Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (20 page)

“Yes, Tiva, I am here…with you.” He caressed her cheek and lowered his lips to hers.

Her worries slipped away and she became swept up with the passion she felt from Litru. Entranced with him, she felt something change. His thoughts were stronger in her mind; the love and desire he felt flowed through her, the heat and energy moving between them, overpowering. Trembling lips parted and she nervously chuckled.
Did he feel it too?

“I will acquire your father’s permission to court you, my love.” He continued naturally as if it were her name. “We are one spirit, separated only to be joined again, destined to be together…”

“Litru, my heart…” She took his face in her hands. “There is much to say, and time is short. But hold me now as if you never wish to let go.”

Under the stars and warm breath of the wind, she remained entangled in his arms enjoying the quiet of the lake, and the completeness she felt with him near. After some time passed, Litru stood and lowered her to the ground. He took his hand in hers and guided her through the forest.

“I wish to see your tree, I do not remember it well.”

Tiva grinned, pulled him through the last of the trees, and into the field. She took off running, and he gave chase. She giggled and ran to Te only a few strides ahead of him. He grabbed her, swung her high in the air
, then drew her into an embrace. She pecked his cheek and ducked under Te’s long leaves. “Come, sit, and rest with me.”

“What of your parents?”

“My father is away and Mother is sleeping. Do not worry, I often visit Te in the night, it’s become a tradition of sorts.” She lowered herself and patted the ground to her side. Litru sat, stretched along the soft grass, and pulled her close. She rested against his chest, arms around his waist. Elated—it was the only word to express her feelings. She sighed happily and settled into him.

“Have you talked to them?” he said.

“I have, they wish to speak with you.”

“I understand and honor that. Your parents would not be wise if they did not require a suitor to seek their permission. You are too important to them. They will find me worthy and my intentions true.” He tenderly kissed her forehead.

“I know they will, Litru. They cannot deny us, we have already touched minds.”

“I felt it as well, your emotions are strong,
you have much inside you.”

“It is not only joy that fills me, though.”

“My senses are not as strong as yours, but I feel some of the weight you carry. Speak your heart, my flower. Speak of that which weighs upon your mind.”

Tiva recounted the long cold days without him. From the time he left, through every month, and every emotion that seared inside her. “…I spent last night with Te, sleep would not take me, nor will it take me tonight. But I would not trade this time with you for sleep.”

“Neither would I, my love.” Litru crushed her against him. They were so close she felt their hearts beating together. “Time is not on our side this night, Tiva. Soon the suns will rise, and I will have to report to the palace.”

“Oh, Litru,” she cried.

“What is it?”

“I am being sent to Quintor in the morning!”

They both fell into a deep melancholy. Tiva unable to hide it from him, nor he keep his sadness from her. Litru stroked her hair. She closed her eyes and coiled her fingers into his free hand. Together they lay for a spell, relaxing one another with soft touches. Then he nudged her gently and she looked up.

“I have something for you.”

“You’ve brought me a gift?” She sat up, staring at him in disbelief.

“It is your Remembrance is it not?” He grinned; she beamed and kissed him. “Reach in my belt pocket.”

A mischievous look crossed her face as she slipped her hand into the pocket. She felt the smooth cool material, and metal chain. She pulled out a necklace, and swinging from the end was a bright purple crystal much like the one she had seen in Hentor.

“I scoured every shop in Degort to find something like this the morning I left. I wanted to leave it with my letter, but finding it during my mission carried me until I could return and bestow it to you myself. It reminded me of your eyes. ” He took it from her and affixed it around
her neck. She held the crystal in her hand; it was more beautiful than the one she had almost purchased. Then she looked at him, curious.

“How did you know?”

“You told me on our ride to your home.”

“Ah, I had forgotten!” She chuckled. “Thank you, Litru. This has been the best Remembrance, and you are the finest gift of all.” She kissed and hugged him, happy once again.

A cool gust of wind woke her. She opened her eyes to see her hand, resting on Litru’s chest, the purple crystal clutched in her fingers. She was warm, wrapped together with Litru in his cloak. His strong grasp on her made her feel safe, and the sound of his heart beating with hers brought a smile to her lips. Beyond the field and the horizon, the suns began to rise. Tiva gasped, realizing it was morning, and Litru jolted awake.

“What?” He sat up instantly, grabbing his sword, his other arm securely around her.

“Easy, it is just morning.” She pushed him back gently. “I did not mean to startle you.”

“You understand the change of sleep during missions, I am still on alert.”

She laughed. “I know the feeling, my blade came inches from my father’s chest one night in Hentor. I dreamt of a
winpu, and my father touched me.”

“He is lucky you woke in time.” Litru grinned.

“Indeed.” She caressed his cheek. Then she frowned and moaned. “How are we to do this again after such a wondrous night?”

“It is our duty. You wish a different life no more than I, protecting is in our very lifeblood.”

“Quite true.” She tilted her head up. “But to part so soon, after so much time alone, without you…I know not how long I will be gone. What if you are sent away before I return?”

“Let us pray to the spirits that it not happen.”

They talked under Te until the first sun breached the horizon. Knowing their time was ending, Tiva held back her tears. It only made it harder to let him go.

“I must take my leave, Tiva,” he said glumly. “If you will permit me, I will speak with your parents while you are gone and seek their approval.”

“It may take some time, my mother seems the most opposed, but if she gets to know you as I have, she will know.”

“So when you return, I will present you with a rose, and ask you to be mine.”

“And I will accept.”

Litru helped Tiva to her feet and pulled her close for a kiss. She couldn’t allow herself to tarry, her mother would be awake and looking for her. Hugging him tight, she smiled, touching his lips.

“I would not trade this day for all the stars in the sky!” she said.

“Remember it every time you feel lonely, for I will be thinking of it too.” He caressed her face. “Return to me soon, my love.”

“I will.” She slipped from his arms, their fingers breaking the grasp slowly. Gazing at him lovingly, she placed her palm over her heart, smiled, then turned and ran toward her home. She would not cry, instead rejoiced at having the chance to see him before she left. It had been her silent wish from the beginning; never did she imagine he would make it to her before the day ended.

Floating through the door, she crossed into the kitchen and entered the dining room. Her mother sat at the table sipping tea. “Spirited greetings, Mother,” Tiva said, masking her surprise.

“Good morning, Tiva,” she said evenly. “You’ve been outside all night
have you not?”

“Sleep evaded me last night, but I did rest.”

“Very well, this mission is important. I would hate for you to be distracted.” D’laja glanced up at her daughter with a strange stare. “Is that a gift from your Remembrance?”

“Yes, do you like it?” she said and moved closer to show off her trinket.

“It is beautiful, Tiva, a wonderful gift.”

Tiva entered the living area, and looked back at her mother. “I have fallen for him, Mother,” she said, unsure if her mother had seen them asleep under Te or not. Either way, her emotions were wild, unhidden, and undeniable. “Will you talk to him?”

D’laja nodded, with very little feeling. “Your father and I will speak with him when time allows, now you must ready for your mission. Wake your brother and sister, on your way please.”

The family rode to the palace. Tiva met with the king and received her remaining orders. Prince Kenon would go to Quintor in two days, after she had settled. Nervousness filled her, her first mission alone. Harer promised other guardians were in town to watch over her, but she would not notice them.

When the king dismissed her to begin her assignment, she searched for Litru, stalling her departure. Everyone she asked knew nothing of his whereabouts. She tried to contact him, but he did not answer his PCD. Perhaps he had not arrived at the palace or was meeting with the king. After transferring her belongings to the hover supplied by the king, she waited and watched the courtyard for any sign of him.

Midday approached and Tiva knew she was out of time. She attempted once more on the comm and received the same quiet response. Securing herself into the hover, she left the deck, drove through the courtyard, and left the safety of the palace.

The first few days after her arrival in Quintor flew by, each day after became more challenging. She’d garnered a few contacts her age and older, but none of them held any useful information. No one here seemed to be involved in the faction, and if they were, she was not approached this time. She missed her family, her friends, and of course Litru. Keeping him out of her mind to concentrate on her task was no easy feat, but she did her best.

She acquired work with a local merchant shop and played the part as told, keeping busy during the long dreary days. At night, she spoke with Prince Kenon about the day, and then practiced with her sword to keep her skills sharp. The housing complex she stayed at was small but safe in a well-guarded section of the province capital. The king had secured the room for her, explaining that the other guardians were nearby. They did their job well. As hard as she tried, she failed to uncover them, and wondered if she could learn from them when she returned.

A month gone and she found nothing. Kenon had the same bad luck. They kept in contact as ordered, and his news was less exciting and informative every time they spoke. Each day she prayed for orders to return home. Every night she survived the disappointment. The more time she spent among the people of Quintor, the more she realized her mission in Hentor had gone too smoothly and easily.

The second month came and passed; still their attempts were futile. Kenon grew more agitated and weary when they spoke. She was not doing well either. Finally, the news came from Kenon that the king sent word for their return. He told her their rendezvous location in Ullibro, and from his tone, he was as happy as she was.

One more night and she would be home.

Excited to return, she didn’t dwell on her failed mission. There was no shame; it just was not the right time and place. Tiva used the excuse of a sick family member at home to break ties with the proprietor of the merchant shop.

Wasting no time, she gathered her belongings and left Quintor without a second look. Midday approached and she met with Kenon in a small café in Ullibro proper. The legionnaires journeyed to another location, so Tiva and the prince rode back to Degort together.

When she crossed the bridge into Degort proper, her heart swelled. Finally, she was home. Careful not to allow her excitement to lead to careless driving, she slowly guided the hover through the narrow marketplace. The gates of the palace in the distance warmed her. She decelerated as they neared. Two guardians posted at the entrance stepped forward, and beyond the gates, two other shadows neared. Bringing the hover to a stop, Kenon exited and moved toward the guardians. They saluted him and made ready to open the gate. Before the gates were fully open, Tiva saw one of the shadows come into the light.

She jumped out of the vehicle and stepped closer. Litru met her eyes. She grinned back. Then she nodded her head, silently asking for the answer to the question she sought. He laughed and smiled. Her parents had approved. With the gates fully open, she ran to him, he gathered her into his arms and held her tight.

They kissed, and everything around her went silent for a moment. If she could stop time, this would be the moment: standing under the moonlight, between the tall gates of the palace wrapped in Litru’s embrace.

“I have missed you so,” she whispered, rubbing her finger over his markings.

“And I you.” He swept a loose lock of hair from her cheek. “I could not bear to wait one more moment to see you.” He pressed his lips to hers again. She broke the kiss and laughed as tears of happiness fell to her cheeks. He caught them with his finger as he smiled down.

She felt something in her hand suddenly and when she looked down, Litru was curling his hand around hers, a pink crystal rose in her fingers. As promised, he presented her with the flower to prove his intentions. Tiva jumped into his arms, he swung her around.

“I have so much to say to you, my sweet flower. I will speak the words of the courting ritual before the eyes of your parents and all who wish to share in our joy.”

“And I will accept with all that I am.” She pulled him close and kissed him again.

Becoming absorbed in the emotions, Tiva barely sensed the others near. They were watching, and when she turned, King Delos, Prince Kenon and the gate guardians grinned.

“A merry reunion this is, come Tiva, Litru, we must not tarry here…and the Boons are waiting,” Harer said, his arm around his son’s shoulder.

“Yes, your majesty,” they said.

One of the guardians took charge of the hover bringing it to the hover deck, as the other moved toward the controls. Tiva turned to Litru, but he was looking out toward the marketplace.

“What is it?” she queried.

“More attackers.”

“More?” She spun around and saw several men running toward them. Unsheathing her sword and placing the rose in her belt, she moved to the king and prince, and pushed them beyond the palace gates.

“Call for reinforcements, hurry!” Litru said to the other guardian.

Two men came from the side as if emerging from the very shadows that surrounded them. One entered the grounds and grabbed
Kenon; the other lunged for the king. Tiva raised her weapon and cut Kenon’s aggressor across the arm then kicked him to the ground. The king ducked his foe, and Tiva leaped into the air striking down at him.

“Behind you!” Litru said.

She twisted around, her weapon at the ready for the next menace. The metal of her sword and the attacker’s bladed staff clashed in her ears. Litru fought two others, and the guardian in the courtyard frantically called for help. Three of the enemies fell. Litru beat down a forth. Tiva fought another and broke his leg before turning back to the king.

Harer bled from his leg as he limped toward the palace. Kenon had vanished. Tiva heard the creaking of the gates closing, and pulled back, looking for more enemies. She helped the king behind the wall to safety, and called the gate guardian to stand watch.

An unfathomable gut retching howl filled the air. Tiva saw Litru on his knees. Their eyes met, but before she moved, a bladed staff pierced through his abdomen.

“No!” The blood-curdling wail ferociously vibrated from her throat and through her entire body, echoing far beyond the gates of the palace.

“My love…” he choked, slid from the blade, and fell to the ground.

“Litru! No!”

She gripped her sword and ran toward him. Through tears, sweat, and blood, Tiva slashed Litru’s attacker across the stomach. The strike, not a lethal blow, caused him to fall. After he dropped, she turned to see another group approaching. The gates to the palace were near closing. Tiva hauled Litru through as a dozen guardians surrounded her. She collapsed next to him, and held his limp body in her arms.

The group of men reached the gates and began throwing detonators into the courtyard. Another dozen guardians rushed the invaders from the side exits in a surprise maneuver, as the
small explosions rocked the ground behind her. She didn’t move.
It isn’t possible, this is just a dream. I’ll wake soon.

“Guardian Boon!” Darlew said, running across the courtyard.

Several more explosions surrounded her. Then all went silent. Glancing up, she saw her parents, and the other guardians. Kevler held a sobbing D’laja. The king and Kenon’s voices echoed in the distance. Holding the Finto’s kin in her arms, Tiva saw tears fall to Zenid’s cheeks. Darlew and Zaynus’ markings turned black. Yark stood motionless in shock.

“Come, Guardian Boon, we must fall back, there could be another attack,” Darlew said, his voice quivering in anger.

“No,” Tiva spat. “I will not leave him.”

“We will retreat to the Great Hall, you can say your peace to him there.”

“Find a healer, he will make it.”

“He is gone, dearest one. I am sorry.” Kevler squeezed her shoulder.

“No, no…please, by the spirits, no!”

She would not believe it. Darlew pulled her away as Kevler and Litru’s twin picked the man she loved up from the ground. Tiva struggled under Darlew’s grip.

“Release me! He needs me!”

Zenid and D’laja wept while Yark helped them down the path. Tiva kicked and screamed, tried to break free from the elder Finto. Darlew lifted her from the ground with a tight hold around her waist and dragged her through the courtyard. Unable to fight him, Tiva stopped struggling as they moved into the hall. Her father and Zaynus had already put the fallen protector down. Litru lay still on the ground. Darlew finally released her. Standing for a moment, her legs gave as she saw his wound in full view. She crumpled to the floor, pulling Litru into her arms.

His eyes were shut, his face static as a windless day. She pushed his hair from his forehead; his markings were white, the last emotion he felt as the life drained from his body: love. She kissed them and held him to her chest. “Wake up, Litru, my heart…it’s your flower. I’m here, wake for me, please.”

Footsteps approached, but she did not turn from Litru. She held on, whispering to him as if willing him awake.

“This is the second attack this week…” the king said from behind. “You must take her home, and return as quickly as you can. We must regroup.”

She glanced up, ignoring the others around her whom the king was speaking to. Her stare cold and emotionless, her markings felt black as a starless night sky. “I will not leave him.”

“He is already gone, Tiva,” Harer said. “You must let his family take charge.”

“I will care for him, find me a healer,” she said.

“Dearest one, he has gone to the Eternal Lands, let him go…let him rest,” Kevler said.

“I will not!”

“You must.”

Tiva hugged and rocked her love. His face and hands were cold; still she didn’t believe it. Ripping a sleeve off her tunic, she cleaned the blood from his face with her tears. Placing the sleeve over his wound, she gently laid him back against the floor, and placed her hand over his heart one last time. She removed one of her favorite silver rings from her finger, and slipped it onto his.

“I cannot.”

Rising to her feet, she stepped back with her gaze still upon him. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Forcefully, she wrenched her body away. The rose fell from her belt and shattered on the floor. The echo of the crystal filled the room then all went eerily quiet. It was as if, in that moment, her heart broke in as many pieces as the rose. Staring at the pieces, she felt her markings darken even more and glared at the group surrounding her. Kevler took a step closer, holding his arms to her in a gesture of comfort. Tiva looked through him, completely detached, then stormed out. She ran down the hall, to the main lift, and rode up a few floors. She did not need comfort. Nothing would make her believe what she’d witnessed.

She lurched through the corridor of bustling guardians trying to find a quiet section. Each step grew harder as her thoughts began to blur. Entering one of the training rooms, she glanced around finding it empty. She fell back against the couch, curled up, wrapping her arms around her legs, and stared into nothingness.

She was numb.

Not a single emotion filled her, her thoughts non-existent. Hours seemed to pass, and she remained there, breathing only enough to remain conscious. Her parents found her, wrapped her in a blanket, and begged her to speak. She was unresponsive. Kevler eventually gathered her in his arms and carried her through the palace to the hover. D’laja stopped crying when they passed the forest near their home. Tiva was aware of all around her, but only stared into the void, lifeless.

Kevler carried Tiva to her room and covered her.

“Do you wish me to stay with you?” he said.

Tiva pulled her sword close to her chest, rolled to her side, and stared out the window.

“I know you are trying to make sense of this all. I cannot begin to know what you feel, Tiva. Litru loved you very much. He would not wish this grief upon you. You will be whole again, I promise, some day you will.” He sighed and stroked her hair for a while then kissed her cheek. He tucked the blankets tight around her to keep her warm.

“If you need me, I will be here, dearest one,” he said, and left.

She did not hear him leave, nor heard the sounds outside her window. When she knew her parents were sleeping, she crept out of her room and silently made her way through the house.

Tiva numbly walked to the pond, knowing no voice would sing to her tonight. He’d never sing again. Unable to think his name, she knelt on the bank, pulled the dagger from her hand and stared at the necklace clutched in her other fist.

She removed the pummel from the dagger and stuffed the necklace inside. She called to the spirits to take her pain, to help her forget. She never wanted to feel again. As she enclosed the dagger, Tiva wished this night erased from her memory. As she stared into the pond, she remained motionless, almost welcoming the numbness as it pulled her deeper, for she began to feel nothing.

Nothing at all.