by Jenn Nixon
“Tespor wishes to court me.”
“That is wonderful!”
“I do not find it so wonderful,” she said, dejectedly. “Mother, tell me, what do the white markings of the moons mean?”
“White?” she said. “Tiva, have your markings gone white?”
“No, not mine, Tespor’s.”
“He is of age,” D’laja said with care. “But you are too young...”
“Speak of what you know, Mother,” she said.
“Precious one, our markings are in tune with our emotions, even ones we are unaware we possess. As we get older, our desires for companionship change. Tespor asked to court you because he is coming of age and loves you. You must heed my advice, Tiva. Tell Tespor your feelings, good or bad, do not lead him astray, his bond to you is stronger than yours to him.”
“He wants us to break the barrier together, when we were ready…”
“You are too young for that now, but in time…” D’laja said. “It seems as if time has sped past us, you are speaking of courting and bonding already.”
“But, Mother, I do not wish it.”
“Because you have not been exposed to those emotions yet.”
Tiva knew those emotions already, but she neglected to correct her mother. She possessed romantic feelings, just not for Tespor. “I do care for him. He kissed me and it made me happy, yet, I had in my mind another choice for a potential—but I must continue with my training, either would be a distraction.”
D’laja chuckled. She began to unbraid her daughter’s hair, weaving her fingers carefully through the tangled mess. “In time you will change your mind. Love is a wondrous feeling. Love is the most precious and cherished gift we have to share with each other. It can bring great joy into your life. You can sense that, I know, but to experience it transcends anything you can fathom. When the time is right, and you break the emotional barrier, you will change. You’ll have new feelings and desires. And should your love be true you will express it physically as well as emotionally. Follow your heart, Tiva, but trust your sound judgment, and you will find the right path.”
Chapter Seven
The day ended quietly. Surprisingly, her siblings vanished after the evening meal, allowing Tiva and her mother to talk more as they cleaned. D’laja admitted she disliked having two of her family out on duty at the same time. While she understood her mother’s concern, the excitement over her first mission was something Tiva couldn’t contain. Returning to her room, she watched the suns set and stared out the window waiting for her father. Te looked lonely; she hadn’t visited him in a few days. Quickly, she scribbled a note and left it on the windowsill before jumping down and running through the field.
An image of the fallen guardian Ispek flashed in her mind. Six cycles had passed since then. She cringed and pushed the feelings rising within her aside. It was not a time to dwell on what had happened long ago. She would have plenty of time for that during her mission. She slowed to a fast walk and approached her nature friend. Reaching up, she gently took one of Te’s leaves in her hand.
“I have returned, my friend,” she said. Te’s branches swayed, though there was no wind. “Yes, I have much on my mind.” She found a comfortable spot at the base of his trunk, and rested her sword on her lap. Leaning back against him, she peered up through his branches to see the stars.
She tried to clear her mind. Tespor’s words, her mother’s advice, the tone of her father’s voice as he cut off communications, haunted her thoughts. Knowing Tespor might not like her answer, she tried to prepare herself for the outcome, and the potential loss of him as a friend. She prayed to the spirits that it would not happen; still she knew it was a possibility.
Time passed slowly. The call of the animals began as the first signs of morning decorated the sky. Her father had yet to come home. Something important must have happened. Upon seeing the earliest of the suns' light creep over the horizon, Tiva gathered her sword and stretched.
“I must go; Father should have been home by now. I am worried.” She sheathed her weapon, and examined her house. A light illuminated the kitchen, either her mother woke or her father returned home. “I hope to see you soon, Te. I will tell you all about my mission when I return.”
She grabbed the hilt of her sword and ran back to the house. Once inside, she paused to catch her breath and glanced around. The air in the house was still. Quietly, she moved into the living area to see her father sleeping on the couch. His hair lay disheveled on his head, his face drawn and full of worry. The moon markings on his forehead were dark. Not wanting to disturb him, she sunk to the floor next to him. She rested her head on the couch near his arm and closed her eyes.
“Dearest one, it’s time to wake,” Kevler’s soft and soothing voice called.
Tiva rubbed her face, opened her eyes. Her head was lying on her father’s lap. She had fallen asleep. Gently he ran his hands through her hair then kissed her forehead.
“Why did you not wake me earlier, Father?” she said.
“You seemed at ease, and I had a feeling you were wakeful all night waiting,” he said.
She sat up and leaned against him. “I was, but only because I felt something unsettling when you called me on the comm.”
“Yes, things are not well in the Hentor Province, Tiva. We will have much work to do once there.”
“Are we to leave soon?”
He nodded. “Change into civilian clothing and bring enough for several days. I will meet you outside shortly.”
She made her way to her room leaving Kevler in the living area. Without thinking, she changed into a printed tunic and comfortable pants. She gathered some items together, folding them neatly and securing them in her oversized satchel. Attaching her belt back around her waist, she secured her sword, pulled on her favorite black and silver trimmed cloak, and on her way out picked up a journal to keep her thoughts.
Outside, she wandered over to her father’s hover only to see a newer model next to it. Moving closer, she ran her hand along the smooth seems of the driver’s side and peered into the window. Everything inside looked shiny and advanced. The instrument panel was gray and black, a new computer console rested in the middle of the craft. Before she viewed the rest of it, she heard the footsteps of her mother and father walking toward her.
Tiva ran up to D’laja and embraced her. “I knew father would wake you to see us off.”
“I would have it no other way, precious,” she said, hugging back. “I have something for you.” She revealed a small package.
Tiva opened it, her face lighting up. “Thank you, Mother.”
“Now you can carry your family with you, wherever you go.”
“It’s wonderful mother, did you paint it yourself?” She studied the small painting of her family.
“Yes, I copied a virtual image taken at your cousins’ Remembrance.”
She ran her finger over the faces of her brother and sister, the memories of the gathering for Rae and Rux still clear in her mind. Her cousins had returned from duty to celebrate with the family. Tiva pestered them for help with the level two guardian test. Both agreed she was well prepared, but still she insisted, one more training session, then she’d feel confident.
Rux had offered to spar with her, and to her surprise, she bested him with ease. She forced him to fight again, asking for no special treatment. She was ill prepared for an unfettered spar, and the second round was tougher. He cut her twice with his blade, once on the back, the other on her thigh. She countered and struck him across the arm and midsection. Rae stopped the fight before their parents saw the condition of the two, and assured Tiva she was ready for the test.
She could see the slight pain hidden on her face in the painting, the scar on her back was a constant reminder as well. Her uncle and father were both quite annoyed with them for sparring with regular weapons when they eventually uncovered the truth, but Tiva’s quick thinking and fast tongue saved them from a reprimand.
Kevler placed a
hand on her shoulder and when she faced him, she knew he was remembering the same moment. She chuckled slightly, carefully folded the painting, and slipped in into her satchel.
“I will never part with it, Mother,” she said, and hugged her again.
“I have made you pastries for your journey. Contact me when you have settled so I will not have to worry.”
“I will dearest,” Kevler said, taking D’laja in his arms.
Tiva entered the hover and settled in the passenger side. She tossed her bag in the back seat, laid her sword on the floor near her feet—as the seat did not allow her to sit with it at her side—and waited. Sometimes she’d watch her parents when they said their goodbyes. She felt the love between them and it always made Tiva feel safe. Her father entered the craft moments later and strapped himself in.
“Ready, dearest one?” Kevler said as he started the hover.
“Yes, Father.”
It lifted off the ground, silently and with little vibration. Marveling at the sleek technology of the new hover, she would not have realized they were moving if not for the bridge at the edge of their land coming within her sight.
“I know you are curious, Tiva, you may ask whatever is in your mind.”
“There are many questions, Father, and answers I may not receive, so I will start with an easy one,” she said. “Why has the king bestowed a new hover? Unless you have purchased it yourself.”
“The king did give me this craft, but alas, only for the mission,” Kevler said, keeping his attention fully on the road. “And before your second question escapes your lips, if you wish, I will tell you of the task at hand.”
“Please do.”
“Since the death of Guardian Ispek, the king has had agents of the kingdom on assignment in Hentor. They have integrated themselves into the community, and are on the verge of uncovering the faction behind the raid that claimed cousin Towt’s life.”
Tiva kept the shock and anger from her face, but she was aware that her father had sensed the feeling. Still, he said nothing and continued.
“You and I are going in for support. We will be cousins from the Whettland Province, visiting with the protectors who are incognito within the town of Buali.” Kevler met her eyes and she nodded, still listening. “The reason you are coming with me on assignment is to assess the nature of the younger people in the town and province. The information we have is limited, but we worry that whoever is trying to gather followers to their cause is targeting the youth as well, not just land owners and trade workers.”
“So as we ‘visit’ with our family, we will collect any and all information we can?”
“Yes, that is the plan,” he said with a smile. “The legionnaires are prepared for our arrival, and will supply further details once we settle.”
“Father, do you think we can uncover vital information in only a few days?”
“I hope we can, dearest one, for a few short days is all we have.”
“Why is that?”
“The king requires my service on the first of the new season. Hentor is not the only problem the kingdom faces, and I am needed on council.”
“I understand. Then I must work swiftly if I am to uncover the truth of the faction.” Curious, it was, that her first assignment was a special operation. She wondered if they had waited until she was ready for the task, for she believed that the threat had been apparent long ago when the first attack took place. She stayed silent though, watching the edge of the Degort appear before them.
A deep valley became visible next, with rolling, golden tree topped hills, then wide, barren plains. Tiva had never seen the west of Abennelp. Her home in the east, the palace ground betwixt the two hemispheres, and all in between, was the only ground she had traveled until now. Seeing new parts of her home was thrilling, though the circumstances were not.
They came upon the Hentor province border first. Several bright and bold houses decorated the road. The Hentor homes did not mirror the ancient stone homes of the east. Many adopted the sleekness of the capital city.
Each province had a history. She knew all there was to know of the Yann and Stimli provinces as she had spent most of her childhood exploring both. The majority of the guardians still lived in both provinces. Though her family owned Yaan, and the Finto’s claimed Stimli, each had their own keepers in parliament. Yet, she knew few stories of the other provinces of Abennelp, and as they neared Hentor, she knew it was something she would soon remedy.
They passed through the sleek town without slowing or stopping. Tiva asked when they would arrive, and her father only said soon.
Tired, yet excited, she forced herself to stay alert and become familiar with her surroundings. They crossed a large bridge into Brigol Outer, the middle of Hentor province. The scenery again changed, this time she cringed. Several of the homes smoldered, scorched beyond livable conditions. Her eyes scrutinized the grounds laid out before her; a second row of homes set back from the road looked livable, but run down and broken. She had never seen such a sight. Pity filled her heart. She wondered how such things could happen.
Picking up her thoughts, Kevler took her hand and spoke. “This is the workings of the faction; the people of Hentor are noble and good. This is an attempt to keep out others, and show the people of this land who is in charge. That is why we have come to uncover the truth.”
“Father, stop!”
The hover halted, jarring the two inside. Tiva braced herself on the panel in front of her, but still hit her head on the glass of the front shield. Kevler slammed into the steering console then reached for his daughter. “Are you hurt?”
“No, I’m fine,” she said. Twisted metal and wood crudely formed into a gate spread across the width of the road. The gate stood no more than six feet high, but it was enough to keep hovers from entering. Capped at each end were two large, stone pillars, carved with symbols and lettering with which she was not familiar. Atop each pillar stood a guard, dressed in the green and gold colors of Hentor Province. The guards held rustic looking swords in their hands, and had very little armor or protection. A small hidden door in the middle of the gate opened. Another guard emerged and approached their hover. Tiva turned to her father, and with all seriousness she could muster, declared, “I am ready.”
“I know. I will gain entrance to the province. Keep your weapon hidden.” Kevler tapped on the console and the side window of the hover slid back. Tiva nonchalantly maneuvered her feet flat on the floor covering the sheath of her sword as best she could.
“Speak your name and business, stranger,” the guard demanded as he peered into the hovercraft.
“I am Kevler, this is my daughter Tiva, and we are here to visit our kin. The Pa’chey family.”
The guard took a step back and turned to the gate. “The Pa’chey family. Check the list, see if they have requested a pass for visitors.”
Tiva analyzed the area before her. The gate itself only blocked the road, but thin metal fencing surrounded the whole of the main town, separating it from the rest of the province. How odd, she thought, as she turned her attention back to her father.
The guard atop the pillar gave a signal, the other nodded and waved Kevler through. Slowly the twisted gate opened. Kevler tapped on the control panel, secured the window, and moved the hover. Once on the opposite side of the gate, the guard stopped them again. Tiva mumbled under her breath as they approached.
“Tiva, quiet.”
“This is preposterous. How can they gate the land and treat people so?”
“We will speak of it later, now, quiet.”
She narrowed her gaze at the guards while her father showed his permit for the hover, and then signed a strange looking parchment. Finally, after what seemed like hours to her, the guards let them pass into Brigol Proper. To her amazement, the inner town of Buali was beautiful, the complete opposite of what she had seen at the edge of its lands. Tall, smooth buildings and homes in small circle clusters, lined the main road. Between the groups of
homes and shops, nature commons and other recreation areas were full of children. The weaving side roads and alleys fingered off the main road like the branches of a tree.
Her father guided the hover through the middle of town, and took the last alleyway before the road dipped down into another valley. In the distance, a small patch of trees ended the narrow road. Tiva watched and waited, wondering where their destination was. Kevler drove to the very end and pulled out his PCD. He spoke so softly she could not hear his words, or the reply that came soon after. He slipped the device back in his belt and met eyes with her.
“I know you are confused. Everything will be clearer soon. You are about to embark on the first mission that will open your eyes to all there is about the world you live in. You have seen a great deal in your short time, dearest one, but this mission will be hard and require strength. Your mother and I feel you are ready, as does the king. You will learn much here, and you will be truly tested.”
She remained silent, easily suppressing her thoughts. Had this happened in the past when she had less control, her father might have sensed the frustration, anger, and pity for the things she saw here. Before she could dwell on her thoughts, she espied movement in the trees at the edge of the alley.
“Come,” Kevler said. “The legionnaires will attend to the hover.” Tiva gathered the satchel, her sword from the floor, and jumped out of the vehicle as a young man appeared near the trees.
“Welcome, Guardian Boon.” He saluted her father and ignored her. “We have set a room for you both, but first…this way please.”
She fell in step behind her father. Again, she surveyed the lay of the land, a natural part of her routine. Tespor joked once and called her virtual-mind, as if she created an image in her head. She usually remembered everything she saw before her with utmost clarity and little study.
As they entered the trees, she found herself surrounded by a gray gloom. The tops of the trees held darkened leaves, much more so than any tree she’d seen before, but something about them looked odd. Upon closer inspection, she knew some of the branches were fake.