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

by Robbie Collins

  She glared at her sister, “I must know her further so I can learn of her weaknesses, High Wizard Sorcerer. This concerns you not."

  Sume’ rose and glared back, “You are changing, San'lr'in'. You are moving closer to this Wizard. I can feel it as so. Remove yourself from her thoughts. You are entering into your meditations more upon each turn so as to speak with her. This must halt."

  "I must fight against this one, High Wizard Sorcerer. Do you know of another way in which to get to know of her weaknesses?” She hid her guilt and sorrow through her anger.

  "You have fought many others without moving toward the Dark Powers. Why do you do so upon this moment?"

  She sat down, once again waving her hand in dismissal, “I move not to the Dark Powers."

  "You do. You have raised your sword against your Force Leader for no good reason. You are moving yourself steadily apart from all of us, and you have made our Elf to cry."

  "Leave Me, High Wizard Sorcerer."

  "I did not choose to come into your service, or do you conveniently not recall this?"

  Suddenly, she saw a raven fly into camp. She rose and held out her arm, ignoring her sister.

  "Come to Me."

  "Kill that bird, San'lr'in'. Show us that you do not move to the Dark Powers. Kill this enemy of ours."

  Meera pulled out her knife, but San'lr'in’ waved her hand lightly, making Meera to drop her weapon, “No one is to harm this bird.” She turned to the bird and stroked its head as if it were her raptor, “What report do you have for Me, Raven of the Wizard?"

  She opened up her mind, knowing that the Wizard would be waiting for her.

  What is your decision, High Queen? Will you come to Me? Do you choose to save your forces?

  I wish not to be someone's slave, Wizard.

  Slave? You will not be my slave. We will rule together. You will come to love me, as I already love you. I need you greatly, and yearn deeply for you. Feel my need of you.

  She was again surprised in what the Wizard could send to her, as she suddenly felt the physical longing the Wizard had of her. The power amazed fully amazed her, as did the intense need and desire.

  I know you not, especially in this regard.

  You will learn. I know well that you require much in this regard. My messengers tell me that you require a physical release at least once upon each turn. I as well. We will be well-matched, High Queen. And I will satisfy your every desire. Will you come to me?

  "San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. Return to us."

  She ignored her sister and answered the Wizard, How do I know this is truth, and not trickery?

  The Wizard sent her desire of her, fully, allowing her to feel her deep loneliness, and of her deep need for her. Even San'lr'in’ was surprised in the honesty of the moment.

  I have shown you my heart, High Queen. I have opened it fully to you. Only you. Can you now feel this as so?

  "Highness. Return. We need you."

  She ignored Sele', I feel it.

  Will you come? Will you come to me so that we may meet?

  What if you don't wish Me, once I come?

  This will not be so, but I will vow your safe departure, should that be your desire.

  I am not such as you, Wizard. Our pasts are fully separate. You are long prior from here.

  We are more alike than different, High Queen. Come to me, and we will work through these moments. Allow me to hold you, High Queen, and you will see. Come. Be my lady.

  San'lr'in’ didn't respond, her heart feeling heavy in the moment. She felt as if she were betraying all those about her.

  Please come to me, High Queen. Come to me.

  I will not vow to remain, Wizard.

  She could feel The Wizard's heart jump in delight, You will come for a meeting, High Queen? And this is fine, as I know that you will then stay. Come. I have a small celebration prepared for you. For us. Come to me. Tell me that you will come.

  Now?

  Yes. Tell me you will come.

  "San'lr'in'. Halt this nonsense and return to us."

  I will come.

  San'lr'in’ felt the Wizard's delight in the statement.

  Close your eyes, High Queen.

  As she closed her eyes, she vanished from everyone's vision.

  "Where did she go?"

  * * * *

  When she opened her eyes, she saw the Wizard standing before her. She moved her arm so that the raven that was yet upon it could fly away, then looked at the Wizard. She was surprised to see that the Wizard of the Ravens was smiling, fully pleased in the moment, “You are astonishingly beautiful, High Queen. Thank you for coming to me. I know that this has required great trust on your part."

  San'lr'in’ bowed slightly, yet trying to shake off her disorientation. She removed her crown, as a display of respect, then smiled, “It is My honor, High Wizard. Many tales have been told of your abilities. Of all in The Realm, across all the eras, you are noted as the strongest."

  She felt into her surroundings, sensing many guards with weapons fully aimed at her. And she noticed one woman standing quite near the Wizard, guessing it to be someone close to her.

  The Wizard looked surprised, “Such as this? But enough. It is you I wish to dwell upon, and this is most easily accomplished, given your great appearance. By all the truths, you are beautiful!"

  She saw that the Wizard held out her hands to her. She began to go to her, when suddenly she was halted at sword-point, “Wizard. She is fully armed."

  The Wizard of the Ravens backhanded the guard, “Idiot. Did I not command that no guards were to be present?” She turned to her advisor, “Rid me of these guards."

  "But, Wizard. She could make a move against—"

  The Wizard gave a small spell, sending her advisor flying into the nearby wall, “NO ONE SPEAKS BACK TO ME.” San'lr'in’ watched her carefully, seeing her temper flare beyond reason. The Wizard looked back at The High Queen, then smiled, “Don't worry over these idiots. You and I both understand that you could make no move against me that would work. My sorcery is much stronger and quicker than yours. Is this not so, High Queen?"

  Instead of answering, San'lr'in’ held out her hands, as the Wizard had done to her. The Wizard smiled warmly, her eyes softening to the moment, took San'lr'in's hands into her own and held them tightly. San'lr'in’ was surprised that the Wizard was so beautiful. She had seen her sleeping long prior, but hadn't been able to see her youth or beauty, “You are more beautiful than I recall, Wizard."

  The Wizard laughed, “Perhaps it was the overly long sleep, High Queen, or may I call you by something else?"

  "I am called by San'lr'in'thel'ineln'."

  She tried out the name, “San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. It is a beautiful name. It is not a name of my era."

  The Wizard removed her hands, moving one to San'lr'in's gown, running her finger along the inside seam, between her breasts, “I have never seen such a gown as this. This is truly magnificent."

  "Your era did not have such as these, Wizard?"

  The Wizard moved her fingers down between San'lr'in's breast, sensually feeling her skin. San'lr'in’ shivered lightly at the teasing touch, not able to halt her response.

  The Wizard smiled at her, “You respond to my touch. I am pleased."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ removed the Wizard's hand, holding it in her own, “Perhaps you might be kind enough to give Me some patience in this regard, Wizard. I have just arrived."

  The Wizard didn't look pleased, but cast the moment aside, “Of course, my San'lr'in'. Please forgive my rudeness. I have long been gone from The Realm, and my eagerness is often more than I can control, especially in this moment. Please allow me to show you my Keep."

  As they began to move out of the room, the Wizard placed her arm across San'lr'in's shoulders, “You have come a far distance to be here with me. You please me well. You are even more than I dared hope for, my treasure."

  San'lr'in’ looked up at her, “I wasn't aware you had such strength as t
o bring me such a distance. My forces are fully yet three turns from here."

  "You forget the moat, High Queen. Four turns. But I can give you this power also."

  She turned to her, halting their progress, and brought San'lr'in’ tightly to her. She stared into her eyes, “I have waited long for this moment. Kiss me, San'lr'in'. This much you can grant to me."

  San'lr'in’ removed all her thoughts of the past from her mind, then leaned into The Wizard, fully. As they kissed, she thought of nothing but Sle'nel'.

  * * * *

  "Where did she go?"

  "She has gone to the Wizard of the Ravens."

  "Bring Sle'nel’ to me. She must be told."

  "What are we to do, now? We cannot battle the Wizard of the Ravens without her."

  Suddenly, another voice calmed their confusion, “We will do as she commanded. She has prepared us well for this moment. She commanded that you be independent of her. We must now follow her commands."

  While Sle'nel’ spoke, Sume’ studied her for a long moment. She then walked over next to her and spoke softly, “You knew of this moment. You knew she was planning this. All these moments up to this were planned."

  Sle'nel’ looked sideways at her, “You must trust your sister, High Wizard Sorcerer. Only this. She has left us in control of the forces now, and has chosen you wisely. We must remain true to her commands."

  Sume’ examined her again, guessing as to the occurrence. She spoke softly so no one else could hear her, “Tell me, Elf. Tell me that she intends to return to her reign."

  Sle'nel’ looked sadly at her, “She intends to defeat the Wizard, as planned, High Wizard Sorcerer. We must all keep to our tasks now, for her. As she needs of us to do.” She then looked at Erthrn and Ann'wn, “You have your commands. You are now the leaders of the forces. Mil'der'in will act as High Queen while San'lr'in’ is gone. No further is to be spoken of this."

  Ann'wn objected, “But her forces will think her a traitor."

  Sle'nel’ turned on her, pulling her sword against Ann'wn, “Is that worse than what the Wizard of the Ravens will do to her, Force Leader, should she learn of this? THINK!"

  Sume’ placed her hand on Sle'nel's sword, gently urging it downwards away from Ann'wn, and spoke softly, “She is correct, Elf. The High Queen's forces need to know."

  Sle'nel’ lowered her sword, but her eyes remained narrowed in the moment, “Then tell them to trust their High Queen. Only this. No one must know of this."

  Sume’ pushed the moment, “She is in the Wizard's Keep, Elf?"

  Sle'nel’ nodded.

  Sume’ placed her arm through Sle'nel's and began to walk them away from the camp, “Tell me of what occurs."

  As Sle'nel’ quietly told her of the plan, Sume's eyes widened in disbelief.

  "No one must know. No one, High Wizard Sorcerer."

  "No one will know, Elf. Not even my beloved Erthrn."

  When the tale was completed, Sume’ went to Ann'wn, “We rise early, Force Leader. We must arrive at the Wizard's Keep well prior than our plans."

  Erthrn and Ann'wn both nodded, “It will be done."

  "We will rest no longer. For The High Queen!"

  Erthrn gave a hint of a smile to her lover, “It is as I thought, then. Our High Queen is with us through this battle.” She held out her arm to Sume', “Come. We have few moments now in which to rest. Our quest is clear, and we leave early."

  * * * *

  U'Aine watched all those about her as they readied their eve's camp. Unlike what she had seen throughout The Realm, the men and women from Woden all pitched in to help until the camp was fully readied, without being commanded to such.

  As she completed the eve's fire, she heard a voice from behind her, “Master. I hear you are quite capable with the sword. A contest?"

  She closed her eyes for a moment. She didn't wish to display her abilities, and especially against these overly naïve women. As she hesitated, Sam came to her, “Keddi is of The Realm, Master. She traveled throughout many of our lands and has learned much. She might surprise you in her abilities."

  U'Aine rose and spoke to both of them, “In truth, Highest, I have seen her abilities with a bow and arrow, and am well impressed. Her sword skills are also far beyond those in The Realm."

  Keddi taunted her, “It is as I thought. You are afraid of me."

  U'Aine smiled, then snickered. Instead of drawing her own sword, she made a quick move against Keddi, taking her sword from her.

  "Are you certain you wish me to draw my sword, Second?"

  Keddi's eyes were wide in surprise, “How did you do as such? I didn't even feel you remove it from my hands."

  U'Aine tossed Keddi's sword lightly back to her. She shrugged, “Training. Is there another, perhaps easier fashion that I am unaware of?"

  Keddi readied her sword once again, “Fight against me fairly, Master?"

  U'Aine drew her sword, hitting Keddi's quickly, making another sudden move, then made Keddi's sword come to her.

  Sam laughed, “The High Queen has done as such to me. I seem unable to learn this move, but it is a useful trick."

  Keddi just shook her head, taking her offered sword back, and re-sheathing it, “You are quick, Master.” Then Keddi smiled, “But are you as good with a bow?"

  U'Aine raised an eyebrow, “We shall see. Make a match, Second. You have your contest."

  Keddi had some of the guards make targets on various trees, far distant. When all was readied, U'Aine was given one of Keddi's bows, “Would you like to go first, Master?"

  U'Aine shook her head, “No. I would like us to shoot at the same moment. I wish to see who is the quickest and most accurate."

  Keddi agreed, “Highest. You are to provide for the beginning of the contest. Provide us our signal.” She designated a few guards to watch each of their arrows, so that accurate accounts would be provided.

  "Are you readied, Master? Second?"

  They each nodded, readying their bow and arrows.

  "Readied. Aim. Shoot!"

  U'Aine and Keddi shot their seven arrows quickly, barely with enough moments between their arrows to allow the other guards their chance to observe carefully. They finished shooting at the same moment.

  "The red-tipped ones are the Master's. Mine are black-tipped."

  Two of the guards nodded and went running off to the seven targets. Keddi looked at the Master, smiling, “Care to place a wager, Master?"

  U'Aine smiled softly, without malice, “I rather like this bow."

  "Done, should you win."

  "And if you win, what is your desire?"

  "Your sword."

  U'Aine nodded, “It is agreed then."

  Keddi laughed, “It is a shame, Master, that you will lose this wager."

  U'Aine just shrugged, yet smiling, “I am certain it is as you say, Second."

  The guards returned. Sam asked, “The outcome? Who won?"

  Andren answered, “It is, in truth, Highest, most amazing. Both placed their arrows dead center, in all seven targets."

  "A draw, then?"

  Andren shook his head, “This is the most amazing of it, Highest. The red-tipped arrows each split the black-tipped arrows. Dead center."

  Keddi looked fully astonished, “This could not be so. Explain yourselves."

  Andren held up the arrows, displaying that each black-tipped arrow had been split fully down the center by the red-tipped arrows. Keddi took one, holding it close to her, seeing for herself. She shook her head in amazement, “This is not possible. No such thing can occur."

  Sam laughed, “No, Second? Then how do you explain it?"

  Keddi looked at Sam, back down at the arrows, then to U'Aine. She went to her and held out her arm in warrior fashion, “I am impressed, Master. You have my deepest respect."

  U'Aine grabbed Keddi's arm in warrior fashion, then placed her other hand on Keddi's shoulder, “You are not an easy archer to beat, Second. But I will enjoy your bow."

  Keddi
laughed, then removed her own bow from her shoulder, “Here. This is my newest and strongest. You have won it fairly."

  U'Aine took it and smiled at Keddi gently, “Thank you, Woden Warrior Woman. I am honored to be in your company."

  Sam looked at all of them, “We but needed the entertaining diversion, yet our moments grow away from us. We leave early, well prior to the sun's rise."

  * * * *

  The attendant knelt and bowed, “Your morn meal, High Queen."

  She turned and looked at her, “You have been assigned as My attendant?"

  She saw that the woman looked petrified, “It is so, High Queen. Do I not please you?"

  San'lr'in’ sighed softly, “You have done nothing to displease Me. Has the Wizard yet awoken?"

  "Oh no, High Queen. She sleeps until late after midmorn. Is there anything you require of me, High Queen?"

  San'lr'in’ was pleased to learn that the Wizard wouldn't be about for a while longer, “I have great need of some clean garments, and I could use some water to bathe in. My journey has been long.” She was yet tired, having spent most the eve in the company of the Wizard, but had great need to learn of her surroundings.

  The woman nodded, yet keeping her head bowed, “I have anticipated such, High Queen. Your bath awaits in the side room."

  While she was being bathed and attended, she used the moments to learn more of the Wizard's Keep, “Tell Me about this fortress. Is it strong?"

  As her attendant spoke freely, she drew a map of the Keep in her head for later use. She was pleased that the attendant needed little encouragement to speak, using the moments to also hide her thoughts well away from the Wizard's scrutiny. So that the Wizard wouldn't question why she was prevented from sensing into San'lr'in's thoughts, she provided a well-disguised alternative, one that would lead the Wizard to sense her as curious and desirous. She well knew that the Wizard was vain enough to believe these to be her real thoughts, without question. And San'lr'in’ also well knew that the Wizard wouldn't take any more moments to seek further, after learning of The High Queen's desiring of her.

  "The Wizard will be most anxious to see you when she rises, High Queen."

  "Are there any events for the turn?"

  "A banquet and a celebration, in your honor."