The High Queen's Vow [The Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book IV] by Robbie Collins

warriors to begin, but Ann'wn suddenly interrupted her, “More strangers approach, Highness."
    Having gone unnoticed by The High Queen, seven travelers neared, kneeling fully before San'lr'in', “Most Great High Queen of The Realm."
    Ann'wn, Sam, Meera, An'ther'on and Uthrn were instantly present, swords already at the strangers’ necks, “State your purpose."
    "We request permission to attend the Great Third Master's funeral."
    The women lay fully upon the ground before The High Queen, as was their fashion. Their bodies were fully flattened upon the dry earth, with their arms straight out from their sides.
    San'lr'in’ studied them carefully, recognizing their garments but not knowing the identity of the strangers. She spoke quietly to them, guessing as to their true identity, “How is it you knew of her death?"
    The woman who spoke for the group glanced up for a slight moment at The High Queen, then cast her eyes quickly away, “We sensed it, Most Honored and Greatest High Queen."
    All saw that the women covered most of their faces with a veil that wrapped around their head, shielding even most of their hair from view, yet the remainder of their clothes was scant. The High Queen saw an all-but-covered mark upon the hand of the spokeswoman for the group, recognizing the mark instantly. But she held the knowledge to herself.
    "Rise. Tell Us who now stands before Us."
    The women rose, with the spokeswoman standing before The High Queen, yet keeping her glance removed from her.
    "We are just simple travelers, Highness. We met the Great Third Master long prior as she saved us from traitors of The Realm. We would like to give our final respects to her, as is her due."
    "You are not a Master.” The remark came from a guard.
    The woman suddenly and surprisingly removed one of the guard's swords from her grasp, moving it to just a breath away from The High Queen's neck, then as suddenly and quickly, tossed it up, catching it by the tip, offering the sword's hilt to The High Queen. The High Queen watched the woman's movements carefully, seeing great skill in her sword usage. The movements were so quick as to catch The High Queen's guards fully off-guard. Ann'wn made a move to kill the stranger, but The High Queen placed her hand on Ann'wn's arm, halting her.
    She then nodded, “You may remain. Do you wish to provide the song for the Master?"
    The woman bowed her head slightly, “We would be honored, Great Highness."
    The High Queen motioned for Ann'wn and the others to relax their swords. As they moved back to their prior positions, The High Queen studied the eyes of the spokeswoman for the group, seeking her identity, but the woman yet kept her eyes averted.
    San'lr'in’ turned back to the task at-hand, resting her hand lightly on Ern'seln's shoulder, sending her a message, Be strong, Master-Apprentice. Your Birth-Mother would have it so.
    She saw Ern'seln strengthen her body against her sadness, and saw that Ern'seln also didn't seem to recognize the strangers.
    The High Queen nodded to Ann'wn to begin the ceremony, thinking to herself, We bury overly many of The Realm's loyal daughters these turns.
    The newly arrived strangers began The Master's funeral song, a slow, sad melodic dirge with whistles and drums. The Masters quietly fought between themselves to carry Be'rn’ on her last journey, each side carrying one side of the flat plank on which Be'rn’ was laid. As the music began, they carefully lifted the plank, then slowly began Be'rn's last walk in this realm, carrying Be'rn's body over their heads, her sword resting lengthwise on top of her prone body, her hands grasping its hilt. She had been prepared in her Master's uniform, and if no one knew better, it looked only as if she now slept.
    The High Queen closed her eyes, trying to regain the emotional strength she knew she would need for this moment. When she opened her eyes, she watched Be'rn's last journey with great sadness.
    I am sorry, Be'rn', Third