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

by Robbie Collins

  "Was she your teacher, my Queen?"

  "She was one of many that reinforced my trainings, but wasn't My master teacher, and she wasn't the most skilled of her group."

  Ann'wn could see that she wasn't going to get this information out of her Queen. No matter how hard she or her guards tried, The High Queen never gave up this information. But Ann'wn also wouldn't give up.

  "My Queen, this is just a guess, but are you the last of the Masters?"

  The High Queen snapped at Ann'wn, “Why are you so interested in My past? What difference would this make to you?"

  "You are truly the greatest of all The High Queens, Highness, but since you have become Queen, many of your other abilities have remained hidden and unused. Our realm needs the Masters now, perhaps more than ever prior. Perhaps yo—"

  She interrupted, “—Force Leader! What you ask might be more than you are willing to give. It is a lifespan commitment, and not easily won. The Masters were called as such, as they were masters over their minds. Are you truly willing to commit to that which you know little or nothing about?"

  "My Queen. It is a sad turn in The Realm when there is only one master remaining, and that master is unable to provide the teaching to other masters yet to be, due to her other responsibilities."

  The High Queen laughed lightly, “I never knew you as romantic as this. Being a master has never been such a romantic notion to Me. It is a hard-won, if won at all, battle of the self. It is not just about sword skills, Ann'wn. It is far more. For all their dedication, the Sorcerers are far less trained than were the Masters, and they spend their entire life to this end."

  "Forgive me, my Queen, but Meera and I are excellent candidates for such."

  The High Queen halted, looking at her Ann'wn. She laughed lightly, amused, “You think as such, do you? And who made this decision for you, My Warrior? Has a master selected you, then? Or do you make this decision yourself?"

  Ann'wn wasn't going to give up on this, “You, my Queen. You have already selected both of us."

  She was yet laughing lightly, trying to disguise her surprise, “What makes you think I was selected, let alone became one of the Masters? And when did you become as chatty as this, My Warrior? I have never prior heard you speak as much. Since we have arrived here, you have been a fountain of words."

  Ann'wn blushed, well embarrassed, but wasn't going to let The High Queen sidetrack the conversation, “With all due respect, my Queen, I am a highly trained warrior. As such, I have well-trained observational skills. Perhaps the best in The Realm. I have observed you well, and I know of some of the training the Masters required. I see this in you. I see you meditate. I see you draw forth your mind's forces. I have observed you fight beyond your abilities, winning even when your powers were long useless. As you say, my Queen, it is the training over the mind, and I see that you have this training."

  The High Queen resisted giving in to Ann'wn, never wanting this information known, “What in our Mother's names makes you think I was ever a master?"

  Ann'wn knew she had won, “I know this well, my Queen."

  "Then tell Me. How do you think you know of this? There is no Master left to substantiate this for you."

  "No other stands as you do in The Realm, my Queen. It is the training of the Masters. The stance is of the Masters. I was trained by one, Highness, so I know this well. Your stance is of their stance. They had a bearing like no other. Your words are their words. Your commands are their commands."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ began walking again, considering Ann'wn's words, displeased that Ann'wn's answers were truth. She had long forgotten, by desire, that the Masters had drilled their leadership abilities into her, over and over, cycle after long cycle. As Ann'wn spoke, she remembered as such. She knew well that her words and ways were truly of them. Trying once again to avoid detection, she said, “I think you give Me far more honor than I am due. I am a vowed Queen, Force Leader, and no warrior. Let us drop this conversation."

  Ann'wn pushed yet again, even in knowing that her Queen could become angered, “I knew the Masters, my Queen. And you are one of them."

  The High Queen knew Ann'wn had found out one of her secrets. Slightly amazed and stunned, she spoke quietly and slowly, “If this is all truth, Ann'wn, and note that I have not confirmed your words, what is it you would desire of Me?"

  Softly, like her queen spoke, she replied, “Train us."

  "Why now? Why have you never prior mentioned this?"

  "As I watched you in the swordplay prior turn, I saw my old master standing before me. You use the same skills and the same moves. Until then, I only guessed. But when I saw you with the Woden Warrior Woman, I knew. You are one of them."

  "You know their training wasn't an easy one?"

  "I know this well, my Queen."

  "And is never questioned."

  "Yes, my Queen."

  "Never, Force Leader. It is never questioned, or it halts there. It is a dedication beyond reason."

  "Yes, my Queen. I know this well."

  "And the Warrior Woman of Woden? She would want this as well, should a master yet exist?"

  "Yes, my Queen. We have spoken of this."

  They neared the site, and she saw the Warrior Woman waiting, along with her mate and Sam. The High Queen prepared herself, having only wanted the training to extend to Ann'wn and Meera. She didn't wish to deal with her sister more than necessary, “I will think on your words, Force Leader. Only that. But know this—I have not affirmed your guesses. And that is all they are, Ann'wn. Guesses."

  Ann'wn bowed to her, “To your will, my Queen. Thank you. For you to consider my request is all that I can ask.” But Ann'wn knew that her Queen would now begin to teach her and Meera from the Masters’ ways.

  Meera knelt and bowed her head as The High Queen approached, “My Queen."

  She knew that her sister wondered as to why Meera did this, but guessed that Sam thought it was out of respect. Her sister bowed her head, becoming more awed by San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ upon every turn. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ wondered if she should give sword lessons to her sister as well.

  "Good midturn, Meera's mate. Does your visit in this Isle please you?"

  "It does, Highness. It be such a gentle place. It is as if no violence has ever occurred here. And the Spirit Mothers are most welcoming to us. Where is Jandra this turn? Be she well?"

  The High Queen was surprised to learn that she no longer considered Sle'nel’ as Jandra, but ignored the usage of it, knowing that Caitha had called her by that name for a lifespan. “I am certain that she wishes to visit with you further. She will be in attendance at this eve's meal. Do you wish to practice with us this turn?"

  "Me? Oh no, Highness. I just walked Meera over. I thought I might go to the beach and practice some of my songs."

  The High Queen nodded, then looked to Sam, “Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. It is good to see you this turn. How go your discussions with the Spirit Mothers? Are they answering your questions?"

  Sam nodded, “They are. But I have many I would like to ask of you, when there be the moment."

  The High Queen bowed her head slightly at the question as she slowly closed and then reopened her eyes, “Of course. Whatever is your desire. Perhaps at this eve's meal, then?"

  "I was most surprised at your ability with the Spirit Mothers last eve. It makes me wish I had done as much with the Spirits of the Falls."

  "It is ever easy to see what we should have done after the event is past. Knowing what decision to make for our future is nothing more than our best guess. I have learned much over the cycles from My experiences. You will, as well."

  "While we are sisters, our pasts were far different. While you had a more difficult childhood, you were well trained. And while I had but a more pleasant upbringing, I was mostly untrained, in many ways. You stand as a Queen, not allowing challenges, while I stand as a leader among friends."

  "Are you judging the worth of each? Does one stand out better than another?"
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  Sam laughed, “You would have me say no, but I find your training much more useful over what I know."

  "Perhaps, but I think not. Whichever it may be, it is never overly late to learn, My Sister. I yet train and learn whenever there are moments or a teacher available. It is never done. I train these two warriors hard this turn. You are invited to train with them as well, should you desire."

  "I will watch for a while only. One of the Spirit Mothers would like to teach me one of the powers she believes I should have."

  "Excellent. I had forgotten that they also could do as such."

  She turned to Meera and Ann'wn, “Are you certain that each of you wishes this training to occur?"

  Ann'wn bowed, “Without question, my Queen."

  "And you, Warrior Women? You wish this as well, and know the expectations? One question only, and it ceases."

  Meera bowed, also, “Yes, my Queen. As Ann'wn says, without question."

  "Warm yourselves up for a moment. Use only close skills. No big swings. Remain close."

  Amused as they maneuvered against each other, she carefully observed their skills and thinking abilities.

  After a few moments, she halted their practice, “Ann'wn, you overuse your movements, and you step overly heavily in your boots. Stand upon the front of your feet more. You use overly many of the same patterns, and you hold your sword overly tight. Warrior Woman of Woden, you are favoring your right side during close contact. Change your hand positions. And your elbows flap in the wind. Hold them closer to your side. Begin again."

  She went to Caitha while they practiced, “Tell me, Caitha of Meera. Do you know any songs of the Elfin Faeries from our past?"

  "Oh yes, my Queen. I knew it not at the moment that our Jandra was to become an Elf, but one of your own storytellers gave me an Elfin song. Would you like me to sing it for you?"

  "Perhaps this eve, but could you tell Me of the story?"

  "It is of the last Elfin Queen. The story tells of how she planned to save the remaining Elfin Faeries. But she killed them, accidentally, instead."

  "What do you mean by this?"

  "She buried them alive. What an awful death."

  "Why would she have done such?"

  "I know not, Highness. It be in the song. They were buried until they are reborn."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ knew that Caitha wouldn't be able to understand the story, so accepted her presentation of it without question. But she knew well that the Elfin Queen must have known most definitely of what she did when she buried the Elves. She hoped they would find her answers when they journeyed to the Elves’ town. She asked Caitha, “Does it say anything about them returning to The Realm."

  As Caitha spoke, The High Queen watched the two with their swords, “That can't happen though, can it, M'Love? But the song ends by saying they will once again return fully as the powers begin to align. It makes little sense to anyone, but the song is most beautiful, so it is kept around."

  "Thank you, Caitha of Woden. Enjoy your moment of practice. The beach is a beautiful one here. Look for the amber colored stones. They have many healing qualities, and are only found here upon these shores."

  She turned back to her trainees, “Hold for now. It is enough. Ann'wn, use the front of your feet more. Meera, your left wrist seems weak. Is it injured?"

  "It was, my Queen. It but heals."

  "Hold your sword straight out from your side, both of you. Hold it there until I tell you that you may place it down. Allow it not to waver."

  She began her own series of meditations as they struggled to hold their swords straight out without letting them move. It was an impossible task, but one that The High Queen would let them struggle with for many moments. She breathed as she was taught, moving into her first meditation. She mentally slowed her heart rate down some, breathing deeply, slowly letting go of her mind's worries. Letting go some of her inner rage. She spoke quietly to herself, inside herself, Focus.

  For what seemed an eternity to them, Meera and Ann'wn stood, struggling to hold their sword out from their side. The pain was unbearable by now, their arms shaking from the strain. Meera's eyes and mouth were clenched tightly in her effort to do her Queen's bidding. Her shoulder felt as if it were burning. Ann'wn had done such as this long prior with her former teacher, but had never achieved the mental distancing that was required to last more than a few painful moments.

  The High Queen breathed deeply, finally turning to them, “Place your sword down, slowly. Ann'wn, do you have a sword that I might borrow?"

  Ann'wn gratefully lowered her sword and retrieved another for her Queen. The High Queen smiled wickedly, “Now, the other arm. Try to outlast Me."

  The High Queen raised her sword straight out from her side. She then began her meditation, removing herself from her arm. Meera and Ann'wn did the same with their other arm, watching their Queen moment after moment. As their arms’ began to burn from the pain, and as they sought every resource within them to maintain their stance, they watched their Queen hold her sword straight, displaying no signs of discomfort or pain.

  Meera and then Ann'wn gave up. They lowered their swords, yet watching The High Queen. After many more moments, she breathed in deeply, then lowered her sword. She began her teachings by slightly guiding them through the steps of the first meditation. Neither Meera nor Ann'wn had ever seen the purpose of such, thinking it for the lazy only. Now that they saw benefit in it, they listened well, following The High Queen's lesson. She taught them how to focus, how to breathe, how to listen, how to displace themselves from their minds’ problems, and from their pain.

  When she finished the lesson, she taught them a few new sword moves, making them practice slow movements only for a long while. Gathering what she recalled from her own training now long unused, she picked up the sword she borrowed from Ann'wn. She closed her eyes briefly, gathering her forces to her, then faced Meera, “Practice against Me, My Warrior Woman."

  Meera tried her best but saw that her Queen had gone into some long unused sword skills that far outdid her own abilities. For every blow Meera tried, The High Queen made a quick and gentle move that caused Meera to lose her own sword. Meera became frustrated, but said nothing.

  The High Queen studied Meera for a moment, sensing her thoughts, “No, My Warrior Woman. I don't use My powers. At least none that you cannot use as well. With training and practice, you will be able to do as I do. It is nothing special. You focus overly on the woman behind the sword. Focus only upon the sword. While your eyes watch the other's eyes, your focus must remain upon the sword. Make no connection to the woman behind the sword."

  To both of them, she said, “All your training will only serve to remind you that you know nothing. It is never enough. You are not young so know well the fatal lesson behind one mistake. Your skills are considered as excellent in The Realm, but not even passable as compared to the Masters."

  She made them meditate once more, making them relax their bodies and move away from their tensions. She could see that focus and breathing were issues for the both of them, telling them so.

  "I am completed with this lesson. But Ann'wn, I am uncertain as to how I am to find the way to dedicate the moments necessary for your training. It is fine while we are here, but as we leave, where will we find such moments as these?"

  "Neither Meera or I can expect an every turn lesson from you, but we are well dedicated and will carry our lessons with us, my Master."

  She raised her eyebrow. In a hushed voice that signaled her anger, she said, “Never call me by such. It is far overly dangerous.” She shook her head slightly, then said, “I leave it to the both of you to solve this issue of practice."

  Ann'wn wondered as to why calling her Master was dangerous, but given The High Queen's reaction, she didn't ask the question.

  "Now that the lesson is over, my Queen, a question?"

  She nodded, “Warrior Woman?"

  "Why did you not use these sword skills prior turn against me?"
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  The High Queen considered the question, not wishing to remember this reason. She looked at Meera, speaking slowly, “Some things need to be well hidden from The Realm until the proper moment for them. This is nothing I do willingly or with pleasure. I do now only for The Realm."

  Meera knelt before her and bowed her head, I understand, my Queen. Thank you for this favor. I will not forget this personal sacrifice you make.

  The High Queen looked down at her, placing her hand upon Meera's head, You please Me well, Warrior Woman. Learn well so that you will live long for Me. I have much use of you, as does The Realm. Please consider yourself one of My trusted advisors. Rise. Go find your mate. It is almost the moment for our eve meal.

  The High Queen looked up, sensing someone near them other than her two warrior women. She looked to the direction of her sensing and saw Sle'nel'. She smiled at her, not taking her eyes from her. To both Warrior Women, she said, “Leave Me."

  They left, both seeing Sle'nel'. Neither Sle'nel’ nor The High Queen saw them leave, their eyes focused only on each other. After a moment, Sle'nel’ walked over to her Queen, “My eyes never tire of looking at you. Each moment be like the first."

  They took each other's hands in their own, holding firmly. The High Queen looked upon her tired Elf, “Did you rest well?"

  Sle'nel’ began walking them to the banquet hall, “It is well-known Elfin lore that Elves only rest while in the company of their lover."

  The High Queen smiled, enjoying Sle'nel's playfulness. Very few ever dared played so with The High Queen, as she was taught not to accept familiarity, “Oh? I had not prior heard this lore."

  "It be well true, my Queen. That, plus food. They can only rest well with their love beside them, and with food in their belly. Only then."

  The High Queen laughed, “I have a sense that much of what I am being told of the Elfin Faeries is just children's stories."

  Sle'nel’ tried to look offended, “I am injured to the heart, my Queen. Here I provide you with the greatest of Elfin lore, yet you think I jest. And look upon me.” She displayed herself by parading herself in front of her, “Look how efficient I am for you. I eat but one meal per turn yet maintain this magnificent Elfin body."