Link and Zelda walked back to the castle from the town in silence. In fact, the two had not spoken since they had left the Talons' hideout, each preoccupied with their own thoughts. When the castle came into view, Zelda in turn asked a question of Link that she had been wondering about, "Link, are you alright?"

He turned back to her in confusion. "What do you mean milady?" She saw his face and almost stopped there. He seemed so pure, so innocent at times but tonight she saw a side to him that scared her.

"You were speaking very coldly back there, it was as if you were a different person."

Link sighed as he looked in front of him again. "I suppose I've shown you a side of myself I'd rather not admit I have." He then scratched the back of his head. "I'm afraid I must apologize, I let my anger get the better of me." He paused in his step and asked, "That was the first time you saw me angry, isn't it?"

Zelda shook her head. "No, I still remember the first time you joined us for dinner and when you tried to leave. You seemed angry then as well."

Link shook his head as the two began walking again, "No, I was just mildly insulted then. He sighed, "I don't think I've actually gotten that angry for a long time."

Zelda was quiet for a bit long as they reached the top of the hill before the castle. The two paused there for a moment, taking in the night sky with Rylok castle in the horizon. "What did he take from you?" Link idly wondered if he should tell her or not but decided that at this point, it really didn't matter anymore.

He reached to his side and untied the small fabric pouch and removed the three spiritual stones. He held them in his hand then closed his fingers around them. He held his hand out to Zelda, who hesitantly reached up, her hand open. He then dropped the three stones into her hand. She looked confused as she picked the Kokiri Emerald out of her hand and held it up to her eye for closer inspection. "Its… beautiful."

"You hold in your hand, the Kokiri Emerald, the spiritual stone of the forest." Link stated, not looking at Zelda.

She gasped and then stared at Link in shock. "I've heard of this before. Supposedly it contains the element of life itself within it. I would never have imagined that such a stone contained all that power."

Link only nodded. "If that fell into the wrong hands, I can only imagine what would happen. Same thing for the other two, each contains and element that they can manipulate and draw their power from."

Zelda then turned her head and stared at Link, "So why do you have them?"

Link shrugged, "They were entrusted to me by their respective owners. I have protected them for seven years with a passion unmet by anything else. Far too much would be at stake if I slacked on their protection." He held out his hand and Zelda dropped the stones in his hand. They went back into their fabric pouch and he tied it shut again. He then smiled as they continued down the hill. "So, what did you think of the 'romantic image of a thief'?" He asked, changing the subject and hinting at some of the conversation they had a few days ago.

Zelda frowned at that. "I was unimpressed. He was merely another thief. It seems that General Wilde was right about them."

"Who really knows? He did let you go without any fuss didn't he?" Link asked, a hint of amusement on his face.

Zelda shook her head. "He sent a cold chill down my spine the entire time I was in his presence. He had one of his men cut off his fingers as punishment for kidnapping me, and he did it with a smile." She shuddered at remembering the sight of the bloody cloth around the man's hand.

Link didn't seem nearly as fazed. "But did he hurt you at all? He may have been disrespectful, but when you actually think about it, he may not be as bad as you feel."

"Link, you can't expect that…"

Link cut her off, explaining himself. "Milady, he didn't authorize a kidnapping. That's why he punished the man and let you go free. He still retains his habits from his military service it seems." Zelda shot Link a funny look as the stepped down in front of the castle gates. He saw her look of confusion and said, "I'll explain it another time." He then shot her an amused grin and asked her, pointing to the gate with his thumb, "Think you can get them to open it?"

-

"Princess Zelda! Thank Naryu that you're alright." General Wilde said as he walked towards the two. Link merely watched in slight fascination as he bowed to Zelda once again. Seems like he's worked off all his anger. I hope there aren't any dead Rylik soldiers lying around.

"It's good to see you as well, General Wilde." She said, gesturing for him to stand. She shot a look to Link and said, "It seems I owe Master Link again."

Wilde merely turned and grinned at the boy, causing Link to feel slightly uncomfortable. He spoke, coughing once beforehand, "They were going to let you go anyway. I really didn't do anything." He then looked back to Wilde and asked, "You're in a good mood. You didn't vent your anger on a Rylik soldier did you?"

Wilde openly laughed at that, causing Zelda to raise an eyebrow in confusion.

It was at this point when a Rylik soldier approached the three. He stopped in front of them and snapped to attention. "Excuse the interruption. Lord Arathein wishes to speak with you to express his apologies are allowing such a thing to happen."

Link merely scoffed under his breath, "By one of your own, no less."

Zelda ignored his comment and let her expression go neutral. "That is fine. Take me there." She then turned to the General and asked, "General Wilde, if you would be so kind as to accompany me?"

"Of course your highness." Wilde crossed his arm across his chest and bowed slightly.

Link placed both of his hands behind his head and then said, "I'd like to come too, if you don't mind."

Zelda and Wilde exchanged glances before Wilde asked, "You're not going to cause any trouble are you?" He shot the man an amused grin, "When have I ever caused trouble sir?" Seeing the man's

expression drift into an anxious gaze, Link added, "No need to worry General, I merely wish to ask him something."

Wilde once again exchanged looks with Zelda before conceding, "I guess it shouldn't be a problem then."

-

Lord Arathein seemed relieved as the trio walked into the great hall of Rylok castle. He rose from his throne and clasped his hands together. "Thank the goddesses that you are alright Princess Zelda."

Zelda merely bowed her head slightly as she stopped in front of his throne. "It seems I was unfortunate but in the end it worked out, your Excellency." Her voice betrayed nothing, a false air of peacefulness permeated her it. Link merely smirked at it, I suppose she can't allow herself to express what's she really wants to say right now.

Arathein then said, his voice nervous, "It seems that you have returned alright. Really, there is no way to truly apologize for such an event. Please, I beg your forgiveness." He said, lowering his head.

Zelda merely replied in that same pleasant voice, "Forgiveness is unnecessary your Excellency. I prepared myself for such an incident when I took on this mission, though I am surprised of the place where it took place." Arathein seemed to pale when she said that. She then added, "But it seems my escorts were able to do what needed to be done."

Arathein raised an eyebrow and looked to the Princess' two companions. His eyes fell on Link and he seemed to understand. "I see. You are quite a hero, aren't you Master Link?"

Link merely shrugged. "They said they were going to let her go anyway. I merely allowed them the chance to do it sooner."

"'They?' You mean the thieves? You met them?" Lord Arathein asked, his voice betraying his amazement.

Link looked at the man as if he was an idiot, "How else did you expect that I was able to bring her back here?"

"But we've been looking for them for over a year! How did you find them in less than one day?" The ruler exclaimed, wondering at what the full capabilities of the boy were.

Link shrugged, "A magician never reveals his secrets, your Excellency." He then shook his head, "Though I should probably give you a report of some kind, seeing how I did take independent action within your borders." Link looked to General Wilde who only nodded in agreement, mouthing the words 'I'd like one as well.'

"I see. Well I am pleased that everyone is alright. As for the decision about the war, I'm afraid I have some bad news."

Zelda spoke before he could continue, "It is not surprising. I would do the same in your position."

Arathein blinked. "You have my utmost apologies. I can't commit my country to a war that will not affect us. I'm sorry."

Princess Zelda nodded in understanding. "And for that I thank you." She turned to General Wilde and said, "Make preparations to leave tomorrow morning." She then turned back to Lord Arathein and asked, "Is it too much to request some guards for our trip back north?"

"No, not at all. I was going to grant you a squad for your protection even if you did not ask." Seeing how nothing more was said, the man turned to Link and said, "Well, what happened?"

Link merely scratched his head, wondering how to put it. He turned to his to companions and said, "Perhaps it would best if milady and General Wilde didn't hear this. I will make a separate report to you later General."

Arathein looked confused, "Why? Wouldn't it be easier to just tell us all now?"

Link looked back at the man with an unreadable expression. "But the report revolves around a man wearing the mark of the inverted cross on his neck." Seeing the noble go pale at the mention of Dl'ytch's tattoo, Link added, "After all, I'm sure the internal workings of this country are something you would like to keep quiet."

Seeing the man squirm as he sat back down on his throne, Zelda merely looked to Wilde and nodded. She bowed once more and said, "We will be taking our leave then, your Excellency. We have much to do before tomorrow." The two then walked out, leaving Link alone in the room with the ruler of the Rylik domain.

Link slowly turned back to Lord Arathein and asked, "So, what does an officer in the Rylik military have to do to get his cross inverted?" His tone held no amusement, demanding an answer without seeming harsh.

Arathein merely looked back at the boy in indifference. "The inverted cross is a mark of a dishonorable discharge from the military. It has only happened a few times to my knowledge."

Fair enough. "Well, as to my report. Using some sources of mine and calling in some favors, I was able to find out that the Talons were hiding in the underground aqueduct system."

The man nodded in agreement. "We stumbled upon similar information."

Link nodded, "I did see many soldiers down there looking as well. It was only good luck that I was able to capture one of the Talon members and have him bring me to their hideout."

"So you do know where their hideout is?"

Link shrugged, "I could tell you where it is but it won't help you. Dl'ytch Rivelfield is not a stupid man; he and the rest of the Talons are long gone now."

The man grabbed his head in annoyance. "Why didn't you inform the soldiers down there when you captured the thief? We could have cleaned them out once and for all."

Link glared back at the man. "Our priorities were different. If I had brought Rylik soldiers there, it would have become a battle and Princess Zelda might have been harmed. I dare not take such a risk. As cold as this is going to sound, I could care less about the problems that the Rylik nobility have with this former officer."

Arathein wanted to say something to rebuke the boy but knew that he was correct. He didn't like what Link was saying but it was indeed true. "Still, I would like you to inform us where you found them. We can at least prevent them from using that base again."

Link only shrugged, "Whatever you want. I shall take my leave now." Link didn't bother bowing or showing any other etiquette like his companions had earlier. He merely turned and walked towards the door. As his hand grabbed the handle, without turning he said, "You know, the last time I came through here was about a year and a half ago."

"Is that a fact?" The man on the throne asked, not really caring anymore about what the boy said.

"While passing through, a very disturbing rumor hit my ears. About a noble who was discovered to be using bandits to raid villages to increase his own wealth." Arathein seemed to be startled at that tidbit of knowledge, wondering how the boy had heard of the incident. "And how, when one of the respected officers found out, and accused the noble, that he was punished for slander, despite the fact that it turned out to be true. He and his unit were discharged and later on he was given the blame for the bandits, many people believing that he was their true leader in an attempt to cause the noble family to fall from power. "That's the true reason behind that inverted cross, isn't it?" Link asked, looking over his shoulder to the ruler. He didn't need a verbal response as Link read the man's surprised and ashamed face. He couldn't hide his disgust at the truth, Typical. "I see. Good evening then, Lord Arathein." He then walked out of the room, disgust still written on his face.

-

It was early morning when the three Hylians and their military escort finished their last preparations to leave. Link sat atop Epona, wondering idly about how the situation in Hyrule was. He was surprised to say the least when the two Rylik princesses came out to see the group off. Thylena approached Zelda and bowed her head. "I'm sorry things went this way, Princess Zelda. I hope you don't bear us any ill will for the decision made."

Zelda shook her head. "No, I sympathize, and there is no ill will."

"For that I thank you, Princess Zelda." Link watched in idle interest as the two princesses spoke to General Wilde, then to the various other solders that were accompanying them. It shocked him to see her approach him in the end, not expecting any words from them. "Link, it was good seeing you again. I will be praying for your safety." Thylena said, bowing her head slightly.

Link smiled at her words. "I thank you for that Princess Thylena."

"Take care Link." She said with a sad smile on her face, upset to see her former savior leaving again.

"Good bye and thank you Link." Came a little voice next to Thylena. Both Link and Thylena's eyes widened as they looked at the little girl standing next to her sister. She had a big smile on her face as she looked up at Link.

Link laughed in good humor and bent down to rustle the girl's hair playfully. "And to think, all I had to do to get you to open up to me was save your life." He said, his voice dripping with amusement and humor. He then turned to Thylena and said, "You should get her to play with the other children in the castle; it'll do wonders for her. Trust me on this one."

Thylena only nodded before General Wilde's voice broke into their conversation. "Master Link, it is time to leave." Link only nodded once before bowing his head to the two Princesses. The group then left Rylok castle, heading back to the land to the north, back to the land teetering on the brink of war, back to Hyrule.

-

"So he was an officer in the Rylik military?" Wilde asked incredulously as the three journeyed back north with their escort.

Link nodded. "Yes, rumors say he was discharged because of some conspiracy dealing the nobility. I can see why he would only attack and rob the nobility then."

Zelda merely listened in silence as Wilde said with a laugh, "Sounds like under different circumstances, the two of you would have gotten along fine."

Link shrugged in response. "Who knows? I can't say that I wouldn't react the same way if our positions were changed." Seeing his companions' worried stares he added, "No one really can until they are put into that situation. I'd like to think that I would just leave Hyrule and continue wandering like I always have."

"Why did you have us leave? You probably gave us the same report you did for him?" Zelda asked, wondering as she had from the previous evening.

He shrugged, "I didn't want to embarrass him in front of you. He probably would've reacted differently, perhaps even calling for my expulsion for such claims."

Wilde merely grinned, a mental picture forming in his head. "I really wish I could've been there to watch you pound the nails into the coffin." Link merely chuckled in response.

There was silence for a while before Zelda spoke again, "How do you suppose this will affect the war?"

Link merely shrugged while Wilde scratched his head. "Well, the loss of men to our cause is always a hindrance. Even without them or the Gerudo, our forces should been able to run a defensive war. The problem would have been if we ever decided to bring the fight to them and cross into Termina."

"Wouldn't that be unwise either way?" Link asked, looking past Zelda towards the General. "I mean, adding more land to Hyrule would increase the area that we would have to keep a hold on. That's the exact reason why Termina is the way it is. It's simply too much land to effectively watch over."

"True, yet it has been said that the best defense is a good offense. One can only get so far by just defending." Wilde said as he rubbed his chin in thought. He then sighed, "Well, its best not to think about it now. I'm sure his royal highness and the other Generals are forming a plan about how to win this war. It'd be best if we kept our speculation to ourselves for now."

Zelda merely sighed in what seemed like depression. "I wish that this war never comes."

Link only nodded in agreement while Wilde added in response, "So do I milady, so do I."