Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian

by Jenn Nixon

  “It is not Tespor, Father.”

  He paused, a quizzical expression crossing his features. “Not, Tespor? I thought he was one of your closest friends.”

  “He is and will always be so, but it is not Tespor who has captured my heart.”

  “Then, pray tell, who has?”

  “I may rue telling you, Father, for he is older than I. Our bond is strong, and has always been, but only recently have we felt strongly drawn to one another.”

  “Who is he, Tiva?” he said, crossing the room.

  “And you know I am wise beyond my cycles, after all I have seen…”

  “Tiva, who is your suitor?” he asked more forcefully.

  “I do not wish to cause more trouble, Father, and he wishes to ask for your permission to court me…”

  “Tiva!”

  “Litru Truda.”

  Silence.

  Then giggles.

  Both turned seeing Remock and Bintu on the stairs. Tiva growled and stepped toward the stairs. Her siblings screeched and ran away.

  “Now the entire palace will know.” Somehow, she would convince them to keep her secret quiet. She mumbled and looked back at her father. Kevler stood in the middle of the living area stiffly, his arms crossed over his chest and the expression on his face was less than cheerful. “Will you deny us, Father?”

  “I don’t know. I cannot make this decision alone. You are close to your next Remembrance, but you are still very young...”

  “He hasn’t asked me traditionally to court or be his potential, he wishes your permission first, Father. Does that not show you he is honorable and worthy?”

  Kevler sighed. “Perhaps. Litru is on a mission that will keep him away for quite some time. If your feelings are still strong upon his return, your mother and I will talk with him.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  The suns rose and set; the moon peaked and fell. Day after day Tiva continued with her duty, thinking of Litru. Her father left during their mother’s absence and was still away. D’laja returned from her assignment, a month after leaving. The time alone with only her siblings was not as challenging as she thought. Remock and Bintu were certainly growing up.

  Days passed and little changed. Each group of guardians that returned brought little news of the faction. The king handed out more and more assignments, sending Tespor, and even Jex out among the populace. Many of her cousins and friends cycled through the continuous loop of missions. When her father finally returned, the king sent Tiva on a short mission to the Ullibro province as an escort for the Province Keeper. Litru and his brother had yet to return.

  Six months passed without word or message from Litru. She confided her feelings to Neola, Jenon, and Rae; they helped her through spells of loneliness, and though she was thankful for their support, her only wish was for her parents to accept him when he returned. Tiva often overheard them argue about the difference in ages. In the end, D’laja agreed to speak to Litru and learn his intention.

  It was closer now, the weather had already changed, the Warming and her Remembrance was near.

  Darlew Finto was preparing teams for duty on the first day of the Warming. Tiva earned a lead spot on one of the teams, and had charge of a small group of legionnaires. Most of the guardians were still leery after the disappearance of the faction and were taking no chances. The scrap of paper Tiva found in Solun’s meeting room caused high tensions among the capital.

  As the day neared, more guardians returned to the palace. The king wished his strength concentrated in Degort, for it was the most susceptible to another assault.

  Each day, Tiva ventured to the gates of the palace, asking which guardians had returned.

  Every time she was disappointed.

  The night before her Remembrance, Tiva visited Te and cried. Though grateful for her family and friends, for they all remained safe during their missions, she heard no news of Litru, nor his brother. She slept under the cover of Te’s branches and woke in the morning with the new dawn of the Warming.

  Another special Remembrance; she turned seventeen and reached the age of responsibility. No longer considered a youth, she had one cycle to change her life path if she wished. Her siblings had cause to celebrate as well; they both passed their first exams and were to receive their guardian straps. Tiva did not mind sharing her day, she was glad not to be the center of attention.

  Tiva spent the early part of the day on patrol in the palace with the legionnaires. After returning home and changing into a new purple and black jumpsuit her mother had purchased, she helped set up the house and fields for the guests.

  Throughout the gathering, she kept a false smiled upon her face. D’laja invited hundreds of people to their home. Due to the high security at the palace, various groups of guardians and legionnaires arrived and departed all day. Greeting all who arrived, she did as a good host should, and spent some time with everyone who attended. She even sat in the gifting circle, and happily accepted presents from her friends and family. As the suns began to set, D’laja and Kevler presented their guardian straps to Remock and Bintu. Tiva was glad to be rid of everyone’s stares, and wandered through the field, nearing her favorite tree.

  “Happy Remembrance, Tiva,” Tespor said, a glowing smile on his face. Tiva turned to see her friends, Neola, Jex, Prince Kenon, and Princess Jenon. “We have just come from the palace, thank the spirits it has been quiet all day.”

  “Welcome, my friends,” Tiva said, overjoyed for the first time since waking. “I am glad to see you all are well.”

  “Father is coming shortly to see you and your family, but Jenon and I did not wish to wait so we came with Tespor.” Kenon grinned.

  “You are most welcome, your highness. I have been entertaining family all day myself. I need a rest from them. Perhaps next Remembrance I will remain on patrols and forgo the gathering.”

  “You jest, patrols are tedious, and as it stands now, there are too many guardians at the palace. More groups have returned,” Jex said.

  “Do you know who?” Tiva said. Neola and Jenon giggled. Jex, Tespor, and Kenon seemed bewildered.

  Jex shrugged and turned to Tespor. “I’m not sure, I know of a few groups. Bip Becha and his team, Skky Finto returned…”

  “Also your cousins, Riet and Tier, and Hutt Ispek and his team.”

  “I see…” Tiva huffed.

  “Were you expecting someone?” Kenon said. Neola and Jenon giggled again.

  “No, it was only a hopeful wish.” She glared at the gigglers. Tespor did not know her feelings toward Litru, and she wished to tell him herself when the time was right.

  Tespor turned to Jex and Kenon. They both looked lost, but before anyone queried the hidden message, the field grew quiet.

  The king had arrived.

  He greeted the guests and weaved his way through the crowd. The others continued to talk, as Tiva watched the king approach her parents. She wondered why he came here. It was strange that he attended the gathering of a guardian. Tiva decided she would not wait to learn the answer, and parted from her friends. She approached the king, but remained silent as he spoke with her father.

  “Darlew and Devler have done an amazing job securing the palace grounds and Degort in general,” Harer said.

  “Indeed they have. They’ve executed everything perfectly. I should prepare to leave myself. I am on third shift this evening. The day is not over yet, we must not be lax in our guard.”

  “Very well, I’ll ride back with you,” he turned and smiled at Tiva, “after I wish your daughter a Happy Remembrance.” They embraced and slapped one another on the back before her father headed to the house.

  “Spirited greetings, King Delos.” Tiva saluted.

  “And to you, Guardian Boon.” He grinned. “Walk with your king.”

  She nodded and followed. Harer walked from the crowd, into the field toward Te. Her friends were still there. Laughter filled the air as they drew near, and all but Jenon and Kenon tensed up slightly upon see
ing the king.

  “Father you have made it!” Jenon beamed and leaped into her father’s arms.

  “I have, dear.” He swung her a bit, hugged her, and then put her down. “I think you are getting too big for me to swing so.”

  “I am only thirteen,” she laughed.

  “And very tall at that,” Neola said. “Greetings, King Delos.”

  “Vicar Riin, it is lovely to see you outside the palace walls. Do you have an inspiring sermon for this week?”

  “I always try to inspire, your majesty.”

  “You do, my sweet, you do.” Jex took her hand and kissed it obviously relaxing at the king’s cheerful mood.

  “Tespor, your training for level one is coming along well, and I was very impressed with your performance on your last mission. Did you tell your friends how you did?”

  “He still hasn’t stopped talking about it, Father.” Kenon laughed and the others joined him.

  “I am glad to see you all enjoying each other’s company. It is most important in these trying times to stay close with your friends. But I am afraid I have some business that needs tending. Tiva, Kenon…if you will come with me.” Delos turned Jenon. “Your mother is arriving soon to visit, you may return with her.”

  “Thank you, Father.”

  Tiva exchanged surprised glances with Kenon and jogged to catch up as the king walked away. They were half way to the forest, far away from all the other guests when the king put an arm around each of them. “My son, one day you will be king and Tiva will be important among your Royal Guardians. I am pleased that you have become such wondrous friends.”

  Kenon grinned. “I have good discernment for talent, Father. Once I saw Tespor and Tiva’s skills, I knew to make friends of them both. The first family of guardians has always been the right hand to our throne, and I wish to continue the tradition.”

  “As do I, your highness,” Tiva said nodding to Kenon.

  “A king and father could not be more proud to hear such words of devotion!” He chortled and squeezed them both. “But the reason I wish to speak with you both is for an important task. D’laja has reason to believe a new youth faction has formed in Quintor. During her stay there, she acquired a few contacts, and some have come forward with information. No hard evidence was found, but with hope, that is what you will procure.”

  “Sire…”

  “I know what you would say, Guardian Boon. You believe Solun may know you to be a guardian. That is a risk we are willing to take, for now. However, you are still going dark for this mission. You will play the same part, Tiva Vren from Whettland, this time visiting the province looking for work. Kenon will be visiting with legionnaires to draw attention away from you. Neither of you are to be seen in public together. You will be supplied secure PCD’s to communicate and keep each other abreast of your findings. Further information will be at your disposal in the morning.”

  “We are to leave on the morrow, Father?”

  “Yes, we are losing valuable time with the majority of the guardians home, but it was not worth the risk of another conflict.”

  Tiva nodded, agreeing. Mixed emotions flooded her. Another assignment was an opportunity to help the king and hone her skills. Yet, leaving home again dismayed her.

  “Rest well tonight; you will need your focus for this, Tiva,” Delos said.

  “I will, your majesty.”

  “Carry on with your celebration, I must return to the palace.”

  When the last of the guests left, Tiva and Bintu helped their mother with cleaning. The night grew late, and D’laja forced the girls to bed. Tiva lay restless, staring out her window until the moon was full. Beyond sleep, she ventured outside to her tree. Never tiring from sitting with her Te, she climbed his trunk and took her place between his branches. The sky was full of stars, scattered like jewels across the vastness of space. Tiva hummed a song she had learned as a child. D’laja had often sung the ballad to lull her to sleep. Sometimes it still allowed her to clear her mind and relax.

  She knew the words, but was concerned her voice would carry. Trying to resist, the urge eventually overcame her. The song sought release. Tiva jumped from Te’s trunk and ran toward the forest. The trees around the lake kept her voice from traveling, and as she neared, Calming before her mission seemed like a better idea than singing.

  Reaching the edge of the lake, she undressed and dove into the cool water. She swam down to the bottom of the lake. The words of the chant filled her mind.

  Spirits of this world, hear me.

  She kicked and swam deeper.

  Spirits help me calm.

  Tiva dug her hand into the bottom of the lake.

  Take away the troubles of my mind and body.

  Releasing the dirt, she pushed off the ground and shot upward to the surface.

  Spirits free me of my troubles and keep me calm.

  Breaking through the still water, Tiva rested and bobbed for a while before swimming to the bank. She wrung out her soaking hair, and pulled her clothing back on. Feeling the serenity of the lake and its surroundings was enough to become lost in thought. Would it be enough to carry her through the night, let alone the entire time she’d be away from home? She knew not how long she would be gone and tried not to dwell on it, for now.

  Tiva walked the perimeter of the lake and began to hum again. Every so often, a word would slip past her lips, until she was singing the second verse of the song. She smiled, raised her voice. It echoed through the air with a pure sound. Pausing near the far side of the lake, she felt the song flow through her. As her voice rose higher, she heard a deep voice in the distance finishing the line with her. She peered across the water.

  He had returned.

  “Litru!” she said and sprinted across the grass.

  He ran toward her. Utter bliss surged through her as she jumped into his arms. She wrapped her hands around his neck and her legs around his waist clinging to him.

  “You will never know how I’ve missed you.”

  “My sweet flower…” he said against her ear. He kissed her cheek, held her tight, then carried her away from the lake. He sat on a large rock and she leaned back, supported by his arms, and gazed into his eyes. Touching her cheek, his markings lightened, and his eyes watered. “You have grown more beautiful since last I laid eyes upon you.”

  “Oh, Litru!” She squeezed him, so excited she didn’t know what to do first.

  There was so much to say. He brushed a lock of hair from her face and smiled at her as no one had before. Her grin faded as their breath mingled between their lips. He kissed her once, softly, and caressed her cheek.

  She pressed her forehead to his and ran her fingers through his hair. “I feared I would not get to see you.”

  “I returned as soon as I could, Tiva. Another day and I would have become an empty shell.” He lowered his lips to her temple. “You received my message?”

  “I did, you wrote the most touching words. I have carried your letter with me every day since, praying for your return.” She stroked his face. “I have dreamed of our reunion every night. And now here you are, out of my imaginings and before my eyes.”

  “Yes, Tiva, I am here…with you.” He caressed her cheek and lowered his lips to hers.

  Her worries slipped away and she became swept up with the passion she felt from Litru. Entranced with him, she felt something change. His thoughts were stronger in her mind; the love and desire he felt flowed through her, the heat and energy moving between them, overpowering. Trembling lips parted and she nervously chuckled. Did he feel it too?

  “I will acquire your father’s permission to court you, my love.” He continued naturally as if it were her name. “We are one spirit, separated only to be joined again, destined to be together…”

  “Litru, my heart…” She took his face in her hands. “There is much to say, and time is short. But hold me now as if you never wish to let go.”

  Under the stars and warm breath of the wind, she remained entan
gled in his arms enjoying the quiet of the lake, and the completeness she felt with him near. After some time passed, Litru stood and lowered her to the ground. He took his hand in hers and guided her through the forest.

  “I wish to see your tree, I do not remember it well.”

  Tiva grinned, pulled him through the last of the trees, and into the field. She took off running, and he gave chase. She giggled and ran to Te only a few strides ahead of him. He grabbed her, swung her high in the air, then drew her into an embrace. She pecked his cheek and ducked under Te’s long leaves. “Come, sit, and rest with me.”

  “What of your parents?”

  “My father is away and Mother is sleeping. Do not worry, I often visit Te in the night, it’s become a tradition of sorts.” She lowered herself and patted the ground to her side. Litru sat, stretched along the soft grass, and pulled her close. She rested against his chest, arms around his waist. Elated—it was the only word to express her feelings. She sighed happily and settled into him.

  “Have you talked to them?” he said.

  “I have, they wish to speak with you.”

  “I understand and honor that. Your parents would not be wise if they did not require a suitor to seek their permission. You are too important to them. They will find me worthy and my intentions true.” He tenderly kissed her forehead.

  “I know they will, Litru. They cannot deny us, we have already touched minds.”

  “I felt it as well, your emotions are strong, you have much inside you.”

  “It is not only joy that fills me, though.”

  “My senses are not as strong as yours, but I feel some of the weight you carry. Speak your heart, my flower. Speak of that which weighs upon your mind.”

  Tiva recounted the long cold days without him. From the time he left, through every month, and every emotion that seared inside her. “…I spent last night with Te, sleep would not take me, nor will it take me tonight. But I would not trade this time with you for sleep.”

  “Neither would I, my love.” Litru crushed her against him. They were so close she felt their hearts beating together. “Time is not on our side this night, Tiva. Soon the suns will rise, and I will have to report to the palace.”