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

by Robbie Collins

  Sle'nel’ found the play inspired in its ability to tell one story from such differing views. Meera liked it in that it helped her to understand how politician's and others viewed such events, knowing and understanding her own view as a warrior. Caitha was especially moved by the lover's tale as well as the comedienne's tale, feeling as if she related to these views, but, like Meera, appreciated the other tales that helped her to gain understanding of how others might think. Sam also appreciated the play for the same reasons, beginning to view the Warriors of the Sword in a different fashion than she had originally. Because of the play, she now saw that they were much more keenly intelligent and witty than she had thought them possible. Ann'wn liked it in that it helped her to understand her Queen further.

  Erthrn hadn't seen the play prior, liked it well, and was most pleased to see that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ also seemed to like it. Throughout the play, finger foods and drink were provided to the guests, as the play lasted a long while. At its conclusion, Erthrn stood and announced that their meal was being readied for them and to follow her to their dining hall.

  She also added a surprise for The High Queen, “I hope you enjoy this banquet in your honor, High Queen, and we hope you also enjoy the dining hall, as it has been built for only your use."

  Extending her hand to Sle'nel', San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded and rose. They all followed Queen Erthrn as she led them to the dining hall down several flights of stairs, descending to the ground level, but from inside the caves, and fully toward the far end of the entire complex. After many moments, they arrived to another pair of doors that were identical to The High Queen's chamber doors as well as her bath doors. Two guards opened the doors, and once again, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was surprised. The dining hall was immense, providing a space for large gatherings, as was often needed in her position, and containing beautifully carved dining furniture of deeply polished lightwoods. She noticed that there was room for musicians, who were also now playing for her, dancing, and for many other tables.

  Sle'nel’ looked at her, “Look toward the outside."

  The High Queen looked at her, then to where she was looking, and saw it. The dining hall was connected to the outside where gardens had been constructed for her. The dining hall itself had full length windows from one side to the other so that the gardens could be seen, but as one stepped outside the glass walls, a large wood and stone patio had been constructed that allowed more room for the dining hall's enlargement, if needed. From the patio's edge, the gardens began. From what she could see, she could tell that they had worked long and hard on these gardens, providing a paradise in this most amazing of places.

  "How have you created such as this?"

  Erthrn saw that The High Queen was pleased, “With many hands, long effort, a talented gardener, and much desire to bring you here. Like your gardens in the Valley, there are many paths through them, and there is a small lake at the end of a few of them. The lake is not as such as yours in the Valley, but it does have a spectacular view, and a few other amazing features as well. But you can view this next turn, or late this eve. Now we would like to provide you with the meal from our kitchens and entertainment. We think you will be pleased."

  The High Queen was seated at the end of the table in a large, massive yet beautifully carved and most comfortable chair. Erthrn sat at the opposite end of the table that had been arranged so that it held just this group, and no more. The musicians were playing, and dancers were providing background entertainment, but the main focus was on the food, drink and company. As in all settings within Rns'deln', much of the focus centered on fighting or pleasure. This eve, the entertainers were providing the mood for the latter, being scantily dressed and displaying exotic and highly suggestive movements. The women who waited upon the group were displayed so as to attract attention, and were also there so as to provide possible partnerships for later in the eve, as desired or needed.

  Erthrn had placed Sam next to her so that she could entice The Highest to her own bed. She didn't know what The High Queen's sister felt about Uthrn, but Erthrn was highly interested in this Highest from Woden, finding her beautiful, skilled in the sword, and a warrior within her own right.

  Erthrn looked at Sam, “You have beautiful eyes, Highest. And I hear that you are well skilled with the sword. Did you know that your sister has asked me to teach you some of your powers, and to help you to learn more skills with the sword?"

  "You are able to teach me these?"

  Erthrn saw that Sam was pleased, and was gladdened for it, knowing that she now held her attention to her, solely, “I have taught many warriors their powers, and most are still alive to attest to my teaching abilities. Would you like me to begin one of these lessons after this meal?"

  Sam nodded, “Very much. How is it you know of these powers?"

  Erthrn began eating, not really interested in the question, but not wishing to ignore Sam, “Some of these are basic, and it is where most begin. Soon enough, you will know more than just these basic powers. How do you like our food, Highest of Woden?"

  Sam took a few bites and was fully amazed at the texture as well as spiciness of the food, “It is most delicious. You seem to but live well here, Queen Erthrn."

  "We do. It is our small paradise. Tell me of your Woden, Highest."

  Sam began to tell Erthrn of Woden, Hengist and its past, while The High Queen looked around, wondering if she could live among these Warriors. The Women of the Soul were present, being the musicians and presenters of the meal. They wore very little on their tops, and only the shortest of skirts upon their legs and hips. Sle'nel’ saw them mostly as without clothes, wondering about their name.

  "Why are these called the Women of the Soul?"

  "They will not fight, so the Warriors of the Sword gave them this name. They bear and raise the children for the Warriors. They consider themselves spiritual, trying always to guide the Warriors toward peace. They believe that physical intimacy is important toward this goal."

  "So that is why so much focus is around the physical acts."

  "They see themselves as the keepers of Rns'deln's soul while they see the Warriors of the Sword as its protectors."

  * * * *

  The High Queen watched the relationships across the table, listening to the pleasant chatter of those around her, but wishing to visit her new gardens. She liked the meal, but as usual wasn't interested in eating a late eve meal. Dancing had begun, and Sle'nel’ found the music interesting and tempting to dance to, but saw that her Queen was wishing to be elsewhere. She took a quick look around and saw that Meera and Caitha were enjoying the musicians by dancing, saw that Erthrn was dancing suggestively with Sam, and that all others were engaged in obtaining their partners for the eve.

  She looked at her Queen, “Let us escape to your new gardens, my Queen."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ smiled, “Thank you, My Elf."

  She motioned for an attendant, asking for their cloaks. When they arrived, she rose, extending her hand to Sle'nel'. They walked out to the patio where The High Queen took a moment to look out onto her gardens, “Which way to our new lake, My Love?"

  Sle'nel’ smelled the air, trying to sense where any signs of increased moisture may be coming from. She could sense a small change in the air slightly toward her left. She took her Queen's arm and led the way. Neither spoke, enjoying the strange but beautiful flowering plants, the old and new trees, and the little lights that had been provided to light their way through the paths. Sle'nel’ heard the quiet flying sounds of the eve birds that hunted only in the dark, and heard the lonely cry of the lake bird that always cried for its lover. The path was curvy but soft, with many seats provided along the way. The eve was warm, so Sle'nel’ carried their cloaks rather than wearing them, but chastised herself for having no weapon upon her, wondering if any of the guards had noticed where they had gone.

  After many moments of curving around the plants and trees, they finally came upon the lake. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ w
as fully entranced by it. A waterfall as high as three tall trees and as wide as ten was to one side. A large light-blue pool was at its bottom, with large boulders surrounding it. The waters flowed out to a large lake, but as Erthrn had said, smaller than the one in the Valley. It was surrounded by forests and mountains, but was also much different than The High Queen's lake in the Valley in that it had many small islands upon it. A small walking bridge led between the shore and three of the closer islands. A small shelter was upon one island, made for sitting and meditating while another island had some wooden chairs and a small table. The last island, the largest of the three, had a small cottage upon it. They saw smoke coming out of the fireplace, so walked across the appealing bridges to the last island and entered the cottage. Inside was the already lit fireplace, a small sitting area that was focused around a large window that overlooked the lake, and a most comfortable looking of beds. Sle'nel’ noticed that there was also food and drink upon the table.

  Sle'nel’ looked at her Queen, guessing that she liked her new lake. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was stunned, never believing that the Warriors of the Sword could even think to do as such, “This is wonderful. Solitude, beauty, and peace. They have thought of everything."

  Sle'nel’ just thought, And they knew that we would come here this eve.

  "They did indeed. So, shall we not disappoint them, My Desire?"

  Sle'nel’ was beginning to notice that when her Queen was merely enjoying the moment and not paying attention to her duties, her mind sensed the thoughts of those around her without thinking on it. So Sle'nel’ no longer minded the invasions of her thoughts, knowing only that, in truth, The High Queen was focused elsewhere.

  Even upon this small island, two chairs had been provided outside at the water's edge. Sle'nel’ took San'lr'in'thel'ineln's hand, leading them outside. She sat down in one of the chairs, allowing her Queen the moments of peace she needed from The Realm. She listened to the sounds of the lake, hearing the frogs near the far-distant shore, and the sounds of the lake birds searching for their mates. The High Queen remained standing, looking upon the lake, allowing herself to pass into her reflections and meditations. She often thought that the natural occurring ripples upon the lake and the glare of how the moon shone upon it helped her ease into her meditations more peacefully. Before she began, she bent down to the water, dipping her hand in it, feeling its coolness and texture. She rose, feeling chilled from the cold water. Sle'nel’ saw San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ shiver slightly, so rose and placed The High Queen's cloak around her. She gave her a kiss, holding her briefly, then returned to her seat to watch over her Queen.

  The High Queen meditated throughout the late eve, reflecting on The Realm and of her decisions in its regard, trying to let go of all of it. Since her moments as a young student, she had been taught to use meditation as a way to reflect upon and consider all the occurrences of the turn, as well as to keep her powers close at-hand. At the same moment, she was taught to use it to distance from the harsh realities of The Realm and to cast off the pains and weight of her place in it. It was never easy, not even after all these cycles, but it helped and kept her from bending from the weight of her position.

  Sle'nel’ leaned sideways into her chair, watching the moon's movement pass across the lake. She didn't meditate, as was her way, but used the moments to reflect upon who she was in The Realm, and what to do with it. There was only one thing she knew to be true, and that was her love for San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. But all else confused her, including what to do with this immense love. Sitting here reminded her of sitting at the lake's edge in The High Queen's Gardens in the Valley. She felt useless in the Valley, though, and wondered, without much care about it, what she could do to become more useful. As she watched the two lovers upon the lake that had reunited, Sle'nel’ wondered if El'fs'nd'lle would provide her with some answers. Before she drifted off to a light sleep while waiting quietly for her Queen, she found herself amazed at the Warriors of the Sword's ability to provide such an idyllic setting for The High Queen. She thought that perhaps Rns'deln’ might provide a well-protected haven for her Queen, afterall.

  Fully focused in her meditations, The High Queen heard Sle'nel's thoughts but paid them no attention. She had much to contemplate on, so didn't focus upon her lover's worries. She was concerned enough over that the Mungardies may have been trained by the old Masters. She knew that if this were true, their battles against them would be that much more difficult to win. Her mind had raged all the after-midturn over this possibility, and the more she thought on it, the more likely she thought it to be true. She needed this moment of meditation to cast off those thoughts, hoping she would find the truth of it next turn.

  The High Queen meditated until just past late eve before she could let go some of her rage. Finally, she took a deep breath and opened her eyes slowly, re-entering her realm. She had stood motionless the entire eve, and yet continued to do so, studying the lake and her surroundings. She thought it beautiful and was fully pleased over the small cottage that Erthrn had provided her. She returned to her Elf.

  Shaking her slightly, she said softly, “Come, My Love. Let us go inside and enjoy our cottage."

  Sle'nel’ opened her eyes, feeling tired. She rose, feeling her wound, but now only slightly. She looked at the lake, “This is a most peaceful of sites."

  She turned to her Queen and pulled her into an embrace. As Sle'nel’ kissed her, she moved her hand to under the slit in her Queen's gown, moving slowly and seductively up toward her hip.

  "This gown, my Queen, feels most excellent."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ laughed at the comment, knowing that Sle'nel’ hadn't even touched the gown, “Oh? The gown, you say? Then why is it your hand is yet on My leg, Elf?"

  She tried to look surprised, “Is it?"

  She placed her arm through San'lr'in'thel'ineln's and they walked the very short distance to the cottage. The High Queen made a slight motion of her hand, and the fire rebuilt itself, warming the inside to a comfortable temperature. Sleeping, talking, and touching, they enjoyed the peace and solitude the gardens and lake gave them through the remainder of the eve. In the late morn, Erthrn came to wake them, allowing all to sleep in this morn. She herself had enjoyed a most pleasurable eve with The Highest, and hearing the story of the journey from Sam, knew that the travelers needed more rest.

  After being attended by two attendants, they went to the small island where Erthrn was waiting for them, with the morn meal already prepared.

  She knelt and bowed her head as The High Queen approached, “High Queen."

  "Rise, Erthrn. And thank you for this prior eve. It was all I could hope."

  Erthrn rose, bowing her head for a moment, “Then I am pleased. I hoped you would find this to your liking."

  "And how was your eve, Erthrn? Was it all you hoped for? Will we find Uthrn upset this turn?"

  She smiled, “It was, my Queen. Your sister is most enjoyable. And I have provided a lesson for her already this morn. She learns quickly and is a most eager student. She likes Uthrn quite well, though, and doesn't wish to hurt her. A side we don't have in our valley. But I find I am attracted to her, as is Uthrn."

  "Not just in the powers or the sword play, I take it then."

  "No, Highness. It would seem she is a true Warrior of the Sword as well, in this aspect. She seemed as eager and aggressive as I would dare hope.” She turned to Sle'nel', “I hope you are also enjoying your stay with us, Elfin Princess. Is there anything I might provide for you?"

  Sle'nel’ shook her head, “No thank you, Queen Erthrn. All is well."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ asked, “Has Uthrn returned?"

  "She returned early, with success. We will find our answer soon enough. I fear it has caused a minor battle, however, in another town. Many of our warriors are now there. The Mungardies were taken by surprise, which is a surprise in itself. But a few retaliated. Young warriors, I suspect. The Mungardies leaders will kill them for not waiting for orders, if
we have not already yet done so. The Mungardies never like to lose a battle, even if it a small one."

  "Prepare two or three Dungaras to fight against one Mungardies. Hopefully, we will not see any sign of the Masters.

  "Excellent, Highness. I was going to fight against the Mungardies myself, but see the sense in this."

  "Perhaps. But perhaps the Mungardies will be able to bend their minds."

  Sle'nel’ was curious about the Masters and Erthrn, “Queen Erthrn, were you trained by the Masters?"

  She examined the Elf, “Why would you want to know this, Elf?"

  She shrugged.

  "You are curious which of us would win in a sword fight."

  "Yes, this is truth."

  The High Queen interrupted, “She doesn't have her Elfin sword as yet, Erthrn, but even without it, she is an opponent to fear."

  Erthrn smiled, “So, you have gained your mother's sword skills, then."

  "Who was better? The Masters, or the Elves?"

  Erthrn bowed her head in acknowledgement, “The Elves, Princess. But the Masters were close in their abilities."

  Sle'nel’ made a guess, “Our High Queen has beaten you prior."

  Erthrn nodded, “None can beat her, Princess. Not even you with your Elfin abilities. Both the Masters and an Elf trained her from when she could walk."

  Sle'nel’ looked puzzled, “What Elf, my Queen? I thought they had all died out."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ took a deep breath, then sighed, “Your Elfin-Mother, My Love. She taught Me for short while when I was but six cycles."