Quietly, but almost spat out, The High Queen responded, “Burn it."
"As you say, Highness."
The High Queen turned away, an indication the meeting was over, “My Queen?"
She turned and looked at Ann'wn, then nodded.
"Is there anything I might do for you, my Queen?"
She saw that San'lr'in’ remained rigid. Tense. Then saw her Queen sigh and close her eyes. After a brief moment, The High Queen looked at her, blinking slowly, yet showing little emotion. As she answered, Ann'wn heard for the first moment in all their moments together, her voice sound hesitant, “Have patience, Force Leader. I am trying."
Sle'nel’ had been on the side, listening and watching. As she heard San'lr'in's response to Ann'wn, she came over and held out her arm to her lover. San'lr'in’ looked at her briefly, then held out her own arm toward her, taking Sle'nel's hand as she came close.
Ann'wn saw the great effort her Queen was giving, “I am here for you, my Queen, as you need."
She turned back to Ann'wn and replied in a whisper, “Thank you."
Her response had stunned Ann'wn, but she tried to remain as normal. Never prior had she heard as such from her Queen, “Will you be attending the eve meal, my Queen?"
Sle'nel’ and San'lr'in’ looked into each other's eyes. Sle'nel’ nodded, yet looking at her Queen, “Many have already requested as such. She has accepted the request."
Ann'wn bowed her head, “Your guards will be pleased, Highness. By your leave."
She nodded only.
* * * *
The High Queen left her tent, looking back to Sle'nel'. She held out her arm and softly said, “Accompany Me to the eve's meal, My Desire?"
Sle'nel’ looked into her Queen's eyes, seeing some hesitation in the moment. Neither was strong enough to truly endure facing all the others, but knew the moment must occur. Sle'nel’ nodded slightly, touched her Queen's cheek, then placed her arm upon her Queen's.
Having little to do except practice their warrior skills while they had waited through the turns, the guards had built a temporary but quite solid long table, complete with chairs for The High Queen. She was fully surprised as they were led to their eve meal, but said nothing. She sat at the head of the table, as was the expected custom, and found herself pleased in being able to sit at a real table once again. As was custom, The High Queen sat first and all the others followed.
She looked at her Elf and spoke quietly to her only, “This table is a pleasure."
Sle'nel’ sat, glad to be off her knee, and also gladdened for a real chair, “I also miss home.” She was pleased that her chair also had arms on which she could lean, as well as rest her arm that ached from the severe shoulder wound.
The eve's meal was served with great formality. The guards, scholars and sorcerers had all helped find varying foods from the forest, and the cooks had prepared a most excellent meal. San'lr'in’ was surprised in the display and provision of the meal, feeling almost as if they were back in the Valley.
She touched Sle'nel's hand and softly asked, “Do you miss the Valley, My Desire?"
"We need to complete this journey, my Queen. It has been overly long."
"Have patience, My Elf. We leave for El'fs'nd'lle in the morn."
San'lr'in’ was yet well distant from The Realm, but fully noticed how hard her guards and travelers were trying to make the eve seem as if in the Valley. Many guards were acting as musicians, supplying background music for the meal. Some were serving the meal, trying to be as The High Queen's attendants, but making overly many mistakes, much to The High Queen's amusement. And others were being light amusements, such as mimes or jugglers.
She turned to Ann'wn, who was sitting close to her left side, “Thank you, Force Leader. This is a most unexpected and enjoyable eve."
Ann'wn blushed, “Your guards felt that you have endured the rough living overly long, my Queen. Although they thought you have been excellent in this regard, they thought that you could use a moment back in the Valley."
"Give them My most generous praise, Force Leader."
"Yes, my Queen. They will be pleased at this."
After the meal, San'lr'in’ sat back into her chair, quietly observing all her companions. It felt as if many moons had passed since she had attended to her companions, so now took note of them. The Young One had grown noticeably since her powers had been removed. While yet young, San'lr'in’ saw that Sele’ now seemed far older in her actions.
Her eyes met with the young girl she had saved from the Grandmother's dwelling. Quietly acknowledging their understanding, the Young One bowed her head to The High Queen. After a short moment, The High Queen returned the quiet gesture, Thank you, Young Seer.
She saw that Mil'der'in and Fon'elnn’ had become quite close, and thought it a good pairing. She saw that Sam had become as one among all the guards, sorcerers and scholars, seeing her sister a most excellent of politicians. And she saw that her Healer and Ann'wn were yet quite new in their relationship with each other.
"My Queen."
She turned, startled at the voice. She looked down at who was bowing and kneeling to her, “Rise, Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. What may I do for you?"
Sam held out a sword for her Queen, and held another in her other hand, “I would like a contest, Highness, to show you what I have been learning. I think you will be most pleased."
San'lr'in’ thought she might move away from such moments with others, when Sle'nel’ touched her hand, “She has worked overly hard for this moment, for you."
San'lr'in’ felt she had no choice in the matter, wishing to remain quiet and distant in her chair, but relented.
She rose, took the sword, felt its weight, then raised her sword and waited. Sam did the same. Movement after movement, The High Queen allowed Sam's sword movements to take the offensive, in order to learn of her new powers.
"You have done well, My Sister. You are using your powers well."
Sam was now already gasping at trying to keep up with her sister, but was pleased in that she could tell she had come a long way, “Fon'elnn’ has been but an excellent teacher, my Queen."
Sam suddenly took a strong aggressive stance against her Queen, using all her new powers and skills against her. Although The High Queen yet countered quite easily, she could tell that Sam was steadily improving. After many moments of observing Sam's new moves, San'lr'in’ had seen enough. She made a few quick but powerful moves, quickly forcing Sam to drop her sword.
She laughed lightly, “You are learning even more quickly than I had dared hoped. I am well pleased in your progress, Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. You use your powers wisely."
Sam smiled, proud of her gains, bowing her head, “For you and The Realm, my Queen."
As she was handing her sword back to Sam, a voice came from behind her, “Caring to fight a true Master, Highness?"
She turned, sword yet in-hand. She nodded her head, bowing it politely in acknowledgement to the Master, “Master. Perhaps another moment?"
Fon'elnn’ raised her sword, not taking her no for an answer. The High Queen had no choice but to match Fon'elnn's challenge. Ann'wn and all the others were suddenly well interested. It had been many, many cycles since two Masters had challenged each other. All stood, moving closer to watch the match, to observe the moves, to bet on the winner.
"You needing to return to The Realm, my Queen."
San'lr'in’ raised her sword to Fon'elnn', wondering if she had enough desire to even attempt winning the sword dance. She felt defeated in her own right, and didn't want to engage in this contest.
Both being Masters, neither initially took the first move. The High Queen held steady, waiting, finally forcing Fon'elnn’ to do so. That was already one gain for her.
Fon'elnn’ had never prior seen her new Queen fight, so began the contest at a medium level. The High Queen smiled to herself, knowing that Fon'elnn’ had just displayed a weakness that could have cost her the contest. In fairness, The High Queen didn't us
e it against her, suddenly desiring to see how good Fon'elnn’ was with her sword.
The High Queen countered easily, not yet making her own moves. She watched Fon'elnn's moves carefully, assessing her skills, looking for her weaknesses and testing her endurance. Fon'elnn’ saw her Queen's eyes measure her, yet quite uncertain as to The High Queen's abilities. No one had yet informed her that San'lr'in’ was the second highest Master in The Realm, in this era.
Startling Fon'elnn', The High Queen made an uncharacteristically aggressive move against Fon'elnn', using her Masters’ skills as well as her powers. By doing so, she instantly changed the contest to a higher level, forcing Fon'elnn’ to display more of her true abilities. Fon'elnn’ did so, returning the aggressive stance quickly. The High Queen was both amazed and pleased.
Ann'wn and Meera watched the quick and decisive moves each contestant provided, seeing them well-skilled. Ann'wn had never been able to fully draw-out her Queen's abilities, so was enjoying the moment like no other.
"Our Queen is magnificent."
"I never would have thought her with such abilities as these."
"Even now I must wonder if these are the extent of her skills, or if she yet holds back."
The swords clanged together so loudly and with such strength that Meera was afraid the swords would break.
"Woden's swords would not be able to withstand such beating as this."
Ann'wn had never prior thought of this, “Our metals are of the Mystics’ forging. Perhaps they are stronger. Yet, even without using her Masters’ skills, I have seen our Queen break a sword, prior."
Fon'elnn’ tried to force her Queen into a defensive posturing, delivering one aggressive move after the other, but to no avail. The High Queen held her spot, taking the blows solidly, yet measuring and assessing Fon'elnn's abilities.
"You display your weaknesses overly soon, Master."
"And you displaying yours not at all, my Queen."
The High Queen smiled some, but took the moment to force Fon'elnn’ to lose ground. After this many moments, she began delivering even harsher blows to Fon'elnn'.
"You being overly strong, Highness."
"Match My strength, Master. I expect more from you than this."
The Master began to grow frustrated with herself, embarrassed by her Queen's comment. She pushed herself further into her Masters’ stance, calling on all her powers and abilities. San'lr'in’ had expected as such to occur, pleased that the contest would finally offer her a real challenge.
Sam had been pleased in her own progress, but now saw how much more she needed to learn. She was astonished in her sister's skills. In truth, all the guards watched in amazement, having never prior seen their Queen such a warrior as this. They were suddenly all embarrassed in their skills, but also were well proud of having such a Warrior Queen as this. All knew that their skills paled well in the comparison.
San'lr'in’ hadn't needed to use many of her Masters’ skills for long prior, having had no one equal in her abilities. She had taken a few moments to fully assess Fon'elnn's skills, but found that Fon'elnn’ didn't have the quantity of moves she possessed, guessing that the earlier Masters’ were yet young as a force during Fon'elnn's era.
Using both hands on her sword, San'lr'in’ delivered a blow that caused Fon'elnn’ to stumble, nearly making her drop her sword. Fon'elnn’ recovered quickly, but The High Queen was on the move. One sword movement after another, San'lr'in’ began to force Fon'elnn’ into a defensive mode that couldn't be altered. It was all Fon'elnn’ could do to remain fully engaged. But rather than give away all her abilities, The High Queen pushed the contest to an even higher level, finally making a few quick and aggressive moves. Suddenly, she moved her sword in such a fashion as to cause Fon'elnn’ to drop hers. As she did this, The High Queen held out her hand, causing Fon'elnn's sword to her prior to even allowing it to touch the ground.
The High Queen was smiling, a most rare sight of late, “Lose your sword, Master?"
Fon'elnn’ laughed, “Where learning you such as this? I am knowing not this trick."
The High Queen smiled and tossed Fon'elnn's sword back to her, “Watch. I will display the move one more moment."
Fon'elnn’ caught her sword easily. They raised their swords to begin, and instantly, The High Queen made the same moves, showing Fon'elnn’ how the move was managed.
"Not being easy, my Queen."
"But useful. No?"
Fon'elnn’ laughed again, “You must being the Highest of all Masters, my Queen.” She came to her Queen and placed her hand upon her Queen's shoulder. San'lr'in’ did likewise, as was the custom in such a contest. She then gave her sword to Fon'elnn'.
"A good contest, Master. Thank you for the distraction."
Fon'elnn’ knelt and bowed her head, “Being my honor, my Queen. Never have I being in such a service as a true Warrior Queen. I being glad to being in your service, Highness, as I fearing to be against such as you, Highest Master."
The High Queen frowned slightly, and placed her hand softly on Fon'elnn's head, “No, Master. I am only as Second Master in The Realm. We will be meeting up once more with the First Master of The Realm at the Gates of El'fs'nd'lle, unless I am mistaken yet again."
Fon'elnn’ sensed that this didn't delight her Queen, “Being a problem, my Queen?"
The High Queen looked down into Fon'elnn's eyes. Quietly, she replied, “We hope not, Master."
As San'lr'in’ began to return to the table, she saw that all her warriors were staring in disbelief of the contest. As soon as she had glanced at them, they all fell to their knees and bowed their heads. She frowned again, not pleased by the honor, yet blaming herself for the tortures that Sle'nel', Caitha, and her Healer had endured.
"Warrior High Queen."
Ann'wn had seen her Queen's frustrated response overly late. San'lr'in’ bowed her head slightly and sighed. She closed her eyes for a moment, wishing she were elsewhere, far away from this realm of others’ making.
She breathed in deeply, trying to restore some patience to herself, “Rise. I thank you for this eve's most unexpected entertainment. Enjoy the remainder of your eve. We depart in the early morn."
She bowed her head briefly to Ann'wn, acknowledging Ann'wn's patience, then placed out her arm to Sle'nel', wishing to leave.
But Mil'der'in knew that her Queen needed to return fully to The Realm and her duties if all was to go well for them. And she knew that it was her duty to take on The High Queen's persistence in this regard, no matter what her Queen might think or do.
"My Queen?"
She turned to the voice, “High Counselor?"
"I request the High Counselor's Audience, Highness."
She turned away, shaking her head, “Not now, High Counselor. Another turn."
"I call for the High Counselor's Audience, my Queen, as is my privilege."
She turned back, looking most displeased, “It is your privilege, but it is not My pleasure, High Counselor. Heed My words at this moment. I have not this patience you are requiring of Me."
Mil'der'in stood fast, but slightly trembling. Never prior had she stood as firm as this in any request to The High Queen, “I must insist, my Queen."
So softly that only Sle'nel’ and Mil'der'in could hear her, “Don't do this to us at this moment, High Counselor. It is not a wise move on your part."
Loud enough so that all could hear, she responded, “Now, my Queen. I must insist."
"I could walk away from you, High Counselor. Your request is ill-advised."
"What do you fear, Highness?"
Mil'der'in had been High Counselor since San'lr'in’ had become Queen of the Valley, so knew her well. Indeed, San'lr'in’ had selected Mil'der'in as her High Counselor, as had been her privilege. So, Mil'der'in well knew that invoking the word ‘fear’ in regard to her Queen's emotions was to challenge The High Queen directly.
San'lr'in's eyes narrowed, while Mil'der'in tried to swallow her own fear, “Fear, High C
ounselor? You think Me afraid?"
She swallowed hard, barely able to answer. She couldn't look her Queen in the eyes, “Yes, my Queen."
"I am afraid? Of you, Mil'der'in?"
"No, my Queen. Of yourself."
San'lr'in’ raised her eyebrow, then frowned. She wasn't pleased, “You risk My wrath upon you, High Counselor? Nothing could be of this importance."
"Please, my Queen. This is most important and urgent."
She could tell that Mil'der'in was using all her courage to face her, but she also knew that she hadn't the strength to provide this session to her High Counselor, “Not here, High Counselor. You ask overly of Me. I will grant you a private audience."
Mil'der'in now had tears in her eyes, afraid of standing so strongly against her Queen, but knowing it was for her benefit, “I must insist, my Queen. In front of all."
San'lr'in’ looked at her for a moment, trying to breathe. Without a word, she turned to Sle'nel’ and held out her arm.
Mil'der'in wasn't going to be denied this easily. She knew she had to keep trying, “My Queen. I must insist. It is my right and my duty to you and to The Realm. We must face down this issue, for the good of The Realm."
Mil'der'in had gone to her and touched her Queen on the arm, an unheard of practice and deeply forbidden. Mil'der'in had been the closest friend to her Queen prior to Sle'nel', so took the risk. She did so, even knowing that if called for, beheading for the act of touching The High Queen without permission was the punishment.
The High Queen looked first at Mil'der'in, then at the arm that now touched her own, “You go overly far, High Counselor."
Mil'der'in took in a deep breath, then made her demand, “If you have no fear, High Queen, then grant me my due. Now. Here. In the presence of all."
She spoke softly but harshly, “I thought you My friend and advocate, yet here you stand, betraying My confidence and trust."
It was otherwise, but Mil'der'in knew that her Queen would be unable to see the truth in her request. With the last strength she had, she pushed further, “Please, my Queen. Trust me. Grant me this High Counselor's Audience."
San'lr'in’ looked to Ann'wn, “So, My Force Leader. You are in on this also? This is why the table was made for this eve. So that a proper High Counselor's Audience could be had. If I cannot trust My Force Leader and My High Counselor, then who is left? Perhaps you would desire a new High Queen? This could be easily arranged for you."
The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV] Page 24