Disclaimer: The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess is owned by Nintendo. The following work is not intended to add to, promote or distort this game or it's series. This is a work of fanfiction, and the author does not profit in posting. This is simply a writing exercise written for fun.
Chapter Seven: Link
For the week following the regional meeting, copies of the drafted petition circulated all three towns, accruing the signatures of every resident in the land. Even the children signed, not that their names would carry much weight.
Eventually, the document had worked its way back to Mayor Bo's home, signaling that I needed to prepare for departure. The very day I was scheduled to embark, I left my home to find my beloved sister standing before it. She had her arms crossed and a scowl across her lovely face.
"How dare you do this to us?" She demanded, her voice filled with more rage than I'd ever encountered. I stood dumbfounded in her wake, "How dare you make us the center of this inverted circus? Me, your sister! And my children, your niece and nephew! Did you not think of us?"
I frowned and stepped closer to her, trying my best to keep my voice level, "I was thinking of all of you... Especially when I thought about Colin working till his body broke to free himself of a servitude he had not bartered for nor agreed upon. Or when I considered how lovely dear Lyla will grow to be, and how any noble passing by will try and lay hands on her, leaving her defenseless to their social standing." I paused and let her process that, "Yes, I was thinking very clearly about you all."
She blinked, her eyes wide and moistening as her thoughts caught up to my words. And, with a gasp, she held onto me tight, crying. "You'd better be willing to see this through with us, Link." She warned, stepping back to glare at me, "Or I will never forgive you for putting us on the chopping block like this." I nodded, understanding.
The crunching of snow indicated the approach of a party of people, namely Mayor Bo and Rusl, who were followed by the frowning faces of Count Harkenian and his subordinates. I was also surprised to find Colin among them. "This is quite the sending party." I noted, to which Mayor Bo shrugged.
"Well," he paused and glanced to Rusl a moment, "Discussions last night left us of the opinion that a face should accompany the petition, and so Rusl, Uli and Colin will be accompanying you." I nodded, understanding and turned about to gather my horse and load my possessions.
I returned to find that the count was still amongst our ranks, making vague references of protection through the forest. "The beasts have come quite close to the roads, m'lady." He purred as though genuinely concerned, "Numbers will be to all our benefits."
I growled as I approached, stepping between the two with my horse to save my sister from his sinister glimmer. The stench of his intent was potent in that he firmly desired to lay my family to rest while underway. The way his men stood by, idly sharpening their blades, backed my suspicions.
Moments later, we were en route to towards Daphenia City, what all us locals called Castle Town, simply because many could not spell the damned name. I observed the clopping sounds of seven horses behind me. Two belonged to my family and the rest belonged to Count Harkenian and his posse.
I could smell their anxiety build, certain that once we crossed the bridge over Zora River, the fight would begin. For this very reason, I kept my hands near my many daggers, ready to spring into action the moment I heard the friction of steel.
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