Risks

I gasp and flinch back. The black swirls on his arms speak of dark magic, of arts beyond my ken. My nana always warned not to associate with such men, but I can't just leave him. I sigh and wrap my arms under his shoulders.

The thirty feet to my house have never felt so long before. I can't call out, I can't ask for help, because I can't risk someone else being implicated if anyone finds out I helped a necromancer. I might burn, sure, but I won't have the town burn with me.

Finally, we reach my house, where I lay him down on my covered back porch. I refuse to let his tainted magic inside. Besides, it's easier to bind him out here, where the plants are thick. Once his hands are restrained, so too will be his magic.

I can handle the risks, but I made a vow to help all who need it, and I won't break it. Not even for a necromancer whose presence threatens everything I hold dear.