Chapter Eight - The Old Man

Rory’s Perspective:

I was ready to murder anyone who crossed my path. I have been fuming with rage that was fueled by the conversation I had with Sarai. How could Silas stoop so low? How could he deceive Sarai in such a way? Why is Sarai playing into this so easily? My thoughts kept whirling around in circles.

One thing that is for sure, if Sarai really truly wants to be with Silas she will have to tell me in person, no matter how much it would sting. She would also have to answer a plethora of questions as to how any of this could have possibly happened.

“What if Silas convinces Sarai that they are meant to be together?” Eden’s words cut through my thoughts, breaking the silence that prolonged between us.

“Then I guess she made her choice, didn’t she?” I replied bitterly.

“But what will we do?” Eden continued worried.

I knew he knew the answer… “Then… she must be stopped…”

“How?”

“End her life…” I replied through gritted teeth. It was hard for me to even think of this, much less say it aloud.

Eden didn’t respond, knowing that it pained me to say this.

The position I find myself in isn’t one I chose lightly nor due to jealousy. “If Silas has deceived Sarai into believing any of this insanity… Then… it’s the only choice, isn’t it? Someone like him, power-hungry, and the power that she possesses doesn’t only put those in Shanaledge in jeopardy… It would put all the realms in danger…”

I continue through the forest with Eden, as silence consumed us again. The forest continues to grow darker as we journey further and further into the never-ending trees. The landscape becomes more treacherous as the mountain suddenly comes into view.

“We must’ve made it through to his realm,” I started to Eden. Where can this guy be? I thought to myself as we drew deeper into the forest, moving closer to the mountain.

Through all of this, I remain vigilant to find Sarai, even though I was scorched by her words. Even though they wounded me, I find myself feeling more confused than distressed. How could she really think that monster is her soulmate? How could she believe him? And what the hell could have happened to make her believe he is her soulmate?

There were so many pieces of the puzzle that was missing. Images started to unfold in my mind; situations of Silas seducing Sarai that my mind completely fabricated. I tried to push them away. But they still remained, fueling my anger, even more, causing me to feel sick.

I could feel I was closing in on the man in the forest who could help me and Eden get to Shanaledge and finally ending all of this madness.

Suddenly, a croaky, exhausted voice murmured, “What are you doing here boys?”

Spinning around, I was taken aback by the voice. “We’re searching for a man… a man who can help me jump to a different realm,” I replied studying the guy.

The man had a long white beard which was mostly a frizzy mess. It looked like the hair was dried out and in bad need of conditioner as well as a good comb. The man’s hair was straight and luxurious with more of a silver tint. He almost resembled the stereotypical look of a wizard.

“Why do you seek this man?” The old man replied staring at me skeptically.

“I need to return to Shanaledge. It is of great importance. This is a life-or-death matter.”

The old man chuckled at my response, filling me with resentment. “As I recall Rory, if you returned, you will be the one who is killed.”

Eden and I stare at him confused. “How do you know who he is?” Eden blurts out his question before I could ask.

“Come boys,” The old man started as he waved Eden and me to follow him, “surely you know it is my purpose to know everything.” He stated as he began walking off.

I hesitantly followed. “So will you help me?”

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“On what you are planning on doing. Do you just have a death wish?”

“I need to save my soulmate. I need to kill Silas before he destroys my realm.”

“Your realm?” the old man gave a little chuckle. “Son you haven’t been a part of Shanaledge for quite some time now.”

“It is still my home,” I replied fiercely. “There are still many people there I care about.”

The old man and I continued walking until they reached a little hut that was tucked away deep in the forest. It was such a tiny place but provided enough space for one person. There was nothing but pure nature surrounding this little space.

No electricity could be found to touch this little hut, so the man obviously had to rely on natural resources for everything. At night, the man would need candles to light up the shack. Behind the old man’s little home, there was a natural spring that he was able to use for freshwater.

“So will you help me?” I asked again as we reached the old man’s home.

“Not just yet.” He retorted.

My heart sank. “Why not? I’m running out of time!”

“Because I don’t need to right now.” The old man started. “Your path is already set in stone. You will get there without needing my service.”

“But I need to be there now!” I protested angrily. “How am I supposed to get there without your help?”

“I can hear the whispers. It’s not time for you to be in Shanaledge just yet, kid. There are a few more things that must happen before you can reunite with Lady Sarai.”

I looked at him dumbfounded, Lady Sarai? “Are you working for Silas?”

The old man stared at Rory offended. “No.” He responded with anger. “Don’t ever ask me something that stupid ever again, boy.”

I became slightly ashamed for even considering the idea this man could be an ally of Silas’s. “Then why are you holding me back? What’s the purpose of what you have said?”

“What do either of you know of me?”

Eden shrugged his shoulders.

“Not much. Just that you live in this general vicinity and are capable of helping others go to different realms.” I admitted.

“That’s just the tip of the iceberg.” He croaked.

I stared at him questioningly. This really isn’t going anywhere.

“I have been gifted with more than just one ability, Rory. Not only can I guide those in need to the realm they desire, but I have also been gifted with premonition.”

“So you know what’s going to happen?”

“Not exactly.” The old man replied, sitting down at a makeshift bench outside his tiny house. “I know what can happen. Some events are set in stone and cannot be changed while others provide a wide array of possibilities.”

“So you could tell us what is going to happen?” Eden asked eagerly, his face shining with relief.

“No.” The old man responded becoming aggravated. “There are things that cannot be told. These events must be played out.”

Sarai’s Perspective:

I read the book, ‘Myths of Shanaledge’s Savior and True Protector,’ late at night by candlelight, when everyone else is asleep, except for the guards that continue to stand just outside my door.

“Some believe that this realm’s true savior can have multiple soulmates as her life never ends. She isn’t known to be connected to one person. However, many argue against this belief as a soulmate is someone who is tethered to you across many lifetimes and can always be found. But because so little is known about the true protector, and is known as the child of all realms, it is possible more than one soulmate exists for this individual. It is said the one true savior of Shanaledge simply chooses her soulmate, with many believing one mate always outshines her other suitors.”

Well, that is of no help at all! I thought to myself as I read the passage of ‘soulmates’ from the book. The left page had a detailed illustration of a woman in the center, with her hair covering most of her face. There were outlines of multiple men’s heads surrounding the woman in the middle. I studied this image, That’s a bit disconcerting, I thought as I started flipping the pages. Another passage caught my attention:

“… Further lore speaks of the one true protector having only one true soulmate who will always be by her side. Together, these two forces will be unstoppable…”

I let out a deep sigh. That’s no help either. Why can’t the book just simply state the facts? Why must I go through all of this nonsense…

I continued thumbing through the pages, getting away from any matter dealing with the heart, until I found a page titled ‘Powers’ in big bold letters. This caught my attention as I began reading the passage.

“The woman of Shanaledge possesses many powers. While some are extremely common, such as telepathy, they also range from rare to special. A rare ability she and a handful of people are known to have is a premonition. The true protector is also known to retain some very special abilities that are useful during combat, such as telepathically incapacitating her attackers or causing them to stop in place. While many are capable of hurting others telepathically by wounding their foes, the woman of Shanaledge is the only one known to have the ability to create manifestations to take down attackers.

“Some believe Shanaledge’s savior can perform these abilities at will, knowing how to perform these intricate abilities naturally, while others speculate she will likely need to train to learn how to control these abilities.”

Great, I thought, if I wasn’t already weird enough… I closed the book and hid it before blowing out the candle beside my bed and going to sleep. I can tell those people that I definitely need to practice these abilities. I am not naturally good at them… While I did help Rory and Eden in the forest before I was abducted, I had no idea I was capable of any of that. So, no, I do not call on these abilities at will but it does work on my emotions… Does it work with my intent? I wondered before falling asleep.

It has been a week since Silas and I had our little heart-to-heart conversation and him giving me a ring, which means my days have become busier as we are to be wed in a little less than two weeks. Not much has changed in the way things have been going for me either. I am still forced to be accompanied by a guard at all times. However, I feel that I am beginning to make even more progress in this area.

Just as I was getting ready to go to bed after a long day of event planning, studying my amulet, and reading my book in secret, the door to my chamber opened and Asher came strutting in.

I looked up, hoping it was Eleanor, but became disappointed by the sight of him. I hadn’t spoken to Asher in over a week, and to be honest, I slightly enjoyed the fact I hadn’t seen him because he always left me feeling more upset.

“You don’t look too happy to see me,” Asher greeted.

“It’s not that,” I started. “I just haven’t seen Eleanor since this morning. It’s odd she didn’t come to help me dress in my nightgown.”

Asher didn’t really respond to my concern. He walked across the room and sat on the bench in front of the window. “So how’s the wedding planning going?” He questioned smirking.

I rolled my eyes at him. “Did you really come up here to discuss the wedding with me?”

“No, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to know all the details.”

“What do you want?” I replied letting out a sigh of aggravation.

“Do you think you could really deal with the fact you are going to be married to Silas?” He questioned a little concerned.

“Do I have a choice?” I countered.

Asher wore concern on his face, but he was growing annoyed by me answering his questions with questions. “Do you believe he is somehow your soulmate still?”

I didn’t respond at first, thinking it over carefully. “Some parts of me do, yes.”

“Have you spoken to Rory about this any further?” He questioned curiously.

“No, and I would prefer to keep it that way for right now,” I replied even more annoyed.

Asher was astonished by what I had just said. “Why?” Disbelief tainting his voice.

“Because I’m figuring some things out and I’d prefer if he wasn’t brought into it.”

“Do not tell me you have to figure out if you really love Silas,” Asher responded with aggression and disgust.

“I don’t think it concerns you,” I replied offensively.

His eyebrows rose at her comment. “Come again?” Asher stood up, looking down at Sarai as if she were a small child being scolded by a parent. “Do I have to remind you about everything we are doing this for again? Need I remind you Silas is the bad guy here trying to take everyone and everything away from literally everyone who lives here? He has killed thousands of people, thousands of soulmates, and will not stop destroying this realm until it is completely gone while you’re sitting here twiddling your thumbs! Your best friend, who is deteriorating by the way, and Rory is even suffering but oops, Sarai needs to think about how she feels! Get a grip!” Asher ranted angrily before walking out and slamming the door behind him.

When Asher was gone, I was so upset and flustered by his words to do anything. So much for training… What the hell am I doing? I thought as I went through recent events in my mind. I somehow allowed Silas to sneak into my heart. I allowed him to confuse and manipulate me once again.

That night, I fell asleep angry at everyone, including myself.

Midway through my rest, something made me wake up. I didn’t hear a noise; I didn’t wake up from a nightmare or anything of that nature. I just felt alone; more alone than usual. I climbed out of bed and walked to the bedroom door, slowly opening it. The creaky sound of the hinges on the door made my heart skip a beat.

I poked my head out the door, looking to my left then peering to my right. The guard who is always assigned to stand at the door was nowhere to be found. My heart jumped in excitement.

This must be a test. I thought to myself as I continued to look up and down the hall. One that I am definitely going to fail.

Quietly, I tip-toed down the hallway, down the staircases and corridors, and to the one staircase, I have never been allowed to go down. The dungeon.

The staircase leading to the dungeon was a lot darker than the rest of the brightly lit castle. It also smelled really weird. A pungent smell grew more and more grotesque as I climbed down the steps. The scent was of many people’s body odors and bodily fluids mixing into one nauseous funk. The noxious fume also mixed in with the fact of no ventilation and the possible mold was growing in the structure. I tried holding my breath and pinching my nose to keep from inhaling the smell. Unfortunately, nothing I did could help.

The long and winding corridors were filled with a lot of useless junk. There were stacks of enormous wooden crates left in the middle of the floor, dust and cobwebs could be found in every nook and cranny, and the amount of dirt and filth lined the halls was absolutely atrocious.

I could hear people murmuring. I must have been growing closer to the prison cells. When I was about to go around a corner, I noticed two guards walking towards me, but too involved in their own conversation that they didn’t notice me. I looked around frantically for a place to hide as the guards drew closer. Luckily, I noticed another stack of wooden crates at the end of one of the corridors I could use to hide behind.

While behind the crate, I could hear the guards speaking, “This place smells so horrible.” A female woman said while walking the hall.

“It doesn’t smell pleasant, but you will eventually become used to it.”

“I don’t think that is possible.”

The male guard chuckled at her words as they turned a corner.

Once the guards passed, I continued through the labyrinth of corridors until I could hear echoes of people crying, whaling, and whispering frenziedly.

The area where the cells began was somewhat brighter than the other hallways I walked down. There were more candles to light the area. It was so hot on this floor I felt as though I were in an oven. The corridor was a little wider in this area as well.

I walked past people in cells that were filthy. These poor people were sweating, malnourished, and wearing tattered clothing. I glanced into each cell to find Ruth, turning my head away quickly when I saw Ruth wasn’t in the cells. Some of the prisoners were talking to themselves, some stood with their heads in a corner murmuring, while others just sobbed in the fetal position on the floor.

None of the cells had a bed for them to sleep in. I noticed there was a bucket in each cell that’s purpose was a chamber pot. The further I walked into the dungeon, the sicker I felt, and not just because of the smell. The way these people were being treated was just inhumane. Most of these townspeople had become locked down here for rebelling against Silas’s reign. These people were innocent. Now almost all of them had gone mad.

“Sarai?” a familiar female voice cut through everyone’s insanity.

I looked up. “Ruth!”

“What are you doing down here?” Ruth questioned. “You shouldn’t be down here.” Her voice was hoarse; her hair was oily and full of knots. She desperately needed a bath and a couple of gallons of water. Ruth looked dehydrated while also being malnourished. Her clothes were a disgusting mess, soaked with sweat, torn up, and caked with mud and dirt. Deep dark bags rested under her eyes as if she hadn’t slept in days. Her lips were even dry and cracked.

“I needed to see you… I needed to make sure you were still alive.” I responded as I studied my best friend. My heart broke at the state she was in.

“Just barely…” Her eyes filled with tears.

“I am so sorry Ruth.” I began with my voice cracking. “I have been trying to find a way to you sooner, but this was the first chance I got.”

“So Silas finally let you off your leash?” Ruth replied disgustedly. “Did you sleep with him to make that happen?” A bit of hostility painted her voice.

I was taken aback as a dagger pierced my heart. “What?”

“I know you’ve been seeing him. I know you two have been enjoying blissful dinners, extravagant parties, your engagement, and everything that has been going on with you. And while Silas was busy sweeping you off your feet, I was down here cold and alone, but keeping faith and believing my best friend was trying to help free me. Instead, you were just fooling around with the very person who placed me here.” Her voice cracked and broke as she started to speak quicker and louder with anger. “So save your apology because you don’t care about anything.” Her words made me feel small. “I have been down here praying for death because I see now that is the only way I can get out of this place.”

“That’s not true!” My voice broke as tears streamed down my face. “I will get you out of here! I’ll make everything right again!”

Ruth stared at me with confusion. “Nothing will be the same after everything I have seen.” Her eyes went blank as she continued to stare at me.

I backed away slowly feeling frightened and guilty by my best friend’s words. I started back up the corridor when I noticed one cell that happened to be bigger than the rest which contained a woman with two children. The mother held them while humming as a way to comfort them. All three of them were wearing clothes that would once be considered exquisite.

Captivated, I walked up to the cell silently and started studying them. The mother had long dark hair worn in a messy French braid down her back. She appeared frazzled. Her dress was made from extravagant material but was messy and torn. Her complexion was pale with dark spots of dirt which were smudged by sweat. The children’s complexions were just like the lady’s and were wearing clothes that were torn and messy. The little girl wore her hair down in a tangled, matted mess while the young boy had short hair which needed to be combed.

Even though this family had been locked away for quite some time, you can tell they were treated a lot better than the rest of the prisoners in the dungeon. They weren’t malnourished like many of the others. While these occupants were filthy, they weren’t as disgustingly dirty as everyone else. Their minds also weren’t tormented into insanity by their loneliness in the dungeon.

The children sobbed into their mother’s chest.

“Mommy, I miss daddy.” The little girl, who appeared to be about seven cried.

“Me too.” The young boy, who looked about ten responded.

“I know my babes. I know.” The woman replied as she hugged them harder.

I placed my hand on the bars of the cell and cleared my throat. “Excuse me, are you the royal family?”

The mother looked up skeptically at me. “Once.”

I looked down at her feet, not sure of what to say to the family now. After everything I have seen in the dungeon, all I could feel was humiliation. However, I felt more driven to make things right in this realm again.

“Are you the true protector of Shanaledge?” The little boy asked innocently with hope radiating in his eyes.

“I think I might be,” I responded slowly.

“Are you going to save us?” The little girl questioned with a twinkle in her eye.

“I’m going to give it my all,” I responded with pride.