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

by Robbie Collins

  She rose and removed her sword from its sheath, pointing it to Krl'lnn', “I challenging you to a contest, wanting-to-be master."

  Ann'wn watched with great interest, also untrusting as to Krl'lnn's allegiances. The High Queen slightly raised an eyebrow, and quietly sensed into Krl'lnn's thinking for a moment.

  Krl'lnn’ rose hesitantly, holding her hands out, as if empty, “I have no sword, Master. I cannot accept this contest."

  Ann'wn rose, unsheathed her sword and tossed it to her, “Use mine. It will do."

  Sume’ watched carefully, whispering to her sister, “The Dark Powers flow easily within this one."

  San'lr'in’ jerked back slightly at her sister's words, not having felt as such, “You sense this to be truth?"

  Sume’ shook her head, “No, but I watch her eyes, and they are nervous."

  The contest began with Krl'lnn’ hitting Fon'elnn's sword, as was expected. Fon'elnn’ quickly moved the contest to a higher skill level, forcing Krl'lnn’ to do the same. San'lr'in’ watched Krl'lnn's moves, once again sensing into her thoughts. As was expected, Krl'lnn’ had been trained to mask her thoughts, as a Master, but San'lr'in’ did manage to sense confusion and anger.

  "This one means you harm, San'lr'in'. I sense as such."

  San'lr'in’ stared at her sister for a moment, then watched the contest, sensing deeper into Krl'lnn's thoughts. She wasn't pleased with what she sensed.

  "You must remove her from your presence."

  "It is safer with her in our presence than not. Fon'elnn’ also senses as you. This young would-be Master will be well-watched."

  She returned to the fire, watching the flames quietly, but suddenly felt someone's gaze upon her. Though many watched her, the intensity of this gaze told her that someone was seeking her attention. She looked around, then saw who it was.

  She rose and walked over to another fire, and looked down at the one who had captured her attention, “Walk with Me, Young Roen?"

  They walked a short distance away from the fires, remaining quiet until The High Queen felt the distance enough to ensure privacy, “You seek Me?"

  "My apologies, Highness, but I have seen two items in concern to you."

  "Tell Me of these."

  "The Wizard of the Ravens is not what you have been led to believe, Highness. She is more, yet less, in all things."

  "What does this mean?"

  "I know not. Only this is what has come to me."

  She thought on it for a moment, Evil? Powerful? She let it go, “And the other item?"

  "A betrayer journeys with you, Highness."

  "Who?"

  "I know not, my Queen. I am sorry for this. I am yet overly young to know this. I will continue to seek this name. But they do mean you great harm. Beware of them, my Queen, as you return to the Valley."

  She halted their walking, placing her hand gently on Roen's cheek, “You have done great service to Me and The Realm, Seer Roen. Should you ever desire to serve The Realm directly, tell Me and I will make it to occur."

  As they halted the next eve, San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ heard a cry from far above. She moved slightly away from the others and returned the call. After the great bird landed upon her arm, she listened intently to the dreaded report, hearing what she had hoped she never would. When the bird was completed with delivering her message, San'lr'in’ stroked its head lightly.

  "Worry not, My most special of all messengers. I know of this danger and will tend to it directly. Make your way well north of here, and hide among the rocky havens. Remove yourself away from this danger, as your kind cannot fight against all these ravens. Flee quickly from here, and take as many with you as possible. Remain there until you are called. Upon that moment, you will know that you are safe."

  She kissed the bird gently upon the beak, then moved her arm, making it to fly off, “Go, Great Winged Messenger. Go, and remain as safe."

  The High Queen made her way to the craggy edge of the flat mountaintop on which they were now camped, climbing slightly up to a ledge that looked far out into The Realm. She removed her hood and entered deeply into a most difficult of meditations. She called the powers of the winds to her, making the skies to turn the dark gray of a turmoiled sky.

  Send me your thoughts, High Queen.

  San'lr'in’ was surprised that the Wizard entered so easily into her mind, but knew that while the Wizard could invade her thoughts with her own, she would be unable to sense The High Queen's thoughts unless they were opened to her. She remained silent, but curious.

  You yet refuse to send me your thoughts, but it is of no matter. I can feel that you are curious, as you don't close your mind to me, completely.

  San'lr'in’ knew that what the Wizard said was truth. And she knew that she should be closing her mind completely to the Wizard, but as the Wizard had said, she was curious.

  I am seeking an equal, High Queen. And I sense that you are that equal. I need someone by my side.

  The thought surprised San'lr'in'. She hadn't suspected that the Wizard would be looking for a companion.

  I mean to rule, as I did long prior, High Queen. If you manage to survive my little trial, perhaps I will consider you as mine. Until later, perhaps, my curious one. I hope you will survive.

  Fon'elnn’ watched over The High Queen throughout the long eve, but knew not what to do as the sun's rise began to hint of its turn's journey. She was relieved to hear Ann'wn's steps near her. Neither knew that The High Queen had been listening to the Wizard's thoughts.

  She clasped her hand quickly over her heart, “Good morn, Force Leader."

  Ann'wn did as well, “Master. Has she been here the entire eve?"

  Fon'elnn’ nodded, “Most certain, Force Leader. She as not moving the entire eve. And she calling overly strange powers to her."

  Ann'wn frowned, “She has remained in her meditations?"

  Fon'elnn’ merely nodded.

  "We must leave. I will try to make her aware of our presence."

  Ann'wn began to go up to San'lr'in', but was startled to hear her voice, “I am returned, Force Leader. Come. We must make haste. Our moment to fight against the Wizard of the Ravens moves rapidly toward us."

  The High Queen looked at Ann'wn for a brief moment, returned the hood to her head, then hurried down the craggy slope. She moved directly to her horse, not waiting for the others. Ann'wn also mounted, then followed, allowing the others to catch up as they could.

  * * * *

  Sle'nel’ rose and went to the Reflecting Pool, looking upon it while far removed from its presence. A movement brought her attention back to the moment.

  "R'lodin'lindor. What is it, my flying wonder?” Then she saw Sele's flying unicorn, “And D'ron'stri'nil'. You also come?"

  They are here to bring back the others of their kind, my daughter.

  Sle'nel’ petted R'lodin'lindor's great nose, “Like R'lodin'lindor did with D'ron'stri'nil'?"

  R'lodin'lindor nodded her big head.

  "I cannot bring back as many as this. There are many Elves now."

  You will go, as will Srn'threln'. You will return with six of the Little Ones. Then they, with their new Elves, will begin retrieving the others, and so on. But you have the first moment.

  Srn'threln’ walked up to Sle'nel', “Is this acceptable, Elfin Queen?"

  Sle'nel’ had given up trying to tell everyone that she didn't wish to be Queen. She nodded and accepted the moment, “I accept this as so. This many R'lodin'lindors in the skies will be a most magnificent sight throughout much of The Realm. But is it the best moment, with the Wizard of the Ravens now waking?"

  They have asked to return so that they may help in this battle. The ravens of the Wizard killed many of their long-prior kind, and they have not forgotten this. They wish to help The High Queen in this battle.

  Sle'nel’ said nothing, understanding the dark moment now before them. She looked at Srn'threln', then turned and mounted R'lodin'lindor. The happy moment that this should have been now
looked well other than that.

  * * * *

  Sam's journey to Woden was finally in its last stage. Sam knew the route to Woden by now, having already prior traveled it, but let the guards lead the way. U'Aine wasn't in sight, choosing to guard in her own fashion. They traveled steadily upon the first turn after the Valley, camping in a clearing near the middle of a forest that the guards knew well, enjoying the soft glow of a small fire.

  "The skies have favored your journey, Highest."

  Sam heard the voice, smiling as she turned toward it, “And I be most grateful for such. What did you see during your journey this turn, Master?"

  U'Aine sat down near her, ever amazed at Sam's sparkling frost-blue eyes, “A wondrous sight, in truth."

  "Oh? I haven't been able to see any wondrous sights between Woden and the Valley. It seems like we travel this path only in haste."

  "The sight is a vision of beauty, Highness, with the most beautiful hair and eyes, and sits upon a horse as if she were born to it. It requires my every training to remove my eyes from this sight."

  Blushing, Sam said nothing. She had enjoyed U'Aine's company during the journey, but hadn't allowed it to move toward anything more than fireside talks, even in spite of her own desires.

  "Our moments move quickly toward Woden, Highest. We will arrive as scheduled. Might there be something I could do for you prior to our arrival?"

  Sam shook her head, “No. We will just enter. Woden will do the rest. We are not like the Valley in this regard. There will be no formal ceremonial procession."

  U'Aine shook her head, “As The High Queen will face upon returning to the Valley.” She laughed lightly, “But I know well that she tolerates these only. It is part of her burden."

  Sam looked at U'Aine, knowing that she had watched San'lr'in’ quietly from afar for many cycles, “She indeed has the burdens of The Realm upon her."

  U'Aine heard a noise and looked up into the trees, “Highest? Do the Woden lands always have this many ravens about?"

  Sam had also seen the unusual number of ravens following them throughout the turn, “No, at least not that I have noticed. Their numbers seemed to but have greatly increased since my last journey to Woden."

  A long-prior memory nagged at U'Aine's mind, but she let it go for the moment, “I am looking forward to seeing your Woden, Highest.” She looked into Sam's eyes, seeing the blue of all the skies and waters of The Realm. She had restrained herself from pushing herself onto Sam, but her resolve was growing away from her.

  Sam returned U'Aine's look, also failing in her vow to herself. She touched U'Aine's face lightly, “And I look forward to you seeing my Woden, Master."

  U'Aine brought her hand up to Sam's, touching it softly. She felt herself shiver slightly as their flesh touched. They were sitting close enough that U'Aine could smell Sam, wishing to lose herself in The Highest's hair. She brought Sam's hand to her lips and kissed it softly.

  She then kissed Sam's cheek, “Would you like to go see the lake? It is nearby. Not even a moment's walk from here. The stars’ shine reflect brightly upon it this eve."

  Sam rose, “I knew not that there was a lake here."

  U'Aine motioned to the direction, and as they headed down the animal path, U'Aine took Sam's hand into her own, both shivering at the touch. As U'Aine had vowed, Sam could see the lake through the trees, surprised at its beauty.

  "This is much like my sister's lake in the Valley. A most beautiful sight."

  "Her lake is most special, indeed, but this is nearly as beautiful.” She looked at Sam, “Yet, in all its beauty, it pales in comparison to your own.” She kissed Sam lightly.

  Sam sat down on a soft patch of ground. U'Aine sat down next to her, “Look up at the stars, Highest. Are they not amazing?"

  Sam laid down on the ground, gazing up to the stars, “The First Ones of Woden came from somewhere out there."

  U'Aine lay down beside her, propping herself on her elbow so that she could look at Sam, “I have heard this tale. Brave women."

  "I cannot imagine what their journey be like. While we travel amongst forests and plains, is all they see this sky and its stars?"lai

  U'Aine thought about it for a moment, then shook her head, “In truth, it is beyond my understanding, in any regard. It must be a feeling of isolation beyond than any other."

  U'Aine bent over slightly and gave Sam another kiss. Upon this moment, the kiss lasted a moment longer, but neither held the other, simply enjoying the kiss.

  Sam found herself desiring much more, but refused to move herself toward it, “Did you like remaining but so distant from The High Queen and the Valley, Master, in all your travels? Were you not lonely?"

  U'Aine laid upon the ground and gazed at the stars, “The stars became my friends upon many moments, for the lack of another. The Realm needed as such."

  Sam leaned on her elbow, returning U'Aine's gaze. She thought her a stunning warrior woman, finding U'Aine's sculpted face overly compelling. In spite of her many experienced cycles, U'Aine remained remarkably young and innocent in appearance, “The stars are no one's friend, U'Aine. They merely remind us of our loneliness in this Realm."

  She bent down slowly to U'Aine's face and stared into her eyes. She brought her hand softly to U'Aine's cheek, then kissed her fully. U'Aine moaned at the feeling, and with no more control left to her, she placed her arms around Sam, bringing Sam on top of her, holding her tightly. The kiss lasted many moments, moving their urgency suddenly forward.

  U'Aine was a strong warrior woman, but Sam found her gentle and completely open, without being demanding. Sam broke away from the kiss and looked down into U'Aine's face.

  "What do you see, Highest?"

  "Someone I would like to know more of."

  U'Aine placed her hand lightly on the back of Sam's head and brought it close to her, “Allow me to show you my need, Highest, so that you may know more of me."

  She returned Sam's kiss, moving the kiss even further in its urgency and intensity, until she heard Sam moan her own pleasure. They enjoyed the kiss for a long moment, then Sam began to move away, back to her spot on the ground.

  "Highest, did you not enjoy this moment between us?"

  Sam sighed and looked at the stars once more, “What do you think it must be like for those up there that now come to The Realm?"

  U'Aine knew enough to give Sam the distance she needed, “Wonder. Perhaps some fear. Loneliness, perhaps."

  "Yes, U'Aine. I enjoyed the moment. Perhaps overly."

  U'Aine made no move to take the moment further, allowing Sam to do as she needed. They gazed at the stars for many moments, then Sam moved back over to U'Aine and kissed her once more. But upon this moment, she placed her hand on U'Aine's breast. As they kissed, she unbuttoned U'Aine's shirt, then touched her. U'Aine moaned and pulled Sam more fully to her. For the moment, Sam thought no more of the humans now in the skies above them.

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  Chapter XII

  A Well-aimed Knife

  As they neared the Valley's western gate, Ann'wn saw that a small group awaited them. She sent one of the guards running ahead up to the messengers. While The High Queen's band of travelers kept moving steadily toward the gate, Ann'wn saw that the guard she had sent remained with the small group, indicating that all was safe.

  She turned her horse back to her Queen's, “Your Counselors await you, my Queen."

  San'lr'in’ removed her hood and looked at the small group now awaiting them, “Indeed. Once in the Valley, they are never far from Me, are they?"

  Ann'wn knew that The High Queen's comment wasn't a question, “So it would seem, Highness. Would you like me to dispatch them?"

  San'lr'in’ shook out her hair, then sighed, “No need. I suspect that they will enter with us and that a procession has been readied."

  "Yes, Highness. It is so. I saw the scout just early this morn. They are well notified. Would you like me to have them entertained away from you?"


  San'lr'in’ smiled lightly at the thought, but shook her head slightly, “Let them be. They are merely anxious for our return."

  The procession was as any other to San'lr'in', but was a special one to nearly every other in the Valley. They were excited about their High Queen's return, seeing the returned Elves, and that all The Realm's forces were coming together in the Valley for the War Council. As usual, the Counselors rode first, followed by Sume’ and Sele', The Healer, The High Counselor, the Elves and finally The High Queen. She rode alone this turn, with no one at her side, and found that she greatly missed Sle'nel'.

  Remain as safe, My Elf.

  The procession had begun just at the entrance to the Valley's town, and wound its way slowly into the center of it, then toward The High Queen's complex. Sume’ was surprised at the length of the procession and all the ceremony and formality it afforded.

  Musicians were scattered throughout the long procession, providing the ceremonial music along the formal journey. The procession path was fully lined by most of the Valley's residents as well as many throughout The Realm, now come to hear the War Council.

  As they at long-last neared the center of the Valley's town, Fon'elnn’ rode up to Ann'wn with great haste, ignoring the crowded path about her, “Force Leader! Halt this procession!"

  Ann'wn heard the urgency in The Master's voice, “What is it?"

  "Krl'lnn'. She is no longer riding in the processional."

  Ann'wn's concern rose instantly, “Find her!"

  Ann'wn informed her guards, and all went on high alert, searching the crowd for her. While neither the crowd nor the processional noticed the guards’ new focus, The High Queen raised an eyebrow, sensing the urgency now about her.

  After giving her commands, Ann'wn positioned herself next to her Queen, a most unusual placement that didn't go unnoticed by those riding in the procession. Taking no notice of The High Queen's reaction, Ann'wn kept her eyes scanning the crowd, then turned to her, “My Queen. We must remove you from the processional."