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

by Robbie Collins

  "One request?"

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ nodded.

  "Allow me to travel with other than Uthrn."

  San'lr'in’ laughed quietly, thinking that she would feel the same, “Who is your preference?"

  "The Elf."

  San'lr'in’ thought about this for a moment, “I see no harm in this. We will ask her, as I make not her decisions."

  As they returned to the main camp, San'lr'in’ checked with her Healer, “How fares My Warrior Woman?"

  "The sword traveled deeply into her shoulder. She is concerned about her sword arm."

  "Will it heal?"

  The Healer nodded, “With the proper moments given to it to do so."

  "See to it, then. Tell her I command it of her."

  "It should be as easy with you, High Queen."

  "High Queens must have their own mind."

  The Healer laughed, “Then I would guess that they saw this in you at birth, my Queen."

  They traveled throughout the remainder of the turn with as much haste as could be had. Sle'nel’ had agreed to take the High Priestess with her, also seeing no harm in it. From the moment the High Priestess had agreed to speak with Sle'nel’ when they met at the Sorcerer Women of the Mountain's town, they had formed a slight bond between them. But Sle'nel’ also knew that The Healer would give the High Priestess a strong sleeping spell, and also knew that Ann'wn would allow no talking during their journey. On her own part, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non felt comfortable with the Elf, but even then, only mildly so. Yet she just had her two closest companions tortured and put to their death, so had no other to turn to for comfort.

  They traveled yet again to the end of the turn, arranging camp quickly and with little motivation. San'lr'in’ guessed that they would arrive in Sansthera somewhere around midturn the next turn, hoping it would be without incident. Sume'n'tinel'ti'non had slept throughout the turn, having been given deep sleeping spells by The Healer, but was glad to be off the horse for the eve.

  The caring for her lover's sister through the entire turn had also exhausted Sle'nel'.

  San'lr'in’ held out her arms to her, “Come to Me, My Desire."

  Sle'nel’ slipped into her lover's welcoming arms, and breathed a sigh of relief when they closed gently but firmly around her, “I think I am tiring of this traveling."

  "We will arrive next turn. Did she challenge you much this turn?"

  "No. She slept. She just feels safer in an Elf's arms than in one of your Warrior Woman's."

  "I have missed you."

  Sle'nel’ raised her head, reached an arm around her Queen's neck, and kissed her, “And I you, my Love."

  They lay down next to each other, and fell instantly to sleep.

  Ann'wn made all rise prior to the sun's rise, ensuring an early beginning to yet another long ride. They now rode across the plains that would continue until Sansthera, making their journey quicker than going through steep mountain passes or river canyons. As prior, since all her elite guards were with them, The High Queen left the scouting to them, resting her mind on other issues. The High Priestess had asked the Elf to once again carry her, and Sle'nel’ agreed, but only because it was the last turn of this part of their journey.

  From far off, they could see Sansthera very distantly on the horizon. Ann'wn allowed them to rest their horses for a moment, and then told them that the journey would be relaxed from here. Uthrn went to Ann'wn and her Queen, not having been told of who the attackers had been.

  "My Queen. She has been unable to warn her own guards that we will be arriving."

  "I think there few guards left to care, Black Uthrn."

  "My Queen?"

  "They are the ones that My Private Guard caught."

  They remounted, but now the journeyers were allowed to speak to each other as they traveled. The High Queen rode next to her lover.

  "How fares My sister?"

  "She sleeps. And she is in great pain, yet."

  "It will be improved for her once we reach Sansthera. What do your eyes see before us, My Desire?"

  Sle'nel’ studied what she could make out of the dwellings, “Strange, but striking. A mid-sized town. I know not how to describe these dwellings. Rounded. Arched. Some seem to be clear, but not. Without color. Some of wood. Others are what we know of. There is one long building like no other. It is plain and white, with a flat cover, and it is off to one side. Their farms are all about the town, and the town appears to be the center, as in most towns. A river runs through the middle of the town, with many small bridges crossing it. All their main walking paths are quite wide. Wide enough for six horses to ride side-by-side, or more. And it appears that the town is laid out much like Woden. All in precise squares. There are very few buildings outside the town. In what looks like the center are five large domed buildings, much larger than all the others, and they are all white. The very center one is even larger than the others, perhaps three stories high, or more."

  Surprising everyone, the High Priestess answered, “It is my dwelling."

  "Do we head there, Sister?"

  "Thankfully, yes. Go there."

  After many more moments, and when they were getting close enough so that all could see what Sle'nel’ had long-prior, Sam rode up to them, “Look, Jandra. It reminds me of Woden. Look how it is laid out. It even has the wall around it. The dwellings are different, but the design is the same."

  Sle'nel’ nodded, “You are correct, Sam. Amazing. Is it not?"

  * * * *

  Ann'wn and An'ther'on rode to the gate wall carrying a flag of peace. San'lr'in’ watched as Ann'wn pointed back to the High Priestess, and then began to ride into the town. She expected no fanfare for herself, but was somewhat pleased to see that the town's inhabitants showed their respect to her sister by kneeling and bowing their heads at they went past the gates and into Sansthera.

  They rode into the center of the town, straight to the High Priestess’ dwelling. The High Queen was surprised when several of the town's Mystics knelt and bowed their heads, speaking to her, “Great High Queen.” She didn't think they would even know of her, let alone know what she looked like. The same occurred to Sle'nel', and San'lr'in’ began to believe that she had underestimated her sister. The town appeared well in order, amazingly so, surprising The High Queen even more.

  She dismounted as they arrived, having Ann'wn give orders out quickly so as to provide her sister the rest she long needed, and so as to prevent any dissension in the town. Knowing that some of the town's members were listening, she made her own quick orders, ensuring that they wouldn't be questioned.

  "Force Leader. Secure the town. We will need to determine who else among the High Priestess’ subjects are traitors. Use My elite guards to do this. I leave our safety in your command."

  She then turned to her own Healer and Attendants, “Have the High Priestess taken to her room. Healer, you are to be her Healer until we determine the ability of hers. An'ther'on. Go with them and ensure that their needs and tasks are without question."

  "Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. I have need of your abilities."

  Sam bowed her head to her sister, “Whatever you need, my Queen."

  "Have the town's leaders gathered to you. Tell them why we are here. Tell them who we are, and that we mean no harm. You know what needs to be said. Keep Mil'der'in with you. She will be of excellent assistance."

  "Yes, my Sister. I am pleased to do this for you."

  "Great High Queen of The Realm?"

  San'lr'in’ turned around, looking for the voice, noticing that Uthrn and Meera stood guard around her, along with six other guards. She saw that a young woman knelt before her, bowing her head.

  "Rise, and tell Me what it is you are called by."

  The young woman rose, keeping her head bowed, not allowing herself to look into The High Queen's eyes, “Caithryn, High Queen."

  "Why do you seek My audience, Caithryn of Sansthera?"

  "I am the keeper of the High Priestess’ dwelling, Great High
Queen. I will show you and all your travelers to your quarters when you are ready. I am also the keeper of you during your remain. Since it is between the midturn meal and the eve meal, there will quickly be made available to you some light food and drink in the main dining room, and the eve meal will be ready at your pleasure. Please tell me your desire, Great High Queen, and I will make certain that it is met."

  San'lr'in’ studied the young woman for a moment, “Are you a human, Caithryn?"

  "Yes, Great High Queen. I am a remainder from the First Ones of Sansthera. There are several of us yet here. Most of us have inter-mated, though, so most now have both Mystic and human lines within them. My line is yet only human, though."

  "We would like a tour of the First Ones’ dwellings and all that they brought with them, after I meet again with My sister. The High Priestess asked Me to come here to see a message that is now being delivered. Do you know of this?"

  "A short tour can be arranged this mid-after-late turn, High Queen, if that would be your desire. The High Priestess is the only one that can show you of what she speaks of, though. I am unable to open those doors, High Queen. I am sorry I cannot meet your need in this."

  "A short tour will be fine for this turn. I will speak with your High Priestess regarding the other when her pain improves. I have someone I think would be most interested in your name, Caithryn of Sansthera."

  San'lr'in’ turned to Meera, “Warrior Woman. Where is your mate?"

  "Great High Queen?” She looked again at Caithryn, nodding slightly to her, wondering as to her need.

  "Is it truth that there be an Elf among you?"

  "It is truth."

  "Many of us have never prior seen an Elf, Great High Queen. Will it be possible for us to see her at some moment?"

  San'lr'in’ looked around, trying to find Sle'nel'. When she finally did, she looked at her, “She is over there, with all the animals and children that desire to meet with her. The Young Future Supreme Sovereign is also with her. While you meet with one of ours for a moment, Caithryn of Sansthera, have someone show Me to My sister's quarters. And make certain that My Elf knows where I will be. Have her meet Me there."

  "Yes, Great High Queen."

  San'lr'in’ rolled her eyes at her own thoughts, By the mothers, please give Me no more titles. Queen was bad enough, then High Queen. Now must it be Great High Queen?

  She sighed, then nodded, “Have them lead the way."

  San'lr'in’ was intrigued by the design of her sister's large domed building. They entered into a great entryway that spanned the entire height of the building. It then opened into an enormous sitting room containing a large rock fireplace spanning from the floor to the top of the domed structure.

  She was led down a hallway and into her sister's room. As the door opened, the beauty of the room surprised her. She hadn't imagined that her sister would desire anything beautiful, let alone comfortable. The room was filled with the sun's light from the many windows, and was large enough to contain a sitting area for eight or ten, and a small table for six. On one side of the room was a glassed doorway that led outside to a decked area, filled with hundreds of flower containers. Her sister's beautifully carved bed was placed back against the furthest side, taking up only a little of the room, even given its size. Since the room was easily one quarter of the size of the full dome building, the wall was curved and allowed for a great sense of height and depth.

  She went to her Healer, who was standing slightly apart from her sister's bed, where her sister was now resting. The High Queen's Healer and attendants had already changed her sister's garments and cleaned her.

  "How is she?"

  The Healer bowed her head, “Improved, Highness. But I would like to remove more of her pain."

  San'lr'in’ saw another in the room, guessing it her to be her sister's own healer, “Is there a problem with this?"

  "Her Healer objects."

  "She wants her to remain in pain?"

  "She trusts me not. Or you."

  "I came not this far out of our way so that I can argue with My own sis—"

  "Come to me."

  San'lr'in’ closed her eyes and sighed deeply at the sound of the voice, “Forgive Me, Healer. She beckons."

  She stood, looking down at her sister, guessing that she was in great pain, “Can your Healer remove your pain from you?"

  "No. She knows not this trick of yours."

  "Is she a Mystic?"

  "She is a human."

  "Would you allow us to do this for you?"

  She nodded, the pain so intense that she was having difficulty even thinking.

  "High Priestess. I trust not these Mystics. They will harm you further."

  San'lr'in’ turned to her, “We will help her, only. If you cannot accept this, then leave this room. Otherwise, remain silent and observe.” She turned to her own Healer, “I will follow your lead, Healer."

  The Healer touched Sume'n'tinel'ti'non's head softly, “You need only relax and breathe. Do you know the meditations?"

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non looked deeply pained, “Only the first three."

  The Healer smiled down at her, trying to reassure her, “This will do fine. Begin your first meditation, and then allow me to guide you into your second and third one. Nothing will occur until we reach your third meditation. At that moment, The High Queen and I will work to remove your greatest of pains. You will know what we do as we do this, but will feel no pain. Once we are done with this, I will guide you safely back out of your meditations. Then The High Queen and I will work on the locations of your specific injuries. But nothing that we do will hurt, so you should have no fear of this."

  The High Priestess looked at her sister, “Is your Healer always this tedious with detail?"

  San'lr'in’ smiled, but then nodded to her Healer to begin. The process took many moments and was most tiring for both The Healer and The High Queen. When they were done, both of them closed their eyes for a few moments, re-centering and refocusing their energies.

  "Breathe, my Queen."

  She felt her Healer touch her head softly, “Focus."

  San'lr'in’ opened her eyes, seeing her Healer standing directly in front of her, “How is it that you are always able to help Me, yet never need any for yourself?"

  "She is a great Healer, as you said."

  San'lr'in’ raised her eyebrow at the voice, unaccustomed to its friendliness. She looked down at her sister, “You are feeling improved, then?"

  "Sle'nel'!"

  The High Queen saw her sister smiling to her Elf. She turned, and also smiled at her, “The animals and children followed you not?"

  Sle'nel’ laughed. She hugged her Queen, then sat on the side of Sume'n'tinel'ti'non's bed, “This is a beautiful dwelling, High Priestess.

  The High Priestess’ Healer came over to Shr'dler'in, “How did you do this? She looks much improved."

  The High Queen's Healer took the other Healer by the arm, leading her away, “It is the mystery of Mystics only, unfortunately. But come. Let us go discuss our healing ways and share our secrets.” She looked back to her High Queen, “I will do as such again this late eve so that she will sleep well through the eve. Then again in the morn. At that moment, she will be able to walk some, without pain."

  To Sle'nel', the High Priestess asked, “You like my dwelling?"

  "In truth, it is magnificent."

  "I am pleased.” She looked at her sister, “I have been told that you look through my forces for more traitors."

  San'lr'in’ nodded, “As a precaution. We do not take over your town. We just ensure your safety until you can tend to it yourself."

  She began to try to rise, “I must show you th—"

  San'lr'in’ placed her hand gently on her sister's shoulder, “Not now. You must rest or the spells will not hold. You will be well soon enough, and there is no hurry in this, but we have given many of our energies so that you will heal quickly. Is there anything you would like from My forces while w
e are here?"

  "Rid me of all the traitors. And be mindful of the Mungardies."

  "They will not come while I am here."

  "Tell Caithryn to give our youngest sister the diaries."

  "She is arranging a short tour for us this after midturn. Next turn, you can show Me the reason for our long journey here."

  "Elf. Please find Caithryn for me."

  Sle'nel’ left, knowing that Sume'n'tinel'ti'non needed some privacy with her sister.

  As the door closed, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non commanded, “Sit. I have need to say a few words to you."

  San'lr'in’ looked around for a chair that she could bring close to the bed, “Just sit on the bed next to me. Why do you remain so distant?"

  "Distant? You would have Me killed, then ask Me why I remain distant? I am not as foolish as this."

  Sume'n'tinel'ti'non shook her head and sighed, “I will try not to test your patience, if you will try not to act as a High Queen. You can be such a bore."

  San'lr'in’ sat, scoffing at the statement, “Whatever. What is it you wish from Me, now that you have emptied the room?"

  "I find myself unprepared to like you, to respect you, or to even be nice to you, for I have hated you my entire lifespan. But you have saved me, treated me with gentleness, and given my life back to me. I cannot help but be suspicious of your motives, however. Tell me what it is that you want from me. I must know, or I will not know how to treat you."

  She sighed, thought about it for a moment, then said, “You seem to be part of the collective."

  She stared at her for a moment, “How do you know of this?"

  "It is Elfin lore."

  "So you saved me for this reason. Yet, you say nothing in this regard. You give me no expectations, nor say that I now owe you."

  She rose, feeling frustrated. The High Queen didn't like this type of interaction, “I cannot make you do this. I can only ask when it is the moment."

  "But you are also part sorcerer. You have no need of my magic."

  San'lr'in’ looked at her, not wanting to tell her more.

  "I frustrate you."

  "Yes."

  "Are you never a real person?"

  She stood, ready to leave, “Real? How do you think I was raised, Sister? Do you think I was raised with love and tenderness? Do you think I know what this word ‘real’ means? I was raised to be the slave of The Realm. Only this. Yet you think I have stolen your very life from you. If I had a choice when I was born, I would have given you My path."