The Unrelenting Fighter (Unstoppable Liv Beaufont Book 7)

by Sarah Noffke

  “Electricity and I don’t mix,” Papa Creola said, picking up a long pipe from a side table.

  “So this is your office,” Liv said, staring around. “I expected some bookshelves. Maybe a few pictures of the Big Bang or the birth of civilization, or at least a painting of some deer grazing in a meadow.”

  Papa Creola lit the end of the pipe with the tip of his finger and blew out a few rings.

  Liv waved her hand through the air, fanning away the smoke. “Hey, you may be timeless, but I’m not. Can you blow that over there?”

  The little gnome offered her a subtle smile. “You won’t die from smoke inhalation, Liv. And I don’t believe your death will be anytime soon, although multiple factors are in play with your fate that I can’t account for. Your path is a tricky one to predict.”

  “Is this like one of those conversations normal people have with their boss where they discuss their future?” Liv asked. “I haven’t made out a five-year plan, but maybe we have to do my performance report first.”

  “What is it you smell in here?” Papa Creola asked.

  Liv drank in the scent. “It’s vanilla.”

  He nodded. “Yes, and what does it bring to mind for you?”

  “Memories from my childhood,” Liv said, and strangely found herself lying down on the couch, pulling her boots off and resting comfortably.

  “Good memories, I suspect?”

  Liv nodded, closing her eyes and seeing images flash in her mind. Things she’d forgotten. Her parent’s smiling down at her. Rays of sunlight dancing around Sophia as she played in the grass as a baby. Liv sneaking into Clark’s room because she couldn’t sleep.

  “There is a part of you that is timeless,” Papa Creola explained. “It doesn’t age. It always was, and always will be. That is where your magic comes from. Those memories are tied to that part of you.”

  “Meaning what?” Liv asked, resting her hands on her chest, feeling it rise and fall as she grew more comfortable.

  “Meaning those are your greatest strengths,” Papa Creola answered. “Thinking about those memories will provide you with great power.”

  Liv’s eyes popped open from a sudden thought. “Mortals don’t have magic, though.”

  “That’s correct.”

  “Well, what are their memories tied to? Don’t they have a timeless aspect to them?” Liv asked, worry suddenly coating her voice.

  “Ah,” Papa Creola stated, understanding in his voice. “They used to. Mortals don’t have to have magic to be tied to it. It is the fifth element, and the very one they govern.”

  “I think you just lost me,” Liv stated.

  “What element do magicians own?”

  “Wind,” Liv answered at once.

  “And gnomes?” he asked.

  “Fire, of course,” Liv stated. “And fae and elves have water and ice. The giants are in charge of earth.”

  “Very good,” Papa Creola praised. “That’s correct. And mortals own the element of magic.”

  “How is that possible if they can’t use magic?” Liv asked, growing more confused.

  “Who better to govern magic than the race who isn’t affected by it?” Papa Creola asked.

  “But mortals can’t see magic anymore,” Liv stated. “It’s been erased for them. The history has been covered up.”

  “I see you’ve taken up your parents’ crusade,” Papa Creola declared proudly.

  “Why haven’t you been helping with this?” Liv fired back at once, an accusatory quality to her voice.

  Papa Creola blew out a plume of smoke. “It isn’t my place. The great war was between mortals and magicians. It is they who must resolve it. And unfortunately, I have my own battles to fight connected to this all.”

  “Back to my question about mortals,” Liv continued. “If they can’t see magic, how can they govern it?”

  “They can’t. Not anymore,” Papa Creola stated. “Every year, magic decreases worldwide because of this.”

  “I don’t understand,” Liv stated. “I still have my magic.”

  “Because you have your memories,” Papa Creola stated. “You’re connected to that timeless aspect of yourself. However, even with that, your magic would fade for you at some point without mortals. If we erase a single race, the element connected to them will eventually fall away. If we kill all the giants, earthquakes will become an hourly occurrence. Wipe out magicians, and the wind will cease to blow. If there were no gnomes, over time, no one would be able to start a fire. You get the idea, right?”

  Liv nodded. “I think so. But mortals aren’t extinct. They have just been made to forget magic.”

  “Which is why the element still exists,” Papa Creola imparted. “The few mortals who can see it help to keep it alive, but even then, over time, it will fade the longer it is kept hidden from mortals.”

  This was a lot to process, and yet it made a lot of sense. Liv took a deep breath, enjoying the familiar scent wafting through the air. “Why does it smell like vanilla in here?”

  “It doesn’t,” Papa Creola answered simply. “You simply smell that which triggers your memories. That is the power of the Great Hourglass.”

  Liv pointed to the large object suspended over the fireplace. “That’s it? Is it like a world clock?”

  “It is the hourglass of our world,” Papa Creola stated. “When the last granule of sand falls through its bottleneck, time will end for all things.”

  “It seems like we’re doing okay,” Liv observed, noticing how neither level changed as the sand sifted through from the top to the bottom.

  “I agree,” Papa Creola stated. “It does seem like we’re okay. Since you stopped Shitkphace, the Great Hourglass has recovered. Not so long ago, it looked quite different than it does now.”

  “Really?” Liv asked, sitting up and eyeing the instrument more closely. “Like we were running out of time?”

  “Yes, and the time-space continuum is a fickle thing,” Papa Creola said. “It changes rapidly depending on what happens. When you stopped Shitkphace, things returned to normal.”

  “I guess you don’t need me to run you through what happened in Venice, do you?” Liv questioned.

  “I think it’s fair to say that I figured it out on my own,” Papa Creola said, a hint of laughter in his voice.

  “But mortals,” Liv stated. “They are separate from this business with time. They relate to magic itself, don’t they?”

  “Yes, and the longer things continue the way they are, the more risk magic has of disappearing forever,” Papa Creola stated. He shrugged. “I guess that wouldn’t be the end of the world, but it would be the end of me and Plato and portals, and many other things in your world.”

  “Then it would be the end of my world,” Liv said with a sudden realization. Her present world had changed so much from what it used to be. It was all dependent on magic, even if she hadn’t realized it then. “What would happen if you ended?”

  “There would be chaos,” Papa Creola answered. “No repercussions. No laws to time. No ways of fixing problems in the past, present or future.”

  “So we can’t allow anything to happen to magic,” Liv said with conviction. “I have to figure out how to fix mortals so they can see magic. I have to find out how to uncover the history.”

  “I’m afraid, Liv, you have much more to do than that,” Papa Creola said, a heavy weight in his voice suddenly. “You have to restore balance to the House. But yes, first you must wake mortals up and recover the lost history.”

  “Any suggestions on how to do this?” she asked.

  “Stay connected to that part of you that is your source of magic,” Papa Creola stated.

  “Yes, my memories, because that’s my power.”

  “Oh, and it doesn’t hurt to have a mortal around you who can see magic,” he added.

  John, Liv thought. Of course, he was helping to fuel my magic.

  Was that why her magic was stronger than most? Because she was connected to a mortal
who could see magic? Who was possibly one of the mortal Seven?

  Liv had so many questions running through her head that she could hardly sit still. She popped up to her feet and began pacing.

  “Another question,” Liv began.

  “Why am I still hiding in a dark basement if I came out of hiding?”

  She nodded.

  “Because I have an enemy I don’t entirely know how to fight,” Papa Creola explained.

  That admission sent a chill down Liv’s spine. She could hardly fathom an entity who gave Papa Creola pause.

  “Is this villain more powerful than you?” Liv asked.

  “He has powers that are different than mine, and he isn’t afraid to take casualties, I believe.”

  “So you’re hiding from him,” Liv stated with disappointment. She’d thought Father Time had changed.

  “Charging into battle when I don’t know what I’m up against isn’t very wise,” he explained. “I’m more confident than ever that something evil seeks to destroy me so that he can bend the laws of time.”

  “But wouldn’t that ruin time for everyone?” Liv asked.

  “It would create chaos, like we spoke about earlier, which for some would allow them to have what they want,” Papa Creola stated. “You understand that the world thrives on balance. There is no good without bad. No light without dark. No past without a future. Others don’t see this, and think the rules simply hold them back.”

  “But if we all lived forever or defied time, there would be no justice in the world.”

  Papa Creola smiled at her, his eyes twinkling. “And that’s why you are my first recruit. You intrinsically want what’s good for all. Not because it’s right. Not because I state it’s the law. But rather, because you know it to be what’s good and true.”

  “So, what now?” Liv asked, her anxiety bounding out of her chest. “You’ve got someone after you. I’ve got mortals to fix. There’s so much to do. But is there another mission that threatens the Great Hourglass?”

  Father Time gazed for a long moment at the object over the mantle. He finally shook his head. “Not for now. It’s time that you return to the mission that brought you to the House of Seven.”

  “What brought me to the House was that I had to take on the role as Warrior because Reese and Ian had been murdered or whatever,” Liv said, suddenly on edge.

  “No, that wasn’t what brought you,” Papa Creola argued. “Think back. What was it?”

  Liv gave it a moment, trying to remember the not-so-long-ago events, although they felt like hundreds of years ago. So much had changed. Liv had changed. “My parents…”

  He nodded. “You have done well in your training, making contacts, and fighting as a Warrior. But the time has finally come for you to discover their full story.”

  “You mean, to find out who murdered them?”

  “Knowing the past will be the only way to progress for you in this scenario,” Papa Creola explained. “Other things have taken precedence up until this point. The House had missions for you. I had a mission for you. There will be others. However, now it’s time you put all of your energy into picking up where they left off.”

  “The sword…” Liv said, thinking of Inexorabilis.

  “Yes, I believe Subner is ready to advise you about your mother’s weapon.”

  Chapter Thirty-Three

  Liv’s lungs ached by the time she reached the top of the stairs. She took a few extra moments to catch her breath before she reentered Subner’s shop.

  “Seriously, that man needs an elevator down to his office,” Liv said to the gnome as he hurried over to shut the door to the shop and lock it.

  “What did you smell when you were down there?” he asked, pulling the drapes closed.

  “Vanilla.”

  Subner nodded. “That’s a good one. I smell homemade chocolate chip cookies.”

  It was chilling to Liv that everyone was merely a collection of their memories. That those were our powers. And it actually made sense. At the end of the day, all anyone has is time. Possessions and riches and fame matter very little without time. Therefore, it is how we spend it that counts. It is the memories we hold that grant us power.

  “So you figured out which guy made my mother’s sword?”

  “Woman,” he corrected.

  Once Subner had returned to the counter, he withdrew Inexorabilis, managing the sword with great ease even though it was much bigger than him. “It has taken me more time than I would have thought, but I’ve been able to determine the maker of the sword. Only she will be able to retrieve the memories your mother locked into the blade.”

  Based on the intensely serious expression on Subner’s face, Liv guessed he didn’t have good news for her. “Is the elf dead?”

  To her relief, he shook his head. “No, but she does live a great distance from here, in a place that can only be reached through actual travel, not by portal magic.”

  Liv nodded. “I’d expect no less. I’ll have to cross pits of fire and battle cyclops, won’t I?”

  He lifted a single eyebrow. “Why, yes. How did you know?”

  “I’m sort of good about guessing how the gods will design my missions,” she stated. “Usually it involves impossible aspects and something humiliating, like carrying around a chicken.”

  “It makes for good stories if nothing else,” Subner said, offering her a rare smile.

  “Yes, I’m a riot at dinner parties.”

  “The maker, an elf by the name of Hawaiki Topasna, is ancient,” Subner explained. “She was one of the first to settle the islands in Polynesia. However, she’s since gone into hiding.”

  “Of course she has,” Liv said with a sigh.

  “Currently, she lives on an island most think is uninhabited, called Lehua,” Subner continued.

  “But if I cross over a volcano and chant the right phrases she’ll appear, right?” Liv asked.

  He gave her a questioning look. “No, even then she’ll probably avoid you or hex you. It’s hard to say.”

  “My mother couldn’t have had a nice, welcoming elf on Roya Lane make her sword, could she?”

  “Hawaiki is one of the best sword-makers of her time,” Subner offered. “This is evidenced by the craftsmanship. I don’t usually admire a sword that isn’t gnome-made, but this one is one of the finest I’ve ever seen. The only sword I would put ahead of it is the giant-forged sword you call Bellator.”

  Liv’s eyes darted to her sword on her belt. There was little reason to argue with Subner about who had made her sword.

  “So this Hawaiki,” Liv began. “Once I find her—”

  “If you can find her,” Subner cut in.

  “Right,” Liv grumbled. “If I can find her, how do I get her to help me?”

  “That’s a good question,” Subner stated. “She’s not going to want to get mixed up in what that sword shares.”

  “Of course, she won’t,” Liv stated. “That would be too easy.”

  “I suspect the memories your mother sealed into the sword will have far-reaching effects, or she wouldn’t have used what would have been an incredible amount of power to do so.”

  The words Liv had heard upon picking up the sword on the Matterhorn came back to her—her mother’s words: “The future belongs to you, my child. To our family. I have buried memories deep within this sword, and only an expert can uncover them. But be careful. What you discover can’t be unlearned, and it will change everything.”

  “Yes, I believe you’re right,” Liv said after a long pause.

  “I know little about Hawaiki, but I have heard many rumors,” Subner stated.

  “Like that she prefers dark chocolate over milk and will fold for a box of fresh donuts?” Liv asked.

  He shot her a serious expression.

  “What?” Liv asked. “I mean, if I lived on a remote island in the middle of nowhere, I’d probably kill for some Krispy Kremes. I’m just saying.”

  “No, what Hawaiki has long sought af
ter is not something just anyone can provide for her,” Subner explained.

  “Hey, depending on where you live, it’s not easy to get those donuts,” Liv stated. “You know there aren’t any Krispy Kreme stores in North or South Dakota?”

  Subner blinked at her. “That’s fascinating information, which I’m certain will be of zero use to me ever.”

  “Hey, you never know.”

  “As I was saying, Hawaiki has long desired something,” Subner said. “I believe if you can offer it to her, she’ll recover the memories and information hidden in the sword.”

  “Should I guess, or do you just want to tell me?” Liv asked.

  “What Hawaiki wants is something rare that most have never seen,” Subner went on.

  “Yes, yes, I’m sensing the theme here,” Liv stated. “Is it expensive too?”

  “I do not know the value of these, or even where to look.”

  “This is on par with the kind of helpful information you offer me. Remember when you wanted me to find your weapons collection but didn’t know where I should look or who took them? Oh, that was fun.”

  Not impressed, Subner pursed his lips. “Hawaiki desires a miniature dragon.”

  “Oh, cool,” Liv said. “So not a regular dragon, which I can’t really provide, but specifically a miniature one.”

  “They are incredibly rare—”

  “You’ve mentioned that,” Liv interrupted.

  “And they hold powers that normal dragons don’t,” Subner stated. “Ones that are only unlocked when they bond with their rightful master.”

  Liv let out a weighty breath, realizing she was going to need to brush up on this subject in Mysterious Creatures. She didn’t know where she’d find a miniature dragon, only that she would. Somehow…

  Chapter Thirty-Four

  It was strange to find Alicia in John’s shop when Liv arrived. Weird in the best way. She was loving the way her life was folding together, the mortals and the Warrior cases. No more were her old life and her new one compartmentalized. They all blended together.