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

ravaged by the cold conditions, including the horses. She would have her forces see to the horses, knowing the intense need they would have of them through the journey.
    "Is it safe in here, Highness?"
    She looked at Ann'wn, then looked around the caves as they rode, “I know not. Never prior, but these tunnels look well unused now.” She looked at the undisturbed paths, wondering why the tunnels were no longer used.
    "Prior, there was much passage in them, as it is the quickest route through these mountains.” She shivered again as she recalled her long-prior moments in these tunnels. She had been young, but with few weapons, well weakened and wounded, and all but starving. Looking now about her, she recognized a few of the small cracks in the walls in which she had hidden herself, coming out only when those who traveled the tunnels slept.
    Her scouts explored every passage possible as they traveled, looking for signs of life. Finding none, they finally arrived at a cavernous room within the tunnels. They were surprised at how large it was, as it spanned at least eight tall trees’ height, and was as large as an arena. A small waterfall splashed into a pool at one side of the room, and Ann'wn could see where all the past fires had been built. As they looked around, and as the Sorcerer Women continued to light the various parts of the great cavern, Sam saw all the small shelters scattered along the sides of the great room. Ann'wn had given orders to make camp and to guard all the passageways, as she now saw what The High Queen had meant. There were twenty-three different passageways that led away from the great room.
    A soft ground-bed was made for The High Queen in the largest, but safest of the side-rooms, while other preparations also occurred. From long prior, various seats from dragged-in logs and rocks had been made around the fire, and The High Queen and all her companions were now using them as they completed their eve's meal.
    Sele’ came up to The High Queen, moving onto her lap, “Tell me the story of why you were here, Aunt High Queen."
    "Do I want you in My lap this eve, Young One?"
    Sele’ just giggled.
    The High Queen smiled, “As the High Counselor said, it was a test of what My teachers had been trying to teach Me. After I left a rather unfortunate moment, I was to find My way through the pass and the tunnels, defending Myself as necessary, and finding My own food and water. Obviously I did, as I am now here to tell you of it."
    "Were you frightened?"
    She laughed lightly, “No. I was angry, per My usual feeling."
    "Did you have to defend yourself?"
    The High Queen nodded, “I had only My sword and knife and was forced—"
    They heard a scuffle down one of the passageways. They watched as An'ther'on brought a young girl of about fifteen cycles forward to Ann'wn, holding tightly onto her, “We found this one down one of the passageways. She began to fight us, calling us brutes.” Yet holding onto the young girl, An'ther'on looked up, somewhat confused, “What is a brute?"
    Placing Sele’ upon the ground, The High Queen rose and listened as Ann'wn questioned the young girl.
    "What are you called?"
    "Why should I tell you? Leave me be! Let me go! My mother is sick. She is dying. I must return to her. I was out searching for food only. You are the ones trespassing here, not me."
    An'ther'on shoved the young girl to the ground, “A likely story. How many are with you?"
    The young girl stood back up, daring An'ther'on to shove her again, “It is easy to fight one with no weapons. You are nothing but a brute, and a coward."
    "Who are you?"
    "I am a St'en'giln. Who are you?"
    "We are from the Valley. Tell us how many are with you."
    The young girl crossed her arms in front of her, defiantly, “I must return to my mother. She is ill. You have no right to keep me prisoner. I have done nothing to you."
    "Not until you tell us how many you are with."
    "Just my mother. Now please. Let me go."
    The High