by Jenn Nixon
“They will be, Tiva, given time.”
She hung her head and sighed. “That is something we are running out of, my friend. I will not allow them to rule through fear any longer. Should the people not accept me when this war is through, I will gladly abdicate my right to the throne.”
“But you can’t do that, Tiva. You’re the heir.”
Turning, she took her friends hand and smiled. “I did not come back to rule, Neola. I came back to bring peace to our people. If they want to continue the tradition of royalty then I will accept the position, but the laws of this land will come from the people. We will start anew, and every voice will have an audience.”
“Sounds impossible.”
“Change is always hard on the spirit, but this is the right course of action. I have not traveled to other worlds, met other beings, just to come back here and let things remain as they were. We must look to the future and beyond our own world, we are no longer alone.”
“Neither are you.”
Nodding, Tiva released her friend’s hand and moved toward the exit still holding her doll. “For that I am thankful to the spirits. They have given me wonderful friends on my journey.”
“Tiva,” Neola said, following. “Will you not tell me what happened to you these last few cycles?”
She met her friend’s eyes. “My tale is riddled with darkness, Neola.”
“I know, you hold it deep in your heart, it weighs upon your spirit,” she replied. “Unburden your mind, my queen.”
Tiva nodded again and sat down on her old bed. Knowing some aspects of her new life would have to remain hidden—her fire ability for one—she carefully chose her words and began. “The suns were setting on the palace when Harer ordered all the guardians to retreat. When we met, only sixty of us remained…” She recounted every significant moment from the time she left the planet, through her stay on Uucor, and eventually ended with the Union going to war with the Triune Syndicate. She spoke of her friends, some of the unique aliens she had met along the way and praised all of them for their dedication and support.
“Seems it is not only your winged protector knows you well. This Aries you mentioned said it best when speaking of the path before you. Things may have been different, but I believe this was your fate, Tiva.” Neola stood up and moved to the window. “I always sensed the closeness between you and Harer, though he may not have favored you in view of others, I knew he saw you differently from the other Royal Guardians. Perhaps his choices may have been wrong, but his heart was in the right place.”
“Yes, I am sure he wanted to tell me, but he never had the opportunity.” Tiva gripped her sword and rose from the bed leaving the doll behind. “I must meet with Adam soon, he wants to get the lay of the land.”
“Do you want me to ready a hover?”
“That will not be necessary.”
“Is he going to fly? With you?”
“Yes, he needs a guide,” Tiva responded with a small smile and exited her room.
“Fascinating, he is truly an amazing man.”
“Arrogant and self centered, yet charming and loving,” she remarked. “I love him dearly.”
“And he loves you. I can see by the way he watches you when you talk. It is odd, though, I cannot gather a sense of him very often.”
“His sword keeps him shielded,” she answered.
“Sword?” The Vicar shook her head in disbelief. “I would ask, but the explanation is probably beyond my comprehension. You have seen more while away than most will see in a lifetime, Tiva.” Neola followed her down the stairs.
“I hope others will have the same chance in the future.”
“With you leading us, I have no doubts.”
Tiva exited through the back door and relaxed when she saw her tree in the middle of the field. She would visit him later when there was time. “Rain is coming,” she said softly.
Yes, I can sense it too.
“You can mind speak now?”
“Wirto has been instructing me, his family comes from a long line of Mystics and Healers.”
“Good, it may be useful to us during battle.” Suddenly, Tiva grabbed her sword again and pushed Neola behind her. “Someone is nearby.”
“I don’t see anyone,” she whispered.
Tiva moved away from the house searching the area with her eyes and senses. She unsheathed her sword, and held her hand back at Neola to keep her from following.
You need not protect me, Tiva.
Stay back, Neola, whoever is near is not a friend.
Te’s branches began to sway and a shadow dropped to the ground then darted for the trees. Tiva bolted the instant she saw the figure move and gave chase.
Tiva don’t!
Alert the others, quickly. Tell Adam to head to the pond.
Without looking back she sense Neola’s aggravation, but she was not following, so Tiva pushed herself harder and ran past Te following the shadow. The figure entered the forest; she was only a few feet behind and knew the trees would slow the perpetrator down. She jumped and swerved through the brush and woods as if she had never lost touch with the land and gained position on her target. When she entered the clearing, the figure stopped and stood before the pond.
“Speak your name,” she demanded.
“My name is not important, but yours is, Tiva Boon.”
She took a step closer, gripping the hilt of her sword tight. “Show your face!”
The man turned and lowered his hood. “You know not my face, nor my name, but those I serve know you.”
Tiva felt her markings go dark. “Whom do you serve?”
“Do you not know?” he snickered and ran his hand through long dark hair. “We just wanted confirmation that it was you. They’ve been waiting a long time to send you to the Eternal Lands.”
“They are too frightened to face me alone and send spies?” Tiva cracked a smile and twisted her sword over in her hand approaching him. “In a moment this area will be teeming with those loyal to the throne, you have no chance of escape.”
“I’m not trying to escape, your majesty.” He opened his cloak and revealed a device much like Solun used in his attempt to kill Harer. His eyes narrowed, he smiled then tossed the device onto the ground between the two of them.
“Tiva!” Adam yelled from above and swooped down toward her. She raised a hand and he pulled her off the ground. The blast came an instant later, throwing Adam off balance and they both crashed back hard on the ground. “Tiva, Tiva, are you okay?”
Clinging to him, she nodded and looked up. “Are you injured?”
“No, I think we got lucky this time. What the hell happened?”
She summarized the last hour and repeated what the man said to her. Neola, Wirto and the others came barging through the forest weapons ready, but with no one to fight. The man was dead, by his own device, unrecognizable and smoldering. Adam helped her to her feet; she noticed both of them had cuts and bruises on their legs. “Why did you go after him? You should have called me.”
“He was watching us, Adam. Whoever sent him knows who and where I am.”
“We have to get you to a safe location,” Harai said glancing around the area.
“It’s not safe anywhere right now,” Wirto added. “I’m recalling the lower Yaan sect, we’re going to need reinforcements.”
“I want every inch of this land secure,” Adam grunted.
“Contact the others, find out what their status is, we might not have five days to prepare,” Tiva requested, meeting eyes with each of her friends.
“Are you hurt?” Wixx asked.
“I will be fine, thank you.”
“Do you know who he was, Tiva? Did he tell you his name?” Neola finally spoke, the anger in her voice was apparent.
“No, he did not. But he knew I was the heir. I have put you all in further danger, the Rebel leaders want me dead.”
“They want us all dead, Tiva! We’re all in danger and have been for the last few cycles. Des
pite all we have tried to keep you safe since your return, you do not heed our warnings and do your own biding.”
“I am sorry, Neola. I feared if he got away he would relay our location and the Rebels would strike us before we had the chance to—”
“Quiet your tongue!” she snapped. “You are still stubborn and headstrong, have you learned nothing? You are the only one who can lead us, Tiva. We have tried to overthrow them for three cycles and have failed; this is our last chance! You have the blood of the royal family in your veins, you can command the people, but I fear you won’t live long enough to do so.”
“Neola…” Adam began.
“You have no right to speak off-worlder. You are just as reckless as she is!”
“Dear.” Wirto moved to her side and took her hand; she pushed him away and took off running for the base. He sighed and turned to the others. “I apologize for her, she has been under tremendous stress this last cycle. She holds you in the highest regard Tiva, but she does not understand the spirit of a protector.”
“Go, see that she is well. I will speak with her in the morning.” Tiva patted his shoulder and smiled. He saluted and followed Neola.
“We’ll go make sure the perimeter is guarded and get this mess cleaned up, Lady Boon.” Gessin winked and pulled Wixx away.
“I’m going to see to it that the other sections are notified.” Harai shrugged. “If you need anything let me know.”
“Thank you, my friends.”
As the group dispersed, Adam took her hand and led her back toward the forest. “Come on, we have to get you cleaned up and into bed.”
“I doubt sleep will come to me tonight, my love.”
Well if you weren’t so stupid and chased after some guy without back up, maybe you wouldn’t be hurt and would be able to sleep, Cala resounded in her head.
I did what I thought was best.
Yeah, well sometimes you need to think a little more. You can’t afford to be so impulsive any more, Princess.
Tiva grumbled. “Tell your sword I do not need a lecture.” She broke from his hand and walked into the trees.
“She’s just worried, we’re all worried.”
“I do not need anyone to worry about me.” Tiva raised her voice and balled her fists. “I knew what I was doing when I chased after that man. He was a threat, and if he was spying on us to report back and I let him go…what then?”
“Who knows, but the point is you went after him alone and he almost killed you.”
“So am I to stand by from now on and let others fight my battles for me?” she grumbled and kept walking a few steps ahead of him.
“No, but you have to be more careful. Weren’t you the one who was worried about dying? Now you’re acting like you don’t care if you get hurt or not.”
“Maybe if I am hurt I will feel again!”
“Tiva?”
“Must I not feel something? I am home, among my friends, my people…and I do not feel as I should. I have seen the names of all those who perished, even ones I loved and still nothing. I return to my home, see the face of the man I called father and still, I feel nothing.”
“Solaeshyl, we’ve only been here a few days.” Adam moved closer and took her hand. “It’s a lot to process. I’m not even sure how I feel right now. Let’s go back, get cleaned up and we can talk about it.”
“I am through talking, Adam. I just want to rest.”
Chapter Twenty-seven
The morning was clear. The rain had washed away all the ugliness from the night before and Tiva felt herself again. By the light in the room, she knew it was still early, but she slipped from the bed and dressed silently. She glanced back to see Adam roll over on the bed, still asleep. He didn’t force her to talk; instead, they helped one another clean and dress their wounds, then fell asleep in each other’s arms.
Exiting the chamber, Tiva went down the corridor finding the base was quiet, only a few people moving about. Most knew the battle loomed on the horizon and were taking advantage of every opportunity to rest. She, however, rarely rested when tensions were high and envied those who did.
When the warm breeze brushed past her, Tiva closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. The weather was going to be clear and calm, though the day might not be. Razzil noticed her and approached, offered a piece of fruit, which she gladly took.
“Did you rest?” he asked.
“Some, yes.” She bit into the sweet fruit and wiped the side of her mouth.
“Good. We can’t have our leader on edge.”
“Razzil, please…” she sighed.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”
She shook her head. “I just need some time, alert the perimeter guards I will be running by. I need to clear my mind.”
He nodded and turned back to the base, she sensed his worry, just like the others. Having all of her friends watching her, questioning her every decision and showing their concern did not make her feel at ease, rather she was more anxious as a result.
To appease her friends, she took a quick run in full view of the base, letting her hair catch the wind and her mind float away with the clouds.
Home; she really was here. The air was the same, the grass and trees called to her as if she never left. The suns rose in the same vibrant hues. Her little corner of the Abennelp hadn’t changed much. Except for the new base, the eight ships in the Finto field and lines of Loyalists patrolling the grounds. Stopping in her tracks, she looked around and smiled. Her old life and new life had met. It was time to show the people what they were truly capable of achieving. And it was time to see what the Rebels had done to her land.
Jogging back toward the base, she slowed seeing Neola exit. Knowing they needed to make amends, she approached and lowered her guard.
“Spirited greetings, your majesty,” Neola said in an even tone.
“Neola…” She took a step and the Vicar suddenly embraced her. Surprised, yet thankful, Tiva hugged her friend and spoke softly. “I am sorry, my friend, this is who I am. I will try to be more cautious, for I know you are only trying to protect me. It is something I am not accustomed to, I have always been the protector. And now I have Adam, we have relied on each other for a long time…” She smoothed Neola’s hair on her back. “But I give you my word I will not act recklessly. I know not what will happen, but be assured the people will be safe.”
“We’ll protect you this time, Tiva; you just have to let us. You’re more important than any of us.”
Tiva released her and looked into her eyes. “No, Neola, that is not true. Abennelp cannot survive by my presence alone; it needs the people. If it is my turn to visit the Eternal Lands you and the others must continue on.”
“Don’t say that, Tiva!” She pulled her close and clutched her. “The Mystics have often been wrong, you will not die.”
She gripped Neola’s arms and leaned back. “How did you know about that?”
“Mystic Litak’s grandson told me.”
“Who is he?”
Neola grinned. “Wirto.”
Tiva shook her head and finally released the Vicar. Rolling her eyes, she wrapped an arm on her shoulder. “It seems I must keep on my toes with the two of you around.”
“Part of his prediction has come true, that much I have seen with my own eyes and I admit I was afraid of Litak’s foretelling…but Wirto promised me your fate had changed. He said he saw you living a long life.”
“He inherited the gift as well?”
“It’s sporadic with Wirto, and he suffers sharp pains when he tries too hard. That’s why he became a Legionnaire, he still wanted to lend his service to the people.”
“I am glad he did.”
The Vicar’s face turned serious. “I will never stop trying to protect you, Tiva. Though our positions may have changed slightly, I am still your friend and only want to see you fulfill your destiny.”
“Your faith comforts me, Neola. I promise, I will do my best.”
“Good, now let us meet with the others for morning meal, we have much to discuss.”
The Loyalists spent the remainder of the day attempting to identify the remains of Tiva’s attacker as well as continue strategic talks of their upcoming battle. Wixx’s men reported in. All but one noble family was located and moved to the hidden bases. Other provinces were on alert and ready, and the sect from lower Yaan province had arrived to support the base.
No one recognized her attackers clothing or his personal belongings, though not much was left. Tiva describe his features to the best of her memory, but it helped little. The man reminded her of Solun, not just by the device he used, but the way he spoke, it was possible he was one of the children from Hentor.
The group agreed to move out in the morning and head toward the capital. They would survey the main roads leading to Degort and decide if it was the right time to strike the Rebels. With all the other sections ready and alert, now was their best chance at surprising the enemy.
After mid-day meal, Tiva and Adam broke from the group and ventured into the Finto forest to spar. She was nervous and needed to focus her energy. Adam pushed her further with each passing hour and by the end of the day, they were both drained but fulfilled.
As Adam washed up, Tiva tended to her wounds and talked with Cala. The spirit-sword was trying to keep the mood light, but that lasted only a moment.
I have a sense this war is about to start, Cala.
You’ve been saying that since we got here.
I know; it has been a lingering feeling from the moment I stepped off the fighter. All the sects are ready, the nobles are safe, and the attempt on my life was thwarted. Why are they waiting?
Maybe they think you’re dead too.
No, I am sure they are aware I am alive.
How can you be so sure?
My instincts tell me so. They will come for me, and they will not stop until I am dead.
Well, it’s going to be a long war then because Ruvy’s not going to let you die.
He may not have a choice in the matter.
“Like hell I won’t,” he said rubbing his head with a towel, another wrapped around his waist. “I might not be able to protect all of your people, m’lady, but no one is going to hurt you.”