The Soul Tracer

Perception

You may think you know someone. From a perception that has never moved on. That perception was giving by the person. They choose whether to let you trust or to fear them. From then on you have the choice to stay or leave. That choice can lead your life onto different paths, paths that are opposite to each other. Neither of which are wrong.

William pulls my seat away from the table, allowing me to leave. William's father stands as I lead him across the small bridge into the forest. The full moon shines, almost as bright as the sun, through the endless layers of leaves. I follow a small path Ivy and I created when we were young, that leads to the large pond.

"This would be much more beautiful if you had the patience to wait till morning." I inform William.

I make an effort not to look at him, afraid I may crumble under his liquid eyes. Eyes that seem to know everything about your past, and your future. He seems to know more about me than I do.

Slowly I'm no longer leading but he is, leading us through the moss covered tree trunks. It's as if the garden is he's own. Eventually we enter a open field. The river winds it's way through the middle. The reflection in the water is magnificent. It's as though the river is a mirror, the sky reflects flawlessly in the water. I make my way over to the water and sit delicately next to it, making sure not to get my dress dirty.

"I've never been here before." I look up at William, who is standing next to me keeping a protective eye out. "How did you know this was here?"

"I've been here before." His voice isn't at all like it was at the table. More emotionless. As if this place brings him grief, sucking the life out of him.

"That impossible. You've never been here before."

"I've been here as long as you have and longer."

"Who are you?"

The question escapes before I realise how stupid a question it is. He's William, the son of a wealthy lawyer.

"I'm William Desultor," he looks at the river, "the first of my name."

I stand up to look him in the eye. "I know your name." His liquid eyes have turned solid, as though they have been froze. He's face stays like a statue.

"Then what is it exactly that you want me to say? You asked who I am and I gave you an answer." He looks down at me.

Every feature on his beautiful face seems to glow, everything but his skin. It's as though his soul is trying to force it's way out. To make its self shown. Introduce it's self for who it really is, not the shell that its hiding in.

I try to look away from his, now crystal-like, eyes. I couldn't think straight. I push my way pass him and make my way a long the river. Following its windy route through the dark forest. Soon enough, through the rows of tree trunks the magical lights of Cheston manor appear. I walk straight pass the staring eyes of Mama and our guests and push through the large, heavy front doors.

My heart aches for William. I try hard to ignore the urge to turn back. To run into his arms. However, I can't shake the thought that he isn't all he appears to be. He acts as though he knows everything about me, but I've never met him before.

Thoughts scramble around my mind, unable to settle. My heart beat has made it's self known in my feet, making it difficult to stand. I make my way to the grand staircase and take a seat. It's hard to think that only this morning Ivy and I were sitting in the garden talking about Mama. It seems a life time ago. The way Mama acts can change rapidly, she can go from lying with the dead to sitting with the living.

William must think I'm delusional. What sort of question was that? Of course I now who he is. So what answer was I looking for? Should I have changed my question to what are you? Nothing makes sense. He looks human, except for his eyes and fire-like hair. They way he talks, it's as if he has known me my whole life. Or longer...

A warm tear rolls uncontrollably down my cheek. Nothing's right anymore. Footsteps echo down the above hallway trickling down the staircase. Soon Clara appears next to me, her face full of sympathy. She stretches a hand out and helps me to my feet. She wipes away the few tears that continue to roll down my cheeks, with a silk handkerchief.

"Am I insane, Clara? Tell me honestly."

"Oh my lady, your not insane. You just need a rest, it's been a long day." She smiles warmly.

"Your right, I probably just need a good rest."

"I'll inform her ladyship." She nods politely then walks down the remaining steps as elegantly as a ballerina and walks out the large doors. Slowly I make my way back to my bedchamber, counting each step to try and relax my mind. My attempt fails, as pictures of William keep appearing. His face at the water, his dark silhouette disguising the magnificent beauty that lies underneath, his glowing features, his candle lit smile.