There were a couple of details to consider if anyone wanted to use the Cloud Road. For starters, they were guarded and protected by the cities in which they were located. Any elthean with the ability to fly could reach the same altitude if they discovered the route. However, they would not be able to use the clouds because magic came into play that was not available to just anyone.

“It would be much simpler if you could explain to us how to use them from start to finish,” Blanche said.

“You don’t even believe that,” Avira let out a laugh that managed to twist the girl’s face. “You will have the same treatment as any other traveller. You will learn how to control these clouds, but no more and no less.”

It was not only because of the knowledge but also of the agreements made between the different regions involved not to use them in any confrontation. After all, the Cloud Roads offered a series of possibilities to put the others at a disadvantage. It could be considered a violation of these rules because they would change how they use it a bit.

“The important thing is that we don’t want to attack anyone,” Aer said.

“Or not while we’re up there unless we have to,” Rune admitted.

“And it’s not like we’re going for a full-ride either,” Finnian added.

Another thing to consider was that some machinery was needed. The entrance was close to Kiyeira’s castle, for that offered them a way to protect it and prevent its misuse. Who knew who had gone through there authorized by Cinder! But that was a problem Princess Avira would have to deal with, not any of them.

After traversing the corridors, they came to one of the farthest ends of the fortress, where the people’s gaze could not reach even by magical means. Protected by a camouflage spell, the Cloud Station looked much like one of the smiths he had seen in Galya, already lit for use.

“Last chance,” Avira said, stepping in front of them. “As soon as you’re inside the route, I can’t guarantee your safety, nor that Calamity has them watched from the sky.”

“The danger will always be there,” Finnian admitted.

“But no one will be expected if we arrive at Everground before nightfall,” Leith said.

Nor the route they would take. From there, they could go north, east, ignoring Hawell to get to Armecia, west or further south. Avira understood why they chose not to reveal so much information, for even she could not guarantee that their conversation had not been overheard or reached enemy ears. Even Blanche, who was not a great admirer of heights, had stopped talking at the mere thought of what was about to happen.

The cloudsmith was accumulating energy to generate them, which would take less time than expected, although they would need a good-sized one to ensure their safety. Nero’s seriousness was cause for concern, especially since he feared that so much cloud would not be able to contain their current size. Avira tried to ease his fears in the face of that since others more prominent than the wolf had used it.

“Besides, we will use a rope spell between us, just in case,” Aer said.

It was simply magic that had the same function as its name. They practised it in Galya because of the tendency they had adopted to get into trouble at the worst times, and having a method that would allow them to unite would never hurt. If one fell, the rest could pick it up. On the plus side, it didn’t work quite like a regular rope since their magic would help them when it came to “pull” the rest if necessary, although it had its limits, of course.

“Well, seeing that this trip is all full of newnesses... Why not include flying among my latest experiences?” Nero said.

“Don’t worry, I won’t let you fall,” Leith said, uttering a big smile.

And although her words had a specific tone of mockery that the dragon was unable to hide, not even the great wolf was going to answer her for how convincing they were. For the next few minutes, they did the only thing they could, prepare themselves with what they had at their disposal. Unlike Blanche or him, the elthean did not need warm clothing. It was fortunate that they could get hold of such things before they met. Although he had severe doubts about whether they would ever freeze, especially given how close they would be to each other, being careful was just another habit in their repertoire.

So, little by little, they watched as a cloud formed over the only platform nearby. It could almost pass for a heliport, which would make everything easier. The magical technicians and engineers in charge of its maintenance did not allow them to go near it or touch it because any change could disturb it and cause it to stop working when they least expected it.

“Of course, we don’t want to end up in the middle of nowhere, thousands of feet up, with nothing to hold on to,” Nero mumbled without taking his eyes off the cloud.

“Easy, Big Wolf,” Aer said, tapping him on the back a couple of times. “It’s a new experience. You said it yourself.”

“Don’t worry, we can always howl at the same time, terrified to death,” Finnian said, which, to his amazement, his companion agreed to.

At least it wouldn’t be them, but Aer, Rune and Leith would care for everything. Moving along the Cloud Road involved little effort. As it was explained to them, they would ride on one that went to a particular location, similar to the trains of their world. However, they intended to alter their course would make their task more complicated, but if they followed the directions they were given, they could reach Everground before nightfall. The landing, however, would be complicated. Or the easy part, if they ignored the nagas that would be around that area.

“Will you go back to Aurean as soon as you’re done here?” Finnian said.

“Depending on how long it takes, but that’s the idea,” the princess admitted. “There are too many problems to solve them all, although that doesn’t stop us from taking action from time to time.”

“Why Kiyeira and not the others?” Blanche said. “There are many in Hawell who could have used your help.”

Because of the resources and strategy that the city offered them. Just as Ariel would take what he could use in both the short and long term, Aurean had to function similarly with their kingdom. They couldn’t take care of the others if they didn’t ensure their safety first, and that was a pretty big deal if they considered the enemies out there. Besides, Kiyeira was a place of relevance because of its location, as it connected to the sea and the Cloud Road, but it was also close enough to the border with Issey that they would allow anyone to control that passage.

“We need a change as soon as possible,” Avira said. “Sooner or later, someone will take the advantage, and for now, that’s the worst enigma we’ve yet to dispel.”

She didn’t want answers, she wanted results, and that was where they came in. Perhaps it was due to her status, the strong presence the princess possessed, or the rush of the last few days, but Finnian would have loved to assure her that things would soon change. However, before he took that step, even when it was a professed one he could not yet fulfil, their transport was more than ready for them to be used.

At a glance, the cloud could be equated to a family car in size. Taking a small hop, the feel on her feet was a mixture of solid, yet soft depending on how much pressure she was putting on it. It was even comforting to sit on, which would at least make his ride somewhat more comfortable. Nero sniffed at it for a while, and from what he could read with the way he moved, that mode of transportation was both uncomfortable and difficult for him to adjust to. However, they didn’t have to push him, as he ended up getting on along with the others.

“It looks like snow... A strange, not cold and soft snow,” Nero said, still not convinced about it.

“Better not overthink about what it is and try to rest,” Finnian said.

The less he thought about it, the better. After all, he was no stranger to the fear of heights. A slight smile graced Avira’s lips as soon as they were settled.

“I guess I can now say that I have seen the Signers with my own eyes.”

“Have we met your expectations?” Finnian said.

“You are more numerous than I expected, but it remains to be seen if the legends are true,” Avira said.

“You’ll hear from us. You’ll see.”

“Before I forget, this will come in handy,” Avira said.

She tossed them a medium-sized vial whose contents were a blue and green mixture. It was a potent antidote to deal with the nagas’ venom. Plans never worked out as they intended, and if they were going to get inside a snake pit, the more stuff they had at their hands, the better.

“And it’s shockproof, unless they crush it with their tails, of course,” the princess replied.

“We’ll keep it safe,” Finnian said, quickly stowing it in his pack.

“Keep it well located. Chances are we’re going to need it and imagine not finding it fast. With all that you have in there!” Blanche exclaimed.

“Not that I have any chaos in my things, unlike you,” Finnian replied.

“Do you want to concentrate for a moment?” Rune added, imitating his tone of voice.

“We’re about to leave. Wouldn’t you rather hold on to something, just in case?” Aer suggested.

And although Nero held back the urge to snort, almost as much as Finnian a comment, the journey began. The cloud began to rise slowly, and even without knowing the route they would take, there were no words to thank Aer for creating a dome to protect them from a cold that could chill them to the bone.