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

something warm to drink, High One, for a moment of rest?"
    "Thank you, Healer. A good thought. I will sit at the fire while I gather My thoughts together. This death feels heavy upon Me."
    Sle'nel’ sat near her Queen, while Sam and Uthrn sat across from them, An'ther'on sat to their side, and Ann'wn sat on the other side. The Healer was busy preparing the tea for her Queen so as to help her relax. When she was done, she handed it to her, then looked around for a seat. The only one available was next to Ann'wn.
    Ann'wn rose, “I will return in a moment only, my Queen. I have some questions for you upon my return, if I have your leave."
    The High Queen nodded, paying little attention to her. The Healer wondered where Ann'wn now headed, but was glad that she would no longer have to worry about sitting next to her, although she had wanted to.
    "Is this Master's daughter well-skilled, Highness?"
    San'lr'in’ had been staring into the fire, reflecting on the events of the turn. She looked up to her sister, “She is most well-skilled. Her Birth-Mother has taught her well. If she continues to practice, she will be as great as her teacher upon one turn."
    "Did I hear that you have attached her to Sele', as Sele's guardian?"
    "She will make a good practice partner for our Young One, Sister."
    "It would seem that I also need such a practice partner."
    "Perhaps Uthrn could begin to teach you the sword abilities of the Warriors of the Sword, as they also have great abilities. How do you fare with your powers?"
    "Sele’ helps, as do the Sorcerer Women. But it is frustrating. You make them look overly easy."
    The High Queen sat back, while Sle'nel’ leaned slightly against her. The High Queen looked at Sle'nel’ for a moment, and then nodded to her sister, “But I have used them since I was of Sele's cycles. You only now begin. And like anything, they require practice. Even I must now practice these new powers I have been given. And like any practice, you will tire at first, until you build up the strength needed to use them."
    San'lr'in’ moved her hands to in front of her as she whispered some long unused spell. Sam watched in amazement as The High Queen made a small light source, in the shape of a small ball. She moved her hands away from it, allowing the small ball of light to remain as it was, but now in midair. She made a slight motion with her hand, causing it to move midway between her and Sam.
    "Use your powers, Highest. Move the ball of light back to Me."
    Sam tried, and succeeded mildly at first, but then the small ball of light began to react to her moves.
    "It is alive."
    San'lr'in’ laughed a gentle laugh, “I should have given this to you far sooner. It is as if it is alive, but it is only sorcery. It will help you to quicken and strengthen your powers. It learns quickly to react against your every move, providing a most challenging of games. And its speed will also quicken as your own skills and speed grow. I have not practiced with this since I was a young girl."
    Sam tried a few more moments, but became frustrated, “What is it I must do with this?"
    San'lr'in’ rose, wondering if she could yet command this small spell. She gave it a command, then it reacted against her, as she then reacted against it. Reaction to reaction, The High Queen began to play against the small ball of light, making it go where she wanted it to, even as it reacted ever more quickly against her will. As she sent the small ball of light to the wall, it would react even more quickly, coming back at her with increasing speed, as she sent it off in another direction at even greater speeds. The game became so rapid and quick that the others around the fire could barely keep up with the movements. Finally, The High Queen caught it in her hand, laughing.
    "What fun this used to be. Use it well, Highest. It will increase your quickness and strength much more quickly than any partner. Here. Allow Me to give you this spell so that you may call