The clouds began to lessen and the pouring rain slowed to a mere drizzle just at midturn. Caitha could see the mountains rise up in front of them as a great and insurmountable wall as the clouds moved apart. Even The High Queen was ever amazed at the sight of these mountains. Seemingly out of nowhere, a chain of great mountains loomed before the travelers with no apparent path through them. As they approached, Caitha began to see the path that wound its way up to a low, narrow pass.
* * * *
Many of the Warriors of the Sword guarded the pass. They welcomed the travelers, and as they pointed to the last portion of the journey, Sle'nel’ saw the Warriors of the Sword's valley, where their village was located. Sam saw that it was a large valley, but completely encased on one side by the mountains while protected on the remaining borders by great cliffs that overlooked the sea. Meera could see that the Warriors of the Sword had chosen this location due to its natural protection, which acted as a fortress that surrounded the village.
Once through the pass, The High Queen removed her hood. Sle'nel’ had slept lightly during the last portion of their journey, having been given a sleeping spell by The Healer, and was feeling improved. At the beginning of the pass, Ann'wn had returned to her own horse and Sle'nel’ once again rode alone. As they cleared the pass and stood at the entrance to Rns'deln's valley, Queen Erthrn arrived with a few of her own counselors. She rode up to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', then dismounted.
She knelt and bowed her head deeply over her bent knee, “High Queen of The Realm. You bestow us great honor with your presence."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ dismounted and went to Erthrn. She took Erthrn's elbow and made her to rise, giving her a hug and a kiss upon each cheek, “Queen Erthrn. It is good to see you once again. Thank you for your invitation, and for your assistance with this great battle. I have remained away from your valley overly long and am pleased I am once again in your protection. How fare you, My friend?"
Sle'nel’ could see that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was truly pleased to see Erthrn. As the two queens spoke, Sle'nel’ dismounted after she found the village. It stood as a striking contrast to anything she had seen prior, well unlike Woden or the Valley in any regard. There were no dwellings in the Warriors’ of the Sword valley. Sle'nel’ had looked throughout their valley searching for the village, but saw no sign of any building. Looking back toward the great mountains, she finally saw it. The village was impossibly carved out from the caves of the mountainside.
Sam had come up alongside her, “It be the perfect location against their enemies. Their ingenuity is to be admired. Seeing such, I suddenly find Woden overly exposed to all attack. In this valley, the only way an enemy could attack would be to but climb up the cliffs from the sea, then cross the valley to their cave dwellings, or to try to accomplish the small and well-guarded pass. It is brilliant."
Sle'nel’ admired the carvings they had done to enhance their dwellings, wanting to go inside the caves to take a closer look. She felt oddly drawn to them.
Caitha and Meera came up beside Sle'nel', “I wouldn't want to live in these caves for very long, M'Love, as they are probably dark throughout much of the turn. But I do much admire the carvings they have done on the outside of the caves to make them but look more welcoming."
Meera was impressed at the genius of their defense, but didn't know what to think about living deep within their passages.
Sle'nel’ listened as they spoke, but kept her thoughts to herself. She thought of what San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ had said to her prior about being The High Queen in this location. She realized why The High Queen had said that it would probably be difficult to bring the high culture here. Comparing the high culture of the Valley to what might be possible here was even difficult to consider. From a quick look, Sle'nel’ thought there must be well over one hundred caves of varying sizes. She wondered how far into the mountainside the caves extended, knowing that the population of these women was many.
She kept her thoughts to herself, No wonder their mating is so overly open for all to see and hear. There cannot be much privacy in these caves.
Uthrn had dismounted and went to stand next to Sam. She carefully observed Sam's reaction to her homeland and was pleased as Sam rested her eyes upon the caves, “Do you like my village, Highest?"
"Very much. A most brilliant location. I am anxious to see the inside of these caves."
Uthrn was pleased, “And I am anxious to show them to you."
After finally seeing their village, Sle'nel’ turned her attentions to Queen Erthrn. Erthrn was a striking woman and truly a Queen. As much as San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ stood out as Queen of the Valley and High Queen of The Realm, Erthrn stood out as Queen of the Warriors of the Sword and Women of the Soul. She stood far taller than any of the travelers, was stronger looking than even Uthrn, and looked fully capable of beating any challenger. She had a tattoo across her forehead of an animal that Sle'nel’ didn't recognize, many bracelets tightly bound across the top portion of her bare arm, and a silver and gold sword at her side that Sle'nel’ didn't think she herself could lift. Another tattoo of a highly intricate sword began at the base of her neck and continued down to her navel. Like in the Valley, all but the most private parts of her breasts were displayed. But the garments were those of a warrior, and not of a queen. She wore carved-metal wrist guards, carved-metal knee guards, and had boots that laced up to her knees. Her hair was somewhat in the style of Uthrn's, but the queen also had a section of short, standing hair that began at the forehead and went straight back to the base of her neck, running along the center of her head. The section of hair was about a half-a-finger length's width and was dyed a deep yellow. Except for the long braid that hung down her back from the bottom of her hairline, her head was shaved. The effect was arresting and made the queen look terrifying, yet magnificent.
But Sle'nel’ also noticed that Queen Erthrn looked upon The High Queen with much apparent affection and respect. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ turned around after a few moments, motioning for Sle'nel’ and the others to come forward.
They all knelt and bowed their heads to Queen Erthrn, “Rise. With The High Queen present, you have no need to kneel before me. I am not your queen, but I thank you for your respect."
She went to Sam, “Welcome, Highest of Woden. I look forward to you telling us this story of how you defeated the Buron male. The tale is legendary, but I wish to hear it from you. And for you to tell me of your Woden. I would also like to meet your Warrior Woman, as the legends speak much of her as well."
Sam bowed her head, “It is an honor to be with you this turn, Queen Erthrn. Thank you for your invitation. I would be delighted to tell you of this battle. And I would like to learn more of your women and their skill with the sword."
Queen Erthrn nodded, “It shall be done.” She looked upon Sam, fully admiring her beauty. To San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ she said, “I see that your magnificence of looks carries well in your family. Your sister is quite stunning.” Turning back to Sam, she asked, “Have you a mate, or do the Woden Women not take mates?"
Sam laughed, “I have no companion at this moment, but am expected to, according to the Woden laws. We have very different ways than those of the Warriors of the Sword, though."
The High Queen felt a moment of concern when she recognized that Erthrn was interested in her sister. She wondered if Uthrn would choose to defer to her queen, or would challenge her for Sam's attentions. But Erthrn wasn't queen of these Warriors for no reason, and San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ guessed that Erthrn could defeat even Uthrn in any contest.
"Tell me, Highest of Woden, did you select one of my women for a union and mating these past eves?"
Sam nodded, “Uthrn, Queen Erthrn."
Queen Erthrn nodded, “A wise choice for Uthrn. She has done well. I may challenge her to hold your attentions for an eve. You are most stunning, Highest of Woden."
She then turned to Sle'nel’ and bowed her head, “You honor us greatly, Elfin Princess. It is good to ha
ve an Elf returned to The Realm. Like all the Elves, you are beyond beautiful. It is no surprise to me that our High Queen has taken you for her own. You resemble your mother greatly. She was one of my teachers, and the greatest Elf of all, according to the legends. I am deeply humbled in your presence. She wouldn't be surprised to know that you are now the High Sorcerer of the Stones."
Sle'nel’ bowed her head slightly, then looked up to Erthrn, “You are an exceptional woman also, Queen Erthrn. I am honored to be in your presence. Moments permitting, I would like to hear more of my Mother from you. It is the reason I came. While I was given some of my Mother's memories, I would like to hear and see what gifts she gave to others."
Queen Erthrn nodded, “It shall be done. But come. Let us go to The Caves to celebrate. The Women of the Soul have prepared a feast and celebration in your honor, High Queen. We are pleased that you are here."
The High Queen motioned toward Meera and Caitha, “And here are two of The Highest's most loyal companions. This is Caitha, a master storyteller and singer of songs, and this is her mate, and the force leader of all of Woden, Meera the Woden Warrior Woman."
Queen Erthrn bowed her head to them, “It is my honor that you accompany The High Queen to our village. Warrior Woman, I have heard much of your skills in battle and look forward to seeing them displayed in contest. And Caitha, it is always excellent to have a master storyteller and singer of songs here with us so that we may all share. You are free to all in my village."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ held out her arm to Sle'nel'. She took it, seeing The High Queen observing her reactions to The Caves. Queen Erthrn walked alongside San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ while speaking of their recent battle over the Dungaras. Sle'nel’ half-listened to their conversation, focusing more upon hiding her pain and also upon the path to The Caves. She saw that they would soon begin to ascend many stairs that wound their way up to their in-the-mountain dwellings. She wondered quietly to herself if her body would allow the physical energy.
Walking up the countless steps, The High Queen and Queen Erthrn led the way while Sam followed with Meera and Caitha. Uthrn had seen her own queen take interest in The Highest and was now wondering whether to challenge her queen for her or not. She followed behind the delegation from the Valley, displeased with her queen's interest in Sam. To challenge their queen for someone's attentions wasn't unheard of, but nor was it usual. She knew if she won, it would make their queen to look less than needed, and if she lost, it would make herself look less than needed for her role as leader of all their forces. She knew that it was best not to challenge their queen in this regard, but felt strongly about Sam being hers. She also knew she would need to let go of this feeling should their queen truly desire The Highest. She decided that she could only hope that Sam would make it known that she preferred Uthrn prior to any such challenge.
After what seemed like many moments of climbing up to The Caves, they finally arrived to the great meeting cave that was also used for celebrations. The War Council members had arrived prior turn, waiting for The High Queen's arrival. It was a most glorious of moments for The Realm in that one of their greatest enemies was finally being defeated after many long cycles of constant battle. But the War Council knew that they must yet fight against the Mungardies, an even stronger force. From one perspective, there was much hope now of being able to do so. But the harsh realities of The Realm told The High Queen that the Mungardies were a stronger and much darker enemy than the Dungaras. Whatever was to be decided, it would wait until the next turn. This turn was a celebration for The Realm, and for the Warriors of the Sword who had helped damage the very core of the Dungaras’ forces. And Queen Erthrn never gave up hope that The High Queen would one turn decide to move her reign to Rns'deln'.
As they entered into the main cave, the Warriors of the Sword and the Women of the Soul knelt and bowed their heads to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “High Queen."
Sle'nel’ was surprised at the large number of women present and at the enormity of the great meeting room. She guessed that there were over six hundred women in the great cave, but even with these numbers, there was room remaining. She had expected the cave to be dark, but had forgotten that the Warriors of the Sword and Women of the Soul were also Mystics. The cave was light, lit from many magical sources, and appeared as if the sun itself shone inside. There was a long banquet table laid out with an abundance of food on one side. An immense fireplace was located on the west wall, built within the cave's wall itself, but enhanced with boulders. Long tables and chairs of massive dark wood were lined up toward another side and were able to hold most of the women present. Musicians were along the side of the great banquet table, and the center of the room was empty for their entertainment and dancing. While Sle'nel’ knew it to be a cave, it seemed like any other great hall that she had seen in the Valley. There were even doors that led elsewhere, something she hadn't thought possible inside a cave. On one of the remaining walls, a great chair with a smaller one next to it was provided. Queen Erthrn led San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ to The High Queen's chair, having The High Queen turn to her audience.
Queen Erthrn held up her arms so as to quiet the women. She turned to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “High Queen of The Realm and Queen of the Valley. We are most pleased and humbled at your agreeing to hold the War Council on our lands. It is not unknown that we would honor your every desire and request should you wish to grant our valley as the permanent residence of The High Queen, but know that this is not the reason for your visit. We are well pleased to be able to help turn the battle against the Dungaras, and are delighted that we are permitted to hold this celebration for their upcoming total defeat.” She motioned her hand to all the women present, “We hold this celebration for all of us, but particularly for you as High Queen, as it was at your insistence that the push to finally defeat the Dungaras occurred.” She looked at all the women in the cave, “We are proud to serve such a High Queen as this."
Initially, they knelt and bowed their heads, and then as customary for the Warriors of the Sword and of the Soul, the women stood and all began raising their hands and fists, shouting, “High Queen! High Queen! High Queen!"
Sle'nel’ was surprised but saw that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ wasn't. The High Queen waited patiently for them to finish, knowing that if they had been displeased with her, their chants would have taken on a very different sound. She finally raised her arms to halt them, “Queen Erthrn. Warriors of the Sword and Women of the Soul, and all those present. Thank you for your most gracious welcome. It is good to once again be returned to the true warriors and heart of The Realm. I am, as are all of you, pleased for the reason we now celebrate. Many lives have been lost to arrive to this moment. And while we have much further to proceed, we can now begin to see hope."
She introduced all those who had come with her, including Sam, Caitha, Meera, and all her counselors and advisors. She had saved the introducing of Sle'nel’ to last, knowing that their reactions would be much different for her than for the others.
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ smiled at her Sle'nel', taking her hand and raising it, “And this is Sle'nel', High Sorcerer of the Stones, The Realm's only surviving Elf, and My Love—Sle'nel’ Ni Riain, Elfin Princess."
They had made stomping sounds with their feet as high approval for everyone else that had been introduced. When Sle'nel’ was finally introduced, Sle'nel’ had expected them to do the same, but instead, they all solemnly knelt and bowed their heads as they had done for San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “Elfin Princess."
They remained that way until San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ squeezed her hand and whispered to her, “You must be the one to release them, My Love."
Sle'nel’ blushed, yet unsure as to why everyone insisted on such, “Please rise. Thank you for your welcome."
Queen Erthrn then loudly pronounced, “Musicians! Begin the celebration."
Unlike in the Valley, the dancing began without The High Queen taking the first dance. Sle'nel’ was relieved, seeing that the way the
se women danced was much different than even that of the Valley. The musicians provided lively music with heavy rhythmic beats and loud wailing melodies that had more story of war embedded in them than the flowing and gentle melodies to which Sle'nel’ was accustomed.
As the music began, Queen Erthrn said to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “High Queen, my friend. I leave you to your enjoyment. I think I will take an interest in your Ann'wn and leave your sister to Uthrn, for now. I can see that Uthrn is well taken by her. I know, though, that this will create difficulty for her along the way."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ bowed her head in a brief nod, “You are truly a wise queen, as they will indeed have many issues. But I think you will find Ann'wn all you desire."
Erthrn nodded, laughing, “Perhaps we will have to trade force leaders, High Queen. Should you or our Elf have need of anything this eve, four attendants await your every desire. When you are ready, they will show you to your chambers. By the way, my Queen, we have prepared them especially for you. These chambers will remain only as yours."
"You are not trying to entice Me here are you, My Strong Queen Erthrn?"
Erthrn laughed loudly, “Of course I am, my friend. I would like it much. Not just to have The High Queen here, though. You know I would much like your company and abilities. You place even me to shame with your last battle.” She quit smiling for a moment; “We must speak of this battle next turn, High Queen, as I also sent a delegation to study the battle site. I have found some strange facts at the scene and need to share them with you. But it will wait.” She smiled once more, “Our valley is yours, and your every desire will be met, High Queen."
She turned, leaving to find Ann'wn. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ turned to her Elf, “What do you think of all this, My Desire?"
The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] Page 27