The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV] (67 page)

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 little 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."

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.