Shifting Read Free Page A

that’s true, our Uncle, Arnon Jacoby, Ma’am.” Meghan tried to be courteous and confident.
    Tanzea Chase continued her questioning.
    “What circumstances brought you to living with him?”
    “Our parents,” she gulped hard, “died when we were two years old.” Another member of the court spoke, his nameplate read, Darius Hadrian. His face was stern and gave away no emotion.
    “How is it that you decided to help our Jae Mochrie?” The twins were not sure how to answer this and Meghan trilled a silent reminder to Colin not to mention that Jae had told them about magic.
    “We met Jae at the lake one day, back at Camp Cobscott,” explained Colin timidly. “Then we asked him to hang out again the next day, and he told us that he would be leaving. We left it as it’s been nice to meet you and all…”
    Meghan sent him a mind nudge to get to the point.
    He continued nervously.
    “The night you were all leaving, my sister and I did something we now realize was a very bad idea.”
    He took a deep breathe and retold the story of the night Jae got stuck behind, and how they had found the fallen down pine tree and encountered the Scratchers. As Colin explained, Meghan realized something: their current predicament was entirely her fault!
    It was due to her desire to go into the woods that began the series of events that brought them to this moment! Moreover, she was the reason her uncle was likely dead, or worse, being tortured, if he had somehow survived. Her knees wobbled and she grabbed the podium for support. Meanwhile, Colin finished explaining their first encounter with the Scratchers.
    The group talked amongst themselves.
    “So, their story corroborates his,” Tanzea’s rough voice said.
    “Fascinating information! This could prove most useful, proof of a Scratchman,” said Darius Hadrian.
    Juliska Blackwell had not yet moved or spoken. Meghan, regaining her composure, was captivated by her as she gracefully vaulted from her chair, facing the twins. The three members of the Viancourt went mute behind her.
    “We are sorry for putting you through this, and we are sorry for your uncle. It has been decided by this court that you will be permitted to live amongst us. There is no alternative. No way to send you home.” The court clapped lightly behind her, although the twins noticed Garner Sadorus and Tanzea Chase hunched over, whispering. The court arose behind her, believing Juliska would depart the wooden chamber, but she lingered.
    “There are a few things you must understand,” she told them. “Though our guests here, there will be certain events you may not be permitted to attend. Things meant only for the Svoda people. Things that must be kept secret.”
    Both Meghan and Colin shook their heads that they understood. They were in an unfamiliar place, with no knowledge of how to get home. At least they could stay.
    11
    Jae will be so relieved, they both thought. The Banon exited the room in the same graceful manner as she had entered. The court followed behind her, but not before Garner got in one last scowl. He had been so anxious to question them yesterday, and today he had not asked them one single question. The twins did know what to think about that.
    The note taker still hunched over his desk, scribbling away. After a minute he noticed the two still standing there, awkwardly.
    “Oh, sorry, forgot. This way to get out,” he headed them off to another door. As he pushed them through the door, he advised, “Go down a flight of stairs and then up two levels, and then down a flight. Find yourselves right back where you started.” He slammed the door behind them.
    2
    They could not get out of the building fast enough. A crowd of around twenty waited, breathlessly, Jae in front. Colin gulped, seeing a few Svoda off to the side, glaring. Meghan answered the group’s question.
    “They said we can stay.” Jae was instantly relieved. The glaring Gypsies stormed off, muttering to each other. This clearly