The High Queen pulled Sle'nel’ to her, embracing her, turning serious. She gazed into Sle'nel's eyes, studying the now golden colors and twinkles, “It is indeed a most magnificent of bodies. In all The Realm, I am glad you have chosen Me, My Elf."
The meal was another banquet, but the atmosphere was much improved upon this eve. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ and Sle'nel’ ate well, having missed all the meals of the turn. As was The High Queen's way, she studied all those around her, often entering then quickly leaving their thoughts. She thought for a moment on what it felt like to have someone always there for her. As a Queen for many cycles, she was never left alone, yet always alone. Now with Sle'nel', she was truly never alone. It gave her a moment of peace to feel such.
As she studied the others, she found herself pleased as to the loyalty Meera was displaying and feeling, hoping that no test of Meera's loyalty would have to occur between herself and her sister. Meera had shifted leaders, but also hoped that Sam would never have to know of such, as she yet loved her as a friend, and as a Warrior. The Spirit Mothers and High Wizard Sorcerer had remained through the meal, but then left them alone.
Seeing it as a good moment to speak amongst themselves, The High Queen looked to her sister, “Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. You have some questions for me?"
Sam had decided to wait until her sister, this most powerful of Queens, felt like answering her questions. She nodded her appreciation, “Who are the Others that you but speak of?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ considered the question, having thought that Sam already knew of this answer, “Did you not ask our Spirit Mothers this question?"
Sam shook her head, “No. I know not who to ask."
"What do you know of the First Ones?"
"I have read some of their diaries. Woden has some of their later diaries, as they moved out of their first experiment site and to their beginning of Woden."
"You have not read of when they first arrived?"
"No. Those are the diaries we seek, but we know not where to look. We thought perhaps somewhere in Apien or Fornaith, but know not. After hearing of our other sister living in Sansthera, I but guess that is where the site is located. I have been reading the diaries from when they first separated from each other, and a man named Burn had taken over."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ breathed in deeply, not wanting to explain this, but knowing its necessity, “The First Ones came from elsewhere. I know not where, but very far from this Realm. They are of the Others. The First Ones are the humans that caused the extinction of the Elfin Faeries, and of many of the other mystical aspects of this Realm. This Realm was vowed ever to be apart from the Others, but I can only guess that someone had forgotten to inform the Others of this agreement."
"Why do we not wish for their return, as they seem well intelligent?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at Caitha, studying her briefly, “My sister, have you ever really listened to your storytellers and singer of stories?"
Caitha smiled, knowing that The High Queen well understood the importance of storytellers and singers of the culture.
Sam shook her head, “I thought their songs just stories to amuse the children. Now I see that you think very differently on this."
The High Queen laughed, “I would wager with you that even your Caitha, who has been sheltered from The Realm for most her life, has some songs about this. Singers of our Realm share these songs easily, and our stories can be found in all the small towns throughout The Realm with amazing consistency and accuracy. Is that not correct, Caitha of Meera?"
Sam flinched, finally recognizing that when her own Spirit Mothers had said that clues about the First Ones were to be had, part of what they referred to was standing directly in front of her all these cycles, in her own storytellers and singers of stories.
Caitha smiled, “The Highest has always believed my songs frivolous and for the children, as do most throughout Woden. But whenever I meet another storyteller or song singer, it is as you say. We exchange our past and cultures."
"Where did the First Ones come from?"
"It is good you ask these questions, but now you must seek the answers. Listen to your storytellers and singers of stories. Return to Me with these questions when you have found some of the answers. I wish not to be harsh, My Sister, but I have great need of you to understand our realm and those who live in it. The Sorcerer Women also sing songs of our Realm's mighty past."
Sam nodded, not perturbed by this, but asked, “Do you have the beginning diaries of the First Ones?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ shook her head, “No. I have no need of them and have never seen them. The past is written in many ways, and the diaries are only one of them. The Elves knew much of this recorded past, though. Perhaps you might even ask Sle'nel’ after she visits in her Elfin home. I have a guess as to who now holds them, though."
Sle'nel’ answered softly, “Sume'n'tinel'ti'non."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded, “Sam'r'in'thel'ineln', have you begun your lessons with the High Wizard Sorcerer?"
"This turn, as well as with the Spirit Mothers. They say I improve, but that I should practice with you."
The High Queen moved her hand slightly, sending a plate flying to her sister. Startled, Sam tried to catch it with her hands. She touched it briefly, causing it to fall to the ground.
"Your instincts need developing. Use your powers only."
Sam tried sending a glass to her sister, thinking that she would surprise her, but it had barely moved before The High Queen sent it quickly back. Sam tried to halt it with her powers, but not quickly enough. It fell to the floor, breaking.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ laughed, “Then prepare yourself, My Sister, as my training will not be scheduled."
Sam pulled her sword from her sheath, “Another contest then? I learned how to use some of the powers with the sword play."
The High Queen shook her head, “I have no sword, and you would only lose if I did."
"Do you fear I will become stronger than you?"
The High Queen rose, “Ann'wn, I have need of your sword for a moment only."
The High Queen got the sword, touched it to Sam's, then began the swordplay. It ended it almost as quickly. She had refrained from using her powers when sparring against Meera and Ann'wn prior, but now with her sister, she included her powers. She was careful not to hurt Sam, but Sam wasn't prepared for the strength behind her sister's power, which she barely used this moment. As The High Queen's sword touched Sam's, she sent her power through her sword, then into Sam's sword as the swords touched, causing Sam to drop hers.
Sam picked up her sword, “Again."
They touched sword tips again, then began. This instance, The High Queen used her power to make Sam's arm move away from the attack. Sam tried to prevent her arm from moving where she didn't want it to go, but couldn't place her power there quickly or strongly enough.
"Again."
They touched sword tips, and instantly The High Queen used her power to prevent Sam from moving her sword. Sam tried valiantly to do so, but didn't yet have the strength to hold against The High Queen's powers.
The High Queen felt sorry for her sister, knowing how difficult such training was. For many cycles in her youth, she felt that she would never master the use of her powers, “Enough?"
Sam suddenly made a quick move against The High Queen, trying to use her powers against her. While The High Queen thought it a good effort, she held it off, barely thinking of it.
"You yet think like a swordswoman of Woden. Use your powers. See the sword as an extension of them only. Try again."
As they began their swordplay, Sam tried to send her power through her sword, hoping to break her sister's swing. The High Queen was ready for it, but didn't yet use her powers, observing to see how strong her sister's powers were becoming. Sam swung again, using her powers to try to trip The High Queen. It didn't work, but The High Queen saw that Sam was going to learn quickly, thinking her progress good. Sam kept
trying, using her powers upon each swing of the sword, hoping to catch her sister off-guard. After many moments, The High Queen thought it enough, sending her powers through the sword. When their swords touched, her powers went into Sam's sword, making it as if it were stuck in stone. Sam couldn't budge it. She removed her hands, looking at her own sword remain in the air, firmly stuck in nothing.
As she waved her hand lightly, The High Queen said, “Catch it,” as she released her powers from it. Sam tried to catch it with her powers, trying to force it back into her hands. She couldn't hold it though, and it fell to the floor, clanging loudly.
The High Queen laughed, “It fell, but you tried to use your powers instead of your hands. You learn quickly, Highest. It will not feel like much gain to you, but that is an important aspect. You resisted using your hands, and tried your powers. Most excellent, My Sister."
She handed her sword back to Ann'wn, looking at her sister, “Did you not learn to use your powers against Buron?"
"I did, but it was easier when the guards would send arrows at me than with you. Buron was mostly wanting to kill me with his sword, and used few of his powers."
"Ah. The Warrior Women of Woden. Yes. Their arrows are without power, so are easier to halt."
She turned to Meera, “Warrior Woman, send something flying to your Highest."
Meera pulled her knife out, aiming for the door in back of Sam. She let it fly, and Sam, as predicted, was able to halt it easily.
Sam looked at her sister, clearly started, “How did you know this?"
The High Queen laughed, “I also had to learn, as you do now. Matching power against another's power is most difficult, and overly frustrating."
"I was also taught to use my eyes as weapons."
"Yes. I can understand this, but am surprised they gave you powers when they only wanted you dead. Buron was afraid of fire. I saw this as he came into My Valley. Your sword also had a stone in it, did it not?"
"A green one. He had a red one."
"The red stone is stronger. So they did indeed wish you dead. You must have used the fire well against him. His powers were much stronger, but I imagine that your will far passed his. He relied on his strength only, never thinking a brain was necessary.” She laughed, “But he didn't have much of one, did he? Do you yet have this power to use your eyes as weapons?"
Sam looked at one of the candles, using her eyes to melt it quickly into a puddle.
"Good. I don't use this power, but it is a good one for you to have. Make certain to practice with this power, as it will serve you well, as it did against Buron. The Dungaras don't have this power."
"With my powers I was able to save Sle'nel's life not overly long prior."
She recalled that Ann'wn had told her of this, “She was dying? From an illness?"
"A deep knife wound."
"You are lucky then that you died not. A life for a life is the usual power given."
"Are you able to do as such without risking your own life?"
She had vowed to never disclose that she did indeed have the ability to save a life without giving a life, but it was the rarest of all powers and given only to The High Queen. It was also a limited power, though, and one she had never used. She ignored her sister's question, “And how is it that you lived from using this power?"
"The Old One saved me. Meera brought her to me. She revived me from death."
The High Queen again recalled that Ann'wn had told of this. She wondered briefly who had given Far'lin'ter'il this power, as it wasn't a usual one even for a Spirit Mother. It troubled her, knowing she would have to ask about it, But who? It wasn't in the minds of the High Wizard Sorcerer or the Spirit Mothers. Even Sume'n'tinel'ti'non doesn't have this ability. She sighed deeply, Yet another mystery to solve for The Realm.
"So, you were also given some healing powers. These will be useful for you when you are in Woden."
Sam nodded, thinking the same. She had just become Highest in Woden of late, but wondered about her sister, “When were you made High Queen?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ closed her eyes, thinking it seemed a lifespan ago. She recalled the moment vividly, as it had come as a surprise. She opened her eyes, speaking slowly, “I was young, not yet of seventeen cycles. The High Queen prior to Me was killed in a betrayal. I was gone to the Sorcerer Women in the Mountains for more training, but was suddenly brought back to be instated as Queen of the Valley. One cycle later, I became High Queen of The Realm. I was overly young and hardly prepared, but I had one excellent leader beside Me, teaching and guiding Me for a short while. She was the strongest and smartest leader I have ever met. The Realm lost its best when it lost her."
Ann'wn wondered if The High Queen would forget and answer this question, “Who was your teacher, my Queen?"
The High Queen smiled, knowing what Ann'wn was after, “One far better than Me. But not the teacher that taught Me the weapons, Force Leader."
"And Shur'en'dell was the leader of your forces then?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded, “She was. Thinking back on our prior conversation, you must have been in her forces at that moment when I became Queen. She was, like the rest of her group, masters of the mind. Their dedication to The Realm was lost as they died. There remain no more like them. Her wisdom was amazing to Me, and yet she was far from the best of them. Perhaps you are correct Ann'wn. Perhaps it is overly sad that we have no more of the Masters in The Realm. But the Masters had their difficulties, as well. It was the reason for their demise."
Ann'wn didn't know of this, “My Queen?"
The High Queen shrugged, “Some of them turned against the others and against The Realm. They fought amongst themselves, both sides wanting power and control. Any power is corruptible, and this was one of the most corruptible of all powers. In order to rid The Realm of the Corrupted Ones, the Masters fought them. At the end of the battle, all were gone on both sides, as the Masters gave their lives to halt the Corrupted Ones. A sad tale, and I often wonder about the oft-called Un-corrupted Ones. I imagine Caitha of Woden has heard the songs to this story."
Caitha smiled at this most wise Queen, “Indeed, M'Love. I have. As you say, it is a most sad tale of a most awful battle."
Ann'wn looked at her Queen, “But you said the title is yet a dangerous one, my Queen."
"Sides were taken, Ann'wn. And we gave a funeral for only eight after their battle. That leaves fourteen yet unaccounted for across The Realm. Nine on the side of The Realm, or so it is believed, and five on the other. We have never yet found any signs of them."
"Was your teacher among those found dead?"
She looked at Ann'wn, but didn't answer, leaving Ann'wn to ponder on what had already been said, as she herself yet did often. On three occasions she thought she had seen one of the Masters. Once, when she was traveling home from the Sorcerer women, she had glimpsed an image of one of the Masters in a side passageway in the north tunnel. The recognition had dawned on her overly late, and as she looked back at the passageway, the image was gone. She had passed it off for tiredness on her part.
The second occasion she had seen the same Master as she had lain in her bed recovering from the loss of her lover and her deep back wound, just a few turns after the incident. She had awoken to the sight of the Master standing over her. She passed this image off to her high fever, as no one else had seen the image. Her Healer at that moment had told her she would never walk again, but after the image of the Master, her back began to heal and she was able to move her legs. She vaguely recalled that the Master had told her a story and had applied some of her healing skills. She never remembered the story, but did recall her voice.
The third occasion was as she and Sle'nel’ rode back into town for the celebration of their union. She had caught only a side glimpse of her, but she thought she had seen the Master standing in the crowd, watching her. When she looked again, the Master was gone.
She had drawn her own conclusions to the mystery, never speaking of them, yet
always wondering if what she had seen was real. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ often guessed as to why her teacher would, if she were yet alive, remain hidden. So San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ never mentioned the Master's name, hoping that The Realm would forget who she was in case her teacher needed secrecy. The former High Queen had been killed through an almost successful takeover and betrayal of The Realm. She could only hope that who remained of the Masters now remained hidden from The Realm to prevent as such again. But San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was also taught to trust very little, so withheld her skills from all until needed, not wishing to give anything away to anyone who might be able to use it against her.
And I have no proof that the Masters were ever truly loyal to The Realm. They all seemed overly controlling for My liking.
The High Queen looked over to Sle'nel', wishing to rid herself of these thoughts. She smiled, grateful for her. Never prior had she anyone to turn to in order to forget her worries and concerns. For many cycles she had spent countless eves in her gardens, meditating with the hopes of casting off her worries of The Realm for a few moments. It seldom worked, but since she couldn't sleep, she practiced the skills of controlling her mind, as her teachers had taught her. Now, with Sle'nel’ with her, she thought The Realm an easier place. But she worried about that also, thinking that she would have to be more mindful of complacency. For the moment though, she gazed into her lover's eyes, loving their golden sparkling color.
She remained deep in her own thoughts about the Masters as the conversation continued without her. Meera asked Ann'wn how long she had been leader of the forces. Ann'wn was explaining while The High Queen once again contemplated on the Masters, wondering how, if necessary, she could contact the one she had long sought.
Ann'wn asked, interrupting her Queen's thoughts unknowingly, “How long do we remain, my Queen?"
She sighed, interrupted in her thoughts, knowing well that she needed to return to the Valley, “Would any of you like to remain one more turn?"
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 11
