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

by Robbie Collins

  With a sneer, she spoke, “So, you have removed the Dungaras and her baby. To my sister, I assume. I didn't think you would be able to get here so quickly, but I forget that you can call the mystical animals to your bidding."

  Sle'nel’ saw that the Dungaras guards were edging closer, “High Priestess. Have these Dungaras hold where they are, or they die. I wish not to kill them, but will if necessary."

  "Don't bore me, Elf. I can see that the High Sorcerer of the Sorrows has been restored to The Realm, through you. Do you think me stupid and blind? Even the Dungaras can see your staff, and they know well what it means. Why do you not just remove us to the Sorrows’ bidding, given your ability to do so?"

  Sle'nel’ hesitated in her answer, wondering what San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ would do, then spoke her truth, “You and your powers are needed in The Realm."

  The comment angered the High Priestess, but intrigued her as well, “You lie. Others haven't seen this. Why you? Why would an Elf spare the likes of a R'kin'dles? But I already know this, don't I? You are an Elf and believe that all life is important. How magnificent of you, Elf.” Her tone was biting and sarcastic.

  "I am only half-Elf. There is a part of me that would kill you and be done with it, but my Elfin part sees worth in you."

  "Ha! You even sound like an Elf. Self-righteous and passing judgment on all the other races. How very Elfin of you."

  Sle'nel’ breathed deeply, not as self-assured in such moments as was her Queen. She knew she needed to maintain her control, “I don't pass such judgments. The Realm's past has told me of such. It has told me of the worth of the R'kin'dles."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non came up close to Sle'nel', but refrained from touching her. She gazed directly into her eyes, “You are beautiful. Pity you are part Elfin. I have much desire to touch you, as my sister now does.” She laughed wickedly, “It must be a familial desire, to own you. Yet, of the sisters, I remain the only one who has not held you in my arms."

  "Release your Dungaras, and let us speak together of our roles within The Realm. Perhaps a negotiation can be reached."

  "If you would merely give yourself to me, then I will grant The Realm its peace."

  "I would never do this to my Queen. From my first moment with her, I am hers alone. And so it will be now until my death. And know this, High Priestess, she is my destiny. But I will spend some moments with you. Do you not desire this as well?"

  "And how do I know you will not kill me?"

  "You know an Elf doesn't lie."

  She sneered, “Ah, but you are only half-Elf, as you have just prior said."

  "If you use no powers, then neither will I."

  "Why do give me these moments, yet no one else does as such? Why you?"

  "I see you for who you are."

  "Oh? And who do you think I am, Elf?"

  "Sensitive, as were all the R'kin'dles. And deeply so. You hide this deeply within you through the gruff self you portray to The Realm.” Sle'nel’ studied her, “I wonder, in truth, if you came to kill this half-Dungaras, half-Mystic newborn, as is told, or if you merely come to take It to protect It."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was instantly defensive, “You know this not!"

  Sle'nel’ felt the truth of it, “I do. And this makes me but wonder if the same is truth in regard to my Birth-daughter. In truth, High Priestess, I sense that you could never kill the young ones. You merely want to take them for yourself, back to Sansthera, to protect them from the evils of The Realm."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non's eyes narrowed, as she spat out the words, “You know nothing!"

  Sle'nel’ stood her ground, yet slightly shaken from the vehement statement. She replied softly, but firmly, knowing fully that she had accidentally hit upon the truth of the High Priestess’ actions, “But I do, High Priestess. I have the full memory of what R'kin'dles are, and above all else, their emotions were like those of children. They trusted overly, but were often abused, so became angry."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was stunned in the statement, but remained insistent, but less so, “You know this not, Elf."

  "I do, High Priestess. I do know this."

  "How do you think you know this?"

  "The Elves, High Priestess. They were the ones to most abuse the gentle childlike nature of the R'kin'dles. It was because of the Elves that the R'kin'dles took up the sword, wasn't it, High Priestess?"

  The High Priestess just stared at her, “Why do you say as such? No other has ever admitted the truth of this. They merely blamed the R'kin'dles'."

  "No one is perfect, High Priestess, but that doesn't mean that change cannot occur. If change is to occur between the Elves and the R'kin'dles, though, it begins here with you and me, at this moment. What say you?"

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non grunted briefly at the comment, turned back to the Dungaras for a moment, then looked at Sle'nel'. “I will agree. We will speak together."

  They spent the remainder of the eve with one another, speaking of The Realm, the Elves, the R'kin'dles, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non's past, the Dungaras, the Mungardies, her sisters, and of Sume'n'tinel'ti'non's desires in The Realm. The Sorcerer Women were allowed in only to bring food and drink, and Sele’ so that Sume'n'tinel'ti'non could look upon her. For one moment only, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non looked as if she might have a soft side about her as she gazed upon the Future Supreme Sovereign of The Realm. When they were done, they exited the hut in the very late after eve. Quietly, Sle'nel’ called for The High Queen's raptor.

  She looked upon the High Priestess, finding that she liked her, “Think on this as we part, High Priestess. Per chance we meet again, what would it take as a negotiation for you to truly give up from fighting against your sister and The Realm? To stand beside the both of them? Think on this well."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non looked back at her, unafraid of her, but respecting her after their long discussion, discovering that she desired to know more of the Elf, as well as Sele'. “To give up my fighting? I think you have nothing that could provide this, but I will think on it. And you as well, my Elf. What would you give up that would be so enticing as to make me consider as such?"

  "You and San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ have more in common than you think, High Priestess."

  "Perhaps it is as you say; perhaps not. And perhaps next meeting you might come to Sansthera. It might surprise you. You might like it."

  "We shall see."

  "You shall have safe passage home, Elf."

  Sle'nel’ nodded.

  The High Priestess mounted her horse, looked upon Sle'nel’ one last moment, nodded to her, then turned and rode off. Sle'nel’ held out her arm, calling the raptor to her, asking it to retrieve R'lodin'lindor to her. While waiting for her, Sle'nel’ prepared A'lon'lden for the journey back. The flight to the Isle was quick, but having no sleep, Sle'nel’ was exhausted. She dozed as R'lodin'lindor flew, barely aware when they had landed. She helped A'lon'lden to dismount, finding Ann'wn waiting for them. She thanked R'lodin'lindor, hugging her neck and talking to her quietly in the Elfin language.

  Quietly, so as to not wake The High Queen, Ann'wn said, “The High Queen has worried over you."

  "I am fine, Ann'wn. I have been talking with her sister, trying to reach a negotiation."

  "Why did you not just kill her, Princess?"

  She laughed softly, “I would have in a quick moment, but when I gained my Mother's memories, I learned that the R'kin'dles hold one of the powers we need to fight against the Others from returning. We need to find out about this power they hold. And the R'kin'dles are of more worth than we know."

  The High Queen had sensed her love's return, coming out to greet her. Sle'nel’ felt her and turned to her. When she saw her, her eyes shone in their love of her, “My Queen."

  The High Queen looked at Sle'nel', relieved to find her well, “I feared you did battle, My Love."

  Sle'nel’ went up to her, holding her tightly to her, “I feel as such, and am well tired. I have been speaking with your sister all the eve."

  "
She came, then."

  "With thirty Dungaras."

  "Yet, you are unharmed. I am grateful."

  Sle'nel’ sensed The High Queen had some hesitancy regarding the occurrence with her sister. Prior, she would have felt upset and perhaps angered with The High Queen's questioning of her. Now, with her newly found Elfin background, she resisted her anger, thinking only of her love for her Queen. As Sle'nel's Birth-Mother had noted, the love from an Elfin Faiere was the greatest of all. As was the Elfin Faeries’ legacy, Sle'nel’ didn't allow herself to become angered or frustrated with The High Queen's potential jealousy, recognizing for what it was—fear of loss of Sle'nel'. From her Elfin-Mother's memories and powers, and although she couldn't sense into another's mind, she now knew that an Elf could send her thoughts to another in much the same fashion she had seen The High Queen do, but without the pain, and with selected thoughts. She placed her hand upon The High Queen's cheek, passing the meeting's events and words to The High Queen's mind.

  Having now heard Sle'nel's memories from the meeting with Sume'n'tinel'ti'non, The High Queen understood why Sle'nel’ had wanted to meet with her sister.

  "Your Birth-Mother was correct. I will never deserve your love, My Elfin Faiere."

  Sle'nel’ smiled at her sweetly, “Just love me, my Queen. It be enough. But perhaps there is one other thing you might do."

  The High Queen waited, wondering.

  "Sleep. I need sleep."

  The High Queen also smiled, but shook her head, “You audience awaits. The sun's rise occurs in a moment. Come. I will accompany you."

  Chapter III

  The Realm's Masters

  The High Queen and Sle'nel’ followed the path to the forest, guessing as to the meeting place. The path was quiet, but Sle'nel’ listened as she had been taught by her Sorcerer teacher, hearing sounds of barely controlled excitement coming from far down the path. The sun's brightness was beginning to spread over the skies as it rose from behind the trees. Nearing the meeting site, Sle'nel’ sensed that those waiting for her were growing in their anticipation. She smiled, having sensed who anxiously awaited her. She and The High Queen exited the deep forest into a small open meadow, where many of the animals of the forest and of the skies were waiting as patiently as they could. When they saw Sle'nel', the birds began to twitter in excited tones, while the little animals ran around in circles, unable to contain their excitement.

  "I will wait here, My Love."

  Sle'nel’ nodded while walking into the middle of the meadow. Many of the birds landed upon her as she walked from one animal to another. She didn't know many of these animal types, having been only in Woden for most of her life. But she did know that she need have no fear of any of them. All the animals throughout The Realm loved the Elfin Faeries. Of all those who grieved sorrowfully over the great loss of the Elves, the animals grieved the longest and most sorrowfully. At the same moment Sle'nel’ had been given her Birth-Mother and Elfin-Mother's memories and powers, The Realm sensed a return of an Elfin Faerie. From that moment on, the animals grew in their excitement, knowing that one had returned to them.

  For this one instance in The Realm, these animals ignored their own natural hunting and fearful tendencies so as to be with the Elf. She went to each one, resting her hand upon them. The large ones bent or knelt down to be touched by her, and the small ones waited as patiently as they could for her to bend down to them. She spoke to each of them individually in her Elfin language, and each one understood her messages. She sensed the raptor far overhead and held out her arm for her. The High Queen's raptor flew down, also just wanting to be touched by the returned Elf. Through the morn, she allowed them their audience with her.

  Toward the midmorn, she saw R'lodin'lindor standing off in the distance.

  R'lodin'lindor. Come to me.

  She wondered why R'lodin'lindor had come, being not of these animals. R'lodin'lindor was one of the mystical animals and not of these animals’ backgrounds. R'lodin'lindor came up to her, nuzzling her great nose gently into her shoulder. She laughed, kissing her upon her nose. The mystic horse tried nudging her hand up, trying to get her to do something, but she didn't know what. She raised her hand to the unicorn's head, yet R'lodin'lindor seemed anxious. Not wanting to for fear of hurting her, Sle'nel’ had never touched the horn, but suddenly sensed this is what R'lodin'lindor wanted from her. She did so, placing her hand around it gently. As she did, R'lodin'lindor sent a message of her past of when each Elf was bonded to one of the great flying unicorns, such as R'lodin'lindor.

  "You are telling me that you have always been here, knowing there was one last Elf in The Realm? You have been here, waiting for me? You were there when I was born?"

  R'lodin'lindor nodded her great head.

  "So the little ones wait their turn, waiting for an Elf to be born."

  R'lodin'lindor once again nodded her head.

  "And The High Queen? Why are you bonded to The High Queen?"

  R'lodin'lindor sent another message, showing her of when The High Queen had saved her.

  "I will try to find a way to bring them back, R'lodin'lindor. I am sorry for your loneliness. You and I are alike, now. Alone in The Realm. There are no others like us."

  Yet anxious, R'lodin'lindor waited, hoping her Elf would finally make the connection. She stroked R'lodin'lindor's great head, “Tell me, my beautiful unicorn, will one of the little treasures agree to be bonded with Sele? She is part Elfin."

  R'lodin'lindor nodded her great head, and once again tried to move Sle'nel's hand back to her horn. Finally, she did, seeing what was being requested of her.

  She nodded her understanding, “This eve, then, my great one. We will make the journey for you, with you. I will see you then and am most pleased to be able to do this for you."

  R'lodin'lindor nudged her gently, then walked a short distance, jumped and flew off. Sle'nel’ suddenly thought herself most stupid, but was glad for the eve's task ahead of her, thinking that her Queen might be surprised as well.

  Sle'nel’ returned to visiting and enjoying the animals for a while longer. At the end of the morn, she thanked them all, then returned to her Queen. She could see that the animals wanted to remain longer with her, but were content in the attention they had received.

  Walking back to San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ who had long prior begun meditating in the peaceful meadow, Sle'nel’ stood, waiting, knowing that The High Queen would sense her soon enough. Although The High Queen hadn't yet completed her thoughts, she moved her hand out, as if in offering. Sle'nel’ grasped it gratefully, welcoming the quiet meaning.

  When The High Queen was done, she turned to her Elf, “I saw R'lodin'lindor. Is all well?"

  They began their return to the dwelling so that Sle'nel’ could rest, “She gave me a most interesting story."

  "She gave you a story?"

  "She did. About a wonderful Queen who had saved her."

  The High Queen nodded, “Yes. She was almost dead when I found her. In truth, I thought she could not be saved."

  "Do you know why she was dying?"

  "No. I have never been able to sense her thoughts."

  "For once then, I have a surprise for you. This eve you will learn of that story. We fly to a new story this eve."

  The High Queen studied Sle'nel’ briefly, “I think you are becoming a bit weary, My Love. Your thoughts are making no sense."

  Sle'nel’ laughed, “They make much sense, my Queen. You will see. R'lodin'lindor will no longer be alone in The Realm after this eve."

  As they walked back to their dwelling, they saw Ann'wn waiting. Ann'wn knelt and bowed to her Queen, “My Queen."

  "Rise, Ann'wn, and perhaps you might consider giving Me a rest from this while we are here."

  "Yes, my Queen. The others are concluding their discussions with the Spirit Mothers. When would you like to begin our lesson with the sword, Highness?"

  Sle'nel’ had gone inside upon their arrival so as to sleep. “Wait here, Ann'wn. I will
return in a moment. You can accompany Me to the lesson."

  She made certain that Sle'nel’ was comfortable, then walked with Ann'wn to the practice site. The High Queen felt a little strange giving lessons to her Warrior Women, but knew not where they could find teachers with more knowledge or practice on the sword. Her teachers had left or died long prior. As far as she knew with any assurance, she was the only remaining master and remained uncertain if any other knew of the long-lost traditions, or if there were any remaining of this title. Even with her title of such, she had kept it well hidden, having informed only a few close friends. But she was gladdened to know that through Sle'nel', at least there was now one great Elfin swordswoman in The Realm.

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was thinking and planning on what to teach them when Ann'wn interrupted her thoughts, “My Queen, who taught you your sword skills?"

  The High Queen reflected on her answer, “A great teacher now long gone from here. I was taught the sword from the moment I could walk. It was never easy though, as she was always telling Me how dreadful My skills were.” San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ scoffed a little at the memory.

  "The stories say that you were never beaten."

  "Then the stories forget about the Mungardies. I was well beaten at that moment."

  "It wasn't a fair fight, my Queen. There were four-to-one, and you beat all except the one. And you yet live to tell about it."

  "I lived. This is truth, but not because of what you now think. What of you, Ann'wn? Who taught you your warrior skills?"

  "You know this not, my Queen? It was the former leader of your forces."

  "Ah. Shur'en'dell. A true Master, and a great leader. Then you have earned your skills honestly.” She slipped into her memories of her favored force leader, finding that she missed her. Shur'en'dell had been one of the last of the great masters and one of her many teachers along the way. But she was aging as San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had become queen, and had died in a terrible battle shortly after.