Author's Note: Thanks to ChocolateTeapot for my only review so far. I should mention about a change in style in this story starting here. When the text is all italics, it's the "Survivor's Account", which he's writing five years after the events of Twilight Princess, and three years after the fall of Liberty Rock. When the text is normal, it's a flashback showing things as they happened during the events of the Survivor's Account. There'll be some stuff in the flashbacks not mentioned in the Account, but it's not an error of perspective. It's intentional alternative narration.
Disclaimer: See chapter 1 for disclaimer.
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As I said earlier, we had traveled a full day south, and so it was night when we reached the outskirts of Ordon Village. It was a small settlement of only a few homes and citizens, almost all Human. They were no different from us Hylians, save their ears were rounded and hearing not quite as acute as ours. It was our acute hearing that picked up the sound of jovial music as we entered the Ordona Province, a large forest that covered almost the entirety of southern Hyrule. The music grew louder as we progressed through the forest, and soon the village was in sight, and what a sight it was.
Though incredibly small compared to Castle Town, the village had expanded since the Twilight Crisis. There were a few more buildings here and there, though which were new and which were old was a mystery to me for I had never been there before. But the music and decorations told me the village was not as lively as this often. Lights hung from every roof and tree in the area, torch posts hung here and there made things even brighter. In the center of the village, seemingly all of its citizens were gathered for a festival. People of various ages danced about in the center while others watched from the sides. A group of children were among those dancing, though one, incredibly small and somewhat familiar, seemed more to be observing from inside the mob. The two music makers caught our eyes immediately however.
One was a man of older age, his blond hair partially hiding a white bandanna, a thin mustache hung over a kind and wise smile. His clothing was mostly shades of green, grey, brown, and white, much like the rest of the villagers. He was playing a mandolin with the ease that could only be achieved through years of practice. He was sitting on a chair as he played, and beside him was a boy, no doubt his son, watching the festivities with a smile on his face. On his back was a small sword. The other musician, however, grabbed our attention even more. He was a tall man, no doubt only recently of marrying age, with blond hair so dark it was almost brown. His ears were the pointed ones of a Hylian, his eyes blue and focused on the crowd of dancers. His clothing consisted of a pair of brown riding boots, white leggings and undershirt, a battered tunic and floppy cap, both a dark green faded with use and wear and covered in repaired rips and tears. Around his waist was a brown belt. His hands and forearms bore fingerless leather gauntlets with intricate designs on the back. On his shoulder was the violin he played, a gift from Princess Zelda herself he'd received not long after saving Hyrule from the Twilight Crisis.
The music and merriment was in full swing when we entered the village unnoticed by any of its citizens. We dismounted our horses and politely waited for the current song to end before making our presence known.
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Laughter, music, and the overall mood of the Midsummer Festival made Ordon Village seem a haven in the forest. Those who weren't dancing were watching from the side, enjoying the delicious food made by Uli, Pergie, and Sera, the housewives of the village. One such onlooker was Mayer Bo, a round-waisted man with limbs that seemed too thin for his torso's girth. His grey hair and rather odd moustache only added to his unusual appearance, but then again, almost all the adults in Ordon seemed at least slightly odd in appearance. The exceptions were Illia, Mayor Bo's eighteen year-old daughter, and the town's most respected and well-known citizen, Link.
Two years ago Link, the Hero of Twilight, had once been a simple ranch-hand in Ordon. When the town's children as well as Illia had been kidnapped by Moblins, Link became ensnared in circumstances far beyond his control. Thrust into a grand adventure, Link had traveled throughout Hyrule, seen practically every inch of the land, and now knew it like the back of his hand. In the end, he'd saved more than the kidnapped children and Illia, he'd saved the entire land of Hyrule from the grasp of Twilight and the evil king Ganondorf. The tales of his adventures had spread, and Link had become the most well known savior of Hyrule since the Hero of Time. Stories were abound of the man who could breathe underwater, walk on walls and ceilings, change the winds with a boomerang, throw a giant Goron with his bare hands, and more. While Link himself never spread or encouraged these stories due to his humble nature, they all had an element of truth to them which only he, and those he told that truth to, knew.
After the Crisis, Link had changed. Whereas before he was content with his life in Ordon, he was now restless in the village which to him at times seemed claustrophobic. He never felt truly at home save in the fields and wilds of Hyrule. He was always wanting to go somewhere, do something, find some new adventure. He was also more serious and grave. He'd always been somewhat quiet, but now he was a different kind of quiet. These changes affected others as well. He and Illia had always had somewhat of an infatuation with each other, but the Crisis, which both experienced in different ways, changed them both, and they only now saw each other as dear friends. Moreover, the whole village respected Link as a warrior on par with if not superior to its resident sword master and blacksmith Rusl. As such, whenever he stayed in the village, he always joined Rusl as "guardian" of the village, patrolling and protecting it from any dangers of the wild. Though none came, the feeling of guarding those he cared for soothed Link's soul in a way he could never describe.
He'd also joined Rusl in training the blacksmith's son Colin, who had also changed during the Crisis. Before, he'd been a timid boy who was often teased by the other two boys in the village, Malo and Talo, as a "wussie". Though he looked up to Link, who at the time knew only basic sword combat, he felt he could never match Link's courage. This was proven wrong during the Crisis when Colin had saved Beth, the only girl of the four children, and thus came out of his shell. Since then, Rusl and Link had been teaching him the way of the blade, the bow, and the tracker. Colin would often use some of these skills to entertain his younger sister, who'd been born just as the Twilight Crisis had ended.
Of all the changes in Link's life before and after the Crisis, none were more important than his wife. While adventuring, he'd come across Hena's Fishing Hole in the Lanayru Province, and had come to love the relaxing atmosphere and scenery, as well as the relaxing act of fishing. The proprietor of the hole, Hena herself, would let paying customers fish in the pond, or take them out in her boat to cast their lines in better spots, albeit for a higher price. Link had eventually become her best customer, almost always choosing the boat option, for while he found fishing relaxing, he sometimes just needed someone to talk to. He'd been mostly alone on his travels, and though he often wanted to just talk to someone and clear his worries, it was often difficult. Hena was…different. She made him feel at peace, somehow. Almost a year after saving Hyrule, Link had married her in a private ceremony, knowing that if the public were to learn that their great hero were being married, almost all of Hyrule would flock to the wedding and turn it into a disaster.
The change of marriage also brought about a new change for Link. Not long after the end of the Crisis, Link would simply wander here and there on his horse Epona, hoping to find some adventure, or for some adventure to find him. His wish was granted when he was called by Princess Zelda. There had been an ancient artifact in need of recovery in some long forgotten and dangerous cave. She felt Link would be the perfect man to send for it. To this day, he could still see the smile on her face, as if she knew she was answering his prayers, which she honestly was. She probably did know, considering her magical abilities. After successfully recovering it, Link became a sort of Freelance Adventurer for anyone who wished to hire his services. At first, he never asked for any reward, for he found it in the adventure itself. Any reward he did receive was always insisted upon by his employer. Once married, however, Link knew he'd need those rewards. Though Hena's Fishing Hole had made enough income for Hena to live alone comfortably, it just wasn't enough after their wedding. So Link began charging, though he hated to do so, but always at fair prices that balanced the risk of the adventure itself, and the ability of the employer to pay that price. That didn't stop him from doing "favors" for those unable to pay, however. Though Link had changed in many ways, one way he didn't was his need to help others.
The music and dancing stopped as Link and Rusl finished the song, and the villagers applauded their performance. Link was smiling and nodding at various villagers when his sight came upon six knights waiting at the edge of the village, one wearing the ornate armor of an officer.
"Rusl." Link said, his gaze fixed on the knights.
"Yes my boy?" Rusl replied turning to Link. Seeing the look on his face, Rusl followed Link's gaze and saw the knights as well. He then turned to his nearby son Colin and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Colin, do me a favor, son," he started, his voice even and normal. "Go get Mayor Bo and inform him we have visitors. Go on, quickly now." he finished, giving Colin a pat on the shoulder. The boy obediently turned and headed off to the larger Mayor. As Link and Rusl set their instruments down and began moving past the mingling villagers towards the knights, they were joined by Mayor Bo. Before long, the three stood before the knights and nodded respectfully to them.
"Good evening gentlemen, and welcome to Ordon Village. I'm Mayor Bo, how might I be of service to you?" Bo greeted, his voice that of a kind welcoming man, for that was what he was. But the thought in his mind was the same in Link and Rusl's.
Knights don't just show up in Ordon unless something's up.
"Good evening to you as well, Mayor," the officer of the knights said as he bowed slightly in respect. "I'm Captain Rhodus of the 1st King's Royal Cavalry. I'm here looking for Link." he added, his eyes turning to Link as he said the last part. This didn't go unnoticed by the Hero.
"And you've found him," Link said. "I'm assuming you're here on Royal matters?"
"Indeed we are," Rhodus nodded. "Is there somewhere we can speak in private?"
"There is," Link acknowledged. "But with all due respect, anything you have to say to me you can say to Rusl and Mayor Bo. I trust them with my life, so you have my word that there's no danger in them knowing your business." His voice was stern yet respectful, no insult in it at all. The knights couldn't help but admire that.
"Alright then," Rhodus sighed. "Where may we discuss this in private?"
"My home serves as our town hall," Mayor Bo offered. "We can talk there in peace."
Not long afterwards, the nine found themselves sitting around Mayor Bo's long dining table where meetings of Village Matters were held. The sight of the knights following Bo, Rusl, and Link there had already caused curious whispers to spread like wildfire through the residents. Once situated, Bo urged Rhodus to explain his business.
"I'm sure you're all aware of the civil war brewing in Calatia," Rhodus started. Once the Ordonians confirmed this, he continued. "General Vael, the commander of the rebellion, has made threats to invade parts of Hyrule in order to keeps us from aiding the Loyalists. Princess Zelda has ordered the 1st King's to hold the three passes into Calatia until Hyrule's army is ready for war and can effectively march against Vael. My troop is holding the Kasuto Pass in a small fort called Liberty Rock. For all intents and purposes, it's a gaping hole in our border, and we need to plug it until the army's ready. There's already a small garrison at the fort, but reports indicate it's not enough, especially considering Liberty Rock is the weakest of the three forts guarding the passes. Therefore, the Crown Princess sent us to ask you for your aid. We need all the help we can get, and with you at our side, we may have a chance. At the least, your presence would encourage the men, and they may fight more valiantly. Please, Link. Will you come with us to Liberty Rock? Will you help my men?"
Link sat and thought. A small smirk crossed his face, one a man gets when realizing an obscure irony.
"You're lucky you came here when you did. I don't live here anymore, I was only visiting for the festival. Perhaps you were supposed to find me." he explained with a chuckle. The smirk and chuckle vanished, and Link then looked Rhodus in the eye. "I hate to bring this up, but knowing Zelda she's offered a reward as an incentive. May I ask what it is?"
"I thought the brave hero never asked for a reward?" Rhodus asked with an ironic grin of his own.
"A year ago I wouldn't have," Link explained. "But things are different now. I'm married, and I have a wife to care and provide for." Rhodus seemed noticeably surprised for a moment then shook his head.
"Five thousand rupees in addition to 640 acres of land of your own choosing, anywhere in Hyrule," Rhodus said. He couldn't help but smirk at the impressed whistle Link gave.
"All that just for this one fort, or am I being asked to commit to the entire war?" Link asked.
"Just the fort," Rhodus assured him. "After that, you can return for your reward and ignore the war as long as you deem necessary."
Link then seemed to ponder this for a moment before returning his gaze to Rhodus.
"Before I answer, there's someone I need to consult with. I'll be back shortly." Link explained before standing, walking to the door, and exiting it, making sure to close it behind him.
"I didn't know he was married," Rhodus mused aloud. "Word of that would've spread everywhere almost instantly."
"That's why he didn't want anyone to know." Rusl replied.
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Hena was smiling watching the children play amongst themselves. Colin, the most mature of the four, was also watching, almost as if guarding them. The sword on his back added to the image, Hena noticed with a smile. Link's influence was clearly visible on the boy. She hoped the influence would be just as apparent elsewhere as she rubbed her stomach. She was ignoring the various whispered theories spreading wondering about the knights. Hena already had a good idea why they were there, and she wasn't too fond of it. When a letter asking for Link's adventuring services arrived in Ordon, it would be forwarded by Mayor Bo to Hena's cottage, where Link would get it and learn of the proposed task. She didn't mind his little "business", while he'd be gone on these adventures, he was never gone long. What made this time different was that Link had just returned from an adventure not even two days ago, and she feared he'd already leave on another one. Link rarely turned down a task, at the most he'd postpone it for such things as birthdays or celebrations he was attending. But if Royal knights were involved, it couldn't be postponed. It was big. She was yanked from her thoughts by a strong hand on her shoulder.
"Hello there." Link greeted her with a smile.
"Hello to you too." Hena replied, her gaze returning to the children.
"Would you come with me for a moment? I need your opinion on something." he asked solemnly. Hena nodded, already knowing where this was going, but followed him to a small dock by the large pond at the village's northeast side. For a moment they stood in silence, admiring the pond sparkling in the light of the moon and the various lights and torches throughout the village. Finally, Link broke the silence.
"Princess Zelda's offered me a new task," he said simply. "I'm practically sold on it…but I need to know if you're okay with me leaving so soon." Hena smiled at this. He always seemed to know if something was bothering her, or better yet, what it was.
"I'd be disappointed if you left," Hena admitted. "But I wouldn't hold it against you. What is it this time? Find an ancient tomb and recover some lost treasure? Rescue another damsel in distress?" Link smiled at her teasings, but shook his head.
"Go to war." he replied.
"What?" Hena's voice rose significantly, completely surprised by this. Everyone knew it was a matter of time before Hyrule's Grand Army marched to Calatia, and she'd always feared Link would be called to help, but this soon?
"Essentially, Hena, there's a leak in our border. How do you fix a leak?" Link explained.
"Plug it up until you can repair it." Hena answered.
"Essentially, they want my help plugging it up. Once it's repaired, I can come home, and they'll worry about it. Won't be our problem anymore." Link continued, making Hena sigh in relief. But that relief didn't last long.
"You'll still be fighting though, won't you?" Hena asked.
"Maybe," Link replied honestly. "It depends on if they try getting into Hyrule through where I am. It'd be worth it though."
"How so?" Hena asked curiously.
"Five thousand rupees and 640 acres of land of our own choosing." Link answered. Hena's jaw almost dropping off her face made him really smile for the first time since before the knights had arrived. "How many acres is that one forest meadow near the cottage? The one you've always thought would make a perfect place to build a home for a family?"
"Fo-four hundred acres." Hena said, a big smile coming across her own face.
"Well then, it's almost settled," Link said with a smile before it disappeared. "All I need is your blessing. But if you want me to stay, I won't go anywhere but home."
Hena pondered and knew this answer wouldn't be easy. If she said yes, she and Link could have their perfect family home, not to mention a set education future for their child…or children. She'd be without him for awhile, but it'd be worth it once he returned. But that was the kicker…he might not return at all. He was the Hero of Twilight, a master of the blade and bow, but he wasn't invincible. The scars under his clothing made that explicitly clear. But just as bad was the look she saw in his eyes. Deep down, he really wanted to go. If she said no, he'd stay and follow her wishes, tossing aside his own to make her happy. But he wanted her to say yes. Sometimes she wondered if he knew that…casting aside the thought, Hena concentrated on the dilemma…and reached her decision.
"Okay," she whispered. "Okay. Just promise me something."
"Anything." Link said.
"Promise you'll remember what's waiting for you back home." she said, placing one of his hands on her stomach.
"Always." Link simply replied before kissing her.
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Once Link had returned to Mayor Bo's house, he re-occupied his seat at the table.
"Okay," he simply said. "I'm in."
"Excellent," Rhodus smiled. "If there's anywhere for my men and I to stay, we'll head out first thing in the morning."
"If I may interject," Rusl suddenly spoke up. "You said you needed all the help you could get, correct?"
"Yes, that's right." Rhodus answered.
"Well if you don't mind, I'd like to come along and offer my blade." Rusl said with a humble bow of his head. This made Link and Bo turn to him in surprise.
"Whoa, whoa, Rusl are you serious? With you and Link gone, who'll watch the village?" Bo asked.
"Colin's hunted and killed three wolves this season," Rusl answered, ignorant of the twitch Link gave at that. "He's ready to handle anything that comes. Consider it a test to see if he's ready to move to his next stage of training."
"But why Rusl?" Link asked.
"Link, my boy," Rusl sighed. "I haven't been on a grand adventure of my own in ages." Link and Rusl both knew this wasn't entirely true, but Link didn't say anything. The Group preferred to keep things quiet. "I'm feeling older every year, and I'd like one last hurrah to put under my belt. Besides, I'm handy with a blade as you well know. My experience could be useful."
Link sighed and shook his head.
"Alright. If you want to come, I won't argue." he said.
"Then it's settled," Rhodus said. "We set out tomorrow."
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When the sun rose the next day, the entire village was gathered in the center where the six knights waited with their horses. Rusl was leaning forward, his hands on his knees, eye to eye with Colin.
"You know I have faith in you son," he said calmly and honestly. Colin nodded. "Don't worry, we'll be back before you know it." he added with a smile. He then stood and held his hand out. Colin looked at it for a second, then grasped it and shook it. Rusl smiled, proud oft the young man his son was becoming. Behind him was his horse Booma, his gear packed onto her saddle.
Link tightened the remaining straps on his own saddle bags, effectively anchoring his gear to his trusty steed Epona. There was also a grey shoulder bag on it which contained his violin. He now wore his chain mail shirt under his tunic, his trusty Ordon Sword, Hylian Shield, Hero's Bow, and Giant Quiver, full with 100 arrows, all on his back. The village was somber and quiet as the two departing warriors made their good-byes. Link and Hena shared one last kiss before he mounted Epona. Once Rusl mounted Booma, they waved good-bye to the villagers, Their waves were returned, most vigorously by the children. As the eight riders turned and headed north, the villagers remained quiet, none of them wishing to acknowledge the uneasy feeling of impending doom they all had.