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

by Robbie Collins

  She halted the issue, moving quickly to the next task, “Is'en'nel. Take the moment. It is now fully within your direction."

  Is'en'nel’ hovered near her daughter's ear, “Daughter. You must give the spell through your staff. I cannot do this for you. As simple as this appears, there are none here except you that can command this of your staff. The first spell will undo the liquid spell while it will also lower the enclosures. When this is complete, another spell will be needed."

  Sle'nel’ looked at San'lr'in', “Is all well and with your permission, High Queen?"

  San'lr'in’ smiled gently at her, “I am fully satisfied. Return the Elves to our Realm, Elf. It is the moment."

  Sle'nel’ raised her staff, then chanted the spell. As with some spells, a few sparks and a little smoke came from the staff, a disappointing magical effect to some, but with great strength. Everyone looked to the yet sleeping Elves, watching the liquid slowly make its descent into a now uncovered hole at the foot of each of them.

  No movement of the Elves was yet seen, but as soon as the liquid left, the glass enclosures began to also descend, exposing the Elves fully to the room. Sle'nel’ bowed her head while raising her staff yet again, holding it straight out from her right side. She chanted a longer spell, then breathed in deeply. As she did as such, so did all the prior encased Elves, breathing their first breath in many prior cycles.

  San'lr'in’ began to sense all the other half-living/half-dead now about her, sensing that there were nearly as many as the Elves that were now being awakened. She could sense that they each hovered near one of the returning Elves, watching over them.

  "Do they all breathe?"

  The Healer nodded, “All but seven, Highness."

  Is'en'nel’ had provided The Healer with the ability to hear the now occurring communication between all the spirit Elves, allowing her to know of the wellness of the returning Elves, in case her assistance as a Healer was needed. The Healer watched the returning Elves with a deep fascination that such a thing could occur.

  "All but seven? And you do nothing?"

  "They are trying to revive them at this moment. They have not yet asked for my assistance."

  All watched in amazement as the Elves began to return to the living. A few of the Deep Mystics’ ancestors had been told when the long prior Elves had managed to place these Elves into their long sleep, but no one now in the room had been in The Realm at that moment. After all these long cycles, everyone now in the room watched the Elves as they returned, and felt deeply honored in the moment.

  San'lr'in’ watched as the seven not yet breathing seemed to grow weaker, not yet beginning movement of any kind, “Healer?"

  "It doesn't look good for them, Highness. But they yet try."

  "The unborn ones within them?"

  "I yet know not of this, High One, and they say nothing in this regard."

  Sle'nel’ raised her staff yet again, chanting another spell, ending it in the same fashion by taking a deep breath.

  The Healer saw one of them breathe in fully, then another, “Two of them, Highness, return."

  "The remaining five? What is being done?"

  "The Elfin voices speak with them, telling them what they must do."

  San'lr'in’ thought it not enough, “Is'en'nel'. Can nothing more be done for these five? The Healer could be of great assistance."

  Is'en'nel’ was watching over the five, also well concerned, “I wish that there were something she could do. Healer, if you desire as such, please give an effort."

  The Healer quickly went to one of them, laid the Elf upon the ground, then hit her fist strongly against the Elf's heart, over and over again. She gave the Elf some of her own breath, then hit her chest yet again. Suddenly, the Elf gasped, taking her first breath in overly many cycles. The Healer smiled, then moved to the next Elf.

  Is'en'nel’ sounded sad, “No need on this one, Healer. She has died."

  "There are yet some moments."

  She did the same to the one Is'en'nel’ thought was dead, continuing the pattern for a few moments, when suddenly, this Elf also took in a great breath. “You give up overly easily, High Wizard Sorcerer. This one now lives."

  Sle'nel’ had repeated the chant and spell with her staff, hoping to coax the remaining three into life as she had done with another. Try as she might, the Elves didn't respond. While The Healer and Sle'nel’ were doing as they could, both San'lr'in’ and Sume’ began helping with the other two, Sume’ refraining from touching an Elf without approval, as a R'kin'dles was unable to do as such, but sending her own magic upon her. Both succeeded, then turned and saw Sle'nel’ frantic over a now-dead Elf.

  The Healer came over and placed her hand upon the Elf's stomach, “The unborn yet lives. We must save it."

  Is'en'nel’ sounded hopeful, but saddened at the Elf's death, “You can save the child?"

  The Healer nodded, “Ann'wn. I need your knife."

  Caitha came near, “I can help in this, but the child is overly young."

  The Healer nodded, “You can pull the unborn out as I pull the muscles away. The unborn looks to be two moons overly early, so you are correct in this. Her chances of life are limited, but her death is most certain if we give no attempt."

  Ann'wn crouched down next to The Healer and handed her the knife, “You are most brave, Healer."

  The Healer looked at her lover, grateful for the needed support, but said nothing as she looked back down upon the now dead Elf. With great skill and urgency, she made the cut needed to remove the unborn babe, taking caution not to harm her. When she was completed in the cut, she moved the tissues apart, “Now Caitha. Quickly, remove the unborn."

  Caitha did as she had done upon many moments in Woden, removing the child carefully but quickly, then removed all the debris and wetness from her mouth and nose, placing her own breath carefully within her, helping her to breathe.

  The Healer's hands were now well bloodied. Ignoring as such, she placed her hand upon the child's chest, feeling for the heartbeat, “Good Caitha. Keep doing as such. Gently."

  Many moments passed as all the others looked on in desperation, “Does she live?"

  The Healer ignored all the comments now occurring about her, “Is'en'nel'. Speak to this one. Compel her to come into The Realm."

  Is'en'nel’ spoke softly to her for a few moments, then said, “I am most saddened in this one's loss. She was destined to be the next leader of the Elves. She is descended from a long line of great Elfin queens."

  San'lr'in’ was fully surprised in Is'en'nel's statement, not having thought of such. She looked upon the babe, then felt into Is'en'nel's mind for a moment. She sensed the great deepness and sadness of the statement.

  It is truth. She considers this one as most special.

  The High Queen made Caitha to halt in giving the babe her breath, then gently placed her hand upon the newborn, moving some of her own energy into her. She closed her eyes, fully focusing on the little one's heart. Slowly and with great gentleness, she reminded the young one's heart to beat, as she also slowly reminded the young one's lungs to take in some air.

  Gently. Don't force this young one. Let her come willingly into The Realm.

  She transferred yet a little more energy, Come into The Realm, Young One. You are greatly needed. Your Elfin Queen awaits your assistance. You have much before you, Young One. And as High Queen, I have much need of you. Come to us, Little Great One. Come to all those who now await you.

  Is'en'nel’ touched into San'lr'in's thoughts, It is enough, High Queen. She has died.

  San'lr'in’ refused to give up on the Young One, gently pushing more of her own energy into the little one's fragile body, The Realm awaits you, Young Princess. Come see the now returned Elves. They await you, Young One.

  She pushed a little further urgency onto the Young One's lungs and heart, then sent her more thoughts, The Elves have great need of you, Little One. Come to us. We need you.

  Quietly and with the small
est of movements, the Little One finally breathed on her own, and finally made her heart to beat. The High Queen listened in amazement, slowly removing her own energy away from the Young One's heart and lungs, as the Young One now fought to do it on her own.

  When the newborn was breathing steadily, with a strong heartbeat, San'lr'in’ smiled, took her gently out of Caitha's arms, and held her up high, “We welcome you, Ly'strl'n, Future Elfin Queen."

  The Deep Mystics smiled, well pleased in their High Queen's actions and success, now knowing why she had taken such effort with this one. They went up to The High Queen, surrounding the Future Queen of El'fs'nd'lle. As The High Queen lowered the newly born to their height, they each placed their hands upon the Young Ly'strl'n, “We bid you welcome, Future Queen."

  San'lr'in’ looked for Sle'nel'. When she saw her, she smiled and held out the newly born to her, “She is partially of your line, My Desire. She will serve you until your moments are completed, and then she will take her place as the Elfin Queen."

  Sle'nel’ came over to her, touching San'lr'in', then touching the newly born, “Of my line, my Queen?” She looked upon the newly born, then kissed her gently upon her head, “I know not what we bring you into, in this vast and great Realm, but we will be here for you, Young One."

  Sele’ also came over, “May I speak with her, Aunt High Queen? She and I are to rule at the same moments, so we are like sisters in this regard."

  San'lr'in’ gave the child to Sle'nel', who then bent down to Sele's level, “Share your thoughts with her, Birth-Daughter, as you are sisters. If she is of my line, then you are related to her."

  Sele’ touched Ly'strl'n gently, with great awe. Softly, she repeated her Mother's words, “Sisters. I have a sister."

  Is'en'nel’ spoke to San'lr'in's thoughts, You are an even greater and stronger High Queen than I could ever have imagined. Thank you for this gift you give to us, Highness. Thank you for saving this one and giving her some of your life saving powers.

  San'lr'in’ ignored the statement, but was secretly pleased in the moment. She looked around the room for the first moment in many, seeing all the newly returned Elves, “What are we to do with them? And who will now tend to this Future Queen who now has no Birth-Mother?"

  Is'en'nel’ laughed aloud, startling everyone, “You brought her into The Realm, Highness, so you are her Birth-Mother."

  San'lr'in’ jerked back, shocked, “This is not truth. The Healer and Caitha did as such."

  Is'en'nel’ was yet laughing, but softly now, “This is so, Highness, but you touched her heart, mind and lungs. You brought her life into The Realm, High Queen. In truth, she will consider you as her Birth-Mother."

  San'lr'in's eyes were wide in disbelief, “I certainly am no Birth-Mother, Is'en'nel'. I have not the moments for such. And I wouldn't know what to do in thi—"

  "Worry not over this, Highness. She will be raised by another, but know this to be truth. This one will look to you as her Birth-Mother, as she is connected to you."

  Sele’ looked up at her, “It is not so bad to have someone consider you as their Birth-Mother, Aunt High Queen."

  * * * *

  The Healer rose, feeling saddened about the one dead Elf, but pleased that The High Queen had managed to save the future Elfin Queen. She looked at her Queen for a moment, studying her fully, wondering if she had used her life-saving powers for the newly born one.

  One of the many spirit Elves spoke to her, “Healer. We thank you for your great deeds and efforts. You will find some water to clean yourself over near the large barrels."

  Just prior to averting her eyes away from her Queen, San'lr'in’ turned to The Healer, feeling someone's eyes upon her. Their eyes locked for a few moments, then saying nothing, The High Queen turned away, knowing The Healer guessed as to her actions.

  All the others in The High Queen's group were now going from newly-returned Elf to newly-returned Elf, greeting them and trying to answer their questions. The newly-returned Elves had been long away from The Realm, and now wished to know of its developments. But even newly arrived, they had been told of who San'lr'in’ was, now remaining politely apart from her unless otherwise noticed.

  The newly-returned Elves also wished to see and speak with Sle'nel', having been given the vow of who would return them. They watched her, wondering what she was like, now knowing that she had become partnered with The High Queen.

  But Is'en'nel’ had only briefly mentioned to Sle'nel’ her role in regard to the newly returned Elves, “Daughter. As you may have prior guessed at such, you now oversee these Elves until the moments arrive when you deem Ly'strl'n well prepared for such."

  "What does it mean to oversee these Elves, Mother? I surely cannot remain here with them. Or was this the expected?"

  Is'en'nel’ hesitated for a moment, “It is as you say, Daughter. It wasn't planned that you were to be with The High Queen, but so be it. Perhaps you can spare a few turns to set all in order, then return occasionally to El'fs'nd'lle. Perhaps as The High Queen has always prior done, regardless of who was The High Queen, you might consider having a daily messenger bring reports and questions."

  Sle'nel’ sighed, not pleased with the expectation. San'lr'in’ saw her speaking, and saw that she looked displeased.

  "Is there an issue, My Desire?"

  Sle'nel’ nodded, sighing yet again, “I was expected from long prior to remain with these Elves. To remain with those I know not, and to lead them."

  San'lr'in’ nodded, already having guessed as to this need of her lover, “Who else, My Desire? Of course you will lead them. You were the one chosen to do as such until such moments that they are with full awareness of this new realm that they now enter. But I have already planned for this expectation."

  "You have?"

  San'lr'in’ smiled softly at her, nodding, “You will need to remain in El'fs'nd'lle for a few turns, perhaps half a moon, then return to Me. From thereon, messengers can be arranged, and you and I, or you, can return as needed. We will manage this, My Desire, as I have great need of these Newly Returned Ones to know of The Realm, as well as to ensure their safety."

  She moved closer to her, “All will be well, Elf. Trust Me?"

  Sle'nel’ nodded, knowing that when her Queen and lover said this thing, there was absolute reason to trust her, “You know I do, my Queen."

  "Perhaps you can find the moment within you to address your Elves, then, Princess, as they await you most eagerly. They now wonder if you are angry with them, or upset in the loss of the one Elf."

  She nodded, looking about her, wondering what to say.

  San'lr'in’ was sensing her thoughts, “Tell them that The Realm awaits them. That many are at the gates waiting anxiously to see them. Tell them that for now, the first few turns of their arrival will be spent informing them of The Realm. Tell them that they will need to resume their everyturn patterns, but that The Realm will provide whatever is needed until they can sustain their own numbers. And tell them that you are well pleased that they have returned."

  "You are High Queen. You tell them."

  San'lr'in’ raised an eyebrow, grinning down at her Elf, “I will speak with them, but then so must you, Elfin Queen."

  San'lr'in’ walked to the middle of the room and addressed the Newly Arrived, “My most special Elves. I welcome you most fully back into The Realm. For overly many cycles upon cycles, The Realm has well missed its Elves, and suffered for their departure. But now here you stand, fully returned."

  She spoke to them for many moments, assuring them that The Realm was excited and pleased over their return, and telling them of all the things expected from a High Queen. As she spoke, she looked at each one fully, studying them, and seeing for the first moment that the Elves had truly returned. Before her stood not the Mystics that appeared as anxious, but the ever-calm and self-assured Elves. And for the first moment since their arrival, she saw that their astounding beauty was now also fully returned to The Realm. To a one, the Elves before
her all stood at least her height or taller, and all were fully Elfin, with the slightly differing eyes, the slightly differing ears, the slightly elongated faces, and all with fully long flowing dark hair.

  Then she saw it. In her mind, while yet speaking to them, she sent a message to Is'en'nel', There are no males among them.

  It is truth and as you say. The males were the most susceptible to the plague, so we chose not to return them through this passage. There are ten males to be born, however, the same percentage as lived within the Elfin community.

  When she was completed with her speech, she raised her eyebrow again, feeling slightly wicked, “And fully a gift to The Realm, is your High Sorcerer, and Elfin Queen, Sle'nel'."

  She moved her arm slightly, gesturing to her. Sle'nel’ caught her expression, knowing that her Queen would now sense into her thoughts, Later, my Queen, I shall get even with you for this.

  She laughed to herself, A moment I truly anticipate, My Desire.

  As Sle'nel’ spoke to the newly-returned Elves, San'lr'in’ and the others observed them. One hundred-ten Elves didn't seem like overly many in all The Realm, but numbered quite a lot in this room. Many looked upon the Elves, knowing that it would be many cycles prior to them leaving El'fs'nd'lle on a regular basis—at least until a good return of their prior numbers.

  When all the formalities were completed, Is'en'nel’ spoke, “The Elves are returned, and we are well pleased and hopeful in this. Some of us, as the spirit Elves, will remain for yet a few turns to instill further needed Elfin knowledge, but within one moon, these Elves will be fully on their own. From there, Sle'nel', my daughter, High Sorcerer, and Elfin Queen, will direct the moments of El'fs'nd'lle. But for now, it has been a long turn, and all are fully tired."

  They returned to The Realm's surface through yet another passage. It was as uphill as their entry was down, but was a slow upward path instead of stairs, so allowed for an easier climb, making it less tiring. The way was slow, as now all the newly-returned Elves ascended with them, going to their long-prior former dwellings.