Chapter 11 A Trip to Shimin
Over the following month, everyone in the castle had gotten used to the changes that had occurred during Link's party with Aryll's absence, Zelda living in the castle as Link's possible betrothed and Ilia joining the knights in training. One day, Link and Zelda were having a sparring match to check on each other's skills when Saria went to them.
"Prince Link, Lady Zelda," said Saria, "The king has summoned you both to the throne room."
"What is it about," said Link.
"His Majesty received a letter this morning and he wants to speak to you with regards to it," explained Saria, "He doesn't want to delay this so you both should go now."
"Fine Saria we will," said Link as he and Zelda put away their practice swords.
"Why are you upset Link," asked Zelda to Link, "You don't spend much time with either of your parents anyway."
"Because I'm worried if it's a problem," answered Link, "Last time Father summoned me, it was about my birthday and his and Mother's hope for me."
"I'm sure it won't be anything like that," said Zelda, "Besides, it worked out didn't it?"
Later, Link and Zelda arrived in the throne room where they saw Remus looking deep in mind until he noticed their presence.
"Father," said Link, "Did you want to talk to Zelda and me about something?"
"I did Link," answered Remus, "You see four days ago, Ezlo, the duke of Shimin died of illness and now his nephew, Vaati, has become the new duke." "I am to travel to Shimin and pay my respects to Vaati and you both will be coming with me."
"What's Shimin," asked Zelda.
"It's a territory in the eastern area of Hyrule," explained Link, "It is known for its scholars and workers." "Father, why should we go there with you?"
"You will be Hyrule's next king Link while Zelda could be your queen," answered Remus, "It is needed for you to travel Hyrule and other lands for many duties."
"I see," said Link.
"We will leave tomorrow morning along with a small group of knights including General Theon, the General of Power." "There will also be Captain Mido and his trainees coming with us as well."
"That means Ilia will go too," thought Zelda to herself which made her smile.
"Anyway," continued Remus, "I want you both to get ready for the trip which will take two days to get to Shimin where we will stay for a day and then spend two more days returning here." "Understood?"
"Yes Father, we understand, "replied Link and he and Zelda left for their rooms to prepare.
Meanwhile at the training hall, Mido had gathered his students for an announcement and once he confirmed that they had all arrived, he began to speak.
"Class," started Mido, "Tomorrow we will be traveling with the king and some official knights to Shimin." "This was decided by the king himself believing that it will be a great experience for you all for you will get to understand places other than the castle and Castle Town." "In total, we will be gone for five days and we'll leave tomorrow morning." For that reason, I want you all to pack as many supplies as you can." "While you do that, you should pack more than you think you need because there is no telling what will happen during this trip and knights must never run out of supplies." "Understood?"
"Yes sir," answered the trainees in unison.
"Good," said Mido, "Now you're all dismissed."
After being dismissed, Groose and Ilia walked together to their rooms. As they walked, they decided to converse.
"I'm glad we are going on this trip but why are we traveling somewhere with the king," asked Ilia to Groose.
"I'm not sure," answered Groose, "Perhaps we'll find out tomorrow."
The next morning, several horses and carriages were getting set up for the trip. During that time, Remus spoke to the knights and the trainees.
"Knights of Hyrule and knights in training," said Remus, "As you might know, Shimin has a new leader and I am to pay my respects to him." "I expect the knights to do their best as my escort." "Also, Prince Link and Lady Zelda will be accompanying us on this trip."
Minutes later, the horses and carriages were all set and the knights got on the horses that weren't pulling carriages while Remus, Link and Zelda got in one of the carriages while Mido and the knights in training got in the other carriages. Once everyone was ready, the horses started to move and the trip had begun.