Aurora’s World: Clay: Making an Informed Decision

Standing on the doorstep Clay glanced down at the piece of paper in his hand one more time to make certain he’d found the right address and then, breathing deeply, he knocked on the door. He didn’t know what to expect, but she’d said he’d be safe if he could get to the house he was standing in front of. All he could do was hope she was telling the truth because if she wasn’t he was going to be executed. Like all the other magic users in the kingdom were. It seemed like he was waiting for hours before the door opened and when it did he found himself staring at the woman who had helped him to bloom.

The smile she gave him was full of relief. “Good morning, Clay. Come in.”

As she stood back he stepped into the house, closing the door once he was within the building, and that was when she realised she was wrapped in a dressing gown. “Did I wake you?” Clay asked, feeling guilty.

“You did, but it’s not a problem. When I invite someone to my house it’s because they’ve survived becoming a magic user in a very dangerous world and I want to save them from death. Last night I helped a girl bloom, so she’ll be coming here too.”

“That’s…” Clay didn’t know what to say. “…good.” He shrugged. “How many have you helped?”

“Not enough.” She ran a hand through her hair. “Are you hungry?”

Even though he was he shook his head. “You said there’s somewhere underground, where I’ll be safe.”

“There is and if you’re sure you aren’t hungry I’ll show you the entrance.” She looked at Clay closely. “The door leading to the underground can only be opened by a magic user and can only be opened from this side. I don’t know why, but that’s the way the magic works. From what I’ve read of the journals written by the man who created the underground it’s a safety mechanism, because it’s not unknown for magic users to want to have their fellows arrested for one reason or another. Once you step through the door you’ll probably never leave.”

Biting hard on his lip Clay thought about what that meant. “What’s the underground like?” he asked, needing more time to make the decision.

“Clay, have breakfast with me. Take the time to let me answer all your questions as best I can and then make an informed decision. Don’t do this just because you’re scared. As with every choice you make there are other options.”

“Like what?”

“The mountains. There have been magic users living in the mountains ever since magic was first declared illegal and it’s because a safe place for them. You’ll never be able to come back from there either, but at least there you’ll be able to see the sun.”

“I…” Clay looked at her, knowing that she’d already saved his life once, and then nodded. “I’ll have breakfast with you as long as you answer one question first. What’s your name?”

Mirrored from K. A. Webb Writing.