San'lr'in’ turned to her, hoping it was another report, “Tell Me."
"Another report, my Queen. It is confirmed. We have captured three R'kin'dles, and they came willingly, with great relief from their fear. They know not who holds their town captive, but fear them well. They tell us that the one who commands them is overly strong. I fear it is who you think it to be, Highness."
"Have they yet seen her?"
"No, my Queen. But they spoke of many ravens about them. Many. And they continue to search about them, looking further for the ravens, even when in our safety."
"Has there been any other sign of the ravens?"
"Yes, my Queen. In the village that the R'kin'dles were told to attack. Many ravens. The forces have seen the ravens, for themselves. And they have killed them."
San'lr'in’ stared blankly at Ann'wn for a moment, then sighed, “Thus it begins, again. We have little choice in this, Force Leader. We are against the strongest we have yet prior faced, but we cannot lose. Save as many of the R'kin'dles as possible, and quickly so. Call the Private Guard together, in masse upon this moment—all of them. Have them seek out the ravens, and kill them."
"Where would you have us place the R'kin'dles, Highness?"
Another voice answered, “San'lr'in'. Take them to Sansthera."
The High Queen looked at her sister, who had just come up to them. She nodded as she turned back to Ann'wn, “As she says, Force Leader. Call the Black Guard to you. Command them to save the R'kin'dles and get them safely to Sansthera. My sister will send a message to Sansthera with them, informing Sansthera of the urgency. You will need to supply forces to Sansthera for protection."
"Thank you, San'lr'in'. I will tend to the note."
As Sume’ left, Ann'wn nodded, “It shall be done, Highness, as you say. With your leave, my Queen."
Softly, yet sadly, she nodded, “Call all our forces together to save the R'kin'dles. They are of great worth to our Realm.” She paused, knowing that Ann'wn would wait until she had been granted The High Queen's leave.
San'lr'in’ sighed again, placing her hand gently on Ann'wn's cheek, speaking so softly and slowly that Ann'wn began to shake with fear, knowing well the darkness about them when The High Queen did as such, “We will not exit this battle as we enter it, Ann'wn. Take great caution upon every move.” She removed her hand, “I wish reports twice upon every turn, from this moment. You have My leave."
Ann'wn was caught speechless in her Queen's words. She bowed her head, “Yes, my Queen."
Sle'nel’ placed her arms around San'lr'in', from behind. San'lr'in’ placed her hands upon Sle'nel's arms for a moment, then turned, “I apologize for this interruption of our celebration, My Desire."
Sle'nel’ just smiled softly, “Come, my Queen. You are overly tired. We have few moments of peace left between us until this wizard is gone from The Realm. We have but one turn until your departure, and you need rest."
"Sle'nel'. This wizard will consume much of My ef—"
Sle'nel’ placed her finger to The High Queen's lips, “I know, San'lr'in'. I have sensed this as so, but there is nothing further to be done at this moment. So let us enjoy this moment, prior to your leave.” Sle'nel’ took San'lr'in's hand, “Come lay beside me, my Queen?"
The High Queen rested during the eve and next turn, enjoying her last moments with Sle'nel’ prior to her return to the Valley, and to the battle with the Wizard of the Ravens. There had been little new from the reports, but Sle'nel’ had begun to sense the Wizard upon San'lr'in's last turn in El'fs'nd'lle'.
"She feels my powers."
Her statement came just as San'lr'in's attendants had completed preparing her for the eve, and just as they had left.
"Do you sense her, as well?"
Sle'nel’ had also been prepared for the eve by the attendants. She touched The High Queen's eve garments for a moment, playing with her lacings, “Some. I sense that she is not yet fully strong. My own weak and pitiful powers confuse her, but I think she seeks out the Sorrows of the Stones."
"Has she felt them within you?"
Sle'nel’ shook her head slightly, “No."
"No? But these are most strong within you."
"I have hidden them from her."
Sle'nel’ had undone the lacings, placing her hand on San'lr'in's breast, teasing it slightly until she heard a moan. But San'lr'in’ tried to ignore the feeling, “You are able to hide this power? How is this so? I knew not about this."
Sle'nel’ grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief, “Do you know the secret of being a great lover, my Queen?"
She placed her other hand on San'lr'in's other breast, pinching it softly, making her Queen to moan once again. San'lr'in’ was yet desiring more information, though, so continued to struggle against the feeling, “No, but I assume you will tell Me."
"Never let your lover know everything about you, my Queen."
* * * *
It had been agreed between them that Meera would remain with Sle'nel’ while Ann'wn traveled with The High Queen. Four of the newly-returned Elves also traveled to the Valley so that The Realm's members could begin to see the Elves as returned. This was arranged due to the High Council's message stating that a celebration and honored procession were to occur upon their arrival. The Elves had graciously accepted the need for their presence, but would return instantly to El'fs'nd'lle upon the celebration's conclusion.
Ann'wn had many guards already scouting their journey, ensuring that no surprises would occur. A rider was scheduled to be waiting for The High Queen's traveling party every little while so as to assure Ann'wn that their path was safe. And it was arranged that the camp would be prepared well prior to The High Queen's arrival at the end of each turn, so that the journey would be quicker.
"Are you certain you must remain?"
Sle'nel’ sighed, moving in closer to San'lr'in', “I must for a few more turns, but I will leave soon."
San'lr'in’ placed her arm around Sle'nel', kissing the top of her head, “I will miss you, Elfin Queen."
"I am not the queen, San'lr'in'. You know this is not truth."
She laughed, “I saw the Elfin Queen's crown upon your head, My Desire. I speak truth. Ask your High Elfin Counselor if you think this not as so."
"Just because one is seen as such doesn't make it so. When are you leaving?"
"Now. They most likely await My presence, and are most likely prepared for the journey."
"Then we must rise and see you prepared. But vow to me that you will not go to the Wizard of The Ravens without me. Vow this to me."
She sighed, “I may depart prior to you, but I will have a messenger sent to you so that you may meet up with Me, as traveling to the Southern Boundary is shorter from El'fs'nd'lle than from the Valley."
"Vow, San'lr'in'. You must not attempt to fight her without my powers."
"I will not vow this to you, as it would be an untruth. But if you return to the Valley by the Ruler's Gathering, we will make this cheerless journey together."
She and Sle'nel’ walked together to where Ann'wn waited with all the other travelers and guards. She saw that her sister was waiting, as well as the High Counselor and Fon'elnn'. It had been decided that Ern'seln’ would remain with Sle'nel', along with Meera and Caitha and many other guards, but that Roen and Krl'lnn', the young Apprentice-Master, would remain under Fon'elnn's watchful eye. And Sele’ would now be separated from Sle'nel’ once more, traveling back to the Valley with The High Queen and the High Priestess.
Ann'wn knelt and bowed her head, “Highness."
"Rise, Force Leader. Is all prepared?"
"It is, my Queen. The Deep Mystics have decided to remain in El'fs'nd'lle and will travel with the Elfin Queen, offering her their protection at least part of her return journey."
San'lr'in’ thought this a good report, knowing that while she thought the Deep Mystics overly demanding, they would protect Sle'nel’ well upon her journey, “I have spoken with Is'en'nel', and she h
as informed Me that some of the Elfin guards will also make this journey with her, even though they be with child. They see this as their duty to guard their Elfin Queen."
"I am not the Elfin Queen."
Ann'wn bowed her head, unsmiling, “Yes, Highness. As you say."
San'lr'in’ turned to Sle'nel', smiling a soft smile, “The Realm's Force Leader is not the one to who you must argue this, My Desire. She merely follows what she has been told, and what she knows to be truth."
Caitha had risen early to offer her farewells to The High Queen, “It is a wonderful morn in which to begin your journey, M'Love. And you are not to worry over our Elfin Queen, Highness. Meera and I will ensure her safety. The Healer has prepared me well for any emergency. We will bring her home safely to the Valley."
Sle'nel’ rolled her eyes in disbelief, “I am not the Elfin Queen, San'lr'in'. Why do all insist that I am?"
"You wore the crown, My Desire. It is done."
The High Queen's attendants were standing nearby, holding her cloak, while Ann'wn held all her weapons, “My Queen?"
"Tell Me."
"Would you like me to hold your weapons during our journey, or do you wish to carry them?"
"I will take My sword. You can hold the remainder.” She looked to her attendants and nodded, indicating that she was ready to be prepared with her cloak. As they placed it upon her, she turned back to Sle'nel'.
"If you arrive not by the Ruler's Gathering, all My forces will be on the search for you.” She brought her close to her, holding her one last moment prior to her departure, “I will miss you, most certain, Elf."
Sle'nel’ held her tightly, not wishing her to go, “I love you, San'lr'in'."
"And I you, My Desire, and more so upon each passing turn, in truth."
San'lr'in’ raised Sle'nel's head up to her, then kissed her fully for a long moment, not caring that many were about. As they unwillingly broke apart, she looked once more into Sle'nel's most beautiful eyes, “I will hold visions of you, Elf. You will remain in My mind."
Sle'nel’ raised her hands to San'lr'in's cheeks, touching them gently, “Be safe, my Queen."
She then stepped slightly away, allowing The High Queen to mount. As the travelers began their journey back to the Valley, San'lr'in’ turned around one last moment and sent a message, Return to Me, Elf. I will be waiting for you.
Sle'nel’ watched for a long moment while the travelers made their way back up the steep mountain switchbacks until she could no longer see her lover.
"Elfin Queen. We request your presence. One of us has decided to deliver her babe early, and she would like your presence at this event."
Sle'nel’ sighed, interrupted in her thoughts, guessing that this is what San'lr'in’ often felt as High Queen, “Lead the way, High Elfin Counselor."
* * * *
As they completed their initial journey up the switchbacks, Ann'wn and San'lr'in’ both took a moment to look back.
"You have returned the Elves to The Realm, Highness."
San'lr'in’ blinked slowly, feeling the weight of The Realm's burdens return fully to her. She looked at Ann'wn for a moment and softly said, “To bring them returned to a realm such as this was no great deed, Force Leader. Let us hope that it is for no purpose."
She turned her horse toward the Valley, looked at Ann'wn for one last moment, then placed the hood of her cloak over her head. Ann'wn met her Queen's eyes, seeing the burden that now rested within them. She wondered how The High Queen survived them.
Ann'wn had Fon'elnn’ guide them home, while she remained guarding The High Queen. The High Counselor rode in front of The High Queen this turn, while The Healer rode beside her. Little talking had occurred as they made their way through the Elfin gates, but per their usual, once upon open ground, all talking ceased. The Healer closely watched her Queen throughout the turn, wondering what such a one as this thought about during the journey, yet having no notion of it.
While many eyes watched her throughout the journey, San'lr'in’ paid them no heed, well trained to expect as such. Given moments to herself, and knowing that her forces were guarding her well, San'lr'in’ brought her meditations to her, searching for the Wizard of the Ravens. She was surprised when the Wizard of the Ravens also sensed her.
I sense your presence seeking me, High Queen.
The Wizard's thoughts stunned her, but she remained silent.
I like the feeling of your thoughts. They are intelligent and quick, unlike most these now around me. And you know well the feeling of power. I can sense this as so.
She searched her mind quickly, knowing she would have to prevent the connection soon.
I have sensed into many others’ thoughts, High Queen, and none compare to you. I am well pleased in finally finding you.
San'lr'in’ had heard the stories of the Wizard's great mind and abilities, and could now sense as such for herself. She felt that the Wizard had such great command over her mind and powers that she was completely at-ease in them.
She also sensed the Wizard's slight amusement, You choose not to send me your thoughts at this moment, High Queen. But I can wait. First, though, a slight trial of your abilities. Should you survive, we will perhaps speak again.
San'lr'in’ closed her mind to the Wizard, while wondering as to what the Wizard was planning, A trial? We certainly need no further trials.
They rode slightly past the sun's setting, needing to halt at the prior-prepared camp regardless of when they arrived to it. As they rode into camp, The High Queen removed herself from her meditations, then dismounted. As she did so, she became aware that her body was tired from the long turn's journey.
"High Queen."
She looked down to the voice, “Force Leader, rise. Are we where I might remove My hood?"
"I am sorry, but no, my Queen. Your meal awaits, and your bed is prepared."
"I must tend to other matters, Force Leader. Are there other reports from The Realm?"
"There are no new reports, Highness."
"And you must eat, High One, or Sle'nel’ will slit my throat upon her return."
The High Queen smiled slightly to her Healer, “Are you My keeper now, Healer?"
"Eat, then do as you will, High One."
"I am not as young as your forces, San'lr'in'. You torture me on this journey. Can we not rest during the turn?"
Ann'wn stepped into the conversation, “I am sorry, High Priestess, but we must make haste. The High Queen must return to the Valley quickly, as The Realm begins to gather out of fear over the Wizard of the Ravens."
This was unexpected to San'lr'in', “Explain yourself, Force Leader. The Realm gathers?"
Ann'wn bowed her head, blushing, knowing she had neglected to inform her Queen of such, “Yes, my Queen. The reports have traveled quickly through your Realm, and many have already arrived to hear of what can be done to halt the Wizard."
"The burden increases."
"Yes, Highness."
"And our entry procession is to be a grand event?"
Ann'wn bowed her head again, “Yes, my Queen. It is so."
"I assume that all the necessary arrangements have been made."
"Yes, Highness."
Sume’ waived her hand in dismissal, “Enough. I need to eat. San'lr'in', come with me and tell of what you saw while in your meditations upon this turn. Have you felt into the Wizard?"
San'lr'in’ stared at her sister with great surprise, well unused to taking commands from another. She first startled at the command, then laughed quietly to herself, following her sister to the fire.
The second turn of traveling was a repeat of the first, with them arriving into camp once again well past the sun's set. As they sat around the fire eating their eve's meal, Sume’ spoke softly to San'lr'in', “Perhaps you should return Sele's powers to her. We might need them against this wizard."
"I am uncertain of this moment."
"Then you should place them within you, as we will need these powers."
"Take Sele's powers into My own?"
"Yes. You can do this."
"They are most difficult to incorporate into mine, and will be even the more difficult to remove."
Sume’ thought about it for a moment, “We have little choice in this. Then you must return them to her soon, so that she may grow used to them."
"As soon as they are returned to her, the Wizard will feel her powers, as she has both The Realm's powers as well as the sorcery, like mine. But hers are more finely connected to each other than mine, and she need not call them to her. They are a part of her. The Wizard will feel this and seek her out."
"We will need these powers, San'lr'in'. In highest truth."
"Sele’ went to the Dark Powers once, and I am not yet assured she can avoid as such, again. We cannot risk losing her powers to the Dark Ones. These powers must remain in The Realm."
"You will have to trust her upon one moment, San'lr'in', and this you know."
"You speak truth, but is this the moment for that test, Counsel?"
"She has done well, but perhaps we should speak to her in this regard."
"Has she learned to be without her powers?"
"She has begun to wield the sword well without them, and she can engage the first three meditations without them, which is far better than I manage."
"You don't try. You are able to do this should you desire. Does she miss her powers?"
"She speaks not to me about them. She speaks of pleasing you, only, and knows that she has failed you and The Realm."
"Would you trust her, Sister, with The Realm?"
Sume’ was quiet for a moment, staring at San'lr'in', “I would. She may have been called by the Dark Ones, but she listened to them only for her dedication to you and The Realm."
"I will give her a test. Inform her not about this. You will help me in this regard."
"Good. She will pass."
Krl'lnn’ was sitting around the fire, near Roen and Ern'seln'. She had said little to anyone since The High Queen's battle with the prior First Master, choosing to observe only. Fon'elnn’ had watched her carefully since that moment, yet distrusting that Krl'lnn’ would come fully into the service of The Realm. While The High Queen was eating her meal, Fon'elnn’ decided to test Krl'lnn's dedication.
The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV] Page 48
