“Come sit by me” the Naiad said as a pink, effervescent liquid flowed into the goblets. Tiny little versions of the Naiad proffered the food to the two at the table. The Naiad started to tell Isla of the benefits of joining the clan. “You will leave your home and go to the University of your choice. We will cover all your expenses including student accommodation. You will study hard and successfully obtain a degree, preferably in the humanities. Following that accomplishment, you will apply to a philanthropic institution to go to an underdeveloped county and provide services to the indigenous peoples. Should you not obtain a degree, you will revert to the chamber you have just left. In other words, whatever you achieve or do not achieve, you will be a part of us. Your life will be of service to others, which will, I hope, provide you with great satisfaction. However, there are certain conditions to our offer. As you were told in the previous Chamber of Choices you will not see the most important person in your life again or, your little dog, or the village where you now live. You will now go to the Chamber of Decisions”.
A soft wind surrounded her and she was gently lifted through the trees until she reached a wooden door. On opening the door she discovered that it was identical to her room at home. She sat in her old and well-worn chair and started to think. Both options had both good and not so good consequences. She pondered the worst of these in that she would not be in the actual presence of her mother and Toby in the little village she so loved. She thought about living an opulent life against a life of study and service.
Suddenly her mind cleared. Suppose she chose neither? She suddenly saw the pattern she wished her life to follow. She would get a degree allied to a career she wished to follow. She would see her mother and Toby again. She would earn money from her chosen career and would be able to volunteer her services in the environment where she lived. She would mature into a woman who could make decisions. She could have it all. The answers to all her doubts had been provided.
She wondered how she would get back home. She took a sip of the drink on her night table. She felt uplifted, focused, with goals to follow. Suddenly she was transported to her rock by the lake. She rose and started towards the little house that was her home. Behind her came two voices, one low and gravelly, the other light and magical “Well done, Isla, well done.”
