Chapter Two - The Fractured Castle

Rory’s Perspective:

A tall shadow figure lurks in the forest. It is dark. I am waiting for Silas’ minions to start attacking at any moment, but they never come. I notice a light pulsating in the distance and start running to it anxiously, but also with extreme caution. The tall shadow figure follows behind me, staying close.

Who is that? I thought to myself as I run toward the light. I could see a silhouette of a woman standing in the center of it. As I draw nearer, I hear my name happily call from the woman.

“Sarai!” I yelled, picking up my pace, forcing myself to run as quickly as I could to my love.

I could see her. She looked stunning in a sheer white gown, as her hair danced in the breeze. When I was closer, I could see her fear. She was scared. I pushed my limits even further to reach her faster, ignoring the burning sensation starting in my chest and sides. I needed to embrace her. I needed to make her feel safe. I wanted nothing more than to feel her in his arms and kiss her sweet, soft lips.

I’m almost to her! I am almost there, my love!

The shadow figure sprouted up from the ground behind Sarai. “No!” I shouted pressing myself further to make it there before the shade could take her. But it was all in vain as the shadow figure embraces Sarai before completely engulfing her. “Sarai!” I yelled before hearing a horrifying cackle and being thrown backward.

Sitting up, I was sweating and out of breath. I rub the side of my face as I try to wake myself up and set my mind away from the nightmare. There hasn’t been a single moment where I have been able to get a restful night’s sleep since that day. My mind was filled with the horrors which plagued me.

Ever since Sarai was taken from me, I have had nightmares every time I shut my eyes. Sarai’s panicked voice as she screamed my name haunts my dreams every time I close my eyes. I can remember the feeling of my heart racing, my adrenaline pumping as I ran quickly, dodging the faceless attackers. I vividly remember Asher grabbing Sarai as her hand reached out for me. The fear which overcame her is permanently engraved into my mind. The panic had consumed me and the hope that remained as my hand almost touched hers, and then, she was gone. In a blink of an eye, my soulmate, yet again, had been taken away from me.

I remained in the forest, camping out. At first, I didn’t leave the spot where Sarai was taken, remaining close to the vicinity, knowing I would be able to force someone to bring me to her. I was determined to find a way to Sarai. Unfortunately, ever since the night she was taken, no one from Shanaledge has come back. Why would they? Asher helped them get what they wanted. But I tried to remain hopeful. Maybe they will come back for something. Surely they will come for those who were killed.

I stayed there without a tent, knowing it would only weigh me down, but I soon regretted this decision on rainy days. Eden just stayed silently by my side. I remained covered in dirt and sweat, unwilling to move from this location, but knowing I would have to move sometime soon and take a much-needed shower. I could smell the sweat, dirt, and blood, which made me feel even more disgusted.

That night, Silas’s army was still attacking me and Eden. I became so enraged by Asher’s actions and let my anger loose on everyone who was there. Everything happened so fast, that I couldn’t recall what happened when I found myself standing over thirty lifeless bodies. I can remember everything which led up to the moment with Sarai being taken, but whatever happened after she was gone was a complete mystery to me.

After everything was over, I can remember standing there, out of breath looking around in confusion at the mound of bodies that lay before me. What the hell just happened? I thought to myself. Then, I noticed Eden standing in the distance staring at me terrified.

“Yeah… None of that was me.” Eden responded in awe as he tried to break the tension.

I now lie awake, stressed out, anxious, scared, and feeling useless. I knew Asher couldn’t be trusted. Why didn’t I keep a closer watch on him? Why didn’t I kick him out before?

But deep down, I knew why. Sarai trusted Asher. She knew Asher wouldn’t betray them, even though I continuously expressed my concerns to her. How could I not trust Sarai’s decision? But I also knew Asher was only concerned for Ruth. While everyone else in the group was worried about Ruth as well, they knew Silas was the main threat. I was concerned for Ruth to an extent, mostly because she meant something to Sarai. But I never thought her to be in extreme danger, not like Sarai.

I cannot take knowing that Sarai is stuck with Silas yet again. I let her down. My promise to her had been broken. I need to make this right. This cannot keep going on. I need to go to Shanaledge. I MUST save Sarai this time. I promise.

“Eden!” I call my friend, who remained by my side.

“What’s up?”

“Can you find someone from Shanaledge for me?” I inquired. “Find someone who knows and can travel to that realm,” I stated, determined.

“I may be able to,” Eden replied wearily. “What are you going to do?”

“For now, I’ll wait here,” I responded. “Someone has to show up.”

“Rory, it’s been a month, a little less than a week in Shanaledge…” Eden countered his friend. “I don’t think anyone is coming.”

“Someone always comes for the dead.”

Eden looked as though he were going to say something but quickly dismissed this thought.

“Now go,” Rory stated. “We need to find a way to get Sarai back.”

Eden nodded. “I’ll be in touch.” And with that, he was gone.

Sarai’s Perspective:

I wasn’t able to sleep. I lay awake staring at the necklace as its strange orange light radiated, pulsing now and then. As the light pulsated I could hear a bunch of whispers echoing in my head. At first, this startled me, and did not like it, but also gave me a little hope that I would be able to talk to Rory. The amulet was truly captivating.

But how could I communicate with him using it? What could I do with it?

The door opens and Eleanor, the servant, walks in. The door swinging open with its forcefully urgent creak surprising me at first as my attention was completely lost in the amulet. I had been so captivated by the amulet I didn’t even realize that it was morning until Eleanor disrupted me.

“What do you have there?” I asked, clasping the amulet in my hand as if having it was some sort of secret.

“A dress from Lord Silas, he has requested you join him for dinner.” She responds, placing the dress on the bed for me to inspect. “He chose this dress for you to wear tonight.” The sleeveless princess-style gown was a light turquoise color with white stitching and a white V-shaped center.

I was bewildered. The dress was absolutely beautiful. It looked like something someone would wear to an extravagant ball. Why would he want me to wear such an extraordinary dress?

My eyes widened and my heart skipped a beat. “Eleanor, what does Silas think this is?”

“What do you mean?” She asked confused.

“Does he think this is a date? Why does he want me to wear something this… grand? What’s wrong with what I am wearing right now?”

“The lord and lady of the castle must always wear the best.” She looks the room over before studying her. “Is there anything that you want or need?”

“I’m fine, thank you,” I replied, captivated by the dress. Eyeing it suspiciously, something about it made my stomach turn. The lord and lady?? Obviously, Silas has some type of “date night” scenario planned for me. I thought to myself since Eleanor wouldn’t speak more of it.

“Alright,” Eleanor replies as she started for the door. “I will be back later to help you get ready.” She pauses for a moment, before stating, “You may want to take a nap before tonight. It looks like you haven’t slept a wink.”

Once Eleanor was gone, I remained where I was, horrified by the dress. It was so exquisite. The dress was something you would see out of a movie. Why does he want to have dinner with me? What is the purpose of such an elegant dress? What is he up to?

Defeated, I left the dress where it was, laying down on the bed. Questions filled my mind. Before I realized it, I fell fast asleep.

I was back in the forest with Rory, Eden, and Asher, sitting on a blanket reading a book in a little clearing of the forest. They were standing against the tree line, bickering, as usual, about me, Ruth, and Silas along with everyone’s impending doom. The sunlight was peeking through the tops of the tall trees. I could feel the sunlight’s warm touch on my skin, as I tried to ignore the boys' angered voices. Between the sunlight kissing my skin and a cool, fresh breeze once in a while, I felt at peace. This is wonderful. I thought to myself as I continued reading my book.

I looked up from my book to see Rory standing in front of Asher. His face showed frustration as he argued his point. Asher was growing more and more tired of Rory’s presence. I couldn’t help but smile. While there was a lot to worry about and a lot at stake, I was enjoying this moment.

“Will they ever stop?” Eden questions silently as he sat beside me.

“Can you two stop bickering like some old married couple for once and just enjoy the quiet scenery around us?” I questioned, smiling while taking it all in.

Both of the guys looked at me with questioning stares. A look of worry suddenly consumed them as they gazed at something past me.

The feeling of contentment left me as I noticed their sudden change in demeanor. A shadow started to fall over me and I no longer felt safe. I stood up and slowly turn around….

My eyes flutter open to hearing Eleanor coming into the room.

“I’m sorry to disturb your rest, but Lord Silas would like you to meet with you soon,” Eleanor responded.

“Okay.” I sleepily reply as I started to climb out of bed. “Eleanor, there is one thing that is bothering me.”

“What is it?” She questioned, looking around the room.

I smiled a little, feeling a bit silly. “Well, could you not talk so formally to me? You may think it is normal and such, hell maybe it is here, I don’t know, but it really makes me feel uncomfortable.”

“Lord Silas wants me to speak this way to you.” Eleanor quipped.

“But didn’t he say you were to make sure I had all of my needs and wants? I want to feel comfortable and speak to you like a human being.” I reply with a twinkle in my eye.

Eleanor smiled. “Of course.” She responded as she grabbed the dress. “Now let’s get you ready for dinner.

As Eleanor helped me into the dress, I grew more anxious as various horrendous scenarios fill my mind. I begin to feel like I am about to have a panic attack. Eleanor notices this and tells me to calm down.

“Lord Silas is only bringing you down for dinner to talk. There is nothing to worry about.” Eleanor tries to comfort me before brushing my hair.

“But why does he want to see me now? Why does he want dinner with me when he could’ve come here to bark orders at me? He didn’t seem all that eager to meet with me when I first arrived.” I bombard Eleanor with all of these questions, and concerns, knowing she wouldn’t respond. I shake my head trying to think about something else. “This feels so strange.”

“What?”

“Having you help me get dressed and doing my hair. It just feels so strange.”

“You don’t have someone to do these things for you in your realm?” Eleanor asked baffled.

“No. I pretty much know how to clothe myself and style my own hair.” I respond giggling.

“But one with your title, your importance should have help with such things to keep oneself from being distracted from their duties.”

“What are you talking about?” I asked confused. “I didn’t have ‘duties’ where I’m from. I’m just like everyone else. Well maybe not everyone else, but I’m no more important than the next person.”

“Don’t say that!” Eleanor sounded slightly offended, maybe even disgusted, but her eyes showed admiration.

This place keeps getting weirder and weirder… I thought to myself as I fidgeted in my seat.

“Relax, Sarai. Lord Silas wishes nothing more than to discuss things with you. If he were planning on doing something to you, trust me, you would already be dead.”

“That’s a cheery thought,” I replied rolling my eyes. I wasn’t comforted by this at all. “A simple discussion doesn’t require an extravagant dress.”

Eleanor smirked as she puts my hair into a French roll hairstyle. “Lord Silas always has something up his sleeve.” She spins me around to look at her. “It’s probably all just a gimmick to make sure you don’t escape from his grasp again.”

I looked at her speechless.

“You look beautiful,” Eleanor replied. “You are ready.” She stated satisfied.

The amulet complimented the dress beautifully, from what I could tell since I didn’t have a mirror to look at myself.

Once Eleanor felt I was done, giving me one last look over, I was then escorted by two guards; the two guards who guarded my room walked me down the castle halls.

The castle was desolate, empty, and filthy. It was falling apart from Silas’ rule. From the looks of the castle, anyone would have mistaken it for a place that was abandoned and forgotten. It appears the only room on this side of the castle that has been kept intact was the room I was being held hostage in.

I looked around in disbelief. The castle was huge and could have contained such wonders which are now lost. There was dirt lining the floors, cobwebs hanging from the ceilings, and any decoration that once filled the halls and rooms was now dusty, torn, and ruined. The castle which once stood in glory and thoroughly cleaned is now falling to pieces. It was a stark contrast from what she saw through Rory’s eyes.

As I followed the guards, I tried to keep in mind all the turns and stairs we ventured through. I looked around, trying to take note of all the different rooms that filled each hall. I took this opportunity to plot out in my mind where everything was for the day I would finally escape. When I reached the bottom floor of the castle, I glanced around the room to see if I could find another staircase that led to the dungeons. Unfortunately, I didn’t see any. Hopefully, I would find it someday soon.

We reached two enormous wooden doors on the first floor with ornate designs. My heart started racing. I was afraid to find out what was on the other side. When the guards opened the doors, my mouth dropped.