Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (12 page)

“Feisty, you are.” The first moved closer. “We shall rid you of all your goods, so your travels may seem lighter.”

The second roared with laughter and pulled out a knife. Both men were dressed in tattered clothing, but she was unsure of who they were and what training they possessed. She gripped the handle of her father’s dagger and in a swift motion rose to her feet and disarmed the knife wielder.

“Oh, a bit of skill she has?” the first chortled, drawing a short sword. “Don’t make us harm you, little lady, would be a shame to put a scar upon you.”

Tiva stepped back, flipping the dagger in her hand. The two men closed in and as she was about to attack, she felt another presence near. It was familiar
, but clouded. Without taking any chances, she dove between the two men, tucked into a roll, and jumped to her feet before they moved. They turned and growled, obviously miffed.

“Graceful and swift as a bird, but do you have the strength? I think not!” The second lunged at her.

She sloppily, but purposefully, dodged. Ducking to the left as the first man attacked from her side, she allowed the second to strike her arm in the pretense of a block.

“Halt!” Solun’s voice resonated through the trees. The men stopped and turned. “If you wish to die, stay and fight, but you are outnumbered.”

Her assailants fled before Solun finished his words. Tiva rose to her feet. Behind Solun were his two friends and three others all carrying knives and daggers. Still holding her weapon, she dropped it, grabbed her arm, and slumped against a tree. She cringed in pain, though it did sting, her actions created more urgency than warranted.

“She is hurt!” Unil said.

“No, no,” she sluggishly pulled herself up, “I am just scratched.”

“Here, permit me to help.” Solun appeared at her side and wrapped his arm around her waist.

“Thank you.”

“I am sorry, Tiva. I should not have allowed you to leave unattended. Thieves live in these woods and occasionally prey upon people who wander the road.”

“Don’t blame yourself, Solun, I knew the risk. I was careless and not paying attention.”

“We must get you to a healer, the wound is shallow, but you require a dressing. Then I will take you home.”

Solun held onto Tiva as the group walked back into town. They approached the field and entered the healing house on the edge of the north corner. The healers tended to her quickly as there were few other patients, and when through, she thanked Unil and the others for their help. Outside, she searched for Solun
, but he had disappeared. His friends took their leave of the healing house, but before Bumo was from her sight, he turned back.

“Solun has gone to get his hover, he asks that you wait for him.”

“I will. Many thanks, Bumo.” She waved him off, sat on the stairs of the healing house to rest. She stayed to get answers. Why were Solun and his friends on the road? Had she not felt his presence, both thieves would be hurt or worse, and if Solun saw her tactics, she would have much to explain. Yet, she disliked feigning weakness, but she did as ordered—she hoped it was the correct choice.

A small hover exited a nearby alley and floated toward her. Solun jumped out after the vehicle stopped. He was excited about something. Tiva rose from the stairs as he approached
, but paid little mind to his overwhelming happiness. He escorted her to the hover then secured himself on the driver’s side.

“Are you well, Tiva?”

“Yes, the healers dressed the wound. It aches some, but I am sure it will be fine after a night’s rest.” She smiled hoping to allay his concerns. He chuckled slightly. “Do you find something amusing?”

“Not amusing, just intriguing. I saw you with the dagger in your hand, you were ready to defend yourself till the end, no matter the cost.”

“True, though I was lucky to have you and your friends show. Were you traveling home as well?” she said, waiting for a false reply.

“No, no, Bumo and Unil saw the two hoodlums leaving the square and called the rest of us to follow. They were unaware you left earlier, but thankfully you were not harmed further.” He started the hover and piloted it though the main road to the entry gates. “You have some skill, have you thought of training further?”

“My father is helping me some, he believes everyone must know how to protect themselves, I am no exception in his eyes.”

“A good man. Perhaps I can help as well.”

“I will consider any help you offer, Solun.”

“We shall speak more when we meet on the morrow. Now, I must get you home to rest.”

Solun brought her to the end of the alley. She lied and said her family would be sleeping and she didn’t wish to wake them. Reluctantly he let her go, but promised to see her for midday meal. When the sound of his hover faded in the darkness, Tiva dashed through the alley back to the house. Kevler stood near the patched forest, and stirred when she inched closer.

“Greetings, dearest one. How did your day fare?” he said.

“Eventful,” she said and showed the healers dressing. “Two men attempted to rob me. It is only
a mere scratch, because my contact, Solun, and his friends were near. I allowed them to rescue me.”

Kevler laughed and pulled her into his arms. “Lucky for them. You would have thrashed them, I am sure.” He kissed her forehead. “I am glad you are doing well on your mission. Would you like to give us your report before heading to sleep?”

“Yes, I believe Solun is the key to my attending a faction meeting.”

“So quickly?”

“No one else has approached me—he did—though for other reasons at first. I think his attention was divided, but with all that happened today, I have a good feeling.”

“Wonderful. Come and tell us all about it, and afterwards you must contact Mother, she wishes to speak with you.”

Tiva followed him into the control center. Dal, Defor, and the others were surveying maps and talking softly when they entered. Finding a seat, she waited for her father to interrupt the group. He whispered in Dal’s ear and the others took a seat. He motioned her to the table, and she again recounted what happened in town. Razzil and Terno seemed impressed with her story of the char-beast, but she continued on, telling of what she learned from Solun.

After finishing with the blundered attack, she concluded. “My feelings are directing me to keep with Solun. As I told my father earlier, no others have approached me, and the groups of young people from the field are friends of Solun, I think he is the best source. I am to meet with him tomorrow, and I will either get him to confess his true interests, or continue on and try and find another contact.”

“You have everything working perfectly,” Dal said. “Whether luck or pure skill, I think you’ve found the right path.”

“Agreed, we researched Solun and have found plenty of information about his father. He is still wanted by the king. So you must be cautious,” Razzil said.

“I understand. I will see where I am led, and take whatever action necessary,” Tiva said.

Kevler dismissed her, and she happily returned to her room. Once cleaned, dressed, and comfortable in her bed, she took out her PCD and contacted her mother. It was wonderful to hear her voice. Only two days had passed, but Tiva missed her family. She kept the conversation short, so not to worry her mother, and eventually fell asleep.

Dreams came to her in the night. The char-beast, larger and more ferocious, chased her. This time, however, she caught the animal
bare handed and released it in the mountains far from people. When she woke, sadness filled her. Unnecessary taking of life, regardless of the type, brought heaviness to her heart. Not exactly a wanted trait for a guardian, but she could not change the way she felt. Even a wild creature of the mountains deserved the chance to survive. She wished Solun had not killed the char-beast, but it did little good to dwell on what had happened.

She rose from the comfort of the sleep couch, and wasted no time getting ready. Before a sound stirred in the house, Tiva made her way back into town.

The second sun peeked over the horizon when she sauntered past the town gates. Wandering the grounds and watching people fill in one by one, she longed for her home. She missed her siblings and friends. Determined to gain access to the meeting and learn what she could, kept her spirits high. She would succeed and return home.

Strolling around the statue of Hentor, she noticed children gathering in the playing field. If the groups were forming already, Solun was most likely near, if her suspicions were correct. She kept a casual pace and walked the edge of the field. Approaching the healing house, she heard her name called from behind, when she turned—by spirits will, perhaps—Solun was striding toward her.

“Blessed morning, lovely Tiva.”

“Spirited greetings, Solun.” She smiled. “I did not expect to see you this early.”

“Business brings me here.” He paused as if to think and offered his arm. “Would you care to join me?”

“I don’t wish to interfere.”

“Nonsense, you are most welcome.”

“Then maybe I can offer my assistance. Are you selling wares?”

“Oh, no, no, I am meeting with the others. You will see, come.”

Graciously, she followed him into the field. As they neared, several of the young children fell in step behind him. Curious, but only observing, Tiva kept the questions in her mind, and silently walked with the others. They reached the far end of the field and in the distance; she spotted a small structure hidden in a plot of tall brush. She slowed her step, and Solun nudged her with a grin.

The dark-burgundy door of the structure opened and Bumo stepped out to greet them. Young children rushed in and vanished from sight. Tiva entered to find a steep set of stairs leading deep underground. Carefully, she trekked down, her eyes and senses sharp, but guarded. When the stairs ended, she waited for Solun and he escorted her through a murky corridor and finally into a small, dimly lit room full of children of all ages. Bumo offered her a seat, which she gladly accepted and used the few moments to familiarize herself with the surroundings.

She marveled at how alike the control center and this hidden room were. Though the décor was different, maps, writings, plans, and other information related to the cause adorned the room. She barely noticed Solun slip through the crowd and step up on a platform.

“A new day is here,” he bellowed. Everyone turned to him and she was no exception. “New friends we have made and hopefully new allies. Many of you know Tiva from the chase with the char-beast.” Heads bobbed with acknowledgment. “I have invited her here to meet all of you. Her noble move to keep the beast from harming us is worthy of our cause, for we are all here to help others.”

Several turned and smiled at her, a few glanced at her, their expressions neutral. Unil and Bumo grinned pleasingly. The beating of her heart grew rapid, this was her purpose, this was her reason for being here, and it was all coming together. Solun jumped from the platform and paced the room.

“The time is upon us to gather our strength and begin training. All of you here have been selected to represent your families’ names in the eyes of Pethor and help keep alive his vision for the future,” Solun said proudly and the group cheered. “Everyday you will meet here after lessons and train. Bumo, Unil and I will be your instructors. We ask only that you come with an open heart, mind, and a willingness to learn. I know many of you have questions, but I have promised our new friend, Tiva, to join her for midday meal.” A few giggles cut through the room. “So, I leave you all in the hands of your captains.” He motioned to his two friends and the others clapped. Solun circled the group. Tiva stood up as he neared. “Have you decided where we are going?”

“I’m afraid I did not yet choose, though you know the town better than I, you can decide, and I will treat us.”

“Come, let us make haste.” He took her hand, led her back though the field and to the town. She said nothing at first, unsure of what exactly to ask or say, but as they drew closer to the pub Solun broke the silence. “I assume you have questions as well?”

“I do, but I must admit, I am confused as to why you invited me. You know I am only visiting Hentor…”

“Ah, yes, but you will understand,” he opened the door and found a quiet corner for them to sit in. After ordering their food and drink, he pulled out a small parchment and placed it on the table. “I do not know where your heart lies with politics and the like, but after Himloc and those under him were used to oppose the king, Pethor wanted to ensure that all people of Hentor could protect themselves from such deceivers. Men, woman, and children alike.”

Tiva nodded and continued to listen.

“Training of one’s mind is easier than that of the sword. Pethor and his Vicars preach to the people of Hentor to think for themselves and not to allow false hopes and easy profits to ensnare them. Their words have reached all the ministry houses of the province, but people are not easily convinced. Many believe that to fight for their beliefs they must be prepared for all types of encounters.

“Legionnaires and Guardians are the most highly skilled and trained protectors of Abennelp though, you probably know that. You have seen the large number of legionnaires in Hentor - that is not by chance. Pethor requested more protectors to help train his guardsmen. The province guardsmen study with legionnaires and in turn, the guardsmen are training apprentices. I am one. I assume I did well, for they offered me the means to recruit and train the young people. That is what my business is here in town.”

“Is that why you approached me?” Tiva said.

“Not entirely. I was drawn to you for other reasons,” Solun said with a smirk. “However, you could do well with us.”

“But as I said before, I am only visiting.”

“Eventually Province Keeper Pethor wishes to expand his program across Abennelp. Only recently, we have begun to find others in neighboring lands worthy and willing, to join our cause. My instincts about you have not wavered. I could train you to be an amazing instructor. With your skills you would make a fine leader, and together we can ensure that all the people of Abennelp can protect and defend themselves from those who wish to see us fail.”

“Who wants to see you fail, Solun?”

“Many. A threat lingers in Pethor’s heart. He is close to uncovering the one who deceived Himloc, his army…and my father. Pethor has requested my help. Bumo and Unil are taking control of the Buali group, and I should like to know you are safe before I go. Will you take what I have shared with you and talk to the youth of Whettland?”

“I do not know, Solun. I was not made to be a leader,” she said, and deep inside wondered how much of what she said was true. “I can learn, I can fight, and I can protect, but I doubt I can get many to listen to me.”

“I disagree; you have a noble aura about you, lovely Tiva. I sense from you strength and leadership, I think you have friends or relations that look up to you already.”

“Possible, but I am unaware,” she lied.

Solun slid the parchment across the table. “Take this and read at your leisure. Do not set your answer in stone, if you need further convincing I may be able to arrange a meeting with Pethor.”

“You have that much faith in me?”

“Yes, I do.”

“To you I am but a step beyond stranger…”

Solun took her hand in his and kissed the inside of her wrist, “Tiva, I was drawn to your beauty, yet you are more than your outward appearance. You have the spirit of a fighter and a survivor. I have seen that much in you already. Take this opportunity to broaden your abilities and become a part of something honorable and worthy.”

She smiled and forced her markings to blush. Inside she was confused, but letting that show would only cause trouble. Placing the parchment in her tunic, she leaned back and looked him straight in the eyes.

“I can only promise you I will consider your words and your cause. I admit I have longed to be a part of a worthy group, but my path is still before me, my choices unnumbered. You have passion, Solun, and it is contagious.”

“I am leaving Buali after the suns set to meet with my trainer, but I shall return after midday tomorrow. I know your time in Hentor is limited, but I hope you will have an answer by then, for if you say yes, we will have much work to do.”

“It is enough time, and I look forward to seeing you again.” Tiva rose from her seat and smoothed her clothing.

She compensated the server for their meal as promised, and Solun did not argue. Feeling the need to stretch her legs, Tiva asked him to accompany her to the gates once more. As they walked, Tiva noticed the field was full of children. They were all dressed in similar clothing, standing in well-formed lines, and mimicking the maneuvers of Bumo and Unil as they performed blocking moves with long sticks of wood. Unable to hide her curiosity, she raised a brow and stopped to watch.

“Intriguing, is it not?” he said.

“Yes, quite.”

“You could learn faster than any on that field, including my captains.”

“Perhaps.”

“Come, let me walk you to the gate, it is still light, the thieves will not bother you this early.”

He escorted her to the town gates the same as the day before, and once again gently kissed her wrist. “I know not what the future holds for us, lovely Tiva, but I hope friendship binds us in this cause.” He reached up and touched her cheek gently. “May the spirits guide you, Tiva Vren, and keep you safe.”

She felt her markings blush
. “And to you, Solun Turi, keep well.”