Page 6 of The Lost Empress

Sully pursed his lips, shaking his head at Jack. “Isn’t he so wise…”

“Shut it or he’ll give you a migraine that will make you want to die,” Jack warned. “And he’s right. It’s a mystery. Gen, didn’t you work with that weapon’s expert at the Gullington before?”

Gen nodded. “Yeah, Wilder, Sophia’s husband is the Assistant to the Protector of Weapons.”

“Maybe he will know what’s happening to Bellumferrum,” Jack offered as they all stared at the Weapon of War on the ground. It had once more become a small black cube with strange symbols engraved on its surface. “You could take it to him and see if he could help since you can’t chance using it if it’s unpredictable like that.”

Gen cautiously reached down, picking up the object. When it didn’t spring into the form of a weapon, she slid it into her pocket. She figured it was safe there, since Bellumferrum changed based on her intention and right then she wasn’t asking for its help. She was hoping that it would stay still and quiet until she could figure out what was going on with it.

“Okay, well, it looks like I have an extra task before I get to studying moral philosophy,” Gen said, looking around the grounds where Rogue Riders were practicing and training with their dragons and each other. She longed to be doing that. To be a part of things. To be getting ready for her own missions.

But first, she had a series of obstacles to overcome, most of them set up by her boss who seemed to only want her demise. Still, Gen wasn’t going to allow Dwayne Stone to stand in the way of her dreams and success. She’d wanted this for too long.

Maybe not for six hundred years, but with a thirst that could hold out that long if she needed. Gen wouldn’t take that much time to clear training and become a real Rogue Rider. She was going to pass every task given to her and fight for justice as all Beaufonts were destined to.

CHAPTER FIVE

DRAGON FOOT FUNGUS

The Expanse, The Gullington, Scotland, United Kingdom

Gen’s heart ached when she and Emperor entered through the Barrier of the Gullington, seeing the Expanse and Castle for the first time since leaving. For a fleeting moment, weeks ago when she entered the 21st century, Gen thought that this would be her home. The old charm and rustic feel of Scotland were much more comfortable to Gen than the shiny, modern world of Beverly Hills. Alas, that dream was pulled out from under her when she was sent to work with the Rogue Riders.

“We were never meant for this place,” Emperor said, looking down at her with his burning gold eyes full of wisdom.

Gen sighed, knowing that he was right. But still, it was like saying, “Everything happens for a reason.” That might be true and Mother Nature might be setting them up for something more fitting for their greatness. But in the interim, it was difficult to adjust. When one can’t see the reason that they are in a hard situation that doesn’t feel natural, it’s tough to be optimistic.

For Gen, this whole twist was like being lost in a city. It was frustrating and confusing, but maybe the adventure would lead to a serendipitous fortune. She liked that Sully often spoke about happy accidents. He’d said that his Great Aunt, Estella Fairhaven, often said the phrase and found the best in things.

Sully was good about seeing the silver lining in situations. Gen wanted to believe that her ending up at the Rogue Riders was all for the best, even though she was overwhelmed by the world, had the worst boss and almost all the others there loathed her.

As Gen and Emperor emerged onto the Expanse they were enveloped by the rolling hills, adorned with a patchwork of heather and wildflowers. They stood in stark contrast to the manicured lawns and precise topiary of the Beverly Hills mansion they’d left behind. The air, tinged with the earthy scent of moss and the crisp, clean aroma of the nearby Pond, filled Gen’s lungs with a sense of welcome and belonging that the artificial perfumes of the modern world could never replicate.

Emperor’s purple scales glistened in the sunlight, his presence a comforting anchor in this timeless landscape that seemed to exist outside the boundaries of both the past and the present. The Castle, with its weathered stone walls and ancient tapestries, stood as a testament to the enduring strength of the Dragon Elite. It was a stark contrast to the sleek, glass-and-chrome façade of the Rogue Rider mansion.

The mix of disappointment and confusion dissipated when Gen caught sight of the blue dragon and his rider in the distance. Behind Lunis and Sophia Beaufont were two other dragonriders who Gen recognized—Wilder and Mahkah. They all waved to Gen and Emperor as they approached, even the oversized blue dragon who often looked more like a big dog than a dragon with his easy nature. However, Gen suspected that in battle, Lunis was a terror whom none would want to face down.

When Sophia rushed over, Gen gave her a hug, grateful to see the dragonrider. “Hi! Thanks for arranging the meeting. I really need Wilder’s help with Bellumferrum.”

“Of course,” Sophia said when she released Gen. “I’m sure the Assistant to the Protector of Weapons can help you. You definitely need a working weapon to manage crime.”

“Speaking of which,” Lunis began, a sneaky look on the blue dragon’s face. “Did you hear about the cement mixer in Los Angeles that collided with a prison truck?”

“Don’t…” Sophia said, groaning slightly.

“Motorists are asked to look out for fifteen hardened criminals.” Lunis howled with laughter, throwing back his head.

Emperor turned his head away, as if looking at the other dragon was repulsive to him.

However, Gen glanced up at Lunis in confusion. “What’s a cement mixer?”

He huffed, issuing smoke from his nostrils. “My jokes aren’t going to work unless you can follow the references.” Lunis turned to Sophia. “Can you teach her about the last one hundred years of modern culture and references real quickly? I can’t have her not laughing at my jokes.”

“Then try telling better ones,” Sophia suggested. “Because the rest of us get the references and we’re still not laughing.”

“Oh, fine,” Lunis sighed, waving at Emperor. “Do you want to go play video games in my Pad? My cave is decked out with all the coolest stuff and is separate from the Cave where the others live, because they are all lame and talk about the days of yore. It’s a real snooze where the other dragons hang out.”

“I’ll have to pass,” Emperor said in a diplomatic voice, nodding at the pair as they approached on the Expanse. “I have promised to meet with Mahkah. He requested to examine me.”

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