"You have visited their village prior then?"
"Upon several occasions. When I became High Queen, they fought fiercely for the privilege of The High Queen to remain among them, vowing countless benefits, as well as most likely the strongest of forces throughout The Realm."
"The High Queen is not required to live in the Valley?"
"The High Queen may live wherever she desires. Many High Queens have selected the village that has offered them the most. It is considered the highest of privileges to house The High Queen, and it also brings more benefits to the town. But the high culture comes along with it, and I couldn't see the Warriors of the Sword's town as receiving any high culture. Uthrn speaks of surprises that await Me now, so perhaps they yet wish Me there."
"What were you offered or given to remain as High Queen in the Valley?"
"I think mostly I was just used to it by then. I had already been the Queen of the Valley for a short while, so when the Counselors refused to select another as such, deciding to keep Me as both, they hoped that this move would entice Me to remain here. It is why they refuse to select another queen for their Valley. They are afraid I will select another site as High Queen."
"Would you?"
She hesitated, then said, “Perhaps. There are some other desirable locations."
"What did they offer you to remain here?"
"The gardens. The dwelling in the forest where we remained. A few other such things. And even now, anything I desire. They told Me then that if I remained, all My desires would be met with the greatest of haste, and they have lived up to their vow. But I was rather used to the conveniences already, so remained for this reason. And in truth, by remaining here I already knew, more or less, whom I could trust. Moving to another town would have made Me to start from the beginning in selecting all the counselors, forces and advisors. It would have been a difficult move, given the difficult moments then occurring in The Realm."
They were finally prepared. The High Queen offered her arm to Sle'nel'. Sle'nel’ looked at The High Queen, then lowered her arm, placing her own arms around The High Queen's neck, kissing her.
"I love you, my Queen. You give me peace."
The High Queen looked at Sle'nel', “And you make Me a more gentle Queen. In our short span together, you have already taught Me to have more patience."
Sle'nel’ shook her head, smiling, “I think you just now find your peace, as well."
They walked out to where the other travelers awaited. Both had on their cloaks, prepared for their journey. Sle'nel’ noticed that Sam was next to Mil'der'in, displaying a happy and contented expression, yet doting on her. Sle'nel’ knew the expression well, knowing it meant that Sam had engaged in much physical activity through the eve. The High Queen noticed that Mil'der'in was already showing signs of selecting her Warrior of the Sword mate for the upcoming eve, and trying to ignore Sam. She laughed quietly to herself, knowing that Sam had no notion of this.
As The High Queen and Sle'nel’ came up to their horses, Meera greeted them, kneeling and bowing her head to her Queen, “High Queen. Sle'nel'. Thank you for this invitation. I have already learned much from these women and am glad that I am allowed to visit their village, with you."
The High Queen placed her hand upon Meera's head, My Warrior Woman, you please Me well. Guard Me well this journey, and remain focused upon your Highest. I am most pleased that you are now of The High Queen.
"I am yours to command, my Queen."
"Rise, Warrior Woman of Woden."
Ann'wn had been helping to pack one of the horses, but came running back when she saw The High Queen arrive. She also knelt and bowed her head, as did Uthrn.
"Rise, Force Leader. Rise, Uthrn of Rns'deln'."
Uthrn rose and bowed her head once again, “Most Honored High Queen. Please view me as your personal guard through this journey. It is my Queen's command of me."
"To your command then, Uthrn. But speak to Ann'wn of My expectations regarding this.” San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ didn't wish to have Uthrn at her heals all the turns during the journey, and Ann'wn well knew of this.
"Yes, my Queen."
Sle'nel’ gave her greetings to Caitha and was glad to see that she was traveling with them. She knew that Caitha would love the stories and songs she would be able to learn from these Warriors of the Sword. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ gave a quick look upon the band of travelers and saw many more than she desired. Along with Meera, Caitha, her sister, Mil'der'in, her Healer, Sle'nel’ and Ann'wn were eight of her own guards, three counselors, three attendants for The High Queen and Sle'nel’ and nine Warriors of the Sword. To herself she thought, At least with such a group as large as this, our journey will be leisurely.
Uthrn was at The High Queen's horse, ready to help her mount. She offered her hand to The High Queen, and bowed her head, “High Queen. Please know that a few of our warriors ride ahead of us. They will have our camp and meal prepared for us as we arrive."
"This is good to know. Thank you, Force Leader of the Warriors of the Sword."
Ann'wn helped Sle'nel’ mount onto her own horse, and the travelers began their journey. Ann'wn declined leading them, deferring to Uthrn. Meera and a few of the Warriors of the Sword brought up the rear, while Caitha traveled near Sle'nel’ and The High Queen. Both Sle'nel’ and The High Queen were fully surrounded by guards, and San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ knew that such would well test her patience throughout the turn.
As Uthrn went to the front to guide the group, she turned to Sam, “Highest. Would you care to ride alongside me this turn to help guard from the front?"
Sam had wanted to remain nearer to Mil'der'in, but was intrigued by Uthrn. She also saw that Mil'der'in was showing more interest in one of the Warriors of the Sword than to her, so shrugged and nodded. While she was somewhat displeased regarding Mil'der'in, she was very pleased about the possibilities with Uthrn. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ observed the interactions and laughed quietly to herself.
Ann'wn observed what was occurring between Sam, Mil'der'in and Uthrn, and saw her Queen laughing. She moved her horse next to The High Queen's and quietly said, “This will be a most amusing eve, my Queen."
The High Queen looked knowingly at Ann'wn while nodding and chuckling quietly, “An understatement, I daresay, Force Leader. But you are indeed a good observer, My Warrior."
Uthrn looked back to The High Queen. Loudly, she asked, “Is all well for us to begin, Most Honored High Queen?"
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ looked at Sle'nel', “How fare your wounds thus far?"
While she had some pain, she shrugged it off, “Let us begin, my Love."
The High Queen turned to Ann'wn, “The journey is yours, Force Leader."
Ann'wn bowed her head, then nodded to Uthrn, and the journey began.
They left by the west mountain gate as they had done when traveling to the Sacred Isle. Once through the mountain passage, The High Queen and Sle'nel’ placed on their cloaks’ hoods. Sle'nel’ watched Uthrn carefully, seeing the same warrior-like caution she often saw in Ann'wn. Uthrn, for all her desires of Sam, knew well her obligations to The High Queen and the journey. Ann'wn enjoyed her moment of relative freedom, riding alongside her Queen without having to watch over the entire group. For one moment, she halted her horse, waiting for The Healer to catch up to her.
"It is good you come on this journey, Healer."
"Oh? Why is that, Force Leader?"
"The High Queen and our Elfin Princess are not yet fully recovered."
"I think that perhaps I know of this, Ann'wn. Is there perhaps another reason you are glad I come on this journey?” She laughed, “But I am being rude, Force Leader. I also am glad to be on this journey. Have you ever been to the Warriors of the Sword?"
"To Rns'deln', you mean?"
"Well, yes. But, my meaning is, will you be with them this eve?"
Ann'wn smiled with a slight leer, “Would you wish me in someone else's bed, Healer?"
The Healer laughed, but blush
ed, “You? In my bed? Surely you jest, Force Leader."
Ann'wn saw Uthrn motion to her, “Forgive me, Healer. I must see what our journey leader now needs. Until this eve."
The Healer sighed, fully knowing that her own cravings of this most magnificent woman would forever go unheeded.
Until their arrival at the western gate, Caitha and Sle'nel’ had been speaking of all the things Caitha had been learning while in the Valley. Like all the other journeys, though, no one spoke once through The Gate. With as many as thirty in the group, the traveling was much slower. Uthrn, in deference to The High Queen's injuries, took the horses at no faster than a trot while on solid ground. Unlike their prior journey to the Sacred Isle, they continued to head straight west from The Gate. Sle'nel’ recognized where Ann'wn had them turn slightly north from their westerly direction on their Sacred Isle journey. From this moment, Sle'nel’ saw that they headed through areas she had never prior seen.
The travelers followed the Highlands for half a turn. The Highlands were partially barren, partially wooded, and partially meadow. Sle'nel’ could see the great mountains if she looked behind. On the other three sides, the great Highlands looked as if they ended and dropped off the edge of The Realm in all directions, heather and wild flowers commanding the landscape. As they neared the edge of the Highlands, Uthrn followed a narrow path down. It was a well-sloped trail, but not impossible. Both Uthrn and Ann'wn hated this direction, however, for the lack of protection the path offered. Once upon the downhill path, they were committed to it. If an attack occurred, they would be fully exposed. But Uthrn had chosen the path for its quickness, knowing that her guards had scouted the way prior to their travel. The route around the path would take them another full turn, so Uthrn committed them to the path, knowing that it would be far easier on The High Queen, and knowing that they would reach the Lowlands more quickly, within a short span.
The journey down the path was uneventful except for one Counselor becoming frightened at the steep decline. The High Queen watched in amusement as a Warrior of the Sword jumped from her own horse onto the back of the Counselor's so as to help her negotiate the path and calm her fears. The High Queen always appreciated such moments, knowing that these lessons could only help make her Counselors more understanding of what her duties entailed.
Sle'nel’ had no fear of their travel down the narrow path, trusting completely in Mor'inl's ability and self-confidence. While on the path, she was directly in front of San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. As they had begun their downward journey, Sle'nel’ looked off into the distance, seeing the Great Sea. She also noticed that they would be traveling through dense forest and small hills once they had completed the path. She turned around, with pain in doing so, to take a moment to see her Queen. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ returned her look, smiling slightly through the great hood that encompassed much of her face.
Sle'nel’ thought that they might camp within the forest, but Uthrn kept them moving. They reached the sea by the early eve, with Sle'nel’ being surprised that they hadn't yet halted the turn's journey. As the horses moved onto the sea, Uthrn urged them into a relaxed gallop. The sight of the horses running across the water hadn't yet ceased to amaze Sle'nel'. For all her cycles in Woden, she had never prior thought such a feat as this possible.
As the sun was yet some moments away from appearing to sink into the sea, everyone finally saw Uthrn's island destination, gladdened for the sight. Sle'nel's wounds were raging beyond great pain now, and she was unsure if she could continue much further. She had bent over slightly, holding on to her stomach wound as a sharp pain entered it, moaning at the roughness of it. Like the guard had done with the counselor, Ann'wn leapt from her horse to Sle'nel's so that she could ensure her safety. They approached the island within a few moments, and Uthrn slowed the horses so that they could transition from running on water to moving on solid ground. As Mor'inl’ touched upon the ground, the sharp pain moved even further into Sle'nel's stomach wound, causing her to grasp onto it, moan loudly, and bend forward even further. Ann'wn held on tightly to her so she wouldn't fall off.
"We are almost there, Elfin Princess. Can you endure it for just a moment more?"
Sle'nel’ breathed in deeply, feeling some of the sharp pain ease, “I will be fine. Worry not over me."
The High Queen had removed her hood, knowing that they had reached their eve's destination and knowing that the island would be safe enough. She moved her horse up near Sle'nel's, “Tell Me of your pain."
Taking another breath, but yet feeling the pain, Sle'nel’ responded, “I will be fine. But I think I have ridden long enough for this turn."
"Indeed.” She looked around, “We have arrived, and will rest in just a moment."
When they arrived to the already set-up camp, Mor'inl’ knelt down upon her front legs as gently as she could, sensing her Elf's pain. Ann'wn helped her down, then helped The High Queen to dismount. Shr'dler'in came running up, hitting Ann'wn on her arm, “Don't you warrior women know when to halt? Do you not remember that they were badly wounded? Are you as insensitive as this, Ann'wn?"
Ann'wn just looked surprised, but allowed The Healer's anger, knowing it was just because she cared overly for The High Queen.
The High Queen came up to Sle'nel', “Are your wounds reopened, My Desire?"
"I think not, Highness. It is just a long turn of riding. I will be fine.” But The High Queen could hear the pain in her now quiet voice.
Uthrn bowed her head to The High Queen, “With your leave, Highness, I will show you to your tent. Your Healer can aide the wounds there in privacy. When you are rested and completed from your Healer, your eve meal will be waiting for you."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded, “To your will, Uthrn."
Sle'nel’ looked briefly to Ann'wn, “My staff?"
"It will always be close to you, Princess. You may count on this."
They were led to the tent that had been prepared especially for The High Queen. It wasn't overly large, but for such a journey it was spacious enough so that they could stand in it. A soft bed had been prepared for them upon the ground, with many covers to help keep them warm. The Healer made Sle'nel’ to remove her top garments so she could check her wounds.
"How are they, Healer?” The High Queen was also examining the wounds and saw that they were somewhat swollen and inflamed, but only a small amount of bleeding was occurring from her stomach wound.
"You overdo, Princess. Could you not tell that your stomach wound was reopening?"
Sle'nel’ sighed, “It is fine. I just need to rest from riding. Already I feel much improved. And, in truth, we couldn't have halted when I began to feel the pain as we were upon the sea."
The Healer placed her hands upon Sle'nel's head, removing some of her pain. She then applied some potion to all her wounds, and placed a small bandage upon her stomach wound, “You should feel better by the moment of your meal. I will make some special tea for you as well, so that your pains remain away throughout the eve."
She checked The High Queen's wounds, finding them slightly inflamed, her side much more so than her arm. The Healer applied the potion to The High Queen's wounds as well as to her back's older wound, then placed her hands upon The High Queen's head, “Focus, my Queen. Remove your pain."
The Healer then called for The High Queen's attendants. As they helped San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ and Sle'nel’ to redress into their garments, Sle'nel’ looked upon her Queen once more, seeing the woman she had seen in the morn. In all her garments, jewelry and adornments, she looked as the only High Queen that had ever lived.
"Are you ready to face the eve and all its potential amusement, My Desire?"
"Anywhere with you, my Queen.
The legend of The High Queen's great back wound was known throughout The Realm, and the great battle that caused it. In their respect to The High Queen, the Warriors of the Sword had raced to the eve's site so that they could prepare it to The High Queen's need. One of her needs, as they saw it, was
a chair with a back so that she may sit comfortably throughout the eve. They had found a large tree trunk on the ground and had chopped at it until they formed a seat that would do, then covered it with many animals’ hides and skins so as to make it suitable and soft. They then had done as such for the Elfin Princess. All the others would sit upon tree stumps, logs, or makeshift seats, including the Counselors. The High Queen looked at the two seats and laughed to herself, thinking them unnecessary. But given her and Sle'nel's wounds, she was grateful for them.
"Thank you for this courtesy, Uthrn and the Warriors of the Sword. While I need no such pampering as this, in our present condition from the wounds, I am most grateful for your consideration. Please know that I will not expect as such every eve of our journey."
The meal was a feast, and as The High Queen and Sle'nel’ sat in their seats eating, one of the Warriors of the Sword entertained them with her stories of former great battles in The Realm. Meera and Caitha, as well as The Healer, had chosen to sit near Sle'nel’ and The High Queen. Caitha had wanted to visit more with Sle'nel', and Meera wanted to remain nearer to her Queen so as to protect her.
The High Queen truly was pleased for the seats that had been made, as well as the fire before them. More comfortable than she thought possible in such a place, she relaxed, watching with great interest the interactions between her sister and Uthrn, as well as between Mil'der'in and one of the other Warriors of the Sword. She guessed that Meera had made it known that she was with Caitha, but even Ann'wn was being approached by some of the Warriors of the Sword. The High Queen laughed lightly to herself, wondering what Ann'wn would do. She knew that the Valley's guards would almost automatically pair-up with those from the Warriors of the Sword, but she also saw that the Counselors and her attendants were also being approached.
Sle'nel’ leaned over to her, speaking softly, “This be quite good entertainment, my Queen."
She laughed softly, shaking her head, “The game just begins. What is amusing is that your former lover and the Counselors know little of what happens to them this eve."
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 24