Free Stardust by Mandi Baker

of the cliff.
    “ I do not wish to see the ease with which Darton climbs this huge rock, ” Aurora stated firmly, refusing to follow.
    Siara growled again.
    “ A ll right. ” Aurora gave in to the cat ’ s silent demand. She walked stiffly to the edge and peered over. “ Show me your master ’ s gracefulness. ”
    “ Where is the great warrior? ” Talena purred as she washed the matted fur of her feet. “ A male of his stature should have beaten you up the huge rock. ”
    “ He is laying a false trail.” A note of fear crept into her voice. “ But you are right; he should have been back by now. ” She pushed her body forward to scan the side of the tall mountain. “ He is not there, ” she cried. “ Where could he have gone? Siara take me to Darton. ”
    The jaguar immediately started down the mountain.
    “ Do not leave me here alone! ” Talena screeched. “ Let the Palermonian male rot in this wrenched heat. ”
    “ You will be fine, ” Aurora shouted as she disappeared over the edge. “ I must find Darton. ”
    As she followed Siara, she refused to allow her mind to think of the great height at which she walked. She must not let a childish fear rule her. She was Aurora, daughter of the great Dante. She could not betray her family name with such an irrational phobia.
    Siara slowed as she neared a narrow ledge. Cautiously the great cat jumped and Aurora was amazed when the cat disappeared, as if swallowed by the great mountain.
    “ Siara, do not go forth, ” she commanded, hurrying to catch up with the beast and cursing herself for the inward thoughts that had caused her to lag behind. Gathering her strength, she leapt the small distance to the ledge. Two emerald eyes stared at her from the darkness of a cave.
    “ Come, great one. We do not have time to explore. We must find Darton. ” She tugged at the leather band encircling the strong neck. The jaguar resisted, digging her hindquarters into the rocky soil.
    “ You great stubborn beast! ” she cursed. “ You are as thick headed as your master. ”
    Siara growled and inched backward, forcing Aurora to follow.
    She released her grip and crawled into the cave. “ What is so important that you dragged me inside this sweltering cave? If Darton is hurt and you have delayed us, I will take your lowly hide. ”
    The air inside the cave hung heavy with humidity. The hot dampness turned her seka into a clingy second skin. Siara had stopped a few yards past the cave ’ s mouth and waited patiently for Aurora ’ s arrival. “ Alright, your highness, what must you show me? ” She gasped as she saw the prone figure of Darton.
    “ What has befallen you? ” She moved forward swiftly, touching the damp skin of his cheek. The heat radiating from his body told her the danger of their situation. “ Darton, ” she commanded softly. “ Speak to me. I must know how to help you. ” Th e area on his temple was now bruised and swollen, suggesting a serious injury. “ You foolish male. Why did you not tell me of your pain? ”
    “ I did not wish to concern you. ” Darton ’ s voice was hoarse as if speaking took a great effort. His eyes fluttered open, their bright green hue dulled with fever.
    Aurora reached for the water pouch on his belt and brought it to his lips. “ Drink, my darling. It will ease the dryness. ”
    Darton drank deeply, savoring the cool liquid and grateful for the pouch which kept it so. He cursed himself for his weakness. He should have realized the spinning sensations he had experienced earlier were not related to the thinning air. On Earth he had participated in many such climbs without feeling the height sickness. Now he had endangered Aurora with his own stubborn pride. He pushed himself upward, fighting the waves of dizziness which even now threatened to engulf him.
    “ We must go. The Sybortron will arrive shortly. ” He crawled forward, not waiting to see if she followed. Once outside the small cave he stood. “ You did