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

for you."
    San'lr'in’ smiled gently at her, “My vow is yours. She will be well cared for, Master. It is sad that another must lose so much to The Realm."
    The woman tried to rise, but couldn't, so grasped tightly onto The High Queen's arm instead, “One turn, Highness. One turn all will be correct because of what we have given for The Realm. You most of all must always know this, as it is you who must give the most. Many fight for you who you know not, my Queen, because of what you give to The Realm. It is you, San'lr'in', who draws our purpose together. The Realm relies on you, Highness. And I now give my daughter to you because of that. Never, my Queen, never give in to the dark thoughts. You have legions of followers who look to you and follow you. One turn, it will all have been worth it. And you will live to see this as so. Unlike all prior, your reign will change the future of The Realm."
    The Healer listened quietly, pleased that someone else other than The High Queen's own forces could tell her of this.
    "Even on your death bed, Be'rn', you tell Me that all has been worth it, when you have led such a life as this?"
    She pulled San'lr'in’ more closely to her, “If I were thirty cycles younger, and knew what my life was to be, I would yet do the same. This is how much I believe in what you now do for The Realm. Be strong, San'lr'in'thel'ineln'. We taught you to never be weak, and this is what we meant. You must be strong in the knowledge that what you do is correct."
    "I have given you My vow, and so shall it be. I am sorry we can help you no more than this, Be'rn', but rest assured in My vow. Your daughter is now in My care."
    Be'rn’ pulled The High Queen to her one last moment, whispering, “Then I die well pleased and most grateful to you. And it comforts my heart to see you once again. But beware, High Queen. There are traitors even within the ranks of those who remained loyal. I have sought them my entire lifespan after the break, but with only minor success. Beware of the Masters. Trust no one. Very few of them remain loyal to The Realm, and even those now hide in their disguises. Another request, my Queen."
    "Anything, Master. All you need do is ask, and I will make it as you wish."
    "She yet knows not that you are High Queen."
    "Worry not over this. She will be informed, and she will be under My care from this moment. Rest in this knowledge."
    "One final item, Highest. Be overly mindful of the Spirit Mothers. Just prior to this illness taking my energies from me, I was watching them. I have great suspicion of their actions at this moment. Methinks they hide much from you and The Realm."
    "I will heed your words, Be'rn', Third Master, and am grateful for your wise council."
    "Thank you, Highness. And remember, High Queen, trust no one of us further, without your own assurance in this. But my daughter will now be the beginning of the new line of Masters. She is trained differently, and never again will they desire the powers so much."
    The High Queen listened carefully, nodded to Be'rn', and clasped her hand to her own for a moment. From Master to Master, they sent their own private thoughts to one another.
    "Master. I am humbled in your gift."
    "Never lose hope, Highness. At some moments, hope is all that remains."
    The High Queen placed her hand on Be'rn's cheek, then rose and motioned to An'ther'on. She brought the young girl to The High Queen.
    San'lr'in’ looked her squarely in the eyes, speaking softly to her, “We could remove her pain only, Young One, but she is now dying. It is the moment for you to say your farewells to her, and for you to be brave. She will expect this of you. She requests your presence."
    The young girl nodded her understanding and went to her mother. The Healer came over to The High Queen, “A sad moment, my Queen. Are you with much grief?"
    San'lr'in’ nodded, her feelings heavy, “It is a deep loss to The Realm, and to Me. A most heavy loss.” She looked back over to