Outside the carriage window, the familiar landscape of Castletown's fields and farms passed by Zelda under the last embers of sunlight. She leaned her head against the padded wall, aimlessly taking in the great wall surrounding Casiel Irule, the Fortress of Hyrule, Castletown's true name in Ancient Hylian. Its seamless impenetrable white walls built through the magic of the Sheikah ages ago stretched for miles, great towers spiking up and down it, before it curved out of her sight. The city had never been taken, resisting invasions of beasts and foul demons bent on the mindless destruction of Hyrule. Armies of men had camped outside the walls, their sieges failing against Hyrule's power every time. When she was a child, Zelda had delighted in running across the top of the great wall, reliving great battles while shooting arrows with the soldiers, seeing who could go the farthest. From the top of the towers she would look out on the land, trying to count all the sheep, the cows, following the horse farmer's stock as they galloped.
Within the wall she could spy the entire city. Her city. She had followed the rhythmic routines of the citizens, watching as they haggled in the markets, the children chasing and playing the streets, young lovers stealing secret kisses and looks, learning the nature of society through observation as much as scholarship. It had always been her delight to ride into the city like a hero returning from battle. Her citizen's would crowd the streets, showering her with love and praise. She knew it was selfish and petty, but it had been a source of encouragement as much as pride. Driving her to care for her citizens as they did for her, to live up to their expectations, to be proficient in the matters of state and history as much as love and magic. It was her destiny and right to lead them, and she would not let them down.
"We should be riding in glory today more than ever." Bitter thoughts betrayed her mood asthe Book of Mudora lay heavily in her lap, her fingers tracing its deep golden Triforce inlay. Zelda had envisioned this march into Hyrule for the past week; the citizens would line the street, dancing and singing in revelry not often seen these days. Link would ride in glory beside her, a new hero for the citizens of Hyrule to place their trust in, a symbol of hope in an increasingly hopeless time. Together they would lift the hearts of Castletown, and eventually all of Hyrule. She had dreamed of presenting the Book of Mudora to her father, a secret that she had kept from him in their communications. His joy and shock would be overwhelming, and he would welcome Link to the castle as graciously as he would his own family.
This was what she knew should be happening even now, for was not Link an even greater hero? Defeating the dragon on the field would be remembered and glorified in song and epic for thousands of years. This was certain. Zelda loved fairy tales and epics, tales of great beast bested by heroic men and women, and she normally would be delighted to have been a part of the source of Hyrule's newest legend, but not today. Not as her company quietly entered the barren streets of Castletown, whose citizens had been ordered to remain inside as the massive legion surrounding her paraded down the street.
Behind the great walls of Hyrule, which stood over twenty men tall, darkness was filling the streets as the sun set. Servants ran to light the watch lights that would illuminate the great stone paved road that lead directly into the castle, to ward off the darkness. Tiny lights were lifted high into the sky, transforming like butterflies on the fire pits that were bolted and extended from the store fronts. Stretching and straining, their wings of light fluttered about the cobble stones, joined together briefly before floating away.
Impa sat silently across the carriage from Zelda, lost in her own thoughts, giving Zelda as much time and space as she needed to recover. Zelda had not told Impa everything she had seen in Link's mind, keeping secret his affair in Gerudo Valley, but sharing that Link had lived among the Children of the Forest, a refugee in the land of the Great Forest Spirit. It was a realm that few Hylians dared to enter, for no true path existed, and every forest trail could lead to the Lost Woods.
He has done and seen more things in his short life than perhaps any of the great heroes in Hyrule's history. Through the brief moments that Zelda had been privy to, and in the time with which she had been left to consider it, she had determined three things about Link. He was without a doubt the most dangerous and skilled fighter in Hyrule. He was also unconditionally devoted and in love with Zelda in a way that both scared and delighted her. Finally, he had absolutely no fear.
The events that she had seen in his mind would lead her to this, but what confirmed it were Link's own feelings on each moment. Subconsciously his feelings and his own thoughts on each experience had been conveyed to her. He was unashamed of his secret protection, even now, because he felt that it was his duty, as it was the duty of all Hylians to protect and ensure the safety of, as he saw it, their only hope to survive whatever darkness covered the land. His experiences in the Gerudo Valley were unclouded, he had felt no shame in the price he knew that all men who wandered into their lands risked, or perhaps wished for, and he did not regret his actions. Nor did he revel in them like the common hooligans who would boast of their experience in the local common room. What had happened to him had happened, and was necessary to leave the Valley without violence. He was sure that he could have escaped them at anytime, there were none who could best him in combat, but he was indebted to them for saving his life, and wished them no harm. He had not sought the bed of the Gerudo or any woman since, and never would, for he knew his heart and life belonged to Zelda, and would make a poor gift to any other woman.
These revelations tempered her initial anger, but nothing could save Zelda from the pain she felt at losing Impa's companionship. She felt like half a person, as though part of her was gone. Zelda had lost her mother before she ever knew her, and her mother's role she had thrust upon Impa unwittingly. But Impa was also her friend, her sister, teacher, and protector, and while she still lived, Zelda knew that never again would they share what they had. A dark depression had settled upon her quickly, one that she saw no way, and even worse, no reason to lift at the moment.
The bond that she now shared with Link, untested and unexplored nestled in the back of her consciousness, she was wary of touching it, afraid of what it would do to her, or to Link. She also took great responsibility knowing that Link would have followed every command she gave him before, but now might be incapable of disobeying if she chose to enter into his mind through their bond, and impose her will through magic. It was only a theory, one she had never tested with Impa out of respect, and one which she did not wish to explore with Link.
Lost in her dark thoughts, Zelda hardly noticed the city as it passed by her lazy eyes. Citizen's faces were pressed against the windows; some were even brave enough to stand in open doorways with a tight grip on their children, searching for any sign of the reason for their unexpected curfew. The children pointed excitedly at the soldiers, the grand army of Hyrule, as they rode by. A few soldiers waved to friends and family, assuring them that everything was fine. One man cheered excitedly as the Princesses carriage rode by, but if it was the drink in his hand or the sight of Link, slayer of dragons and beasts who rode in front of her carriage that drove him she did not know.
She did not doubt that the story of Link's heroics and a description of him had already been passed about Castletown. Gossip was the city's greatest trade, and good gossip traveled only slightly slower than bad. By tomorrow merchants would be selling children wooden swords shaped like the blade used by the new hero. Within a week painted wooden shingles would be sold as dragon scales, and the children would re-enact the great battle in the streets and parks. Young men would venture across the city to unfamiliar taverns, and claim they were the great Link, and seek the company of impressionable girls. It had happened throughout history in all lands, and would again soon. Zelda's dark mood would not stop life from going on as it always had, no matter her desires. It was her duty to begin preparation for the festival, so that she could be prepared to enter her life as a woman, and as a leader of Hyrule.
Impa finally broke the silence; she spoke softly with obvious compassion. "Zelda, I know that you are as upset as I, perhaps more. I will not belittle your effort by assuming I know everything that you have seen or felt, but you most begin the process of putting it aside. The next six weeks will be the most intense and stressful period of your life. With this new…complication, we must endeavor to discover what, if any effect this will have on the ceremony."
Despite herself, Zelda felt her curiosity stirring. She replied quickly, intent on showing that she was capable of fulfilling her duties. "What do you mean?"
A deep breath and pause preceded Impa's response. "We have no idea of the nature and extent of the bond between you and Link. We had half your life to discover the intricacies of our own, but this may or may not be the same. By taking hold of.." Breaking of her sentence, Impa leaned close to the Princess to whisper. "By taking hold of the Triforce of Wisdom, you risk your own life, as we have ever been aware. What would happen to Link if you died? Or alternatively, what would happen to you if he died? I know what you feel for him, it is natural and understandable, but we cannot allow it to cloud our judgment. These are concerns that must be addressed, sooner rather than later Remember always, your duty is to Hyrule and its people. The sins of your people's past are on your shoulder, fair or not, it is the will of the Goddesses."
Settling back in her seat, Impa sat quietly as Zelda considered her words. The brief conversation had given Zelda more to think about, and even more grief. It brought into the open how much her life had changed that day. Whenever they discussed the Triforce, they had always done so in the privacy of their minds. It also brought heavily to bear the weight that Zelda knew lay upon her, the key to which lay upon her lap. Gripping the book, Zelda looked into Impa's eyes, hoping that her determination not to fail was evident without words. "When we return to the castle, as soon as we have met with father, we need to question Link. You were wise to leave him out of the carriage, I could not yet face him, but he must tell us everything; if necessary I will force him to, although it would pain me to do so. I will not see the hope of Hyrule lost because of secrecy. We have allowed him to keep his until now, whether I was driven by emotion or not, I cannot clearly say. The Goddesses have delivered him to us, and I am sure that his part is not yet done. I intend to ensure he fulfills his duty. I promise you that I shall do all that is required."
Impa's response was measured and steady, and it was clear to Zelda that she had already thought out this conversation when she said, "I trust that you shall Princess, but do not lose yourself. The people of Hyrule need a leader, one who they can believe in, who they can love and respect. If you steel yourself away, you shall alienate them. As for Link, from what you have told me, he has done nothing to lose your trust, and unless there is more, your affection either. Allow yourself to be but a young woman at times in your heart, or you will risk losing what makes you worthy. Remember the words of our first Queen, 'She will be as loving as she is wise, for what is wisdom but compassionate understanding? Love breeds compassion, and compassion breeds true wisdom. You will know her not only by her great wisdom, but the fierceness of her love.' Never have I seen this more evident in you than in the last two weeks. Link has brought you more than the Book, you already know this. Do not blame him for what you have lost; it was not his intention or fault. The responsibility is yours and yours alone."
Zelda did not reply, and was silent until they reached the castle, deep in thought upon Impa's words. She is right. She can read me better than myself even now. I cannot allow myself to be angry with him…but how can I trust him now? I will always wonder what more he has done or seen. Do I not have the right to be angry? Goddesses help me, I am so confused.
Link rode silently before the Princess's carriage up the main road toward Hyrule castle. A pathway that Kings and Queens of Hyrule had tread upon for over a millennia, Rian Irule himself had walked upon these very stones, unchanged by time. The magic of the Sheikah builders is unparalleled throughout the world. The tall spires of the great city rose above him on all sides, small windows illuminated by early candle light. Night descended quickly behind the wall, only the blue shingles of Hyrule castle reflected the red evening sun, until inexorably it was gone. Darkness filled all the cleared alleys, the hollow clop of horses and the clang of armor was all that could be heard on the interior streets of Hyrule. Here among the elite of Hyrule, the small castles and manor homes of its lords and ladies, there were no citizens to gape as the procession went by. It would probably be undignified to be seen gawking at her Highness. A silent laugh brought a smile to Link's face, as he imagined the gardens and balconies filled with the poor children who has clamored to catch but a glimpse of their Royalty.
The darkness around him mirrored Link's own thoughts as he silently considered the day's events. Though it was not in his nature to be overly proud, he had certainly impressed himself with the defeat of the dragon. It had been the greatest test his skills had ever met, and he believed he acquitted himself admirably, although he would certainly never say so aloud. What troubled him was Impa's startling revelation, and the unexpected complications that were all around him. The Princess's consciousness weighed heavily on his mind, it was unfamiliar and uncomfortable, as had been their brief exchange before she had rushed into the confines of the carriage.
She had emerged from the tent looking as beautiful and composed as she always did. Perhaps a little gray and tired, but certainly not the haggard look that greeted him on the field. Cleansed of blood and dirt, she was adorned for court, as was to be expected, but she appeared in no mood to talk. She had curtly addressed him and all the guard, before sweeping into her conveyance. Impa gave him a sympathetic look before requesting that he ride Epona and protect the carriage.
Link had not survived so long on his own without being perceptive, and clearly something was troubling the Princess. He supposed it was the loss of the bond with Impa, for with only a few hours experience he could feel what a powerful experience it was to have another's consciousness within you own, and from what Impa told him, it was even more strong an experience for Zelda than for himself.
When he thought of the Princess, more darkness descended over him. It was as though her mood was a great canvas, painted in solid color upon his mind, and right now it was clearly black. Trying to put aside his concern for her, he set about determining the best course of action over the coming months. Six weeks from tomorrow, on the summer solstice, commemorating the Princesses seventeenth birthday, a grand festival would be held in Hyrule. Secretly, Link knew that it was also the only opportunity Zelda had to lay her claim on the Triforce of Wisdom. The Book of Mudora supposedly gave instruction for how and when the Nayru's true heir could claim the Triforce. It was knowledge closely guarded by the Royal Family, and only intense studying and examination of history had revealed this fact to Link. The months he had spent scurrying about the Royal Archives and the ancient library of Crionact at Lake Hylia, had revealed much that few took the time to learn. Beside Link, Impa and Zelda herself, he doubted that anyone outside of the King's closest advisors and the Great Deku Tree knew what would take place day.
And now, perhaps Zelda knows that I know. Blast, what did she see? Traces of Zelda's consciousness left themselves throughout his mind and memories. He had struggled with the feeling for sometime before he realized what it meant, or what he supposed it meant. She must have been inside my mind, reliving my memories. I can see her standing next to me before the Great Deku Tree. Feel her race beside me on the ranch. She is popping up all over my mind, its maddening. Her presence laced his memories and experiences, some which he wished to keep from anyone. It was unnerving, but if it was the cost of his life, he could certainly bear it. It was also comforting to know that perhaps now he would be released of the need to keep secrets from her.
The parade of soldiers ground to a halt as they approached the castle gates. A brief exchange of words between Captain Morann and the castle guards and they moved on quickly. Link had watched as the Princess came and went from Hyrule Castle enough to know this was unusual, as a formal transition of duty would normally be observed. The Castle Warden should be waiting for them at the gate, ready to take command for care of the Princess. The Castle Warden was Captain Morann's direct superior and commander of the Royal Guard. In Hyrule's military command, only the Lord Generals of the North and South Armies outranked him, and neither had such authority within the castle grounds, unless a state of war is declared. Link could only guess as to why it was omitted, but he assumed the King was anxious to see his daughter.
Link too was anxious, he was entering the castle grounds, one of the few places in Hyrule he had never tread upon. The main body of the soldiers broke up, heading for the barracks to the east of the castle gates. The Royal Guard, who it seemed had spent the time waiting for the Princess to recover meticulously cleaning and polishing their armor, tightened their perimeter around the Princess, forcing Link and Epona to the back of the procession. Torches were lit and passed around to each soldier, the bright light of the flames reflecting muted rainbows on their armor, and dancing into the night, obscuring the view.
He followed them along a garden path, which slowly wound around the low soft hills before opening up into a great walled stone courtyard as wide across as the Town of Moiro had been long. In the center of the court yard stood a great fountain, a statue of the Goddesses stood in the middle, holding their joined hands to the sky as the water rose elegantly between them, showering their beautiful faces. As they passed by the fountain, Link saw each Goddess stood upon a Triforce pedestal. Trees, bushes and flower arrangements lined the outer walls, and statues of Kings and Queens stood regally in their midst, facing each of the cardinal directions. On the other side of the fountain, across the courtyard, Link had his first unobstructed view of Hyrule Castle.
It rose impossibly into the sky, its great towers like small pointed mountains. It was built on a great hill, burrowing into the ground in spots, and conforming smoothly in others. Much of the castle was lost in darkness, with windows here and there glowing like fireflies as candles flickered within. Directly across from him was the portcullis, the sharp points of its lower gates hanging like teeth of a great dragon, with the dancing fire of the watch lights burning bright within. A small moat divided the outer court from the great wall protecting the castle, and Link's sharp eyes spotted dozens of well trained archers following their every movement from its lofty heights.
The carriage swung around the fountain, parallel to the wall. The Royal Guard fanned out to either side in perfect unison. Dismounting together, they lined the extended wooden bridge on either side, their torches high in their hands, lighting the path of their Princess. Not knowing what to do, Link quietly dismounted Epona, and stroked her neck as he watched the austere ceremony. From within the Castle came three new Guardsmen. A tall middle aged man strode a step ahead in the middle; his sleek short hair was black as the night. He wore no armor, but the red coat of a Guardsman with a high collar, and white pants with black piping, and a sword was strapped comfortably to his belt. Flanking him on either side were young boys, brothers perhaps, their bright blonde hair and clean faces out of place with the sword latched upon their thin frames. They were most likely cadets, prospective Guardsmen, sent to train with Hyrule's most elite force during their formative years in the hope that they would one day be worthy to protect Hyrule's rulers.
As the approached the boys dropped behind the tall man at a wordless gesture. The tall man stopped at the foot of the carriage door, his hand flashing toward his sword hilt when he spied Link standing beside his Epona in the shadows. Captain Morann quickly stepped off the line, placing a hand on the man's shoulder and whispering in his ear. The man simply nodded, his eyes passing over Link once more before he settle on the carriage door, waiting for the Princess.
Zelda sat quietly on the padded bench, her hands still running ceaselessly over the cover of the Book of Mudora. It is still unbelievable. This ancient treasure brought back from oblivion by a mysterious stranger. I almost feel like I am dreaming, caught up in a great fairy tale of my own imagination. Zelda wished it were true, that this story would end happily like a fairy tale, the forces of good triumphing effortlessly and completely. The truth was that she knew far too little of what would happen next; each day was bringing her new and different surprises, events were spiraling out of her control…after a long period of pensive silence she looked into Impa's eyes and nodded curtly.
Without a word Impa opened the carriage door and stepped out. She stood at the top of the step, as regal as any Princess in all the lands. Zelda admired her caretaker's presence, her ability to command the attention and respect of Kings with only a look. When she was a girl she had practiced Impa's own looks in a mirror, convinced that she would never develop her own. "Trust yourself Zelda, you are more capable than you know." That was all that Impa would say when she caught Zelda playing games like that.
Stepping out, Impa joined Warden Alastara Donah. They exchanged a brief nod, a courtesy among peers and friends. Alastara was the Castle Warden, commander of the Royal Guard, and the last link to Knights of Hyrule. When Zelda had been just a baby, he was the only cadet of the Knights. A Knight in training, but untested, he was left behind as the Knights began their fatal campaign. With no one to elevate him, he had been one of the first to join the Royal Guard, where he quickly became their commander. He had shadowed and watched over Zelda almost her entire life, as much her protector as Impa was. Five years ago he had been offered the post of Lord General and Commander of the Southern Army, but rejected quietly. Zelda knew that in his heart he believed himself a Knight, not a soldier, and therefore he would never leave her family's side.
Stepping into the light, Zelda let the sight of her home sink in. Finally. Sweeping down the stairs, she scanned the assembled guards, noting each one that had stood with her, protected her, suffered and lost for her. She noted which ones were gone, the gaps in the formation, the missing brothers and friends. In the coming weeks she would visit their families in Castletown if that had any, and thank them for their son's, father's, or brother's service. Offerings for the fallen would be made at the temple, and Zelda herself would ask for their families to be blessed. By the light of Nayru's wisdom, I promise they shall not have fallen in vain.
Gliding forward, Zelda felt Link's eyes on her from the darkness. It was an odd sensation, feeling his mind change at the very sight of her, more powerful and raw than her connection with Impa had been. She stopped short of her waiting guard to give Link a small smile, inviting and assuring. Before she had been to cold, too distant, unable to accept the dramatic changes that had come about so quickly and she knew that he had felt it. She was still struggling with it, but Impa was right. This was her doing; she would not punish him for his selflessness or his past. Reaching out to the part of her that was always his now, she let herself pour into him. Come Link, I would like you to meet my father.
