by Jenn Nixon
A full cycle had passed when once again, small cells of the faction resurfaced. The tranquility so many had grown accustom to, vanished. The Rebel targets, this time, were not the Province Keeper’s residences or the keepers. Tiva heard witness account of the ministry houses coming under constant assaults with cruel and ruthless attacks by very skilled individuals. The Rebels beat down the peaceful Vicars and their followers. It seemed that an uprising of the general populace was not part of the agenda as many had become afraid of the Rebels.
Prisoners in their own lands, the threats escalated for the people of Abennelp, and all the while, Tiva remained in Degort protecting her king and queen. Regiments of legionnaires led by high-ranking guardians left and returned throughout the months. Many died. Eyon, the captain in her charge in Cenii lost his life, as did some of the men and women of the divisions she came to know during her tour. The Finto and Becha families suffered the hardest blow, losing several members. No family was without loss. Tiva’s cousins Tier and Riet, perished in a battle in Obadan. Her Aunt Lilla, distraught by the events, had yet to return to the palace.
The peak of the Cooling season was upon them. King Delos, determined to eliminate the faction, sent the strongest forces to each province capital to help reinforce the guardsmen. Travel among the lands became agonizing; people guarded each welcome arch of every road. Whether to keep others out or those that lived within safe mattered not, the freedom of the planet was waning and the harder the protectors tried to thwart the threat, the more forceful the encounters became.
The largest assault against the protectors came one month before her next Remembrance. A force of Rebels broke through the line of guardsmen at the Lost Island and freed many of their imprisoned followers, adding a fierce strength to their cause. A cause that still was unclear.
An entire regiment of legionnaires perished in Cenii and Stimli as they tried to hinder the Rebels from entering the mainland. The failed blockage was devastating, and the escapees slowly intermingled into the towns and villages hiding and waiting for the right time. A handful of prisoners were recaptured, and King Delos ordered several Royal Guardians to return them to the Lost Island, and to train a new group of guardsmen.
Many of the Province Keepers came to Degort demanding action, and despite the king’s attempts, the Rebels only grew stronger. The pressure against the throne continued rising.
*
“Harer has called a council.” Kevler stepped into Tiva’s room, his mood as sour as the expression on his face.
“What has happened?” she said.
“I am not entirely sure, but I gather there has been some type of shift among the Rebels.” He leaned against the doorframe and rubbed his temple.
The constant battles were wearing on everyone’s spirit, but she knew the burden upon her father was hardest of all. He was Harer’s right hand and most trusted guardian. The king’s failure to provide peace for the people was also her father’s, and ultimately hers as well.
“I will be ready shortly, Father, are we all going?”
“Yes, he’s called everyone not on tour.” He sighed. “I know this is not the way you would like to celebrate, but…”
“Father, we have more important matters to be concerned about. I do not worry for myself.”
“I know, dearest one, but I do have a gift for you.” He entered her room and gave her a small wrapped box.
“Thank you.” Peeling the paper back revealed a stunning hide covered Yantar. She opened the book and leafed through the golden trimmed pages. “It is beautiful, Father.” She smiled.
“I hope it brings you some comfort.” He smiled back. “I will meet you outside.”
Tiva finished dressing, secured her weapons on her belt, slipped the painting her mother gave her many cycles ago inside the Yantar, and put it into her side satchel. Donning her cloak, she joined her family at the hover deck. They rode to the palace in silence, for all worried about what the king was going to divulge.
The Great Hall of Kinchar was full. Every noble of the land had come. Hundreds of guardians and thousands of legionnaires talked quietly in huddled groups. Tiva followed her father to the king’s chamber while her mother and siblings found seats with the rest of her family. Darlew and Devler were already escorting the king down the corridor when they approached.
“Spirited greetings,” Harer said dejectedly. “I must meet with the four of you after this council, I have concerns beyond what I can tell the others, and I am in dire need of your thoughts.”
Tiva nodded along with the others. Harer entered the hall and all rose. The elite guardians remained behind him as he ventured to the middle of the room. She surveyed the area quickly; she was overly observant after all that had happened, all she witnessed, and chanced nothing.
Harer lowered his hands and the crowd took their seats. “My loyal guardians, legionnaires, noblemen and women of Abennelp, I have called you all here with heavy heart, for what I have to say does not bring me joy.” The enormous hall went deadly silent. “The faction of Rebels is ready to show their full strength, and we have learned that they are planning an invasion of Degort. They have stopped attacking the ministry houses of our provinces, and their cells are on the move. I have no other choice but to close the palace grounds to all, save the legionnaires and guardians. Your safety is our main concern, and unless you wish to stay and fight, I urge you to leave Degort and seek shelter in your provinces.”
The crowd mumbled softly, and the king raised a hand.
“I am recalling the majority of our protectors here to Degort to strengthen our defenses. Each province will remain protected, but you must inform the people in your lands of this threat. I am confident we will crush this evil, but the battle will be long and arduous. Keep communications open for we will inform you of our progress when we are able.” He paused and looked around the room. “We must pull together in this time of need. We will be triumphant in the end, though the road to peace bears many bends and detours. Keep safe, my loyal subjects and may the spirits bless and spare us all. Serve with pride, honesty, and love. Serve with honor as was, as is, and as will be.”
The legionnaires and guardians rose and saluted. “By guardian light, we shall protect you in times of darkness until the bitter end.”
Harer exited the room, Tiva and the other elites followed. In his chambers, the king paced before them. He ruffled his hair and rubbed his neck. She noticed his moon markings were deep purple, not a good sign. He turned to them and motioned to the nearby couch. Continuing to pace, he finally spoke after the guardians sat. “This news, I know not if it can be trusted, but it is far too unbelievable not to be true. Hutt Ispek has recently returned from Obadan where he found and captured a cell leader. He was interrogated, and spoke of off-world influences helping the Rebels.”
Tiva gasped, the others stared blankly at the king. How was that possible? The only incident of off-worlders coming to Abennelp happened well over a hundred cycles ago. Everyone knew about the crash of the alien ship, for it was part of their planet’s history, but since then no other off-worlders had made direct contact with her people.
“We always knew we were not alone in the expanse of the skies, but how this came about or is even possible, I know not.” He stopped pacing and turned to his guardians. “This leader told Hutt of weaponry and other devices given to the Rebels in exchange for our natural resources. While I have always allowed and encouraged technology to advance as it has over time, we have never seen need for them before and are unprepared. I ordered Hutt and Bip to gather our finest engineers and scientists to begin mass production of the particle charged weapons to help defend us. I have also commissioned use of the alien technology to build a ship and interstellar communications array. If we can intercept these messages or crafts, we may have a chance to halt the alien’s interference.”
“Are the Rebels involved with the same aliens that crashed on Abennelp?” Tiva asked.
“That has not yet been determined; Hut
t is still interrogating the leader,” the king said.
Darlew leaned forward. “Do we have any idea what type of weapons we are dealing with, Harer?”
“It is unclear at this time, though with the basic specification of the particle weapons and the new technology we’ve acquired over the cycles, we have an equal chance of matching whatever they have.”
“Off-worlders…” Kevler said under his breath.
“This is a failing of my reign. I have always been one for tradition. Though we have used technology for our homes, vehicles, and other various comforts, I never believed we would need it for defense.”
“Do we have aliens on our planet? We do not possess the forces to protect our planet from Rebels and an alien invasion, sire,” Devler said, a shiver ran down Tiva’s spine.
“I believe they are more interested in trading resources at this point, however that can change at any moment. We must train all our protectors quickly when the weapons are ready. Degort is the Rebel’s focus; we must use everything we have to protect this province. Line our borders with legionnaires. Clear the marketplace; the guardians will make residence there until further notice. We will hold here, our final stand of resistance. We must prepare for war.”
Tiva’s heart stopped, her fears confirmed; the kingdom was going to war. She reached over and grabbed her father’s hand. He squeezed gently. She felt his fear, along with everyone else in the room, it was very uncomfortable knowing the elite protectors were afraid.
“We have much to do - return to your duties, I will inform you of any new information as soon as it is received.”
The guardians rose and exited the king’s chambers. Darlew and Devler broke from the group returning to the Great Hall. Tiva continued with her father to the main hall. Neither said anything, the king’s announcement still reeling in their minds. In one moment, everything she knew had changed. She felt very small. The vastness of space introduced a new danger to her world; the wondrous and beautiful night sky that she often watched in awe had now brought darkness to her heart.
They neared the lift. Her father stopped and drew her into his arms. “I wish nothing more than to keep you safe from this peril, Tiva, but this is the life we were bred to lead. If I could force you to leave—”
“You cannot, Father. I will remain by Harer’s side and yours.”
He kissed her forehead. “I know, dearest one. Contact your mother. Go home and gather all our weapons and clothing. I am sure Harer will want us to remain in the palace, and I want our family to stay together.”
“Very well, Father. Keep safe.”
Exiting the palace after calling her mother on the PCD, she found Tespor, Neola, and Jex in the courtyard. They weren’t smiling and laughing as usual, instead, they stood huddled together, talking in whispered tones. Tiva joined in time to hear Neola speaking.
“I don’t want to leave you, Jex, I will stay and fight.”
“Neola, this isn’t cause for debate. Go with your father to Quintor, you will be safe there. Do not worry for me. I will be fine.”
“I do not like this, Jex, not one bit.” She frowned.
“He is right, Neola, you must keep safe your father, he needs you,” Tespor coaxed.
“Tiva!” Neola raised her hands in defeat. “Tell them my place is here with all of you. I can fight, I’m trained.”
“The threat is worse than you know, Neola. I agree with them, you must go.”
Tespor and Jex stole a glance. Neola grumbled and walked away. Jex sighed then ran after her. Tiva watched them go before walking toward the hover deck. Tespor followed.
“Speak what you know, Tiva.” He gently grabbed her hand. She stopped and turned. Her eyes must have given her away because his markings turned neon and he stepped back. “Tell me…what is it?”
“Off-worlders, Tespor. They are supplying the rebels with alien weapons,” she said holding back her fears from his senses.
“What?” he said in disbelief. “How is that possible?”
“I asked myself the same question, no one knows. But I have a feeling they have been involved far longer than we are aware.”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you remember the night Solun attacked the king? He knew too much when I confronted him. He knew my name, the fact that I was in Cenii and on my way to the palace. It always lingered in my mind that someone informed him by other means. Perhaps he possessed this alien technology…” Her eyes went wide, and she grabbed his shoulder. “That must be it!”
“Possibly, but what of these alien suppliers…what type of weapons are we talking about?” he said, visibly shaken.
“Unknown, something like the particle chargers our scientists have made.” She shrugged. “I have to return home and gather provisions. I will speak with you again soon.”
“Tiva…” He squeezed her wrist and stared into her eyes. Looking to the ground, he sighed and released her. “Keep safe, my friend.”
“And you, Tespor.”
D’laja stopped the hover in front of their home and turned to her daughter. Tiva merely acknowledged the fact they arrived and bolted inside. She gathered the families’ weapons from storage, and collected clothing for herself and her siblings. She did not like the idea of Remock and Bintu being in the palace. They were level three, but she still felt them too young at fifteen to fight in a war. However, the king needed all of his guardians at a time like this. All were affected, elder and child alike, and each deserved a chance to defend their land and king.
Shaking off the disturbing thoughts, she stalked through the rooms and returned to the living area with her arms full. She lugged the clothing and weapons to the hover and sat on the hood waiting for her mother. The first sun was setting, and as her Remembrance was ending, she realized it was one of the saddest she’d ever known.
“Mother, I have an idea I wish to present to the king,” Tiva said as her mother drove into Degort proper.
“About what?”
“This news of off-worlders has made me rethink all the missions I have been on and I think perhaps Solun and his people had some of this technology.”
“Why do you think that?”
“Unil and Solun both had more information than they should have had during the crisis in Cenii. The Rebels purposely destroyed our communications towers so we had no means to contact one another, yet, Solun knew I was at the palace, among other things. Perhaps he had a device on him, and it may still be within our reach.”
“Quite true.” She nodded. “Once we arrive at the palace I shall call your brother and sister to help me. Find your father, inform the king.”
“Understood.”
Disappointed, Tiva made her way through the palace to her temporary room, adjacent to her siblings and parents, and stood near the large pane of glass. Solun’s possessions did not include any strange device. The inventory she searched only held his stolen legionnaire uniform, a map, and a short piece of wire most likely used for the detonators. Her father, impressed by her train of thought, seemed just as aggravated that her theory did not come to fruition.
Fixing her gaze upon the courtyard below, she watched the tiny guardians moving about on patrols. Many of them had no idea the danger they faced, but Tiva knew. She was aware that in an instant the Rebels could attack with strange new weapons, slaughtering legionnaires and without as much as a drop of sweat on their brow. Knowing sleep would not come, she changed into a fresh uniform, secured her weapons, including a new set of finger daggers Kenon had given to her for her Remembrance, and walked each floor of the palace until she reached the bottom.
The prince exited his father’s chambers as Tiva stepped off the main lift. She saluted him with a bow.
“Spirited greetings, Tiva.”
“Likewise, your highness.” She gave a weak smile. He grinned back appearing very much like his father. Tiva noticed he had a very regal aura about him now, she wondered how he would rule when he took over the throne. “Is King Delos awake?”
> “Yes, sleep is not coming easy to many of us this night.”
“Indeed,” Tiva said, unsure of the information the prince had.
“Did you find what you were looking for in inventory?”
“Unfortunately, no, I did not,” she said; hiding the surprise he already knew. “It means little in the grand scope of all that is happening. I just had a theory, it may yet be sound, but I have no means of investigating any longer.”
“I can arrange for you to meet with the Rebel leader we have captured.”
“Would not the king be the one to do so?”
“My father put me in charge of Hutt’s interrogation of the Rebel; he wanted to avoid involving himself for his focus is elsewhere. If you wish it, I can see it done.”
“I will ponder the idea, your highness; thank you for the offer.”
“Tiva, in troubled times like these, think of me as a friend and not a prince. It will save us both the formalities…Guardians and Royals are family after all.”
“Very well, Kenon.” She smiled and watched him go. When stressed or in an altered state of mind, she always seemed to revert to protocol as if embedded in her. She counted on it to keep her grounded and guarded. Many knew that about her, but Kenon was slow to catch on.
Entering the long corridor to the king’s chamber, she acknowledged her Aunt Jinka and Loloa Becha who were guarding the door. Lilla had yet to return to the palace, but with the pending threat, Kevler continued to coerce her to come back. “I seek council with King Delos,” she said.
