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Cloud Riders(41)

By:Debbie Behan


Kayden pointed out the world they had come from and as Cassie thought, from up there it was just a shining dot in the sky. The galaxy of stars that were many thousands of miles apart sparkled like diamonds. The close stars looked just like planets, only not completely round; actually they were slightly bent out of shape. The only common dominator was that all of the stars up close to her had a glow around them. This glow highlighted to her the five points of the star that the guys used to position themselves when putting out the star.

She understood now how Kayden and his men could easily find their mark when taking control of the star. Kayden had told her she would develop many special gifts once he took her over, even controlling the way she saw things. His talents certainly went far beyond those she had ever dreamed another person could have.

Cassie suddenly felt a bit overwhelmed that he had chosen to love her alone, out of so many who would certainly be proud to stand beside such an exceptional man.

As they moved closer, the glow around the stars faded. Cassie was now able to see everything on the star with clarity.

Kayden’s mind cut off her thoughts.

The horses’ magical powers allow your eyes to transform so you can be this close and not suffer any glare. This is the same magic that also helps us breathe and keeps our body temperature constant. Once you adjust, Cassie, your own powers will take over and you will be able to do it on your own without the horse’s help. I must stress though that even while you can live up here, once the horse is de-bridled, you will find your powers weakened.

Cassie watched as they neared the stars of the Three Sisters. She thought how easy it was to pick the constellation from up here. They flew around the three stars while Kayden checked something out. He was quiet, not telling them what he was looking at and she thought the no-talking rule really sucked, especially when she wanted to ask so many questions.

She watched quietly and saw a current that seemed to crackle and spark out blue lights between the three stars. Kayden, obviously satisfied, moved them towards the middle star. As they flew closer, Cassie’s eyes widened as she saw the size of the enormous castles below them. Around the grounds, funny-shaped critters ran about forming lines and they stood like soldiers waiting to receive them.

Kayden tightened his grip on her and seemed nervous for her. When we pull up, stay with Woody and do as he tells you, okay sweetheart?

It seemed they were landing. She figured she could talk now and hoped it was alright. ‘What were the blue laser lights linking the three stars?’

The sisters rule a star each. This star we are landing on belongs to the eldest sister, Adora. She is running a current between her two other sisters trying to build up a golden cloud of protection. If she can formulate enough power it should deflect the Comets if we run into trouble.

‘Nevertheless, I can hear it in your voice. You sound sceptical.’

Unfortunately yes, this is their only form of defence and I’m pleased they’re at least trying. But no, it looks doubtful that the power will build up enough in time. The connection still looks weak to me although it may give them protection against hurtling debris.

The horses landed and Kayden jumped down, allowing the soldiers to escort him into the castle. The funny-looking soldiers had armour and helmets, yet looked like something out of a Star Wars movie. Cassie wondered if someone else on earth had tapped into this planet to get the idea. The more human-like ones were about her height or shorter, but stocky and their skin was a dark purple. They all wore breast plates and three-quarter length pants with a robe over the outfit. She also noticed their heads seemed far too big for their bodies. The weirdest part was that they only had one eye which blinked constantly when focussing on her, as if she was too bright to look at for too long.

The team jumped off the horses and stood around having a chat while Woody came over to lift her off Zoltan. Cassie put her hands out and shook them, a bit freaked out as to what would happen if she dismounted.

‘It’s okay, you know, we are in the world of magic now. You won’t suddenly disrobe, sweetie.’ He sounded amused by her reaction.

Relieved, Cassie giggled and let him take her off the horse. The guards still surrounded them but little critters broke past their barrier, pushing and shoving to come over and touch her. She felt as if she was royalty or something the way they gushed and bowed in front of her. They began to surround her so Woody pulled out his sword and scared them away from her.

‘They’ve never seen a woman with us before and you’re glowing like an angel. The powers you have are strong anyway, amplified up here and they can feel them humming as I do. Only royalty hold such powers. That is making them inquisitive to meet you.’ He was leaning back against his horse, watching her.