Disclaimer: I do not own Zelda….but if I did, rest assured Midna and I would be making babies right this very moment.

"When the hero everyone expects, becomes the evil that everyone hates, what could save him from how far he has fallen?"

Knights of the Realm: Book 2

Episode I: The War Chiefs

Chapter 1

Rain. Endless rain had done nothing but drench the lands of Hyrule for almost two weeks. The lands of the realm were cascaded with the tears of the heavens. It had been a time of mourning in Hyrule, and not a single man, woman, or child was spared from the sorrow.

Marcos Harkinian, the most beloved hero of the land and King of Hyrule, was dead. The official reports claim he was killed in battle during the joint campaign to overthrow Ikanian warlords in the southern regions of Hyrule. It was rumored that Igos DuIkan, King of Ikana and Harkinian's longtime friend, betrayed him to the warlords for a share in their conquered lands. However, it was shifty, for the two kings had been known friends for many years. People demanded answers, and the royal court could not give them one. Even they weren't sure as to what had truly occurred. An investigative team of Hylian Knights was called to the castle three days after the mourning had ended.

"Master Wilhs, do you think that we may be able to find out who exactly is behind the kings death?"

"Now my young apprentice, we must not jump to the conclusion that there is any conspiracy at all. It could very well be possible that he was actually killed in combat. Be patient Maiku, for not all deaths have a deep, sinister plot behind them."

"Yes Master Wilhs, I understand."

The two were truly an odd couple. Master Wilhs was a Knight of the Order of Farore who had decended directly from the line of the first King of Hyrule. As the descendant of the hero, he was charged with leading the Order of Farore just as every member of his family had done since the orders creation over two hundred years ago. Maiku was a young Zora orphan, who showed from an early age that he was quite adept in learning the powers of Tai-kus and utilizing them. Although seeing much potential in the young lad, most of his peers were skeptical that Master Wilhs would take a young Zora for his apprentice rather than a Hylian. However, Master Wilhs defended his decision by stating that they should not judge the young lad by his race, but rather by his ability to utilize his potential to further serve the land of Hyrule.

"Master Wilhs, we are approaching the castle gates" said his carriage driver. "Very well then, inform the guards of our arrival." It was truly odd to see the master of such a humble order of peacekeepers being carried in a royal coach. But on a rainy day such as this, no other way of transportation would do. "Sir, Master Kamoura and his apprentice are waiting for you in the courtyard" said one of the guards. "Thank you soldier."

Master Kamoura was quite older than Master Wilhs, and from the look of him he had a much harder time in life than any warrior of the land. At just over eighty years of age, Master Kamoura was, remarkably, still one of the fastest and most aggressive swordsmen in the land. His philosophy of "dangerous elegance" had been a popular study amongst his many apprentices. Over his life he had seen many of them grow up to be splendid swordsmen themselves, and took great pride in his teachings. As the current leader of the Order of Din, Master Kamoura was thought to be of retirement age. However, a man who loved teaching as much as he did would not stop because of old age. He decided that he would take one last apprentice, a young lad who had no recollection of his family or origins. The lad had no name, so Master Kamoura had named him Nikalai.

"You seem nervous my young apprentice, what troubles you?" asked Master to his apprentice.

"Its nothing really master, its just that Maiku is my best friend and I have not seen him for a long time, I just wonder if maybe we would be able to catch up on things…oh who am I kidding, he's the apprentice of the hero's line, he probably wants nothing to do with me now."

Master Kamoura couldn't help but chuckle to himself. "Young Nikalai, it is never a shame to admit that you care for your friends. I remember having many friends like Maiku when I was your age. You must never be nervous to see them, for your true friends will never judge you and will always be truly happy to see you. I'm sure Maiku is just as excited to see you."

"Really? You think so?" asked Nikalai somewhat nervously

"Of course my young apprentice. If he cherishes your friendship as much as you cherish his, then you two will be friends for life." As he reassured his apprentice, the coach stopped right in front of them.

"Alright Nikalai, you know as much as we both hate formalities, it is time to be serious. We do have an investigation on our hands and the Royal Family is counting on us to find out what really happened to the King."

"Yes Master"

As the two Farore Knights emerged from the carriage, a sense of happiness swept over the small group.

"It is truly great to see you again my old friend" said Master Wilhs to Kamoura.

"As it is with you, and I see your apprentice is getting stronger by the day. I would very much like to see his abilities with a sword someday" said Master Kamoura with much enthusiasm.

"Oh I promise you, he will not disappoint. Now on to business, where exactly does the royal court need us to begin?"

As the two masters continued their conversation, Nikalai and Maiku took the opportunity to catch up with one another.

"So then my master came at me with his blade and I finally got the parry strokes right!" claimed Nikalai with enthusiasm.

"Awesome! My master likes to over rate my abilities a lot, but I guess I don't do so badly." Said Maiku with some sarcasm

"We'll set something up someday! I would love to see what were truly made of!

"Yeah!" The two apprentices began to laugh at each others enthusiasm for swordplay

The two masters then turned to them

"We must go inside, they await our presence…Nikalai, Maiku, come. It is time you both truly got to see the splendor and beauty of Hyrule Castle." Said Master Wilhs

With much enthusiasm, and smiles on their faces, the two young learners nodded to each other, and followed their masters inside the castle grounds.

A/N: Well theres chapter 1! Yesss! Alright well I just want to let you guys know that I have started school again, so chapters may be few and far between, but I promise I will utilize any spare time I have to bringing you new chapters. Thanks!!

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