It Is Said (Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of the Sandbox) (20 page)

Mathias grasped the doorknob and turned it. The edges of the flame were sharp. They cut into his palm. Mathias took his hand back.

He could hear Simon’s voice in his mind.

Just a little reminder of the dangers ahead.

The moment was here. It was time for critical thinking, followed by action. Mathias took the doorknob in hand again. He didn’t wince when it cut into him as he turned it.

He pushed the door open.

There was more darkness beyond it. But it was much darker than the darkness outside of it.

No more sleeping.

Mathias stepped inside.

The door closed on its own behind him.

When the lock clicked, the doorknob began to glow brighter. The light from it started to consume all the darkness around it.

There was a powerful flash of bright white light.

Then just as quickly, there was nothing at all.