"Perhaps."
The High Queen laughed, once again clutching her hand to her side, hearing Sle'nel's word. Sle'nel’ looked at her as if she had gone crazy, “Why is this humorous?"
"You never say that word, My Desire. It is My word. You remembered it and took it for your own. But decide for yourself regarding the meeting. I must now leave. If you wish to come, the attendants will show you where it is."
The High Queen rose and kissed Sle'nel’ on the top of her head, “I love you, My Elf."
* * * *
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ went to her meeting, walking slowly and mindfully of her wounds. While she looked much improved, The High Queen well felt her pronounced pain and knew that this meeting would be a great test of her will. As she neared the door, she saw Ann'wn waiting for her.
Ann'wn kneeled, painfully, and bowed her head, “My Queen."
"Rise, you old fool. Why do you wait out here?"
Ann'wn was usually a part of every counselor meeting so that the Counselors could update themselves on the battles and the Valley's forces, as needed, “I await you only, Highness."
She studied Ann'wn for a moment, “So, you became tired of their foolishness."
Ann'wn nodded, “Battling Dungaras is far easier."
The High Queen laughed lightly, “Not a good sign.” They entered through her door. As they did, the Counselors and High Counselors all stood from their seats, kneeling and bowing their heads to her, “High Queen."
"Please rise. Good morn, Counselors. High Counselors. It is good to see you again."
The High Queen saw that she was forced to sit at the front of the round table with the Counselors seated away from her. She knew she was in for a long meeting and much complaining about what they considered as her lack of responsibility to The Realm. Forgetting momentarily about her wounds, she breathed in deeply. As she did, she clasped her side injury and groaned slightly at the pain, instantly sorry she did, seeing that her counselors shook their heads in dismay. She could see that they were well angered that she had placed herself at such risk.
The meeting began easily enough with the Counselors asking her to retell the story of the battle against the Dungaras, and of her moments in the Sacred Isle. She looked at Mil'der'in, knowing that Mil'der'in had informed them of the story, but Mil'der'in only shrugged and frowned. The High Queen guessed that she had told them of it to help, but that they now used Mil'der'in's version against her as further evidence. She sat and listened to them yelling at her, trying to believe what Ann'wn had said of them was true, that they did so only because they were afraid of losing her.
"Are you listening, Highness?"
She wasn't.
She couldn't lounge as she usually did, and found herself most agonized, “Huh? Oh, yes. My apologies, Counselor. My wounds just make sitting as long as this most uncomfortable.” She rose, choosing to stand for a while, instead, hoping they would take the hint.
They didn't.
She tried not to lose her patience with them, as their task was a most difficult one. Aside from her as Queen, they were the Valley's leaders. She felt they had a right to become angry with her if they felt she placed the Valley in jeopardy.
Ann'wn rose, “My Honored Counselors, I wish to speak on The High Queen's behalf."
Although Mil'der'in was the High Counselor, she didn't control the Counselors unless necessary. One of the Counselors spoke, “Sit down, Ann'wn. We will hear you later."
Another Counselor began to speak yet again of The High Queen's misbehavior, “Do you understand why we are so upset, Highness? You placed yourself at great risk. The Valley and The Realm need you, yet you go wandering about, endangering yourself, and thus endangering us all."
Another Counselor spoke, “Tell us why you think you needed to do this. I am curious as to why you think you should have gone. Could your forces not have taken Far'lin'ter'il to the Spirits? And would you please sit down instead of pacing about?"
The High Queen sighed, remaining as she was. One-by-one the counselors chastised her for what they considered was improper in her position as High Queen and Queen. She listened to them throughout the long morn as they voiced their concerns and displeasure of her actions, all the while feeling herself weakening from her now raging pain. Mil'der'in saw that her Queen was beginning to turn quite pale, guessing it was from the pain. The High Queen tried sitting again, struggling to remain alert to their needs, but was unable to find any position, sitting or standing, that allowed relief from the pain's quickly growing intensity.
"Highness? Did you hear me? You may tell us your side, now."
She closed her eyes, forcing herself to remain alert. She focused on removing her pain for a moment, then focused upon her breathing. She breathed in as deeply as she dared, then opened her eyes, wishing she were back in her bed. She rose, stiffly and sorely, feeling very unstable. She was uncertain if she could remain with enough strength to reach even the middle of her statement, “My Counselors—"
As she began, Sle'nel’ stepped forward, having heard the last of the counselors concerns, and seeing San'lr'in'thel'ineln's weakening condition. She had entered a few moments prior, “Forgive my intrusion, Honored Counselors. I meant to come earlier but found getting dressed into garments a most miserable and painful experience. If I may?"
The Counselors rose, then knelt and bowed their heads to her, “Elfin Princess."
"Oh, please rise. This be not necessary. Highness, may I provide the answer for you?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was fully surprised, wondering what her Elf was doing. She sat down, nodding to Sle'nel', confused, and quickly losing touch with The Realm. She felt her head spinning out of control. But she was also pleased, knowing that this would give her a moment to regain her energy in case the Counselors overwhelmed Sle'nel'. The Healer had entered with Sle'nel', quietly going to her High Queen, and even more quietly helping to remove some of her great pain.
She whispered, “Focus on your breathing."
The High Queen nodded, feeling quite ill, hoping her Healer could help.
Sam and Meera had also entered, standing near The High Queen. Sle'nel’ introduced them, “I am most certain that you know Sam'r'in'thel'ineln', the Highest of Woden, and Meera, the Warrior Woman of Woden, in charge of Woden's forces. But allow me to begin, on The High Queen's behalf. I know full well that perhaps she shouldn't have take such risks as these, as more than anyone else in The Realm, I treasure her and wish her to live long as The High Queen of The Realm. But allow me to tell you the story of why we, The Highest, Meera and I, felt such a trip necessary."
Sle'nel’ told the counselors of how the Old One had betrayed The Realm, of all the betrayals of Sam, of Jandra, of Woden, and of San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. Like a true Elf, she stood in front of them, unafraid, and told the tale of betrayal, of lies and corruption in the way only a true Elfin Faerie could do. She made the tale mesmerizing and compelling. She told of how the three sisters had been denied the pleasure of knowing one another, how the Old One had lied to everyone, including the Spirits of the Valley, of A'lon'lden and Yyeoiraa, and their baby. She told of R'lodin'lindor and the new flying unicorn within The Realm. She told every tale that she could piece together from what Sam and Meera had told her.
Then she concluded, “You see, Most Honored Counselors, only The High Queen could have made the Spirits of the Valley and the High Wizard Sorcerer obey her commands. They were truly well out of control. Who else could have done as such? And even as we speak, while it is the truth that she shouldn't have battled over two hundred-fifty Dungaras and placed herself at such risk as this, this in itself has helped to uncover yet another betrayal, as these Dungaras knew that we were coming toward them at that moment. Someone told them of when we were to leave the Sacred Isle. So, Counselors, at some moments such risk is necessary, although should perhaps, as you suggest, be more closely considered. But I most humbly would suggest that The High Queen should decide some issues, especially when betrayal is all abou
t. How would she know whom to trust? Would you have her trust every one of those that are about her? If she had done so in this instance, the betrayals would have been left uncaught. Thank you, Most Honored Counselors, for your patience with my overly drawn out account."
Her speech had taken many, many moments, as she hoped both to tire out the Counselors, as well as to concede to their concerns. They had listened attentively and with great interest, “Thank you for your account, Princess. It did help us know the reason for The High Queen's action. I can see that we have much to consider. We hadn't known much about the betrayals."
Sam rose, “If I may take just a moment, Counselors?"
"Of course, Highest of Woden. You are recognized."
"I have prior long thought that a Queen such as my sister would never be as dedicated to The Realm as I have seen in her. Perhaps you but know this, but when we first met I approved not of her. After watching her ways in The Realm, I find myself in disbelief of her absolute commitment to The Realm. In truth, she has given up all possibility of a normal life and has foregone countless personal pleasures, choosing instead to remain focused upon her charge. I had thought myself dedicated to Woden, but after observing her, I know that I have been but a mere beginner as a leader. You have chosen well. Her few moments away from the Valley are only due to her commitment to her duty."
One counselor smiled at Sam, “Of this we know well, Highest. In truth, while we chastise our Queen, it is merely because she is so valued. But thank you for your thoughts, Highest."
The Counselors turned to each other, speaking amongst themselves for a moment. When they were done, they turned back to The High Queen, “Highness, perhaps we have been overly harsh this instance. While we hope for better communication, we can see the logic in your silence when a betrayal is involved. But we would hope that you keep our concerns at the fore of your actions."
The High Queen nodded, hoping she had yet enough strength to answer them, “I understand, Counselor, and will respect your desires. If I have erred or have senselessly been inconsiderate, you have My sincerest apologies."
"Thank you, Highness. We understand that you have requested that our forces increase our attacks upon the Dungaras. We thank you for this. May we meet again in a few turns when you are feeling improved?"
She rose, staggered from her pain for a moment, then nodded to them. Ann'wn offered her arm, as was considered proper for her to do with The High Queen. The High Queen gratefully placed her arm upon Ann'wn's, relying on it far more than she normally did, wishing to find someplace that would allow her to rest. As she left, the Counselors all rose and bowed their heads to her.
Sam and Meera went to Sle'nel', taking her arm, and escorted her out. Once outside the Counselor's Chambers, The High Queen turned to her Elf, “To rest, or to the small banquet room for our midturn meal."
Sam spoke, instead, “It has been arranged, Highness."
The High Queen was feeling overly pained from her wounds, and unbelievably worn out, but as she looked upon Sle'nel', she saw her to be as pale and weary as she felt. The meeting had lasted well into the late after midturn, much longer than expected. In a normal circumstance, she would have long prior lost her patience with them, but was amused to watch her Elf capture their attention, as well as her sister, wearing them out. She considered it an excellent strategy and vowed to remember it for the next moment they were upset with her.
Sam, Meera and Caitha had taken charge of the midturn meal, wanting it to be special. Upon meeting The High Queen, they had all felt a sense of great awe, but after they had seen her abilities as a warrior, their awe was beyond description. Although they had been well injured, they were yet alive. They fully knew that had it not been for this High Queen, they would now most certainly be dead.
Sam had faced a moment of revelation upon the battle's conclusion. While she had begun to think highly of her sister while at the Sacred Isle, she had thought she knew her well. After watching her sister in battle, she realized what dedication and determination meant, knowing that she hardly compared. Although Sam was a great warrior and would never retreat from battle, as they had battled, never had she felt they could prevail against such odds. After the battle, she realized that her sister had never accepted losing as the answer, having every intention of winning. As did Jandra. She renewed her vows of dedication to The Realm, now knowing what commitment it would take.
The banquet was a small one, but well prepared, complete with the musicians. The Healer came to take care of Sle'nel’ and The High Queen, giving them spells to help relieve their pains.
Mil'der'in came directly after the Counselors had completed their affairs, going directly to Sle'nel', “A masterful job, Princess. The Counselors were well pleased to have The Realm's only Elf honor them so."
Sle'nel’ nodded her head in acknowledgement while The High Queen looked over to Mil'der'in, “They were quite upset with Me. I have never prior seen them so."
"As I also am upset with you, Highness, but am greatly relieved that you live. You had me most concerned."
The High Queen raised her hand, palm up, “Enough lecturing, High Counselor. There was nothing else to be done about it."
"Highness, are you up to performing The High Queen's Audience next turn? I would be most pleased to scribe for you if so."
The High Queen nodded, laughing lightly, “No one likes this duty. I will do so, with you there. At the least, I can just sit."
None of them were healed enough to dance, except Caitha. She grabbed Mil'der'in's arm, “I know you know me not, but any friend of The High Queen's be also mine. Dance with me, as Meera cannot."
Mil'der'in looked shocked, quickly glancing to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', who was smiling, “Go. You will find her good company. And you have had enough of talking for one turn."
Food had been placed on small tables near The High Queen and Sle'nel', and they ate their share. The Healer stood around watching over them.
After they finished eating, The High Queen noticed that Sle'nel’ looked improved. She also felt improved, being allowed to rest as well as restore more of her energies with the meal, “It would seem your memories have returned to you, My Love. How did this occur?"
"A healer came in and gave a few of my memories to me. She said that the others would return as they worked their way through my confusion."
"Another healer?” Not pleased, she turned to her own healer, “Do you know of this, Shr'dler'in?"
The Healer shook her head, “No one tends to you except me, Princess. No one.” She looked at The High Queen, “And no one certainly has this ability, of which I am aware."
The Healer's words meant nothing to Sle'nel', “She left a message for you."
The High Queen was concerned, wondering who had entered her room undetected, something she considered as an impossibility in the Valley. “Did she give you her name, My Love?"
"U'Aine'."
The High Queen jerked her head back, fully startled, her eyes widening in disbelief. She looked up at The Healer, who also knew the name. No words were spoken between them, yet they both knew what the name meant to The Realm, “What was the message, My Love?"
"She said you would know where to find it."
The High Queen raised an eyebrow, knowing where the message was hidden. She decided to wait until they were back in their room before retrieving it from Sle'nel's mind. Even now knowing who had entered her room without detection, she yet wondered how. The late after midturn quickly became the eve, and San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was feeling in need of more rest. She had spoken with her sister, with Meera and Caitha, and with her High Counselor throughout the eve. Sle'nel’ listened as she spoke, but offered very little in the way of conversation. The High Queen guessed that Sle'nel’ had been correct in that only a few memories had been returned to her.
She turned to her Healer, “I need rest."
Wishing all a good eve, they returned to their room with The Healer. The Healer changed their bandages, then turned to
The High Queen, “Do you need me to find this message?
"Remain for a moment in case, but I think not.” She turned to Sle'nel', “The other healer that returned some of your memories to you has left a message for Me in your mind. May I retrieve it, My Love? It will not cause you any pain or discomfort."
Sle'nel’ nodded, and was directed to sit upon the side of the bed. The High Queen placed a hand upon Sle'nel's head as she instantly began searching for the message. It took only a moment and wasn't hidden far from sensing. She made a quiet surprised sound, looking at both The Healer and Sle'nel'.
"Bring me Mil'der'in."
When Mil'der'in entered, The High Queen told her briefly of what had occurred with Sle'nel’ and U'Aine', “She informs Me that many now journey to El'fs'nd'lle, but not all with good intent. She suggests I bring My forces, along with My sister. She asks Me to inform you that Ll'strin'll awaits at the Elfin gate, but that you should give her up to The Realm, as she has turned against The Realm, and against Me."
Mil'der'in spoke softly, “As we had guessed then. I am most saddened to learn the truth by this report, but am not surprised. I often felt she pretended to love me only to obtain knowledge of you and The Realm. How do we know this message is not a trick, Highness?"
The High Queen thought about it for a moment, “We don't. I only know that the message seems to be from U'Aine', and feels like it is such. Sle'nel’ saw her, and I know of no other who can slip through all our protection so easily as this. Forget not, Mil'der'in, she saved Me once long prior, and has always shown herself at certain moments, displaying her loyalty. But it is most certain that obtaining El'fs'nd'lle will not be as easy as I initially thought. Our battleground seems to be set. There is one other item, Mil'der'in."
"Yes, Highness?"
"U'Aine’ sends you her best regards and would most enjoy some quiet moments in your presence."
"She yet seeks me as her lover?"
"So it would seem."
"Even after all these cycles? Even after Ll'strin'll?"
"U'Aine’ does seem to be most loyal, in all regards. Do you wish to go? I would most appreciate it. In these moments of betrayal, your presence and counsel would be most welcome. And it might prove of interest to you."
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 20
