First Legend of Zelda fic, takes place three years after TP. Enjoy and let me know what you think.
They were spread far and thin, devouring anything that to them seemed edible and harmless. Despite the afternoon sun, they wasted no time in quickly scouting the field for more earthly treasures. All were perfectly in tune with their surroundings. Listening for the slightest sign of foreboding danger, they continued their feast, eager to satisfy themselves before the sun disappeared from the heavens. The routine was simple enough: eat, scout, move forward, scout, and eat. Anyone watching the spectacle would be slightly amazed at how clockwork their motions were and at how quickly lush green fields were reduced in vegetation.
A lone member of the group was just in said process; it scouted the nearby horizons, fields, and trees for any sign of danger. Content with what it saw, the beast lowered its neck and enjoyed the parcel of vegetation it had come across. It then took a few steps forward, inching closer to the trees that signaled the domain that was Faron woods. However, before it could wander any closer a loud thud was heard; the creature quickly stopped in its tracks and just as quickly darted back towards the rest of the herd, away from the woods.
Not to far off laid the source of sound. Placing his wooden sword back against the tree he lay under, the young goat herder cautiously eyed the rest of the pack, making sure that none ventured far from his line of sight. Pleased that all were present and accounted for, the herder closed his eyes and enjoyed the temporary shade the tree he rested under offered him. The sun was nearly close to setting and he was glad that another day of work had yielded no lost or injured livestock. Soon it would be time to gather the animals and lead them back to the barn, where Epona would hopefully be waiting for him.
As he laid spread across the grass, the young adult couldn't help but wonder on why Ilia had insisted that he not use his horse to watch over the goats today. She had made it very clear that she did not want the mare to accompany him. When he had asked as to the reason for her sudden request she promptly chose to ignore him, and walked away with Epona in tow. She was probably upset that his stay in Ordon wouldn't last as long as it had in the past.
Opening his eyes once more, he peered upward through the branches and fixed his gaze on a lone leaf that valiantly refused to be blown away by the slight breeze that threatened otherwise. The change of seasons was apparently something not yet welcomed in Ordon; as far as the trees and fields were concerned winter would have to wait before it could turn the landscape.
Yet much had changed in not too distant lands, especially since the fall of the dark king. Hyrule was currently at peace and the reconstruction of the kingdom was being dealt with swiftly. Castle town had expanded further and its people were now busy with everyday affairs, there were very little remnants of the anxiety and fear that once plagued the minds of so many. Rebuilding the little metropolis and the confidence of the people in the monarchy had been difficult enough, but rebuilding the castle he had heard was a completely different story.
It now stood as it once had three years ago, before the rise of Zant and his minions. Reconstructing the goliath edifice had taken no more than two years and thankfully no casualties resulted in the process. He would be expected to return to said castle in a few short days, making his temporary stay in Ordon all the more enjoyable.
The breeze picked up speed, ruffling his hair and the farm clothes on him. Leaning on one elbow, he again examined the flock of goats yet again. Most were now lying on the grass and no longer seemed very hungry or interested in their surroundings for that matter. There is however, always the exception. The same lone goat who had almost ventured off into Faron woods now stood as stone, his eyes fixed on a small hill with tall grass. He looked at the hill himself and examined it thoroughly as best he could from his current position, not wanting to leave his resting place under the tree. A small and tired smile graced his lips before he flopped down back on the grass, having decided that there was no need to worry.
He closed his eyes and waited for the sun set, which wasn't too far from occurring. He narrowed his senses and laid patiently for anything to transpire, which didn't take too long.
"Ha, I have you now!" the voice shouted, as small hands wielding a wooden sword quickly descended upon the resting figure…or so it seemed. Faster than the would be aggressor could notice, his wooden sword was stopped in mid assault having come into contact with another wooden sword, wielded by a groggy Link.
Smiling, Link looked at his apprentice before speaking, blades no longer in contact. "Talo, I take this as a sign that your exercises have been completed?" Link rose from the ground sheathing his sword, and waited for his pupil's response.
The smaller figure wafted his sword. "Eh… I came close enough, better than Colin that's for sure." Talo stood his ground and while disappointed he had yet again failed to sneak up on Link, was none the less proud nothing had changed between him and Colin.
"Where is Colin? I thought he would be with you," asked Link, shaking the feeling of sleep from his body.
"I'm right here Link!" Colin's voice came from a few feet behind Talo. Both Link and Talo looked at the boy, who was sweating lightly and had both his arms on his knees, trying to catch his breath.
"Geez, why must you always hesitate from attacking? If you had gone on my signal and kept up with me we could have cached Link off guard." The elder of the two boys frowned in disapproval at his younger companion; out of the two he was the one with more experience with the sword, and hence had appointed himself as a sort of leader over his timid friend.
Colin returned Talo's frown with one of his own and made sure to regain his composure before speaking. "Link already knew we were here, even if I had followed you we wouldn't have gotten any closer than any of the other times. Besides… we shouldn't even be here! Neither of us completed our exercises."
"Yeah yeah, by the goddesses Colin, I swear you sound more like Ilia everyday. We've been doing those crummy sword exercises for ages now; I don't know about you, but I'm ready for the bigger stuff." Talo then looked up at Link with a more than confident smile plastered on his face, his eyes shined with great anticipation.
Colin also shifted his sight upon Link, hoping that he would instruct Talo to go back to the basics. Like Talo, he too wanted to try more advanced moves with his sword; however, Colin didn't feel that they had mastered all the basics quite just yet. His father had warned him not to take the art of the sword lightly, learning the basics are an essential part in any swordsmen training—something Talo had yet to realize.
"Fine, if that's what you truly want Talo. I'll start you on something different right now if you wish." Link spoke calmly and illustrated a face that projected nothing but the outmost seriousness. His eyes were fixed on Talo as the youth's face brightened up, eager to commence his new training exercise.
Colin was at a loss of words. Gripping the ends of shirt tightly, he looked at Link as if he had gone crazy. 'Isn't he the one who constantly stressed to us the importance of being patient? Were not ready for anything more advanced yet, so why would he…'
"All right! Finally I'm going to learn some real moves!" Talo raised his sword high above his head, ready for whatever Link had in store for him.
Link smiled at the boy's enthusiasm while crossing his arms, he laid out his instructions plainly. "You can start by herding all the goats back to the barn by nightfall."
Talo's previous enthusiasm drained rapidly from his face, completely. His mouth dropped and his eyes wielded a sheer emotion of disbelief… and irritation. "Not funny, Link."
"Oh? I wasn't trying to be, and I was being serious about it being your next lesson." Link's voice carried no signs of sarcasm, and neither did his posture.
"You can't be serious, what does chasing a bunch of smelly goats have anything to do with being a swordsman? If anything we should use them as targets, hitting wooden dolls can become rather boring after all." Talo looked at the smelly creatures with a bored expression; he couldn't understand how herding goats could possibly enhance his skills with the sword. 'Which reminds me…,' "Hey Link, when will we be able to use actual swords? These wooden ones are cute and all, but they probably wouldn't last long against actual monsters."
Letting out a tired sigh the elder of the three took a couple steps forward, he stopped having both Talo and Colin directly at his left side. Both youths were now waiting for his response as they wondered why their fearless leader looked so tired. "You two aren't ready for steel swords just yet, and I'm surprised you think so little of my next lesson, Talo. Herding goats isn't as easy as it sounds; true, it will not improve your abilities directly at first, but it will aid other abilities that are essential to your development."
"Like what Link?" asked Colin, who was now very much interested on what abilities goat herding could develop.
Link looked at the goats with what his pupils could decipher as a strange form of admiration. What ever it was he was looking at neither of them could exactly guess, but they did notice that his smile had returned and that he was now looking at them. The wind picked up a little and they could all here the rustling of the leaves on the nearby trees. Link stretched and yawned as he placed his hands behind his head before speaking. "That all depends."
Both Talo and Colin continued their stares, this time riddled more with confusion than with anticipation.
"For Colin, stamina and coordination will be the prime thing to improve on," said Link, who offered Colin a smile before turning his attention to Talo.
Talo knew what was coming, his shoulders slumped and a bored sigh escaped his lips; he could already guess at what his teacher would tell him.
"As for Talo…," there was a pause and Link's left hand confidently grasped the boy's right shoulder. He offered him the friendly gesture before finishing his sentence, "Patience."
The sun had completely set; no longer did rays touch the earth around Ordon nor the rest of Hyrule for that matter. No, the land was dark and all that could be heard was the wind, brushing off against all that stood in its path. The little town of Ordon stood with only a few lanterns lit in a few households. One of which was Mayor Bo's house. Anyone standing outside could clearly see the well lit rooms and the people residing inside it, talking among their selves.
Mayor Bo sat in a chair, attentive to what ever his guest had to say. It was late and the Mayor's eyes were growing tired; none the less, he continued to listen to his friend.
"I don't know when I'll be able to return, but I'll be sure to give your respects to the crown," said a clearly fatigued Link. He looked more or less as the mayor did; it had been a busy day for the both them. They had attended to most, if not all, of the Hylian soldiers traversing through Ordon for the past week. The monarch had established these check ups a year after Link had slain the dark lord. Primarily to reunite the kingdom and assist the inhabitants with any serious problems, which thankfully were rare and scarce. While Ordon appreciated the guidance and sincere aid the soldiers offered, they couldn't help but grow quickly tired of their presence, more mouths to feed after all.
The mayor let Link's words sink in before responding; he had many years on his shoulders and had long ago learned the importance of choosing ones words carefully. "I see. Any idea on why she called for you earlier than usual?" asked Bo, hoping that there was no need to suspect that Hyrule was in peril. Usually the crowns request for Link would come every 3-4 months, but this time Link hadn't enjoyed more than two weeks in Ordon since his last departure to the castle.
From what he had heard, the monarch normally called upon the hero for advise or because the council requested his presence. Bo furrowed his brow only slightly; he knew Link and the princess both shared the power of the gods, and that she thought very fondly of him, judging by the letters Link had showed him. At times, he wondered just how close Link's previous adventures had brought them; the hero never said nor acted in a manner that yielded any hints as to the exact nature of their friendship. 'Goddesses, forgive me for being so foolish… what ever decisions Link takes are to be respected, truly my daughter's paranoia is starting to catch on.'
"It wasn't she who has called for me; it is a member of the council. The letter doesn't leave any names but I already have an idea of who it could be." Link looked at the mayor and hoped this conversation wouldn't last much longer, he looked tired and sleep would do them both some good.
"Don't worry about us Link; those soldiers will keep us safe until you get back… although I doubt we'll need it, you've pretty much made this town a very safe and comfortable place to live in." Offering the boy a smile, Mayor Bo rose from his seat and stretched before commenting further. "I hear you have Talo and Colin herding the goats. Do they already now of your departure?"
Link let out a light chuckle, his voice filled with genuine happiness. "I couldn't hide anything from them if I tried, they won't let me forget the promise I made to them earlier, and visiting the castle is something they really have their minds on."
"I've already made all the necessary arrangements; we should be ready to leave Ordon in about two days," Link offered his hand to the elder, which he accepted knowing that this visit had all but ended.
"I'm sorry my daughter hasn't come down, but you know how she gets when the soldiers pass through Ordon."
Link nodded, gave his final goodbyes and exited through the door. The mayor now stood alone in the living room, pondering on the events that had occurred in the past week. Walking to his bed, Bo put out the remaining candles before settling for the night, eager to let sleep do its work on his tired body.
"That's the last one."
"Finally, I'm tired of chasing these dumb goats." Talo aided Colin in closing the barn door before locking it securely. Both youths then released a giant sigh of relief, by now they were soaked in their own perspiration, head to toe.
"I really need a bath," said Colin who had already started making his way back home with Talo beside him.
The wind felt good against their skin as they made their way on the path that would lead them to the heart of Ordon. "So, have you already packed all your things?" Talo asked, eager to depart for Hyrule—despite the fact it was still some odd days away.
"Yes, I just need a few more things and I'll be ready. I just didn't think we would be leaving so soon."
Talo nodded his head, agreeing with his friend. A wicked smile spread across his face a second later. "True, but it's obvious why Link has been called backed so soon. Not very surprising once you think about it."
Colin arched an eyebrow at Talo, confused since Link himself had expressed his bewilderment as to his early calling. "I don't think even he knows what exactly is going on at the castle, Talo. Maybe they just urgently need his help with something." Colin continued his walk as the trail took a steep downturn, the town now in sight.
"Oh, something needs his help all right; or better yet someone needs his help. Talo speed up in front of Colin and stopped midway on top the small bridge, turning to face his companion. "I think it's time we asked Link about his friendship with the princess; if were lucky he'll let us have first dibs on the wedding cake."
Colin's tired face shot up in embarrassment; he stopped in his tracks and continued to look at the boy on the bridge. "T-talo, I don't think Link and the princess think more of themselves than just good friends."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk, you obviously haven't developed the necessary skills required to read peoples emotions like I have." Talo gave Colin a thumb up, before sprinting to his own home shouting as he did so. "Don't worry! When we get to the castle I'll make sure to reserve us the best seats for the big event!"
Talo was gone with in seconds, leaving Colin alone and confused. 'If herding goats won't teach him patience, I don't know what will…'
His body couldn't handle this for much longer. Fire… that's what the sensation in his arms, legs, and upper torso felt like, burning with fatigue. His breaths came out in a low and slow motion; despite having a warm liquid slither down his throat he still felt his mouth go dry at the sight before him. He recognized the figure completely. Standing no more than ten feet away was his would be assassin. Sweat mixed with blood, making his vision falter as the droplets ran down his face to his chin, only to descend to the now cold sands below.
This was not meant to have happened; this could not be happening, but it was. He was losing this fight…badly. The lieutenant of the now wiped out platoon wiped his brow with his free hand, trying to regain his composure. Anger was raging through his mind; he refused to let himself die in the middle of the Gerudo desert.
A few ways back from where the tired soldier stood lay evidence that argued otherwise. Twenty bodies littered the desert floor; dark blood stained sands marked the final moments of his men, who had fought valiantly but fell with ease at the hands of the thing currently standing a few feet away. Yes, whatever it was, it wasn't human… at least not anymore.
Looking back behind his shoulder, the weary lieutenant cringed at the sight. Frozen faces now void of life was all that remained of his comrades; the desert sands had already began the task of burying their corpses, claming them as it had claimed so many others in its life span.
A sound rang in his ear and he quickly, without much thought, sidestepped to his right—avoiding his aggressor's attack by an inch. The blade swung hard passed his face, to the point where he could see the blood of friends still very much wet on his foe's sword. Not wanting to avoid another, the lieutenant raised his sword and brought it down an instant later.
Steel met steel as both their swords clashed with tremendous force, sending waves of stress down both blades. Seeing his chance the soldier quickly pulled back his weapon, leaving his opponent to stumble slightly forward having been caught off guard by the sudden move.
'Die you bastard,' not hesitating in the least, the lieutenant thrust his sword deep into the side of his opponent. It made contact and the lieutenant continued to push his blade as far as he could into the body of the fiend. Blood gushed out not a second later; it ran down his blade and into his hands, as well as the sands below where a puddle quickly began to form. The figure squirmed at the impact but his struggles were in vain; as the blood drained out his body so too did his life force.
Satisfied that it was dead the lieutenant pulled out his sword in a ruthless manner, and took time to examine the motionless body on the sand. The sight brought a smile to his face, pleased that his fallen men were properly avenged. Looking above the body he saw their corpses lying in the sand, most still with the armor and shield of the royal family. He collapsed a moment later onto the sands; the tired Hylian let fatigue completely wash over him as he examined his wounds.
'I have to report this back to the castle,' thought the warrior, already thinking of the fastest way to escape from the present hell hole in which he found himself in. Chuckling away at the pain his body felt, the lieutenant somehow found the necessary strength to push himself to his feet. He slowly made his way toward the small amounts of provisions his platoon had brought for the reconnaissance mission they had been assigned.
He opened a canteen and gleefully drank the water that resided inside. He drank it all down, not caring if it mixed with his blood in the process. Having finished the tired man stared absently into one of the many sand dunes the desert had to offer. A small smile tugged at his lips as he remembered his family back home…waiting for his return.
Finding new determination the lieutenant gathered the little provisions that he could carry on his back before setting off towards the direction of castle town. However, fate had other plans. Before he could get very far he stopped having heard a noise coming from—"No…that's impossible." He turned fast and was horrified by what he saw approaching him.
He raised his sword, backing up as he did so. The figure that now stood before him was different from the last… much different. A dark fog clouded his vision and soon engulfed him completely, cutting off all possible routs of escape.
His blood ran cold as a pair of eyes stared at him, no more than a couple inches from his own. He dropped his sword, and before he could react any further a sharp pain echoed through out his body. The dark fog had consumed him entirely.
Nothing could be heard in the desert afterwards. There was no sign of life, nothing but the wind whistling across the sand could be heard.
A/N: Well I enjoyed writing this and I'll see when I can post the next chapter up. Writing it shouldn't be too difficult but finding time for it may prove to be troublesome. I'll see what happens and thanks to all who read it, later.
-2 lol