Tremendous waves of goodwillflowed out of the crowd as the cheers changed to “Prince Erling!Prince Erling! Prince Erling!”
Surprised to be addressed as“Prince”, he realized Kori must have announced their engagement.He hadn’t expected the Jaiparian people to be so excited abouttheir future royal marriage. He and Kori wouldn’t get by with asmall wedding, nor did he want to anymore. He wanted his people tohave a reason to celebrate after they’d risked their lives forBorko’s freedom.
“Where’s Kori?” he asked.He scanned the crowd at the bottom of the ramp and spotted Michio,but not the Queen.
Toemeka pointed toward a palacebalcony. “There.”
His heart swelled with love andhe bowed to Queen Koriann. When she curtsied back, the crowd cheeredloudly. He started down the ramp with Toemeka at his side. Jake andOnolyn followed right behind them.
Toemeka raced ahead to Michio andthey embraced. “Thank God, you’re safe!” Michio said. Theirlips met in a heated kiss.
Erling stepped off the ramp andthe crowd surged forward, pressing against the palace guards.Soldiers joined the guards and tried to maintain a pathway for Erlingto walk through. People threw flowers on the ground in front ofErling and reached out to touch him. He couldn’t stop grinning ashe stopped to shake hands with the Jaiparian citizens. “Love andblessings,” he said over and over.
He was impatient to reach Koriannas he shook yet another outstretched hand. It was for her that he’dfought to save planet Borko. Happiness flowed through him as hefinally reached the stairs leading to the balcony. He raced up them.When he reached Koriann, he swept her into his arms.
“I wanted to wait for you onthe landing field, but my royal guards insisted I wait here,”Koriann said.
“Here is perfect. This way, allyour people can see you.” He took in her beauty. She wore a golden,floor-length dress and crown. He realized how fortunate he was tohave her love.
“Kori, I love you,” he said,as his mouth lowered to hers. The whole world disappeared aroundthem.
Gradually he became aware of theroaring, happy crowd once more. “Long live Queen Koriann and PrinceFenian,” someone yelled. Others took up the chant while overhead alaser light show formed exquisite light patterns in the dark sky.Erling and Koriann turned to face their people, holding hands, readyto face their new life together as rulers of Jaipar.
The End —
Acknowledgments
Many people help with the birthof a novel. I gratefully acknowledge all who have been a part of myjourney, especially my husband, Jim, for his encouragement and ourlong walks while we discussed ideas for the book like the final gamescene played between Michio and Samrat Condor. He also helped me withscientific details.
I want to thank my critiquepartners—Stanley Trollip, Gary Bush and Sujata Massey—whosecomments and suggestions have made it a stronger novel. And thanks toAnna and James Skarie who have helped me with various aspects of theproject.
Appreciation also goes to ColeenRehm, my editor, for her professional editing and support, and toCourtney Cannon for the captivating book cover design.
About the Author
Heidi Skarie writesvisionary fiction novels filled with action, adventure and romance,featuring strong heroes and heroines. She’s published in the genresof historical fiction and science fiction. She’s also publishedfiction and nonfiction stories in several anthologies. Skarie teachesclasses on writing and has spoken on radio and television.
She lives in Minnetonka, MN withher husband. To find out more about her journey as a writer visit herwebsite and blog at www.bluestarvisions.com.
Novels Heidi Skarie wrote:
Annoureand the Dragonships
RedWillow’s Quest
StarRider and the Razor’s Edge
Anthologies Heidi Skarie’s workis in:
Romancingthe Lakes of Minnesota, Valentine’s Day
YouCan Never Go Wrong by Being Kind: 101 Inspirational Stories ofKindness & Generosity
WhereRivers Converge: Prose & Poetry of Carver County Writers
ConsciousWomen Conscious Relationships: True Stories of Wisdom & Awarenesson the Path of Relationships
Thank you for reading StarRider and the Golden Threads.If you enjoyed it, please leave a review on Amazon to help me get theword out to other readers.
Praise for Star Rider on the Razor’s Edge: Book One of the StarRider Series
“I’d recommend this novel toeveryone who likes sci-fi action novels infused with spiritualinsights.”
—Iva Kenaz, author of TheGoddess Within
“Skarie’s writing has greatappeal. I admire her ability to thread the uncertainties and heat ofromance into a high-tech plot set well into the future—one thatmaintains our interest with its unusual weaponry, modes oftransportation and surprising tactics. . . StarRiderkeep you guessing on several fronts until the surprising end.”
—Chloe Callan
“I love books with strongfemale leads and this book has just that ... A well-written storyabout a heroine’s journey and love.”
—Amadea Cahyo
“Fast-paced! I couldn’t putit down. Waiting for the next book.”
—Carolyn Veno
“This is a sci-fiadventure/romance, the first in a series. Ethereal and fascinatingdescriptions, mixed with everyday realism, spring from the pen ofthis skilled writer. Toemeka's code name is Star Rider and everythingchanges for her when she meets Michio and discovers he is an AhimsaWarrior. They are both on a mission with narrow escapes from deadlyscreeching tawkus and unexpected rescues in a fast-moving narrativewith breathtaking action. Will their separate missions drive themapart or bring them together? You won’t know till you reach the endof this thrilling story!”
—Marie Flanagan
“Fantastic book… very wellwritten…I cannot recommend this book highly enough.”
—Amazon Reviewer
“The first book in a brand-newseries, StarRideris full of action, adventure, science fiction, and romance. Theauthor introduces you to a fascinating new world. It is a fast-pacedbook. There is also a spiritual side to the book that surprised me. Iwill definitely be reading more of this series. It is a highlyentertaining read.”
—Jen Sut
“StarRider on the Razor's Edgehad me from page one! It has the perfect combination for qualityentertainment—I didn't want to put it down, but I also didn’twant it to end.”
—LyndraHearn Antonson, author, How to Find Love: A Spiritual Approach
“Without a doubt, StarRider on the Razor’s Edgeby Heidi Skarie instills creative imagination. It takes you to realmswhere illusions of power for the enslavement of the many are soonuncovered…It
