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

by Robbie Collins

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  Chapter XIV

  The Wizard of the Ravens

  They left for the battle immediately after the transfer of powers. All The Realm's forces were now traveling to the southern hemisphere, all on different routes, but all in continual communication with the other forces. The High Queen's Private and Black Guard were already near the Wizard's Keep, but at a safe distance. And even the Mungardies had gathered all their forces to fight alongside The High Queen.

  As they rested their horses for a few moments, Ann'wn reported, “My Queen?"

  "Tell Me."

  "The Elves have sent a report. The flying horses are defeating The Ravens."

  "At what loss?"

  "Only three, my Queen. They are attacking in groups of three, and seem to be successful."

  "I am pleased. Any other report?"

  "An'ther'on sends a report, Highness."

  "Tell Me."

  "She hears strange sounds from within the Keep."

  She nodded, “It is to be expected. She brings others into our Realm from the OuterRealm. We can but only guess as to what or who these be."

  Ann'wn shivered at the thought, “She reports that there is much smoke from inside the walls."

  The High Queen frowned, “It is as expected, but unfortunate."

  Their journey was long, from just north of the middle of The Realm to its southern hemisphere, fully many turn's travel. They rode throughout the turns, halting only briefly during the late eve, yet only enough to allow the horses their needed rest.

  On the second eve, Roen requested an audience, “Seer Roen. Tell Me."

  "The battle will be won, Highness."

  "Can you tell Me of the battle?"

  She shrugged, “I see after the battle only. The losses are great, but your closest to you live."

  "The Wizard of the Ravens?"

  "She dies, but lives. I know not what I see in this. But I see one thing most fully, Highness. A red stone. This you must keep close to you, even if you think it overly late."

  "Have you seen anymore in regard to this Wizard, Seer?"

  "I see the same, Highness. She is more, yet less than you are aware. But I also see that she is with great power and intelligence, and that her attachment to you is true."

  The High Queen considered her words, then nodded, “Thank you, Seer Roen. You serve Me well."

  On their third eve, San'lr'in’ brought her powers more fully to her, yet allowing her thoughts to become slightly opened—she needed to know more about the Wizard. It took only a moment prior to the Wizard contacting her, as she knew she would.

  You are coming to me. I can feel this as so.

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ gave no return message, but kept her mind slightly open.

  You want to learn more about me. I can sense this. As I do you. You have willingly opened your mind to me. But allow me to give you a small gift first, of my need of you. Feel this gift, then take it if it pleases you.

  Suddenly, she could see another Realm. She could see the life on it as if it were her Realm.

  Amazing, is it not? I can open all this to you and make it yours. Ours. Come to me and share my glory with me. I have waited long for such as you. I have watched and waited for you, High Queen. Let me show you my love for you.

  You seek to destroy this Realm.

  The Wizard was delighted, You have finally chosen to answer me. But no, High Queen, I don't wish to destroy this Realm. I seek only to make it as mine, as it once was. Allow this not to interfere with us. Come to me, High Queen, and meet with me.

  You already know that we come.

  I know your forces come, but I care nothing about this. I want you to come to me, to meet with me, here. Where I live. Come to me, and be mine.

  San'lr'in’ chose not to respond.

  Think on my offer, and I will ask it of you at another moment. But do me one small favor, High Queen, and I will not destroy your forces that are now around my Keep.

  Tell Me of your request.

  Allow one of my Ravens to land on your arm so that I might see you through its eyes.

  How will I know that you have spared My forces?

  You are in contact with them, is this not truth?

  In two turns, then.

  Your forces should thank you for this, but I thank you most of all. Until then, my Beauty.

  * * * *

  "She has responded to you, Wizard?"

  The Wizard was pleased at the thought of The High Queen, “She was receptive."

  "Wizard, I would warn against thinking that this High Queen would come to you as easily as this. She is most loyal to The Realm and would not give in as easily as this."

  She glared at her captain, “Bah! You know nothing of power, idiot. Go, and prepare for her forces."

  "They leave, Wizard?"

  "She comes, as do they all, as we planned. But she will come to me. I can feel this as so. I intrigue her. Already I can feel her separating from her forces."

  "Perhaps it is a trick, Wizard."

  She backhanded her advisor with great force, then looked at her, smiling, thinking once again about San'lr'in', “Tell me about her. Tell me of her beauty."

  Her advisor wiped the blood away from her mouth, “Like no other, Wizard. Her beauty shines beyond all else, across all this Realm. Her hair is the color of auburn, a deep-rich red that beckons to be touched. And her form is striking, beyond all others."

  She spoke aloud, but spoke only to herself, “Finally. My longing will be satisfied.” She smiled at the thought, then suddenly turned on her advisor, once again, “You had better be correct, Advisor, or it will be your life."

  She bowed her head, “My words cannot describe her beauty, Wizard. She is all this, and more."

  "Excellent. And I will know of this, personally, in two turns."

  * * * *

  "How do you know which direction to lead, Master?"

  U'Aine examined Keddi for a moment, “I have been there."

  "Will we arrive prior to any battle?"

  U'Aine looked at Andren, thinking how odd it felt to travel with a man, “We would hope for such, Hengist."

  "Andren, Master."

  U'Aine stared at him, saying nothing.

  "I am called by Andren."

  U'Aine was unsettled by what she had learned from The Realm. As they traveled, she had various messengers bring her reports from The High Queen's Private Guard, as well as her own various messengers. Like The High Queen, U'Aine had learned to seek many sources throughout The Realm, never relying solely on any one of them.

  What she had learned disturbed her. She knew that her High Queen had placed herself into jeopardy. And while this wasn't unknown to her, as The High Queen often did as such, never had she been so far removed from The High Queen as upon this moment.

  "You have received a bad report?"

  She turned to Sam, who had walked over to her. She allowed a small smile upon seeing her, “Highest."

  "The battle has begun?"

  She shook her head, “No. Not as yet. The High Queen has taken a new power into herself."

  "She is stronger, then."

  "It is not a power to be used in such a fashion. She takes great risk."

  "Great risk to save The Realm."

  "Yes, this, most certain."

  "The stronger she is, the more likely she will but survive against this Wizard."

  "Not with this power. If she doesn't die by the Wizard, she will surely do so through this power. Even she cannot control such a thing."

  "Then why...?"

  "That is the question that I cannot yet answer."

  * * * *

  Ann'wn had sensed her Queen growing distant from them, “My Queen?"

  She sighed deeply, “Tell Me."

  "About the Keep, Highness."

  She turned and stared at her, but said nothing.

  "We think it overly dangerous for you to attempt to enter it, my Queen."

 
The High Queen closed her eyes for a moment, quickly sensing that many others were now about them, “I have given My command in this regard."

  "But, my Queen, we think that—"

  "Leave Me, Force Leader."

  "Highness. This Wiza—"

  Suddenly, The High Queen drew her sword, placing its tip at Ann'wn's throat, “Leave Me."

  Ann'wn was surprised, but knelt before her Queen, “Highness."

  The High Queen had a moment of softness take over, feeling pleased that Ann'wn had finally learned to deal directly with her. But she also knew that this wasn't the moment she could show her pleasure. She needed to learn more about the Wizard of the Ravens, and she needed her forces to be more independent of her. Suddenly, The High Queen sensed a stranger's arrival. She looked up to a tree, seeing the visitor.

  She resheathed her sword, then held out her arm, “Come to Me."

  The Raven flew down to her, landing on her arm much in the fashion as her own raptor had done upon so many prior moments. Ann'wn became fully surprised at such, as did all the forces now about them, wondering why their Queen would bring such an enemy to her. She rose and moved slightly away from her Queen and the raven.

  "Why do you allow as such, my Queen? This is an enemy in our midst."

  She looked at Sle'nel', pleased in her response, but refrained from any smile, “I know what I do, Elfin Queen. I am High Queen."

  "You may be High Queen, but this is foolish. This raven should be killed, and yet you entertain it on your arm as if it were a treasured visitor."

  Sume’ had been told of the raven, “Kill this raven, San'lr'in', and quickly so."

  "Anyone who moves to kill this raven will face My wrath."

  Sume’ studied her briefly, “These Dark Powers call to you overly, San'lr'in'."

  The High Queen glared at her, holding her arm steady, “You know not of what you say, High Wizard Sorceress. Mind yourself to your own doings. I know what I now do. All of you, leave Me."

  Sle'nel’ came close, now angered, “You know nothing of what you now do. You are being taken over by this Wizard, San'lr'in'. Allow this to occur. You must fight her."

  "Leave Me. All of you, LEAVE ME."

  Sle'nel’ glared back at her lover, “I leave, gladly, San'lr'in', but I hope you will think well on our words. You move overly close to these Dark Powers."

  She turned and stormed away, and slowly, so did the others. Ann'wn and Meera, however, remained behind, guarding their High Queen, yet confused well in their own thoughts. They watched as The High Queen stroked the bird's head. As she did so, she opened her mind, knowing the Wizard would be hoping for such.

  You are astonishingly beautiful, High Queen. Come to me. I must have you.

  I know you not.

  But my powers intrigue you. You want to know more of them. Is this not truth?

  She didn't answer. She sensed the Wizard laugh.

  Are you not curious of my looks?

  I have seen you.

  You checked on me?

  This is truth.

  Did you find me appealing?

  In truth, you are most alluring.

  Allow me to give you another gift, High Queen?

  She said nothing. She sensed the Wizard's laughing, then suddenly felt more powerful.

  You send me more powers?

  I want you strong, for me.

  I am strong.

  Yes. I know this as so, but I want you to desire these powers, to share them with me. And I need your heart strong.

  How powerful are you?

  I never tire.

  San'lr'in’ waited a moment, then sent her thoughts, I am High Queen. What could you offer Me that is more than this?

  You are High Queen of peasants. I can make you High Queen of many Realms. I can give you powers beyond your imaginings.

  Why Me?

  Power is more entertaining when shared. You understand power. And you are beautiful. Come to me. I can bring you here upon this instant. Tell me you will come to me. Let me bring you here to me. Let me show you my love of you.

  I now come, and this you know.

  No. Not this. I know of such. Allow me to bring you here through my sorcery.

  My forces need Me.

  They will be spared if you come.

  I will think on this.

  Two turns?

  Two turns.

  The High Queen closed her thoughts to the Wizard of the Ravens, then moved her arm so that the raven would leave. She closed her eyes for a moment, sensing who was now about her. She sensed that only Meera and Ann'wn were guarding her, but knew that they had seen enough and were fully confused, which is as she had planned. She returned to her tent where Sle'nel’ was waiting.

  She spoke softly to her, “Two turns."

  Sle'nel’ nodded, whispering in return, “These are most difficult of moments."

  "You are doing well. Trust Me, Elf."

  Sle'nel’ looked sad, but nodded, “Always."

  * * * *

  "You saw her, Wizard?"

  She was smiling out the window, holding the image of San'lr'in’ in her mind, “I did. She allowed the raven to remain fully near her while we shared our thoughts. She is stunning. You were correct, Advisor. I shall reward you greatly, should she decide to come to me."

  "Please mind that she is most intelligent, Wizard. This could be a trick."

  The Wizard turned and glared, narrowing her eyes, “Enough! I know what I do. Have you so easily forgotten of my powers, Advisor? Also, I saw that she was angry at her forces."

  She bowed her head, “My deepest apologies. Does she now agree to come?"

  "I think she will do as such. She will let me know in two turns."

  "She would leave her kingdom?"

  "I can offer her so much more than these petty little peasants. When we have this Realm under our control once again, we will open communications with the other Realms."

  "Yes, Wizard."

  "Are the rooms prepared, for her coming?"

  "Yes, Wizard. Fully prepared."

  "I want her treated as I would expect, Advisor. She is to be mine."

  "It will be so, Wizard."

  * * * *

  As U'Aine had told, they traveled quickly and without much rest. U'Aine was surprised in the resolve of those from Woden. She led their journey as they traveled, keeping a steady eye on Sam. At the end of the long turn, and as the moon hid itself behind the growing expanse of clouds, they made camp. U'Aine sat across from Sam, admiring her beauty. Sam looked at her, but said nothing. But U'Aine saw that her eyes spoke a thousand words.

  "I cannot halt from looking at you, Highest."

  Sam's eyes twinkled, “It is but the same for me, Master."

  U'Aine felt her heart pound, and felt her need grow, but disguised it for the moment, “Your Woden forces travel quickly. I am pleased in this."

  "We are well used to hardships. How long prior to our arrival?"

  "I know not for certain, but perhaps six more turns if we can keep our quick pace."

  "We can ride as quickly as you need, Master."

  It began to rain lightly, so U'Aine rose and held out her hand to Sam, “May I escort you to your shelter, Highest?"

  Sam looked up at her, then began to rise. Suddenly, it began to rain harder. She saw that all those about now fled quickly to their own shelters. She took U'Aine's hand and began to move toward her shelter, when U'Aine pulled her back to her.

  "U'Aine. It is raining."

  U'Aine held her tightly to her, “It is?"

  Sam laughed lightly as U'Aine kissed her, fully, with deep passion.

  "Tell me, Master. What is this battle to be like?"

  U'Aine paused, “Enjoy the moments we now have, Highest."

  * * * *

  As the sun's set began, the Valley's forces halted their journey. During their eve meal, San'lr'in’ watched Sle'nel’ closely, wishing that they could spend more moments together. Sle'nel’ was sitting next to Caitha, sl
ightly apart from San'lr'in', but glanced over to her and saw her looking saddened.

  Sle'nel’ rose and went to her, holding out her hand, “Come. We must speak."

  The High Queen nodded and took her hand, rising. As they walked slightly away from the encampment, she brought Sle'nel’ close to her, “I will miss you greatly."

  Sle'nel’ felt her heart drop, “I as well. Be strong, San'lr'in'. You cannot be concerned over us. We know our duty. But are you certain there is no other way?"

  She looked into her eyes as she ran her finger softly across Sle'nel's eyebrow, “I have turned this over and over in My mind, but can think of nothing else that will work with such certainty."

  She kissed her, sharing her desperation.

  "You shake."

  "The moment will not be easy, My Desire."

  "I will be here when it is over. All you must do is return. Worry over nothing else. We will all do as necessary. Think not on what you must do."

  "I am sorry, My Elf. I am deeply sorry for this moment."

  Sle'nel’ wiped her eyes dry, then nodded, “I know this as truth, San'lr'in'. Do as you need, and trust us, my Lover."

  San'lr'in’ held her tightly for a moment, “Remember our stars, Sle'nel'. It will ever be in My mind and heart."

  "To our stars, my Queen."

  "And know this as truth, My Desire. If I die prior to being able to send you a message, My last thought is of you."

  Sle'nel’ walked back to the fire alone, while San'lr'in’ took the moment to call her powers more fully to her, and to shield them. As she finally walked back to the fire, she felt Ann'wn near her. Feeling a moment of guilt, she pushed it firmly away, knowing that what she was about to do was the only way in which she could save her forces.

  As she neared the fire, she felt everyone's eyes upon her. They were fully wondering why Sle'nel’ came back into their camp crying.

  "What did you do to her, Mean One?"

  She took a deep breath, feeling the pain that the moment was about to bring, and accepted its heaviness. She looked to her sister and waved her hand as if in dismissal, “It is nothing. She will be fine."

  All those about the fire were in shock, knowing that The High Queen and Sle'nel’ never had such moments.

  "You are in contact with the Wizard of the Ravens."