The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3]

by Robbie Collins

  "My Queen?"

  She looked upon Jandra's face, gazing into her eyes. Softly, without moving her eyes from Jandra, she said, “Perfect, Tailor."

  Jandra had waited anxiously, wondering how San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ would react to the effect. When she saw The High Queen gaze upon her gown, she knew, and smiled.

  The High Queen looked to one of her attendants, “Tell My Force Leader she accompanies Me in."

  "But, my Queen—"

  The High Queen looked at the attendant with a frown, but said nothing, not wanting to spoil the moment.

  "Yes, my Queen."

  She looked for a longer moment at Jandra, seeing a resemblance in her that brought another to her mind, yet she couldn't place the likeness.

  "What is it, my Queen?"

  She locked eyes with Jandra, “You draw yet another memory forward in Me that I cannot bring forth, fully. These half-memories play with My mind most heavily. I wonder though..."

  The High Queen shook off the moment, taking Jandra's arm, guiding her to a long mirror, “Look, My Love. This is what the Elfin Fairies looked like. You are truly of them. It is amazing to have them back in The Realm with us. You are of them, Sle'nel'. Look at yourself. You look like no other. I should have seen this resemblance long prior, but having never thought this possible with them long gone, it came not into My thinking."

  The High Queen spoke truly. Jandra, in these garments, resembled the Elfin Fairies more than she resembled the First Ones. The changes were subtle, barely noticeable, but were there if one knew what to look for. Her hair, always prior beautiful, was of the Elfin Fairies at this moment, flowing down like waves. Her skin, always prior smooth and softly golden, now shimmered slightly, as if pieces of the gown had rubbed off onto her. Her eyes had taken on the color of the gown, and prior, always shiny, her eyes slightly held the golden color within the gown.

  The High Queen turned to the tailor, “You please Me well, Tailor. Your services have My deepest appreciation. Let Me know of your desire and I will make it so."

  The tailor blushed, “Thank you, my Queen."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at Jandra, raising her arm to her, “Are you ready, My Love?"

  She nodded to San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ and placed her arm upon The High Queen's. They walked down the long corridor side-by-side, looking upon one another. Jandra suddenly felt peaceful knowing she was in her Queen's presence.

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ felt the change in Jandra, sensing that her muscles had relaxed, “No matter the issue, My Love, I will always be here for you."

  Jandra smiled shyly, and blushed, “I know, my Queen. Thank you. It is something I never had prior, and perhaps it is always that for which I have searched."

  "You know, Jandra, I consider Myself the most fortunate one in the entire Realm to have you with Me. But to now know you are an Elfin Faiere makes My heart shudder. None such as I could ever hope to hold for Myself the love of an Elfin Faiere."

  "Why is this?"

  "To be loved as a lover by an Elfin Faiere was the greatest gift of all. There is no better or finer love in all The Realm, than this most gentle of loves."

  Jandra smiled upon her, sweetly, “It is yours only, my Queen, and no other."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ smiled, “Given your lineage, Jandra, peace is a part of you. No wonder you have sought so desperately for it. A humorous word, though, when connected to Me, as I often think of Myself as The High Queen of Death."

  "A wise Queen once told me that peace is a hard-fought battle."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ smiled softly, “To who would you be referring, My Love?"

  "Oh, just some minor, unimportant, and unpowerful High Queen."

  They laughed and came to the door, “I will enter first. The attendants will tell you when to enter. If you become afraid, look upon Me only as you enter."

  * * * *

  The doors opened as The High Queen was announced. She stepped through the doors, seeing Ann'wn waiting for her, with her arm out to her. Softly so no one would hear, The High Queen said, “Force Leader, you look most splendid.” The High Queen placed her arm upon Ann'wn's.

  She bowed her head slightly to The High Queen, “For you only, my Queen. You are beautiful. Your crown shimmers like the sun's reflection on a soft lake."

  Barely speaking, nodding her head to those in attendance as she passed by, “Thank you. Return to retrieve Jandra when you have completed this task."

  Ann'wn had taken The High Queen to the front of the Great Hall, announcing, “The High Queen of The Realm."

  All knelt and bowed their heads, “High Queen."

  "Please rise. I have a special surprise for you this eve. We have just learned in prior moments that a lineage long thought lost to us yet survives."

  She waited until she saw Ann'wn at the doors, then moved her arm out, directing their attention to where she had entered, “We welcome this eve, Sle'nel’ Ni Riain."

  With that announcement, the doors opened. Jandra stepped through, unbelievably frightened. She moved her eyes to her Queen. Ann'wn stepped forward and took her arm, knowing that Jandra was unaware of her presence. “Princess. May I escort you?"

  Jandra looked at Ann'wn quickly, “Oh! Thank you, Force Leader.” She returned her gaze back to San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. Ann'wn quietly answered, “It is my pleasure, Princess."

  Sam, Meera and Caitha all watched with their breaths held. Meera couldn't take her eyes off of Jandra, “She is most beautiful, Highest. It is overly sad that Woden has lost her. I wonder why I never prior saw her beauty."

  Sam sighed, “If I must lose such a love as this, at least it is to the better of The Realm."

  The High Queen completed her introduction as Jandra walked up to her. Ann'wn delivered Jandra's hand over to The High Queen. The High Queen took it, holding it out from her, as if showing off Jandra, “Sle'nel’ Ni Riain, the last Elfin Faiere Princess."

  The audience stood in amazement. There was truly no question of it—Jandra was an Elfin Faiere Princess. All those in attendance well knew the looks of the long lost line, yet saw it standing directly before them. As soon as The High Queen made her announcement of Jandra as Princess, they all knelt before her, and the room became filled with quiet awe. The High Queen let go of Jandra's arm, and did likewise, “My Elfin Faiere Princess."

  The audience looked in amazement at their High Queen kneeling to Jandra. After a long enough moment, The High Queen looked up and smiled at Jandra. She whispered, “Tell them they may rise now, My Love."

  Jandra looked embarrassed and blushed, “Oh.” She turned to the audience, softly saying, “Please rise."

  The High Queen rose quickly so as to help Jandra out of her embarrassing situation. She looked over to the musicians, nodding. They knew to begin playing the music of the first dance, and did so. The High Queen turned to Jandra, “Would you do Me the honor of the first dance, My Elfin Faiere Princess?"

  She blushed, “Of course, my Queen."

  She took The High Queen's arm as they walked to the middle of the dance floor. The High Queen bowed slightly to Jandra, and Jandra returned the bow, only much lower. The audience stared, yet in amazement at Jandra's lineage and her unsurpassed beauty. As she passed by closely to some of those in attendance, they reached out to touch her gown.

  The dance was a deeply emotional one that brought forth visions of two lovers dancing upon the stars and moon. Jandra gazed only into The High Queen's eyes, forgetting about the large audience, seeing only her Queen, “Our celebration continues, my Queen."

  The High Queen laughed softly, dancing Jandra around the floor, “With a few more in attendance than I would care to have, My Desire, but we will have the eve."

  They danced as if no one were present. The High Queen's eyes shone, seeing only Jandra. As she held Jandra to her in the dance, she felt a sudden surprise at touching Jandra's bare arm, an unaccustomed feature in the Valley. An unusual and highly seductive feeling in such a setting, The High Queen smiled, kn
owing that Jandra had no idea of such. Around they danced, settling into each other more and more as they forgot those around them. They danced as if they danced alone. As if they danced under the light of the stars near the lake. As if they danced with the Little Ones. Jandra's heart felt her peace and happiness, seeing only her Queen.

  As the dance came to an end, The High Queen smiled tenderly upon Jandra, then bowed slightly, never removing her gaze. Jandra bowed to her Queen, and blushed. They left the dance floor arm-in-arm as the musicians began another song. From this moment, all the others would now partake in the celebration.

  It was more than a simple dance this eve. Entertainers were placed throughout the Great Hall, gambling was offered, and small, intimate tables to enjoy the food and drink were provided. Many came to Jandra asking for a dance, but with the help of her Queen, she declined them all, until Sam approached.

  Sam looked upon Jandra, smiling sweetly, “I have to admit, Jandra. When I make a mistake, I but make a big one."

  Jandra smiled, graciously, “Never mind, Sam. From what we learned this midturn, it wasn't meant to be."

  "But I will always miss you.” She looked to her sister, “May I take her from you for one dance only, my sister?"

  The High Queen nodded, “But the final word is from her."

  Sam looked to Jandra, raising only an eyebrow. Jandra nodded, and they went to the dance floor arm on arm, as Sam had seen Jandra do with The High Queen.

  Jandra spoke to Sam softly, “I thought you didn't like to dance, Highest."

  "How could I not with such as you? You are the most beautiful in the entire Realm. Woden cries at its loss."

  "I am nothing special to Woden, Sam, and this is truth. In many ways, I am glad that I was raised to be as any other."

  They danced, Sam taking the lead but taking care not to step on Jandra's feet, “Are you happy with her?"

  "I have never known such peace as this."

  "Do you suppose it has something to do with you being of the Elfin Fairies?"

  "You sister has said as much also, just prior."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ watched with interest while her sister and Jandra danced as if they were long lost lovers. She could see the tenderness in Jandra's eyes, and Sam's ever smiling eyes twinkling back at Jandra. She thought them a beautiful couple, saddened by the idea somehow. But she could also sense that they were coming to terms between themselves. The High Queen knew she could slip easily into jealousy, but also felt she could well trust Jandra. The Elfin Faeries never lied to another, and never betrayed. She now knew why Jandra had taken Sam's betrayal so harshly.

  Sam and Jandra quit speaking, dancing only to the music, looking upon each other. By the end of the dance, Sam's eyes, while yet hinting of her smiling face, shone of tears within them. She bowed deeply to Jandra at the close of the dance. Rising, she said, “You were correct, Jandra. Do you but remember? You told me that our paths would cross throughout the remainder of our cycles."

  Jandra placed her hand upon Sam's cheek, “Become who you were meant to be, Highest. I would have only stood in your way."

  Sam kissed Jandra lightly upon her cheek and walked her back to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', offering her arm to Jandra, “Thank you for preparing Woden for the loss of you. They have forgiven me, but only because of you. You are most gracious."

  "It would seem the fates have pushed us into our roles, regardless of our happiness in Woden. Thank you for the dance, Sam."

  Sam took Jandra's hand and brought it to her mouth. She gave Jandra's hand the sweetest and gentlest of kisses, “Remain safe and well, Jandra."

  She gave Jandra's hand to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “Take good care of her, my sister."

  Just as San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was going to say something in return, a figure appeared in a cloud in the middle of the dance floor. San'lr'in'thel'ineln', yet holding Jandra's hand, held it tighter now, turning her head to the cloud. She softly said to both Sam and Jandra, “It would appear she arrives."

  The High Queen raised her eyebrow, waiting. As the smoke disappeared, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non appeared before them. She looked around the room, pleased to see she had frightened and surprised all those in attendance. She walked around, examining the room, tasting the food, touching those she thought seductively interesting until she finally arrived closer to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', Jandra and Sam. Ann'wn looked to her guards, seeing them prepared. The High Wizard Sorcerer came close by, but hid herself within the crowd.

  "Are you not going to introduce me to your little gathering, Sister?"

  The word ‘sister’ rolled off her tongue with sheer disgust and hate. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ found her sister's tone as expected—grating, irritating, and demanding. She raised her hand toward Sume'n'tinel'ti'non, but remained unsmiling.

  "We give a gracious welcome to My newly-returned eldest sister, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non, from Sansthera. Welcome, High Priestess. We welcome you to our Valley."

  Jandra and Caitha both saw that this High Priestess had many of the same features as Sam and The High Queen, but were not set as well upon her body as on the other two. She had long brown hair, but without any character to it. Her face could have been pleasant had she not been frowning, her ill-defined eyebrows and brown eyes glowering their disgust and mistrust. She was the shortest of the three sisters, and her stance was far removed from any regal or warrior bearing. Jandra didn't find her ugly, but neither was she pretty.

  "Ha! You wish me here as much as you would wish a dead butchered horse upon this dance floor."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ lowered her hand from Jandra's, letting it go gently. As she heard her sister's words, she winced slightly at the truth of them, but also at their bitterness. She moved slightly forward, “I lie not, My sister. I welcome you with an open heart, as I am as curious as you about each other."

  She hissed at her, “Are you not well afraid of me, my queenly sister with such queenly manners?"

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ folded her hands together in front of her, silently letting go of her wish for an amiable meeting. She saw that it wasn't meant to be.

  "No. You are merely a sorcerer. My powers are far greater than yours."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non looked angrily upon her, “And those powers were meant for me, only. You stole them from me!” She was well angry, but changed her tone for a moment when she saw Sam, “But who is this beside you? Be this my baby sister?"

  Sam let The High Queen control the talk as needed, so said nothing. The High Queen looked over to Sam, “I present you, Sam'r'in'thel'ineln', our youngest sister. She also is no sorcerer."

  "Our baby sister. Humph! She looks young and naïve. Of little use to me."

  She suddenly saw Jandra, in all her beauty. She became well interested, wanting her for herself, “Who stands behind you, Sister? Could this be your lover? The one you stole from your own sister?” She began to reach out to her, “She is stunning. I would offer a high price for such as this one. Perhaps peace, if she could but love me."

  The High Queen ignored the statement, while halting Sume'n'tinel'ti'non from touching Jandra. But she took quick notice that the High Priestess seemed to focus on her need for love. She waited to see what would occur next. Sume'n'tinel'ti'non came closer, studying carefully the gown Jandra now wore, “What do you wear upon you, Jandra of Woden? Be that a gown of the Fairies?"

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ kept an eye upon her sister. She felt all of them safe enough knowing that Ann'wn was present, as was the High Wizard Sorcerer, “Forgive Me for not introducing her. This is Sle'nel’ Ni Riain, last Princess of the Elfin Fairies, and Birth-Mother of Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n, the long awaited Future Supreme Sovereign of The Realm."

  Suddenly, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non shrieked in rage, turning the room to fear at her fury, moving quickly away from Jandra with a hiss, “What is this you tell me? Be this some evil trick? Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n is from the Elfin Fairies? This is impossible! YOU LIE! Where is Far'lin'ter'il? She will tell me the truth in this."

/>   San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ laughed scoffingly, “That be a jest, only. She has never told the truth. She has lied to Sam'r'in'thel'ineln’ and Me through our entire lives, as well as to Sle'nel'. Only this turn have we learned some of the truths that have remained long hidden from us. Whatever you know, know it to be only a lie, as Far'lin'ter'il knew not how to tell the truth."

  Her eyes were narrowed, but it was clear to The High Queen that she had placed doubt into her thoughts. Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was not easily convinced, though, “What have you done with her?"

  "I am taking her to the Spirits of the Valley in the morn. She will live out the remainder of her life among them, powerless, as she should have always been."

  "You lie! Bring her to me, now!"

  "It is not proper to be so demanding of the celebration's hostess, Sister, even if you are the eldest of us."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non turned to the attendees, “Look how she denies me. Look how evil she is. And she claims she wants peace in The Realm. I have offered her peace, at one price only, yet she denies me."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ began slowly circling Sume'n'tinel'ti'non, trying to take some control of the meeting between them, “Your offer is but a ruse. Tell us, High Priestess, why the Deep Mystics gave Me the powers instead of you?"

  The High Queen circled around her sister's back, not waiting for an answer from her, “Tell us, Sister, why you offer peace, yet seek only to gain more power."