Chapter Seven - Myths of Shanaledge’s Savior and True Protector

Throughout the next couple of days, I had spent most of my time with Silas. The two of us could usually be found in the garden or the library. At night, we could be found eating our supper in the dining hall or walking around the castle or garden. While this time was meant for me to be learning more about my amulet, we spent most of our time becoming distracted by making out and fooling around.

I felt tremendously guilty that I had completely stopped trying to communicate with Rory. I still did not understand how I managed to get through to him that one night, but no matter how much I wanted or felt the need to talk to him, I couldn’t face talking to him. And if he did in reality come to Shanaledge, I wasn’t sure how I could even face him with the things I have had to do. And I liked it. Moreover, I knew Rory was alive and, at least at the moment, safe. Hopefully, he will not find a way to Shanaledge until Silas’s reign has come to a permanent end. At least then I would be able to face Rory without so much guilt. It continues to eat me up inside.

The positive side to all of this is Silas has allowed me to leave my room whenever I wanted. Unfortunately, I still need to be accompanied by a guard. While this isn’t ideal for sneaking around the castle and finding the dungeon, it does give me time to learn more about the layout of the castle.

Today, however, I found myself in the library, looking for books that pertained to the amulet. I was allowed to stay in the library for however long I wanted, but of course, a guard was to remain by the door to keep a watch on me.

While in the library, I found a few books here and there that had some information about the amulet. I sat down in the lounge area of the library and looked through them. The first book was somewhat short, only giving descriptions of where it was found, how it was made, and information of its size, shape, and the material, the next just appeared to be a long, drawn-out, enigma which was of no help, while another one book read:

“This amulet is a mystery to all who have encountered it. The amulet seemingly looks normal. The only indication that the amulet is of any importance is when ‘The One’ is near the artifact. When this person is near the necklace, it radiates an orange light.”

I let out a sigh of defeat. Nothing useful, I thought aggravated, as I slammed the book shut. I placed the books back where I had found them and began searching again.

As I scanned over the titles of the books written on the binding, there was one book that had really caught my attention, “Myths of Shanaledge’s Savior and True Protector.” The title definitely piqued my interest. It looked out of place like it wasn’t supposed to be in here.

When I took it out, I could see the book was extremely old. The binding was near the point of falling apart. It had a good bit of weight to it as it was very thick. The book had also been untouched for years as a lot of dust came off the book’s jacket, so much so that it caused me to sneeze while cleaning it off. Skimming through the brittle pages, I decided it would be best to look through it in the privacy of my room, so I grabbed two other random books that I didn’t have any interest in to keep the one I really wanted to be hidden from view. While the book seemed harmless for others to know about, I didn’t feel comfortable with anyone knowing I had found it.

Once I was safely in my room, I started flipping through the book which contained a lot of illustrations. One illustration, in particular, caught my eye at the beginning of the book. It was a depiction of a beautiful naked woman wearing an amulet, much like the one I was wearing. The woman even had the same facial features as me. The illustration’s title read, “The Woman of Salvation.” I looked at the opposite page which contained text.

“The Woman of Salvation is an illustration of the one who is told to save the realm of Shanaledge. Along with her amulet, also known as the Amulet of Sovereignty, she is said to restore order, bringing balance back to the realm.

“It is widely believed this woman is originally from this realm, but she does not have access to it. She is known to be an ancient ancestor of the royal family; her veins hold the power only royals have, among other unique abilities which are not commonly found in this realm.

“It is said this woman is the only woman throughout every known realm who is capable of saving Shanaledge. Her life will always remain in existence and will always return when Shanaledge is in peril. It is known that the savior is not bound to any one realm, she can travel freely and she is a child to all realms. Furthermore, she can be exiled from any realm. Her soul is said to forever live on waiting and watching for those in Shanaledge.”

After reading the passage, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the amount of information she had just processed.

The Savior of Shanaledge, I thought to myself as I closed the book, unable to bring myself to read more at that moment.

The sun was starting to set as night was closing in. I felt the need to hide the book in my room since I didn’t want anyone to find it. I was nowhere near finishing the book and I knew there was a lot that I could learn from it, even though some of the text frightened me. I placed the book under my pillow as Eleanor walked in to make sure I didn’t need anything.

“What do you and the townspeople know of me?” I asked curiously.

Eleanor looked puzzled. “Why do you ask?”

I shrugged. “I’ve just been curious here lately.” I started as she tried to collect her thoughts. “With everything I have been learning about the amulet, which has mostly been Silas’s words, I was just wondering what everyone thought or knew about me.” I did not feel it was wise to let Eleanor know about the book either. I did trust Eleanor to an extent, but she works for Silas, which means the whereabouts of the book could eventually get back to him. I had a feeling there was a reason all the books in the library were useless to me, and I’m pretty sure the person responsible would be Silas.

“Well…” Eleanor began with a drawn-out sigh and hesitation. “According to legend, you are believed to be the one to help us in times of absolute peril.”

“But how can all of you be so sure?” I pleaded.

“Because of the amulet, you wear around your neck,” Eleanor responded pointing at my chest. “The amulet only glows when you are near it.”

“I meant how can you be sure I can help in times of jeopardy?”

“Because that’s what you were meant for. This is what you were made to do.”

I couldn’t believe Eleanor’s response. How do they all believe that I will make the right choice? Hell, I don’t even know if I will make the right decision half the time. “Okay… So how does Silas always have the amulet?”

“Here recently, it is because you have died in the castle. However, when he first concocted his scheme to rule the realm and destroy everything within it, he had scouts looking for the amulet. Legend says you can be used to either save this realm or destroy it.”

I stared at her in disbelief. “So what makes you think I will make the right choices to prevent Shanaledge’s destruction? How could someone put so much faith into another person?”

Eleanor looked a bit perplexed. She didn’t really know how to respond. “Maybe if there were no more possibilities, if things went too far, maybe you would have no other choice.”

I contemplated Eleanor’s words for a moment. “What does lore say about the amulet? What kind of power does it contain?”

“I haven’t heard of any instances of you using it, so I cannot answer.”

“You must know something.” I pleaded for answers.

“I honestly do not know anything more than you about the amulet. When Silas first took reign, he had most of the books regarding your amulet and about you destroyed or locked away.”

“That figures…” I stated, defeated. That means that this book under my pillow was purposefully left behind… Maybe Asher left it there? “Is there anything in the lore about who my one true soulmate is? If anything states whether I can have more than one? Maybe there is some way to discern between the two?”

Eleanor looked at me suspiciously, wanting to ask something but decided against it. “I cannot say I have ever heard of anything about that. I’m sorry. Every instance I’ve heard of you has always been about your ultimate fate.”

“It’s okay… I’m just trying to get all of this straight in my head.” I replied while rubbing my temples.

“I’m sorry if I am stepping out of line here…” Eleanor started as she walked closer to me. “But what is this whole soulmate situation about, my lady?”

“Nothing, I was just wondering.” I started, knowing what would come next and a bit apprehensive of it all. “Everyone else seems to have one soulmate, but it looks as though I may have two.”

Eleanor furrowed her eyebrows. “I know you mean one is Rory, but who is the other?”

I didn’t respond, knowing Eleanor’s reaction would be anything but understanding.

“Surely you aren’t speaking of Lord Silas?”

I stood there gravely staring back at the servant.

Eleanor was shocked and wore fear on her face. “Lady Sarai, I have to be honest with you, I think Lord Silas is only making you believe you are his soulmate. I wouldn’t look any further into his feelings for you because I do not believe they are genuine.”

“Why not?” I questioned, intrigued.

“Because this realm cannot afford you to choose a life walking alongside that monster.”

I looked down at my feet; feeling as though my heart broke a little. “Eleanor… Did you ever find your soulmate?”

Eleanor’s face turned from fear to complete sadness within a blink of an eye. “Yes.” She replied with her eyes filling with tears.

I knew I struck a chord with this question. “Oh… Forgive me, Eleanor. I didn’t realize…” I continued apologetically.

“No… It’s fine, my lady. Maybe if you hear this you won’t act on these feelings for Silas…” She responded, tearfully. “His name was Everett. He was one of the royal family’s guards. He was sworn to protect them at all costs. When Lord Silas came into being, many of the guards decided to side with him after he killed the king. There were a handful of guards who chose to die rather than serve Lord Silas. One of these men you already know was Rory, even though he did pledge his allegiance to him at first…” She pauses for a moment taking in a deep breath. “Another one of these men was Everett.” Her tears started to fall down her cheeks. “Those who wouldn’t side with Lord Silas died… Many great men fell that night… These atrocities that Lord Silas caused, all the soulmates he caused to be lost…” She started sobbing.

“Eleanor… I am so sorry.” I continued apologizing.

She wiped the tears off her face and tried to clear her mind, to try and perk herself up. Eleanor cleared her throat. “Is there anything else you may need, my lady?”

I looked down solemnly, “There’s only one more question I’d like to ask if that’s okay?”

“Anything, my lady.”

“Has Silas ever done things like this for me in my previous lives? The romantic dinners and such?”

“No.” Eleanor began. “He really hasn’t done anything like this for you before.”

I was mostly relieved by this but a little saddened because now I knew with certainty it was all just an act. But that’s okay. I was acting for the moment too... Mostly…

“Is there anything else I can do for you?” Eleanor questions again.

“That’s all... Thank you.”

“Very well,” Eleanor responded as she headed for the door. She turned around suddenly, “Before I leave, I was here to tell you Lord Silas asked for you to join him for dinner.”

I nodded and Eleanor left. Let the games continue, I thought, pulling the book back out to scan over before I had to go join Silas.

I remained in my room reading the book, trying to soak in as much information as possible. When I realized I could see the two moons out of the window, I knew I needed to find somewhere to hide the book. I observed the room. Where can I hide it?

I knew I couldn’t hide it under my pillow, mattress, or under the bed. Anyone who hides things in these places is just asking for someone to find the object.

The castle was very old; there must be a loose floorboard or something in this room. When all the workers came in, Silas didn’t have the workers do any repairs in this room so I knew there was a way to hide it without anyone stumbling upon it.

I walked around the room placing my hand on the walls, looking for a loose stone, listening for a creaky floorboard that I could hide the book behind.

My findings were becoming more and more disappointing as I started to become more discouraged. After searching for about 30 minutes, I suddenly had an epiphany. Because the book would most likely be too big to hide in one of the previous places I had thought of, I quietly pulled out the vanity a few inches placed the book behind it, and pinned it against the wall.

No one would be able to tell as the vanity still rested the same amount of distance from the wall.

Once I examined the vanity which was hiding my secret, there was a knock at the door. “It’s time, my lady.” The guard called from behind the door.

I walked out of the room, closing the door behind me.

“I thought I was to have dinner with my fiancé,” I remarked as the guard walked me past the dining hall.

“Lord Silas wishes to see you in the garden to eat this evening, my lady.”

When the doors opened to the outside, I found a breath-taking view. Candles were lit throughout the garden.

Asher stood, leaning against the banister. When he saw me, he walked up to the guard, “Lord Silas has asked me to escort Lady Sarai.”

The guard obeyed, walking to the castle door to stand. Asher took my arm to walk me to the man that wanted to see me. Whispering, he began “I think you are ready to see inside Silas’s mind.” We walked past the gazebo where plates rested on a small table with dark blue and purple flower petals sprinkled around them. These petals continued to form a trail on the ground.

“I think it’s time you tried.” He finished, stopping a few steps past the gazebo.

My heart raced. “I don’t know if I can…”

“You must try,” He stated, staring at me with hope in his eyes. “Follow the petals to find Lord Silas,” Asher remarked before walking back to the garden entrance.

I watched Asher for a moment, unwilling to move, but my curiosity was heightened as I took in the romantic setting. I followed the flowers directly to Silas who was standing next to the fountain. He smiled delightedly at me.

Silas looked me up and down with a look of awe. “You are so beautiful.” He said, following a long kiss.

“What’s all of this for?” I asked with a smile displayed on my face.

He smiled back at me with a great deal of enthusiasm. “Well, since our engagement, I realized I hadn’t given you a special something.” He started pulling something out of his pocket.

I gasped. “Silas…” It was a ring made with one of the finest, most alien, deep blue jewel resting in the center. “It’s too extravagant!” I was mesmerized by the hypnotic jewel which slightly resembled a massive diamond but not quite. It looked ridiculously expensive and like something I would never be caught dead wearing.

“Only the best for my future queen,” Silas replied pleased. He placed the ring on my finger.

“It looks like my finger may break wearing it.”

Silas chuckled and held me close, gazing into my eyes.

I couldn’t say anything, as I stared back into his eyes. I thought I noticed something, affection, shining through his eyes. My heart skipped a beat. I could feel my face grow hot from blushing.

Silas grabbed me by the waist and pulled me even closer to him, giving me a long and fervent kiss.

I felt hot in his arms. My heart started racing as I felt myself unwillingly falling in love with this man. Now I felt scared. What if this prevents me from doing what needs to be done?

Silas felt me tremble. “What’s wrong?” He asked with concern filling his eyes.

“It’s nothing,” I replied sadly.

“I know it’s something.”

I had to think quickly. It’s not like I could simply say, “Oh you know, I’m feeling a bit conflicted about killing you is all!” I scoured my brain trying to think of what to say next until the answer finally came to me. “All of this has just happened so fast. I’m feeling a little overwhelmed.” I started. It was the truth also. Everything was happening too quickly for my comfort.

Silas looked at me questionably.

I fidgeted under his gaze. “Have you done this kind of stuff for me before? Did you always show a romantic interest in me in my previous lives?” I continued curiously, even though I already knew the answer.

Silas’s face hardened; his arms dropped away from me. “To be honest, I have always been drawn to you, since the very first time you had come here. But I never acted on them.” He let out a sigh. “The reason I never acted on my interest in you wasn’t that you always chose Rory, it was for the very reason you would have been a weakness. If people found out how much I truly care about you, then they have found a limitation in me.” Silas began to look wounded and forlorn. “By doing hurtful things to you, I could push you away. I could pretend I didn’t give a damn about you. And maybe one day I could convince myself of it. But I was never able to make myself believe you weren’t what I desired. What’s the point in fighting it? The more I fought against it, the more I led you away from me which ultimately hurt me.” He stopped and let out an aggravated sigh. “To be honest, I don’t expect you to love me or to ever be in love with me after how I have acted.”

I looked at him skeptically. “If you don’t expect me to ever feel anything for you, then why arrange a marriage? Why try so hard?” I grew a bit angry.

He smiled weakly. “Well, the dinners were more of an apology. Then my emotions got the better of me.” He stopped for a moment, looking up at the night sky. “I thought maybe if you didn’t feel so much hatred for me, then maybe you would be more inclined to think of a possibility for a life with us.”

I looked into his eyes and studied him for a moment. I could feel it… He was starting to win my heart over.