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

by Robbie Collins

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ stood by Sle'nel's side with her arm wrapped across her shoulder. She was willing to wait as long as Sle'nel’ needed, watching. At the sun's set, they sat down upon the shore and watched the stars appear. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ listened and heard soft crying, deep sighs, and occasional deep breaths throughout the long eve as Sle'nel’ came to terms with the past long deprived of her.

  After the late after-eve was well past, Sle'nel’ rested against her Queen's shoulder. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ placed her arm around Sle'nel', pulling her closer to her, then wrapped her cloak around the both of them. She held Sle'nel’ until the moon began to give way to the end of its moment; holding her while Sle'nel’ slept, finally at peace.

  Never far from The High Queen's side, Ann'wn came and looked upon the sleeping Sle'nel'. Without a word between them, Ann'wn carefully, but with barely a strain, picked up Sle'nel’ and carried her to The High Queen's bed. The High Queen walked quietly beside Ann'wn, grateful, gently touching Ann'wn's arm. When they had arrived, Ann'wn placed Sle'nel’ softly down upon the bed, looked at her, and gave her a kiss upon her forehead. She turned to her Queen, nodded only briefly, then left. The High Queen removed some of Sle'nel's outer garments, covered her, then slipped into the bed beside her. She gave Sle'nel’ a quiet kiss on her cheek and held her close. Ann'wn lay down outside the door, quietly guarding them, covering herself with her own cloak.

  * * * *

  The morn was uninterrupted for them. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ woke at the end of the morn, at early midturn, rising quietly, letting her Elfin Faiere rest. She hadn't changed from the eve, and decided it could wait until Sle'nel’ rose. Leaving her well-worn clothes on, she went out to the porch to sit and reflect on all the conversations. Opening the door softly, she saw Ann'wn sleeping on the doorstep. She sat quietly in one of the chairs, watching the turn pass through its moments. Her heart was heavy for Sle'nel', but knew she would get through this as she did with everything else. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ thought of how difficult it must be to learn of all this in what seemed such a short moment. She had many surprises throughout her own life, but not as many as this in such a short span.

  With the quiet moments before her, she slowly sifted through all the deception she had so recently learned of, trying to make sense of it. She carefully examined each statement she had heard, and tried to piece all the parts together.

  I hold a Sacred Vow of returning the Elves, yet had no idea that such a thing was even possible, then we learn that it is Sle'nel's destiny to also do as such.

  The Spirit Mothers of the Falls hid her away so that such would not occur. Why?

  And who is Sle'nel's mother. It surely must be the Master.

  Ann'wn woke, startled to see her Queen sitting so near to her. She jumped up, half asleep, then knelt, “My Queen. Forgive me. I knew not that you were here."

  The High Queen, deep into her own reflections, had forgotten about Ann'wn. She motioned to the chair beside her, speaking softly, “Sit. We are where we cannot be harmed so you also can be at peace for a few turns. Rest while here, My Ann'wn."

  "My Queen. It be not my place to sit beside a Queen."

  Frustrated, she replied, “Then remain close and sit in some fashion that pleases you."

  Ann'wn crouched close to her queen, relaxing in her own right.

  "My Queen?"

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at Ann'wn, placing a hand softly upon her cheek, “How is it that you have been able to put up with Me for so long as this? Speak freely, Ann'wn. You are well over-due this respect."

  "Will she be well, my Queen?"

  Surprised, she asked “Sle'nel', is your meaning?” She then smiled, “And what do you think on this?"

  "I think her to be the bravest and yet most trusting one I have ever seen. She is far braver than me, and holds back from nothing. Yet she is so gentle and kind. It is almost unreal in our realm."

  The High Queen laughed very lightly, “You speak truth, and I hadn't yet thought of this. You are correct. She faces everything straight on, with her heart wide open. Such were the Elfin Faeries."

  "Even in her anger she is sorry for feeling it, as last turn prior when she was overly angry at the Old One."

  "It is her nature, Force Leader. She truly is of the Elfin Faeries in this. I should have seen it much sooner.” She thought once more on the possibility of Sle'nel's Elfin Mother, I wonder. Could it be that Ise—

  But Ann'wn interrupted her thoughts, “I have seen some of these same qualities in the Warrior Woman of Woden in regard to her bravery, but she is not so open and would lie if she must. That, and she is blinded in her loyalty to her Highest."

  The High Queen again laughed softly, “And you are not such as this, My most mighty Ann'wn? I recall someone sleeping on My doorstep this prior eve. Who could that have been?"

  Ann'wn blushed, then said, “But mine is more deserved. The Highest is weak in her knowledge and powers. She acts much like a spoiled child."

  The High Queen looked with tenderness on her force leader, “Is this talk in the ranks then, My Treasure?” The High Queen had been a warrior prior to her reign, and knew well the ways of the warriors.

  "Yes, my Queen. It is difficult for the forces to see your allegiance to this one."

  "She is My sister, Force Leader. But give her some moments. She will come to prove her worth. The loss of her love for Sle'nel’ has changed her much. And we have need of her. Great need. She is far greater than what you have yet seen of her."

  "We see not this worth, my Queen. We see only selfishness. And it is not what we saw in you when you lost your love. She speaks only of her loss and how it has affected her. You were not of this. Even prior turn when our Elfin Princess had to face the death of her long-lost Birth-Mother, all The Highest could do was to think of herself rather than help provide strength to our Elf."

  "Oh? And were you there, Ann'wn when I no longer wanted to go on after the loss of My prior lover? Was that not a most selfish moment?"

  "I was there while you slept, my Queen, and heard you. I know well the words you spoke, and they were not such as hers. Your cries were for her only. Not for you. For The Realm's loss of her."

  The High Queen looked upon Ann'wn, who looked briefly into her eyes. She was surprised in the words, but decided to drop the conversation. She sighed, then said, “She is young and inexperienced. I have many more experiences than she, and I had a much more difficult upbringing. She has been well sheltered. It is not her fault."

  "My Queen? May I speak freely?"

  "What intrigues you so?"

  "Your lover, my Queen. I am glad she is here and no longer of Woden. The Realm needs such as her. Her and the Meera Warrior Woman. Their qualities are truly of worth."

  "I also think this as so. I have sensed this greatness you speak of in the Woden Warrior Woman. We need to enlist her somehow, but My sister has need of such as her, as I have of you. So I have relented from bringing her into our Valley. Perhaps I can find a way."

  They spent many moments in silence, then The High Queen asked, “Tell Me, Ann'wn. Why have you never loved?"

  "I have, my Queen. Twice. It is not meant for the likes of me. A true warrior loves only their Queen."

  The High Queen laughed, “Poor Ann'wn. To love only Me and never find its fulfillment. Who were these two?"

  "I speak not of them, my Queen."

  The High Queen studied Ann'wn for a moment, then surprised, she said, “Me, Ann'wn?"

  Not surprised that The High Queen had sensed into her mind, knowing it The High Queen's right, she responded, “It is a usual occurrence. Even the warrior Meera has done the same. We spoke briefly of this."

  The High Queen was surprised, never having thought that any other had loved her, or even desired her. She felt somewhat saddened that Ann'wn had to face this love alone.

  "Perhaps, My Force Leader, you will find someone worthy of you."

  While they spoke, the Spirits of the Valley delivered food
to them. They continued their quiet morn as they sat together, eating.

  "My Queen? Why is it that our Elfin Faiere commands such love? Whenever I look upon her, my heart tries to do everything I can for her. I have never seen such as this. Even the Dungaras loved her."

  The High Queen laughed softly again, “And I thought I fell in love with her on My own. I stole her not so much as her Elfin Faiere blood mesmerized Me."

  "All of us, my Queen."

  "And I think we will all be the better for it."

  Sle'nel’ had risen and placed one of the bed covers around her thin undershirt and pants. She walked out to the porch where she heard the voices.

  As she opened the door, she said, “And they talk about me behind my back as I sleep. I should never leave them alone."

  Gladdened to hear her voice, The High Queen laughed and rose. Ann'wn knelt and bowed, but Sle'nel’ made her to rise by pulling strongly up on her shoulder. She went to her Queen touching her hand to her cheek, “My Queen. Thank you."

  She turned to Ann'wn, smiling, “Kneel to your Queen, Ann'wn, not me. I be no queen."

  Ann'wn's heart softened upon seeing the smile, “But, my Princess. I must. It is—"

  Sle'nel’ looked at The High Queen, standing close to her, “If I beat her senseless, will she halt?"

  Both laughed, but Ann'wn responded, “No, my Elfin Princess. But if and when you beat me in swordplay, then I shall do as you bid."

  "I am ready. Where is a sword?"

  "I will return in a moment, my Princess."

  Ann'wn left to retrieve the sword. Sle'nel’ looked at her Queen, touching her face gently, “Thank you for prior turn. While my heart broke, your strength and presence were always felt. You save me yet again."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ smiled, “It was noth—"

  Sle'nel’ wrapped her cover around the both of them as she moved her arms around her Queen's neck, bringing her Queen to her. She kissed her for a long moment. Neither of them moved the kiss further, enjoying the closeness of the moment. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ moved her hands to Sle'nel's breasts, holding them firmly. They separated briefly, then Sle'nel’ kissed her again, more passionately, more consuming, needing to be close. The High Queen placed her arms around her and moaned at the intense feeling. They remained tightly embraced in the kiss until Ann'wn's return. Upon hearing her, Sle'nel’ looked at her Queen sleepily with a knowing smile, but with sadness yet remaining in her golden, glowing eyes.

  She began to smile more fully, looking only at her Queen, yet embracing her, but speaking to Ann'wn, “Are you ready to lose, Ann'wn? You know I am part Elf, and they are well noted with the sword."

  The High Queen smiled back at her, mouthing the words, “I love you."

  Sle'nel’ gave her Queen a quick, stolen full kiss, then threw the cover off of them, “Prepare, Ann'wn! The Elf is upon you."

  Clothed in only her pants and the most see-through of shirts, almost fully unlaced, she placed one hand on the railing, jumped over it easily, grabbed her sword and circled around Ann'wn, laughing. The High Queen watched, fully amused, loving Sle'nel's wildly uncombed hair and her entire bearing. She watched as her Sle'nel’ was turning into the Elfin Faiere The Realm long missed, complete with their often playful qualities. The memories and powers given to Sle'nel’ prior by her Birth-Mother were already awakening. Ann'wn was unprepared for her playfulness, but attacked as she was allowed. Sle'nel’ danced around lightheartedly, now with fully-honed Elfin sword skills.

  Ann'wn didn't know this swordplayer, “These skills, my Princess. You used them not during our prior swordplay."

  Sle'nel’ laughed, moving her sword against Ann'wn, “I learned them most recently.” She lunged at Ann'wn, making her to move back. Sle'nel’ laughed again, “Say ... prior turn only?” She laughed again, moving around gracefully like only the Elfin Faeries could do.

  Meera came running with sword in-hand, hearing fighting.

  She suddenly halted, seeing Sle'nel’ barely clothed, fighting against Ann'wn. She watched, completely in awe of Sle'nel's sword ability. She re-sheathed her sword and enjoyed the scene.

  "Don't just stand there, Useless One. Help me. She is more than I can handle."

  Ann'wn needed Meera's help, as Sle'nel's new skills were truly magnificent. Sle'nel’ laughed, “You have not lived until you fight against an Elf. Go ahead Meera. Join us."

  Sle'nel’ looked toward her Queen, “What say you, my Queen? Be these more fair odds? If I win against the two of them, then Ann'wn cannot bow to me again?"

  The High Queen smiled back at her, seeing her become the Elf she had so long been denied. The High Queen was truly enjoying the moment. She laughed, “No. I don't, My Love. Perhaps I should help them as well?"

  Sle'nel’ laughed in return, “Three against one Elf? No. Yet not correct. Where be Sam? That would even the odds a bit better, I think."

  The High Queen had no sword, so just gladly watched as Sle'nel’ played with both Meera and Ann'wn, dancing around their skills, showing no tiredness or strain throughout the swordplay. Sam finally walked over, wondering what the commotion was about. She saw Sle'nel's sword skills and was impressed. She had never seen Meera so strained as this, even given that Ann'wn was fighting with her against Sle'nel'.

  She stood next to her sister, saying to Meera, “You have grown weak in your old cycles, my Friend."

  Meera halted briefly, panting, looking at Sam, “A lot of help you are. Where be your sword?"

  Ann'wn turned to Sam, “Your turn, Highest. We are exhausted and she is not even yet tired."

  Ann'wn tossed her sword to Sam. She caught it gracefully, examined it a moment, and decided to enter the play. She moved around Sle'nel', encircling her between Meera and herself. Sle'nel’ was yet laughing, making them come after her, making them work together to win.

  As they moved to corner her, she looked at her Queen, “My Queen. I am hungry. Toss me a roll. I might as well eat while I wait for them to lose."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ laughed. Ann'wn was now standing beside her, “How did she come into this ability, my Queen?"

  While San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ watched Sle'nel’ tire out Sam and Meera, she noticed a familiarity in Sle'nel's sword-play. She wondered about the memory, frustrated in not being able to recall the moment.

  Her sword skills remind Me of another. But whose?

  She kept watching Sle'nel's new Elfin movements, but finally responded to Ann'wn's question, “As her Birth-Mother died, she gave her memories to our sprightly Elf. My guess is that within some of the memories were powers from her Elfin Mother. She made you look like a first-moment sword user, My Ann'wn."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was trying to tease Ann'wn back into the swordplay. It worked, “My Queen. I take that as a challenge.” She picked up another sword.

  "Have you another?"

  Ann'wn handed The High Queen yet another sword, and The High Queen walked down to join in the swordplay. As Meera and Ann'wn were now engaged against their Elf, Sam looked to her sister, “Care for a contest, my Queen?"

  "I was just going to spar lightly with this sprightly Elf of ours."

  "Afraid I might win?"

  The High Queen raised an eyebrow, knowing well she had just been challenged. She nodded and prepared herself. She hadn't wanted to have any such contest with her sister, but could see it was now meant to be. She touched her sword to Sam's, and the contest began. Ann'wn, Meera and Sle'nel’ all halted so as to watch this battle of the wills.

  The High Queen and Sam were fully engaged in the fight. While San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had engaged Meera in swordplay, she hadn't shown her true abilities, wanting to see Meera's moves, only. After a few moments of fighting, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had seen all she cared to see of her sister's fighting abilities. She focused upon her opponent's sword, no longer thinking of her sister, but only the sword she now fought against. She mentally blocked out all else around her, bringing up a few of her long unused abilities. She heard her
long prior teacher's words to her, Focus only on the sword, but keep your eyes on the one behind it.

  She made a swift, close move from one direction, then within a blink, the same from another direction. Sam saw that she wasn't quick enough in return, when San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ suddenly made another quicker move, but on this moment, much stronger, easily knocking Sam's sword from her. The fight had been swift and stunning. Meera couldn't believe the skill she had just seen from this so great of a queen.

  Sam laughed, remaining good-natured about it, placing her arm upon her sister's shoulder, “Well done, Sister. You fight well. I am most impressed."

  Ann'wn bowed to her Queen, “My Queen. A contest?"

  She didn't want any more contests, but saw the twinkle in Ann'wn's eyes. She knew she would pay for this later with her back, but bowed her head in acknowledgement. She took a moment to return her energies, then raised her sword to Ann'wn. Of all of them, Ann'wn was the only one that knew of The High Queen's former sword abilities. At one moment in all The Realm, The High Queen was the best swordswoman until the Mungardies had permanently injured her. But Ann'wn also knew that her skills and strong-will were yet there. What Ann'wn had never been able to learn from The High Queen was the identity of her teacher.

  Meera was impressed. She saw that clearly, The High Queen had held back when she first sword danced with her. The High Queen's abilities were far better, with precision-like accuracy in her aim and movements. Even Ann'wn was taken by surprise at her ability. The contest lasted a short while only as The High Queen moved into her very aggressive movements of attack.