The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV] (48 page)

Sle'nel’ pulled away after a moment, laughing, “You are wicked."

San'lr'in’ laughed also, then said, “Now you must place these spells into your staff. Do you know how to do as such?"

"Into my staff? But why?"

"This will be the first moment in all The Realm since D'klr'dil and The First High Queen that this much sorcery will be reunited into one place. Your staff, My Desire, is the only weapon that can hold all these spells, and you are the only one to be able to hold them well away from the dark powers."

"Have I not enough, already? Even now, I couldn't possibly use it all."

"Perhaps, but it is not for you to say. You are the High Sorcerer, the keeper of the sorcery. It is your role, Elf. Yet, even as much sorcery as this, it is not all of it."

"Life was certainly much simpler in Woden. What do I now need to do?'

Her mother spoke, “You now must cause your staff to remain suspended, in the same fashion as your lover did with her dagger and red stone."

Sle'nel’ nodded, asking her staff the spell to do as such. After reading it and memorizing it, she gave the spell for it to do so. Surprised, Sle'nel’ saw that her staff remained fully in the air, on its own.

"Now you must bring your sword down upon it with all your strength. All your strength, Daughter, holding it there as you did with your lover's sword."

"It will break the staff. It is made of wood, only. This sword will most certainly break it in half."

"Trust the spell, Daughter. This will not occur."

In a feat of great trust, Sle'nel’ brought her newly acquired Elfin sword down with all her force upon the staff, using all the sword's strength and sharpness against it. Even as she did as such, Sle'nel’ believed the staff would most certainly break. But as the sword met the staff, and as Sle'nel’ held the sword tightly connected to the staff, she saw that its strength held, and watched as small lightning rods flew out of the sword.

For the first moment in many long prior cycles, most of the sorcerer's powers were together once more, rejoined and unified. She dropped her sword, then gave a quick chant, releasing the staff from its spell, holding out her hand to catch it. As Sle'nel’ began to fall to the ground from the pain, she took quick note that neither the sword or the staff were damaged, but noticed that the staff felt far heavier.

The Healer and San'lr'in’ helped removed Sle'nel's pain.

"It is enough for this turn. In the morn, we will begin the task of returning our Elves to The Realm. Rest well this eve, Daughter."

Sle'nel’ hadn't released her staff since the transfer of powers. She held it out to her lover, “Feel its weight."

San'lr'in’ looked at her quizzically, taking the staff hesitantly. As she did so, she felt the difference in the weight, “I had never expected as such. Most amazing to think that spells weigh as much as this.” But she also felt something else. Something overly dark that left her wondering. A feeling she had also felt just the prior morn.

She handed it quickly back to Sle'nel', never wishing to bring such a thing to her if it could be avoided. She shivered lightly at the knowledge that some unknown power was trying to make contact with her, through the sorcery spells, and she wished well to avoid them. Closing her eyes, she wished she hadn't felt yet another dreaded sense of deep foreboding.

Will these dark moments never end?

Ann'wn had provided quick order to the turn's tasks, allowing her forces some relief from their long journey, while they all took turns at the various camp needs. She also allowed her forces to rest in the Elves’ dwellings during the remainder of their visit, and her forces were well pleased and grateful.

Refreshing themselves after what seemed an eternity of traveling and sleeping upon the dirt, everyone helped to prepare a feast for their first eve's meal in El'fs'nd'lle. Sle'nel’ sat next to her lover, as San'lr'in’ sat at the head. This eve, The High Queen had asked that her elder sister sit at the other end of the table, with Erthrn near her, in hopes that Sume’ would find herself desirous of her.

Much music, food and merriment occurred throughout the eve. Sam was sitting on the other side of Sle'nel', while Uthrn was off challenging others to contests. Sam was grateful for the reprieve, yet wondering how to inform Uthrn that their moments together were no longer pleasing. The Healer was sitting next to her Queen, with Ann'wn on her other side. And Mil'der'in and Fon'elnn’ sat in the middle of the table, entertaining the Deep Mystics.

San'lr'in', as was her usual, observed the events, moving in and out of conversations casually, mostly without thinking, often amused by them.
Mil'der'in would make a most excellent Queen of The Valley. Why does she not wish this role?

She saw that Roen and Ern'seln’ were yet shy, but becoming bolder with each other, now holding hands and whispering often to each other. She saw them giggling, wondering if she had ever prior done as such.

Sle'nel’ had also seen Roen and Ern'seln's growing need of each other, “I think that it is perhaps the moment that we move Sele’ to another's care for the eve, my Love."

San'lr'in’ closed her eyes for a moment, calling herself fully back into The Realm. She looked at her lover, then at her lover's hand, seeing it as beautiful, yet strong and assured. She touched her own hand to Sle'nel's, caressing it softly, “I have already tended to the issue, My Desire. She will be with your prior lover, as she has asked for such. She wishes to be with her, as she will be taking her leave in one more turn."

She thought Roen a striking young Mystic, especially since the fear had moved away from her face and eyes. Like Sam, Roen had intense blue eyes that were highlighted even the more with her now emerging blonde hair. As she looked at Ern'seln, she thought her a perfect contrast to Roen. Ern'seln's hair was now short, but blacker than a moonless eve, and her eyes were as intense in their coloring as Roen's, but a shocking shiny gray against Roen's deeply intense and shiny blue. She thought that their pairing was striking, but thought that in their youth, the companionship would most likely fail. She also saw that Roen was beginning to use her right-hand more, the hand that was now missing two fingers.

She examined Roen's features carefully, when suddenly Roen returned the look for a moment, fully acknowledging The High Queen's sensing. The High Queen watched with keen interest as Roen bowed her head to her,
This one could be most useful to The Realm if Grandmother has not permanently damaged her, as she is every bit a young woman of the trn'Delns'ns—The Realm's Seers.

The High Queen moved herself to a conversation that interested her, as Caitha spoke to Meera, “Do you wish to return to Woden with Sam, M'Love?"

"It seems to be desired of me, and it would serve Woden well for me to inform Keddi of all the duties, although she would do fine on her own. It might but help the transition. Would you mind returning for a moon, prior to The High One's visit?"

Caitha wasn't smiling, concerned, “It will be most difficult, methinks. We will grow fond of it yet again, and then leave it to its own. Would it not be better to break the ties cleanly? And besides, you can inform Keddi when we arrive with our High One, can you not? It surely couldn't take as long as this. Keddi could even come to the Valley to speak with you about this, if it be but necessary."

"I understand, Caitha, but it has been commanded of me. You could remain in the Valley and prepare our new dwelling, if you but think this strongly of it. I would miss you, but I would understand. Or you could come with Sle'nel'. You know I will accept your decision on this."

The High Queen turned to her sister, “Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. Do you have any needs I can yet provide as you return to your Woden?"

Sam rolled her eyes, “Mend my love life for me."

The statement fully surprised San'lr'in', making her laugh, and fully so. Sle'nel’ looked at her, pleased that something could bring a moment of pleasure to her. She then looked at Sam, “You no longer wish to be with Uthrn?"

Sam shook her head, in dismay, “I can command all of Woden and Hengist with less difficulty than what I face in my bed."

"I can make this easier for you, Sister. I could command her to travel to Woden with Me. It is as easy as this, and I would be most pleased to do as such."

Sam shook her head again, “I am grateful to know this, but I must do this on my own. I have created my own dilemmas, and must face them. I have learned much in your presence, and have gained many of the powers by which to assist The Realm, but now I must return fully and wholly to Woden. And I must finally tend to what best meets Woden's needs in regard to my companions. But I most sincerely appreciate your offer, my sister."

"You are braver than I. I hear that it is most difficult to tell a Warrior Woman of the Sword that she is no longer desirable."

"I have spoken with Queen Erthrn in this regard, and she gave me her thoughts on how to proceed. Are you yet planning to attend Woden, Highness?"

"As I vowed to you, so shall it be. In one moon's passage, Highest. I will send a messenger prior to our departure so you know when we will arrive. Will this meet your needs?"

"Most excellent, Sister."

"Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. Do you have need of the Warrior Woman returning with you to Woden?"

Sam thought about it for a moment, “I hadn't thought this a possibility. It will but seem most different without her, as she has been my most loyal and best friend for many cycles, but I cannot ask this of her. It is overly large a difficulty. And does she not have need to begin her life fully in the Valley? I would think her most anxious to begin her new role, as I would think of Caitha, also. But perhaps we should ask them."

San'lr'in’ nodded her head, “I will speak to her, then. If they wish to remain in the Valley and begin their new life, as you say, I will bring them upon My visit."

Sam nodded.

"My Queen?"

San'lr'in’ turned to the voice, seeing that Ann'wn was suddenly kneeling and bowing to her, “Rise, Force Leader. Tell Me."

"There is a request from a stranger. She has requested an audience with you."

"Who is she, Force Leader?"

Ann'wn looked perplexed, “I know not, my Queen, but she is dressed as a Master."

San'lr'in’ nodded, guessing as to who it might be, “I grant the audience. Bring her to Me."

"I cannot, Highness. She insists on wearing her weapons."

The High Queen raised an eyebrow, “Was there something in My statement that you didn't understand, Force Leader?"

Ann'wn jerked back slightly, surprised at The High Queen's tone, “Yes, my Queen."

She walked to where many guards were guarding the visitor, then nodded to them to let her free. The visitor politely nodded her head to them, then went to The High Queen, walking with all the pride and experience of a great warrior. San'lr'in’ was pleased to see the visitor, recognizing her instantly, and also pleased that the visitor had placed on the long-prior garments. When the visitor arrived to The High Queen, she stood unmoving for a moment, then suddenly drew her sword.

All the guards immediately readied their weapons, while Sam threw a knife at the visitor's feet, just missing any connection. Meera was quickly at the visitor's side, her sword pinching tightly against the visitor's neck. Ignoring all of them, the visitor as suddenly knelt onto one knee, bowed her head, and offered her sword up to The High Queen, “My life is yours, M'Lady."

San'lr'in’ took the sword from the Master's hands, raising it over the visitor's head. All the camp had been shocked into silence, wondering as to The High Queen's actions. Sle'nel’ couldn't tell if her Queen were going to behead the one now kneeling before her, or give her honor.

For a moment, The High Queen said nothing. She placed her right-hand lightly upon the visitor's head, closing her eyes as she did so, sensing deeply into the Master's thoughts. After another moment, she re-opened her eyes and removed her hand slowly. Yet looking down only at the visitor, The High Queen spoke to all those now present, “In front of all these witnesses, I, as High Queen of The Realm and First Master, bestow great honor onto the most loyal of all the Masters. And I welcome her home."

Quietly, she said, “One of The Realm's greatest daughters has returned to us.” She looked with great affection down to the one now kneeling so trusting before her, “It has been many cycles in which the loyal Masters have been able to move in The Realm freely, but once again, it gratefully occurs. As is your desire, Fourth Great Master, I am pleased to grant your request. You are now free from the bindings of silence. And for your undying loyalty and great service to Me and to The Realm, I now pronounce you as U'Aine, Second Great Master of all The Realm, and her most loyal protector. You are under My command, only."

As she spoke, she touched the sword's tip to each of U'Aine's shoulders, then rested it lightly on her head. When she was done, she said, “Rise, Second Great Master. Rise, and face your Realm."

U'Aine rose, looking only at The High Queen. As she did so, all The High Queen's warriors knelt and clasped their fisted-hand to their chest, “Master."

U'Aine yet ignored them, speaking only to San'lr'in', “Thank you, Highness. I am at your service."

The High Queen offered her hand in the Master's greeting. Shyly, U'Aine grasped it, holding on her High Queen's arm firmly, not wishing to let go. For overly many cycles, U'Aine had served San'lr'in’ as one of her most loyal and able informants, slipping unnoticed from inside one enemy's camp to another, as well as saving her after her great battle against the Mungardies, when her lover had died in battle. The High Queen had many such secret informants, but saw that it was the moment to return U'Aine to the Realm.

Yet clasping U'Aine's arm, The High Queen looked fully into her eyes, “I yet have great need of you, Master. The Realm is yet far from peace."

U'Aine bowed her head slowly, then returned the glance, yet grasping her Queen's arm, “Yes, my Queen. As you desire, it is my duty."

The High Queen then placed her other hand on U'Aine's shoulder. Softly and slowly, as was her style, she said, “I welcome your return, U'Aine. The Realm owes you much, as do I. More than once you have saved The Realm, as well as Me. You have ever prior been wherever needed. And now as you are due, tell Me of your needs and they will be made so. But enough of this. Come. Sit at My table for this eve."