By: S.T.J. Barnes
Prologue
The fate of this world is not certain; it's destiny balances on a thread, toward on side lies damnation and the other salvation. Hyrule was a blessed place, created when the three goddesses descended unto this realm. Din, with her strong arms and fiery spirit, created the land. Farore, with her courageous heart, created the creatures of the land. Nayru, with great wisdom and grace, created law, for all the creatures to uphold. When their deed upon this plane was finished, they departed toward the heavens, leaving a sacred relic at the point of their egress. Three golden triangles, dubbed by man as the Triforce remained, a gift to all those who lived upon the land. The Triforce was the symbol of the first age of man and the birth of Hyrule. Hyrule and its neighbors prospered, but Hyrule all the more. The power of the sacred triangles bestowed the land with rich soil and magic; whilst its neighbors were forced to endure a less convenient life. Though Hyrule drew many envious eyes, it remained at peace. Pease so long, that few saw a dark blanket of greed approaching. An evil sorcerer named Ganondorf, hailing from the west of Hyrule, raised an army of creatures and men twisted by greed and malevolent desires to destroy the kingdom. Ganondorf destroyed nearly all of Hyrule, as its desperate cries fell to deaf ears. He killed almost the entire royal family to obtain the Triforce. When he did, Ganondorf was no more, and the wicked King of Evil, Ganon, was born. Seated at the throne of Hyrule, Ganon prepared to march his armies to all lands of the earth until one man stepped forth to oppose him. A knight barely of age challenged Ganon for the fate of the world. Wielding a sword forged of righteousness, the boy did battle with evil. From hence forth, the weapon became known as 'The Sword of Evil's Bane' and Ganon's evil reign had been brought to a swift end. Hyrule rebuilt and strived to prosper once more. The knight had a great temple built, the Temple of Time, and hid the sacred triangles within it. Using the Master Sword, he sealed the gateway to the Sacred Realm, and decreed that it shall never be opened again. Centuries passed, and history became legend and dark times forgotten. Days of simplicity and peace was all that dwelled in most minds; however, a few can see the darkness creeping toward this land. Another legend is about to begin, and in years to come may be called the Legend of Zelda…
Chapter 1
A dull flame danced in shadow, an empty background. The flame danced faster as it's size grew. The void became filled with dancing fire and a voice could be heard through the flames. It was too soft to hear at first, but soon grew louder and deeper. It's strength grew and the flames moved to its command. They parted slightly in the middle and a crimson flame bleed up above the rest.
"I am coming", it spoke at a medium tone. The voice was powerful, commanding. It was like it could make anyone listening do it's bidding. "I am coming, and you can do nothing to stop me", it spoke again, seeming to hold back it's ferocity.
The girl listened on and the crimson flame talked to her. With every word she felt more inclined to obey it. Every whisper touched a part of her heart, the part that longed to do evil. Her greed, even though little, grew and she wanted. Her envy, strong already, flooded from her as she cursed many aloud. Her vanity made her feel superior and found herself deeming all unworthy of her grace. She felt small amounts of gluttony and sloth stirring in her. She had anger, a dark rage that demanded blood. Her lust, it completed it all. She felt them all coursing though her.
The voice whispered to her, "Your desire is strong." As it spoke, she felt alive, full of darkness and lusting for more. "When I come, you will serve me", the voice said as it's hiss faded.
The girl knelt before the crimson flame as is calmed, almost as if to watch her. She stared at the base of the flame and them looked up, her complexion changing. Her skin became pail, almost white. It remained flawless, smooth and cold. Her eyes grew shaded, just a little. She breathed as if taking her first breath, savoring her dark aura.
"I, Zelda, Princess of Hyrule, am forever your obedient servant", she announced. The flames danced violently in approval turning all to crimson. They charged forward, and the princess raised her arms to embrace her evil.
"My Princess, it is morning now. We mustn't oversleep, its not good for the skin", the middle-aged maid said as she opened the shapes to the room. The princess peeked out from under her eyelids, only to be met with the burn of the morning sun. She shut them tightly and rolled over.
The maid pulled of Zelda's covers and began folding them at the end of the bed. Not a word escaped either of them, they had discussions of this sort before and Zelda wasn't in the mood. She sat up, pulling up the fallen shoulder strap on her pink nightgown. She gazed around her large white room, what used to be her mother's room. She was a lovely woman, but feel ill and dyed ten years age, when Zelda was only six. Her father would never remarry, so Zelda was to be the heir of the throne. She disliked the idea copiously; but lately, the idea of power somewhat excited her. She had a great amount herself, but more…she knew she shouldn't think this way.
"Why Zelda, you look awfully pail this morning", the maid said. She stepped over and placed her hands on Zelda's face, examining her eyes thoroughly. "You feel a little frigid too, perhaps I should get the doctor.", the maid said as she released Zelda.
"I don't think that will be necessary", Zelda quickly assured her, "In fact I've never felt better", she said with a smile. It was true, she did feel great. That dream she had, she couldn't remember it well, only that there was fire and a great vibrant feeling, a feeling that seemed to say with her a little bit. The maid nodded with a smile and she fetched Zelda's cloths.
Zelda disguarded her night gown and acquired her undergarments. They were small and made of the finest cloth, many times the price of full peasants clothing. The maid assisted Zelda with silk socks, long silk gloves, and her luxurious dress. The dress went all the way to her feet, white at the bottom and pink covering her chest. A large gold crest with a highly detailed picture of the Triforce and other symbols of Hyrule sowed on it hung from below her stomach and ended just at her ankles. See sat in front of her mirror as the maid fixed her hair, pulling knots out and keeping the beautiful stands of light brown straight. Zelda looked at herself and noticed something peculiar as the maid continued to work. Her eyes had somewhat of a shade around them, sort of a sexy hue. She gazed deeper around her dark blue eyes, admiring her new appearance. The maid put in her sapphire earrings and lastly, placed Zelda's gold tiara atop her head. Zelda stayed and admired herself as the maid stood to leave.
"The King is seeing some foreign gentlemen down in the dining room, he wants you to come and greet them when you are ready", the maid said cheerfully, as if Zelda were to be courted by one of these men. The maid left her chambers, leaving Zelda to herself. Zelda starred into the mirror, seeing herself a way she never saw before, and she liked it.
"Now your highness, I know that you believe the land northwest of here to be Hylian territory, but you must face the facts, you have no information to support that", One of the three men said. He sipped some wine provided by the king's servants, a very hospitable gesture. His thick white glove gently grasped the fine glass and he argued respectively with Hyrule's king. The king wore heavy orange robes, styled by some of the finest tailors in all of Hyrule. They complemented his heavyset appearance, and projected his aura of command. A large crown sat atop his bald head, only his white bread traced across his face. Yet the king seemed far from old a weary, he argued back with stern and assertive disposition.
"Colonel Mikhail, your nation of Ninor has no claim over this land, or unwritten legend makes very clear its purpose in Hylian history", King Rauru argued. The man standing before him was a diplomat and Colonel from Hyrule's neighbor, Ninor. He wore quite an interesting outfit. Gray wool pants and a sake coat with two rows of buttons painted gold. White gloves and brown boots with a steel plate on the heel also adorned him. He had a full black mustache and a small bread to go with it. His hair was a little long and pressed down from being under his hat, a large, black rimmed hat that was respectfully removed. The hat was held by the other foreigner, a younger man, dressed much like his middle aged Colonel. He wore a different hat, called a kepi. The gray kepi had a round flat top and a small black visor. The round top was tilted and clearly visible. A pair of gold painted bar could be seen, standing vertical next to on another; he had the same bars of each of his shoulders. The king could only guess this stood for rank. The Colonel had and eagle in place of these bars and on the front of his hat. The Captain had a light brown mustache and a brown goatee. He stood relatively still and hadn't spoken a word since he had greeted the king.
"That's what I'm trying to say. We have written accounts of our possession of this land that date back over 400 years ago. I do not insinuate that you are a liar your highness, but our Premier sees this land has his", the Colonel continued and switched to an apologetic tone. "I really wish I could allow this land to be under your rule, but I am under orders to negotiate it's return to Ninor. You understand that 90 of all citizens and loyal to Ninor's government, and only 6 are Hylians. The other 4 are criminals and fugitives from justice we surmise." The Colonel took another sip of the wine, and expressed his sympathies with the king. "Although I believe my leader to be out of line in this circumstance, there is nothing I can do; surly you would demand the same steadfast dedication from your men?", he posed.
The king spoke politely, "Yes I do, and I understand your position. I hold nothing against you either, one must always do his duty and with the utmost spirit and dedication." A servant came and relieved them of their empty wine glasses. The king nodded to the servant and said to the Colonel, "I will discuss this matter when your Premier will see me face to face." The Colonel bowed his head in affirmation. "One, last thing before you go", the king inquired. "I would like you to meet my daughter, Zelda!", the king summoned.
The heels of Zelda's white boots clicked against the stone floor, answering her father. She walked slow and elegantly, an embodiment of beauty and grace. Her father smiled, his cheeks a little red with pride. The other two men gazed upon her as well, the taller one stood probably an even six feet, five inches taller than her father and herself. The other an inch shorter than the first, and held the other's hat while he stood at attention. The first man stepped forth, his militant gray uniform kept completely clean. His belt wrapped around his sack coat, and has Ninor's crest on it, two sabers and an olive branch in the background. Zelda extended her hand politely and the man reached out, bowing and kissing it. She could feel his rough facial hair through the thin glove, an uncomfortable feeling. Zelda bowed her head and drew her arm back to her lap.
"You reputation as the fairest maiden in Hyrule proceeds you, you are indeed the loveliest lass I have ever laid eyes on", the man flirted, "Colonel Jacob Mikhail of Ninor's 1st Infantry division." Zelda spoke softly, "Princess Zelda of Hyrule's Royal Family", she introduced, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance." The Colonel shot a glance at the king. "Well I feel that business has been finished for today", the king announced and promptly walked toward the exit of the room. His audience gave him their respect as he departed. Before leaving completely, the king said, "Zelda, I leave the guest's in your capable hands. Colonel, if you need anything at all, just ask my lovely daughter, she would be more than happy to attend to it." With that the king vacated the room.
Zelda disliked being volunteered by her father, but such it was as princess. "Captain Carter!", the Colonel ordered. The Captain stepped forward. He was young, not much older than Zelda. "Captain ready my horse I shall be departing within the hour", he ordered as he took his hat back and held it at his side. The Captain saluted with his right hand at the side of his head and the palm extended. The Colonel gave a casual salute in return, far less stiff and serious than the Captain's. The Captain did an about-face and marched out of the castle, his shoes echoing throughout the halls.
The Colonel stood at Zelda's side and they began to walk around the castle. "I hear that you are the heir to the throne, that's quite a burden", he said in a sympathetic tone. Zelda gave a silent sigh. "Yes, I imagine it will be difficult", she said, attempting to avoid the topic. She didn't want to think of the responsibility, and handling it by herself, right after her father died. She couldn't fathom it. "Well I apologize princess, but I have little time to spare so I must be direct. You father is hosting a dinner party for nobles from all around", he continued with much hesitation, something it seemed this man didn't do very often. "I would be much obliged if you would allow me to…court you that night", he finally managed. Zelda looked away, a moment of embarrassment has caused her to blush slightly. After regaining he composure, she answered, "Yes, I would be honored." Zelda sighed, but not so much as for the Colonel to hear. She would really rather not, but it was probably what her father would want, and he would be disappointed had she turned him down. "Then will be here tomorrow night, I look forward to it", he said with relief. "Yes Colonel, as do I", Zelda said. "No your highness, please, call me Jacob…that is if you suits you to", he interrupted. Zelda bowed her head and the Colonel did the same. Without a word, but with a smile, he turned sharply and left the castle.
The Colonel dawned his hat as he walked in the castle's field, toward his horse. He was pleased that is had gone so well. He expected the king to be stubborn, but a chance to court to beautiful Zelda was the highlight of the day. She was most certainly fetching, a lady of unrivaled grace. He approached his horse where the Captain was waiting for him. Carter saluted him sternly and asked "How did it go, sir?" The Colonel nodded, "Better than I could have hoped", he answered, looking back at the castle. "Are we returning home, sir", Carter inquired. The Colonel mounted his horse and Carter did the same. "Yes, Captain, you lead the way", the Colonel ordered. Carter snapped the reigns and the horse took off. The Colonel looked back at the castle with a focused look in his eyes, and rode off toward Ninor.