Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (17 page)

She found Yark on the fifth floor as his mother had said. She saluted him when she neared; he smiled and returned the gesture.

“I am Tiva Boon, assigned as your patrol partner.”

“Greetings, Tiva. Yark Finto. How do you fare this fine morning?”

“Well, and yourself?”

“As good as can be asked of me,” he said warily, and led the way as they began their patrol through the corridors of the fifth floor. “Have you heard the most recent news of the faction?”

“No, I have not,” she said, now curious.

“The king dispatched several groups of guardians to infiltrate a known hideout after this latest incident. He is none too pleased about losing more guardians.”

“I can understand that. What news from the missions?”

“None yet, this happened only a couple days past.”

“How did you gather information so quickly?”

“My father keeps me abreast. I am preparing to take my level one test, and he wishes me to know all that is happening.”

“Should you be sharing this with me? I am only a level two, and from the looks of things as they are, even though I wish it, I may never reach my goal of level one.”

Yark grinned. “So you are the one who wants to be an elite Royal Guardian?” A chuckle escaped his lips. He motioned to the tower lift and they stepped in. “My mother speaks of you often, but has never told me your name. I assumed it was Rae Boon or Rhula Ispek, or perhaps Loloa Becha. Well, after all I have heard, I’m not surprised it is a Boon, or you for that matter.”

“What do you mean?”

“Word travels quickly among the halls of the palace. I’ve heard stories. Ones that may still be a sore subject for you, that which happened in the garden...”

The lift stopped and the doors opened. Yark waited for Tiva to exit first, and when she did, she bumped into Tespor and Jex.

“Tiva!” They said, surprise in their eyes.

“Spirited greetings,” she said. Her friends acknowledged Yark, and Tespor quickly pulled her to the side. “I am on duty,” she protested.

“I must speak with you soon. Meet me for midday meal in the dining hall.”

“I will try my best,” she murmured and drew her arm from Tespor’s grasp.
“This is my first day on duty. I wish not to cause trouble.”

“Everyone must eat, Tiva.” Tespor rolled his eyes. “Meet me if you can. There is much to say.” When Tespor and Jex left, Tiva followed Yark down the corridor of the fourth floor.

“He seems anxious to speak with you.”

“Quite,” she said. “He has something of importance to tell me.”

“Tespor probably overheard my father talking with me. He is quite skillful at picking up information not intended for his ears.”

Tiva smiled. Tespor seemed to be copying her habits. However, she had a feeling that he wanted to speak about courting, again.

Together, she and Yark patrolled the remaining floors of the palace, keeping to general topics of weather and training. Once they reached the ground floor, she saw guardians rushing about heading to the king’s private chambers. Yark seemed as curious as she did, but neither said anything and continued with rounds. Tiva’s thoughts wandered back to the garden, and Yark’s curiosity about the event. He was almost an elite Royal Guardian. He had been on missions and had the respect of others. Could she gain insight from him?

“You asked me about what happened,” she spoke suddenly.

“I did…” he said, slowing his pace. “I will be forthright with you, Tiva, if you permit me.”

She nodded.

“Many are concerned, my mother included, she asked me to try and help if I could.”

“Help in what manner, Yark?”

“I took the life of an enemy some time ago. My father and I were on tour in Obadan province and a man had taken a family hostage. He needed medical attention for he was not of sound mind, but he was ready to harm his captives. My father and I could not let that happen.” He paused as if to collect his thoughts. “We infiltrated the home, and this man gave us no choice but to attack and kill him. I battled inside my mind for many moons, trying to understand the weight of it all. It is not an easy thing to take the life of another, as you well know, but time has passed and I can recall the incident with a clear mind and conscience now. We did everything possible not to harm him, but in the end there was no other action to take.”

“How did you deal with the guilt of your actions?”

“It was not easy. Mostly, I spoke of my feelings with my parents and trainers. Many of us in the service of the king have had to do things we are not proud of, but alas, they must be done. Keeping emotions locked inside will only delay your healing,” Yark said solemnly. “Having said that, if you ever wish to speak your feelings to me, I will listen, for I understand how you feel.”

“Thank you, Yark. I appreciate your kindness and candor.”

“It is all we can do for each other in this charge, Tiva. We must support and help one another when we can, otherwise we will fail as a team.”

“Quite true,” Tiva said. She would not tell him her feelings now, but perhaps in time as they became closer she could open up to her new friend.

Yark and Tiva secured the first five floors of the palace several times before midday. They talked of history and dreams of the future. Tiva didn’t expect anything to happen, as the grounds around the palace were on high alert with a dozen more guardians than usual. She was grateful for the quietness of her duty, and hoped it would remain so for as long as possible.

Returning to the fifth floor, Yark left Tiva to patrol alone while he went to the dining hall to eat
. As she secured the fifth floor again, she saw Neola exiting the lift.

“Tiva!”

“Spirited greetings, Neola.”

Neola ran toward her and wrapped her arms around Tiva. She returned the embrace.

“How do you fare, my friend?”

“I am well.”

“You cannot fool me so easily, Tiva, but I will not press you for details. I know you’ve had some trouble. It is good to have you back. Come to see me at any time if you feel the need to talk. I am here for you, my friend.” Neola squeezed her tight then released her and smiled. “I may not understand what you have been through, but the words of the Yantar can help calm your spirit.”

“I thank you, Neola. I may take your offer to heart, for my spirit could use calming.”

“I must go, but please visit me in the palace ministry house when you feel ready.”

“I will.”

Yark returned and forced Tiva to take time for herself. She proceeded to the dining hall, ordered a small platter of food and a juice. She sensed many eyes on her as she sat in the corner away from the other guardians. Tiva wondered what they were thinking. Did they now see her in a different light? Was her reputation to be the guardian who slaughtered a boy in rage? The Truda twins were present, laughing and eating with a few other guardians she did not know well. She caught Litru’s eye, he smiled at her as he often did, not acting differently in the least,
so she returned the gesture with a slight nod.

Glancing around the rest of the hall, she searched for Tespor and Jex. Seeing neither, Tiva quietly ate her meal, keeping to herself. The hall slowly emptied. She finished her juice and carried her tray to the trash receptacle. Before she turned to leave, she felt the presence of her mother.

“How are you faring, precious one?” D’laja said, walking toward her.

“Very well, Mother.” Tiva forced a smile. “My patrol partner, Yark, and I have made quick friends.”

“I am pleased to hear that.” D’laja touched her daughter’s cheek gently. “I must eat and return, but I shall see you this evening.”

“Yes, Mother.”

Tiva returned to the lift. She called Yark on her PCD to find his location, and after he replied, Tespor appeared in the corridor. He waved at her as he approached.

“I missed you on break,” he said with a smile. “May I walk with you back to your post?”

“Yes, Tespor, we have much to talk about, do we not?”

“I wished to invite you to my celebration, my eighteenth cycle is near, and I’m having a gathering with the Finto’s. I’m also informing the king I wish to begin preparations for level one.”

“That is most joyous news, Tespor. You will make a fine elite guardian.”

“I know the journey is long, but I should finish all that is needed by my next cycle.”

“I have no doubts you will, and I would be honored to attend your gathering.”

“There is some other information to share, though you are on patrol with Yark, he is loose with his tongue so he may have told you that which I know.” He chuckled and held the door to the lift for her. “Where are you heading?”

“Fourth floor,” she said, stepping in. “Yark has told me of the king’s orders. Beyond that he did not say much.”

“Many of the guardians have returned, and the king is in council with them now. I passed the Great Hall, tensions are high.”

“That can only mean the news is bad.”

“That is my guess as well.” He shrugged. “There is not much else to say, but tell me, Tiva, how do you fare?”

“I am dealing as best I can, Tespor, but I wish to speak to you about personal matters.”

He took her hand and looked deep into her eyes. “This time for you must be confusing, I know not what you have been through. In time, I hope you will confide in me, but for now, matters of the heart should be the least of your concerns.”

“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.