The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] by Robbie Collins Page B

traveling upon, and ensuring their safety once again, it was agreed. The Dungaras gathered up the baby and some of their belongings. It turned to A'lon'lden, embracing her. Words passed between them that Sle'nel’ didn't understand, and then the Dungaran walked with her outside to R'lodin'lindor and Ann'wn. R'lodin'lindor knelt down on her front legs, waiting patiently. Only two races in The Realm were able to deal with the Dungaras without prejudice. The Elfin Faiere was one, and R'lodin'lindor's race was another. Ann'wn gave Sle'nel’ her staff.
    Once they were mounted, Sle'nel’ spoke softly to the Dungaran, “Fear not the warrior who rides behind you. She is there to protect you, with her life if necessary. She is my friend, Dungaras. Trust her as you would trust me. If she holds onto you, it is only for your safety. And know that this horse is of the Elfin Faeries."
    The Dungaras looked down upon Sle'nel', “It thanks Its Princess."
    "I will bring your Love to you soon, Yyeoiraa."
    Sle'nel’ went to R'lodin'lindor, speaking to her in her own Elfin language. R'lodin'lindor knew not to return until called upon.
    Ann'wn bent down from her seat upon the flying horse and held out her hand to Sle'nel'. Knowing it as a warrior's pact between them, she took it. Ann'wn could tell that Sle'nel’ sensed that danger was approaching.
    "I like not leaving you here, Princess."
    "Take care of my lover, Ann'wn.” She petted R'lodin'lindor's neck, “Fly high and swift. Remain well out of sight. They come."
    R'lodin'lindor nodded her head, then ran, quickly jumping into air, flying straight to the moon. Sle'nel’ watched, sensing that Sume'n'tinel'ti'non was almost upon the Village. As much as all those in the Valley thought the High Priestess to be evil, Sle'nel’ sensed that the Sorrows of the Stones had no interest in her. And although she could command the Sorrows to take the High Priestess from The Realm, she refused to abuse her powers in such a fashion, guessing that The Realm needed Sume'n'tinel'ti'non to help prevent the Others from returning. She stood, watching the skies. The Sorcerer Women began to come out to stand with her.
    As she saw the High Priestess approach from the ledge side, Sle'nel’ took hold of her staff, holding it close to her side. She didn't wish to kill all these Dungaras, but would if she must, knowing that they were also innocents and pawns, only. The Sorcerer Women were prepared to take their stand against the High Priestess if necessary. Sele’ was also outside, being held by one of the Sorcerer Women, ready to use what powers she now held.
    Sume'n'tinel'ti'non arrived with well over thirty Dungaras. She dismounted, sensing that Yyeoiraa and the baby had already been removed, and carefully studied her opponents. She looked upon Sele’ from a distance, sensing well who she was, then moved her eyes to Sle'nel', looking upon her with great interest.
    With a sneer, she spoke, “So, you have removed the Dungaras and her baby. To my sister, I assume. I didn't think you would be able to get here so quickly, but I forget that you can call the mystical animals to your bidding."
    Sle'nel’ saw that the Dungaras guards were edging closer, “High Priestess. Have these Dungaras hold where they are, or they die. I wish not to kill them, but will if necessary."
    "Don't bore me, Elf. I can see that the High Sorcerer of the Sorrows has been restored to The Realm, through you. Do you think me stupid and blind? Even the Dungaras can see your staff, and they know well what it means. Why do you not just remove us to the Sorrows’ bidding, given your ability to do so?"
    Sle'nel’ hesitated in her answer, wondering what San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ would do, then spoke her truth, “You and your powers are needed in The Realm."
    The comment angered the High Priestess, but intrigued her as well, “You lie. Others haven't seen this. Why you? Why would an Elf spare the likes of a R'kin'dles? But I already know this,