Aurora’s World: Haerith: Xavia: Making a Decision (part 7)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
“Unless,” Xavia said, feeling the need to be more blunt than normal, “one of those invaders happens to be right outside.”
Cyrus stared at her in such a way that she knew he hadn’t thought of that as a possibility, and she could feel the eyes of the others too, so she wasn’t surprised when it was Randolf who replied. “There is, unfortunately, a chance of that, because they will be looking for us. However I do think it’s very unlikely and should there be someone out there it will only be one person.”
“Who might be a magic user.”
“Xavia…”
“They need to know, Randolf.” Xavia sighed. “Even though the invaders are doing their best to rid this kingdom of all the magic users here that doesn’t mean they aren’t making use of their own. What the King believes is that any magic user who isn’t under his control is dangerous, but he’s happy to make use of those he feels he does control, including the man I think is most likely to be out there waiting for us.”
“How do you know that?” Cyrus asked.
“It’s something Father told us, before hiding it behind a wall.” Randolf sounded annoyed and Xavia didn’t blame him, but she understood why their father had made the choices he did. “We know a little about the invaders, which is the little the King and Father knew - it’s just isn’t enough for us to be certain that there will be someone out there waiting for us, although I think Xavia and I have differing opinions on that.”
She nodded. “We do. There are a lot of things we have differing opinions on, so I think it’s important that you listen to both of us and make a decision on what sounds like the most sensible option for us. I am certain that the kingdom on the other side of that door is not the same as it was when we came in here. I worry that there is a chance someone might be able to open it from the outside. I believe I know what we should do if we want a future, but Randolf and I will never agree on that, either.”
“Are you thinking what I think you’re thinking?” Randolf asked, worry replacing the annoyance.
On a normal day Xavia would have laughed at the question, but it wasn’t a normal day. “Yes, Randolf, I am. We both know it’s an option.”
“No, Xav, it’s not.” She felt a hand tilt her head up and she found herself staring into Randolf’s eyes. “Promise me you won’t.”
“That’s not going to happen.” Xavia put her hand over his. “I know what you think, but I truly believe it is the only way I’m going to get you out of here alive. You know that you, as far as I’m concerned, will always come first, because you are my brother, my best friend, and the only family member I have left now.”
“I feel the same way, which is why I can’t let you do it.”
Mirrored from K. A. Webb Writing.