Free The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] by Robbie Collins Page B

suddenly made another quicker move, but on this moment, much stronger, easily knocking Sam's sword from her. The fight had been swift and stunning. Meera couldn't believe the skill she had just seen from this so great of a queen.
    Sam laughed, remaining good-natured about it, placing her arm upon her sister's shoulder, “Well done, Sister. You fight well. I am most impressed."
    Ann'wn bowed to her Queen, “My Queen. A contest?"
    She didn't want any more contests, but saw the twinkle in Ann'wn's eyes. She knew she would pay for this later with her back, but bowed her head in acknowledgement. She took a moment to return her energies, then raised her sword to Ann'wn. Of all of them, Ann'wn was the only one that knew of The High Queen's former sword abilities. At one moment in all The Realm, The High Queen was the best swordswoman until the Mungardies had permanently injured her. But Ann'wn also knew that her skills and strong-will were yet there. What Ann'wn had never been able to learn from The High Queen was the identity of her teacher.
    Meera was impressed. She saw that clearly, The High Queen had held back when she first sword danced with her. The High Queen's abilities were far better, with precision-like accuracy in her aim and movements. Even Ann'wn was taken by surprise at her ability. The contest lasted a short while only as The High Queen moved into her very aggressive movements of attack.
    The High Queen used the contest to rid herself of her anger that she held deep within her. Her teacher had often told her to never fight with anger. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ often found herself ignoring the comment, especially given that she seldom had to fight anymore. As High Queen, she had developed much rage and an immense anger at the Spirits of the Falls, at herself, at The Realm for what it had done to Sle'nel', at all the evil within The Realm. It was at these moments that she also hurt her back more. When she followed her teacher's lessons, she was better controlled. But on this moment, she once again ignored her teacher's comments, fighting Ann'wn only to help release her rage.
    After a few short moments only, The High Queen's blade hit Ann'wn's with such force that, even had this been an enemy of Ann'wn's, and had she been giving her greatest effort, she yet would have lost her sword to it.
    Meera acknowledged her skills, “My Queen, you surprise me. You be the one who held back the eve of our contest. This I now see to be the truth of it."
    San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ smiled at Meera, waving her hand as in dismissing the notion, but Meera wasn't about to give in, “I am due a fair contest then, my Queen."
    She looked at Meera, “Perhaps another moment, Warrior Woman. I have been tired out from these two."
    Meera continued to challenge her, “I think not, my Queen. I see well the rage you hold within you. That last swing would have undone any swordswoman. Any."
    The High Queen studied her for a long moment. Without speaking, she sent her thoughts to the Warrior Woman, What would be the bet, Warrior Woman, as I would need it to be worth My interest. And know that you cannot win this contest.
    Narrowing her eyes Meera looked at her, seeing a true Warrior Woman before her, What would you have, my Queen?
    The unspoken response was instantaneous, You. As My Warrior Woman. That and you take responsibility to ensure that My sister does what The Realm requires of her .
    And if you lose, what will I gain?
    What would you like?
    You to teach me your sword abilities. Personally.
    "Done, Warrior Woman. It is a deal."
    All the others had heard were The High Queen's final few words said aloud, but Sle'nel’ knew that some bargain between them had been agreed upon.
    The High Queen bowed her head for a moment, feeling her back beginning to ache. She displaced the pain temporarily, knowing she would have to deal with it soon enough. Meera waited patiently, thinking it some ritual of The High Queen's. The High Queen reopened her eyes and