.

Xxx 10 xxX

I lay curled up on my bedroll, tightly wrapped in Link's cape beneath the covers. On the ground beside me sat a mug of hot tea — sipped only twice.

For the past two hours I had battled the Black Sleep, struggling to wake the remaining soldiers. Most of them had found the strength to regain consciousness, but I dwelled on those I could not save. Dark thoughts cluttered my mind, and I struggled to ignore the ache in my chest.

I wanted to stay in the camp and help in whatever way I could, but I knew that was impossible. Clef would no doubt insist I return to the castle, and Ian had already expressed his desire to leave — for my safety, of course. I had no reason to refuse them. Link had destroyed the staff, which meant the Black Sleep no longer threatened our soldiers. The healers could handle the rest — I was no longer needed.

"Lady Zelda, are you awake?" Clef's anxious voice spoke from outside the tent.

I sat up and pushed the covers aside, holding Link's cape around my shoulders. "Yes, come in."

Clef stepped inside, radiating tension as he grabbed my travel bag. "Hurry and gather your things," he said. "You must return to the castle immediately."

"What?" I stammered, climbing to my feet and folding Link's cloak. "Why?"

"The Vandelians are headed this way. They'll reach us within hours, and you should be far from here by then."

"But I want to stay… I've learned from the best sword masters, and I have my magic —"

"No, it's far too dangerous. You know that."

"They don't know I'm here, and they won't recognize me if I —"

"Zelda, please," Clef turned to give me a desperate look. "Ashton already has Link. If anything happened to you this war would be over." His dark, gentle eyes gazed into mine, pleading for my cooperation. "I know I can't command you, but I'm asking you as your captain and your friend — please return to the castle."

I studied him a moment, silenced by the intensity behind his words. But he was right — staying at the camp would pose an unnecessary and unwelcome risk.

Link wouldn't hear of it either.

"All right," I said quietly. "I'll return to the castle."

We gathered what few possessions I had brought, and Lieutenant Aiden appeared to carry them for me. I held on to Valéshar, which I had wrapped in cloth and bound with a long cord.

"I've already sent for your horses," Clef told me. "Ian and the rest of your party are waiting at the edge of the camp. Lieutenant Aiden will escort you there."

I nodded, pausing as a wave of foreboding swept through me.

"Clef," I whispered. "Please… Please bring him back. He is my life."

"Don't you worry, Zelda," Clef murmured, placing a hand on my shoulder. "We'll get him back. I won't rest until he's safe and sound; I promise you."

I held his gaze, seeing the fierce sincerity in his eyes, and gave a small, appreciative nod.

"I'll keep you informed as best I can," he added, reverting to a more formal tone.

"Thank you," I said. "And please... take care of yourself."

"You as well," he said sadly. "Give Siena and the little ones my love."

.

As Aiden and I made our way back toward the edge of the camp, I noticed the soldiers had resumed their usual activities, cooking, sparring, and talking as though nothing had changed. My confusion must have shown, as Aiden turned to speak in a hushed tone.

"We haven't alerted them yet," he said. "We wanted to make sure you had cleared the camp before the chaos began."

I nodded solemnly. "Thank you."

Aiden looked like he wanted to say something more, but loud shouting and a horse's whinny drew our attention. I turned toward the sound, gasping when I saw three soldiers attempting to restrain a rusty coated mare with ropes.

Epona!

"Stop!" I shouted. "Don't hurt her!"

The mare paused at the sound of my voice, then struggled toward me despite her restraints. The soldiers pulled harder on the ropes, slowing her progress.

"Stay back, your Majesty!" they called. "She might hurt you!"

"She will do no such thing," I said, snatching the rope from the nearest soldier to untie Epona's makeshift reins. "There," I murmured, massaging her soft cheek. "That's better, isn't it?"

She snorted and tossed her head while the soldiers watched with mouths agape.

"I expected the Lord General's steed would receive better treatment," I said, glancing from soldier to soldier with disapproval.

"Forgive us, your Majesty," the nearest soldier stammered. "We meant no harm. Normally we would never resort to restraints like this, but she's been wilder than usual, and..."

He looked at Aiden with uncertainty, but I could guess what he meant to say. And her master isn't here to calm her.

"Epona no longer has a place here," I said quietly, lifting a hand to stroke her neck. "Have her saddled and ready; I will take her back to the castle with me."

The others obeyed and went to retrieve Epona's riding equipment, leaving me momentarily alone with her. She gave a loud whinny and stomped the ground with impatience. I shook my head sadly, knowing what she wanted from me.

"I'm sorry, girl... It's just you and me for now."

She blinked and lowered her head, her eyelids drooping as though she somehow understood. I sighed and hugged her close, resting my cheek against her soft forehead.

"I know," I murmured, swallowing the lump in my throat. "...I miss him too."

xxxxxxx

Despite my worries about a potential Wolfos attack, our return journey proved bleak and uneventful. The weather was our greatest obstacle — cloudy skies cloaked the land from dawn to dusk, and rain frequently drizzled or poured, as though the heavens grieved with us.

Unwilling to take any risks, I placed a barrier around our camp every night, since three guards and one cowardly soldier could never fight off a pack of Wolfos. I figured I could defeat them with my magic, but my Gift had been oddly unpredictable as of late. Simply raising a barrier almost depleted my strength. My weakened abilities concerned me, but I figured my heavy exposure to the Black Sleep had caused it. I hoped my Gift would fully return in time.

Returning to the castle without any real answers was beyond difficult. I feared dark days for Hyrule, but the thought of losing Link was more than I could bear. Day and night I anguished over him, trying desperately to contact him when I found the opportunity. I sensed he had placed a barrier between us, as though he wished to protect me from whatever torment he endured. But I ached to hear his voice, to know the severity of his condition. I prayed my visions would reveal something soon.

.

We reached the castle three days later, in the dead of night. Impa greeted us at the entranceway, dressed in her evening robes. Several anxious attendants accompanied her and wasted no time unloading our belongings. I held on to Valéshar, unwilling to leave it in someone else's hands.

"Come," Impa murmured as she helped me dismount Epona. "Straight to bed with you."

Finding no reason to object, I let her usher me inside and up the stairs to my chambers. As we walked she summarized the castle activities over the past few days — nothing out of the ordinary. Ian had assigned guards to resume his investigation of the attacks in Vandelius, but they had yet to find any solid leads.

Once we reached my chambers I set Valéshar aside and headed for the shower. I bathed quickly but thoroughly, too worried and exhausted to relish the experience. Sluggishly I pulled on my nightclothes and left the bathroom, braiding my damp hair as I entered the drawing room. There Impa waited for me with a steaming mug of tea.

"Drink this," she said. "It will help you sleep."

I shook my head. "I won't need it."

"It will help you sleep through the night."

I sighed and accepted the mug, cradling it in my hands. "Impa, I need you to ride for Antheia tomorrow morning."

She studied me, her crimson eyes searching my face. "So the young soldier's claim is true," she whispered. "Ashton can summon an army of the dead?"

I nodded. "He used some kind of staff to summon ReDeads and Stalfos. Link destroyed it, forcing the monsters to retreat, but something went wrong. Clef saw him collapse before Ashton's men captured him... That's all we know."

Impa fell silent, absorbing my words with a rare look of fear.

"Many of the soldiers were afflicted with the Black Sleep," I told her in a quiet, lifeless tone. "I managed to revive most of them."

"You should not have done that on your own," Impa said sternly. "I could have helped you."

"There was no time. Some were already lost by the time I arrived."

I turned to her then, setting my mug aside. "You should leave as early as possible tomorrow; don't bother waiting for me. I fear we have little time before —"

I broke off when she stepped closer and drew me into a warm, motherly embrace, one I slowly but gratefully returned.

"Link will survive this," she whispered. "He's escaped dire circumstances before, and he'll do it again."

I pressed my face into her shoulder, fighting a wave of tears. I wanted to believe her, but I could not shake my relentless sense of foreboding. Link was the most resilient man I'd ever known, but how many times could he stare death in the face before it killed him?

"Zelda, my ne'lear, you must not lose faith," Impa soothed, stroking my damp hair.

I nodded against her shoulder, then pulled away as she took my face in her hands.

"Are you sure you want me to leave without seeing you?" she asked me gently.

I nodded. "Time is not on our side. Wake me if you have questions, but leave as early as you can."

She nodded and moved to kiss my brow. "I'll leave before dawn, and I'll return as soon as possible."

"Thank you," I said, giving her a weak smile. "Safe journey, Impa."

We shared one last embrace before she bid me goodnight. Pausing for one more sip of tea, I went into the bedchamber and huddled under the covers, wondering when my room would feel like home again.

xxxxxxx

As promised, Impa left for Antheia before dawn the following morning. She had quietly departed alone on horseback, no doubt eager to inform the Alliance of Ashton's newest scheme. Knowing his actions would be exposed brought me some relief, but I feared it would not be enough. No kingdom wished to become involved in the long feud between Hyrule and Vandelius. As long as Ashton did not threaten the kingdoms beyond Hyrule, the Alliance would likely keep their distance.

They would surely balk at Ashton's choice to declare war, but they might also hesitate to act because it was, according to Alliance code, a justifiable war. Evidence showed that Hyrule had allegedly provoked Vandelius with a preemptive strike along their borders. Whether I authorized the attack did not matter because I bore full responsibility for the actions of my military forces. I had made my rightful attempt to settle the matter peacefully, but even the Alliance would agree that Ashton's terms in the negotiations — specifically my hand in marriage — were unreasonable. Therefore they had reason to refuse either kingdom's plea for assistance.

I feared we would fight this battle alone.

My maids had insisted I sleep well into the afternoon to recover from my journey, but I rose as soon as I woke later that morning. Once I was properly dressed and presentable, I summoned the Council to discuss our predicament. They reacted much as I expected — shocked and appalled by Ashton's use of dark magic, as well as Link's capture.

"To meddle with such devilry," Matteus muttered. "It's damnable."

"But how could he have possibly acquired such power?" Renae asked, her face drawn with fear. "He has no Gift; who could have aided him?"

"I wish I knew," I sighed. "And I will do everything in my power to find out. In the meantime we must do whatever we can to aid our soldiers. Link's sacrifice will not be in vain."

Everyone paused, registering the weight of my statement.

"How have our soldiers fared?" Kinsley asked.

I hesitated, choosing my words carefully. "…They were badly shaken by what they had seen… and by the loss of their leader. Many soldiers were afflicted with the Black Sleep, but I managed to revive most of them. Our army is strong; that much I know. I have faith we can win this war, especially since Ashton's advantage has been eliminated."

"If the General eliminated Ashton's one advantage," Matteus spoke, "then he is likely still alive. He is a highly valuable prisoner — friends and enemies alike would rush to claim him."

"Ashton may use him as leverage," Vasilis murmured.

"If he wanted to attempt such negotiations with me he would have done it by now," I said firmly. "I fear more is happening than we realize. Clef has scouts searching for Link as we speak, but we have so little information. Our best hope is to defeat the Vandelians and unearth the truth. Much more will be decided once we hear from the captain or Impa. Until then… there is little we can do but ensure our soldiers have everything they need, and that our civilians are safe."

Until then, there is nothing we can do for Link.

Silence filled the chamber, voicing that heavy, unspoken truth. Much as it pained me to accept it, Link could not rely on me to save him. His fate lay in the hands of our soldiers… as did my hope.

.

Standing by the window in my study, I gazed unseeingly beyond its polished glass, absorbed in my troubled thoughts. All matters concerning the war had been addressed. Fresh supplies had been sent to the army camp. Steps to increase security across the kingdom had been established. Even Adam Carlen had been sentenced and imprisoned.

"I was so terrified," he had said in his official statement. "I was certain we were all going to die, and that Hyrule would be overrun... Castletown seemed like the safest place, so I came here. I decided to pretend I'd been sent, to escape being charged with desertion... I knew my story could easily fall apart depending on what happened on the battlefield, but at least I was alive.

"I was terrified when you ordered me to lead you back to the camp, and I realized I would probably be charged with desertion or worse. The situation was not as serious as I feared — I knew there had to be a reason those monsters never crossed our borders. So I chose to help you, hoping my service would lighten my sentence..."

I had listened to his more detailed, emotional confession, then sentenced him to be dishonorably discharged from the army and confined to prison for two years.

That duty, warranted as it was, had saddened me. Carlen had made foolish, cowardly choices, but he seemed like a humble, decent young man. He had joined the military hoping to impress Heather Larson's family, but he never expected to reach the battlefield.

Carlen had made several misguided decisions, but I could not deny the positive results of his desertion. His choice to pose as a courier had allowed me to reach the army campsite and tend to the soldiers afflicted with the Black Sleep. Had I waited for a registered courier to arrive, countless soldiers might have succumbed to the curse.

The gods certainly work in mysterious ways.

A knock at my door jolted me back to the present. "Come in," I called, moving from the window to sit behind my desk.

Captain Ian entered the room and gave a small bow. "Good evening, Lady Zelda. I've come with my report as you requested."

"Please, have a seat," I said, gesturing to the chair across from me.

He thanked me and took a seat. "As we discussed earlier, I've assigned additional guards to every town and village. Notices will be posted that traveling by night is prohibited, and those living outside a community will be warned of the potential danger. These reports," he added, handing me a stack of papers, "contain more detailed information from each village."

"Very good," I murmured, leafing through the reports before setting them aside. "And what of Mr. Hunter's remains? My barrier should have faded by now."

"I dispatched a small company of guards to retrieve Hunter's body," he replied solemnly. "Once he has been prepared for burial, I will deliver his body to his family personally."

I sighed and gave him an approving nod. "Thank you, Ian."

"Is there anything else I can do for you, my Lady?"

"Actually..." I hesitated, glancing across my desktop. "...I do have a more personal request."

I rose to my feet and moved to another section of my desk, where a large, slender item lay wrapped in blue velvet.

"Is that…"

"Valéshar," I murmured, trailing my fingers over the rich material. "Yes. The sword is undamaged but requires a new sheath."

A scroll lay next to the sword, along with a small parcel of rupees. I took both and placed them before Ian on my desk.

"I wish to have a replica of the original," I told him. "The smithy should still have my father's plans, but here is a copy just in case — as well as full payment for the sheath. I know this is not something you would normally handle, but..."

I trailed off as Ian gathered the scroll and the rupees. "It would be my honor."

I nodded, giving him a small but genuine smile. "Thank you."

"Will that be all, my Lady?"

I assured him it was, and he gave a small bow before turning to leave the room. I watched him go, lingering a while after the door had closed behind him.

The silence closed in around me, and I found myself lifting the blue velvet to admire Valéshar. Myfingers traced its golden hilt, the last item Link touched before he collapsed on the battlefield. It seemed so incomplete without its sheath... so out of place on my desk...

Unwilling to dwell on such thoughts, I recovered the sword and moved for the door, suddenly eager to escape my solitude.

xxxxxxx

Days passed, and little had changed since I visited the army camp. Clef's now steady reports informed me that our army had fought — and defeated — the Vandelians only once since I returned to the castle. The enemy had all but vanished, so Clef decided their best option was to attack the capital of Vandelius directly. His most recent report held a cautious but optimistic tone:

"...We have made steady progress, yet still the enemy is nowhere to be found. It is possible they have gathered behind the walls of Vandelle, but such a defensive tactic seems premature. Venturing deeper into Vandelian territory might spring a trap of some kind, but our scouts have found no evidence of this. I believe the Lord General is being held within the capital, and we will stop at nothing until he is rescued..."

I could not share his optimism. Considering the Vandelians' unconventional tactics and my unceasing, unchanged visions, I feared the worst. There was no guarantee that Link had been taken to Vandelle. My visions revealed nothing of his location, nor the identity of his captor.

How long can he wait for us? How much torment can he endure?

I longed for Impa's reassuring presence, for her calm demeanor and sage advice. Her prolonged absence could only mean the Alliance demanded proof of her claims, something not easily acquired after the staff had been destroyed. Our soldiers could bear witness to Ashton's crime, but the Vandelians could easily deny those claims. Verbal accusations, hardly more than finger pointing, would not inspire the Alliance to act.

The castle residents had noticed my darkening mood, and few approached me at court for conversation. I noticed everyone had begun to speak in hushed tones, and Link's title was practically whispered. Even the musicians played more solemn tunes.

The war remained a popular topic among the nobles, but few dared to broach the subject with me. I often kept to myself at court, observing the crowd or struggling to show interest in the more general conversation among my ladies-in-waiting.

This waiting stage did not last long, however. Rather, it came to a sudden and unexpected halt.

.

It happened during an evening session at court. I sat upon my throne as usual, listening with half an ear to my ladies' chatter, when the doors of the Audience Chambers swung open. Ian strode inside, followed by two other guards. I straightened, watching as they crossed the crowded room. Perhaps Ian's stern expression gave it away, or the other guards' rigid posture, but I sensed something was wrong.

"Your Majesty," Ian said as he approached my throne, "your presence has been requested outside the Audience Chamber." I did not miss the seriousness in his face.

Nevertheless, I nodded and rose to my feet, imitating their façade despite my pounding heart. I followed them out of the Chamber and down the corridor into a smaller conference room. The two guards stood outside while Ian closed the door behind us.

"My Lady," he spoke with hushed urgency. "You must leave Castletown immediately. A small army of Vandelian troops is headed this way — they will reach Castletown within the hour. More are sure to follow."

I stared at him, struggling to register his words.

"But... what of our soldiers?" I whispered.

"I wish I knew. There's no sign of them, as far as our sentinels reported. Please, my Lady, we must go now."

I blinked, steadying myself against a nearby chair as the room began to tilt. But how...?

"Lady Zelda —"

"No," I said sternly, meeting his anxious gaze. "I will not flee."

He stared at me in shock. "But my Lady —"

"It is over, Captain," I said, regaining some strength in my voice. "If our soldiers are nowhere to be found then the war is lost. Ashton rides to claim his victory."

"Then you must flee while you can!"

"My flight will change nothing," I silenced him. "Yes, Ashton means to take my throne, but he also comes for me. If I am not here when he arrives, he will stop at nothing to find me. He does not wish to harm me, but he will harm those who stand in his way. Help those who wish to flee, but I will meet him here."

With that I left the room and strode back toward the Audience Chamber, my heart pounding in my throat. Ashton is not Ganondorf, I reminded myself. I do not fear him. I will not flee.

Quickly the guards opened the doors as I approached the throne room, and immediately the music stopped. Everyone turned to me with curiosity, somewhat puzzled by my abrupt reentrance. I considered them a moment, then proceeded toward my throne as swiftly as I could manage. My footsteps echoed through the massive chamber, muted under the blood pounding in my ears.

"My Lords and Ladies," I addressed them, "I have been informed that Vandelian forces ride for Castletown at this very moment. Whether our own soldiers can defend us is unknown."

Everywhere faces shifted from concern to horror.

"I fear victory for Vandelius is imminent," I told them. "If you wish to flee, go now. They will arrive within the hour."

Several cries pierced the air as people fled toward the open doors. Others remained, watching the commotion in stunned disbelief.

"But what about you, my Lady?" Margarete cried. "Will you not flee?"

"No," I replied. "I do not fear Ashton."

I then seated myself on the throne, appearing far more composed than I felt. The room was nearly empty, but those who lingered closed in around me, unwilling to abandon their home.

Moments later the Council members hurried into the room, no doubt shocked to find me settled upon my throne.

"Your Majesty, this is madness!" Matteus cried.

"You cannot surrender like this!" Kinsley pleaded.

"What else would you have me do?" I demanded. "Our army has fallen. I have accepted the inevitable. You can stay here and do the same, or you can flee. The choice is yours, but I remind you — your duty is here, with your people and beside your queen."

They stared at me, their faces white with shock, but offered no further argument.

"Guards," my voice echoed across the quiet chamber. "Close the doors, but do not seal them. They will enter this chamber one way or another."

They obeyed, and the doors groaned shut. Tension thickened the air as we waited, listening to the muffled commotion outside the throne room. My remaining ladies-in-waiting clasped each other's hands, trembling with fear. The ministers watched the doors, their faces masked with defiance.

Then suddenly, as if on cue, a loud pounding surfaced above the noise.

Bang. Bang.

The Vandelians had arrived.

They had reached the main entrance, located a short distance beyond the Audience Chamber. I wished my guards hadn't bothered bolting the doors; our resistance would gain nothing but collateral damage.

Bang.

My trembling hands tightened around my armrests, and despite my stoic demeanor I felt dizzy with apprehension. I suspected Ashton had led these Vandelians to my doorstep, and I was ready to confront him.

Let him come.

The noise had faded, and I listened intently, bracing myself for a stampede of Vandelians. Raised voices carried from the entrance chamber, followed by the sound of boots racing across the stone floor —

BOOM!

Screams filled my ears as an explosion shook the entire chamber. The Vandelians had forced their way inside.

I remained seated, watching the door as the enemy thundered through the Entrance Chamber, shouting threats and victory cries. Across the room my guards raised their weapons, ready to defend us.

"Guards," I shouted, "do not attempt to resist them. This battle is already lost — I will have no meaningless bloodshed in my halls."

Reluctantly they lowered their weapons and stepped away from the doors as the enemy drew closer…

The footsteps slowed as the Vandelians paused outside the Audience Chamber doors. Again I clutched my armrests, releasing a slow, steady breath…

SLAM.

The doors flew open, crashing into the walls on either side as Vandelian soldiers flooded the chamber. The dying sunlight shone behind them, outlining their dark, armored forms.

Somewhere above the chaos I heard Ian repeat my orders, shouting for his men to stand down. Inwardly I summoned my magic, ready to shield them from attack. They were grossly outnumbered, and the Vandelians quickly overwhelmed them.

Only after the last guard had been forced to his knees did a low, familiar voice fill the now quiet chamber.

"That's quite enough of that..."

I watched as the soldiers parted to reveal a man's silhouette. His armor clanked as he drew nearer, and his gauntleted hand grasped a bloodied sword. Slowly he closed the distance between us, his dark form fading into smug, familiar features.

Ashton.

I fixed him with an icy glare, loathing him and his triumphant smile.

"Alas, my dear Zelda," he said with a mocking bow, "beautiful and composed as ever, even if the face of defeat."

My eyes bore into his, but I gave no reply.

"I see you waited here for me like a good girl." His voice darkened as the cheerfulness left his face. "A wise decision."

I stared back in cold silence, which apparently displeased him. His attention shifted, and I watched his green eyes study the faces of my frightened subjects, pausing when he reached the resentful gazes of my ministers.

"You must think me a monster," he said, using that gentle, deceptive tone I knew all too well. "The truth is I never desired this... aggressive course of action, but your queen has left me no choice."

No one dared to reply, so Ashton sheathed his sword with a light sigh.

"I come with peaceful terms," he added. "I wish only to take back what was promised to me — a place upon Hyrule's throne beside my queen."

"I am not your queen," I spoke, my tone as cold as my glare.

Ashton smiled, clearly unfazed. "Look around you, Zelda. Your army has fallen, and your consort is dead."

My heart lurched as several gasps filled the air. "You lie," I said firmly. "I know my husband is alive."

Ashton stifled a laugh. "Believe what you wish; it matters not. You have no choice but to surrender. Unless, of course, you would rather continue this little skirmish...?"

He flicked his hand, and a nearby soldier pressed a sword a to Ian's throat, causing him to struggle. I swallowed hard, fighting to maintain my calm demeanor. My magic remained at my fingertips, ready to be expelled.

Now is not the time, I told myself. Your opportunity will come.

"I'm waiting, Zelda…"

Your opportunity will come.

And so, regarding Ashton in the coldest, most composed manner I could manage, I rose from my throne to acknowledge my defeat.

"…So be it."