Prologue:

The stars were few and faint as Geras trudged towards Kakariko Graveyard, with naught but the full moon to light his way. He passed the shaman's sanctuary and glanced around briefly to make sure no one was following, and then continued up the dirt path to the cemetery. His Hylian ears pricked up, listening for any unwelcome sound, but the night was blustery cold and unnaturally silent, with barely a sound from man or beast or bug. The better to conduct this shady business, Geras thought dolefully as he moved toward the graves at the head of the site.

As he approached the old, decayed tombs upon the small hill which jutted above the rest, a pale and sallow figure came into view. Geras knew him as Linden, though whether that was his real name he could not say. Little was known around town about the man, save that he was rarely seen during the day and that he generally kept to himself. If the rumors could be believed, he was involved in some rather sinister dealings, though no one could say exactly what. Geras stepped forward and offered no greeting, save for a grim nod with a tired expression.

"Greetings, friend," offered Linden. His greasy, black hair and beady eyes gave him the impression of a vulture. He was tall and gangly, but also well built. His eyes betrayed no secrets, but sparkled with mischief as he watched Geras carefully.

"Perhaps a bit early to count my friendship," Geras replied carefully. "You've summoned me here to this cold, dead place in the dark of night. Say your piece and be done with it." Geras was a stout, round faced man with red, tousled hair and a peaceful nature. He was short and by no means a warrior, though neither was he a coward. Geras knew the type of man Linden was, and he knew that it was dangerous to even be speaking with him. Yet his curiosity had gotten the better of him, and when Linden had passed him a note requesting a meeting at midnight, Geras had decided to indulge the man. But standing there in the cemetery with the dubious Linden staring intently at him, he was beginning to regret his decision. The cold gnawed at his fingertips and a chill crept slowly up his spine.

"Ah, such haste. Very well. I've been asked to extend an offer to you. A very lucrative offer, I must say. You possess information that my people would find most… beneficial. We're willing to offer payment in the form of one thousand rupees. All we ask is a bit of cooperation on your part." He paused and sized up Geras. "You understand, of course, that this contract is strictly confidential. No one need know of our business. It's best for everyone if we keep this away from prying eyes and ears."

Geras eyed him suspiciously. "And what sort of information are your… people… looking for?"

"The kind which most men cannot provide. You were employed by the Hylian Royal Family before you moved to the Eldin Province, were you not? And you were one of the masons who helped rebuild Hyrule Castle after that terrible business last year. We'd like to know everything you can tell us about the interior of the castle. Passages, chambers, secret halls and doors, locks and traps. You could even provide us with keys to the courtyard, I presume."

At that, Geras narrowed his eyes and fixed Linden with a cold stare. "You would have me betray the secrets of my princess and my kingdom. You would have me turn traitor for one thousand rupees. Do you think my price so cheap? Do you think me so petty?" He turned to leave. "I will not speak to you of such things. You were a fool to ask." He began the walk back to his home in the village.

In a flash, Linden was in front of him, blocking his way. He put one cold, firm hand on Geras' shoulder and said in a pleasant tone, "If it's more rupees you seek, we're open to negotiation. Perhaps gold would be more to your liking? Enough gold to build a mansion, or move your family to better lands. Food, clothes, guards… you could give your family the life they deserve."

Geras pushed his hand away. "It is not a question of wealth or fortune. I am no turncloak. You speak of treason, and I love Hyrule too much for such shamefulness."

"Ah, but it is because we share your love for this land that we ask for your aid. Me and my brothers have made a vow to purge Hyrule of the weakness that plagues the royal court. We will set right the wrongs that have been done and restore Hyrule to a kingdom of peace and prosperity. For the love you claim to bear her, help Hyrule in her hour of need!"

"You're mad..." Geras said slowly, his eyes on the ground. "You sound as though you speak of assassination." He paused and looked at the man. Linden's silence told Geras everything he needed to know. "You would assassinate Princess Zelda? You claim to love Hyrule, yet you would murder her rightful ruler?"

"Her rightful ruler? On what grounds? By tradition? By birth? Zelda has done naught but harm to Hyrule and her people. When the Twili invaded, she bent the knee and handed over the kingdom to those abominations. How many died because of her cowardice? How much land was spoiled? And now, over a year after we were saved by a stranger to Hyrule, she rules on and yet nothing has improved. The people starve in the streets and homes remain destroyed. The people are too poor to rebuild, and food is scarce. And monsters! Monsters still roam the nights, and no one knows why! There are even rumors of a new power which may be threatening Hyrule... something even worse than the Twili. The devastation that the Twili reaped upon us remains, and what a grim reminder of the weakness of our ruler! She must be removed, and a new leader must be chosen. A strong, decisive ruler who can do what Zelda cannot. This is the purpose of us… the Hyrulian Brethren."

Geras gaped at him and struggled for words. "The princess has done all in her power… a kingdom cannot be rebuilt overnight. And she is plagued with yet even more problems. There have been attempts made on her life- you!" The sudden realization made him forget himself. He raised his voice and continued, "This isn't the first time you've tried to kill her! You're traitors to the throne! Insane! You speak of poor fortune, yet you offer riches beyond my dreams to help murder a princess!? Give your money to the needy if you're so desperate to help!" He was out of breath and red in the face. I need to tell someone, he thought. I know who is behind these attempts on her life. I must tell her.

Linden calmly looked him in the eye and spoke softly, "Surely a man as learned as yourself understands that simple charity is not what Hyrule needs. It would be a bandage when Hyrule needs mended and sutured. Things will not improve until Zelda has been replaced, one way or another. The Hyrulian Brethren is made of loyalists who possess the courage to do what is necessary. You would be wise to rethink our offer. Think of your wife Abbi, and your poor children." Geras turned and bore into his eyes, yet he continued. "With the wealth you stand to make from this offer, you can protect your family from the plagues that threaten Hyrule, or go wherever you like. If you choose to stay in Kakariko, you may find it a most… dangerous place to raise a family. Who knows what manner of horrible things could happen to them if you remain here? Keep that in mind."

Gera shook with rage. "I shall not be threatened, and I'd sooner not gamble the future of Hyrule on a band of murderous vigilantes. It seems to me those dice are loaded," Geras said bravely, yet his voice quavered as he spoke. Linden chuckled, and then turned and began to saunter down the aisles of graves. Geras shivered, but whether from rage or the cold, he could not say. Linden turned back. "I'll give you time to consider our offer. I'm sure that eventually, you'll come to the right decision. But don't take too long... a storm is coming, my friend. Hyrule suffers, and time is a luxury my brothers do not often grant." With that, he was gone.

Geras trudged back to his home on the northern end of Kakariko. After the reconstruction of Hyrule Castle, he had moved himself and his family there to aid in the rebuilding of the once great town. But misfortune had befallen Hyrule and its people as of late, and money and resources were scarce. The reconstruction of the town was slow and painful, and the townsfolk who had journeyed there to begin a new life were destitute. Geras wanted desperately to finish the work and make the town thrive, but progress was slow. Princess Zelda's monarchy had fallen into disfavor, not just from groups like Linden's, but from common folk and many lords and knights as well. Things seemed grim and desolate for all in Hyrule, yet Geras still believed…

He reached his home and entered. His wife Abbi sat in wait and rose as soon as he entered. "Geras, you're back! Is all well? What did that man want?" Geras kissed her softly and shook his head. He walked back through the single inner doorway and looked upon his children, asleep on a straw mattress and snoring softly. "Geras…" Abbi said softly.

"It was nothing, sweetling," he said. He watched as his son rolled over and clutched for his blankets. "It was just business."