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

by Robbie Collins

  Sle'nel’ whispered to her lover, “Perhaps it is the moment for you to help her cross back to her own realm."

  San'lr'in’ nodded, crouching back down to the Waif, Do you require My assistance to go back through the door?

  The Waif was now excited to return to her own, so bowed her head to San'lr'in', even though The High Queen had interrupted her, I am able to do this. Thank you for allowing me to meet the Elf, High Queen.

  Thank you for your report. I can now travel with the Elf in more safety. Your knowledge was essential to our mission.

  We will continue in your request, High Queen. I will see you upon your arrival. Safe journey. By the way, High Queen, my Queen would like to know if you bring your healer with you on this visit.

  We do.

  Good. She will be pleased.

  She turned back to Sle'nel', “Beware of those who wish to see you dead, Elf. We have heard rumors that one or two may be here. Be watchful, as they will be well hidden. They will now all begin to follow you to your home. Do you require my assistance to rid yourself of the ones that wait for you?"

  "No. We will be well. Safe journey."

  With that, the Waif stepped back through the mystic door. As she did so, the door vanished. San'lr'in’ looked at Sle'nel', slightly surprised, “I thought they were shy. They speak so little."

  "So little? I can see that these Waifs must have been a challenge to the Elves. No wonder the Elves left The Realm. They needed a rest from the Waifs’ constant prattle. And then she informs me that each Waif is assigned to an Elf. I cannot handle this. It is easier to fight against a Mungardies than deal with these Waifs."

  The High Queen laughed, “I think this will be a most interesting visit."

  Sle'nel’ looked stunned, “An entire town of Waifs? My ears will fall off."

  Smiling mischievously, San'lr'in’ said, “I hadn't thought of that. Perhaps that is why the Elves had pointed ears."

  * * * *

  They woke early, needing many moments to prepare The High Queen for the ceremonial processional through Erthrn's town. Sle'nel’ was mixed in her feelings about leaving. She had enjoyed their moments in Rns'deln', yet was anxious to continue their journey toward El'fs'nd'lle.

  She watched the attendants preparing her lover, amazed, “I never tire of seeing you as High Queen. You are, in truth, most beautiful and commanding."

  San'lr'in’ had never really thought about it before. She generally just let her attendants decide what she was to wear. But as she was now out in The Realm, she took more care to dress and look as she knew The High Queen should.

  San'lr'in’ saw that Sle'nel’ was in her sorcerer garments, “You wish not to wear a gown for this processional?"

  "I will be waiting on the other side of the procession, as I would like to watch it."

  "The women will be disappointed. They would like to see you as well."

  Sle'nel’ shook her head slightly, “They want to see you only, as would I. It will only be for a short moment. I will know where you are upon all the moments."

  San'lr'in’ was surprised, having assumed that Sle'nel’ would ride with her. She could tell that Sle'nel’ wasn't telling her the real reason, but wanted to wait until the correct moment to speak more about it.

  "How fares your hand this morn?"

  Sle'nel’ moved her fingers, “Improved. That smelly ointment of The Healer's worked well. She was most pleased prior eve, and it has helped greatly with the pain. She says that the infection is all but gone."

  "I often worry about her powers of alchemy. Thank the mothers that she uses it to our benefit."

  Since the attendants were all about them, San'lr'in’ asked her question in what Elfin-speak she could collect together, no longer able to contain her curiosity, “Why do you not ride with Me?"

  Sle'nel’ responded in as simple Elfin words as she could find, “I have been warned to be careful until after El'fs'nd'lle."

  San'lr'in’ nodded, returning to her own language, “We will speak more on this later."

  When The High Queen's preparations were finally completed, they walked off the islands, back toward the town.

  "San'lr'in', are there two or three scholars that you might think of to take with us to El'fs'nd'lle?"

  "The Realm has many fine scholars. What do you need of them?"

  "The Elfin libraries."

  "Ah. Yes. We have those who can read the Elfin-speak. I can have this arranged. They can meet us along the journey. They can join us as your Birth-daughter does. Would that be acceptable?"

  "Yes. Thank you."

  When they arrived to their horses, Sle'nel’ saw that they were all highly decorated for the processional, as well as all their riders. She looked at Ann'wn, who was now wearing her most decorated of uniforms.

  "It would seem that your talk with Ann'wn prior eve was successful."

  San'lr'in’ nodded her head, but looked slightly frustrated, “While our warriors are excellent fighters and most skilled in all the weapons, they have hearts and feelings of children."

  Sle'nel’ laughed lightly and went to Erthrn. She bowed her head to her, “Queen Erthrn. I will not be riding in the processional this turn, so would like to extend my most sincere appreciation for all you have done for The High Queen and me upon this visit. I look forward to our return with much anticipation."

  Erthrn was as surprised as San'lr'in’ had been, “My deepest apologies, our Elf. I assumed overly that you would ride alongside your Queen."

  "It is your place to ride with her, Queen Erthrn. I will catch up to my Queen at the end of the processional. Is there someone that might take my horse to the end of it, for me?"

  Erthrn bowed her head, “Of course, Elf. Please consider it as done. It was my pleasure to have you here with us. My town has been most excited to have the Elf in their presence. And, my Elf, it will be long prior from now before I am able to forget what a masterful shot you made with your bow and arrow upon our captured Mungardies. I have never seen a shot such as this."

  Sle'nel’ then went to Ann'wn, “Force Leader for The High Queen. I have need of my staff, bow, arrows and sword. Do you know where they might be?"

  Ann'wn looked wide-eyed, “You wish to wear them in the processional, my Elf?"

  "I will not be riding in the processional. I will meet you at the end of it. Erthrn is having another take my horse to the end of it."

  "You cannot do this alone, my Elf."

  "It is safer for me to do this than to ride in the processional. I will be nearby the entire way. May I have my weapons?"

  Ann'wn had one of the guards retrieve her weapons, “May I at least send a guard with you?"

  "You could, but I will only lose them."

  Before Ann'wn could speak further, Sle'nel’ had returned to her Queen, “San'lr'in', my Love. I will see you at the end of the processional."

  San'lr'in’ nodded slightly, “I know not what this is about, but will respect your decision. Remain as safe."

  She embraced The High Queen, then whispered into her ear, “You will be safer by being apart from me as you ride. Trust me, my Queen."

  "You will be waiting for us?"

  "I will. I vow this. Worry not about me. You will always know if I need your help."

  Meera came up beside her, “I suddenly find myself attached to you, Sle'nel'. Are you able to yet abide my company?"

  Sle'nel’ looked at Meera, thinking on it. Suddenly, she smiled, “I wished not for another's company, but Meera my old friend, you are most welcome. Come. We have much to do if we are to get there prior to them, on foot."

  Meera nodded. They both took off at a quick jog while The High Queen watched for a moment, wondering as to Sle'nel's caution.

  All of Rns'deln’ lined the processional route in order to see The High Queen. Erthrn had already told the town that The High Queen was going to move her reign to Rns'deln’ for a half-cycle, once every cycle, so they were extremely excited, knowing that The High Queen was now half their
s.

  The Healer was dressed in her finest, as were all the other travelers in The High Queen's group. Uthrn was saying her final farewell to Rns'deln', knowing she was leaving as Force Leader, but yet undetermined where she was to now live. In the meanwhile, she would accompany her High Queen. Being a member of The High Queen's Black Guard, Uthrn had a most impressive of uniforms, and was proud to wear it in the processional.

  San'lr'in’ had asked Erthrn's tailor to design an ambassador gown especially for Sam, to reward her for her good work with the Mungardies. The High Queen was pleased with the effect, seeing that Sam looked splendid in the gown, and Sam felt also well pleased with it, even though she generally preferred less formal garments. Uthrn also thought Sam looked stunning in the gown, and was hoping they could work out their relationship since she was now free of Rns'deln’ and her duties as Force Leader.

  The processional began with many of the guard units, several colorful flags and banners of The High Queen's Court, then the musicians. Following the musicians came Caitha and The Healer, The High Counselor, then Uthrn and Sam, who rode side-by-side, and then Queen Erthrn and The High Queen, who also rode side-by-side. Many more guards followed behind.

  As they ran alongside the processional, slightly behind the crowd, Meera asked, “What do we look for?"

  "Look for anyone who looks at San'lr'in', but seems surprised that the Elf is not with her."

  "Certainly not one of the Warriors of the Sword or any of the Women of the Soul?"

  "I know not, and hopefully we see none such as this. I would guess that who we look for will have weapons."

  Meera rolled her eyes at that statement, “We are in Rns'deln'', Sle'nel'. Everyone carries weapons here except the Women of the Soul."

  The processional proceeded for many moments. Sle'nel’ looked quickly at her lover, thinking her beautiful beyond words, and most commanding in her presence. When the processional was more than halfway through, Meera caught Sle'nel's attention, pointing to what she saw, “Who, or what, is that? It is nothing I have prior seen."

  Sle'nel’ looked to where Meera was indicating, seeing, as Meera had said, a what or a who, but certainly someone who was disappointed in seeing only The High Queen. Sle'nel’ looked about them, but saw no other, “Let us stand on either side of this one and see what occurs. Be prepared, though."

  Meera nodded. They approached, in a casual fashion, the one Sle'nel’ thought looked suspicious. Meera saw that this one had a knife in its hands, ready to throw. She took a quick assessment of who was around them, then took hold of the knife-holder's shoulder, “I would like to speak with you fo—"

  As Meera had touched the knife-holder's shoulder, it looked at her, screeched, and then began to disappear into a pile of sand. Sle'nel’ cried out to Meera, “The knife! Get the knife before it disappears. It is a creature made by magic only.” Sle'nel’ bent down quickly, trying to get a handful of the now disappearing pile of sand.

  "What was that?"

  Sle'nel’ shook her head, looking at the small pile of sand she held in her hand, “I know not, but it certainly wished not to speak to you. Did you get the knife before it disappeared?"

  Meera held it up. Sle'nel’ nodded, “Good. Let us make haste. We are now well behind the processional. I hope there will be no more. Perhaps the Women of the Trees will be able to tell us who or what this was."

  They arrived just after the processional had finished, but The High Queen was yet speaking to Erthrn.

  "Thank you, Meera."

  Meera nodded, “My honor, Second."

  Sle'nel’ looked at her, “The use of that title brings back an entire other life that feels long gone from here, and yet, here you stand before me."

  "For me as well, but it felt good to say it. I am glad we are yet together, although many of our moments are now separate."

  "And yet we ride together once again. I barely recall being Second. It is as if in a dream."

  Meera nodded, “For me, as well."

  "Do you see our horses?"

  The High Queen had seen Sle'nel’ and Meera, so no longer worried as she said her farewells to Erthrn. As soon as Erthrn had departed, the attendants helped The High Queen to change from her High Formal Garments to her riding ones.

  Sle'nel’ walked over to her, “You looked most beautiful in your processional, my Queen. Your beauty is such that it commands my very soul."

  San'lr'in’ raised an eyebrow, pleased.

  Sle'nel’ saw that many of Erthrn's guards were yet with them, “Does Erthrn send her guards with us?"

  She nodded, “Until we arrive to El'fs'nd'lle."

  In Elfin-speak, Sle'nel’ asked, “Danger?"

  The High Queen nodded, “We now go through the forests of the dark magic."

  When the attendants had left The High Queen, San'lr'in’ looked upon Sle'nel', “I heard your thoughts while I was riding. Do you yet have what you picked up?"

  Sle'nel’ nodded and opened her hand, “Do you know of this?"

  San'lr'in’ looked at the ashes, not smiling, “I know what it is, but know not who made it. It is magic and alchemy most certain, though. A sorcerer.” She was displeased at the finding, knowing its implications spoke of mysterious dangers yet hidden to them.

  "A Sorcerer Woman of the Mountains? They would do as such?"

  She shook her head, “There are many sorcerers throughout The Realm. The Sorcerer Women of the Mountains are the Sorcerers for the Valley, and for The Realm. But many others exist that are of no declaration."

  "Your sister?"

  "Perhaps, but I think not. Someone is after you, My Desire, and I think My sister has no desire to kill you. She seems intrigued by you. Keep the ashes. Did you get anything else? Garments? Anything?"

  "Meera captured its knife."

  "Excellent. The Queen of the Women of the Trees will be able to help us identify this. Do you have anything in which you can place these ashes?"

  "Ashes? I thought it sand."

  "Ashes, My Desire."

  Suddenly, Sle'nel’ was sorry she had touched them.

  Chapter IX

  The Women of the Trees

  Ann'wn once again led the travelers on their journey. Until they left the boundaries of Rns'deln', Caitha chatted merrily with Sle'nel’ and Meera of the processional, informing them of all the excitement they had missed. It took them many moments to leave, going back through the mountain pass. Once through it, Ann'wn reminded her Queen to place her hood back on. As this occurred, the ride became, as with all their journeys, silent except for the sound of the horses.

  They rode directly west until, just after late midturn, they came to the great sea. Sle'nel’ saw Ann'wn speak briefly to The High Queen, then began their journey once again. Ann'wn took them across the great sea at a furious speed, knowing she had to reach land and the caves prior to the eve. Erthrn had sent ten of her own guards, so the travelers formed a large group. Ann'wn rode in front, as usual, while Uthrn rode in the back. Meera changed her position throughout the journey, while Sam remained at the back with Uthrn. The High Queen, as ever, rode in the middle, well guarded on all sides. Sle'nel’ traveled to the side, allowing the High Counselor her moments with The High Queen. As the sun's set began to occur, land was once again sighted. They touched upon it as the skies rested from the turn's light, sleeping in the blackness of a dark cloudy eve.

  Ann'wn halted the group and went to her High Queen, “I can no longer see, my Queen. Should we build camp here?"

  San'lr'in’ spoke softly, “No. Mor'inl’ will know the way. We must reach the caves. It is of great importance that we do so, and quickly."

  Ann'wn couldn't recall ever prior being upon this landmass so had no idea of what lay upon it. She heard the urgency in her Queen's voice, however, so hurriedly approached Sle'nel', “Elf. We have urgent need of Mor'inl’ to show us the way."

  Sle'nel’ nodded, “Tell her what you now search for."

  Ann'wn told Mor'inl’ of what The High Queen needed.
Without hesitation, Mor'inl’ began leading them forward into even greater darkness. While the other horses were unsure of the terrain, the journey was an easy one for Mor'inl', and one well remembered.

  Sle'nel’ rode beside Ann'wn, who was well worried as to their safety. Holding her staff closely to her side, Sle'nel’ also sensed danger all about them, but knew not what it entailed. She smelled their odors, but didn't know what the smells meant. She heard their soft sounds of watchfulness, but knew not of what the sounds came from. She was concerned, but said nothing, knowing that whoever now watched them remained quiet and unmoving. The journeyers remained as silent as possible, barely breathing. Even the horses seemed to step lightly the further they moved inland.

  After what seemed an eternity to them, Mor'inl’ halted and The High Queen dismounted. Moving quietly forward but with great haste and keeping on her hood, she went to where Mor'inl’ stood. She halted and began to recite words from a spell. Sle'nel’ watched carefully, always amazed at what her lover could conjure up. Suddenly, in The High Queen's hand glowed a bright swirling light. The High Queen blew softly on it, blowing it out in front of them. Each moment of its movement, it expanded, casting light upon the dark scene around them.

  Finally, Ann'wn saw the opening to the caves. She motioned silently to all of them to follow her. As quietly and quickly as possible, all the travelers followed Ann'wn into the cave entrance. As they entered, the sorcerers cast another spell inside the cave, lighting its interior.

  The High Queen then turned and faced the cave's entrance. She bowed her head, and for many long moments Sle'nel’ watched as her Queen conjured up yet another spell. Finally, she raised her head up, raised her hands to the cave's entrance, and spoke the words of the spell. All Sle'nel’ heard was, “...the magic web..."

  The travelers watched as a current of energy came out from The High Queen's hands toward the cave's entrance, beginning to build a great web across it. After a few quick moments, the energy current halted.

  Sle'nel’ looked at her, amazed, “You are quite the sorcerer. Of this I never knew."