‘There is just one more issue that must be dealt with here today, before you are returned to your homes,’ Lorian says, then looks across the room to Arkarian. ‘Come and stand within the Circle, Arkarian.’
As he does, Lorian explains to the entire room, ‘Earlier Arkarian came to see me with two requests. The first – which I wouldn’t discuss with him – was to plea for Isabel’s freedom. But the second, the second not only surprised me, but shook me deeply. So deeply that I feel compelled to act on it.’
Murmurs erupt around the room. Beside me Arkarian slips his hand in mine, but otherwise remains motionless before his father.
Lorian says, ‘So that he could live in the same world as the girl that he loves, Arkarian asked me to strip him of his power to stop ageing.’
The murmurs reach loud proportions. But I don’t take in any of this. My entire body is shaking with Lorian’s revelation. Arkarian wants his power to stop ageing stripped. And he wants to do this so he can be with me. Unable to stop myself from trembling, I look up at him. ‘You would do this for me?’
‘And more,’ he says simply.
Now I understand why Arkarian has been keeping himself at arm’s length from me. His ability to stop ageing puts us in different worlds. And while I respect that Arkarian can make his own decisions, this one is just too much to make on his own. ‘Arkarian, I can’t let you do this. It wouldn’t be right.’
Lorian raises both hands, and the Tribunal and surrounding crowd go quiet. Lorian stares down at the two of us standing side by side. ‘Isabel, I agree with you.’
‘But—’
Lorian dismisses Arkarian’s argument before it even has a chance to get started. ‘And so I have decided to empower Isabel with this same skill.’
‘What!’ I can’t help call out.
Lorian asks, ‘Is this what you wish, Isabel? Answer carefully.’
My eyes skim around the room. To become ageless? That would be a dream! But to watch my friends and family grow old and die, how would I cope with that? Arkarian shifts into my vision, his violet eyes shimmering and reflecting their love; and I know that I could handle anything as long as we’re together. I search for Ethan and Matt. Ethan has a frown between his brows, while Matt’s mouth is hanging open.
Lorian holds his hand out towards them. ‘Go and talk to them.’
Leaving Arkarian in the Circle I go to where Ethan and Matt are standing. For a minute we don’t say anything. Finally Ethan starts nodding. ‘I think you should do it. It’s too amazing to pass up.’
‘But I will miss you so much.’
‘I still think it’s the right thing. If it were me, I would do it.’
Ethan’s words are heartening. I turn slowly to Matt. He has trouble meeting my eyes. Finally he says, ‘Do you love him?’
‘Yes.’
He starts to nod. ‘Then you should do it.’
‘Are you sure?’
He hesitates, but then his answer is decisive. ‘I’m sure.’
I give them both a hug and return to the centre of the circle. Arkarian reaches for my hand and I give it a firm squeeze, then look up at Lorian. ‘My lord, I accept your generous offer.’
And with these words Lorian lowers both hands to my head. Light surges from them, covering me like a warm liquid cloak. For several moments I am blinded, my entire body shuddering and jerking with the power of the Immortal’s gift driving through me. When it is over, and Lorian’s hands withdraw, I fall backwards to the stool.
‘Are you all right?’ Arkarian asks me.
‘Perfectly,’ I reply, though I don’t feel any different really.
‘It takes time,’ he says. ‘You have two years to get used to the idea. It won’t begin to take effect until you turn eighteen.’
Lorian picks up on Arkarian’s mention of the word time and gives it a different meaning. With hands spread wide, silence descends, and to everyone assembled in the Chamber the Immortal says, ‘Go now and fulfil your duties to the Guard. Time is of the essence. Our most difficult challenges are about to unfold. Remember always that a traitor walks amongst us. And do not despair when my sister unleashes unspeakable horrors on our earthly world.’
By the Same Author
The Guardians of Time series by Marianne Curley
The Named (Book I)
The Dark (Book II)
The Key (Book III)
Other titles
Old Magic
Copyright © 2003 by Marianne Curley
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.
Published in the United States of America in October 2003 by
Walker Publishing Company, Inc.
Electronic edition published in October 2012
www.bloomsburykids.com
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
available upon request
ISBN: 978-1-61963-057-4 (e-book)
The Dark Page 27