For once Matt doesn’t argue. ‘Do what you must, Arkarian, but first tell me what’s going on.’ He glances across at Ethan. ‘I think I know you too.’
Ethan gives a little laugh. ‘You do, friend, but you probably wish you didn’t.’
‘Ethan? Well, I should have guessed.’ Matt takes in Ethan’s period dress, right down to his tight mail leggings. ‘That’s a good look on you. You should wear it more often.’
This conversation is driving me crazy. ‘How much did you see, Matt? When did you regain consciousness?’
Matt glances at me with a look of compassion mixed with humour. ‘I could put you out of your misery and tell you I only just came to when the flames started licking at my toes, but that would be a lie.’
‘Oh?’ My voice squeaks badly.
‘I woke up when Rochelle started to work loose the ropes at the back of the tree. She warned me not to draw attention to myself, so I kept quiet, which got harder once Ethan made an appearance. By the way,’ he says in an offhand manner, looking at Ethan. ‘Where is that girl from the light? One second she’s here, the next she disappears.’
‘She’s safe. Why?’
Matt frowns again. ‘No reason. I just feel as if I’ve seen her before, or …’ He shrugs and groans, bending over with a sudden stab of pain. ‘I don’t know. I get the feeling, that’s all, as if we know each other or something.’ He turns to Jimmy first, then Mr Carter. ‘Are you two people I should know as well?’
Arkarian pulls Matt out of their hands, taking most of Matt’s weight on his own shoulder. ‘We don’t have time for any more guessing games. You need healing.’
Before Arkarian takes Matt away somewhere, I just have to ask, ‘What’s going to happen to Matt? He’s seen us doing things.’
Arkarian calmly replies, ‘We may just have to kill him.’
‘What!’
But then he laughs and shakes his head at me.
‘Your sense of humour needs work, Arkarian,’ I snap at him, even though I know he’s just trying to relieve the tension I’m still feeling.
He goes on to explain in a gentle voice, ‘I have to take Matt to a special room in the Citadel for a while to heal his mortal body. But it’s going to take some time. You’ll have to work something out to tell your mother. Matt could be away for many weeks in the mortal measurement of time.’
‘OK. But what’s going to happen to him after he’s healed?’
‘The truth is, Isabel, after your incredible display of healing skills, I guarantee you’ll no longer be anyone’s Apprentice. And when Matt here is well again, no doubt he’ll be initiated as Ethan’s new trainee, for he too is Named.’
‘Yes!’ Ethan says, punching the air with a closed fist. But then his face drops, his eyes darkening as he recalls whatever it was he did to upset the Tribunal again. ‘That’s if I’m still in the Guard by then.’
Chapter Forty-one
Ethan
My trial is going to be brief. I’ve only been allocated an hour. At first, I don’t get it as my breach was of the highest order – changing the past, and taking a mortal body and soul through time. But then I realise there’s no need for a long trial; it’ll be a quick disbarring. There are no character witnesses to testify in my favour. Carter won’t be asked for an opinion on my maturity or level of responsibility – they already know what he thinks. The Tribunal will hand down its judgement, which is already a foregone conclusion.
Almost everyone is gathered here in the palace in Greece: Dad, Isabel, Carter, Jimmy and, of course, Arkarian. We’re standing in the corridor outside the meeting chamber. Matt, who is soon to be an Apprentice, is still far from healed yet, recuperating in the Citadel’s healing chamber. His first trip to Athens won’t be made until after his first mission anyway. Marduke’s daughter Neriah, who unknowingly was part of my illusion, remains unaware of her future with the Guard. She hasn’t even come to Angel Falls yet, but her time is approaching, for she too will have her part to play. And as for Rochelle, she has apparently disappeared. People are already asking questions at school, especially as another student – Jade Myer – has gone missing as well. Rumours are spreading fast that both girls have taken off together. Jade was apparently a member of the Order who was killed during the battle. She will remain missing for ever. That Rochelle and Jade were both members of the Order is hard to comprehend. Who else of my peers, maybe even among my friends, support chaos and destruction? There’s been no word on any of the others killed or injured; not all were from Angel Falls. But those who were will have their identities fiercely protected.
The doors now open inwards and Isabel throws me an encouraging smile before going inside with Carter and Jimmy. But it’s to Arkarian that my thoughts shift right now. I just hope he doesn’t cop any flak as a result of my disobedience. It wouldn’t be fair.
Arkarian stands looking regal in his silver suit and full cloak, his blue hair loose around his shoulders. He waits to one side, while Dad takes my hand in both of his, locking it in a strong grip. ‘I wish there was something I could say to make this trial easier for you, Ethan.’
‘No. Don’t say anything. It’s all my own doing. But I do want to say something to you.’ He waits while I gather my thoughts together. ‘It’s just that, well, I’m really glad you came back to finish this mission, Dad.’
‘Thanks, son.’
‘It was great seeing you … you know, in action and all that.’
‘Yes …?’ He senses there’s more.
‘But, I am sorry that I pushed you, and that I made you feel you weren’t good enough the way you were.’
He shakes his head and smiles at me. ‘Don’t be sorry, Ethan. You were right. I was only living half a life in my withdrawn state. I was hiding. And that was wrong. Perhaps now I can help your mother properly through her grief. It’s time we moved through this pain, and together we’ll be stronger.’
‘Well, I’m glad we had this time to get to know each other in a different way. And I’m also glad Isabel was there to save your butt.’
Dad laughs, a wonderful sound, the first and probably the last laugh we’ll share as Guardians of Time together. When I come out of this trial, my memory of the Guard will be erased. I’ll wake up in my bed as though the past twelve adventure-filled years haven’t happened. My chest contracts at the thought, tightening unbearably.
We go in, Dad first, finding himself a seat with the others. Arkarian walks with me to the centre of the circle, then he also joins the others.
I glance furtively around. The nine members of the Tribunal are all sitting in the same seats as the last time I stood here. Lorian is directly in front of me, next to Penbarin, who, while appearing to look my way, keeps his eyes cast down. To Penbarin’s right I’m surprised to see a vacant chair, making the circle one not of nine but of ten, though this position remains empty. I quickly flick a look around the rest of the circle. Everyone else who should be here apparently is.
Lorian hushes everyone wordlessly and I find myself grateful for the stool provided. Lorian looks directly at me and I try to hold this powerful gaze, but as usual the immortal’s aura overwhelms me and makes me want to hide. I force myself to stay put. ‘Do you have anything you wish to say?’ Lorian asks.
I take a deep, steadying breath. What can I say in my defence? Uh, I don’t know what made me do it? For that is the only defence I have. Instead, I ask, ‘How does King Richard fare?’
Lorian’s head bows briefly, acknowledging my question. ‘He is being healed in our specially sealed chambers. Do not worry for him, he is being looked after. Though the risk was enormous, he made it to the healing chamber in time. He will survive.’ Lorian pauses. ‘Is there anything else?’
‘Yes, I’d like to know what’s going to happen to Rochelle, and if you know where she is?’
‘She is safe.’
The immortal appears as if there is nothing more to say, but murmurs break out among those watching. Everyone is wondering about her. They’ve h
eard how she saved Matt’s life and, according to Isabel, Marduke used and tricked her into becoming one of them.
‘She will be joining your group very soon.’
Carter stands and calls out, ‘Is that wise? Will we ever be able to trust her? Will we ever feel safe enough in her company to turn our backs to her?’
Lorian appears annoyed with Carter’s outburst. ‘The question is, will Rochelle ever feel safe from your distrust?’
Suitably put down, Carter sits. Lorian’s attention returns to me but I have nothing else to say. ‘Stand, Ethan.’
I get to my feet on unsure legs. The immortal comes towards me and holds two hands above my head and a shower of white light unfolds around me from top to bottom. Everything I see through this light has a bright, yet slightly distorted appearance; even Lorian’s words sound as if they come through a flexible barrier, lengthened and oddly out of proportion. ‘Ethan Roberts, you have been charged with illegally using your position on the Guard to alter events of the past in strict opposition to the Guard’s laws. How do you plead?’
My eyes close at these words. They might as well be a death sentence. ‘Guilty.’
Lorian gives a little laugh. ‘Do you give up so quickly?’
‘I did it. I don’t have a defence.’
The light surrounding me intensifies to a blinding glare for a moment. I cover my eyes until it eases. ‘Instinct is your defence, Ethan.’
What is this immortal saying?
‘Unknown to your own self, you were in fact acting under the power of the Prophecy.’
My eyes fly open at these words. The Prophecy?
‘You risked your position on the Guard to answer the call of the Prophecy, which you recognised instinctively. It is one of your strengths, Ethan. You are fortunate in that you have a third skill.’
Lorian looks at me, and even though I don’t meet the immortal’s gaze, I feel warmth surge through the light. ‘Following your instinct, you acted with complete and unconditional loyalty, doing what you knew in your heart was right. You risked your own future for your belief, and by doing so, you proved your honour.’ Lorian pauses to allow these words to sink in. ‘And so, you are completely exonerated of all wrongdoing.’
Before I have a chance to collapse in surprised relief, Lorian speaks again. ‘Look to your right, Ethan.’
I do as commanded, and in the seat that was vacant there now sits a man. He looks familiar, but through the strange light his features appear distorted. The colour of his skin is a sickly dull green. I stare hard and long as I feel Lorian urging me to recognise this figure. Slowly, his features take clearer shape before my eyes and suddenly breath catches in my throat. ‘It’s King Richard.’
I feel Lorian smile. This time the warmth that fills the light permeates every cell of my body. ‘In accordance with the Prophecy, from this day forth, King Richard II of England will be known as King of the House of Veridian.’
‘The ancient city.’
‘The city to which you belong, Ethan. You and the other eight members of the Guard whose identities are now revealed, five of whom have come today to witness this extraordinary event.’ Lorian pauses, drawing my eyes upwards, and this time I can’t resist the powerful pull. I lift my head and somehow, with the help of the distorted surrounding light, I’m able to hold the immortal’s gaze.
Lorian looks down at me pleased. ‘When King Richard is well enough, he will stand in the Tribunal circle for everyone to see, representing the House of Veridian, which he will rule. And his royal skills will be sorely required. Certain recent events have altered the Guard as we know it: Marduke’s death, the revealing of the nine Named of Veridian, and the transformation of the ancient city into a noble House with King Richard at its head.’ Lorian pauses to look around at the Tribunal circle and the others to the side. ‘But our problems have not altered, nor has our reason for being. Our greatest challenges are yet to come. Marduke was a mortal, but a warrior of high standing. The Goddess of Chaos will surely miss her traitorous commander. His death will not go unavenged.’
Lorian glances back down at me, making sure I understand the coming words. I sense they are meant especially for my ears. ‘The Guard will not be weakened by the removal of one of its most talented and courageous members.’
It is the light, I realise, and the power radiating from Lorian’s eyes that hold me upright. Nothing else. My limbs feel as if they’ve turned to water. I’m not to be punished after all. I was, in fact, supposed to set things right for King Richard II. He wasn’t meant to die in that filthy prison like a gutter rat. My instinct, my gut feeling to release him, was correct. He too has a part to play in this Prophecy that shapes and protects our mortal world.
Lorian’s hands move slightly, and the light changes around me from white to brilliant shimmering gold. Waves of power thunder through me, making my body tremble. Through the vibration and shuddering light I hear Lorian’s voice again, distorted more than ever; but somehow the words unfold with crystal clarity within my head. The immortal says, ‘For your trust in the Prophecy beyond logic, loyalty and recrimination, you are hereby awarded the responsibility and honour of the Guard’s highest achievement: the power of flight.’
As the golden light enfolds tightly around me, and I receive my wings, a tumultuous cheer erupts.
Also by Marianne Curley
The Guardians of Time series by Marianne Curley
The Named (Book I)
The Dark (Book II)
The Key (Book III)
Other titles
Old Magic
First published in Great Britain in 2002 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
36 Soho Square, London, W1D 3QY
Electronic edition published in October 2011
Copyright © 2002 Marianne Curley
The moral right of the author has been asserted
Quote here from Images and Inscriptions by Morris West
published by HarperCollins (Australia) © Morris West
Reprinted by kind permission.
All rights reserved. You may not copy, distribute, transmit, reproduce or otherwise make available this publication (or any part of it) in any form, or by any means (including without limitation electronic, digital, optical, mechanical, photocopying, printing, recording or otherwise), without the prior written permission of the publisher. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages
A CIP catalogue record of this book is available from the British Library
eISBN 978-1-59990-882-3 (ebook)
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Dedication
Prologue
Chapter One Ethan
Chapter Two Isabel
Chapter Three Ethan
Chapter Four Isabel
Chapter Five Ethan
Chapter Six Ethan
Chapter Seven Isabel
Chapter Eight Ethan
Chapter Nine Isabel
Chapter Ten Ethan
Chapter Eleven Isabel
Chapter Twelve Isabel
Chapter Thirteen Ethan
Chapter Fourteen Ethan
Chapter Fifteen Isabel
Chapter Sixteen Ethan
Chapter Seventeen Isabel
Chapter Eighteen Ethan
Chapter Nineteen Isabel
Chapter Twenty Ethan
Chapter Twenty-one Ethan
Chapter Twenty-two Isabel
Chapter Twenty-three Isabel
Chapter Twenty-four Ethan
Chapter Twenty-five Isabel
Chapter Twenty-six Ethan
Chapter Twenty-seven Ethan
Chapter Twenty-eight Isabel
Chapter Twenty-nine Ethan
Chapter Thirty Isabel
Chapter Thirty-one Ethan
Chapter Thirty-two Ethan
Chapter Thirty-three Ethan
Chapter Thirty-four Isa
bel
Chapter Thirty-five Ethan
Chapter Thirty-six Isabel
Chapter Thirty-seven Ethan
Chapter Thirty-eight Isabel
Chapter Thirty-nine Ethan
Chapter Forty Isabel
Chapter Forty-one Ethan
Also by Marianne Curley
Imprint
The Named Page 26