The Dragon Realms: Book Two - The Defender

By Kent Stinger

Billy and Tai-Yu's battle in the fairy realm of Oryona is at a stale mate, but another one looms in the realm of the Elves, a battle that will send Deseray, with a heart broken by Billy, on a the quest Mother Wong has setup for her. Deseray must make decisions that will not only change her life, but could cause the fall of Elvonia, the realm of the Elves, sending into slavery to the Black Witches, and the shadow. Along the way she must save the lives of a princess, a small girl who watched the death of her mother and father, and try to convince the elves that their dragon guardian is not their enemy. And if this is not enough, she must come to terms with the fate destiny has in store for her. In the end she not only has to find out who she has become, and how her new fate will change the fate of her new niece, Ming-mei. But she must choose between love and duty to the Gods. In this part of the tales of the Dragon Realms their defense lays in the hands of a small young woman who is sill trying to decide who she is, and why she must always be left to defend for herself. Is there not someone out there who will defend her?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kent Stinger
• Release date: Nov 21, 2016
• ISBN: 9781370597505

Book preview

Chapter 1

Deseray stood next to Mother Wong, and watched Tai-yu as she walked across the meadow towards Billy. She thought her heart was going to break, after all Billy was her first real love. The only problem was, well, he didn’t know it, and she hadn’t voiced her feeling to him. It was apparent by the look in his eyes that Tai-yu was the only women he could see in his life anyway.

What made matters even worse, was the fact that with Tai-yu leaving, it was now her responsibly to help Tai-yu’s mom at Mother Wong’s restaurant. A job just a few short years ago she would of died for. Well not really died, but it was the position she saw herself made for. But after she became an eccepted, well she was looking forward to something more, exciting. Something more like what Tai-yu and Billy were doing. After all she’d trained with Father Wong ever since she could walk to be a fighter, not just a hostess for Mother Wong’s restaurant.

True, Mother Wong kept telling her that destiny had something else planed for her. She just had to wait until the time came for her to fulfill it. She just hoped it happened real soon, what with Tai-yu leaving with Billy. Tai-yu’s father would go ballistic when he found out, and with her now living with them behind the restaurant.

Well she wasn’t looking forward to tomorrow’s return to the city.

As the fairy who called himself the Chief Councilor ended the ceremony, Deseray felt her face grow hot with anger at Billy and Tai-yu’s long and passionate kiss.

Get a room! She mumbled.

Come, we must leave. Mother Wong told her. Climb into the sleigh.

I’d rather walk if you don’t mind. Deseray replied.

You’ll never find your way back. Mother Wong told her. Besides, it’s freezing out here.

Mr. Weldon turned from the sleigh and smiled at Mother Wong, and Mother Wen. She’ll be fine. I’ll show her the way back, and wait for her at the top of the hill after I drop the rest of you off. That said he pointed to the pathway across the meadow between two tall trees. Just follow that path; it will lead you back to the ranch. He then handed her a large flashlight and a whistle. If you get lost, just blow on this.

Deseray walked over to the pathway, and once she was under the cover of the bare branches, she stopped and turned back to stare into the meadow. The last of the fairies was disappearing into the old tree, and the door to the cabin was closed. She watched as the last fairy stopped and waved her hand at the meadow. Then had to move over to one side of the path as a tall thorny wild rose bush grew up in front of her. In fact the whole meadow changed, from a wide open smooth opening, to an overgrown field with large stones, and fallen trees.

Then she watched as the cabin rose up from the ground and start to spin, as it spun faster, it began to shrink in size. Then in a flash of blue light, it rocketed over, and into the same tree the fairies had flown into.

As her eyes adjusted to the moon light, she stared into the cold field before her; it seemed impossible that anything had happened here tonight. After a few more minutes, she turned and made her way up the trail Mr. Weldon had shown her. The snow was deep, and made her progress slow, but she was in no hurry. After all there was a lot she needed to come to grips with. Not all of them pleasant ones.

Exiting the forest, she found Mr. Weldon true to his word, sitting on a snow machine with a blanket over his lap. Here, wrap yourself up in this, you look cold.

I am a little, but for some strange reason, if not for all this snow, I’d swear it was mid spring.

Mr. Weldon smiled, and then laughed. It would appear the magic in you tends to protect you from the elements.

What do you mean by that? Deseray asked, as she bundled up on the back of the snow machine.

It would appear as an excepted, you’re protected a bit by the dragon’s magic as well. You possess a rare form of defense magic, one they don’t even think about. Didn’t you notice that Jing didn’t seem effected by the winter cold, for that matter, neither did Tai-yu? That’s because of the magic that protects them from the elements. It would appear my dear child; you too have some of that magic.

But I didn’t do anything to activate it.

Your body did, when it became chilled, I expect you don’t get over heated in the summer when everyone else is looking for a cool spot to escape the heat either.

Deseray thought about all the summers she’d spent working in the back of the restaurant where the air-conditioning didn’t work well. She realized that she used to feel drained and worn out, but now she never felt the heat the way the other workers did. Then it occurred to her that even sitting here behind Mr. Weldon, the temperature didn’t seem any different to her than it did on the docks of the warehouse in June.

As they neared the cabin she saw that the hole in the kitchen had been repaired somewhat, most likely by Mother Wong. Then she noticed the car parked next to the front of the cabin. This should to be good! She said aloud, as she climbed off the snowmobile.

Why? What’s wrong? Mr. Weldon asked.

Deseray pointed to the front of the cabin. That’s father Wen’s car. He must have followed us out here.

But how did he know you were here? And not somewhere else?

A lucky guess maybe, I don’t know, but I’m sure I’m not going to ask him.

I believe I’ll put the snowmobile and the sleigh away. Mr. Weldon replied.

Good idea. Right now I’d like to help, but I must face him sooner or later. She told him and started up towards the cabin.

Why are you worried? You didn’t have anything to do with all this. Will he really take it out on you?

Mr. Wen already treats me with contempt, all ways has. That I can take, it’s who’s with him that scares me.

Who might that be, Not Mr. Wong?

No, it’s who he brought with him that bothers me. He’s trouble! Seeing the look of confusion on Mr. Weldon’s face, she pointed up at the cabin window. That’s Mr. and Mrs. Wong’s oldest son.

Mr. Weldon looked up at the window she was pointing to. So that’s Lee? Tai-yu told me about him. Isn’t he a lawyer?

That’s one of his duties for the Wah family.

Was he an abusive foster brother? Is that why you’re scared of him? Mr. Weldon said and started up the walkway with her.

Deseray held up her hand for him to stop. He would never harm me; he was my protector when I was growing up. It’s his employers’ that scare me.

He works for a law firm.

The firm he works for is not just into law, that’s just their firm’s cover. Then turning back to Mr. Weldon. Mother Wong’s not the only one in the family with tattoos. The firm he works for is controlled by the Yakuza.

But they’re Chinese! Aren’t the Yakuza Japanese, and they don’t like the Chinese.

Deseray smiled, and then looked up at the window; Lee was standing between his mom, and his brother in-law. Mr. Wen was defiantly not happy. In the Orient that may still be true, but a few here have joined forces to gain power. China town is the hub of power for the Chinese Triads; Lee’s implorers want to gain control of that power.

Are you trying to tell me that the Wong’s are criminals? Mr. Weldon exclaimed, with a worried looked on his face.

Deseray smiled, and then looked up at Lee, then back at Mr. Wong. "No, not by a long shot. In fact Lan wouldn’t allow Mother to stay with father if that were true.

But Lee’s thrust for power was greater than his love for his parents. Now I fear he’s here to take advantage of Mr. Wen’s anger to try and gain back control of the neighborhood, and maybe the town."

You talk like he doesn’t know about his mom’s, uh, condition.

He doesn’t know, No, I take that back, none of us have ever been denied the truth. It’s just that some, like Mr. Wen and Lee, can’t find it in their hearts to believe. Much like those who fall to the shadow, as many can’t find the faith to believe in what they can’t see. Some can’t even believe in what they do see, as truth.

I’m confused. If you’re not scared of those in the cabin, then who are you scared of?

The firm. She said in a low voice. If Lee is truly here to gain their control in china town, I worry about how that will then affect the Wong’s, after all they are a great part of the reason they haven’t gained control there before now?

And what has that got to do with the Wahs?

"I doubt it has anything to do with his in-laws, directly. I believe Mr. Wen called Lee to get him to persuade Mother and Heng to stop Billy and Tai-yu’s courtship. Finding that they’re now married, and not here. Well that might be the key the firm has been looking for to gain a foot in the door, so to speak, in China town. Mr. Wen holds a very powerful position in town. And if Lee can gain Mr. Wen’s trust, and convince him his employers can help prevent mixed marriages. Maybe even get Tai-yu back from Billy; well that’s not a pleasant thought.

Not to mention Billy didn’t quit leave town with a very big fan club. In fact the traditionalists, and a certain gang, are probably not going to welcome the news of this union."

After saying this she turned and left a rather astonished Mr. Weldon, standing in the cold. She was reaching for the door handle when she finally heard the snowmobile start back up.

Opening the door, she was greeted by Lee with a warm hug and a kiss on her forehead. Hey little squirt, you’ve grown into a lovely young woman.

Then looking over at Mr. Wen, he added. I hear you’ve moved in with the Wen’s to take up the slack, what with Tai-yu running off with that white boy Mother convinced dad to adopt.

Deseray paused for a moment, she didn’t need the warning Lan was giving her in her head to know Lee was using his lawyer skills to try and pump her for information. Information he wasn’t getting from the others.

It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. It looks to me like you haven’t missed any of your work outs; you still look like you could punch out a whole room of those dragon clan goons who keep pestering us. She said with a smile, and kissed his cheek.

I hear your missing boyfriend, I mean brother, already beat me to that. I hope Tai-yu and he packed well for the cold climate of Canada?

Lan informed her that Canada wasn’t the destination he was told Billy and Tai-yu was headed for, it was Hawaii. I don’t think where they are going will be to cold, in fact I think they over packed for Hawaii. She said with a coy smile. That is if they even find time to leave their room. She saw the fear on Mother Wen’s face at her last comment, and her quick glance at her husband.

Mother Wong on the other hand had to raise her hand up to hide a smile. Lee however faked a sad look towards Chan, and reached over to pat him on the arm. Sister I’m surprised at your joy at this union, I for one thought you didn’t like boys like him.

Deseray reached out and took hold of her foster brother’s hand, raising it up; she kissed the back of it. She felt the calluses on his hand and the edge of his tattoos just under the cuff of his shirt. "I still don’t like the way some of them treat us, but I’ve not only grown in stature since you last saw me.

I’ve also seen how we treat each other, and I’m old enough now to see that those of non-oriental linage aren’t the only ones who treat us as inferior." After saying this she moved over to stand between her foster mother and sister, and smiled back at him.

"I will be honest with you brother, I still love you dearly, as I do the rest of those I call my family.

But I also find joy in honoring their wishes, even those they have for me, as much as I don’t care for some of them. I only hope that their love and concern for my future will someday become apparent to me."

Shaking his head, Lee stepped over to the fire place and leaned against it. Well said, maybe you should think about studying law in college. You would do quite well I believe. He said with a smirk, and then added. But first let me ask you this, do you still hear dragon’s talking in your head?

She only nodded.

"Then I take it you still believe Mother carries a dragon in her back in the form of a tattoo no one but those she calls excepted can see.

And that she can become one with such a beast." This he said in a bitter tone.

Then after a short pause, he smiled over at his brother in-law. I guess you were right, they are all deranged. Too bad I couldn’t get a flight here sooner. Then before anyone could speak, he headed for the door. I just hope my associates can track them down. Then looking over at his mother, father, and sister, and not seeing the response he was expecting, added. I just hope the two of them aren’t consorting with other’s with deranged believes like some I know.

At this comment, his brother in-law looked fearful. Deseray giggled despite herself, mother Wong nudged her, and shook her head in disapproval. Lan however giggled along with her.

We should get back to civilization; this cabin doesn’t look to safe from the cold. Lee said and started to open the door.

You can go if you wish; your room however has been changed a bit. We’re tired and need some sleep before we try and drive home. And there are more cabins here so stay in. Mother Wong told him, then taking Heng by the hand, she headed for the stairs. Deseray headed for the kitchen.

Where are you going? Lee asked her.

To practice, just like you taught me. I will not go to bed before I complete them.

Leaving his brother in-law and sister alone in the room, Lee walked over to her. It’s been awhile since we worked out together, now might be a good time to see if all the time I spent with you amounted to something.

Chapter 2

It was sunny and warm the next day when they arrived back at the warehouse. After saying good bye to everyone as they entered the warehouse, she drove her car to the restaurant. She was not prepared for what she found there.

The door and windows were boarded up, and the other workers were scrubbing graffiti off the wall. She rushed in side to find broken chairs, tables, and dishes scattered all over the room. What happened? She asked.

The Imperial Dragons broke in last night; they destroyed all but the upstairs and Mrs. Wen’s office. Deseray moved to the office and found the door damaged, but not smashed in, the door at the top of the stairs was the same. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end, as if she’d rubbed a balloon on her blouse and held it against her neck. Magic." She said aloud, and then remembered the family quarters behind the restaurant.

As she rounded the corner of the building into the alley, she heard the squeal of tires. She quickly glanced over her shoulder to see Lee and her parent’s cars at the curb.

Running to the back of the alley, she saw the gate to the families private living quarters smashed in. the tag of the Imperial Dragons was painted across the front of it. She leaped over the fallen gate and stopped cold, the whole area looked just like it did when they left.

She felt the same prickling sensation as she did on the stairs, only this time she felt it all over her body. For a few moments she couldn’t move, then she heard Lan call out to her, then the prickling sensation vanished and she feel to the ground.

Lee was the first to arrive, he knelt down cradled her head in his hands. Are you hurt? He asked. She looked up into his face, and for a brief moment she saw the worry in his eyes.

I’m fine, I think, I didn’t quit make it over all the rubble when I jumped. She told him. Then seeing Mother Wong, she projected a question for Lan. "Did you form the magic that protected this place?

Mother Wong did. Lan informed her. I had told her to protect all the property, but she was worried about the effect it might have on the workers.

Good call. Then to Lee. I thought these guys were afraid of you and your new firm.

She saw the look in his eyes, and wished she’d not voiced that thought. I mean …

I know what you mean! He said, and shot his mother a dark look. One she just smiled at. Let’s just say their actions are one of the reasons I’m here. That said he helped her to her feet, and then moved to stand next to father Wen.

What are we going to do about all this? Father Wen asked Lee.

Lee looked over at his mother and sister. That’s up to them.

It will be dealt with in the proper manner. Mother Wong informed him.

Then nothing will stop them from returning. Father Wen remarked, and headed for the house. No officer of the law will go out of his way to enrage the imperial dragons, at least not in a way that would prevent any retaliation from them in turn.

When he was gone, Mother Wong turned to her son, and with a smile, asked. And what are your plans here?

Just business, nothing you need to worry about. But while I’m here I’ll look into this problem for you. He said, then with a sinister smile added. Do you still believe in dragons?

Oh, more so today than ever before. But you needn’t inconvenience yourself with our problems. Deseray is well equipped to handle the ruffians that did this. In fact I believe after tonight they will think twice about crossing our paths again.

Both Deseray, and Lee, looked at Mother Wong with a look of disbelief combined with fear, well Deseray’s was fear, Lee’s was mixed more with concern.

No way! Both said at the same time. Then Lee moved over and stood next to his mother. Don’t force her into anything dangerous, she’s too small and untrained to handle one of those gang members, let alone a whole gang. It would take a small army to tackle a gang like them. Believe me; they have some very powerful connections.

Then after a brief pause, he looked back at his mother and shrugged. You win; I’ll look into it for you.

Mother Wong smiled, then after kissing him on the forehead; she took Deseray by the arm and headed for the front of the restaurant. "Come, let’s go help the others. If we all work together we might be able to get the things cleaned up by the week end.

After all we have the New Year’s parade to next month, and a lot of the people would be unhappy of we are not ready to serve them by then. To some eating at Wong’s is a family tradition."

They didn’t see much of Lee while he was in town for the three months he was in China town. They also didn’t have any more troubles with the Imperial Dragons themselves, but their neighbors troubles increased. They demanded what they called security money to protect their businesses, and those who didn’t pay, or were late, had their businesses vandalized.

Mr. Wong, along with a few of the older business men went to the authorities for help. They were told they were doing all they could, due to their limited funds. It was plain to see though, that the residents in the wealthy and prominent neighborhoods had no lack of police patrols.

Some of the younger business men were mad that the Wong’s and their family didn’t have to fear the gang. Mr. Wong though told them he had nothing to do with any of Lee’s deals with the gang. But his trucks could pass uninhibited in and out of China Town. This didn’t sit well with most of the others.

We must do something. Mother Wong told her husband when he arrived to pick her up at the restaurant. What with Deseray now living with her step sister, and Tai-Yu and Billy no longer around, she had no one to drive her to and from the restaurant, and she didn’t drive.

And what do you suppose we do, agree to Lee’s so called firms demands? He asked. You know the only reason we are immune to our neighbors’ troubles is because of them. And we both know that this reprieve is not a permanent one, as soon as they find out we’re among the ones who still opposes their firm’s dealings here.

What do you mean among the ones who oppose their buying out our friends and neighbors? We’re the ones who organized, and lead, that opposition. Mother Wong stated. And what do you suppose we do about the inevitable?

Well I don’t like the idea of Deseray becoming involved. She’s going to have enough to worry about with her duties here at the restaurant, combined with her classes and studies at the university.

At this, Deseray stood up from the booth behind them and turned to face the both of them. Don’t you think I’m old enough to make my own decisions? After all from Mr. Weldon’s last message, Billy and Tai-Yu have started to go forth with their plans on how to aid the dragon realm of the fairies.

I’m not trying to belittle your role in what happens here, but even I don’t have any idea on how to solve this problem without the aid of the authorities. Mr. Wong told her. Then before his wife could answer, he held up his hand and added. "I know what you’re going to say, and you know I don’t agree with it.

I want you both to know I think its suicide. And I remember the fight with the shadow is not over, and might never be over.

Why isn’t that good enough for our family? Why can’t we let others fight those like the Imperial Dragons? Then before either of them could reply, he shook his head. Okay, I’ve had my say. Now what have you two got planed in those beautiful heads of yours?"

Our plans? Deseray said. I haven’t talked with anyone about what I think should be done to stop the Imperial Dragons.

Mother Wong smiled. That’s not true, and you know it.

Deseray smiled. I said I haven’t talked with anyone about any of my ideas. I didn’t say there wasn’t anyone else who knew about my ideas.

Mr. Wong looked at his wife and with a frown asked. When were you going to tell me she was contemplating attacking them?

Lan’s not required to tell me what an excepted it thinking, but I know our daughter, I figured she couldn’t keep out of this.

Then taking Deseray by the hand and looking into her eyes, her smile slowly faded from her face. Lan just informed me of your plan; I must agree with her, I don’t think it’s the best one for you. We need to discuss this more, not that I believe your plan is not a good one, but with our limited knowledge of their organization, we need to do some more investigation.

Desery didn’t lose her smile, in fact it grew wider. She could see the look of dismay on her father’s face, and the questioning look on her Mothers. I know who all the members are; I even know who their main backers are.

How do you know all this? Mother Wong asked. Lan say’s even she doesn’t, and she says you’ve never received any information about this. Then after a short pause, and a gasp, and with a look of shock said. I don’t believe it. You’ve developed the ability to block Lan. Only a Dragon Master has that power.

Deseray knelt down and placed her hand over her mothers. Lan isn’t the only one I’ve been communicating with. And she was the one who blocked out our communications, not me.

Mother Wong paused, and then asked. "Who is it that has contacted you? Lan has not been contacted by any of her siblings concerning you. Not that it’s required for another dragon to inform another whom they are talking to.

And an excepted is accessible to all pure dragons, but usually the local dragon and bearer are informed when another is in communication with one that they are. And I would hope they would especially when that excepted is my daughter."

Deseray’s smile widened. I think you’ll not be to mad at this one, although it was her idea not to inform you I was talking with her. After all she says you two haven’t always seen eye to eye on important discussions. Like marrying Father Wong.

What! Mr. Wong exclaimed. Who’s she talking about!

Mother Wong’s face first went pale, then bright red. You’ve been communicating with my eldest sister? She almost screamed.

For a moment Deseray didn’t know whether to run and hide, or apologize. Then seeing the look of surprise appear on Mother Wong’s face, and hearing Tao tell her to be strong. She stood up, and bowed to her two foster parents, and in a soft loving voice. Began to explain the details of the plan she and Laya had developed.

Mr. Wong looked first to his wife, then his daughter, then stood to face Deseray. "I doubt my concerns would change that which has been decided. I’m old enough to know when I’ve been out voted. And outnumbered, but I must demand that before any move towards the gang is undertaken.

I must approve if my daughter is ready for the confrontation. Then after a short bow to his wife, and a kiss on Deseray’s forehead, he stepped back. I hate to add to your busy schedule, but from tonight forward I want you to spend time in the mornings working on your fighting skills."

But I already do, I study twice a week next door

Mr.Wong took her hand, and in a soft voice. No dear, what you do now is a hobby. From now on it will become a part of your life, for what you learn could save your life. I will send a teacher here to work with you in the mornings. Even Sunday will be a day of study; I just hope it doesn’t interfere with your work and school. By the way, what are you studying at that school?

Nursing. And Gymnastics.

Mr. Wong smiled and kissed her hand. Both will be needed I fear. Then after he kissed her hand again, he started to leave. Be up early, I’ll have one of the monks from the monastery here in the morning to train you.

But they’re mean! Deseray exclaimed. You’ve told us about how the treated you when you trained with them.

Yes, their training is not for the weak, or unworthy. But do you think the Imperial Dragons will be playing by any rules? And if Chow is correct, this will only be your first challenge. And I fear the next ones might be even more brutal than the one you are now faceing.

Chapter 3

I suppose you agree with him! Deseray said, and turned to see Mother Wong’s expression. Are you okay?

Lan has been in contact with Tao. You’ve been changed.

What do you mean changed? I’m still the same! Deseray said, then with a worried look on her face quickly asked. What did Lan tell you? Will I be alright? I’m not going to grow something weird am I?

Mother Wong didn’t smile, but she took hold of Deseray’s hand and pulled her down to sit next to her. "What did Tao ask you pacifically?

Only if I wanted to help in the fight against evil? Deseray answered, worry now written all over her face.

Did she ask you if you were willing to endure pain to achieve this?

Well in a way, she asked me if I wanted to be able to use magic, like you do. Even if it meant I would have to endure great pain. Deseray told her, and then asked. Did I do something terrible? Tears began to roll down her cheeks.

Mother Wong pulled her close. No dear, what you’ve put yourself through for the sake of fighting evil was not a terrible thing. In fact what you did took a great deal of strength, you had to endure almost as much physical pain as Billy did to become a Dragon Master. But the mental pain you had to endure was one he didn’t have to endure, and one I’m afraid will stay with you longer than the physical pain.

Wait, I didn’t go through any mental pain, only a great deal of physical. Then after a short pause added. I almost gave in to that pain, if I knew how much I would have to endure beforehand. I probably wouldn’t have done it.

Mother Wong shook her head, and then smiled for the first time since she heard about her sister and Tao. "You are no longer an excepted, one who has been allowed to join others whom the dragons wish to aid themselves and their bearers with their responsibilities.

Now you have become an accepted, one who has agreed to take on the duty, along with the responsibility of fighting the shadow alongside them. In doing so you have gained the use of magic, and a position of power. In short, you went from one who has been allowed to just serve with us, to one who may be called to serve with us and face our enemy alone in our battle against evil."

But wasn’t that what I’ve been doing already?

Smiling, Mother Wong shook her head, and then kissed Deseray on the forehead. My dear daughter, before you only did what we asked because we asked you to. Now you can make your own choices, and plan your own battles.

I did that before, didn’t I? Deseray replied with a definite tone of confusion.

Before the things you did in our cause were given to you as commands, and the actions you made were monitored and approved by Lan, or me. Now you will not need that approval, though I strongly recommend you ask. Also as Tao told you, you can now block your thoughts.

And use magic. After all that’s the main reason I went through all this. Deseray interjected. "But you talk as if I had to go through more that I actually did. All though I must admit that for two days the fact that every muscle in my