Chapter 30

Chamber of the Tree, House of Fourteen, Santa Monica, California, United States

It was like stepping through a door to her past as Gen entered the place she'd created with her father all those years ago. But it had changed so much over the centuries that there were only hints of the original Chamber of the Tree—which was created for meetings of the House of Fourteen. Gen had been there on a few occasions in present times, but not like this, during council proceedings. She felt the beating of adrenaline and anticipation as she entered the place known for creating justice, but also full of so much drama and argument.

At her back, she felt Dwayne ushering her forward, like he didn't want to allow her out of his sight, as if she'd misbehave. She wanted to tell him off. To teach him a lesson. But she knew at her foundation that Sophia and Emperor were correct. She had to suck it up and allow him to think he had the advantage—for now…

The Chamber of the Tree was absolutely as Gen remembered and also completely different. The high bench where the council sat was at the back of the round, domed room with the illuminated tree on the wall at their backs. There the names of the seven families presently composing the warriors and councilors could be seen. Added to this were also the names of the Mortal Seven, an addition to the House of Fourteen to create balance among the non-magical and magical races.

The rounded ceiling of the chamber twinkled with lights that represented the life of every magician out in the world. That was magic that Gen and the Founders had built into the Chamber of the Tree when they created it. Back in the 15th century, there were a fraction of the twinkling lights that she now saw dazzling overhead.

Another part of the Chamber of the Tree that hadn't changed were the regulators. The Founders wanted this place to be only for truths and therefore they imbued powerful magic into two creatures—Diabolos and Jude. The black crow and the giant white tiger represented lies and honesty.

They could spot someone lying and signaled it, so that these proceedings were never riddled with deceit. There were, of course, many loopholes for getting around their lie detection, but they were very good, having personally been programmed by Gen. She had always been excellent at telling when someone was lying. Diabolos and Jude had stood all these centuries by the bench, operating as lie detectors. And currently, they were untouched by time and continuing to serve in the role they'd been given from the very beginning.

Standing in front of the bench and dressed for adventure were a few warriors. To Gen's surprise, when she strode forward, all of the warriors turned to her and bowed low. It was the greeting that Emperor had received upon hatching. It was the welcoming that the ruler over dragons had gotten when he met the Rogue Riders' dragons. And now, for once, Gen was being acknowledged in the same way.

She halted. Tensed. And looked to the side where Dwayne stood beside her— appearing angrier than hell by the display of respect.

Nervously, Gen looked up at the council, grateful to see a familiar face. Staring down at her was Clark Beaufont, a slight, proud smile on his face. Beside him, his fellow councilors were wearing guarded expressions, like they weren't sure about this new Beaufont with a strange story and assorted background.

"The warriors for the House of Fourteen are paying their respect to the first of them," Clark said, breaking the silence in the chamber, having sensed Gen's confusion about the display around her.

All of the armored clad warriors rose, looking straight at Gen with fierce expressions. She was grateful to see Liv, one of her closest friends and one of the people she'd followed into the twenty-first century. Gen also recognized Liv's husband, Stefan Ludwig who was a warrior as well and a demon hunter specialist. Rose was often in attendance at these meetings as a Mortal Seven, but only Warriors appeared to be there now for this special session.

"Approach the bench, Miss Genevieve Beaufont," a man with a shaved head and scruffy beard said from the council area. Sophia had given Gen a quick rundown of the names and descriptions of each of the councilors and therefore she knew this was the rude and often cynical Freek Kolman.

Like she hadn't heard the order, Dwayne ushered her forward, a pinching grip on her arm. Gen jerked her head over her shoulder, her every instinct screaming for her to backhand the man. However, she restrained herself, knowing that she couldn't allow her anger to get to her.

"We understand from reports from Councilor Beaufont and Hiker Wallace that you came through a time gate opened by Warrior Beaufont," Freek said, looking down at her when she paused in front of the bench.

"You look like a Beaufont," a woman with mousey gray hair and a warm smile said—Hester DeVries, who was apparently a healer and had been on the council for a very long time.

"It's simply astounding to be in the presence of a Founder," the woman beside Hester said, her black hair pulled back to reveal a beautiful face. She was Raina Ludwig and sister to Liv's husband, Stefan.

"It's unsettling, is what it is," a man with long curly black hair with an air of authority said, narrowing his eyes at Gen—Armando Rosario. "When the council was made aware of this mistake by Warrior Beaufont we were very disconcerted."

"I didn't make a mistake," Liv dared to cut in. "Gen was always meant to come to this timeline. Papa Creola has confirmed that. She was meant to be a dragonrider—a Rogue Rider."

"That's yet to be determined," Dwayne Stone said at Gen's back.

All eyes swiveled to the man who was undoubtedly wearing a sour expression.

A woman with light orangey-red hair shot Dwayne a look of surprise. Her name would be Seraphine Galopin, the sister to the man who last owned Bellumferrum—Porthos. "You haven't accepted Gen Beaufont into your ranks?"

"No, I haven't!" Dwayne's voice boomed.

"And why is that?" a man with a long black beard asked. This was Haro Takahashi, the only member from the original founding families besides the Beaufonts in the House of Fourteen. He was from an ancient magical family which had the vision and fortitude to create the organization still going strong in the modern world. "She is a Founder for the House of Fourteen. To have her in the Rogue Riders is beyond an honor."

"She was supposedly a part of the beginning of the House of Fourteen," Dwayne began in a low tone. "We have no way of telling how much she actually did. But we do know that when she disappeared, her sister, Elizabeth, took her place. That woman, in my opinion, is the first warrior. She is one of the Founders looking down on us now, making appointments. She and William Beaufont and the other Founders are the ones who put me into my role and you all in yours—not this woman here."

"How can you be so obtuse?" Liv dared to ask, striding forward and turning around in front of the bench, staring back at Dwayne Stone. "She is not this ‘supposed' Founder. Rose and I found her in 1426, right after the House of Fourteen started. She was a Founder. Gen is one."

"Warrior Beaufont, we will handle this," Hester said, a diplomatic tone to her voice, like she was used to corralling Liv's anger.

"Dwayne, we understand that you are new to your role as leader of the Rogue Riders," Raina began in an even tone. "But I've been a councilor for a very long time and know the history of the House of Fourteen very well. To have someone like Gen here in the present time is a gift. She built the very foundation of this organization that still exists and rules to this day."

Dwayne laughed coldly. "With all due respect?—"

"Which is something people say right before showing disrespect," Liv cut in, still standing in front of the bench.

"With all due respect," Dwayne repeated through clenched teeth. "If I put a single nail into a board, are you going to give me credit for building an entire house? I simply think that the reputation of this time traveler has been blown out of proportion. From what I've learned, she trespassed into the present, stole a dragon's egg in the past and has now demanded to be given honors she doesn't deserve."

Gen's eyes flickered to Liv and then Clark's. They seemed to read the tension well in her gaze, both offering her sympathetic expressions.

"I think your wariness of Genevieve Beaufont is to be commended," Freek said evenly. "We shouldn't judge someone simply based on their name or a supposed history that we can't confirm."

Armando nodded, glaring down at Gen. "I agree with that sentiment. And this is not to say that you're not worthy of our respect. It is only that you are untested and will have to prove your honor and deservability of privileges that all others earn through reputation."

"I haven't asked for anything," Gen dared to finally speak. "I arrived here, losing my home and everything I've ever known. I've had to acclimate to a time and place very different from everything I have ever known." Gen pointed up to the ceiling, indicating the heavens. "Do you all think that I wouldn't rather be up there, in the Land of Chimera, judging and ruling over you than down here being treated like a common criminal?"

Clark leaned forward, offering Gen a thoughtful expression. "I know that this hasn't been easy for you. But we all know that you belong here. And although it's disconcerting for some to digest, having someone of your status among us, I think in time, we will see that your presence will make history in ways your absence would have never." His gaze shot to Dwayne Stone—an accusation in his blue eyes.

"Well put," Haro said, nodding. "Welcome to this world, Gen. There is much we hope to see from you. I expect that you and your dragon will train and go on to help the Rogue Riders. We look forward to watching your progress."

"Gen is not ready to do anything for the Rogue Riders," Dwayne cut in. "She is new to this world, inexperienced and untested. I would be a fool to put her out into the field this century."

Tensing, Gen held her breath. It took everything she had not to explode right then. Thankfully, based on the expression Liv was giving her, the modern warrior was also working hard to restrain herself. Maybe the pair could hunt down Dwayne in a dark alley and teach him a lesson later.

Seraphine cleared her throat, a pursed expression on her face. "Actually, that brings us to our next order of business, Dwayne. The Rogue Riders are failing at managing the criminal world. Under your leadership, things have only gotten worse, starting with the death of the Commissioner of Los Angeles." She leaned forward. "Do you wish to explain that?"