Caitlin Goddess of Peace

by Debbie Behan

  Rory put an arm on Axon’s shoulder. ‘Man, you are my hero.’

  ‘It’s yours.’ Axon gave him the keys. ‘Go and take your friends in for a look.’

  ‘Do you know how hard I have been saving to give something like this to my guys? And without asking for a cent, just our promise of loyalty, you’re giving this to us. I can’t believe our luck.’ Rory wiped away a tear of joy, pretending he had something in his eye. He turned and lifted Bree, swinging her around. ‘I’m just so damned happy, sweetie; it’s our very own home for as long as we want. No more moving.’ He laughed with her and gulped back emotions as Bree sobbed on his shoulder, overwhelmed.

  Caitlin was surprised and pleased, but there was also a pang of loss which took away some of the joy. She and Rory had many dreams together, but this wasn’t quite how she pictured it; she’d always imagined it would be her in Rory’s arms getting hugged. She looked around for Axon. He had hurt her too, but neither seemed interested in showing her any kind of affection. Not that she really wanted his arm around her while she was so cross with him, but it would have been nice for him to at least give her a moment of his time. Maybe a hug to break the ice between them or he could stand beside her, allowing Caitlin to say her piece so they could at least part on talking terms. This experience had taught her a big lesson for falling for someone like him. The sweetness of yesterday gone, crushed by the two most important men in her life, Caitlin was left emotional and sad. And even though Rory was not on her best friends list today, he was right about Axon. The relationship with someone so worldly would never have worked. Anyway, I want to be a rider, not a wife who stays home. What was I thinking? Axon and Rory had let her down; had now both made it clear, there would never be anything more to their personal relationships. They would only ever be her bosses. Acutely aware of this, she found it helped put things into perspective. From now on, she would respect them as such, but for anything more, they would have to prove their worthiness to her.

  Her thoughts were interrupted as Axon suddenly appeared at her side. ‘Cait, we have to talk!’

  Here was her chance. She could barely make eye contact, but she wanted to put whatever it was between them to rest, once and for all. She kept her emotions out of the response. ’I apologise for expecting more than you could give, Axon. That display back there put me in my place as it was meant to; you are my boss and duly noted, message received loud and clear. Therefore, I intend to respect you as such and, I expect the same courtesy… don’t ever kiss me again.’ Caitlin gave a respectful nod, turned her back and with intent in her step, strode over to Zeke and Nathen to keep well away from further interactions.

  Early the next morning, Axon woke Rory and they spent hours on their own in the satellite room, locked away, before he grabbed a quick bite to eat and was on his way. His departure got Zeke excited.

  ‘Is he going to teach us how to do that too?’

  Rory smiled. ‘Only those with titles up there, have transport abilities. Sorry bud. I went on a secret trip with him this morning to meet Zoren and found out then.’

  ‘Far-out! You met the angel. Was he really cool.’ Nathen grinned, excited.

  ‘You will meet him when we go up on a mission and yes, he is all you might imagine and more.’

  ‘Freaky! With all these powerful gods and angels we’ll be crossing paths with,’ Lisha shivered, ‘we’d best start training now. This job just went up a whole other notch.’

  None of this fazed Caitlin as she was still cross that Axon didn’t attempt to pull her aside and say goodbye. I probably deserved it. I did put him at arm’s length. Still, she kicked the stones around outside as she sulked. He could have at least tried to stay friends. But as if he would be interested in a girl from Nowheresville. I thought there was love in his kiss. There was in mine! She turned and wiped a tear.

  * * * *

  Days and weeks passed. Training had consumed them, but finally, Rory felt they were ready and contacted Axon to find out their first mission. He was unreachable until the end of the week so had given the team some R&R.

  Caitlin walked around the empty house. Most of the team had gone riding together, but she preferred to hang out and rest. The house had fourteen rooms, four bathrooms and the biggest kitchen ever, but none of them felt enticing enough to sit in. Outside, she walked past the lap pool and spa and wandered around the grounds. She stood and stared at the flower beds which had only just been planted, and noticed burnt patches in the freshly laid turf. The sun was hot, and both areas needed water. In the barn, she searched for a hose, and, seeing the bale of hay had been moved, stepped on the landing which took her down to the Vault. It was their underground control chamber the Cloud Riders called the satellite room, and because it was secretly locked away from prying eyes, and it was theirs, they wanted a better name for it.

  At the bottom, she walked into the first office where she found Rory. ‘I didn’t realise you stayed. Thought you’d gone riding with the others. You gave us all the day off, and that means you too.’

  ‘You know me.’ He shrugged.

  ‘Yes, you’re a workaholic.’ She folded her arms and leant against the door frame. When he went back to what he was doing, she straightened, ready to leave. ‘Look, I’m going to tend the garden; sure you don’t want to have a break and get down and dirty with me?’

  ‘Gardening! Cait, you have to be kidding me. Are you really?’

  ‘Yep. Come or not!’ She waved her hand in the air upon leaving.

  ‘Gardening!’ She heard him laugh. ‘Might just have to come up later to see that miracle.’

  Caitlin grabbed what she needed and headed off to tend to the garden. They had a gardener twice a week, but Caitlin wanted to dig, weed and feel the earth. She didn’t care if it meant spending the day in the scorching sun.

  The sound of her horse grunting disturbed her at one stage. With a stretch, Caitlin lifted her head. Over in the paddock, Shargan, her magical ride, stood in the river bopping her head up and down frantically as her hoofs beat in the water, the motion splashing the new horses. Kayden’s ranch hand had dropped them off for them to care for earlier in the week. The new horses were not yet used to the surroundings or to her horse. The excessive playful motion sprayed water on the others, annoying them enough that they backed away from her. Shargan sounded almost as if she laughed at them. Caitlin grinned and continued working. Her horse was a chestnut red and the mare had her temper but also her sense of fun.

  It was nice to have time on her hands to enjoy these moments and to think. To reflect was something of a rarity in a house full of rowdy friends. She looked far into the distance but the others were well out of sight now. Zeke, Nathen, Lisha and Bree had taken their horses for a ride. They said they were following the river to where Axon had told them there was a waterfall. Thinking of him, she dug energetically at some tough weeds that had lodged between two rocks. Finally, she pulled them free and stood up, wiping the back of her hand across the perspiration on her brow. Maybe I should jump on a trail bike and catch up with the others. To swim in dark, forbidden waters somewhere cool that would scare the life out of her suddenly appealed. She had seen aerial shots of where the waterfall fell into the river below and it looked as if shapes were lurking in the depths. That would surely take my mind off … she wasn’t sure what. She just knew she was a bit out of sorts and had felt like this for a couple of weeks. Her roommates, on the other hand, had taken to their new surroundings and had settled in just fine. Rory had commented that they should enjoy it while it lasted; it would not be long before Axon said, enough training, it’s time to earn what you have been given. Sometimes in these peaceful surrounding, I could easily forget we are actually laying our lives on the line for the planet now.

  * * * *

  It had been a long day. Caitlin glanced in the mirror as she brushed her teeth. Her eyes were sunken and dark from lack of sleep, but she was hopeful that the
hours of gardening would mean tonight she would be physically tired enough to do more than doze for a few minutes at a time.

  * * * *

  Caitlin looked at the clock. Had it really been four hours of tossing and turning? In the morning a call to Woody might help her state of mind. Maybe he could come for a visit and help with whatever it was that haunted her so. She remembered that during their last meeting, he had warned her she might feel strange due to a power overload. Maybe that was all this was and after all, he had told her to contact him the minute she felt a bit off. Why had she not remembered sooner? A moan passed her lips as she rolled out of bed, opted for some fresh air that would do for now and wandered outside. It was dark and a slight breeze that whipped up made her shiver. To stroll in silky shortie pyjamas was not a good idea. Caitlin cursed that she hadn’t grabbed a robe and considered going back, but instead continued, her mind taking her into nothingness, her pace fast, each step stretched out until it turned into a jog, as each stride helped to ease… what? Enjoying the freshness against her cheeks, her body numb and with her mind in tatters, she pushed forward to have it feel again, any sensation would do. I feel free.

  * * * *

  The view of stables and horse paddocks blurred as she passed them and sounds blended into silence as this hazed state of mind drew her in deeper. Chaotic images left imprints and rattled her inner consciousness that was not at all in tune with her body, but deep within itself.

  The new day broke, and an exhausted Caitlin plopped down on the ground to watch the sun come up and continued to dream of a time when she was back up in the stars, where she felt the happiest she’d ever been in her whole life. Where did my happiness go? Was it all just magic?

  Her focus fell on her feet as her gaze dropped sadly to the ground. ‘Oh my GOD!’ Panic built inside her at the damage this walk had caused. Her head bent to view the source of painful throbbing she’d only just noticed. The right leg was dirty and scratched up. Blood seeped from gashes, some wide open, is that bone? An inspection brought the realisation the other leg was no better. In distress she checked her feet and pushed them away with horror, stretching them out so she couldn’t see them as well. Her hands gripped at the gravel with the pain the action caused, her breaths came short and sharp, and her heart pumped at a rapid pace. She was ready to throw up, not knowing how this happened to her. I have to calm down. Her head moved from side to side, her eyes flickered to every direction, not knowing where she was. She gingerly moved her gaze to each arm. The scratches and slashes made her look as if she’d been attacked by a pack of wild animals with claws. Could the bush have done all this? She viewed the thick prickly scrub that surrounded her, knowing she must have pushed her way through it to get to this open space.

  Grabbing a stable branch from a tree that had fallen, Caitlin used it to hoist herself up and screamed out with pain, ‘Someone help, please, can anyone hear me?’ With her throat dry and emotions running high, the sound was barely a whisper. ‘Which way is home?’ Her hopes shattered, as that too was hardly a sound against the faint splash of water. Water! The sound perked her up and reaching out, she grabbed another dried stick for support. Delicately placing each step, her face pinched with pain as her aching torn feet shuffled towards the waft of dampness. Her immediate thought was that the guys always followed the river and maybe, just maybe they might think to do it this time. Surely, they would know that if I was lost, this is where I would go. She freaked out with each step, already seeing the frustrated look on Rory’s face when he saw the magnitude of her wounds.

  He would be cross she hadn’t gone to him if she had problems and she wished now her mind had not hidden them from her as well.

  Even worse was Axon’s predicted response, kicking her out of the group because they couldn’t trust her not to do something so bizarre again.

  Overwhelmed and in much pain, a distressed Caitlin collapsed awkwardly on the ground to rest. If he doesn’t, Rory will for sure. She was still lost in thought and confused, and the possibility of her being off her tree scared her. Rory would think it was jealousy as they had only started to argue since he and Bree had become an item. Sure it wasn’t jealousy and that he was just getting on her nerves, she shook that theory off. But the concern didn’t go away. That was what he would think. This might be all he needs to get rid of me for good. Her eyes welled up again. Her temper had been out of control lately and now this! Loud sobs sent tears streaming down her cheeks, and she snuffled into the back of her hand, wiping the sadness from her face.

  After much heartache, the gloomy mood lifted as her passion for surviving stirred. Sitting here wallowing in my own self-pity is not going to help.

  With a heave, the strain and pain of getting to her feet with gusto hurt, but that soon was transferred into positive energy, giving her the strength to move. Maybe once she made it to water and washed the blood and dirt off, it would look much better. Yes! Caitlin gave herself a pep talk. A clean-up, a rest and then … The positive thoughts as she crept along battled the mindset not to go any further. Just one more step and then another.

  * * * *

  The water was a welcome sight. Caitlin crawled the last few metres and saw the waterfall over the other side of the stream. It was stunning. How didI make it this far? That thought slipped from her mind as the feet she was dangling in the water hurt, the damage evident, her feet swollen so much they were twice their normal size. After a good soak and with the pain manageable, just a throb, Caitlin pulled her legs out to dry. The hot sun that bit into her skin worried her more than her injuries as she carefully dragged her tired, battered self under a lush old willow tree nearby, thankful for its large branches and droopy leaves that gave her shade from the harsh climate. Sleep had evaded her for so long and yet here, in this secluded heaven, sleep came easy and she curled up without movement until night fell again. Thirsty, she used her hands and knees to get back to the water, not even being able to stand anymore, glad for the full moon that gave light as she soaked her soreness again in the clean and refreshing water.

  Huddled back under a tree, the cold breeze didn’t bother her. The sun and windburn from the day left a mild sting to her skin as her eyes closed and the comfort of sleep took hold. Her last thoughts were of planets, Home Worlds and castles in the sky. Dare she imagine a new life or was it now just a dream? Had she ruined it all?

  The sun was high in the sky before a sound disturbed her. Instinct and fear had her sit up and tense, her eyes blinded by the light of day. A distorted shape headed for her, but was it animal or human? Her eyes were out of focus and she couldn’t tell.

  ‘Who is it?’ Caitlin cringed, and pressed her back into the trunk of the tree, her words barely a sound, although she prayed it was help. A hand reached for her, shading the light, closer now.

  ‘Axon!’ She gulped air as she heaved out a cry of gratitude as he lifted her into his arms. ‘Don’t sack me.’ She freaked out as he checked her feet, his eyes saying what he didn’t.

  He bent his head, shading her face from the light. ‘Shh, you aren’t going anywhere. Just relax and let me get you somewhere safe.’

  He held her with one hand as if she was light-weight and touched a device in his ear. ‘I’ve found her and she’s in quite a state.’

  There was silence while Rory talked.

  ‘No, just scratched up and bruised,’ Axon said.

  Rory must have flipped out as usual. He trusted no doctors, ever.

  ‘I realise your doctors aren’t trustworthy. I’ll take her to my home and have her checked out there.’

  He listened again. Rory talked so loudly she almost heard his words or could imagine them, going off his tree at her recent behaviour and now this.

  ‘I know you want her home there with you Rory, but I have a mission for your team. You will be unable to care for her while gone. I’m sorry, but this out of your hands. She will need bed rest and my employees are well equi
pped to care for her.’ He hung up.

  * * * *

  Caitlin closed her eyes, ready for the strange trip she was to experience, glad she didn’t have to face Rory just yet, amazed when, seconds later, she opened them to a huge room, antique furniture, walls of murals and heritage paintings. Many she thought might be of the family. She presumed the scenery on others might depict the world outside this stylish manor. As Axon carried her up the staircase, she heard the irritated snap in his tone as he barked out orders, half in English, the other in an ancient tongue. The instructions had the servants scurrying off and out of sight. She did pick up some of it.

  ‘Ring Doc Petersen! Run a bath! Cook a plain omelette! And bring me some clean clothes.’ He held her out and viewed her. ‘Size 4,’ he grumbled, kicking open a bedroom door, and carried her inside. Another call must have come through. He tapped his ear again and listened with eyebrows squeezed together while placing her gently on a bed.

  ‘Wow!’ Caitlin swept her eyes around the room at the elegance. Her frame felt tiny on the four-poster bed draped in silk. The softness was dreamy and made her eyes close but they snapped open at his stern voice. ‘I need you now!’ The tap of the ear again had her guess he’d hung up.

  ‘It’s just a few scratches, really, I feel fine.’

  ‘Caitlin, you’re far from fine. You’re a mess, please, relax until I’ve had you seen to. Don’t fight me on this!’ His temper frayed, his worry for her health as one of his new team members was just one more problem he didn’t need. ‘You have given us one hell of a scare Cait. Please keep quiet and give me time to think. You were meant to go on a mission today. This has changed much and mucked up my plans. Worst is, I have to work out a way to explain all this to Zoren and a reason why I have brought you to my home. This can’t be about us, Caitlin, bigger issues are facing us than petty jealousies.’