The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] (11 page)

Finally tired of waiting, Sle'nel’ laughed and teased Ann'wn, “Finally found your own weakness, oh great warrior?"

The High Queen laughed lightly, wanting neither of them to leave. The horse began to turn as Ann'wn got settled upon her. Sle'nel’ held out her arm to San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ while The High Queen held out hers in return. As R'lodin'lindor took to the skies, their energies connected, each feeling the other's love.

R'lodin'lindor flew faster than Sle'nel’ had experienced with her prior. There was to be no sightseeing this journey, as R'lodin'lindor understood well the urgency of the mission.

Sle'nel’ laughed at Ann'wn, “Ann'wn, you hold me as if you wish to squeeze out my insides. Relax. R'lodin'lindor will not let you fall."

"Yes, my Faiere Princess. I was just ensuring your safety."

"Most certain, Ann'wn. Most certain."

They flew in silence for the remainder of the way, Ann'wn stunned at the feeling of flying upon the great horse, and Sle'nel’ focusing upon the mission. She noticed that R'lodin'lindor flew high, well above notice from the ground. As a bird flew, the line straight to the Sorcerer Women of the Mountain wasn't an overly long distance for the likes of R'lodin'lindor. By mideve, they had arrived quietly in the village of the Sorcerer Women.

Sle'nel’ turned to Ann'wn as they dismounted, “I will retrieve the Dungaras and the baby. You will travel with them back to the Isle. R'lodin'lindor will return for A'lon'lden and me. Remain here and watch for signs of our enemies.” She turned to R'lodin'lindor, “Should any approach, fly swiftly from here. You must take no risk."

Sle'nel’ went quickly to the main hut. Ann'wn watched the skies silently, seeing nothing. She unpacked her Elfin Faiere Princess’ staff, then waited for her.

Sle'nel’ spent more moments explaining the situation to the Sorcerer Women than she had planned. Once they understood, she then had to explain it to the Dungaras, and then to A'lon'lden, who didn't know of Sle'nel'. The Dungaras trusted Sle'nel’ however, and explained the plan to A'lon'lden. Finally, Sle'nel’ said to A'lon'lden, “I am taking you to see The High Queen. Your lives are at risk here, and we must take you to safety."

A'lon'lden wasn't entirely well from her injuries, or from her deeply hidden and tortured memories, but felt safe in Sle'nel's company, so finally agreed to the journey. After many more moments of explaining what they would be traveling upon, and ensuring their safety once again, it was agreed. The Dungaras gathered up the baby and some of their belongings. It turned to A'lon'lden, embracing her. Words passed between them that Sle'nel’ didn't understand, and then the Dungaran walked with her outside to R'lodin'lindor and Ann'wn. R'lodin'lindor knelt down on her front legs, waiting patiently. Only two races in The Realm were able to deal with the Dungaras without prejudice. The Elfin Faiere was one, and R'lodin'lindor's race was another. Ann'wn gave Sle'nel’ her staff.

Once they were mounted, Sle'nel’ spoke softly to the Dungaran, “Fear not the warrior who rides behind you. She is there to protect you, with her life if necessary. She is my friend, Dungaras. Trust her as you would trust me. If she holds onto you, it is only for your safety. And know that this horse is of the Elfin Faeries."

The Dungaras looked down upon Sle'nel', “It thanks Its Princess."

"I will bring your Love to you soon, Yyeoiraa."

Sle'nel’ went to R'lodin'lindor, speaking to her in her own Elfin language. R'lodin'lindor knew not to return until called upon.

Ann'wn bent down from her seat upon the flying horse and held out her hand to Sle'nel'. Knowing it as a warrior's pact between them, she took it. Ann'wn could tell that Sle'nel’ sensed that danger was approaching.

"I like not leaving you here, Princess."

"Take care of my lover, Ann'wn.” She petted R'lodin'lindor's neck, “Fly high and swift. Remain well out of sight. They come."

R'lodin'lindor nodded her head, then ran, quickly jumping into air, flying straight to the moon. Sle'nel’ watched, sensing that Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was almost upon the Village. As much as all those in the Valley thought the High Priestess to be evil, Sle'nel’ sensed that the Sorrows of the Stones had no interest in her. And although she could command the Sorrows to take the High Priestess from The Realm, she refused to abuse her powers in such a fashion, guessing that The Realm needed Sume'n'tinel'ti'non to help prevent the Others from returning. She stood, watching the skies. The Sorcerer Women began to come out to stand with her.

As she saw the High Priestess approach from the ledge side, Sle'nel’ took hold of her staff, holding it close to her side. She didn't wish to kill all these Dungaras, but would if she must, knowing that they were also innocents and pawns, only. The Sorcerer Women were prepared to take their stand against the High Priestess if necessary. Sele’ was also outside, being held by one of the Sorcerer Women, ready to use what powers she now held.

Sume'n'tinel'ti'non arrived with well over thirty Dungaras. She dismounted, sensing that Yyeoiraa and the baby had already been removed, and carefully studied her opponents. She looked upon Sele’ from a distance, sensing well who she was, then moved her eyes to Sle'nel', looking upon her with great interest.

With a sneer, she spoke, “So, you have removed the Dungaras and her baby. To my sister, I assume. I didn't think you would be able to get here so quickly, but I forget that you can call the mystical animals to your bidding."

Sle'nel’ saw that the Dungaras guards were edging closer, “High Priestess. Have these Dungaras hold where they are, or they die. I wish not to kill them, but will if necessary."

"Don't bore me, Elf. I can see that the High Sorcerer of the Sorrows has been restored to The Realm, through you. Do you think me stupid and blind? Even the Dungaras can see your staff, and they know well what it means. Why do you not just remove us to the Sorrows’ bidding, given your ability to do so?"

Sle'nel’ hesitated in her answer, wondering what San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ would do, then spoke her truth, “You and your powers are needed in The Realm."

The comment angered the High Priestess, but intrigued her as well, “You lie. Others haven't seen this. Why you? Why would an Elf spare the likes of a R'kin'dles? But I already know this, don't I? You are an Elf and believe that all life is important. How magnificent of you, Elf.” Her tone was biting and sarcastic.

"I am only half-Elf. There is a part of me that would kill you and be done with it, but my Elfin part sees worth in you."

"Ha! You even sound like an Elf. Self-righteous and passing judgment on all the other races. How very Elfin of you."

Sle'nel’ breathed deeply, not as self-assured in such moments as was her Queen. She knew she needed to maintain her control, “I don't pass such judgments. The Realm's past has told me of such. It has told me of the worth of the R'kin'dles."

Sume'n'tinel'ti'non came up close to Sle'nel', but refrained from touching her. She gazed directly into her eyes, “You are beautiful. Pity you are part Elfin. I have much desire to touch you, as my sister now does.” She laughed wickedly, “It must be a familial desire, to own you. Yet, of the sisters, I remain the only one who has not held you in my arms."

"Release your Dungaras, and let us speak together of our roles within The Realm. Perhaps a negotiation can be reached."

"If you would merely give yourself to me, then I will grant The Realm its peace."

"I would never do this to my Queen. From my first moment with her, I am hers alone. And so it will be now until my death. And know this, High Priestess, she is my destiny. But I will spend some moments with you. Do you not desire this as well?"

"And how do I know you will not kill me?"

"You know an Elf doesn't lie."

She sneered, “Ah, but you are only half-Elf, as you have just prior said."

"If you use no powers, then neither will I."

"Why do give me these moments, yet no one else does as such? Why you?"

"I see you for who you are."

"Oh? And who do you think I am, Elf?"

"Sensitive, as were all the R'kin'dles. And deeply so. You hide this deeply within you through the gruff self you portray to The Realm.” Sle'nel’ studied her, “I wonder, in truth, if you came to kill this half-Dungaras, half-Mystic newborn, as is told, or if you merely come to take It to protect It."

Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was instantly defensive, “You know this not!"

Sle'nel’ felt the truth of it, “I do. And this makes me but wonder if the same is truth in regard to my Birth-daughter. In truth, High Priestess, I sense that you could never kill the young ones. You merely want to take them for yourself, back to Sansthera, to protect them from the evils of The Realm."

Sume'n'tinel'ti'non's eyes narrowed, as she spat out the words, “You know nothing!"

Sle'nel’ stood her ground, yet slightly shaken from the vehement statement. She replied softly, but firmly, knowing fully that she had accidentally hit upon the truth of the High Priestess’ actions, “But I do, High Priestess. I have the full memory of what R'kin'dles are, and above all else, their emotions were like those of children. They trusted overly, but were often abused, so became angry."

Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was stunned in the statement, but remained insistent, but less so, “You know this not, Elf."

"I do, High Priestess. I do know this."

"How do you think you know this?"

"The Elves, High Priestess. They were the ones to most abuse the gentle childlike nature of the R'kin'dles. It was because of the Elves that the R'kin'dles took up the sword, wasn't it, High Priestess?"

The High Priestess just stared at her, “Why do you say as such? No other has ever admitted the truth of this. They merely blamed the R'kin'dles'."

"No one is perfect, High Priestess, but that doesn't mean that change cannot occur. If change is to occur between the Elves and the R'kin'dles, though, it begins here with you and me, at this moment. What say you?"

Sume'n'tinel'ti'non grunted briefly at the comment, turned back to the Dungaras for a moment, then looked at Sle'nel'. “I will agree. We will speak together."

They spent the remainder of the eve with one another, speaking of The Realm, the Elves, the R'kin'dles, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non's past, the Dungaras, the Mungardies, her sisters, and of Sume'n'tinel'ti'non's desires in The Realm. The Sorcerer Women were allowed in only to bring food and drink, and Sele’ so that Sume'n'tinel'ti'non could look upon her. For one moment only, Sume'n'tinel'ti'non looked as if she might have a soft side about her as she gazed upon the Future Supreme Sovereign of The Realm. When they were done, they exited the hut in the very late after eve. Quietly, Sle'nel’ called for The High Queen's raptor.

She looked upon the High Priestess, finding that she liked her, “Think on this as we part, High Priestess. Per chance we meet again, what would it take as a negotiation for you to truly give up from fighting against your sister and The Realm? To stand beside the both of them? Think on this well."

Sume'n'tinel'ti'non looked back at her, unafraid of her, but respecting her after their long discussion, discovering that she desired to know more of the Elf, as well as Sele'. “To give up my fighting? I think you have nothing that could provide this, but I will think on it. And you as well, my Elf. What would you give up that would be so enticing as to make me consider as such?"

"You and San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ have more in common than you think, High Priestess."

"Perhaps it is as you say; perhaps not. And perhaps next meeting you might come to Sansthera. It might surprise you. You might like it."

"We shall see."

"You shall have safe passage home, Elf."

Sle'nel’ nodded.

The High Priestess mounted her horse, looked upon Sle'nel’ one last moment, nodded to her, then turned and rode off. Sle'nel’ held out her arm, calling the raptor to her, asking it to retrieve R'lodin'lindor to her. While waiting for her, Sle'nel’ prepared A'lon'lden for the journey back. The flight to the Isle was quick, but having no sleep, Sle'nel’ was exhausted. She dozed as R'lodin'lindor flew, barely aware when they had landed. She helped A'lon'lden to dismount, finding Ann'wn waiting for them. She thanked R'lodin'lindor, hugging her neck and talking to her quietly in the Elfin language.

Quietly, so as to not wake The High Queen, Ann'wn said, “The High Queen has worried over you."

"I am fine, Ann'wn. I have been talking with her sister, trying to reach a negotiation."

"Why did you not just kill her, Princess?"

She laughed softly, “I would have in a quick moment, but when I gained my Mother's memories, I learned that the R'kin'dles hold one of the powers we need to fight against the Others from returning. We need to find out about this power they hold. And the R'kin'dles are of more worth than we know."

The High Queen had sensed her love's return, coming out to greet her. Sle'nel’ felt her and turned to her. When she saw her, her eyes shone in their love of her, “My Queen."

The High Queen looked at Sle'nel', relieved to find her well, “I feared you did battle, My Love."

Sle'nel’ went up to her, holding her tightly to her, “I feel as such, and am well tired. I have been speaking with your sister all the eve."

"She came, then."

"With thirty Dungaras."

"Yet, you are unharmed. I am grateful."

Sle'nel’ sensed The High Queen had some hesitancy regarding the occurrence with her sister. Prior, she would have felt upset and perhaps angered with The High Queen's questioning of her. Now, with her newly found Elfin background, she resisted her anger, thinking only of her love for her Queen. As Sle'nel's Birth-Mother had noted, the love from an Elfin Faiere was the greatest of all. As was the Elfin Faeries’ legacy, Sle'nel’ didn't allow herself to become angered or frustrated with The High Queen's potential jealousy, recognizing for what it was—fear of loss of Sle'nel'. From her Elfin-Mother's memories and powers, and although she couldn't sense into another's mind, she now knew that an Elf could send her thoughts to another in much the same fashion she had seen The High Queen do, but without the pain, and with selected thoughts. She placed her hand upon The High Queen's cheek, passing the meeting's events and words to The High Queen's mind.