by Sarah Noffke
Trin trotted through from the kitchen carrying a salad that included a bed of green lettuce, tomatoes, chopped cucumbers, shredded carrots, olives, and chick peas. She laid it in front of Wilder with a proud smile. “The Castle offered this up.”
Wilder grimaced. “I don’t really like salad. I’m not a rabbit.”
Trin rolled her eyes. “How does the vegan not like salad? It’s all vegetables.”
“I’m into vegetables in a major way,” he replied. “I simply prefer them to be battered and fried.”
“Wilder Thomson, you’re a pain in the rear end,” Trin stated, then pulled a small object from her pocket. “Oh, and Sophia, I found this on the third floor.” She laid a metal piece in front of her that resembled the pieces to the key Sophia was assembling to open Lunis’ bachelor pad.
Sophia grinned and wiped her greasy hands before taking the key part. “Thanks! That leaves the fourth and fifth floors.”
“I’ll search the fourth floor,” Trin said. “However, I still haven’t found the fifth.”
Sophia nodded. “Hopefully, the Castle will lead you to it soon.”
“The Castle will do as it pleases.” Wilder crossed his arms over his chest and sat back in his chair while eyeing the salad with disdain.
“You’re sort of acting like Evan,” Sophia observed.
Wilder’s mouth popped open. “I am not. I’m not acting like a spoiled child.”
Sophia and Trin laughed.
“I’ll see about getting you some fries,” Trin offered and headed back to the kitchen.
“You mean chips,” Wilder called after her.
Sophia held up a nacho. “No, these are chips.”
“Those are crisps,” he corrected.
She shook her head. “And you wonder why the Castle doesn’t give you special treatment, you stubborn, beautiful man.”
He winked at her. “I get it. I can’t argue with the Castle for giving you special treatment. You deserve it and will always get extra special treatment from me.”
Chapter One Hundred Twelve
Sophia was used to the Great Library being quiet when she entered it from the portal in the Castle. That’s why she was surprised to hear the voices of two men talking. One she recognized as Paul, the Great Librarian. The other voice was a stranger’s, a man with a thick British accent.
“How are you here?” Paul scratched his head as Sophia came around the corner to find the two men.
The librarian wore light blue robes and a confused expression, and his hands pressed together in the prayer pose. Before him stood a tall man with bright red hair who wore an elegant suit.
“I’m not sure that the question is relevant,” the man replied.
Sophia approached with her guard up. “Is everything okay?” She paused next to Paul and read his demeanor. He didn’t seem fearful like he was in danger but definitely appeared perplexed.
“Again, another ridiculous question,” the man stated, looking down his nose at Sophia. “How is someone supposed to answer such a broad question? By everything, do you mean the world or the current state of affairs? Or the situation in front of you presently? And okay is such a general term. Do you mean good, adequate, or satisfactory? I can’t be the only person on this Earth who craves some specifics in communications. I’ve been around enough to realize I might be the only human who uses their brain.”
Sophia was speechless from this stranger’s brazen nature. “Ummmm….”
“Sophia, this is Ren Lewis.” Paul held a hand out to the man. “He’s a friend of sorts.”
“I’m not a friend,” Ren argued. “I’m a man who is looking for a book and know Paul from various business dealings in a past life.”
Paul blinked at him. “About that. You’re supposed to be dead.”
Ren nodded. “I am.”
“But you’re here,” Paul argued.
“Accurate observation.” Ren sighed as though the conversation was ending his already short patience.
Paul scratched the side of his head. “Well, I simply can’t understand how.”
“I’m not technically dead since I merely cheated death—”
“Wait; what?” Sophia asked.
Ren rolled his eyes. “It’s a very long and mostly boring story.”
“I’d like to be the judge of that,” Sophia stated.
“Anyway,” Ren continued after shaking his head in annoyance. “To get around that whole death thing, I simply slipped into a parallel universe. I’m neither alive nor dead anymore. Technically, I’m not even here. I’m mostly a projection. However, the Great Library offers me a way to visit this realm because it exists in all realms since it, like me, bends the rules of space and time. When it recently moved, I stumbled across the new location. Now I’m here to obtain a book, and I’ll be on my way.”
“I wish you’d stay,” Paul encouraged. “I have so many questions.”
“None of which do I plan to answer,” Ren stated. “Your curiosities aren’t my concern.”
“Are you a magician?” Sophia asked.
“Of sorts,” Ren answered.
“He’s a Dream Traveler,” Paul answered.
“Oh, those people who had the Institute at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean?” Sophia asked.
“Had?” Ren shook his head. “Of course, things went to shit without me there to swoop in and save the day.”
“No, they simply moved on,” Paul explained.
Sophia was confused, but before she could ask another question, Ren regarded her with a calculated gaze that seemed to see right through her. “Who are you?”
“I’m Sophia Beaufont, a magician and a dragonrider.”
He nodded as if it made perfect sense. “I guessed as much.”
“How did you know that?” Paul asked.
“Well, she exudes a strange bit of magic that feels like a magician’s, but is a unique brand,” Ren explained. “The sword is elfin made, which made me think that she comes from an old family such as the Beaufonts. And she reeks of dragon, which is not a smell one forgets too soon.”
“You’ve been around dragons? Where?” Sophia questioned.
“In my parallel universe,” Ren answered. “I really must adhere to my rule that I won’t answer any questions. You all will have to use your imaginations to satisfy any more of your curiosities. Make something up. That’s a much better use of your brain cells than whatever repugnant things you usually use them for, I’m sure.”
“Wait, there are dragons in your parallel universe?” Sophia asked. “How many? Is there the Dragon Elite? Or other societies?”
Ren held his finger to his lip in the universal gesture for “shush.” “Imaginations, remember? Now I really must go and locate the book I’m looking for.” He turned his attention to Paul. “Point me in the direction of the unpublished version of Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus by Ludwig Wittgenstein. Not the published version, mind you. I need the one with the deleted material. Oh, and the untranslated version as well. Only that edition will do.”
Paul thought for a moment while tapping his fingers on his lips. “I think you’ll find that in Row One Hundred and Twenty-Six, Section BB16, second shelf, ten down.”
“Very good.” Ren nodded to Paul, then Sophia. “Until we meet again if such an honor is bestowed upon you.”
Before Sophia could reply, the man walked off at a brisk pace with confidence exuding from his every movement.
Chapter One Hundred Thirteen
“Now, to what do I owe the pleasure, Sophia Beaufont?” Paul bowed when Ren strode off.
Sophia glanced over her shoulder at the strange man. “He’s a charmer, isn’t he?”
Paul chuckled. “Ren Lewis is not everyone’s cup of tea, but rarely have I met someone as brilliant or powerful. I can’t say I’m surprised that he found a way to come back or that he cheated death. He is the master of finding loopholes, although I’m certain that no one will get the information out of him.”
“Maybe I need t
o read this book he’s after,” Sophia stated.
“You could try, but one would need the brain of Ren to know how to put it to use.”
Sophia nodded and pulled the soul stone they’d taken off Tanner’s dead body from her pocket. “Well, I’m here for another reason and hope you can help me make quick work of something. This is a—”
“A soul stone,” Paul stated.
“Oh, you know what it is?” Sophia regarded the amethyst-colored gem. “This might be easier than I thought. I’m looking for a book that will tell me where this specific one came from.”
“I know the book you’re looking for.” Paul strode past her, his long blue robes billowing out behind him as he walked. “However, I can tell you that specific one came from a cave in Russia, I believe. We’ll find the volume so I can check my work.”
“Oh, this is getting easier and easier.” Sophia had to hurry to keep up with the librarian as he seemed suddenly fueled by excitement.
“Yes, I haven’t seen a soul stone in a long time.” Paul halted. “What barrier are you trying to get through?”
Sophia blanched with surprise. “One that the Rogue Riders, the demon dragonriders, created when they took over the elfin homeland. Is that the only thing they’re used for? Barrier magic?”
He shook his head and continued forward. “That’s the most common purpose, but they have endless uses. It was a lucky guess on my part. I’ve been following the news about the Rogue Riders and saw that they invaded the elfin island. Made sense they would use a barrier to keep the defenders of the land from kicking them out.”
Sophia gave him an impressed look. “You’re a pretty good detective.”
“Thank you,” Paul said with a fond smile. “Education is all to blame. The more I read, the more I know how to look.”
“That makes sense,” Sophia reasoned. “Some think it’s enough to observe, but it’s a question of how most of the time.”
Abruptly, Paul turned a corner and hurried to the end of the row. “Yes, yes, this way. The soul stone section is down here. They’re fascinating little gems. They’re compressed bits of magic, a result of magic seepage from the world of Oriceran.”
“Oriceran?” Sophia questioned. The name sparked a memory. “I think I’ve been there before. It’s like a parallel universe to ours, right? Is that where Ren lives?”
“Quite possibly, but he wouldn’t say as you saw,” Paul answered. “They would have dragons there. Oriceran is like our universe but very, very different. Lots of magic everywhere, but getting there any more is nearly impossible because all the portals that connected Earth to Oriceran have been closed. When they were open, the soul stones were the result. The portals were mostly in caves, and the magic seeping through the doors as they were closed resulted in the soul stones.”
“So they’re mined then?” Sophia nearly walked into Paul when he stopped abruptly.
“Yes, and once they’re all mined, then they’ll be gone forever, I fear.” He studied the shelf in front of them while looking for a specific book.
“So they’re sort of like little batteries, aren’t they?” Sophia asked. “Little remnants of magic that people can draw on?”
“That’s correct.” Paul pulled a book from the shelf and thumbed through it. “Yes, as I suspected. This particular soul stone is from a portal that connected Earth to a place called Virgo on Oriceran. That cave is north of Saint Petersburg.” He pointed at a map in the book and smiled. “Getting there will be a challenge, but I trust you’ll weather it fine.”
Sophia smiled with appreciation. “Speaking of weather, I better go and fetch my polar bear fleece. It will no doubt be frigid there.”
Paul handed her the book and nodded. “No doubt, it will be. But the cold will probably be the least of your problems.”
Chapter One Hundred Fourteen
The sun had barely risen when Sophia stepped through the portal to the location that the soul stone book listed for the cave connecting Earth to Virgo in Oriceran.
The blast of cold air knocked the breath from Sophia’s lungs. It felt like she was inhaling ice. She was used to the cold since the Gullington was in Scotland, but this was a different cold. It was one that instantly penetrated deep into her bones and made her think she’d never be warm ever again.
That seemed a little melodramatic so she shook off the sudden chill and took in the landscape. This region of Russia was as beautiful as it was cold. In the distance, snowcapped mountains filled the sky. Green grass and rocky terrain still covered the lower hills. The upper peaks reached so high that they made Sophia hope that the cave she sought wasn’t up there.
In front of her was a long stretch of plains dotted with forest. According to the book, Sophia needed to head north and look for a bridge. Once she was there, then the way to Virgo Cave, as it was called, would be laid out. That sounded like a lesson in faith. Sophia didn’t know why the directions couldn’t be a set of coordinates for once instead of a scavenger hunt of sorts.
She shook off any reservations about the adventure that lay before her and set off for the mountains, following the direction of the compass on her phone. The frigid winds swept across the plains, howled in her ears, and made her look forward to getting to the coverage the forest ahead would provide.
It took Sophia longer than she expected to cross the flatlands, probably because it was farther than she expected and went on for miles. The cold didn’t make the trek feel any shorter since her feet felt frozen solid halfway through. There was something about feet being cold that made the rest of the body feel it more. That’s why she was grateful that she’d thought to wear one of those traditional Russian hats known as trappers. The fur-lined sides came down and covered her ears.
She and Lunis had decided that he would stay behind to recover after the adventures in the South Pacific and to rest up for the next one to come. Once Sophia got more of the soul stones, then the Dragon Elite would be headed to take back the elves’ homeland, and that would no doubt involve a battle with the Rogue Riders. However, if Lunis were there, he would have made crossing the flatlands a cinch.
What I hear you say is that you miss me, he said in her head, obviously spying on her thoughts.
Sophia laughed. I think what I was insinuating when you trespassed in my mind was that you’re an excellent form of transportation.
Do you know how to undo the effects of superglue? Lunis asked.
What did you do?
I can’t say, but it has nothing to do with my Halloween costume, Lunis explained.
I thought you were painting yourself white and going as Simi.
That was a joke, Lunis replied. I’d never do anything so boring. No, I wanted sparkles and something fabulous. I have to win the costume contest.
What costume contest?
The one that you’re putting on for the party, he stated.
What party? Sophia hurried as she got closer to the tree line.
The one you’re throwing so that I can wear my costume and win the huge prize, Lunis answered.
I’m sort of busy and don’t have the time to throw a Halloween party.
He sighed. It doesn’t have to be that big of a thing. A few streamers, some games, a huge spread of food, a DJ, and party favors.
Yeah, that doesn’t sound like a huge undertaking. Sophia giggled.
Oh, and dry ice, Lunis added excitedly. You’ll need lots of that for the haunted house.
Say what? she protested. I’m not putting together a haunted house.
He harrumphed. Then I guess you don’t really love me.
Is that how I show my love to you?
Yes, with an attempt to try and scare me with mummies jumping out of closets and half-eaten fairies crawling across bloody floors, Lunis stated. It’s not asking a lot.
I’ll see what I can do, but it’s not a chief priority. You’ll remember that I’m also working on getting your bachelor pad, Sophia explained.
Trin is doing all the work, he argued. Yo
u’re collecting the key parts.
Yeah, but I have to set up a date for her and Evan, Sophia stated.
What better place for the two to fall head over heels for each other than in a haunted house at a Halloween party? Lunis urged. Especially if you have a bunch of headless servants serving the themed food.
Wait, we have themed food now?
Naturally, Lunis answered. Spooky spider deviled eggs, mummy dogs, witch fingers, eyeball tacos, pirate pasta—oh, and everything must have pumpkin in it. Pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin bread in a mummy loaf, pumpkin soup served in a cauliflower brain bowl. You get the idea.
Unfortunately, I think I do, Sophia said dryly as she stepped into the forest. She was immediately cast in darkness and instantly got an eerie feeling. The spooky Halloween talk did little to ease her nerves as a thick mist rolled across the forest floor.
Sophia paused, thinking that the woods were too quiet all of a sudden.
Speaking of haunted, Lunis observed, seeing what she was seeing.
My thoughts exactly. Sophia was glad that it wasn’t all in her head. She took a step, and her boot snapped a twig. That made a colony of bats spring from the trees, suddenly making a ton of noise as they screeched and their wings flapped.
Oh, spooky…Lunis said with an edge to his voice.
Sophia had seen a lot and been in many a dangerous and scary situation. However, in the middle of nowhere in Russia, she suddenly felt her blood run cold with fear and not only from the low temperatures.
Sophia was suddenly glad that Lunis was in her head, making her feel less alone.
Well, I’m going to read some of my Goosebumps books, Lunis said on the heels of that thought.
You better not, she warned.
Oh, so you’re saying that you need me?
I’m saying don’t leave me, she demanded.
Fine, he acquiesced. Do you want me to read you the book?
I’d prefer less scary stuff. Sophia continued through the forest. The trees blocked the wind, but the air was thicker with a damp cold that made Sophia feel like her clothes were drenched.