Sle'nel’ gasped, well surprised at the statement, “You knew my Mother?"
The High Queen wondered if Sle'nel’ had been the young girl that had accompanied her Elfin sword teacher upon one occasion, but left the question remain unspoken, “I was uncertain if this was your mother until I heard you inform Uthrn that your mother had spent many moments among the Warriors of the Sword. Until then, I only guessed. I was most young when I knew her and recall little of her except that she was yet another teacher that made me practice. Erthrn also knew her."
Erthrn nodded, “She was quite old and weak by the moments she was able to help us learn what we were able of the Elfin sword abilities. She was saving her abilities to give to you when the moment arrived, but she struggled to teach as many as she could before she died. Are you aware, Princess, that she also was the Healer of Hearts?"
Sle'nel’ nodded, “She was the High Sorcerer of the Sorrows of the Stones. Of this you have told me."
Erthrn shook her head, “Half correct, Elfin Princess. She was the High Wizard Sorcerer, and she carried the staff that you now carry."
"She did? She was? Why didn't the High Wizard Sorcerer tell me of this?"
Both Queens shrugged. Erthrn replied, “She is only a temporary replacement, filling in for you until it is your moment. No one could ever fill the position as did your mother, so The Realm didn't try to find one such as her. In the meanwhile, the current High Wizard Sorcerer will do. We lost much when we lost our Elves, and now we struggle to maintain the balance. With you, we are one moment closer."
"You told me prior that I resemble her. Be this true?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked surprised, as if she just remembered a long-lost memory, “I hadn't really thought on this until this moment, but you do look much like her, My Love. Perhaps that is what I first saw in you that drew Me to you. I wonder if My instincts knew you to be her daughter. I wonder if My heart knew you to be an Elf."
Erthrn nodded, “Most true. Look in a mirror and you will see your mother, except that she stood taller than you."
Chapter VI
The War Council
Following their morn meal, Erthrn led them on their return to the outdoor arena where the War Council was being held. Like the prior turn, many were present to participate in the War Council, and many more were present to listen. Sle'nel’ didn't know what to think regarding her Elfin-Mother, Erthrn or her Queen. She saw that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had been as surprised as she was, so didn't think further on it, especially considering how young The High Queen had been when she had known her. Sle'nel’ found it odd that she apparently looked so much like her Mother, agreeing that perhaps her Queen had been drawn to her because of it.
Sle'nel’ had never prior seen a Mungardies, so didn't know what to expect. The Dungaras were strange enough to her, so she expected the Mungardies to be even more so. And now, like her Queen, she was wondering if they had gained some of the Masters’ sword abilities. She also wondered why the memories given to her by her Birth-Mother and Mother didn't include a Mungardies within them.
Perhaps these memories are there, but I know them not, as yet.
As San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ spoke to Erthrn, Sle'nel’ quietly examined her Queen as they walked to the outdoor arena. She now understood how her lover's sword abilities were far superior to anyone else's. Both the Masters as well as an Elf had trained her. That, plus many other powers had been given to her. Sle'nel’ walked beside her lover, now slightly more in awe of this very special leader than she had been prior. Much had been entrusted to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', and Sle'nel’ knew that others with great knowledge and understanding had made the decision to do so.
She looked slightly off into the distance as she thought about her lover, That such overwhelming trust placed into this one woman speaks well of her. I knew not that she had such abilities or training. She is much more than I had first guessed. How foolish I was to see her as just a beautiful and compelling woman. Why would one so powerful choose such as me?
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ answered without speaking, What difference do My powers make, My Desire? Am I not of the same background as any other? Have I not the same desires? Was I not born the same as others? Will I not die like any other?"
Sle'nel’ looked at her, frowning. She paused for a moment, thinking on her lover's response to her own thoughts, “You are as any other in that you must breathe and eat, but you are not as any other in almost every other regard."
"Do I not love as any other? Do I not feel pain like others?"
"You were born onto a Birth-Mother, but from that moment on you were not treated as any other. In those things that make us all the same, you are, but in all else, you were trained to be different; apart. Alone, knowing the weight you were to come to bear. They trained you to be strong, but knew of your integrity. And there is something else about you, a specialness that is not yet. But why did you sense into my thoughts, Highness? Have I done something to disturb you?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ wondered about Sle'nel's words, “you have a specialness that is not yet.” What does she mean by this? But more critically, how is she sensing such things as this? She spoke her truth in responding to Sle'nel's last question, while ignoring the rest, “I hadn't told you that I had known your Mother."
"But you had forgotten about her and had not yet made this connection."
"But I should have. I should have guessed at this connection long prior. Perhaps when I first set eyes upon you. I had a sense about you then."
"Did you love my Mother?"
"In truth, I barely knew her. Like the others, she made Me practice and focus. Even though she was an Elf, I was overly young to know otherwise. I wanted to love her, as I wanted to love all My teachers as a mother, but she became just another teacher to Me."
"You are stronger than anyone knows."
"As far as it can be known. It was meant to be as such. No matter who was to be High Queen, they were to be given these powers.
"You yet have not shown Ann'wn all your powers, then."
"It is My duty to protect them."
"But Erthrn knows of them."
"Mostly. Not all. Some powers were given in secret. But she is aware of the circumstances."
"Like the fog?"
"The fog is a strong power, but not one of the secret ones."
"Are you stronger than the Masters?"
Erthrn interrupted their conversation as they entered the arena, “My Queen. Would you like to sit where you were prior turn?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded to Erthrn, “Thank you, Erthrn. This is fine.” She saw that Mil'der'in awaited her, kneeling and bowing before her.
Sle'nel’ bowed her head to her, “With your leave, I will depart, Highness. I plan to return toward the end of the session when the Mungardies is brought out. Worry not over me."
The High Queen took Sle'nel's hand before she left, bringing her closer to her. Softly, she spoke to her, “You never need My leave. You are free to make your own decisions, and are not bound to Me in any regard except love. But know this—There are many secrets in The Realm. Secrets to help keep The Realm safe. But no secrets are meant to be held from you. I would tell you all if you asked."
"I will not ask them of you, my Queen. It is not my place. The Realm is more important than I am. It is just difficult some moments, as there are so many new learnings occurring, and so rapidly."
"I am sorry I did not recall your Mother, My Desire."
Sle'nel’ knelt to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', bowing her head, “This is not an argument between us, my Queen. You have no need to worry over this."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ pulled her up gently, “Bow not to Me, My Desire. My lover bows not before Me. And I should not have sensed your thoughts."
Sle'nel’ embraced her, whispering into her ear, “In truth, I understand, my Queen. Worry about these Mungardies, not about me."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ closed her eyes, enjoying the embrace, “Your Birth-Mother
was correct. I will never deserve being in union with an Elf."
"I am only me, my Queen, and hopelessly connected to you."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ held her at arm's distance, staring into her eyes, “I will always worry about you, My Desire, but never about a Mungardies. I know well what to do with them. It is with you that I make overly many errors."
"Then I must be blind as I have seen no such errors, my Queen. Until later, my Love."
Sle'nel’ walked back up the stairs, away from the War Council. The arena was recessed deep into the ground, so the top of the arena stood at ground level, while the arena stage was many tiers deep. As she neared the top, she turned back to her Queen. Seeing that her Queen was yet watching, she held out her arm. The High Queen did the same, and their hearts and minds connected.
The High Queen turned back to her duties, knowing that all were waiting on her. She noted with quiet approval that Ann'wn wasn't present, guessing that she chose to follow and protect their Elf.
She saw that she had forgotten to speak to Mil'der'in, “Rise, My High Counselor. I apologize for leaving you in this position. Please sit next to Me this turn and tell Me of your eves."
Mil'der'in waited for her Queen to sit, then sat beside her, “I do like being here, my Queen. These women are most fascinating. I have a few items for your consideration, Highness."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded.
"Queen Erthrn has bid me ask you if you would be so gracious as to hold a High Queen's Audience while you are here, for the neighboring towns and villages. I would be pleased to scribe for you, Highness."
"This I can do. Anything else?"
"One more item only. Queen Erthrn has bid me to inform you that the Skr'kinges’ have asked if you would visit with them. They have informed Queen Erthrn that they have something for your Elf."
"The Skr'kinges'. Hmmm ... I haven't visited them in a long while. Being Queen of the Valley has overly consumed My moments as High Queen. Tell Erthrn to send a messenger informing them that we would be most delighted to visit with them while on our way to El'fs'nd'lle. Since it is on our way, it will be a good place to rest in safety."
The High Queen nodded to Erthrn to begin the Council. Erthrn did so, beginning the Council with a short narrative of the eve. She raised her hand to Uthrn, explaining that Uthrn, the leader of her forces, was successful in capturing two Mungardies force leaders. She bestowed much praise on her, and San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ guessed that it was to help make amends for taking Sam prior eve. She saw that her sister was now sitting next to Erthrn. She then looked at Uthrn, guessing that a challenge might occur this turn. Uthrn was gladdened for the praise, but wasn't pleased over losing The Highest. As San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ examined her sister, she thought that she looked quite content in Erthrn's company.
The War Council began with more tales from the victims, but this moment, victims of the Mungardies. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had never quite understood the reason for the Mungardies keen hatred of the Mystics, but guessed that something long prior had occurred to make it as so. It made no logical sense to her that a race so closely linked to the Mystics, so intelligent, with so many mystical talents fought against the Mystics so intensely.
There must be a reason for their hate.
Erthrn thought it easy to find surviving victims of the Dungaras, but few knew how difficult it was to find any remaining survivors of a Mungardies’ attack. Yet, they had enough so that the War Council would be well informed of the horrors of a Mungardies’ capture. The first-hand accounts lasted well into the midturn. At that moment, Erthrn allowed for debate and questions to occur until later in the after midturn, when she would then bring out the Mungardies force leader and the two Dungaras.
* * * *
Sle'nel’ had asked a guard to retrieve her bow and arrows for her so that she could go into the forest and practice. Since Woden and its battle against Fornaith, she had come to enjoy the moments of practice with her weapons, feeling her body strengthen as she did so. She had never prior felt independent, always feeling like others needed to defend her. She knew that she never wanted to feel that dependence on others again.
As she walked toward the forest, welcoming its departure away from the grim moments of the War Council, she sensed faint footsteps far behind her. She turned slightly and sniffed the air, smelling the one who she thought was following her. Turning her head slightly sideways over her shoulder, she said, “Do you think an Elf cannot hear you, Force Leader?"
She waited for Ann'wn to finally reach her. Ann'wn shook her head, “I must learn to be even quieter, but with you it is near impossible. Where do we head, Elf?"
Sle'nel’ just looked at her with no expression, “I don't recall inviting you, Warrior."
Ann'wn was never certain when Sle'nel’ was serious or jesting, “It is my duty."
Sle'nel’ sighed, then said, “Then come. Teach me to improve my bow abilities."
"I wasn't aware that you had this ability, my Elf."
"It was my best skill in Woden, but I was also given some of these abilities from my Mother. Were you ever given such skills, Warrior Woman?"
"As we are able, each force leader gives their skills to the next force leader, unless we are killed in battle and are unable to do so. Our talents are passed from one to the next, much like a mother or birth-mother to their daughter."
"And warrior to warrior, then?"
"It is as you say. Would you like me to set up a target, my Elf?"
"Yes. At a far distant tree."
Ann'wn picked several, but Sle'nel’ kept saying, “A little further."
She and Ann'wn practiced throughout the midmorn until the late midturn, and then began their return to the War Council. Ann'wn had been most impressed with Sle'nel's bow and arrow abilities, “You are quite excellent with this weapon, Elf. Your aim is most true and cannot be improved, although your speed with changing the arrow needs more practice."
"Back in Woden there was one that could shoot two arrows at one moment and hit the target with both, then do the same again within the blink of an eye."
"Ah, yes. I remember this one. She was called by Keddi."
Sle'nel’ nodded, thinking to herself that it felt a lifespan prior since she had spoken with Keddi, or even thought of her. In some ways, she felt her life slipping away from her, yet at the same moment, she felt her life now just beginning.
Woden feels overly distant from here, almost like a long-prior dream just remembered. I wonder how Keddi and Margeria fare. And poor sad May. What a terrible moment it must have been for Woden when I left Sam, as much changed for overly many. And how fares bright young Tadan, now in Fornaith? And yet, I could now never return. Woden is no longer my home. My home is with San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. I am certainly no longer who I was while in Woden.
"Elf?"
Sle'nel’ looked at Ann'wn, realizing she hadn't heard her question, “I am sorry, Warrior. I was just thinking about how strange Woden now seems to me."
They walked the rest of the way to the War Council in silence, Sle'nel’ hoping she hadn't missed seeing the Mungardies.
* * * *
At late after-midturn, Erthrn finally announced, “Guards, bring out one of the Mungardies’ force leaders, and two of the Dungaras. Give them their weapon of choice."
Sam had spent her early and late eve with Queen Erthrn and was quite pleased with the experience. She liked Queen Erthrn even more than she had liked Uthrn, finding Erthrn much more knowledgeable, entertaining, and easy. Although Erthrn wasn't quite the lover Uthrn had been, Sam thought it fine, enjoying her company even more.
In the prior eve, in-between their physical moments, Erthrn had asked Sam about Woden's practice of requiring a companion, “Do you not find it confining, Highest?"
Sam thought about it for a moment, “I did. I have enjoyed my moments away from such confinement since Jandra left me. When in a companionship, I but thought of taking other lovers. Yet, I had much contentment in the companionship
with Jandra, never thinking of leaving her."
"This Jandra was a Woden woman, then? A human?"
"I thought as such, but no. Jandra is Sle'nel'."
"Ah, yes. I heard of this rumor. It is said that The High Queen stole her from you. Did you allow this to occur, then?"
Sam shrugged, “I took another lover on the eve she gave birth to my child, so in my guilt, accepted that Sle'nel’ went to another."
Erthrn nodded, “I understand. She is an Elf. She is by nature loyal, and to her you broke that loyalty. I thought the Elves most curious in that regard. Some in Rns'deln’ subscribe to this practice, but few. Do you not find ours a much better practice?"
"I know not. I know that I find the Warriors of the Sword very exciting, and I like many of your ways, but I also like to have a lover for longer than one eve. There was a feeling I had while with Jandra that I never had prior. It was a sort of peace."
Erthrn had begun to touch Sam once again, thinking she would like this Highest in her bed for many eves, “One eve, Highest? It doesn't have to be so. We often take lovers for long periods. Many instances, such will occur up until the first argument. We believe that our eves should be filled with pleasure and not these arguments that occur in longer arrangements, as we are warriors and may die upon any turn."
Sam had liked Erthrn's patience and strength, but mostly liked her mannerisms. She hoped that Erthrn would want her for many eves, and perhaps until they left. She found Uthrn tiring in comparison, not liking the competitiveness of the display that Erthrn refused to focus upon.
This turn, sitting next to Erthrn, Sam knew that Uthrn was upset with her for not refusing Erthrn, but Sam decided to let them figure out their own dilemma. Erthrn had told her of what they would be looking for this turn as the Mungardies battled against the two Dungaras.
In the prior eve while resting between another of their physical moments, Erthrn asked Sam about San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “So you have not known of The High Queen but a short while then?"
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 32
