrapped in silver paper, tied with streaming gold ribbons, no cake topped with frosting and set aglow with tiny white lights. Her dad was gone, brutally murdered just weeks ago. The aliens invading their worlds considered him a risk. Threatened by the loyalty of those under his command, they assassinated him.

Captain. Let me do my job.

Jaer’s sympathetic tone brought Erynn back to the uncomfortable moment. She held her ground, fighting to speak around the lump rising in her throat at the thought of her dad. Words pushed past an unyielding tongue in a tangled whisper. It’s my job, too, sir. Erynn’s voice rose and strengthened. What my dad, Commanding General Damon Yager, would expect of me. I may be young, but I’m well trained—a good pilot. You say you read my records. Then you should know. After all I’ve been through, I’ve proven I’m capable.

Leathan broke in again, his attempt to defuse heightened emotions. Of course you’re capable, Erynn. No one questions your ability. And Jaer, Erynn isn’t questioning your methods either.

Erynn sensed a presence approaching. Aven. He hurried toward Leathan’s office, a wave of unease flowing ahead of him, breaking over her. She opened her awareness, allowing the pinpoint of light in her mind to expand. Further dissection of Aven’s apprehension into neat segments, some for Tiar, Roni, and Sean, the rest for Jaer, his brother, wasn’t something she could do. The parts, no matter how she divided them, made up a whole. Aven is worried.

The main door squeaked on old brass hinges and scuffed against the floor. Aven’s deep-brown eyes shifted between Jaer, Leathan, and Erynn. Like Jaer, his long dark hair, worn in the traditional style—clasped at the back of his neck in a filigreed silver and gold cocha—slid over one shoulder.

Aven pressed between Jaer and Erynn, holding up gloved hands, the tips of his fingers uncovered. Hey, you two. I could hear you clear down the hall. What’s this about?

Jaer’s eyes darkened and he straightened, glancing at his brother. Nothing. The single word rolled out in a low grumble.

Erynn’s face cooled and she took in a deep breath, stepping back to face Aven. Nothing.

Aven frowned. What are you doing here, Erynn? I thought you had hangar duty today.

"I do. And so does Sean. But he’s not here. It seems no one knows where he is. Or Tiar. Or Roni." Erynn’s voice rose with each of her friend’s names.

Oh. Aven managed a quick look at Jaer, and then Leathan. Well, there’s no reason for concern. Communications can often be unreliable. They’re half way across Arranon. Their COM’s aren’t capable of transmitting such long distances. Storms interfere—

Their lack of contact has nothing to do with distance or weather. Erynn’s glower faded along with her exasperation. Tiny hairs lifted along the nape of her neck. A cold chill shivered through her. Fear regained a hold over her emotions. The low thrum of alarm grazed her words. What if Dhoran… We need to find them.

Captain Yager. I’m handling the situation.

Erynn spun on Jaer, annoyance sharpening her tone. "Okay. So, what do you know? What are you doing?"

Jaer stepped back from Erynn. His scowl smoothed, and his jaw relaxed, transforming his expression from irritated to impassive. I know you’re concerned about Sean’s safety—and Tiar and Roni. I have Anbas in the city. They’ll find out what, if anything has happened.

Erynn turned to Leathan. What about security in Tamaagra? Can’t you contact them? Someone there should know something.

Leathan opened his mouth to speak, cut off by Aven.

We’re getting nothing from security. Aven’s brow furrowed and he stared at the fire blazing in the hearth.

Nothing? Erynn divided her attention among the three men. "And that doesn’t concern