Disarray

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Rylan did not awaken at sunrise, as he so often did. The activities of the previous day had exhausted him quite a bit more than he had anticipated.

          Korthan had not yet arrived, but Rylan forced himself to get up anyway. He yawned, and stood tiredly. He opened his eyes, and saw that Aden was sitting by the window, forlornly staring out at the city.

“Good morning,” Rylan stated. He didn’t show it, but he was slightly worried by his sadness.

Aden’s head jerked around, and an unenthusiastic smile immediately replaced his despondent expression.

“The same to you,” He answered. “It is day two of living in Islea, how have you enjoyed it?”

“It is a beautiful forest, and the elves are both delightful and quite hospitable. I like it here. But more importantly, do you?”

Aden hesitated.

“…Yes, in a way.”

“How do you mean?”

“It is a delightful place to live, and I am grateful to be here, but I miss our village. I know it isn’t the best place to live, and there are often many troubles. Nevertheless, it has a place in my heart. I know not why.”

“Perhaps it is the people,” Rylan suggested. “There is no one I genuinely care about to leave behind anymore.”

“I wish I could say the same. Then I would not feel so guilty for leaving.” Aden stated.

“No you don’t. And do not feel guilty, you are saving their lives.”

“You are saving their lives.” Aden corrected with a humble smile.

“We both are.”

“If you insist… However, I am not the one destined to defeat the great evil that plagues our realm, you are, Rylan. I do not seek praise for something you alone are intended to do.”

“I am not intended to do this alone,” Rylan protested. “Do you not remember what Arilia said? ‘Saving our realm is not a task that should be completed alone.’ You are destined to defeat Zayleth as well; you are just as important as I.”

Aden nodded, but looked unconvinced.

“Worry not. I do not intend to abandon you now, nor any day, especially not to serve my own wishes.”

 “Are you certain you do not want to return home? We can return if you wish.” Rylan offered, even though they both knew it wasn’t an option.

“You know very well we cannot, but I thank you nonetheless,” Aden stated. He paused “It is more a longing for the town in which I grew in than a desire to return to my parents. They are kindhearted people, but as you know, I’ve never been very close to them.”

“I understand.” Rylan responded. He had grown up there too, and he felt similarly. Since there was no one he was leaving behind, it was easier to part from the town he had lived in all his life.

“I suppose we should depart for breakfast now,” Aden jumped to his feet. His usual smile returned, no longer marred by momentary sadness.

Rylan nodded.

“Yes, that we should. While we are at the dining hall, we can find Korthan and save him the walk here to fetch us.”

“Then why do we remain?” Aden laughed. He sprinted toward the door, and began to run down the hall.