by Sarah Noffke
Right, Sophia stated, looking around. Does she have to talk in riddles?
I’m certain that it goes with the job description, he replied.
Sophia stepped through the Barrier, used to the strange feeling that always accompanied reentering the Gullington. A weight seemed to fall off her chest as she took in the Castle in the distance across the Expanse. She loved this place unlike any other, ever before. And it was unfathomable that she could ever love another place more.
She was fondly taking in the many curves of the Expanse, having memorized the gentle slopes of the hills over the last several weeks, when something in the distance caught her eyes.
The sun was starting to set over the Pond, making her think that the shadows were playing with her eyes. However, the more she focused, the more she made out the figure of the groundskeeper hurrying across the Expanse. She would have dismissed the sight entirely, thinking he was simply doing one of his many jobs, but he kept looking over his shoulder like he was worried someone was following him.
“Is that what Mae Ling was referring to?” Sophia asked aloud, mostly to herself.
Follow him, and you’ll find out, Lunis instructed.
You’re excellent at spying from the sky, she suggested. Why don’t you come out and watch?
Because every time I do, he notices me, Lunis explained. He holds the dragons in great revere.
As he should, Sophia stated.
But my point is that my presence won’t go unnoticed by the gnome, Lunis said. However, you can practice your stealth and follow him.
Okay, Sophia confirmed, hurrying across the Expanse in the direction of the groundskeeper.
There were few trees between Sophia and Quiet, so every time he turned around, she had to drop to the ground, hoping he didn’t notice her following him. She was absolutely tired of eating dirt lately, but she guessed that it was for a good reason in this case.
Quiet seemed to be up to something, which was curious. The gnome was very mysterious in the first place, always seeing what went on but never talking. Sophia could only wonder what he could be doing in secret. She trusted everyone at the Gullington, even if she didn’t understand them, but she wondered if this blind faith would get her in trouble. She shook off the doubt seeking to edge into her mind and hurried after the gnome as he made his way down closer to the water’s edge.
Her enhanced speed brought her across the grounds soundlessly. It was only when Sophia was almost to the cliffs that she realized the gnome had turned to face her directly, his eyes narrowed in her direction. For some reason, the scolding expression on his face immediately filled her with regret, as if she’d disappointed a parent figure.
He’d caught her, and his face stated he wasn’t happy about her spying.
The groundskeeper mumbled something that Sophia couldn’t hear, even with her enhanced senses.
Then he snapped his fingers and she disappeared, to find herself lying in her bed in the Castle.
Chapter Nineteen
Bolting upright, Sophia looked around frantically, trying to understand how the gnome had transported her. She didn’t think that was allowed within the grounds of the Gullington.
Running her hands over the covers to her bed to ground herself, Sophia confirmed she was actually in the Castle. She breathed in the comforting smell of the place, realizing that she missed it, even though it hadn’t been that long. Still, the scents from Los Angeles had been in her nose, congesting her. She thought what she needed most was a nice hot shower so she could wash the ash out of her hair and the strangeness of events from her mind. Maybe then she could reassemble everything she had learned so she could make sense of it.
Sophia might have boiled herself in the hot shower, but for some reason, she felt like she needed to have it really hot. There were so many things bouncing around in her head that she was hoping something would simmer to the surface in her mind.
What had happened to the dragon eggs? Thad Reinhart was behind it, but who was working for him? And what were they doing with the eggs? Sophia worried that they were going to be destroyed, but hopefully not before she found them. They couldn’t stand to lose a single dragon.
Then there was the explosion that she narrowly missed being a part of. Just a few more seconds and she would have gone up with the shop. She definitely had someone to thank for saving her, but who, she wasn’t sure.
And she knew that she owed Mae Ling some gratitude, but the woman didn’t work through normal means, even in the magical world.
More curious than almost any of that was the groundskeeper. He was up to something. Maybe he was covering something up. It was unclear what, but he definitely didn’t want Sophia to know about it, which was why he’d been able to transport her when she didn’t think that was an option in the Gullington.
Stepping out of the shower, Sophia could hardly see a thing. She had fogged up the bathroom so badly that it was hard to make out where the sink was.
Drying off, she made her way to the sink, wishing there was a vent fan. A moment later, the Castle had installed one in the bathroom, and it was sucking up the steam.
Sophia smiled, loving how magically beautiful the Castle was. Well, for her anyway. All she had to do was wish for something and the Castle read her thoughts, making it happen. For Hiker, it wasn’t so easy.
She wanted to wish for Hiker to get a break, but Sophia knew that the Viking and the Castle had to work things out on their own. She couldn’t fix his problems for him.
Lost in thoughts about Hiker and the Castle, Sophia went to brush her teeth when she noticed something on the mirror in front of her.
Written in the condensation on the glass was a message. It read, Go to Chimerick’s Bar and Grill on Roya Lane. Love, Mae Ling.
Sophia read the message twice through.
The crazy nail technician was correct. There was no way that she would have missed that message, but still, its delivery was strange. Like, did she actually want to take a hot, hot shower, or was that something she was spelled to do to make the bathroom steamy? All the mystery crowded her mind.
Sophia shrugged it off and began to get ready. She needed to put on her clothes and get to Roya Lane. Apparently, she’d find a lead for the dragon eggs at Chimerick’s Bar and Grill.
Maybe she’d start getting a lot more answers and fewer questions.
Chapter Twenty
Roya Lane was a hidden street in London that was home to many magical shops, headquarters, and lots of other strange activity. Liv spent a lot of time on Roya Lane, hunting down leads or chasing bad guys.
Sophia hadn’t been out of the House of Fourteen a lot, thanks to her protective big brother Clark who was afraid someone would notice that she had her magic at a young age. Therefore, this was Sophia’s first time on the magical street.
She tried to cover her awe as she strode through the portal and witnessed the multitude of strange sights around her. There was a woman on the corner who was turning chickens into strange sweaters that laid eggs. Down the block from her was an elf pushing a cart that appeared to sell light bulbs that gave their owners “bright ideas.” All down the lane there were many other sights that called for Sophia’s attention.
However, she worked hard to keep herself focused, searching for Chimerick’s Bar and Grill.
“You look lost,” a voice said at her shoulder.
Sophia was about to tell whoever it was that she was fine when she turned to find a person she simultaneously adored and loathed, if such a combination could exist.
“Oh good, it’s you,” she said, trying to inject pleasure into her voice.
“At your service, Lady Sophia,” Rudolf said, dropping into a low bow.
“How are the triplets?” she asked.
“They are really quiet,” he offered. “I can’t understand a word they say.”
“Is that because they are still in your wife’s stomach?”
He shrugged. “How am I supposed to know how science works? So, where are
you headed?”
“I’m looking for…” Sophia was about to ask for directions to Chimerick’s Bar and Grill but remembered something. “Actually, I need to talk to Papa Creola. Doesn’t he have a shop on Roya Lane?”
“He does,” the fae answered, stroking his blond hair out of his face. “But why wouldn’t you just ask your sister where to find him? She is best buds with Father Time.”
Sophia shook her head. “Actually, I was hoping Liv wouldn’t find out about this. It’s sort of a surprise.”
“Oh, I’m awful at keeping surprises,” Rudolf admitted. “Don’t tell me any more or I’ll ruin it. It’s like that one time that Liv told me she was getting you a summer beach house for your birthday, and I accidentally told you.”
“She hasn’t gotten me a beach house for any of my birthdays,” Sophia said.
He covered his face. “Oops. Wait, it’s for your next birthday. My bad. There, I did it again.”
“Okay, well, how about you just forget about this conversation after we’re done,” Sophia suggested. “For now, will you simply tell me where to find Papa Creola? I need to ask him something.”
Rudolf plugged his ears. “Say no more. I don’t want any information I can divulge.” He indicated with his chin toward the end of the Lane. “Look for the Fantastical Armory. That’s Subner’s shop, his assistant. If Papa Creola can be found, it will be there.”
“Thank you,” Sophia said, finding that interaction with Rudolf strangely helpful and surprisingly painless.
“By the way, I don’t think you’ve abandoned your family at all for the Dragon Elite, despite what jerks on the council for the House of Fourteen say,” Rudolf called from down the lane.
Sophia narrowed her eyes. “Who has said that?”
“Oh, no one. Just those who miss seeing you around and think that you’ve joined a dying group of crusty old men when the House of Fourteen is fighting the real fight.” He covered his mouth, his eyes bulging. “I’ve said too much again, haven’t I?”
She let out a measured breath. “Just a smidge.”
“Forget it all,” he said, zipping his mouth with his fingers. He murmured a goodbye as he waved.
Sophia shook her head at him as she waved back, heading in the direction of the Fantastical Armory. “Thank the angels that man is pretty and sweet, or otherwise he might be completely useless.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Sophia knew that Father Time had regenerated recently, changing his appearance. Whereas before he took on the look of a gnome, he currently was in the form of an elf.
She entered the Fantastical Armory, thinking her attention would be on finding Papa Creola. However, she was immediately overwhelmed by the incredible collection of weapons on display in the shop.
“What can I help—” the elf who had greeted her appeared to be cut off by pure amazement. He had long stringy brown hair and was wearing cut off shorts and a T-shirt that said, “If the climate can change, then so can you.”
“Subner?” Sophia asked, squinting at the tall figure.
“Little Sophia?” he asked, shaking his head at her. “Is that you?”
She smiled, not really recognizing Papa Creola’s assistant, but seeing a familiarity in his eyes. “I’m not that little anymore, am I?”
He shook his head. “Not at all. What brings you this way? Looking for Liv? I think she’s gone up to heaven.”
“What?” Sophia asked, her heart suddenly racing.
He shook his head. “Sorry. I mean on a field trip. She got a special pass from Papa Creola. He needed her to negotiate with the angels on some deal they have been going back on.” He tilted his head to the side, cupping his mouth. “Between you and me, never make business dealings with angels. They will bat their eyelashes, and you’ll be too enamored to negotiate over the good stuff.”
“I thought it was angels who made the dragonriders,” Sophia said.
“They did,” he stated, shaking his head. “And sorry if that’s offensive to you. The angels are all right for the most part, but I just wouldn’t go into business with one, if you know what I mean.”
“Thanks for the advice,” Sophia stated. “And I’m not looking for Liv, but I’m glad she’s only in heaven visiting. Is that even allowed?”
“Perk of working for Papa Creola,” Subner stated. “She had to sign a ten-thousand-page non-disclosure agreement. Believe me, we heard about that for ages.”
Sophia giggled, picturing Liv complaining about such things. “Well, I was actually hoping to talk to Papa Creola if he’s here.”
Subner studied her. “You want to ask him a favor, don’t you?”
She didn’t know if she should fess up or not.
His eyes flicked to Inexorabilis on her hip. “Oh, I get it. Yeah, he’s totally not going to do that.”
Sophia’s eyes bulged. Her sister’s friends were the strangest, most awesome people, and also infuriating. “You already know what I want?”
“Well, I can guess,” he stated. “I mean, you haven’t bonded to the elfin-made sword that once belonged to Guinevere Beaufont, but you really want to. And the only way to do that is to undo the act it did to bond with her, which is why you’re here because only Father Time can reverse such a large act.”
“How do you know all that?” Sophia asked with disbelief.
He held out his arm to the shop. “I own and operate the best armory in the world. It’s my business to know weapons. And without even touching that sword, I know that you have to reverse the act that banished the Phantom from this world. Papa Creola won’t do it.”
Sophia deflated. “Well, then maybe you can help me find a new sword because I can’t progress in my training without bonding to my own.”
“Don’t lose hope yet, young dragonrider,” Subner stated thoughtfully. “I said that Papa Creola wasn’t going to bring back the Phantom under those circumstances. However, when your mother killed him, she didn’t know something of great importance.”
“Which is?” Sophia asked.
“Well, she simply slew him, which was understandable,” Subner explained. “He was creating havoc in the world and needed to be stopped. It was only after he was gone that we learned his horn was a supreme source of power that could erase evil in certain places of the world. Yet, once he was slain, his horn died. If we had known, Guinevere would have been instructed to harvest the horn first and then slay the beast.”
Sophia’s heart leapt with hope. “So if I tell Papa Creola that I want to bring the Phantom back so I can get the horn and then kill him, you think he’ll go for it?”
“It’s worth a shot,” Subner stated.
Sophia smiled broadly at him. “Thank you. That’s so helpful.”
She had remembered Liv saying that Subner was cold and unhelpful for the most part to her. But that hadn’t been her experience. Maybe it was being a dragonrider that put things in her favor.
“Now…” Subner said, leaning forward. “Now that I’ve helped you, I’m hoping that maybe you can help locate a weapon for me that’s housed at the Gullington.”
Sophia sighed. And there it was, she thought.
Of course, he had been nice to her. Subner wanted something. It was fine, though, she realized. As long as she was making progress.
“Tell me what the weapon looks like, and I’ll keep an eye out,” Sophia offered.
He pointed at her pocket. “I’ve gone ahead and sent a description to your phone. Thanks so much.” The elf walked for the back just as the door behind the counter opened.
A man she didn’t recognize strode out of the back, his long ponytail swishing as he placed buds in his ears.
“Papa, you have company,” Subner stated, pointing in Sophia’s direction.
Father Time looked up at her, blinking. “Oh, well, if it isn’t the new version of Sophia Beaufont. I was getting tired of seeing you in that little girl form.”
“Ummm, what?” she asked, confused.
He stretched his neck back an
d forth, looking like he was getting ready for a run in his shorts and jogging shoes. “Well, it’s just that I see you in this form in most of the visions, so it was always weird when you were little. Kind of like seeing a person as a fetus. You’re just like, hurry up and get on with it.”
“Right,” Sophia said, drawing out the word, not used to this version of Papa Creola. Subner was enough of a change, but the hippie, athletic version of Father Time was going to take some getting used to.
“What can I do for you?” Papa Creola asked, stretching his calves.
“I’ve come to make a request of you,” Sophia began, injecting hope into her voice.
Chapter Twenty-Two
After Sophia made her case to Papa Creola, he remained quiet, giving her a studious expression. She wanted to keep talking, coming up with more reasons that he should do what she asked, but she’d learned the art of negotiation from Liv and knew that silence was a golden commodity when it came to discussions.
Past the point of uncomfortable silence, Papa Creola remained quiet. Sophia desperately wanted to interject one more point or argument, but instead, she simply continued to gaze at the oldest entity on Earth, besides Mother Nature, of course.
“Okay,” Papa Creola finally said. “I’ll make you a deal.”
Sophia finally drew in a breath. “I’m listening.” She tried not to appear anxious or excited.
“I, of course, will want the Phantom’s horn,” he began.
“Of course,” she said, nodding.
“But that kind of spell to reverse events is very costly for the spectrum of time,” he stated. “Which means, I’ll need some extra power to fuel it.”
“I can stop by the coffee shop and get you a double espresso before you hand off the spell,” Sophia joked.
He scowled at her. “You have your sister’s humor.”
“Thank you,” Sophia said, realizing that he didn’t intend this as a compliment.