The Key by Marianne Curley Page B

night.’
    As he speaks I remember what I promised Neriah last night, just as I was getting into the car. ‘Ah, there’s something I need to tell you.’ Arkarian glances across at me, and the eyes of all the others follow. ‘I invited Neriah.’
    â€˜To this meeting?’ Arkarian asks through a surge of murmurs.
    â€˜I went over to her house last night.’
    â€˜But Rochelle,’ Mr Carter says smugly. ‘Who do you think you are, making such important decisions on everyone else’s behalf?’
    Arkarian flicks him a glance accompanied by a wince.
    â€˜What Marcus means, is what makes you believe Neriah is ready to join us?’
    â€˜She’s stronger than you all think.’
    Mr Carter scoffs at this. ‘I would know, Rochelle. I’m with her at school every day. I’m monitoring her progress.’
    â€˜And you treat her as if she’s made of glass. It’s a mistake. Sure, she’s cautious. Look at how she was raised – private tutors, guards watching her every movement. Now that she’s in a normal school, it’s natural that she would be shy. She’s just not used to being around so many people. She’s quiet, not weak.’
    â€˜Just how much does she know?’ Matt asks.
    â€˜She knows that her Initiation will …
complete
us.’
    My words are followed by silence, where everyone looks around at each other.
    â€˜The uniting of the Named,’ Arkarian whispers.
    Heads begin to nod.
    â€˜There’s something else.’
    â€˜Go on,’ Arkarian says.
    â€˜She has concerns.’
    His face forms into a deep frown. ‘Then we shall listen. When will she be here?’
    â€˜She’s coming now.’
    Arkarian uses his wings and disappears before our eyes. He’s going to meet her on the outside. He doesn’t do this often; it’s too dangerous for him to be seen circulating in our world. But he’s back in only a few minutes, opening the door. And Neriah walks in.
    Shaun is first to get up and greet her. He kisses the air on either side of her face. ‘You have grown into a beautiful young woman, the image of your mother. How is she these days?’
    â€˜She is well, thank you.’
    â€˜I’m glad we have this opportunity to meet at last. I have many things I would like to talk to you about.’
    Neriah looks at Shaun astutely, her deep brown eyes narrow in contemplation. ‘I know you were the one who disfigured my father’s face. Please do not worry about the past. You were just the catalyst for what had to be.’
    â€˜You are as kind as your mother.’
    Shaun sits down as Jimmy exchanges places with him and gives Neriah a welcoming hug. The rest of us know her, having seen her at school for the past few weeks. Arkarian produces a chair for Neriah and she sits next to Shaun on the other side of the table. She glances at me and smiles, letting me know how grateful she is to be here.
    Arkarian takes control of the meeting again. He looks around the circle at each of us. ‘So, now we are nine. And,’ he adds, ‘the news from Athens is that King Richard is completely healed and can take his place at the Tribunal circle. At last Veridian has its own king.’
    Ethan’s face lights up. ‘Yes!’ He punches the air with his fist.
    Well, he should be excited. He was the one who saved King Richard’s life in the past and shifted him through time physically.
    Matt is also excited, but for different reasons. He breathes a strange sigh of relief. ‘At last! Then you don’t need me any more.’
    Everyone knows where Matt’s coming from, but he’s wrong, and everyone knows that too. Arkarian explains, ‘Matt, King Richard will rule from afar. He is Veridian’s representative on the Tribunal – our governing body. According to the Prophecy, you will lead the Named –the nine of us here in this room – into