Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp (Tiva Boon Series Book 2) (41 page)

Turning, she met his eyes and without lowering her shielding, it was clear he was not being deceitful. Reaching into her belt, Tiva pulled out the medallion Neola’s father had given to her, and revealed it to him. “Do you know what this is?”

His eyes widened slightly. “I do. Whose is it?”

She met his gaze, lowered her head slightly, and sighed. “Mine.”

“Yours?” He glanced back toward the fighter. “That girl called you…” He paused for a moment. “You are of King Delos’ blood?”

“I am.” She slipped the medallion back into her belt and turned around looking up to the sky seeing the ships begin their decent into the atmosphere. “Before Harer married Mirta, his mistress gave birth to me on the same day my parents were in the medical ward…the Boon child died.” She walked toward the landing site filling Razzil in on all the details she knew. He asked the same questions she did after learning the truth, and like Neola, she could offer no answers. “Perhaps I will never know why he gave me to my parents or if they ever learned the truth for themselves, but it matters not. After I left, I thought I could put everything behind me and start anew. Then I learned of the Loyalists and their struggle and I vowed to come back and help. When I read Neola’s letter and uncovered the truth of my birth, my fate was sealed.”

“How many people know you are the heir?”

“Only those in this section, and no one else must know for now. Once the time is right, all will learn the truth.”

“I think that’s a mistake, Tiva.”

She turned and met his eyes again. “Pardon?”

“What better way to give the people hope against the Rebels then to tell them the royal bloodline is alive and well?” Razzil rested a hand on her shoulder.

“I know not all whom I can trust, if the news travels to Kinchar and the Rebels learn I am here…”

“It will force their hand, will it not?”

“Speak what you mean,” Tiva asked.

“You can rally the people, word will spread quickly and the Rebels will send out their forces to look for the heir and we can also flush out any spies in our midst.”

“It is an interesting idea, but the Loyalists are not ready. We still have sections to train with the weapons we have brought…”

“With your new additions,” he said, glancing to the ships landing in the field, “we can have everyone ready in a week’s time.”

“I have not made any decisions yet, but it is a valid argument that I shall mull over. In the mean time, will you stay here with us? Another friendly face is something I truly need right now.”

“I would be nowhere else, your majesty.” He smiled wide. “I swore to your father…Kevler that I would look after you back in Hentor and I hold true to that until my last breath.”

She bowed her head in appreciation. “Come, I wish you to meet my friend Wixx and his people.”

The Oninusian warrior was grinning as he exited his craft. Tiva embraced him and introduced him to the others. Slowly, droves of his men and women exited the other ships, in total another thousand or so filled the spaces behind Wixx Maar. Neola seemed visibly shaken by their appearance, being much taller and more ominous looking than any people they had met thus far, but Wirto comforted her and Tiva offered a reassuring smile while everyone met and learned names. She was surprised to see Gessin among the group, Wixx noticing her stare, laughed.

“Well you and Trevo helped to bring our family peace, we felt it only right to repay the favor together.”

“You honor me, Wixx.”
“I have a datarecorder for you from the
Tolox
,” he said, pulling out the device and handing it to her. “And we brought more weapons, supplies and several hopters.”

“Everything will be helpful at this point, my friend,” she replied.

“Yeah, we’re pretty sure the bad guys know that we’re here by now,” Adam interjected.

“That only means we must ready everyone quickly. When the Rebels feel threatened they have a habit of attacking.” Wirto stepped up.“I am sure your people are tired from your journey, we have food and lodging waiting.”

“Accommodations are not necessary, Captain,” Wixx remarked. “We have plenty of room on our ships, but the food we will gladly accept.”

Wirto ordered a group of Loyalists to escort the Oninusians to the mess, Harai’s men followed, curious to learn about the warrior race. Wixx and Gessin stayed behind and showed Tiva and the others the equipment and supplies they had brought. Razzil and Wirto’s curiosity amused her. Harai and Adam were more interested in the weapons than anything else, and Neola focused on the medical gear.

“You say these Rebels may know we are here?” Wixx asked as they exited his ship.

“Yes, there are Bujeni ships on the far side of the planet. I have no doubts they scanned the area. Our two ships may have been missed, but I do not believe yours have.”

“Then it seems we have work to do, Lady Boon.” He grinned down, gently took her elbow, and leaned in. “Trevo informed me of your status, do they all know?”

“Yes,” she said softly. “But only those here in this section.”

“And that’s the way it must stay until this threat is over…” Neola snapped suddenly.

“Do you not think the people deserve to know Delos’ heir lives?” Razzil retorted.

Neola’s markings darkened and she glared at Tiva. “I thought we agreed you would not reveal—”

“The people deserve to know, but I’m here to protect Tiva, and that would just put her life at stake even more, and I’m not willing to do that,” Adam grumbled, his hand gripping Cala’s hilt.

“Who said anything about telling them who she is?” Razzil raised his voice.

“You have no say in any of this!” Neola took a step closer to him.

“And you do, Vicar?”

“Enough! Please, we must not bicker amongst ourselves.” Tiva raised her hand. The group went silent, and every head turned to her. “I told Razzil because I trust him, Neola, just as I trust all of you here. As far as telling the populace, I am unsure, I have not made a decision yet. First, we need to get the weapons and supplies to the sections and ready everyone for battle, for I fear that, whatever we do, it is not far off.”

~*~

Tiva’s fingers traced the edges of the datarecorder as she stared blankly out the window. The land outside was quiet, but the people were restless. Wirto sent four groups with supplies out in hovers to the other sects nearby and another team to Degort to spy on the Rebels. If word of the Oninus ships reached the palace, they had to be ready, immediately.

Adam slept soundlessly on the bed, but rest was the last thing on her mind. Aside from her own problems here, the Vexillum and her friends were fighting day and night against the Triune and the war in space was turning bloody. Aliri sent her the longest message, telling her not to worry, the
Tolox
was undamaged as yet, which was a relief. She’d only been gone a few days and already the Union was engaged in heavy fighting with the enemy. It was only a matter of time before the same thing would befall her people.

Aren’t you happy to be home?
Cala entered her mind.

I am, but things are not the same here…everyone is scared, their hope is fading and the lives of the people are in my hands. I must make the right decisions.

You can only do your best, Princess Tiva. That’s all anyone can ask.

Tiva turned away from the window and sat at the edge of the bed, glancing over at the spirit-sword propped up against the wall.
Perhaps.

Have faith.

Tiva sighed and rubbed the back of her neck.
Sometimes I feel I have lost my faith. My spirit has found the depths of darkness and saw the stillness of death, I know not how much more I can bear.

Adam’s lips brushed against her shoulder as his arms wrapped around her stomach. “Come to bed, Tivava. We have a busy day tomorrow.”

“I was just talking with Cala.”

“I know, I heard.” He smirked slightly.

“I am sorry, I thought you were sleeping.”

He shrugged and pulled her down next to him. “I was, but Cala said you needed me.”

“I do, Adam. You have more experience than I. Tell me, what I should do? Do I risk telling everyone Delos’ heir lives? Should I tell them who I am?”

“I think Neola’s right on this one, Tiva, too many people already know, the more people know, the more danger you are in. What if the Rebels find out?”

“Then it will just speed up their assault on the Loyalists, but if we are ready, we will have the advantage.”

He frowned and hugged her tight against his chest. “The choice is ultimately yours m’lady, but don’t reveal your identity until you have to, and if you do leak your return to the public just know that I’m going to be your shadow until this whole mess is over.”

She closed her eyes and sighed deeply, so much for her request to visit the other provinces.

“As a matter of fact, if you do decide to tell anyone else, I’ll be stealing some of Wirto’s guys to watch you as well. It’ll be a cold day in hell before I let anyone hurt you again.”

“I do not think that is necessary, Adam.”

He gently kissed her forehead. “You’re the queen, Tiva, of course it’s necessary. I won’t have it any other way.”

“Very well, I will let you know when I make my decision.”

“All right, we’ll have more information in a couple of days when the scout group returns from the capital, so you have time.”

“But I feel it closing in around me with every passing second,” she whispered.

“It’s just nerves, Solaeshyl. Everyone gets a little edgy before war.”

“Why do I have to be the bringer of war?”

“Sometimes only war can bring us peace,” he replied and kissed her temple. “You need to rest; clear you mind and just let it all go for now.”

“I can try.” Lacing her fingers through his she pulled their hands up against her chest and relaxed against him. Though her mind raced with thoughts and questions, Adam’s gentle breathing soothed her and before she could protest further, she’d fallen asleep wrapped up tight in his embrace.

T
he group of Tiva’s confidants met early in the day verifying information, orders, and reporting any new findings sent in from the other provinces. There had still been no word on Mirta’s family, nor anything from the group sent to Degort. With the majority of this section trained, rested, and ready, Tiva was anxious to do more, but she knew patience was key. If they were to have the upper hand in this war, they needed to know as much as possible.

Wixx and Gessin made quick friends with Harai’s men and the former Legionnaires. During mid-day meal, Tiva saw a large group of them training in the fields and another sharing stories and combat techniques near the maintenance bay. Though the Oninusians were a warrior race, she’d learned long ago that they did not kill for the joy of it. Fighting alongside them was a life changing experience. Their presence here was beneficial in many ways, but having them recount triumphant battles with little bloodshed might help the others see that change was important.

Knowing many would die, perhaps even some by her own hand brought her no happiness. This time, however, she would not let the darkness of anger take her back to that cold place inside her mind. If she allowed herself to slaughter blindly she was no better than the Rebels. She was the queen, and she would show compassion, just as Harer had done.

Neola and Adam ventured off into the Finto home to find some PCD’s for Wixx’s group, while Wirto was busy studying the hopters. Razzil and Tinbo seemed to be enjoying a deep conversation and Gessin was leading a group in a training exercise. Everything was falling into place.

The morning was full of strategic talks and positioning. Tiva didn’t even bring up the fact that she’d made her decision about informing the populace. Adam deserved to know first. She was through hiding, and the more she thought about it during the night and after the suns rose, the more she realized that it was the right decision.

Once word of an heir spread through the provinces the Rebels would want nothing more than to find and destroy her. But as long as she kept her identity hidden from those outside the sect, she felt safe.

Tiva finally took the time to look through the records of all those lost during the last several cycles. So many names she knew, so many of them had seen her induction ceremony. Others she knew from Cenii province. She continued through the logs finding the names of her friends and family who died during the Great War. Skky, Lola, Tespor, and her uncle, all watching now from the Eternal Lands. She kept her composure until she saw Litru’s name on the screen. The memory of his virtual projection in the portrait hall filled her mind. It all flooded back and the pain cut deep, but she refused to let it come to the surface. She needed to Calm, if she were to be of sound body and mind to fight the Rebels; she had to find some peace.

As the others gathered in the mess to discuss the day’s events and enjoy a quiet meal while they still had the chance, Tiva slipped out of the base and made her way toward Te. She visited with him for a while, talking to him as she had done long ago, and he listened as always, comforting, and supporting her in his branches. The suns dipped below the tree line and Tiva knew she had to return soon, so she weaved through the forest to the pond. The water was tepid, tended by the suns, the first sign of the Warming. Without another thought, she removed her clothes and dove in, letting the liquid wash away her worries.

Spirits of this world, hear me.

Spirits help me calm.

Take away the troubles of my mind and body.

Spirits free me of my troubles and keep me calm
.

When her head broke through the surface, she saw a silhouette in her line of vision moving through the trees. Leaping up onto the bank, she reached for her sword only to hear a soft chuckle vibrate through the forest.

“Didn’t mean to startle you, Tiva,” Adam said as he came into the clearing.

“I was Calming, my guard was down,” she answered, wringing the water from her hair.

He approached her, picked her clothes up, and smiled wickedly.

“As much as I would like to do what you are thinking about, my love, we still have work to do.”

He laughed and shook his head. “Can’t help myself, you’re a vision, Tiva.”

Blushing, she took her tunic and pulled it on before taking her pants.

“I was worried about you, no one knew where you were.”

“How did you find me then?”

“Cala heard you doing your ritual thing.” He fastened her top and brushed a wet lock of hair from her cheek. “You okay?”

“Yes, I am fine,” she replied and attached her sword to her side. “I was reading through the logs of all those who perished since the Rebels started their incursion.”

“I’m sorry,” he squeezed her hand tenderly.

“Thank you.” She met his eyes then looked toward the direction of the base. “Has anything new come to light?”

“Nope, Wirto’s group still hasn’t checked in. He said he was going to wait until daybreak before he contacted them. Neola sent out three groups with weapons and medical supplies to some wet-land…”

“Whettland,” she corrected.

“Yeah, and Wixx and the boys are having target practice with Harai’s boys. Now it’s just a game of waiting, though I’d much rather storm the castle myself.”

“It may come to that, Adam. I just want to ensure everyone on our side has the means to protect themselves and the people of their province. A surprise strike against the Rebels might be worth it, but not yet.”

“I know, I just hate waiting.”

“Tiva, Adam!” Neola shouted from the edge of the Finto’s land and Tiva could just make out her waving furiously. “Come quickly.”

Sighing, she glanced at Adam, who was already holding onto her. He smiled and his wings expanded and took them into the air before soaring quickly toward the base. Landing softly, Tiva squeezed his hand once then ran into the base following the Vicar who was already several steps ahead. “What has happened, Neola.”

“There’s been an attack in Obadan province, another noble family has vanished,” she replied between deep breaths. “I sense something is happening, Tiva. Wirto and the others are have gathered…” She led them through the meeting hall and into one of the back rooms. Wixx, Gessin, Harai, Razzil and Wirto were present along with a few others from each group. Wirto approached, his eyes tired and worried.

“I fear I have bad news, my queen.”

“What is it?”

“They know you are here, the last Royal Guardian…the Rebels are rounding up all the noble families they can find, looking for you.”

“How the hell do they know she’s here?” Adam grunted and his eyes flashed orange.

“Tiva was the only guardian who survived; they knew that thanks to Pethor. Besides, who else would come here?” Neola offered.

Wixx turned to the captain. “Did your men contact you yet?”

“No, but word has come in from other provinces. The Rebels are on the move again,” Wirto responded and turned back to Tiva. “They know the locations of most of our bases, we have only a few we’ve been able to keep safe. I think we should leave this area immediately.”
“Why? We have all of our weapons here, the strongest of our forces are here,” Razzil replied and shook his head. “We should stand our ground here…”

Gessin turned to him. “I agree, we have enough fire power in this area to take on any army.”

“Tiva,” Neola walked up to her and took her hand. “When we learned Pethor was going after you, I did everything I could to get you that message. Any reminder of the royals or guardians is a stain they need to erase if they’re going to succeed in ruling the people.”

“Do they know she’s the heir?” Adam raised his voice.

“Doubtful,” Wirto said.

“You are assuming…” Wixx grinned toothily. “I’d offer to send out my men to scout your land, but we would be easily spotted and probably frighten many of your people.”

“I think we should split up anyway. We have to warn the other groups, and if we do it through the communications channel we risk being overheard.” Harai glanced up at Wixx then to Tiva. “Whether or not they know you’re the king’s daughter, they know you’re here, Tiva, and they know you’re a threat now. A former Royal Guardian returning with eight technically advanced ships against their Bujeni friends? Pethor captured you from the Union, he knew the kind of friends you had, why do you think he sent Uucorian bounty hunters to find you?”

Tiva studied each of their faces then looked toward Adam, he was angry and ready to fight. She knew she didn’t have the right words to appease everyone, but it was a risk she’d have to take. They needed to act, quickly, at least to save the other nobles from the same fate as Mirta’s family.

“Whether or not they know I am the heir matters little, I am perceived as a threat. We all are. While I do not believe they have any fire power to match what we have, we must remain cautious.” Tiva paced slightly then turned back to the attentive group. “Wirto, I need you to coordinate your teams and send them out to all the sects with this new information immediately. No one is to use site-to-site communications until we have secured the channels. Neola and Harai that will be your task for now, make sure the PCD’s are encrypted and untraceable. Wixx, I will need your men to help extract the nobles from the provinces. I will assign each of your teams a Loyalist captain, this way they can see we are working together. When you find the nobles, escort them to the nearest hidden base, by then we should be able to communicate freely.

“All other available Loyalists should head to the perimeter of the Yaan. This province has been lucky in the past and has seen little conflict, I have changed that with my presence.” Tiva looked out the window to see people scurrying back and forth between hovers, ships, and the base. They were true soldiers, readying their equipment before receiving orders. “Once I am sure all our sections are secure and ready, I will give the Rebels what they want…”

“Tiva,” Adam said softly. “What are you planning?”

“An offensive strike, that will be our task while the others tend to the rest,” she replied and turned to meet his gaze then looked at the others. “After your people are on their way, report back here so we can plan.”

Everyone bobbed their heads in agreement, several saluted, and the majority of them rushed out to do as ordered. Razzil and Adam stayed behind. She was still lost in thought when the former Legionnaire rested his hand on her shoulder. “I can be of use as well, Lady Boon.”

“Oh, yes, Razzil,” she replied awkwardly. “I am sorry, my mind is in a hundred places.”

“I can only imagine what you are going through. Tell me, how may I serve you?”

“Go through the database and get the location of all the nobles. Make sure Wixx’s men do not leave without that information. Then I would like you to ask Gessin to teach you and several others how to use the hopters. It is an advantage the Rebels will not see coming.”

Razzil bowed his head and saluted before rushing out and leaving Adam and Tiva alone. Moving away from the window, she searched through a large chest on the opposite side of the room. She pulled a few very old parchment maps and laid them on the floor. Adam walked over and watched. Piecing them together was simple enough, but the maps covered most of the free space in the room. Tiva studied them for a moment before bending down for a closer look.

“Need me and Cala to do anything, m’lady?”

“Not yet, I need to think for a moment.”

“Want to let me in on what you’re thinking about?” he asked, kneeling beside her and looking at the maps.

“There are three main roads that lead to Degort. All of them are guarded by Rebels, but not as heavily as usual if forces are scattered about the provinces looking for the nobles.” She glanced to him, he nodded, and she pointed to a spot on the far side of the map. “This is our location, the province further northeast of Degort is Quintor and the one next to it is Hentor where the Bujeni ships are. That is our focus aside from the capital. We will find all the answers we need in Hentor.”
“Are you sure?”

“Not completely, but my instincts tell me I will learn the truth there.”

“Wait…are you thinking about going there?”

“Eventually,” she answered.

“Oh, okay.” He stood up and looked out the window. “They have good team work, I’m glad they all made friends quickly.”