by Sarah Noffke
“Cool,” Wilder said, not at all sounding cool about it. “So we’re just going to waltz in there with some fire breathing lions or whatnot?”
Sophia grinned at him. “You have a fire-breathing dragon, and a bunch of circus animals is worrying you?”
He shook his head. “I know all about dragons, and therefore how to act. I know very little about this place, its people, or the menagerie of animals we’re about to meet.”
“Well, you wanted a date.” Sophia batted her eyes at him. “As dragonriders, a show at a mysterious circus where everyone looks ready to pounce on us is right up our alley.”
When he smiled at her, his blue eyes lit up, making her heart flutter. “I really wouldn’t have it any other way or with any other.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
The cacophony of noises when the pair entered the big top was initially deafening until Sophia adjusted her senses. She also had to dial back her sight from all the bright colors and flashes of light.
Wilder was hyper-alert, protectively taking a position in front of Sophia as a huge lion with wings roared to the right of them. The beast charged but hit an invisible wall and flew backward.
Sophia froze, enamored by the beauty of the creature before them and also terrified. There was a large circle in the dirt that glowed gold. She guessed it was a force field that kept the lion caged.
“Venice!” Bermuda yelled from the other side of the large tent as she hurried over. The giantess looked madder than hell, which Sophia was hoping to avoid in order to ensure her help, but sometimes it was impossible not to anger the expert on magical creatures.
The weird lion narrowed its eyes at Sophia and Wilder but calmed immediately. Its eagle-like wings were still spread like it might take off at any moment. The animal itself, minus the giant wingspan, was huge. Sophia admired how its muscles rippled under yellow fur that glowed in the firelight of the big top.
Venice’s mane was white, matching the feathers on its back and those around the collars on its wrists. The creature looked ready for a battle, both as a warrior and also a mysterious animal.
“What is the meaning of this?” Bermuda asked them, her voice loud enough to be heard over all the other noises happening in the big top.
Sophia’s attention was being pulled a dozen different directions as she saw so many strange sights, but she forced herself to focus on the giantess when she towered over her, hands on her hips.
“Hello, Mrs. Laurens. We were hoping to get your advice on something for the Dragon Elite,” Sophia said shyly.
She’d faced many enemies and big bad guys, but for some reason, the giantess always evoked fear in her.
“And you thought trespassing into my tent would be permissible?” Bermuda asked, looking Wilder over as if he was a strange magical creature before directing her attention back to Sophia.
“Well, I didn’t really know any other way to go about it,” Sophia explained. “Rory told Liv you were here, but there was no direct way to contact you. I’m sorry for not setting up an appointment. The guy at the front of the circus said you were here and it was okay to enter.”
Bermuda huffed. “That’s because he despises giants and that the animals have become a part of the circus. He is looking for any way to get under my skin.”
“I’m sorry about that,” Sophia said, working to not look at the weird thing flying around behind Bermuda or any of the other creatures vying for her attention. “But your disputes really aren’t my fault, and I did come to ask your advice on a global issue that affects dragons and mortals equally.”
Bermuda snapped her fingers at the winged lion, not taking her eyes off Sophia. “Venice, if you so much as try and fly out of your circle, it will be the last thing you do. I don’t care if you’re one of the last of your kind.”
Unable to stop herself, Sophia turned to find Venice cowering on the ground, his large head lying on his paws as his feathered wings folded over the sides of his face, partially obscuring him.
“Again, sorry for the interruption,” Sophia began, “but do you mind me asking you, what is that?”
Bermuda harrumphed. “There are so many things wrong with that question, Sophia. Venice is not a what or a that. He is one of the last of the Lions of Venice. Their real name is a mystery even to me, as it holds part of their magic.”
“He’s beautiful,” Wilder observed, running his eyes over the creature.
“Yes, he is,” Bermuda said, her gaze on the dragonrider. “As are you.” She gave Sophia an appreciative look. “He’s a strapping young man. You’ve done well.”
Sophia didn’t know how to respond. She knew Bermuda was familiar with Wilder from when she and Rory had helped the Dragon Elite to fight the cyborgs at the Gullington, but they still didn’t know each other that well. What she didn’t know was how the giantess knew she and Wilder were together.
“I’m not available for joining your fine display of creatures, though,” Wilder answered with a wink.
Sophia was sure this would cause Bermuda’s temper to flare, but to her surprise, the giantess shrugged. “If you ever change your mind, I’m always happy to add to my collection.”
The giantess held out a large hand, indicating the expansive tent filled with exotic creatures. Although Wilder in a circus exhibit seemed strange at first, as Sophia took in the various rings where creatures were confined, she realized he wouldn’t look that bizarre alongside them.
There were seven large golden rings around the tent and a single creature inside each. Next to Venice was a large white Pegasus that didn’t appear interested in them, as the lion had been. The creature with wings like Venice, but the body of a stallion, was grazing as it swished its long tail behind it.
Sophia had never been in the company of a Pegasus because they were quite rare and shy creatures.
“He’s enchanting,” she said, indicating the animal.
Bermuda glanced at the Pegasus and pursed her lips. “He’s stubborn is what he is and refuses to give the patrons a simple show.”
Sophia blinked at the giantess. “So these creatures, they really perform for the crowds here?”
She nodded. “I like to think that we educate the general public about the mysteries and beauties of such animals, but there is a sensational aspect to it that I can’t deny.”
“And the force fields?” Sophia asked, pointing to the golden rings that served as invisible cages.
“They keep them safe,” Bermuda explained. “They are animals after all, and although very intelligent and powerful in different ways, they all still are subject to their wild side. Don’t worry, each has consented to be a part of the circus, and none are held against their will. It’s a mutual partnership.”
Sophia was impressed. The animals did seem content and not trying to escape, unlike Venice, who she guessed had been caught off guard when they entered.
“Master Laurens,” a squeaky voice said at the giantess’ back.
Sophia didn’t see anything at first and then noticed cowering in the shadow of Bermuda was a tiny imp. The creature had big pointy ears and glowing yellow eyes and a mischievous expression on its toothy face. She’d heard about imps and knew they were very naughty when they wanted to be, having been related to demons long ago.
“What is it, Goat?” Bermuda asked at once.
“I think we need to separate the Onyx and Griffin,” the imp said, bowing.
The giantess looked toward the back of the tent where a large animal with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle was stalking back and forth in its circle, giving the creature next to it a murderous expression.
The other creature was something Sophia hadn’t seen before. It was much smaller than the griffin and looked to be part owl and part dog. It had the head and wings of the bird of prey but four paws and a bushy tail, which it had low and swinging back and forth menacingly.
“Oh, fine,” Bermuda said with a sigh. “Put the butterfly fairy in between them, Goat.” She indi
cated the circle in the far corner next to the Pegasus. The smallest of all the creatures was located there, but Sophia could still make out her details clearly.
The butterfly fairy was exactly as it was labeled. She had large purple butterfly wings, two antennae that unfolded from her soft pink hair, and strange pointy feet. The fairy fluttered around her circle, singing a low tune with a smile on her face.
“Yes, Master Laurens,” Goat said and toddled off toward the back of the tent.
“You have an imp working for you?” Wilder asked, his tone skeptical.
Bermuda nodded as though this was a common thing. “Many believe them to be troublemakers and they are. But if they are loyal to a master, then they are wonderful to have as they work really well with magical creatures. I couldn’t do this project for the circus if not for Goat.”
“Wow, it seems there really is a need for education regarding magical creatures,” Sophia admired.
“Indeed,” Bermuda stated matter-of-factly. “Which is why these here were happy to volunteer, but things aren’t so easy. Most of them are lone beings that don’t like the company of one another.”
“I see you’ve caught the wild and elusive woman.” Wilder pointed to a ring on the other side of the tent, at Bermuda’s back.
Standing in the center of the ring was a gorgeous woman in a long red dress with a low neckline and high slit up the side. Her long red hair cascaded over her shoulders as she lowered her chin and batted her eyes at Wilder.
Bermuda turned to see what he meant and shook her head. “There again is another reason education is so important. This kitsune actually is being held against its will as punishment for the ill will it created when it seduced several men out of their fortune.”
“Kitsune,” Sophia said, trying to remember what she’d learned about them from reading Mysterious Creatures. “That’s actually a fox with many tails. If it’s taken the form of a woman, then it’s very old and powerful.”
Bermuda nodded. “And lustful for riches which don’t belong to it.” She gave the Kitsune a disapproving look. “I’m hoping that as a part of my education initiative, naïve mortals learn how to spot a kitsune and therefore avoid falling for the seductive creature.”
“How do you do that?” Wilder asked, not having taken his eyes off the provocative woman.
“You stop looking at her,” Sophia encouraged, elbowing him in the side.
“Actually, quite the opposite,” Bermuda corrected. “A Kitsune can’t hide its form for long, especially when it gets excited. It is bound to show its true form when it’s close to being successful, but one has to be looking for the tail.”
The Kitsune raised a hand and waved flirtatiously at Wilder. Without taking his gaze off her, he lifted his hand and robotically waved back.
That’s when Sophia noticed it, although the movement was ever so slight. At the kitsune’s back, and only briefly, there was a wisp of red fur—a tail.
“Oh, I saw it,” Sophia said, excited.
“Very good,” Bermuda commended.
“Saw what?” Wilder asked seriously.
Bermuda snapped her fingers in front of his face, gaining his attention. “That is exactly why educating the public is so important. If not for us, this one would stride straight into that circle, come under the spell of the Kitsune until she’d taken all his worth and left him a shell of a man—destitute and hopeless.”
Wilder shivered, shaking his head. He grabbed Sophia’s hand. “Yeah, no thanks. Keep me safe, Soph.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “Yeah, fine, but try and keep your eyes off scandalous women going forward.”
He nodded adamantly. “I think I’ve learned my lesson without all the hardship.” Wilder grinned at Bermuda, his dimples surfacing. “You’ve got a noble and worthy cause here, and I commend it.”
She didn’t appear the least bit flattered by the compliment. “It is a duty, and that’s what’s important. Now you came here looking for my advice so that you can fulfill your own duty. Please tell me what it is before Thunderbird wakes up.”
Before Sophia could ask what that was or why its waking would be a concern, a gust of wind followed by rain blasted them in the face. A clap of thunder assaulted her ears, and they were suddenly in a storm, under the shelter of the big top.
Chapter Thirty-Four
With protective strength, Wilder lifted his cloak and held it up over Sophia, shielding her from the sudden storm. She held her hands to her ears as another clap of thunder rang. It was so loud that Sophia expected lightning had struck right beside them.
“Taurus!” Bermuda yelled over the torrential downpour. “Get down here! Taurus!”
Too curious not to see what was happening, Sophia encouraged Wilder to drop his cloak from over her. She was grateful when he did because through the rain, and the wind blowing dirt and debris around, she saw the form of a brilliant orange bird fly down from a perch by the apex of the structure.
The wingspan of the phoenix was huge, and its call chilling as it soared down, diving in their direction. Sophia nearly covered her head, afraid they were about to be assaulted by the mysterious creature, but then she saw Bermuda pointing to the ring opposite Venice and realized that’s where the phoenix was headed.
Taurus appeared to be made of fire as he soared through the force field of the ring. Once inside, the rain, wind, and thunder disappeared.
Shaking off the water, Sophia pushed her hair out of her face and studied the other bird flapping its wings next to the phoenix. This one was mostly yellow and white, matching the colors of Venice. It didn’t have a pair of wings like Taurus, but rather three pairs. Next to its head was the largest pair, followed by two more that got smaller and smaller. Like the phoenix, the bird had a long lion-like tail with feathers at its end.
“So, I’m guessing that’s the Thunderbird then?” Wilder asked with a laugh, pushing his dark hair out of his face.
Bermuda nodded, combing her own hair with her fingers. “Yes, and when it awakes or is upset or really whenever it feels like it, the Thunderbird can create hurricane-force wind, rain, and thunder as you’ve just experienced. However, its companion, the phoenix, instantly calms it, so it’s advisable to have them together for just the purposes of subduing the Thunderbird.”
“Wow, this is fascinating,” Sophia said, watching as the two birds pressed into each other, appearing to comfort one another. She was grateful Bermuda had undertaken such a worthy campaign to educate the public on these creatures.
“It is,” Bermuda said. “Now, go on then and tell me what you need advice on. I’m guessing it has to do with dragons.”
“In fact, it does,” Sophia responded. “You might be following what’s happening worldwide and the fear spreading regarding dragons being evil.”
“Unfortunately, I’m aware, and I can’t help. I thought I might be able to with an educational initiative, but it really isn’t my place. That rests solely in the hands of the Dragon Elite.”
“I agree,” Sophia replied. “Although the thought counts.”
“Thoughts count very little, Sophia,” Bermuda corrected. “That’s something people who have failed to act say. It’s not my area, and I refuse to intervene.”
“Right,” Sophia said carefully, not wanting to set off the giantess, especially with all her magical creatures around her. “Anyway, re-educating the public will be important, but before that, we have a bit of an issue. Many of the evil dragons have left the Gullington, and we fear that with the current global fears from mortals, they could be in danger or a war might break out.”
“That’s exactly what will happen if it goes unchecked,” Bermuda agreed at once. “Fear in mortals leads to irrational thinking, I’m afraid. They will act first and ask questions later.”
“Currently, all of our dragons are trying to locate the dragonettes,” Wilder explained. “But they are making slow progress.”
“Because usually when a dragon doesn’t want to be found, then they won�
��t be,” Bermuda supplied.
“That’s why we need to buy some time,” Sophia cut in. “We were thinking that maybe we could employ a similar spell that was used on mortals that prevented them from seeing magic—however, this one would be specific to the dragonettes. Mama Jamba recommended you for supplying information on such a spell. Do you think you can help?”
A rare smile lit up Bermuda’s face. “Mama Jamba, you say? I’m honored she’d think of me.”
“Well, she knew the answer,” Wilder began. “But she doesn’t like to tell us things because that’s enabling or something, so she sent us to you.”
Sophia cut her eyes at him. “I think what Wild is trying to say is, she trusted you to give us the right information since she prefers to stay out of our affairs.”
Bermuda considered this. “Well, I don’t see how what I can offer will hurt things in light of Mama Jamba not offering it directly, so I’ll oblige.”
“Thank you!” Sophia exclaimed, making Venice growl behind them.
“If you would refrain from loud noises, that would be best,” Bermuda scolded. “Venice can get out of his ring if he so desires, and as I mentioned before, these creatures are still very much wild.”
“I know the feeling,” Wilder said, winking at Sophia.
She stifled her laughter and nodded dutifully. “Of course and my apologies. I’m just grateful to have your help.”
“Well, take it for what it is because it may only create more issues for you,” Bermuda explained. “You see, I don’t know the spell that was used on mortals so they couldn’t see magic. I do think that your idea could work if you direct it specifically at the dragonettes. It would cloak them from mortal’s eyes, giving you the best chance of finding them.”
“How do we do that?” Sophia asked, starting to lose hope.
“It’s rather simple,” Bermuda answered. “If you adapt the spell and use it on one of the dragonettes, it should work on all of them that are outside of the Gullington.”
