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

by Robbie Collins

  U'Aine was amazed, “How very odd. I have never prior seen this many men in one location."

  "They are most kind, U'Aine. You will learn of this."

  Sam nodded and smiled as they walked by, noticing that the clothing styles had changed slightly since her last trip to Woden, that there seemed to be many more numbers now in Woden, and that the men and women stood freely amongst each other at these moments.

  Much has changed in Woden. This is but good, though, as we will need to bring them more into The Realm.

  She also noticed that the path to the center of town had been paved with flat stones, and no longer a dirt path. She looked further about her and saw that the gardens had been added to extensively, and that a large sheltered meeting area now stood in the former Highest's dwelling location.

  As they passed by the shops that had ever been the original dwellings of Woden, she saw that Woden had chosen to upgrade the tiny little shops and dwellings, yet keeping them with their original integrity. And she noticed that some shops now had signs over them, informing all of the type of merchandise was sold. Then she saw two shops that fully but pleasantly surprised her.

  They have brought the ways of The Realm to them. We now have places to eat, as Hengist had such places to sit and drink. I wonder what food they serve.

  * * * *

  "I must speak with The Realm's Rulers."

  "This is nonsense, Highness. Sume’ and Mil'der'in can do as such."

  The High Queen looked up at her Healer, “Am I always to argue with you, Healer, or may I perform the duties to which I have been assigned?"

  "I am your Healer, and I know well what has occurred to your heart. You must rest, Highness. I know fully that you are about to fight against this Wizard. Is this not enough?"

  "The Rulers must know of the urgency, Healer. And they are overly stubborn to believe Mil'der'in or Sume'n'tinel'ti'non'. Besides, if I speak not to them, they will think I have grown weak."

  The Healer was upset with The High Queen, “I know this, High One. You always informed me of your belief while we were lovers. You continually told me that you must never display weakness. But this is surely stupid, High One. How could they even believe you to be weak in any fashion?"

  "I will not argue this further, Healer."

  The Healer felt exasperated, but refused to give in, “In truth, my Queen, your infection will grow worse prior to its improvement. You must rest."

  The High Queen looked at her straight on, “Shr'dler'in. Hear Me. It makes little difference if I am well or not. I have no choice but to this fight. As must The Realm's Rulers."

  "Then find a way to do as you must, while pleasing my needs, my Queen."

  The High Queen raised her eyebrow for a moment in thought, then grinned mischievously, “I will find a way to do as you say, Healer."

  * * * *

  The Rulers’ Gathering was being hosted by the Valley in their indoor amphitheater, and both Mil'der'in and Sume’ had begun the proceedings. Sume’ had informed them of all she knew of the Wizard of The Ravens, but as predicted by The High Queen, The Realm's Rulers would accept no one but The High Queen's words.

  "High Priestess. High Counselor."

  Sume’ heard the voice and recognized it, highly displeased. She looked with as much patience to the Queen that was now demanding her attention, “What is your need, Queen Herld of Widrenton?” She knew the woman well enough, as Widrenton was a town within a turn's ride from Sansthera. That, and this Queen always seemed to be in great need of something.

  She leaned over slightly to Mil'der'in, “This one is ever demanding and needy."

  Mil'der'in nodded, “The High Queen calls her high maintenance."

  Sume’ was surprised, but smiled slightly, “My sister has a sense of humor about her, then."

  Mil'der'in looked confused, “Humor? She looks well not pleased when she says as such."

  Sume’ rolled her eyes, “No. I would think not."

  Queen Herld asked her question, “Your storytelling has improved, High Priestess, but if this Wizard is as strong as you suggest, then why is it that none of us have heard of her?"

  Sume’ tried to control her anger, watching with tightly closed lips as this queen stood as if her words were treasures. As she was about to respond, another ruler rose.

  "Queen Herld is correct, High Counselor. The Rulers would surely know of such a potential threat as this. And where is The High Queen?"

  Another ruler rose, “I hear that she has died, and that these two now attempt to take over her reign."

  "Why do we not wait for battle until we know if this Wizard truly means us harm? Our forces are already over-burdened with The High Queen's missions against the Dungaras and the Mungardies."

  "If she has died, then we must select a new High Queen."

  Sume’ saw that the Deep Mystics were sitting quietly, merely watching the Mystics and others argue. She thought it strange that they were not participating, and wondered as to their rationale. Given that The Realm's Mystics were considering their own selection of a high queen, she thought that the Deep Mystics would have taken control over the meeting. She looked more carefully and saw that they had slight smiles on their faces, then wondered as to what was so amusing to them.

  She glanced around the enclosed amphitheater more carefully, and saw that Erthrn was also sitting quietly by, as if waiting but also looking quite amused. She panned the audience further, seeing that Ann'wn had placed herself in one of the aisles, while Sle'nel’ stood at the back of the arena. Neither looked overly concerned regarding the Rulers’ arguments.

  What do they know that I know not?

  "If San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ is dead, then who would lead such a battle? I cannot risk my forces on someone with less battle skill. If she were alive, I would gladly give my forces to her command for such an endeavor as this."

  "I would do as such, also. But since she is dead, then there is no need of this gathering, or battle."

  "If San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ were alive to command it so, then I would also do as such. But I cannot give my forces over to an unknown."

  Sume’ listened in disbelief. She turned slightly to Mil'der'in, “These fools believe, in truth, that San'lr'in’ has died."

  Mil'der'in smiled and nodded slightly, “They will surely have a moment of surprise, will they not, High Priestess?"

  Sume’ saw that Mil'der'in also appeared to be waiting, “What do you know that I know not, High Counselor?"

  Mil'der'in nodded her head almost imperceptibly toward their right, “The Rulers will be most sorry for their loose lips in a moment, High Priestess."

  Sume’ looked about the area indicated, but remained confused. She saw nothing of note. The Rulers continued in their petty talk against The High Queen, acting as if she had died.

  "The High Queen has ever favored my forces, and I have prior given them gladly. I would do as such again if she were yet alive. But since she is not, I will now leave so that I can defend my own town against this wizard."

  "She favored my forces even further, Queen Durn'siln. My forces are well-trained and overly brave and fearless warriors. I would give them gladly to The Realm if San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ were yet alive."

  The boasting and arguing went on until many of The Realm's rulers had spoken of what would have been their loyalty to The Realm and The High Queen, had The High Queen yet remained alive. Sume’ was perplexed, noticing that Mil'der'in was softly giggling at her side, yet trying to hide it.

  She hissed at her, “What are you laughing at, High Counselor? This moment has no humor about it. The Realm is in great danger without their assistance."

  Another ruler spoke, indicating toward all the rulers about her in the arena, “High Priestess, surely you see that we would gladly give our forces over to San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ if she were yet alive, but we know fully that she died from the most recent attack. We are deeply saddened for this news, and regret this loss. But we cannot give our forces over to The Realm
without her. If she were yet here, we would do so without hesitation."

  Sume’ saw the others nodding, except for the Deep Mystics. Another queen responded, “She is correct. Well said, Queen Br'achan."

  "Yes. We all would do so, and willingly."

  "This is agreed. If she were but here, we would pledge our loyalty and forces. In a quick moment, without question."

  Off to Sume’ and Mil'der'in's right side, someone rose, slowly removing the hood that had sheltered her head. She shook her hair loose, smiled slyly, then addressed her audience, “I welcome you to the Rulers’ Gathering and am truly pleased to hear of your generous loyalty to The Realm.” She motioned slightly to Ann'wn, “My Force Leader has recorded your most gracious contributions to this battle. Now that all have agreed to volunteer their forces, we have no further need of this Gathering. Let us conclude until this eve's entertainment, to be held exclusively in your honor. Your usual rooms are prepared for you, and your attendants await you. Please enjoy your remaining moments while in the Valley. We will see you this eve."

  As San'lr'in’ had identified herself, all the rulers who had been boasting now merely gasped. As their eyes remained wide in their embarrassment and surprise, Ann'wn calmly held out her arm to The High Queen. The High Queen turned toward the aisle, laid her arm upon Ann'wn's and began her exit from the arena without giving the Rulers any further moments for discussion.

  "In truth, my Queen, they were most surprised."

  San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ leaned a little more onto Ann'wn's arm, smiling slightly, “They speak overly, and while I like not to use such deceptive tactics, perhaps they have learned to watch more carefully their chosen words."

  As they neared Sle'nel', San'lr'in’ held out her hand toward her, while yet leaning on Ann'wn.

  Sle'nel’ took her offered hand, “It would appear that you have your forces, my Love."

  The Healer had been waiting outside the arena, but had watched the proceedings carefully. She was smiling fully as they reached her, “I am pleased, Highness. That took little effort on your part. Will you do as such for the eve?"

  "I will attend the festivities for a few moments only, Healer, as you request."

  The Healer studied her for a moment, “You have tired yourself."

  San'lr'in’ looked at her Healer, then smiled softly, “Lying down for a few moments does sound somewhat appealing, Healer."

  * * * *

  Sle'nel’ held San'lr'in’ in her arms, watching over her lover while she slept. She was far from pleased over San'lr'in's deep wound, but found herself enjoying the quiet moment. Her left arm was underneath her Queen's shoulders, and her hand was holding San'lr'in's, so she remained fully unmoving, not wishing to disturb her lover.

  After many moments, San'lr'in’ turned on her side, more fully into Sle'nel'. Having the better part of the late after midturn until San'lr'in’ had to be prepared for the eve's event, Sle'nel’ covered her with one of the bed's covers, taking the restful moments to reflect on her life with her lover.

  Wishing to take a closer look at the wound, Sle'nel’ moved San'lr'in's unlaced top gently away from it. She examined it for a moment, seeing that it was swollen, but thinking that the Healer had used great skill. She touched it lightly, amazed that so small a wound was at the same moment a most serious one. She laid her hand gently over the wound, feeling her lover's heartbeat.

  "What do you feel, My Desire?"

  San'lr'in's question had been spoken with her softest voice. Sle'nel’ looked down into her face, seeing that her eyes yet remained close. She found herself amazed that even while looking tired from the deep wound, her beauty remained fully present, “I feel grateful in the beating of your heart."

  Saying nothing in response, San'lr'in’ shifted slightly closer into Sle'nel's side, moving her arm carefully across her. Sle'nel’ had noticed that San'lr'in’ winced whenever she moved her left arm, but also saw that she was moving it more often as the moments passed.

  In their relatively short moments together, they had seldom lain together in such quietness. Sle'nel’ well knew that whenever San'lr'in’ woke, the quiet moment usually moved to one of more intimacy in her need.

  "It could be arranged that Mil'der'in tend to the eve's event."

  She saw her lover take in a deep breath as she slightly shifted, “There is no need. I must attend for a few moments, especially after what I did to The Realm's Rulers.” She laughed quietly, amused at the thought. “Although I shouldn't have done as such. Now they will not trust me."

  "Why do you laugh?"

  San'lr'in’ moved her hand to Sle'nel's breast, enjoying the soft fullness of the feeling, yet had no desire to move the moment further.

  "It is not often that I can remove their arrogance from them, so it was an amusing moment, but I now need to show them that all is well between us. Especially since I was able to obtain their forces as easily as this."

  * * * *

  Since The High Queen was briefly to attend the Rulers’ Gala, Sume’ and Mil'der'in were to attend the entire event, taking the burden off The High Queen. Queen Erthrn had asked to escort Sume', while Mil'der'in was escorted to the Gala by Fon'elnn'. The Healer seldom attended such affairs, ever prior alone, but allowed it this moment so as to keep a closer watch on The High Queen. That, and she now had Ann'wn to attend with her.

  Both Sume’ and Mil'der'in took the first dance in The High Queen's absence. Sume’ never attended such affairs, but found herself pleased in Erthrn's company. Many were surprised at the pleasant change in Sume's stance.

  "You are beautiful, High Priestess. I am honored to be your escort this eve."

  Erthrn held out her arm as Sume’ entered into the room, delighted in her appearance. Sume’ placed her arm on top of Erthrn's, glad for her easy and knowing presence.

  "And you are the grandest among them all, my warrior escort. Tell me, Erthrn. Have you now taken the three of us to your bed?"

  Erthrn blushed, then shook her head, “No, High Priestess. In truth, I have lain with your youngest sister, but never with The High Queen."

  "And why did you not keep Sam in your bed?"

  Erthrn pulled Sume’ close to her as the dance began, speaking her truth, “I prefer the more knowledgeable, High Priestess. She was eager, but young."

  "But you have desired San'lr'in'. Is this not correct?"

  Erthrn kissed Sume’ on the neck as they danced, “Is this not the desire of every warrior throughout The Realm, High Priestess, to be selected by her Warrior High Queen?"

  Sume’ laughed freely, enjoying the feel of the kiss upon her neck, “You are quite wise in your answers, Erthrn."

  At the late eve, the musicians halted their music while Ann'wn gathered everyone's attention to The High Queen's door, “The High Queen arrives. All kneel for The High Queen."

  Sle'nel’ had entered through another door, wishing to allow The High Queen her needed entrance. As San'lr'in’ entered, Sle'nel’ observed everyone's response, but then quickly turned her own attention to her lover. Ann'wn stood in full dress warrior garments, holding her arm out to her Queen. The High Queen laid her arm on top, smiled gently at Ann'wn, then allowed herself to be led.

  As they made their way to the center of the room, The High Queen felt slightly uncomfortable, “Force Leader, is My appearance acceptable this eve?"

  "Acceptable, my Queen? You are, in truth, astonishingly beautiful. I can barely believe that you have such an injury about you. Why do you ask, Highness?"

  The High Queen glanced at Ann'wn, “They look at Me as if I entered in the eve's garments. I must look as I feel."

  "Ah. It is always as such, Highness. As always, they find you captivating. There is not a ruler within this room that has not desired you in their bed, my Queen."

  San'lr'in’ blushed, but had no more moments to respond. She turned to her audience, “Rise, My Rulers of The Realm. I welcome you this eve with all our grace and offerings. You have displayed your full loyalty to The Realm. Wit
h all our forces combined, we will most certainly defeat this long prior Wizard of The Ravens. Your desires for the eve are at our command. Please continue in your enjoyment."

  As she spoke, she had searched the room for Sle'nel'. When she completed her obligations, she turned her attentions fully to her lover. Sle'nel’ smiled and came over, holding out her arm to her, “How is it that you can look as beautiful as this with such a wound?"

  San'lr'in’ moved her arm from Ann'wn's to Sle'nel's, “It is why I keep My attendants overly close. They deliver magic upon the worst of moments."

  The musicians began the music, and San'lr'in’ looked at Sle'nel'. She bowed slightly, “Would the Elfin Queen grant Me the honor of a dance?"

  Sle'nel’ bowed her head in return, for show, but whispered, “Should you do this, San'lr'in'?"

  San'lr'in’ moved into Sle'nel', embracing her. She smiled gently, “I have long desired to dance with the Elfin Queen."

  The High Queen danced two dances, then met with several of the Rulers to greet them and answer their questions. The Healer watched her Queen, seeing that she was tiring.

  "Sle'nel', our High One is tired, but the Rulers consume her moments. We must find a way for her to depart from this Gala."

  Sle'nel’ was about to respond, when Ann'wn came up, “I have, in truth, a reason for her to leave this event."

  Ann'wn went to San'lr'in’ and waited while she completed her conversation with one of the Rulers. When she was done, The High Queen turned to her, “Force Leader. Is all well?"

  Ann'wn bowed, “High Queen. We have an urgent matter for your consideration. Your presence is requested."

  San'lr'in’ turned back to the Ruler, “Queen Ern'nin'. Thank you for your forces. We will meet again at the end of this battle for a triumphant celebration."

  San'lr'in’ placed her arm upon Ann'wn's, allowing herself to be led away.

  As they left the Gala, Ann'wn halted in the hallway, “We have finally captured Krl'lnn', Highness."