The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV]

by Robbie Collins

  * * * *

  The meal was a quiet one, as all waited to see if Sele’ would do as needed. The High Queen ate her meal with no interest, little talking occurring amongst the group. Ann'wn built a fire for The High Queen and her close attendants, and all sat quietly around it, hoping.

  "Why did your teachers allow you to be beaten by our Grandmother, Highness?"

  San'lr'in’ looked across to Sam, thinking on her answer, “In truth I know not, but their answer was that it helped to build strength of character in Me. I wonder if they knew that she did as such, though.” She looked over to her High Counselor, “Did your teachers beat you in this fashion, Mil'der'in?"

  "Like this? No. Not with a cane. I was slapped quite often though, or shoved out of their sight when I displeased them."

  Sle'nel’ held tightly onto her Queen's arm, “Were you shown no love?"

  "By a few, now and then. Your Mother was kind, always. Never was she mean. She was a true teacher. Some of the Masters were not unkind. Ern'seln's mother was at some moments kind to Me.” She looked over to Mil'der'in, “Did you have any kindness given to you?"

  "We had more than you were allowed, my Queen. They raised you differently. They didn't want you to love, so showed you none. But I wouldn't call either of our upbringings as loving, Highness."

  Sam rose and displayed how she could now manipulate the small ball of power that The High Queen had given to her. She couldn't last long with it, but San'lr'in’ saw great improvement in her ability to use and control her powers. She laughed, “Well done, Highest. This is much improved."

  Uthrn frowned, “She practices with it always. Even in our shelters."

  Sle'nel’ was giving up hope that Sele’ would return to them. The moon had risen high into the sky, and even The High Queen had begun to be concerned. Finally, she saw Sele’ come up slowly to the fire. No one spoke. Sle'nel’ breathed in her relief silently. She knew that no matter what now occurred, the worse was over.

  Sele’ stood in front of all of them, looking sad and defeated, “I have done many terrible things to all of you this turn, and now stand before you as I face my due."

  No one said anything, giving Sele’ the moments she needed, as well as making her face them fully. They also wouldn't give in to her sadness until The High Queen allowed it.

  She went and stood in front of Meera, then knelt and bowed her head, “Warrior Woman of The Realm. I have done you a grave injustice this turn. I bent your will toward mine, which made you to take Grandmother's life. I manipulated your thoughts. The High Queen told me that while the act itself was well within the bounds of our laws, since Grandmother attacked The High Queen, it was I who made you do this. And now the legends will tell the story that it was you who killed the Grandmother of all The High Queens. I have done you a great injustice, Warrior Woman. Please know that I am truly sorry for my manipulation of your mind."

  Caitha was stunned, but said nothing, knowing fully that the Young One had indeed crossed all bounds. Even Ern'seln', who was now sitting amongst them, was fully shocked. She had crossed this border successfully many turns prior, but had never guessed that Sele’ would respond in this fashion to such testing as this.

  Meera looked across at her High Queen, wondering what she should do. The High Queen nodded to her, “Do as you will, Warrior Woman. It was to you that this act was done."

  Meera thought about it for a moment, fully upset by what Sele’ had done, “I am a Warrior of The Realm, Sele'. This means I have given my heart and my complete trust to The High Queen. I have done as such as she has earned my loyalty and respect many moments, over and over, even within the short span of my learning of her. In truth, there is nothing in all this Realm that I could do to ever match the great deeds of our High Queen. This is how loyalty and devotion are earned, Sele'. She has never manipulated my mind, nor has ever deceived me. When, or if, you ever become the leader you are meant to be, I would hope that you would wish for truly loyal and devoted warriors. Because if you must twist their minds to you for obedience, at one moment in The Realm, in a moment when you are unaware, those warriors will take your head from you. Make no mistake about this. A leader who mistreats their forces will earn no loyalty from them. And now you have earned my disrespect, Sele'. I no longer see you as a future leader, as until I can once again trust you to be loyal and steadfast to The Realm, I can only see you as selfish. I serve The High Queen, Sele', and if she commands me to tend to you, I will do so willingly. But know this—I will not serve you in the doing of this. You are no leader of mine."

  Sele’ listened to Meera without a word, then hung her head in shame, “I understand, Warrior Woman of The Realm. I am sorry for my actions and will seek to repair this damage. I know it will take long to do so. For what it is worth, I expect you not to ever trust me again."

  San'lr'in’ was watching Sele’ carefully, not fully certain if Sele’ was telling the truth or manipulating the moment. She acknowledged within herself, though, that Sele’ was standing as much older upon this moment, almost ancient, fully feeling the burden of her deed.

  Sele’ then went to Sle'nel'. Once again, she knelt and bowed her head in shame, “Birth-Mother. I bent your will toward mine this turn. In the doing of this I showed you great disrespect, and I almost cost The Realm your powers as the High Sorcerer of the Stones. I manipulated your mind, knowing that it was easy to do so, but I am sorry now for having done it. I have broken the trust and bond between Birth-Mother and Birth-daughter. I am guilty of these things, and am before you in this guilt. I know not how to repair this, Birth-Mother, and am fully ashamed for my actions and manipulations of the woman I most love in all The Realm. I wouldn't be surprised, and in fact would understand if you cast me out of your heart. My act was a terrible display of disrespect. I am ashamed I have done as such to an Elf, and to my Birth-Mother."

  San'lr'in’ listened carefully, fully amazed at how much Sele’ had grown emotionally, in just the turn. Sle'nel’ didn't know what to say. She had already guessed as to what Sele’ had done, but hadn't really realized the extent of the potential damage her actions could have incurred. Kneeling before her was her Birth-daughter, but at this moment, she seemed more a stranger to her, an evil and manipulative stranger. Yet, she was also part Elf, as was Sle'nel', and no other love was this forgiving.

  "You are young in mind, yet ancient in mind. You have been given many powers to use overly early. While you have these long memories, you have not the experience needed to use your powers and abilities wisely. I also was once a leader, Sele'. I was the Second of all of Woden for a short moment in its past, so I well know the burden of leadership and what it means to have gained the trust of those I served. It was a great feeling to have gained and earned this trust. But never did I step away from this trust and use it against them. They placed me as their leader, trusting me to do the best I could, and understanding if I made mistakes. But this was no mistake on your part, Sele'. You did this knowingly and willingly. You used and manipulated me. I know not what I wish to do in this regard, and will think on it, but you have disappointed me greatly. No matter how I wish otherwise, every moment you say anything to me now, I will wonder if you lie or twist my mind to your way of thinking."

  Sele’ turned to the rest of them, facing them, knowing it was the way of The Realm for the village members to have their say, “I stand before each and all of you, guilty in my actions this turn. From my memories, I know that it is the moment for each of you to say your share, as you please, and it is for me to bear up to it, as it was I alone who did these actions, as my Birth-Mother has so correctly said, willingly and knowingly."

  Sam looked at her daughter, saddened for her, but angered at her, “I have done my share of hurting others, Sele', and I know well the consequences of it. The consequences you now face will follow you for many moments. It is not just this moment squarely in front of all of us that will change your direction. It will be how you face everyone's questioning of you for the next few moons a
nd cycles that will mark your direction, as well as define who you are to become in this Realm. You are young, but as your Birth-Mother says, also old. It is this oldness that has allowed you to become arrogant in your powers and knowledge, rather than humble and giving, such as my sister, your High Queen. I am ashamed for your actions, as I am ashamed for mine, but mostly, I am ashamed that you have treated Meera, your Birth-Mother, and The High Queen in such a disrespectful fashion. If you were a grown woman, Sele', and not special as you were meant to be, you would be cast-away from us. But you are lucky in this regard, even though it will feel as unlucky. It is impossible for a mother to not love their child, but I am fully ashamed for you this turn."

  Caitha looked at Sele’ with tears in her eyes, “I love you, Sele', but no one has ever treated M'Love in the disrespectful fashion you have but displayed this turn. She is a great fine woman, as are your Birth-Mother and The High Queen. We are all ashamed for you. You will have to earn back this respect, as none of us now can think of you as a future leader of any sort. Not even your Aunt Sume’ treats her subjects in such a fashion."

  Ern'seln’ stood up, surprising all, “I am young, Sele'. Both younger, yet older than you. I also have had to face these dark powers, but I stood directly in front of them and stared them down. I told them to go away and never cross my path again. I have sworn my life to The High Queen and The Realm. Never would I show such disrespect to my High Queen, my Birth-Mother, or any other in all The Realm. It is a Master's duty to be always respectful and steady to their duty. I know my path well, Sele'. How is it you know not yours this well? The High Queen has attached me to your service, but as The Warrior Woman of The Realm has also said, I serve The High Queen, not you. You shamed us all."

  For many further moments, most of those around the fire said their feelings to Sele', as was the way in The Realm. The High Queen was both regretful that Sele’ had to face their anger, but also pleased that Sele’ had come willingly to it. The High Queen knew that Sele’ was finally facing down the dark powers. But she could also see that the burdens of dedicating one's self to The Realm were beginning their eternity of weight upon the young Future Supreme Sovereign. As sad as it seemed, it had to be so.

  When all were done, Sele’ went to The High Queen and knelt deeply, bowing her head to the ground, kissing The High Queen's boots, “I am yours to command. I am yours to punish. I have done much wrong this turn."

  She stood and told those who sat around the fire of the words she had said to her High Queen. She left nothing out, even telling them that she used her rank against The High Queen. All gasped as she told the story, stunned that The High Queen yet allowed her within their ranks. When she was done, she was fully crying but not giving in to it, knowing she had to face them or leave The Realm.

  When she was done with the divulgence of her statements and actions, she knelt back down to The High Queen, “Do with me as you will. I submit myself to The Realm and to my High Queen. I will work from this turn on to regain your trust in me, and to your dying turn, never will I take over as Supreme Sovereign. Your rule is now Supreme. Not mine. This must be so. Your path is the true one, and of all others, of all my memories, none have given as much as you or have remained as true to their path as you. I can only hope to do as well as this, but now know I can do no better. I am now and will remain until your death, under your command, my Queen. This is the path I choose."

  "I accept your statement, Young One, for what it is, and I thank you for your submission to My reign as High Queen."

  "My Queen? I have thought long and hard on a proper punishment for my actions."

  "I am listening."

  "I ask, respectfully, if you will bring to you the Circle of Power."

  The High Queen studied Sele’ for a moment, knowing well what she was suggesting. The Circle of Power was a power that had been given only to San'lr'in'. This power allowed her to receive another's powers within the small ball of energy without having to bring the powers within her own, without disturbing the partnership within her. She could keep the powers safe within the circle until the moment was correct to return the powers to another, or to take them for herself. But it would also mean that Sele’ was willingly releasing her own powers over to her High Queen, for her decision alone. And San'lr'in’ understood that Sele’ was giving this decision over to her, as it meant that Sele’ would be completely without powers until The High Queen decided to return them to her, if ever.

  "You place the burden of this decision upon Me, Young One?"

  "It is truly your decision to make, High Queen."

  "What is this Circle of Power, my Queen?"

  San'lr'in’ was yet deep in thought, but looked at her sister. Finally, she explained, “The Future Supreme Sovereign has offered her punishment to Me. She has suggested that I remove her powers completely from her until the moment I think they should be returned."

  Sam shrugged, not understanding the full meaning of it, “Is this truly a punishment?"

  The Healer responded, “Indeed. Most severe. To remove her powers from her is similar to removing your eyes from you. She was born with these powers and knows no way to function without them. It will be as if she stands naked and blind in The Realm."

  All were stunned at such a possible punishment, but waited silently, wondering what The High Queen would do. San'lr'in’ felt the weight of this decision fully, realizing it was similar to the same decision she had made with Ann'wn. She knew her answer to the request, but hesitated, knowing she didn't like her own response.

  She looked upon the Young One for many long moments, thinking through her decision carefully, not wishing to give further damage to her, but wishing to instill a valuable lesson. Not even Sle'nel’ could guess as to The High Queen's thoughts.

  She looked back to the others, “Her offense wasn't given to Me directly, but to the Great Warrior Woman of The Realm and to her Birth-Mother. Do either of you have anything to say prior to My final decision of this request?"

  Meera shook her head, “I leave it to you, High Queen."

  Sle'nel’ looked sadly upon her, but also shook her head, “I trust you to make the most correct decision for Sele', for you, and for The Realm."

  The High Queen closed her eyes for a moment, then re-opened them slowly, “So be it.” She softly chanted a few words in some long-prior language, calling the Circle of Power to her. She placed her hands close together, as if forming a small ball of air within them. After a few short moments, a small glow of light could be seen. As the moments passed, the glow grew more intense and the form of a ball could be seen. The ball was alive with its own energy, pulsing its own heartbeat.

  When the Circle of Power was completely formed, she let go of it, allowing it to remain in the air where she had left it. She looked at the others, and to Sele', “I agree to this request. The Young One's powers will be safely stored within the Circle of Power until our trust has been restored in her."

  She sighed, then looked fully upon Sele', “I do this not for the punishment it will so strongly feel as, but for the knowledge this lesson will provide to you. The Mystics and humans of this Realm know little of such powers, and struggle across their lifespans without such abilities. These powers are as great a gift as they are as heavy a responsibility. You are the first Mystic to be born fully aware of these powers. As such, you know nothing of what it means to be without them, what it means to have to draw them to you, or what it means to never have them. It also means you rely overly on their usage, seeing them as nothing special. This must not be so."

  She brought the Circle of Power in front of her, examining it, “Never prior have I called this power to Me. I hope I call it back soon to return these powers to you. You stand as special in this Realm, Young One. Good or bad, your path has been set for you. While some will envy this, it comes with a most heavy of burdens. It requires that you remain ever strong and perfect, an impossible feat, but one for which you must strive. The trust that all will come to place in you must be
re-justified upon every turn, without fail. Your strength must never waiver. Your choices must always be correct. And your decisions be fair, yet uncompromising in their dedication to The Realm. You must learn to never compromise your position. It is not the powers that make the leader, Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n. It is the way in which a leader uses those powers that all will remember. Who you are as a leader without powers should be more telling than who you are as a leader with powers."

  She came close to Sele', then crouched down to her, “I care not for punishment, and you have already had enough of it. But I do care that you see The Realm as it is in its true nature. You already rely overly on your powers. While this will ultimately become far better than I can now do, you must also know what it is to be without them. The decisions you make without the powers should be the same as the decisions made with the powers. If you had no powers, Young One, could you have made the same decision this turn?"

  "No, my Queen."

  "You would have had to take the action yourself, and that is the point. Your powers are meant to be used by you as your own decision, not for another to take on the responsibility of their consequence. The consequence of using a power is yours alone. So, I agree to your request only so that you may truly experience what it is to take the consequence for your own actions. When this is learned, tell Me, and your powers will be fully returned to you. I have no desire or need for your powers, on this you can trust."

  "I do trust this to be so, my Queen."

  She stood, yet looking at Sele', “The Realm is a harsh teacher, and I am truly sorry that you must learn this overly young. But your powers are great and must be earned and used well for your subjects, not on them.” She looked up at the stars and the moon, “I hope that by the passing of three moons from now, we will look upon you with your powers and our trust in you fully restored."

  "Yes, my Queen. I will be diligent toward this goal."

  "Place your hands on the Circle of Power, Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n, and show all who now sit before you that you come fully to The Realm, willing to take on its harsh consequences."