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

by Robbie Collins

  Sle'nel’ spoke to her, softly, “I know you must return, but if you can spare one more turn, we would all be most grateful. I would guess that you have never prior been able to relax with your closest of advisors in this fashion. While I have not known you overly long, I have never seen them able to converse so comfortably with you, as they do here."

  No one else would have dared mention this, but The High Queen knew it was true. She had sensed it herself upon prior turn, recognizing it as Ann'wn spoke more to her. She knew it could last for these moments only though, as she could allow no such questioning as this when in the presence of others. She knew that she would need to return herself to her role as queen in The Realm soon, and with increased dedication.

  She looked at Sle'nel', knowing her boldness in confronting her on this issue. She smiled at her softly, “Perhaps none are as brave as you, My Love.” She glanced over toward Ann'wn, “I assume you left messengers prepared with our location, should I be needed."

  Ann'wn bowed her head, “Yes, my Queen. That and I made certain Mil'der'in was prepared to handle all your lesser meetings in your absence. You had nothing of large importance for even a few turns from now."

  "Good. We can remain one more turn. I need to speak to the Dungaras and to A'lon'lden anyway, prior to our leaving."

  Sle'nel’ looked puzzled, “Why must a Queen remain as distant as this? It seems overly difficult and lonely."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked saddened by the question, remembering all her training, and what she thought was an overly lonely childhood full of intensity and seriousness, “Sam'r'in'thel'ineln', do you know the answer to this?"

  "I would but guess that you were taught to be this way. It be unlike Woden, though, where I have many friends, while you seem to have few, if any."

  Meera looked at her Queen, responding for her, guessing at, but truly knowing the answer. It was one of the reasons Meera respected this Queen so. Her sacrifice to her position was even greater than any warrior gave, “She was taught to have no friends, so no one can be used in hostage, and no one can betray. She was taught to trust no one.” She waited a moment as The High Queen looked upon her, then said, “And she was taught to remain aloof so that her closest advisors’ deaths would mean little to her. The closer she becomes to her advisors, the more vulnerable she makes her position."

  Sle'nel’ was surprised but remained silent. Sam looked at her, now even more in awe, “So, you have given up your life, as you said, to The Realm. But do you not now become vulnerable because of Sle'nel'?"

  Ann'wn answered, “A Queen becomes overly hard unless some gentleness is provided. It is up to her guards to protect her lover from the possibilities of hostage or betrayal. Even without a lover, we treat hostage and betrayal as always a potential. With the addition of Sle'nel’ and the new Future Supreme Sovereign, the challenge is increased even more."

  "San'lr'in'thel'ineln', who trained you to be Queen?"

  The High Queen looked at Ann'wn as she answered her sister's question, “Oh, just some teachers that are no longer of The Realm. They died long prior but were good teachers. I hated them of course, in My youth, but as I became older I realized what they had given to Me. As they died, I inherited some of their powers and strengths, much like Sle'nel’ just inherited her Elfin past from her Birth-Mother and Mother's memories and powers. It was their sacrifice to The Realm. Our past was even more mystical than now. It is hoped that it will become so, once again."

  "Are there such teachers to train me?"

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ shook her head, “They are all gone now. But your powers have been saved for you, and you will be well taught. Sume'n'tinel'ti'non will hate you well for them, as she now hates Me. It is the powers that she seeks. But be mindful, My sister. You seek power, but the powers will soon seek you, and as that occurs, you will be tempted to use them against The Realm."

  Sam was truly shocked, “Against The Realm? Why would I do as such? It is for The Realm that I now seek them."

  "But the powers must be well controlled. All the powers have a dark quality to them, as well as a bright one. Look upon Sle'nel's power that the Sorrows gave to her. It is one of the darkest of them all, yet only an Elfin Faerie can hold the power without turning to evil. Even Sle'nel’ will have to face herself as she uses her power upon some turn, as will your own daughter. The pact we make within ourselves in regard to the powers given to us is not always of our own choosing. It is why I advise you to never trust yourself. Always question your decisions, as others can use a power to twist your thinking. According to Far'lin'ter'il, this has already prior occurred to you."

  "And yet, it felt like it was my choice."

  Sle'nel’ nodded, “And mine, as well. Although, looking back at prior, I find moments in my memory that make me wonder. It didn't always seem as correct."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was intrigued, “And if you were to begin the turn of events once again, but knowing your mind had been twisted so that you two would come together, would you have thought any differently?"

  "How can I know of such?"

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ knew her sister had been irritated at her question, but hoped she remained with an open mind, “At what moment do we choose to question even our very own motivations? That is how difficult it is, and how fully undermining such actions can be. It is why I choose to force Myself to reflect and reverse My thoughts to check My own thinking. One cannot know when a concealed thought has been planted, and yet, I must know. It is of My vow."

  She rose, offering her hand to Sle'nel', “Since we remain yet another turn, decide among yourselves what it is you would like to do next turn. We will discuss it in the morn. Until then, I bid you a good eve."

  Sle'nel’ took her hand, rising, knowing her Queen had enough of the questions for one eve. And Sle'nel’ knew that R'lodin'lindor was waiting for them. They left the banquet hall, walking down the path to where their ride waited.

  "Where do we head, My Desire?"

  Sle'nel’ smiled, saying only, “It be a surprise for you. And a gift for R'lodin'lindor."

  The High Queen accepted this, and they both mounted. She could see that R'lodin'lindor was excited beyond any moment she had seen prior. They flew high, as was usual to avoid conflict, but came quickly down upon a great lake. As they neared the land, The High Queen could see that no one lived near the lake, and was one she had never seen prior. The forest was untouched for large distances, heavy with old first growth. R'lodin'lindor landed on the shore, and Sle'nel’ looked at San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “Wait here, my Queen. I will be a moment only."

  She watched as Sle'nel’ went to the lakeshore, bent down, speaking to what looked like the lake only. The sun was yet somewhat in the sky, so The High Queen couldn't see the little ones, but they were there. One of them had been chosen, but all the others were around, excited that yet one more of them was about to come into The Realm. Sle'nel’ held out her hand, waiting until the little light landed upon it. When it did, she gently closed her hand to keep the little light from harm. She remounted, smiling at her queen, but saying nothing, “We are ready, R'lodin'lindor."

  R'lodin'lindor took off quickly but smoothly, heading directly toward the Sorcerer Women in the Mountain. The High Queen began to see where they were headed, but wondered why. She placed her arms around Sle'nel', enjoying the ride and looking upon the land. They once again flew high, and after many moments dropped down to the Sorcerer's tiny village.

  After they dismounted, The High Queen petted R'lodin'lindor's great head, now guessing as to what was about to occur, So, we are about to witness yet another great unicorn such as you enter The Realm. I knew not, R'lodin'lindor. I knew not that there was one of you for each of the Elves. I knew not that you were dying because Sle'nel’ had become lost to The Realm, and to you it was as if she died. I am well pleased that you will no longer be alone. Now what do we do about our last Elf, my friend, as she remains alone?

  R'lodin'lindor nudged her, loving her, not
able to answer, for she had no answer to this question. Instead, she waited as patiently as she could for Sle'nel’ to bring out Sele', and have the little light become bonded to its own Elf, no matter how little Elfin background Sele’ carried within her.

  Sle'nel’ emerged from the hut where Sele’ was living, carrying her in one of her arms. The Sorcerer Women had all been called and were arriving near R'lodin'lindor, Sle'nel’ having told them of what was to occur. Sele’ looked a few moons older to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', even though it had been only a few turns since she had last seen her. She knew that she would grow quickly, and was gladdened for it.

  Sle'nel’ brought Sele’ over to R'lodin'lindor, then opened her hand. The sun's moment in the sky was gone now, so all could see the little light dancing. Sle'nel’ held Sele’ close to her, though, knowing what was to occur. The little light flew up to Sle'nel', kissing her upon her lip softly, then flew to R'lodin'lindor, where it did the same. Then it darted over to Sele', flying around her head, listening to Sele's giggles. Sele’ pointed to the little light, smiling and softly giggling. The little light touched Sele's finger, then flew nearby and landed upon the ground. As they all watched, the little light began to magically grow. Slowly, the little one grew before them, until it was nearly the size of R'lodin'lindor. When she was done growing, she walked gracefully over to R'lodin'lindor, nudging up to her. R'lodin'lindor was so excited she could barely contain herself. Finally, she was no longer alone in The Realm.

  "What is her name, my Love?"

  "I knew not how these magnificent creatures were named until my Birth-Mother gave me my Mother's memories. I named R'lodin'lindor long prior. Sele’ must now name this one."

  The High Queen was mildly surprised, never really knowing, but thinking it made sense. She looked upon Sele', “Well, Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n. You heard your Birth-Mother. What name do you give R'lodin'lindor's love?"

  Sele’ thought about it for a moment, then sent her message to all, D'ron'stri'nil'.

  "Interesting. You choose one of the long-prior ancient names. Well done, Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n."

  Sle'nel’ looked upon her Birth-daughter, “Treat her well, my Birth-daughter. While you are only part Elf, she will expect the same Elfin love as I give to R'lodin'lindor. Have respect for D'ron'stri'nil', as she is now bonded to you and will protect you with her life."

  Sele’ sent a final message to her Queen, to her Birth-Mother, and to R'lodin'lindor, Thank you. I will cherish this gift.

  Sle'nel’ handed Sele’ back to one of the Sorcerer Women, knowing that the next moment she saw her Birth-daughter, she would probably be walking. She said her good-byes to Sele’ and to the Sorcerer Women, then went to D'ron'stri'nil', “We welcome you to The Realm. Would you like to fly beside R'lodin'lindor while she takes us back to our Isle? Sele’ has no need for you this moment, and R'lodin'lindor would very much enjoy your company."

  The High Queen mounted upon R'lodin'lindor, and Sle'nel’ mounted D'ron'stri'nil'. Quickly, both the unicorns ran, then jumped into the air, flying and dancing their happiness. The ride back to the Isle was a little longer than the ride to the Sorcerer Women, but neither The High Queen nor Sle'nel’ minded as they rode upon the two great flying unicorns. The great ones danced together upon the wind in their happiness. R'lodin'lindor and D'ron'stri'nil’ finally landed and waited patiently for Sle'nel’ and The High Queen to dismount. Then looking only momentarily at both of them, they jumped back into the air, flying next to each other. They left quickly up to the great heights of the sky, soaring together to touch the face of the stars.

  "Thank you, My Desire. It is good to see that R'lodin'lindor has another for companionship. Now we must find a way to bring back the other Elves so you are no longer alone in this realm."

  "I think you the lonely one in The Realm, my Queen. Until this eve, I didn't fully understand this, but I saw it this eve as you spoke of your life and training. You walk a lonely path."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ sensed her raptor overhead and gave a soft crying noise, calling her raptor to her. She held out her arm and waited. In a few moments, the raptor landed upon her arm. Stroking her head, she listened to her message. In the language that Sle'nel’ couldn't understand, The High Queen gave the raptor a task. The only words that Sle'nel’ understood were, “Find her. Find Ll'strin'll.” More words were spoken between them, and then the raptor flew off.

  They intertwined arms, walking back to their dwelling. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ continued their prior conversation, “I am no longer alone, as I am now like R'lodin'lindor. I have found My happiness. I worry over you, though. You were most quiet this eve. Is there anything I might do to make you pleased?"

  As they entered their dwelling, Sle'nel’ turned to San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. In the softest of words, she said, “What will you do if she is found?"

  The High Queen looked at her, surprised, yet not surprised that Sle'nel’ had put the story together so easily, “I know not."

  "Who gave The Old One the power to save a life without giving a life?"

  "Again, I know not for certain."

  "But you have a guess."

  She smiled at her Elf, “Are all Elves as intelligent as you, My Desire?"

  Allowing the subject to be changed, Sle'nel’ became more playful, wanting to change the tension, “Oh no, my Queen. Not nearly so. You have captured the most intelligent of all."

  The High Queen laughed, “Then I am well pleased. Just a moment, My Love. I must give a task to Ann'wn."

  "Is she not at the banquet? She didn't return with us."

  "She is always about if not at battle. It is her way."

  The High Queen went to the front porch of their little dwelling and gave another soft whistle, this one different than the one to call her raptor. Ann'wn appeared from out of the dark, “My Queen?"

  "Bring the Dungaran and A'lon'lden to Me in the morn. Have the Spirit Mothers serve us the morn meal here. I also want you here with us, as I want you to hear what the Dungaras has to say."

  "As you say, my Queen."

  Ann'wn began to leave so as to inform the Spirit Mothers, but then turned, “My Queen?"

  The High Queen looked at her, not speaking, but waiting. It was enough. Ann'wn knew she could ask her question, “She wasn't among those found dead, was she?"

  The High Queen looked at her, again not answering, knowing that Ann'wn now knew the answer.

  "How powerful are your powers when used in the old tradition, my Queen?"

  Softly, she answered, “What would you consider as powerful, Warrior?"

  "How many Mungardies did you truly kill that turn, my Queen?"

  The High Queen raised her eyebrow, considering the question. Never prior had she told the truth about that battle when she lost her lover, as she hadn't wanted others to know that she also was a Master. And never prior had anyone even known enough to ask the question. It was one of the few lies that she ever told. Revealing how many Mungardies she had killed prior to being injured by the last one would have told all The Realm that she was truly a Master, as she had been. Unknown to Ann'wn, she was second amongst all the Masters.

  She locked eyes with Ann'wn, frowning. She studied Ann'wn very carefully for a few moments, entering her mind, hoping she wouldn't find betrayal within it. Finding no ill will at all, she went to stand next to her, “Why do you want to know this information?"

  "Why is it, my Queen, that I guard you when you have no need for my useless and far weaker skills? You are truly stronger than any of us, and I would wager that even now this turn, you displayed few of your skills. Only once when you made Meera drop her sword so easily did you display your powers. None of this is an effort for you. How much power do you hold, my Queen?"

  "You make Me wonder as to your questions. If you were anyone else, I would have much cause for concern."

  Ann'wn knelt before her queen, “Go ahead, my Queen. Search my mind. Make certain for both of us that no one has bent my mind."

  The High Queen
placed her hand gently upon Ann'wn's head, searching, carefully looking for anything out of the ordinary. After a long moment, and after being careful not to harm her Warrior, she released her hand, “Tell Me, Force Leader. What is it that intrigues you so?"

  "I think you have more power than you have ever shown, my Queen. What is it I guard?"

  She paused for a moment, thinking. Wondering. “I shouldn't tell you of this, but if we ever run into battle, you will see of it anyway. Wait here, Warrior, and prepare yourself."

  She retrieved a sword from inside the dwelling. By this moment, Sle'nel’ had come outside, curious. The High Queen returned with a sword, looked at Sle'nel’ for a moment, then turned to Ann'wn.

  She spoke softly, “Are you certain you wish to know this, Warrior?"

  Ann'wn pulled her own sword, “Yes, my Queen."

  "Use all your powers, Ann'wn. Use all your might, or I might harm you. Do you understand? Fear not of hurting Me, as you cannot. Can you do this? Trust Me more this moment than ever prior, Warrior."

  "Yes, my Queen. I will do as you command. I will not hold back."

  She closed her eyes for a moment, focusing on containing this power so as not to harm her Warrior. She opened her eyes, raised her sword and focused. Her eyes became narrowed as she only saw, in her mind, Ann'wn's sword. She waited for Ann'wn to take the first move. She did so as vowed, with all her force against the woman she most loved in the entire Realm. The High Queen waited until the last moment prior to the sword hitting her, then with lightening speed, moved her own sword to meet it. She sent much of her power into her sword as the swords met.

  A large spark flew from the swords, causing Ann'wn to let go of her sword, throwing her back as if kicked by a horse, several tree lengths. Ann'wn fell hard upon the ground, having been thrown with much force, and having been severely jolted by the spark. She lay stunned upon the ground, not fully aware of what had occurred. The High Queen and Sle'nel’ went to her, both kneeling down, looking upon her. Ann'wn heard their voices but couldn't make out their words. As The High Queen laid her hand upon Ann'wn's head, Ann'wn felt instantly improved and could finally hear what they were saying.