Read Online The Realm's Mystics [Mystic Women of The Realm Series Book 3] by Robbie Collins - Free Book Online

some cried, but silently. Their humming never ceased, as in a requiem for the loss of a most beloved one. For one who had given up so much to The Realm.
    The Most Honored One motioned to Ann'wn, Sam and Meera, and another guard. They came inside and went to their task of bearing Sle'nel's Birth-Mother to the small ship that awaited her. They picked up the board, shouldering it carefully, then moved it outside. The Most Honored One went in front of them, leading them to the Birth-Mother's last ride. Sle'nel’ was directed gently and directly behind her Birth-Mother, while all the other Spirit Mothers followed, the small procession walking slowly toward the sea. The Spirit Mothers of the Valley had begun to sing their requiem more loudly, and were now accompanied by drums—drums that beat out the sound of death. Sle'nel’ thought it to be the most sorrowful tune she had ever heard. She sighed deeply, trying to breathe, forcing herself to be strong.
    San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ walked alongside, yet holding onto Sle'nel', her arm across her shoulders. Sle'nel’ walked silently, non-seeing and dazed, more saddened than ever in her entire life. She was afraid to breathe for fear of breaking down, letting the tears freely stream down her face. She looked around briefly, trying to hold the image of this moment in her head, of her Birth-Mother being carried so gently and lovingly, of the Spirit Mothers more saddened than she thought possible. She looked at San'lr'in'thel'ineln', saying nothing but feeling her strength.
    She couldn't tell how long they walked. It seemed forever, and it seemed like not at all. It wouldn't have mattered to her if they walked for an entire moon. She no longer felt her body. She no longer cared about The Realm. For this moment, she tried to just get to the next moment. One step followed another. One breath, then another. Her new memories spiraling her mind toward an exhaustive incomprehension.
    When they reached the small cove at the sea, Ann'wn led the others in placing the funeral board on the small boat, then lashed it securely. When they were done, they stepped back and waited.
    The Most Honored Spirit Mother began chanting. When she finished, she raised her arms to the sky and began speaking in the tongue of the now long-prior Elfin Faeries. Not realizing it, Sle'nel’ understood the words and knew the message. The Most Honored One recited the funeral poem of the Elfin Faeries. Also without realizing it, Sle'nel’ spoke it with the Most Honored One. She knew the poem well. All San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ understood was, When one Elfin Faiere dies, all The Realm is saddened. We are now all saddened.
    When she was done, the Most Honored Spirit Mother picked up a stick from the fire and offered it to Sle'nel'. From the images that had been restored to her, Sle'nel’ knew her duty and touched the torch to the twigs inside the boat. The fire caught, burning rapidly. Ann'wn and Meera pushed the inflamed boat gently out to the waves. It rocked softly, carrying Sle'nel's Birth-Mother forever away from her. Sle'nel’ watched it move out beyond the current, burning brightly. She watched until she could no longer see it. With the sea as the backdrop, she watched the memories her Birth-Mother had given to her, watching until all the others were long gone back to the small town.
    San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ stood by Sle'nel's side with her arm wrapped across her shoulder. She was willing to wait as long as Sle'nel’ needed, watching. At the sun's set, they sat down upon the shore and watched the stars appear. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ listened and heard soft crying, deep sighs, and occasional deep breaths throughout the long eve as Sle'nel’ came to terms with the past long deprived of her.
    After the late after-eve was well past, Sle'nel’ rested against her Queen's shoulder. San'lr'in'thel'ineln’ placed her arm around Sle'nel', pulling her closer to her, then wrapped her cloak around the both of them. She held