by Jenn Nixon
“We will soon, but first it is my turn to bestow upon you a family heirloom.” He smiled and touched her cheek. From his tunic he pulled a bundle wrapped in a soft cloth, he placed it in her open hand. She hugged him without seeing what he gave her. “Open it, dearest one.”
She peeled back the cloth revealing a thick, silver bangle. The half circle easily slipped onto her wrist. The band, decorated with the Boon family crest, glistened as she turned her hand from side to side. The two swords crossed each other in the middle of the diamond crest; the Boon family cross lay under the swords.
“It is beautiful, Father, thank you so very much.”
“You are most welcome, but now, it is time for your gathering.” Kevler rose to his feet, picked her up, and carried her back to the house.
The gathering of her family and friends continued for most of the morning, and into the midday. Tiva recounted the ceremony for her cousins and friends that could not attend. She even admitted her nervousness to her family. They all told short tales of their own induction ceremonies, and the gatherings that followed them. Many agreed that Tiva had the most legionnaires, Mystics, and Vicars in attendance, and D’laja said it was due to Tiva’s talkative nature.
As she was older now and did not require as many material items, the gifts presented to her in the gifting circle were songs, poems, sage advice, and notable quotes. Her cousins Rae and Rux had made a drawing for her, her siblings, with D’laja’s help, quilted a sash for her uniform, embroidering her name into the fabric. Her aunts and uncles gave her trinkets and candles. Tespor gave her a handmade fabric flower. D’laja’s gift was a jeweled hair-band for when she kept her hair loose, and her father gave her a crystal doll.
“I’m giving you this doll so you can always remain innocent and remember to have fun in this life.”
Once the gifting was through, many of the guests went home. Tiva contemplated visiting Te once more. Instead, she put all her new gifts neatly away, and played with Remock and Bintu until the suns set.
After the evening meal with her family, she retired to her room. She opened the drapes to her back window and looked out. She inspected the field below, and noticed Te at the far reaches of the land. Tiva smiled to him, knowing he could feel her, then looked up toward the sky to see the moon. The silver aura of the moon lit everything within her eyesight, casting a soft calm over the landscape.
Her spirit rose at the sight, it never ceased to make her gasp each time the night was like this. Stars were scattered in every direction she looked. The night sky was clear, revealing the galaxy beyond her own. It mimicked a swirl of white sand against the blackness of space almost as if a painter had placed it in its position. She wondered what lie beyond her own planet. She wondered if off-worlders would come back to Abennelp, in peace or otherwise. But mostly, she felt serenity as she studied the sky, a curious sensation passing through her, almost an urge to be among them. The stars sparkled down at her, and she opened the window allowing the night air to fill her room.
Tiva spent hours watching her surroundings. When the midnight hour approached, she thought of climbing to the roof to view the sky.
Tiva leaned against the sill and craned her head up to get a better view. Without warning, a pebble struck her on the side of her temple. She whipped her head around to see Tespor Roxon looking up at her window.
“By the guardians, what do you think you are doing?” she whispered and rubbed her head.
“I couldn’t sleep.” He smiled, his markings appearing lighter than normal. “I can see your front window from the Finto house, and wanted to see if you wished company.”
“If I come down will you speak of your training?” she asked.
“If you will tell me what the Mystic revealed to you during your Remembrance gathering.” He raised a brow awaiting an answer. She nodded. Tespor grinned and tossed a pebble up in the air, Tiva caught it. She placed her hands on the pane, pulled her legs underneath her, and crouched within the frame of the large window. She rose, marked her spot on the ground, and jumped. She flipped over twice before landing firmly next to him. He stared at her, his mouth gaped open as she stood up straight, and tugged at her new guardian uniform smoothing the tunic along her stomach.
“Do you not get chastised for such acrobatics?” Tespor said handing her another pebble.
“No, why would I?”
“What you did was dangerous, you could have injured yourself,” he said.
She began to chuckle and shake her head.
His brow furrowed. “You think jumping down from such a height is wise?”
“Tespor, dear friend, I have been jumping from Te since I could walk. From my window since I was six, and soon I will jump from the roof.” She smirked. “All it requires is balance and practice. Perhaps I can teach you.”
“Tiva, the higher you jump from, the harder your descent to the ground.” He threw a pebble up into the air and followed it as it fell into the field.
“True, but you can slow your descent by the motions of your body and gauging the wind.” She threw her own pebble into the field.
“I can’t gauge the wind, wait, do you have the Nature Sense?” he said, she nodded. “Intriguing. I’ve been told I might have the ability to mind-speak, but I am still too young.”
“Practice can help with that from what I have learned.” She walked through the field, tossing the pebbles in their path. “So, speak of the training I am to begin. Most have been secretive of my first day, and I am unsure what to expect. Can you enlighten me?”
“I will keep your first day a surprise.” He smiled while hers changed into a frown. “However, I can tell you, it is a day of introductions and some fun. The normal training and schooling schedule is the same for all inductees. You will be in class from morning until high noon. Then you have weapons training, empathy training, which is more fun than you may think, a lecture each day by a different guardian, and the day ends with patrols alongside an elder guardian. That is most of what you will do in the first stage.”
“It sounds perfect.” She hopped on one foot and took off one of her shoes, then removed the second. She let her toes dig into the grass as she walked, feeling the soft blades tickle her skin. “I was so bored with my pre-induction schooling; it wasn’t very challenging.”
“Me, too. You will find many challenges in guardian training, and when you reach stage three I am told we learn covert tactics.” He grinned. “I can’t wait to start that training. After stage three they begin aptitude trials to best suit each guardian into a position.”
“I am going to be a level one guardian,” she said and approached her tree, gently taking one of its leaves in her hand.
“You jest,” he said, “Abennelp has no girl elite guardians.”
“I will be the first, you will see.” She smiled at him and jumped up into Te’s welcoming branches then curled up in her usual sitting place. “My place is at the king’s side, like my father and his father.”
“Perhaps, perhaps not. A mighty feat could earn the post, but don’t think the path will be easy.” Tespor tilted his head up to meet her eyes. “I wish you luck in your endeavors.”
“Thank you, my friend.” She nodded to him. “I haven’t seen you in many moons, how are you faring in the Finto home?”
“It is still hard, but I’m adjusting. The Finto’s are a fine family, though stringent in their care of the children. They are not as free spirited as your parents seem to be.”
“What do you mean?” she said, cocking her head to the side.
“They would surely reprimand me for being out at such an hour, but it is worth it to see you.” He smiled and blushed—his markings turned a deep pink, hers mimicked his, and she let her lip curve slightly. She stood up on Te’s trunk and held two of his sturdier branches to keep steady. Tespor watched, his emotions unhidden from her. “Tomorrow you will have the chance to meet Neola Riin, she is between us in age, and is training with the Vicars in Degort.”
“I hav
e heard that name before…she is the High Healer of Degort’s granddaughter, is she not?” Tiva said.
“Yes, she is,” Tespor said.
Tiva allowed him to change the subject. She was unsure of all that she sensed. He enjoyed spending time with her, but there was an elusive emotion emanating from him. She shook off the thought and motioned to the horizon. The night sky was lightening; the suns would rise in a few hours.
“Do you still wish to know what the Mystic told me?”
“Yes, I do, did he see your future?”
“He claims to have seen it, but his words were riddled and unclear.”
“Speak of what he said.”
“All he said was something about traveling, wings, and weight, and I am not as I seem…”
Tespor frowned. “Not very interesting.”
“Indeed.” She sighed. “Perhaps Mystic Litak needs more practice.”
He chuckled then looked toward the Finto family home. “Alas, the night is ending soon and I must head home before anyone realizes I have been away. I’ll see you in the morrow at training.” He shrugged. “Try to sleep some before you depart.”
Tiva rolled her eyes as he took off running through the field. She watched him for quite some time before he was off the edge of her family land, and when he seemed only a shadow in the distance, she jumped down from the tree and lay on the ground below. The sky above was indeed beginning to brighten. She had plenty of time to rest before she would leave for the city, so she closed her eyes and freed her mind, allowing her to drift off into sleep.
Chapter Four
Excited, Tiva sat next to her mother trying to stay still. D’laja steered the hovercraft expertly along the road. She was glad her mother was escorting her to the palace. She would have preferred both her parents, but duty interfered.
Kevler had left at dawn. An urgent call came from the Hentor Province, on the opposite side of Abennelp. He was unsure how long he would be gone, sometimes days other times entire seasons. It was the only part of being a guardian that Tiva felt unsure about, long leaves from her family. She knew her first tour or assignment would be much later, when she was older, but she missed her parents when they were away. Luckily, the king valued family and rarely sent parents away at the same time if both were under the guardianship.
They arrived at the gates of the palace. D’laja saluted the keepers. Tiva did not know them personally, but their darker skin tone identified them as members of the Ispek family. As they passed through the gates, Tiva noticed one of them wink at her while the other smiled. She furrowed her brow with confusion. D’laja chuckled, but gave no explanation, and set the vehicle down when they reached the docking deck.
Her cousin Towt stood guard at the side entrance to the palace, and grinned at them as they approached.
“Spirited greetings!” he said happily.
“Spirited greetings,” they both said.
“Ready for your first day, little cousin?” he said and opened the large doors.
“Yes, I am,” Tiva said. “I know not what to expect, but I hope all goes well.”
“Don’t worry, you will be pleased,” he replied.
Tiva stepped inside and was awestruck. The corridor was vibrant and beautifully decorated. She noticed the floor first. Florid symbols and golden words were etched on the stone slates, each block holding a different word: duty, honor, trust, love, among others. All words she would need to know as a Royal Guardian. Portraits of past guardians who had lost their lives while in service of the king hung on the wall. The two closest to the doorway were Tespor’s parents, Ader and Yinlla, the most recent to perish. Their portraits were a virtual projection. The images were almost statuesque. Her father, weary of new technology had not purchased a virtual imager, but as she gazed over the portrait, she knew she would ask for one on her next Remembrance.
D’laja took her daughter’s hand and tugged her down the hall. Tiva examined all the portraits as they walked. Each one older and less sophisticated than the previous as the times had changed. They reached the end of the hall, and above the door was a life size painting of the first Royal Guardian, her ancestor, Trilo. She stopped in her tracks and stared at the painting. It seemed well preserved for its age, and as she studied his features, she swelled with delight. He had dark hair like her own, his eyes a sharp green. The markings on his forehead were dark purple, which she found curious, and his stature was stocky yet strong. Under the painting was a plaque; she read the words aloud.
“Trilo Boon, founder of the Royal Guardians. His lifeblood was spilt on the twenty-seventh day of the Warming, the 1234th cycle of Abennelp.” She turned to her mother. “That will be five-hundred cycles ago next Warming, Mother.”
“You are correct, precious one, and most likely will be your first official assignment as a guardian. The Founders Festival will be a joyous celebration, but the guardians still protect the king and queen whilst they are among the people. Guardian trainees have patrols on the outside gates of the palace, with elders.” D’laja opened the door and tugged again.
“I will be honored, Mother. Duty comes before pleasure, does it not?” she said.
“Most times, Tiva, most times.” She smiled.
They entered the next room, and Tiva again became infatuated with the colorful and exquisite decorating. Her mother placed a hand at the base of her neck and she turned her attention forward noticing several guardians standing by a very large window. They all saluted, D’laja and Tiva returned the gesture. She lowered her fist from her heart, and dropped to one knee as instructed earlier.
“Trainee, Royal Guardian Tiva Boon reporting.” She bowed.
“Greetings, Lady Boon.” Her former instructor Jaina Jelev smiled. “I am pleased to introduce you to guardian trainer, Zenid Finto. She will be your instructor for general classes as well as your empathic studies.”
Tiva felt a wave of relief wash over her. Zenid Finto, her neighbor and a close friend of her mother’s was one of the three stage-one trainers. Her cousin Rae had told horrid stories of Guardian Yoka Becha, an older and less friendly trainer. Luck was on Tiva’s side, but she kept her excitement hidden.
“For weapons training you will study with your uncle Devler, and this week you will be patrolling with Royal Guardian Lety Ispek.” Each acknowledged her with a tilt of their head, with the exception of Devler who winked at her. “Your mother will take you on a tour of the palace and when you are through, you’ll have morning meal with the king and queen in the Great Hall. Then I’ll give you a listing of studies, your lectures for the week, and take you for a tour of the palace grounds. After midday meal we can discuss your aspirations and what you wish to gain from your studies, and conclude the day with aptitude tests to place you at the appropriate levels.” Jaina smiled.
Just as the trainer finished her speech, three young people came into the room. One was Tespor, who smiled casually at Tiva, the other a young girl dressed in cleric robes. Tiva guessed that was Neola, and the third another young boy, a guardian trainee. The three walked toward the trainer and others near the window. They saluted before standing to the side.
“Lady Boon, I would like you to meet your training companions.” Zenid Finto stepped forward, “I believe you know Tespor Roxon, and this is Jex Jelev, both are in stage two, however you will see them in some of your classes, as well as weapons and empathic training.” She walked to the girl and put a hand on her shoulder. “This is Vicar Trainee, Neola Riin and she will be in a few of your classes as well as empathic training.”
Tiva nodded to her training mates and sensed from them the same excitement she felt. She let a small smile form on her lips. They responded in kind and Zenid smiled along with them. “May the spirits make you all fast friends,” she said as if reading their minds. “These three must head to class. D’laja will take you on your tour now.”
D’laja and Tiva bowed then waited as they all filed out of the room. When the doors closed shut, Tiva jumped up into her mother’s arms. D’l
aja swung her around playfully.
“Do you wish to pick where to go, or shall I lead, precious one?”
“I will follow you, Mother.”
D’laja opened the large doors to the hall. When they stepped out, Tiva snapped up straight, and turned serious. D’laja chuckled. “Tiva, you do not need to be so somber, everyone can sense your excitement.”
“I know, Mother, but I wish to prove I can be the best Royal Guardian ever.” Tiva smiled and squeezed her mother’s hand. “I am looking forward to my studies. Do you think I will impress them at the aptitude testing?”
“Perhaps you will, just do your best and do not fret.”
The remainder of the day kept Tiva’s mind active and her spirits high. During morning meal with the king and queen, she sensed from the king that something was amiss within the palace. D’laja and Mirta talked of the children, but Harer kept his attention divided between Tiva and the Royal Guardians who interrupted occasionally to whisper in his ear. Darlew Finto, another elite level one guardian, and Zenid’s husband, called the king away from the meal on an urgent matter.
Her mother shuffled Tiva back to the main study to continue with the orientation.
Tiva’s study listings were unusual, but interesting. Among the topics that piqued her interest: history, combat and theory, and meditation.
While touring the grounds she asked many questions about the smaller buildings surrounding the palace. Some of the older structures, constructed over time, when different kings held power, were still standing. Her knowledge of past kings was limited, but her studies would help remedy her ignorance.
After the midday meal, Zenid and D’laja ushered Tiva to the lift in the main hall of palace. She stared at the beautiful glass-enclosed contraption that carried people up to the different levels of the tower. As they waited for the doors to open, D’laja knelt down and kissed her daughter on the cheek.
“I will meet you by the hover after your aptitude tests,” she said brushing her thumb across Tiva’s forehead. “I must collect your siblings from Aunt Zizi. She is on duty soon.”