Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (7 page)

“No,” Tiva said and obstructed his attack. She jumped up and flipped backward putting distance between them.

“Why?”

“Fight.”

“Not until you speak of what you mean,” he said, throwing his sword to the ground.

“Then you shall lose.” Tiva rushed toward him and slammed her shoulder into his stomach. Tespor grabbed her as he began to fall and flipped her backward over his head. She landed on her back and growled. Quickly jumping to her feet, she swung the sword around, clipping him on the back of his neck as he rose from the ground. He yelped and backed away. She swung at him again and ripped the sleeve from his shirt.

“Tiva, stop!” Tespor pleaded.

“You are supposed to be my friend!” she said and swung again.

“I am.”

“Then why do you bear such hatred for me? Why have you not come to see me when I needed you so? Why can you not look me in the eyes?” She stopped her attack and stared at him.

“You think I hate you? Where did you get an idea like that?”

“I sensed it in you, Tespor, you cannot hide it from me.”

“I do not hate you. Perhaps you are misreading what I am feeling.”

“I am not!” she said, threw down her sword, and balled her hands into fists. “You despise me. You don’t understand how I possess such abilities, yet you never ask me about them. My cousin is dead, Guardian Ispek died in my arms and you have yet to say a word to me…”

“What? What happened?” he said, the concern on his face apparent.

Tiva shook her head and walked away.

“Tiva, please…wait!”

She paused. She hung her head and wiped her cheeks quickly before turning to face him. “Guardian Ispek came to our home yesterday. He was badly injured and died as I tried to tend to him.”

“By the spirits,” Tespor proclaimed. He pulled her into his arms. “I didn’t know. Forgive me. I heard of your cousin’s death, but was told to leave you be to mourn properly. I didn’t know you sought comfort from me. I am merely a friend, not your family.”

“You are family to me, Tespor.” Tiva hugged him tight. “I’m sorry to have hollered, it was not right.”

“You were angry, all is forgiven.” He lifted her chin. “I do not hate you, Tiva. I envy you, in many ways. I must learn that there will always be someone stronger, better, and smarter than I. One cannot be the best at everything they try.”

“Quite true, but, Tespor why do you envy me?”

“Look at all you have, Tiva. Your family, friends, and your abilities are far greater than mine.”

“That’s not true.” She shook her head furiously. “The Finto’s are your family, they care for you a great deal. You have as many friends as I, and you are far stronger than you give yourself credit for.”

“Perhaps, but please, Tiva, do not think I hate you. I could never hate you. You are…”

“What?” she said, studying him. His markings turned lighter before he turned away.

“You are my finest friend.”

She knew he lied. He hid something, but she dare not ask. She simply acknowledged his answer, kicked her practice sword upward, and caught it in her hand. She grinned and motioned to the sparring circle. He chuckled, picked up his own, and followed.

They fought and talked until Devler returned. Tiva enjoyed the lesson, but the joy of knowing Tespor was not angry with her was far better than anything she learned in training.

She finished the day patrolling the grounds with a cousin of the Finto family, a replacement for Lety Ispek.

Returning home after the day ended was a blessing. Though her parents did not give her more information about Guardian Ispek’s death, she pushed the questions aside. In time, she hoped, the truth would reveal itself.

Tiva sat in her window watching the moon rise high above the trees of the forest. Te swayed in the middle of the field dancing with the wind. She stifled a yawn and wished she had the energy to visit, but knew she’d have time in the morning. She looked forward to the holy day. A day she could rest and play with her siblings after the family visited the ministry house to pray. If she were lucky, her parents would allow her to invite her training mates over for midday meal.

She changed into her sleep clothing and rested on her bed. D’laja came in to bid her a goodnight and said her father would be up shortly. Tiva forced herself to stay awake, not wishing to miss him.

Slowly her door creaked open. She sat up and grinned at Kevler, then upon seeing him in his guardian uniform, frowned.

“Do not be sad, dearest one.” He crossed the room and sat beside her. “This is the life we lead. I have a duty to uphold.”

“Where are you going, Father?”

“Back to the Hentor Province. The king has order us to secure the land. You do understand, no?”

“I do, but I wish you had more time to recover from your injuries. I fear you may…”

He rubbed her markings tenderly. “Don’t worry about me, Tiva. I shall be fine. The strongest guardians will be with me, and the threat will be averted.”

“Are you sure, Father?”

“We cannot always be completely sure, but the culprits are within our grasp and will be caught and punished.”

“All of them?”

He chuckled. “We hope so.”

“You laugh…is this not a serious matter?”

“Of course it is, but you should not worry about such things, concentrate on your training, dearest one. We shall handle the situation.” He smiled and kissed her forehead. “Pray for me on the morrow.”

“I will pray for us all, Father.”

She ran though the garden careful not to disturb any of the king’s favorite flowers and shrubbery. Tiva sped across the lawn and into the side entrance to the palace quicker than she thought possible, even for her. Down the guardian corridor and into the Great Hall, she skidded to a stop seeing her father and King Delos speaking quietly in the corner.

“Father,” she said.

They both turned and smiled.

“Welcome, dearest one.”

“I did it, Father!”

“What?”

“I passed,” she said and crossed the hall.

“Level two?” he said, then glanced to Delos who nodded in response. “Harer, you didn’t tell me.”

“We wished it to be a surprise, Father. I asked him not to tell you or mother. Zenid felt I was ready and King Delos agreed.” She grinned and walked up to her father looking him in the eyes.

“I am surprised.” He chuckled, rubbing his temple. “I can’t believe how quickly you’ve grown. I am very proud, Tiva.”

“Thank you, Father.” She threw her arms around him and was unprepared for him to swing her around. When he released her, Tiva sheepishly tucked a lock of her hair behind her ear. She instantly saluted the king, realizing she’d forgotten.

“I am proud as well, do not be embarrassed, Tiva.” King Delos laughed and saluted back. “Your father tackled me in the court yard when he passed level two.”

“He did?” she said, shocked.

“That he did, it is completely appropriate under the circumstances.”

“Thank you, sire.” She bowed her head slightly. “I look forward to my new assignments and tours of duty.”

“You have gained the respect of many under my command, Guardian Boon. The future ahead of you will hold wonders the rest of us may never comprehend.”

Tiva tugged at the strings of the Guardian strap her father made after her first cycle of training and let out a sigh of relief. Time had passed quickly for her. The road behind her was paved with obstacles and challenges beyond her wildest thoughts. Thinking ahead to her future filled her with joy. She knew in her heart where she belonged and every day she pushed herself to the limit to prove she could achieve anything she desired.

She had become the youngest guardian, at fourteen, to reach level three status, and again proved her worth two cycles later, by accomplishing the same feat with level two. It only fueled her more to strive for elite guardianship. Somehow, she would prove herself and convince the king to grant her the rank she craved, regardless of gender.

“Have you decided on your preferred duty, dearest one?” Kevler said, breaking into her thoughts.

“Yes, Father. I wish to patrol the interior of the palace, and escort as needed,” she said.

“A fine choice. Has Zenid given you a listing of the tours?” Delos said.

“No, sire. As soon as I learned my results I asked if I could come and find my father to tell him the news,” she said with a grin.

“I see,” he said. “Well, since you are here. I would like to ask for a favor.”

“Anything, your majesty.”

Delos rolled his eyes. “You may call me Harer, Tiva. I may be your king, but my life is in your hands. I owe you my respect.”

Tiva glanced at her father unsure what to say. She did not feel an equal to many of the people who requested her to use their birth names, but politely obliged many times. Now the king asked her to address him like a friend, an equal. Only a select few held that privilege. Kevler pushed up on her chin to close her mouth. She shook her head, snapping back to reality and stared at the king. She pressed her fist to her heart and bowed her head.

“I am honored, Harer,” she spoke slowly
, allowing it to roll off her tongue for the first time.

“Just remember, I do not allow many to use my name.”

“When in the presence of others, I will not forget my place, sire.”

“Good, now I have an assignment for you and your father,” he said, returning to his royal voice. “You remember what happened in the Hentor Province long ago?”

Her pulse quickened. How could she forget? Finally, she would learn the truth. “I remember some.”

“It has been rumored that more of the same activity is taking place again. I would like you and Kevler to investigate. You will meet with a group who has been on site for many cycles, and utilize all the intelligence information they have procured.” He paused and tilted his head. “I understand you excelled in your special operations training.”

“Zenid has never seen scores like Tiva’s,” Kevler said proudly.

“I was always sneaky as a child, it was a natural progression,” Tiva jested.

Harer snickered. “It may come in handy. Your father will brief you on the situation this evening. You leave in the morning.”

“I understand.”

“Now, go find your friends and celebrate.”

“Yes, sire.” She bowed her head again, hugged her father, kissed him on the cheek, and ran out of the Great Hall to look for her friends.

Excited beyond words, she dashed out of the palace and went straight to the guardian hall on the opposite side of the grounds. Less than a day as a level two, and the king gave her an official assignment!

She waved and smiled at a few legionnaires and guardians as she hurried past, but never slowed until the building came into view. Litru and Zaynus were tossing a ball back and forth obviously enjoying a break in their patrols.

“Greetings, Tiva,” Litru said with a grin while Zaynus added, “We heard you passed level two, well wishes!”

“Thank you,” she said, slowing to a jog. Her chats with the twins always brightened her day, especially when she spoke with Litru. He still had an interesting effect on her. “Have you seen Tespor, Neola, and Jex?”

“Yes, they are in the garden with Prince Kenon, Princess Jenon and your siblings.”

“Why have they all gathered there?” she asked.

“It seems a Mitahi bird was injured and they are trying to tend to it,” Zaynus said.

“Oh no,” she cringed. “I should go help, I know about the bird.”

“Hurry then,” Zaynus said, grinning.

Litru laughed and winked
. “Don’t keep them waiting.”

Tiva turned on her heels and ran back across the grounds toward the garden. Why did the Truda twins take amusement in the bird’s demise? Reaching the pathway to the garden, she slowed and surveyed the area.

All was quiet,
too quiet.

Cautiously she slipped beneath the golden archway of entangled trees and passed the thorn bushes she often hurdled when taking the short cut through the garden.

She paused to listen again.

Silence.

Knowing the Truda twins would not lie, she moved further inside searching for any trace of the group. She could sense they were near, but her training over the cycles afforded her the ability to shield herself from others and them from her. Lowering her mental guard for only a moment, Tiva honed in on their position. A grin crossed her lips when she located them. She ran toward a bench, jumped up onto it, and then flipped over a large hedge. Landing on the other side, she found herself in the middle of the group. Jenon screeched and the rest began laughing. Then Remock and Bintu tackled Tiva to the ground.

“Tiva!” Bintu said.

“Spirited greetings, sister,” Remock said.

“Well wishes, Guardian Boon,” the others said.

“Thank you.” Tiva grinned.

Tespor offered her a hand, which she gladly accepted, and pulled herself up and away from her feisty siblings. Neola and Jex stood together and smiled at her, Jenon was on her brother Kenon’s back.

“Zenid told us you passed the test,” Neola said. “We wanted to congratulate you and celebrate.”

“So there is no injured bird then?”

“No, we thought the ploy would make you come quicker,” Jex said with a chuckle.

“And we were right, you still have a soft spot for animals,” Tespor said.

“Tiva, come! We brought snacks and drinks for a picnic in the garden,” Kenon said.

“I do not have much time. I have an assignment I need to prepare for,” she said.

“Already?” Tespor furrowed his brow. “You just passed the test and you are on duty so quickly?”

Tiva shrugged. “My father and I are going to the Hentor Province.”

“Father has been worried for many moons about the activities of the people there,” Jenon said abruptly, and jumped down from her brother’s back.

“Jenon, do not speak of father’s business,” Kenon said.

“Oh, brother dear, do not fret so. They are all in the service of our family, they have a right to know.”

Tespor leaned closer to Tiva a whispered in her ear.
“She speaks beyond her age. If Kenon does not watch his step she will claim the throne before he can.”

Tiva chuckled hearing Tespor then glanced over at her siblings. They were paying more attention to the food and drink than the conversation.

“Some are too young, like yourself,” Kenon continued.

Jenon rolled her eyes, wandered over to the twins, and joined in their festivities. Her siblings gobbled down treats as they giggled and made faces at one another. They were the most recent and youngest addition to the Royal Guardians and the last of the Boons.

“Guardian Boon, do you not think they are too young to hear of the problems in Hentor?”

“I may not be the best person to ask such things, your highness, I was often told I knew far more than I should at a young age. I do, however, feel it benefited my development.”

“She jokes, Kenon. Tell the truth Tiva, you were an inquisitive meddlesome girl,” Tespor said.

“You coat the truth with jocular banter,” Neola said, “Tiva is the best spy I have ever known.”

“Which is probably why her marks in special operations were the highest ever seen,” Jex said.

Tiva felt her markings pink. She waved off her friends playfully and joined her siblings and Jenon near the picnic. She picked up a piece of fruit and polished it against her tunic.

“Regardless, some information should be kept from the ears of children…even if you are family.” Kenon glared at his sister.

“You are far too uptight, Kenon.”

“Let us all just enjoy the midday,” Tespor said.

The group nodded collectively, sat down, and began passing around fruits, pastries, and other snacks.

Tiva enjoyed spending time with her friends. Now that her siblings as well as some of their friends were in training, and the king’s children had begun schooling, she found herself surrounded by more young people than normal. All her cousins had moved on to level two or one guardianship, Tiva and her friends had become the senior trainees. Tespor had only a short while before he reached the end of his training and would no longer be a trainee. Neola and Jex would follow shortly afterwards leaving Tiva as the last of their group.

They chatted and played throughout the midday, and made sure to clean up after themselves before heading back to the palace to meet with their parents. Litru and Zaynus were back on duty guarding the side entrance when they arrived.

“We were instructed to tell you to remain outside,” Litru said.

Zaynus nodded in agreement then turned to Kenon and Jenon and added, “Your mother wishes you both to return to your rooms.”

Jenon waved to her friends and went inside.

“Tiva, protect yourself well, my friend.” Kenon saluted.

“I will, your highness.”

“I shall see you when the suns rise,” he said to the others and followed his sister inside the palace.

Remock and Bintu ran off toward the hover storage facility to play for a while. Tiva glanced back at Litru, smiled, and then suggested to Tespor and the others that they go for a stroll around the grounds.

In the distance, on top of the hill just outside the palace walls, the statue of the Eternal Spirit Shial glowed under the vibrant silver aura of the moon. Tiva inwardly recited a small prayer to the spirit as they passed, and almost felt the energy of Shial move through her. It had been far too long since she visited her family spirit, she was a child in her father’s arms last she remembered. The moment was lost when Tespor bumped into her.

“I do not envy them,” Tespor said. “I would rather be a guardian than a Royal any day.”

“Both have their advantages, Tespor,” Neola said.
“I do not envy your path. I feel being a Vicar is my calling as being a guardian is yours. I am sure Kenon and Jenon feel the same with their teachings.”

“Perhaps,” he said with a shrug. “How about you, Jex? You come from a long family of guardians as well, if given the choice would you chose differently?”

“We are all given a choice,” Jex said frankly despite the surprised looks. “Oh, you are not aware?”

“No,” Tespor and Tiva said in unison.

“My mother informed me recently,” he said. “One cycle after we reach the age of responsibility we are given the option of changing our life path. Many parents do not tell their children because most choose to remain where they are. My mother, however, knows I do not enjoy being a guardian.”