Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (19 page)

“We will.” He smiled. “Sleep well, Tiva.”

“And you, Litru.” She gathered her boots and weapon, and turned back once before walking into the shadow of the forest. Her heart drummed inside her chest. Was she dreaming? Had he said all those words to her? Hundreds of questions and thoughts streamed through her head. She entered the field behind her home and saw Te shining under the moonlight. The lights on the lower floor glowed on the field. The children’s rooms were dark, but her mother was most likely still awake. Her father was near, but with her emotions in an uproar over Litru, she had trouble refocusing. She ran. Passing Te without stopping, she ran home and glanced in the window. There was no movement from her vantage point, so she quietly opened the door and snuck inside. She stole through the kitchen and neared the dining area. She paused upon hearing the front door close.

“Kevler, thank the spirits!”

“Is she home, D’laja?” her father said.

“No, no, she’s not!” her mother cried. “I have driven her away.”

“What happened?”

“She wished to see the king after the meeting, I couldn’t bear to see her become involved again. She doesn’t understand the danger. I pulled her outside and we argued. Then…then…”

“Speak of what happened, dearest.” Kevler coaxed.

“I struck our child,” she sobbed.

“Do not cry, we all lose our tempers from time to time, Tiva understands that. I am sure she is safe and just needed some time…you said Litru was bringing her home.”

“She left before me and the children.”

“Maybe she is with her tree.”

“I don’t wish to see our children perish like Towt. I will not have my family die before their time. The death and pain that child knows already…what kind of mother am I to allow such hurt upon my daughter?”

Tiva stepped into the living area with tears in her eyes. Her parents turned. “One who loves her daughter?”

“Oh, my precious one!” D’laja ran across the room and threw her arms around Tiva. “Forgive me, I was wrong to strike you.”

“And I should not have raised my voice and acted disrespectfully.” Tiva cried on her mother’s shoulder.

“You were right, Tiva. You are no longer a child.” D’laja wiped a tear from her cheek. “I have been afraid ever since you left on your mission. My only wish is to protect you and keep you safe. I worry for what is happening.”

“As do I.”

“Why do you wish to be involved so? You still strive to be a level one and put yourself in harm’s way.”

“That is my path,
Mother. All that has happened did so for a reason. I do not fear my fate.”

D’laja sighed and looked to her husband. “I know, but it does not make it easier to let you grow up.”

Kevler hugged them both; Tiva took comfort in their arms. Her parents knew the risks of guardian life and her mother was afraid for her, she understood that. Tiva didn’t know all the danger she would face, but with the support of her family, she knew there would be nothing impossible to deal with.

D’laja retreated, kissed her daughter once more, and went off to bed. Tiva still felt guilty, but satisfied they had settled had their differences. Kevler sat with her on the couch talking. She told him her reasons for wanting to see the king. “I wished to attempt contact with Solun. We were never certain if he knew I was a guardian. He may hold the key to finding the faction again, father.”

“I presented that option. We checked Solun’s personal comm frequency but it was no longer active. We have no leads, Tiva. We must start from the beginning once again.”

“I’m sorry. I feared that was the case.”

“We have ideas, but it may be some time before we see the faction again. Whether for good or bad, we will be prepared, do not worry.”

“I cannot help but worry, Father.”

“Neither can I.”

There was little tension in the air during morning meal. Tiva and her mother seemed well on their way to healing, and everyone’s spirits were high. They all journeyed to the palace, and parted company. Tiva went straight to the guardian entrance, and saw her aunts at the door.

“Where are the Guardians Truda?” she asked.

“They were sent on assignment to the Whettland province. There is much shifting happening in the palace,” Aunt Lilla said.

“When did they leave? How long will they be gone? When are they returning?”

“We were not told,” Jinka said. “Many of the higher guardians have left or will go today, but do not worry, Tiva, you won’t be sent on another mission.”

“Why not? I did well last time.” She scowled.

Jinka shrugged, and Lilla opened the door, “We know you did, but the king made the orders, you’ll be in charge of patrols inside the palace. Yark, your partner, and others have gone already.”

Tiva tried to hide her frustration and disappointment. “Whom do I report to?”

“Us,” Jinka said with a smile. “It will be nice to work with family again.”

“Yes, Aunt Jinka.” Tiva feigned delight. “I will report to you in the evening.”

Tiva passed the day by replaying her time with Litru over in her mind. Somewhat lost, she patrolled in a fog, unsure of what this would do. Just as they were coming together with their feelings for one another, duty sent him away. It dawned on her that she now felt as Litru had when she went to Hentor. She longed for him more than ever.

Finishing out the day after carefully avoiding friends and other family members in the palace, Tiva reported to her Aunt Jinka, and returned to her parents hover. Remock and Bintu were sparring with their swords. Tiva realized she had not practiced in a while; perhaps her father would have time.

Kevler arrived without their mother. He collected her siblings and they piled into the hover. “Before you ask,” he said, “Your mother has just been sent away on assignment with Zenid and Darlew Finto.”

“How long will she be gone?” Tiva said.

“Where did they go?” Remock said while Bintu stared blankly at their father.

“She has gone to the Quintor province, and will be gone for quite some time. Things may be tough for a spell, my children. I myself may be called away, but the bonds of our family are strong, and there will always be someone here for you when you are in need.”

“If you are sent away, Remock and Bintu will be in
my
charge?” Tiva’s voice quivered.

“They will. You will have help from your aunts; they are not going anywhere. We must have some skilled guardians protect the palace.”

“Is that why I am staying?”

Kevler smiled sadly. “No, dearest one. You are staying because you recently returned from a mission. You know the protocol; you must have a rest between assignments.”

“But I have rested long enough, I can help.”

“We will speak of this later.”

“Yes, Father.”

The family rode home, filled with sadness. It had been a very long time since their mother left home on assignment. They were accustomed to their father’s absence, knowing his status as an elite level one guardian often kept him busy. Having both gone would be an adjustment for all of them.

Once home, Tiva prepared evening meal with Bintu’s help. The food was less than perfect, as their mother’s cooking was the best, but they enjoyed it nonetheless. Remock and Bintu helped her clean. Afterward, she trained some in the recreation room before turning in for the evening.

Tiva was curled up on the couch, resting, when her father entered the living area.

“How are you faring, dearest one?”

“The day was long, and I have much on my mind.”

“I am sure you do. Tiva, about you going on another mission…”

“You and mother are not going to allow me on another assignment are you?” she said sadly.

Kevler chuckled. “No, dearest one, that is furthest from the truth. Your mother and Zenid are the most skilled women of the guardians, their services are required in Quintor by the Province Keeper. I must head to Cenii again soon. I’m confident that you can handle your siblings for a spell. Mother will return before me, and if there is an assignment for you after she returns, the king will allow it.”

“I will do as I am asked, Father.” Tiva tried to hide her sorrow.

Kevler stroked her cheek. “What ails you?”

“Many of the guardians are away; it brings sadness upon my heart. My patrol partner Yark has gone, some of my friends—”

“Oh, yes!” He patted down his uniform. “I had forgotten. Zenid left this for you, it’s a message from one of your friends.”

“Who?” she said.

“I do not know.” He pulled a small envelope from his tunic and handed it to her. She grinned and took it quickly. “Do you have a sweetheart?”

“I…well…” she said, feeling her markings blush.

Kevler laughed. “I do not wish to embarrass you, dearest one. Tell me when you are ready.” He winked, and then exited the room.

Tiva’s spirit soared. She tore at the envelope and removed the parchment.

My darling Tiva,

Long will be the days and nights I face alone without you. I cannot contact you while away, for we need to keep safe during this mission. Every day I see the warm lavender hue of the suns setting, I will be gazing into your eyes. I will see you in my dreams, every night I sleep, until once again you are in my arms. I will keep the memory of your tender kiss close to my heart.

I leave you the choice to speak with your parents. If you wish for me to do so upon my return, I will. For when I return, I don’t wish to hide our feelings from others. You have brought great joy to my life, Tiva Boon, and I wish everyone to rejoice in our happiness.

Keep well and safe, my sweet flower.

Only yours—

Litru

Tiva’s tears fell to his letter. She glanced up to see her father standing in the doorway.

“Is the news bad, dearest one?”

“No, Father, touching and romantic.”

“Are you being courted?” He smiled.

“I’m not sure, this all happened suddenly.”

“Well, your mother told me before your mission that Tespor wanted to court you. She mentioned you felt you weren’t ready, but I knew some time away from home might change your feelings.”

“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.”

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 seeing 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.”