She removed her hand, yet looking into Samas eyes. She had prior sensed Sleanelas thoughts about her sisteras eyes, and now saw what Sleanela saw in them. They were indeed the most intense blue she had ever prior seen. She guessed that her sister used them well with all her lovers.

Sam bowed her head to her, grateful for the small praise. She had looked into her sisteras eyes and saw the depth and intensity that must have drawn Jandra into them.

Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna bowed her head in return, aBe wary of the Dungaras. This win of ours is overly easy. But be more wary of the Mungardies. I sense they are up to something.a Sam laughed, aAnnawn said you would say as much.a aHave you eaten?a aThere has been overly few moments for such.a aThen take some food prior to your leave. Please inform Annawn that I wish another report by the midmorn, and that I expect it to be a good one.a Sam bowed, aYes my Queen. With your leave.a The eve was filled with the visitorsa excitement. Erthrn was pleased with how Rnsadelna was displaying its ability to host The High Queen. Miladerain was excited about the pageantry for The High Queenas Audience and all the special rooms that had been built for Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna, and was vowing to shame the High Counselors upon her return. Shradlerain was pleased with Sleanelas excellent progress in her healing, and especially pleased that some of The Realmas fighting would end soon. Caitha was excited at being with The High Queen this turn, excited for her Meera, and for all the new stories she was learning. And Sam, as she left, felt more a part of The Realm than she ever had prior.

Sleanela sat politely by, waiting, observing. She had no opportunity to even look upon her staff, so placed it away to avoid temptation.

Erthrn told stories of Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelnas training, her own reign as Queen of Rnsadelna, and her warrior women. Miladerain was enjoying the beautiful setting with her newfound lover for the eve. And The High Queen was grateful when Caitha would entertain them with a song or story, so didnat consider the eve a total loss.

When the eve was past late mideve, Sleanela could see that Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna had used up all her patience, aBe at peace, my Queen. Look up at the stars. What do they make you think of?

Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna looked up at their stars. She raised her hand to them, wanting to touch them. She looked at Sleanela, took her hand and held it. Together, they stood looking at the stars. It didnat take the others long to see that they had remained overly long. Quietly, they took their leave.

After many moments, they noticed that they had finally been left alone.

aWhat is the first lesson on your staff, My Love?a Sleanela raised it to her, aI cannot see. It is overly dark.a She was disappointed, aWe will have to wait until the morn.a Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna held out her hand and whispered a few words. In only a moment, a bright ball of light lay upon her hand, aCan you see now?a Sleanela was surprised, aAre you also a Sorcerer?a aI have been taught many things, My Desire. Sorcery is only a small part of what I had to learn.a She placed her hand back down to her side, leaving the small ball of light floating in the air.

Sleanela examined her staff, reading the first spell, aIt is a spell of lightning.a aAh. I know this one. But not in Elfin-speak. I wonder if it is the same one I know.a Sleanela spoke the words. Nothing happened.

aWhat should I do?a Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna thought about it for a moment. She raised her hands to the sky, then uttered the words she knew to conjure up a lightning strike. Within a moment, a great bolt of lightning struck upon the ground across the lake, to where she guided it downwards.

aI have seldom used this spell. It never prior seemed useful to me, but it is rather dramatic. Try raising your hands, but holding your staff.a Sleanela read the spell once more, committing it to memory. She then raised her hands up while yet holding the staff. She spoke the Elfin words aloud. Suddenly, a much larger bolt of lightning than Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelnas blazed across the sky.

The High Queen nodded, aMost impressive. A larger spell than mine. Perhaps your staff adds to its intensity. Now try again, but using your staff to direct the lightning bolt. Show it where you would like it to hit. I quite like the size of your lightning as compared to mine. Your spell could be quite useful.a Sleanela did it again, but on this moment she pointed to a piece of bare ground very close to them as the lightning bolt sprang across the sky. Surprising her, the lightning bolt hit exactly where her aim was directed, creating a hole in the ground and a puff of lingering smoke. The strike had occurred only a few steps from them.

The High Queen raised an eyebrow, but nodded slightly, aPerhaps you might consider keeping the lightning strike just a bit further away from us on the next moment you try this. I am rather fond of you these turns.a Sleanela laughed, aI think you might be correct.a After a few more spells, Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna agreed to one last one for the eve. Sleanela read the spell, smiling, aYou will like this spell, my Love.a aWhat is it?a aI will just show you.a She once again memorized the words, then holding out her staff, she recited them, pointing the staff to her lover. Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna was a little doubtful about where Sleanela was holding the staff, when she suddenly found herself inside the cottage. She looked around, then with a puff of smoke, Sleanela appeared.

aA neat trick, this one. How far can you move us?a aI think this is about as far as it can work, but it will do.a aIt has some useful potential, unlike some of the others. You will have to bind these spells to memory if they are to be of any use to you. How many have been given to you?a aNo matter how often I clear the old spell, a new one arises. They seem unending.a The High Queen raised her eyebrow again, wondering, aThis must be a book of all the spells across the entire Realm.a She was pleased, but then laughed, aYou will have to be an excellent student to learn all these, My Desire.a But she remained amazed at the discovery, aIt is truly a Sorcereras book. Now I know why you are to become the High Wizard Sorcerer upon one turn. I look forward to this moment though, as our present one knows even fewer spells than I do. The Realm needs these spells returned through you.a Sleanela stared at her Queen in disbelief, aHow am I to learn all these? There must be thousands of them.a Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna turned, raising her hand lightly, casting a spell upon the fireplace, creating a small, but warm fire, aDo you know this spell, My Desire?a Sleanela shook her head in dismay, aAll of them, my Queen?a Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna turned back to her, smiling wickedly and nodding her head, aAll of them. You are to become the keeper of all the spells and wizardry. Sumeanatinelatianon will be most jealous.a Sleanela just kept shaking her head, aMy life in Woden was so simple. What has happened?a Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna laughed, aYou will never have another moment with nothing to do, My Desire.a

Chapter VII.

The Surrender In the early morn, Uthrn, in company with some of the attendants for The High Queen, knocked upon The High Queenas door. Many guards waited just beyond the bridges, ready to accompany The High Queen to the borderlands. Erthrn would also be joining them.

Looking quite puzzled, Uthrn turned to the attendants, aAre you certain they are in there?a The attendants nodded, aWe know this well. They are in there.a Uthrn knocked harder, aHigh Queen. It is Uthrn.a She looked again at the attendants again, aGo inside and see if she is yet awake.a They shook their heads, aOh, no. Not us. She will get angry with us. Do it yourself if it be as important as this.a She frowned, not wanting this task, but opened the door a crack and knocked a little harder. Speaking loudly, she said, aHigh Queen? Your presence is urgently needed. High Queen?a Sleanela stirred, hearing the noise. Her head was resting on Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelnas stomach, her body was between The High Queenas legs, and they were fully exposed. The High Queen had taught her the spell for fire, and all the eve she practiced the spell, keeping the cottage overly warm, so no covers had been needed.

aHigh Queen?a Sleanela got up, her leg extremely painful and stiff, wrapped a cover around her, and placed one over her lover. She took her walking cane and limped to the door.

Uthrn was glad to see her, aThank you, Elf. I was afraid toa"a aAfraid of The High Queen, Uthrn? Some warrior you are.a Uthrn nodded, aMost so. You are the only one who is not, Elfin Princess.a aWhy are you here, Warrior?a aThe High Queen is needed. There has been a slight mishap.a Sleanela saw that Uthrn looked nervous and upset, aWait here.a She hobbled back to their bed and lay down beside her Queen, aMy Love, Uthrn is here. They have need for you at the borderlands.a She was shaking her gently. Suddenly, The High Queen pulled Sleanela to her, kissing her. It was a kiss of more meaning than a simple agood morna. Sleanela enjoyed it for a moment, then pulled away, aThey are at the door awaiting your presence.a Sa.n.a.lrainathelaineln opened her eyes, aWill you come?a aI have little to do with this affair.a aI would like you with Me if you can ride. How are your wounds, My Desire?a aWorry not about my wounds. They will heal. I will attend if that be your desire.a Sa.n.a.lrainathelaineln rose and wrapped a cover around her, aI will have the attendants enter. Did Uthrn bring our horses?a When finally prepared, they walked back across the bridges to where Uthrn, Erthrn, and all the guards now waited. a.s.suming that she was now leaving to the surrender site, Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna was pleased that one phase of their battle was over.

Thank the Mothers. Now all we face are the most capable Mungardies.

Sleanela had brought along her staff and bow and arrows, hoping neither would be necessary, but knew that something was being withheld from her lover.

As they mounted, The High Queen saw her Healer also waiting for her.

Why is My Healer here?

She bowed her head a little, aGood morn, Healer. Why are you here with us for the surrender?a The Healer just looked at her, saying nothing and looking very solemna"a very strong sign for The High Queen.

She studied the others, thinking that Erthrn should be looking pleased this turn, but saw her looking troubled.

She suddenly frowned, narrowing her eyes, finally sensing that something had gone wrong. She studied Uthrnas, then Erthrnas thoughts. Sleanela saw her face change from pleased to more than angered. She saw her Queenas entire stance change to that of intense rage. The High Queenas horse felt her emotions, becoming agitated. She studied her Healeras thoughts, then glared at Uthrn.

In the soft voice she used only when well angered, she said, aTell Me.a The Healer was quite glad that tone had never prior been used on her.

Erthrn replied first, aIt wasnat expected, my Queen. It was thought the Mungardies would attack the Valley, looking for you. It occurred in the small outlying villages, only. Prior eve.a Uthrn nodded, aAnnawn is quite upset by this, High Queen.a aQuite upset, you say? Then she must be excellent at controlling her emotions, as I am in full rage.a Sleanela saw the nearby guards wince in fear at The High Queenas anger.

Erthrn was visibly shaken from the report Uthrn had given her just prior, aThis wasnat revenge for taking the Master, Highness.a The High Queen was angry at Uthrn, but Erthrn had stepped into her rage, aTell Me something I know not, Erthrn.a She looked at Uthrn with narrowed eyes that spoke of cold fury, aWhy was I not informed of this prior? How long have you been here waiting for Me, afraid to tell Me of this?a aMy apologies, High Queen, but I wished not to disturb you earlier.a The High Queen stared at Uthrn with a look of barely controlled furya"her eyes narrowed, her face muscles rigid, and her lips clamped tightly together. She all but spat out her words aYou call yourself a Force Leader? You had not the courage to face Me on this, Uthrn? This should have been prevented. I warned you of this possibility.a Uthrn bowed her head in shame, knowing what it meant to have The High Queen call a warrior by their given name while in such a presence, aYes, High Queen. As did your sister. She told us to be mindful of the villages nearer to the Mungardies.a aMy sister?a Her horse skittered nervously, feeling the tenseness of the moment, but The High Queen held her effortlessly, aOne who knows so little as this of The Realm and the Mungardies, and yet even she told you? I am well ashamed of our win against the Dungaras this turn. We have not gained anything, Uthrn.a She turned her horse toward the direction they now headed, aBe of some use to Me this turn. Lead us, and say no more. Take Me to these villages.a aBut, my Queena"a Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna raised her hand toward Uthrn, sending her immense powers into her. Uthrn was knocked well off her horse with great force, the powers sending her flying back a long distance. She fell hard upon the ground, wrenching her entire body in the shock, while reopening her leg wound.

aAm I yet understood, Uthrn? Or would you like to question Me further?a Uthrn shook her head as she rose from the ground, keeping her head bowed in shame, aMy apologies, Highness.a All the guards could tell that Uthrnas body hurt badly from the severe shock of hitting the ground so hard. She mounted slowly and in great pain from her prior wounds, and now from the great jolt The High Queen had just given her.

Erthrn closed her eyes as Uthrn hit the ground, moaning softly to herself at the sound of the hard impact. While well knowing that Uthrn should have known better than to question The High Queen, no warrior could withstand the embarra.s.sment of the moment.

aCan I at least a.s.sume that all the other healers have been called for and are now on their way?a aYes, Highness.a She then led the way. As Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna followed, she said one thing to Erthrn as she pa.s.sed her, aWe are saddened this turn, Erthrn, because of our warriorsa inability to think.a Erthrn knew that a grave error had occurred, aI am sorry for this, my Queen.a They rode quickly, pushing their horses across the great lands. By midturn, they had reached the borderlands. Uthrn asked The High Queen if she would like to see Annawn before going to the now destroyed villages.

As they halted, The High Queenas Healer rode up beside her, aMy Queen. May I have a moment to tend to Uthrnas leg? It bleeds quite badly now. Our forced ride was very hard on her, as was the blow you gave her.a Her tone was flat, but left no question as to her feelings, aLeave her.a The Healer saw her Queenas expression and knew not to push the moment. There were few moments when The High Queen was as angry as this, but this was most certainly one of them.

The High Queen dismounted. A guard came to her, kneeling and bowing her head, aHigh Queen.a aWhere is My Force Leader?a aAnother battle against the Mungardies began at the borderlands, Highness. She went to the fight. We sent many of our forces with her.a The High Queen looked to Uthrn, aI will have this one take Me. You remain here. Give Me your sword and other weapons. Send the healers to where they are needed. You are now the center of command until Annawn returns.a She turned away from her, looking at Erthrn, aAs if any of them know what to do.a Speaking once again to Uthrn, she said, aBut prior to our leave, I would like to speak with the leader of the Dungaras.a Uthrn shook her head, more ashamed than she ever remembered. She could now barely speak, aShe has been taken, High Queen.a Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna was so angry at the statement that she could only see white light in front of her.

aTAKEN?a She forced herself to some control, Breathe.

Control your emotions.

She closed her eyes for a moment.

Breathe.

She took a deep breath, held it, then released it. It didnat help. All she could see were the charred remains of the villages that Uthrn held in her head.

She breathed in deeply once more, then opened her eyes. Softly, trying to remain somewhat in control of her emotions, aExplain your meaning.a Uthrn nodded, aYes, Most Honored and Great High Queen. By the Mungardies.a The guard spoke, aForgive my interruption, High Queen, but it is why Annawn goes to fight. We know where the leader of the Dungaras is, and we fight the Mungardies that now hold her.a She looked down at the kneeling guard, aWhat is your name, warrior?a aThernanin, my Queen.

aLead us there.a Uthrn bowed her head even further, aMy Queen, I beg you.a The High Queen knew she had been hard on Uthrn, as Uthrn had to take all her wrath while Annawn was off fighting, but her anger was beyond control, aSpeak, before I am moved to cut out your tongue.a Sleanela winced, never having heard her lover use such harsh images.

Erthrn also winced, well knowing that The High Queen was capable of such, if pushed to the moment. She hoped Uthrn would be more cautious.

aI beg you, my Queen. Please let me fight against these Mungardies. Please let me begin to make correct that which I wronged.a Sa.n.a.lrainathelaineln was about to respond when her Healer interrupted, aShe is overly injured to fight, my Queen.a Sa.n.a.lrainathelaineln looked at Uthrn, ignoring her Healer, speaking softly but with immense anger, aIt is easier to die in battle than face a Queenas wrath, is it not?a aI will not do so, my Queen. Please let me make it correct. I plead of you.a aAnd you believe you can recapture the leader of the Dungaras as easily as this?a aIt is my duty, my Queen. I beg you.a aVOW, Uthrn! Vow to Me that you will not take the easy path and die in battle.a Uthrn bent low, placing her lips upon The High Queenas boots, kissing them, aI vow this to you, my Queen.a aBut if you fail this mission, Uthrn, I will be the one to have your life.a aMy life is important only if you so choose it so, my Queen.a aThen rise, and lead us.a They mounted and headed out, with Sa.n.a.lrainathelaineln turning to her Elf, aWe head into battle, My Desire. Are you prepared?a Sleanela merely nodded, fingering the number of arrows she had brought with her to see if there were enough. As they approached the battle site, The High Queen could see that Annawn was fighting with all her force, but was well outnumbered by the Mungardies.

aRemember our stars, My Desire.a Sleanela prepared her bow and arrows as she saw her Queen take out her sword, aTo our stars, my Queen.a Sleanela dismounted and sent her horse away, while The High Queen rode hers straight into battle, as did all the remaining warriors. Sleanela could see her Queen using her powers as she rode into the center. Taking swift aim, Sleanela shot one arrow after another from a great distance. She was careful to make each arrow count, seeing that they were indeed well outnumbered.

Uthrn had prepared what remained of her warriors, mounting a strong aggressive front. They sought to regain their pride and were fighting in their own rage. Sleanela saw Sam fighting courageously with Meera beside her. As Sam and Meera were being overtaken, they saw that well-placed arrows were helping to even their odds. Looking back over her shoulder quickly, Sam saw her former lover, who briefly nodded to her. With the momentary a.s.sistance, Meera and Sam were able to take back the control of their battle. Sleanela then looked for her Queen, having lost sight of her.

She found Uthrn battling mightily against four Mungardies. Sleanela took aim, shot an arrow, then another. She then kept searching for her Queen, hoping that Uthrn could handle the two remaining Mungardies. Then she found her. Many Mungardies, all with swords, surrounded her Queen. Sa.n.a.lrainathelaineln was fighting them desperately, using her powers, using her sword, but tiring. One Mungardies was about to take The High Queen from behind, her sword raised above her head.

Sleanela shot an arrow. Then another. And another, moving closer each moment. Connecting and killing a Mungardies with each. Shooting her arrows so quickly that the Mungardies couldnat tell where the enemy was coming from. The High Queen could sense that her lover was behind her, helping. But Sleanela had run out of arrows. She picked up a sword from one of the dead Mungardies, feeling its intense weight. She hoped she could wield such a heavy weapon, wishing for more arrows.

The High Queen was no longer encircled, but was yet well outnumbered. The Mungardies had been taught well by their Master, but fortunately, not well enough. She used many of her fighting powers, a.s.sailing the Mungardies with b.a.l.l.s of fire, flying stones, a small dust storm, all the while raging with her sword, showing herself a far better Master than the one who had taught them.

Then suddenly, she sensed her lover directly behind her. Sleanela said, aWatch your back, my Queen.a The High Queen stole one quick glance at her lover, and saw her sword. While fighting, she asked, aCan you even lift that sword, My Desire?a aI will have to. I ran out of arrows.a The battle had begun long prior to The High Queenas arrival with a number of five-to-one, in the Mungardies favor. Annawn and her warriors had done well just to hold them. When The High Queen and Uthrn arrived with their reinforcements, the battle turned against the Mungardies. As soon as Uthrn saw that her warriors could manage the remainder of the battle, she set out to re-capture the leader of the Dungaras. She moved quickly through the buildings, searching. After much long searching, she finally found her. Seven Mungardies were placing the Dungaran leader upon a horse so as to take her away into the Mungardiesa lands. Uthrn knew that they hadnat yet seen her. She ran swiftly toward them, making no sound, ignoring the screaming inflamed pain of her leg. Ignoring her ripped apart muscles that were rebelling against her. Ignoring the blood that was flowing freely from her leg.

They saw her when she got close. She was coming so quickly that they knew they would have to fight her if they were to get away from the battle. Seven-to-one, and Uthrn was already well wounded. Uthrn wouldnat be able to recall her battle against the seven, but another warrior described it, having seen it from a distance.

aUthrn ran at them so quickly that she ran straight into one of them, knocking her down, then stabbing her with no wasted effort. Pulling her sword, she swung it fiercely, surprising two more and killing them. All within the snap of a twig. Facing the remaining four, she screamed like a huge injured animal, and as if she were a crazed woman, threw herself upon them. As they all went to the ground, she used the hilt of her sword, smashing in oneas face, then raising it in a swing, connecting to anotheras leg, and stood yet again. She faced the two squarely, then screamed again as if a banshee, into the air. When the other two saw this mad crazy warrior, blood streaming down her leg, and blood now streaming down her face wounds, they ran into the forest. A most astonishing sight, as I have never prior seen any Mungardies run from battle.a Uthrn staggered back to the others, leading the horse that the Dungaran leader was tied upon. She limped in great searing pain, barely able to see out of her right eye. Her arm had a large gash upon it, and blood flowed down it quickly, dripping from her fingertips. Her face and neck were smeared with blood and mud. Her sword was also dripping with blood, and her feet sloshed in the blood now inside her boots. By the moment she arrived back to the others, she no longer remembered who or where she was. But when she saw The High Queen, she gave the reigns of the horse to another warrior, fell to her knees, bowed her head, then began to cry in body-wracking sobs.

The High Queen had a few gashes of her own, but none overly serious. With her expression displaying anger from the battle and all the mishaps, she stared at this most pitiful and sad of warriors. Her eyes remained fearsomely cold and detached, as if the warrior before her was the most loathsome one in all The Realm. She took out her sword and raised it. Sleanelas eyes opened widely in disbelief, seeing that The High Queen was about to behead Uthrn. Annawn bowed her own head, thinking that she might be next.

The High Queenas Healer came up to her, aMy Queen, donat do thia"a The High Queen raised her hand to her healer, looking to her briefly, angered at the interruption, aThis is not your affair, Healer. Remain well away from it.a She then looked back to Uthrn. For a moment, she closed her eyes. When she re-opened them, she gripped her sword with both hands. Resting it lightly upon Uthrnas head, she then touched it to each of Uthrnas shoulders, aWarrior Uthrn. Force Leader of Queen Erthrn and Rnsadelna. In the name of The Realm, and as High Queen, and in front of all these witnesses, I p.r.o.nounce you as a Black Guard in full stead and with all due privileges of The High Queenas Black Guard. Vow your oath, Black Uthrn.a Uthrn was fully surprised but kissed her High Queenas boots, aAs Black Uthrn, I vow my allegiance to only you, High Queen. My life is yours.a aStand before your Queen, Black Uthrn. You are now a Black Guard of The High Queen of The Realm.a She moved back a step so as to allow Uthrn the room she needed to haul herself back into an upright position. Uthrn looked up at her Queen in total confusion, and mustering all the final energy and reserve she had, she stood, bowing her head to her Queen, tears streaming down her face.

aMy Only Queen. I pledge you my undying allegiance.a aYou have done as vowed, Black Uthrn.a The High Queen held out her sword to Uthrn, aThe High Queenas battle sword is rightfully yours, Black Uthrn. You have well earned it.a With tears yet streaming down what could be seen of her bloodied and dirty face, Uthrn tried to speak, aMy High Queen, Ia"a In spite of knowing how gravely injured Uthrn was, The High Queen knew that she had to give Uthrn back her respect, aBlack Uthrn. Take Me through the Dungaran villages that the Mungardies have destroyed.a The Healer, seeing that Uthrn needed to be tended to, began to approach her Queen, but The High Queen just shook her head, dismissing her. She looked to one of the guards, aUntie the leader of the Dungaras. Guard her well but bring her with us.a Defying her wounds, Uthrn led them through the burned-out and completely destroyed town. The voices of the dead rose in The High Queenas sensing as she walked through what remained of the village. Sleanela walked beside her, as did the Dungaran leader. Everywhere they looked, remnants of prior lives were all that remained. Many Dungaras had been tortured, ripped apart by the Mungardies in payment for not following the Mungardiesa orders. All the Dungaran children were also dead; also tortured. The High Queen walked slowly through the village, looking upon the horrors of burned Dungaran remains, of violent deaths, and of terror upon their now silenced faces. The High Queen walked slowly, her heart aching for this senseless slaughter. She guessed that this was one of the villages that Aalonalden had spoken ofa"a peaceful Dungaran village. One she had never thought possible in the Dungarasa realm, but one that was now gone as a testament to the violence that ruled her realm. As she continued to walk through the village, she saw no sign of weapons, no sign of defense of any sort.

Her mind pleaded to itself, Please tell Me that this is not one of the peaceful villages.

But she knew that it was.

Her heart cried out to the loss of these most special Dungaras. These peaceful Dungaras that may have helped to change the course of The Realm. These that simply loved. And her heart grew angrier once again. She well knew that The Realm fought against the Dungaras for untold cycles, but she also knew that these particular Dungaras were peaceful only, and without weapons. They were slaves within their own society, forced to give pleasure to the warrior Dungaras. And the only hope for peace.

She became enraged ever further at the Mungardies, as well as at the Dungaras warriors, for this ma.s.sive and senseless destruction. While the Dungaras had taken many of The Realmas lives, this village had been a peaceful one, only. No matter what she thought of the Dungaras warriors, these in this village didnat deserve this death. The High Queen was in full internal rage against the Mungardies who had shown their evil strength against such innocent ones. To her, this went against every warrior vow in all The Realm. As she walked silently, slowly, her heart screamed in its rage at the Mungardies.

Burn it! Burn it all into your memory. This is why you are High Queen. This is why you must do what you do. Burn it well into your mind so that you become not soft.

The High Queen looked at the Dungaras Leader with anger, aSuch could have been prevented, but you have been overly weak to stand against the ones you should have. We are all punished this turn for your weaknesses. Never should these peaceful Dungaras have died. You should be ashamed of what occurred here, as you surely caused this torment the moment you entered into agreement with the Mungardies. Your punishment is the death of all these lives. I am fully shamed for you.a At the end of the first village, The High Queen turned, taking a last look at the town.

Uthrn bowed her head, aIs it enough, my Queen?a With burning rage, yet softly, she replied, aNo. Show Me the others. I will burn this into My mind so that I might never forget what the Mungardies do this turn.a aMy High Queen. It is the same. All the villages are the same as this.a aSHOW ME, so that we may never forget!a They went to all the villages, one-by-one, witnessing the remains of the Mungardies heartlessness. All the villages were, as Uthrn had said, the same. Each one had been one of the Dungarasa peaceful villages, except one. Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelnas heart broke and the voices of the innocents and tortured rose greater into her mind. The voices surrounded her, crying to her of all the evils in the world. It was as if a great choir was in her head, singing to her all the mourning of hundreds of innocents.

After seeing the remaining villages, she raised her head to the sky, aBy the Spirits, there was not one weapon amongst all these towns!a She saw a child. A child who was barely old enough to walk. Burned and tortured. Its eyes ripped from its sockets. Taking hold of the child, she fell to her knees and cradled it closely to her. She looked upon it, stroking its cheek.

Sleanela went to her, bending down to her, aSa.n.a.lrainathelainelna. Come with me. Come away from this. You have seen enough.a The High Queen looked upon the dead child so sadly it was as if it were her own, aThey had no weapons. Even though they were Dungaras, these had no weapons and knew nothing of fighting. This wasnat war. This was slaughter.a Sleanela took the child gently from her hands, aWe need to help this child travel to another realm now, my Queen.a Sleanela handed it gently to a guard, then turned back to her lover. She grasped her loveras arms, trying to help her rise, aCome. You have seen enough.a The High Queen just placed her face into her hands, trying with great effort to understand the senseless slaughter. Sleanela knelt beside her, holding her, hearing her say, aThey had no weapons. The Mungardiesa slaughtered them.a The voices cried in her head, screaming of the tortures they had endured. A highly trained warrior with more powers and skills than any else in all The Realm, The High Queen well knew the struggles and outcomes of battle against a prepared enemy. But she was never trained to accept such as this, and saw it only as the darkest of all evils. Her rage mounted in her until the voices became a roaring scream of strident discordant torture.

What evil is this? How can one do such as this to innocents? To those of peace, only?

She stood and looked upon the smoldering carnage. She bowed her head, breathed in deeply, smelling the odors of blazing flesh and rank blood. She looked back out onto the village. Her heart felt as though a knife had gone straight through it. Her mind raged against the sights it took in. Her body strained against its own pain of uselessness. In all her rage, she couldnat cry.

It wouldnat be near enough.

To the Dungarasa leader, she said, aThis should have been prevented, Dungarasa Leader. But I am High Queen, and you are now defeated, so the blame falls to Me. I cannot undo what the Mungardies have done, but I do vow to you full revenge upon them, beginning this turn. Had we all been stronger, this wouldnat have occurred. But you should have prevented this. You allowed this the moment you allowed the Mungardies to command you.a With the heaviest of hearts in what should have been a more pleasant occasion, The High Queen sat with the Dungarasa Leader to work out the details of the surrender. She vowed to the Dungarasa leader that she would help them to rebuild, and would ensure their safety now that they were defenseless. For their part, the Dungarasa Leader listened to The High Queenas story of her scout that was now partnered with a Dungaras. The Dungarasa Leader showed no sign of emotion until she heard of the Mystic-Dungarasa baby.

aI hadnat thought such as this possible.a In Dungaran, The High Queen said, aNor did we. But it is so.a All the Dungarasa Leader requested was, aPlease keep it safe.a Yet in Dungaran, The High Queen nodded and responded, aI vow this.a When the surrender settlement was complete, the Dungarasa Leader rose from Its chair, then knelt before The High Queen, bowing Its head. It spoke in The High Queenas language the best It could, aAll we have is now yours. I vow you our friendship, services, and defenses. Peace only shall reign between us from this turn forward.a Grasping the Dungaran Leaderas arms into her own, as was the Dungarasa fashion, The High Queen looked upon the Dungaras. In the Dungaran tongue, she said, aWe have in our reigns seen much loss, fighting and torture. Let us vow to make The Realm a safer place for all our races.a The Dungarasa Leader bowed her head, aThe Mungardies will not halt so easily, my Queen.a Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna nodded, saying nothing. She knew that fighting against the Mungardies would extract an unbelievably high cost of The Realm.

The affairs of the surrender would eventually involve The High Queenas Counselors, but The High Queen had completed the first stage. With that done, she began her revenge against the Mungardies. She didnat desire the revenge, but felt she had been removed from these battles far too long. She knew that she now needed to show her fighting abilities to the Mungardies so that they would be forced to reconsider their aggressiveness in The Realm. But she also knew that she needed to show her strongest stance to The Realm so that she would no longer be considered as weak, as the Spirits of the Falls had considered her. No more would she remain thoughtful. Her stance now was one of action.

She turned to Erthrn, aCall for My Private Guards. And have them bring My armor and weapons. Have them bring The High Queenas sword.a Erthrn gasped, aMy Queen. Is that not drastic? Perhaps we might be able to fulfill your needs.a The High Queenas Private Guards were the best trained, most skilled, and most feared warriors across The Realm. There were less than a hundred of them throughout The Realm, but twenty-five were always present at one moment in the Valley. No one knew why Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna had called for The High Queenas sword, as it was used only in battle, and it was unusual for The High Queen to partic.i.p.ate in a battle of this nature.

She ignored Erthrnas statement, aI want them here by the late eve, on the second eve.a She was listening to no questioning this moment. She then turned to Annawn, aHave the Master brought to Me, alive.a Annawn nodded, aWill you be remaining here, High Queen?a The High Queen merely nodded, yet angered.

Annawn bowed her head, aI will have a camp prepared for you, High Queen.a The High Queenas Healer came over, trying to tend to The High Queenas wounds, aLeave Me.a The Healer looked to Sleanela for a.s.sistance.

Sleanela nodded at her, going to her Queen, aMy Love, let us see your arm.a She looked at her, trying to focus upon her lover, aNot now, My Love. Avoid Me well for the moment. Step not into My anger.a Sleanela returned the look, unafraid of her, aYou can shout out your orders while you are being tended to. I vow that The Healer will not speak, if this be your issue. But your arm must be seen so that it may heal.a The High Queen nodded, not having the moments for thinking on this, unwilling to deny her lover. As The Healer cut off her sleeve, she ignored the pain. She turned to Meera, aWarrior Woman of Woden. Call the Valleyas forces to us. I want them here by early morn, in two turns. Annawn will tell you how this is done.a aErthrn. Have Black Uthrn brought to Me.a Erthrn was about to inform The High Queen that Uthrn was overly wounded and could no longer move, but thought better of it, aYes, my Queen.a The High Queen gave orders throughout the late after midturn, preparing for her personal battle and revenge against the Mungardies. She knew she wouldnat be able to defeat them during this battle, but she vowed to herself that following the battle, they would have good reason to greatly fear her and her name. And The Realm would think twice before questioning her any further.

Uthrn finally appeared, barely able to walk, a patch over one eye, a sling for one arm, but standing as tall and proud as she could for her Queen, for Uthrn now served only the High Queen. With great pain, she knelt before her Queen, bowing her pained head, aI am here, my Queen.a aBlack Uthrn. Call the Black Guard to Me in two eves. I have great need of them.a Uthrn knew from legend how to call the elite force to her Queen. Another group of highly trained warriors, they were second only to The High Queenas Private Guards, but were for a different use. The High Queenas Private Guards were meant to instill great fear in all those they came across, being greatly intimidating in their stance and use of weaponry. When they entered a battle, the outcome was total annihilation of the target, with no grace. The Black Guards were more of the seek-and-destroy, being more secretive, acting only under the cover of the eve.

When learning that The High Queen had called two of her private forces together, both Annawn and Erthrn gasped, now knowing what was to occur. The High Queen was seeking her all-out vengeance and wouldnat rest until it was accomplished. Erthrn well knew the depths of The High Queenas rage, but often forgot her ability to stir great loyalty as well as great fear into others. She also knew that when The High Queen was singularly focused on a task, that task would occur in a great whirlwind of fury.

The High Queen then sent for her High Counselor. Miladerain came quickly, kneeling and bowing before her. Upon seeing her Queen, she realized that while some may have felt free to question The High Queenas decisions prior, in her present stance and expression, no one dared.

aMy Queen, I have come to you, as bid.a aI have had an escort and your horse prepared. Return to the Valley in all haste and inform My High Counselors of what I now do. Whether they approve or not, it will occur. If they disapprove, then so be it. Then let them come and fight against the Mungardies.a She noticed that The High Queen hadnat released her from her kneeling position. Remaining as she was, she said, aYes, my Queen. But they will not disapprove. My Queen?a aYes, Miladerain. What is your question?a aWhat is it you would like me to tell them that you do?a aTell themaa She paused for a moment, aTell them I release My rage on the Mungardies.a aYes, my Queen. You release your rage upon the Mungardies. Will they understand, my Queen?a She looked down at Miladerain with a rage in her eyes that Miladerain had never prior seen, aThen make them understand, High Counselor. Tell them of what you saw in the villages. Tell them of the defenseless Dungaras in those most peaceful of villages. Tell them of the tortures and carnage. And if they understand not, or if they refuse to understand, then bring them here to me!a aYes, my Queen. As you bid.a The High Queen waved her hand in dismissal, aRise then, and go quickly. You will be well guarded. Meet Me back in Rnsadelna.a The High Queen had taken command, working all the after midturn and well into the eve to bring her mission together. Now all she could do was to wait for her forces to arrive to her. Throughout the eve and well into the morn, she took a well-distanced stance away from all others, preparing her powers.

During the next turn, she studied the map of the Mungardiesa lands carefully, often conferring with whatever force leader who happened to be about. When she wasnat studying the map, meditating, or bringing her own great powers forth to her, she was pacing, turning over and over in her mind which would be the best strategies. She knew she had given impossible commands in regard to the moment of arrival, but she also knew her Private and Black Guards well, knowing that they would somehow arrive within her need.

Just prior to the sunas final setting on the eve of everyoneas arrival, she called her lover to her.

aI have need of your sorcery, My Desire.a aIt is ever yours, my Queen. What do you need?a The High Queen told her. Together, they brought lightning bolt after lightning bolt into one spot just at the borderlands until a great blazing hole was created in the ground.

She looked at it, a.s.sessing its depth and heat, aGood. I am now ready. This will make it easier.a aWhat is it we conjure up, my Queen?a aSomething more dark than the evil of the Mungardies. Those Mungardies who live through next turn will live to well regret what they did to the Dungarasa villages.a All The High Queenas immediately available forces were racing toward her, ready to act on her command. It had been long since any of her warriors had witnessed The High Queen unleash her full force, but they all knew that it was fearsome when she did so. And to a one, all felt sorry for the Mungardies for their most dangerous underestimation of The High Queen.

At late after mid-eve, the camp became alive with excitement as The High Queenas Private Guard arrived. All came out of their tents to see the arrival of these most revered and feared of all warriors. Sleanela stood by a tree, watching and observing from a slight distance, astonished she had never prior heard of them. What she saw was the most fearsome sight she had ever seen, and felt intense relief that these warriors were on the side of The Realm.

Twenty-eight warriors came thundering into camp, riding upon their enormous shiny coal-black horses that stood half again than did The Realmas horses. Each Warrior wore an identical uniform of armor upon her legs, knees, arms, chest, back and head. A large blood-red feather adorned each helmet, except for their leader who wore three. Each warrior stood as their horses, standing almost half again taller than any warrior about them. Their bodies were solid muscled, chiseled by their daily practice into muscles of near-stone. Each had more weapons than Sleanela thought she could lift, let alone wield. Each had two swords, both heavy and large. Each had a bow with arrows, three knives, a spear, a shield, and many other weapons that Sleanela had never prior seen. She had no doubt as to the fierceness and strength of these warriors. But of all their characteristics, Sleanela was most surprised to see their reactions to their Queen.

They came charging and thundering into camp, halting quickly their frothing and frenzied horses. They dismounted, jumping off their horses and walked urgently to their Queen. The High Queen stood in front of them, waiting, gladdened for their quick arrival.

As her Private Guard neared her, they clasped their armored hands to their chests, making a large thundering noise, aHigh Queen. We are here for your bidding.a They knelt on one-knee and bowed their heads deeply. Looking small in comparison to them, The High Queen placed her hand upon the leaderas head, aAnatheraon. Leader of My Private Guard. The Realm has great need of your services.a One of the Warriors of the Sword had thought to help hold and tend to The High Queenas Private Guardas horses. As she went up to one, it reared onto its hind legs, beginning to fight against the woman of Rnsadelna. One of the Private Guard looked back at the disturbance, shouting, aApproach not the horses. They are trained to kill whoever comes up to them.a The High Queen quietly outlined her plan to Anatheraon. Anatheraon nodded, giving her Queen the salute she had done earlier, aAs you bid, my Queen. Only one village?a aOne large and important village, Leader of My Private Guard. No grace.a aAs we are trained, my Queen. It shall be so.a aRest and eat this eve. I will give the command when it is the moment.a aYes, my Queen. We have brought your sword and armor.a aI will be going with you in the morn.a aWe are honored, my Queen.a And she meant it.

aMy Queen?a Anatheraon never asked anything of The High Queen that wasnat related to battle, so Sa.n.a.lrainathelainelna was interested, aWhat is your need, Private Guard?a aMay we meet with the Elf while we await your command to battle, my Queen?a The High Queen raised her hand, pointing to where Sleanela was at the moment. Sleanela watched, wondering what The High Queen was doing. In a moment only, all the Private Guard had risen and were now approaching Sleanela, making more noise than twenty galloping horses. Her eyes widened at the scene, grateful that the likes of these women didnat 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 warriorsa 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, aElfin Princess. It is our honor.a For lack of anything better to say, she merely asked them, aWhat can I do for you, Private Guard?a aElfin Princess. We were wondering if you could a if you would give us the Elfin Blessing for battle.a The High Queen had followed them over. She overheard their request and was now smiling slightly at it. Long prior in The Realmas 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. Sleanela 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 Sleanela her thoughts, It is a spell, My Desire.

Sleanela 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.

Sleanela 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, aWhat is the spell for the Elfin Battle Blessing?a 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.