Chapter 140

ALEK GAVE ME A TIGHT hug before Kassie lifted us onto Sito's back. The harness was quite different to a Griffon's harness, the seats and leg holds were deep so you really sat 'in' them, and we each had waist straps. It felt rather like getting strapped in for a ride at an amusement park. The men stood back and waved as Sito slowly moved to an open area of the courtyard.

'Good luck, Cat. And have fun.'

'Thanks, Loushka, I'll tell you all about it tonight. Look after Alek.'

I felt her amusement when she replied. 'Always, Cat. You take care.'

Sito extended his wings and with two strong flaps, had us in the air. I heard Citaan's sharp breath. She sat behind me with Loi behind her and then Leseach. Kassie sat in front of me and Sian at the very front.

'Nervous?' I called back to Citaan.

'A littleand missing Rirae.'

'At least it's just for the day.' Normally the shield took two or three days to create, but with the five of us, and most of the villagers, Leseach was confident that with