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

may begin your patrols. Do not forget to take your Protector with you.”
Kelly nodded. “Yes, Mistress.”
At that, she saluted and left.
Lady Guardian stayed behind. “I know what you’re thinking, Enchantra.” She smiled. “Enchantress, is it? Interesting name, don’t you think?”
“Aye, that it is, and I do.” Enchantra supplied. “Your turn, Lady. There’s more to know of the Realms than just patrolling, you know. I will be the one to teach you.”

II

After Kelina stopped to retrieve her Protector in Bradley Allen, she headed on her own patrols. She told him everything that happened at the Palace.
“She actually agreed?” Bradley asked as they rode their Creature-horses down the winding paths. He was amazed, for he knew the Mistress Sisters never agreed that easily or quickly to anything; unless, that is, it suited them. “So, did she give you a name?”
“I’m still trying to figure that out, Brad.” Kelly supplied, biting her lip in thought. “I keep going over our conversation and coming up with nothing. I don’t get it.”
“What was the last thing she told you?” Bradley asked, his mind reeling with thought.
“I’ll grow to be a very strong enchantress.” She said, half to herself, half to him.
“Do you think that’s it?” He asked.
After a moment, she said. “Enchantress? Why would she call me that?”
“She said you reminded her of herself when she was younger.” Bradley supplied. “Why not?”
Kelly nodded, and smiled. “Yeah, that’s right. She did say that, so why not?”
She turned back to the path and her work with him following behind, wondering what was on her mind.
Halfway through the wooded area, they saw a shadow flying above them. They stopped, looking to the skies.
“Is that what I think it is?” Bradley asked, hand to his head shading the sunlight.
Kelly smiled, whispering. “Dragon.” She waved her arms to draw the dragon’s attention.
The dragon soared down to them, changing form to half-immortal, half dragon. He looked them in the eyes and bowed his head in greeting. “Sulheya, Dreamers.”
“Uh, Sulheya Dragon, I guess.” Bradley nervously nodded his head in answer.
The Dragon laughed. “The name is Terrantis, General Terrantis, head of my Countess’ Draconic Armies. You Younglings would be?”
Kelly bowed from atop her horse. “I am the Ancient Mystic previously known as the Enchanted Child, and he’s Bradley Allen, my Earthly Protector. It’s a pleasure to meet you, General.”
“Pleasure is all mine, Child, Bradley Allen.” Terrantis supplied, nodding again to each of them. “Why previously?”
“I was just renamed the Enchantress.” Kelly said. “In my Realm, I’m fourteen, and no longer a child, so I thought I should have a new name. Lady Guardian, my mother, accompanied me to the Ancient Mystic’s Palace and Mistress Enchantra.”
At the name “Lady Guardian,” Terrantis’ eyes widened. “Lady Guardian is your Mutyr?”
“If ‘Mutyr’ means mother, then yes, she is.” Kelly supplied. “Were you going to see someone before I called you down?”
“Actually, aye.” Terrantis said. “Quite coincidentally, I was searching for your Mutyr. Have you seen her?”
“I just left her side.” Kelly responded. “She’s still at the Palace.”
“In the Realm of Dreams, I take it?” Terrantis winced.
Kelly nodded. “Maybe there’s something I can do for you?” She suggested. “After all, I am her daughter. I have as much power as she does.”
Terrantis watched the girl and her mate in thought. “I do not doubt your power, Enchantress.” He supplied. After a moment, he nodded. “Very well then. You know of the Countess and the Dragon Nations, aye?”
Both Kelly and Bradley nodded.
“In the Nations, there are stories about those called ‘The Lost Ones,’” He started. “Named such because long ago, before what is now called the ‘Dragon’s Fall,’ our Lord Emperor awoke to find his mate and three children missing from their beds. Many centuries have passed, and all that is left of them is stories. Well, the Countess, who is Lord Emperor’s brattona, his sister, received word about the possibility her own nieces and nephew might still live. She wishes to have Lady Guardian investigate a place known as ‘Dragon’s Keep,’ where it is rumored the Lost Ones, at least the children, are staying.”
“Why Momma?” Kelly asked. “Can’t I do it?”
“The Countess has her reasons for only wanting the Lady to investigate.” Terrantis said. “What you can do is tell her what I told you. That would be a great help to us all.”
Bradley was confused. “All, as in the Dragons?”
“Not only us in the Nations, but All Realms of All the Worlds.” Terrantis announced. “My thanks ahead of time, Lady Enchantress.” He placed a hand to his heart and nodded his head, reciting. “Live strong, live free, and live in peace.”
With a final word of “Kaetaa,” Terrantis was gone, leaving the two of them staring after him.

III

Back in the Outer Realm, Lady Guardian was incredulous, if not a tad confused. Kelly reported her night’s patrol and meeting Terrantis, along with telling her why he’d been sent to find her.
“She wants me to what?” Ariana was incredulous. “Why me?”
Kelly shrugged. “That, I don’t know. All I know is what the General told me to tell you. He said it would be a great help to us all if I did.”
“I know that much; I know how vague dragons of the Nations can be.” Ariana replied. “What I don’t understand is why me? Why can’t she send one of her Draconian Soldiers to investigate – or herself? Why does the Countess want me to do it? I don’t get it.”
“My guess is because you’re the Lady Guardian of the Realms. It’s part of the job?” Kelly asked. “I’m not sure, either. Only way to know is to go to her and find out.”
Ariana was in deep thought. “You know what? I’ll do that right now.”
“What about the littles? Derrick? Juliet?” Kelly asked as she watched her mother go to the closet and arm herself with Dragon Dagger and the short-sword named Spiritblade. “What about them?”
“This can’t wait.” Ariana supplied, half in a trance readying herself. She grabbed a black-velvet cloak and wrapped it around herself before returning to her daughter. “If I don’t find out now, it’ll bug me ‘til I do. You know that.”
“I know that.” Kelly supplied. “I also know you’re our mother; and since becoming Lady, you haven’t been one.”
Ariana froze in her tracks. “I know, Sweetheart, and I’m sorry.” She placed a hand on her daughter’s cheek before grasping her in a hug. “I never mean to hurt you, neither of you. I love all of you very much. I do what I have to do as Lady Guardian because of you. I want to give all of you the peaceful life I never had growing up.”
Kelly hugged back. “I love you, too Momma, and I’m sure we’ll all have peaceful lives soon enough.” She sighed. “Now, go to the Nations and see the Countess. She’s got answers for you.”
After a final kiss on the cheek, Ariana Reading known as the Lady Guardian of the Realms called a quick spell and disappeared through her Ancient Mystic’s Mirror. With a sigh, Kelly Reading known as the Enchantress turned on her heel and left the room to find her younger siblings.

Story #2:
Dark Magic Gone Darker

Meanwhile, at the Morehouses, it was a different story. For the longest time, Luna delved deep into the darkest of her new Dweller-kin-like powers, learning everything she could about them.
Firestorm came to her at times, tutoring her. He wasn’t happy she was taking her powers to such a negative extreme.
“You dabble in darkness, Blood-sister.” Firestorm growled, frustrated at the way she was acting during her lessons. “Why not learn to control it as Lady Guardian has?”
“Because I am not the Lady Guardian!” She cried. He could see the color of her eyes change from ocean-blue to blood red. “I am the Grand Magus. In case you don’t know what that means, I’ll tell you. It means I’m the Great Magician. I can handle anything that comes my way.”
It took a moment for Firestorm to answer. He searched the link between them and saw something he didn’t want to see. Something that made him take notice. He had to speak.
“Be wary of the path darkness takes you.” Firestorm was angry, changing his eyes to the fierce blood red. “You could turn Stalker.”
“My heart is too good to turn, and you know it.” Luna announced calmly.
“Even the pure become Stalkers when they are not looking.” Firestorm went on before disappearing in a cloud of dark red mist.
Maybe he’s right? She thought to herself once he left. She returned to her house-chores in deep thought. Could I be Turning Stalker? How could that be, she reflected, if I’m not a Dweller-kin? I’m just an Ancient Mystic who happened to exchange blood with a Watcher-kin Sundancer, that’s all. Right? She thought for a moment. I have complete control of the Dark Magic within, don’t I? I was able to control the Dream Realms’ Sphere with no problems, wasn’t I?
Luna sighed. I don’t know, she thought, slumping herself on the couch. She took the Dream Pentacle in her hands and played with it. I’ve got the Dragon Magic, according to Enchantra, a wild magic from inside telling me things I never knew before. I’m a great magician, hence my Dream Realm Persona, the Grand Magus. Who am I, really?
Delve too deep in thoughts like that Blood-sister, and you could be stuck flying in circles. Emerald’s gentle voice entered her thoughts this time.
“Show yourself, Emerald.” Luna whispered aloud, knowing full well the Dweller-kin was in range of her sensors. The thought was too clear to be otherwise.
Emerald shimmered in front of her, sitting down on the cushion beside her. “Why the long face, Grand Magus?”
“Call me Adarra.” Luna supplied without knowing why she said it. “And I have a long face, as you put it, for good reasons. Your mate just left here, claiming I was Turning Stalker.”
“Have you given him reason to think otherwise?” Emerald responded.
Luna shrugged. “He seems to think so on his own, just because I’m learning what little Dragon Magic I can. Firestorm believes I’ll Turn if I don’t stay balanced.”
“He is right on that; always has been.” Emerald responded. “I see the same as my beloved mate. Since sharing our blood, magic, and secret with you, you have been delving a little deeper than we have seen a Fledgling go before. It’s not right; especially if that Fledgling is already a powerful Ancient Mystic with a love of her magic.”
“The Ancient Mystic Magic is every part of me, just as your Dweller-kin powers are a part of you.” Luna supplied. “The Healing,