Next chapter out! Thanks to FierceDeityMaskLink, R. Recollect, Kamil the Awesome, RandomButLoved, and the Predicate for your reviews!
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The First Ritual
Chapter II
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Link and Zelda stood on the street of Castle Town, wrapped tightly up in extra layers and cloaks against the cold wind. The scratches on Zelda's face had stopped bleeding, but she had her black hood up to try to hide them from the gathering crowd. She didn't want to be asked any questions right now.
The stone street was wide, houses on either side, the gates to the castle grounds visible further up the road. Lanterns fought to spread light through the darkness, shining off the armor of the multiple soldiers who had gathered. Many citizens were there as well, including two wailing parents, their cries echoing up into the sky.
Zelda's heart clenched in pain as she stared at the dead body on the ground. A child, a boy about seven, was lying on his back, his blank eyes staring up at everyone. There was a slice across his throat, blood pooling out.
The Queen looked at a nearby soldier. "Were there any witnesses?"
The soldier replied, "No. This boy was walking home alone from staying at a friend's house. When he was late, his parents came out to make sure he was okay." He pointed a few yards down the street. "Their house is back there."
Link crouched down, examining the body. "There are no signs of any struggling at all. No other cuts or bruises; it doesn't look like his clothes were even grabbed. He was caught by surprise." His face twisted in pain, his voice harsh as he asked, "Who would do such a thing?"
Zelda was at a loss. A murder in Castle Town? That hadn't happened in years. She felt sick to her stomach. Why would anyone want to kill a child? It didn't look like he'd been robbed. Maybe he'd witnessed something he shouldn't have?
Impa, who had been silent the entire time, said, "We need an entire sweep of this town immediately. Search it fully. I want everyone to report back to me when they are done." She turned to Zelda, saying more quietly, "I'm going to talk to the guards on the town gate to see if anyone has come or gone tonight. You should go back inside," her eyes moved pointedly to the scratches on her face, "and take care of yourself."
The Queen nodded. "Thank you. I'm going to spend some time with the parents first, though."
As the Sheikah nodded and several of the soldiers broke off, Link sent through the bond I'm going to have a look around. Be back soon, I love you, before jogging into the shadows.
The Hero could still hear the sounds of people crying as he walked down the street, parallel to the gate around the castle grounds. A knot had formed in his throat. What in Hyrule was going on? Was this somehow related to what was happening in the castle, or something different entirely? He paused in his strides, glancing up at the looming castle walls. Lights were beginning to blossom in the windows as the castle was alerted to the situation. But a few windows still remained black, including their room. As his eyes drifted to their windows he thought he could make out a faint white figure standing in one, looking down at him. Link jumped, his heart stopping for a moment. The figure stayed completely still before turning away, vanishing as if it hadn't been there before.
The Hero took a step back, slumping against the wall of a building. He felt a questioning concern coming from Zelda through their bond; obviously she had felt his strike of shock and fear. He sent some reassurance back. His wife was dealing with a grieving couple right now, she didn't need more to worry about.
But he knew for certain they were not going back to their room tonight.
Two hours passed as Link searched the town, often passing soldiers doing the same. Galen was out with Burning Joe as well, but for once didn't have anything to say. Link talked to any townspeople he came across, but no one had seen or head of anything suspicious going on the last few days. Life had been normal.
After the search was over the body had been transported to the castle for an autopsy, and a cleric from the church had come to meet with the parents and comfort them in their home. Exhausted, stressed, and worried, Link and Zelda retired back to the castle and slept in an unoccupied guest room. They didn't even need to talk about it, easily able to pick up on each other's emotions. They were tired enough to fall asleep instantly, but it was a restless one, their minds unable to settle from all that had happened. They held each other through the night, trying to comfort one another.
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Zelda stared at herself in the mirror of the guest bathroom the next morning, her brow creased in concern. The scratches she'd received the night before were visible as dark red lines. Luckily they weren't deep or very long, they would fade within the week. She held her own hand up, matching each finger up with a scratch. Five. And they were the right space apart to look like a hand. As if someone had come up to her while she was meditating and slapped her with very long fingernails.
"Impa wants to see you for breakfast," Link stated, coming to the threshold and holding up a letter, "it says she wants to make sure you're okay."
The Queen turned, pointing to her face. "It's about these, she noticed them last night. Link, I think . . . they look like fingers. There are five of them, and they are spaced properly apart."
He bit his lip, examining her. "That worries me, Zel. It's like someone is after you."
She nodded. "I'm going to solely work on translating that text today and get answers. Maybe once you get back from training the new recruits, I'll have it done."
His eyes dropped to the side. "Apparently I'm not training new recruits anymore."
" . . . What? Why?"
"Galen has asked me not to. He says I'm too rough when I spar with them and send too many to the hospital."
Zelda came over and embraced him, rubbing his back comfortingly. "I'm sorry, honey. Are you going to try to go back?"
He rested his head against hers, enjoying the scent of her hair. It made him relax. "No. It's fine. He may have a point." He pulled back, still holding onto her arms. "I'm going to look around the town some more and see if there's anything I missed last night. Please let me know if you need anything while I'm gone."
She smiled and leaned up to kiss him. They held it longer, needing a moment of peace and joy amidst the bad things happening. Then she pulled back, promising. "I will, I love you."
"I love you."
Zelda put on a silver cloak and pulled the hood up to avoid stares. She made her way quickly to the casual dining room. It consisted of a long mahogany table that could seat ten, one wall made entirely of windows. Morning sunlight was coming through, lighting up the small breakfast sat out and the Sheikah woman waiting.
"Good morning," Impa said conversationally. "Did you sleep well?"
"Definitely not," Zelda sighed, sitting down. She pulled her hood back since she was in private company now. "Any news from the investigations?"
"Nothing. No one saw anything." She eyed Zelda's scratches. "So what happened?"
"I was meditating to protect myself, felt pain, and when I looked in the mirror I saw this. No one was in the room. But Link swears someone was in the hallway. Someone moving too fast for him to track down."
"It looks like scratches from fingernails."
"That's what I thought, too."
"And was Link with you when this happened?"
"No, he was in the hall."
Impa just stared at her, eyebrows raised, not saying anything.
It took Zelda a minute to understand what was being insinuated. She sat back, gawking. "You can't possibly be suggesting I did this to myself?!"
The Sheikah shrugged. "You claimed you lost control of your own body two nights ago. Why not again?"
"I . . . I was meditating and protecting myself. It felt different. I am sure of it."
Impa leaned forward. "I'm just concerned you may be a danger to yourself and others. I can post a guard inside your room, if you'd like?"
Zelda crossed her arms. "Link and I do not need protection. We can fight better than every guard in our army. But," she sighed, "one outside the room would be beneficial. Just in case whoever is doing this shows back up to try again." She hesitated, then added, "We will be sleeping in the guest room a couple doors down from our room. Just temporarily, until this is figured out."
"I understand."
"I'm also going to clear my schedule of anything else today except for the translation. I don't have anything too important, do I?"
A small smile ghosted across Impa's full lips. "Not that I'm aware of. Don't forget about that play tonight in the town square, though."
Zelda frowned. She'd forgotten about that. A very famous group of actors that had been travelling Hyrule was coming. All the tickets had been sold. She and Link had special box seats arranged for them. "Oh, right. Do you think it's in poor taste after what happened yesterday?"
"On the contrary," Impa replied, "I think it will improve people's moods. A night of entertainment to forget their troubles."
The Queen nodded. "I agree."
They ate the rest of their breakfast tossing ideas back and forth about what could be behind last night's murder. And hoping such a thing would not happen again.
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Link hurried up to the guest room he and Zelda were using that evening, knowing he was running late for the play. After scouring the town for a few hours with still no clues as to who had killed the boy, he'd taken Epona out to Hyrule Field and ridden around the town wall, searching for clues. There were only two ways in and out of the town. The main drawbridge that crossed over a moat, and a smaller, singular gate set close to the castle. He'd discovered no clues around either, and the guards swore no one unknown had come in and out. Link wasn't sure what disturbed him more. That an outsider had someone gotten by their defenses, or that one of the townspeople themselves had committed this crime.
"Sorry, sorry," he said, quickly coming into the room and shutting the door behind him. "I lost track of the time."
Zelda waved her hand dismissively, hunched over a desk. She was all dressed up, wearing a navy blue gown and her hair pulled up into a bun adorned with jewels. "It's fine. I've been busy working. I've nearly completed the translation, Link! Look."
He came over, and his brow furrowed in concern as he read what she'd written.
The Innocent Six Will Die at Night
Obtain the Staff to Increase Your Might
Death Shall Come to the Goddesses' Fool
Six Charms Mark the End of Mortal Rule
His dark blue eyes darted up to her. "It's . . . a set of instructions."
"Exactly," she nodded. "I only have two lines left to translate. But the more I work the more dread I feel. This is scary, Link. I think someone is planning something very bad."
"I wonder what staff this is talking about," Link said. "There are many magical staffs in this world." He grabbed the clothes Zelda had laying out for him on the bed, starting to get changed. The play was beginning in fifteen minutes.
"I don't know. But one thing I'm pretty sure on is that the 'Goddesses' Fool' it mentions has to be one of the three of us who holds a piece of the Triforce."
"We may need to pay Ganondorf a visit," the Hero suggested. "And see if anything strange has been happening around him." He paused. "The end of mortal rule? What does that even mean?"
The Queen shook her head. She didn't know of anything immortal that could be threatening Hyrule. Particularly one that wanted a Triforce holder dead. In the back of her mind, a nagging voice warned her that perhaps that possession – or whatever it was – she'd experienced was an attempt on her life.
They will need to try a lot harder than that to kill me, she thought. I'm not some pampered royal who gets fat on her throne and can't lift a blade. I was raised during war; the fight in me will never be gone.
Link gave a small smile, evidently picking up on her confidence. "We'll stop this, Zelda, don't worry." He stood, dressed in a fine green tunic with a gold circlet around his head. "Let's get going, it will look terrible for the ruling couple to be late."
As they made their way from the castle towards the erected pavilion in the town square, Link reflected that he still didn't feel like a ruler, even after four years of being married to Zelda. Perhaps that was because all the actual ruling went through her. He was often a part of councils, particularly when it came to Hyrule's military. And she always talked to him about big decisions. But it wasn't in his bloodline. Zelda had the only right to the throne. She had accepted her role somewhat begrudgingly. She had a strong desire to lead Hyrule and prevent any dictator from taking it again. But she was often bored with the politics, annoyed at the long process of changes, and frustrated that she was tied to the throne more than free of it.
The sun was setting as they entered the pavilion. They were escorted to a special box high above the rest of the crowded audience, a few guards and Impa already waiting there. A wood stage was in the center, lit with multiple lanterns around the edges and props set up for the actors. The air smelled of lilac, possibly an incense the actors were using to set the mood.
"You're nearly late," Impa said, halfway teasing.
Zelda passed her the parchment with the translation discreetly, sitting down on her cushioned chair. Impa read it over before looking at them both with worry. Passing the parchment back to Zelda, the woman said, "Galen has doubled the normal guard around the pavilion and through the city. We will be safe tonight."
Link didn't feel safer, but was glad extra precautions were being taken. At least it would look good to the citizens.
Music started and the play began. It was a comedy, and it was a relief to see the audience laughing and getting engaged. The plot revolved around a dysfunctional family who had moved from the country to the city and were having a hard time fitting in. But the actor who stole the show most was a young woman with long brown hair and a wide smile. She played one of the daughters who was out looking for a husband. The women in the audience were amused by her flirtatious looks and sultry movements, the men were excited by it. All the actors wore colorful masks around their eyes and colorful clothes, keeping the play even more light-hearted. The beautiful woman that was stealing everyone's hearts was wearing an outfit of black, white, and red, her mask creating butterfly wings on the sides of her face.
Zelda leaned back towards her advisor. "Impa . . . who is that woman? The one in the center of the stage."
Impa looked over the play's pamphlet. "It says her name is Lilith. She's been acting for ten years and is open for individual performances as well."
"This play is being performed again, right?"
"At the end of the week."
Link leaned towards his wife. "What are you thinking?"
Zelda shrugged one shoulder. "I'm not sure. It makes me happy to see our people forget their troubles. Everyone seems to really love her. Maybe she can stay for another week or so and do a few more performances. Or at least meet some of the fans. That would lift morale."
He nodded. "We're going to need a morale lift if we can't catch the killer."
The play drew to a close and Link and Zelda were escorted back to the castle. Night had fallen and they were nervous again, wondering if the mysterious intruder would try to attack Zelda another time. But, at least in their guest room, the night was quiet and calm.
Zelda had intended to finish translating the rest of the lines the next morning, but she and Link became so busy that it had to be pushed off for four days. A memorial service was held for the child, and then a funeral for which the couple had to write a eulogy. It was one of the most heartbreaking things they'd had to do, and was a struggle to get through. They worked with Galen to go over written statements from the guards and townspeople, but nothing gave any clue about what might have happened. And as the days passed and no answers arose, they began to worry. They were forced to hold a meeting in the throne room for the townspeople who wanted answers. Zelda, Link, Impa, and Galen attempted to comfort as best they could, but it was difficult when they had no evidence to go on. All they could do was assure the people that everything possible was being done, and that if they saw or heard of anything suspicious to please report it.
Finally a morning came where their schedule was free enough to work on the translation. As Zelda converted the words , Link combed through old manuscripts and books she'd brought up from the library, trying to find the same passage related to rituals, spells, prophecies, or even the specific black magic cult the language had come from. But he couldn't find it written anywhere.
They had arranged a meeting with Lilith for lunch, and Zelda only had time to finish one of the two lines.
When the Demon is Free the Curse Begins
As she read it aloud to Link, his head whipped around from the book he was reading, eyes wide. "Excuse me?"
"That's what it says," she replied. "When the Demon is Free the Curse Begins."
"A curse? This is some really dark magic, Zelda. Maybe we should consult . . . him. He knows about these sort of things."
The Queen sighed. "I don't really want to disturb Talisman. He's suffered enough, he deserves to live out the rest of his life in peace."
"But this translation is only raising more questions than answers."
She hesitated. She hated to think it, but maybe Impa was right. Five nights had gone by without an incident now. "Do you think . . . it was just my Triforce acting up? I mean . . . I had no control over the visions I used to get regarding Mordecai. This might not be an immediate threat. It could be another prophecy. I mean, honestly, the first vision I got showed me something that didn't happen for another seven years! We could be perfectly safe. What if no one actually scratched my face. What if I did it to myself?"
Link sat down the book he was holding heavily, leaning back in his chair. The diluted winter sunlight coming from the windows danced off the dust that sprung from the tome. "Where is this coming from?"
"Impa suggested it," she sighed. "She may not be wrong. No one was there."
"But I saw someone," he pressed.
"Not in the room with me. Maybe it was unrelated to what happened to me and was actually our killer. These two things don't necessarily go hand in hand. And besides, have you seen this person again the last five days?"
He paused. "Well, no . . ."
"I want to focus on catching our killer first and bring some closure to our people. But, if this . . . this 'ghost' shows up again, I promise we'll talk to Talisman."
Link nodded, satisfied. "That sounds good." He glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's time to go meet with Lilith. You ready?"
Zelda sat the parchment aside. "Yes, let's go."
Exchanging a kiss the two left the guest room and headed down the hall. The castle was alive with its daily activity. Workers were hurrying about, delivering messages, cleaning rooms, and running supplies. Through the windows they could see soldiers practicing out on the grounds, the horses resting in their stables, and guards patrolling the battlements.
When the two went into the guarded informal dining room, Lilith was already there. She stood upon their arrival, giving a small bow. "My lord and lady, I'm honored you wish to speak with me." Her brown hair was down, falling in waves to her chest. She wore a red and white diamond pattern tunic over black pants and boots. A black scarf was around her neck, warding off the chilly air.
"The pleasure is ours," Zelda stated as they took their seats across from her. "Your performance was fantastic the other night."
"I'm flattered, thank you," Lilith responded.
"When is your last performance?"
"Tonight, naturally. We saved our last for Castle Town and the royal couple," she smiled.
Link and Zelda exchanged a pleased look before Link said, "We want to make a temporary job offer to you, if you don't already have something lined out."
Lilith's eyebrows rose, palpably intrigued. "I do not."
"The people here love you very much, we were wondering if you would stick around for a few more weeks to interact with your fans and potentially give some individual performances at the castle," the Hero stated. "You would, of course, be paid handsomely for your time and offered a room at the castle to stay in."
Zelda tapped her fingertips together, continuing her husband's line of thought, "We are trying to increase entertainment at the castle and at the town. As we are entering an age of peace, we want to keep morale up and bring back all the festivities Hyrule used to have."
"Oh, yes," the actor replied, "that time under Mordecai was very dark. I lived in the eastern part of Hyrule at the time, ruled over by General Acroff then. He was a benevolent ruler but once Mordecai was overthrown I ventured out on my own and pursued my passion to perform." Her red lips widened into a happy smile. "I appreciate your offer very much and would be happy to accept. I have never been to Castle Town before and it would be wonderful to see more of it."
The Queen beamed. "Fantastic! We'll have a contract drawn up for you tomorrow. There will be a large feast here at the castle tonight, after the play. Would you like to attend?"
Lilith bowed her head. "I'd be honored, thank you."
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The rest of the day went quickly, with Zelda busy making arrangements for Lilith's stay. So far she liked the young woman. She was well-mannered, articulate, humble . . . the Queen had heard some unsavory things about travelling actors but that didn't seem to be the case here. The final play garnered the same large audience and was well-executed, entertaining Link and Zelda for another evening. And, much to their relief, there were no more incidents in the town or in the castle.
After the play the couple went back to the castle for the feast held in the grand dining hall. The table could seat fifty, shiny and rectangular. Beautiful crystal chandeliers hung overhead, showering the people below with light. Everyone was dressed spectacularly, and the food that lined the center of the table filled the air with smells of juicy meat, rich cheese, sliced fruits, and roasted vegetables. Other smaller tables were also sat out, food piled in their center as well.
This tradition had been going on for the last two years. It had been something Zelda's father had done when he ruled Hyrule. The last day of each month a feast was held at the castle that was open to anyone who wished to attend. He had thought it was a nice opportunity to socialize, and for everyone to come together. Zelda liked that idea and wanted it brought back. So far it had been successful and always drew in a crowd. Most workers in the castle attended regularly, often the local mayors would travel to attend, representatives from the Zoras, Gorons, and occasionally the Gerudo would make themselves known. Ganondorf and Acroff often attended, but no letter had been sent ahead of time so Zelda knew they would be unable to make it this month. And of course most of the townspeople enjoyed the free food.
Zelda sat at the head of the table, Link to her right and Impa to her left. Seated next to Link, as a guest of honor, was Lilith. Galen and Burning Joe sat by Impa, and the rest of the table was full of smiling faces and conversation as dinner began.
Some idle dinner chat began on Zelda's end, starting with the weather, the play, and projects around the castle. Then Lilith asked, "My lady, I beg your pardon but I've heard that despite your queenly appearance you are actually a very adept warrior. I can't help but wonder if that's correct?"
Zelda gave a soft smile, her off-shoulder blue dress showing the muscles in her neck and shoulders. "I am. Ever since I was a child I was trained to fight by the talented woman here," she nodded to Impa. "I'm competent in archery, daggers, and martial arts. I am not too bad with a sword and spear, either."
"The Sheikah have a fine tradition of training warriors independently," Impa expanded, slicing some bread on her plate. "Given the circumstances of Hyrule, I took Zelda under my wing to train her to take back her country."
Galen laughed. "Many people in Castle Town witnessed Zelda's attack on Mordecai. But I guess the rest of Hyrule only hears stories."
"Sheikah?" Lilith frowned. "I apologize for my ignorance, but I've never heard of this group."
"They are protectors of the royal family for many generations," Impa responded. "They train in a . . . specific style of fighting."
"They've only been guardians of the royal family?" the actor inquired further, tilting her head to the side and causing her black jewel earrings to sway. "Are they a small group?"
"They are small due to the stringent training," Impa answered. "But, not all guard the royal family." This drew a surprised look from Zelda as the woman continued, "Some work as assassins and bringers of justice, silent wardens of the world. If a person is particularly adept at magic, they can even be trained at a higher level by a Sheikah organization called the Order of Shadows. But it is invitation only, and their location is unknown. It could be they do not exist anymore."
Zelda had been staring at Impa the entire time, increasing confusion and shock on her face. She stammered out, "I . . . I did not know about this."
"I am envious," Lilith said before Impa could reply, "I've always wished to learn some basic self-defense, but I never have."
"We could teach you some rudimentary maneuvers," Link offered, grabbing some more cheese from the table center. "My schedule of training new recruits has unexpectedly opened." Here he shot an irritated glance at Galen, but the man overtly pretended not to notice, taking a long drink.
"Oh that would be wonderful, thank you!" the actor exclaimed.
"Anything particular you'd like to learn?" Galen asked, putting his drink down.
"Archery has always fascinated me."
"It takes a lot of discipline to shoot a bow well," Galen said, "but it's a worthy skill that will keep you safe on the road. Especially for a woman travelling by herself." His green eyes twinkled. "Unless you have someone you travel with . . .?"
She blushed, looking down at her plate. "No, I do not."
"Anyway," Zelda cut in, giving Galen a bemused look, "I often go to our target range when it's not in use to practice. Impa's usually too busy to practice with me; it will be nice to have another woman there." She and Lilith both giggled at this, causing Link to roll his eyes. Truthfully, though, he was happy for his wife. It had been a long time since she'd had a female friend around her same age. Impa was in her fifties now, and was more mentor and advisor than anything else.
The dinner party lasted another two hours, everyone enjoying themselves long after they food had been taken away. Lilith and Zelda seemed to quickly form a friendship, joking with each other and learning about one another. Galen made a few more attempts at flirting, earning him a shocked and hurt look from Burning Joe. Lilith appeared flattered by his attentions. Eventually drowsiness took hold and people began to leave the party. Link and Zelda excused themselves, bidding goodnight to their friends, and returned to their room. They were brave enough this night to leave the guest room and go to sleep in their own bed.
As Link went in the restroom to change and clean himself up before bed, Zelda sat down at her desk, her blue gown billowing around her legs in the moonlight. She looked back at her translation book. Just one final line. She might as well finish it before bed.
Her quill scratched softly against the parchment as she translated, her eyes darting back and forth from page to book. As she finished, the last mystery finally solved, she sat back in disappointment.
What Was Once Dead Shall be Dead Again
What was that supposed to mean? That didn't even make sense. It wasn't threatening like all the other lines. She crossed her arms, confused. Maybe she hadn't translated it correctly? Zelda leaned back over to double-check her work when a knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," she called, turning.
A maid stepped in, bowing. "My lady, I brought you the fresh towels you asked for."
"Oh, thank you very much," the Queen said. "Please put them on the table." Recognizing the maid, she asked, "Trudy, could you do me a favor?"
"Of course, my lady."
"Could you fetch Impa for me? Tell her I have some news I need her opinion on."
"Of course, my lady . . . Do you know where Madame Impa would be at this hour?"
Zelda considered for a moment. "If I remember correctly she said she was going to check the guards stationed at the lower floors. After the murder the other night, well, we want to be extra cautious."
Trudy hesitated, glancing out toward the glass balcony doors that showed the night sky and crescent moon. "Um . . . of-of-of course, my lady."
The Queen raised one eyebrow. "Is something wrong?"
"No, no, no, of course not. I will go at once."
As she started to turn, Zelda said, "Trudy, please. Let me know what's bothering you so I can help."
The maid turned back around, wringing her hands. "Well, my lady, have you noticed not many of the castle staff want to roam the halls at night?"
Zelda frowned. She hadn't. "I've been . . . very busy, honestly. Are they scared that there might be another killing?"
"Oh no, that's not it all," she shook her head vigorously. "They are saying, well . . . they say there is as ghost."
There was a beat of silence as Zelda froze, her hand still holding onto her quill. "A ghost? Has anyone seen it?"
"I haven't myself, my lady. But others have claimed to see a white figure roaming the halls at night, there in one instant and gone the next. The guards on the battlements swear they see it watching from the windows every night. And things have been happening as well. Vases and statues have been found toppled or broken, doors have opened that were closed before, and lanterns that were supposed to burn all night have been found put out. The cook himself said he saw a knife get pushed off the table by an invisible hand . . ." Trudy shook her head. "I'm sorry, my lady, you must think we are all crazy."
"Quite the opposite, I believe you," Zelda said, standing. "I'm afraid we may have an intruder in the castle. Ghost or not, they are very good at hiding. Could you give me a list of the places it's been seen. I'm going to-"
A soldier appeared at the open door, his face white. "My lady . . . it's happened again."
The Queen's heart dropped. "Another murder?"
"More than one," he replied, "We've found four bodies."
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Please review! The next chapter will be out on November 23rd!