The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] (35 page)

"Tell me, Highest of Woden, did you select one of my women for a union and mating these past eves?"

Sam nodded, “Uthrn, Queen Erthrn."

Queen Erthrn nodded, “A wise choice for Uthrn. She has done well. I may challenge her to hold your attentions for an eve. You are most stunning, Highest of Woden."

She then turned to Sle'nel’ and bowed her head, “You honor us greatly, Elfin Princess. It is good to have an Elf returned to The Realm. Like all the Elves, you are beyond beautiful. It is no surprise to me that our High Queen has taken you for her own. You resemble your mother greatly. She was one of my teachers, and the greatest Elf of all, according to the legends. I am deeply humbled in your presence. She wouldn't be surprised to know that you are now the High Sorcerer of the Stones."

Sle'nel’ bowed her head slightly, then looked up to Erthrn, “You are an exceptional woman also, Queen Erthrn. I am honored to be in your presence. Moments permitting, I would like to hear more of my Mother from you. It is the reason I came. While I was given some of my Mother's memories, I would like to hear and see what gifts she gave to others."

Queen Erthrn nodded, “It shall be done. But come. Let us go to The Caves to celebrate. The Women of the Soul have prepared a feast and celebration in your honor, High Queen. We are pleased that you are here."

The High Queen motioned toward Meera and Caitha, “And here are two of The Highest's most loyal companions. This is Caitha, a master storyteller and singer of songs, and this is her mate, and the force leader of all of Woden, Meera the Woden Warrior Woman."

Queen Erthrn bowed her head to them, “It is my honor that you accompany The High Queen to our village. Warrior Woman, I have heard much of your skills in battle and look forward to seeing them displayed in contest. And Caitha, it is always excellent to have a master storyteller and singer of songs here with us so that we may all share. You are free to all in my village."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ held out her arm to Sle'nel'. She took it, seeing The High Queen observing her reactions to The Caves. Queen Erthrn walked alongside San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ while speaking of their recent battle over the Dungaras. Sle'nel’ half-listened to their conversation, focusing more upon hiding her pain and also upon the path to The Caves. She saw that they would soon begin to ascend many stairs that wound their way up to their in-the-mountain dwellings. She wondered quietly to herself if her body would allow the physical energy.

Walking up the countless steps, The High Queen and Queen Erthrn led the way while Sam followed with Meera and Caitha. Uthrn had seen her own queen take interest in The Highest and was now wondering whether to challenge her queen for her or not. She followed behind the delegation from the Valley, displeased with her queen's interest in Sam. To challenge their queen for someone's attentions wasn't unheard of, but nor was it usual. She knew if she won, it would make their queen to look less than needed, and if she lost, it would make herself look less than needed for her role as leader of all their forces. She knew that it was best not to challenge their queen in this regard, but felt strongly about Sam being hers. She also knew she would need to let go of this feeling should their queen truly desire The Highest. She decided that she could only hope that Sam would make it known that she preferred Uthrn prior to any such challenge.

After what seemed like many moments of climbing up to The Caves, they finally arrived to the great meeting cave that was also used for celebrations. The War Council members had arrived prior turn, waiting for The High Queen's arrival. It was a most glorious of moments for The Realm in that one of their greatest enemies was finally being defeated after many long cycles of constant battle. But the War Council knew that they must yet fight against the Mungardies, an even stronger force. From one perspective, there was much hope now of being able to do so. But the harsh realities of The Realm told The High Queen that the Mungardies were a stronger and much darker enemy than the Dungaras. Whatever was to be decided, it would wait until the next turn. This turn was a celebration for The Realm, and for the Warriors of the Sword who had helped damage the very core of the Dungaras’ forces. And Queen Erthrn never gave up hope that The High Queen would one turn decide to move her reign to Rns'deln'.

As they entered into the main cave, the Warriors of the Sword and the Women of the Soul knelt and bowed their heads to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “High Queen."

Sle'nel’ was surprised at the large number of women present and at the enormity of the great meeting room. She guessed that there were over six hundred women in the great cave, but even with these numbers, there was room remaining. She had expected the cave to be dark, but had forgotten that the Warriors of the Sword and Women of the Soul were also Mystics. The cave was light, lit from many magical sources, and appeared as if the sun itself shone inside. There was a long banquet table laid out with an abundance of food on one side. An immense fireplace was located on the west wall, built within the cave's wall itself, but enhanced with boulders. Long tables and chairs of massive dark wood were lined up toward another side and were able to hold most of the women present. Musicians were along the side of the great banquet table, and the center of the room was empty for their entertainment and dancing. While Sle'nel’ knew it to be a cave, it seemed like any other great hall that she had seen in the Valley. There were even doors that led elsewhere, something she hadn't thought possible inside a cave. On one of the remaining walls, a great chair with a smaller one next to it was provided. Queen Erthrn led San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ to The High Queen's chair, having The High Queen turn to her audience.

Queen Erthrn held up her arms so as to quiet the women. She turned to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “High Queen of The Realm and Queen of the Valley. We are most pleased and humbled at your agreeing to hold the War Council on our lands. It is not unknown that we would honor your every desire and request should you wish to grant our valley as the permanent residence of The High Queen, but know that this is not the reason for your visit. We are well pleased to be able to help turn the battle against the Dungaras, and are delighted that we are permitted to hold this celebration for their upcoming total defeat.” She motioned her hand to all the women present, “We hold this celebration for all of us, but particularly for you as High Queen, as it was at your insistence that the push to finally defeat the Dungaras occurred.” She looked at all the women in the cave, “We are proud to serve such a High Queen as this."

Initially, they knelt and bowed their heads, and then as customary for the Warriors of the Sword and of the Soul, the women stood and all began raising their hands and fists, shouting, “High Queen! High Queen! High Queen!"

Sle'nel’ was surprised but saw that San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ wasn't. The High Queen waited patiently for them to finish, knowing that if they had been displeased with her, their chants would have taken on a very different sound. She finally raised her arms to halt them, “Queen Erthrn. Warriors of the Sword and Women of the Soul, and all those present. Thank you for your most gracious welcome. It is good to once again be returned to the true warriors and heart of The Realm. I am, as are all of you, pleased for the reason we now celebrate. Many lives have been lost to arrive to this moment. And while we have much further to proceed, we can now begin to see hope."

She introduced all those who had come with her, including Sam, Caitha, Meera, and all her counselors and advisors. She had saved the introducing of Sle'nel’ to last, knowing that their reactions would be much different for her than for the others.

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ smiled at her Sle'nel', taking her hand and raising it, “And this is Sle'nel', High Sorcerer of the Stones, The Realm's only surviving Elf, and My Love—Sle'nel’ Ni Riain, Elfin Princess."

They had made stomping sounds with their feet as high approval for everyone else that had been introduced. When Sle'nel’ was finally introduced, Sle'nel’ had expected them to do the same, but instead, they all solemnly knelt and bowed their heads as they had done for San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “Elfin Princess."

They remained that way until San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ squeezed her hand and whispered to her, “You must be the one to release them, My Love."

Sle'nel’ blushed, yet unsure as to why everyone insisted on such, “Please rise. Thank you for your welcome."

Queen Erthrn then loudly pronounced, “Musicians! Begin the celebration."

Unlike in the Valley, the dancing began without The High Queen taking the first dance. Sle'nel’ was relieved, seeing that the way these women danced was much different than even that of the Valley. The musicians provided lively music with heavy rhythmic beats and loud wailing melodies that had more story of war embedded in them than the flowing and gentle melodies to which Sle'nel’ was accustomed.

As the music began, Queen Erthrn said to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “High Queen, my friend. I leave you to your enjoyment. I think I will take an interest in your Ann'wn and leave your sister to Uthrn, for now. I can see that Uthrn is well taken by her. I know, though, that this will create difficulty for her along the way."

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ bowed her head in a brief nod, “You are truly a wise queen, as they will indeed have many issues. But I think you will find Ann'wn all you desire."

Erthrn nodded, laughing, “Perhaps we will have to trade force leaders, High Queen. Should you or our Elf have need of anything this eve, four attendants await your every desire. When you are ready, they will show you to your chambers. By the way, my Queen, we have prepared them especially for you. These chambers will remain only as yours."

"You are not trying to entice Me here are you, My Strong Queen Erthrn?"

Erthrn laughed loudly, “Of course I am, my friend. I would like it much. Not just to have The High Queen here, though. You know I would much like your company and abilities. You place even me to shame with your last battle.” She quit smiling for a moment; “We must speak of this battle next turn, High Queen, as I also sent a delegation to study the battle site. I have found some strange facts at the scene and need to share them with you. But it will wait.” She smiled once more, “Our valley is yours, and your every desire will be met, High Queen."

She turned, leaving to find Ann'wn. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ turned to her Elf, “What do you think of all this, My Desire?"

Sle'nel’ looked at her, looking somewhat tired and pained, “Your command throughout The Realm never ceases to amaze me. While this hasn't the tameness or culture of the Valley, I can see why you might consider holding your reign within this valley. These are most amazing women and warriors."

"What would you like to do during this celebration, My Love? Would you like some food brought to us? Would you like to dance? Or would you like to simply sit and observe the celebration while you think on this?"

She breathed in deeply, regretting the action for the pain it caused. The High Queen frowned, “Come. Let us sit for a while and have the attendants retrieve us some of their exquisite food. I think you will like it. They use far different spices than those of the Valley."

She guided Sle'nel’ to her seat, touching her shoulders briefly just prior to sitting. Sle'nel’ shivered at the touch, wishing more. She looked at her Queen, whispering softly to her, “I love you, my Queen."

Queen Erthrn had found Ann'wn, “Force Leader for The High Queen. I have need and desire of you this eve. Dance with me."

Ann'wn liked Queen Erthrn for her strong warrior ways as well as her looks, and was honored and excited by her attentions. She decided to act as a Warrior of the Sword would, “Perhaps, Queen Erthrn. I will compare first, prior to this decision."

Queen Erthrn was pleased by Ann'wn's understanding of their ways, taking the challenge. She grabbed Ann'wn to her, kissing her passionately and roughly. Ann'wn allowed the kiss, and as Queen Erthrn finished, Ann'wn placed her hand on Erthrn's breast, holding it tightly. She then placed her hand in back of Erthrn's head, moving her head quickly and roughly to her, returning the kiss. Erthrn was surprised, but excited by the Force Leader.

Uthrn was gladdened by Queen Erthrn's interest in Ann'wn, as she was now free to keep The Highest for herself. She went over to Sam, “Dance with me, Highest. I have desires for you."

Sam desired Uthrn, but was uncertain if she should make such an attachment. The outcome seemed impossible, as she knew she would need to return to Woden after her training, and also knew that Uthrn would be unable to leave Queen Erthrn.

"I desire you also, Uthrn. But is this a wise choice on our parts? It cannot end well for us."

Uthrn grabbed Sam to her, needing to show her aggressiveness in front of everyone, “Let us think on this later, Highest. Not now. Let us just enjoy this moment together."

Sam relented, also wanting to be with Uthrn. She placed her hand on Uthrn's private parts, then gave her a passionate, but short kiss, “I will dance with you.” To herself, Sam thought,
Life in Woden was so much simpler
.

Sle'nel’ felt improved after eating and resting, noting that The High Queen had been correct. Their food was delicious. She drank some of their special drink, not knowing what it was, but feeling somewhat lightheaded after doing so. The drink was a strong one, and Sle'nel’ noticed that The High Queen refused it.

"What is this drink they gave me?"

The High Queen smiled knowingly, “Strong, is it not? An intoxicating drink they make, much stronger than wine. They age it for many cycles prior to drinking it. I would caution its intake if you would like to partake of the eve."

"Now you tell me of this?"

San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ laughed lightly. She motioned to the attendants, ordering some tea for Sle'nel', “Drink the tea, My Desire. The effects will disappear in a short while. But it should have helped remove your pain."

Sle'nel’ smiled, feeling somewhat dulled, “What pain?"

The High Queen rose, offering her hand to Sle'nel', “Good. I would like to dance. Come with Me?"