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

by Robbie Collins

  San'lr'in’ looked to her lover. She didn't wish Sle'nel’ to witness what was to occur, knowing that it would be difficult to hear and watch. She then looked at Torsn'dynl', “This is why you inquired whether or not My Healer traveled with Me."

  Torsn'dynl’ nodded, “We apologize, High Queen. We recognize that this would have been far easier in your younger cycles. We apologize for what you now face. We must make it right, though."

  San'lr'in’ nodded, “Please have her sent for."

  She looked back to Sle'nel', knowing that Sle'nel’ would only leave her side if commanded. Even then, San'lr'in’ was uncertain if she would go, “Elf. Do you accept Me as your High Queen, even over us as lovers?"

  Seeing how serious her lover was, Sle'nel’ rose, moved to her, then knelt and bowed her head, “You are my High Queen. But you are also my love. And it is my due to sit at this table."

  San'lr'in’ saw that this wouldn't be easy, “This is not for you to see, and you must trust Me.” She looked to Torsn'dynl', “You must find a way to remove her from this room. She must not witness this."

  Sle'nel’ argued, “No. You cannot remove me. I have a right to be at your side, no matter what you now face. I stood by and watched as Sam faced much pain at the hands of her Spirit Mothers. I can take whatever now faces you. And you will need me, my Love. I want to be here for you."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ shook her head, saddened to have to make Elf so unhappy as this, “You cannot. You have never prior seen as such. Go, My Love. They will bring Me to you when all is complete."

  Torsn'dynl’ went to Sle'nel', “We can see that you understand that your love will now have to endure much pain in this process, and we can see that you wish to be here for her, but you shouldn't, as nothing can interfere with this process, or she may die. It will be overly harsh for you to remain silent and still. You will not be able to endure this pain with her. It is for her that you should leave, as any noise or movement from you could create an interruption, ensuring her death."

  Ersh'delrin’ came up to her, “These are the most difficult of all our powers, as well as our most dangerous and commanding. She needs these, yet are most difficult to transfer. In fact, my Elf, never have these powers been transferred to other than a Deep Mystic. In spite of all her great abilities, our High Queen is but little of the Deep Mystics, so will endure much pain. But she will be fine when the process is complete. It is why we have called for her Healer. But you must trust us. And you must now leave willingly, or we will have to make you do so."

  Sle'nel’ didn't like what she was hearing. She looked to her lover, “San'lr'in', my Love. Don't make me leave. I trust them not. I must remain for you."

  Softly, and with saddened eyes, “You must leave, My Desire. You must. Make Me not command it so. Please trust that I will be well tended."

  Sle'nel’ began to plead, her voice breaking, “Please..."

  San'lr'in’ knew she couldn't allow her to remain. She turned from her, no longer able to face her, knowing she would give in to her otherwise. She looked at Ersh'delrin', “Please take her from here. She cannot witness this."

  Sle'nel’ was crying, trying to go to her lover, but prevented by the others, “No, my Love. Let me remain. This is my place, by your side. I am stronger than you think."

  San'lr'in’ breathed in deeply, then sighed. She turned back to her, going to her. She looked into her eyes, then placed her hand on Sle'nel's cheek. Gently and quietly, she pleaded, “Be in the room in which they will bring Me when it is completed. I will be comforted in knowing that you wait for Me there. You can watch over Me until I awaken. But I beg of you, My Desire. Witness this not. Your eve dreams are already bad enough. I know I have always allowed you to make your own decisions, but I cannot do so upon this moment."

  Sle'nel’ touched San'lr'in's hand, “But I love you, and—"

  "And if you remain, I will worry over you. If I do this, I may interrupt the transfer, and My Love, if that occurs, I could die. If you leave, I will not worry so."

  Sle'nel’ finally accepted her lover's need. She bowed her head, saddened, “I understand.” She then turned to the others, angered, “She is overly gracious for your mistake. I am not so. Never should this have been allowed. You should be well ashamed. Never will The Realm have such a High Queen as this. NEVER! Yet you have treated her badly. You have not made The Realm's Elf pleased this turn. While you now give her what The Realm has long needed, you now also cause her more pain for your delay in it. I will do as she bids, but you and I will speak of this later."

  Ersh'delrin’ bowed her head to Sle'nel', “As is your right, my Elf, and so shall it be. Now, please go. You will be taken to your room, and will meet with your love's Healer there. Your High Queen will be brought to you when the process is complete. And know this, our Elf. While she will be in much pain during the process, her pain will end quickly once she returns to The Realm. Of this we vow."

  Sle'nel’ raised an eyebrow, then narrowed her eyes, “Your vow will be upheld, or your life will be mine."

  San'lr'in’ was surprised, as were the others, at Sle'nel's statement, but kept herself from smiling at it. She watched regretfully as Sle'nel’ walked from the room. Before the Elf went through the door, she turned and raised her arm out to her Queen. San'lr'in’ did the same, and for many moments their hearts and minds mingled together in their love.

  To our stars, my Queen.

  To our stars, My Elf.

  Sle'nel’ lowered her arm finally, then looked back to the council, “You know little of what she does for The Realm."

  After Sle'nel’ was taken to The High Queen's room, the High Council turned to San'lr'in', “We must change your garments first, prior to beginning."

  San'lr'in’ nodded, standing and waiting. She said nothing, slightly anxious at what she knew faced her. They changed her from her gown into a slight top and the slightest of pants, reaching only her mid-thighs. The garments were white, and were loose fitting. She closed her eyes, trying to meditate as they tended to her. She tried to move her mind to another space, knowing that it wouldn't work once the transfer was begun. She gave a great effort to slow down the now rapid beating of her heart, knowing it also was anxious at the great pain that was about to occur.

  Torsn'dynl’ came up to her, “Please kneel down upon your knees, my Queen."

  San'lr'in’ did so. Torsn'dynl’ looked into her eyes, saddened, “I am sorry we must now do this, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. You will be unable to prevent the pain, and you will be unable to remove your mind from it. But we will remove this pain as soon as the process is complete."

  San'lr'in’ breathed in, then nodded, “I accept that this must be so."

  Torsn'dynl’ placed her hands upon San'lr'in's head, “You have become far greater than we even dared hope, San'lr'in'thel'ineln', and you have remained humble. I know that you will not wish to scream out from the pain, but you may as well give in to it, as you will not be able to prevent yourself from doing so."

  San'lr'in’ breathed in deeply once again, sighing, beginning to find herself somewhat apprehensive. She shook it off, “Allow Me not to bite my tongue. I am hungry and will wish to eat My eve meal."

  Torsn'dynl’ smiled, “You will be unharmed when it is complete. And you will be reunited with your lover. We appreciate your willingness and acceptance for that which we cannot prevent."

  San'lr'in’ nodded, “Begin."

  * * * *

  The High Queen's bedroom was near the High Council room. After much long waiting, both Sle'nel’ and The Healer could hear the piercing and agonized screams that came from it. There was no doubt in Sle'nel's mind as to whom the screams belonged. With each scream, she found herself shivering and pacing, feeling helpless. The Healer also was agonized at her inability to help. She wondered if Ann'wn also heard The High Queen's screams.

  Inside the High Council chambers, the Deep Mystics were transferring the new powers to The High Queen. The process was more than any one of them could
bear, but they helped each other to distance themselves from what they now did to their High Queen.

  San'lr'in’ was no longer able to remain in The Realm. She knew only of her profound pain as each bone felt it was being broken, then reset, as each organ was touched and moved about, then reset, so that the new powers could enter into the deepest parts of her body. To her, it felt like each part of her body was being ripped out of its place, then placed back where it belonged by the slowest of tortures. Initially, she didn't scream. But as they moved into giving her the third and final power, she knew she was screaming, but was beyond hearing it and unable to halt it. She wished for unconsciousness, but also knew that these Mystics prevented her from moving into it so that the transfer would be correct. She momentarily thought death as her friend.

  Come to Me, sweet dark eternity.

  San'lr'in', feel me, my Love.

  The pain.

  Feel me, my Queen.

  The pain.

  I will take care of you. Come home to me.

  The pain.

  Feel me. Feel my love.

  The pain.

  When the transfer was completed, they allowed San'lr'in’ to slip into a deep unconsciousness, far removed from the pain. They had sensed that the transfer had been even more difficult on their High Queen than they had expected, yet successful. They knew that the pain had twisted her mind to places they hadn't wished her to go, and they felt sorry for it. They knew that her mind would recall much of the torture, but also knew they had no way to remove the memory of it until she was recovered fully. So they left it for her Healer.

  San'lr'in’ was carried into her room by Ann'wn and placed gently upon her bed. She knew nothing of what occurred as her Healer and some of the Deep Mystics worked to remove the now deeply embedded pain. For many moments they worked together as The Healer provided the needed spells. Sle'nel’ watched carefully, looking for any sign of San'lr'in's wakening. Finally, The Healer could tell that The High Queen's body was relaxing and removing itself from the deep pain. Ann'wn waited nearby, feeling more than helpless, seeing her Queen shattered from the pain.

  "Healer. Is there nothing to be done for her?"

  The Healer looked at Ann'wn, displeased, “What do you think I now do, Force Leader? Do you think I like this any better than you? Am I not the one to know truly of the pain that she now carries?"

  Ann'wn looked down at her feet, embarrassed, “I am sorry, Healer. I just meant that—"

  "I know, Ann'wn. You are just worried. Trust me. She will be fine. Now leave me to my duty.” She turned to Sle'nel', “Speak to her, my Elf."

  Sle'nel’ moved to her lover's side, resting her hand gently upon her lover's forehead, “Come home to me, my Love."

  When the Deep Mystics felt they had done everything they could, they turned to The High Queen's Healer, “Healer. The process is complete. The remainder is up to you and her love. We leave now and will begin to prepare for the eve's celebration. The High Queen should awaken soon, and will be well enough by the mideve to attend her celebration. It was a most successful transfer. In truth, it is more successful than we dared hope. She will be weakened for a turn, but will then be stronger than ever prior; stronger than even any of the Deep Mystics."

  Torsn'dynl’ looked upon their High Queen, but spoke to Sle'nel’ and The Healer, “We were unaware of her great strength and determination. She screamed not until the third power, and only for a moment even then. No other could endure as much and say so little. Her powers of the mind were great prior to this, but are now even greater."

  Sle'nel’ also looked down at her lover, “She is a Master, and has great control over her mind."

  Torsn'dynl’ nodded, “I had forgotten of this. We chose wisely, but perhaps somewhat unknowingly when we selected her. I am just grateful that she has displayed such commitment and dedication to The Realm. We are all fortunate for her, and perhaps saved because of her.” She looked to Sle'nel', “We will summon you to the High Council in the midmorn. We have much to share with you. She has chosen wisely in you, Elf, and we are well pleased in your stance, no matter the difficulty you provide at some moments. When she is able, we will all be awaiting her great presence at the celebration, held in her honor this eve."

  Sle'nel’ nodded her understanding, then Torsn'dynl’ left. The Healer touched Sle'nel's shoulder, “Continue to speak to her, Elf. She needs a reminder to return to us. The process was most difficult on her, and her mind resists returning. But she will be fine. I am a little concerned on what is left in her mind, but we will deal with this after she returns from her unconsciousness. Perhaps you can find a way to make her forget."

  Sle'nel’ picked up her lover's hand, holding it, then rearranged her lover's hair with her other hand. Never had she seen her Queen so beaten and weak. She looked upon her carefully, seeing that her Queen had been forced to give in completely to the pain. Even in her usual sleep, Sle'nel’ had seen that her lover never looked less than strong and confident. Now on this moment, she saw that The High Queen's eyes were sunken deeply into her head, and that her mouth was clenched tightly in the memory of the deep pain.

  "My Love. Come home to me. I need you."

  Sle'nel’ spoke to her for many moments with no response. She turned to The Healer, “Is she well? Is something wrong?"

  The Healer listened to her Queen's breathing, then placed her hand upon her head, trying to sense her thoughts. She removed her hand quickly as if it had been placed too close to a fire, “She relives the experience, and resists returning. Her mind is deep in pain. Speak to her. Allow her not to remain where she is."

  Sle'nel’ moved closely to her Queen's face and ear, “I love you, my Queen. Remember our stars?"

  She touched her lips, “Come home to me, my Queen."

  For many moments, Sle'nel’ kept speaking to her with no response.

  She whispered desperately into her ear, “I need you."

  Suddenly, a moan escaped from San'lr'in’ that was so low, so deep, and so painful in its sound that even The Healer was worried.

  Sle'nel’ kept trying, “Come home to me, my Queen."

  Sle'nel’ was surprised when San'lr'in’ clutched onto her hand tightly.

  Pain.

  Sle'nel’ responded, “There is no more pain, my Love. It is only in your mind. You must escape from it. Come home to me. Feel me. Feel me touch you."

  Another moan, more horrid than the first, escaped deep from within The High Queen. She struggled to remove herself from the memories.

  The Healer went to her, touching her hand to her Queen's head once again. Upon this moment, she kept her hand there, trying to place other memories into her mind, “Speak to her, Elf. Let her know that we are here with her."

  Sle'nel’ patted her Queen's face lightly, “Feel me, San'lr'in'."

  Ann'wn touched The Healer's shoulder lightly. The Healer shivered lightly at the most welcomed of touches, then looked up into Ann'wn's eyes, feeling saddened by the event. Ann'wn looked down at her, staring back into her eyes, “Have strength, Healer. They have vowed that she will recover."

  "It is not just this, Force Leader. You heard her screams."

  Ann'wn nodded, shivering at the feeling as The Healer placed her hand on top of Ann'wn's, “Not a sound any of us wants to hear from our Queen."

  After many moments, The High Queen finally opened her eyes, trying to focus upon her Realm. She saw only her Healer, “Elf?"

  The Healer smiled, motioning her head to Sle'nel', “She is here, my Queen."

  Her eyes moved slowly, as if in pain, focusing upon Sle'nel', “Elf."

  Sle'nel’ touched her Queen's cheek, “Rest. Think only of our stars."

  Sle'nel’ touched her Queen's arm, and San'lr'in’ moaned deeply again. The Healer looked at her arm, “Pain, my Queen?"

  The High Queen nodded slightly. The Healer placed her hands upon San'lr'in's arm, trying to remove its pain, but feeling nothing. She then placed her hand upon her Queen's head, “It is in yo
ur mind, High One. Help me to remove this."

  The Healer knew that her Queen could do nothing at this moment, but wanted her to know that all her pain was now only in her mind. The Healer struggled to remove the pain from her mind, it being one of the most difficult of healings.

  San'lr'in’ was beginning to re-enter her realm, realizing that her pain was now in her own mind, and that she needed to help remove it. She struggled within herself, trying to force herself to listen to her lover and Healer.

  "Do you recall our wager, my Love?"

  The High Queen struggled, “Wager?"

  "I won. You now owe me. Or are you overly frightened to discover what you wagered?"

  She focused upon her Elf, “I live?"

  Sle'nel’ was smiling, “You live. But now you must deliver my wager."

  The Healer spoke to her, “Breathe, my Queen. Focus your energies. Remove your mind's pain."

  San'lr'in’ nodded lightly, then whispered, “Breathe."

  She focused, Breathe. Think. Stars. Wager. Elf. Breathe.

  For more moments she focused inwardly, forcing herself to focus upon her breathing, her mind, her thoughts. She moaned again, and then struggled to move.

  She felt a hand upon her, “Overly soon. Come home to me first, my Queen."

  San'lr'in’ reopened her eyes and looked upon her lover. Sle'nel’ watched carefully as an extremely slight smile showed upon her Queen's face.

  She spoke in only a whisper, “I heard you."

  Sle'nel’ smiled, “Which part? The wager?"

  The High Queen raised her eyebrow slightly, “Wager? I lost?"

  "You lost. I won."

  "Wager?"

  "At the celebration, my Love. I will tell you then, after you have returned fully back into The Realm. Rest for a few moments, and then we will help you to rise."