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

sickness. If I had been able to tend to it much prior, I may have been able to help, but this has been with her for many long prior moments. At least we were able to allow her to die peacefully."
    Ann'wn looked at The Healer for a few moments, just staring at her, wanting to touch her, to kiss her.
    "Why do you stare at me? Am I unpleasant looking to you?” Shr'dler'in feared Ann'wn was upset with her regarding the morn occurrence.
    "No. Just the opposite of this. You are most beautiful. But I look at you in amazement. It is a great gift you have, this healing ability. I have always just assumed your ability in this without thought, but you are truly the greatest of Healers."
    "I had much training for this, as The High Queen had for her role. From a young girl I was trained to be such a Healer.” The Healer was surprised that Ann'wn thought her to be beautiful.
    Ann'wn watched as Ern'seln’ finally moved away from The High Queen. She saw that Sle'nel’ and Sele’ came up to her, and that Sele’ took her hand. She couldn't hear the words being spoken, but guessed that Sele’ was trying to make her feel better. Ann'wn felt sad for the young girl, but was glad that she now had The High Queen and all her companions. The Healer and Ann'wn waited as The High Queen, Sle'nel’ and Sele’ walked by with Ern'seln', then followed behind.
    When they arrived back to the great room, The High Queen halted, then looked at Ern'seln', “Birth-daughter of Be'rn'. Birth-daughter of the Third Great Master. It is the moment for you to inform The Realm of a Great Master's death. Are you aware of this procedure?"
    She bowed her head, “Yes, Highness. My Birth-Mother prepared me well for her death. She told me of the vow between Masters to do this thing."
    "Are you able to deliver this message, or do you require My assistance?"
    "Thank you, M'Lady, but I am prepared and able."
    "Then do so, and let it be done. The moment is sad enough."
    Ern'seln’ nodded, then closed her eyes and went into her third meditation, delivering the message of her Birth-Mother's, the Great Third Master, to all the other Masters, as was vowed among them. When she was done, she looked sadly at San'lr'in', “It is done, M'Lady."
    "You have done well, Ern'seln'."
    "But I want them not at her funeral. They are traitors."
    "We know not who will come, but it is their privilege, and is not for you to judge. Did your Birth-Mother not say as such to you?"
    "She did. You are correct. But they are evil."
    "It is the vow of the Masters, no matter our feelings within such vows. At moments, it is not for us to like or to dislike what we must do, but to just do it. If they come, they come to honor her great abilities, and it is this that you should remember. Leave aside all the other, for now. Our battles against each other will arrive soon enough. In its own moments, Ern'seln', and there is never need to wage such a battle sooner than its moment."
    "Yes, High Queen. To your will."
    San'lr'in’ called Caitha and Meera to her, “Caitha, The High Queen's Storyteller and Singer of Songs, and Meera, The High Queen's Warrior, this is Ern'seln', the Birth-daughter of the Third greatest Master of all The Realm. She has just lost her Birth-Mother, and I have now attached her to watch-over our Young One. You would do Me a great favor if you would watch over the both of them this eve. It might be a long eve for you."
    Meera bowed her head slightly, “We are pleased to do this, High Queen. Come Sele’ and Ern'seln'. Let us prepare for the eve."
    Sle'nel’ wrapped her arm through San'lr'in's, “I am sorry, my Love."
    San'lr'in’ responded by placing her other hand on Sle'nel's arm, touching her gently. She said nothing, but Sle'nel’ could see the weight of the death of one of the loyal Masters upon her.
    The High Queen turned to Ann'wn, “We will have a delayed departure, Force Leader. We will need to bury a Great Master in two morns."
    "Yes, my Queen."
    "Would you like