by Sarah Noffke
Chapter Sixteen
Sophia thought she’d get a respite from ridiculousness for a minute or two, but the universe had other plans for her.
“I don’t like what you’ve done with our shop at all,” King Rudolf Sweetwater said to Sophia as she strode out of Heals Pills. He was dressed in a periwinkle crushed velvet tracksuit and wearing a headband as though he’d jumped out of a nineteen-nineties workout video. “This remodel is not at all to my taste.”
Sophia glanced back over her shoulder at the destroyed front of the shop with the busted glass window and broken door. “Believe it or not, this wasn’t a décor project that I authorized. It was done by vandals who don’t agree with the products we sell.”
Rudolf tilted his head, studying the destruction. Finally, a spark radiated in his eyes as if he’d finally understood something. “Oh, I see it now. You weren’t going for the broken glass and rundown design.”
“No, I’ve found the condemned look is bad for business.”
“So, vandals you say,” Rudolf mused and ran his hand over his chin. “We suspected that we’d have some trouble. I’m glad I wasn’t here to deal with it. I probably would have run.”
Sophia nodded. “No doubt. That’s the whole reason we enlisted Ramy Vance. He died ten times defending the shop. And one time being a complete moron.”
“Did he do like Serena and run out into the middle of traffic while chasing a leaf?” Rudolf asked quite seriously.
“No. Why would she do that?”
“You get your wish granted if you catch it before it lands.”
“So what was she going to wish for if she caught it?” Sophia questioned. “To not be dead?”
As though she wasn’t totally joking, Rudolf nodded. “Yes, but I told her that was a waste of a wish when we’re nearly out of whiskey, and the Captains are teething.”
“I don’t even know where to begin with that statement.” Sophia sighed, her head already hurting from the conversation. “Why would you wish for whiskey when you can go to the store? Or use a delivery service? Or I don’t know, have one of your many servants go get it for you?”
He shrugged. “Sometimes it’s fun to use wish magic. Do you know how cool it is to be standing in the middle of the street and a bottle of whiskey magically appears in your hands?”
“I don’t,” Sophia admitted.
Rudolf sighed. “Sadly, because of my wife, I don’t either. Anyway, she didn’t catch the leaf because I stopped her from running out into the middle of the busy road.” He shook his head. “She really wouldn’t survive without me.”
“Which is saying a lot if she depends on you for survival. I hope you have a good life insurance policy for her. Was the whiskey for the teething children? I thought that practice was considered a bit outdated and there were spells you could use.”
“There are,” Rudolf answered. “The whiskey was for me. Having to put up with the Captains’ constant whining because they’re cutting teeth is too much. I mean, why do they have to be such babies about the whole thing—”
“Because they are,” Sophia interjected.
“Regardless, there was this one time last week when my gorgeous locks of shiny hair lay flat on my head and couldn’t be reasoned with, no matter how much I tried—”
“You reason with your hair?” Sophia questioned.
He nodded as if this was a perfectly reasonable thing to do. “Anyway, you didn’t hear me crying about the unfortunate experience, but oh, the Captains were simply beating a dead horse about this teething thing. So yes, I needed more whiskey.”
“However do you manage with the dire circumstances that life throws at you?” Sophia asked in a sarcasm-laden tone.
Rudolf sighed dramatically. “It’s tough. I’m a real hero, that’s for sure. Where are you headed? I’ll grant you more of my presence and walk you there.”
Glancing up at the heavens, Sophia shook her head. “The blessings keep raining down on me.” She pointed down Roya Lane. “I’m headed to the Official Brownie Headquarters.”
“Oh, are you looking for a date?” Rudolf asked. “That’s where Liv went all the time when she was single and on the hunt for a man. I always told her that even though she’s short, she could probably get a regular-sized magician. Alas, she settled for Stefan, who is about as unproportioned in size as a gorilla.”
“He is not. He’s totally handsome and regular-sized.”
“Says the person who’s going to Mortimer, the Brownie, to match her with a date.” Rudolf shook his head and clicked his tongue in disappointment. “You’ll excuse me if I disqualify your opinion on the matters of attraction.”
Sophia rolled her eyes. “I’m not going to Mortimer to get a date. I have Wilder, remember?”
“Oh, that’s right,” Rudolf exclaimed and slapped his forehead, which Sophia couldn’t see doing his brain any damage—rather, any more damage. “I blocked him from my memory because he’s so attractive and it makes me mad. I also refer to him as Bob or Phil or Don. I can’t call him by his real name. It makes him even more attractive, and that’s unacceptable.”
If Sophia didn’t need Rudolf’s help with an idea she’d recently had, she’d probably ditch him since he was making her question life decisions—like the people she called friends. Namely Rudolf Sweetwater. “Anyway,” she drew out the word and made her way down the lane that was crowded with magical creatures. “I’m going to Mortimer about a case I’m working. I was also thinking about that map you made for me to find that genie’s lamp. It was really impressive…surprisingly so.”
“It wasn’t even laminated,” Rudolf argued.
“It was interactive, 3D, and the most detailed map I’ve ever seen.”
Rudolf pursed his lips. “I did that in my sleep. Imagine what I could do if I didn’t black out.”
“I almost think you working passed out is the reason for the genius,” Sophia admitted. “You got out of your way.”
“That makes sense,” Rudolf stated. “I get in my way on a daily basis.”
“Anyway, I hoped you could teach me how to make a map similar to that,” Sophia explained. “I have an idea. I have to run it by Liv, but if she approves, well, I’ll need map-making skills.”
“Okay, I’m sending the information on how to make those kinds of maps right now.” Rudolf paused in the middle of Roya Lane and simply stared at Sophia.
She halted and shook her head at the fae. “Telepathic email doesn’t work. I’ve told you that many times.”
“Not if you don’t download my messages,” he argued.
“Can you email the information over?” Sophia asked. “Have your secretary contact mine?”
He sighed. “Fine. At some point, you’re going to have to join me in the twenty-first century.”
“Using technology that doesn’t exist and living in a fantasy world?” Sophia teased.
“Exactly,” he affirmed with enthusiasm. “Speaking of, Happy New Year to you. What’s your resolution this year?”
Sophia thought for a moment. “I guess to hack my life so I have more time for important tasks and less time having silly conversations about mortals who play in the road and fae who have a bad hair hour.”
He nodded understandingly. “I hear you there. Those are such time-waster conversations.”
She turned and continued toward the Official Brownie Headquarters.
Obviously not getting the hint, Rudolf jogged to catch up with her. “Do you want to hear what my New Year’s resolution is?”
“Do I have a choice?”
“Not really. Anyway, I wanted to work this year to become a yogi, really devoting myself to spiritual, mental, psychical, and emotional practice.”
“Wow,” Sophia said, impressed. “I want this for you. Great goal.”
He pursed his lips. “However, I settled for taking two walks a week.”
Sophia laughed. “Way to really scale back the resolution there.”
“Next year, I’ll dedicate all my ti
me to clean eating, mediation, and yoga,” Rudolf sang. “This year, I’m going to ease myself into a regimen.”
“By only requiring yourself to walk two out of seven days of the week?” Sophia questioned.
“Hey, how am I supposed to know the answer to that? I didn’t say mastering complex math was my resolution,” Rudolf complained.
They paused outside the blank brick wall that led to the Official Brownie Headquarters. “I’ll leave you here, Sophia Marie. I’m off to finish my walk and nap for a few days, hence the suit.” He indicated his tracksuit. “It doubles as workout clothes and pajamas. I’m a genius.”
“That’s not my name,” Sophia corrected. “Strangely, I think you might be. Thanks in advance for the information on map-making.”
He clapped his hand on her shoulder. “Knowing that I’m helping you to sabotage Stefan Ludwig and break Liv up with him via this map, is thanks enough.”
“That’s not… Yep, I’m glad we’re on the same page.” Sophia caught herself before she told him the truth. Honestly, the fewer people who knew what she was planning was for the best. If it worked, then it would be huge for the magical community. It would hopefully change the course for the House of Fourteen for centuries to come.
Chapter Seventeen
Having had her dose of stupidity for the day, Sophia crawled through the small door into the Official Brownie Headquarters. She found the familiar reception area empty and followed the noise of a bouncing ball to the back office. That’s where she found Mortimer, the Brownie, dribbling a ball against the surface of his desk.
“Did I catch you at a bad time?” she asked. “You look busy.”
The head official for the Brownies suddenly glanced up, startled before his face transformed with pure delight. “Sophia Beaufont, Rider for the Dragon Elite. It’s a pleasure seeing you today. No, I’m not busy. I dare say, things are a bit too quiet around here as of late.”
Sophia nodded and gestured over her shoulder. “Yeah, where is Pricilla or Ticker?”
He sighed, grabbed his ball, and sat back in his seat. “They had to go into the field.”
“Oh?” Sophia asked. “To handle management issues for you?”
The Brownie shook his head. “To work. I’m understaffed with so many Brownies on strike.”
Sophia’s heart sank, and with it, so did she, into the small chair on the other side of Mortimer’s desk. “Is this about the union problems? The ones related to you helping Liv and me?”
She spied the hesitation in his large brown eyes. “It’s not on you two. Some of the Brownies don’t understand. They’re small-minded.”
“Still, it sounds like things are getting worse for you,” Sophia argued. “What can we do to help?”
“You are helping,” Mortimer explained. “By working to make the world a better place, you’re helping. That must be why you’re here. Because you want to make something better.”
“Well, I want information and thought that you could help me. But you’re already taxed and understaffed. I wouldn’t feel right about asking for more of your time and energy.”
Mortimer waved his hand dismissively. “Nonsense, Sophia Beaufont. Helping you is a chief priority.”
“Why have things gotten so much worse with Brownies going on strike?” Sophia asked.
“Well,” he squeaked, “that’s why I’m happy to help you. The criminal activity worldwide is off the charts.”
Sophia groaned and slumped in the tiny chair. She realized that she should have seen this coming with all the brewing wars. Of course, the Rogue Riders were instigating problems between nations. They also had the criminals of the world running around unchecked—especially with most police forces mobilized to address the building wars.
“What, are the Brownies blaming you for the increase in crimes?” Sophia questioned.
He nodded. “They think it’s because I supposedly helped the Dragon Elite or because I’ve helped the House of Fourteen. They don’t see that if it weren’t for that, all the things would be worse now. They’re looking for someone to blame, but don’t worry, I’m not deterred.”
Sophia smiled at this. “No, you never are. You have an unwavering spirit to impress.”
“Thank you, Sophia Beaufont!”
“I still don’t get it, though,” Sophia began. “A Brownie likes to serve good mortals. What are those on strike doing?”
“That’s the thing,” Mortimer stated. “With so much going on worldwide, there aren’t as many good mortals to serve. Well, I don’t like to think of it that way. The truth is, there are a lot of conflicts, and it’s bringing out different behavior in everyone. Even the mortals who aren’t acting from fear or self-preservation are surrounded by those who are, and it makes some…most of the Brownies who went on strike uncomfortable to be around them. Those are the ones on my staff who don’t have as much heart. There are no real dangers out there. Otherwise, I wouldn’t send my wife and son into the field.”
Sophia nodded. “I think you’re right. It sounds like those on strike are looking for any reason to give you trouble at this point. I’m sorry.”
“Again, don’t worry, Sophia Beaufont. I’ve been around for long enough to know that things get worse before they get better. Every few hundred years, we need a revolution to reset things. I’ve been feeling that we were getting to a reset point soon and here we are.”
The small chair under Sophia creaked as if it might give way from her weight, although she didn’t weigh all that much. “It had to happen on my shift, I guess.” She laughed morbidly.
“I think it happened because the Beaufont sisters are on watch duty,” Mortimer sang, as happy as ever.
“Well, I don’t like that we’re making trouble for you and your family.” Sophia felt heavy despite Mortimer’s light attitude.
He waved her off again. “It’s fine. You’re going to solve the world’s mounting tensions, get the criminals back in check, and ensure the Rogue Riders find their rightful place. Then things will be better than ever, and the Brownies on strike will be begging for their old jobs back with a renewed sense of spirit.” Mortimer leaned back in his chair, putting his hands behind his head casually. “Brownies are meant to work. That’s how we’re built—to serve. I guarantee that the ones out there on strike are going stir crazy. I bet they’re wrestling with their pride right now, wanting to have their jobs back before things are even fixed.”
Sophia released a small smile. “I wish everyone had the positive view that you do. I’d like to borrow it for a little while. I have to admit that I’m not as optimistic about fixing all these problems.”
“That’s because much of it rests on yours and the Dragon Elite’s shoulders,” Mortimer good-naturedly stated, as if he had everything all figured out—Sophia wasn’t sure that he didn’t based on the confidence he exuded. “However, it’s much easier for those who have watched you persevere time and time again in the face of danger to believe in you. You’re always on, having to figure out the solutions. Those like me get to watch the hero save the day over and over again. It’s like watching your favorite superhero movie. We always know you’re going to win because you always do.”
Sophia felt close to teetering over in the tiny chair and not because it was so unstable under her weight and size. It was the little Brownie’s unwavering confidence in her. Without knowing it, she needed to hear this endorsement. It felt like the fuel that would get her to the finish line at this point. “Wow, thank you. I don’t know what to say.”
“Well, you can start with what you need my help with,” Mortimer stated cheerfully. “Before you worry that you’re overburdening me, know that I still have thousands of Brownies out in the field, and usually all I do when you or Liv make a request is ask them to be on alert. They’re already out there and usually seeing a great deal but don’t know what to look for.”
Mortimer was doing a fantastic job of making Sophia feel better. “That’s good to know. Finding out information on this would b
enefit the mortal world’s problems and therefore I hope make your life and job easier.”
“Serving you and Liv Beaufont definitely makes my life better,” Mortimer squealed with delight.
“Well, then on that note,” Sophia began, “there’s a country in Asia where the water supply has been contaminated.”
Mortimer nodded. “I’m aware. They’re blaming it on their neighbors because it does look suspicious.”
“That’s right.” Sophia was grateful she didn’t have to go into too much detail. “I don’t think their neighbors did it, but I need more evidence that someone else is behind it.”
A glint radiated in the Brownie’s eyes. “You think it was the Rogue Riders, don’t you?”
She smiled. “You build my confidence and read my mind.”
He grinned back at her. “I’m starting to figure out how the Beaufont sisters think.” He tapped the side of his head. “You two are very crafty, and if the rest of the world were half as strategic as you, then we’d have fewer problems, more solutions, and a lot more time for laughter on our hands.”
“I look forward to a world like that.” Sophia sighed. “So you think you can put out some feelers for me on this? I need something that tells me my hunch is right or real evidence. Really whatever you can provide.”
He nodded adamantly. “Absolutely, Sophia Beaufont, Rider for the Dragon Elite. Leave it to old Mortimer and hopefully when you save the world, I can know I was a small part of it.”
Sophia stood, careful not to bump her head on the low ceiling. “I think we all know that if I save the world, I won’t only have you to credit for the victory, but most likely you to thank for it happening at all.”
Chapter Eighteen
“Seriously, I never ask you for anything,” Liv begged when Sophia entered John’s Electronic Repair shop. Her sister had her hands in the prayer position and gave Alicia, the magitech scientist, a pleading expression.
“You asked me to risk my life to stop that crazed madman in Venice,” Alicia countered, bustling around with various tools in her hand behind a workstation.