A/N: A greeting to all and to all a good greeting. hehe. Its once more before dinner, I am officially special for the next week. Quick call out to Shadow of Link, inspired me for the idea of today's setting. A bit cliched I realize...but hopefully what happens will off-set that tragedy. Okay, now a quick thing. Go to youtube and type in the search bar..."play with fire zelda" The first video to pop-up should be one by a guy named Nadobrossis. Besides the fact the guy has some talent in making AMV's, the subject of the video is a Zelda/Ganondorf thing using scenes from Twilight Princess. Yeah, I know! How the hell?! He pulls it off nicely I think and it was interesting to watch. Check out his other zelda one entitled "Its a wonderful life." And this is not some shameless plug for a guy I know. I've no idea who he is, and he doesn't know I'm doing this. I just liked what he did and figured a few zelda fans would to. Now onto the story! Please, read and enjoy. Hopefully...
byl, out.
The Eternal Legend
Chapter Thirty-five: Schemes' Unraveling
Captain Commander Dashiva stood before Zelda, sided with Tiryn, General of the North. They had ventured to stand, giving a critical eye to the large map sprawled across the wooden table. Standing beside her was Shawn, his own eyes drinking in the locations marked across the parchment. She saw no reason but to sit. The map could be summoned perfectly in her own mind, the points scattered across it with mental notes attached.
Her trump card against Agahnim and the Arcadians was leaning against the wall. Corwin certainly did not have the mind for tactics, explaining why his eyes looked around the small room instead at of the map. Cory was in attendance as well, standing across from her. His eyes held questions. She would let those questions slide for now, as there were more pressing concerns than his apparent doubts. Together they were inhabiting a small room inside one of the castle's towers.
Everything that she had been working toward was now laid out before her in colored inks. Whole armies were being arrayed and made ready. A war unlike any Hyrule had ever seen was about to be unleashed, all for the death of her father and the meddling hands of Agahnim. He especially would pay for what has happened.
"Shawn, please begin with the reports from my sheikah."
This was all really more for their benefit than hers. She knew every piece of the puzzle. Tiryn still did not understand the purposes of the zoras and sheikah or how many gorons were stationed in the northern forts. Not really forts because they weren't defensive, but gathering locales. Dashiva did not know how many Warmages Sable had trained, or whether he could field any. She glanced back to Dashiva and stopped herself from shaking her head in disappointment. He had failed her, horribly. She had healed his stump, but left the scar across his face as a reminder of his failure.
The one hitch in her plan. Heavy cavalry. One of the main components in flanking phalanxes, something the Arcadians excelled at. She had faith that between Tiryn and Dashiva the two could figure a way around it. It was already too late in her time table to go get the horseman herself. She would adapt and do without. Then once the dust was settled and Arcadia in ruins she would deal with these Lon Lon people herself.
"There have been mixed reports coming in, your Highness. Some writing of glowing successes and others of abysmal failures. That is not all the grave news, either. We have lost touch with seventeen agents."
Zelda's eyes flared. She made a quick motion with her hand cutting the sheikah off. "Lost touch? Please elaborate."
Shawn gave no show of emotion, his eyes staring into hers without flinching. "Seventeen agents have stopped reporting in. I have already sent messages to others telling them to investigate. Shall I be more specific or continue?"
There was something in his tone that bothered her. An inflection so small she could barely catch it. She considered going into his mind but dismissed the idea. She nodded, allowing him to continue.
He bowed his head slightly in acknowledgment of her silent command. "We have lost three agents to accidents. Another sent to the capital city of Acade has been assassinated. I assume Agahnim had his hand in it. Five more have been killed. One to disease and three to poison. The last was ambushed in an alley where he was supposed to meet with a contact."
Zelda breathed out slowly her nostrils. Another hitch. "In plain speech Shawn it seems Agahnim is eliminating my shadows anywhere he can find them. It is to be expected and adapted to. Send word to those surviving to be more cautious and to move more slowly. There is yet time to turn the many provinces into open rebellion."
He met her gaze. "As you wish, your Highness." The inflection was gone now, his usual tone of voice returned; mild eagerness coupled with rabid loyalty.
She turned to Tiryn. "Speak of the army you have gathered around us and when you plan to move Tiryn. I would also like a report on the troop movements of the Gerudo. I would have them added as soon as possible."
Leaning on his gnarled cane he spoke gruffly, the stretched, aging skin on his neck quivering as he spoke. "There's much to not trust about the thieves. I was surprised they didn't stab me in the back as we left. Sahoori came to me herself with that parchment you gave her. I signed the thing and left. From there I got no messages from her and no word on when she's moving her girls."
"As to the motley crew of farmers gathered below? I can already tell you they're ready as they're gonna get. I'd say about half are ready for a war, and those only because they fought in the coup Muion managed. The other half are green and will either stick themselves or the man next to'em before running an Arcadian through. But, they'll march at my word and fight for you, your Highness. I guess that counts more than anything else."
A silent barb directed at her again. He thought to bandy words with me? He believes I value obedience over all else? She stared at him down her nose, succeeding brilliantly even as she was seated. A ghost of a smile was her response and again a challenge bloomed in his eyes, trying to provoke
her to act. She ignored her riled pride and concentrated on the task at hand. "At the conclusion of this meeting I shall talk with Sahoori myself and perhaps persuade her to quicken her methods."
"Very well, your Highness." Tiryn gave her a half bow on the verge of appearing mocking. Dashiva eyed the man with concern. Zelda then speared the Captain Commander with her gaze. "And what of the reports to the north? Are the Gorons in place? What of the Zoras and their toils?"
He cleared his throat and composed himself. There was an evident hesitation in his manner. His hands moving with a slight uncertainty. His eyes shifting when they never did before. She would hold him after the meeting and read his mind. Dashiva must be alert and his mind free of distractions. It was his knowledge of Arcadian tactics that would see this first thrust and campaign a success.
He began to speak while his hand rested on the table before him, his gaze wandering to several points marked on the map. Zelda smiled realizing that his concentration was now on the task at had. It was a relief to know he could focus and cast his worries aside when need be. "The Gorons are filtering into the ranks at five locations: Darsha, Lynin, Markit, Jenin, and Lous, the five points where we launch our initial attack. I would like to have more time and establish fortifications on these points." His eyes went to her, questioning.
Zelda fumed with irritation. "We have little time as it is. Why would we want to fortify them?"
"In case of a rout. If they manage to throw back our attacks and we retreat it would be best if we fell back to these points. Otherwise, we would be forced fall back further into Hyrule Proper, mainly Hyrule Castle Town, giving them too much access to strike at us from."
Zelda sniffed. "I don't know tactics...that is why I have you." Her glacial gaze locked onto his eyes for a moment, causing him to look away. "But I do know that retreat is not an option. I also know that with you behind my armies there will be no rout. Do I make myself clear? Or shall I say it more plainly?" There was a sharp snap to her voice, along with a lethal undertone.
All eyes looked away from her and decided to study the room instead. Dashiva looked down, subdued, but slowly nodded his head. "No, your Highness, I understand your meaning." Stifling a sigh he continued. "With the Gorons added to our ranks we will be able to stand against their legions for a longer period. I've talked with Sable in the past, and if what she said was true I can use the Mages to make sure we win the initial battles."
"Initial battles?" Tiryn grunted.
Dashiva nodded. "Yes. As we speak the Zoras are changing the currents of their rivers and disrupting trade. At the same time they are tracking the military shipments and raiding them. A last strategy is stealing their vessels. Barges. I mean to ship the bulk of the northern forces up their rivers and surprise several of their forts. With the mages, Sheikah, and luck we will be able to take and hold ten of them. That will destabilize the three southern most provinces.'
"Following such a maneuver will come the main body of the army, led by myself. If the Gerudo join in time they can be sent farther into the empire and make strikes in the western provinces. Specifically Golduria, Feralas, Likennia, and Lerudios. This will throw their forces off balance for a time. Time enough for us to secure the southern provinces and convince them to join us. From there we will solidify our hold and defend their initial weak attacks."
Shawn waved his hand, getting Dashiva's attention. " 'Initial weak attacks?' If you're right we'll have just about either conquered or threatened nearly half of their empire. Wouldn't they strike back with everything they have?"
Dashiva gave Shawn a telling look, one a teacher would give a troublesome child. "No. To hold an empire this large you maintain a large military force in each province. A reminder to locals why not to rebel. Remember, most of those provinces were once kingdoms. If you move a large force from each of these provinces it shows weakness and a rebellion may be incited. That is why I say 'initially' because they will only move a few legions from each province at first. With the numbers and abilities we have that first force can be repelled. It may be tricky if they manage to make it too deep into the province, but I can always recall the Gerudo and force them out.'
"Of course, after we throw them back they will harness their might and launch it at us. No amount of tactics or maneuvers will be able to stop them then. They'll have far too many people. And that, your Highness, is the extent of the plan you told me to make." His last words seemed forced from him, showing his reluctance with the strategy. Zelda saw it another way. She saw it as him lacking faith in her schemes.
She breathed once to clear the red from her vision. "Indeed you are right Dashiva. And when, not if, the rest of my plans bloom Arcadia will not only have rebellions cropping up in every province, they will also have another Emperor trying to reclaim his throne from his son. In the ensuing wars and struggles the empire will crumble, and amid the chaos of so many sides young Corwin here," She gestured with her hand to her hero, "will make his way northward and put an end to Agahnim."
Her words made it seem simple, spoken in such a way that every man present should be instilled with purpose and resolute in their endeavors. Yet none of their expressions conveyed that.
Dashiva seemed resigned, willing to follow through but knowing that disaster lay at the end. Shawn seemed passive but she saw the corners of his mouth quirked downward and the bare wrinkling of his eyes. He did not doubt the military plan, but doubted her Sheikah could accomplish what she set them to do. Corwin looked pale, still afraid of facing one of the evils. Ever since donning that mask his humor and confidence had never been the same. Tiryn looked smug.
A righteous fury seemed to become ignited within her. Eyes blazing she rounded on her supposed inner circle, until a cry from a distant mental voice claimed her attention.
It was Sable and she was contacting her from the Mage's Guild in Hyrule Castle Town. The voice sounded faint in her head. The Mage trainer could not make contact over this large distance, but she could send missives. And the message Zelda received sucked the fire out of her anger. A coolness swept over her emotions as the ramifications were seen.
My Queen! Arcadia marches southward lead by our own Sheikah! Send help! Already they have engaged your gathered troops! I fear the Gorons and Hylians of your northern army shall fail and be pushed back here. Surely they will besiege us! Please send help your Highness! I beg of you!
A damning silence hung in the air after Zelda relayed the words from Sable. No man there dared to speak first knowing for a surety their leaving the room alive was no longer guaranteed. "Allow me a moment of silence please." She slowly stood, turned perceptions inward, and took flight onto the winds of thought.
To the north she sought Sable, making contact and giving directions. To General Westman of the East, leader for now of her northern forces, she sent commands to retreat to Castle Town. He would wait for the coming siege until her own army had marched north to give him aid. Then she sent her mind to the east seeking Sahoori's presence. Her need of the Gerudo was more dire now. Moments passed as she sought in vain. A troubling thought struck her. Seeking the nearest Gerudo mind she invaded and plunged their thoughts, none too gently.
The woman died because of the efforts and Zelda was fuming. Sahoori killed by a woman called Macaiki. She had rallied the Gerudo against Sahoori claiming she was a puppet of the Crown. In outrage the seven tribes of women banded together and disposed of her, dismembering her corpse and leaving it for the vultures. Now Zelda's crimes had been lain bare to them. Her assassination of their King and her attempt to control them through another. And her putting the current male child in harm by removing him violently from his home.
The only response of such a heinous crime, considering their very continuation as a race rested on that single child, was war. Not just an army marching from those waterless sands, but an entire nation of hardened fighters calling for her blood. Their fury so strong they would kill themselves and any in front of them to reach her. A very nasty situation.
Her eyes refocused. "I believe a change of plans is necessary. It would appear that Agahnim has outmaneuvered me."
"You mean you underestimated him, girl?" Snapped Tiryn, the bald contempt no longer hidden in his features. "You've lead this kingdom into a quagmire haven't you? With your pride and arrogance leading you by the nose!" His face was flushed with anger, his hands shaking on the wooden cane.
Her eyes drilled through him, a inner light coming into her irises. He stood and met that magically malevolent stare, even though it seemed he was ready to collapse. "You speak to me of pride old man." Her voice was carefully controlled, a violin string quivering on the verge of snapping. "Leave this room Tiryn and never return. If you do I will make sure the ravens drink your blood and the jackals your innards. Go!" She shrieked as the string snapped, unable to forgive Tiryn for addressing her so.
His only response was to smirk and peer down at her from his aging nose. "I'll leave when I see this kingdom safe again, girl." He sneered the final word. "And not a wit sooner. Or shall you have me locked away and studied as you did with the Zoran King?"
Carefully Zelda peered down at her shaking hand, her fingers in a rigid and tense with rage. Only her strong will kept her pride from killing him outright. She still needed him for now. "Maybe I was premature Tiryn in my assessment of you and this situation." If words could cut, Tiryn would be in pieces. "Not only are the Arcadians marching on us but so are the Gerudo. It appears Sahoori was tortured to death and her secrets revealed to all." A thick feeling of despondency fell across the room.
Dashiva's countenance shattered and his eyes became lost. Bringing his handless arm to his face he meant to rub his head. When he realized no hand was there he grunted, on the verge of crying. A man who had lost all faith and all hope.
Shawn growled, but he turned his eyes towards her. His blind devotion shining there, but lurking behind that emotion was a river of doubt overflowing its banks. Corwin only stared at the floor, not entirely sure of the situation but knowing enough to realize its bleakness. Cory only looked lost and confused, the strength he had relied upon now failing him.
Summoning her voice and keeping it from the fury she felt at their despair was difficult. "The situation can still be salvaged. I have an army surrounding this castle and with it the Gerudo and Arcadians can be vanquished!"
Tiryn spoke again, sarcasm in his tone. "Oh brilliant plan, your Highness." Again he sneered. "While the Arcadians hammer away at a city not remotely designed to withstand a siege we strike against the Gerudo tribes and what? Kill an entire people? Wipe them out? And while we fiddle our thumbs with them more Arcadian troops will be marching south. I believe now its time for you to finally think your way out of this mess." Something ticked inside her. "Or do you lack the wisdom you have been totting about all this time?"
Another tick. Like a child turning over in its sleep, except the child was some part of her mind and its bed her thoughts. Tiryn was getting at something, trying to do something to her. Brainstorms of guilt and guile whirled suddenly in her mindscape, battling quickly, not for control but for precedence.
Then the errant thought was buzzing around, the thought that had stayed hidden from her all this time. The memory had become unearthed and her subconscious had seen it, but her conscious mind had not. She knew one thing, to finally restore balance she needed that kernel of truth. Why she could not access the triforce? How had Tiryn known? Was he trying to help?
Her chin rose haughtily. "I would thank you to remember your place here, General. I know my place in this kingdom, but I begin to wonder where yours lies?"
He ignored her and the confusion riddling everyone's face. "I see what I see and I know now I am right. I do know my place in this kingdom and I see you realize yours. What I fear, your Highness, is that you have forgotten your role in the Goddesses' plans." There was a deep sadness in his voice and the contempt fell from his features.
Forgotten her place? The words echoed in her mind as guilt and guile still struggled. Why should she feel guilty? What was Tiryn going on about?
Then a vibration swept across existence. A ripple moving through everyone and everything. It passed like a wave through her subjects as they stood unaware of it. She herself felt it. Heard it like a bell's toll. To her mind it felt like both a death knell and a ringing of peace. That moment of indecision on how to react caused vertigo to sweep through her.
She stumbled a few steps and resumed her chair. Shawn was by her side in an instant, his hand supporting her and a look of worry crossing his features. She ignored him and reached for wisdom, yearning to know what that vibration was. She saw Corwin beginning to shake his head erratically. She pushed him from her thoughts and sought the triforce. For a moment it was revealed to her and it bathed her soul in its radiant light of knowledge. Then her mind lurched and wisdom was shadowed once more.
It had told what she needed to know. Something her deeper thoughts had already ascertained. The true Hero had awakened. His hand had gripped the Master Sword and begun the first steps towards his destiny. Wisdom told her one other thing. Link was, and had always been, the Hero.
Horror grew on her face as she realized her mistake of trying to control and guide destiny, something the wisemen had tried to do that cost them their lives. Would her cost be her life? Would Hyrule fall because of this mistake?
Then Corwin began to scream, a soul shattering sound that sent shivers slithering down her spine. A scream of a man trying to hold some vestige of himself together, but knowing he was on the brink of nonexistence.
Zelda sent her mind into his, but was easily rebuked as a demonic presence had now completely seized his faculties. Corwin, the once believed Hero, had been snuffed like a candle. His very being now only a memory to those that knew him.
Then the Oni's face slowly rose, his eyes milky white and chilling. Zelda blinked and her hand rose as a cry was uttered from her mouth. "The Oni!"