Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian (23 page)

“Guardian Boon, we have arrived.” Jarn’s voice was soft in her ear. The hover wasn’t moving, and when Tiva opened her eyes, all was dark. “I tried to contact the palace as you instructed, the tower here in Whettland is destroyed too. The legionnaires stationed here have not found the culprits, but are still searching.”

She rubbed her temple and looked out the front window to see two legionnaires walking away. “How long until we reach Degort?”

“If we don’t stop again I will have us at the border by midnight.”

“Do you need sleep, Jarn? I am rested enough to take over for a spell.”

“I don’t mind, Guardian Boon, you continue to rest. We don’t know what to expect upon reaching Degort. You may need your full strength.”

Her mouth curved slightly. “I will not argue, your advice is sage. Take the main border road of the Yaan and Ullibro provinces, and if you see any guardians wake me.”

“Very well,” he said, smoothly guiding the hover back onto the road.

Tiva rested, but did not sleep at first. Her dreams were often disturbing, even if short. The bladed staff that Unil carried stuck in her mind. Something about it gave her pause, but she could not quite grasp what it was. They reached the edge of Whettland, the welcome arch of Yaan province appearing. Her home was far off to the east, she sighed heavily, yearning to sleep in her own bed.

The hover slowed, Tiva jolted awake from her half-slumber. “What is it?” she asked.

“The road to Degort is blocked.”

She sat up straight. “By whom?”

“From this distance it is hard to say, though my eyes tell me they are carrying weapons.”

“Have they seen us?”

“Possible, but they have made no movement to indicate so,” Jarn said.

“It is too far for me to walk to the palace; we will have to risk facing the guards.” Tiva unsheathed her sword and placed it on her lap. Using the cloak as a cover, she gripped the hilt tight, nodded to Jarn who moved the hover toward the blockade.

They drove through the darkness, nearing the entrance to Degort. Three shadows stood by the welcome arch. Upon closer inspection, Tiva noticed their legionnaire uniforms. Still, something seemed wrong.

Jarn sighed in relief and tapped a few buttons on the console to open the window.

“No,” Tiva said. “We know not who they are, wait until—” A knife flew into the hover via the half-opened window and slammed into Jarn’s temple.

Jarn slumped forward, dead. Tiva cursed and crouched on the floor. She had to move fast to survive. She hit the thrusters of the hover and it jerked forward, she peeked out the front window saw a half dozen men block the road. If she were in top form she might defeat them, but in her condition, she’d surely perish. Using her sword to guide the hover, she accelerated, hit the autopilot, and jumped into the back seat. The hover zoomed forward, the men guarding the road scattering. Tiva kicked the back shield off the hover. She climbed out of the craft, rolled off the side, and snuck into the woods before the hover crashed against a nearby tree.

The moon, hidden by lingering rain clouds, peeked through occasionally, offering beams to help light the way. With a bit of stealth, good luck, and prayer, Tiva weaved through brush, wood, and field.

Her destination, the main hover-tram station, was dim and quiet upon arrival. The neon lights of the waiting area shimmered and hummed in rhythm with one another. A distant vibration shook the platform beneath her feet. One good thing about the capital of Abennelp, she knew it rarely rested. However, with things as they were, in the middle of a crisis, she wondered if the Rebels had hijacked the hover-tram. They’d already gained control of the main road into town.

Remaining in the shadows, Tiva lifted her hood and waited. She grew more impatient even as the lights of the hover-tram blinked in the distance. The sleek passenger vehicle slowed on the tracks. A few people exited, only two entered. Taking a breath, Tiva slipped into the last compartment and sat in a seat at the back of the tram. One other person shrouded in a tattered hooded cloak, sat in the middle of the tram, glancing over every so often. The hover-tram jerked slightly then began its trek toward the palace. Only having used the public transport system once, Tiva was unsure how many stops it made before reaching the marketplace. From there, at least, she could risk the walk.

As the tram gained speed, the other passenger glanced over again, and gripped the railings to keep balance. Tiva remained stationary, her eyes fixed, and fingers tight around the hilt of her blade if needed. The door at the end of the compartment opened, and a young girl walked in, moving to the first passenger.

“Which station?” she said.

“Degort proper, station one,” a deep voice replied.

The young girl pulled out a strip of parchment, scanned it with a bright blue light, collected payment, and handed the man his ticket. She took a few steps toward Tiva
, but stopped suddenly. She lifted her head to meet the girl’s eyes. She looked frightened.

“I wish to stop in the Degort proper marketplace,” she said politely to ease the tension.

The girl repeated her duty, and gave Tiva the ticket. She parted her cloak and handed the girl a few coins.

“You gave me too much,” she said.

“Keep it,” Tiva said, taking the ticket and slipping her hand back in the confines of her cloak.

“Thank you.” The girl smiled and exited the compartment.

“That was generous of you, you must be nobility,” the deep voice said.

Tiva did not respond.

“No, then perhaps a parliament head?”

She remained in place.

“Perhaps a protector?” he said, with a slight chuckle.

Tiva averted her eyes and when she looked closer, saw him grin. A weight drifted from her spirit. She stood and moved near him. He rose to his feet and lowered his hood.

“Asking questions of a stranger is not always a wise practice during these trying times,” she murmured.

“Unless you know the voice of the stranger as a friend,” he said.

She pushed the hood back on her forehead and saluted him. “It is good to see a friendly face, Tespor.”

He hugged her, and quickly released her when she yelped. “You are injured?”

“I am, but we have no time to dwell, my friend. I’ve been traveling all night to get to the king, the Rebels have planned a raid.”

“Why did you not contact Darlew or your father?”

“The towers in Stimli and Whettland have been destroyed.”

“By the spirits!” He pulled out his PCD and tried it for himself. “The entire capital is at risk. Come.” Tespor grabbed her hand and pulled her through the tram. They rushed past a few people
who seemed curious, but remained silent. He pushed open the control room door, the tram driver jumped at the unexpected intrusion.

“What is the meaning of this?” he growled.

“We are Royal Guardians,” Tespor said forcefully, revealing his shoulder and guardian patch. “You must take us directly to the marketplace, now.”

“I have passengers.”

“This is an order you cannot disobey, the life of your king is at stake.”

“Yes…sir…” he sputtered.

“And do it quickly,” Tiva said.

The driver nodded and increased the speed. Tespor and Tiva stood in the control room as the tram passed the first three stops. Voices rose through the compartment behind them. Tiva looked at the few who gathered.

“There is an emergency at the Palace of Kinchar, you will be brought back to your stop once we depart.”

Blankly the faces bobbed at her statement, and they remained quiet the remainder of the trip.

“Thank you,” Tespor said to the driver, and followed Tiva to the exit.

They ran from the station and down the path to the middle of the marketplace. It was barren. Leaning against the wall, Tiva grabbed Tespor holding him back.

“What is it?”

“Where are the guardians and legionnaires?” she said.

“I assume they are on patrols, last I knew many were mingling with the populace covertly. The king closed the marketplace to all after nightfall.”

“The road to Degort was blocked by men dressed as the king’s Legion. They attacked us and killed the legionnaire who drove me. I don’t think we can trust many, Tespor. Everyone, aside from the guardians I hope, is a potential threat; we must keep sharp.”

“We’ll take the back alley to the palace; it should be empty.”

Tiva agreed and silently stalked through the narrow alleys making their way toward the palace. At the edge of the marketplace, Tespor held Tiva back and surveyed the land. The trees between them and the side gate swayed in the wind, with no other movement. He looked at her, nodded, and pointed to the far end of the trees.

She broke from his side and darted across the grass. Sneaking through the sparse trees, each taking a turn, they closed in on their destination. Tespor reached the gate first, Tiva right on his heels. The guardian behind the gate didn’t notice or sense their presence, and this aggravated her, until he turned and smiled.

“Jex?” Tespor squinted for a better view.

“Spirited greetings, my friends. Your stealth techniques are quite good. I did not realize you were near until the last dash across the expanse.”

“Let us in, we have urgent news!” Tiva scowled.

“What news?” he said, opening the gate instantly.

“The king, where is he?” Tespor asked.

“Sleeping I assume, it is almost morning after all.”

“Keep on guard, Jex, the Rebels are planning an attack. Anything that seems out of the ordinary might be cause for concern,” Tiva said.

“I understand.” He saluted and closed the gate behind them after they entered.

Tiva ran through the courtyard without waiting for Tespor. She was near the guardian entrance when the two standing watch pulled their weapons.

“Halt!”

“Guardian Boon, reporting, open the doors, now!” she said. Skky Finto and Bip Becha each opened a door. Tiva ran through without stopping, knowing Tespor was right behind. She flew down the corridor and into the main study. It was empty. She pushed ahead to the Great Hall and to the front of the room. Taking the side door, she tore into the main hall passed the lift, into another corridor and slowed as she neared the king’s chambers where her aunts stood guard.

“Wake the king, now!”

“Tiva? You are supposed to be in Cenii, what has happened
?”

“Wake the king, the Rebels are near.”

Lilla gaped at her, and Jinka pulled out her PCD.

“Communications are down,” Tespor said.

Annoyed, Tiva slammed her fist against the door. “Sire, wake up!”

Inside the chamber, commotion first then the doors swung open, Harer and Mirta stood half-awake in their sleep clothing, looking very angry.

“By the spirits!” he grumbled and rubbed his eyes. “Guardian Boon, what is the meaning of this?”

She saluted quickly and bowed her head. “My apologies for waking you sire, but there is an imminent threat upon your life. The Rebels are near.”

“What?” he said astonished.

“The communication towers have been destroyed. I sent the legionnaires to find the source and found a Rebel hideout in Cenii. One there spoke of a plan to assassinate you. The culprit was underway before I left. I have been traveling all night, sire. We must gather the guardians quickly—”

“Tiva, slow your tongue…” he said, glancing at his wife who already seemed shaken. “Lilla, Jinka, call all elite here now.”

“Communications are down in the capital as well, sire. We will have to collect them ourselves,” Jinka said.

“Wake all in the guardian hall and send them to help. Warn them of this threat.”

“Yes, your majesty.” Her aunts bowed and took their leave.

“Keep safe,” Mirta said.

“Come, tell us everything.” Harer motioned Tiva inside.

Tiva spent the early morning recounting her findings in Cenii, the king and queen listened intently as every detail poured out of her. When the second sun rose above the horizon all the guardians called had arrived. Harer reiterated everything she told him to the guardians. Many were shocked and horrified.

Darlew was the first to speak. “Do you know how many Rebels we can expect?”

“I do not,” Tiva said. “Unil only told me Solun, but that is not to say he came alone.”

“Indeed,” Devler said.

“We must hold council with the protectors,” the king said. “Lock down the palace. Darlew place double guards on all entrances. Kevler sound the call. Rux and Yark, guard the main gate, allow only guardian and legionnaire to enter. The rest of you meet in the great hall.”

“Yes, sire.” The group rose and exited the king’s chambers.

Harer paced before his window, every so often glancing out. Tiva and Tespor exchanged looks. He turned and raised a brow. “You are dismissed.”

“With respect, sire, you must remain protected.”

“You have done well, Guardians, you should rest. I will inform you of our next course of action.”

“I prefer to join the council, sire,” she said, Tespor nodded.

“Very well,” he said, defeated. “Let us make haste.”

Tespor and Tiva followed the king down the corridor and into the main hall. Guardians and legionnaires alike rushed into the Great Hall, the resounding siren of the tower vibrating the walls around them. Tiva spotted Kenon in the distance. He was leading a group of legionnaires toward them. Harer called him over. As the group approached, Tiva scanned her surroundings. Tespor did the same.

The king and prince spoke in a hushed voice. It was then she surveyed the legionnaires and realized she neglected to mention the men blocking Degort were dressed as Legion. Her eyes widened. One did not belong, and she knew the face. He noticed her at the same moment and despite the shocked expression, he pulled a detonator from his tunic and tossed it near.

“Sire!” she said and tackled the king to the ground as a small explosion rang through the hall. The blast threw Kenon and Tespor back. The legionnaires scattered. Solun ran into another corridor.

“I am unharmed,” Harer said breathlessly. Tiva jumped to her feet and gave chase. Pulling her blade from its sheath, she forced her legs to match the speed of her will. Solun was near the end of the corridor when she entered. She cursed and ran faster. The doors swung open hitting Solun, he stumbled back.

“Detain him!” Tiva said.

Rae Boon, although stunned, pulled her sword on the intruder. Solun parried, and stabbed her in the thigh with a long serrated blade. She fell to her knee and slashed his hip. Tiva sped up. Solun rose and staggered through the door. Without stopping to help, she leapt over her fallen cousin and while airborne pulled her dagger, thrust it at Solun, striking his shoulder. He crashed to the ground, and scrambled on his belly. Tiva’s foot smashed into his back, her sword scraped the side of his neck.

“How many have you brought with you?” she said.

“Lovely Tiva, so nice to see you. Did you not enjoy Cenii? I heard you were coming, but didn’t expect to see you so soon.”

“How many, Solun.”

“Just myself, I was not supposed to fail, it was fool proof. Your appearance just quickened my orders.”

“Who ordered you here?”

“Now, now, Tiva, if I told you, what type of Rebel would I be?”

Confused at this statement, she pressed the blade against his neck drawing blood. “Who ordered you here?”