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

her.
    Ann'wn ran over to her, “My Queen. What is wrong?"
    "I must go. There are no moments to spare. But it is good that you are here."
    Her horse came up to her and she began to mount it. Ann'wn stood holding onto the horse's mane, “My Queen. You cannot go alone."
    The High Queen ignored Ann'wn's statement, “Force Leader. Prepare everyone. Now! Battle comes."
    "I cannot leave you, my Queen. You must take someone with you."
    The High Queen looked around, seeing that Sle'nel’ stood off to one side with a cover wrapped around her. Seeing no one else, she said, “I waste moments speaking with you. You must tend to all the forces, Force Leader. Prepare them, and quickly so.” She held out her arm, reaching down to The Healer, “Come!"
    The Healer grabbed her arm and jumped up onto the back of The High Queen's horse. The High Queen looked at Ann'wn one last moment, “Bring Sam'r'in'thel'ineln'. And bring The High Queen's sword. Quickly, Ann'wn! Full weapons, Force Leader."
    She began to leave, “Oh, and Force Leader, know this. Have the Elf well-guarded this eve."
    "How will I know where you are?"
    She took only a moment to think on the answer, then responded, “Tell Ern'seln’ to lead you to the far west tunnel. The one that exits into the valley far below. She will guide you to Me."
    With that, she took one last look at Sle'nel', looking into her eyes, then made her horse to take off like thunder, moving as rapidly as she could through the tunnels, lighting them as they rode. The Healer held on tightly, as the ride was quick but filled with turns and narrow passageways, and a deadly steep descent. She thought that The High Queen didn't really know she was with her, and felt useless. She knew that the only reason she was with The High Queen at this moment was that no other had been available.
    Of what use am I to The High Queen?
    The High Queen heard The Healer's thoughts but ignored them, intent on what the voice in her head had said, Your first test awaits you.
    She knew of no one who had powers such as hers, as the Deep Mystics had said that there were no other such powers. Now she saw that this statement was being challenged. She was troubled, knowing that whoever this enemy was, this enemy was now testing and watching her.
    Perhaps they deceive, only. Perhaps they have no such powers, in truth. Yet...
    She guided her horse through the countless tunnels, racing through them with little caution. She cast off the possible danger within the tunnels, well knowing that whatever danger within them was no comparison to what she now faced on the outside.
    She recalled the feeling of the voice, This is the power that sent the long-dead to Erthrn's town to kill the Elf. And the same power that tried to kill My Elf in the battle against the Dungaras. But who is this power?
    When they finally reached the ledge at the end of the long downhill tunnel passage, The High Queen reached her arm out to The Healer, helping her down. She then quickly dismounted and half-ran to the tunnel's exit that looked out onto the valley below. She stood staring out into the distance, hoping she wouldn't see what she expected to see.
    But she did.
    The Healer's voice was a strangled whisper, “By the mothers, what is that, High One?"
    The High Queen's heart sank in dread. So softly that The Healer could barely hear her, she replied, “Sorcery that has been not in The Realm for long-prior. Someone has called the ancient arts to them."
    "Sorcery, my Queen? Such as Sle'nel's?"
    "No, not such as hers. What you now see is the Dark Sorcery long hidden from The Realm. Sadly, it has been found."
    "Hidden? Found?"
    The High Queen ignored the questions, knowing now what she needed to do.
    Yet, it could be a mere deception. This could be the greatest of their sorcery, and are just using it to frighten us.
    But she knew better. She knew that this was just the beginning. And she knew that this was frightening enough.
    "What is it we now look upon, High