Cloud's Rider

Cloud's Rider is a science fiction novel by American author C. J. Cherryh. It was first released in September 1996 by Warner Books. The book is the second in a two-novel series, set in Cherryh's Finisterre universe. The first novel, *Rider at the Gate*, came out in August 1995. The series follows the descendants of colonists stranded generations earlier on the dangerous planet Finisterre.

The plot follows Fisher and Cloud as they escort the Goss children partway up Rogers Peak to Evergreen village, with Harper's riderless nighthorse, Spook, trailing them. Fisher informs the local riders about the destruction of Tarmin village and Spook's presence, but keeps quiet about the Goss brothers' arrest and Brionne's role in Tarmin's fall. Fisher stays in the rider camp; the unconscious Brionne is placed with Doctor Darcey Schaffer, while Carlo and Randy stay with blacksmith Van Mackey. The news of Tarmin's loss devastates Evergreen, as the village relied on it for supplies, though many villagers see a chance to claim the empty property in Tarmin come spring.

One night, Spook enters the ambient, disturbing the horses and riders. Fisher realizes Brionne has woken and is calling out. The next morning, Ridley takes Fisher outside the gates to find Spook, but once they are far from the village, Ridley aims his rifle at Fisher and demands the truth. Relieved to confess, Fisher tells Ridley everything he knows.

Miner Earnest Rigs arrives at the doctor's house for treatment and becomes captivated by Brionne. That night, Schaffer and Brionne are woken by noise on the roof and banging at the door. The next day, Schaffer finds blood outside her house; Rigs is missing. A crowd gathers, including the Goss boys and the village marshal. Carlo is accused of killing Rigs and, fearing his arrest in Tarmin will be exposed, runs away. The marshal orders him stopped, and miners give chase. Carlo's only escape is out the village gate.

In the Wild, Spook finds Carlo and immediately bonds with him. Fisher and Cloud search for Carlo and spot him riding Spook. Suspecting Spook may have gone rogue, Fisher pursues them. When he catches up, he sees a threatening shadow in the trees above and shoots it. Stuart and Chang, searching for Fisher and the Goss children, find them. They look for the creature Fisher shot but discover a large nest containing what appear to be human bones.