by Jenn Nixon
She looked at him, confused. “Speak what you mean.”
“Think back, Tiva. Hentor was the catalyst to the Great War. While you were with us you uncovered more information in your short time than we had in the prior cycle. You gained Solun’s trust, learned who his mentor was...” He continued a leisurely pace around the grounds.
“And killed both of them myself,” she mumbled.
“Yes, I had heard Pethor was dead. How did he come to find you?”
“He tracked my PCD. But it is the man he was working for that I am interested in meeting face to face.”
“I imagine so, after all you have dealt with these past cycles…” Razzil walked past the Finto home, glancing up at it for a moment. “Whoever he is, he’s working with another. Our agents in Degort have confirmed as much, but we have not a name or a face.”
Tiva nodded. “Razzil, you and my father were close friends, were you not?”
“Very much so. We trained together at Kinchar as young men.” He smiled, obviously remembering happier times. “I was always a bit jealous of him; I wished that I had been given the chance to be a Royal Guardian. But serving as a member of the Legion was an honor. I guess it even saved my life…” He paused. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”
“Do not worry,” she said. “It is the truth. Had you been a Guardian, you, like all the others, would be dead.”
“But you’re not….thank the spirits. Your father would be so proud of you, Tiva, coming back here to help Neola and the others.”
“Razzil, there is something you should know…” Before Tiva answered, Wirto came running toward them shouting her name. She turned to the frantic voice. “What is wrong?”
“We’re picking up a strange reading on our scanners!” he said breathlessly.
“Where is it coming from?” she asked.
“The stars, Tiva, come quickly. We need your technology.” He motioned for them to follow; she and Razzil took off running behind him.
Others were rushing around as they approached the base. Adam and Harai were handing out guns to anyone nearby. Neola bolted out through the base doors, her face very pale. Tiva moved past everyone, heading for the fighter. Razzil and Wirto followed and she entered the craft hurrying to the cockpit. Quickly, she activated the power, brought the sensors online, and began a quick sweep of the area.
A few tense moments passed and Tiva sensed the anxiety around the base. Watching the screen carefully, Tiva glanced back to see that Adam, Neola and Harai had entered the fighter as well.
“Anything yet?” Adam asked as he slipped into the tactical seat beside her.
“Readings are coming back now…” she said then gasped. “Adam, there are six ships in orbit.”
“Six?” He looked over then smiled. “I think our friends have arrived. Six ships is hardly an armada to launch an assault, don’t you agree?”
She relaxed and nodded. “Let me attempt to contact them.” Tiva tapped on the console, opening a direct communications link with the lead ship and spoke in a clear, authoritative voice just to be safe. “Identify yourself.”
“Ah, the Lady Tiva Boon,” a man replied. “My dear cousin forgot to tell me you’d already be planet side when we arrived.”
“I see, I will have a word with him when next we meet,” she chortled and smiled over at Adam and the others. She activated the displayer to see Wixx Maar staring back at her. “It is good to see you again, my friend.”
“Indeed. Sorry we’re late…there’s a bit of commotion going on out here right now. If you send me the coordinates for a landing site, we’ll be down shortly with an update for you and some messages from the Tolox.”
Tiva nodded and Adam punched on his station to send the information. “Thank you, Wixx, I am glad you offered to help.”
He smirked. “We warriors must stick together, no? I shall see you soon.”
Leaning back in the chair, she closed her eyes for a moment and took a breath. “We can all relax, Wixx Maar and his group are the allies I told you about. They are here to support us.”
“Have they brought more weapons and technology?” Wirto asked anxiously.
“Are you sure they can be trusted?” Razzil said.
“Yes, to you both,” she replied. “Neola, please gather everyone together and tell them to expect more guests. They will be landing near the forest.”
The Vicar nodded and rushed out of the fighter with a smile on her face.
“Wirto, Harai, will you see if we have any food and drink for our guests?”
“Yes, your majesty,” Harai answered, and walked out with Wirto.
Adam chuckled softly and turned to Razzil. “Who’re you?”
“Lanno Razzil, former Legionnaire, friend of Tiva’s,” he responded with a fist to his heart.
“Sir Adam Cooper, fiancé…er potential and protector of the Lady Boon.” He smirked. “Nice to meet you.”
“Why did that young girl call you…”
“That was part of what I wanted to tell you, Razzil.” Tiva rose from her chair and led both back outside. “I have recently learned—”
Tiva, are you sure you want to tell this guy? Even Neola doesn’t want to tell anyone outside the base.
She paused at the bottom of the ramp and glanced back at Adam. He was a trusted friend of my father’s and he is working with the Loyalists. I sense no deceit from him.
As long as you’re sure…
“What, Tiva?” Razzil asked.
“An alien craft landed in the Hentor province, not far from where we lived during our mission,” she continued back toward the base with a frown on her lips.
“Really? Are they the same ones who worked with the Rebels before the Great War?”
“That is unclear to us as of yet, but with eight ships landing here within the last few days, I am sure they are aware of us by now.”
“Probably,” Adam added. “If they’re not, they’re a bit thick in the head, and I have a feeling that’s not the case. We should alert everyone to be on their toes.”
Tiva nodded. “I agree. Will you head to the communications room and have the orders sent?”
“Aye, m’lady,” he answered with a slight bow of his head and took off without another word.
Razzil continued his pace back toward the base then remarked suddenly. “You’re hiding something from me, Tiva, something you want to tell me…but I will not pressure you for information if you do not wish to confide in me.”
“I have been with off-worlders for so long I had forgotten how easy it is for us to sense another’s emotions. Despite my shielding, I find myself vulnerable here once again, but now it is more than my life that is at stake.”
“Tiva, open your senses to me, you know I can be trusted. I have given my life to protect the people of Abennelp, just as you and your family did for the royals. Please, speak what you hide.”
Turning, she met his eyes and without lowering her shielding, it was clear he was not being deceitful. Reaching into her belt, Tiva pulled out the medallion Neola’s father had given to her, and revealed it to him. “Do you know what this is?”
His eyes widened slightly. “I do. Whose is it?”
She met his gaze, lowered her head slightly, and sighed. “Mine.”
“Yours?” He glanced back toward the fighter. “That girl called you…” He paused for a moment. “You are of King Delos’ blood?”
“I am.” She slipped the medallion back into her belt and turned around looking up to the sky seeing the ships begin their decent into the atmosphere. “Before Harer married Mirta, his mistress gave birth to me on the same day my parents were in the medical ward…the Boon child died.” She walked toward the landing site filling Razzil in on all the details she knew. He asked the same questions she did after learning the truth, and like Neola, she could offer no answers. “Perhaps I will never know why he gave me to my parents or if they ever learned the truth for themselves, but it matters not. After I left, I thought I could
put everything behind me and start anew. Then I learned of the Loyalists and their struggle and I vowed to come back and help. When I read Neola’s letter and uncovered the truth of my birth, my fate was sealed.”
“How many people know you are the heir?”
“Only those in this section, and no one else must know for now. Once the time is right, all will learn the truth.”
“I think that’s a mistake, Tiva.”
She turned and met his eyes again. “Pardon?”
“What better way to give the people hope against the Rebels then to tell them the royal bloodline is alive and well?” Razzil rested a hand on her shoulder.
“I know not all whom I can trust, if the news travels to Kinchar and the Rebels learn I am here…”
“It will force their hand, will it not?”
“Speak what you mean,” Tiva asked.
“You can rally the people, word will spread quickly and the Rebels will send out their forces to look for the heir and we can also flush out any spies in our midst.”
“It is an interesting idea, but the Loyalists are not ready. We still have sections to train with the weapons we have brought…”
“With your new additions,” he said, glancing to the ships landing in the field, “we can have everyone ready in a week’s time.”
“I have not made any decisions yet, but it is a valid argument that I shall mull over. In the mean time, will you stay here with us? Another friendly face is something I truly need right now.”
“I would be nowhere else, your majesty.” He smiled wide. “I swore to your father…Kevler that I would look after you back in Hentor and I hold true to that until my last breath.”
She bowed her head in appreciation. “Come, I wish you to meet my friend Wixx and his people.”
The Oninusian warrior was grinning as he exited his craft. Tiva embraced him and introduced him to the others. Slowly, droves of his men and women exited the other ships, in total another thousand or so filled the spaces behind Wixx Maar. Neola seemed visibly shaken by their appearance, being much taller and more ominous looking than any people they had met thus far, but Wirto comforted her and Tiva offered a reassuring smile while everyone met and learned names. She was surprised to see Gessin among the group, Wixx noticing her stare, laughed.
“Well you and Trevo helped to bring our family peace, we felt it only right to repay the favor together.”
“You honor me, Wixx.”
“I have a datarecorder for you from the Tolox,” he said, pulling out the device and handing it to her. “And we brought more weapons, supplies and several hopters.”
“Everything will be helpful at this point, my friend,” she replied.
“Yeah, we’re pretty sure the bad guys know that we’re here by now,” Adam interjected.
“That only means we must ready everyone quickly. When the Rebels feel threatened they have a habit of attacking.” Wirto stepped up.“I am sure your people are tired from your journey, we have food and lodging waiting.”
“Accommodations are not necessary, Captain,” Wixx remarked. “We have plenty of room on our ships, but the food we will gladly accept.”
Wirto ordered a group of Loyalists to escort the Oninusians to the mess, Harai’s men followed, curious to learn about the warrior race. Wixx and Gessin stayed behind and showed Tiva and the others the equipment and supplies they had brought. Razzil and Wirto’s curiosity amused her. Harai and Adam were more interested in the weapons than anything else, and Neola focused on the medical gear.
“You say these Rebels may know we are here?” Wixx asked as they exited his ship.
“Yes, there are Bujeni ships on the far side of the planet. I have no doubts they scanned the area. Our two ships may have been missed, but I do not believe yours have.”
“Then it seems we have work to do, Lady Boon.” He grinned down, gently took her elbow, and leaned in. “Trevo informed me of your status, do they all know?”
“Yes,” she said softly. “But only those here in this section.”
“And that’s the way it must stay until this threat is over…” Neola snapped suddenly.
“Do you not think the people deserve to know Delos’ heir lives?” Razzil retorted.
Neola’s markings darkened and she glared at Tiva. “I thought we agreed you would not reveal—”
“The people deserve to know, but I’m here to protect Tiva, and that would just put her life at stake even more, and I’m not willing to do that,” Adam grumbled, his hand gripping Cala’s hilt.
“Who said anything about telling them who she is?” Razzil raised his voice.
“You have no say in any of this!” Neola took a step closer to him.
“And you do, Vicar?”
“Enough! Please, we must not bicker amongst ourselves.” Tiva raised her hand. The group went silent, and every head turned to her. “I told Razzil because I trust him, Neola, just as I trust all of you here. As far as telling the populace, I am unsure, I have not made a decision yet. First, we need to get the weapons and supplies to the sections and ready everyone for battle, for I fear that, whatever we do, it is not far off.”
~*~
Tiva’s fingers traced the edges of the datarecorder as she stared blankly out the window. The land outside was quiet, but the people were restless. Wirto sent four groups with supplies out in hovers to the other sects nearby and another team to Degort to spy on the Rebels. If word of the Oninus ships reached the palace, they had to be ready, immediately.
Adam slept soundlessly on the bed, but rest was the last thing on her mind. Aside from her own problems here, the Vexillum and her friends were fighting day and night against the Triune and the war in space was turning bloody. Aliri sent her the longest message, telling her not to worry, the Tolox was undamaged as yet, which was a relief. She’d only been gone a few days and already the Union was engaged in heavy fighting with the enemy. It was only a matter of time before the same thing would befall her people.
Aren’t you happy to be home? Cala entered her mind.
I am, but things are not the same here…everyone is scared, their hope is fading and the lives of the people are in my hands. I must make the right decisions.
You can only do your best, Princess Tiva. That’s all anyone can ask.
Tiva turned away from the window and sat at the edge of the bed, glancing over at the spirit-sword propped up against the wall. Perhaps.
Have faith.
Tiva sighed and rubbed the back of her neck. Sometimes I feel I have lost my faith. My spirit has found the depths of darkness and saw the stillness of death, I know not how much more I can bear.
Adam’s lips brushed against her shoulder as his arms wrapped around her stomach. “Come to bed, Tivava. We have a busy day tomorrow.”
“I was just talking with Cala.”
“I know, I heard.” He smirked slightly.
“I am sorry, I thought you were sleeping.”
He shrugged and pulled her down next to him. “I was, but Cala said you needed me.”
“I do, Adam. You have more experience than I. Tell me, what I should do? Do I risk telling everyone Delos’ heir lives? Should I tell them who I am?”
“I think Neola’s right on this one, Tiva, too many people already know, the more people know, the more danger you are in. What if the Rebels find out?”
“Then it will just speed up their assault on the Loyalists, but if we are ready, we will have the advantage.”
He frowned and hugged her tight against his chest. “The choice is ultimately yours m’lady, but don’t reveal your identity until you have to, and if you do leak your return to the public just know that I’m going to be your shadow until this whole mess is over.”
She closed her eyes and sighed deeply, so much for her request to visit the other provinces.
“As a matter of fact, if you do decide to tell anyone else, I’ll be stealing some of Wirto’s guys to watch you as well. It’ll be a cold day in hell before I let anyo
ne hurt you again.”
“I do not think that is necessary, Adam.”
He gently kissed her forehead. “You’re the queen, Tiva, of course it’s necessary. I won’t have it any other way.”
“Very well, I will let you know when I make my decision.”
“All right, we’ll have more information in a couple of days when the scout group returns from the capital, so you have time.”
“But I feel it closing in around me with every passing second,” she whispered.
“It’s just nerves, Solaeshyl. Everyone gets a little edgy before war.”
“Why do I have to be the bringer of war?”
“Sometimes only war can bring us peace,” he replied and kissed her temple. “You need to rest; clear you mind and just let it all go for now.”
“I can try.” Lacing her fingers through his she pulled their hands up against her chest and relaxed against him. Though her mind raced with thoughts and questions, Adam’s gentle breathing soothed her and before she could protest further, she’d fallen asleep wrapped up tight in his embrace.
Chapter Twenty-six
The group of Tiva’s confidants met early in the day verifying information, orders, and reporting any new findings sent in from the other provinces. There had still been no word on Mirta’s family, nor anything from the group sent to Degort. With the majority of this section trained, rested, and ready, Tiva was anxious to do more, but she knew patience was key. If they were to have the upper hand in this war, they needed to know as much as possible.
Wixx and Gessin made quick friends with Harai’s men and the former Legionnaires. During mid-day meal, Tiva saw a large group of them training in the fields and another sharing stories and combat techniques near the maintenance bay. Though the Oninusians were a warrior race, she’d learned long ago that they did not kill for the joy of it. Fighting alongside them was a life changing experience. Their presence here was beneficial in many ways, but having them recount triumphant battles with little bloodshed might help the others see that change was important.