"I cannot lie upon this bed another moment. I need to get up."
The Healer also objected, “It is overly soon, High One. You will stress your heart."
"It needs to move, Healer, or it will die from lack of use."
Sle'nel’ began to help her rise, saying, “I can think of one movement it would like while lying in the bed."
As she rose, San'lr'in’ clutched her hand to her heart.
"What is it, High One? Are you injured?"
San'lr'in’ shook her head, trying to breathe, “No, Healer. I am fine. My lover just made Me laugh, and it caused some pain."
* * * *
The third turn of the War Council was proving to be more than Sume’ or Mil'der'in could manage. They secretly wished for San'lr'in's knowing presence, but kept their thoughts to themselves. The Force Leaders were arguing amongst themselves this turn, listening to no one except their own voices. No matter what Mil'der'in or Sume’ tried to do, the Force Leaders ignored them, fighting and arguing about who would take first charge against the Wizard. By the late midmorn, Sume’ was throwing her hands up in disgust.
"We will take the first charge."
Erthrn shook her fist, “No. No Private Guard is meant for this. We will, as The High Queen's Force in Rns'deln."
Sume’ kept trying, “Halt this arguing."
Two of the neighboring towns’ Force Leaders had drawn their swords against each other, and Mil'der'in tried to reason with them, “This is idiocy. We shouldn't be fighting against ourselves. We will lose enough lives in this battle against the Wizard. HALT!"
More Force Leaders drew their swords against each other, and the shouting had grown to uncontrollable levels, when suddenly, the sounds began to halt. Everyone turned their heads to the stage on which Sume’ and Mil'der'in were standing, then quickly fell to their knees and bowed their heads.
"Great High Queen."
With the aide of Sle'nel’ on one side of her and The Healer prepared to help at the other, San'lr'in’ had walked to the arena, knowing well the difficulty involved in these gatherings.
She nodded and smiled to Sume’ and Mil'der'in, then faced the War Council with a look that displayed no tolerance for what she had heard, “Rise. Let us conclude our Council with quick agreement."
Queen Erthrn placed her fist over her heart in a Warrior's salute, “We are pleased to see The High Queen returned to her rightful place."
The High Queen bowed her head once to Erthrn, then turned to Sume’ and Mil'der'in, “Tell Me of what has been desired."
Sume’ looked at Mil'der'in, then Mil'der'in recapped the events, “The High Counselors have agreed to take charge of the ravens, with the aide of their own forces as well as with assistance from the Elves and their flying horses."
The High Queen raised an eyebrow and showed a hint of a smile. She nodded, then turned to her Counselors, “I commend you for this display of great courage.” She thought that they looked particularly white-faced over their vow. “The ravens are noted for their great size and determination. They will prove to be a formidable enemy for you. I wish you well in your effort. You will lose many in this fight, but I know you will not surrender to defeat. Beware of their cunning. They will watch you carefully."
She turned slightly back to Sume’ and Mil'der'in, “And the others?"
Suddenly, a loud disruption occurred at the entrance to the arena. Ann'wn came up to The High Queen, “High Queen. The Mungardies have arrived."
San'lr'in’ smiled for a quick moment, “In truth, Ann'wn?"
Ann'wn bowed her head once, “In truth, and in masse. More than twenty, my Queen."
She was pleased, “Excellent. Allow their entrance."
"It will be a tense moment, Highness."
San'lr'in’ turned to the arena, “The Mungardies have arrived, as part of this War Council. I have vowed them safe passage. If any of you raise a sword to them, you will feel My wrath.” Under her breath, she said, “As if I could summon such energy to me at this moment.” Sume’ heard her, locked eyes with her for a moment, then laughed. The High Queen shook her head, smiling.
Ann'wn motioned to the guards, and the Mungardies entered. Per their usual, they displayed no signs of fear. All present at the War Council stood in full disbelief of the moment. It had been across many lifespans prior since the Mungardies and those of The Realm stood together as allies. The Realm's forces stood rigid, forcing themselves against their every long-prior bred instinct to kill the Mungardies that now stood among them.
When the Mungardies entered into the arena, their Force Leader bowed her head as a show of respect, then spoke, “High Queen of The Realm. We accept your invitation to this War Council in order to know how we can stand united in our effort to defeat our great long-prior enemy, the Wizard of the Ravens. We know well this enemy, and know that she is undefeatable if we stand alone."
San'lr'in’ bowed her head in return, “We welcome you to The Realm's War Council. I wish these joined moments between us as customary, but even as not, your agreeing to stand with us against this Wizard provides us with great hope.” She paused for a moment, then asked, “Is the Wizard of the Ravens the reason the Mungardies leave to The UnderGround Passages?"
The Mungardies Force Leader bowed her head in acknowledgement, “Either this or we would have been forced to her service. She has the ability to control our race; a long-prior victory on her part."
"I understand, and in great truth, you are most welcomed.” She turned back to Sume', “Let us continue with the War Council. Where were we?"
"The Realms’ forces argue for who will lead the charge against the Wizard. They all wish this position."
San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ raised an eyebrow once again, then turned back to the War Council, “This is a good report, indeed. You have accomplished much in My absence. As per your desire, you will all lead the charge against the Wizard, each from a different location. My forces will hold back until needed, but given your courage, it would appear that they many go unused. My Force Leader will select the staging point for each of you, and will then give the general call to arms. From there, each of you will act on your own accord, each of you moving toward the Wizard's great Keep.” She paused for a moment, then said as if thinking aloud, “A courageous agreement, but I had thought you would have wished to...” She paused yet again, then waved her hand in dismissal, “It is unimportant. You have made your desires clear, and they are brave ones. I wish you well."
She acted as if she were going to sit so that she could just listen to the remainder of the War Council, when one of The Realm's Force Leaders stepped forward, “High Queen?"
She turned and acknowledged the speaker, “Force Leader Kr'newen. Does your Queen accompany you this turn?"
The woman bowed her head for a moment, then looked back up to The High Queen, “No, High Queen. She will attend the Ruler's Gathering."
"You are free to speak while in this War Council, Force Leader."
"High Queen. It is as you say, that we would each desire to lead the charge, but I would like to know of your thinking in this regard."
Another Force Leader stepped forward, “As would I, High Queen."
"And I, High Queen."
Even the Mungardies’ Force Leader spoke, “I like not this idea of every force attacking the Wizard's Keep, directly. The Wizard will be able to destroy each of us, one-by-one, if this were allowed. What is your plan, High Queen? We know it would not be as stupid as this."
She allowed them the moments to all agree to this, then said, “The Wizard's Keep is stronger than any of you are aware. It will take all our efforts combined to even enter it. The moment will require a single-led effort. This will mean that there will be but one Force Leader for this charge. One that all would obey, without question. I know this Keep well, and it is indestructible without a united effort. But it does have one or two weak points, and these must be our concentration.” She waved her hand once again as if in dismissal, “But I know this is aski
ng much of you. We will remain to your plan."
A moment passed, with some muttering between the Force Leaders, then, “High Queen?"
"Force Leader. You have no need of My leave. Tell us."
"We wish to follow your plan."
"Is this agreed by all of you?"
As a show of unity, they all placed their fisted-hand over their hearts.
"Then so shall it be. Ann'wn is, as ever, My chosen Force Leader. She will give the commands."
"High Queen? Can we defeat this wizard?"
"It will not be your duty to defeat the wizard. That will be up to Me. Your duty is to destroy the Keep."
There was a moment of pause, then, “Can you defeat her?"
The High Queen considered the question for a long moment, then responded, “Perhaps. I know not fully of her abilities and powers. But her Keep is of vital importance. She will be weakened if her Keep is destroyed, giving the better opportunity to defeat her. Part of her strength lies deep within the Keep."
One of the Force Leaders knelt and bowed her head, “My Forces are at your command, High Queen. I will follow it fully."
Another did the same, then another, and so on, until all had given their forces over completely to The High Queen's command.
Even the Mungardies did as such, “We will join this effort only if under your command, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. We know well of your strength and battle wisdom. We will follow no other, and even this is only due to the nature of our joined enemy. For this moment only, High Queen."
San'lr'in’ bowed her head, “I am pleased for this much, Mungardies Force Leader. I accept your conditions.” Then, to all, she said, “Rise, My Force Leaders. I thank you for your support. From this moment on, prepare your forces, as many lives will be lost in this battle. More than we can know."
San'lr'in’ looked at Ann'wn briefly, and Ann'wn caught the meaning, “This War Council is concluded. Gather your forces together at the Southern Boundary of the Valley. We will depart from there in eight turns’ passing. Messengers will be sent to each Force to align our purposes. Prepare well."
Mil'der'in saw that San'lr'in’ looked pale and with great pain, so allowed her the exit she needed, “The Great High Warrior Queen of The Realm now leaves the War Council. We are concluded."
It was everyone's cue to kneel before their Queen as she took her leave. San'lr'in’ leaned heavily onto Sle'nel’ and The Healer, and mouthed the words ‘Thank you’ to Sume’ and Mil'der'in, then returned slowly to her compound.
* * * *
As they camped just outside of the boundaries to Woden, a messenger had been sent informing them of their Highest's arrival. As a show of anticipation, May sent out large amounts of most-welcomed food that she had prepared. Sam laughed, pleased in the moment, knowing that May was looking forward to her return. And she was grateful, knowing that May had finally forgiven her in regard to Sle'nel'.
"You are quiet this eve, Highest. Are you concerned over Woden?"
U'Aine sat next to Sam, along the crest of a small waterfall. Sam looked at her, feeling relieved for U'Aine's most needed presence. Sam had wished to return to Woden, but had felt empty without Meera and Caitha alongside her after so many cycles of their deep friendship. U'Aine's presence had provided a comfort to the empty feeling that had been left to Sam. She know not what U'Aine would think of Woden after all her adventures throughout The Realm, but knew well that Woden could certainly use U'Aine's vast knowledge and calm demeanor.
Sam took U'Aine's hand into her own, wondering if the deep closeness that had come between them was what Sle'nel’ had wished of her, “I was but thinking on all the changes."
U'Aine looked slightly anxious, “Highest. Do I make you uncomforta—"
Sam halted the comment, “No, U'Aine. In truth, I would like you by my side if that also pleases you."
U'Aine moved closer, “I have been separate from any other my entire life, Sam. In all those moments, I have learned well what I most desire. You are that desire, Highest. If you would have me, I wish to be near you at all the moments. I have found the desire of my heart, and I wish not to lose as such. I would willingly die drowning in the icy-blueness of your beautiful eyes."
"Woden is small when but compared to The Realm."
"You consume my mind and body, Sam. I wish only you. The Realm is overly large for me any further. It would be most welcome to take part in a smaller piece of The Realm. A place I could call as home."
"Sle'nel’ once told me that The High Queen gives her peace. I understood not that statement until I met you. You give me peace, U'Aine."
U'Aine laughed, thinking of their few intimate moments, “I hope I stir your blood more than this, Highest. I would rather I turn your insides out and leave you desiring more, as you do me."
Sam smiled and blushed, “Oh, you do that as well. In truth, much so."
"I hope so, Highest. But tell me, do our many cycles difference not bother you?"
Sam shook her head, “No. Most assuredly so."
May sent out more food in the morn, along with Karan, the woman who had taken care of Woden in Sam's absence. Karan rode up to the encampment, accompanied by Keddi.
They both dismounted, then knelt, “Highest."
"Rise, Karan. Keddi. It is but good to see you. How fares our Woden?"
Karan looked tired and worried, “In truth, Highest, it is most excellent to but see your return. There are overly many dealings for Woden these turns, with Fornaith and New Apien. But you look well. How is Jandra?"
U'Aine just listened, wondering who Jandra was. Sam turned to her and quietly explained, “As a young child, Jandra was taken from The Realm and hidden here, in Woden. You know her by her Realm name, Sle'nel'.” She turned back to Keddi, “Keddi. How is Margeria? Has she had the child as yet?"
Keddi blushed, “Soon, Highest. It is good to see you. All of Woden awaits your arrival at the gates. You will be surprised at Woden's appearance these turns. Much has been rebuilt during your absence."
Sam nodded, “I am most anxious to return. I have missed Woden. But Karan, to your question. Jandra is quite well. She and The High Queen will come in one moon to visit Woden. You also might wish to know that Jandra is now called by Sle'nel', Queen of the Elves."
Keddi's eyes widened, “Queen Sle'nel'? Much has changed, Highest."
Karan nodded in agreement, “I have been informed of such, Highest. Messengers arrive quite frequently from The Realm now. Woden is overly excited in having your sister visit Woden. But what are Elves?"
"Not what, but who, Second. They were here prior to the humans. They have been returned to The Realm, but let us save the explanation for a later moment."
"As you say, Highest. Woden awaits."
They rode to the gardens, just outside the gates of Woden, then dismounted. She turned to U'Aine, explaining, “Woden is unlike The Realm. We walk in our processions."
U'Aine dismounted. She examined the gardens, liking the order she saw in them. She turned to Sam, “I understand, Highest. But is Woden not concerned and cautious for your safety?"
Keddi answered, “There will be many guards about her at all the moments, as is our usual. Until recently, we have had few horses in Woden, so our processionals were on foot, only. To have The Highest ride would be to make her stand out as an overly easy target."
Keddi examined U'Aine carefully, wondering who she was, but said nothing. Sam saw her do as such, and provided the introduction, “U'Aine, this is our Second of Defense, Keddi. She was a Woden scout for many turns, doing much as you did in The Realm, remaining hidden and undetected in her purpose. Keddi, U'Aine is the Second Master in The Realm, and is but surpassed only by The High Queen. You will find her fighting skills far beyond what Woden has ever prior known."
U'Aine had been overly long in her role to have any feelings of competition, but saw that Keddi would soon seek her out to test her warrior abilities. She smiled at the thought, finding herself feeling unusually at-home in this strange l
ittle town.
As soon as Sam walked with Karan to the gates, Karan nodded to all those about her, and suddenly, the musicians began playing, the drums began their cadence, and the guards formed the procession line, placing Sam, the scholars, the young ones The High Queen had sent to Woden, and the Sorcerer Women in their assigned locations. Karan made the procession to begin. As it did, Sam looked about her, taking a deep breath and smelling the wonderful smells of her Woden. When it was the moment for her to move, she took U'Aine's hand into her own and squeezed it lightly.
"Most surely I cannot walk beside you, Highest of Woden."
Sam smiled, “Most surely you can, Master, if you would do me this honor."
U'Aine's heart leapt with deep pleasure, “I am most grateful for this great gift. I will ever be in your command, my Highest. I will guard you with my life."
Sam blushed, then found that she had changed since her prior relationships. Instead of feeling like she should run away from this commitment, she found herself feeling a deep sense of relief.
"It is I who am but grateful, U'Aine. Thank you for coming to Woden with me. You have made it all the easier."
Both Keddi and Karan saw the moment, and were surprised. In all the cycles Karan had known Sam, she had never prior seen her eyes look as soft and loving as they did upon this moment. She turned to Keddi, “I think our Highest has finally found her long-sought companion, Second."
Keddi smiled at Karan, having become close to her during The Highest's absence, “While we will all miss Jandra, Meera, and Caitha, it is good to have our Highest returned, with a companion. Perhaps her advisors will feel more settled in this moment, as well."
It was a short procession, beginning at the western gate and continuing to the center of the town, where the former Highest's dwelling had once stood. Sam held U'Aine's hand while they walked, smiling at all the women of Woden as well as the men of Hengist.
U'Aine was shocked at seeing all the men. She spoke softly to Sam, “Highest. Do the women live with all these men?"
Sam hadn't prepared U'Aine for such, and laughed lightly, “They live in another Woden community called by Hengist. It is a beneficial partnership between us. The men live together, as the women of Woden live together. They raise the male children while Woden raises the female children."
The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV] Page 52