Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian Page 8

  “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.”

  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 surp
rised, 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 w
ere 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.”