The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV] (62 page)

Ann'wn had Fon'elnn’ guide them home, while she remained guarding The High Queen. The High Counselor rode in front of The High Queen this turn, while The Healer rode beside her. Little talking had occurred as they made their way through the Elfin gates, but per their usual, once upon open ground, all talking ceased. The Healer closely watched her Queen throughout the turn, wondering what such a one as this thought about during the journey, yet having no notion of it.

While many eyes watched her throughout the journey, San'lr'in’ paid them no heed, well trained to expect as such. Given moments to herself, and knowing that her forces were guarding her well, San'lr'in’ brought her meditations to her, searching for the Wizard of the Ravens. She was surprised when the Wizard of the Ravens also sensed her.

I sense your presence seeking me, High Queen
.

The Wizard's thoughts stunned her, but she remained silent.

I like the feeling of your thoughts. They are intelligent and quick, unlike most these now around me. And you know well the feeling of power. I can sense this as so.

She searched her mind quickly, knowing she would have to prevent the connection soon.

I have sensed into many others’ thoughts, High Queen, and none compare to you. I am well pleased in finally finding you.

San'lr'in’ had heard the stories of the Wizard's great mind and abilities, and could now sense as such for herself. She felt that the Wizard had such great command over her mind and powers that she was completely at-ease in them.

She also sensed the Wizard's slight amusement,
You choose not to send me your thoughts at this moment, High Queen. But I can wait. First, though, a slight trial of your abilities. Should you survive, we will perhaps speak again.

San'lr'in’ closed her mind to the Wizard, while wondering as to what the Wizard was planning,
A trial? We certainly need no further trials
.

They rode slightly past the sun's setting, needing to halt at the prior-prepared camp regardless of when they arrived to it. As they rode into camp, The High Queen removed herself from her meditations, then dismounted. As she did so, she became aware that her body was tired from the long turn's journey.

"High Queen."

She looked down to the voice, “Force Leader, rise. Are we where I might remove My hood?"

"I am sorry, but no, my Queen. Your meal awaits, and your bed is prepared."

"I must tend to other matters, Force Leader. Are there other reports from The Realm?"

"There are no new reports, Highness."

"And you must eat, High One, or Sle'nel’ will slit my throat upon her return."

The High Queen smiled slightly to her Healer, “Are you My keeper now, Healer?"

"Eat, then do as you will, High One."

"I am not as young as your forces, San'lr'in'. You torture me on this journey. Can we not rest during the turn?"

Ann'wn stepped into the conversation, “I am sorry, High Priestess, but we must make haste. The High Queen must return to the Valley quickly, as The Realm begins to gather out of fear over the Wizard of the Ravens."

This was unexpected to San'lr'in', “Explain yourself, Force Leader. The Realm gathers?"

Ann'wn bowed her head, blushing, knowing she had neglected to inform her Queen of such, “Yes, my Queen. The reports have traveled quickly through your Realm, and many have already arrived to hear of what can be done to halt the Wizard."

"The burden increases."

"Yes, Highness."

"And our entry procession is to be a grand event?"

Ann'wn bowed her head again, “Yes, my Queen. It is so."

"I assume that all the necessary arrangements have been made."

"Yes, Highness."

Sume’ waived her hand in dismissal, “Enough. I need to eat. San'lr'in', come with me and tell of what you saw while in your meditations upon this turn. Have you felt into the Wizard?"

San'lr'in’ stared at her sister with great surprise, well unused to taking commands from another. She first startled at the command, then laughed quietly to herself, following her sister to the fire.

The second turn of traveling was a repeat of the first, with them arriving into camp once again well past the sun's set. As they sat around the fire eating their eve's meal, Sume’ spoke softly to San'lr'in', “Perhaps you should return Sele's powers to her. We might need them against this wizard."

"I am uncertain of this moment."

"Then you should place them within you, as we will need these powers."

"Take Sele's powers into My own?"

"Yes. You can do this."

"They are most difficult to incorporate into mine, and will be even the more difficult to remove."

Sume’ thought about it for a moment, “We have little choice in this. Then you must return them to her soon, so that she may grow used to them."

"As soon as they are returned to her, the Wizard will feel her powers, as she has both The Realm's powers as well as the sorcery, like mine. But hers are more finely connected to each other than mine, and she need not call them to her. They are a part of her. The Wizard will feel this and seek her out."

"We will need these powers, San'lr'in'. In highest truth."

"Sele’ went to the Dark Powers once, and I am not yet assured she can avoid as such, again. We cannot risk losing her powers to the Dark Ones. These powers must remain in The Realm."

"You will have to trust her upon one moment, San'lr'in', and this you know."

"You speak truth, but is this the moment for that test, Counsel?"

"She has done well, but perhaps we should speak to her in this regard."

"Has she learned to be without her powers?"

"She has begun to wield the sword well without them, and she can engage the first three meditations without them, which is far better than I manage."

"You don't try. You are able to do this should you desire. Does she miss her powers?"

"She speaks not to me about them. She speaks of pleasing you, only, and knows that she has failed you and The Realm."

"Would you trust her, Sister, with The Realm?"

Sume’ was quiet for a moment, staring at San'lr'in', “I would. She may have been called by the Dark Ones, but she listened to them only for her dedication to you and The Realm."

"I will give her a test. Inform her not about this. You will help me in this regard."

"Good. She will pass."

Krl'lnn’ was sitting around the fire, near Roen and Ern'seln'. She had said little to anyone since The High Queen's battle with the prior First Master, choosing to observe only. Fon'elnn’ had watched her carefully since that moment, yet distrusting that Krl'lnn’ would come fully into the service of The Realm. While The High Queen was eating her meal, Fon'elnn’ decided to test Krl'lnn's dedication.

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?"