Zelda: The Shadow of Fate

"Your Highness, we will fight for your cause as long as it is just."

Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda. If I did, it wouldn't be fanfiction, now would it?

Inspiration: The fact that I've written so little lately! I apologize for that fact, and I hope you like this Chapter.

Chapter Two: Meeting the Light:

Zelda stood next to her mare. She was a beautiful horse, pure white in color. Zelda spoke, "Fiona, my horse, I'm guiding into something dangerous. I'm guiding you where there is no light. Where there may be little or no hope for us. Where the shadows are full of darkness and immortal fear. Whether we live, or die, you are the kindest, most trustworthy horse I've ever known."

The mare whinnied, as if she understood. Five men came towards the Queen, already on their mounts. They had been chosen to go along with her. Their strength could nearly rival that of the Hero himself.

"Your Highness," the one in the lead said. He jumped off of his warhorse, and bowed to her. The others followed suit.

"Sir, there is no need for you to bow to me. While we go on in this journey, to find our Hero, we are equals. You are dressed in armor, so am I. You wield a sword, so do I. You fight for me, I fight for my Hero. There is no need for bowing," Zelda told them.

"My Queen you are more beautiful with a sword and courage than you are sitting on your throne," one of the men said.

Zelda smiled, "Thank you, Sir. You all know my name. Please, tell me yours."

The lead soldier was the first to speak, "I am Jerron, a Captain in your army. I knew your father well, and fought for him with all my strength. I will do the same for you."

The man who had complimented Zelda spoke next, "My name is Zathia. Equal in rank to Jerron, I will unsheathe my blade whenever you say so."

A stumpy man with a scar across his face stepped forward. "My lady, I am Keife. I am the leader of the second cavalry. I would gladly put my life in your hands," he said, as he seemed to be inspecting Fiona.

An older gentleman began to speak, "I am Tarril, I grew up with your father. He was a good man. He trusted me with his life on many occasions, and so I trust this fine group of men. You have your work cut out for you, my lady."

"Forgive Zakary," Jerron said, "He is young and shy. He is one of the hardest working knights we have. I know he will dedicate his sword to you."

The last of the men stepped out from behind the others. He was young, probably the same age as Zelda herself.

"I thank you all. Please, let us be on our way now?" she paused, "We will stop by the Lon Lon Ranch first. Malon is to perform my duties while I am away. I know the sound of a farm girl doing this is not good. She's strong and smart though and I believe in her."

"Let's go then," Jerron said.

The group mounted their steeds. They went through the gates into the city, and uproar began. Many shouts of "Where are you leaving to?" or "Good luck" were heard.

The shouts were incredibly loud but the group rode through the crowd calmly and quietly.

Tarril whispered to Zakary, "Keep going. Don't be nervous." The knight had slowed his horse's pace a great deal. He sped up when Tarril spoke to him.

Finally they reached the bridge. It had seemed like half a day going through the town. The drawbridge lowered, and they went onto Hyrule Field.

"Well we've taken the first few steps of leaving home," Zelda said, "I saw that you were nervous Zakary, don't worry about the people. They've had rough times lately, and I think they worry for their kingdom."

The boy nodded in understanding.

When they approached the entrance to the Ranch it was nearly dark. They were greeted by Talon, "'Ey there! Princess 'ave you come to see Malon?"

Zelda got down and came toward the friendly rancher. "Sir I am no longer Princess. I am sorry to say, but my father passed on a few nights ago. I am going on a great journey. I need to speak with Malon," Zelda said.

"Why then highness, I will go and get 'er," Talon hurried off into one of the buildings.

The redheaded girl ran out of the stable. "Zelda! I'm so sorry to hear about your father!" she said. Malon gave the Queen a quick hug, and backed up to take a look at her.

"I was sorry to hear of it too. You've grown since we last saw each other. It was so long ago," Zelda smiled.

"It was so long ago. I know you will make a good ruler," Malon said, "You're strong. Tell me of this epic journey you're leaving on."

Zelda began, "Last night I had a dream, it was more of a vision really. Two strange green haired people were in it. One of which, one had oddly green skin. They told me, they said The Hero of Time was in peril."

"Green haired? Was one of them possibly of the forest?" Malon asked.

"They could have been. The dream was so hazy and odd. I have to save the Hero," Zelda told her.

"What do you need my service for?" Malon was confused.

Zelda took in a deep breath, "While I am away, I would like you to do my duties to the people. They know who you are, and they depend on you for milk and food already. If I make you my heir for the time being, they will trust you because they trust me. I know it's a shock-"

Malon stood in awe of what she had just heard Zelda utter. 'I am expected to take on this duty, to be the heir to the Queen while she went on a perilous journey? Zelda may not even come back, and then, then I would become the Queen of all Hyrule,' Malon thought.

"Please, do this for me. I will repay you the favor, right now I must be going," Zelda pleaded.

"I don't know if I can accept this. It's just so quick and so important," Malon said stiffly.

Silence fell upon them for a long held moment.

"I can tell you really need this. I could tell all that time ago that you really needed him. You still do. I'll do this for you, Zelda," Malon announced.

Zelda gave Malon a brief hug. Then mounted her horse saying, "I thank you with all of my heart. This does mean that much to me."

"I'll head to the palace tomorrow. Good Luck," Malon said. Those were the last words they would exchange for a very long time.

Zelda and her soldiers left the ranch. The group rode towards the woods, where they would begin their search.

AN:A rushed chapter, but a chapter at that. Not to be rude in any fashion, but some people don't understand how little time I have to do this. J I appreciate the reviews VERY much, and I would love to continue getting them. Just understand that… I'm in high school, on the crew team, which means I don't come back home until 5 everyday, and I get no Saturday- carwashes and regattas are on Saturdays. By the time you get home at 5, you're dead and have a crap load of homework to do. I do sincerely apologize for every late chapter. I'm trying as best as I can.