The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] (42 page)

"This Jandra was a Woden woman, then? A human?"

"I thought as such, but no. Jandra is Sle'nel'."

"Ah, yes. I heard of this rumor. It is said that The High Queen stole her from you. Did you allow this to occur, then?"

Sam shrugged, “I took another lover on the eve she gave birth to my child, so in my guilt, accepted that Sle'nel’ went to another."

Erthrn nodded, “I understand. She is an Elf. She is by nature loyal, and to her you broke that loyalty. I thought the Elves most curious in that regard. Some in Rns'deln’ subscribe to this practice, but few. Do you not find ours a much better practice?"

"I know not. I know that I find the Warriors of the Sword very exciting, and I like many of your ways, but I also like to have a lover for longer than one eve. There was a feeling I had while with Jandra that I never had prior. It was a sort of peace."

Erthrn had begun to touch Sam once again, thinking she would like this Highest in her bed for many eves, “One eve, Highest? It doesn't have to be so. We often take lovers for long periods. Many instances, such will occur up until the first argument. We believe that our eves should be filled with pleasure and not these arguments that occur in longer arrangements, as we are warriors and may die upon any turn."

Sam had liked Erthrn's patience and strength, but mostly liked her mannerisms. She hoped that Erthrn would want her for many eves, and perhaps until they left. She found Uthrn tiring in comparison, not liking the competitiveness of the display that Erthrn refused to focus upon.

This turn, sitting next to Erthrn, Sam knew that Uthrn was upset with her for not refusing Erthrn, but Sam decided to let them figure out their own dilemma. Erthrn had told her of what they would be looking for this turn as the Mungardies battled against the two Dungaras.

In the prior eve while resting between another of their physical moments, Erthrn asked Sam about San'lr'in'thel'ineln', “So you have not known of The High Queen but a short while then?"

"We met in the forest where Jandra, I mean Sle'nel', was birthing Sele'. She came to us from out of nowhere, surprising all of us."

"Sele'? You refer to The Realm's Future Supreme Sovereign?"

Sam nodded, “Sele'm'tinel'ti'non'n. She is my daughter. Jandra, Sle'nel’ is her Birth-Mother."

"And our High Queen came to help Sle'nel’ deliver this child?"

"Sle'nel’ could deliver her not, so was dying. I knew not what to do, but my sister did. She came to rescue us from the Dungaras that would attack once Sele’ was born. But the remainder is but a long story that makes no difference. It is done."

"What do you think of our High Queen?"

"She is in truth, amazing. At the beginning, I was but jealous. She seems to just tolerate me, though, although she does practice with me when she has a moment."

"She thinks of you always, Highest. She even asked me to help teach you your skills. You speak truly, as she has not the moments to dedicate to your learning, but she is certainly ensuring that it occurs. You are very important to The Realm, and she is taking great care to make certain that you know what you need to know, and perhaps more. Learning all the aspects of The Realm are a part of this learning, so I am glad she brought you with her. It is good that you find her so ... what did you call her, amazing? She is most astounding, and The Realm needs her, and loves her well."

Sam was curious about Erthrn's words, hearing more than a simple acquaintance between Erthrn and her sister, “How well do you know her?"

Erthrn was surprised that Sam knew as little as she did about this High Queen who had such an all-powerful presence in The Realm, “I consider her as a friend. Or as a sister, in a more formal regard. I have long held her in high-esteem, as she deserves such respect as this. It is not easy to carry the entire weight of The Realm upon one's shoulders. She is a warrior of warriors, and for many cycles was considered as the best throughout all The Realm, until she gave up the sword to be High Queen. I would guess that even now, and even after her serious wound, she could yet win any battle. But you were with her in that fight against the Dungaras, so you well know her abilities."

"She is truly skilled. And her stance as High Queen is very different than I practiced in Woden. She allows no question of her commands. And I have never prior seen such fighting as she seems so capable of. Even with all the training I have had from the Spirit Mothers of the Falls, I find myself more like a child in comparison."

"You allow others to question your commands? Even as Highest? Do you find this acceptable?"

Erthrn was beginning to touch her again, so Sam was becoming less interested in the conversation, but answered, “Woden is but a small town, and it was common enough for me that I didn't question it."

As they sat together in the arena, Sam was beginning to see her sister through Erthrn's eyes, understanding her more. She hadn't known that her sister was tending to her teaching and care from a distance. Sam knew she had given San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ a bad impression from the beginning, but knew she could only make it up to her through her actions. San'lr'in'thel'ineln', she knew, cared little for words or expressions, knowing that she respected only the actions and end results.

Erthrn looked at Sam as they waited for the Mungardies, “I would like you back in my chambers this eve, Highest, if you would find that acceptable. I have some entertainment arranged that I think you will find most enjoyable."

Sam smiled somewhat shyly, uncertain of how to act with this queen.

Erthrn touched Sam's face, “You are an astoundingly beautiful woman, Highest. If the women of Woden look as you and Sle'nel', then I must visit it soon. Even the warrior woman, Meera, and her mate Caitha, are beautiful. Are all such as you?"

"I never thought about it prior. I never thought beauty of any importance. The Realm seems to think of it differently, though. I have but been told, however, that I am beautiful. I know not what it means as I am as I have been given. I do find your looks, though, most astonishing, and exciting."

Erthrn's ego inflated at the compliment, “So I excite you then? This is excellent. May I take that for a yes in regard to this eve?"

Sam nodded her head, and Erthrn leaned over to her, kissing her fully, but tenderly, which was a surprise for Sam, thinking that anything these women did would be rough and overly aggressive. Like Uthrn, Erthrn had given Sam many marks to show for the eve's delights, but wasn't as aggressive as Uthrn had been. She guessed that Erthrn no longer needed to prove herself as Uthrn must.

"I am, in truth, most pleased, Highest. In the meanwhile, prepare yourself for an interesting moment in this War Council, and let us hope that this Mungardies shows not the sword skills of the Masters. Following this, and after I attend to a few affairs with your sister, I will give you another lesson."

Sam was very pleased about being in Rns'deln', causing her to wonder how she could ever go back to Woden. She worried about having to live up to the law regarding a companion. As the Mungardies’ force leader was brought out to the middle of the arena, Sam let go of the thought, hoping it would all work itself out.

She was stunned to see the Mungardies woman. Like Sle'nel', she thought they would resemble the Dungaras. Her eyebrows raised in surprise as the Mungardies woman walked out into the arena. She saw that the woman's stance was most regal and extremely self-assured—much like her sister's, without being self-aware of it. Sam observed her carefully, watching the woman look around slowly with little regard for her imminent death. In this foe, Sam thought she saw a most intelligent of enemies.

She turned to Erthrn, “She is well intriguing and seems quite confident. In many ways, she looks much like the Mystics of The Realm."

Erthrn was leering at the woman, always troubled at the sight of the Mungardies. She tried to remain objective so that Sam could understand who this enemy was, “Looks can be very deceiving, Highest, yet you are somewhat correct. The Mungardies were long prior of the Mystic blood, being wonderful sorcerers, scholars and healers. But at some moment they turned against The Realm, for reasons no one knows. And they are, as you say, intelligent. Most so. And strong."

Sam stared at the woman. She stood far taller than the warriors about her, but not outwardly as muscular or well proportioned. Her breasts were small. She wore a simple tunic that reached to just above the ground, and boots. No other adornment was present. Sam thought that the woman's eyes shone with an intensity that defied her looks. And she carried the heaviest of swords as if it weighed nothing.

"Is all their hair such as hers?"

Erthrn stared at the woman, “It is the only hair they grow. They have no other body hair, not even eyebrows. The little hair you see is what they are born with, never growing longer than this."

"She is truly amazing, even in her simplicity."

Erthrn laughed quietly, but with a hint of hatred, “You find her alluring, Highest, but mind your wit, as that is their way. They are able to twist and bend one's mind like no other in The Realm. They are most difficult opponents."

"Why do they fight against you?"

Erthrn shook her head, “The Realm knows little of the reason they turned so fiercely against The Realm, but they have killed many of my warriors with this deceptive look. My overly kind-hearted warriors also mistook that look for kindness once, but hear me well, Highest. There is no kindness in their hearts. None. I know this well. You mean nothing to them."

Sam wasn't pleased with this explanation, “Why? Were they always as such?"

Erthrn looked at Sam briefly, “I have heard tales from long prior that they were not always of this stance, but all power is corruptible, Highest. Have you not yet been told this by your teachers?"

"San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ warned me of this. She told me that as I learned and gained my powers, I would have to choose the path I would take."

Erthrn nodded, “Listen well to your sister as she is most wise and well trained. The Mungardies chose the other path. They have little capacity for love, and none for generosity. It is why The Realm treasures and protects The High Queen so fiercely. She has remained rigidly incorruptible in this regard. As you gain your powers you will understand this even further, for when you are given a great power such as one that allows you to kill another, a moment will come that will test you. That is the moment The High Queen speaks of, and will be the moment in which you will choose your path. Only you can choose which way you will elect to use your powers."

"Yet they look so learned. So..."

"Scholarly?"

"Yes."

"They were, once. But watch her carefully. You will see her trickery."

"Are they ruled by Sume'n'tinel'ti'non?"

Erthrn didn't recognize the name at first, but then thought about it, “Ah. Your eldest sister. I heard of this rumor, also. So her existence be true then? No, I think this not possible. She, like many others prior to her, most likely believes that she can control them. If this be so, then this will be her downfall. If they are connected at all, the Mungardies most likely just use her, as she is The High Queen's sister. They would probably see some twisted humor in this. This is also like they used the Dungaras all these cycles, which is now their downfall."

Sam looked over to San'lr'in'thel'ineln', wondering what she thought of the Mungardies woman. She saw that The High Queen studied the woman carefully, but remained unchanging in her expression.

Sam looked back to Erthrn, “If she can bend their thinking, then the Dungaras’ minds will be bent toward hers so that they will not be able to fight her."

"It is a possibility. I know that this one will insist on fighting against The High Queen."

"Fight against my sister? This cannot be allowed."

Erthrn looked sideways to Sam, “Do you now speak for your sister?"

"No, but she is High Queen, and shouldn't be risked so."

"It may be the only way we find out what we need to know, and already, this one most likely knows what it is we look for. They have studied our ways well. And we have already tried to give the Dungaras a block in their mind so that she cannot twist their thoughts, but I suspect she will be able to undo this block."

"Can you beat her?"

"Of course."

"Can Uthrn?"

"Yes."

"Can your warriors."

"They are trained to do so, but in great numbers against us, we will lose. They are not as easy as the Dungaras."

Sam drew in a quick breath, remembering that her fight against the Dungaras was nothing she considered as easy. She remembered them as well-trained fighters, and now became even more interested.

"How can The Realm fight against them if they are so well-trained?"

"It is a difficulty that will be made even more so if they have trained with a Master."

The two Dungaras were sent out into the arena. They were wary of the Mungardies woman, keeping as far away from her as possible. They, like her, had been given their weapon of choice. Sam saw that the Mungardies woman maintained a blank expression, like her sister, showing neither anxiousness nor relief. She simply watched them.

Uthrn made the announcement, “Hensaln of the Mungardies. You are to fight against these two Dungaras force leaders this turn. You may choose to fight or not, but either way, you will die this turn. Have you any last request of us?"

The woman looked slowly toward Uthrn with a look of dismissive disgust, showing that she thought Uthrn far beneath her. In an accent far different than Sam had yet heard, she replied impatiently, “You well know that they will not be able to fight me. And if I even allow it, their skills are not worthy of my effort."

Uthrn shrugged, as if with no care, “Is this your request, or do you choose to just waste our moments?"

"Allow me to fight against your High Queen. This is my request."

Uthrn shook her head, “If you fight against the Dungaras and if you win, Queen Erthrn has permitted that you can then fight against her."

The woman's eyes narrowed in contempt, “Erthrn? You asked for my last request, and now you give it not to me. Now whose moments are being wasted? You are a liar only, Uthrn of the Warriors of the Sword."