Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian

by Jenn Nixon

  It felt good to stretch her muscles; she had been sleeping for two days. Slowly they walked the corridors, many of the guardians acknowledged her as she passed.

  “Why are there no legionnaires?” she asked.

  “The king ordered them all out of the palace. They’ve been reassigned to grounds duty, or other provinces around the globe.”

  Surprised that the king had taken her advice to heart and implemented it so quickly, she smiled satisfied.

  “You have something to say?” Tespor interrupted.

  “Why do you think that?” she said.

  “I have known you all my life, Tiva, and though you have kept hidden some things from me, you are filled with joy. It is emanating from your entire being.”

  “I cannot lie, Tespor, I am full of happiness for reasons beyond this crisis. The king has granted me the opportunity to test for level one.”

  “Spirited blessings.” He grinned and hugged her gently. “And to think, it only took escaping death a few times and saving the king’s life to gain such an honor.”

  “Tespor,” she chided. “He is breaking tradition for me, and I do feel it an honor. Though, if you continue to jest, I will just have to work harder to pass the test before you.”

  “I am but a month away, my friend. Even you could not pass so quickly.”

  “Quite true,” she laughed. “Can you tell me what to expect?”

  “Hard work, very hard work.” He opened the door and entered the main study. Tespor’s PCD beeped.

  “Communications are back?”

  “Limited to the palace, one of the technicians rigged a mini tower in the courtyard and rerouted the PCD signals through a secured network. It’s beyond my understanding, I am just a guardian.” He smiled, then excused himself and left. Tiva toured the study, not feeling the need to sit just yet. She walked to the guardian corridor. It seemed to her the last few times she’d been in the hallway, she was running past the pictures and images on the wall. She was long overdue for honoring the guardians who lost their lives in service of the king.

  The antiquated paintings of the guardian families marked the first section. Moving onward, the other lost guardians of the Roxon, Becha, Ispek, and Jelev families hung proudly on the walls. She kept her fist to her chest, honoring each life. As she continued down the corridor, the paintings turned to virtual projections. Tespor’s parents, whom she did not know, were the first honored with the new technology. She remembered they were the newest guardians added when she first walked through as a child. Several more hung after them now, which saddened her. Lety Ispek’s portrait was bold and strong. She said a soft prayer for the guardian who died in her arms, then turned to Towt her cousin, young and vibrant then finally Yoka Becha and Mali Jelev. It struck her that somehow she was personally connected to each of their deaths, though not responsible. The opposite side of the wall held the last new virtual projection.

  “Guardian Boon?”

  She glanced over, Zaynus Truda stood in the doorway. Saluting him, she bowed her head as he approached. Tugging on her braid, she felt sheepish for walking the palace in leisure clothing as he neared sharp and sleek in a fresh new uniform.

  “I heard what happened recently. How do you fare, Tiva?”

  “I am recovering, thank you. I have not seen you in quite some time, Guardian Truda,” she said.

  “Yes, after Lit…my brother was killed, it pained me to be in the palace. I returned recently to help the king with this new crisis. Have you…” He hesitated and looked at the image on the wall.

  She followed his gaze. Litru Truda’s portrait was the most lifelike of all in the corridor. His eyes seemed to look right through her. She paused, only for a moment, seeing the silver band on his finger. It seemed familiar, but she didn’t know why. She turned to Zaynus asking, “Have I what?”

  He sighed heavily and shook his head. “It is no cause for concern. I am glad to see you well, Tiva. I must depart. Keep safe.” He passed her and made way toward the exit.

  “Same to you…” she called out after him. She watched until the doors closed behind him, and glanced up at Litru Truda’s virtual projection again. Confused, she shrugged and honored the lost guardian, and returned to the study. Tespor had yet to return, so she slowly made her way back to the healing bay on the opposite side of the palace.

  *

  All the land was calm. King Delos’ forces quashed each of the small threats building in the provinces. The guardians detained hundreds of people and sent them to the Lost Island. After a month of hard work, communications were re-established with the guardians, and the reports of disturbances and attacks subsided. The king allowed the high-ranking legionnaires back inside the palace. Darlew Finto suggested each member of the Legion’s background checked, yet none of them was uncovered as spies of the Rebel faction, or a traitor to the throne.

  It did little to quell the rising threat Tiva felt.

  She patrolled more observantly than ever. Her new partner Rhula Ispek, granddaughter to Lety, took Yark’s place after he passed his level one test, and was now an elite Royal Guardian assigned to protect the king’s children. Tespor had also passed, becoming the youngest ever at twenty cycles to hold the honor.

  Tiva’s training resumed shortly after returning to duty. She wished to waste no time. Her desire was to become elite by her next Remembrance, which was only four months away. Many, including her friends and family encouraged her, but Tespor was adamant about the difficulty of the test and warned her that it was unlikely she’d complete the training so fast.

  Tiva spent her free time in the palace training, affording her many opportunities to meet and study with the guardians who protected her during her tour in Quintor, further honing her covert tactics.

  Zenid and the new palace trainer, Jex, instructed her in the ways of empathic interrogation, and her father, whom she believed to be the best swordsmen of Abennelp, sparred with her on a regular basis.

  The months passed and Tiva felt stronger and happier than she ever remembered. The strange incidents that happened in recent memory floated away like soft pink clouds at dusk. Some people kept their distance from her, finding it odd that a woman was training for level one. Many were legionnaires, but the majority of those she spent time regularly with did not treat her differently. It was a fear early on in her training that many would not see her as worthy, but it was more the opposite. The story of her journey from Cenii was fast becoming a legend. Not only had she singlehandedly defeated the largest group of Rebels after finding their hideout, she ran the entire way to the palace with a broken leg, no food or water, through every mountain and valley in her path, and still saved the entire palace and king from the group of vicious intruders.

  When the fabled story reached the ears of her friends and family, Tiva became the focal point of every gathering. Each time the bard embellished a bit more adding beasts or creatures from the spirit world, but it was all in good humor. Though she didn’t enjoy the attention from those she did not know, a good teasing from those who knew her well kept her grounded.

  The threat of war loomed in her mind. She kept the feeling hidden from most, but those she was closest to shared her concerns.

  Harer called this time the breath of the spirits. The Rebel’s plans failed, chaos restored to order, but those still hidden were gathering, plotting, calculating, and building their forces for the next wave. It was only a matter of time before the spirits could no longer hold their breath, and with the wind, war would come.

  Tiva worried for the future as everything around her continued to change. Remock and Bintu passed their level three tests, Rux was an elite level one, Rae received high honors for her part in Solun’s attack, and the youngest of her cousins finished their first cycle of training. Neola excelled in the palace ministry house and wed Jex in a small ceremony after his placement as a palace trainer.

  The marriage of her friends brought her happiness, and she searched her own feelings on the subject. Although Tespo
r held to his word and said nothing to her about courting, she was still unsure she was ready; something inside held her back from accepting Tespor’s offer, yet her mind could not grasp it.

  As the Warming and the celebration of her birth neared, Tiva continued her vigorous training. King Delos sent her to Obadan, Ullibro, and Stimli provinces on small assignments, allowing her to become familiar with the remaining provinces of Abennelp. The last mission before her test was to train a new group of guardsmen for the Lost Island.

  The task itself was not difficult, but spending time among the heathens and criminals, she could have done without. Still, it was a learning experience. She was grateful for it allowed her to learn the minds of those opposed to peace and order.

  The day before her test was ending. During evening meal, she picked at her plate, having nervous knots in her stomach. This was an important time for her, and despite her usual arrogant nature, she felt very uneasy.

  “If you don’t eat you will lack strength for your test,” D’laja chided. “And you will need your strength, precious one. Force yourself if you must.”

  “Your mother is right, Tiva,” Kevler said.

  “I know, Father, but I can’t seem to will myself to do so.”

  “I will make you a blended fruit drink, it should sustain you.” D’laja smiled and entered the kitchen area.

  “Why do you fret? You know you will pass. Everyone in the palace knows you are ready,” Remock said unexpectedly.

  “Yes, and all the girls can’t wait to see how well you do. If you pass, maybe the king will allow others as well.” Bintu grinned.

  “He has already said as much,” her father said.

  “So it depends on me to pass for others to secure a chance?” Tiva moaned, holding her stomach as it flopped over.

  Kevler chuckled, and D’laja returned offering Tiva the drink. She took it, sipped it, and nodded approvingly.

  “No, dearest one. The king has opened level one to all who wish it now, regardless.”

  “At least that is one burden not upon my shoulders,” she said, and took another drink.

  “You know I cannot tell you what to expect, for I don’t know myself until we go before the king, but I have no doubts you will do well and even surpass the scores of many men who have gone before you.”

  “Your confidence in me is appreciated, Father. I only hope I can do you and Mother proud.”

  “We are already proud,” D’laja said. “Of you all.”

  Tiva sat at her window, resting against the sill. Kevler entered and sat down on her bed mat.

  “It is a beautiful night to sleep among the stars,” he said.

  “Long has it been since I’ve felt so restless. Training constantly every day drains me and I find myself sleeping easier. But I think Te is mad, I have not visited him in over a month.”

  “It is possible.” Kevler laughed. “Though an understanding friend such as he, I am sure he does not mind.”

  Tiva smiled at her father then sat next to him resting her head on his shoulder. “I love you, Father. And if I do fail, do not think less of me.”

  Kevler wrapped his arm around her and squeezed. “I will never think less of you, dearest one. Should you fail, which I am confident you won’t, you’ll plant your feet firmly on the ground, stand tall, and try again without shame. You must remember, what you are about to face is generally for men older than you. Your strength, endurance, ability to handle intense situations will be tested; however, you have survived hardships beyond most people I know. You have learned, improved, and become stronger with every obstacle. If you feel it in your heart, you can accomplish anything you desire. You have the support and love of your family, your courage and determination, with that, anything is possible.”

  “Thank you, Father.”

  He kissed her forehead and tugged on her braid playfully. “Go, visit your friend, and rest if you can. I will see you in the morrow.”

  Tiva relaxed in Te’s branches talking with him. Unfortunately, the night sky was starless, and she sensed rain in the air. A flash of light streaked across the sky, twisting aggressively through the clouds. She felt the charge of energy after it faded.

  Slipping from the trunk, she moved to the ground, curled up in her cloak, and lay back to rest. The gentle rain began to fall all around. Safe and dry, she watched the crystal drops of water slide from the golden leaves, quenching the grass at her feet. She closed her eyes and listened to the soothing rhythm of the rain. Hushed thunder rumbled through the field.

  The mixture of sounds lulled her into a comfortable sleep and when she opened her eyes the dark of night had lifted some, but the suns were absent from the horizon. She rose, stretched, and leisurely walked home. The house was still, too early for her parents to be awake, so Tiva prepared the morning meal for her family. She made pastries, fruit, and fresh squeezed juice. A hearty meal would give her the added energy for her test, though she tried not to dwell on it much, knowing the nervousness was just an inch from the surface. She would do her best; that was all she knew how to do.

  Satisfied with the spread of food, she rested on the couch in the living area, the final moments slipping by faster than she liked.

  Her father’s gentle kiss woke her this time. He smiled and offered his hand. Together they entered the dining room and the family enjoyed the meal before journeying to the palace.

  Once there, her siblings and mother wished her well, and with the company of her father made her way to the Great Hall to meet with the elite Royal Guardians who were administering the test.

  Darlew and Yark Finto were present, along with her uncles Trach and Devler. She saw Hutt Ispek and Bip Becha, but Tespor, Rux and several other level ones did not join them. King Delos entered shortly after her arrival and asked if she was ready for the test. Biting back the nervousness, she acknowledged him with a stern nod.

  “Guardian Boon, you have shown your loyalty to the throne and people of Abennelp. I have bestowed upon you the privilege to test and become an elite Royal Guardian, the highest honor of all protectors of these lands. Your first challenge today will be unarmed combat with Bip Becha.” Harer motioned to the guardian. “Secondly, you will be subjected to an endurance test, weapons competency, and strategic defense. Lastly, you will undergo the final phase, a reconnaissance mission to retrieve an item hidden among the palace grounds. This challenge will be the hardest, as you will not know which guardians are friends or enemy. Final instructions for this phase will come after your first two tasks are complete. Do you have questions before we begin, Guardian Boon?”

  “No, sire, I am ready.”

  “Very well then, to the combat field.”

  The group ventured outside to find an audience waiting for the first female Royal Guardian’s level one test. She stripped her weapons, placed them to the side, and entered the sparring circle. Stretching her muscles, she tried to ignore the stares of those around her. Bip Becha, moved into the arena with a very determined look on his face. Tiva studied him. She did not know him well, which was likely the reason he was her opponent. He stood taller by half a foot, his arms and legs were muscular, but he was lean and very fit. The lines around his eyes crinkled as he smiled and bowed. She returned the gesture and raised her hands ready to defend herself, for she would allow him to strike first to gain an idea of his fighting style.

  They circled one another, and the crowd went silent. Bip closed the distance between them, but did not strike. He seemed to be studying her as well. Finally, he moved in, swinging his right arm wide aiming for her head. She successfully dodged and countered with an upper thrust of her fist. Knocking him back with a hit to the shoulder, she immediately moved in grabbing his left arm, pushed back and spun around, pulling him down as she crouched to sweep him with her right leg. The guardian began to fall; she released his arm, and balanced against the ground. She lifted her left leg, kicking him in the jaw then rolled to the side before jumping back.

  Bip returned to his feet by th
e time she took her stance, and using her quick reflexes rushed him in a fury of hand strikes. Catching on to one another’s fighting style, they battled back and forth matching blow for blow. Not satisfied with her performance thus far, Tiva focused her energies and attacked with her legs, knowing the powerful attacks would be to her benefit. Blocking, kicking, dodging, and sweeping each other, Bip and Tiva fought for some time. She couldn’t gage how she was doing, but put every effort into securing a victory.

  The guardian connected with her chest forcing her to stumble back and crash to the ground. She recovered quickly and used the position to her advantage for a quick double-legged kick to his stomach. Bip staggered back. Tiva rose to her feet and spun around with a high kick to his shoulder. As he fell, she saw her chance, leapt into the air, and kicked him directly in the chest.

  From the ground, Bip glanced over to Harer and nodded. The guardian conceded and the crowd around her cheered. Bip rose to his feet, bowed his head, and saluted her. She raised her fist to her heart, and let out a breath of relief. Glancing over at her father, she saw him smiling.

  Tiva turned to the king.

  “This concludes the combat phase,” he said emotionlessly, though she sensed he was pleased. “Hutt, escort Guardian Boon to the next location.”

  She gathered her belongings and followed Hutt Ispek behind the palace. Only the elite Royal Guardians and king trailed behind, the crowd obviously not privy to this test.

  “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.