Disarray

Chapter Twenty

          “Aden. It seems you already who I am.” Rylan said, saying his name as if it was foreign. “They tell me I forgot who I am, and most everything else… I would not believe them if not for the absence of memories in my mind.” Rylan stated, sounding mildly puzzled.

          “I am going to do all I can to help you with regaining your memories.” Aden said, sitting down. He felt lightheaded. It was both shocking and relieving to see him like this, no longer like Zayleth, but also no longer himself. He had the same face, and shared similar qualities, but it wasn’t fully Rylan without his memories.

          “I will not protest,” He answered. “It’s frustrating to have someone look at you as if you are sick or wounded when you are perfectly well. That and having everyone know your name when you are unaware of theirs is rather uncomfortable.”

          Aden didn’t reply, but stared down at the waves in the wooden table, tracing them with his eyes.

          “So, is there anything you can tell me about my life? Perhaps it will help me remember.” Rylan said, sounding only mildly intrigued.

          “What do you wish to know?” Aden inquired, unsure where to start.

          “Do I have kin?” he asked.

          “Your mother and father both died when you were a child, and your only other relative, your uncle, died a year later. And I am your brother; however, we’ve no relation.” Aden replied rigidly, and blinked away the tears that sought to be free.

          “I do have a wife, or a woman I love?” Rylan inquired, moving right on to his next question without pondering the answer of the last.

          Aden’s face contorted with sympathy and pain at his inquiry.

          “You do… Raelein is her name.” He answered, not wanting to tell him anything else until his memory had returned.

          “You do not sound encouraging…” Rylan asked. Aden cringed at his ignorance.

          “The matter is not one of simplicity, and I am not going to discuss it at the moment.” Aden replied, unintentionally glaring at him. He wanted so badly for him to be normal again, and it only frustrated him that he wasn’t. Rylan eyed him questioningly, but said nothing.

“At least his common sense is intact.” Aden thought bitterly. He didn’t trust this man. He had the face of Rylan, but it wasn’t he. A person is not the same without memories to define them.

          “I have not been told why I have forgotten everything, could you perhaps tell me?” he asked, his green eyes genuinely confused.

          If Malifar had not told Rylan the reason for his memory loss, there must be reason for it, and Aden did not wish to be the one to fault by telling him.

          “I do not think they wish for you to know.” Aden answered. “But when you remember, all will be understood.” Rylan sighed, annoyed.

          “I am trying. Not knowing who I am is a frightening thing.” He stated.

          “I must depart; I have many things to do.” Aden was lying, but he could hardly stand to be here any longer. He wanted to help, but with the lingering stress from the previous day, he was not in the mood.

          “Farewell. Perhaps I will know who you are tomorrow.” Rylan said, sounding rather passive. He then left without another word.