CHAPTER 7

CASTLE TOWN MARKET

The outlook was grim, and the Hylians had lost many good soldiers in their attempts to drive the Bokoblin forces back. With the leadership of King Bulbin, the Bokoblins had pushed the Hyrulean soldiers back a considerable amount. Lance's usefulness in the battle was apparently limited as he moved with the ever-changing front line. Bulbin was brutal as he smashed soldiers out of the way with his large hammer. Lance knew he had to dispose of him, he just didn't know how to single him out.

"Soldiers of Hyrule, raise your shields and ready your weapons!" Lance shouted. The second line of soldiers raised their mobile armor to block any incoming attacks while the front line continued keeping the enemy at bay, and they pointed their spears and swords out towards the Bokoblins. "Front line soldiers, retreat to the rear!" The soldiers did as Lance told them. "Charge!"

The soldiers with their shields up sprinted towards the mob of enemies, and they pierced the Bokoblin front line that was standing in between them and the Moblin Lord. Bulbin was furious as he blew his horn for reinforcements. These would take quite a bit, as the next line of Bokoblins was somewhat far away. Lance pushed his way through the Hylian line to reach King Bulbin.

"Hold, men!" He shouted as he raised his hand to the soldiers. He turned to Bulbin. "I wish to challenge you to a duel." Lance offered. Bulbin bellowed in amusement. Such a weak boy in a green dress leading them was probably the reason the Hylians were losing to his overwhelming might. Lance noticed Bulbin's condescending reply and quickly finished his offer. "If I you are victorious, we will stand down and allow you to take Castle Town." Bulbin stopped laughing and tilted his head in confusion. "However, if I win, you will leave this place and run back to your dark master."

Bulbin snorted in discontent. He seemed to be opposed to bargains such as these. He deduced that he had no choice but to agree seeing as the Hylians had surrounded him. Though only a moment after his death at their hands would the Bokoblins reach this place and overrun the soldiers with their shear numbers. It was a choice: His life or the will of Ganon? He raised his hammer in defiance and roared. He would not die to a load of puny Hylians.

"Then a duel it will be." Lance stated as he gripped his blade tighter. It had already tasted the blood of many beasts that day, but none would be as gnarly and foul as that of King Bulbin.

Bulbin charged at him on his boar, and took a mighty swing at Lance's head. The boy in green dodged this possibly fatal blow, and was able to thinly slice the boar's leg. Though it was a tiny cut, the boar squealed in pain and bucked Bulbin off. The large green Moblin was upset, and writhed on the ground. Lance took no chances as sped over to the grounded Bulbin to try and finish this quickly. He took a swipe at the Moblin's throat but to no avail; as his neck was covered in thick metal armor. He would need to stab him straight through the mouth in order to deal a final blow.

Bulbin arose quickly for the fat and lazy Moblin he appeared to be. Lance was no match for him in a true duel, but now they stood across from one another. He feared his end was nigh. Bulbin tried to tackle him, but Lance moved too quickly for the monster, and Bulbin fell once more. Lance slashed at his legs; this time, he made deep gashes in Bublin's ankles. They were wounds that were so severe that his legs could likely no longer support his girth.

The downed "king" flailed like a coward. Though Moblins couldn't truly speak, he would be begging for mercy if he could. He had definitely lost this battle, nd he knew it. He wishes his life to be spared.

Just in time, the Bokoblins arrived. They were fierce and ready to tear the remainder of the Hyrulean Army apart. Lance held a blade to his throat as he squealed the message of retreat to his fellow Ganon-followers.

As the Bokoblins dragged Bulbin away, Lance sighed in relief. The day was saved. It wouldn't be long before another attack was launched, but that didn't matter. By then they would have the walls patched up once again. Bokoblins are strong in numbers, but not even they can pierce through stone.

HYRULE CASTLE - COURTYARD

"They told me I'd find you here; what's the matter?" Lance abruptly said; startling Zelda from her deep stare. She was enveloped in the sight of a window on the castle. The room that the window displayed was none other than the throne room, but instead of seeing the throne itself: a small patch of carpet where those who would present themselves to her father was.

"Nothing, I just wanted to make sure you were alright." She said, excelling at the small talk portion of being royalty. Lance, however, wasn't totally convinced.

"What were you looking at?" He asked. She failed to meet his gaze.

"You wouldn't make fun of me if I told you something, would you?" The princess asked him, looking him straight in the eyes. Lance was off put by her sudden urge to be candid.

"Of course not." He replied. Zelda drew a quick breath before she began speaking.

"I have had dreams of a frightening man with red hair invading this place. He would pay homage to the King, but he would harbor hatred in his blackened heart. He would kneel there… I can't stand the thought of him in my home." Zelda started to tear up. "What if he's coming here? What if this Ganon that has caused Castle Town to crumble is the same man who will trick my father?"

Lance, feeling immense sympathy for her, took her into his arms. She was surprised but accepting of the sudden embrace. She decidedly didn't push him away.

"This may be hard to hear for someone who can tell the future, but not every dream is going to come true. In fact, some dreams come to us from our past: things we pick up and whatnot." Lance comforted.

"Where did I pick this up from? I've never seen this man in my life!" Zelda exclaimed. Lance held her tighter.

"I don't know… I just don't know…" He told her, starting to wonder himself where her dream really came from.