The Named by Marianne Curley

Author:Marianne Curley [Curley, Marianne]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Speculative Fiction
ISBN: 9781417744701
Publisher: San Val
Published: 2002-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-eight

Isabel

Ethan is full of surprises. It appears we’re going on some sort of adventure, way underground, to read an inscription off the remains of an ancient wall. It’s early Saturday morning, the sun just starting to make an appearance on the distant horizon. Except for some early-rising wildlife, no one’s awake. Why would they be? It’s simply too cold.

I have to leave a note, letting Mum and Matt know I won’t be home until late, as apparently this trip will take all day. It’s just as well I’m leaving before either of them wakes, especially Matt. I’ve had enough of his questions and suspicions about my relationship with Ethan. But just what kind of relationship is it? Ever since that kiss in John of Gaunt’s bedroom my head’s been in a spin. Ethan hasn’t made another move on me, and even though he explained how that kiss was nothing more than a diversion, the fact is, it did happen. And, well, I really liked it. Ethan is pretty clear that we’re only just friends – he certainly hasn’t tried anything since, not even when we get real close in training. We spend so much time together these days, and being with Ethan should be my dream come true, except the romance part is missing from his end. If I make a move to force a relationship between us, I’ll just be making the biggest fool of myself, and ruin our new-found friendship as well, losing him completely.

It’s too big a risk. I do like being his friend. We have a lot of fun together. I’ll just have to wait until he gives me some kind of real sign. That’s all.

As I close the door behind me, Ethan rubs his gloved hands together, blowing on his fingertips to warm them up, enveloping them in vapour. ‘Did you leave a note?’

‘Uh-huh.’

‘Got the supplies I asked for?’

I point to the small backpack I use for my day hikes, ticking off the items one by one. ‘Water flask, pocket knife, dried apricots, two apples, two ropes, notebook and pen, mini first-aid kit, and, oh yeah, this one I personally added ’cause it’s the most important item, which you forgot.’

‘What?’

I say this with a smile. ‘Chocolate, of course.’

‘It’s good to see your priorities are in order.’

‘I’ve been hiking before.’

‘That I can believe. Well, save the chocolate for the way back. That’s when we’ll probably need it.’

We start moving off in the direction of Arkarian’s chamber. ‘So tell me, where are we going?’ I point towards the mountain. ‘Will we be seeing Arkarian?’

‘He doesn’t live in that mountain.’

‘Oh? Then where does he live?’

He shrugs. ‘He never said, and I never asked. Why do you want to know?’

Honestly, I’m not sure. It’s just … I’d never tell Ethan this, but there’s a strange craving inside me to know everything I can about Arkarian. ‘He’s interesting. Don’t you think?’

‘No.’

I wonder what’s got him all bristly. ‘Well, you’ve known him a long time. Weren’t you his Apprentice? I’m yours, and I know where you live.

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