Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian

by Jenn Nixon

  “That is part of what I need to tell you…” She paused as the doors opened. The hall was empty and she guided him to a quiet corner. “It is true, I am with heavy heart, but I do not wish to mislead you.”

  “Speak of what you feel,” he coaxed.

  “I care for you, you are my dearest friend, but I am not ready to court, Tespor.”

  “I understand.”

  “Perhaps all I need is time, though I cannot predict what the future will hold.”

  “You can have all the time you need, Tiva. I have no interest in anyone else.” He squeezed her hand. “And when the time is right, if you will still have me, I will be here waiting for you.”

  She didn’t expect this turn of events, certain he’d feel rejected and hurt, she prepared no words for this. Maybe she misjudged him. He was worthy and understanding, he could be a fine potential if it were not for her thoughts of Litru still lingering at the back of her mind. She nodded and slipped her hand from his.

  “I must return to my duties, will you visit me soon?”

  “Yes, Tiva, when time permits.”

  “Well wishes, Tespor.”

  “And to you, my friend.” With that, he was gone.

  Tiva met up with Yark on the west side of the fourth floor. They continued their rounds until the suns began to set. Nothing out of the ordinary had presented itself the entire day, save her encounter with Tespor. They reported to Zenid and she dismissed them for the evening. Tiva rushed out of the palace to find her family.

  Making her way outside, she stopped to talk with the Truda twins. Zaynus spoke about some rumors he had heard, she politely listened. Her guard dropped slightly as Litru stood near. Just like when she was younger, he calmed her spirit. She made a quick, but polite exit and headed for the temporary hover deck.

  Remock and Bintu were waiting near the vehicle. She had not seen her father all day, and worried what news would come from the council. When their mother appeared, they piled into the hover and drove home. Kevler once again stayed behind with the king, and others, but Tiva did not question D’laja with her siblings present. Once home, they enjoyed evening meal, and when her mother sent the children to wash up, Tiva stayed in the kitchen to help clean.

  “Will Father be home soon?” she said.

  “I am unsure, precious one, the king has been in council all day…many guardians returned from a mission to report their findings,” D’laja said.

  “Do you know how the missions turned out? Did the guardians uncover more information about the factions?”

  “Speak of how you learned of this.” Her mother’s markings darkened slightly.

  Tiva stepped back, shocked to hear her mother raise her voice. “One of the other guardians mentioned the king’s orders to me. Are you angry with me, Mother?”

  D’laja sighed. “No, I am not angry. I’m just being overprotective. You will learn of the news tomorrow. The king will meet with the guardians…”

  “Can you not say?”

  “We will hear what he has to tell us together, Tiva. I know nothing of what has happened. Now, go wash up and ready for bed.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  *

  The family gathered for the morning meal. Kevler had returned sometime during the night. He greeted them all, and he seemed pleased to see everyone. After eating, they journeyed to the palace, Remock and Bintu went off to training, and Tiva went about her patrols with Yark.

  It was a warm day for the middle of the Cooling season, so they talked of the weather, but said little else, as both sensed the tension in the palace. Mid-day came and passed without incident or communication from the king. Tiva wondered if the meeting with the king would happen, or if lower ranked guardians would not attend.

  Evening came fast, and as she and Yark rode up the lift to report to Zenid, she asked if he had heard any news of the council.

  “I have not,” he said. “Things are being kept quiet. I was told we were to meet with the king today…”

  “As was I—things are too quiet, that is what worries me.”

  “Indeed.”

  “Perhaps we are not privy to what transpired.”

  “Don’t be hasty, Tiva. We will learn what happened when the king deems it appropriate.”

  Inside, she was agitated, but she kept her feelings hidden. She disliked being left out of important matters of the palace. It was her inquisitive nature, as her mother often said, that landed her in trouble. Perhaps she was right.

  Zenid dismissed them after reporting the day’s events.

  Now off duty, Tiva stopped at the entrance to the guardian corridor to talk with the Truda twins, but found the second shift guardians were already present. Frustrated, she crossed the courtyard, and waited by her father’s hover.

  Remock and Bintu were late.

  Their training was going well as far as she knew. Remock was almost ready for his exams and had completed his first cycle of training, but wanted to wait for Bintu to be ready before he attempted to pass. He wished to go through the levels together. Tiva knew that would change as they got older, still, it was noble of him.

  Some time had passed elevating her anxiety as she waited. Only on occasion had training lasted this long, and she began to wonder if her personal comm device was out of power and she missed being contacted. As she pulled the device from her belt, her siblings approached.

  “Tiva!” Bintu said, grinning.

  “Spirited greetings, Bintu and Remock.”

  “And to you, sister.” Remock smiled. “Bintu and I are going on patrol with the Truda twins shortly.”

  “This evening?”

  “Yes, the king is holding council; he is with a few who must remain on guard for the evening. We’re helping. You’ll be called shortly, that is what Zenid said.”

  “I was beginning to think my PCD was not working.”

  “Will you tell us what you learn, Tiva?” Bintu said.

  “If I am allowed, I shall, but do not expect it.”

  “That’s not fair, you always know more than you should.”

  “Only by chance, Bintu,” Tiva said. “I’ll tell you anything I can, you have my word.” Before either of her siblings questioned further, Tiva’s PCD beeped. She smiled and raised it. “Guardian Boon.”

  “Please meet in the Great Hall, the king has called a meeting.” D’laja’s voice sprung from the device.

  “I’ll be there shortly,” she said, then turned to her brother and sister. “Keep well, and stay sharp. Patrols can be dreary at times, but that is no reason to be lax.”

  “We will,” they said before heading toward the palace gates.

  Tiva entered the guardian corridor and felt a wave of strong emotions. Taken aback, she forced her shield tight, and entered the Great Hall. Almost a hundred guardians had gathered inside, including members from every family. She spotted Tespor and Jex sitting with the Finto and Jelev families. Most of her family including her mother and older cousins were present, but not her father or Uncle Devler. She took note that Darlew Finto and all other elite guardians were missing as well.

  Rae waved her over, and offered her an empty seat. D’laja and Zenid were speaking softly nearby. Tiva did not wish to interrupt, so she sat and listened to her cousins and their friends talk about recent missions and patrols. Every so often, she glanced over to see Tespor and Jex engaged in conversation as well. Suddenly the room began to quiet as the elite Royal Guardians entered the room. They crossed the hall, and sat in the front row.

  The king entered, without the queen. He wore his royal attire for the official meeting. The guardians rose and saluted their king, he placed his fist to his heart, and the guardians sat.

  “My loyal guardians,” he began. “I bring you together today to speak of a concern that threatens the throne of Abennelp.”

  He spoke about what the guardians and legionnaires had been doing throughout the past several cycles to gather information about the faction. Tiva knew much of what he said, but listened
to every word.

  “All the guardians have returned and I know our cause for concern is far from over. Every faction hideout we knew of, every group we were surveying has vanished. There is no trace of them, their followers, or anything relating to their cause.”

  A collective gasp followed. Tiva did not believe her ears. How were they all gone? It had been less than a week since she had been in Hentor.

  “The small amount of intelligence we obtained confirms the rebel faction knew of our undercover groups for quite some time. It is feared that the information leaked to those in power, and they have, after the recent attack on our capital, gone underground to gather their strength and regroup.”

  “I have recalled all guardians from their province duty as we are developing a new strategy for protecting the people. Many of you will set off on long-term tours with a group of legionnaires to patrol the provinces of Abennelp. Not while I am in power, will I let spiritless cowards and their rebel ideals govern or threaten the people of this world. Far too long have we striven for a world of peace and prosperity, and now, at the highest peak in our history we are threatened once again.

  “You will be the ears and eyes for the legionnaires; they will be at your command should you be given a group, keep them well, but stay alert to all around you. Everything may not be as it seems. Bloodshed may be eminent, but do not seek it, for each life is precious, no matter the darkness that flows through their veins. Royal Guardians, keep your senses sharp, your eyes open, and your swords at the ready. Serve with pride, honesty, and love. Serve with honor as was, as is, and as will be.”

  “By guardian light, I will protect you in times of darkness until the bitter end.” Every guardian stood and pressed their fist to their chest. The king quickly turned and exited, the elite Royal Guardians followed. Tiva fell back to the chair and sighed as the crowd dispersed. The news was not good. In fact, it was worse than she had expected. All the hard work everyone had done was lost. She thought of Dal and Defor, and the other legionnaires who had spent cycle after cycle collecting evidence for the king; all now wasted. The sacrifice of everyone on those missions, away from their family and friends meant nothing. They must start anew. She wondered if the king had a plan, or if some of the old connections were still available.

  Before she dwelled on the thoughts, Rae pulled Tiva from her chair.

  “Come cousin, I think your beau wishes to speak with you,” she said motioning to Tespor who was waving them over.

  “He is a friend, Rae and I must go…I…have…” Tiva said absently and filtered through the crowd.

  “Tiva?”

  She barely heard her cousin call her name again. Crossing the Great Hall, Tiva walked straight for the king’s chamber. Something drew her to the king. Her mind filled with thoughts and ideas; she had to tell him what was on her mind. If she did not, what good was she as guardian? Tiva lifted a finger to ring the chime. A hand ripped her arm back fiercely. She spun around, her free hand subconsciously reaching for the hilt of her blade, but stopping short seeing her mother.

  “Where are you going?” D’laja asked, her markings darker than normal.

  “I wished to speak with the king, Mother. I have—”

  “Come!” She pulled Tiva clear across the room in full view of the other guardians. Trying to hide her embarrassment was futile; she knew her markings had pinked. She lowered her head, and allowed her mother to drag her down the guardian hall and out into the courtyard before jerking back, forcing her mother to stop.

  “Why have you done this to me?” Tiva raised her voice.

  “You were not summoned to see the king, you cannot have audience any time you wish.”

  “But I have thoughts about what has happened, and an idea to present. Is it not my duty to inform the king?”

  “It is, but not during such tense times, Tiva. You must learn your place.”

  “I am a Royal Guardian, I know my place.”

  “Do not raise your voice at me.”

  “I will do as I please. You drag me through the hall in view of all others, like some pet, when only a few days ago I risked my life defending you and this blasted palace.”

  “You should not have taken such a risk, you are only a child.”

  “Damn you mother, I am no longer a child!”

  Everything went silent around them except for the echo after D’laja slapped her across her face.

  Chapter Twelve

  Tiva blinked, in sheer shock, the only part of her body to react. Never before had her parents struck her, save training or playing.

  She reached up covered her stinging cheek and stared at her mother with horror. D’laja’s markings darkened, but her eyes verged on tears. Tiva moved back, spun, and walked away.

  “Tiva!” D’laja cried.

  She grabbed the hilt of her sword, wiped the tears that fell to her cheeks into her hair, and sped through the dim courtyard. What response could she give to such an action? Respect for ones parents was something she believed, yet now she wondered if that respect would last. She reached the palace gates to find her siblings with the Truda twins, all were chatting and laughing, but still on guard as they easily noticed her arrival.

  “Spirited greetings, Guardian Boon,” Litru said with a bow.

  Zaynus grinned and said, “Are you here to collect your siblings?”

  “Partly,” she said, both children frowned. “Go to the hover, Mother will be there waiting.”

  “Are you riding home with us?” Bintu said.

  “No, I have matters to attend to,” she lied. “Remock—go, take your sister.”

  “Very well,” he pouted.

  She waited for them to be out of range and turned to the twins, but remained out of the moonlight. “I require your assistance.”

  “Whatever we can do,” Litru began and Zaynus finished, “Within our power, we will do.”

  “I need transport to my home.”

  “Did you not just send your siblings to find your mother?” Zaynus said.

  “I did, but I wish not to ride with her.”

  “Tiva, has something happened?” Litru said and moved closer.

  She leaned back, away from his curious stare. “We had a disagreement.”

  Litru reached out, Tiva jerked her head to the side like a wounded animal. He gently grabbed her shoulder with one hand, and lifted her chin with the other then turned her head to the side. He raised a brow. His markings darkened then he exchanged a glance with his brother. “This does not happen often, does it?”

  “No…it never has before. Things just became heated after the king’s meeting.” Tiva looked away.

  “I would rather not come between you and your mother, but perhaps it is best for you both to calm before seeing one another again. Zay, inform D’laja I will take Tiva home, after you call for replacements.”

  “Very well, brother.” He nodded. “Well wishes, Tiva.”

  “Keep safe.”

  Tiva followed Litru through the courtyard to the new hover deck. He led her through several rows of vehicles before opening the door of his craft for her. Once in, he started the craft and drove out of the palace grounds and through Degort. They talked some during the ride, Tiva told of her mission to Hentor and she listened to his account of incidents at the palace and marketplace. The stories trailed off and they traveled on in an awkward stillness, until they came upon the bridge of the Yaan providence.

  “Which way is your home?” Litru said. “It has been quite some time, since last I visited.”

  “The road on the right,” she said. “You should visit more. I remember how joyous it was to have you in our field training.” She felt her markings blush at the confession.

  “I do recall a curious young girl who would oft sit in her room and watch from afar.”

  “You knew I was watching?”

  “Zaynus spotted you.” Litru laughed. “You were twelve cycles then, but your curiosity was stronger than ever.”

  “You were preparing f
or level two, if I remember correctly.”

  “Indeed, we were.”

  Tiva saw the roof of her home come into view; she reached over and touched Litru’s arm, and immediately felt her heart race. “You have always been a good friend to me, and I thank you. But I have something else to ask…will you leave me at the edge of my parents land? I need some time to clear my mind.”

  His gaze lingered on her hand then he grinned. “You must promise me you will return home tonight. I don’t wish your parents to think ill of me.”

  Noticing her hand was still on his arm, she pulled back. “You have my word, Litru…”

  He stopped the hover near a region of trees, and turned to her. “That is the first time I have ever heard you speak my given name, Tiva.”

  “I am sorry, I didn’t mean to offend.”

  Litru chortled. “No, no…it pleases me.” He reached up and ran his thumb over her cheek. She cringed, the sting now replaced by soreness, yet his touch brought about warmth inside her body. “Something cold on your bruise will help you heal. Now go, before my tongue runs away with me.”

  “Speak of what you mean,” she said, furrowing her brow.

  “A confession I cannot make, Tiva. I beg you go and clear your mind, for I will speak no more tonight.”

  Tiva opened the door and stepped out of the vehicle. She was sure her senses were overloaded with everything that happened since her shift ended, but she also knew that she couldn’t ignore her feelings anymore. She lowered her head into the vehicle and said, “I have always been drawn to you, Litru, even as a child, and though you may still see me as such, it does not sway me. You need not confess. I have a sense of what you might say. Know that I return the feeling even if we cannot act upon it. Keep well, my friend.” She stared into his eyes one last time before turning, then ran into the small cluster of trees.

  Her heart skipped. She half lied to Tespor, she led Solun on completely, yet with Litru, she was herself and spoke what she felt. It seemed a small weight lifted from her spirit. Yet in the back of her mind, the rest of her worries remained.