The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV]

by Robbie Collins

  "Yes. But arrange My hair for battle."

  "Which garments do you require for this meeting, Highness?"

  "My Full Warrior High Queen garments."

  The attendants were surprised but did as requested, knowing the meaning of such garments, “What else would you require, Highness? Your rings?"

  "Dress Me as the Highest of all Queens, excepting that I will be in My full Warrior garments."

  As they tended to her, she held onto the First High Queen's sword while also touching the great red stone. She watched her stones come to life, “Tend Me well this turn, My stone. Focus My powers to Me."

  "The necklace, Highness?"

  "No need."

  "Your short boots, My Queen?"

  "No. The tall ones."

  "Your markings, High Queen?"

  "Yes. All of them."

  After many moments of preparation, they finally said, “All is prepared, Highness."

  "High Queen of The Realm?"

  San'lr'in’ turned to the voice she yet barely recognized, “Young Seer. What may I do for you?” She never would have acknowledged another's presence in such a moment, but knowing this one to be a Seer, she became most interested.

  She spoke softly so only The High Queen could hear, “Beware of her sword, Highness. It is with poison."

  San'lr'in’ met her eyes, then studied her for a long moment. Accepting the information as given, she bowed her head slowly as she closed her eyes, then met her gaze once again. Very softly, but with indication she had understood and accepted the statement as truth, she merely said, “Thank you, Seer for The High Queen."

  She left her tent fully prepared for her meeting with the High Master. As she exited, all her forces saw her, gasping in awe. The camp grew silent as they stared upon her. Never had her present forces seen her prepared in such a fashion. As she stood in front of her tent, surveying the scene now in front of her, she looked every bit the Great Warrior High Queen of The Realm. If one knew her well, they could see a slight grin upon her face.

  To a warrior, they all thought that one would have to be absolutely crazy to challenge such an assured warrior as this. Her leather boots reached to her knees, her leather pants tucked into them. She wore the tattoos of the greatest of all warriors, the knee and wrist guards of the most accomplished fighter, and her Warrior High Queen crown upon her head. Her sword was sheathed, her hair pulled slightly to the back in preparation of battle, and a design was inscribed upon her forehead that sent shivers into Ann'wn—the First High Queen's sword with blood dripping down from its tip. Another design drew attention from her own warriors, as they had never prior seen it upon her. It was The High Queen's dagger, fully piercing through the heart of its victim. There was little question as to her stance and expectations.

  She stood tall and straight with the bearing of a true warrior. She stood confident in her strength and knowledge, and forbidding in her appearance. Her stance was formidable, frightening to even her own ranks.

  She looked sideways to Ann'wn, “Take Me to them."

  "Yes, my Queen."

  She held out her right arm to Sle'nel', “Attend Me, Elf."

  Sle'nel’ had also been prepared into her Elfin pants and shirt, and also wore her sword, as well as carried her bow and arrows. She had waited outside their tent, allowing her Queen to be prepared without interruption.

  She came forward to her, yet limping, “You are quite the Warrior Queen."

  She smiled a smile that Sle'nel’ seldom saw. At that moment, The High Queen's smile was one of fortitude and absolute authority, “We must give the allusion, My Desire. I hope you will await the determination of this challenge, as I will be most pleased to have you by My side at its conclusion. We yet have much to do in this realm of ours, Elf."

  Sle'nel’ was pleased that her Queen had taken-on such a stance, “I will be waiting, but please take not overly long to win this, my Queen. My hunger grows even now."

  San'lr'in’ laughed, “I will do My best, My Elf."

  Given their prior few turns, The High Queen's guard stood well amazed, as on a turn-to-turn basis, while their Queen was ever commanding, it was in a more gentle fashion. But upon this turn, there was no questioning her authority.

  Ann'wn and several of her Private Guards escorted her and Sle'nel’ to where the High Master now awaited. The High Queen had intentionally made Ll'strin'll wait, hoping to make her somewhat displeased and impatient, but also knowing that Ll'strin'll would suspect the trick.

  When they approached, San'lr'in’ noted that the other Masters were being held well apart from the meeting, and also noted that their weapons had been removed. She halted just prior to her former teacher, examining her carefully.

  Ll'strin'll bowed her head, “San'lr'in'thel'ineln'."

  "Teacher; High Master."

  Ll'strin'll looked at her, somewhat taken aback at The High Queen's stance, somewhat surprised at her great warrior attitude. After all the cycles of watching her from afar, she had never seen her wear such warrior garments as these, except long prior, “I see you have prepared yourself for this challenge."

  San'lr'in’ ignored the comment and motioned slightly to her right. She spoke as if slightly bored in the moment, “Ll'strin'll. This is the last of the Elfin-kind, Sle'nel', High Sorcerer of The Realm. Elf, this is Ll'strin'll, My long-prior Teacher, and the Highest Master in all The Realm ... until this moment."

  Sle'nel’ was surprised at the comment, but made no indication of it. Ll'strin'll was also surprised, and made a slight gasp when it had been made. Sle'nel’ looked upon the High Master unsmiling. She bowed her head slightly in respect to the Master's position, “Ll'strin'll. I have heard much of you."

  Ll'strin'll also bowed her head, “It is my honor, Elf. I am truly pleased that the moment for the return of the Elfin-kind has arrived. Looking upon you brings joy to this old heart of mine. But it is a bit uncomforting to have an Elf displeased with me."

  Sle'nel’ just looked at her, not altering her expression, “I hold a disagreement with your teaching ways, High Master. But perhaps the discussion will be resolved as my Queen wins this challenge."

  She turned to San'lr'in', “Until a few moments from now, my Queen."

  She bowed her head, then left to a short distance away. San'lr'in’ took notice that the Elf drew her bow and arrows, and readied them. The High Queen looked about her, seeing that all her guards were present, but not looking pleased, and that they were all with full weapons readied. An'ther'on and all the Private Guard were in full battle garments, as were her Black Guard. The moment was tense, and all rested now on how San'lr'in’ handled the moment.

  "You recall the High Counselor, Master.” She held out her arm toward Mil'der'in, indicating for her to come to her.

  Mil'der'in came to her Queen, bowing her head, “High Queen.” She then turned to Ll'strin'll, “It has been many cycles. You look well."

  Ll'strin'll bowed her head to her, “And you look stunning as usual, Mil'der'in."

  Mil'der'in was displeased with Ll'strin'll's challenge to her own Queen, “It is a pity you have found your way to the side of traitors, Ll'strin'll. The Realm could have used you in its moments."

  Ll'strin'll laughed lightly, taking the insult, “It might be as you say, Mil'der'in. I hope you have found usefulness in your role, High Counselor."

  "You are wrong to challenge The High Queen, Ll'strin'll. It is as a traitor would do. And you know little of The Realm. In truth, you have hidden yourself well from it your entire lifespan. You couldn't rule even partially as well as our High Queen. None would accept your rule if you were to win, which you will not. You know not this High Queen, Ll'strin'll. You trained her even better than you believe. She is yet young, and you are overly old for this."

  "Perhaps you speak truly, Mil'der'in, but I have my reasons. I have well noted that San'lr'in’ has many great and loyal servants about her."

  Mil'der'in motioned to her left, “Indeed, and even ones from long prior. A
s we journeyed toward El'fs'nd'lle', we chanced upon another Master . A Master from The First High Queen's reign. I have found her most intriguing, and her honor is without question."

  "Then I wish you well, Mil'der'in.” She remained polite, but was overly surprised to hear that a former Master from The First High Queen's reign was among them. She hadn't yet learned of this, and was confused as to how such could occur, but was also overly proud to ask of such.

  San'lr'in’ saw that Ll'strin'll had been surprised by the statement, and made a note to use it later if necessary, during their challenge. As Mil'der'in left, The High Queen spoke, “You requested this meeting, Teacher. Tell Me. What is it you would like from Me, now that our formalities are completed?"

  "It would appear you already know the reason for this challenge, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'."

  San'lr'in’ smiled a sly smile, providing an intimidating look, “Humor Me, High Master. I try never to assume, as I was taught so long prior by you."

  Ll'strin'll laughed lightly, “I know not if this is a reference to my many cycles, or a reference to the ways in which you were taught."

  San'lr'in’ raised an eyebrow as she rested her hand slightly on her sword's hilt, “In this teaching regard, perhaps the story has passed to you telling of My recent encounter with Grandmother."

  She nodded, no longer smiling, “I have heard the story, and I see that you are yet angered with me for sending you to her."

  "You speak truth."

  "And yet in all The Realm's cycles, you are the only one to find a way to rid The Realm of her. It helped to make you strong."

  "You are mistaken, Teacher. It wasn't I who did this. It was the Future Supreme Sovereign, or perhaps you have forgotten of her? She is to rule The Realm upon one turn."

  Ll'strin'll removed her sword, running her hand across the blade as she did so, as if applying something to it, “The High Queens’ line needs to be changed. Your line has ruled overly long. And this young one should never have come into The Realm. I don't suppose you would hand-over your reign to me?"

  San'lr'in’ laughed loudly, “Were you always prior this humorous, Teacher? If so, I must have been thinking of otherwise.” She saw Ll'strin'll's hand running quickly across her blade, and recalled Seer Roen's words to her: Her sword is with poison.

  She watched Ll'strin'll's movements carefully, but refrained from removing her own sword. She didn't yet wish Ll'strin'll to see she had The First High Queen's sword.

  The High Queen sneered at her with an arrogant smile, one meant to startle, “And you are to rule The Realm, Ll'strin'll? I think not, even after all your patience will this come to pass as truth. But tell Me, Master, did you believe that you were passed over as High Queen, even prior to Me? Am I correct in this assumption, Ll'strin'll?"

  Ll'strin'll jerked back slightly at the comment, “I have respected your reign all these cycles, but you have ruled overly long. You should have rid The Realm of the Mungardies long prior. You haven't lived up to your vows. Now the humans come and yet you do nothing."

  "You must have done something very wrong to be banned from the Deep Mystics’ consideration. What was it, Ll'strin'll? Did you lose your patience and temper and kill someone important?"

  Her answer was quick and defensive, “This was long-prior. They shouldn't have banned me for such. They were overly harsh in their rulings. Even after all these long cycles, I have remained as faithful to The Realm."

  "Yet, questions could be raised as to why the Masters broke rank. Was it because of you, Ll'strin'll, and your rigid thinking?"

  San'lr'in’ was slightly surprised at her Teacher. For all these prior cycles she had thought her stronger, more intelligent, above reproach, and frightening, yet here she stood, far less than San'lr'in’ had held in her own head of her. For the first moment in all her cycles, she now saw her Teacher more truthfully, no more or less frightening than any other.

  Seeing that San'lr'in’ almost pitied her, Ll'strin'll raised her sword so as to move the moment forward. It was the opposite of what she had wanted, as for many long cycles she had hoped that The High Queen had remained fearful of her. She grew angry in this knowledge, wanting this long-prior student of hers out of her way, “Enough of this talk. I challenge you, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. I challenge you to your role as High Queen."

  "When I win, Ll'strin'll?"

  Ll'strin'll didn't miss the inference, but said nothing of it, “The Masters will lay down their swords to you, directly."

  "This is all?"

  "You will have the privilege of doing what you will with me."

  She waved her hand, as if dismissing the notion, “I am High Queen. I have this privilege already. Motivate Me further, Ll'strin'll. You bore Me."

  "You surprise me. I hadn't thought you this strong. If you win, which you will not, what would you have from me?"

  She laughed wickedly, “If I win, you will rip out your own heart. This should amuse Me for a short while. After all the tortures you required Me to ... experience, this should be easy for you."

  San'lr'in’ wouldn't really allow as such, but wished to make a statement that would surprise and shock her prior teacher.

  "Perhaps you did learn after all. Are you going to pull your sword, or are we going to speak of the prior all the turn?"

  San'lr'in’ grinned at her as if the entertainment would now begin, “You have waited many moments for such, wondering across them, ‘Is she better than I am now, or am I yet the High Master?’ Is this not so?"

  "Pull your sword, or I will cut you down where you stand."

  She began to pull her sword, but said, “I know you will not, as there are overly many others about watching. You will have to be fair in this challenge, Teacher, unlike all the prior moments when I was weaker, younger, and afraid. But I am no longer a Young One. I have had many battles with such as you throughout My Reign. I no longer fear the likes of you."

  As she pulled out her sword and placed the tip high in the air, Ll'strin'll gasped, “Where did you get this sword?"

  San'lr'in’ grinned again, “This sword? You mean Drn'rn'thel'ineln's sword? She gave it to Me, as a gift."

  "This is not possible. This is the Sword of Legends. I have once asked for this sword."

  She nodded and shrugged, “It is the Sword of Legends, as you say, and it would now seem that The First High Queen didn't wish to give it to you."

  In her anger, Ll'strin'll no longer wished to speak. She touched the tip of her sword to San'lr'in's, and the challenge began. In the span of a heartbeat they moved into high action, using all their available powers and strength against each other. Neither had begun with testing movements, knowing that the stakes were overly high and that the other would give no moments for leniency. One mistake would be all it required to lose this challenge, and one's life. One mistake, only.

  While the challenge was occurring between The High Queen and the High Master, Ann'wn had ensured that the other Masters would be well-guarded, having placed twenty readied archers aimed directly at the fifteen waiting Masters. Sle'nel’ was also readied, watching them intently as she also watched her Queen.

  The duel was unlike anyone had prior seen, including the other Masters. As Ann'wn and Meera had suspected, their Queen had most certainly withheld her Master powers from them. While watching, they noted that they had never prior seen their Queen as focused or intent against another opponent as at this moment. Even the Dark Sorcerer had succumbed quickly in comparison to this challenge.

  For every move The High Queen made, the High Master would quickly counter, then provide her own move. Neither gained against the other, but the challenge moved about the land in a large pattern, as they remained oblivious to all that was about them. Sam was startled at the strength of the blows they delivered to each other, blows that no one else could withstand.

  The Master was surprised at San'lr'in's strength, She is stronger than I had believed. Yet, when has she had the moments to practice, as High Queen?

  San'l
r'in’ kept her focus, Watch for her weakness. Where is it?

  As they fought, The High Queen tried to keep the Master focused elsewhere, taunting her, “When are you going to show your High Master moves, Teacher? I grow bored."

  Never having such a skilled-opponent prior, the Master was struggling, but showed otherwise.

  When a brief moment of pause came, she responded by laughing, “I have taught you well, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. Even as you struggle anxiously against me, you use the tricks I have taught you. You are an able opponent and please me well."

  An idea came suddenly into focus for The High Queen, Not as you were taught! Use otherwise. She is expecting all the Master skills and all her teachings. You must surprise her if you are to win.

  As they continued their fight, she began to draw all the sword learnings from her Elf Teacher, Sle'nel's mother, as well as those from the Warrior Women of the Sword. Slowly, one-by-one, she incorporated them into her moves, surprising Ll'strin'll. And slowly but most certainly, The High Queen gained on her.

  Being forced backward against the forest, Ll'strin'll looked shocked, “These are not Master moves, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. Do you invent these?"

  The High Queen now saw Ll'strin'll's weakness. As she pushed harder and harder against her, she yet taunted her, “You remain overly in your old ways, Teacher. You should have listened to the teachings you gave to me. Your weakness is in your commitment to a single strategy."

  But Ll'strin'll was correct—The High Queen was inventing new sword moves even without thinking on it. With each attack, she would combine an Elfin move with a Warrior of the Sword move, combined into a Master sword maneuver. And even The High Queen didn't fully understand how the maneuvers would work, but did realize that her new-found red stone was increasing her strength.

  She kept herself well focused, Change your patterns.

  The High Master struggled, Where did she learn these moves? Where does her strength come from? I know she is not this strong. I have had her watched for many cycles.

  As they fought, San'lr'in’ also kept herself focused into Ll'strin'll's thoughts, softly so as not to allow awareness as such. She heard the High Master's thoughts, then laughed, finally using them against her, “You have had Me watched as I reigned over The Realm, Master? You will not find Me surprised in this, but I have learned well from you. Never have I allowed Myself to show all My abilities. Never prior have I allowed this to occur, until this moment. So Master, you, in truth, are not aware of My abilities, as they have never prior been publicly displayed."