Two soul stones. Sophia rejoiced and dug harder, suddenly spurred on by her newest find.
The dirt jammed under her fingernails as she moved faster and pulled up rocks from beside the wall. Then she spotted something remarkable. As she dug deeper, Sophia realized there was a section of the wall that hadn’t been mined—the part that was underground. And there was a lot more than they needed to get her and the other three dragonriders onto the island.
As Sophia broke off the amethyst soul stones from the cave wall, she realized that she had enough for a few others to join them to face the Rogue Riders. She knew exactly who they should be—ensuring that it would be a swift and successful fight for the Dragon Elite.
Chapter One Hundred Nineteen
The sun seemed to be trying to encourage them as it shone down on the Expanse, offering a beautiful October sky. It was strange to see Liv and her husband Stefan at the Gullington, but they’d agreed to join for the upcoming mission which allowed them entry to the Dragon Elite’s grounds, per Quiet’s permission.
Sophia would have called on Liv and Stefan to pick the thistle but since they were both warriors for the House of Fourteen, their schedules didn’t really allow them the opportunity to galivant off and pick weeds in the Scottish Highlands. However, both Liv and Stefan had cleared their schedule for this mission. They both knew that if the Rogue Riders weren’t put in their place, it would make it harder for the entire magical world. They’d already created so many problems with their nefarious ways.
And of course, Liv wanted to help her sister. Stefan too.
Both could write this off as House of Fourteen business because it helped restore the elfin homeland, which fell under their jurisdiction. It was still strange to have Liv beside Sophia as she lined up and waited for Hiker to address them. However, she was working for the Dragon Elite and therefore allowed inside their border. Stefan too. His jet black hair was slicked back, the collar of his cloak pulled up to guard against the Scottish winds, although they probably wouldn’t bother him.
Sophia cut her eyes at her sister and resisted the urge to smile. They were going to do this. All together. They were going after the Rogue Riders and would push them out of where they didn’t belong. Sophia hoped it didn’t involve the extent of what happened to Tanner, but whatever it took to keep the Earth safe.
All the members of the Dragon Elite lined up with their hands behind their backs and chins held high, waiting for their esteemed leader. Beside them stood the Warriors for the House of Fourteen, less stoic but still giving respect to the pre-battle process. Beside the riders were their dragons, all standing at attention.
Sophia caught a glimpse of Hiker striding down from the Castle, and she almost started. She hadn’t expected him to be in armor, but there he was, looking like he was going to join them. More surprising than that was Ainsley striding beside him, not wearing one of her usual gowns. Instead, she had on pants and an armored top and cap, her chin held high.
They were all marching into battle on that day. Together. It was unreal. And awesome. And scary—all at the same time.
Hiker paused when he was in front of Sophia and wordlessly held out a large hand to her. Knowing what he wanted, she deposited the small bag of soul stones into his hand. He nodded in appreciation, then dispensed a soul stone to each person standing there.
“We’re about to cross a border into a land where we aren’t welcome,” Hiker began while marching along, handing a soul stone to Wilder, and Mahkah, and Evan. “But it’s a land that doesn’t belong to the Rogue Riders. They stole it— it has always, since the dawn of the elfin race, belonged to the elves. Therefore it’s imperative that we return it to them, by any means necessary.”
Hiker paused in front of Liv before handing her a single soul stone. “We don’t aim to kill, but if that’s required of us, that’s what we’ll do.”
Liv nodded and took the stone.
“I will address the leader, stating that we are the authority and putting him into check.” Hiker gave Stefan a soul stone. “The Rogue Riders have gone too far. They are an infant society that has too quickly outgrown their underpants, but today, we fix all that. Today, we show them who is in charge and where they stand on this planet. It is our Earth, and we protect it, not allowing such acts of disrespect.”
Hiker turned to Ainsley at his back and handed her the remaining soul stone. “Hopefully today we create a peaceful solution to problems. But if nothing else, we will force the Rogue Riders out from where they don’t belong, teach them a lesson, and return the elves to their home. I think we all know that having our home stolen from us is the worst thing.”
Everyone nodded, many of them looking across the green Expanse—autumn colors filled the trees though.
“Be safe, my riders,” Hiker stated, then strode over to Bell with Ainsley beside him. “To those who have elected to join us.” He turned and looked at Liv and Stefan. “Thank you. This is our war, but its end will benefit all.”
The two warriors nodded in return.
Hiker quickly turned and mounted the red dragon. Ainsley joined him, riding right behind him. Sophia strode over to Lunis, beside Simi, prepared to climb onto her dragon.
“I’ll meet you on the flip side, Soph.” Liv strode for the Barrier where she would create a portal to the island.
Sophia nodded. “Thank you. You know what to do? Like we discussed?”
Liv winked over her shoulder. “This isn’t my first rodeo. I remember the plan. Don’t worry. Stef and I got this!”
Sophia smiled, grateful to have her sister’s help. Again she was about to mount Lunis when there was an interruption at her back. Someone called for her from the Castle. Sophia turned to see Trin racing in their direction. She was holding something up.
Sophia paused, then went over to the cyborg. “What is it?”
“I found another piece of the key,” Trin stated while looking over Sophia’s shoulder. Her eyes latched onto Evan before returning to Sophia.
“That’s great!” Sophia exclaimed. “So one more then.”
Trin nodded. “I’ll search while you’re gone. Be safe Sophia, and return in one piece.” In an uncharacteristic expression of affection, the housekeeper threw her arms around Sophia’s shoulders and held her tight. Sophia was so startled by the gesture that at first, she didn’t know what to do, but finally wrapped her arm around Trin, feeling the flesh of her back as well as the metal.
“Thanks,” Sophia said in a whisper.
Trin pulled away and gave her a meaningful look. “Take care of each other. Don’t let anything happen to any of you.” There was conviction in Trin’s eyes.
Sophia took the metal piece of the key from her and smiled. “Don’t worry. We will. When we return, get out your party dress because we’re going to have a Halloween party, but I’m doing all the cooking so don’t worry about getting your hands dirty. It will be festive and fun.”
The smile that graced Trin’s face transformed her and made her look purely human. “That would be great. It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a real party.”
Chapter One Hundred Twenty