The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3]

by Robbie Collins

  Moving to her side, The High Queen added, “Tell us why you ask Me to relinquish Sle'nel’ in your offer for peace."

  "And yet, as you request her, tell us of how you desperately desire to kill Sle'nel', your sworn enemy."

  She looked away from Sume'n'tinel'ti'non into the audience, “And tell us all of how an unprotected touch from Sle'nel', an Elfin Faiere Princess, would provide you with burns upon your skin. Then tell us how this all equates to your peaceful endeavors, High Priestess.” Turning suddenly back to her, she said, “But you lie to us. I know well why you come, and what you want."

  "You stole my powers from me. They are MINE!"

  "You allow yourself to think only as a R'kin'dles would, with bitterness. You allow your thinking to be as twisted. They didn't used to be as such, long prior."

  She was shocked to learn that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ knew of her background, “Who told you of this? Who told you I am of the R'kin'dles?"

  Softly, San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “Your beloved Far'lin'ter'il."

  Her voice now wavered in uncertainty, “But she told me that she would never tell you of such."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ hoped that there would come one moment that would soften her sister's heart, and she now tried her negotiation. She placed her hands together, her arms lowered, in a softened approach. “All three of us have been lied to. But let us forget this and let us place all our powers and forces together for one common goal. Join Me. Join us, so that we can restore peace to The Realm."

  Sam'r'in'thel'ineln’ came up beside The High Queen, also offering her peace. “San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ speaks truth. We should be together, as we are sisters. We have spent our lives apart, unknown to each other. Now let us spend but the remainder of our lives together, for us and for the good of The Realm. Surely we belong together."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non returned to the center of the dance floor, pacing while raging at The High Queen, “What have you done to our youngest? She sounds like some ridiculous naïve one. Restore my powers to me, San'lr'in'thel'ineln', and I will join you. I know well that you are able to do this thing. Your crown is my birth-right."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ sighed, deeply, “While I am able, My Sister, I cannot do this. It is My vow as High Queen to The Realm. And you know as well as I that My crown was not positioned by birth-right, but through council."

  "I know you can give me these powers, and they are mine in spite of your thoughts."

  "And you would only use them to control and rule in anger and bitterness. But I plead to you—join us, and use your sorcerer powers for The Realm. You are strong and intelligent, and The Realm could use such on its side."

  For a brief moment Sume'n'tinel'ti'non dropped the dramatics and spoke to San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ with her true thoughts, “Perhaps I should have spoken with you when you were young, but now I see it overly late. Hear me well, my sister. There is no Realm as you think of it. There is only yourself. And myself. We are all here alone, and we must make the most of it, for ourselves alone. You must grab all the glory and possessions you can while you are able. Another will come and take it all away when you grow weakened in your old cycles. As we speak, our young progeny Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n gains her powers and will overtake your rule. Are you prepared to give up your rule over The Realm, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'? You are well used to being in control. Will you be prepared to take your orders from another? It will not be as easy as you believe. Think long and well on this."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ shook her head, “It is not so, High Priestess. The Others will return one turn soon, and I alone am unable to halt them. We need Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n joined with us to halt them from returning. Even all of us now without Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n, standing together on that turn, will not have enough powers to do so. All of our powers will be needed for many cycles and eons to come. Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n's powers will be great, but alone will also not be enough.

  "I have little concern about her taking My role, but she will not have the moments to do so. Those who follow Me, and I, will yet be needed, apart from Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n. Her moments will be consumed in the larger endeavors of The Realm. This is the sad truth of it. Yet we truly have need of what you know, and will make you most welcomed into our lives, if you would join us."

  "We will all be long dead by the Others’ return."

  The High Queen shook her head, “This is not so. You live in Sansthera, so you know this not to be truth. As we speak, they prepare to return. I can sense this as certain. Have you not seen the signs in Sansthera?"

  "Signs? What signs do you speak of?"

  "Their energies have reawakened. I have felt them, as has The Realm. Heed My words, High Priestess. They most assuredly come. Their voices have reawakened throughout The Realm."

  The High Priestess moved close to her—close enough to touch her. Ann'wn moved closer, letting her know that The High Queen was well guarded. The High Priestess examined Ann'wn for a brief moment, then ignored her. She turned back to The High Queen, “Think on what I have said to you, Sister. Remain not as naïve as you sound. But I do see some hope for you. You are not as controlling as I had been told. I go now, but we will meet again soon, I think."

  With that, a small sudden explosion occurred, and by way of the mysterious cloud, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was gone.

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ sighed deeply, truly saddened that no negotiation could be found, but was somewhat gladdened that they had at least spoken with open hearts to one another, no matter how far apart their hearts were. She looked upon the room, noting that all were stunned at the event.

  "Come. Let us cast off this moment. This is a celebration, so let us celebrate. Musicians. Begin!"

  The musicians began playing, knowing that they needed to play something lively so as to change the mood. They opted for a highly rhythmic but seductive song, hoping to set all those in attendance upon a different line of thought. As with most celebrations, the eve was spent finding a mate for the eve. As they heard the type of song being played, they re-initiated their search, quickly finding dancing partners that would hopefully prove fruitful for the long eve ahead.

  Sam looked at San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “My Sister. When will we have the opportunity to speak of all this?"

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ sighed, then gave in to what Ann'wn had prior suggested, “Perhaps you and your escorts would like to accompany us to the Spirits of the Valley. We leave in the morn. There will be moments there to speak over what we have learned. And, with any good fortune, it might provide you the opportunity to see how Spirits are to be, as opposed to what you know from the Spirits of the Falls.” She wondered quietly to herself if her words would hold true.

  Sam looked at Jandra, “Would you mind, Jandra, if we traveled with you to the Spirits of the Valley?"

  "No, Highest. If it pleases the both of you, then so shall it be."

  Sam looked back at San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “Then I accept your invitation."

  She nodded, “I will see to the preparations. You will be awakened in the morn."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ knew that she had just dismissed her own sister, but she had need of returning to the celebration, and more need of just being with Jandra. Sam took it well enough, knowing that she would see them in the morn, and returned to Meera and Caitha to inform both of them.

  She spoke softly to Jandra, “Please wait but a moment,” then went to the musicians and whispered something to them, and returned to Jandra.

  She offered her hand out to her, “Dance with Me, My Love?"

  Jandra nodded her head, smiling. As she was preparing to take The High Queen's hand and answer her question, one of the rulers from The Realm came up, the same woman who had danced with Jandra at the prior celebration, the one who was such an excellent dancer.

  "Surely, San'lr'in'thel'ineln', you don't intend to keep her all to yourself this eve?"

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked upon Jandra, smiling, then looked back to the woman, “R'th'andl. It is good to see you
again. I would indeed like to keep her to Myself, but would also like to see the two of you dance. You were magic together at the prior celebration.” The High Queen looked at Jandra, “My Love, what is your say in this? It was the most exciting moment prior, to watch. I have never seen such as the two of you."

  Jandra smiled at The High Queen, “If it so pleases you to watch, then I dance with her to please you."

  She gave her hand to R'th'andl. Together they walked to the dance floor, and as prior, once again mesmerized The High Queen and all those in attendance.

  Sam had never seen as such in Jandra, watching as Jandra made movements that she knew were done for the benefit of The High Queen only. They were a most amazing pair, well matched in their movements. The attendees in the celebration moved aside so as to give them more room, also amazed. Jandra enjoyed the dance with R'th'andl, as she truly was a wonderful dance partner. They moved in their movements together as if they had practiced their dance for cycles. But Jandra knew that the real champion in their dance was R'th'andl. The dance ended with R'th'andl holding Jandra in a well bent-over embrace, as if to passionately kiss her. Surprisingly, R'th'andl did so, giving Jandra a fully impassioned kiss.

  The audience was well entertained in the display of the dance, and gave their loudest approvals. R'th'andl raised Jandra back up, taking her arm, and walking her back to The High Queen. “Thank you, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. This beauty of yours is a wonderful dance partner."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ took Jandra's hand into her own, nodding to R'th'andl, “The show was most splendid, if not a little defiant in your ending display."

  R'th'andl smiled at Jandra, “It was worth any punishment you might bestow upon me, Highness."

  R'th'andl moved Jandra's hand to her lips, and gave it a tender kiss, “Thank you, my Sweet. It was truly my pleasure. I hope to see you again at our next affair."

  Jandra nodded, and R'th'andl returned to her own partner. The High Queen had asked the musicians to provide four or five highly rhythmic and seductive songs to end her eve at the celebration. They were always prepared and delighted to please their Queen, and played the most seductive rhythms of the eve. Jandra didn't know of this during the first song, but as the musicians played one after another, she began to realize that The High Queen had asked for such. Realizing this, she danced as The High Queen had hoped, passionately and with suggestive movements that held deep promises of a long seductive eve.

  Ann'wn had seen The Healer standing alone, so went up to her, “May I have this dance, Healer?"

  "Me, Force Leader?"

  "You are a most difficult one. Perhaps this be why you remain without a dance partner."

  The Healer placed her hand into Ann'wn's, “At least you are cleaned and with enchanting garments this eve."

  Ann'wn thought The Healer beautiful, but often overly demanding. Yet, she found herself somewhat intrigued by this long-prior acquaintance of hers. As they danced, Ann'wn held her tightly, “You are most beautiful this eve, Healer."

  The Healer laughed, “Just this eve, Force Leader?"

  "Who is your partner for the eve, Healer?"

  "My potions. These are all I need. I think I am about to find the solution for a potion that has alluded me. And you?"

  Ann'wn held The Healer even more tightly to her, breathing in her enticing aroma, “I have been asked by one for the eve, but I must prepare for the journey. The High Queen's packings must be well tended. Are you traveling with us on this journey?"

  She shook her head, “No. The journey should be safe enough. But you won't miss me, Force Leader. I would just get in your way."

  Ann'wn laughed, “Hardly this, but you are correct. It should be a safe enough journey.” To herself, she thought, But I will miss your company.

  As they danced, Jandra teased San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. At one point, she whispered into The High Queen's ear, “Did the Elfin Fairies have deep yearnings, as I have for you, my Queen?"

  The High Queen shivered at the suggestion, “So it would seem they did, My Desire."

  During the next dance, Jandra whispered into her ear once again, “Feel me, my Queen. Feel my moves."

  Jandra danced, moving suggestively into The High Queen. Finally, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ said, “I can take no more of your teasing. This will be our final dance. Let them continue without us."

  At the end of the dance, The High Queen looked to Ann'wn, a look that Ann'wn knew well. Ann'wn caught the eye of the musicians, who also knew what was meant. They held off from beginning another song as Ann'wn announced, “The High Queen now leaves our Celebration, but wishes for all to remain and celebrate throughout the eve, at your pleasure."

  The gathering clapped, as was custom when The High Queen left, showing their approval and appreciation of the celebration's events. She and Jandra walked out together, with Jandra at her arm. As they neared Ann'wn, The High Queen motioned for her to come through the doors with them.

  "Ann'wn, I think all will be well this eve. Have your guards watch over the celebration, but I would like you to enjoy it. I saw one who was well interested in you this eve, and I saw you return the look. Go and celebrate, as we leave for the Sacred Isle in the morn, with Far'lin'ter'il. Please have your guards prepare us for the journey. My sister and her escorts also come."

  "Yes, my Queen."

  The High Queen's attendants were waiting for her as she completed her conversation with Ann'wn.

  "Our Queen. Do you have need of us this eve?"

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ well knew that they also wished to join in the celebration, “One thing, only. Inform my High Counselor to conduct the meeting with the High Ministers next turn, as I leave for the Sacred Isle. She will manage nicely, as The High Ministers will be drunk anyway. Now go, and enjoy the celebration. We rise early to leave. Prepare us in the morn."

  With that, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ watched as the attendants left them alone. She looked at Jandra, smiling, beginning to walk back to their room.

  "Finally. We are alone."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ brought Jandra tightly to her, kissing her so passionately that Jandra well knew her intentions for the eve.

  Chapter II

  The Spirits of the Valley

  Ann'wn knocked on The High Queen's door. The attendants had already done so to no response, so they enlisted Ann'wn to do it for them. No one wanted to enter until they heard a response from The High Queen, but none was given.

  She waited a bit more, then knocked again, “My Queen. All is ready for your departure."

  She waited, then opened the door slightly, “My Queen?"

  After many careful moments she became worried, so entered the room, fearing that something dreadful had happened during the eve. As she looked upon the room, the only things out of place were their garments. She looked quickly to the bed, seeing them well asleep but tangled fully in each other's arms. She went over to the bed, shaking Jandra gently, “Princess. Please awaken. We must depart."

  Jandra woke slightly. She was the one closest to Ann'wn, but Ann'wn really hadn't wanted to wake The High Queen. Only one thing frightened Ann'wn across all The Realm, and that was The High Queen's anger. Jandra finally focused, seeing Ann'wn standing near her. She looked quickly upon her and The High Queen, covering them more as needed. She motioned to Ann'wn that she would awaken The High Queen, but to leave first. Ann'wn gladly did so, waiting for Jandra to rise and let her back in after The High Queen rose.

  Jandra shook her lightly, “My Queen. We must prepare to leave."

  "Tell them we leave next turn. I am tired."

  Jandra kissed her lightly, “We are awake, my Queen. We may as well leave now, as we can sleep the next morn. Come. I am most excited about visiting your Sacred Isle."

  Jandra rose from the bed and placed a cover around her. She went to the door and opened it, “Come in. The High Queen is ready to be prepared."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at Jandra sleepily, “I will get even with you for this, My Desire."r />
  The attendants prepared them while Ann'wn waited by the horses. Sam, Meera, Caitha and the High Wizard Sorcerer were already prepared. The High Queen finally allowed herself to be dressed by her attendants, yet sleepy from the eve she and Jandra had together in their passions.

  Jandra asked, “Have we recently eaten?” She looked at the attendants, hoping they would retrieve some food. Without a word, one left the room to go to the kitchens, returning as Jandra's boot lacings were being completed. Jandra went to her Queen, offering her bites of food while the attendants completed dressing her in her warm garments.

  "Here, my Queen. Take a bite of this."

  The High Queen ate ravenously while her attendants finished with her. They both gulped down enough food and drink to sustain them, but Jandra was yet hungry, “Is there some rule against eating, my Queen, in the Valley?"

  "Do we not feed you enough, My Love?"

  Jandra smiled, but was somewhat serious, “Well, my Queen, I now worry when our next meal might be taken. If I must ride all the turn without food, I fear I will begin to gnaw upon my own arm."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ laughed, “We will be at the Spirits of the Valley soon enough, and they will feed you well, and will know your thoughts."

  Jandra shook her head as if in disbelief, “Thank goodness someone will. I fear I will have to go to the kitchens myself to prepare a meal."

  The High Queen hadn't wanted to leave this morn, so Jandra was playing with her in hopes of changing her mood. The recent events had been tiring, but Jandra thought it would be best if they left to the Spirits of the Valley, hoping they would tend to The High Queen well, letting her rest. Jandra knew from past experiences with Sam that remaining in the Valley would only place pressure upon The High Queen to deal with the issues of the turn.

  "Will there be moments to rest while at the Sacred Isle, my Queen?"

  "There will. But you will also be able to speak to them some about your Elfin background."

  They had begun to leave, going toward the gate to the complex, “Elfin? What be this?"