Read Online The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV] by Robbie Collins - Free Book Online Page B

It was seldom that The High Queen denied her Force Leader a moment, so Ann'wn easily accepted the depth of The High Queen's statement.
    The eve passed quietly as The High Queen slept. The Healer remained nearby, worried over her Queen's condition. All the travelers now worked together to bring all their supplies down from the tunnels, as well as the great Master for her burial in the morn. Ann'wn's forces ensured that the Master's final ride upon her horse was as each would desire for their own funeral.
    In the morn, The High Queen rose early so as to prepare herself for the funeral. As she began to prepare for her meditations, Ern'seln’ approached her, “Great High Queen?"
    San'lr'in’ turned to the voice that sounded so new to her, “Ern'seln'. Daughter of the Great Third Master, Be'rn'. What is it you ask of Me?"
    Ern'seln’ shook with fear at being in the presence of this most powerful High Queen. As The High Queen looked upon her, Ern'seln’ knelt and bowed her head, “It is as my Birth-Mother had told me."
    San'lr'in’ wanted no more praise, but knew she needed to give this one-turn great Master her moment, “Tell Me."
    "You are the greatest of them, my Queen. My Birth-Mother told me this story. She said that the long-prior High Queens knew that your reign was to be as such. It is in the stories. It is why they come when you summon them."
    San'lr'in’ wondered about these stories, but wanted no part of them for the moment, “Ern'seln'. You need to prepare yourself. We approach the moment of the Great Third Master's funeral. Do you require My assistance in achieving your sixth meditation?"
    San'lr'in’ noticed that the mention of this made Ern'seln’ look sad, “No, thank you, Greatest of All High Queens. The Future Supreme Sovereign will provide as such."
    The High Queen was relieved, “Then prepare yourself to our task, as your Birth-Mother would desire. Prepare your bravery. Call it to you."
    "Yes, my Queen."
    San'lr'in’ began to turn away, but then turned back, “Ern'seln'?"
    Ern'seln’ looked into her High Queen's eyes, “My Queen?"
    "I am deeply saddened for your loss. And it is equally sad for The Realm. I knew her well. She was a great, great teacher, and perhaps the very best of the teachers. I will in truth, miss her."
    Ern'seln’ was saddened, but pleased. She remained strong, “Thank you, Highness."
    "Serve Me well, Ern'seln'. The Future Supreme Sovereign, The Realm, and I have great need of you and your abilities. You are the only one remaining who will be able to teach these skills to the ones that come after us. Your path is clear."
    "Yes, my Queen. I serve your need only, Highness."
    "And as you are now, you will ever be the guardian of the Future Supreme Sovereign. It is a most difficult of assignments."
    She bowed her head to her and placed her fisted hand over her heart, “I give you my solemn vow, my Queen. To my death."
    The High Queen nodded slightly, “It is the answer of a true Master. Be strong this turn, Master-Apprentice."
    Ern'seln's heart leaped at the title, knowing it to be given only by another Master, and only when a student had achieved such an honor, “Yes, Master."
* * * *
    The High Queen sought refuge in her meditations as she awaited the funeral of Be'rn', knowing it her duty and desire to give the Great Third Master the funeral she was due. The Healer sat near by, ready to help The High Queen exit from her meditations when needed, relieved from the prior turn's terror. Her trust in her High Queen had once again proven correct.
    Sle'nel’ had watched the entire prior turn's proceedings, wondering who San'lr'in’ truly was. Every moment she thought she knew her, San'lr'in’ became even more. Even as she knew that The High Queen loved her, she also knew that San'lr'in’ belonged exclusively to The Realm. She had spent the eve quietly watching over her overly tired High Queen, wondering as to her great powers.
    In having displayed one of the great