by Jenn Nixon
“His spirit has gone to the Eternal Lands. His body lies in the field. He had a message.”
D’laja jumped up from the bed. She hurried to the window, gasped, covered her mouth, and stepped back. Kevler released Tiva and followed. He peered out, then took D’laja in his arms.
“What did he tell you, Tiva?” Kevler said while comforting her mother.
“He said ‘I must protect the king from them all’, and then he said, ‘she knows’,” Tiva said. “Mother, do you know what he speaks of?”
“No, I do not. Precious…wait…he said you were to protect the king?” D’laja said.
“Yes, Mother,” she said.
“By the spirits you are bleeding!” D’laja shrieked and rushed to her side.
“Mother, I am fine. I attempted to help Guardian Ispek and tend to his wounds…there were so many…”
“Tiva, wash up and make haste to bed,” Kevler ordered.
“But, Father—”
“Don’t argue, dearest one. Your day has been eventful enough. Mother and I shall handle this.”
“Yes, Father.” Tiva sighed and left. So many thoughts filled her mind. What she felt from her parents scared her most. Her father was injured and concerned, her mother distraught. Sensing the tension inside them was simple, but the darker feelings deep within surprised her: Fear and anger. Something more important and threatening than anything either of her parents had faced before had happened. It was not her place to question them, but as she washed up and changed into her sleep clothing, she couldn’t help but think of all that had happened.
She finally drifted off and slept soundly until she woke in the early morning. Rubbing the tiredness from her eyes, she saw her father sleeping upright on her toy chest. She rose from her bed and crossed the room. Softly, she caressed her father’s forehead. His markings were darker than normal, which did little to comfort her.
“Father.” Tiva threw her arms around him and squeezed tight when his eyes fluttered open.
“What is wrong, dearest one?”
“I am not strong, Father. I lack control. I hear thoughts all the time. I feel emotions from everyone. The king, he spoke inside my mind. I can’t block all the hurt and despair.” She crawled up into his lap. “I cannot protect the king. I can barely face the death of my cousin and Guardian Ispek. I can’t do this, Father.”
Kevler rocked her gently. “Shh, my dearest one. You are just facing many things and have yet to learn how to deal with them. Mother told me of your troubles in the palace, but she did not mention the mind-speak.”
“I didn’t tell her. I was afraid. You know the king better so I wanted to tell you first. How come I can sense and hear him so?” she said, wiping tears from her eyes.
“You are well in tune with your abilities, Tiva. Many in our family have the ability to mind-speak, most of your ancestors possessed great strength with their gifts. You are no exception. Your mother and I will teach you ways to guard yourself; do not fret, all will be fine.”
“Father, Guardian Ispek said I must protect the king. I am not even a full guardian yet, how can I protect him?”
“By remaining loyal to King Delos and his family.”
“But…” Her words trailed off as she peeled herself from his lap. She stood and paced the floor. “What did Ispek mean, ‘she knows’?”
“I don’t know, Tiva. Ispek was with me in the Hentor Province fighting an underground faction that is trying to gain control of the land. He stayed behind when I left. Something happened, but despite our investigation we’ve not uncovered any helpful information.”
“Investigation?”
“Yes, the king has a larger group of legionnaires and guardians in the province as we speak. They have no leads to follow. No one knows what happened to Ispek.”
“I am sorry, Father. I could feel his life slipping from him and did not wish for him to die alone,” she said and sobbed.
Kevler hugged her. “No one wants a lonely death. You did well. I know your heart aches, but in time, the hurt will fade. Keep alive the fond memories even if they be but few in number.”
Tiva nodded, then kissed her father’s cheek. He picked her up and carried her down to the kitchen for the morning meal. The rest of the house stayed silent with sleepers so Kevler fixed a bowl of fruit for her. Comforted by her father’s words, Tiva relaxed and enjoyed the time with him. Though they spoke little, the bond between them was strong. After they finished eating, Kevler asked about the Calming. Tiva recounted every detail, and listened as he offered advice for the next time.
The shuffling of the rest of the family on the floor above cut through the kitchen, signaling that the day was ready to begin. Together they prepared morning meal for the others, cleaned up, and finally Kevler told Tiva to get dressed.
“I am to return to the palace and continue my training?” she said, a small smile forming on her lips.
“Certainly, dearest one, now hurry. We mustn’t keep your class mates waiting.”
Tiva remained by herself for most of the day and kept to her studies. She favored weapons training above all other classes. However, she was not looking forward to it knowing Tespor would be there. When she arrived at the training field, Tespor and her uncle were sparring in the circle. She approached slowly and watched their techniques.
Surprisingly, Tespor waved and she took a quick moment to collect her thoughts. She made her way over and bowed to them both.
“Spirited greetings, Tiva.” Tespor welcomed her with a large grin.
“And to you, Tespor.” Tiva raised a brow, and then turned to her uncle. “How are you faring, Uncle Devler?”
“I am well, and you?” he said, and she shrugged. “Well, perhaps a little exercise will do you good? How about you two spar with the practice swords for a spell? I shall return shortly.”
Tiva sighed as her uncle walked off toward the palace. She found a sword and tested its weight in her hand. Tespor waited inside the circle while she fiddled with the faux weapon. She met him in the middle and took a fighting stance.
“I was sorry to hear of your cousin. You have my prayers,” Tespor said unexpectedly.
“Thank you,” she said through gritted teeth and struck out at him.
“You are angry with me?” he said, hindering her attempt.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“You should not have to ask.” Tiva grunted and thrust forward again with the sword.
“Clearly I am asking, will you not tell me?” Tespor blocked again, spun his sword down and swung back at her.
“No,” Tiva said and obstructed his attack. She jumped up and flipped backward putting distance between them.
“Why?”
“Fight.”
“Not until you speak of what you mean,” he said, throwing his sword to the ground.
“Then you shall lose.” Tiva rushed toward him and slammed her shoulder into his stomach. Tespor grabbed her as he began to fall and flipped her backward over his head. She landed on her back and growled. Quickly jumping to her feet, she swung the sword around, clipping him on the back of his neck as he rose from the ground. He yelped and backed away. She swung at him again and ripped the sleeve from his shirt.
“Tiva, stop!” Tespor pleaded.
“You are supposed to be my friend!” she said and swung again.
“I am.”
“Then why do you bear such hatred for me? Why have you not come to see me when I needed you so? Why can you not look me in the eyes?” She stopped her attack and stared at him.
“You think I hate you? Where did you get an idea like that?”
“I sensed it in you, Tespor, you cannot hide it from me.”
“I do not hate you. Perhaps you are misreading what I am feeling.”
“I am not!” she said, threw down her sword, and balled her hands into fists. “You despise me. You don’t understand how I possess such abilities, yet you never ask me about them. My cousin is dead, Guardian Ispek died in my arms and you have
yet to say a word to me…”
“What? What happened?” he said, the concern on his face apparent.
Tiva shook her head and walked away.
“Tiva, please…wait!”
She paused. She hung her head and wiped her cheeks quickly before turning to face him. “Guardian Ispek came to our home yesterday. He was badly injured and died as I tried to tend to him.”
“By the spirits,” Tespor proclaimed. He pulled her into his arms. “I didn’t know. Forgive me. I heard of your cousin’s death, but was told to leave you be to mourn properly. I didn’t know you sought comfort from me. I am merely a friend, not your family.”
“You are family to me, Tespor.” Tiva hugged him tight. “I’m sorry to have hollered, it was not right.”
“You were angry, all is forgiven.” He lifted her chin. “I do not hate you, Tiva. I envy you, in many ways. I must learn that there will always be someone stronger, better, and smarter than I. One cannot be the best at everything they try.”
“Quite true, but, Tespor why do you envy me?”
“Look at all you have, Tiva. Your family, friends, and your abilities are far greater than mine.”
“That’s not true.” She shook her head furiously. “The Finto’s are your family, they care for you a great deal. You have as many friends as I, and you are far stronger than you give yourself credit for.”
“Perhaps, but please, Tiva, do not think I hate you. I could never hate you. You are…”
“What?” she said, studying him. His markings turned lighter before he turned away.
“You are my finest friend.”
She knew he lied. He hid something, but she dare not ask. She simply acknowledged his answer, kicked her practice sword upward, and caught it in her hand. She grinned and motioned to the sparring circle. He chuckled, picked up his own, and followed.
They fought and talked until Devler returned. Tiva enjoyed the lesson, but the joy of knowing Tespor was not angry with her was far better than anything she learned in training.
She finished the day patrolling the grounds with a cousin of the Finto family, a replacement for Lety Ispek.
Returning home after the day ended was a blessing. Though her parents did not give her more information about Guardian Ispek’s death, she pushed the questions aside. In time, she hoped, the truth would reveal itself.
Tiva sat in her window watching the moon rise high above the trees of the forest. Te swayed in the middle of the field dancing with the wind. She stifled a yawn and wished she had the energy to visit, but knew she’d have time in the morning. She looked forward to the holy day. A day she could rest and play with her siblings after the family visited the ministry house to pray. If she were lucky, her parents would allow her to invite her training mates over for midday meal.
She changed into her sleep clothing and rested on her bed. D’laja came in to bid her a goodnight and said her father would be up shortly. Tiva forced herself to stay awake, not wishing to miss him.
Slowly her door creaked open. She sat up and grinned at Kevler, then upon seeing him in his guardian uniform, frowned.
“Do not be sad, dearest one.” He crossed the room and sat beside her. “This is the life we lead. I have a duty to uphold.”
“Where are you going, Father?”
“Back to the Hentor Province. The king has order us to secure the land. You do understand, no?”
“I do, but I wish you had more time to recover from your injuries. I fear you may…”
He rubbed her markings tenderly. “Don’t worry about me, Tiva. I shall be fine. The strongest guardians will be with me, and the threat will be averted.”
“Are you sure, Father?”
“We cannot always be completely sure, but the culprits are within our grasp and will be caught and punished.”
“All of them?”
He chuckled. “We hope so.”
“You laugh…is this not a serious matter?”
“Of course it is, but you should not worry about such things, concentrate on your training, dearest one. We shall handle the situation.” He smiled and kissed her forehead. “Pray for me on the morrow.”
“I will pray for us all, Father.”
Chapter Six
She ran though the garden careful not to disturb any of the king’s favorite flowers and shrubbery. Tiva sped across the lawn and into the side entrance to the palace quicker than she thought possible, even for her. Down the guardian corridor and into the Great Hall, she skidded to a stop seeing her father and King Delos speaking quietly in the corner.
“Father,” she said.
They both turned and smiled.
“Welcome, dearest one.”
“I did it, Father!”
“What?”
“I passed,” she said and crossed the hall.
“Level two?” he said, then glanced to Delos who nodded in response. “Harer, you didn’t tell me.”
“We wished it to be a surprise, Father. I asked him not to tell you or mother. Zenid felt I was ready and King Delos agreed.” She grinned and walked up to her father looking him in the eyes.
“I am surprised.” He chuckled, rubbing his temple. “I can’t believe how quickly you’ve grown. I am very proud, Tiva.”
“Thank you, Father.” She threw her arms around him and was unprepared for him to swing her around. When he released her, Tiva sheepishly tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. She instantly saluted the king, realizing she’d forgotten.
“I am proud as well, do not be embarrassed, Tiva.” King Delos laughed and saluted back. “Your father tackled me in the court yard when he passed level two.”
“He did?” she said, shocked.
“That he did, it is completely appropriate under the circumstances.”
“Thank you, sire.” She bowed her head slightly. “I look forward to my new assignments and tours of duty.”
“You have gained the respect of many under my command, Guardian Boon. The future ahead of you will hold wonders the rest of us may never comprehend.”
Tiva tugged at the strings of the Guardian strap her father made after her first cycle of training and let out a sigh of relief. Time had passed quickly for her. The road behind her was paved with obstacles and challenges beyond her wildest thoughts. Thinking ahead to her future filled her with joy. She knew in her heart where she belonged and every day she pushed herself to the limit to prove she could achieve anything she desired.
She had become the youngest guardian, at fourteen, to reach level three status, and again proved her worth two cycles later, by accomplishing the same feat with level two. It only fueled her more to strive for elite guardianship. Somehow, she would prove herself and convince the king to grant her the rank she craved, regardless of gender.
“Have you decided on your preferred duty, dearest one?” Kevler said, breaking into her thoughts.
“Yes, Father. I wish to patrol the interior of the palace, and escort as needed,” she said.
“A fine choice. Has Zenid given you a listing of the tours?” Delos said.
“No, sire. As soon as I learned my results I asked if I could come and find my father to tell him the news,” she said with a grin.
“I see,” he said. “Well, since you are here. I would like to ask for a favor.”
“Anything, your majesty.”
Delos rolled his eyes. “You may call me Harer, Tiva. I may be your king, but my life is in your hands. I owe you my respect.”
Tiva glanced at her father unsure what to say. She did not feel an equal to many of the people who requested her to use their birth names, but politely obliged many times. Now the king asked her to address him like a friend, an equal. Only a select few held that privilege. Kevler pushed up on her chin to close her mouth. She shook her head, snapping back to reality and stared at the king. She pressed her fist to her heart and bowed her head.
“I am honored, Harer,” she spoke slowly, allowing it to roll off her tongue for the first time.
> “Just remember, I do not allow many to use my name.”
“When in the presence of others, I will not forget my place, sire.”
“Good, now I have an assignment for you and your father,” he said, returning to his royal voice. “You remember what happened in the Hentor Province long ago?”
Her pulse quickened. How could she forget? Finally, she would learn the truth. “I remember some.”
“It has been rumored that more of the same activity is taking place again. I would like you and Kevler to investigate. You will meet with a group who has been on site for many cycles, and utilize all the intelligence information they have procured.” He paused and tilted his head. “I understand you excelled in your special operations training.”
“Zenid has never seen scores like Tiva’s,” Kevler said proudly.
“I was always sneaky as a child, it was a natural progression,” Tiva jested.
Harer snickered. “It may come in handy. Your father will brief you on the situation this evening. You leave in the morning.”
“I understand.”
“Now, go find your friends and celebrate.”
“Yes, sire.” She bowed her head again, hugged her father, kissed him on the cheek, and ran out of the Great Hall to look for her friends.
Excited beyond words, she dashed out of the palace and went straight to the guardian hall on the opposite side of the grounds. Less than a day as a level two, and the king gave her an official assignment!
She waved and smiled at a few legionnaires and guardians as she hurried past, but never slowed until the building came into view. Litru and Zaynus were tossing a ball back and forth obviously enjoying a break in their patrols.
“Greetings, Tiva,” Litru said with a grin while Zaynus added, “We heard you passed level two, well wishes!”
“Thank you,” she said, slowing to a jog. Her chats with the twins always brightened her day, especially when she spoke with Litru. He still had an interesting effect on her. “Have you seen Tespor, Neola, and Jex?”
“Yes, they are in the garden with Prince Kenon, Princess Jenon and your siblings.”
“Why have they all gathered there?” she asked.