Chapter 7
An Audience for the Princess

Tall doors approached Rusl quickly as the wolf pulled him forward. The doors looked brand new, like they had been recently replaced. Link saw the guards and slipped out of his rope leash and into the shadows. Luckily, the guards seemed dazed, tired, or maybe they had mastered the art of sleeping while standing.

"What on earth do you want me to say?" Rusl hissed under his breath at the beast in the shadows.

The wolf couldn't respond if he wanted to. Helmets creaked in front of the man and two guards were now looking at him suspiciously.

"Can we help you with something sir?" The older looking guard asked.

"Yes… I… um…"Rusl looked at the shadows to see Link motioning his nose forward trying to get him to go on. He cleared his throat. "Actually, I was seeking an audience with the Princess."

"Aha. May I ask your name and providence?" It was the older guard again. Rusl was wondering if the younger man ever spoke.

"Rusl of Ordon Village." Rusl was standing proudly. If he were to represent his village he'd do it well.

The younger guard pulled out a scroll and put it in front of the elder.

"Mmhmm. It appears Ordon is the only area to not give a report to the Princess after the damages of recent events. You may enter, Rusl of Ordon. Please do not mind the repairs and damages." He sighed. "The castle isn't the beauty it once was."

The guards opened the large doors. Rusl turned to look at Link, but he was gone. Inside a man, who had apparently been listening to the conversation, waited to guide him to the Princess. Large glasses sat on the short old man's nose and he wore a robe that almost reached the ground. The man was looking at a book that seemed to be some kind of checklist as he absent mindedly guided Rusl to a meeting room.

"Much of the castle was destroyed. The western portion had the least amount of damage so her majesty now resides there. You will only speak to her when spoken to. When you enter her presence you must bow." He was listing off details in a deadpan voice, like he'd said it a million times. Dumbfounded Rusl looked at the once majestic castle. The guards hadn't been exaggerating.

-

Link had started to go in through a secret passage he knew led to the inside of the castle. Then he noticed some of the Castle wall had been repaired with wood. Sure, it would block human thieves, but not a wolf. He dug under the wall and gasped at the view on the other side. It was completely disheartening. Marble and stone chunks were scattered everywhere. Broken arms and legs that had fallen from once beautiful fountains littered the ground. Anger rose in his throat. The image seemed to reflect Hyrule. How dare someone hurt his home, his people, this kingdom.

No. It did not reflect Hyrule. It was only a reminder of what all of Hyrule could have become if he had not intervened. Yes, there was damage everywhere in the kingdom. Heck, he'd caused some of it. But Hyrule was safe from Ganondorf and Zant. A time of recovery and peace was beginning. This realization calmed him down again. As long as he was living, he'd do everything in his power to protect the people.

The castle was under serious repair and much of it would have to be rebuilt completely. There were probably a hundred workers on the grounds. Link knew he'd have to be sneaky, but he'd grown used to that. It was late afternoon and the bright sun cast a lot of shadows from the debris. He began sneaking to the area of the castle to the west. It was in much better shape than the rest and he could smell Rusl's scent in that direction.

"Did you see that?" A worker questioned as Link had accidentally kicked a rock with his rear paw and dashed behind a large chunk of marble.

"What Symon?" His partner rolled his eyes.

"I think I saw a wolf!"

Another worker's laugh boomed across the courtyard. "I think you may have worked a little too hard today, buddy."

"I guess. I think I'm going crazy."

"Going?" The other man laughed.

Link allowed himself to exhale and continued forward

-

Two more guards stood next to a smaller set of doors. Rusl entered and bowed respectfully as his "tour guide" introduced him. The room was much smaller than Rusl had anticipated. The Princess was seated in a chair that sat beside a table. The furniture was beautiful and certainly expensive, but it wasn't the throne he had expected. Next to her stood a single guard.

"Guard." The Princess' voice held authority and power.

Rusl tensed for a moment, though he wasn't sure why. He had done nothing wrong and had remained in a bowing position. The clang of armor made him realize the guard had moved, perhaps to solute the princess.

"Please, leave us. I wish to speak with Rusl of Ordon in private."

The guard left the room and closed the door. Rusl was stunned. After all, he didn't know Zelda and he was armed.

"Thank you for your respect Rusl of Ordon, but it is really unnecessary."

His position shifted so that he was standing in front of the princess. Her eyes looked tired but still held a look of authority. Then she stood and walked toward the swordsman. She may have been a young woman, around Link's age, but that didn't stop her from intimidating Rusl.

"I wanted to thank you personally, but I have been busy with kingdom duties. As you can see Hyrule is in recovery right now." She seemed to offer a faint smile. "But if it weren't for you and your friends it would be much worse."

Rusl wanted to speak, to deny it perhaps. It was meant to be a secret. Zelda seemed to see his intentions.

"There is no need to deny what you have all done. Although you may not want it, you will be rewarded for your service to the kingdom. Without your help, I'm not sure I would be alive. Thank you."

"It was my absolute pleasure your highness." She nodded.

"Now, what is your report on the damages of Ordon Village?"

"Actually, um…" Rusl stumbled for words again. What had Link wanted him to say? Why did he want him to speak with Zelda in the first place? "Well, there were some children that were kidnapped but they have since been returned safely. The pumpkin harvest has been a wonderful success. We lost none of our goats. Your Majesty, we were blessed." Rusl's eyes widened. It suddenly dawned on him that Link had protected Ordon Village. He was there and stopped the Twilight from coming across the land before it had. Ordon Village was the best off place in all of Hyrule. "I believe we were protected."

"Hmm." The Princess didn't seem surprised by Rusl's last statement. "So, Rusl of Ordon. Is that all you wanted to speak with me about?"

"Well…I." Was it?

A black flash seemed to come from nowhere. Rusl jumped and grabbed his chest, like he expected a heart attack to happen any second. His nerves had been twisted into knots because of his current position. But he hadn't realized just how tense he was. The Princess widened her eyes in shock for a millisecond. Rusl didn't notice, she seemed as stoic as ever.

A wolf walked in between the two. Zelda watched Rusl's reaction to the wolf. He had been surprised at the entrance, but seemed at ease with the wolf. It seemed they knew each other.

Rusl gulped. Why in the world would Link show himself like this? Unless? Did Zelda know? He looked at the Princess. She seemed to be studying him instead of the wolf. Rusl reached down to pet Link's ear, but he wasn't sure what to say or how to go about the situation.

"This is my um…" Link looked at Rusl as he tried to explain. Then he stepped forward and bowed before the Princess. "Oh," was all the man could manage.

What happened next took the swordsman by surprise. The Princess, the ruler of Hyrule, bowed to the wolf.

"Hero. It is an honor."

If there were a fly in the room Rusl would have caught it. Link seemed to sigh at the bowing.

"Your Highness, you know?"

"I do. And I can see he trusts you as well." She paused to think. "Hero chosen by the goddesses, why are you in this form?" She seemed to be addressing Rusl for the answer.

"Your highness I do not know. I did not know that he had ever taken this form until a couple of days ago… and he hasn't been able to explain it to me."

"Whatever the situation, I owe it to both of you and your friends for Hyrule still being around as it is today. The best soldiers of the army were destroyed in Zant's first invasion. They would have been of great help in your battle." Rusl thought he heard a tinge of sadness in her voice. "Including my personal guards. They weren't ready for such an intense attack at a time of peace. Especiallym not hear at the castle. Although, they fought bravely."

Link shifted uneasily. Zelda's most loyal and skilled fighters had helped him. Though they were spirits in the castle. Without their assistance, he may not have made it alive. Link suddenly became aware of the ghostly figure in the corner. He seemed middle aged and his armor was different. The spirit seemed to become aware of the wolf as well and nodded. His voice was like wind through metal.

"I will always watch over her in this castle, though I cannot leave." Link nodded as slightly as he could manage. Zelda saw his gaze and turned to the corner, but saw nothing.

She looked to Link's wolf form. "Hero, can you change to a Hylian."

Link shook his head 'no.'

"Then you seek assistance to return to that form?"

The wolf nodded. Zelda walked to the wolf and Rusl noticed a faint glow on the Princess' hand. Its glow became brighter until he could see the symbol clearly through her white glove. He looked at Link's paw and saw it glowing as well. Both of them had a piece of the Triforce.

"There is nothing I can do to help you here." She sighed.

Link ran to where a map of Hyrule was painted on the marble floor. It appeared as a permanent welcome mat in front of the door. He placed his paw on an unlabeled part of the map. Rusl was completely confused, but Zelda nodded knowingly.

"It seems you need help getting to the Sacred Grove." She thought a moment. "But why come to me? Rusl is a capable companion."

Link's tail dropped between his legs and he looked down. Zelda grabbed his head and tilted it so that their eyes met.

"I wish to speak with you too." His eyes brightened. It seems he wasn't the only one who felt lonely in the blessing and curse that was the Triforce.

"Well." Rusl felt uncomfortable. "I guess Link and I need to head to this sacred grove and um do something?"

"Yes, I suppose you do." Zelda looked Rusl right in the eyes. "I'm coming too."

In his mind Rusl screamed out "WHAT!?" But managed a "yes, your majesty." Link looked shocked as well.

Zelda looked at the swordsman knowingly. "I know it is a strange thing for me to join you sir. I have planned to visit much of Hyrule. I've heard the various reports and wish to evaluate them myself. It would not be completely unacceptable for me to go to Ordon Village first. The council already knows that I plan to leave." She walked back toward the table and then turned toward the two warriors again. "We will leave immediately."

Maybe it was Rusl's imagination, but she seemed almost excited to go. He couldn't help but feel uncomfortable about the journey. The ride over was awkward enough, not being able to talk to Link. Now, he'd have to find a way to care for and entertain the princess. What about guards? Surely she'd bring them along.

"Excuse me for a moment." The Princess opened the door and talked to the old man that had guided Rusl into the castle. Apparently, he was an advisor or at least well trusted by the Princess.

"Link!" Rusl's voice was a low whisper. "How can we stop her from coming? I don't know how to take care of a princess."

Link just narrowed his eyes and wagged his tail playfully. If only Rusl knew. Zelda had been in battle with Link; she could take care of herself pretty well.

Rusl shook his finger at the wolf. "You know. You are an ornery beast. Body language says a lot."

The wolf seemed to shrug his shoulders. It wasn't his intention for Zelda to accompany him. But you wouldn't catch him objecting to the idea. She may be helpful on deciphering a lot of things. Besides if and when he changed back he wanted to talk to her.

Zelda walked back into the room. "We leave in twenty minutes. Rusl you are my escort. Meet me in the alley behind Malo Mart. I have already packed for a trip. You are dismissed." Her voice was stern, but not angry. Still, it left no room for argument.

-

Link disappeared again before Rusl was escorted out of the castle. His guide, whose name was actually Reginald, told him to watch out for the Princess. Rusl suspected he was the closest thing Zelda had to a father figure. The King had died 5 years ago leaving the young Zelda to rule. (Her mother had died from complications of her birth.) Rusl had heard stories of the king constantly being busy and normally not getting all that much done. His concerns had been for the rich. Maybe it was Zelda's youth that made her have concern and sympathy for all people. So far, Rusl had nothing but respect for the Princess' reign.

Rusl met up with Link outside the castle and put the rope back around him.

"Well, we have ten minutes before our fellow traveler arrives." He was careful not to say 'princess.' "Is there any other reason we're here?"

A tug on the leash seemed to answer Rusl's question. Soon they were in front of Malo Mart.

"Alright." Rusl rubbed the back of his head in confusion. "What do I need from here? Malo sales just about everything you know… Weird kid. The goddesses must have had something crazy in mind when they allowed him to be born. He's six years old, looks like a baby, but he's a genius and has started a chain of stores! It's insanity."

Link would have rolled his eyes at one of Rusl's little rants, but he agreed. Of all the things he's seen, Malo may be one of the creepiest. But the kid meant well. Now, how could he get Rusl to buy some bombs? He remembered a game they liked to play in Ordon. One person acts something out and another guesses. He'd heard someone call it 'charades.' He grabbed a rock in his mouth and tossed it toward a wall. Then walked up to it and jumped back suddenly, before collapsing.

A robust woman holding a child on her back was staring at the wolf. Her kid was laughing at the sight. "Doggie!"

Rusl laughed, but wasn't quite sure what Link was trying to say. The wolf repeated the action. The little child began clapping. "Doggie! Boom, Boom!"

"OH!" Suddenly it made sense. Rusl turned to the woman and child. "Thanks little guy!"

The woman rolled her eyes and walked away muttering something about tourists. Rusl tied Link's leash to a post and entered the overly cheery shop. He returned a few minutes later with a bomb bag.

"This is starting to make sense now." Rusl held one bomb out of a bag. "Whatever this place is, you can't get into it; at least not without some firepower. Right?"

Link nodded.

They went around to the other side of Malo Mart and Rusl tucked the bomb back into the bag. There were a lot of people back in the alley and none of them looked like Royalty. It didn't help that everyone was bundled up in his or her winter clothes. Link remembered his sensitive nose and began sniffing. Once he caught Zelda's scent he approached her.

There was no crown or adornment on her clothing. She was covered with a long blue cloak with white riding pants and black boots showing beneath.

"I knew you'd find me." She reached down to pet Link, and then began walking. "I'll need to go to the stables to get my horse and supplies."

Her steed had been placed in the common stables by one of the city's gates. It had been listed under Rusl's name to not raise suspicion. The princess didn't want just anyone to know she was leaving, or where she was going. Rusl requested the horse and it was brought out. The horse was a black Andalusian stallion named Storm.

"WOLF." The horses voiced boomed in Link's head. "Why are you with this man, do you intend to harm the queen."

Link respected the horse already for being so concerned with her wellbeing. It reminded him of Epona. He also liked how he had called her 'queen.' A title she deserved. Who cared if she wasn't married?

"I have no intentions of hurting your queen. In fact, I will aid you in protecting her. This man is my friend and he'd give his life to save her. You don't need to worry about us."

"Good. But don't think that means I won't keep an eye on you."

"You'll have no objections from me."

-

Soon after they exited the town Link threw his head back and howled a familiar song.

"What are you doing wolf?"

"My name is Link, and you'll see." No later than he spoke Epona appeared running full speed toward the group of travelers.

"Wow." Storm blurted out. Link laughed and watched as his horse ran. She was beautiful, strong, and loyal. He'd never thought about anothre horse having a crush on her, but it seemed the black stallion did.

"Hmm… for the record that's MY queen. Kind of like my little sister. If you hurt her in any way I will show you what these teeth can do." Link warned.

"Strange for a wolf to be so protective."

Link shrugged, not that the horse would believe him. But maybe it would make him less surprised later. "I'm actually a human. I'm just stuck as a wolf right now."

"Riiiight."

Rusl placed his foot in Epona's stirrup and climbed into the saddle. "So are we ready to go now?"

Link nodded.

Zelda looked to the wolf. "We'll let you lead the way alright?"

He nodded again.

"Can you understand them?" The stallion asked.

"Of course! I told you I'm human." Link had a sly look in his eyes. The horse's confusion was amusing him. Storm seemed to ponder what Link had said. Epona and Rusl moved ahead and Zelda nudged her steed.

"Storm?" It was one of the few words he understood. It meant pay attention, she was talking to him. He shook his mane slightly and began walking forward.

"Hi. I'm Epona." Link listened as his friend introduced herself. "I'm Link's horse."

"Hello Epona…" The stallion paused. "Wait, Link is the wolf right?"

"Well, yes. Right now. He's uh… he's different than most humans. But you can trust him."

"This seems very strange to me, but if you trust him I will too."

Link's tail was wagging. That was one thing about being a wolf he couldn't control. His tail would show how he was feeling whether he wanted to or not. It was easier to hide emotions as a person. The trail was familiar, since they had traveled it earlier that day. After a few hours Rusl fell asleep on Epona's back. She would lean whenever it seemed he might fall off. Zelda chuckled a few times at the sight, but then realized maybe it wasn't such a bad idea. It would save them time on the journey. She wrapped her arms over the front of Storm and fell asleep herself.

"Humans…" Storm scoffed playfully.

"Hey! Watch it!" Link replied in false anger.

"Oh I forgot you are apparently a human."

Perhaps, the apparently should have bothered Link. But he couldn't blame the horse for his suspicions. His story is pretty hard to believe. The sun would rise in a couple of hours and Link saw a small pond ahead. He told the horses to stop and woke the sleeping humans.

Rusl rubbed his eyes. "I guess maybe we should stop and rest a while."

Link would have given him a sarcastic remark about getting plenty of rest, but he couldn't. The group set up a small camp and slept. Link wasn't sure what the next day would hold, even though he really hoped it would be easy. If they had to fight, they needed to be rested.

-
Author's Note: Thanks for reading my story; I hope you have enjoyed it. I wanted to especially thank those that have favorited, followed, and reviewed!