She ignored her High Counselor's jest, “Were you aware that Sle'nel’ killed many of the Dungaras?"
"Does she now hold the Elfin weapon powers, then?"
"Her Birth-Mother transferred her mother's powers to her just prior to her death."
"It is good to have as such in The Realm once again. Tell me of your sister, Highness."
"You must find this out for yourself, My friend. I know her not well at all, and don't look upon her as you do. But she has provided magnificent deeds for her Woden, and now learns her new powers."
"She is almost as beautiful as you, Highness. But she doesn't have your poise or assuredness."
"It will come, sadly, with the experiences that seem to provide as such."
"She is quite humorous."
"So it is said of her. I have heard that it is one of her more enviable traits."
"She does make me laugh quite often. None think like this in our Valley. She likes to make light of everything. Fun wasn't something we were raised with, my Queen."
"You speak truth. Fun was considered frivolous for us. But I now find fun, as you say, in My Elf. She is most amusing in her playfulness."
Sle'nel’ and Sam were already waiting at a table overlooking the river, “Are you certain, Jandra? Are you certain you don't mind me thinking of another?"
Sle'nel’ shook her head, “I am delighted. Tell me what interests you in this one. Just prior eve, I told San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ that I thought Mil'der'in most beautiful."
"And charming."
Sle'nel’ smiled, knowing that Sam had become well intrigued by The High Queen's High Counselor, “I am surprised she has no lover."
"She told me that she takes one-eve lovers only, not allowing any long-term relationships for fear that one will use her only to gain knowledge against The High Queen."
Sle'nel’ nodded her understanding, “You need some pleasure, so this might be good for the both of you."
"Look. Here she comes now. Is she not beautiful?"
Sam rose while Sle'nel’ just stared at her Queen, seeing only her, “Yes, she is the most beautiful woman in the entire Realm."
Sle'nel’ also rose, slowly due to her great wound, holding out her hand to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “My Queen."
The High Queen took Sle'nel's hand in her own, “My Heart. How fare you this turn?"
They both sat, not watching Sam being her very politest with Mil'der'in.
Sam had held the back of the chair for Mil'der'in, truly pleased to see her, “Mil'der'in. I am grateful you have agreed to this meal between us."
"Highest. It is good to see you once again. How goes your visit in the Valley?"
"It be a most beautiful valley. I could easily get used to the pleasures within it, such as you."
Mil'der'in looked at San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “Highness? Have you shown your guests the Spring of the Powers?"
"No."
"The High Queen's Geyser?"
"Not as yet."
"The Healers’ Hot Springs?"
The High Queen shook her head.
"The Caverns of the Primevals?"
"No."
"The Mystics’ Cascade?"
Sam laughed, “She only likes to show us of the dangers of The Realm, such as the Dungaras."
Mil'der'in laughed while Sle'nel’ smiled at the jest. The High Queen looked at Sle'nel', “Some of these are the sights in the Valley I have spoken of taking you to see.” She looked back at Mil'der'in. “Perhaps if you find our replacements for the next turn, you will have an opportunity to show The Highest of these sights. You could take your midturn meal to the geyser."
"My messenger makes this effort with the Counselors as we speak."
Sam moved closer to Mil'der'in, “Tell me of your life in the Valley. I be most interested to hear of your life it. Were you but raised with my sister?"
"No one was raised with The High Queen, Highest. She was raised apart from all. But like her, I was removed from my Mother and Birth-Mother to be trained for my role in The Realm. I remained with twenty-six others of my cycles as we were all trained. It was a rigid treatment, but seems to be necessary to help The Realm become as it should."
As Mil'der'in told Sam of some of her background, the meal was brought out. Much of it was finger-style food, mostly vegetarian, but some dishes had meat added to them for The Highest and Mil'der'in. There were many types of salads, leaf wraps of rice and sauce, and dips of mashed vegetables and oils. All were served wine except The High Queen, who was served her usual tea. Unnoticed to all except Sle'nel', The High Queen looked over to nearby guard who simply nodded to her. Sle'nel’ guessed it was a sign that the food had been tested prior to be given to The High Queen.
It was custom in the Valley that no one began eating until The High Queen took the first bite. She did so, and Mil'der'in then served herself as well as Sam.
"Tell me of your Woden, Highest."
Sle'nel’ was interested in Sam's idea of Woden, “It be the most wonderful of places. Everyone works to the benefit of all. Everything is well ordered and determined. It be a place of unity and camaraderie. A place where the women, and the men, can make their visions come true. A place of hard work and simple lives. In Woden, everyone must take a companion, so no one is left alone. Everyone has someone they can but turn to in need. It is a place where we celebrate often, noisily and together. If you lived there, you could but know everyone in Woden. Here, it is overly large with new women entering and leaving upon every turn. I wouldn't be able to know everyone's needs."
"It sounds like it has been kept isolated from The Realm. It sounds almost like it is a child."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ thought Mil'der'in's interpretation of her sister's account was highly accurate. Sam nodded, “Until just prior, I believed Woden was one of the largest towns in The Realm. While we had heard tales of the Spirits of the Valley and the mean and evil Queen that ruled the Valley, we knew not what it was like. We knew not of the Mystics throughout all The Realm. We knew but little of The Realm's past, or how the First Ones connected to all of it."
"Tell me of your likes, Highest."
Sam spoke of the things she liked to do and of her friends as they ate. Sle'nel’ looked at San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ and began speaking softly to her, “My love, what are the Caverns of the Primevals?
The High Queen looked slightly concerned, “Oh, no. Please tell Me that these call not to you as well."
Sle'nel’ smiled, “They don't. Not like the Sorrows of the Stones. But the name prompts a memory. Have I seen these prior and just recall them not?"
"If you hold a memory of them, it must be from your Elfin-Mother or Birth-Mother. I haven't taken you to them. Their dwellings, the caverns, are quite interesting to see, but all we know of them is a mere guess. Our scholars tell Me that the Primevals were the true First Ones to live in this Realm. What we now call the First Ones refers only to the humans that come from far elsewhere in the Great Realm. A few of our scholars believe that the Primevals were long prior relations to the R'kin'dles and all their kind. But most of the scholars believe that the Primevals were distinct from the R'kin'dles. They believe that the Primevals were a race far different than anything we now understand. While I believe part of this, I also believe that the Primevals were the ones to help the Mystics come to this Realm, from somewhere far distant, in order to save them."
"You believe that these Primevals brought the Mystics here? From elsewhere? Where?"
"There is a very old and strange legend among the storytellers that says that some of the Mystics came from where the First Ones now live, but left for the same reasons that now occur here."
"That my Elfin ancestors were dying in the same way they died here, because of the humans?"
The High Queen nodded, “It is just My belief. The scholars say I have no basis for it. But I believe the oral legends more than the written ones. The oral legends have been handed down long prior and exist in memory. The written legends exist outside the memory, often with n
o way to access its temporal meaning. And paper seems to die its own death."
The High Queen had heard Mil'der'in laughing at something Sam had said. She was glad to hear her having some enjoyment in The Realm, but slightly regretted that it was with her sister, “Mil'der'in. When is the Cave Ceremony? I was thinking that you and The Highest might enjoy it."
"Two eves prior, my Queen.” Mil'der'in blushed at the thought.
The High Queen sensed another's presence and turned just at the moment that Ann'wn came up toward the table, kneeling and bowing, “My Queen."
Surprised to see her, The High Queen stood, “Rise, Ann'wn. Why do you come?"
Ann'wn turned, looking back a distance, showing The High Queen who she had brought with her, “My Queen. I bring good reports.” She motioned to the woman standing far distant from them. The woman began to come nearer. “You remember Uthrn, from Rns'deln'."
Uthrn knelt and deeply bowed her head. With a slightly different dialect than from the Valley, she spoke, “High Queen."
Sle'nel’ found the woman to be wildly magnificent in her stance. She was more primitive in appearance than the Sorcerer Women in the Mountain, yet seeming stronger than any of the Warrior Women she knew. The woman was dressed in garments that were made only for battle, with laced-boots that ended above the knee. She stood taller than any of them and was larger in every proportion. Her black hair was cropped short on the sides and top, but had one long patch off the back that hung to her waist. Her arms and legs were heavily tattooed, while her face, across her right cheek, contained one tattoo of a fancy dagger. Her main sword looked like it weighed more than twice any sword in the Valley. She also wore her bow and arrows, several knives on her belt, and another yet smaller sword on her side. Attached to her front waist belt were other weapons that Sle'nel’ didn't recognize. The woman was truly prepared for any battle.
"Of course I remember Uthrn. Please rise, Uthrn, Warrior Woman of the Sword. It is good to see you again. It has been far prior since I have visited your town. How fares your good Queen Erthrn?"
Ann'wn interrupted, “My Queen. May I explain?"
The High Queen closed and opened her eyes slowly, breathing deeply, trying to remain as patient in the interruption. She nodded.
"We have overtaken the entire Dungaras’ southern border, my Queen. We have captured and destroyed all fourteen of the southern Dungaras towns. They have many losses and we have badly crippled their forces. Uthrn is here as the Warriors of the Sword helped us to win our battles. Uthrn was sent to ask for your presence in Rns'deln'."
The High Queen suddenly became interested in the topic, “We have taken the full southern border? Are these the towns named by A'lon'lden?"
"Yes, my Queen."
"How much did we gain? Have they surrendered?"
"Not as yet, my Queen. But we have hit the very core of their forces and captured many of their high force leaders. They are severely wounded in their center of command."
Uthrn bowed her head while her left hand remained firmly upon her sword, “Most Honored High Queen. Your Force Leader will be requesting a war council of you. My Queen would like to volunteer our town as the site for that council. Our location close to the Dungaras outposts makes it a strategic one for the war council. Your Force Leader and I believe now is the best opportunity to strike again so as to prevent their regrouping. But we would like you to be at the council for this decision, as you are High Queen. And Queen Erthrn also invites, with great anticipation, your Elfin love. I have been ordered to ensure of your presence and agreement in this, Highness."
The High Queen studied Uthrn's markings carefully, “You have risen in rank, I see. Are you now leader of all your forces?"
She bowed her head as she answered, “Yes, High Queen."
"A wise choice for Queen Erthrn. But are you aware that we were wounded in a recent battle? Our journey would be slow, if at all possible."
Uthrn bowed her head once again, “With our respect, it will be most worth your effort, Most Honored High Queen. We were most pleased by your decision to finally bring the Dungaras to their knees. And I have many of the Warriors of the Sword with me to protect you from further harm and to ensure your comfort. You will be well tended. This is my oath."
The High Queen turned to Sle'nel', “It would seem we have been invited to visit with the Warrior Women of the Sword. Would you like to see this most interesting of villages, or is there more urgency for you to begin your journey to El'fs'nd'lle?"
Sle'nel’ looked up at Uthrn, “My mother helped to train the Warriors of the Sword, did she not?"
Uthrn bowed her head to Sle'nel', visibly pleased, “Yes, Elfin Princess, she did. There is rumor that your memories were finally returned to you. I am pleased to know that this memory was among them. It is the reason we are so eager to meet with you and to have you in our village. We consider your mother the greatest of all of the Elves, and you and The High Queen would give us great honor with your presence."
Sle'nel’ looked at her Queen, “I would learn some of my past by going to the Warriors of the Sword. But, are we well enough to travel as yet?"
The High Queen frowned at Uthrn's words for a moment, wondering as to the reference of Sle'nel's mother. She quickly cast the thought aside, knowing she needed to tend more to the present conversation, “Most likely not. But we will go anyway. I must defeat the Dungaras if we are to move forward, and this is the moment. The Healer will accompany us."
Ann'wn was pleased in The High Queen's pronouncement in regard to the Dungaras and the journey, and found herself strangely elated by The High Queen's last comment in regard to The Healer.
The High Queen turned to Uthrn, “You may call for the war council, Queen Erthrn's Force Leader. Send your messenger to inform your queen."
"How long is this journey?” Sam asked the question, wondering if she would be allowed to travel along to this remarkable woman's village.
"Two to four turns, depending on The High Queen's wounds. Her safety and well-being are our main priority."
The High Queen had seen Mil'der'in's messenger arrive a few moments prior and turned to her, “Are we cleared from next turn's responsibilities?"
She nodded her head, “Yes, Highness. Three of the Counselors are delighted to take this responsibility for the turn, and have sent a message that they are most excited about the opportunity."
"A good report. Send messengers calling a brief assembly just prior to the moon's rising, in the Great Dining Hall."
"Of all those in the Valley, Highness?"
"Of all the leaders currently present."
She turned back to Uthrn, “We may leave when I arise in the morn. No sooner than this."
Uthrn bowed, “As you command, Most Honored High Queen. I will dispatch a messenger directly with my most happy report. Queen Erthrn and all the Warriors of the Sword will be pleased, as will the Women of the Soul. We have many surprises for you, High Queen."
She didn't know whether to be pleased or concerned regarding Uthrn's last statement, but ignored her thoughts, “Please forgive My manners, Uthrn. Have you yet been introduced to Mil'der'in, My High Counselor?"
Uthrn bowed her head and moved her right hand, clasped tightly into a fist, to her left breast, “High Counselor."
The High Queen moved her hand to indicate her sister, “And this is The Highest of Woden, My sister, Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'."
Uthrn studied her carefully for a moment, then bowed her head and gave the same salute she had to Mil'der'in. She then went closer to Sam, so Sam rose from her seat. Uthrn moved her hand to Sam's shoulder, as if in greeting another warrior, “I am honored. I have heard the tales of your battle against one called Buron. Most impressive, Highest."
The High Queen watched in amusement, knowing that Uthrn had taken a sudden liking to Sam. The High Queen offered her hand to Sle'nel'. Sle'nel’ took it, rising. The High Queen gave her farewells, and together they walked to the Great Dining Hall leisurely, knowing it would take a
few moments for Mil'der'in's messengers to call the assembly together.
"Do you feel up to this journey, My Desire?"
"It sounds urgent enough and the report is positive, so I know that you are truly needed. This is a great moment for The Realm if the reports hold true."
She nodded, “It is a good report. I would rather first the Dungaras surrender, but this is the closest we have come to the moment. What do you think of Uthrn's appearance?"
"Commanding. My Elfin-Mother gave me some memories of them, but nothing specific. This Uthrn looks like she is prepared for battle at all the moments."
"From birth. It is another one of our interesting cultures. Two cultures exist side-by-side, but are widely different. Somewhat like your Woden and Hengist. The children of these two cultures are given a sword upon their birth. At the moment of their first steps, if they carry the sword with them, they become accepted as one of the Warriors of the Sword. If they don't, they become accepted as a member into the Women of the Soul. The Warriors of the Sword, as you have seen in Uthrn, are wild in appearance and highly skilled fighters. The Women of the Soul are healers and seekers of peace. Two differing tribes, but one clan. Their togetherness strikes the balance they feel needed in all things. The Women of the Soul are also the Birth-Mothers of all the children between them."
The assembly was waiting upon The High Queen's arrival. She looked at everyone in attendance, “Honored Counselors and Advisors. All others. Thank you for coming on this short notice. I will be brief. I have a good report and have need to inform you of what is about to occur. We are close to bringing the Dungaras to surrender. At this moment, they retreat and are weakened. My Force Commander has informed Me that fourteen of the Dungaras’ force outposts were taken and destroyed and that many of the high force leaders were captured. I now leave with the protection from the Warriors of the Sword to attend a battle council to be held in their village. We believe that now is the moment to strike with even more force so as to compel the Dungaras’ final surrender. I will be absent from the Valley for many turns. As you can hear, the mission is vital. Upon My completion of this mission, I will be traveling to El'fs'nd'lle with the Elfin Princess. We have received word that some of the Masters live and await us in El'fs'nd'lle."
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 22
