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

by Robbie Collins

San'lr'in’ closed her eyes for a brief moment, thinking on Sam's comment. She nodded, “You speak truth. But this wasn't easy to see at the moment. I had many questions."

  "As much as I yet need her at the moments, I can see it in her eyes that she needs you. Even as she lay upon the cot when we were about to remove her from the cave, she asked about you. Believe me, Sister, if you lose such as this, you will regret it as I do, if not more. But I now see that you have made your way to returning fully to The Realm and to her. By the way, Sister. I require a favor of you."

  "What would you have from Me?"

  "I must return to Woden. I am Highest and have remained apart overly long. I request that the Sorcerers who now train me accompany me. I cannot risk more moments apart, and cannot return with the Sorcerers to their lands, Highness."

  "It shall be so, Highest of Woden. This is an easy enough request. Do you require further from Me?"

  "Prepare yourself for Woden, Sister."

  She laughed lightly, “As you say, we will be most pleased to visit your lands. How long would you have us to remain?"

  "Five or six turns, at minimum, if this be agreeable to you."

  "Whatever you wish, Sister. I find Myself most intrigued in this request. But I will also heed your warnings well on the personal issue, and appreciate your open candor. I receive little enough of this."

  "I am unafraid of you in this regard, Highness."

  "And I am grateful for such. When will you leave for Woden?"

  "I wish to see El'fs'nd'lle’ prior for a moment, and will then take my leave."

  * * * *

  The Healer had asked Sle'nel’ to remove most of her garments, and then to lie upon her bed. Sle'nel’ didn't wish anyone near her again, with the exception of her Queen, but gave in begrudgingly.

  The Healer examined her carefully, trying to get Sle'nel’ involved in conversation, but to little avail, “Where are your worst pains?"

  "Knee. Shoulder."

  The Healer hid her surprise at the extent of Sle'nel's wounds, and even felt her pain yet hidden deeply within her mind. Upon seeing the wounds, she well understood why her Queen had taken the incident so heavily. Sle'nel's shoulder was yet severely harmed, as was her knee.

  "Bend your knee for me, if you can, gently so."

  Sle'nel’ had been limping badly since she was able to walk again, as the pain was great. The Dark Sorcerer's torture had extended well into the joint structure. In spite of the pain, Sle'nel’ bent her knee, moaning slightly.

  "Good. It yet bends, and will heal, but the damage is great. I will supply some more healing to this wound, and I will provide some ointment for the pain and swelling."

  She then examined her wounded breast, “This looks good and is quite healed, but I will supply you with some ointment to place on it to prevent the scarring effects. It will also help it to heal more quickly. The same for your thigh."

  "Are we yet finished, Healer?"

  "Not as yet, Elf.” She placed her hand on Sle'nel's shoulder and provided as many healing powers as she could presently spare, “This wound is yet in need of much healing, but seems to be healing from the inside to the outer side. This is most excellent. Your muscles in this area have been well damaged, but across the moments these also will improve. You will have to use them in order to regain them, but not as yet."

  She then placed her hand upon Sle'nel's midsection. Sle'nel’ resisted, “No. There is no need for this. Go now, Healer."

  The Healer didn't move, but kept feeling in the midsection, “Patience, Elf. This must be done. You have allowed no knowledge in this regard, but it must be determined if there was any damage."

  "No."

  Sle'nel’ began to move, but The Healer held her down lightly. Softly, while looking upon her, she said, “Patience, Elf. Perhaps you recall that I was there. I recall this incident well. I know what he did to you."

  "That does not make it the easier."

  After enough moments of being sociable, San'lr'in’ left the circle to tend to her own private needs. She entered quietly into her first meditation, then her second, and on until she arrived to her sixth. While there, she attended to her powers as well as to her place within The Realm.

  The Healer had finally completed her care of Sle'nel', then walked with her to find San'lr'in'. When they arrived to The High Queen, without a word, San'lr'in’ held her hand out to Sle'nel'. Sle'nel’ didn't know how she could tell of her presence, but took San'lr'in's hand willingly into her own.

  San'lr'in’ removed herself from her meditations, turning to The Healer and her lover, “Tell Me, Healer. How fares Our Elf?"

  "She recovers quickly, High One. You have done well in the healing of us."

  "I could find no permanent physical damage. Did you find this truth as well?"

  "If we continue to tend well to her healings, all will be well, High One."

  "Then it shall be so, Healer. Is there anything I might do for you?"

  "No, my Queen. I will take my leave, with your permission."

  The High Queen nodded, then touched The Healer's face softly with her hand, “Thank you, Healer. What would I do without you?"

  The Healer blushed, but touched her Queen's hand lightly in return, “And I you, my Queen. A good eve to you."

  The High Queen turned to her lover. She placed her hands on Sle'nel's shoulders, in spite of the great wound. She gazed into Sle'nel's eyes, “My Desire. I have had much to think on since the Dark Sorcerer crossed our paths."

  "You have no need to—"

  She interrupted, needing to provide her carefully considered words, “Allow Me, My Desire. It needs saying. You must have this option. We can go no further in our union unless I provide this to you. When you agreed to come to My bed and into My life, I was overjoyed, and even yet find Myself trembling in your presence. But I am High Queen and I failed to warn you well of what this means for our union. My being High Queen complicates and endangers your life because of it, as you now well know. I should have prepared you for these moments, but I didn't do as such. I failed you as I failed My duty. I cannot change the terrible moments that may come to occur, yet this was a most difficult of truths for Me to face. I will not be able to prevent all the terrible moments, no matter the care I take. Because of this, My Desire, you deserve the option to reconsider our life together. I have been unfair to you in My great desire and need of you. I must now allow you your freedom from such ... if that is your need.

  "I have thought much on the meaning of love of late. I have determined that if I truly love you, and if My love extends beyond the mere selfish moments, then in My love of and for you, I would be able to accept your needs, whatever they may be. If you desire your freedom from our most dangerous of unions, then it is yours to have, Elf. I love you enough to accept this, if this be your need."

  Sle'nel’ closed her eyes and tried to breathe. No one had ever given her such a gift, but a gift she didn't desire. She sighed, looked at her lover, then moved slowly but assuredly into her Queen, kissing her for many long moments.

  After the kiss, San'lr'in’ waited, as she seldom assumed an answer until it was fully given. They gazed into each other's eyes, barely moving. Finally, Sle'nel’ responded, “Have you thought more on performing the Elfin ceremony with me?"

  Sle'nel’ had given her answer: She wished to remain with her lover, forever. The High Queen laughed, feeling relieved and grateful, “If this be your desire, then so shall it be. I have denied Myself, and thus you, overly long."

  Sle'nel’ blushed, “I yet make you tremble?"

  San'lr'in’ kissed Sle'nel’ passionately. She responded softly but with great meaning, “I can barely remain standing when near you."

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter VII

  The High Master's Challenge

  "No, Force Leader. This will not be so."

  "My Queen—"

  "I have given you My command, Force Leader."

  Ann'wn felt the weight of her Que
en's stare and command, but knew that she needed to provide more safety to her, “These are the great Masters, Highness."

  San'lr'in’ raised her eyebrow and frowned, “You question Me, Force Leader?"

  "No, my Queen. I question them."

  She sighed, looking well displeased, “Tell Me your option."

  "That they remain without weapons."

  She suddenly laughed, “You think this will matter to them, Force Leader? But I will accept this as so. You know them not, though."

  "And well guarded. And well apart from you and the Elf."

  "I have given My vow to meet with the High Master, Force Leader, face-to-face. This must be so as it is the agreement. And it is needed if We are to gain entry into El'fs'nd'lle’ safely. I wish not to fight all of them if such can be avoided."

  "Can it be avoided, my Queen?"

  The High Queen thought on the question for a moment, “A battle? I believe such can be avoided. I am risking much in this belief."

  "But you omit something of importance, my Queen?"

  "The Master has challenged Me, Force Leader. If I win, we enter into El'fs'nd'lle safely."

  "And if you were to lose, Highness?"

  She knew the answer, but couldn't find it within herself to inform Ann'wn of it, “You will yet enter El'fs'nd'lle safely. Make the arrangements, Force Leader. I will be awaiting your notice when all is ready."

  Knowing that The High Queen had directly avoided answering her question, but having won their disagreement, Ann'wn bowed her head, “Yes, my Queen."

  A messenger, and Apprentice-Master, had arrived to their camp in the early morn, carrying a request. The High Queen knew of its implications, but kept the knowledge of such to herself. The note had been written by the High Master, her long-prior teacher, and had been simply stated:

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln':

  I formally challenge you for your reign.

  The El'fs'nd'lle Gates are secure.

  The Elf's entrance will be safely provided.

  Ll'strin'll

  She had read the note quickly, holding any thoughts well within her. She then looked at the messenger, “Apprentice-Master. Inform the High Master that the terms of the note are accepted. She is welcomed in two turns."

  As she left, San'lr'in’ sighed, then went to her lover, “My Elf. The Masters have requested a meeting with Me."

  "A threat, you mean."

  San'lr'in’ stared into her eyes, ever surprised at her Elf's clarity of mind, “Yes, this is so. I have need to inform you of what now occurs."

  "I already have guessed at this."

  "You are angry."

  "Yes. They seek now to control The Realm. I also will fight them."

  "You cannot. You yet have not your Elfin sword. You would lose against them."

  "No, I wouldn't. I would lose against the High Master, but this is all."

  She remained patient, “You cannot fight this fight, My Desire. You are as yet overly injured."

  "Why must you risk yourself? You are like Sam in this regard."

  "Why should others be risked when this is the real issue, My Desire? Is this not My duty?"

  "You have not all your powers returned to you."

  "I will have them returned to Me by their arrival.” She touched Sle'nel's check softly, smiling, “Trust Me, My Elf?"

  Sle'nel’ couldn't fight against her Queen's charms, “Of course, my Love, but they have had overly moments to practice their abilities, while you have had to rule The Realm. How fair is this?"

  She smiled again, and on this moment her eyes danced, “Trust Me, Elf. All My training has been for this moment. I have always known this moment would arrive, and am prepared for it."

  Sle'nel’ looked sadly at her, “Will this fighting ever be over?"

  San'lr'in’ nodded, “If I can win this challenge, much will change. But now I must prepare for this challenge. I must tend to My powers."

  "Why does your prior teacher challenge you?"

  "When I think prior on all the moments of training, I see clearly that there were always tensions between us. Of course, I knew this not, then. I had just thought she was displeased with My lack of ability. From the present, looking prior, I wonder if perhaps she was jealous of My abilities, even then. Most certainly, she hopes to be High Queen, and hopes to be so as the Elves return to The Realm."

  "Why has she waited this long?"

  The High Queen thought on Sle'nel's question for a moment, “Perhaps the Masters that broke away from her group have remained overly strong for her to yet make such a move. I know not but am certain that we will learn of this."

  The meeting was to occur in two turns. During the moments of waiting, The High Queen prepared herself well. Well since the Masters had fought long-prior against each other, and since the High Master had left the ranks, San'lr'in’ knew that at one moment in The Realm, the High Master would challenge her for her reign as High Queen. She had always felt her teacher's jealousy, but had always received the very best of her training, as well.

  Nothing is simple. And we seem to ever contradict even our own self.

  She had always known this would occur, and had always known one of the reasons—The High Master thought her as weak. San'lr'in’ also guessed that the High Master had wished to be High Queen, thinking herself the better choice.

  She now comes. The Highest Master of all to challenge My reign. If I win, we enter into El'fs'nd'lle freely, all the other battles fought and already won by her. If I lose, she becomes High Queen.

  For two turns The High Queen called all her powers to her. She entered into her meditations and recalled all her spells and powers. She brought forth all her knowledge and abilities, all her training and efforts, all her wins and losses. Through the two turns, she held onto the First High Queen's sword, feeling it, making it come to her in all its powers. Through the two turns, she held the large red stone to her, allowing its powers to come into her, allowing its powers to enhance her own.

  Also during the two turns, Ann'wn prepared by having Fon'elnn’ and Ern'seln’ teach her forces some of the easier of the Master moves, in case they had to fight against them. She participated as well, as did Meera and Sam, ever trying to improve their sword abilities and Master's training. She watched Ern'seln’ practice against Meera, seeing her as a fine warrior.

  "No, Warrior Woman. Your moves are yet overly large."

  Ann'wn saw that although she was young, Ern'seln's skills were great, almost as good as Fon'elnn's. Ern'seln’ was already as tall as Ann'wn, and very pretty in her youth. Her hair was far longer than most, but she hadn't yet provided it in any particular fashion, so it hung upon her wildly, blowing about during any exertion. But it was Ern'seln's eyes that captured Ann'wn's attention, as they were as silver gray as a sword's blade, and as shiny. She now knew it to be a mark of the St'en'giln, one of their most distinctive features. She saw that Roen sat nearby, watching Ern'seln', her protector. Ann'wn also saw that upon a few occasions, Ern'seln’ would smile over to Roen.

  As the two turns were completed, the Masters entered The High Queen's camp. Ann'wn met them, wondering if battle would occur prior to her Queen's readiness.

  "You are accepted into our camp. My guards will relieve you of your weapons. High Master, The High Queen has acknowledged that you will keep yours with you."

  The High Master examined Ann'wn, “Your guards are no match for us, Force Leader, but we will comply."

  Ann'wn wasn't about to allow this Master who now challenged her Queen any leverage, “I have fully trained archers at the ready, High Master. One wrong move and your Masters will never be given the opportunity to display their Master skills. Have them place their weapons upon the ground, then have them move well away from them."

  Ann'wn had known better than to risk her forces against such highly trained swords women, so relied on many archers for the turn. She breathed a quiet sigh of relief when she saw the Masters comply. When all was ready, Ann'wn went to San'lr'in'.
r />   "My Queen?"

  She exited her meditations, already having sensed the High Master's presence.

  "They have arrived, Highness."

  "Yes, Force Leader. I am aware of their presence. Many attend with her. Be watchful of them."

  "Yes, Highness."

  She turned to her, “Force Leader, you must listen to Me for a moment."

  Ann'wn could tell that it would not be a report of her liking. She bowed her head, “Yes, my Queen."

  "I am being challenged for the reign of High Queen of The Realm at this moment, Force Leader. Do you understand this?"

  "For High Queen, Highness? How can this be so?"

  "The High Master thinks Me overly soft, Force Leader, and perhaps she is correct from her way of thinking, but the challenge is correct in its presentation, and I must comply. Either way, Force Leader, the Elves will be returned to The Realm."

  "But, my Queen, this is not—"

  "This is not for you to question, Force Leader. It is for you to comply, as I command it so."

  "But, my Queen, this makes her a traitor."

  "Yes. This is so. But when a High Master challenges another, the challenge cannot go unaccepted. It is the way of the Masters, Force Leader. If I win, she will be known as a traitor, only. A high cost for her to pay, even in her loss."

  Ann'wn didn't like the sounds of it, but couldn't argue against her Queen, “Yes, Highness."

  The High Queen smiled at her, knowing that Ann'wn needed some hope, “Look at Me, Force Leader."

  Ann'wn looked into her Queen's eyes, “My Queen?"

  "Do I look like I plan to lose against the High Master this turn, Ann'wn?"

  Ann'wn saw a sparkle in her Queen's eyes, a most welcomed and assured sparkle. She felt improved just by seeing such, “No, my Queen."

  The High Queen yet smiled at Ann'wn, her eyes glinting their playfulness, “Trust Me, Force Leader?"

  Ann'wn smiled, “To the death, my Queen."

  "Then you will be well entertained on this moment, as this has been a moment you have long awaited. For the first moment in all The Realm, you are to see true Masters fighting to their end."

  * * * *

  The attendants were preparing The High Queen for the meeting with the High Master, “Do you wish your crown, Highness?"