Tiva Boon: Heir of Abennelp (Tiva Boon Series Book 2) (52 page)

“We found him on the perimeter of Yann,” Emerala confirmed. “We haven’t found anyone else.”

“Where are the others?” Tiva asked not missing a moment.

“Hidden, they don’t want to die…this isn’t our war.”

“Perhaps you should have come to that realization before supplying a faction with destructive weapons.”

“We were misled!”

“You have two choices. Surrender your comrades whereabouts and together face the Union for your crimes or we shall hunt down every one of them ourselves without your help…their safety questionable.” Tiva kept her voice even and cold though she had no intention of hurting anyone else.

The Bujeni nodded his head fervently. “If you promise everyone’s safety we’ll surrender.”

The confession came rapidly now, he confirmed the number of ships, listed weapons and other supplies given to the Rebels. He gave the location of the Bujeni hideout and the supply stations around the planet they’d set up for Kenon. As each bit of information spilled out of the terrified alien, Loyalists rushed around giving order after order.

The interrogation lasted two hours. At the end, only Tiva and Dimlor, the Bujeni, were left. Everyone else had rushed off to verify, collect, rescue, disarm, and seize various people, things, and devices around the world.

Communications from distant provinces and groups returning to the compound began just before sunset. The majority of what Dimlor had offered was valid. Tiva felt some relief, but knew the hardest part had just begun. She was about to be tested once more, by the spirits, her people, and the rest of the universe. What she did with the Rebels, those coerced and not, would determine her own future.

D
ays, weeks, and months blurred together for those involved in restoring order and control to Abennelp. The Union escorted the Bujeni off world to face their own fate. Union and Loyalist troops detained high-level Rebels at the Lost Island under heavy guard to await trial. Some gained early release and probationary work detail after interrogations confirmed evidence of manipulation. They would pay their debt off by rebuilding what they had destroyed.

Peace did not come easily though, the provinces suffered uprisings of hidden Rebel groups, conflicts between rival families to control the province houses sprouted up around the land, and small groups protested the Union’s presence despite their continuing help and support.

Tiva, Adam, and the others faced every challenge head on. They began rebuilding the government and the land amid the struggles. Loyalists trained a new batch of guardians. The people formed a new parliament and constitution. The royal family no longer had complete control, but would continue to serve in the government. The Union helped in every area, and slowly the people began to realize they were an asset. Tiva toured every town in every province offering her people truth, hope and the story as she had learned it from both sides.

For many moons, Tiva searched for answers to all that Kenon and Ziola had told her, but it proved useless. Everyone who knew of Harer’s plan had perished long ago, taking their secrets with them to the Eternal Lands. She would never know his true motives.

By the end of the Warming, Abennelp’s new army was trained and in place around the planet guarding the provinces and the new keepers. Ministry houses opened again for service and prayer. Thousands of people were laid to rest in hundreds of ceremonies. Tiva attended every one, not as queen, but as a friend, comrade, and fellow Abennelpian. She mourned more in private, often making her way to the palace burial ground and talking to her family, her friends, all whom she had lost. Losing Neola and Wirto hurt deeply, but knowing they were at peace was a comfort.

The new parliament worked with the Union for trade and orbital protection agreements. Provinces were beginning to flourish, people happier and optimistic. They were adapting well to their new reality.

The middle of the Cooling season brought news of the Triune Syndicate. The Union had finally dismembered the head from the body; crippled the organization, and was there to pick up the pieces. The tides had turned. The universe was heading toward peace once more.

Harai and Aliri stayed by Tiva’s side the whole time, becoming her most trusted advisors. Others like Emerala, Raife, and Trevo came and went. Trade with nearby planets began slowly. Some Abennelpian people joined the Union to find their own adventures, and Tiva and Adam made their home in the palace, taking their station as the new royal family with the blessing of the parliament. They even held another bonding ceremony with a festive, but intimate reception for their friends.

By the end of the Cooling, a strong foundation had formed in every province. Her people and all the various aliens of the Union were working together, mending land, home, and hearts. The new Abennelp was prospering.

“It will never be as it was, will it?” Tiva asked as she fastened her white cloak around her shoulders.

“No, Solaeshyl it never will, it can’t…that’s why they call it change.” He grinned, took her hand in his, and kissed it softly. “But if I do say so myself, this is a hell of a lot better than running around the stars fighting bad guys.”

“I did not think you would take to rules and responsibility so well.”

“What is a Knight if not rules and responsibilities? Besides...I’ll need stories to tell the kids.”

“Oh, indeed?” She smiled sweetly.

“Yes, m’lady. And when the storm has passed completely, we’ll have plenty of time to raise our children... All twelve of them.”

“Twelve?” Tiva gasped then chuckled. “Let us start off with one, my love…”

Adam wrapped her in his arms and wings then softly caressed her temple. “Of course, Solaeshyl, we have all the time in the world.”

She glanced up at him, though deep inside she knew the truth. “Promise me you will never forget. That you will watch over our children and our children’s children for as long as you can. If I know you will always be there…”

“Hey,” he said softly and brushed away a single tear. “You’ll always be with me, Tiva.”

“I will not become a memory? One you keep locked in your secret sanctuary?”

“What do you mean?”

“When we were at your home, on Earth, I heard you speaking to your goddess. You asked her to keep all your loved ones safe, even the ones you had forgotten…”

Adam took both her hands and looked deep into her eyes. “I’ve lived a long time, Tiva, that’s true, and some I forget…But I promise you, from the bottom of my heart, you will not be among the forgotten. You are more precious to me than anyone. You are Solaeshyl, my treasure. Besides, Cala won’t let me forget.” He smiled gently.

That’s the truth.
The spirit sword chuckled.
Besides, you’ll be around for a long, long time, Princess…excuse me…Queen Tiva.

Thank you my friend.
Tiva kissed her husband tenderly and hugged him tight.

“I love you,” he whispered.

“I love you, too.”

“Good, now that that’s settled, don’t we have a birthday party to go to? You’re getting old m’lady…almost catching up with me.”

“Hardly, I may not look forever young like you, but I will certainly never be as ancient as you.” She chuckled and broke from his arms.

“Ancient? Ancient!” He gave chase around the chamber and finally tackled her to the ground tickling her sides.

“I surrender! I surrender!” She laughed and squirmed.

“I win.” He grinned and pinned her to the ground.

“The good guys always win, my love.”
“That we do, m’lady, that we do.”

Adam made a point to invite everyone to her party. When they walked through the doors of the Great Hall after the announcement, Tiva held her smile for a long time, seeing all the faces of her friends and comrades who stood by her side the last few years. The crew from the
Tolox,
Wixx and his people, even some from Uucor and a few of the higher-ranking officers from the Union came to celebrate her Remembrance. The aroma of a dozen different foods wafted through the hall and the chatter slowly subsided as she passed the traditional seating for the Royals and approached the crowd.

Aliri and Ewan beamed as she neared. The entire group in the hall saluted her traditionally, bowing their heads in respect. Emerala and Raife, Harai and Wixx, Healer Kiya, Camway Aries, Ambassador Dival, Captain Maar, and the healed Razzil along with all the new nobles and province keepers as well as new guardians and former Loyalists clustered together and watched her every move. First, she embraced her friends, thanked them for coming, then moved back to her chair and stood before it. Once again, she found herself in position to make a speech, but luckily, she was accustomed to the attention now and with Adam at her side was more comfortable than she had been before.

Tiva looked out among her friends and comrades, smiled appreciatively and squeezed Adam’s hand before pressing her fist to her heart and saluting back. “You honor and humble me, taking time to celebrate my Remembrance—or birthday as some of my off world friends say—with me. You each have touched my life in ways I can never explain, nor thank you for fully. We have all suffered in the past. We have all seen the ravages of war and conflict, but now, once again, we have found peace.”

The crowd softly muttered in approval. “A peace that every one of us will strive to keep as long as time or fate will allow. Abennelp will continue to thrive, the Vexillum Union and its allies will keep safe our precious universe so that our future will be prosperous and secure for the next generation.” She turned to Adam; he kissed her cheek softly then turned to the crowd.

“I’m not one for big speeches, and this is m’lady’s day, so I’ll just say, enjoy the party and thank you for coming!” He grinned and motioned for the musicians to begin playing. The music filled the hall as the claps and cheers rose. Tiva blushed and bowed slightly. Aliri didn’t waste a moment and pulled Ewan toward her.

“Happy birthday!” she bellowed and gathered Tiva in a hug. “How does it feel?”

“How does what feel, my friend?” Tiva asked curiously.

“To be home, to be the queen, everything!”

“I am growing accustomed to the duties required of me, and being home is still strange, but uplifting.”

“You were gone quite a while your majesty,” Ewan interjected softly. “It’s normal to feel a little askew.”

“Please, I am still Tiva…” She chuckled softly, blushing further. “I have been blessed, the people support me, and my friends have stood by my side. I could not have done it without…”

“Oh, we know.” Emerala approached with Raife, Wixx, Harai, and Captain Maar in tow.

“And we were all more than willing to help,” Wixx added with a wicked grin. “We’re family now, you couldn’t get rid of us if you wanted to.”

“He’s right you know,” Harai stated firmly. “Your people are doing so well with change that I’d hardly believe there was a war here less than a year ago.”

Trevo took Tiva’s hand and glanced down at her. “You’ve brought hope back to your people, Tiva, which is a feat only a true leader could accomplish. Your…family would be proud of you.” She felt a tear slide down her cheek, and Trevo brushed it away. “You’ll come visit us when you can, right?”

“Of course, Trevo.” She smiled softly. “You
are
my family now; Abennelp owes you all a great deal of gratitude and love.”

Aries peeked his head over Trevo’s shoulder. “And we’ll be here when you need us. All you have to d-do is call.”

“Thank you, thank you all.” She choked slightly and brushed away another tear.

“So,” Raife turned to Adam. “How does it feel being royalty?”

“It took a while for them to accept the fact that Tiva married me, but I have to say it’s a pretty cushy job.”

The evening continued with music and food, laughter and tears. Many of her friends would scatter off Abennelp back to their lives in space soon, or home to their own worlds. To her surprise, Harai and Wixx asked to stay permanently, along with a few others from his colony, and several from the Union ships. Since there was so much training and rebuilding to do, Tiva and Adam happily agreed.

Tiva did her best to hide the sadness surrounding her at the end of the night. Knowing so many people she trusted and cared for would leave again tore at her heart. She was thankful, however, that her world was now stable enough for them to remain in contact.

As the night grew late, only Tiva, Adam, and their closest friends retired to the main chamber on the far side of the palace. A few gave her gifts, mostly things she enjoyed from her time off Abennelp.

Razzil was in good spirits. Having taken almost half a year to recover from his injuries, he was now, like all the others, ready to support the queen.

He pulled her off to the side, his voice a raspy whisper, “I know you are still troubled with all you have learned, Tiva, but be assured Harer was a good man. I did not know him well, but your father spoke very highly of him. Harer never did anything out of malice or spite, I believe his choice to give you to the Boon family was the toughest decision of his life, but it was the right one.”

Tiva nodded solemnly. “I believe so as well. Had Ziola raised me…I dare not think what may have happened.”

“You, better than anyone, knows how Harer and your parents felt about you. Keep that close to your heart and you will never falter.” He brushed her cheek softly.

“Thank you, Razzil.” She bowed slightly. As he walked off, Tiva moved to the window and glanced out at the moon high in the night sky. The morning would bring a new day, but she too would be reborn. Most of her friends would be gone, leaving Abennelp in control of the parliament, nobles, Adam and herself. She was anxious and nervous, but she knew she was not alone. She’d never been alone. Even in the darkest places her mind had taken her there was light and love.