The Named Read Online Free PDF Page B

In the middle of a room full of people? The thought that maybe I was simply trying to impress her crosses my mind, but I push it aside. I’m not that stupid. Not that irresponsible. Surely.
    Arkarian looks at me with raised eyebrows.
    ‘Oh, hell, Arkarian, I can’t believe I did it either. I’ll be more careful next time, I promise.’ I’d better be more careful at home too, I remind myself, recalling the exploding-clock incident the other morning. Whatif my door hadn’t been closed and Mum had been walking past? ‘What’s going to happen to me?’
    ‘A breach of security is punishable, Ethan. I’m sure you’ll hear from the Tribunal shortly. I can only assume you’ll be called to explain yourself at a trial before the Tribunal in Athens. But remember your good work for the Guard. And your upcoming mission will be a further chance to prove your talent and loyalty. I’m sure the Tribunal will balance it all out in your favour.’
    I nod, slightly relieved. ‘What should I do now?’
    ‘Nothing.’
    ‘But Carter?’
    ‘I’ll speak with him.’
    ‘He’s one of the Guard, then?’
    Arkarian, obviously disturbed at having to reveal the identity of another of the Guard, reluctantly nods. ‘He’s a coordinator in the Citadel.’
    ‘No way!’
    ‘He’s been with the Guard for twenty years. And now, his position is exposed.’
    ‘Well, I won’t reveal his identity to anyone. I swear!’
    ‘There are two problems here, Ethan: Carter’s position is now revealed to you, and your position must be revealed to him, or he’ll suspect you could be a member of the Order.’
    I groan at how my simple thoughtless act has started snowballing into an avalanche already.
    ‘He’s probably right now working out a plan to have you eliminated.’
    ‘You have to tell him!’
    ‘And then there’s the fear that others may have seen you. Isabel did, Carter did. Who else was in that classroom?’
    I really don’t want to say this out loud. I know Arkarian knows my thoughts as I think them, and right now I haven’t the concentration to shelter anything from him; but he’s making me voice these next words on purpose. ‘The whole class,’ I mumble.
    He groans softly. ‘It’s dangerous, Ethan. You must see this. If anyone from the Order happened to witness you use your power—’
    ‘I know, I know.’
    ‘And even if there was no one from the Order in that classroom today, it’s just so easy to arouse suspicion. People talk, and unusual actions attract attention, creating a lot of gossip.’
    ‘I thought I was being careful. What are the chances someone else saw me?’
    ‘ I don’t know. Think.’
    ‘A girl called Leanie, maybe; but no, she was right up front. Rochelle, Matt’s girlfriend, was in that class, but I have no idea if she was looking.’ My head suddenly feels enormously heavy. It drops into my hands. ‘What do I do now?’
    ‘My advice is to do absolutely nothing.’
    My head lifts to meet his violet eyes. ‘Why nothing?’
    ‘It’s simple. Your breach will be dealt with when the Tribunal is ready. And if you keep acting normally, especially in front of Marcus Carter, anyone else who did see your little stunt, may assume it was a trick of their own eyes. Maybe no one else saw anyway and we’re concerned about nothing. So, especially at school, act as you normally do, whatever you call that.’ He looks at me and grins. I don’t acknowledge his humour and simply stare back. ‘That will be the best way to avoid arousing anyone’s suspicions. I’ll talk toMarcus before he jumps to the wrong assumption.’
    ‘Promise me you’ll speak to him quickly.’
    Arkarian pats my shoulder comfortingly. ‘I will. But he’s not going to be pleased with you.’
    ‘I can’t wait for history class tomorrow.’
    ‘Don’t let fear consume you. Your work for the Guard has hardly begun yet, like training your first Apprentice. Trainers are selected carefully and are looked upon with honour and pride. In