#21 Journey Unknown

Saoirse eventually found something that felt unnatural- a growth that reminded her of the silver crests she had found all along this path. She took out her wand again, tapping it against the spot. Just to be safe, she also traced the X again in the air above the crest.

Saoirse stared in awe at the treasure that appeared before her. All of it attracted her attention: the glittering gold, the mysterious potion, the enigmatic scroll. Her hand went forward before she could stop it. She froze just before reaching into the hollow, remembering the warning. She could choose only one.

Saoirse stood, deep in thought. Money was always nice, but that could be earned anywhere. The other treasures were unique. The book, she wasn't sure of its rarity. And the potion- well, Saoirse had drank enough potions for one year.

That left the scroll and the shield medallion. The medallion offered a promise of protection- something that Saoirse felt she was in need of, with all the dangers of the wizarding world. But something about the spooky scroll beckoned to her as well. Surely knowing something from that would protect her as well, or maybe even have knowledge she would never be able to learn in her classes.

Saoirse stood there for some time, weighing between the two. Offense or defense? The scroll seemed to call to her. Saoirse's fingers wavered over the scroll. Something seemed to pulse in her ears. It felt like something dark and devious. It clutched at her with thorny fingers, pulling her in. Such knowledge meant she could protect herself, her father... so many dark wizards wanted to hurt Muggles...

Her fingers closed over the shield medallion. The pulsing in her ears stopped abruptly, although she swore she could feel an echo. Saoirse pulled the shield medallion free, careful to not touch any of the other treasures. Although the call had gone silent, Saoirse found she wanted to hear it again. Like Odysseus longing to hear the sirens' call.

Saoirse gazed at the scroll for a long moment, but then stepped back. Her decision had been made.