Disarray

Chapter Twenty-three

          “That is not all, I can see it. Tell me.” Rylan demanded, desperate to know.

          “Three days after you tried to escape, Zayleth summoned his army to Islea. Since his mind was in your body, his goal was to rescue you, for the elves were keeping his own body unconscious.

“While most of Islea fought in the battle, Raelein tried to speak to you… Zayleth killed her and escaped the dungeon. He was caught, and Raelein was revived. However, the reviving juice didn’t work right. She has been in a state of comatose since the incident and her condition is dangerously unstable.” Aden paused, taking a breath. Rylan was speechless, so he continued.

          “Raelein is shattered, speaking to you, and hoping you would remember her was her last hope. Malifar says her sadness is so great, she can find no other reason to live. He thinks the only way to save her is for her to hear your voice, and see reason.”

          “Take me to her.” Rylan stated, hardly able to speak.

          “I am unsure if you are permitted to leave yet. I will speak with Queen Arilia. I shall return.” Aden hurried off without another word, leaving him to himself.

          Rylan had tried to listen to what Aden had said, but his concern for Raelein clouded his mind, so he’d not retained much of what he said. He would inquire about everything else later, he was unable to think straight without seeing her alive.

Aden arrived around half an hour later; accompanying him was Korthan, to take him to the queen. Rylan thought it strange that Korthan need escort him, but he also understood that they might still think he was dangerous. He followed the elf outside, and Aden walked beside him.

          Rylan smiled slightly, and took a deep breath, savoring the sweet air. It had rained the previous day, and the dark clouds still lingered in the sky, it as if the blue had turned to gray.

          “Glad to be outside again?” Aden inquired. Rylan shrugged, hardly in the mood for anything more than vague replies and silent gestures. Noticing his distress, Aden’s attempt at cheerfulness dispersed into the sadness Rylan already saw in his blue eyes.

          A few minutes later, they arrived at the pavilion, where Arilia waited, looking flustered.

          “Rylan?” she inquired, as if she didn’t believe it was truly him.

          “Yes,” Rylan answered, too desperate to see Raelein to care about anything else.

          “I am sorry, I am still wary of you.” The queen confessed.

          “You think Zayleth is still in my mind?”

          “I’m not quite sure. It seems impossible, but in this past month, I am not so sure anything is anymore,” Arilia stated. She looked exhausted, as if she’d been awake worrying through all the hours she was meant to be asleep.

          “I am sure you know Raelein could die at any moment, so could you perhaps act with haste?” Aden asked, somehow managing to remain calm. Rylan could see Arilia’s shaking hand form a fist to contain herself.

          “You are not compelled to obey my orders, Aden, but you would be wise to heed to this one, for I am under an unspeakable amount of strain currently. My niece, who has been entrusted to me by my deceased sister, is dying. I am fully aware of this matter; I need not your hollow reminders. Refrain from speaking further.” Queen Arilia spoke with a demeanor that was both forceful and fierce, but somehow relaxed. Aden seemed unaffected by her rigid statement, but said naught a word.