Caitlin Goddess of Peace

by Debbie Behan

  Caitlin could hardly spoil the light that now radiated from him. Had she made this happen or was it the adrenalin rush from the kill? Either way, she was watching the hard-core brute she first met disappear before her eyes. Left was how a man should see life, feel life. He looked a man now, a real man, sexy, alluring, sweet and caring. He would not go if her answer was no. Her work here with him was almost done, and yet she wanted to stay. Why?

  ‘As if we’re going to let him take all the credit for bringing down the town’s terror! I believe it to be your shot that took him out. ’

  ‘You’re the best, Glow.’ He put his arm around her and transported her into the barn where Lord Mensa and two dark tanned islanders were standing over the begrizzo, admiring the coat. Caitlin sat on a bale of hay and watched with interest until they started to remove the fur. Uninterested in the glory they shared in the bloody butchery, she jumped down and strolled around the stable. She stopped at one of the stalls. The door was open, and a colt stood shaken and frightened with the noise the men were making. Its mane was black and curled around its face, which, in a kooky way, reminded her of Jett. She knelt beside it and patted the colt. Eventually, it lay down, and she sat beside it – startled when a hand touched her.

  ‘Sorry, I must have dozed off.’ She reached up to let Aurek help her up, pulling a face. ‘Phew, I hate to tell you this, but you pong.’

  ‘And you stink like a horse.’

  She touched a wet patch on his shirt. ‘Eww… is that blood? Yukko!’

  They smiled at each other. The truth was so much more fun with Aurek.

  ‘Shower,’ he suggested.

  She nodded. ‘Yes please!’

  He transported her into a big bedroom with an ensuite where an old fashioned four- poster bed dominated the room. Unable to stop herself, she sat and sank into the luxurious bedding, admiring the embroidery around the edge of the sheer gold material that fell like delicate fairy wings from the canopy above. Too lazy to bend down she kicked off her shoes and loved the feel of the royal blue carpet that was surely too soft to be Earth-made. Relishing in luxury, her eyes wandered to a mural that took up most of the visible walls. Curious, she walked over for a closer look. A youngster, sweet in her puffy silk skirt and angel wings was depicted in her early life. Next came someone looking like her, not a mother, but the same child grown. The story showed a torturous life’s journey, but in the end, she stood with poise and position inside her temple in the sky.

  Exquisite, Caitlin thought as she ran her hand over the tapestry. Strange emotions ran through her when she realised the young girl had identical green eyes to her own. Blinking with surprise, her mind elsewhere, she slowly turned towards the shower Aurek came from. ‘Wow, you look hot Aurek. Talk about fancy duds, your appearance is that of a true Lord in those clothes. The ladies are going to take one look at you, catch a whiff of that masculine aftershave and I doubt I’ll see you for the rest of the night.’ She smiled. ‘But if that was the plan, it will work.’

  ‘I can spruce up as good as the next man.’ He liked the fact that she noticed as it was for her. He wanted to show her she didn’t need to be embarrassed to have him around her upstart Rider mates who looked like bloody gods every time they sat on a horse. How can any man compete with that image? He breathed out, glad for once she saw him as more than just the hunter. ‘There are clothes in the wardrobe and lingerie in the draws. Lord Mensa said to help yourself.’

  ‘Like what?’

  ‘Evening attire; there will be dignitaries sitting at the table, so dress to impress. Would you like me to wait for you?’

  ‘I’ll find my way downstairs when I’m ready. Just keep them entertained, so they don’t start dinner without me, I’m starving.’ She eyed the closet.

  ‘Will do,’ he said, but his gaze was not on her but rather on the portrait beside her. It surprised Aurek how like she was to the woman in the picture. Those eyes. He pushed the thought away, bowed politely, as one would expect to do when dressed as a Lord and received a smile. It left him feeling chuffed.

  On her own and freshly showered, Caitlin stood wrapped in a towel and was in a quandary as to what to wear. She had dragged out dress after dress from the wardrobe. Finally, hiding at the back of the wardrobe, found a dress in her size. Unsure, she screwed up her nose. It was not exactly what she looked for but would have to do. Next, dug through the nickers and luck had her find a stretchy lace sets of lingerie. Sort of my size, she was glad they were stretchy and then pondered why the wardrobe and drawer were full of clothes. For visitors like me, was her best guess. Pleased enough with her selection she dressed quickly and, closing the door on the mess she had made, hurried down the stairs to find Aurek.

  On the bottom floor, a crowd stood gathered, chatting while holding long-stemmed wine glasses. Men in red and gold uniforms held open the solid door of carved wood as more people arrived. Caitlin had paused at the bottom of the staircase, suddenly out of her depth with such royalty surrounding her. It was as though time had stood still. Men wore tails and top hats, and the women on their arms had big hair, big hats and even bigger dresses. Hoops and layers of petticoats on thin-waist lines pulled in no doubt by the old-fashioned bone corsets.

  The waiters stood behind each chair and helped seat the guests at the longest, most elegantly decorated dining table she had ever seen. From the fine bone china and polished silverware to the candelabrum where soft candlelight highlighted the luxurious setting, it was sublime.

  She had thought the bottle-green gown suited her, and was maybe a bit over the top, with the gold weave in the fabric that made it glisten as she moved. Yet amongst all this, she felt very plain Jane.

  Lord Mensa was unexpectedly at her side. ‘You look the belle of the ball, dear. Come, allow me to introduce you.’ His kindly features calmed her nerves as he took control of who she met and where she sat… next to him, of course.

  During dinner, Caitlin became light headed with the Ambrosia and unusual taste of the food she ate and later that night tried to explain to Aurek. ‘Getting used to the different food and wines on each Home World is difficult for me. Maybe there’s a magic potion available to change the way my taste buds react,’ she slurred, ‘and explain why it is again, that I have to go to bed.’

  ‘It was a wonderful evening, Glow. You were the life of the party but if you don’t sleep this off, our day tomorrow will be ruined,’ Aurek said as he pulled back the covers before helping her from the bathroom, where she had changed, and onto the bed.

  ‘Lord Mensa is a cool dude, hey!’ Caitlin flopped back on the pillow, and he covered her up.

  ‘He seemed a little too attentive towards you. Be careful, sweetie. Emotions in men such as him can get confused.’

  ‘But he’s kind of father-like, you know – old! He knows that, right?’

  ‘Old-worldly, but not old by any means.’ Aurek smiled at her frown, noting Caitlin had no idea she had been the centre of attention. Also, she was oblivious that her entire persona had attracted nearly every man in the room when she lit up. He decided to play it down. ‘We have an early start tomorrow so forget about it. We’ll be gone in the morning, and that will be the end of it.’ After she fell asleep, he sighed, grabbed a pillow and made himself comfortable in a chair. No way was he leaving her alone to maybe attract a midnight suitor, especially after the sweet bouquet she was giving off. Aware since meeting her that this was to calm others around her, tonight he believed the fragrance had fear mixed with it, and this alone kept him alert and ready.

  Unable to sleep, Aurek gave up; his mind on Glow. She was funny, innocent, sweet, irritating, moody, but most of all, the friend he had always wished for, kind, considerate and full of character when she spoke of him. She had put him on a pedestal to all who listened, and no matter how Mensa rubbished him, she saw nothing but the best in him. Aurek couldn’t remember a time he had laughed so hard as when she scrambled up on he
r chair surprising them all and threatened to take them all on if they kept rubbishing him. It was then he decided it was time to take his hot-headed, inebriated friend to bed.

  On their way out the next morning, Aurek asked who had scared her last night. She shrugged. ‘I don’t know.’ Then she stopped. ‘Hang on, there was a man last night that kept catching my attention. Long hair, blond I think, with deep blue eyes.’

  ‘The one with the funny laugh, like a donkey; you had him in stitches.’

  ‘He was the only man there apart from Lord Mensa that I really remember.’ She smiled. ‘Apart from you of course.’

  ‘To be sure of your security, I’d better keep you close until we get out of here.’ He took her hand and led her down the stairs. ‘I have our flasks from yesterday. Let’s stop by the kitchen and fill them before we head off. If we don’t get to Shyanne Heights by noon, we’ll miss the angaroos.’

  ‘What are they?’

  ‘On Earth, you would call them kangaroos, only here, they’re completely untameable and very dangerous,’ he said as they arrived in the kitchen.

  ‘Ah, thought you two might try and sneak off.’ Lord Mensa had just brewed fresh coffee, took two more mugs from the cupboard and poured them some.

  Caught out, they sat to chat for a few minutes before heading off. ‘Sorry, we didn’t mean to be rude, just wanted an early start and I was a little hesitant about security here. If anything happens to Glow, I’m in deep trouble. I prefer to be out there on our own, if you can understand my concerns.’

  ‘What spooked you?’

  ‘One of your dinner guests, long blond hair, laughs like a donkey.’

  ‘Ah him, yes, I saw the look Glow Girl kept giving him, and had the man watched. Her intuition is superb. We caught him trying to sneak into Glow’s room last night. No weapons, turns out, just infatuated.’

  He sat back, slits for eyes, as he watched Glow. ‘It was as if blondie was under a spell. Snapped out of it early this morning and swears he doesn’t know what he was thinking.’

  Aurek squeezed Glow’s hand to quieten her. He was aware that she was about to confide in her powers to hold others to her. For some reason, he didn’t trust Lord Mensa with that information and couldn’t give a reason why even if asked. They left with a final wave as they were let out the main gates of the castle.

  Caitlin strode beside him trying to keep pace, but Aurek was not slowing down to chat. ‘That’s the second time you have kept something about me secret from him. Why?’

  ‘I’m not sure, it’s the way he stares at you as if he sees someone else, it’s unnerving.’

  ‘Seriously, I didn’t notice.’

  ‘Don’t worry, we’re on our way, and free from his clutches. If he was going to do anything it would have been just now; he wouldn’t have let us leave so that makes me feel better. And as for your abilities, he didn’t see you stun the bear, so let’s just keep that our little secret.’

  ‘You caught that, did you?’

  ‘Glow, the begrizzo was right on top of me. No way, an animal that size could have missed me if you hadn’t pushed him back. As for “Blondie” that dude you attracted last night, that’s a whole other story. Got any ideas?’

  She shrugged, unsure. ‘Mystery to me.’

  Her comment that she had no clue worried him further. Caitlin stopped when he did and turned to him. His mind was churning. ‘Look, I don’t trust any of this. Do you mind if we go somewhere else? I have many places I can take you. We’ll go back to the cabin, pack our gear and get out of here.’

  ‘I like that plan too. I just want to go hunting, not be hunted.’ She smiled, and he relaxed.

  ‘Good!’ He gave her a nod and although there was not much further to go, he decided not to chance them walking along the overgrown path they were on. He transported them both back to the cabin to collect their belongings.

  Chapter Thirty-Eight

  Kidnapping Foiled

  At the cabin, Aurek rushed to pack his gear.

  ‘Quick, Glow, I have trust issues with more than the one you spoke of with the donkey laugh. Lord Mensa had a weird look in his eyes. I’m getting us out of here now!’

  ‘Are you sure about your friend? I mean, he just seemed a little hung over to me.’ She rolled up her towel and shoved it roughly into her backpack. She was annoyed the hunting trip here was being cut short because of trust issues. ‘You do know I can take care of myself.’

  He glanced up at her tiny frame, and his eyes were unconvinced. ‘Glow! Hurry!’

  A noise outside had her stop and listen. ‘What was that?’

  One set of footsteps thumped heavily up the wooden stairs, and the door flung open taking them off guard. Both wondered who would dare invade their privacy without knocking. Aurek was at Caitlin’s side in a flash, his stance threatening, his eyes glowing angrily.

  Blondie who laughed like a donkey stood there, his breathing heavy, his long hair matted from a bad night’s sleep.

  ‘What’s going on?’ Caitlin’s voice was pitchy as he slammed the door shut behind him, fumbling for a catch to lock it.

  ‘Quick! Get out of here! They’re coming!’ He pointed to the open window he wished them to flee through. ‘Go, there is a brush-covered path and a cave to hide in. I’ll hold them back.’

  ‘Who’s coming?’ Aurek’s angry tone chilled the air. ‘What are you babbling about, man?’

  ‘Lord Mensa. I heard him tell the guards your woman has powers he needs to complete his kingdom and he wants her. They are coming to get her. He is with them, and I know him well, he will kill to get what he wants.’

  Caitlin put her hand up at Aurek whose temper had him torn between turning into Orion or to staying her kind friend. Lord Mensa had been in his life a long time, and the disbelief this was possible had left him speechless and stunned. ‘Let me speak to him.’ She stopped him from pouncing on the man who sounded a little insane and yet they both knew something was wrong or they wouldn’t be packed, ready to leave.

  ‘What are your powers; tell me quickly,’ Caitlin said, and kept calm, as her inner-self read that he was telling the truth.

  ‘I can block magic; why?’ he replied, puffing from the hillside jog up to the cabin.

  ‘Don’t even think about it. I’m getting you out of here now!’ Aurek was firm. ‘Axon and Jett would have a fit if I were to allow this confrontation to go ahead with a Ruler, even one meant to be a mate.’

  With the firepower his hunting buddy might turn up with, Aurek could see no way of her handling this amicably. Glow Girl might think she’s good but I know Lord Mensa, and she is no match for his powers. He made a grab for her, but Caitlin moved from him, slipping from his grip.

  ‘Glow, don’t fight me on this! It’s not something your man will want you involved with.’

  She shrugged his hand away for a second time. ‘Talk to him?’ Caitlin said with strong persuasion. Her sudden flare out of red hair and glowing green eyes astonished him. Was this his Glow Girl? ‘He’s your friend, Aurek. This is stupid. What if it’s nothing and you blow your friendship because of me and because we ran?’

  Aurek’s clenched jaw released. ‘You must listen to me Glow. This is no game here. I don’t hang out with nice guys. This guy is the real deal and dangerous. Time to go!’ he insisted.

  ‘Look! Blondie here can stop Lord Mensa from taking my powers. It’s okay, trust me, I can protect you if he gets rough.’ She stood with hands on her hips, hair brazen, and manner tough and uncompromising. ‘It’s time you trusted me– fully. ’ Her stern tone and the magic she shot from her mind made him stop and listen to her.

  She didn’t wait for his answer, but instead snatched his hand up in hers and the intruder’s in her other one.

  Aurek tried to transport her out, but somehow, she had rendered him incapable of anything but holding her hand and listening
to what she said. She had him in a trance and the only thing he could do at the minute was to obey her.

  ‘Stay beside me – both of you.’ She gritted her teeth at Aurek and shook his hand. ‘I don’t need you fighting me. Quit it and let me concentrate.’

  Aurek stopped the use of his powers. He had never seen Glow Girl in action like this and suddenly understood why she was such an intricate member of the elite team of Riders. Up until now, she had been so fragile he thought he might break her and yet now he felt sorry for Lord Mensa. The guy had no idea what he was walking into, and he almost wanted to warn him, as he was still unsure if Donkey Laugh was telling the truth.

  She eyed the stranger. ‘Blondie!’ She snapped him out of his dazed state. ‘Lord Mensa will take my powers.’ Blondie’s eyes were wide. ‘Yes, this has happened to me before,’ she confided. ‘I will feel him do it and when he does, I’ll squeeze your hand, and it is then, you must block him but do it discreetly. He mustn’t know he hasn’t overpowered me.’

  She turned to Aurek. ‘If this goes pear-shaped, I will allow you the power to transport us out, but only when I say, not one second before or I will freeze you to this spot permanently.’ Her smile gave him a shiver down his spine.

  Had she just threatened him? ‘Bitch,’ Orion mouthed, now standing beside her. Aurek was gone, and his pessimistic unstable side was ready for a fight. He would run from no man and would discuss her threat later, with luck before she turns me back into wimp-boy, Aurek, he secretly sneered.

  She smiled at Orion who had suddenly found his voice.

  ‘You read thoughts, hey!’

  ‘Maybe.’ She shrugged. ‘Or, maybe I know you well enough to just know what you were thinking.’

  He melted a little at her, even as Orion she had won him over. ‘I should fight you on this and get us the hell out of here now. Jett’s going to be fuming when he hears I caved.’

  ‘Settle.’ The pitched brassy words cut.