Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (25 page)

“Are you ready?” Hutt said.

“I am,” she said.

He ordered her to perform various physical activities one would normally do to stay in shape, only she had to continue until each maneuver wore her down. She did well, defying the pain and tiredness, and forced her body to its limits. Just when she thought she passed with high marks, Hutt ordered her to run the perimeter of the forest twice in an allotted amount of time. He gave her no time to rest, so she sprinted to the edge of the trees and ran around the forest. The first lap made her numb, and though she should have paced better, she strained to ignore the pain this time. Determined, she pressed on running at top speeds for the second lap. When she cornered the last bend, each guardian glanced at his timepiece. She ran past them and slowed her ascent careful not to stop too quickly and cramp. Heaving and sweating profusely, she jogged back to the group, feeling her muscles finally relax.

Hutt handed the king her results.

Without a break, the group led Tiva into the great hall and tested her knowledge of the various weapons used by the guardians. Her sword, the weapon that she was most comfortable with, did not come into play. Instead, she used a staff, a blunted axe, long and short wooden blades, lances, as well as an antiquated spear and flail fashioned by her ancestors during the first cycles of the guardianship. To ensure her safety she donned a light chain mail, and defended herself against Yark Finto.

She held her own against him, faltering twice while using the flail, a weapon she never learned. When Harer ended this phase, he called her into the main study and asked various questions about battles of the past. Thankful for the break, she allowed her body to rest while her mind worked hard to answer every question.

It felt strange correcting what she thought were mistakes of her predecessors, including the one mishap of her grandmother Garloa’s first battle. The inquisition lasted until midday, and finally she was given instructions for the final phase.

“Somewhere hidden within the palace grounds is the sword of Trilo, the first Royal Guardian. As you know from your studies, Trilo was notorious for keeping a stash of weapons for sudden attacks. We will supply you with one clue to start your mission; however, there are rules. You can ask no one where to find the weapon. You can use anything within the palace and grounds to help you. Some of the guardians will attempt to catch you if they see you; others may turn a blind eye. If a guardian detains you, you will be brought back to the Great Hall and the mission will be over. This is not an operation of only stealth and covert tactics, but also that of
speed and deception. You’ve been tested to your limits and now you must focus everything into this last task. It will not be easy. You will find your clue somewhere in the garden. It is not guarded so, once you leave the area, the test begins. Any questions?”

“No, sire.”

“Very well. Darlew, escort Guardian Boon to the garden,” he said.

Darlew led her outside and through the courtyard. She surveyed the area, memorizing the placement of each guardian. Most seemed on normal patrols, but she sensed an air of excitement around the grounds. They reached the entrance. Tiva searched the courtyard one last time, and without a word entered and began her search for the clue. She cleared her mind of thought and strengthened her shield. This was the final test. She would not fail. If anyone sensed her presence, she may. She reached the center of the garden and found a small piece of parchment on the bench.

Trilo, known for his unconventional tactics, never used the same location to hide his weapons. The sword you seek is an heirloom to the throne of Abennelp and is sheltered among those it serves.

She read the parchment twice, and a smiled crossed her lips. It was hidden inside somewhere. The clue offered as much, and she knew Trilo himself would not risk natural elements to ruin his blade. Knowing the palace would be the least likely of all the buildings on the ground, Tiva looked at the guardian hall and hover deck first, the smaller buildings were awkwardly scattered around the grounds and did not provide easy access to a hidden weapon if there was a threat. The hover deck was closer to the side entrance, but most likely more heavily guarded. The guardian hall would be a place of last defense, and a better choice. She’d try the hall first, and take the long way around to the hover deck if she did not find the weapon there. She knew she could also exit the palace grounds via the front gate and slip in through the side entrance, but it was difficult to get past the guardians at the front gate unless disguised. She laughed, and suddenly knew exactly what to do.

Swiftly, she moved to the far side of the garden. Through the brush, she peered out and saw three guardians talking on the main path to the palace. She surveyed the ground and picked up three large rocks. She threw two over the brush, aiming for a tree that lined the path. The guardians heard the rustle of leaves and went toward it. Tiva burst through the vine wall of the
garden and ran across the courtyard to the pond. She hid behind the shrubbery and debated her next move.

Circling around the pond, she carefully timed her runs to the far side. She checked the guardian hall entrances, but from her vantage point only saw the side left unguarded. However, the front most likely was. Unsheathing the sword and pulling the Timbur from her belt, she returned to the edge of the pond, and using the two metal weapons, created a spark, and lit one of the shrubs on fire. Satisfied it would burn enough to get attention, she darted across the courtyard to the side entrance.

She slipped inside just in time to hear a few guardians mention the commotion outside. Quickly and quietly, she searched each room of the hall. Almost caught twice, she retraced her steps a few times, and when she reached the side entrance again, sighed having not found Trilo’s sword. She walked around the back of the hall, and knew she’d have to get inside the palace for her next attempt.

Infiltrating the palace was easier than she thought. She used the servant’s entrance, and made her way toward the king’s chamber. Slipping into the corridor, she found it empty and smiled. She stalked toward the doors and once inside searched the queen’s wardrobe.

Harer made the mistake of saying she could use anything in the palace. So, she found Mirta’s clothing rack, donned one of the queen’s white and gold cloaks over hers. Raising the hood over her head was the perfect disguise; she only hoped the queen wouldn’t be angry. Tiva returned to the corridor and decided to test the disguise. Peeking out into the main hall, she noticed several guardians walking around. She waited for a few to disperse. With the hood close around her head, she stepped out and crossed the hall. She passed the lift with no problem and made it to the opposite hallway. She chuckled under her breath, and strode to the exit, knowing the next feat was more difficult.

Guardians always stood at the exit. Skky Finto was there when Tiva entered the garden earlier and she hoped
she was still alone. Tiva pulled out her PCD to contact her.

“Guardian Finto.”

“The queen requests you ready her hover, she has business in the market place.” Tiva deepened her voice.

“Understood.”

She smiled, edged closer to the door, and cracked it open to look. Skky was running to the hover deck. Tiva waited then walked out slowly, keeping behind a few paces. When Skky entered, Tiva changed directions to the back of the hover storage building. So far, she was safe. The soft hum of the hover reverberated through the facility and Skky moved the vehicle outside. Now was her chance. She dashed through the back entrance and began her furious search. She checked each room, container, hovercraft, and storage bin. The weapon was not there. Tiva grumbled under her breath and moved back to the exit. As she peered around the corner, she noticed several guardians heading to Skky. Tiva retrieved the clue from her belt and read it again. If Trilo hid it where guardians served, it would not be the guardian hall; it was not built in his time. She grumbled realizing she’d wasted time in the new buildings, and with a short hop over a bush, Tiva ran toward the first of the archaic buildings.

The first was made of stone and glass, a structure that had seen many battles, and remained unoccupied. Still, her cautious nature took hold and she slowed her ascent, and then glanced inside through a dirty cobalt window. Nothing stirred, so she slipped through one of the large gaping holes and searched.

“Damn the spirits!” she said.

She exited the opposite side, and checked on the guardians. They seemed to be searching the hover deck. One was shaking his head, the other shrugging. Smiling, Tiva ran into a patch of trees and darted to the second building. When she entered, she heard a voice in the distance. Someone was coming. She cringed and hurried to search the rooms.

The voice now accompanied by another drew near.

Tiva reached the last room and there it was, hanging on the wall, the sword of Trilo. She took possession, and went to the front of the building. Two guardians were exiting the first building she just left. She was so close, she refused to fail now.

As swift as her shaking fingers allowed, she stripped off Mirta’s cloak then her own, then donned Mirta’s cloak once more. She hung her cloak near the main entrance, hoping to occupy them while she escaped to the palace. Silently, she exited from the back and slipped around the building. The palace door was still unguarded, she ran across the expanse at top speeds.

She burst through the doors and down the corridor. She skidded to a stop near the main study and pressed her ear to the door. Satisfied, she entered the room and smiled. She’d done it. She sat for a moment, thinking. If everyone was watching, they probably lost sight of her after
she entered the guardian hall or palace, and if she were the king, she’d watch from the summit room for it had the best view of the palace grounds.

Concealing Trilo’s weapon under the cloak, she went to the tower lift.

She past several guardians, they bowed to her, she returned, keeping well hidden in the folds of the hood. At the lift, she took a deep breath and leaned back as it rose through the tower. After exiting, she walked through the corridor, again bowing to those who passed by. Finally, she reached the doors and pulled them open. The group of guardians and king turned.

“Your majesty,” the guardians bowed.

Tiva walked in slowly.

“Mirta?” Harer said.

She lowered the hood, parted the cloak, and pulled out Trilo’s sword. The entire room went silent. Harer started to laugh. Her father and uncles joined in, the remaining guardians were smiling and shaking their heads as if shocked. Tiva walked to the king, kneeled, and held the sword before him.

“The
sword of Trilo Boon, the first Royal Guardian of Abennelp, sire.”

“You have completed the final phase, Guardian Boon.” Harer took the sword from Tiva. He placed his hand on top of her head. “Your test is complete. Rise and meet your fate.”

She stood and pressed her hand to her heart. Harer glanced at the other guardians, and they returned to attention.

“Tradition states one must pass all phases of the test to become a level one guardian,” he said solemnly. Her stomach turned. “And as you well know, this tradition is one that cannot be overlooked.”

“Yes, sire,” she said, her mind reeling.

“You were told this task would be difficult, were you not?”

“Yes, sire.”

“You have passed phase three, Guardian Becha…”

Bip tapped on the data recorder and met her eyes. “You have passed phase one.”

“Guardian Ispek…” Harer glanced over.

Hutt stepped forward with a data recorder in his hand. He paused, frowned, and looked at Tiva. She failed. Her heart sank. Making it this far was a sign, and she wouldn’t let one failure sway her as her father advised, she’d have to study harder and try again. She breathed in and stood straighter, her gaze locked on Hutt.

“You have passed phase two,” he said.

“I under…” she paused, and blinked unsure she heard right. “Pardon?”

“You have passed phase two,” he repeated.

She looked to her father. Harer stepped closer and placed his hand on her shoulder. Bewildered, she opened her mouth, but was wordless.

“Again words elude you?” he said, amused. “This day will be recorded in history as the day Tiva Boon was speechless upon her induction to the elite Royal Guardianship.”

“Sire?” she said, still it had not sunk in.

“Well done,” he said,
and grinned. “Well done, indeed.” The group began to clap and cheer.

“You did it, dearest one!” Kevler said. He held out his hands to her. She ran to him and jumped into his arms. He twirled her around and squeezed the air from her body. “Spirited blessings, my daughter!”

She lowered her mental shield, and felt the happiness and excitement in the room. Lingering somewhere, though, was a quiet sadness, but it passed as she looked around the room. “Thank you, Father!” She kissed his cheek before slipping from his arms. Each guardian embraced and congratulated her. She approached Harer. “From the very depths of my spirit, sire, I thank you for this opportunity and give my solemn word that I shall not disappoint you.”

The king pulled her into his arms.
There is nothing you can do to disappoint me, Tiva. You have earned this honor on your own accord; no one can take that from you.