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

by Robbie Collins

  Suddenly, San'lr'in’ quit dancing. She stood just staring at Sle'nel'. After a long moment, she finally said, “I know this ceremony. But I am not an Elf, My Love. And this ceremony is only between Elves."

  "There were exceptions. But I will not hold you to this wager if you wish it not so. I was just wondering. I really will not be disappointed, my Queen. In truth, I will understand. It is a true union beyond all others, and if you feel we should not do this, I will accept this."

  San'lr'in’ just stared at her, “But I am not an Elf, My Love. The ceremony requires elements that I cannot give, because I am not an Elf.

  "My Mother and Birth-Mother did this rite between them. It is not easy, but it is possible."

  San'lr'in’ smiled at her Elf, “So it would seem I was wrong. You did surprise Me. Never have I thought this ceremony possible except between Elves. I assume you wish this to be done at your Elfin home."

  "It is the only place in which it can occur. But now I worry that I ask overly much of you in regard to our union. Let me replace this with an easier wager request."

  "You desire Me this much, My Love? In truth?"

  "As the ceremony says, my Queen, your life would become nearly as long as mine, and our union would fly together through eternity."

  San'lr'in’ took Sle'nel's arm and led her over to some chairs near the fireplace. After they sat across from each other, she looked at Sle'nel’ carefully, examining her thoughts, “Why would you give up some of your Elfin cycles for Me, or for anyone, Elf? I might die in battle some turn not far removed from here, and you would have given up some of your Elfin life for what? And what if then, you would learn to desire another?"

  "Is it not my right to do as such in regard to my cycles?"

  San'lr'in’ leaned forward, gently grasping Sle'nel's hands into her own, “Of this I am aware, My Desire, and of course it is your right. But it is My duty to you to question such a gift as this, out of My love for you. This is an enormous sacrifice on your part. It is My duty as your lover, to protect you from such a sacrifice. While I love you beyond expression and measure, I want not to take such from you. I cannot except that you sacrifice yourself for Me. What if I died, or was killed, in two moons?"

  "Any of us might die at any of the moments. But through this ceremony, we would once again be reunited at our deaths."

  San'lr'in’ rose, then sat down next to Sle'nel’ on the long chair, moving Sle'nel’ close to her. She said softly, “I never have imagined that you would request as such. Never did I imagine that anyone could love Me such as this."

  Sle'nel’ looked up into her eyes. The High Queen bent slightly, kissing her.

  "You will think on this for me, my Queen?"

  "I—"

  Suddenly, Sam, Uthrn, Meera and Caitha were all huddling around them, Sam interrupting them, “My sister, and Great High Queen. Uthrn would like to live in Woden. Do you find this acceptable?"

  San'lr'in’ had been startled by their presence, well interrupted in her thoughts. It was an especially unusual moment for her, as never prior was anyone allowed such casualness with The High Queen. She sat back up, “You need not My permission, either of you. This is between you two only. Uthrn is free to live anywhere in The Realm, but will have to serve some of her moments in the Valley, with the Black Guard."

  Sle'nel’ gasped lightly, then looked at her Queen, “You planned this for Uthrn, did you not?"

  But The High Queen wasn't smiling, “I would never do as such.” She shook her head, “In truth, I did not.” I have already interfered overly into My sister's love affairs."

  Sle'nel’ asked, “Caitha, what do you think of this?"

  Caitha shrugged, “It will certainly cause talk amongst the women, will it not? Uthrn is not of Woden, and I but guess that she will make quite an impression. What do you think on it, M'Love?"

  Sle'nel’ also shrugged, looking at Sam, “Is this what you truly desire, Sam?"

  Sam was smiling. She thought on it for a moment, then replied, “Yes."

  Meera didn't think it would last for long.

  Neither did The High Queen.

  Uthrn was looking nervous, now in the presence of The High Queen, saying nothing.

  Meera added, “She will be but a strong addition to Woden's guards, and will be able to teach them much."

  San'lr'in’ studied Uthrn for a moment, “Black Uthrn. Woden is a small town. Should you not see and appraise it first prior to such a commitment? It is nothing like you have known."

  She bowed her head to The High Queen, “All towns become small after awhile, do they not, my Great High Queen?"

  San'lr'in’ said to no one, “What is it with these titles? Now I must be called Great High Queen?"

  Sle'nel’ laughed, “And you are yet young. By the moments of your older cycles, it will take us half a turn to address you by your titles.” They all laughed, then Sle'nel’ asked Sam, “Are you taking Uthrn as your companion, then?"

  Sam shook her head, “Not until Woden gets used to the idea of her. I must also speak with Oisin."

  "You have informed Uthrn of Oisin?"

  "I will no longer keep secrets, Jandra. I have learned this lesson well. And I will be more open with my heart.” Sam looked at her sister, “San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. I have a request of you, if you would be open to the possibility."

  San'lr'in’ nodded, “Of course, My Sister. I will consider your request."

  Sam cleared her throat, then looked serious, “I would like ... I mean ... I request ... well ... Would you consider, as The Great High Queen, coming to ... I mean ... visiting..."

  Sle'nel’ guessed as to what Sam was struggling to ask for, “You want San'lr'in’ to come to Woden to meet with the women of Woden and with the men of Hengist?"

  Sam nodded, relieved, “Yes. Would you?"

  San'lr'in’ looked puzzled, “Why would you have Me do as such? You are The Highest, and have little need for our part of The Realm."

  Meera answered, bowing her head for a moment, “Forgive me, my Queen, but you are wrong. The women and men of Woden Falls have much need to know of you and your Realm. It is something they would most appreciate."

  Caitha nodded, “M'Love is correct, my Queen. I know well the women and men of Woden, and it would help them to understand The Realm much better. And it would be a grand celebration unlike you have had. And it would be good for The Great High Queen of all The Realm to see it, especially since it lies under your rule."

  "They would be most honored, My Love."

  San'lr'in’ studied Sam for a moment, “I will trade you your request for a request of mine."

  Sam nodded, raising an eyebrow, “Will you never make it easy?"

  San'lr'in’ smiled, somewhat wickedly, “We will see in a moment how important this request is to you. I have great need of your Second of Defense. And now that Black Uthrn will be in Woden, you will not have such need of her. I request that the Warrior Woman of Woden and her mate remain with Me, and become the Warrior Woman of The High Queen."

  Sam was now the surprised one, “Why? She is not a Mystic such as Ann'wn. Next, you will be taking Keddi from me."

  "I have no need of your Keddi. I have My Elf. But I do have great need of a human warrior, and your Warrior Woman is the best of them."

  Sam looked at Uthrn, then at Meera, “Meera, my friend. I have never considered you as my property to give away or keep, but my sister makes sense. And I have promised her our support. What do you have to say regarding her request? This should be your decision."

  "I desire to go to the greatest need of my services."

  Sam turned to Caitha, “Caitha?"

  "I go with M'Love, but in truth, would love to explore more of The Realm. I have expanded my songs and stories a hundred fold since we left Woden, and never have I felt so needed. And also in truth, Highest, Woden and Hengist have more than enough storytellers and singers of songs."

  Sam turned back to her sister, “I will miss her greatly, but so it shall be. Agre
ed?"

  San'lr'in’ nodded, “If this is your desire, I will attend."

  Sam nodded, then smiled, “Good. I am pleased. Then you will but come after your return from El'fs'nd'lle'."

  San'lr'in’ looked around for a moment, “Where is Ann'wn? I have not seen her all the turn except for a brief moment."

  Meera laughed, “It would seem that Mil'der'in has told Ann'wn that she desires her company for a few turns."

  San'lr'in’ raised her eyebrow, trying to hide her disappointment, “In truth?” She rose and motioned to a guard. The guard came, listened to The High Queen's whispered request, then left quickly. She turned to another guard, then whispered another command. The guard looked around, then moved off quickly.

  Ann'wn came quickly, kneeling and bowing, “The Greatest of High Queens. You have requested my presence?"

  The first guard returned, giving The High Queen one of The High Queen's swords. San'lr'in’ took the sword, then turned to Ann'wn, “Ann'wn. I need the audience's attention. And know that you will have use of your sword in a moment."

  Ann'wn called for attention to The High Queen. When all were silent and watching, The High Queen began, “This is a turn of much profound giving ... and surprise. The Deep Mystics have honored Me most greatly, and now My sister also honors Me. She has consented to give the service of her great force leader over to The Realm. Meera, Warrior Woman of Woden, kneel before Me."

  Meera was now surprised but did as requested, bowing her head.

  Loud enough for all to hear, San'lr'in’ began the short ceremony, “The Warrior Woman of Woden has shown her strength, courage and loyalty to The Realm. She has faced and won against the greatest of odds. She has stood her ground against the Mystics. And she has won great respect of The Realm's forces.” She raised her sword slightly, touching it softly upon each of Meera's shoulders, then resting it even more lightly upon her head, “As High Queen of The Realm, I now pronounce you Warrior Woman of The High Queen. Rise, My Warrior. You are now of The Realm and The High Queen."

  Meera rose, looking confused, but pleased. The High Queen held out the hilt of the sword to her, “Warrior Woman of The High Queen. Take your Queen's sword. With it, you are now expected to serve and protect her with your life."

  Meera looked at the sword, shocked. It was indeed one of the swords she had seen San'lr'in’ use, with a red-stone embedded into the hilt. Meera held out her shaking hand, slowly taking the sword, looking into her Queen's eyes, then looking quickly away. She knelt again, bowing her head deeply, “I am truly honored, High Queen. My life is given to you."

  San'lr'in’ stepped slightly away, nodding to Ann'wn. Ann'wn nodded back to her, removing her own sword, knowing what was expected of her, “Warrior Woman of The High Queen. You have been given the greatest honor any warrior can receive, and have earned the respect now given to you. With this, you are now in The High Queen's service and will serve only under The High Queen's and my command."

  She tapped each of Meera's shoulders slightly with her sword, then said, as she removed her knife from her belt, “Rise, Warrior Woman of The High Queen.” She held out the hilt of the knife to Meera, “Take this knife. With it, you are now expected to serve and protect The High Queen and her Realm with your life."

  Meera slowly took the knife, embarrassed at such gifts, but proud and pleased. She bowed her head to Ann'wn, “I am at your command."

  The audience all clapped, and the musicians quickly returned them all to their merriment. San'lr'in’ turned to Sam, “Thank you, My Sister. You give Me the greatest of the gifts."

  Sam smiled, but shook her head, “I think it a draw. And I am honored that you will find your way to Woden."

  The High Queen sat back down, feeling tired from her turn. Sam and Uthrn left to participate in the dancing. Sle'nel’ studied her lover, seeing that her energies were leaving her, “I will return, my Love. I go to seek food and drink for us."

  San'lr'in’ shook her head, “No need.” She raised her hand for an attendant and told of their needs. “This eve is for My pleasure. It is My pleasure that you not leave me."

  Sle'nel’ smiled, “It would appear I am at your command, then."

  San'lr'in’ looked at her desirously, “Perhaps in a little while from now, we could explore that statement in greater detail.” She turned her attention to Ann'wn, “Force Leader. Sit for a moment. Tell Me of your new love."

  Ann'wn blushed, bowing her head, “As you command, my Queen. Your High Counselor seems to believe she ... that she ... hmmm ... that she wishes to live with me for a long term examination of our possible ... uh ... relationship."

  San'lr'in’ laughed lightly to herself, but disappointed in that it wasn't The Healer, “In truth? How did this come about?"

  "She says that I have ... ummm ... all the qualities that she has been looking for."

  "In truth? Such as this? Tell me, Ann'wn. Is this what you desire, as well?"

  Ann'wn blushed once again, “I think not, Highness."

  "Is there another, Ann'wn?"

  "There has been for many, many moons, but is not so for the other, so it is of little use. In the meanwhile, I will entertain the High Counselor. She will tire of me soon enough, I think."

  The High Queen thought Ann'wn correct in her assessment of Mil'der'in, “Go, Force Leader, and enjoy your eve. My new Warrior Woman of The High Queen will serve and protect Me well this eve."

  Ann'wn bowed her head, “Thank you, my Queen."

  As Ann'wn left, San'lr'in’ leaned back into her the corner of her chair, stretching out her long legs. She, Sle'nel', Caitha and Meera all ate and drank, hungry from their long turn.

  "Caitha, My Storyteller. Tell Me a story of The Realm."

  The dancing music in the background set the tale for Caitha, as she selected a tale in which she thought The High Queen might be interested, and one she thought The High Queen needed to know.

  "Once, long, long prior were Mystics whose powers were far beyond the Mystics of the present era. They lived in a realm of all Mystics; a realm of much peace and beauty. But as in all things, nothing can remain in peace forever. As the eons passed, the Mystics grew wise, but weak in their powers, as the powers were seldom needed or used. This satisfied all the Mystics, except one. This one Mystic was different in mind and thought than all the rest. She was unsatisfied that their powers were diminishing, and tried to warn them against their loss. Refusing to listen to her worries, she instead asked and demanded for the powers through her cycles."

  San'lr'in’ enjoyed Caitha's storytelling, so was captured into listening to the changing tones of her voice. But she was well tired from the transfer of powers, and began to drift away from the turn. Sle'nel’ saw that San'lr'in’ had closed her eyes, then watched as her Queen's breathing took on a more even and calm pattern.

  "Hold, Caitha. I think she has fallen asleep."

  The High Queen opened her eyes slightly, “No. I remain awake, My Elf. Caitha, please continue. I have not heard this tale. And please forgive My rudeness."

  She sat up a bit so as to prevent herself from falling asleep, then nodded to Caitha.

  "She was called by Bres'nin'diln', and after many cycles, her name invoked fear in all those who heard it. She grew strong in her powers but always demanded more, yet trying to save the powers from eternal loss. In truth, she became the most powerful of all the Mystics who had ever-prior lived, able to transport herself halfway across The Realm in mere moments, and able to make herself invisible for many turns. But to gain a power, she paid for it by exchanging her beauty for the power, being one of the most beautiful of all the Mystics. As her strength grew, the less beautiful she became, until finally she began to grow ugly and far removed from her once noted beauty."

  Being interested in the story, The High Queen fought to remain awake, “I know this name. Go on, Caitha. You have captured my attention. Who was this Bres'nin'diln'?"

  "In truth, my Queen, you know her well. But I will continue. Even as she grew ugl
y and deformed, she demanded and received more powers, giving up more of her physical traits for each new power gained. Slowly, she began to look other than a Mystic. Her fingers had turned into great claws, and her once beautiful golden hair was now only a dark hide across her entire body. Yet she demanded more powers, trying to recapture all of them for The Realm. And as her strength grew, so did her size, until she became a hideously deformed and overly large creature, now walking on all fours.

  "After many, many cycles of constant decay, she could barely use her powers, as her mind and hands could no longer recall or command the powers easily. In her desperation to keep the powers fully protected into one location, she thought long and hard on what to do, knowing she could no longer trust even herself in the knowing of them. She thought....

  ...and thought...

  ...and thought.

  Since she had taken most of the powers of The Realm, there was no one left to help her in this consideration. And, in truth, her ugliness was so hideous that no one would dare look at her."

  The High Queen smiled, “I can now guess who this is, but is this in truth the legend?"

  Caitha bowed her head slightly, “Yes, M'Love. Many storytellers all tell the same tale."

  San'lr'in’ nodded, “Interesting. Please continue."

  "After many long cycles of desperation and of worrying her mind into a crazed state, she finally determined to place all her great powers into one place. Into something that she could keep near her for the long eons she would now live, as when she had gained the powers, she had also gained an eternity of life cycles. After many more cycles, and after much loss of ability for good thought, she finally came upon the idea to place what was now remaining of her powers into a strong piece of wood that could be easily carried about."

  Sle'nel’ gasped, “The staff."

  Caitha smiled, but continued, “It took her many cycles to place her powers into this piece of wood, but no longer knew that her great powers had long prior diminished, much like the other Mystics’ had long prior, for lack of use. When she was finally done with transferring her powers to the piece of wood, she looked upon it, pleased with her work. But she had neglected to protect herself, forgetting about all the meanness she had bestowed upon all the other Mystics, and of all the powers she had in truth, stolen from them. And she was now so hideous and ugly that no one in all The Realm wanted her living among them. So all the great Mystics banded together, and using what few powers they had remaining to them, placed them all into one Mystic, giving this one leader the power to banish Bres'nin'diln’ forever from the known realm.