Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (9 page)

“Tiva, quiet.”

“This is preposterous. How can they gate the land and treat people so?”

“We will speak of it later, now, quiet.”

She narrowed her gaze at the guards while her father showed his permit for the hover, and then signed a strange looking parchment. Finally, after what seemed like hours to her, the guards let them pass into Brigol Proper. To her amazement, the inner town of Buali was beautiful, the complete opposite of what she had seen at the edge of its lands. Tall, smooth buildings and homes in small circle clusters, lined the main road. Between the groups of homes and shops, nature commons and other recreation areas were full of children. The weaving side roads and alleys fingered off the main road like the branches of a tree.

Her father guided the hover through the middle of town, and took the last alleyway before the road dipped down into another valley. In the distance, a small patch of trees ended the narrow road. Tiva watched and waited, wondering where their destination was. Kevler drove to the very end and pulled out his PCD. He spoke so softly she could not hear his words, or the reply that came soon after. He slipped the device back in his belt and met eyes with her.

“I know you are confused. Everything will be clearer soon. You are about to embark on the first mission that will open your eyes to all there is about the world you live in. You have seen a great deal in your short time, dearest one, but this mission will be hard and require strength. Your mother and I feel you are ready, as does the king. You will learn much here, and you will be truly tested.”

She remained silent
, easily suppressing her thoughts. Had this happened in the past when she had less control, her father might have sensed the frustration, anger, and pity for the things she saw here. Before she could dwell on her thoughts, she espied movement in the trees at the edge of the alley.

“Come,” Kevler said. “The legionnaires will attend to the hover.” Tiva gathered the satchel, her sword from the floor, and jumped out of the vehicle as a young man appeared
near the trees.

“Welcome, Guardian Boon.” He saluted her father and ignored her. “We have set a room for you both, but first…this way please.”

She fell in step behind her father. Again, she surveyed the lay of the land, a natural part of her routine. Tespor joked once and called her virtual-mind, as if she created an image in her head. She usually remembered everything she saw before her with utmost clarity and little study.

As they entered the trees, she found herself surrounded by a gray gloom. The tops of the trees held darkened leaves, much more so than any tree she’d seen before, but something about them looked odd. Upon closer inspection, she knew some of the branches were fake.

The young man led them to a hill. Nearing the mound, Tiva sensed another person. A small trap door opened. An older woman popped up in the midst of the hill and the young man vanished among the trees.

“Royal Guardian Kevler Boon, my eyes do not lie, you have made your way here, finally!”

“Spirited greetings, Dal Weda, it has been many moons since I have seen you. How do you fare?” He saluted.

“Well as can be asked of us. Dark operations are hard on the spirit, but the climax is nigh, and with hope and prayer, we will return home. Is this the young one the king has appointed?” She raised a brow to Tiva.

“Yes, this is my daughter, Guardian Tiva Boon. She has just passed her level two test, and is prepared for this mission fully.”

“Wondrous news.” She beamed. “It is an honor to meet you Lady Boon.”

Tiva bowed her head. “You as well, Lady Weda.”

“Oh, blarg, as I say. Call me as you would a friend, for a friend is what we will be when the turmoil has passed, Tiva,” she said with a grin. “Now come, please, into our hideaway; there is much to discuss.”

Kevler and Tiva entered the hidden base of operations deep within the hill of the patched forest. The long, dim, and dank corridor led into a brightly lit oval room. Plastered upon the walls were maps of the land, building construction workings, and names of people, places, a writing board for mission status, and other odd hangings. The air was stale and warm with a slight hint of flowers. As her mother taught her, Tiva remained silent and allowed the elders to converse. She found a cushioned chair and sat down, keeping her sword firmly at her side.

“This is our control center.” Dal stood opposite the entryway speaking directly to them both. “The home you saw at the end of the alley is where we reside when not working. You will stay there with us, as our kin, and none of this town will be the wiser. We have burrowed deep into this community, many cycles have passed, but all of us wish to return home soon.”

“It is the wish of King Delos as well, Dal. Speak of what has transpired thus far, from the beginning if you will—it will benefit us both.” Kevler sat down.

Tiva’s heart raced. She would finally hear the truth behind the problems of this province. Long had she suffered nightmares and horrid memories of Ispek dying in her arms. Time after
time, she wondered what secrets remained in this far-off land. She settled back against the wall and anxiously listened.

“The reasoning behind the guardians’ appearance here, so long ago, was a simple squabble among the masses. At the time, we knew that the Province Keeper had set a new tax on the people. Of course, one would not oppose such an action if warranted, however this new law asked for almost half the profit and gains of the people. As one might imagine, the people protested. The legionnaires and guardians assigned to this province kept the peace for quite a while as the parliament and Province Keepers negotiated. Then suddenly, one by one, the army was whittled down and people began to notice. This faction began slaughtering the protectors. Guardian Ispek returned to the palace to inform the king, and that is when you and the others came to aid, Kevler.” Dal walked the curved length of the room. Her father acquiesced with a tilt of his head, so Dal took a few more steps, paused near a map and continued. “When the second wave of aid arrived, they found themselves in an altercation that quickly spun out of hand. The people of Hentor built a blockade to the Embassy House of Province Keeper Himloc, forcing the family to remain trapped. Yet, even after seeing the protest of his people, Sir Himloc was steadfast in his decision. No negotiations or king’s order caused him to budge. But Himloc was not without support himself. He sent a small force to challenge the legionnaires and guardians, and because the problem seemed nothing more than an issue of funds, we were unprepared for the attack. They outnumbered us, and we lost many people. After we retreated, we informed the king and received orders. Perhaps you would recount the third wave and battle for your daughter, as you were the captain.”

Tiva could not hide her surprise, and her father had seen the expression Dal’s words produced. He gently squeezed her shoulder, she relaxed only slightly and held her father’s gaze until he stood and began to pace.

“The night I left for the Hentor Province I returned here with a mass of protectors. Himloc and his followers blocked the road to Hentor, much like the gate you saw. This time, however, we were not outnumbered or challenged. As per the king’s orders, we allowed few casualties on both sides, and detained many of his men. Most are still imprisoned on the Lost Island.” Kevler gestured to the map. Tiva honed in on the small area off the coast of the Cenii Province. No news of this traveled among the public, she would have heard rumor or talk, yet it never reached her. She found it intriguing that such important information never surfaced among the populace. “We
secured the land; Himloc went before the king and was exiled with his men. After that, the king placed Dal and the other protectors in dark operations. They came shortly after the new Province Keeper was appointed.”

“And we have been here ever since, gathering information and trying to root out any left behind followers of the underground faction,” Dal said. “Our time here has not been without some victory. We found two cells in the east and one in the north. New information comes often, and we have reason to believe the removal of Himloc was a minor detail in a much larger picture. The new Province Keeper, Pethor, has strong bonds to the people here. His support stems from many regions. We have yet to uncover his plans or learn the vision he holds for this land, but we feel his power has grown beyond our reach. This is where you will be an integral part of this mission. Rumors were heard a short time ago from an informer that Pethor is seeking to bring the youth into his plan. They are actively seeking people your age and younger for a ‘council of youth.’ We have found this claim false, but we are without further insight. You were brought here to find the truth.”

Tiva only nodded and allowed it all to seep through her mind. She struggled for the right words to speak. What could she say? An imminent threat to the people of Hentor and perhaps neighboring provinces was brewing. Good people died for this cause, people she both knew and loved, and many more than she and perhaps others were aware. If there were the slightest chance she could help avert further harm to anyone, she would do as ordered. She turned to her father; he sighed and ran his hand through his hair. His heart was heavy; she could sense—even see it, through his stone eyes. She stood stiffly and raised her fist to her heart.

“I will do the very best I can to help.”

Dal grinned. “A spirited one you have here, Kevler.”

“Quite.”

“Do not be deceived, Tiva, this is no easy mission. You are among the strongest of your peers but we are unsure what dangers you face.”

“I
’m ready to serve my land, king, and family. My training has prepared me, and I do not fear danger. Peace is of the utmost importance to King Delos, and I will not fail him.”

Dal and Kevler exchanged looks, but Tiva could not read either expression fully. Was it pride, or surprise? Either way, she held her stance and bowed.

“Your father will further instruct you, and when the suns rise I will take you into town to begin your search.”

“You are not coming with me?” Tiva asked her father.

“No, I am only here to ensure your safety and keep record of anything you find. It has been many cycles since I have been here, but many know my face. If we are seen together, it may be cause for suspicion.”

“I understand.” But she did not. Why did the king someone with her? Perhaps she was not yet trusted to complete a mission without one of her family present. Pushing aside the doubt, she looked to the map on the wall. The Hentor Province was half the size of her own. The town square was a short distance from their current location, and the outlining groups of homes were far and few in between. Dal rested a hand on her shoulder and handed her a small journal.

“This contains all the information we have, as well as statistical information about the province and commonplace gathering establishments. Familiarize yourself with as much as you can tonight. But first, we take evening meal.”

Satisfied after the meal, Tiva and her father enjoyed a tour of the home they would be staying at for a spell. Dal introduced them to the other dark ops agents, one distant cousin of the Finto family, the eldest son of Ispek, and a couple of legionnaires, Razzil, and Terno, who patrolled the province and often visited with information. Tensions were high and little was said, in stark contrast to Dal’s earlier enthusiasm.

Tiva retired to her room to wash and dress for sleep. Settling on the sleep couch, she read the journal of information while waiting for her father. She
’d read three quarters of the way through when he appeared in the doorway. Mixed emotions flooded from him and she sensed he was not trying to hide it from her. He noiselessly crossed the room and sat beside her. She smiled warmly, taking his hand. He brushed his thumb over her markings then touched his forehead to hers.

“Do not worry for me, Father. I am prepared.”

“I know, dearest, my beloved daughter—you have been prepared since you first came into this world. You were a fighter from the start. Death will not take you easily, that much I am sure of, and not here nor anytime soon. Though, I am not a Mystic, therefore I should not say such words, but in my heart, I feel it.”

She smiled. “You speak as a Mystic, perhaps you missed your calling?”

“No,” he said, “my place is here, in service of the king and as father and mentor to you.”

“For that, I thank the spirits.”

“As do I.”

“Speak now of what I am to do, Father, please.”

He drew in a breath and stood. “Firstly, you must not seem eager to be approached. Casual actions are prudent on this mission. Secondly, you will have to act as though you lack training. You may use some of your learned skills, but keep them limited. If this faction is seeking people of strength, they will most likely wish to train them so they can shape their minds and bodies to their cause. Many things you will hear are potential lies, you must not react as you normally would, merely take in all the information you can and remain subdued.” Kevler moved to the window and pulled back the heavy blue curtain. “I will confess, whilst I know you are the strongest of the young in the guardianship, I did not wish this mission on you.”

“Why, Father? Do you not think I am ready?”

“You are more than ready, but I had hoped your first mission would not be one of such importance.”

At this, her curiosity peaked and she moved to his side. “How can a group of youth in service of a corrupt Province Keeper be so significant?”

“When people go against the wishes and laws set forth by the king, they separate themselves from the rest of us. King Delos is the finest ruler this land has ever seen. He is fair and just, he cares for his people like no other king before him. No one suffers, no one is in need, and the people have a voice in the management of their provinces. Everything has remained harmonious for an age. There is more to this defiance than what we can see; even the Mystics cannot foretell what is to come, no one can uncover just reasons for this betrayal. The issue has never been tax or control of the land, there is a wider, more ominous plan afoot. Should their plan fail, they will rely on the youth they have corrupted to continue in their stead. That is why we must learn what they know, along with the truth behind the youth council.

“We know of a few places people have been recruited, and that is where you will be taken. There are many your age in the town square. You will mingle and gather information. If someone approaches or asks, do not forget you are Tiva Vren, visiting from the Whettland Province. If they mention the council show slight interest. Use your best judgment and let all unfold as it may. Each day you should be able to gather more information, and then if the time is right, we will change our strategy.”

“You wish me to try and attend a meeting with the group?”

“Eventually, that is our goal, but it must not look as though you are searching for them. They must approach and convince you that their cause is just.”

“I understand, Father.”

He pulled her into his arms. “Keep well, Tiva. You will once again prove worthy. Now, finish reading and rest, for the mission awaits you
on the morrow.”

“Rest well, Father,” she said, tightening her arms around him. “I
’ll see you when the suns rise.”

Sleep did not come easily. Tiva tossed and turned on the foreign sleep couch. Though she rarely slept much, she always had Te in her field and rested beneath his branches. This country was unknown to her, and even if she mustered the nerve to leave the home, she had no idea where to go. When the sleep was beyond her grasp, she sat near the window and read the journal by moonlight.

Hentor was the third largest province behind her own, the Yaan, and Quintor. A population of seventy thousand people considered this land their home,
and while she saw the condition of the outlying homes and villages, most of Hentor had rich land and extravagant homes. The most popular trade, aside from the mass of legionnaires that hailed from Hentor, was weaponry. She wished her time here were personal; she would enjoy seeing a sword forger’s workshop.

Reading through the journal twice, Tiva felt she had memorized the most important aspects of Hentor. She put the journal aside to enjoy the quiet of the night.

As the moon began to sink, the early glow from the first of the morning suns silently stole the darkness from the horizon. Tiva stifled a yawn and stretched her tired body. A night of no sleep usually followed a run from Te to her home. She glanced around the cramped room and sighed; she gathered her clothing and changed. A soft knock on the door caught her attention. She opened the door and smiled at her father.

“You have not rested.”

Her smiled faded. “I did try, but sleep escaped me for most the night.”

“Do not let it worry you, it will just occupy your mind. I know your sleeping habits. They are much like your mother’s.”

“She told me so, many cycles ago.”

“Oh, did she?” He laughed. “I will speak of this to her.”

Tiva laughed along with her father and reached for her sword. A natural movement on her part, but she paused and turned. “I should not bring my weapon, correct?”

“Yes, for now you shouldn’t need your sword.”

She frowned. He arched a brow at her action and laid his palm out for her sword. Tiva placed the hilt in his hand, smoothing her fingers along the sheath as he pulled it back.

This was a mission of firsts, her first time away from her home, and first time without her sword since receiving it. Reluctance overcame her, but knowing the seriousness of the task kept her from further remarks.

“However,” Kevler mused, breaking her thoughts, “I have a dagger for you. Keep it hidden in your clothing, but only use it if you must. Remember, your judgment is key.” He retrieved the small weapon from his tunic and pressed it against her palm. “I fashioned this blade when I was a cycle older than you. It is strong and will hinder any enemy with a quick stroke.”

She nodded then leaned over, placed it snuggly into her boot, and tugged her pants down tightly. Tiva smoothed her tunic and stood straight when through. “May I ask something of you, Father?”

“Anything you wish within my abilities,” he said seriously.

“I wish to ready for the day, is there somewhere I can…run?”

Again, he laughed. “Is that all you ask?”

“For now, though after today I am sure to have more questions.”

“Very well, dearest. The patch of forest is safe, roam as you will, but do not tarry, you will leave after the suns rise.

“Thank you, Father.” She rose to her toes and pecked his cheek. “I will not be long.”