Hiker considered this for a moment, then nodded. “I’m withholding judgment until I have more information. For now, bullying my riders and trying to exert their power when they’re brand new will get them a war they won’t win.”
Sophia glanced at the map Mama Jamba had made, which lay on the table in front of the sofa where she was lounging. There were a lot more demon dragons and riders than Elites. For whatever reason, the demon dragons had magnetized to riders much faster than the angel ones. It could have been because the angel dragonettes hadn’t been as quick to leave the Gullington, not needing to spread their wings and find something outside their home. However, the demon dragons had all left pretty much as soon as they could fly.
The demon dragons and riders now severely outnumbered the Dragon Elite. There was hope there would be more angel dragonriders soon, but they’d need training and would be inexperienced.
It was impressive and worrisome to Sophia that the demon dragonriders had formed a group so quickly. She realized that she shouldn’t underestimate them and their supposed leader.
“I’m sure that after we put all those baby dragonriders in their place that they’ll think twice before messing with us,” Evan confidently stated while stretching out in the armchair beside Hiker’s desk.
The other guys nodded in agreement. However, Sophia was distracted by Ainsley rushing up the stairs from the corridor. She ran into the office, grief and stress covering her face.
Hiker bolted to a standing position at the sight of her. “What is it?”
She stopped short of his desk and shook her head. “It’s those damn new demon dragonriders. They’ve taken over Elfin territory and pushed hundreds out of their homes.”
Chapter Seventeen
Ainsley, who had been much calmer since retrieving her memories and being able to take back her old life, was visibly shaking. She seemed angry rather than upset, although hundreds being displaced was certainly sad.
“What happened?” Worry sprang to Hiker’s eyes.
“Dumb demon dragonriders with hard faces,” Evan complained and looked at his broken finger.
Ainsley drew in a breath and worked to compose herself. “I’ve heard from the Elfin Council that a bunch of dragonriders showed up on the main island in Hawaii. They simply swept in there and forced everyone out, saying they were taking over the land. There are over a hundred Elfin families. They aren’t the fighting type in that region, so they simply left and sought refuge from the Council.”
Sophia knew from her limited experience with the elves that the original clan was in Hawaii since being close to the water was important—it was their main element. There was an uncharted island, hidden to mortals, where the oldest families of elves lived. As Ainsley had said, Sophia was aware that those elves weren’t the fighting type. They—as Subner had been—were hippies through and through and promoted peace, love, and living away from the modern world. Conversely, Ainsley was much more contemporary as an elf.
Hiker began his usual pacing. Whereas the information before on the demon dragonriders hadn’t upset him, this news sent him back into his stress mode of thundering across his office floor.
“Governing the criminal world is one thing, but this…” Hiker seethed as his face flushed red. “How dare they?”
“It’s survival of the fittest, son.” Mama Jamba flipped through a travel magazine. One eyebrow lifted when she spied a picture of particular interest.
“What is up with you?” Evan challenged.
“Nothing is up with me, dear Evan. What’s up with you?” Mama Jamba sounded funny using his lingo.
“Evan is right.” Hiker narrowed his eyes at Mother Nature. “That’s the second time that you seem to be supporting the demon dragonriders.”
She shook her short bluish-gray curls. “Not at all, son. I simply try to maintain an objective perspective on things. I understand the fundamental differences between the angel and demon dragonriders. You all give and protect. They take and take. They’re selfish, whereas the angels and I designed you all to give. But if you think you’re holier than all because of that, you’re mistaken. There are flaws in being so selfless.”
“I can’t help but think that we’re having a philosophical discussion when we need to act.” Sophia’s heart suddenly ached as she thought of all the elfin, peace-loving hippies kicked off the land they’d called home for ages.
“You’re right,” Hiker affirmed. He nodded at her and appeared relieved that Sophia was steering the conversation toward action.
“The demon dragonriders stole land that has belonged to the elves for thousands of years,” Ainsley argued and threw her hands up. “We have to do something.”
Wilder blew out a breath and wore the thoughtful look he got when working out something in his mind. “Why did they want the elfin land? They could have gone after any piece of territory. Why that one?”
Ainsley’s eyes widened as if she couldn’t believe the question. “It doesn’t matter why they chose it. The point is that they did. The Elfin Council has the toughest job taking care of the refugees.”
Sophia pulled out her phone. “I can message Liv at the House of Fourteen. This falls under their jurisdiction. They can help find housing for the elves.”
“Taking care of naughty dragonriders falls under our jurisdiction,” Evan declared.
“That’s true,” Hiker affirmed. “I have every intention of dealing with them, but having help with taking care of the elves would be appreciated.”
Sophia nodded in confirmation.
“The demon dragonriders will expect that we’ll try to stop them,” Mahkah stated with confidence.
“I suspect you’re right,” Hiker agreed. “That’s why we have to be stealthy and do a full reconnaissance mission first.” He glanced at Sophia and Wilder. “Will you two go to the island and investigate? Stay out of sight because I fully expect these Rogue Riders to shoot to kill.”
“Yes, sir,” Wilder said. “They’ll have to catch us to kill us, and it’s these newbies’ first rodeo.”
“I wouldn’t underestimate these dragonriders,” Hiker warned with a cold expression in his eyes. “They may be new and they’re probably young based on your encounters with them, but I think we’ve learned that this doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous or highly skilled.” The leader of the Dragon Elite’s gaze fell on Sophia and gave her a pointed look.
Chapter Eighteen
The cool wind swept across the Expanse and Sophia’s face as she typed out a quick message to Liv: The Dragon Elite need the House of Fourteen’s help with something.
The reply was almost immediate: I didn’t realize that you wanted to waste your time wading through bureaucracy pig slop.
Sophia laughed and responded, I hoped that you’d do the wading for me. I have to teach some new dragonriders a lesson.
Oh, I want to play!
Sophia frowned. Sorry, it’s sort of a dragonrider mission. Best if we don’t involve any outsiders.
Fine, Liv texted with a sad face emoji. What do you need me to do?