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

by Robbie Collins

  She examined Roen's features carefully, when suddenly Roen returned the look for a moment, fully acknowledging The High Queen's sensing. The High Queen watched with keen interest as Roen bowed her head to her, This one could be most useful to The Realm if Grandmother has not permanently damaged her, as she is every bit a young woman of the trn'Delns'ns—The Realm's Seers.

  The High Queen moved herself to a conversation that interested her, as Caitha spoke to Meera, “Do you wish to return to Woden with Sam, M'Love?"

  "It seems to be desired of me, and it would serve Woden well for me to inform Keddi of all the duties, although she would do fine on her own. It might but help the transition. Would you mind returning for a moon, prior to The High One's visit?"

  Caitha wasn't smiling, concerned, “It will be most difficult, methinks. We will grow fond of it yet again, and then leave it to its own. Would it not be better to break the ties cleanly? And besides, you can inform Keddi when we arrive with our High One, can you not? It surely couldn't take as long as this. Keddi could even come to the Valley to speak with you about this, if it be but necessary."

  "I understand, Caitha, but it has been commanded of me. You could remain in the Valley and prepare our new dwelling, if you but think this strongly of it. I would miss you, but I would understand. Or you could come with Sle'nel'. You know I will accept your decision on this."

  The High Queen turned to her sister, “Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. Do you have any needs I can yet provide as you return to your Woden?"

  Sam rolled her eyes, “Mend my love life for me."

  The statement fully surprised San'lr'in', making her laugh, and fully so. Sle'nel’ looked at her, pleased that something could bring a moment of pleasure to her. She then looked at Sam, “You no longer wish to be with Uthrn?"

  Sam shook her head, in dismay, “I can command all of Woden and Hengist with less difficulty than what I face in my bed."

  "I can make this easier for you, Sister. I could command her to travel to Woden with Me. It is as easy as this, and I would be most pleased to do as such."

  Sam shook her head again, “I am grateful to know this, but I must do this on my own. I have created my own dilemmas, and must face them. I have learned much in your presence, and have gained many of the powers by which to assist The Realm, but now I must return fully and wholly to Woden. And I must finally tend to what best meets Woden's needs in regard to my companions. But I most sincerely appreciate your offer, my sister."

  "You are braver than I. I hear that it is most difficult to tell a Warrior Woman of the Sword that she is no longer desirable."

  "I have spoken with Queen Erthrn in this regard, and she gave me her thoughts on how to proceed. Are you yet planning to attend Woden, Highness?"

  "As I vowed to you, so shall it be. In one moon's passage, Highest. I will send a messenger prior to our departure so you know when we will arrive. Will this meet your needs?"

  "Most excellent, Sister."

  "Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. Do you have need of the Warrior Woman returning with you to Woden?"

  Sam thought about it for a moment, “I hadn't thought this a possibility. It will but seem most different without her, as she has been my most loyal and best friend for many cycles, but I cannot ask this of her. It is overly large a difficulty. And does she not have need to begin her life fully in the Valley? I would think her most anxious to begin her new role, as I would think of Caitha, also. But perhaps we should ask them."

  San'lr'in’ nodded her head, “I will speak to her, then. If they wish to remain in the Valley and begin their new life, as you say, I will bring them upon My visit."

  Sam nodded.

  "My Queen?"

  San'lr'in’ turned to the voice, seeing that Ann'wn was suddenly kneeling and bowing to her, “Rise, Force Leader. Tell Me."

  "There is a request from a stranger. She has requested an audience with you."

  "Who is she, Force Leader?"

  Ann'wn looked perplexed, “I know not, my Queen, but she is dressed as a Master."

  San'lr'in’ nodded, guessing as to who it might be, “I grant the audience. Bring her to Me."

  "I cannot, Highness. She insists on wearing her weapons."

  The High Queen raised an eyebrow, “Was there something in My statement that you didn't understand, Force Leader?"

  Ann'wn jerked back slightly, surprised at The High Queen's tone, “Yes, my Queen."

  She walked to where many guards were guarding the visitor, then nodded to them to let her free. The visitor politely nodded her head to them, then went to The High Queen, walking with all the pride and experience of a great warrior. San'lr'in’ was pleased to see the visitor, recognizing her instantly, and also pleased that the visitor had placed on the long-prior garments. When the visitor arrived to The High Queen, she stood unmoving for a moment, then suddenly drew her sword.

  All the guards immediately readied their weapons, while Sam threw a knife at the visitor's feet, just missing any connection. Meera was quickly at the visitor's side, her sword pinching tightly against the visitor's neck. Ignoring all of them, the visitor as suddenly knelt onto one knee, bowed her head, and offered her sword up to The High Queen, “My life is yours, M'Lady."

  San'lr'in’ took the sword from the Master's hands, raising it over the visitor's head. All the camp had been shocked into silence, wondering as to The High Queen's actions. Sle'nel’ couldn't tell if her Queen were going to behead the one now kneeling before her, or give her honor.

  For a moment, The High Queen said nothing. She placed her right-hand lightly upon the visitor's head, closing her eyes as she did so, sensing deeply into the Master's thoughts. After another moment, she re-opened her eyes and removed her hand slowly. Yet looking down only at the visitor, The High Queen spoke to all those now present, “In front of all these witnesses, I, as High Queen of The Realm and First Master, bestow great honor onto the most loyal of all the Masters. And I welcome her home."

  Quietly, she said, “One of The Realm's greatest daughters has returned to us.” She looked with great affection down to the one now kneeling so trusting before her, “It has been many cycles in which the loyal Masters have been able to move in The Realm freely, but once again, it gratefully occurs. As is your desire, Fourth Great Master, I am pleased to grant your request. You are now free from the bindings of silence. And for your undying loyalty and great service to Me and to The Realm, I now pronounce you as U'Aine, Second Great Master of all The Realm, and her most loyal protector. You are under My command, only."

  As she spoke, she touched the sword's tip to each of U'Aine's shoulders, then rested it lightly on her head. When she was done, she said, “Rise, Second Great Master. Rise, and face your Realm."

  U'Aine rose, looking only at The High Queen. As she did so, all The High Queen's warriors knelt and clasped their fisted-hand to their chest, “Master."

  U'Aine yet ignored them, speaking only to San'lr'in', “Thank you, Highness. I am at your service."

  The High Queen offered her hand in the Master's greeting. Shyly, U'Aine grasped it, holding on her High Queen's arm firmly, not wishing to let go. For overly many cycles, U'Aine had served San'lr'in’ as one of her most loyal and able informants, slipping unnoticed from inside one enemy's camp to another, as well as saving her after her great battle against the Mungardies, when her lover had died in battle. The High Queen had many such secret informants, but saw that it was the moment to return U'Aine to the Realm.

  Yet clasping U'Aine's arm, The High Queen looked fully into her eyes, “I yet have great need of you, Master. The Realm is yet far from peace."

  U'Aine bowed her head slowly, then returned the glance, yet grasping her Queen's arm, “Yes, my Queen. As you desire, it is my duty."

  The High Queen then placed her other hand on U'Aine's shoulder. Softly and slowly, as was her style, she said, “I welcome your return, U'Aine. The Realm owes you much, as do I. More than once you have saved The Realm, as well as Me. You have ever prior been wherever
needed. And now as you are due, tell Me of your needs and they will be made so. But enough of this. Come. Sit at My table for this eve."

  She nodded her response as The High Queen introduced her to everyone, “You have met Mil'der'in, and this is the Master from The First High Queen's reign, Fon'elnn'. And this is...” She introduced her to everyone, and then offered her a seat.

  U'Aine looked back to San'lr'in', “With your grace, Highness, it would give me great pleasure if you could grant me leave so that I might speak with Mil'der'in for a moment."

  "You need not My permission on this, Master.” She looked to her High Counselor, “High Counselor. This is your decision alone. When you are finished, please return the Master to us."

  The eve's meal continued as Mil'der'in and U'Aine walked together away from the others, “Thank you for seeing me, Mil'der'in. How do you fare during this long journey?"

  Mil'der'in saw that U'Aine was providing all her patience and politeness, “I fare well, Master, and it is most excellent to see you once more. It has been overly many cycles. You have never given us the moment to thank you for your great deeds. I searched long for you after you saved The High Queen. No other could cure her back, but in this you managed very well."

  U'Aine ignored the statements, focusing solely upon Mil'der'in, “I, in truth, Mil'der'in, have thought about you upon every turn. I am truly sorry that I walked away from what might have been between us. But I see that you are well involved with this Master from far long-prior."

  Mil'der'in nodded, “I came upon this journey to meet with you once again, Master. So sadly, it is truth, U'Aine. The relationship caught me well unaware, but I find myself most delighted in it."

  U'Aine nodded her head and halted their walking, “Then I will trouble you no further, High Counselor, and I thank you for your honesty in this regard. I wish you well in this relationship."

  U'Aine was regretful in hearing Mil'der'in's response, but knew that she had little chance with Mil'der'in, even in the best of moments. And as a true Master, she hid her displeasure well, not wishing to cause Mil'der'in any undue stress or discomfort.

  They returned to the table, where San'lr'in’ had correctly guessed as to what had occurred between them. It would have been uncharacteristic of a Master to make a scene regarding any relationship.

  The High Queen guided U'Aine to her seat, “We have saved a seat for you, Master. Do you recall My sister, Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'? She is Highest of Woden."

  U'Aine bowed her head to her, then looked into The Highest's eyes, quietly surprised, compelled into their blueness. She offered her hand and arm to Sam, in greeting, “It is my pleasure, Highest."

  Sam turned, grasping U'Aine's arm in return, “My pleasure, Master. I have heard many great tales of your abilities."

  U'Aine couldn't move for a moment, paralyzed by Sam's great beauty, “Perhaps you would tell me of your Woden. I am most interested in this community."

  Sam examined U'Aine, not wishing to be interested in yet another lover, but finding herself unusually drawn to the woman. She saw that U'Aine had a reserved and quiet strength about her, yet what seemed a most sensitive of natures. Sam felt slightly excited in the moment when their hands and arms had touched, feeling a hidden force bringing them together. As she looked into U'Aine's eyes, she saw her own interest being returned.

  U'Aine had ten cycles more than The High Queen, strong and solid, but not without a grace that hid her master's abilities well, had overly short hair, much in the style that Keddi's had been, and had a very striking and angular face that held many arresting features. Yet, Sam saw that U'Aine knew how to carry herself so that she didn't stand out to anyone, a long prior skill so that she could remain as openly invisible as possible.

  U'Aine was silently upset regarding her loss of Mil'der'in, and had no intention of aiming toward another relationship. But she found herself strangely interested in The High Queen's sister, seeing no harm in learning more about the beautiful woman who now sat beside her, At least the eve's meal will pass pleasantly enough.

  Toward the end of the eve's meal, The High Queen spoke, “Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'."

  Sam waited, hearing a gentle use of her name, “My Queen?"

  San'lr'in’ stared at her for a moment, “Our journey toward each other began with the greatest of difficulties. And I didn't ease the moments either, although I could have been far more gracious.

  "This journey to El'fs'nd'lle has allowed Me to see the most wonderful leader that you are, Highest, and I am pleased. Never once did you allow the dark powers to come to you, and never once did you neglect your duties to The Realm. You have dedicated yourself fully to The Realm, and have come fully to it. You have fought willingly at My side, and you have remained in the most steady of behaviors throughout...” She thought about this for a moment, then laughed lightly, “Except when it was concerning our Elf.” They all laughed, then she continued, “When we first arrived together, I found that I avoided your presence. At the moment, I thought it was because of you being most difficult, but I have learned that it is I who am the difficult one. I, as even My lover says, keep a distance from all. I find Myself, Sister, saddened in your departure. I will miss you, most truly. I have become used to you, Sister. And you have taught Me to laugh."

  Sam smiled, “Woden will seem most quiet after this journey, and no one will but be there to continually challenge me, as you have done."

  "May will do this."

  Sam looked at Sle'nel', “She asks about you, Sle'nel', with each report I receive. She will be most grateful to see you again. She misses you."

  Sle'nel’ turned to her lover, “Perhaps we could bring May to the Vall—"

  Sam laughed, “Halt. This will not occur. But you jest, do you not?"

  Sle'nel’ looked most serious for a moment, then laughed, “I do, but in truth, I miss May. But you have great need of her, Highest. She is the one who must remain with you, as she keeps you on a steady track."

  San'lr'in’ stood, “We will bid you farewell upon your leave, Highest. If you alter your thinking and wish My services, please know that they will be offered fully, as requested.” She turned to Sle'nel’ and offered her hand, looking kindly at her, “It has been a long turn, and will be another long one next turn. Come with Me, My Desire?"

  Sle'nel’ rose, placing her hand into her Queens, while touching Sam's cheek with her other, “I am pleased that we have had the moments to come together as the closest of friends, Highest."

  The High Queen looked to those at the large table, “My friends. We take our leave, but I invite you to remain and enjoy the comfort of the peaceful and safe eve. Until the morn."

  Sume’ watched as they left, beginning to like belonging to this odd assortment of family, but was interrupted in her thoughts, “How is it that a R'kin'dles has come to El'fs'nd'lle, High Priestess?"

  She looked at the most stunning of Warrior Women, wondering how she could get her to come to her own bed this eve, “Surely you must know of this, Queen Erthrn. I am only part R'kin'dles. But mostly I am a Mystic, such as you.” She waved her hand in dismissal, already bored with the topic, “Besides, the Elf has shown me of their merit."

  Erthrn laughed lightly, looking at the High Priestess with a knowing glance, thinking that it might be most interesting to be with yet another of The High Queen's sisters. “Ah. Then the Elf has won you over like all the others. Tell me, High Priestess, what do you think of the Rns'deln’ Women of the Sword?"

  Sume’ saw that Erthrn's hand was waiting patiently upon the table for any sign of agreement. She placed her own upon it, returning the knowing smile, “I know not yet what to think of them. I need much more experience in this regard.” She squeezed Erthrn's hand, “And I quite like your size."

  As Sle'nel’ walked away with her lover, she heard a quiet laugh from her, “What is so humorous, my Love?"

  She smiled, then shook her head in full dismay, “The High Priestess has just accepted Erthrn's bid for the eve."

>   For the first moment since her most awful encounter with the Dark Sorcerer, Sle'nel’ laughed loudly, finding the report unbelievably amusing. And her Queen smiled, thankful for the moment.

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  Chapter IX

  The Elves

  San'lr'in’ woke to the light now entering their room. She was momentarily disoriented, having slept so soundly that she had forgotten where she was. She watched her lover sleep peacefully beside her, watching her breathe evenly.

  Even in sleep, her eyes are beautiful.

  She was enchanted by the line of her lover's eyebrows and eyes. Without moving, she looked about the room, finding it comforting. She closed her eyes, focusing on those now about the small dwelling, sensing nothing unusual, but sensing that Ann'wn was speaking quietly with those that now guarded the dwelling. With her head close to Sle'nel's, San'lr'in’ breathed in the reassuring aroma of her, resting for a moment.

  When she opened her eyes, she saw her lover's eyes gazing at her own, “You are so beautiful, my Love. I cannot believe that you lay here willingly beside me."

  "Apparently you have no understanding of your own beauty, Elf. When I think of all My prior lovers, none come close to you. But My love for you goes far beyond this issue of beauty, as I seem to quite like you, personally."

  San'lr'in’ had begun to touch Sle'nel', and Sle'nel’ smiled, her eyes twinkling at her Queen, “Personally, my Queen? Or physically?"

  After their moments together, Sle'nel’ rested for a moment. San'lr'in’ held her in her arms, sensing into her thoughts, “Are you ready for this turn, Elfin Princess?"