CHAPTER 4
Trial of Men
Makar, back at home, sits with his three younger brothers and tells about the coming trial. As he describes what happens if you lose the trial his brothers seem to become stunned. "A-are they really going to do that?" Makar's little brother, Walton, asks. "Yeah." Makar replies. Elma stands up from his chair, looks into Makars eyes, and declares, "Then you must win, brother." Makar looking in his brothers eyes nods. "I won't let any of you down." Makar declares.
Komali, sits on his bedside thinking of the coming trial and what it entails. "Komali!" someone screams as the front door opens. "Medli?" Komali thinks to himself. Medli soon crashes into his room and charges at him making him fall back on the bed as she hovers over him. "M-Medli!" Komali yelps as he blushes. "Hey, hey, hey. How's it been?" Medli asks. "I-it's been good! You're back! I've missed you." Komali gushed as he pulled her onto him for a hug. "Hehe. I've missed you too." she replied as she pulled herself off of him. "I also missed this." Medli continued as she kisses Komali. The two embrace each other for the lost time they've endured. Until, Komali pushes her away to tell her about the trials. "Medli!" Komali shouts as he pushes her away from his face. "W-what?" she says as she sees a somewhat scared Komali. "What? Are you scared? We've done this before already." Medli consoled. Komali's eyes widen as his face turns red and shakes his head, "No! Not that! I need to tell you something." They both sit up on the bed as Komali explains what the trial entails. As he explains the trial Medli's mood changes drastically from affection to fear. "B-but. I don't want you to go…" Medli stuttered under her breath. She begins to get teary eyed from the thought of her lover leaving Hyrule. Komali sees that she's trying to hide her face from him and tries to console her but is also unsure of his success in winning. As Komali looks down and sees one tear fall from Medli's cheek he instantly embraces her. Medli's eyebrows rise, surprised, she wonders if he's ok. Komali driven by his love for Medli declares, "I will win." Medli's eyes open wide. "I'll win." Komali declared one last time.
As all other knights are home with their families there is one who stayed on the courtyard. Even though it's night, he practices his swordsmanship, he slashes and spins holding a sword in his right hand and a shield in the other. He slices at a dummy and hears the shredding of fabric. As he swings more and more he realizes there is nothing left on the stand. His blade is so sharp it cut straight through the dummy. He takes a deep breath and puts his sword into the sheath he carries on his back. "Link." a voice calls out. Link turns around to see Malon. Link surprised drops his shield and takes off his sheath containing the sword. He runs to Malon although he seems to be very tired. As he stands in front of her, he smiles as she looks up at him and says, "Hi, Link! I was just here dropping off a few things for the King." Malon explains. Link asks, "What things?" Malon replies, "Ingredients for a feast." The two take a seat on the green valley and look up at the stars. "Beautiful, isn't it?" Malon asks. Link, balancing on his arms and staring up, smiles. "Link, um, I was wondering…" Malon fidgets with her fingers and her heart starts to beat faster, "If...we...could spend more time...together? Since you're back and all.." Link looks at her and nods. Malons eyes widen as her heart starts to slow down. "He wants to spend time together?! Oh, great goddess Hylia, thank the heavens, I did it!" Malon thought to herself. Link yawns and falls backwards onto the soft grass. Malon continues to talk until she realizes Link has fallen asleep. Accomplishing her goal she stands up and heads back home, leaving Link to sleep on the soft green grass, but before she leaves she gives Link a kiss on the cheek. She chuckles and exits the courtyard, making her way back to Lon Lon Ranch. A few hours go by and the sun begins to rise, Link wakes up to find Malon gone. He glances at the grass where she sat and got up to pick up his sword and shield. He stretches his limbs and says to himself, "It's time."
After the knights eat their breakfast the horn which blew to tell of the trial was blown again. Link sees Makar and Komali, they look more serious than usual. "Listen up!" a voice projects throughout the courtyard. Commander Richards steps up onto a piece of wood ready to start the trial. "As you can see there is a circle painted on the yard! Two of you will fight in the circle. Names will be called out for every fight so be sure to listen! If your opponent's sword hits your chest, or you get pushed out of the circle, or if you surrender, you lose. We will be using wooden swords and shields that will be passed out now. Remember this is a trial of swordsmanship. Only the best will come out on top, and those who lose will be banished. Now, let's start!" Commander Richards declares. King Rhoam and Princess Zelda can be seen on top of the tower that stands behind Commander Richards. "Father, is banishment really necessary?" Zelda asks. "Don't worry. It's only a ruse." the King replies. Zelda raises an eyebrow and glances at the King in confusion. "We tell them this so they would fight at their absolute best. That way we can surely find out who the hero could be." King Rhoam explains. Zelda realizing her father's plan looks at all the knights, "I wonder who it is then." she thought to herself. As Zelda takes one last look she heads back inside to continue her study.
The trial has begun, all knights have been given a wooden sword and shield. Some knights are full of fear, some full of determination. They wait for their names to be called, "Makar and Jace! Komali and Hansel! Link and Moga!" Commander Richards shouted. "Here we go." Makar thought to himself. As he steps into the circle he sees Jace, a tall brown haired man, bigger than himself. Makar, determined, raises his sword and shield. Jace does the same. Eye to eye, both look for a way to win. The field falls silent as the first match is about to begin. "FIGHT!" the announcer shouts.
Jace screams and strikes forward.
Makar dodges and pushes him with his shield.
Jace annoyed strikes again.
Makar flings Jace's sword away with his.
The Knights all crowd the circle, chatting could be heard.
Makar stares at his opponent.
Jace now with no sword swings his shield wildly.
Left, right, left, right, Makar sees.
The motion became readable and Makar jabs his sword forward.
Everything stops. The crowd is silent.
"Makar, wins!" the announcer shouted. The crowd cheered but now some were even more fearful of the trial. Makar takes a deep breath and walks up to Jace, "I'm sorry." Jace looks at Makar and replies, "It's fine, little guy. We all have to protect ourselves right now." he smiles. King Rhoam looks upon the winning knight and nods. Jace is then taken by the King's servants to a secret location inside the castle. As Jace enters he realizes it's the Dining room, "Wait. I'm supposed to be banished right? Why am I here?" he questions. "There's no banishment. It's all a test." one of the servants say while giving Jace a smile. Jace, in disbelief of what he just heard, breaks down in tears thankful for not being banished. Back outside, it is now Komali's turn. As he steps onto the circle he sees his opponent, Hansel. A Rito just like himself but more timid and scared. Hansels knees shake as he tries to get in a fighting stance. Komali raises a brow, "What is he thinking? Could he be pretending to be scared so I let my guard down?" Komali thinks to himself. He pulls up his shield and his sword back ready for the trial. "FIGHT!" the announcer shouts.
Hansel leaps up off the ground.
A knight shouts, "Woah! He's so high up! What's he doing!?"
Hansel charges down like a rocket with his sword.
Komali holds his shield up and as if he was floating swerves right under Hansel.
Hansel sees the move and flips over Komali's blade.
Landing on his feet, Hansel says, "That was good."
"You too." Komali replies.
The two stare at each other trying to guess what they'll do.
Instead of going defensive, Hansel decides to keep going on the offence.
He flies forward as fast as a bullet with his sword striking forward.
Komali stops his sword with his own.
The two swords clash and the crowd goes wild.
"Did you see that?" A knight shouts. "Not at all!" Another shouts.
"The Rito have always been extremely fast. But who will come out on top." the King thinks to himself. Astonished by the speed, he leans forward to get a closer look.
The two swords are still clashing and rubbing on each other.
Hansel seems to have the upperhand as Komali starts leaning back
"There's no way he can take this force much longer." Hansel thinks.
When it seems Komali's lost, he picks his feet off the ground and flies forward, his sword still in contact with Hansel's, breaks through his and Komali hits his chest.
Hansels shield and sword piece fly away as he falls to the ground in defeat.
"Komali, wins!" the announcer shouts. The crowd roars as they've never seen a battle quite like that one. On top of the tower King Rhoam excitedly analyzes, "Hansel may have been fast, but not as smart as Komali. He knew Hansel would charge like that and used it to his advantage. He used the same move Hansel did but at a much closer range, breaking the sword! Brilliant!" he cheered. "Wow. I've never seen Komali move that fast before…" Makar thinks to himself, "Although he may be fast. I can still take him on." Makar smirked. "Good job, Hansel." Komali says as he helps him up. "Thanks. I almost had you." Hansel replied. "Work on your defence. You should never charge forward unless you have the advantage." Komali insisted. Hansel, looks up at Komali and smiles, "I will." Komali smiles back and the servants take Hansel away. Komali looks around at the cheering crowd and sees Link. The two exchange eye contact. Both determined to fight each other give a smirk.
"Next, is Link and Moga!" the announcer declared. Link steps onto the circle silently. Moga, a tall, athletic man, also steps onto the circle. "I've heard a lot about you, Link." Moga claims as Link just stares. "Some say you're the best knight in the whole kingdom. Let's put that to the test." Moga insisted. As Moga holds up his shield, Link holds up his sword in front rather than his shield. "What? What is he thinking? Starting off on the offence? He's insane!" Moga thought to himself. He smirked and chuckles thinking he could win this fight easily. "FIGHT!" the announcer shouted.
Link walks towards Moga slowly.
Moga confused throws his shield in front of him.
Link dashes forward out of nowhere and swings with his sword.
"This guy's a rookie!" Moga thought.
"What are you doing, Link?" Komali thought to himself as he started to sweat.
A corner of Makars lips turn up.
Moga uses his shield to knockback link's sword.
He sees an opening and swings his sword toward Link.
But Link quickly resets and taps Mogas chest.
Moga confused on what just happened, stands there as the crowd cheers.
A Knight shouts, "Woah! When did he-" another shouts, "That was amazing!"
"Link, wins!" the announcer shouted. The crowd cheers. "Link, you've gotten even better." the King thinks to himself. Commander Richards makes his way onto the tower and asks, "What'd I miss?" "That knight there, Link. His swordsmanship is exceptional. Even when he was a child he bested adults. And just now he's done it again." the King explained. "Do you think it could be him?" Richards asks. "I don't know," the king replies as he looks upon the crowd.
"Gotta say, Link. That was a good fight. I didn't know what you were trying to do but the deception worked." Komali admired. "Eheh." Link chuckled nervously as he scratched the back of his head. As the day went on matches upon matches were held until it was just the last two. "Now for the last two fights! Komali and Link, and Makar and Tassun." the announcer shouted. Komali looked at Link as they both glanced at another. The time had finally come for them to fight, something Komali's been wanting to do since Links return. They enter the circle as the courtyard is silent. The crowd now gone has made this moment personal. There's an energy that can be felt across the courtyard as everyone watching waited for the announcer. A few seconds go by. "FIGHT!" the announcer shouts.
Komali flies forward like a bullet as Link blocks the attack with his sword.
The impact causes a shockwave that could be felt through the yard.
Both swords break.
"W-what was that!?" Commander Richards shouts, "Was that them!? Oh, man! These guys are powerful!" "Um. Uh… Your Majesty!" Komali shouted out, "Please, may we use our actual swords and shields?" Both Komali and Link look up at the King. "Your Majesty?" Commander Richards says, awaiting for a response. The King takes a moment to think about the situation. Realizing no matter what wooden replacement they bring out, they will always break due to the sheer power of the two. "Bring out their swords!" the King ordered. Komali smiles and looks back at Link. "Now they can really go all out." Commander Richards declared, "Were you expecting that?" he asks. "I was expecting something like that but not with that much force." the King replied, surprised by Link and Komalis power. "The end is so close and their power is incredible." Makar thought to himself as he looked at Link and Komali. As the two are handed back Iron swords and shields, they take their positions again. Link holding his sword in front. Komali holding his shield in front. "FIGHT!" the announcer shouts again.
Komali flies to the sky, Link unable to chase him, waits.
The courtyard fills with silence.
The King and Commander wait for something to happen as Makar looks up to see where Komali went.
The trees can be heard rustling through the wind.
As the silence lingers it's soon broken by Komali shooting down to earth.
He falls as fast as a bullet and as strong as a meteor.
Link blocks with his shield, the clashing of metal as if in an echoed room could be heard.
A huge shockwave is felt from everyone on the courtyard causing Makar and Tassun to be pushed back. "Woah!" Tassun shouts.
Link gets knocked backed by the impact.
His arms fall down and Komali instantly follows him jabbing his sword forward at an open Link.
Link swings upwards and throws Komali's sword back.
Link with no time left pushes his shield forward.
Komali gets knocked back but before landing on the floor he flaps his wings to create some distance.
"I can't get close to him. He knows how to block everything! His reaction time is beyond the goddesses themselves!" Komali thought to himself.
"He's fast. Faster than ever. Yet, I can still block him. I just need to find an opening." Link thinks as he holds his sword up.
Silence fills the field again. "The kid's still got it." King Rhoam utters.
Link runs forward with his sword down.
Komali readys his sword and shield.
Link slashes upwards.
Komali blocks it with his sword.
Link with his sword down pushes his shield forward.
Komali gets knocked back.
Link spins with his sword.
Komali blocks with his shield.
Link spins back around with his sword.
Komali blocks again. He flies up to get away from Links flurry.
Link leaps after him and throws his sword and shield.
"What!?" Komali thinks.
Komali barely dodges the sword and catches the shield.
Komali looks at where the sword landed. It's out of the circle. He throws the shield out with it.
"W-what!? He's defenceless." Tussan shouts.
Komali seeing his chance strikes forward.
"This is it. I win!." Komali thinks.
Komali flies faster than he ever has before.
He draws his sword forward to strike.
Link spins his body right when Komali strikes with his sword.
Whilst spinning he takes Komali's sword and grabs the back of his armor.
Komali in mid flight panics.
Link throws Komali backwards lying his back on the ground and swings at his chest.
The lightest clang of metal is heard.
Silence fills the yard yet again. "Link, wins!" the Announcer shouts. "Wow. Link is better than I can ever imagine." Komali thinks to himself. Link reaches out his hand to help Komali up. "I'm sorry," Link says. "But I need to follow the path of my Father." Link thinks to himself. "I understand, Link, It's ok. I fought with my absolute best and clearly I need to train more. I hope we meet again soon, Link. And when we do, I'll be stronger than ever." Komali declared, as he gets up. He is then taken away by the servants. Makar looks to Link and thinks, "Link really isn't letting up. He wants to win. But…I can't let that happen." "Next up! Makar and Tassun!" the announcer shouts. The two step into the circle and get into position.
Komali scared of what's to come thinks about how he's failed Medli and his parents. He steps into the dining room and sees all the other knights who have lost sitting and feasting together. "What?" Komali thinks to himself. He sees Jace with Hansel and runs towards them, "Jace! Hansel! What is this?" he asked. "Komali! Hey, please, eat. You must be famished." Jace replied, as he seated Komali so he can eat the food that's been put on the long dining table. Komali, still confused says, "But. Aren't we supposed to be-" "There's no banishment." Hansel interrupts. Komali's eyes widen as he starts to cry tears of joy. "They only said that so we would fight at our absolute best." Hansel continues, "And from the shockwave we all felt earlier, I'm sure you did your best. So...eat. You must be starving." Komali eyes fill with tears as he starts to eat. Thankful for not being banished he fills himself up with energy, determined to keep training in Hyrule to one day beat Link.
"Makar, wins!" the announcer shouts. Makar had won the fight with Tassun making the last fight him and Link. The King starts to sweat as his two best knights are about to end the trial. "It's got to be one of them." the King utters. Makar walks up to Link to speak with him. "Link, I'm sorry but…I have to win. I can't let my family down. If I lose then I won't be able to protect them." Makar explained. Link, silent, listens to his friend. "You're my best friend, Link. I don't want to be the cause of your banishment. But I can't let them down… I hope you understand." Makar finishes, as he steps back onto the circle. Link in an existential crisis thinks to himself. He doesn't want to ruin his best friend's family but he must follow his father's footsteps. What will he do? As he steps onto the circle he raises his sword and narrows his eyebrows. Makar raises his sword in response. The two friends, both facing a dilemma, are ready to fight for their purpose. The King, nervous, leans forward to watch the fight carefully. "FIGHT!" the announcer shouts one last time.
Link dashes forwards.
Makar switches to his shield and blocks
Link dashes behind him.
Makar swings backwards with his shield.
Link blocks.
The sound of an explosion is heard from the impact.
A shockwave is generated.
"Woah." the announcer utters.
Makar looks at Link in determination.
Link jumps and swings his sword downwards.
Makar faces Link and blocks.
Another explosion is heard.
"I have to take account of his speed. If I start a flurry just as fast as he is he won't have time to react." Makar thinks to himself.
Link falls back on his feet.
Makar unleashes a flurry of swings over and over again.
It's so fast that the King could barely see it and the wind rushes past Link with every swing.
His shields durability runs low as more and more scratches appear on it.
"At this rate, his shield will break and he will be left with no defence." Makar thinks, as he keeps swinging.
Link is barely able to keep his footing due to the wind blowing him back.
The trees behind Link start to blow vigorously.
Makar destroys Links shield, the breaking of glass could be heard. As Link gets blown back Makar lunges one more time with his sword.
Link instantly finds his footing and swings his sword.
Makar leaps backwards to safety.
Link, worn out from the fury tries to catch his breath.
"Out of respect I'll at least let you regain your stamina." Makar says.
Link smiles and nods as he recovers.
Makar dashes forward and the two exchange blows.
Shockwaves could be felt throughout the kingdom with every blow.
With each strike the shockwaves become stronger and stronger.
Princess Zelda back in her study room stands up from her desk. "What is that?" she questions. "I knew they were powerful but this is something else!" Komali shouts inside the dining room. "I can't believe it! I can feel the castle rumbling!" Jace replied. Princess Zelda starts walking towards the tower her father's in.
After their exchange both kneel and balance on their swords trying to catch their breaths.
"I need to finish it, now." Makar thinks to himself.
Link kneels right in front of the circles outline.
The vast field is quiet, there's one way to win, and Makar takes his leap of faith.
With the last bit of energy, he dashes and drives his shield towards Link.
Link sees what Makar is planning.
He gets pushed back and falls to the ground.
Makar stands up. He sees that Link got knocked down… and lays out of the circle.
Makars eyes widen and glisten. "I did it. I won." Makar utters. "Makar, wins!" the announcer shouted. The king, surprised, lets out a sigh of relief. "We've found him." the King whispers. Link gasping on the ground gets up. "I'm sorry I had to do this, Link." Makar apologizes. Link nods and gives Makar a smile. "What? He's not mad? His dreams of becoming a well respected Knight are gone and yet… He smiles." Makar thought to himself. The servants take Link away and the King comes down from the tower. Makar, all alone on the yard, sees the King and kneels. "Please, stand Makar." the King insists and Makar stands up. "You are the hero prophecy tells of." the King claims. "W-what?" Makar questions. "This trial. It was to find who the Hero is. Legend says the Hero is a remarkable swordsman and today you've proven yourself worthy of that title." the King explained. "So…that means…" Makar utters. "Yes, boy. You are the Hero we've been looking for." the King declares. Makar looks up in surprise as the sun sets upon Hyrule. "What of the other knights?" Makar asks. "The banishment rule was just a ruse to make all the knights fight at their absolute best." the King replied. "Then...Link will be ok? He'll stay in Hyrule?!" Makar shouts. "He, along with all the other knights will still stay in Hyrule." the King assured. Makar gives off a big sigh of relief as he learns his friends are safe. "Go home. Meet me here tomorrow at sunrise. We will make our way to the Korok forest to retrieve the sword that seals the darkness. There we will truly know if you are the Hero of legend." the King says. Makar nods and leaves the castle's courtyard. Zelda, on top of the tower, analyzes Makar. "Father!" she calls out. The King looks behind him up to the tower, "What is it, my dear?" "Is that him?" Zelda asks. "Most likely." the King replies. Zelda looks upon Makar and wonders what he's thinking.
Link inside the Dining room, feasts on food. There are already ten empty bowls in front of him. "By the goddesses, slow down, Link! I know you love food but you'll choke if you eat too fast!" Komali exclaims. Link looks up at him, his face covered with bits of food, gives a big smile. Jace, Hansel, and Komali look at each other and laugh.