Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (8 page)

Tiva gasped. Tespor blinked and open his mouth
, but said nothing. Neola seemed the least surprised.

“I am not built the same as you, though I have been bred the same,” he confessed. “I am more suited for other duties. Neola and I…”

“We have begun courting.” She smiled, took his hand.

“Yes, we have,” he said, his markings blushed. “And next cycle when I reach eighteen I will change my path and become an instructor here at the palace. Neola will continue as a Vicar, and once we are both settled in our duties we will marry.”

“Spirited Blessings!” Tiva grinned and hugged Neola.

“Thank you.”

“Well wishes,” Tespor said, saluting Jex. “I am surprised, my friend, but pleased to hear you will remain in service of the throne. The rest of the guardians would be sad to lose you completely.”

“I have been taught well, I just do not foresee myself performing the duties needed to be a true guardian. I leave that to you, Tiva, and the others.”

“Better to be happy with your path than not, I say.” Tespor grinned.

“I agree,” Tiva said. “Have you decided where you wish to preach, Neola?”

“I was offered the palace ministry house. Vicar Chel is stepping down.”

“He is quite aged,” Tiva blurted and the others laughed.
“He is well over one hundred cycles. And now that the king and queen have a family, they probably welcome a young voice for the spirits.”

“Thank you, Tiva, you are most kind.”

“Merely the truth. I’ve heard you practice in the halls. I look forward to the day you take the pulpit.”

“Hopefully very soon, my friend. Oh, there is my father.” Neola waved before kissing Jex on the cheek. “I will contact you later.”

“Goodnight, my dear,” he said, kissing her back.

Neola ran off to meet her father and the three continued to wander aimlessly around the grounds. They talked more of the goings on in the palace and other news of the provinces. Tiva noticed that Jex was less interested in the politics and government than Tespor and herself, and thought it wise he was stepping aside from guardianship.

After circling the palace a second time, they meandered toward the hover storage facility. Tiva found her family’s hover and chuckled seeing Bintu hiding under the front seat. Casually, she moved away hoping she didn’t notice.

Tiva’s belt beeped. Tespor raised a brow and glanced her way.

“You have a personal communications device?”

“Yes, my father gave it to me last Remembrance,” Tiva said, pulling the small oval shaped silver gadget from her side. She pressed one of the buttons and raised it to her lips. “Guardian Boon.”

“Dearest one, I have to stay behind this evening. Something has come up in the palace. I need you to take your brother and sister home.”

“But Father, I have no permit to drive the hover alone,” she said and looked wide-eyed at Tespor and Jex. A small chuckle echoed through the device.

“Don’t worry, Tiva. Everyone knows the situation. Just mind the local rules and do not call attention to yourself and no one will bother you.”

“I understand, Father. Will I see you this evening so we may go over our strategy?”

“Perhaps,” he replied then paused.

“Father?”

“I must go, dearest. Keep well your siblings. I’ll see you soon.” The PCD went dead. Tiva frowned. Her father seemed preoccupied, and that worried her.

“Have you driven a hover before?” Jex said, breaking her thoughts.

“Well, yes I have. Many times. You?”

“No, my parents won’t allow me to until I obtain my permit. Are you worried about breaking the law?”

“Me?” She laughed. “No, many of the legionnaires that guard the provinces have seen me drive before, though I was always with my father. I hope they let me pass without a problem.”

“I’m sure they will,” Tespor said. “May I ride with you? I can send word to Zenid that you are taking me home.”

“That’s fine.” Tiva nodded and put her PCD back on her belt. “I’ll collect Remock and Bintu.”

“I guess I’ll head back to the palace and wait for mother. Well wishes on your assignment, Tiva. Be safe,” Jex said, and saluted.

She returned the gesture. “Thank you.” She waited for Jex to take his leave then searched for Remock. Tiva weaved through the facility, checking each of the vehicles as she passed. Finally, she found him in one of the back storage rooms. The markings on his forehead were darker than normal, and she easily sensed his frustration.

“Did you search all the hovers?” she said with a smile.

“Yes, of course,” Remock said.

“All of them?” she asked again.

“Blast! She’s in father’s craft isn’t she?” He growled. Tiva laughed. “I should have known.”

“Come now, we must head home. Father has business with the king this evening.”

“Then how are we getting home? Oh, no…please say you are not driving.”

“I am.”

“May the spirits help us all.”

Tiva maneuvered the hover across the bridge and toward her home with ease. The ride was uneventful, and as directed, she stayed beneath the speed limit, obeying the laws of the province. As she neared her home, she glanced over to Tespor. He remained quiet for most of the ride, and Tiva, not wanting to intrude on his thoughts, did not bother him with many questions.

“Do you wish for me to bring you home Tespor, or would you like to stay for evening meal?”

“Will your mother not mind?”

“She would be happy to have your company, as would I.” Tiva smiled.

“I would like that.”

“Are you courting my sister?” Remock blurted.

“What?” Tespor said, his markings turning bright pink.

Tiva kept her eyes on the road before her, knowing she blushed as well.

“Are you court…”

“I heard you. I, well…no, I am not courting your sister.”

“Why not?” Bintu said.

“Hush, the both of you,” Tiva grumbled. She settled the hover on the docking deck, turned off the vehicle, and leaped over the door. “Inside. Tell mother we have company.”

The two ran off before she said another word.

When they were out of range, she slumped against the hover and let out a sigh. “I am sorry, Tespor.”

“There is no reason for you to apologize. I think your brother was…”

“Playing instigator?”

“No, picking up my thoughts.”

“What do you mean?”

Tespor moved closer and gazed into her eyes. “You are one of my closest friends, Tiva. You know me better than anyone. Can you not tell what I am feeling?”

“I have sensed something for a long time.” She sighed and lowered her head. “I am unsure of…”

He placed a finger on her lip. Slowly he traced the curve of her chin and nudged her to look up. “I wish to court you, Tiva.”

“I do not think that is wise,” she said.

“I care for you deeply. Do you not feel the same?”

“I do care, Tespor…but courting can unleash emotions I am not ready for.” She felt horrible for telling a half-truth, but she didn’t know what else to say.

He stroked her cheek gently and wrapped an arm around her. “We have done many things together, Tiva. Who better to share a new experience with? I have no intentions of breaking our emotional barriers before we are prepared, but I do know…” his voice softened as he pulled her close, “you are the one I wish to be with.”

“Tespor…”

He leaned close and kissed her. His lips were warm and she felt at ease for a moment. The sensation was new, somewhat exciting, but deep in the back of her mind she’d always imagined someone else. She pulled back and glanced up at him. His markings turned white. Surprised, she gently reached up and touched the moons on his forehead. Tespor closed his eyes and relaxed against her touch. Tiva never saw white before. She tried to recall learning what it meant, but either she didn’t remember, or never knew. She studied his features. Tespor’s hair had grown darker as he aged; his boyish face had turned more rugged. He was striking, and for the first time she looked at him in a different light.
Perhaps
, she thought,
he could be my potential mate.

Tespor opened his eyes and took her hand. He placed it on her chest near his heart. “You don’t have to answer me now, Tiva.” He caressed her cheek with his free hand. “I just wanted you to know my feelings.”

“Tespor…”

“I shall take my leave,” he said.

“I thought you were staying for evening meal?” she said.

“Maybe another day.”

Tiva entered the living area and sat on the couch near the window. She watched Tespor’s shadow fade away in the distance. She pulled her legs to her chest, resting her head on her knees.
Why confess now,
she wondered. Was it because of Jex and Neola, or perhaps it was because of Remock? Had he sensed the rising feelings within her over the cycles and mistook it as feelings toward him? She had sensed something different from Tespor when they were younger. At first, she dismissed it. Then she misread it as jealousy, but as she learned to control her own emotions and focus her energies on reading others when needed, she began to understand.

She sensed a love between Jex and Neola long before they themselves realized their feelings. They possessed the same emotions toward each other as her parents, the king and his queen, and other couples she knew. It was apparent that Tespor felt that way about her for quite some time, and was unsure how to handle the emotions.

He wanted to court her and be her potential, the first to ask her. He wished to be the one to break her barrier. All her studies of the Yantar—the courting, the breaking of the barrier, the bonding of spirits—nothing had prepared her for the reality of being asked. As part of the courting ritual, a potential would make his intentions known and then bestow a crystal rose upon the woman. She could either accept or deny him. If she accepted, they would open their emotions to each other to allow them to become closer. If the courting went well, they could take the next step and break the barriers. Knowing the emotional barrier kept the physical desires of love under control until one was ready—of body and mind—to commit to a bonding relationship, solidified the fact she was not ready for that with Tespor. Her focus was on her training, not courting, or love. If the one she always imagined had asked, she might feel differently. Either way, she had her answer; she did not wish to be courted, not now.

“You do not look like the youngest guardian to become a level two, Tiva.”

Tiva sighed.

“What’s wrong, precious one?” D’laja said, obviously worried.

Tiva lifted her head, “Mother, I have troubles.”

D’laja wiped her hands on a towel and crossed the room. She sat down next to her daughter and wrapped an arm around her. “Share your woes, Tiva.”

“Tespor wishes to court me.”

“That is wonderful!”

“I do not find it so wonderful,” she said, dejectedly. “Mother, tell me, what do the white markings of the moons mean?”

“White?” she said. “Tiva, have your markings gone white?”

“No, not mine, Tespor’s.”

“He is of age,” D’laja said with care. “But you are too young...”

“Speak of what you know, Mother,” she said.

“Precious one, our markings are in tune with our emotions, even ones we are unaware we possess. As we get older, our desires for companionship change. Tespor asked to court you because he is coming of age and loves you. You must heed my advice, Tiva. Tell Tespor your feelings, good or bad, do not lead him astray, his bond to you is stronger than yours to him.”

“He wants us to break the barrier together, when we were ready…”

“You are too young for that now, but in time…” D’laja said. “It seems as if time has sped past us, you are speaking of courting and bonding already.”

“But, Mother, I do not wish it.”

“Because you have not been exposed to those emotions yet.”

Tiva knew those emotions already, but she neglected to correct her mother. She possessed romantic feelings, just not for Tespor. “I do care for him. He kissed me and it made me happy, yet, I had in my mind another choice for a potential—but I must continue with my training, either would be a distraction.”

D’laja chuckled. She began to unbraid her daughter’s hair, weaving her fingers carefully through the tangled mess. “In time you will change your mind. Love is a wondrous feeling. Love is the most precious and cherished gift we have to share with each other. It can bring great joy into your life. You can sense that, I know, but to experience it transcends anything you can fathom. When the time is right, and you break the emotional barrier, you will change. You’ll have new feelings and desires. And should your love be true you will express it physically as well as emotionally. Follow your heart, Tiva, but trust your sound judgment, and you will find the right path.”

The day ended quietly. Surprisingly, her siblings vanished after the evening meal, allowing Tiva and her mother to talk more as they cleaned. D’laja admitted she disliked having two of her family out on duty at the same time. While she understood her mother’s concern, the excitement over her first mission was something Tiva couldn’t contain. Returning to her room, she watched the suns set and stared out the window waiting for her father. Te looked lonely; she hadn’t visited him in a few days. Quickly, she scribbled a note and left it on the windowsill before jumping down and running through the field.

An image of the fallen guardian Ispek flashed in her mind. Six cycles had passed since then. She cringed and pushed the feelings rising within her aside. It was not a time to dwell on what had happened long ago. She would have plenty of time for that during her mission. She slowed to a fast walk and approached her nature friend. Reaching up, she gently took one of Te’s leaves in her hand.

“I have returned, my friend,” she said. Te’s branches swayed, though there was no wind. “Yes, I have much on my mind.” She found a comfortable spot at the base of his trunk, and rested her sword on her lap. Leaning back against him, she peered up through his branches to see the stars.

She tried to clear her mind. Tespor’s words, her mother’s advice, the tone of her father’s voice as he cut off communications, haunted her thoughts. Knowing Tespor might not like her answer, she tried to prepare herself for the outcome, and the potential loss of him as a friend. She prayed to the spirits that it would not happen; still she knew it was a possibility.

Time passed slowly. The call of the animals began as the first signs of morning decorated the sky. Her father had yet to come home. Something important must have happened. Upon seeing the earliest of the suns' light creep over the horizon, Tiva gathered her sword and stretched.

“I must go; Father should have been home by now. I am worried.” She sheathed her weapon, and examined her house. A light illumi
nated the kitchen, either her mother woke or her father returned home. “I hope to see you soon, Te. I will tell you all about my mission when I return.”

She grabbed the hilt of her sword and ran back to the house. Once inside, she paused to catch her breath and glanced around. The air in the house was still. Quietly, she moved into the living area to see her father sleeping on the couch.
His hair lay disheveled on his head, his face drawn and full of worry. The moon markings on his forehead were dark. Not wanting to disturb him, she sunk to the floor next to him. She rested her head on the couch near his arm and closed her eyes.

“Dearest one, it’s time to wake,” Kevler’s soft and soothing voice called.

Tiva rubbed her face, opened her eyes. Her head was lying on her father’s lap. She had fallen asleep. Gently he ran his hands through her hair then kissed her forehead.

“Why did you not wake me earlier, Father?” she said.

“You seemed at ease, and I had a feeling you were wakeful all night waiting,” he said.

She sat up and leaned against him. “I was, but only because I felt something unsettling when you called me on the comm.”

“Yes, things are not well in the Hentor Province, Tiva. We will have much work to do once there.”

“Are we to leave soon?”

He nodded. “Change into civilian clothing and bring enough for several days. I will meet you outside shortly.”

She made her way to her room leaving Kevler in the living area. Without thinking, she changed into a printed tunic and comfortable pants. She gathered some items together, folding them neatly and securing them in her oversized satchel. Attaching her belt back around her waist, she secured her sword, pulled on her favorite black and silver trimmed cloak, and on her way out picked up a journal to keep her thoughts.

Outside, she wandered over to her father’s hover only to see a newer model next to it. Moving closer, she ran her hand along the smooth seems of the driver’s side and peered into the window. Everything inside looked shiny and advanced. The instrument panel was gray and black, a new computer console rested in the middle of the craft. Before she viewed the rest of it, she heard the footsteps of her mother and father walking toward her.

Tiva ran up to D’laja and embraced her. “I knew father would wake you to see us off.”

“I would have it no other way, precious,” she said, hugging back. “I have something for you.” She revealed a small package.

Tiva opened it, her face lighting up. “Thank you, Mother.”

“Now you can carry your family with you, wherever you go.”

“It’s wonderful mother, did you paint it yourself?” She studied the small painting of her family.

“Yes, I copied a virtual image taken at your cousins’ Remembrance.”

She ran her finger over the faces of her brother and sister, the memories of the gathering for Rae and Rux still clear in her mind. Her cousins had returned from duty to celebrate with the family. Tiva pestered them for help with the level two guardian test. Both agreed she was well prepared, but still she insisted, one more training session, then she’d feel confident.

Rux had offered to spar with her, and to her surprise, she bested him with ease. She forced him to fight again, asking for no special treatment. She was ill prepared for an unfettered spar, and the second round was tougher. He cut her twice with his blade, once on the back, the other on her thigh. She countered and struck him across the arm and midsection. Rae stopped the fight before their parents saw the condition of the two, and assured Tiva she was ready for the test.

She could see the slight pain hidden on her face in the painting, the scar on her back was a constant reminder as well. Her uncle and father were both quite annoyed with them for sparring with regular weapons when they eventually uncovered the truth, but Tiva’s quick thinking and fast tongue saved them from a reprimand.

Kevler placed a hand on her shoulder and when she faced him, she knew he was remembering the same moment. She chuckled slightly, carefully folded the painting, and slipped in into her satchel.

“I will never part with it, Mother,” she said, and hugged her again.

“I have made you pastries for your journey. Contact me when you have settled so I will not have to worry.”

“I will dearest,” Kevler said, taking D’laja in his arms.

Tiva entered the hover and settled in the passenger side. She tossed her bag in the back seat, laid her sword on the floor near her feet—as the seat did not allow her to sit with it at her side—and waited. Sometimes she’d watch her parents when they said their goodbyes. She felt the love
between them and it always made Tiva feel safe. Her father entered the craft moments later and strapped himself in.

“Ready, dearest one?” Kevler said as he started the hover.

“Yes, Father.”

It lifted off the ground, silently and with little vibration. Marveling at the sleek technology of the new hover, she would not have realized they were moving if not for the bridge at the edge of their land coming within her sight.

“I know you are curious, Tiva, you may ask whatever is in your mind.”

“There are many questions, Father, and answers I may not receive, so I will start with an easy one,” she said. “Why has the king bestowed a new hover? Unless you have purchased it yourself.”

“The king did give me this craft, but alas, only for the mission,” Kevler said, keeping his attention fully on the road. “And before your second question escapes your lips, if you wish, I will tell you of the task at hand.”

“Please do.”

“Since the death of Guardian Ispek, the king has had agents of the kingdom on assignment in Hentor. They have integrated themselves into the community, and are on the verge of uncovering the faction behind the raid that claimed cousin Towt’s life.”

Tiva kept the shock and anger from her face, but she was aware that her father had sensed the feeling. Still, he said nothing and continued.

“You and I are going in for support. We will be cousins from the Whettland Province, visiting with the protectors who are incognito within the town of Buali.” Kevler met her eyes and she nodded, still listening. “The reason you are coming with me on assignment is to assess the nature of the younger people in the town and province. The information we have is limited, but we worry that whoever is trying to gather followers to their cause is targeting the youth as well, not just land owners and trade workers.”

“So as we ‘visit’ with our family, we will collect any and all information we can?”

“Yes, that is the plan,” he said with a smile. “The legionnaires are prepared for our arrival, and will supply further details once we settle.”

“Father, do you think we can uncover vital information in only a few days?”

“I hope we can, dearest one, for a few short days is all we have.”

“Why is that?”

“The king requires my service on the first of the new season. Hentor is not the only problem the kingdom faces, and I am needed on council.”

“I understand. Then I must work swiftly if I am to uncover the truth of the faction.” Curious, it was, that her first assignment was a special operation. She wondered if they had waited until she was ready for the task, for she believed that the threat had been apparent long ago when the first attack took place. She stayed silent though, watching the edge of the Degort appear before them.

A deep valley became visible next, with rolling, golden tree topped hills, then wide, barren plains. Tiva had never seen the west of Abennelp. Her home in the east, the palace ground betwixt the two hemispheres, and all in between, was the only ground she had traveled until now. Seeing new parts of her home was thrilling, though the circumstances were not.

They came upon the Hentor province border first. Several bright and bold houses decorated the road. The Hentor homes did not mirror the ancient stone homes of the east. Many adopted the sleekness of the capital city.

Each province had a history. She knew all there was to know of the Yann and Stimli provinces as she had spent most of her childhood exploring both. The majority of the guardians still lived in both provinces. Though her family owned Yaan, and the Finto’s claimed Stimli, each had their own keepers in parliament. Yet, she knew few stories of the other provinces of Abennelp, and as they neared Hentor, she knew it was something she would soon remedy.

They passed through the sleek town without slowing or stopping. Tiva asked when they would arrive, and her father only said soon.

Tired, yet excited, she forced herself to stay alert and become familiar with her surroundings. They crossed a large bridge into Brigol Outer, the middle of Hentor province. The scenery again changed, this time she cringed. Several of the homes smoldered, scorched beyond livable conditions. Her eyes scrutinized the grounds laid out before her; a second row of homes set back from the road looked livable, but run down and broken. She had never seen such a sight. Pity filled her heart. She wondered how such things could happen.

Picking up her thoughts, Kevler took her hand and spoke. “This is the workings of the
faction; the people of Hentor are noble and good. This is an attempt to keep out others, and show the people of this land who is in charge. That is why we have come to uncover the truth.”

“Father, stop!”

The hover halted, jarring the two inside. Tiva braced herself on the panel in front of her, but still hit her head on the glass of the front shield. Kevler slammed into the steering console then reached for his daughter. “Are you hurt?”

“No, I’m fine,” she said. Twisted metal and wood crudely formed into a gate spread
across the width of the road. The gate stood no more than six feet high, but it was enough to keep hovers from entering. Capped at each end were two large, stone pillars, carved with symbols and lettering with which she was not familiar. Atop each pillar stood a guard, dressed in the green and gold colors of Hentor Province. The guards held rustic looking swords in their hands, and had very little armor or protection. A small hidden door in the middle of the gate opened. Another guard emerged and approached their hover. Tiva turned to her father, and with all seriousness she could muster, declared, “I am ready.”

“I know. I will gain entrance to the province. Keep your weapon hidden.” Kevler tapped on the console and the side window of the hover slid back. Tiva nonchalantly maneuvered her feet flat on the floor covering the sheath of her sword as best she could.

“Speak your name and business, stranger,” the guard demanded as he peered into the hovercraft.

“I am Kevler, this is my daughter Tiva, and we are here to visit our kin. The Pa’chey family.”

The guard took a step back and turned to the gate. “The Pa’chey family. Check the list, see if they have requested a pass for visitors.”

Tiva analyzed the area before her. The gate itself only blocked the road, but thin metal fencing surrounded the whole of the main town, separating it from the rest of the province. How odd, she thought, as she turned her attention back to her father.

The guard atop the pillar gave a signal, the other nodded and waved Kevler through. Slowly the twisted gate opened. Kevler tapped on the control panel, secured the window, and moved the hover. Once on the opposite side of the gate, the guard stopped them again. Tiva mumbled under her breath as they approached.