The High Queen used the contest to rid herself of her anger that she held deep within her. Her teacher had often told her to never fight with anger. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ often found herself ignoring the comment, especially given that she seldom had to fight anymore. As High Queen, she had developed much rage and an immense anger at the Spirits of the Falls, at herself, at The Realm for what it had done to Sle'nel', at all the evil within The Realm. It was at these moments that she also hurt her back more. When she followed her teacher's lessons, she was better controlled. But on this moment, she once again ignored her teacher's comments, fighting Ann'wn only to help release her rage.
After a few short moments only, The High Queen's blade hit Ann'wn's with such force that, even had this been an enemy of Ann'wn's, and had she been giving her greatest effort, she yet would have lost her sword to it.
Meera acknowledged her skills, “My Queen, you surprise me. You be the one who held back the eve of our contest. This I now see to be the truth of it."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ smiled at Meera, waving her hand as in dismissing the notion, but Meera wasn't about to give in, “I am due a fair contest then, my Queen."
She looked at Meera, “Perhaps another moment, Warrior Woman. I have been tired out from these two."
Meera continued to challenge her, “I think not, my Queen. I see well the rage you hold within you. That last swing would have undone any swordswoman. Any."
The High Queen studied her for a long moment. Without speaking, she sent her thoughts to the Warrior Woman, What would be the bet, Warrior Woman, as I would need it to be worth My interest. And know that you cannot win this contest.
Narrowing her eyes Meera looked at her, seeing a true Warrior Woman before her, What would you have, my Queen?
The unspoken response was instantaneous, You. As My Warrior Woman. That and you take responsibility to ensure that My sister does what The Realm requires of her.
And if you lose, what will I gain?
What would you like?
You to teach me your sword abilities. Personally.
"Done, Warrior Woman. It is a deal."
All the others had heard were The High Queen's final few words said aloud, but Sle'nel’ knew that some bargain between them had been agreed upon.
The High Queen bowed her head for a moment, feeling her back beginning to ache. She displaced the pain temporarily, knowing she would have to deal with it soon enough. Meera waited patiently, thinking it some ritual of The High Queen's. The High Queen reopened her eyes and raised her sword, touching the tip to Meera's, and the sword dance began.
The High Queen reached down into her depths of teachings as she had been taught, and anger, as she had been taught not to, drawing them to her. Using her rage of all The Realm's evils, she went instantly on the attack. Meera had no moments to study The High Queen's moves, finding herself fighting against wild and impossibly strong moves. The High Queen quickly saw that Meera's eyesight on her far left side was weak, seeing that Meera missed some of the moves there.
Meera saw that The High Queen's abilities far outreached her own, The High Queen having skill, dexterity, and quickness all in one body. Meera well knew that The High Queen was hoping for a quick win, but Meera also knew that she could do nothing to prevent it. While she knew The High Queen's weak side, she now knew that The High Queen had found hers as well, playing steadily into it with a strength that highly contradicted The High Queen's looks.
Ann'wn smiled, seeing The High Queen that she once knew, as a Warrior of Warriors, and seeing something else that she had long only guessed at, but now confirmed.
She called out to Meera, finding it within herself to finally inform everyone, “Warrior Woman. Did I forget to tell you that The High Queen was once the Warrior of all Warriors, and was considered as unbeatable?"
Meera had no moments to spare as she tried to hold off this wild warrior queen, but did manage to say, “Now you tell me of this?"
As Ann'wn mentioned The High Queen's past, The High Queen thought of her battle against the Mungardies that had killed her love, and of the Mungardies that had injured her back so badly. Her rage was unstoppable with these thoughts in her head, and her sword swings became impossible for Meera to hold against. As she drew up the vision of the Mungardies that had killed her own lover, she swung her sword with every ounce of rage left within her. It was far beyond enough. Meera couldn't hold the move against her, as her sword touched the ground.
Meera stood, then knelt to her new Queen, You win fairly. I am yours. And I will ensure that Sam remains on her proper path for The Realm.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ answered, her back beginning to show its own rage to her, Keep this between you and Me, My Warrior Woman. Your Sam is not yet ready to face this. We do this for The Realm.
Yes, my Queen. I am proud to serve under the most powerful Warrior Woman in The Realm.
The High Queen added, “Oh, and Warrior Woman?"
Meera rose, “My Queen?"
"You may have those sword lessons you desired. We begin next turn. You and Ann'wn."
"Thank you, my Queen. I am honored."
She studied Meera, briefly, “Strengthen your left side against your weakness. Your reactions are overly slow on that side, so you must double your strength on your left so others will not wish to prey upon your weakness."
Meera nodded, “And it would seem you forget your weakness when necessary."
The High Queen frowned, with a pain in her voice, “For a moment only."
"And what? No one wants to fight against the Elf, further? Cowards!"
They laughed as Sle'nel’ looked at her lover, “Perhaps we should prepare for our eve meal."
They left, Sle'nel’ watching as they did so, “And your back? Was this worth it?"
The High Queen looked at her, not answering, fully amazed that her Elf had sensed as such.
Sle'nel’ returned the look, “Are you aware of how many questions I ask that you answer not?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ began to walk painfully back to the room, yet again ignoring the statement. Sle'nel’ just shook her head, “Place your arm around my shoulders, my Queen."
When they arrived to the room, Sle'nel’ placed The High Queen upon the bed to rest as she looked for The High Queen's back potion, “You know, my Queen, Elfin Faeries are also very excellent healers."
"Oh?"
She found the potion, going to The High Queen to rub it into her back, “Most truly. We have most special powers in this area."
She made The High Queen to rise, helping her off with her gown, gently and slowly, so as not to cause more pain. She saw that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ winced just at having to stand.
"You will be most amazed."
She rubbed the potion onto her back, feeling The High Queen struggling against the pain, struggling unsuccessfully not to move as her scar was touched. Sle'nel’ saw that the scar was most inflamed and felt sorry for her Queen. The High Queen groaned softly as Sle'nel’ applied the potion.
When she was done, she asked, “Is this the moment I remind you to move your pain away, as your healer does?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ laughed lightly, bending her head down, focusing on displacing her mighty pain. For moments she stood meditating on her healing. When she finished, she raised her head and opened her eyes, feeling somewhat improved.
She breathed deeply, finally able to do so, “And what is this wonderful mystical Elfin Faiere power that will heal Me?"
Sle'nel’ locked eyes with her Queen, placed her arms around her neck, kissing her. As they kissed, Sle'nel’ slowly moved closer into The High Queen until there was no space between them. She placed her hand on one of her Queen's breast, applying slight pressure. The High Queen moaned, finally feeling not her pain, but the pleasure of Sle'nel's touch. When they both caught their breath once more, Sle'nel’ began helping her Queen to prepare for the eve meal. All the garments brought were somewhat casual, but The High Queen usually wore a gown to hide he
r scar and to prevent the waistband of pants upon her back scar. Sle'nel’ dressed them both in gowns, and they went slowly so as to prevent The High Queen from further ache, to their meal.
As they walked to their affair, Sle'nel’ remained silent, seeing how The High Queen's rage came out during the sword play, but not knowing how to deal with such. She hadn't known of The High Queen's sword abilities, and also hadn't known of the fires that burned deep within her.
The High Queen was moving slowly, but steadily. They walked with arms intertwined, “Sle'nel'. Does it bother you that I answer not all your questions?"
Sle'nel’ shook her head, “I take it not personally, but sense you have many secrets within you.” She shrugged, “You are a Queen and are bound to have such."
"I know not about them being secrets. I just cannot imagine why you would see the answer as important. It has been burned into Me that a Queen's thoughts are her own. And besides, My Love, are you aware of how many questions you ask for which you already know the answer?"
Sle'nel’ laughed, “Yes, my Queen. I understand. You wish not to be lectured at. I will make a note of this in my Elfin head."
They walked a while more toward the banquet. Sle'nel’ asked, “Your sword abilities are most impressive. They are well beyond Meera, Sam's, and even Ann'wn's."
"But they cannot beat an Elfin Faiere's?"
"In truth, I know not. Where did you learn such skills?"
"I had a good teacher."
"And where did you learn to draw from your rage?"
She tried to make a joke of it, not wanting a focus upon it, “Rage? You saw rage within Me?"
Sle'nel’ ignored the comment, “How do you hold this within you, so?"
The High Queen saw it as useless to avoid it, “And where is a Queen to let out such rage?"
"By beating on my shoulders, as I beat upon yours prior."
Softly, The High Queen replied, “Your shoulders couldn't bear the weight of My rage. I have been Queen overly long not to have rage such as this. But if it helps you to know, then know that the rage burns with less intensity since you, My Bright Star."
* * * *
Sle'nel’ guided them easily to the banquet hall. Compared to the great stone halls of The High Queen's Valley, the Spirits’ hall was small. Sle'nel’ thought it comfortable and welcoming in its shrunken size. Like the banquet room of The High Queen's, it looked out onto the mountains, the gardens and a small river. The scene was serene and inviting.
Caitha watched these Spirits carefully, comparing them to Woden's Spirits of the Falls. She had learned that these spirits were of the fires. Upon asking, she learned that the fires referred to were those deep within the ground that made the sulfur pots and geysers so warm, but that the fires of their birthplace were nearer the Valley than to here. She had envisioned that great flames would be bursting from the Isle grounds, but found them to be much like the hot springs in the Valley itself. They had also told her that many great volcanoes lived around the area and that these also were the fires often referred to in the imagery of the Valley. All in all, Caitha found these Spirits less breathtakingly different than those near Woden.
When Caitha asked why they looked so much like herself, they had given her a polite answer, We are not of these forms that appear to you, but take on these forms for your comfort.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ liked being in the Sacred Isle for its peace, but often found herself frustrated by the Spirits. She thought their stance overly removed from The Realm's needs. Throughout the meal, both she as well as Sle'nel’ observed, allowing the others to ask their questions of the Spirits. Being High Queen, San'lr'in'thel'ineln's thoughts were hidden from the Spirits in the Valley, but only if she kept them to herself. Once sent to another, all the Spirit Mothers would hear them. Knowing such, she sent no messages to anyone while in their presence. Even while she was upon the Sacred Isle, so as to prevent unwanted thoughts being heard by the Spirits, she tended to speak aloud even though it unnecessary.
After many cycles of being The Realm's High Queen, she had learned to be a most careful queen. And after learning of the betrayal by the Spirits of the Falls, she no longer knew if she trusted these Spirits, either. She was watching the High Wizard Sorcerer most carefully, especially after she had kept such secrets from herself and from Sle'nel'. But these were not unusual thoughts for any queen. She had been taught to always question, as she had warned her sister.
Long after the meal was done, and after much conversation, one of the Spirit Mothers asked a question of The High Queen. San'lr'in'thel'ineln', you are most quiet this eve. What is on your mind?
"I am merely cautious, My Mother."
There was a pause, then, You trust us not.
She shrugged, “I just wonder what you will do with the Spirits of the Falls."
Both Sle'nel’ and Sam noticed that The High Queen had ignored the Spirit Mother's statement.
The High Wizard Sorcerer was somewhat surprised at The High Queen's statement, You know well that they will handle the affair as should occur.
The High Queen waved her hand as if dismissing the statement, “Perhaps we should speak of these things at another moment."
The Most Honored Spirit Mother looked offended. Truly, San'lr'in'thel'ineln', I can sense that you no longer trust us.
The High Queen was annoyed, but remained patient and fairly polite, “What is it you would desire of Me, My Honored Mother? If you desire that I be honest with you, would the opposite not also be expected?” She wondered why the Honored Spirit Mother was pushing the moment.
I want you to be open with us. I want you to trust us in what we know to be correct.
"Trust must be earned, My Most Honored Mother. I am not in a position to trust so openly as this. What you do now will have grave impact on The Realm, so I simply watch you carefully."
The Most Honored Mother nodded, It is fair, your request. What may I answer for you that will allow us to earn back your trust?
"Your answers to My escorts’ questions have been most polite and careful this eve, Most Honored Mother, but reserved. I would like to hear from you of My concerns. And I think you know of these well. If not you, then certainly the High Wizard Sorcerer, but I know you have spoken with one another."
You ask much of us, my Queen.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ sighed, “I have need of such. And this you know. I have been made High Queen over all, including the Spirits. I cannot have the Spirits of the Falls to occur again. I have many regrets over My lack of prior actions, but I will no longer refrain from quick and harsh action. If I sense deceit, I will judge first and ask questions later. We would be much further ahead if I had done this prior. I have been overly patient and allowed overly much spirit control against the innocents.” She was sitting back in her chair, as if relaxed. She looked at the Honored Spirit Mother with a slightly irritated look, challenging her, “It shall not occur again."
She waited a moment. Hearing no response, she added, “I know that you were aware of this other sister of mine, but you have chosen not to tell Me of her."
The High Wizard Sorcerer stood, angry with her, You are being rude, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. These are your Spirit Mothers. You know well that they would do nothing to harm you or The Realm.
The High Queen narrowed her eyes, settling back into her chair even further, speaking very slowly and softly, “Sit down, Shandor'nel. I will deal with you in a moment.” She paused for a moment, and then added, “And forget not to whom you speak."
Shandor'nel sat, realizing she had stepped over the line with The High Queen. Sam was shocked at the control her sister seemed to have over these Spirits. Never prior had she even thought to speak to the Spirits of the Falls in this manner. Sle'nel’ was also surprised, but had learned through her memories from her Birth-Mother and Elfin Mother that the Spirits could often be problematic. She sensed that her Queen would handle it fairly, get what she needed, and yet let them remain with some grace.
The
Honored Spirit Mother sighed, We did. But we truly never believed she would become a problem. Far'lin'ter'il had vowed this to us, and we believed her.
The High Queen thought about this for a moment, “I have been told that the Spirits couldn't lie to one another.” She no longer trusted them.
We believed this as well. It was our error. We thought since your sister was well hidden, there was no need to bother you with this.
"Many assume overly for Me, My Honored Spirit Mother. It has placed us in jeopardy. I wish not to be forced to require information that is due Me. I have also assumed overly much. I have assumed that the Spirits would freely give Me information and let Me be the judge of its worth."
She turned to the High Wizard Sorcerer, well angered by her, “And you, Shandor'nel. I thought you to be among My most trusted of advisors. If I cannot rely on My Spirit Mothers and My High Wizard Sorcerer for information, then I will be forced to turn elsewhere for such advice and training. And this can be easily accomplished."
The Most Honored Spirit Mother relented, knowing that their Queen would indeed seek answers and advise elsewhere unless they gave up their secrets, We have meant no harm, my Queen. We have provided no deceit to you, but perhaps you are correct. If we cannot be open with you, then we don't deserve your respect. Come to me and take what you will. I will keep no secrets from you.
Both San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ and the Most Honored Spirit Mother looked at the High Wizard Sorcerer, and waited. The High Wizard nodded, also yielding, As you wish, my Queen. Perhaps you are correct in this. Even the smallest of information I will now give you. I open my thoughts to you, as well. I offer my apology for my insolence.
The Most Honored Spirit Mother added, We have done no deceit to you, my Queen, but perhaps a few things may draw your anger.
The High Queen closed her eyes, trying with great effort to control her temper.
Fools!
She breathed in deeply, then vowed with as neutral a tone as she could, “I vow you My greatest patience and understanding for this openness of your minds. Let us proceed."
The High Queen rose, waiting for one of them. The High Wizard Sorcerer came to her. She placed her hands upon The High Queen's head, and The High Queen did likewise. Suddenly, both their heads jerked back from the pain of the transfer. The High Queen finally removed her hands, bowed her head, and tried desperately to displace her pain. All saw that the High Wizard had to do the same. When she was ready, The High Queen turned and waited for the Most Honored One.
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 7
