Tiva Boon: Royal Guardian Read Online Free Page A

bottom, fit snug on her legs. Her sword, attached to her side, remained hidden. Both the sheath and belt already showed signs of wear from her training. One hand gripped the hilt firmly, the other hand relaxed at her side. She tried not to smile and kept her serious expression, but Remock and Bintu made silly faces at her. Tiva chuckled and stuck out her tongue.
    “Intolerable! What behavior is this from an inductee?” Kevler raised his voice.
    They all grew silent and gawked at him. His stern features broke into a smile. They all laughed. D’laja struck him with a towel and pulled out Tiva’s chair for her to sit.
    “No swords at the table, precious one.” Then she turned her attention to Bintu who was reaching across the table to grab a piece of fruit. “Little one, don’t reach out so, you may lose your balance.”
    “Why can’t we go to the palace?” Remock said with a snort.
    “Lad, we spoke of this before. You will go to the palace on your Remembrance just as tradition states,” Kevler said.
    “But, Father…” he began in protest.
    “Quiet your tongue, dear. Be thankful you are of the bloodline, Remock. I did not meet the king until I was a legionnaire,” D’laja said. “Besides, this is your sister’s big day. Your turn will come soon.” She pinched his cheek softly and brushed the hair from his forehead. She placed a few platters of food on the table. Kevler served the meal.
    Tiva sat opposite her siblings, silently playing with a ring on her finger. The silver band was still too big for her fingers so she kept it on her thumb. She had memorized the feel of it the first day she had worn it when she was five. It was her third favorite gift she received that day. She knew the ring as soon as she looked upon it.
    The ring of Garloa, one of her most beloved ancestors.
    By tradition, Devler should bestow the heirloom on his child, but he wished it upon Tiva. She pulled the ring close to her stomach to look at it. A crimson flame curved around the bright orange orbs in the middle of the ring, symbolizing the suns in the sky and the fire spirit that kept them ablaze. Devler said the ring suited her, and though she was wary of keeping it, he promised he had other heirlooms for his children.
    D’laja and Kevler asked her what kept her attention.
    “Uncle Devler bestowed upon me the ring of Garloa.” She revealed her hand and showed it to them. They nodded and smiled, yet did not seem surprised. “He requested I not wear it until today.”
    “It is a fine ring Tiva, and it belongs on your hand. You have the fire spirit within you.” Kevler smiled.
    “But Father, did you not say our family’s spirit is Shial, the guardian of the people of Abennelp, the bringer of water?” she said.
    “Yes, yes. Quite true, Shial is our family spirit, but you still possess fire within you. We noticed early with your lack of patience.” He smiled.
    “I practiced hard, Father. I have learned patience,” she said.
    “And have you practiced the Devockna for your induction ceremony today?” D’laja said as she sat at the table.
    “Yes, Mother, I am prepared.” She smiled and bit into a sweet fruit.
    The family enjoyed their morning meal, and all helped in clearing the table. When the door chime rang through the house, Remock and Bintu ran to answer it. Tiva followed them, grabbing her sword on the way. Remock threw open the door and jumped into Rae’s arms. Bintu leaped up and tried to tackle Rux; instead, he caught her in his arms swinging her about the room.
    “Spirited greetings, cousins,” Rae and Rux said, bowing their heads slightly. They lowered the children to the ground. “Happy Remembrance, Tiva!”
    “Thank you.” She smiled and saluted in return.
    “Are you ready for your induction, dear cousin?” Rux smiled mischievously as always.
    “Yes, I am prepared, Rux,” she said, affronted. “It will be an easy feat for me to handle.”
    Rae chuckled and forced her elbow into Rux’s shoulder. “I