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

by Robbie Collins

  "They decided that they were not able to kill her, as that was not a fitting or just punishment, as she had killed none of them. So, they decided to banish her to the UnderRealm forever, to live with herself in her decayed and hideous self. Since Bres'nin'diln’ was no longer a fitting name for her—"

  Sle'nel’ translated the name, “Strong one of the Ages."

  Caitha nodded, “—they renamed her."

  San'lr'in’ smiled again, “D'klr'dil. Beast of the UnderRealm."

  Caitha smiled, “Yes. Both of you are correct ... they renamed her and banished her forever to the UnderRealm, only to be called back to The Realm under a great power. But the Mystics had not seen her staff, so the staff went with her to the UnderRealm. Useless to D'klr'dil except for comfort, the staff became unused for many, many long eons until the Elves came into The Realm. D'klr'dil could feel that their powers of love and battle were strong, and desired to meet with the Elves. Trapped forever in the UnderRealm, she sent her thoughts to them, cycle by cycle, but the Elves knew not of her and could understand not the messages.

  "Finally, after even many more long cycles, one Elf bonded with a strong Mystic, and in this union produced a half-Elf/half-Mystic child who could hear D'klr'dil. She spoke to her for many cycles, giving D'klr'dil the long sought-after companionship she had missed. In truth, D'klr'dil came to love this half-Elf/half-Mystic and would have given anything to be able to be near her; to see her."

  "As with all children, the half-Elf/half-Mystic grew. She became a woman of great stature and importance in The Realm, but even in this, she never forgot her loyal friend, D'klr'dil, who had through the long cycles always sent her thoughts of love and stories of The Realm from long prior. After one lonely moment in her life, the half-Elf/half-Mystic went to the Great Plains and called for her friend, ‘D'klr'dil. Come to me. We must meet. I need my friend.’ For eons, D'klr'dil had longed for just this moment, but was now afraid. She became paralyzed in her fear. But the half-Elf/half-Mystic needed her friend, so helped her by opening the ground for her, allowing her easy access back into The Realm. And slowly, great paw by great paw, D'klr'dil came out into The Realm for the first moment in an eternity of eons."

  San'lr'in’ shook her head, “I never knew of this. How truly sad."

  "D'klr'dil knew well how hideous, decayed and smelly she was, so was well afraid that the only friend she had ever known through her entire life would become afraid and leave her. But the half-Elf/half-Mystic had sensed long prior this fear in her friend and stood firm, smiling at her as D'klr'dil breathed her first fresh air in eons. As D'klr'dil stood rigidly still, fearing her friend would run from her, the half-Elf/half-Mystic did just the opposite. She went up to her and touched her upon her great paw. D'klr'dil had never known such kindness, and was grateful for the touch.

  "Every moon, the half-Elf/half-Mystic would come to the Great Plains and call D'klr'dil, always bringing something for her, and telling her of The Realm. But The Realm grew in its harshness, and within a few cycles, D'klr'dil could see that her friend grew weary of fighting against The Realm's troubles. Even though D'klr'dil had long prior grown weak in her thinking, she could sense that her friend was a great leader, but also a great leader in need of the long-prior, and now-gone powers that she had collected for The Realm. Moon after moon, no matter the heaviness wearing upon her heart, D'klr'dil's friend came and spoke with her, until finally on one moon, her friend came, but with such a heavy heart that she could not find the strength to speak of The Realm. It took D'klr'dil many moments to determine what to do, but did so, holding out her staff of powers to her friend. The half-Elf/half-Mystic took it, holding it, examining it.

  'D'klr'dil, my friend. I know from the legends what this must be. But I cannot accept this from you. It will cause you to diminish your mind greatly, and become only a large and violent beast. Nothing in The Realm is worthy of this. The sacrifice is overly much. I cannot allow you to do this.'

  "They spoke of this for many moons, with D'klr'dil always offering the staff out to her, and with the half-Elf/half-Mystic always declining it. And moon after moon, D'klr'dil saw the weight of The Realm grow heavier and heavier upon her friend. ‘You must take this staff from me, my Friend, or you will die. I would rather you live for a while longer, and for me to diminish into a mere beast than for me to witness your weariness consume you, and for The Realm to lose its fight. Please take my staff, or never again return to me.'

  "So D'klr'dil stood on all four of her great paws, and held the staff out to her friend with firm resolve. The half-Elf/half-Mystic was crying, knowing that she would either lose her friend, or The Realm. ‘This is not fair. You are the only friend I have ever known. And now I either lose you, or I lose The Realm.’ D'klr'dil was saddened to see her friend cry, so said, ‘If you lose The Realm, you will lose me anyway, as you will most likely die. So, either way, we are lost to each other. Take it, my Friend. Allow me one true act of kindness in my most miserable of life. It will be a blessing for my mind to finally be removed from this body.’ With her heart wrenching from her, D'klr'dil's friend knew the statement to be of truth. She held out her hand to the staff, and slowly took it from D'klr'dil. ‘Thank you, my dear friend. You have saved The Realm in this act. I will not allow The Realm to forget your great deed. Whenever we look upon you for the eons to come, I will make certain that this great act of sacrifice is recalled. Goodbye, my Friend. I love you well.'

  "With that, D'klr'dil returned to the UnderRealm, and the half-Elf/half-Mystic returned to her reign as High Queen, bringing back the powers of the sorcerers, which was enough at that moment to bring The Realm back into an age of peace. For the remainder of the High Queen's life, she returned to the Great Plains, moon after moon, bringing food for D'klr'dil and calling her to her. But sadly, D'klr'dil never again showed any sign of recognition, having turned finally and fully into a beast."

  San'lr'in’ nodded slowly, saddened by the story, “The first High Queen. A sad story, Caitha, but one I am most grateful for, in the hearing of it. Thank you for your bravery in telling this to Me. I should have been told this long prior."

  Caitha nodded, “Perhaps you will look differently upon D'klr'dil now."

  San'lr'in’ nodded again, “It is strange though, as she allows only a High Queen to call her to The Realm. I wonder if she really recalls not...” She allowed the remainder of her thought to remain unspoken, thinking on all the instances she had called D'klr'dil to her.

  "Either that was the saddest story of all moments, or you are the best storyteller in all The Realm, Caitha.” Sle'nel’ had been both fascinated and deeply saddened in the story, recognizing the greatness of Caitha's artistry. “We should have more recognized your ability in Woden."

  San'lr'in’ rose, smiling at Caitha, “I sensed this greatness in her upon our first meeting. She is a master storyteller.” She went to Caitha and hugged her, “Thank you, My Storyteller. I am well pleased that I can say that you are now The High Queen's Storyteller."

  Caitha blushed, “Thank you, M'Love. It is nice to be appreciated. But know that many storytellers know of this story, but have always been fearful to tell it to you."

  "They would have not told it so greatly as you, and this is why they have longed fear to tell me of it. While the stories are interesting, their telling of them leaves much to be desired. Perhaps you can give them some helpful pointers. From this moment on, Caitha, you will be known as the official storyteller to The High Queen."

  Caitha bowed her head, “I am honored, High Queen."

  "Perhaps while she yet remains with us, you would be good enough to teach My Sister more of The Realm's past through your stories. She has much to learn."

  Caitha nodded, “I will consider it as my duty, M'Love."

  San'lr'in’ looked at both Meera and Caitha, “Go and enjoy the celebration. There are enough guards about this eve."

  San'lr'in’ turned to Sle'nel', “We are finally alone, once—” Just as she was speaking, many Shrd'ilker'
ins young ones came running out from a door, headed directly to Sle'nel', squealing in their excitement, “Elf! Elf! Here we are, Elf!"

  San'lr'in’ saw that Torsn'dynl’ and a few other Women of the Trees were standing near the door, smiling, having finally allowed their town's young ones to see and touch The Realm's Elf. Sle'nel’ stole a quick glance toward San'lr'in', but was then consumed by the many children. San'lr'in’ smiled, moving away, not wishing to interfere with Sle'nel's moment.

  She went to one of the tables for food and drink, standing and watching the large celebration in all its differing activities. She stood alone, welcoming the moment, finding herself tired and wishing she were back in the Valley, when suddenly a great cloud of smoke appeared, accompanied by a large cracking of lightning sound. The High Queen was initially caught off-guard, but quickly prepared herself, becoming aware that there were no guards directly about her. She readied her powers, soon realizing who came to visit with her in such a fashion.

  When the cloud of smoke disappeared, she stood facing the visitor, showing no sign of surprise, “Sume'n'tinel'ti'non, My Sister. What brings you to this festive affair?"

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non looked about the event, “You seem to have a large amount of such functions. Are you always at celebrations?” She saw Sle'nel’ with the now terrified children, “And look. The Elf entertains the young ones. How quaint and familial of you, my Sister. Have you finally settled down into family life, then? I wonder how long this will last until you grow bored and seek another.” She laughed with a mean spirit, but watched about her carefully. “Perhaps then, the Elf will finally find her way to me, as I will give her what neither of my other two sisters were able."

  Ann'wn, Meera, Uthrn, Sam and all the other warriors and guards were already surrounding her, but San'lr'in’ raised her hand for them to remain away.

  Torsn'dynl’ walked toward the two of them, when Sume'n'tinel'ti'non shrieked at her, “Remain away from me, you old hag. Long prior, you lost my trust of you and your kind. I intrude upon your lands as I have need to speak with my sister. I have no need of you. Remain away from me."

  Torsn'dynl’ began to object, “This is my realm, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non, and you are not invited. You belong here not with all—"

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non raised her hands, sending a great wave of sparks rushing to just in front of Torsn'dynl'. She jumped back slightly, as Sume'n'tinel'ti'non said, “Remain away. I come in peace, but came not to see you."

  San'lr'in’ breathed in deeply, then spoke slowly, “Refrain from your sorcery. It is not welcomed here. I wish not to remove it from you, but will do so if necessary.” She paused for a moment, keeping herself calm, breathing, then said, “But you say you have come to speak with Me. Would you be more comfortable in a private setting?"

  She had been studying her sister carefully while Sume'n'tinel'ti'non had been speaking to Torsn'dynl', sensing her with much anxiety and fear.

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non nodded, all but whispering, “Yes. In private. Away from all of them. Away from all their treachery. And away from your guards. I vow that I or any of my legions will attempt no attack upon you."

  The High Queen breathed in deeply once more, sighing, “And I suppose you will want the Elf with us, as well?"

  Again, her sister whispered, “No. This is between you and me."

  While surprised, San'lr'in’ showed no indication of it, “Do you need refreshments from your long journey, while we speak?” The High Queen had also sensed that her sister had been running scared for a while, and was exhausted. She was also surprised at her sister's almost pleading attitude.

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non nodded, “It would be welcomed."

  San'lr'in’ looked to Torsn'dynl', “Please have food brought for us, in containers from which we will both take our food and drink. I wish My sister not to think that we try to poison her. We will use your small banquet room."

  Torsn'dynl’ nodded slightly to her attendants, and they ran off quickly to prepare the food and drink. Ann'wn stepped slightly forward, lowering her sword, bowing her head, “High Queen?"

  Softly, The High Queen returned the unasked question, “No, Force Leader.” Uthrn came up, but before she could say anything, The High Queen raised her hand, “This will occur between the two of us, only. If any of you wish to guard, you may stand outside the doors.” She raised an eyebrow to Ann'wn, narrowing her eyes, “Am I understood?"

  Ann'wn bowed, “Yes, Great High Queen."

  Some of the other Deep Mystic leaders began to come toward them, but once again, The High Queen turned to them, “No. I will not be questioned.” She turned to her sister, gesturing with her hand which way they were to head, “Please accompany Me."

  Sle'nel’ stared, saying nothing, keeping the children closely around her. She also had sensed that Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was frightened, and guessed that she had come to seek The High Queen's protection and help.

  Once in the small banquet room, The High Queen motioned for her sister to sit wherever she desired at the table. Sume'n'tinel'ti'non sat at the nearest seat, looking exhausted, breathing heavily. San'lr'in’ sat across from her, studying her once again. She blinked slowly, then softly said, “You have come a great distance to find Me."

  "You are not welcomed into my thoughts. Remain out of them. But yes, I have."

  "You are tired. Are you well?"

  "What is this? You now care for me? Halt this ridiculous niceness. It becomes you not."

  San'lr'in’ sat back and sighed, “You have come to Me. It is not Me who chooses to disturb your eve. What is it you desire?"

  The attendants brought in the food and drink, leaving it placed upon the table so that The High Queen and her sister could portion out whatever they desired. They left quickly without a word.

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non began to place the food on her plate, looking at her sister, “Take a bite of this so I know that I am not poisoned."

  San'lr'in’ did so, then placed down her fork, “I yet live, much to your sadness. Now tell Me, what is it you want from Me?"

  San'lr'in’ once again sat back in her chair, having no need for more food. Sume'n'tinel'ti'non ate as she spoke, “I am starved. I have been running from the Mungardies for three turns."

  "But this is not why you come to Me."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non shook her head, “No. It is not. I can take care of myself against the Mungardies, but it would seem they have become my enemy because of you. And I have heard of the revenge you cast upon them. You surprised them well, and made them most fearful of you. Perhaps you do have some qualities about you that I could learn to like."

  "If it were not for your great hunger, I would say that you waste our moments. I have no interest in what the Mungardies think."

  While eating, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non stared at her sister, then almost whispered, “They come."

  The High Queen just stared back at her, saying nothing.

  "They come. As you said they would. The humans. They come."

  "And this has only now frightened you?"

  "You must come see for yourself. I cannot explain this. You must come to Sansthera."

  * * * *

  "Me? Come to Sansthera? Why? So that you can kill Me more easily?"

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non shook her head, “No. I vow I will not do this. I vow your safety, and any who attend you."

  San'lr'in’ laughed, unbelieving of the statement, “And you expect Me to believe this? Even this eve you show your hate and disgust of Me."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non studied her sister carefully, realizing that she had done as The High Queen had said. She waved her hand as if in dismissal, which San'lr'in’ thought curious, knowing she did as such herself, “Yes, yes. I know. So what of this? I gave you my vow, did I not? I have never gone back on my vow to you."

  San'lr'in’ shook her head, “Once? This would be enough to instill trust for you? I think not. What can be as important as this to risk The Realm, Me, and perhaps the Elf?"

  "I would never harm your El
f. Even I know the importance of having all the Mystics in The Realm. I know many others think me stupid, but I had not sensed you did as well."

  "I think you not stupid. I think that you would just like Me dead and out of your way."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non studied San'lr'in’ once again, “Your temper is short this eve. You look tired. Even more tired than I feel. Why is this?"

  San'lr'in’ ignored the statement. She was moving into exhaustion from the turn, wanting the now tedious conversation to end, and for her sister to leave, “Tell Me how you know they now come."

  "You must see this for yourself. You must. What can I do to convince you? I now believe you. While I have no love for you, I know you spoke truly. What can I do that will show you of my sincerity?"

  "Allow Me to bring My forces."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non thought on this for a moment, then waved her hand once again in dismissal, “Whatever. You must see for yourself. I cannot explain this. It has frightened even me. Whatever it would take, just so long as you come, but you test my patience. You must trust me."

  San'lr'in’ leaned forward, placing her hands on the table, “And you think it easy for Me to trust the enemy who has vowed My death? You expect Me to so easily trust My very sister who I know hates me well?"

  Softly and uncharacteristically, she replied, “Yes. Both The Realm and I need you to do so. Even I, who believe you not am now frightened. And I know that you are the one chosen to halt them. You must come. You must see this."

  "Show Me your sincerity by remaining the eve and resting here. You know that you will be well guarded, and safe. I will allow nothing to happen to you. And you could use the rest."