The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] (55 page)

The High Queen quietly outlined her plan to An'ther'on. An'ther'on nodded, giving her Queen the salute she had done earlier, “As you bid, my Queen. Only one village?"

"One large and important village, Leader of My Private Guard. No grace."

"As we are trained, my Queen. It shall be so."

"Rest and eat this eve. I will give the command when it is the moment."

"Yes, my Queen. We have brought your sword and armor."

"I will be going with you in the morn."

"We are honored, my Queen.” And she meant it.

"My Queen?"

An'ther'on never asked anything of The High Queen that wasn't related to battle, so San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ was interested, “What is your need, Private Guard?"

"May we meet with the Elf while we await your command to battle, my Queen?"

The High Queen raised her hand, pointing to where Sle'nel’ was at the moment. Sle'nel’ watched, wondering what The High Queen was doing. In a moment only, all the Private Guard had risen and were now approaching Sle'nel', making more noise than twenty galloping horses. Her eyes widened at the scene, grateful that the likes of these women didn't approach her as an enemy, but only guessing as to why they now did so. She felt little comfort in knowing that she held her staff and had her bow and arrows upon her back, knowing how wholly useless they were in comparison to these great warriors’ weapons.

They thundered over, raising clouds of dust about them. They saluted her as they had done their Queen, then knelt down upon one knee, bowing their heads, “Elfin Princess. It is our honor."

For lack of anything better to say, she merely asked them, “What can I do for you, Private Guard?"

"Elfin Princess. We were wondering if you could ... if you would give us the Elfin Blessing for battle."

The High Queen had followed them over. She overheard their request and was now smiling slightly at it. Long prior in The Realm's past, an Elfin leader would often bestow the Elfin Battle Blessing upon the great warriors. It was noted for its ability to instill courage while providing some shield from harm. Sle'nel’ panicked, searching her mind for any memory of such.

She thought to herself,
Think! Did your Mother give this to you?

The High Queen sent Sle'nel’ her thoughts,
It is a spell, My Desire
.

Sle'nel’ looked dumbly at her, then realized what she was trying to tell her.

Thinking to herself, she looked upon her staff,
How am I supposed to find it amongst all the thousands of other spells?

The High Queen laughed to herself,
Ask it.

Sle'nel’ looked at her Queen, thinking her half-crazed. To herself, she thought,
Why not? As crazy as this sounds, what other choice do I have?

In Elfin-speak, while looking upon her staff, she asked, feeling stupid for having done so, “What is the spell for the Elfin Battle Blessing?"

The staff trembled a little in her hands, then amazingly, the words appeared. She looked back to her Queen,
How did you know of this?

The High Queen shrugged.

Who are these Private Guards of yours?

Like no other.

That I can see well. They appear most formidable.

I use them not lightly, but when I do, it is a sad turn for The Realm.

The Elf looked upon these women who, when knelt, were nearly as tall as she was standing. She read the words upon her staff, placing them into her memory. She knew from the spell that her staff would be needed as she recited the spell. She checked the spell once more, knowing she needed it to be accurate to work.

When she was assured that she was ready, she nodded to the Private Guard leader, “I will do this for you, Private Guard of The High Queen."

As she recited the spell aloud, in Elfin-speak, The High Queen saw the wind rise lightly about the Private Guard. A soft glow then covered them, sprinkling down upon them like drops of glittering rain, as if providing a protective shield over them. A little nervous in doing so, Sle'nel’ used the staff as directed, bringing down a lightning bolt lightly upon them, as if sealing the protective shield over them.

When she was done, she lowered her staff, looking amazed that at least something had occurred. The Private Guard rose as a group, grinning at her, “It has been well past our lifespan since an Elf agreed or has been able to do this for the Private Guard, my Princess. We are honored. If there be anything we can ever do for you, all you need do is ask, and it shall occur."

Sle'nel’ bowed her head in acknowledgement, and was fully surprised when the leader of the Private Guard came to her and picked her up easily, hugging her. An'ther'on was laughing, “My Elfin Princess, but it is good to have an Elf in The Realm again."

As she hugged Sle'nel', The High Queen laughed a little, “Harm her not, An'ther'on. She is only a slight Elf, and not of your stature and build."

Sle'nel’ watched as The Private Guard left to await their command for battle. She was yet amazed at their alarming size, “They must be amazing to see in battle. Have you ever fought them?"

"As I learned, I practiced with them throughout my younger turns."

"And you can beat them as well, I imagine. But are they trained as Masters?

"They have some of the training, but are selected for their size and strength, mostly. They have not the temperament necessary for the training of a Master, but they are quite fearsome in battle."

Sle'nel’ thought that an understatement, “I find them quite fearsome even when they are kneeling."

Another group entered camp after a while, and more excitement occurred with it. Even The High Queen's Private Guard came out to meet the next arrivals. Sle'nel’ watched as the Black Guard arrived. In contrast to the great size and fearsomeness of the Private Guard, these women were of Uthrn's size. While they didn't have the great strength of the Private Guard, these women were able to move quickly, carrying only minimal weapons and no armor of any kind. Their horses, though, like the Private Guards', were also coal-black.

As had occurred with the Private Guard, the Black Guard gave their respect to their High Queen. After the formal greetings, The High Queen introduced them to their new member, Black Uthrn. These women wore only black garments that exposed very little of their skin. What was showing they now covered with mud and dirt as they prepared for their duty this well after-late eve. The High Queen had told them that they would be the first to go into battle, so they waited fully prepared. Uthrn stood by, watching, learning, and vowing that upon their next mission, she would be with them.

As they were preparing, Ann'wn saw the guards she had been waiting for—the Master had finally been delivered.

Ann'wn informed her Queen. The High Queen was now preparing for the moment of the attack and had no humor about her, “Stand her to a stake. Tie her well, and silence her."

Ann'wn was about to tell her Queen that the Master was already half-dead from the hard ride and prior torture, but decided against it, seeing her Queen's expression. Ann'wn guessed that the Master didn't have long to live, anyway, “Yes, High Queen."

Meera approached, “My Queen. Your reinforcements are arriving as we speak. We are having them wait behind the main camp for your command."

"Their attack will occur at the early morn. Have them rest until then. Tell them that their mission will be dangerous and filled with much defense. Prepare them well."

Meera bowed her head, “Yes, my Queen."

In the late eve, The High Queen called the Black Guard back to her, “It is the moment for your mission. Enter this main city.” She pointed out which city on the map. “Capture two of the highest officials you can. Kill all their guards and attendants. Then return. Only this. If you happen onto the Mungardies leader, bring her to Me.” She waved her hand in dismissal, “But waste no moments on this. Remember, the highest officials you can find. Be quick and quiet."

When the sun's rise began, she hurried, knowing her next strategy was upon her. She saw her lover, “Come with Me."

They returned to the site of where they had earlier used their lightning spells upon one spot of ground. Sle'nel’ saw that the ground was yet hot from the burning caused by the lightning bolts they had created prior turn.

"When I call up D'klr'dil, help Me send her away from us. As soon as I speak with her, use your lightning bolts in back of her. Send her straight out toward the Mungardies’ towns."

"D'klr'dil? Can you control her?"

"I can call her back to Me when I am ready. That is enough. She will rampage through a few of their towns, and the disease she will leave behind will leave them weak for many turns to come. That, and they have never prior even seen such as this. They will fear us well by the end of this turn."

Sle'nel’ had no doubt about that, now knowing the extent to which The High Queen was unleashing her forces against the Mungardies.

The High Queen raised her hands and muttered some words. Sle'nel’ had heard the words what seemed long prior, when The High Queen was angry with Far'lin'ter'il, the main Spirit Mother of the Falls. As The High Queen chanted her spell, all the warriors watched in horror. Ann'wn hadn't been told of what she was doing, but now knew, and even she stood as amazed.

An'ther'on was standing beside Ann'wn, “The High Queen must be beyond rage at the Mungardies. I have never known her to call this evil fully into The Realm."

Ann'wn’ spoke lightly, as if only to herself, “Nor have I."

A great noise occurred as the ground cracked open. A black whirlwind appeared from the depths of wherever this creature lived. This was all Sle'nel’ had seen prior, when her Queen had prior called this creature forth. But on this moment, she knew that her Queen was intent on D'klr'dil coming up to the lands of The Realm to instill great fear and damage on the Mungardies.

Suddenly, a huge piercing howl sounded from the depths of the cavern, far below. The howl instilled such fear that the entire camp of warriors and their horses startled at the sound, their eyes ablaze in panic. The howling continued, growing louder as the creature came closer. Sle'nel’ felt her eyes would pop out as the creature brought forth one of its amazingly large paws, then another, and then suddenly jumped out. It landed on the ground, staring at The High Queen, roaring.

The monster from the depths of the UnderRealm stood at least as tall and big as a large dwelling. It smelled of eons of decay, a stench offensive beyond measure. Aside from its many large and sharp teeth, it had four large teeth that remained outside the mouth that, to Sle'nel', always seemed to be wide open in a roar. Its eyes shone red and black, and its paws were but great, massive claws, able to inflict incredible damage with one swipe. Its tail was as long as five horses, and spiked. And it was in continual motion, swinging side-to-side.

The High Queen moved slightly forward, unafraid of the huge creature. In a loud voice, she commanded, “Do as I bid this turn. Return prior to the sun's set. Do as you will, but only to the Mungardies. Do as I command or you will never return again."

The D'klr'dil howled at her in response, and Sle'nel’ was surprised to see that its response didn't surprise her Queen. The High Queen turned to her Elf, “Now, My Love. Quickly. Help Me send her away."

Together, they used their lightning bolt spells to guide D'klr'dil away from them, into the Mungardies’ lands. When The High Queen was satisfied, she returned to the camp.

She went to her tent, telling her attendants, “Prepare Me."

None had seen The High Queen wear her battle armor for many, many cycles—since she had become High Queen. As the attendants prepared her into the garments of her Private Guard, she examined the armor, feeling oddly displaced in it. But the feeling of the armor wasn't uncomfortable. As the attendants placed on each piece, she felt herself regaining her warrior attitude.

She knew that Sle'nel’ would be surprised, but could do nothing to help it at the moment, as the moment for the battle was approaching. She stepped outside her tent, fully dressed in the garments of The High Queen's Private Guard, but with five red feathers upon her warrior-leader headdress. At this moment, no crown of peace rested on her head.

Sle'nel’ wasn't the only one shocked. Meera, Sam, and Uthrn were also surprised at the drastic change in appearance, never having seen her prior in these garments. On any turn, The High Queen looked austere, but seldom threatening. In truth, The High Queen was a most beautiful woman, often appearing as soft and kind. As she stepped outside the tent, she appeared as imposing, commanding, and fearsome. No sign of kindness showed upon her.

All knelt before her, “Warrior High Queen."

She, like her Private Guard, wore armor on her legs, knees, arm, head, chest and back, but was also wearing warrior pants and long boots, which few had ever prior seen her wear. Sle'nel’ was also surprised to see that she had the same weapons as her Private Guard about her, except for her sword. She wore only one sword, but all saw it was The High Queen's sword. Her sword was deeply embedded with its own powers, and those that helped to enhance The High Queen's. Its hilt carried a large blood-red stone, and the sword was of astonishing quality, hand-crafted only for The High Queen. Sle'nel’ stared at the sword, noting that she had never prior seen any such like it. And unlike all the Queen's other swords, this one was very large.

Just as the sun rose, she called her Private Guard to her, speaking to all of them, but addressing their leader only, “You have the most important mission of the turn.” She showed them a map, pointing to one of the main towns, “I will be going with you. We will destroy this town, leaving only one living. We will leave nothing standing, obliterating all signs that a town has been here. We will send this one remaining Mungardies to their leader with a message and a bundle. Prepare, as I now ready the bundle, and then we go."

She turned, then remembered something, “Oh, and An'ther'on. I have unleashed D'klr'dil. We go only to that village, or we might run into her. We will return by another route."