Page 9 of The Misplaced Warrior

Gen turned to Subner. “So, what do you say? Can you please help Jack to find the right weapon? If you instilled in him the love of swords, it seems that you are the perfect person to find the right one for him.”

Subner looked up, glaring at her. He seemed to consider her for a long moment. Then he sighed, shutting his book. “Fine, but only because then you’ll owe me.”

Gen stiffened. “What will I owe you?”

“You both will.” He pointed between Gen and Jack. “And it will be a favor that I’ll call in randomly and you’ll have to drop everything to fulfill, no questions asked.”

“Will it involve danger?” Jack asked, actually grinning hopefully.

“Without a doubt,” Subner answered.

“And it will be complicated and time-consuming?” Gen questioned.

The Protector of Weapons nodded.

Jack looked at Gen. “I’m in, if you’re willing.”

“Sounds good,” she replied. “Okay, so you’ll help us, Subner?”

He motioned to Jack. “Hold out your hands.”

The dragonrider did as he was told, a nervous look on his face.

Subner cut his gaze to Mama Jamba and Papa Creola. The three seemed to be having a silent conversation suddenly.

“Give him that one,” Mama Jamba said discreetly.

“But it requires several tasks,” Subner argued with uncertainty.

“Exactly,” Papa Creola affirmed. “And they will have to complete them together.”

Subner seemed to consider this, eyeing Jack’s hands that were still outstretched. “It is the right fit for him and I would like it back in action.”

Gen and Jack exchanged nervous expressions. Neither knew what the three were talking about, but they suspected they were about to find out.

“Yeah, okay,” Subner finally said, nodding. “There’s a sword that’s hidden in the House of Fourteen. It belonged to a Warrior by the name of Akio Takahashi.”

“The Takahashis are Founders,” Gen cut in.

Subner nodded. “Yes, and Akio’s ancestor created this sword. It’s known as Rakurai, meaning lightning strike—which actually describes its immense power and strength.”

“Wow, and you’re giving me this sword?” Jack asked, amazed.

“Yes,” Subner replied. “But Jack, you will need to retrieve the sword, but Gen has to let you into the House of Fourteen since you’re not allowed in there. However, as a Founder, she can grant anyone access to the place.”

“I should have known that,” Gen said. “I have to start my stupid new internship but I can take you when I attend the next council meeting. They requested that I attend one, probably to try and pry information on the Founders from me.”

“That works,” Jack replied, an excited look in his eyes.

“In the meantime, you’ll need a weapon,” Subner muttered, looking around his walls covered in various swords, axes, shields and knives. “Unfortunately, I don’t have any.”

Gen gave Jack a confused expression but decided not to argue with the Protector of Weapons.

“Lee at The Crying Cat Bakery has one that will suit you,” Subner continued. “Go and see her and tell her that I said to loan you her backup sword. She won’t be happy about it, but for a price, she’ll do it.”

“A price?” Jack asked.

Subner shrugged, going back to his stool and his book. “Take it up with her.”

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