Ancient Mystic's War of the Realms Saga by Lady Adellandra Dratianos (year 7 reading list .TXT) 📖

It made Kelly herself smile, for she knew her mother had sensed her coming. “What can I do for you, sweetheart?”
“I was wondering, Momma.” Kelly started, walking into the room and sitting herself on the bed. “Would you like some help with patrols in the Realms?”
“You already help me, sweetie.” Ariana told her. “I appreciate everything you do, and have ever done, especially while the rest of us were fighting in the War.” She placed a palm on her daughter’s cheek. “You worked hard to watch over the children, and even Dreamers when you took over my patrols. I’m surprised you didn’t go into overdrive.”
Kelly nodded. “Yeah, me, too. I almost did, but I had Brad and Cara backing me up, so I wasn’t alone.” She bit her lip and took a deep breath. “Actually, that’s what I wanted to talk about. Well, one thing anyway.” She took her Locket in her hands and played with it. “Seeing how you’re the Lady Guardian now, I believe it’s my turn to take over your old patrols on a regular basis.”
Ariana wasn’t expecting to hear that from her. “Are you certain, Kelina?” Kelly nodded. “You wish to take my place as Young Guardian, patrolling the Ancient Mystic Realms?”
“Yes, and no.” Kelly supplied. “I wish to take your place, yes, but with my own title. I believe I’ve earned another name, one of my own. Since I’m no longer a child, I shouldn’t be called one, don’t you agree?”
“It’s not my decision alone, sweetheart, and you know it.” Ariana said. “I didn’t give you the title of Enchanted Child, the Sisters and O’Dell did.”
“Oh, I know.” Kelly smiled. “I was just wondering if you would stand by me when I approach them tonight about it.”
Ariana hugged her. “Of course I will, darling! Need you ask? I’m your mother, of course I’ll stand beside you.” She kissed her on the cheek. “Now, go tend to the little ones. We’ll talk more about this later tonight. Okay?”
Kelly nodded and hugged her before leaving.
Ariana smiled at her daughter’s back, thinking the same Bradley had before her; Kelly was definitely growing up fast, and was no longer a child. Soon, the day would come when her oldest daughter graduated high school and moved out on her own. She just hoped that day wouldn’t come too soon.

III

Both the Protector and the Shadow knelt to Countess Dracora’s Throne at Monarch’s Glen. On either side of the Countess were her bodyguards, both whom the Protector had met on his previous trip to the Dragon Nations. To her right was the General Trenor, and her left was Terrantis; though, it confused the Protector of how the General had arrived before they did.
“It is always a pleasure, Protector.” The Countess remarked, nodding her head and smiling. Her dark eyes met those of Shadow’s. “I remember you Shadow, from the Wars that brought our Nations and Realms together.”
“That’s right, Countess. One of your Dweller-kin, named Celeste Moondancer, healed me from a near-fatal wound.” Shadow supplied. “We have never met in person, but I do say now it is a pleasure indeed.”
“Why, thank you, Sir.” Dracora said with a sincere smile. “You both may rise.” When they did and met her eyes, she turned to the Protector. “Have you spoken with Young Guardian on her peculiar behavior?”
“Yes, Countess.” The Protector stammered.
“Has something she told you led you to believe I have something to do with it?” Countess pressed.
“No, Countess,” the Protector supplied. “It’s her actions and change in Magic.”
“Sorry for the interruption, Countess, but since my wife is his wife’s twin and the Grand Magus of the Realms, I had to join him. Her actions and magic mirror those of Lady Guardian’s.”
At the word “Lady,” the Countess’ eyebrows raised. “Lady? When did she become Lady Guardian? Is O’Dell ill, or did he die? Where is he?”
“Lord O’Dell was forced to retire his Guardianship by Young Guardian.” Shadow continued by telling her what had happened the night they returned the Sphere to Lords O’Dell and Maximaniac. “She was given full Guardianship of the Realms in his stead because of that.”
“I knew she was battling Orthos’ Empathy; I’m constantly on our mind-path. I also knew of O’Dell’s own battle of wills with his duo’s Logic, as well as Grand Magus’ battle with his Dark Magic.” Dracora announced. “Orthos is only one factor in both duos’ odd behaviors.”
“Sorry Countess – duos?” Shadow was confused at the use of the word.
“My own apologies, gentlemen.” Dracora said. “’Duo’ means ‘twin’ in the two main languages spoken here in the Nations; Draconian and Ancient Wolf-Speak.” She continued. “Going on, is it not true that the Grand Magus shared blood with a Watcher-kin named Firestorm?”
“How did you know?”
Dracora grinned. “I have my ways.”
The Protector smiled and supplied. “Let me guess, Lady Guardian told you?”
“Aye, that is one way.” Dracora said. “The Watcher-kin Dweller Firestorm just happens to be one of my Draconians in the Outer Realm.”
The two smiled at each other and Shadow saw it. “Getting back on track,” he began, breaking the two of them out of their spell. “We’re here to see if you know what’s going on with the twins, and if there’s anything you can do about it.”
“There is naught I can do for them, gentlemen.” Countess supplied. “What is within them is not what you think. It is the Dweller-kin blood that courses through their systems, affecting their actions and magic. Soon, you will both see they are no longer the women you married, but different. Perhaps better? Who knows but them?”
“You can at least tell us why they’re so much darker about their magic, Countess.” Shadow insisted.
Dracora was angered, she stood and announced in a demanding voice. “How dare you speak to a monarch of the Dragon Nations in such a manner, young Sir? I am not of your Realm; I am the Countess of the Nations. Speak to me as you would a Queen or King of your Realm; with respect. Is that understood?”
Shadow wondered what caused the change in the Countess’ behavior. Regardless, he gulped and nodded.
“Now then.” Dracora took a deep breath and continued. “As I have already stated, the reasons they are darker in their magic are because of the Dweller-kin blood that flows in their systems. It is up to the two of you to help them control their growing powers. Feel free to return to me for any inquiries you may have about them. For the moment, I must return to my work; it is not easy running the Nations alone, you know. Terrantis, go with them and see their safe passage through the FireWall.”
Terrantis saluted and nodded. “Aye, Countess.”
The two of them took that as their cues to leave.
Dracora sat on her throne with a loud thump, sighing. Her General-friend Trenor placed a hand on her shoulder. She took it and announced. “The time draws ever nearer, my friend, and I will be more than happy when it is over.”
“Time is fickle, Shylee.” Trenor supplied. “You know this as well as any of us.”
“Aye, that I do.” She looked at him. “The twins will know who they truly are, Trenor. I can Feel it.”
“Our Nations will be in peace once again soon enough.” Trenor supplied. “All we must do is wait and see.”
“I was afraid you would say that.” Dracora groaned.

Story #1:
Ascension of the Enchanted Child

Two nights after their talk, the Enchanted Child named Kelly Reading and her Lady Guardian Momma headed to the Ancient Mystic Palace to present her to the Mistress Enchantra. Lady Guardian stood by her in her Dragonwolf form, looking and acting regal and proper. The hand on Kelly’s shoulder squeezed, giving her strength to face the Mistress accordingly and properly.
“Enchantra,” The Lady spoke up, hands on the timid girl’s shoulders. Once she had the Mistress’s attention, she continued, sharing a look with her daughter. “I do believe someone would like to speak with you.”
Enchantra smiled and nodded. “Go ahead, my dear.”
Kelly took a deep breath and swallowed. “I deserve a new name.” She corrected herself once realizing how rude the statement had sounded. “Sorry, Mistress.” She choked, bowing. “I meant, I think I deserve a new name.”
“State your reasons, Child.”
Kelly looked at her mother, then back to the Mistress. “That’s just it, Mistress. I’m no longer a child. The title of ‘Enchanted Child’ was fine when I was four, but I’m fourteen now; I’ve taken the Oath already and am considered an adult, according to the Ancient Mystics. In this past War, I led my Crusader team throughout the Realm, keeping Dreamers away from harm, happy in their own Realms. With Bradley’s and Cara’s help, I took over for Momma while she was fighting the War. I was both patrolling the Realms in her absence and taking care of the little ones in the Outer Realm. I don’t know about you, but I’d say that deserves some kind of acknowledgement, to say the least.”
The two older women stared at each other, then at her in surprise. Lady Guardian only smiled, but was afraid of saying anything to interrupt Enchantra’s thoughts.
“Well, that was a mouthful!” Enchantra supplied, chuckling. “Tell me then, Kelina Erin. What do you propose for a title, if not ‘Child’?”
“I’ve not thought that far yet, Mistress.” Kelly told her sheepishly. “I have thought a lot about more responsibility. Mostly, of taking over Momma’s patrols of the Realms while she’s busy being Lady and Momma.”
Enchantra looked to Lady Guardian. “Would you agree to this, Lady?” The Lady nodded. “Is it my understanding that she will take over your full patrols?”
“Aye, Mistress.” Lady said. “I’ve taught her how to patrol, and she has been doing so on her own since we were fighting in the War. My daughter has been working hard, and I agree with her; she deserves another Title. She’s too old to be called ‘Child,’ yet too young to be named Elder.” She hugged Kelly’s shoulders. “I am proud of her, for all she does, both magical and non-magical.”
At that, Kelly blushed.
Enchantra was silent as she took the girl’s chin in her hand and peered into her eyes. “Ah, aye, I See now. There is something within that reminds me of myself when I was young. There is a difficult and winding road ahead for you, Kelina, but I believe you have the strength to endure. You will grow to be a very strong enchantress.” The smile on her face grew and she kissed the girl’s cheek. “You have your name, and the duties to go with it.”
“What’s my new name, Mistress?” Kelly asked, confused.
The Mistress kept her smile. “You will see soon enough. For now, Lady, I wish a word with you. Kelina, you