It was the first Saturday of the summer and I was cuddling with Ben on the porch. It had been a hectic 9 months since the Royal Grand Ball with everyone settling in to at the house. The attacks had stopped after the twins showed their power that night. We were grateful for the respite but I knew it would not last. The twins recovered slowly from the wild magic backlash being spoiled the whole time.

Darla was happy as a substitute teacher and living back at her house. It took a month for Misty the little dragon to forgive Darla for being gone but she did forgive her.

The Princess Betterment Group was doing grand with the first 3 taking to magic real well doing the title Princess proud.

The Alpha Sorority had put on a event every month since the Ball gathering supporters from all over Sanctuary and the Academy.

The Dragons I was watching learned and grew strong with many types of magic. They would soon be heading back to their homes to show that different dragon races can work together to make all dragons stronger. Being the newest Dragon Queen around this was a very close thing to my heart.

Ben snuggled up to me. He could see his wife's mind was far away. "Penny for your thoughts, love?" He smiled he knew what it was. It has that time again, when things get busy. Her last projects are coming to a end and she would be looking for something new.

Ember smiled "I was just remembering last summers fun. Everything seems to have settled down and that is when I wait for the other shoe to drop." Her look seemed to take in all the caves looking for where the next trouble will come from.

The blast of portal energy past through the caves like a wave. It let everyone know something was coming, something that would not be deigned! Ember moved to find the source of the energy quickly. Striding towards the heart of the energy wave with the sureness that cleared everyone out of her way. Shifting into Dragon Queen in mid stride, showing that someone was going to pay for disturbing her cuddle time!

Ben as captain of the royal guard was right on her heels. He knew not to get in her way. He was there to take care of the mundane threats posed to Ember and the caves in general. Of course if anyone tried to lay a hand on his wife, well I just pity the fool and their army who tried. If nothing else, after his rebirth at the hands of his wife he was the only male Crystal Dragon that there is, that made him pretty strong!

They were met at the newly opened caves by Zoe the combat Mage leader with Sara, Anna, Ella and Willa the members of the first squad of combat mages. So there was a whole lot of power set to take on whatever was coming through the portal.

We entered the newly opened caves and the energy was stronger here. The portal was closed but the energy residue remained. Ben pointed to where a wall had been blasted outward from the portals energy wave. We went over careful to watch for whatever passed through that portal. Looking through the hole I could see two bodies on the floor in front of a very elaborate mirror. I changed back to human form to make my way to the bodies. Ben followed me drawing his sword. They were out cold but alive. A man and a woman looking to be in their twenties. They both felt out of place, slightly out of sink with this world. The twins gave me the same feel. I am betting they are from a different earth. I checked and the woman has a lot of magic potential none in the man. I did note he was carrying a handgun. Ben relieved him of the gun as I opened my link compact to call Janis. These two need a healer and Janis is the best.

I looked over the mirror while we waited for Janis. It was made of a strange silver crystal hybrid that I had never seen before. The frame was made of a darker type of the same thing and very elaborate. It was twice the size of a standard portal mirror and quite thick. This mirror could take a lot of energy passing through it without warping or cracking. I wonder why it was walled away?

Janis came in with Dixie and 4 helpers. She checked them over twice then sitting back on her heels "They have been through a tremendous shock. I am not sure when they will wake up. The problem is I have no where to put them right now. All my rooms are full. All they should need is to sleep it off. If you can find them a place to stay my helpers will take them there.

I looked at Ben and he shrugged "What is two more strays." He turned to Janis "Take them to our house. We will keep an eye on them for now." Ben knew me so well I did not have to suggest it. I loved him so much.

Janis smiled "Portal shock should run its course by tomorrow evening. If it does not call me and I'll have another look. All they should need is sleep." She gave directions to her helpers and we all trooped to the house.

My only clue to what happened is these two 'Strays'. I wanted to get to the bottom of this to see if this is any threat to Sanctuary. I could use safe room spell to put a shield around one of the bedrooms in the house to keep these two contained. The woman has strong magic but it is mostly unused potential so I can keep her contained without too much trouble. So I think it is fairly safe to have them at the house and we do have the space.

Ben set some combat mages to watch the mirror and we trooped off to the house. Walking took a lot longer than flying but I wanted to keep my eyes on these two till I can get them where they can do no harm if they do prove to be a threat.

When we got to the house I had them taken to one of the spare bedrooms in the back. I watched as Janis got then set then set the safe room spell to lock them in. Only Grandmother and I could open the door now. All I could do now is let them sleep. I went to check on the kids to take my mind off of what could happen.

Ben touched my arm "You felt something about those two? What was it?" From the set of his jaw she knew he could tell she was disturbed by what has happened.

I shook my head. "They give me the same off vibe that the twins do. They are from another Earth, I am sure of it! Too many of the other world chosen have ended up here. It is not good. It could draw more attacks from whoever is behind all this. I am going to talk to Angel. I think we need to go on the offence. I don't know how but it will mean survival of us all." I kissed him lightly on the lips and went to check on the others in the house.

The attack came three hours later. The four mirror rooms in the Sanctuary caves all attacked at the same time. We locked them down and activated the counter tactics. Well this means we were cut off from outside help but we have been there before. Since the farm got up and running we were good on food and with the river and lake good on water. I sent a Dragon to each of the four mirror rooms to back up the knights and combat mages already there. This made them as safe as I can at the moment.

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Point of view of the "Strays"

She slowly woke wondering where she was. Before opening her eyes she took in all she felt around her. A soft bed, heavy blankets, little air movement and someone sleeping beside her told her she was in a bed room of a house somewhere. She was sore all over. She did not know how long she had been here or where here was for that matter! She slowly opened her eyes letting them get use to the low light in the room. There is a different feel to this room than I have felt before. It is like I am inside a bubble, a magic bubble. Glancing around I could tell I was in a bedroom of a well appointed house. A woman designed this room to be sure. Too many touches that men forget.

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Embers point of view

I felt a change in the energy of the house, slight but there. I knew the woman was waking up. I just hoped the precautions I took were not needed. This was going to be a long day. I went to find Grandmother, I wanted her with me for this. Grandmother as the former Archmage had a lot of knowledge about all the worlds. Through hints Ember had picked up here and there she thought that Grandmother knew about the timelines more than anyone else around.

As we approached the room I sensed that the "strays" were awake. I put my hand on the wall next to the door unlocking the door.

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Strays

I felt the energy of the room change as someone unlocked the door with a loud click. I slipped into my Duchess persona while I readied what magic I had. I will not be taken lightly! Dan was awake and restless. They had taken his gun so he readied himself to fight if needed.

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Ember

I readied myself for anything. Looking at Grandmother I noted her stance and could tell she was as ready as I was for what might happen. I took a deep breath and settled into my Grand Mage persona. I opened the door to find the strays were standing looking at me. The way the woman held herself spoke of nobility. The man was a bit scruffy but it was very clear that he would protect her. I stepped into the room.

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Strays

My first thought was "It's a kid!" 15 maybe 16. Then the wave of magical power she gave off hit me. I almost took a step back but held myself strong. She was a mage and a strong one. Stronger than any one I had felt before. This is where it will happen. I will find out where we are and If we can ever go back? With her having that much magic this will be hard if it comes to a fight, I hope it does not.

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Ember

I had my magic ready but did not feel it would be needed. This woman was proud and strong, a perfect chosen. We looked over each other. I new this one had come to find something. I did not know how I knew but I did. I decided to speak first "I am Ember Rose Del La Silver Skyflower-Starstone, Grand Mage of Sanctuary. What do you seek here?" Simple strait to the point.
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Strays

Well at least I know where I am now, in a general sense. "My name Amber Lyn Shane Duchess of Wind Haven. I have come looking for a magic teacher to continue my training. I was informed I would find one here." The look on the Grand Mage's face relaxed a bit till she seem to look intently at my chest. No not my chest but my pendant. Slowly she reached to her neck and pulled a identical pendant out of her top! How can that be?

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Ember

Looking at this noble woman wearing the same pendant I was made me wonder what was going to happen next. Grandmother stepped into the room and her eyes went wide. she said "I was wondering when you would encounter one of your alternate selves. It was bound to happen seeing how many of the Chosen show up here." We were both startled by this pronouncement. I never thought I would meet one of my other selves. This one seemed older and some what untrained. The potential is there just unused.

I sighed "There are many magic teachers in Sanctuary. What type of magic do you wish to learn? Your a little old to go to the academy but there are plenty of private tutors around." I could sense that she was not a threat so decided to help her.

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Amber

This kid seemed sure of herself. I wonder what she would think if she knew of my past? This is going to be a long day. I decided to let my gut be my guide an go with the flow. "I wish to learn as much about magic as I can in two years then return to Wind Haven. I would like to know all kinds of magic." well it is out there let's see how it goes.

I know still a little short and a week later but it is how it goes sometimes.

Ember stepped forward farther into the room, suddenly a force with in her burst to the surface. With a shimmering energy wave Ember changed into the Elemental being.

Across the caves in the Great Hall of Sanctuary another change came about changing Queen Angel into her Ancient Dragon form. The change causing alarm all over the palace sending maids panicking.

The two powerful shockwaves that past through the caves was like nothing anyone had ever felt before in the history of Sanctuary! Every mage in the caves felt the power level jump off the scale in a moment.

A more startling change came over Amber. She glowed brightly for several moments then there was two of her. They looked at each other then fainted. Dan moved to the two women on the floor. After checking them both he turned on the Elemental. "What have you done to her?" He yelled and in that small room it seemed even louder. Dan was scared this was magic beyond any he had seen before. With a wave of her hand the Elemental froze Dan in his tracks.

The Elemental said "All True Chosen are twins. Amber's Twin needed to be released from inside her. She will live to play her part in the final battle... probably. Hear this and heed me well, all will be decided by the end of the summer! So prepare as well as you can for the end. Beware the hidden ones!" With a sigh the Elemental shifted back to Ember and crumpled to the ground. Grandmother stepped to Embers side.

After Ember crumpled Dan unfroze. He was still mad but did not move from the two Amber's side. His concern warring with his anger on his face. This was not going well for him.

At the same time in the palace the Dragon Roared then shifter back to the Queen. The Queen crumpled on the throne causing panic in her maids. For a time no one knew what to do. Then Jenny the Queen's #1 assistant began to take control and see to the Queen.

At the same time in the Grand Mage's house Grandmother took over and sent for a healer and got everything moving again.

Janis checked on the Queen and Grand Mage first then the Ambers. She said "There is nothing I can do but wait till they wake. They are exhausted more than anything else."

Grandmother thanked her and seen to the running of the house while Ember was out of it.
About two hours later Ember and Angel woke at the same time. Both Amber's slept on. Grandmother kept Ember in bed for the night to be sure she was ready to get up and going. Jenny did the same for the Queen.

During all this the attacks continued on the Mirror rooms with neither side gaining advantage. Darla and Quin the Assistant Grand Mage were kept busy with the defense of Sanctuary. The rest of the Six of Sanctuary spread through out the caves to help keep things running. Mages, Knights and Dragons prepared for War.

While resting Ember pondered what the Elemental meant when referring to the "Hidden Ones"? She wondered why if the Elemental was a part of her why did she not know what the Elemental knew? For it did seem to be that way.

Ben entered the bedroom slowly not to wake his wife if he could help it. It was no use of course because she was already awake. Ember watched her husband undress. She would have told any one they were crazy if they told her she would be a married woman at this age. She laughed to herself, "Things moved so fast, I wonder what would have happened if Jenny would have never tried to open the portal from the story I was telling her. That started this roller coaster that her life had become."

Ben said "What great thoughts are coursing through that lovely brain of yours my love?" Ben could always draw her out when he talked like that so she told him what she was thinking. Ben considered this for a moment then said "Love, You can't change the past so lets work on the future." Man of few words he was he always tried to use the right ones.

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Angel was pensive. She knew just as Ember did that War was coming to Sanctuary and there was nothing she as Queen could do about it. Unlike her sister Ember, Angel did not have a Husband to calm her fears. This she would need to take totally on her own shoulders. Jenny and the rest of the Six tried to help but in the end it came down to her ability to cope with all this.

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Grandmother was worried. The kids had faced a lot since re-founding Sanctuary, but nothing like this. This time she was powerless to help! The End was coming fast she needed to be ready to jump reality streams if this one went bad. "Pleas get it right this time!" she sent her thoughts out to the universe.

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The Twins were dreaming. Amy and Rose were sharing their dreams again. Like the small kids they are their dreams were full of magic and love. But even here there was a hint of what is to come.

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Ember snuggled up to Ben and finally fell asleep. Tomorrow will be soon enough for such thoughts. She began to dream.

Jenny and I were talking at school. I was telling her tales of the Grand Hall of Crystalis. She was lapping it up. She loved my stories. I was fond of telling them and always had a never ending notebook of them. She would ask questions and I would have answers ready for all of them.

"No this can't be happening again!" Ember yelled in her mind!

I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Eric Vine. I am a 14 year old guy who lives in a small town in Washington state. I am not that much to look at 5 foot even and 100 lbs plain as the day is long. I am the totally invisible type. If it was not for my knack at telling tales no one would notice me at all. Jenny Fay on the other hand is 5 foot 2 inches 105 lbs of pure loveliness. She has red hair that looked like a artist painted it with the colors of a sunset. Well back to the story.

Damb I was a dweeb back then.

This time I was telling her how the mages got to the hall. I described the way to pass through a full size mirror by magic. We were in the class room where she was making a dress for class. I was just hanging out and telling tales to keep her company. Jenny stopped me for a moment with a question. "You said that only those bearing the Rose Crest can pass through the mirror?" she asked. "Yep you have to have the ring to get in." I replied. She asked me to describe the ring again. I did and she got this sly look in her eye. "Sounds just like the ring you wear on your finger." Darn it she caught me. I grinned and held up my hand. "Well what do you know I guess you are right." I tried to joke it off. She took my hand looked at the ring and shrugged.

That's not right? That's when she took my ring. I still have that ring somewhere.

Life went on and Jenny and I got even closer. As we started to date I decided she needed to know about the other side of my life. So I told her one more tale. This tale was my life story. To prove what I was saying I shifted into Ember. She freaked for a bit but then calmed down. So I took the next step, opening the portal. That went well and I held out my hand to her. We walked through the portal.

At that point I woke with a start. My thoughts of yesterday brought to mind. My dream showed what would have happened if Jenny did not take and use my ring that first time.

My dream remained on my mind all day. I wondered why I had that type of dream now? I decided to talk to Jenny about that time and why she took my ring. It is faster to fly so I let my wings out and took off for the Palace. Flying always calmed my nerves so I was very calm when I got to the Great Hall.

I had a flashback of coming here and making the Great Hall of Sanctuary in a very short time. How I used all my pain and emotion to draw out all the magic I repressed for so long. I gave it all to make the palace in one afternoon. I went into the depths of my soul that day and let go of all that had come before. Despite the pain it was a good day.

After landing I folded my wings and walked into the Hall. The throne room was as beautiful as always if I do say so myself. I was really hitting on all brain cells when I redesigned the room the last time.

Angel was on the throne talking to Jenny when I came in. She looked over at me "I was wondering when I would see you Sister. All heck broke loose and I have a feeling you know why!"

I smiled "Well if it hit you as hard as it hit me you know what took me so long. There is a new set of twins in the caves being close to them brought out the Elemental in me. The Elemental gave some hints as to what we can expect this summer. She flat out said it will be decided this summer, all of it."

Angel spoke "My Dragon feels the same way. I am not sure how but the final battle for Sanctuary is coming fast. We need to be ready!" Her look was fierce. I could see her Dragon side just below the surface. She can be scary when she gets like this.

Jenny stepped back when the Queen and I began to talk. I turned to her "I need to talk to you Jenny. If the Queen can spare you for a few moments?" I looked at Angel. She made a shooing motion then turned back to her paperwork. Jenny and I walked into another room for our talk. Where to start? "Jen do you remember why you took my ring off my finger that first time and why you opened the portal?"

Jen looked thoughtful "It was a need I felt. I was wondering if any of what you were telling me could be real. So I had to test it. When the chance came I grabbed it. I am sorry if you did not feel you could show me it was all real. I don't regret doing it. Can I ask why you are brining this up now?"

I smiled "I had a dream last night. In the dream you did not take the ring but still we all ended up in Sanctuary anyways. My dreams usually mean something so I decided to ask. You are my oldest friend from school. If I had stayed Eric I might have even asked you out. In the dream we dated for a while before we ended up here in Sanctuary. Everything has happened so fast since then I guess it has me wondering what if?"

Jenny sounded kind of wistful when she said "I was waiting for you to ask me out you know. We may have been good together. But that time has past! You have Ben and I am dating Byron. I don't know what is bringing this to the surface now but let it go, ok?"

"Well we both need to get back to work. I will see you later Jenny." With this I left without going back to the throne room. I spread my wings and made for the nearest Mirror room. In the next four hours I stopped by all the Mirror rooms to spot check them. That done I headed back to the house and the two Ambers. I needed to find out how they fit in all of this.

Five sets of twins. All of them different ages. How they all will come into play I don't know but this is got to mean something. I can feel it! If getting together with the Ambers boosted the energy level so much what would getting all together in one place mean. Slowly a plan started to filter into my brain.

When I got back to the house I checked on every one then I went looking for Grandmother. I needed her lore of Sanctuary. There was a story I half remember from her telling me about the last days. Stories passed down through the Archmage writings of the time. A tale about a prophesy of the end of days or maybe how to save us all.

Grandmother was over at the alpha house leading a training so I watched as they slowly made shields for the knights in the knights coat of arms. Using the crystal weave this did not take long but it did take a lot of energy and concentration. These girls were the Advance class going to be second years. That meant the were the best of the best of the students. I only lost one from this class, that still hurt. I created the Sorority of Magic to help keep them together and strong. So far it had worked. Grandmother took over watching over them when she retired from being the Archmage. I sighed every knight and mage in Sanctuary is gearing up for war! I got to find a way to avoid that war.

Grandmother caught sight of me and came over. "You look troubled Ember. Tell me what is wrong."

"I had a dream last night. Something is trying to tell me I was destined to come to Sanctuary no matter what path I took. It got me thinking who else may be needed for this final fight. It seems to be centered on the twins here. I don't want to drag all of Sanctuary into this fight if not needed." I sighed again.

Grandmother looked at me "You always take on more than you need to. You got good people around you. Let them do what they can. Face the unknown with the strongest magic possible, All of the people standing right behind you to hold you up and give you strength! Well I am only telling you what you already know so what did you want to see me about?"

"I was trying to remember one of the tales you told me. The one about the statue on the Island. I think it is important for some reason. It is just a feeling but that is all I have to go on right now." My eye's wondered over the shields and wondered how many will live to pass them down. Morbid thoughts aside I had a job to do!

Grandmother looked at me "That one is rather short. it only says 'When the Blue Lady rises the path of the light shall be revealed.' Only I think you already know the way."

"Yes I think I do I hope. It is just when to do it that has me stumped. I need to get back my kids need me. We will talk of this later." With a wave I headed out to my house it was almost dinner time. That means snuggle time with Ben is coming up fast. I chuckled to myself as I walked. I knew that snuggle time was needed to distract my mind so I can work on a problem in the back of my mind. That is the place where most of the real thinking goes on.

It did not take long to get back to the house. Cryss and Skya were waiting for me on the porch. "Mother we had a strange dream last night. There was six glowing orbs all around a single person. That person raised a staff and all of Sanctuary trembled. That is when we woke. We have talked to the other Crystal Dragons and they all had the same Dream! What does this mean Mother?" Cryss was upset by this I could clearly see.

I smiled at her "It is a clue to what we need to do to avoid the war that is coming, I hope. I know many of the clues now I just need to find out what they mean. Let me work on it a bit. No going off by yourself again Cryss."

"Yes Mother I understand. We will wait for you to tell us what you need us to do." They both nodded then went inside to get ready for dinner. Skya was in her Dragon form while Cryss was in her human form. The two were quite the pair. Cryss was the first crystal dragon and Skya was the last born of my magic. Yet they were so much alike yet different at the same time. Both born of my magic in Dragon form. Cryss decided to try to be human and liked it so much she stayed in that form. Every once and awhile she would take on her Dragon form but not often. Skya on the other hand preferred to stay in Dragon form. In this form she acted as my familiar. Since I am the Queen of the race as well as it's creator this was a big job.

Well I better get in to dinner. I just stepped in the door and smiled at the house full of people I loved waiting for me to get there to start dinner. I went and washed up then took my place at the head of the table. I nodded and the maid started to serve. The maids were relatively new. The old maids had move on to start their own shops. So as always I had to break in new maids. This bunch had been on the job for a month. Well I will have to see where there skills take them. I will help them as I had helped the others. The tradition goes back to my first maid who turned out to be a combat mage having been sent to watch over me. Wow my thoughts sure are playing over the past a lot lately.

Ben smiled at me pulling my thoughts back to the here and now. He was good at that. I love him so much. Our wedding was something the likes of anyone would be hard to beat. Again my mind wondered backwards as we ate.

So many People have came and gone from my service. Sometimes I think I am the one keeping the Maid industry in Sanctuary going. After dinner I decided to go talk to the Ambers.

The Ladies were sitting in bed with Dan in a chair looking uncomfortable. Dan stood and moved between me and the Ambers. I smiled at his bravado. Unarmed to face me without magic is not the brightest thing to do. He glared at me "Who the hell do you think you are keeping us here like this?"

I smiled again. It had been awhile since I beat someone over the head with my titles. This might be amusing. "Let me formally introduce myself. I am Her majesty Ember Rose Del La Silver Skyflower-Starstone Queen of the Crystal Dragons, Princess of the Great Hall of Crystalis, Princess of Sanctuary, Duchess of Dragon Scare Castle, Countess of Starstone, Grand Mage of Sanctuary, Sister of Queen Angelica of Sanctuary, Sister of Prince Samuel of Sanctuary, Daughter of Queen Aslina of the Great Hall of Crystalis, Granddaughter of the Former Archmage, Wife to Count Ben of Starstone Captain of the Royal Guard of Sanctuary, Re-Founder of Sanctuary, Leader of the Six of Sanctuary, Creator Mother and Queen of the Crystal Dragon Race, Member of the Dragon 7, Teacher of Advanced Magic at the Academy of Sanctuary, Founder of the Sorority of Magic, Founder of the Princess Betterment Group and the Lady who owns the house you are in right now. How is that? Did it give you a idea who I am?" I looked at the glazed look in his eyes and turned to the Ambers. "Have you recovered from your dividing?"

"Yes, I have recovered somewhat. Those were some mighty impressive titles you have. Since you are grand mage here you should be able to point me to a Teacher of magic." They both smiled at me.

"Yes I could though I need to know why you are here in Sanctuary. There is a chance you are here to play a part in the coming battle."

The Ambers looked at me and sighed. "We know we had a dream while we were out that brought us up to speed on what was happening here."

Hmm more dreams seem like someone is moving pieces into place for the final battle. I need to find out who.

Chasing Tales

Chapter 5

Coming Together

Note; I know it has been awhile since I last posted a chapter of this story. I hope you the readers will give me chance to get back into the storyline properly. Hopefully I will be able to put out chapters regularly from now on till the story is done. Now on with the story.

Amber #1 said "We can't go elsewhere till we know more magic so looks like we are stuck with each other." She sighed and looked at Amber #2. "I am Keeping the name Amber.

Amber #2 said "Our ring does not feel magical anymore, Our pendent is drained as well. I don't know what we are going to do to get back to Wind Haven. I am using the name Lynn."

I shook my head "You were meant to be twins but for some reason only one body was born with two minds. Now you will reach your full potential. The Elemental left me that much knowledge when she left." I sighed. "Think on what you want out of being in Sanctuary. We will talk later."

I left Amber and Lynn to think of what they want out of their time here. I needed time myself to think on the meaning of these dreams. These dreams seem to be leading somewhere. It seemed it will soon be time to bring all the twins together to see what happens. We could end the war or start it.

Well I need my snuggle time so I went looking for Ben. I found him waiting for me on our porch couch. With a look he opened arms and I settled into the warmth and love I needed right then. He waited till I was ready just holding me. With his loving arms around me I could relax and let my mind drift while my back brain worked on the problem. This is why my snuggle time was so important to me. It was when all the information I collected comes together to become a whole idea. With that idea I can form a plan.

Half hour later I had it, the plan. It was simple and direct. So it should work or blow things sky high. In other words normal style for Sanctuary. Something told me time was running out to put my plan in to action.

After a good sleep I gathered the many twins in Sanctuary at the base of the statue on the Island. Using the combined potential magical energy to force a convergence of all the possible earth twins timelines. In a moment it was done. There formed a nexus point in time space in the center of the circle. I stepped forward and passed into the Nexus point.

I stepped out at a point in time when Sanctuary was at it's greatest. Waiting for me were the greatest Mages of that time. How they knew I was coming I don't know but they did. The three Mages looked me over and shook their heads. It had been awhile since I had ran into this. They were just looking at me like I was just a punk kid. Well I will put a stop to that right now.

I stood up straight and looked the lead Mage in the eye. I and gathered a bit of crystal from the stone around me and created a dress crown and staff right on me. That got their attention. I said "I am Queen Ember Rose Del La Silver Skyflower-Starstone Queen of Crystal Dragons, Princess of The Great Hall of Crystalis, Princess of Sanctuary, Duchess of Dragon Scar Castle, Countess of Starstone, Grand Mage of Sanctuary, Daughter of Queen Aslina of the Great Hall of Crystalis, Sister of Queen Angelica of Sanctuary, Sister of Prince Samuel of Sanctuary, Granddaughter of the former Archmage, Wife to Count Ben of Starstone Captain of the Royal Guard of Sanctuary, Re-founder of Sanctuary, Leader of the Six of Sanctuary, Creator Mother and Queen of the Crystal Dragon Race, Member of the Dragon Seven, Teacher of Advanced Magic at the Academy of Sanctuary, Founder of the Sorority of Magic, Founder of the Princess Betterment Group and Time Traveler.

"Well, That is a lot of titles for one so young. What brings you to our time your Majesty?" The first Mage asked. The other two were looking slightly overwhelmed by my speech.

Speaking in a firm tone I said "Sanctuary is in Danger of being over run by ones called the Hidden Ones. I traveled back here to the height of Sanctuary's power to seek help in defeating this threat!"

She looked down at me and said "Our Prophets have spoke of these beings. Only shining a light into the deepest darkness will they be revealed. The light of many coming together as one will kill them. Only the one that is many can produce this light. This is all we know." With that they stepped back. I turned and entered the nexus. Coming out onto the island allowing the others to move apart and release the nexus. Angel came over to me with the 'Well' look on her face.

"I need to think on this. Prophecy is tricky to interpret. I'll let you know what I come up with." I wondered over to all my twins and checked on them. They all were tired but fine. After I got everyone back where they belonged I stated to think on what I was told.

Ben came up to me and told me that the attacks that were hitting the mirror rooms seems to have stopped for now. That was good news at least. One less thing to worry about for the moment. I kissed him and he went back to work.

Summer in the caves was deceptive. You would never know it was if school was not out. No classes till the fall. That did not mean I was not busy. I was always doing something for Sanctuary. This was my domain, my home I was not going to let it fall to anything. I looked after everyone in the caves and tried to keep everyone happy and safe. That left me little time to get bored or to goof off. I had to look after Dragons and humans as well. In there I had to find time to be a wife and mother. This was not easy but so far I have managed to get it all done. As the number of my titles grew I could see people were noticing. When I was young I never thought I would grow up to be the Queen of a race of Dragons or for that mater someone's wife. Till I was 10 years old I never thought of being a girl. Now I am a full time woman and Mother. My children were many both human and Dragon. I even had Dragon Grandchildren. No I did not have much spare time to do anything.

Darla came up to me "We need to talk. I have been hearing some rumors around you should know about." I glanced behind her at the girl she had been tutoring for a bit Kate.

"Do you want to talk inside or here. How is Kate doing by the way." From the look Darla gave me I knew it was fine to talk here in front of Kate. "OK what have you heard?"

Darla sighed "There is rumors that a faction is trying to take over the caves. These are yet undeclared and are after the Queen and you." Kate nodded at this. Darla looked back at her "We have both heard the same rumors from different people. I think this needs to be looked into right away. Once something like this starts it is very hard to stop." Oh goody more worry for me. I caught sight of Grandmother coming this way and she did not look happy. Oh well all the bad news at once.

Grandmother stopped in front of me with hands on her hips glaring at me. I went over in my mind anything that could have set her off? I came up with nothing. So I held my breath for her to speak. What she said was so quiet it was almost a whisper. "You know what you've done opening up a nexus? You endangered us all. What if it had failed and one or more of the twins were killed? That was the most reckless thing I ever seen you pulled and you have pulled some doozies. What were you thinking?"

I stood up straight and faced her. My hackles were up and I was not going to be talked down to no matter who was doing the talking! "Grandmother It was necessary to get the information about who was after Sanctuary. I think I now know where to find thee enemy and how to defeat them! One of them anyways." I stared her down till she relaxed a bit. I could tell she knew that she had lost this argument.

She looked at me "Please don't give me shocks like that not at my age. Talk to me that is what I stayed in Sanctuary for. You taking chances makes my hair even grayer. I know you are Grand Mage here so you have to do what you see fit. I was the Archmage so I know a thing or two. Just please talk to me about the big things and I will live longer. I want to see my Great Grandchildren grow up and happy."

I smiled at her "I will try but some times time is of the essence. I was acting on my feelings as well as what I had found out. My feelings are telling me we are running out of time to prepare. So I acted." She looked at me closely.

"You are sure about these feelings? you are betting a lot on them." I nodded. She relaxed some more. "Well it is done now and we have had our little talk so we can put it behind us."

To Be Continued Please leave a comment.