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

by Robbie Collins

  "Highness, is all well with you?"

  She turned to the voice, “Yes, High Counselor. I am just enjoying the company at this table. I find it most amusing and pleasant."

  "The High Counselors would like to know who you might suggest to replace you as Queen of the Valley, Highness, if this yet be your desire."

  "You, of course. Is this even a question?"

  "But, my Queen, I would then be unable to attend with you while you are at Rns'deln'. Is this such as you desire, Highness?"

  "I can think of no better than you for Queen."

  "In truth, I agree with the High Counselors. You are the best possible choice for such, Highness. My preference is that you remain as both."

  "I cannot continue to do both, High Counselor. It is in truth, inappropriate. I suspect that if we searched through the laws of the Valley, we would find as such not allowed. I think the Counselors have chosen to ignore this law."

  Mil'der'in blushed, as if embarrassed, “How did you come to suspect as such, my Queen?"

  She smiled at Mil'der'in, knowing now that her suspicions had been correct, “For many cycles, I have searched in the records for this law. Curiously, whenever I go to find this particular section of our laws, this book is ever missing. Perhaps you can explain as such?"

  "I cannot comment, Highness. But I can tell you that the Counselors are considering a replacement only for the moments you are gone to Rns'deln'. This is how much they wish to keep you as both Queen and High Queen."

  "A temporary Queen? Once every half-cycle? What foolishness is this?"

  "Think on this, Highness. It may be the best solution. It may make them see the need for a real Queen, and such would allow them to come to this decision on their own rather than you forcing them to it."

  The High Queen raised an eyebrow, examining Mil'der'in more carefully, “In truth, Mil'der'in. I think that it is you who wishes Me not to step down as Queen. Is this so?"

  "There is no one who would serve the Valley as well. But there is another reason, Highness. If one is chosen as Queen, and you find that this selection becomes an irritant to you, you will leave the Valley permanently. Your Counselors and I wish this not such to occur. We want you with us, my Queen. It is as simple as this. Whatever way must be taken to keep you, it shall be done."

  "This is not the most sensible solution, High Counselor. You would make an excellent Queen, and would not cause Me to leave the Valley permanently. We have worked together across many, many cycles, and never has this yet occurred."

  "In truth, my Queen, even the Counselors considered me as perhaps an acceptable Queen, but only in the moments you were gone from the Valley. But I know not if I wish as such. I wish to serve you, and to be by your side at the audiences, and as such. If I were Queen, this could not occur."

  "We seem to have a dilemma, then. I hadn't thought that you may not wish to be as such. I will give your solution some thought."

  "My Queen?"

  "What may I provide to you, Master?"

  "What is it you wishing for me, at journey's end?"

  "Master. Did Drn'rn'thel'ineln’ also live as High Queen in the Valley?"

  "Liking you, Highness, First One was Queen prior to being High Queen. But she was being Queen of Rns'deln'. Is Rns'deln’ yet being in The Realm, High Queen?"

  "Indeed. They have long prior carved their dwelling out from the rocks. I understand that prior, they began their large in-stone dwellings from the small caves that had been there."

  "Just prior to First One, they beginning their cave enlargements then. But there being much fighting across The Realm. Finally, the Deep Mystics asking her to becoming a new role. The First High Queen. She, liking what you doing in the Valley, was both Queen and High Queen. She quitting her role as Queen in Rns'deln', and moving to the Valley. She choosing it for its well-protected location, but it needing overly much building then. We being the ones to building the great melting gates, Highness."

  "Who was Queen of the Valley?"

  "Lor'ger'thel'ineln'."

  "The second High Queen?"

  "I know this not, my Queen."

  "Oh. Of course not.” She thought it about it a moment, then to no one, she said, “So as to train her, then, prior to becoming High Queen. Hmmm ... a good consideration."

  She looked to Mil'der'in, “We will have to think much more on such as this.” She looked back to the Master, “To answer you question, Master, I would like you to consider two roles. I would be most pleased if you would begin teaching others to become Masters of the Sword. And I would be most pleased if you would consider joining My forces, in one regard or the other. Do you have any particular desires that you would like to occur?"

  "I was one of First One's personal guards, my Queen."

  "Force Leader."

  "My Queen?"

  "Perhaps you and the Master might work out a role that is most appropriate for her high rank and most agreeable to her desires."

  "Of course, my Queen."

  "Oh, and Force Leader."

  "My Queen?"

  "I have need to speak with My Private Guard at the conclusion of this eve's moments."

  "It will be done, my Queen."

  The High Queen then looked at Sam, “Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'."

  "Yes, Highness?"

  The High Queen rose, “I understand that you requested an audience, but first I have a presentation for you, knowing that you will soon be leaving our company."

  The High Queen gave a nod to Ann'wn. As by prior arrangement, Ann'wn nodded to a guard, and the guard brought up ten horses. Sam looked at them, fully surprised.

  "I present you with these Mystic horses so that you can travel with greater speed between our towns. Each of these horses will bear a foal within two moons, each from a different background. Woden will soon have enough Mystic horses for all to travel throughout The Realm in such a fashion as this."

  Sam was fully amazed.

  "Oh, and My Sister. The light tan horse with the beautiful white mane is yours. I have hand-selected her for you, and she is from the same background as My and Sle'nel's horses. I think you will find her eagerly awaiting you as her new companion. She is fully trained and has been attached to no other. She will now remain with you throughout your life, if you find this arrangement as acceptable."

  "But how ... when did you but manage the moments to get these?"

  She laughed lightly, “Ann'wn arranged it for Me. She had the messenger guards return with them from the Valley. We are never without contact with the Valley. The messenger guards change every other turn, so it wasn't a great difficulty."

  Sam rose and went to her sister, giving her a hug, “I know not what to say, Highness. I am fully shocked and pleased. I am fully surprised."

  Mil'der'in laughed, “Be not so, Highest. The High Queen just does as such so as to keep a better watch over you. You now have no reason to ignore her request of your presence."

  Everyone laughed.

  "Thank you, San'lr'in'."

  San'lr'in’ put her hand on Sam's shoulder, “I am grateful that you have come fully to The Realm. This will become crucial as we proceed, but your willingness to commit to such has given Me much relief. But enough. You requested an audience of Me. What is it you need from Me, Highest of Woden?"

  Sam was slightly hesitant in her request. San'lr'in’ sensed her thoughts as Sam struggled for the correct words. She looked at Ann'wn, now frowning, “Force Leader. Have one of the guards bring the sorcerers to Me, as well as the scholars."

  Sam began to speak, “I am having some difficulty—"

  The High Queen raised her hand, “I will make this correct in only a moment, Highest of Woden."

  One of the guards brought the sorcerers and the scholars forward. They knelt and bowed their heads to San'lr'in', “High Queen."

  "Rise, Sorcerers of the Mountain. The Highest of Woden must return to her reign as Highest of Woden. I have great need of her to learn her powers quickly, so require her to be tr
ained at all the moments by you, in Woden. She will ensure your needs are well tended while you are there, and you will be fully received by Woden for the moments she yet requires training."

  The Sorcerers looked at each other, then at Sam, then back to their High Queen. The High Queen had sensed Sam's thoughts and learned that they had resisted her needs. So, The High Queen intervened, allowing them no alternative.

  "The Highest of Woden will be leaving in one or two turns after we reach El'fs'nd'lle. You will be journeying with her to Woden. Your stay will be as long as it takes for The Highest to learn her powers. When you believe her training complete, all of you will return to display her powers to Me so that I can share in the celebrated moment."

  She had allowed them no movement on the issue. They bowed their heads slightly, “To your will, High Queen."

  "Good. Thank you, Sorcerers. I know I will be well-pleased with your training of The Highest.” She turned to the Scholars, “Scholars. When you are completed with your examination of El'fs'nd'lle, I would like you to consider spending some moments in Woden examining their culture as well as to teach. Might this be acceptable to you?"

  Sam hadn't considered as such, but thought it as a good idea, as did the Scholars, “Oh yes, my Queen. This would be most desirable, and we would be most pleased to go to Woden. Thank you for offering this to us."

  "Good. A few guards will remain with you until you complete your examinations of El'fs'nd'lle, and will then escort you directly to Woden."

  They were quickly dismissed, and The High Queen returned to the table. Ann'wn rose, bowing to her Queen, “The forces would like one last eve of dancing and merriment, my Queen. Might this be acceptable to you?"

  "Of course. The forces are certainly due this release from their overly many duties forced onto them during this journey. You have My leave."

  "Would you honor us in presenting the first dance, Highness?"

  She turned to Mil'der'in, “High Counselor. Would you be willing to fulfill My duties for Me this eve?"

  Mil'der'in rose, nodding her head, “It is my honor, High Queen.” She turned to Fon'elnn', holding out her hand, “Would you honor me in the first dance, Master?"

  Fon'elnn’ gently took her hand into her own, smiling, bowing politely to Mil'der'in, “It being my pleasure in such, High Counselor."

  Everyone watched as the High Counselor and the Master danced the First Dance. The High Queen was pleased to see that Mil'der'in held herself so well, showing her elegance as well as her ability to ignore all those around her.

  To herself, The High Queen thought, She is a Queen, most definitely.

  As the First Dance ended, all the others began to select a partner and go to the smoothed-out dance floor. San'lr'in’ was fully relaxed, enjoying the moment of peace, watching the movements of the dancers, sitting back in her seat. She saw that Ern'seln’ and Roen took Sele’ to the side of the dance floor, teaching her the dances. After four dances, Sele’ returned to the table, leaving Roen and Ern'seln’ to themselves.

  The High Queen watched with amusement as Ern'seln’ became overly self-conscious, tripping over herself as they danced. She noted that Roen didn't seem to mind, gazing at Ern'seln’ as if she could do nothing wrong. San'lr'in’ smiled to herself as Roen pulled Ern'seln’ tightly to her, placing her cheek against Ern'seln's. Ern'seln’ looked surprised, then moved her head slightly, causing their lips to brush against each other's as if by accident. The High Queen could tell that this was the first kiss between them. Roen blushed, then kissed Ern'seln’ lightly and quickly, but clearly without accident.

  "They are young."

  The High Queen nodded, “Indeed. It is so. Do you recall your first moments, such as these?"

  Sle'nel’ laughed quietly, “I was most awkward and unsure of myself, such as Ern'seln'. You?"

  San'lr'in’ laughed, “I was forever interrupted. When I finally arrived to the first full moment, I kept looking over My shoulder, thinking I would yet again be interrupted. My lover was most displeased."

  "How many cycles were you?"

  "Fifteen, I think. Perhaps sixteen. You?"

  "Around the same. Who was your first lover?"

  "One of the sorcerer women. She died in battle a few cycles later. You?"

  "One of the women of Woden, of course. She also died in battle a few cycles later.” Sle'nel’ moved a little, wincing from the pain.

  "Your knee and shoulder hurt."

  "I used them overly during our fight."

  San'lr'in’ looked at Sle'nel', admiring her. Sle'nel’ saw her do as such, “What are you staring at so intently, San'lr'in'?"

  "You, My Desire. You are so beautiful."

  "You cannot yet think as such, truly?"

  San'lr'in’ rose and placed her hand out in invitation, “You are the most beautiful one in all The Realm. How could I ever tire of this? Your hair shines like the dark velvet eve. You eyes hold Me as if I were in a trance. Would you honor Me in this dance? It is a slow one, and I will be gentle."

  Sle'nel’ saw that her Queen's eyes were sparkling in their delight of the eve, and of everything that seemed to now be going right in The Realm. She placed her hand into her Queen's, rising, as she looked at her lover with great interest, “You seem most pleased with The Realm, at this moment."

  San'lr'in’ smiled lovingly at her, “With you in it, how could I not?"

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  Chapter VIII

  El'fs'nd'lle

  Ann'wn was kneeling with head bowed to The High Queen, “Highness?"

  She turned and looked down upon her, “Rise, Force Leader. Tell Me."

  It was the early morn, and all the camp was excitedly busy in their final preparations to El'fs'nd'lle. At long last, their journey's mission was to be achieved, and all were now preparing themselves in their finest garment available to them for the procession that was to occur. Ann'wn had come to her Queen with a report, but noticed that The High Queen looked other than excited, over what she could only guess.

  "The High Priestess has agreed to ride in the procession, Highness. She is arriving as we speak."

  She sighed and looked at Ann'wn, not fully focusing, saying nothing.

  Ann'wn saw that her first guess was quite wrong, and now saw that her queen looked deeply concerned, “My Queen? Is all well?"

  She blinked slowly, then refocused, “I am sorry, Force Leader. My thoughts are elsewhere.” She sighed, “Have her ride next to Mil'der'in in the procession."

  "Yes, my Queen."

  "When will the Private and Black Guards take their final leave?"

  "In two turns, Highness, after they are assured that you are safely inside El'fs'nd'lle and that no enemies await you outside the gates. Since The Highest of Woden will be leaving at the same moment, some of them will accompany her as far as the Valley."

  "I assume we will have enough guards for our return to the Valley."

  "Yes, Highness. We will make it so."

  "The Mungardies?"

  "They have remained quiet, but I sense they are planning something. They are overly quiet."

  She nodded, “Have them carefully watched. I want their battles halted, Force Leader. They wish to rule this Realm, most strongly. We will focus all our attentions on them upon My return to the Valley."

  "As you say, Highness. We are prepared to do as such."

  She sighed again, “Are we arranged for this morn's adventures?"

  "Not quite yet, Highness, and your attendants await your presence so that you may also be prepared."

  "Mil'der'in gave Me a troubling report this morn."

  Ann'wn waited, not wanting to rush her.

  She sighed yet again, unable to control her frustrations, “She tells Me that she believes not that she should be the Valley's Queen, and the Counselors wish no replacement for Me. What are your thoughts in this regard?"

  Ann'wn was surprised, as The High Queen seldom asked her opinions in such matters, and she also didn't think thi
s was what was causing her queen such concern, “I can fully understand their view, Highness. You cannot be so easily replaced. Although I would prefer no change in this regard, the High Counselor could most likely be persuaded otherwise, my Queen."

  "Why do you prefer that I remain as Queen of the Valley?"

  "Your forces have all been combined, Highness, and would have to be reconfigured. You must have your own forces as High Queen, as must the Queen of the Valley have her own forces."

  "Is that a compelling reason, Force Leader?"

  "It would depend on who you desire as Force Leader for your forces, Highness. I may not be the one to speak with in this regard, if you wish me not as such."

  She stared at Ann'wn for a moment, fully exasperated, “Why would I be asking such of you if I wanted not your opinion? Quite obviously, Force Leader, you are to remain My Force Leader. Surely you must realize this."

  She was pleased, “With all respect, my Queen, I cannot assume as such. It is not my privilege to do so. But if this is so, Highness, all that I can say is I care not which choice is made, as I remain fully in your service. The remainder can be considered quickly. Mil'der'in would make a good Queen, if that is your choice, and like any other, could be persuaded if you made well known your desire."

  She sighed and looked away, “Is nothing simple?"