by Sarah Noffke
“Well, this will take some doing, but you came to the right place,” Bermuda began. “If you just give us a few weeks, we should have something that will work.”
“A few weeks?” Liv protested. “The little guy, who isn’t that little anymore, is demanding something right away. Sophia thinks his growth and well-being depend upon him having the right environment.”
“Which means her growth and well being do too,” Bermuda said, running her hand over her sturdy chin.
Liv noticed that Rory was swaying a bit, indecision making his face contort. “Ro, is everything okay?”
He glanced at her. Nodded. “Yeah, it’s just that I also anticipated this. And I know dragons prefer real locations, which is why you creating an artificial environment in your place won’t work.”
“No. Magicians glamour everything so that it appears to be something else, but it’s not real,” Bermuda said smugly.
“Well,” Liv began, “I wanted to put a real volcano in my living room, but as you can imagine, John was against the idea. He said his insurance would go through the roof.”
A laugh actually popped out of Rory’s mouth, earning him yet another murderous glare from his mother. He covered his mouth and straightened. “Right. And since giants can create real landscapes using our elemental magic, I took it upon myself to fix up the backyard.” He held out his hand, directing them to the kitchen, where the backdoor was located.
“Son, is this what you’ve been working on in your spare time?” Bermuda asked, her voice rising an octave.
“Mum, I knew it would be important for Sophia and the dragon,” he argued.
“But the family business,” Bermuda stated. “No wonder you’re losing clients. When your father ran it, there was never time for side projects.”
Liv sped for the kitchen. “Right, let’s check out this backyard remodel. I’m curious to see what you’ve done, Rory. Did you install a firepit and a pool? I bet Keith would like those.”
“It’s nothing, really,” Rory said, his voice having lost any positivity.
“Really, Rory, if you’re going to spend your extra time on things, I really wished it would be—”
“Simply incredible,” Liv interrupted when she opened the backdoor and saw what Rory had created.
Chapter Thirteen
The backyard, which had been amazing before with overflowing vegetable beds and fruit trees, was now a jungle oasis. On the full acre behind Rory’s house was a pit of lava, bordered by a babbling brook than ran down from the hills surrounding the yard. There were trees with lush foliage, and vines hung between them, creating shade from the sun. There were even patches of soil where toads and other animals jumped around. It was exactly what Sophia’s dragon had wanted.
A dragonfly sped past Liv’s head, chasing a mosquito, suddenly making her feel like she was deep in a forest and not in a backyard in the middle of East Los Angeles.
“Wow, Rory!” Liv exclaimed. “You did all this?”
He nodded, appearing as though he was ashamed of such an amazing feat.
“And it’s all real?” she asked.
“Of course it is,” Bermuda said, striding off the deck and bending over to inspect a strange-looking flower. “I’m impressed. This is a rat-eating pitcher plant.”
Rory nodded. “Yes, the vermin have been a problem this year, and I know dragon eggs don’t like the pest in their habitat.”
“You’re quite right.” Bermuda continued to stride through the jungle, careful to stay on the path, away from the steaming lava.
“Rory, this is absolutely perfect,” Liv said. “I can’t believe you anticipated that Sophia’s egg would need all this and created it. You’re simply fantastic. Isn’t he, Mrs. Laurens?”
Bermuda spun around. “What was that?”
“Rory. He’s great for creating this, don’t you think?”
She didn’t at all appear impressed. “I could have helped you with it, son.”
“It was fine,” Rory stated. “I didn’t need the help.”
Liv knew that wasn’t entirely the truth. Rory didn’t want Bermuda to know what he was working on since she’d disapprove. He should have been courting a giant or at a chamber of commerce meeting for whatever business he ran.
“Well, it’s over and done with,” Bermuda said. “Now we just have to figure out how to get the dragon’s egg here. You say it’s gotten bigger?”
Liv nodded. “Yes. Soph can roll him from place to place, but none of us can lift it.”
“I was barely able to put him into the tub the last time he asked,” Rory supplied.
“Yes, dragons weigh much more than most, based on their size,” Bermuda stated. “He’s got to be several hundred pounds at this point, but that’s not the biggest obstacle to getting him here.”
“Yes, traffic in LA will put him into a hissy fit,” Liv stated.
Bermuda let out a long, annoyed breath. “No, that’s not it. The dragon egg is safe at your place. It will be safe here. However, moving a dragon egg of that size across town will not go unnoticed by poachers.”
“Poachers?” Liv asked. “For dragons? Seems like something the House should intervene in.”
Bermuda laughed without humor. “Oh, my dear, the House doesn’t interfere in dragon business. That’s the Elite’s territory.”
“Okay, well, let’s contact them, and they can ensure we move the egg without a problem,” Liv stated.
“Firstly, the Dragon Elite have more important things to do than help us move an egg,” Bermuda explained.
“Although you just said that was their job?” Liv asked.
“And secondly,” Bermuda went on, “no one knows how to contact them, or if they really exist.”
“That’s the organization Sophia will join when her dragon’s egg hatches, right?” Liv turned to Rory. “Have I thanked you lately for getting Sophia an egg? Next time, just give her a batch of your homemade cookies.”
“No, to keep away poachers, we’re going to have to run interference,” Bermuda continued as if Liv hadn’t said anything. “I know how to cut many of them off, since I had the unfortunate opportunity to run into many during the writing of Mysterious Creatures. I will need some help, though.”
“I can help,” Liv stated.
Bermuda didn’t seem excited about the idea, but she nodded in agreement, regardless. “Okay, I guess that could work. Sophia will need to be with her egg at all times. That’s best for her, and for the dragon. We can use a moving truck, but we’ll need at least two giants to transport it carefully.”
“Two giants?” Liv asked.
“Yes. Aside from Sophia, it’s best if only giants touch the egg. They can’t magnetize to a dragon, obviously, based on size, so the dragon won’t mind it if they touch the shell.”
Rory glanced at Liv. “That’s why it was okay for me to pick up the egg to put it in the bath.”
“But Adler stole the egg early on,” Liv stated.
“Yes, which was a setback for the dragon, I’m sure,” Bermuda said, tapping her chin as she thought. “Now, I’m not sure who I can get to come help with transport. Most giants are at the tribal festivities this time of year, or refuse to leave the island.”
“Tribal festivities?” Liv asked.
“It’s a month-long celebration on our homeland, the Isle of Man,” Rory supplied.
Liv’s face brightened. “Mrs. Laurens, leave it up to me. I know a giant who I think will be perfect for the job.”
Rory’s face drained of color as soon as he realized who she was talking about recruiting. He opened his mouth, obviously about to object, but Liv’s phone buzzed, interrupting him, even though she had it on silent.
She retrieved the device from her pocket. It was Papa Creola. He’d sent her a text message.
Of course. He knew how to make the phone sound even when it was turned off. His text read Get here now! Don’t even stop to go to the restroom.
“Of course, he knows I need to pee,” Liv
muttered to herself.
“What’s that?” Bermuda asked.
“Nothing, but this transport stuff will have to wait,” Liv stated. “I’ll recruit the other giant when I get back. Papa Creola has work for me.”
“You must not keep him waiting,” Bermuda agreed, ushering her out.
Liv’s phone buzzed again with another text from Papa Creola. Bermuda is right. Get here now.
“Okay, okay,” Liv said, creating a portal to Roya Lane.
Chapter Fourteen
For the first time ever, all of Roya Lane froze when Liv stepped out of the portal. She stared around in confusion as she considered that a time travel remote had been used on the area, like the ones Alicia had created. Then she noticed the gnomes and fairies blinking at her in amazement and simply slid her eyes back and forth.
Plato materialized beside her, like a statue, similar to everyone else.
“Why are they staring at me?” Liv asked from the corner of her mouth.
“It could be because you have cilantro in your teeth,” he muttered from the side of his mouth.
“There’s nothing strange about that,” she stated.
“Maybe it’s because you woke the first Mortal Seven on top of everything else and they think that’s impressive,” Plato offered.
Liv nodded minutely and waved to the crowd in front of her. “Just here to buy some candles to help with my cat’s hairballs.”
The groups parted, making way for her, each of them dispersing and speaking in low whispers as they moved off.
“Hairballs?” Plato asked as they moved through the crowd. “Could you have come up with anything more stereotypical?”
“I could have told them you needed more of that ringworm medicine,” she stated.
He nodded. “Yeah, hairball cures is fine. And I have never had ringworm.”
“That anyone has known about,” she said, winking at him.
“You want to know why everyone is staring at you, don’t you?” Plato asked.
“No, I think I understand,” she stated, finding ample space to squeeze between the hordes of gnomes, unlike usual.
“I don’t think you do,” Plato stated.
“But you said it was because I brought John into the House and such,” Liv retorted.
“That’s why they first started staring, sure,” he answered. “But now you’ve got their undivided attention.”
“Why is that?” Liv asked, tensing.
“Because I’m talking to you in public,” he stated matter-of-factly.
As if realizing this strangeness for the first time, Liv spun to face him, and in true Plato fashion, he disappeared. She grimaced, grinding her fist into her leg. “That damn cat. He’s just messing with me, isn’t he?”
“I don’t think so,” a familiar voice said at her back.
Liv turned to find Subner standing at the front of his shop, the Fantastical Armory.
“Hey, Subner, are you talking about Plato?” Liv asked the gnome.
“Yes. I’ve seen the lynx on many occasions, and I have an idea about what’s happening to him.”
Liv sighed. “Why does it feel like everyone I know is going through a metamorphosis?”
“Because they are,” he said, picking up a silver ball, which she recognized as one of the tokens from the giants she’d given him at Rudolf’s wedding. He dropped it into something that looked like a magical version of a rock tumbler and it made a clunking noise.
“What does that mean?” Liv asked.
“I’m not at liberty to say,” Subner answered.
“Oh, good, you were schooled in the same art of avoidance as Papa Creola and Plato,” Liv stated.
The gnome sighed with relief, watching as the ball tumbled. “I only wish. But maybe one day.”
“What’s happening to my cat, and what are you doing with that ball of silver I gave you?” Liv asked.
“Pretty much the exact same thing,” the gnome answered.
“What’s that mean?” Liv asked with frustration.
“They are being formed for their next role in life,” he said simply.
Liv had had enough of riddles. “Is Papa in his office? He apparently didn’t want me delaying, so I can’t chat with you about things I don’t understand at all.”
Subner gestured at the open door. “Yes, Papa is expecting you. But I’ll warn you, he’s in an awful mood.”
Liv strode past the gnome. “I got that impression when he demanded my presence on the spot.”
“No, I don’t think you quite get it yet.”
Chapter Fifteen
In record time, Liv was down the dozens of flights of stairs that led to Papa Creola’s office. She halted when she immediately realized the difference in the usual comfortable surroundings.
The fireplace, as usual, was roaring. The plush furnishings were all in their places. However, the ancient hourglass above the mantle was missing.
“Get down here now!” Papa Creola yelled.
Liv skipped the last few stairs and sprinted over to where the usually cheerful gnome resided in an armchair. He sat, arms crossed and more furious than she’d ever seen him.
“Papa Creola, what is it?” Liv asked, taking the seat across from him.
The most ancient being that Liv had ever met sat quite still, his gaze sliding back and forth as if following a fly. Finally, he spoke. “Someone stole my hourglass.”
Liv sort of knew that, but wasn’t going to voice it since pissing off the gnome seemed like a bad idea. “What can I do to help?”
She thought he’d launch straight into recovery strategy, but instead he placed his head in his hands and shook it. “Why didn’t I see this?”
“Because you can’t see everything,” she offered, also leaning forward.
“That’s true,” he stated. “But still. Even being blind to some future events, I should know when someone is after my most prized possession.”
“What happened?” Liv encouraged.
“I went on a rare excursion to see the elves,” Papa Creola began. “I’m recruiting new delegates, hoping to make my job easier. Maybe even yours.”
“I appreciate that,” Liv said, realizing she was the one he called on all the time.
“One of my enemies must have heard about the meeting because they met me there at the islands in Hawaii,” Papa Creola stated. “I thought bringing the Hourglass of All of Time would help build relations with the elves I was recruiting.”
“You were wrong,” Liv guessed.
Papa Creola nodded. “I was very wrong. I wasn’t there for an hour before pirates stormed the island and stole only one thing.”
“Let me guess,” Liv said. “The hourglass?”
He nodded. “It was a trap. I realize that now, but still it’s hard to take.”
“So what’s the big deal?” Liv asked. “We’ll get you a new hourglass.”
“First of all, that Hourglass of All of Time is how I monitor problems with time,” Papa Creola began.
Liv had known that, she realized. “Right.”
“But more importantly, if someone took it, then they know how to draw me out. Only my greatest adversaries know that.”
“And they are?” Liv asked.
“There are too many to list,” he stated. “However, my enemies know that without my hourglass, I’ll have to come out of hiding and observe the time injustices. Don’t you see, Liv? My enemies are trying to draw me out. I either let everything fall away like I did before, or I come out of hiding completely and watch out for problems. Without the hourglass, I have no compass, in a way.”
Liv nodded, understanding completely. “Tell me where to find the thieves.”
“They are pirates,” Papa Creola stated.
“Pirates? Like the kind that steal treasures and make rude gestures?”
“If you’re lucky,” Papa Creola replied.
“How will I find them?” Liv asked.
“To find them, you’ll need a fleet of ships,” Pa
pa Creola replied. “That means you’ll need to find someone who is wealthy and wants to help.”
Liv lowered her chin. “Don’t tell me.”
Papa Creola smiled. “I only know of one person who is wealthy enough who, you know, will loan you this fleet. King Rudolf Sweetwater.”
Chapter Sixteen
“I wouldn’t go in there,” Bermuda said, holding up an authoritative hand, blocking Liv from going into King Rudolf’s chambers.
She eyed the giant. “Well, then tell Dumbface to come out here.”
Bermuda obviously wasn’t amused by the name-calling, based on the disapproval that flashed in her eyes. “He is busy and can’t come out here.”
Liv sighed. “Okay, well, then I have to go in there. It’s a matter of urgency. Father Time business.”
“I realize that,” Bermuda stated. “It’s just that I’m trying to warn you that you won’t want to see what’s going on in there.”
“Is Rudolf naked?” Liv asked.
The giant shook her head.
“Is Serena?”
Again she shook her head.
“Well, I’ve seen Rudolf do some pretty revolting stuff. One time he ate an entire vat of guacamole.”
“And?” Bermuda asked, her brow lined with wrinkles.
“In front of me.”
“Warrior Beaufont, you’re ridiculous.”
“You don’t understand, there was no nacho cheese. No fajita chicken. He just ate chips and guacamole, grinning the entire time like it was a pleasurable experience.”
Bermuda shook her head. “Many people like guacamole. And avocados are high in—”
“Healthy fats,” Liv said, cutting her off. “They are also high in grossness.”
“I hope you’re not spreading this false propaganda to Rory.”
“Despite what you believe, Rory can think for himself,” Liv fired back.
Bermuda leaned forward, towering over her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Liv had faced down giant beetles, zombies, and demons, but right then, Bermuda Laurens was the scariest thing she’d ever seen. “I only mean that you’ve raised Rory to be an independent thinker. Good on you. Will you be writing a parenting book next?”
