Trifurcation

Part 28-James

James doesn't get far before guards seize him and throws him into the holding cells. Looks like the storybooks were right when they portrayed cells as dark, dank places underground. However, at present, James can't care less about what the cells are like.

The look of shock on Lythil's face is impossible to ignore. Never since meeting her has James ever seen anything on her face besides that calm smile of hers, but this time her expression has betrayed her... James wants to kick himself for even holding on to a little hope that all this would somehow be a lie... this sick and bitter feeling... what do people call it again?

"betrayal..."

James snaps around at the familiar tone of voice.

It's not her...

The man before him is seemed both foreign and familiar. James doesn't recognise him, but the same lean figure, pale skin tone, pointed ears and ghostly appearance has already told him enough.

"Laithor Umion... I am Lythil's brother..."

~~~~~
James doesn't know what to say. So she had a brother too... he doesn't know whether it was more suitable to laugh or to cry, just how much has she been hiding from him... Thinking back now, he wasn't sure why he had even reguarded her as a friend...

Lythil felt more like a stranger than ever...

"She didn't tell you, did she...?"

James frowns. It's as if he just read his mind.

He gives a light laugh. It sounds unnatural and uncertain.

"I can't read your mind. But I can sense your emotions."

"Who's side are you on?" James questions, not out of need or curiosity... perhaps simply for the sake of the conversation. It's a wonder why he is even trying to start one in the first place...

"... I don't know." After a long pause from his recipient, this is the only response offered.

James keeps silent...

"Child, how much do you know about my sister..."

James' eyes snap open, of all things this is probably the last thing he expected to be mentioned...

"I know she is not human, she is a witch, and a traitor! This is more than enough!"

"No boy... I mean how much do you really know about her...?"

At the baffled look James shoots him, Laithor has already gathered his answer.

"My sister and I grew up worlds apart from each other, she was always headstrong as a child, kind hearted and generous in nature, mage she may be, Lythil had always been a warrior in spirit. She was born to fight for the good of this world... to make right of the wrongs... she was Umion only in name..."

James stares wide eyed as the man before him seems to be pouring out their deepest family secrets...

"So when she rebelled, no one was genuinely surprised... to be honest I don't believe she was ever supportive of our fathers ways in the first place..."

James had little to say, so he does what he always do best: listen and observe. Perhaps sensing his decision Laithor sees that as a sign to continue.

"Our father is a cruel man, James, to him all are just pieces to use in his game, steps to reach his ultimate goal. When I was young father had always seemed to me as someone undefeatable, someone impenetrable, someone who had the world in his hands. I always thought I obeyed him out of admiration... but it seems I was wrong... I had never admired him... I feared him..."

Silence...

"One unloved, insignificant and forever alone... perhaps that's why Lythil trusted you..."

So long there is just silence, deafening silence, the two of them stand in the crammed jail cell staring blankly at one another.

Perhaps it is at this moment, James realises he is more alike his friend then he has ever imagined...

"Where is she...?"