San'lr'in’ guessed that her speech had been going on for some moments and hoped she was almost done. She loved the Deep Mystics well, but didn't mind avoiding their tendency toward excess whenever possible, especially in regard to their speeches.
"It is now the moment for you to receive the key to El'fs'nd'lle. Each of us now comes to you and returns to you that part of the key each of us has long held safe. As your mother gave it to us, it is now returned to you, in the same order. As each of us returns what has been entrusted to us, we no longer will remember it. You alone will now be the keeper of this key. Keep it safe, Elf. There will now be no other who can enter into El'fs'nd'lle. There were twenty of us to receive the key, so there will be twenty that now return it to you. I was the first to receive a part of the key, and am now, these long cycles since, returning it to you."
Each Deep Mystic took their turn one-by-one, coming to Sle'nel'. They placed their hand upon her bowed head, and softly citing, in Sle'nel's Elfin language, their part to her, instilling it deeply within her mind, ensuring that it could never be forgotten.
San'lr'in’ hadn't known that Sle'nel’ would now be the sole carrier of this key. It gave her a moment of great concern, knowing that her Elf would now have to be more greatly protected and guarded.
It required until the beginning midturn for the transfer to be completed. When it was done, and as San'lr'in’ had thought, regretfully, the Deep Mystics would want to speak yet again. The High Queen felt sorry for her Elf, guessing that she was now more than tired of sitting upon her knees. She hoped that they had given her a soft pillow.
"The transfer is complete. You now are the sole keeper of the key to El'fs'nd'lle. Between this moment and the moment you arrive to your home, you must take great care and caution to remain alive and well. Without you, and without this key, which now belongs to only you, the long-lost Elves will never return. All is risked on this one moment. While not of our desiring, it is so. When the last Elves disappeared, the urgency was most great and the moments few. So the spell was strong in its memory, but weak and frail in providing only one chance. But know this. Between now and the moment at the gates, all the Deep Mystics will be watching over you, guarding you, trying to ensure your safety. But also know this, and be forewarned. As the Deep Mystics guard over you, all your enemies will now try to prevent you from arriving to the gates of El'fs'nd'lle, and once there, and until you are inside, there is nothing you can trust. Your enemies now know that you hold the key. They have felt the shift across The Realm, such as when you became the High Sorcerer of the Sorrows. Your burden is heavier at this moment than ever prior. Your journey to the gate will be dangerous and plagued with battle. Your Birth-daughter is arriving this midturn and will now travel with you, as she is able now to help protect you. Her powers are strong for her young age, but are not yet as focused as our High Queen's. But between them and all the Deep Mystics, you should arrive safely. And know this. Although your Birth-daughter is part-Elf, it is only you who can open the gate, Sle'nel'. All now rests on your shoulders. Go, and be safe. Much depends on you now."
Sle'nel’ rose, beginning to go to San'lr'in', but Torsn'dynl’ began speaking, “Our Great High Queen, and our Elf. Sle'nel's Birth-daughter is not yet arrived, but is expected soon. It would be our honor to host your midturn meal prior to your departure. Would this be allowed, High Queen?"
San'lr'in’ nodded, knowing that the Deep Mystics loved their food moments.
"Then we will reconvene in the Great Hall, and all will be invited."
The High Queen and Sle'nel’ went to the Great Hall, “I must tend to our journey, My Desire. I will meet up with you in a moment."
Sle'nel’ nodded absent-mindedly, and went over to Caitha. Meera was standing near The High Queen, guarding her, “Warrior Woman. Have a guard bring Ann'wn and Uthrn over. There is much to tend to prior to our journey."
San'lr'in’ watched Meera with some interest, noting that Meera had command over all the other guards, and also noting that Meera now wore garments similar to Ann'wn's. She wasn't certain how all this came to be, but accepted that there was some order within the ranks unknown to her, these turns. She was pleased to note, though, that Meera wasn't second-guessed in her orders.
Within a few moments, all three stood before her, “Force Leader. Call My Private Guard to Me. Uthrn, call My Black Guard to Me. After our short visit with the Skr'kinges', we travel to Sansthera prior to El'fs'nd'lle. Our Elf now holds the key to El'fs'nd'lle. Without her, no one will ever again open its gates. She must be guarded well. All the Elves’ enemies will now try to halt Sle'nel’ from reaching her home. We must travel well covered. I need the Black Guard and My Private Guard at the Skr'kinges’ by our arrival. Has Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n arrived?"
Ann'wn bowed her head, “She has just arrived, my Queen, and will be brought here as soon as they dismount and make their way through the trees."
Ann'wn motioned to Uthrn and Meera silently. They quickly disappeared, arranging for The High Queen's elite guards.
"Prepare our weapons. I will travel fully armed. Ensure that our Elf has enough arrows. We leave after this midturn meal. Who comes to tend our youngest of the collective?"
"Five of the sorcerers, Highness."
She nodded, “Then we travel with overly many. How long will it take us to arrive to the Skr'kinges'?"
"If we must, two eves, arriving early on the second morn. But it is mostly open ground. I would prefer we travel more hidden, but slowly."
"We travel on the open ground, swiftly. We will run until we can run no further. Take the quick route, and make it quicker. I expect us to arrive late after eve, next turn."
Ann'wn bowed her head, “My Queen. It is my duty to protect—"
San'lr'in’ raised her hand, “I know My vow to you, but our enemies will not expect us to take the more open route."
"The Mungardies will not live up to their truce?"
San'lr'in’ had been looking around the room, studying the Mystics, but became startled at Ann'wn's question, “Mungardies? I am not concerned about them."
Ann'wn's eyes became wide, “My Queen? Then who concerns you so?"
"The long-prior turned Mystics and sorcerers. Those who have turned against The Realm."
"With respect, my Queen. We have not battled them for many cycles. They long prior ceased their fighting. Surely you recall this, my Queen."
Ann'wn looked fully surprised. The High Queen sighed, “Think, Ann'wn. When did they cease their fighting against us? Think hard on this."
Ann'wn took a few moments, frowning. Suddenly, she gasped, “When you came into your powers; when you first became High Queen."
"Not all of them, just most. But yes, Force Leader. They were frightened by My powers. But My powers now frighten them less than the possibility of the Elves’ return."
Ann'wn bowed her head, “With your leave, my Queen. I go to prepare for our journey."
San'lr'in’ began to go to her Elf, when Torsn'dynl’ came up to her, “Great High Queen."
San'lr'in’ bowed her head, “Queen Torsn'dynl'. What may I do for you?"
"My warriors will follow you, but you must now prepare your powers. It is the moment that you use them, as necessary. Save them not further, High Queen. Fight hard against our enemies, or we will lose. This is one of the moments for which you were given these powers. Are you prepared to use them?"
"I have readied them, and I will do so once again prior to our leaving. I have commanded that we take the open ground."
Torsn'dynl’ nodded, “Either way is dangerous. At least on the open ground all your guards will be able to see them. Remain on the open ground but close enough to the forests to see, as that is where my guards will be."
San'lr'in’ nodded.
Torsn'dynl’ nodded toward one of the doors, “The young one has arrived. She has grown since you last saw her. Prepare yourself. She both speaks and walks now. And she has a good sense of her powers. She will be of good assistance t
o you. Your scholars also arrive."
"Were your healers able to examine the ashes and knife that we brought?"
"It is as we first believed. It is of the evil sorcerers. They must have called a long-dead sorcerer to them."
San'lr'in’ was surprised, “A long-dead sorcerer? This is not a good report."
Torsn'dynl’ just shrugged, “Are they ever good reports with such?” She placed her hand on The High Queen's shoulders, “Fail us not, High Queen. The Elf must get into El'fs'nd'lle. And you must now seek this long-dead sorcerer and rid The Realm of it."
"If we lose, it will only be over My death. But to the end, I will fight."
"I know. Sadly, of this I know. May it not come to this."
They both turned as Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n entered, holding the hand of a sorcerer. San'lr'in’ was surprised, as indeed Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n had grown. The Young One let go the sorcerer's hand, then walked over with great dignity for one so young and small, to The High Queen.
She knelt and bowed her head, “Great High Queen. I have come at your bidding to serve you."
Across the room, Sam shook her head, saying to herself, “This cannot be my daughter, as my daughter is yet a mere infant. This one looks not like my daughter."
Do you know what faces us, Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n?
Yet kneeling, she kept her small head bowed, Yes, Great High Queen. I have been informed. What I know of my abilities are at your command. But I am also anxious to visit with my Birth-Mother.
San'lr'in’ raised an eyebrow, You would rush a High Queen, Young One?
She gasped slightly, My apologies. I forget myself. I find it difficult to control my delight, my High Queen.
I welcome you with us. I hope our journey remains safe. Go. You have My leave. Go to your Birth-Mother.
Thank you, Great High Queen. I am deeply honored to be here with you.
Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n stood, trying to look dignified. She bowed to The High Queen, then turned and ran to her Birth-Mother, shrieking in glee, “Birth-Mother. Birth-Mother. I am here."
San'lr'in’ smiled to herself, pleased at Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n's growth and awareness. Sle'nel’ had watched in amazement as her unrecognizable Birth-daughter went to her High Queen, then came running to her. Sle'nel’ bent down and held out her arms, picking her up as she rushed into them.
"Birth-Mother. Do you recognize me? I am finally here with you. I have missed you. Have you missed me? We came on R'lodin'lindor and D'ron'stri'nil'. I hope you mind not that we used R'lodin'lindor, but she minded not, and she likes remaining with D'ron'stri'nil'."
Sle'nel’ was fully amazed at Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n's language ability, “Sele', you speak. And walk."
"For a long while now, Birth-Mother. Did you not know this?"
"And you are so big now, Sele'. The last moment I held you was when I was in the Sorcerers’ village. You were thinking your thoughts then, but neither walking nor speaking."
"I spoke soon after, then began to walk some moments after that. Do you not like me this way, Birth-Mother?"
Sle'nel’ laughed lightly, “You are fine, Sele'. You just surprise me. So now you travel with us. Are you ready for this adventure? Are you ready to see the home of your prior Elves?"
Sele’ turned serious, “All The Realm awaits this moment, Birth-Mother."
Sle'nel’ nodded, “So I am told. Perhaps you should go see your mother now, Sele'."
She placed Sele’ upon the ground. Sele’ took her hand, making her go with her.
She bowed her head to Sam, “Mother Highest. I am pleased to once again be with you."
Sam looked surprised, “You are grown. I barely recognize my own daughter."
"It is me, Mother Highest. I grow quickly because this growth rate was instilled into my line. I sense that you are learning your powers, Mother Highest. Perhaps I can help you with some of them while we journey."
Sam smiled, amazed, “Even my own daughter knows her powers better than I am able."
"I am told that it is easier for me because of my youth.” She looked up to Sle'nel', yet holding her hand, “Birth-Mother. When do we leave?"
San'lr'in’ had come nearby, so answered Sele's question, “We leave as soon as your Birth-Mother and I are prepared. We must change from these garments."
She placed her arm out to her Elf, “Are you ready?"
Sle'nel’ nodded, then looked down to Sele', who was yet attached to her other hand, “Join us?"
Sele’ looked up at Sam, “Perhaps you would allow me to ride with you some of the turn, Mother Highest?"
Caitha and Meera had also come nearby, “Good morn, Sele'. It is good to see you once again. You have grown."
"Oh, Caitha. Can I ride with you? Will you tell me stories?"
Caitha laughed, “Of course, M'Love. I would love the company."
San'lr'in’ looked at Sam, “Be well prepared this journey. It will not be an easy one."
Sam nodded, “I saw our sister off. She has a good escort. Ann'wn told them to take a long route, and to be on guard at all the moments."
"Good. While Sle'nel's enemies pursue us, she is pursued by the Mungardies. They have suddenly taken a disliking to her."
Sam laughed, “I am not surprised. We will be ready when you are."
The High Queen escorted her Elf and Sele’ back to their room, where she and Sle'nel’ prepared for their ride. Sele’ was excited to be with her Birth-Mother, Mother, and High Queen, but tried to hide it. She remained silent even though she had a thousand questions.
San'lr'in’ spoke to her as she was being changed, “Tell Me of your training, Young One."
She wrinkled up her nose, “They make me memorize all the spells, and make me recite them every turn."
"What else?"
"They make me practice with a sword, knife, and bow and arrow."
"Is this all?"
"They make me learn the story of the past, and make me learn of all the different cultures of The Realm. It is most boring. Where did you get that scar on your back?"
San'lr'in’ looked down at her, “And you have been taught to directly question your High Queen, as well?"
Sele’ blushed, “Oh. My apologies, High Queen. I forget my manners.” She bowed her head.
The attendants had finished with Sle'nel', dressing her in her High Sorcerer garments. She bent down and picked up Sele', “Ask me, instead. I will tell you. But let us keep it a secret from our High Queen."
Sele’ giggled, but then looked at San'lr'in', “May I have your leave to ask you a question, Highness?"
San'lr'in’ raised an eyebrow, “How many questions do you have in you, this turn?"
Sele’ looked frightened for a moment, then grinned as she saw her High Queen smile slightly. She took her smile as permission to ask her question.
"If my Birth-Mother and Mother are no longer in union, but Mother Highest is yet my mother, what does that make you?"
"You are aware that Sam'r'in'thel'ineln’ is My sister, yes?"
"Yes, Highness."
"Did that change because she is no longer with your Birth-Mother?"
"No, Highness."
"What was I prior to these ... difficulties?"
"My aunt. But I know of this, but are you now more than this, like a second mother?"
"Is it not enough that I am your Aunt, as well as your High Queen?"
"They make me learn these awful genealogy learnings, and I hate them."
Sle'nel’ hugged her, then placed her down, “Sam is yet your mother, and I am yet your Birth-Mother. San'lr'in’ is your Aunt and your High Queen. It is enough to know for now."
San'lr'in’ looked down at her, “It is strange to have you with us. I have never prior had a young one about."
"Why not, Highness?"
She raised her eyebrow again, “Because they ask overly many questions."
They walked together to the Entry Room, then ascended the many stairs back up to the main ground. When they arrived, they sa
w that their horses and weapons were ready, but not all were yet arrived.
San'lr'in’ looked at Sle'nel', “I must prepare My powers."
Sele’ asked, “Can I listen to them?"
"Listen to them?” She thought about it for a moment, “Yes, you can attend My meditations with Me, but only up to the fifth meditation. At that moment, you must leave My mind. Do you understand this?"
"I am able, and I understand, High Queen."
"I must trust you to do so under your own powers then, as I will be overly engaged to attend to you. If I learn that you removed yourself not at that moment, I will send you back to the Sorcerer Women of the Mountains. May I trust you on this?"
"Yes, Highness. I will not interfere with your thoughts, and I will leave your mind promptly at the beginning of your fifth meditation."
"Do you yet require a physical contact?"
"Only once for a short moment at the beginning, my Queen."
San'lr'in’ nodded, placing her hand upon Sele's head, “Forget not, Young One. At the beginning of the fifth meditation."
Softly, but anxiously, Sele’ responded, “Yes, High Queen."
San'lr'in’ closed her eyes and began to focus on her breathing, moving into her first meditation. She could feel Sele's mind connecting slightly with hers so removed her hand and took her stance. She focused on her breathing, then her heart beat, slowly moving away from The Realm.
Focus. Into the center. Into where all life begins and ends. Focus. Breathe.
Ann'wn stood nearby, keeping all others away from her High Queen. She marveled at the Young One's abilities, already moving alongside The High Queen's thoughts: The child is barely able to walk, yet she speaks as an adult, and is already smarter than almost all others. This one will be a most powerful of leaders.
As San'lr'in’ moved into the fifth meditation, she felt Sele’ leave her mind. Content that she was now free to do so, she went through each of her long unused powers, including her new ones, moving through their purposes, spells, and behaviors, ensuring herself that each was safe, separate, and ready upon a moment's notice. Some of the new powers frightened even her, but she ignored all her feelings regarding them, remaining distant from all feelings and emotions. When she was done, she quickly entered the sixth, then seventh meditations, then backed out of all them carefully, but with some haste.
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 57
