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

A gift to The Realm. A great sword of a greater Master.” She turned to Ern'seln, “A Master's sword is among the finest of swords in The Realm. It is cast as the heart of a Master: True. Strong. Willing. Fearless. It is cast from metals known only to the Masters, and is as rare in The Realm as the Masters themselves. When a Master dies, it is tradition that their sword dies with them. But Third Master Be'rn’ asked a last request of The Realm, and upon this turn, I grant this request."
    She touched the red-hot sword with her other hand, cooling it, then turned to Ern'seln, “This is the sword of a great, great Master. Your Birth-Mother's sword. It is now yours, Master-Apprentice, as this is your Birth-Mother's last request. Hold it ever close to you. Always use it as your Birth-Mother would, as the Great Third Master would desire of you. Make no errors with this sword, and depart not from what the Masters would have from you. With this sword, hold true to your path, as did your Birth-Mother."
    She raised it high for all to see, “This is now Master-Apprentice Ern'seln's sword."
    She lowered it and held the hilt to Ern'seln. Ern'seln took it, trying to clear the tears from her eyes. San'lr'in’ saw that Ll'strin'll looked well displeased about Be'rn's last request. She guessed that Ll'strin'll now knew that she would gain no hold on Ern'seln. While all waited, watching the funeral pyre take hold of the Great Third Master, the strangers and Masters continued their song until it was completed, providing the appropriate background for this most solemn and honored of ceremonies.
    When the ceremony was completed, San'lr'in’ looked back to the burning pyre and softly said, “Farewell, Great Third Master. You performed your duty to The Realm in the highest of bravery. I hope I do as well."
    As they watched the fire, the spokeswoman for the group of strangers began another song. It was a beautiful melody, and one that most of those present assumed was providing a story about the funeral of the Great Third Master. But as the song began, The High Queen jerked ever-so-slightly, being caught off-guard in the song's words:
* * * *
Listen well to my song, High Queen.
To this story of treachery.
There is a one now in The Realm
Who is seeking a reckoning.
* * * *
A very old and bitter one
Has provided some long lost spells
To the one who is now returned
Who is seeking his reprisal
* * * *
Be forewarned; be well prepared
He seeks your death and seeks your reign
He seeks to halt The Elves’ return
He vows The Realm is his domain.
* * * *
His spells are strong, his sword is swift.
He uses pain, their fragility
He has mastered the innocents
Achieving strength and loyalty
* * * *
Prior Masters stand at his side.
Giving away abilities
They bestow him their master powers
Giving him your agility
* * * *
But despair not, my Great High Queen.
All is not lost on disloyalty
Prior Masters are at your side
Trust in this strong facility
* * * *
Remain watchful, ever aware.
As you were taught. As you well learned.
You are High Queen. You are The Realm.
Use your powers. Do not get burned.
* * * *
The First High Queen had a great sword.
Use this weapon. Use it most well.
He knows it not. He does not think.
The weapon will undo his spells.
* * * *
You are High Queen. You are The Realm.
Heed well my tale of treachery.
You are well loved. Do not be harmed.
Your reign has just begun, my Queen.
* * * *
Listen well to my song, High Queen.
To this story of treachery.
There is a one now in The Realm
Who is seeking a reckoning.
* * * *
    San'lr'in’ listened to the song, watching as the singer glanced at her occasionally, showing dark eyes to her. The High Queen glanced around, wondering if anyone else recognized the long-prior unused words of the Masters’ Secret Codes. As the woman sang the song of warning, using the long unused words, San'lr'in’ finally knew of her identity, without question.
    U'Aine. The Fourth Great Master.
    When the song ended, the