The High Queen's Vow 4 by Robbie Collins

Author:Robbie Collins
Language: eng
Format: mobi, pdf
Publisher: Gate Way Publishers
Published: 2011-01-30T08:00:00+00:00

Chapter VIII

El'fs'nd'lle

Ann'wn was kneeling with head bowed to The High Queen, “Highness?"

She turned and looked down upon her, “Rise, Force Leader. Tell Me."

It was the early morn, and all the camp was excitedly busy in their final preparations to El'fs'nd'lle. At long last, their journey's mission was to be achieved, and all were now preparing themselves in their finest garment available to them for the procession that was to occur. Ann'wn had come to her Queen with a report, but noticed that The High Queen looked other than excited, over what she could only guess.

"The High Priestess has agreed to ride in the procession, Highness. She is arriving as we speak."

She sighed and looked at Ann'wn, not fully focusing, saying nothing.

Ann'wn saw that her first guess was quite wrong, and now saw that her queen looked deeply concerned, “My Queen? Is all well?"

She blinked slowly, then refocused, “I am sorry, Force Leader. My thoughts are elsewhere.” She sighed, “Have her ride next to Mil'der'in in the procession."

"Yes, my Queen."

"When will the Private and Black Guards take their final leave?"

"In two turns, Highness, after they are assured that you are safely inside El'fs'nd'lle and that no enemies await you outside the gates. Since The Highest of Woden will be leaving at the same moment, some of them will accompany her as far as the Valley."

"I assume we will have enough guards for our return to the Valley."

"Yes, Highness. We will make it so."

"The Mungardies?"

"They have remained quiet, but I sense they are planning something. They are overly quiet."

She nodded, “Have them carefully watched. I want their battles halted, Force Leader. They wish to rule this Realm, most strongly. We will focus all our attentions on them upon My return to the Valley."

"As you say, Highness. We are prepared to do as such."

She sighed again, “Are we arranged for this morn's adventures?"

"Not quite yet, Highness, and your attendants await your presence so that you may also be prepared."

"Mil'der'in gave Me a troubling report this morn."

Ann'wn waited, not wanting to rush her.

She sighed yet again, unable to control her frustrations, “She tells Me that she believes not that she should be the Valley's Queen, and the Counselors wish no replacement for Me. What are your thoughts in this regard?"

Ann'wn was surprised, as The High Queen seldom asked her opinions in such matters, and she also didn't think this was what was causing her queen such concern, “I can fully understand their view, Highness. You cannot be so easily replaced. Although I would prefer no change in this regard, the High Counselor could most likely be persuaded otherwise, my Queen."

"Why do you prefer that I remain as Queen of the Valley?"

"Your forces have all been combined, Highness, and would have to be reconfigured. You must have your own forces as High Queen, as must the Queen of the Valley have her own forces."

"Is that a compelling reason, Force Leader?"

"It would depend on who you desire as Force Leader for your forces, Highness. I may not be the one to speak with in this regard, if you wish me not as such.

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