by Sarah Noffke
“You did this without my permission, going off on your own and taking initiative?” Hiker asked with a threat in his voice.
Sophia bowed her head, sighing. “I’m sorry, sir. I just thought—”
“No apologies,” he interrupted. “Good work. And yes, you should check in with her.”
“She also thinks she might be able to find other ways to fight Thad, circumventing security measures and whatnot,” Sophia said, feeling proud.
“You mean, technology?” Hiker asked.
“You will have to embrace it if you’re going to fight him,” Mama Jamba said, chewing on the end of a red Twizzler.
“You have already allowed televisions into the Castle,” Ainsley pointed out.
“That’s different,” he argued. “I need information and fast, and that seemed like the best way.”
Ainsley smirked at him. “It’s only a matter of time before you’re sporting a phone and dragging around a shiny lapbottom.”
“Laptop,” Sophia corrected.
Hiker let out a weighty breath. “Yeah, I don’t think so. This is ultimately my fight with my brother, and I’ll do it the way I see fit. I don’t believe it will involve technology. However, getting to Thad might involve magitech, I’ll give you that much.”
“You think by taking down Thad, you’ll stop all the wars that are brewing?” Ainsley asked, reading one of the newspapers upside-down. “Don’t you think the wars he’s started will just continue? He’s set the balls in motion.”
For a brief moment, Sophia saw a shimmer of the person Ainsley used to be. She had been a diplomat for the elves, offering strategic advice to the Dragon Elite. It shone through for a moment, making the usually silly housekeeper appear refined and serious. Sophia wasn’t sure which version of Ainsley she preferred. Maybe a mix of both.
“But he’s the kindling, dear,” Mama Jamba explained. “Take out that which causes the fire, and the adjudicators can do what they do best. I fear if they tried to intervene now, it would be a losing battle. Hate fuels hate. It has to be erased, and then love can grow.”
Hiker nodded and gave the old woman a proud smile. “That’s the helpful advice I’ve been looking for.”
“Oh, before I forget,” Ainsley said, looking at Hiker, “you got a message from the House of Fourteen saying they are freaking out about this war business and ready to take over, since, and I quote, ‘the Dragon Elite can’t do their job.’”
He lowered his chin and regarded her with hooded eyes. “When did this message come in?”
“A few days ago,” she replied.
“Why are you just telling me now?” he questioned.
“Because you were all holed up in your office, fretting that something had happened to S. Beaufont in the Australian Outback,” she answered. “I didn’t want to add more stress.”
“I wasn’t fretting,” he argued, cutting his eyes to Sophia briefly. “As your leader, it is my job to be concerned about your wellbeing and focused on your success.”
“Right,” Ainsley chirped. “That’s why he kept pacing in his office and overworking his hair while he muttered, ‘Stay vigilant, Soph. Fight the dogs. Come back in one piece.’”
Hiker gave Sophia a sympathetic look. “I echo what you said about us having more privacy in this place.”
Chapter One Hundred Twelve
The portal Sophia had opened up between the Castle and House of Fourteen might have irritated Hiker, but it made her commute a lot easier.
She found the closet door exactly where it had been in the corridor outside her room. She didn’t need the gold token to go back and forth anymore, but she always kept it on her since she was the new keeper of the reset point.
Holding the coin in her hand, Sophia considered Hiker’s last request before she’d exited his office moments prior.
“Meet with this scientist friend of yours,” he had requested with authority. “Hopefully, she can help us find Thad. But before that, go tell the House of Fourteen they don’t need to intervene in this matter. We are in charge of world affairs. We are the adjudicators for this planet. The Dragon Elite has this.”
Sophia had been impressed by the leader of the Dragon Elite’s confidence. It had changed since Falconer Cave. Hiker appeared more like the person he had been when she saw him during the reset point at the House of Fourteen.
Then he had urged the council to take action, explaining a war was brewing, and they’d dismissed him. This made her worry that her statement to the House of Fourteen would be ignored too. If they didn’t take the leader of the Dragon Elite seriously, would they accept her word? A lot had changed since then, and the council was made up of new members. She hoped they’d be reasonable.
Sophia stepped into the closet like she had done before and closed the door. She was instantly cloaked in blackness. After a quick three count, Sophia opened the door to find the rush of old smells and sights greeting her eyes.
The House of Fourteen’s dark wooden walls and intricate crown molding was such a contrast to the Castle with its cold stone and high ceilings. Similar to the Castle, the walls of the House were decorated with paintings of its members, and there were various artifacts on display in different areas.
Ignoring all this, Sophia made her way straight to the Chamber of the Tree, wanting to catch the Council before they were dismissed.
She was surprised to find her brother Clark pacing outside the entrance to the Chamber in front of the Door of Reflection.
He glanced up as she approached, relief on his face. “There you are. You’re late.”
She halted, confused. “I didn’t realize we had a planned meeting.”
“Well, we didn’t,” he explained, leaning forward and whispering, “Hester told me Trudy saw a vision of you visiting the House of Fourteen today and that it would be my best opportunity to catch you. I figured you were coming to explain why the Dragon Elite are failing in their mission.”
Sophia let out a frustrated breath. “I have no intention of explaining anything to the council.” She’d been struggling to find the right thing to say to the House of Fourteen based on what Hiker had said, but now, she knew exactly how to play things.
“Regardless,” Clark continued in a hushed voice, “I suspect Bianca and Lorenzo are going to suggest a Dragon Elite take a place on the council.”
Sophia nodded. She remembered overhearing their conversation when she was hiding in the Mantovanis’ residence. “Yes, they think if they give us enough rope, we’ll hang ourselves, mortals will hate us, and tension will break out on the council.”
“Exactly,” he affirmed. “That’s why when they offer you a position, which I firmly believe they will, you should decline.”
“Why?” Sophia questioned. “Do you think we will screw things up and cause a revolt?”
Uncertainty crossed Clark’s face as he hesitated to answer.
“Are you serious?” Sophia nearly yelled. “You doubt us?”
He sighed. “It’s not that, Soph. Of course, I believe in you, but the Dragon Elite aren’t giving us much confidence. From our perspective, Hiker Wallace has been sticking his head in the sand, allowing Thad Reinhart to become more powerful.”
“It’s all by design,” she fibbed.
Clark pursed his lips. “But really, I think you should decline the position because then you can’t be held accountable.”
“I will decline the position, but not for that reason,” Sophia stated.
“What is the reason?” he asked.
She couldn’t help but be angry at her brother, although she knew he was just looking at things the way he always did—logically. Sophia couldn’t totally disagree with his perspective or the opinion the House of Fourteen had of the current situation. Hiker had made mistakes, but that put him in a perfect position to make better choices. She firmly believed he was the only one who could end Thad Reinhart.
What scared her, when she allowed herself to admit it, was that Thad was probably the only one wh
o could end Hiker. If that happened, she feared the Dragon Elite were done for good.
If something happened to Hiker, it would be the end of an era.
Chapter One Hundred Thirteen
The Chamber of the Tree was buzzing when Sophia stepped through the Door of Reflection a few minutes after Clark, so as to not make it obvious they had been talking.
Jude, the white tiger, stood on one side of the bench, his discerning eyes watching Sophia. Conversely, Diabolos, the black crow, took flight at the sight of her and perched close to the ceiling, which shimmered with twinkling lights.
Many of the Warriors were absent from the proceedings, off on missions. Thankfully, Liv wasn’t. It gave Sophia confidence to know her sister was there standing stoically at her back.
She strode straight into the round room, taking the position in the center between the arc of Warriors and Councilors.
“Sophia Beaufont,” Haro Takahashi began when she paused. “Have you come to update us on how the Dragon Elite is going to deal with Thad Reinhart?”
Shaking her head, Sophia put her hands behind her back. “No, I have not.”
“You haven’t?” Lorenzo Rosario asked, stroking his black goatee. “Then why are you here?”
“To tell you the situation is under control,” Sophia answered.
Bianca Mantovani laughed, a cold, high-pitched sound. “Oh, that’s too much. Even to those who don’t follow world affairs, it’s obvious you all don’t have anything under control. Mayhem is breaking out everywhere, perpetuated by—”
“We are fully aware of the global events,” Sophia interrupted.
“Then how does the Dragon Elite plan to deal with the situation that’s building?” Lorenzo asked.
“We do not answer to the Council for the House of Fourteen,” Sophia declared. “We supersede your authority, and therefore, I’m not at liberty to say.”
“With all due respect,” Lorenzo countered, his tone dripping with condescension, “we haven’t seen anything like this since—”
“Right before the Great War broke out, which made it so mortals couldn’t see magic and our history was forgotten,” Sophia cut in. “Hiker warned you it would happen, and the Council ignored him. With all due respect, the Dragon Elite aren’t in a position where we feel the need to explain our plans to you. We are back. We are prepared to handle Thad Reinhart. We plan to restore our reputation and status as world adjudicators. That is all you need to know.”
Lorenzo lowered his chin, giving her a petulant expression, suddenly making Sophia feel small. She reminded herself she wasn’t. She was a dragonrider and not the littlest Beaufont, as many from the House of Fourteen were used to seeing her. “Why can’t Hiker Wallace report to us himself?”
“That’s a good question,” Bianca agreed, looking down the bench at Lorenzo. “If the leader of the Dragon Elite wants us to have confidence in his ability to handle this situation, he should at least meet with us, especially after we sent a message to him directly.”
“He is just a tad bit busy,” Liv said at Sophia’s back.
“Warrior Beaufont,” Lorenzo scolded, “I don’t believe this matter involves you.”
“Yes, just because your little sister is here, it doesn’t mean you have to step in and save her,” Bianca added snootily.
“No one needs to save me,” Sophia said boldly. “I’m a rider for the Dragon Elite, and I’m here by order of Hiker Wallace, who is concerned with more pressing matters. He asked me to pass along to you, the House of Fourteen, that there is no need for you to intervene in the Thad Reinhart situation. It is under control, and we need no help.”
“I am sure you are correct,” Hester DeVries began in a calm voice. “However, pooling our resources might be for the best. The Dragon Elite’s numbers aren’t what they once were and fighting such a formidable force; well, it could destroy you all. We can offer assistance.” She held out her hand, indicating Liv and the others standing at Sophia’s back. “How about the help of our Warriors?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Sophia said at once. “Thank you for the offer, but as world adjudicators, we prefer to handle this situation on our own.”
“This is ridiculous!” Lorenzo exclaimed. “You are going to start a war we can’t control or extinguish.”
“No,” Sophia fired. “We are going to prevent a war.”
“What if,” Bianca began slowly, looking between the various council members, “I know we haven’t discussed this, but what if we invited the Dragon Elite to have a place on the council? It’s just an idea, but maybe then they would be more willing to share their plans and have our input.”
There was a collective murmur from the Councilors.
“We would decline such an invitation,” Sophia interrupted, making all of them go silent.
“But you haven’t even brought the request to your leader,” Lorenzo argued.
“I don’t need to,” Sophia said with conviction. “The Dragon Elite does not work for the House of Fourteen. We do not need a place on the council. Although our numbers are small, it is important you recognize the hierarchy that was set up long ago. The Dragon Elite might have been gone for a long time, but we are back now, and we rank above the House of Fourteen and every other magical organization.”
“With all due respect—” Lorenzo began once again.
Sophia rolled her eyes. “Would you stop saying that phrase since you absolutely intend disrespect by arguing with me?”
Lorenzo’s mouth hung open for a moment, his eyes wide.
“Now,” Sophia continued, “the Dragon Elite will deal with Thad Reinhart. We will reinstate order and take back our roles as adjudicators. This situation brewing worldwide is crucial to reset the stage.”
This caused a great deal of chatter around the room. Sophia paused. She had just been making things up, but this sounded perfect. Hiker had allowed Thad to start these global events because how better to debut in this century as adjudicators? It hadn’t been planned, but it made sense.
The Dragon Elite could have intervened in tons of small events to earn back their title, but it wouldn’t have been as impactful. When they settled this dispute by putting out the fires of impending wars and taking Thad down, there would be no question they were the supreme authority.
All governments worldwide would endorse them as world adjudicators once more.
Haro Takahashi leaned forward. “I hope what you say is correct, Sophia. The world needs the Dragon Elite back in power.”
“I understand you declining the position on the council,” Raina Ludwig said, glancing down the bench at Bianca. “After further thought, that’s like us inviting Father Time to have a vote when his authority surpasses ours. I apologize for any offense the offer caused.”
Sophia nodded, surprised at how she’d played things. She always thought having a seat on the council as a dragonrider would be in everyone’s best interest. If the Dragon Elite were going to come back into power, they had to claim their position, ranking above all.
Chapter One Hundred Fourteen
“That was freaking awesome!” Liv exclaimed as they walked to John’s electronics repair shop. “You socked those jerks who were trying to get all up your business.”
Sophia blushed, pushing her hair behind her ears. “Clark doubts we have the Thad situation under control.”
Liv rolled her eyes. “Good. Let him underestimate you. Let the council. That’s for the best. That way, when you crush things, they will be that much more impressed. I usually like to put myself at a serious disadvantage before I claim the decisive victory no one saw coming. It’s way more satisfying to see everyone’s face then.”
“The council has good reason to doubt us,” Sophia confessed. “I mean, I respect Hiker, but I don’t know if he can stand up to his brother when the time comes.”
“Well, you didn’t let them see that concern, which is crucial,” Liv declared.
“Yeah, it was sort of a ‘fake it until you feel it’
thing,” Sophia admitted.
Liv shook her head. “No, not at all. You were right to decline a position on the council. That would have made the dragonriders their equal, and you’re not. You were also correct not to divulge your plans for Thad Reinhart. It’s not their business. We preside over magical affairs and the Dragon Elite over mortal ones. The council has to find their place, and you did a good job of putting them there.”
Sophia’s nose twitched. “Well, honestly, between you and me, I couldn’t have told them about our plans to deal with Thad since we don’t have any. I’m hoping Alicia can help me. Otherwise, we might be screwed.”
Liv offered her an encouraging expression. “If anyone can help you locate that magitech-wielding madman, it’s Alicia. She’s been working on it nonstop, which is why your 3D printer still isn’t ready.”
Sophia laughed. “I’m okay with that, and happy to have the help.” Remembering the gift from Wilder, she smiled. “Oh, guess what I got for Christmas?”
“What?” Liv asked.
Liv clapped her hands to her chest when Sophia told her. “A man after my own heart. If he had given you chocolate or a gift card, I would have said to kick him to the curb, but a grappling hook? He’s a keeper.”
Sophia shook her head. “It’s not like that. It was just a gift, and probably only because I was the one who pushed for Christmas to happen at the Castle. I gave him a fork.”
With a laugh, Liv said, “Oh, that’s perfect. Are you going to teach him how to use it?”
“Get out of my head,” Sophia replied. “That’s what I promised him. In return, he’s supposed to teach me how to use the grappling hook.”
Liv waved her off. “Oh, you don’t need training. It’s like this: you point and shoot, then get hauled off your butt. You’re going to love it.”