PART THREE - THE SHADOW OF MY KIN

Silas could hear Katie from his room snapping at Link to get up and get to the town already. Link lashed at her to get off his head and then Silas heard the all too familiar sound of Katie's hammer followed by Link's painful yelp.

It wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Those two had a proclivity of arguing over such disparagements. Katie, Silas learned, was the sort of person that would allow you to act as you please if it meant that it didn't bother her. Later, the sound of hard footsteps stormed through the halls, thudding against the stairs and ended with a harsh slam of the door.

Link had been staying with them for a few days. Just as Silas would expect, every day Link had something to complain about. He hated to wake up early, hated the walk all the way to the town—even though it was his idea to stay in the manor—and he really truly hated it when someone told him what to do. Another reason on why him and Katie don't get along sometimes.

He also had an interesting way for saying things for what they were. Not that it was something new to Silas. Both his father and his sister had their own blunt ways in expressing themselves. Silas seemed to be the only one in the family who kept his tongue tamed, or tried to at least.

It was no surprise that Viktor came to absolutely abhorred Link. To be fair, Viktor did try to tolerate him. He did try to make an effort to cajole Link into show some respect. Knowing him, Viktor thought to indoctrinate Link about the importance of deference and rectitude. Knowing Link, he must've said something that caused Viktor to snap.

"That boy is a disgrace!" Viktor exploded one time. Silas hadn't seen his butler this angry since he brought in a cockroach that caused an infestation in his room. It was talent if Link got such a strong reaction from the usually placid butler in just a matter of hours. "Was he raised in a barn?"

Those two are constantly at each other's throats and poor Katie was in the middle of it all. It was a good thing Katie nudged Link to get up early and to leave the manor. It was enough time to cool Viktor's nerves. Sally wasn't doing any better with having to feed an extra mouth. She claimed this extra mouth might as well belong to three people with how Link kept asking for seconds.

At one point, the little fairy informed Silas of something interesting. It was about a mirror on the outskirts of their town with the magical ability to teleport them if they inputted the right symbols. It was far stretched but he knew he should start believing in those things. Ever since he saw the Master Sword though…thinking about it gave him chills.

Also for some irritating reason Link was fond of calling him shorty, which was a little sore spot for him. "I'm not that short," Silas grumbled, shuffling papers out from his desk.

Well, this was his idea after all and Kate did warn him ahead of time on what to expect. Even with Link's callousness and complaints, he did keep his end of the bargain. He visited the town regularly and decimated any and all monsters. Having him around lifted a great burden off Silas's shoulder.

And it wasn't just Link's participation. Even when there tended to be a lot of heated exchange between Link and his fairy then with the servants of the manor, Silas was grateful for the company. The halls of the manor had grown far too quiet that you could hear the wood creaking from the other side to where Sally was cleaning. You could hear the wind like a whisper, feel its cold hand touching the back of your neck. If you listened, really listened, you might be able to hear something else. Something that happened long ago, from a time when the world didn't seem so scary, where there were others with Silas, when he wasn't so terribly alone.

Now if only he could sleep better too. Was it odd to have the same nightmare five days in a row? He had to rely on nightshade to lull him to sleep. The dream had faded from his mind but he still remembered how he was about to make out a dark figure in a cloud of shadows. What made it interesting though was that night after night in having this dream seem to make this image clearer. Silas still couldn't see the face though. All he could do was separate the figure from the darkness.

Whatever. It was just a dream.

He continued to sign his name on the verbose papers. A large pile was right next to it. Taxes for the towns, mostly some excuses from the taxpayer, requests for repair, offers from merchants, request to promote a soldier, more offers from merchants, several more for repairmen, a few requests for resources and food. It never ends. And so his pen didn't stop moving until someone knocked on the door. He flexed his sore fingers and tried not to be annoyed at the interruption.

"Yes?"

It was Sally. "Apologizes, but Captain Grey wishes to speak with you."

Silas tried not to show how nervous he felt about that. The captain didn't voice out what he thought of Link's employment but Silas could just imagine how surprised he was to find out without hearing it from his Lord.

Silas could hear the sound of his armor clinker before the man walked in. The light of the morning bounced off the golden metal, making it glean. Grey's hand hung on the hilt of his sword in a dignified pose. He looked old fashioned with his armor. Though it marked his status, it had gone dim with age, his hair only stubbles with his face being cleanly shaved.

The captain nodded to him. "Morning. How've you been?"

"Fine," Silas said.

"Shall I make tea?" Sally offered.

Grey shook his head. "No need. It won't be long. I'll be needed back." He waited for Sally leave to drop formalities. "Did you take a break at all or have you've been sitting there since yesterday?"

Silas rubbed his eyes. "Grey, I'm busy right now. Besides it's cold out. It's not good for me."

"Cold? I was melting out there."

This was pointless. Silas intertwined his hands in front of him, eyes narrowed. "Is there anything you need, Captain Grey?"

Grey paused. "Just something you need to hear out, sir."

Sir. Hearing that from an older man, a man with much more experience in leadership and responsibility, it still took time getting used to. Viktor told him to keep a professional front but this felt a little too much. The butler, the maid, and the captain—all played a role into making him who he was today. They were the adults he learned to obey, to look up to, and now the roles have been suddenly reversed. It would've been great, even enjoyable, if he hadn't come to rely on them so much.

Silas gestured him to proceed and Grey did. "But first a report. As you know monsters are making their rounds day in and day out. They come in around afternoon and near dusk."

"They sound organized," Silas said nervously. "What do you make of that?"

Grey looked grim. "I'm not sure. They're a hell lot stronger than before, more experienced with their weapon. More alert and intelligent, not as sharp as a Lynel though." He shuddered slightly. "That, we don't need." He stopped and with a dry tone, he said, "It was nice of you to tell me ahead of time about Link."

Silas felt his stomach twisting. "Grey—"

"You went to a holding cell on your own without telling anyone?" Grey snapped, dropping all pretense of deference. "What the hell were you thinking? One of them got loose. You have no idea how bad things could've gotten. You should've sent for me."

"Katie came to me and told me that Link was wrongfully imprisoned," Silas said, his voice faltering slightly. "She also told me you were struggling with monsters so yes I took matters into my hands to get you help."

"With great respect, my Lord, have you lost faith in your own soldiers?"

"I haven't," Silas said sharply. "I promise you Link's employment is temporarily. I want you and your men to use this time to heal and prepare for when his contract comes to end which is about a fortnight." Before Grey could speak, Silas raised his hand. "This is not up for debate. He's staying. Deal with it."

Silas didn't mean to snap but with Viktor and Sally constantly on his head about Link, he had to put his foot down. That was what his father would've done. Actually, he wouldn't need to put his foot down since no one would dare to question him. How was it that only Silas could see just how bad things were getting? All these papers on his desk told him enough of what his poor people were going through. They need Link.

Grey's eyes hardened and Silas's stomach twisted even more but his eyes stayed firmly on Grey's, almost defiantly. The captain then sighed tiredly when he saw Silas wasn't budging.

And he looked tired. It pained Silas to see him this way. "Very well then," Grey said reluctantly. No doubt his pride took a blow. "I'll admit that he did help us a lot."

Silas's shoulders slowly relaxed. "He's a formidable swordsman. It's a waste to not to use his talent. I know you don't like him. I'm not asking you to. But please try to work with him for the sake of the town."

"I'll deal with him. Dealt with worse boys older than him." Grey looked a bit disgusted as he added, "He's got a nasty habit though."

"What do you mean by that?"

"For your stomach, it's better if you don't know."

Well, now he got Silas curious but he figured he'd find it out on his own, with Link living with him and all. "So what's your actual report? Did you find something new?"

Grey hesitated. From his look, Silas knew it only meant trouble. "Monsters have destroyed some houses and stolen livestock."

"I know this."

"And some men of the town brought it upon themselves to go out for hunting. None of them returned."

The air seemed to cut off for Silas and the room seemed to tilt. Beneath his desk, he gripped the edges of his chair as if bracing himself for impact. "What do you mean? Have you sent scouts for them? How many hunters have gone missing?" He hated how his voice faltered slightly. This was one problem he didn't think could be possible.

"Eleven I believe. Some fathers and sons went out to hunt for food in the outer woods since merchants aren't coming in much with the monster attacks. Those that are left are raising their prices so high it'll turn your face white. I sent scouts to look our people…" He trailed off.

"None of them came back." A cold hand squeezed his heart. The room felt much smaller, the walls were moving in to crush him and Grey wasn't even finished.

"The families of the hunters and the scouts are asking for help. They want someone to look for them."

"Can we spare some men?"

"With the monster attacks?" Grey shook his head. "We can't afford it. Some of my men are injured, the others superstitious and the rest afraid. And as you told me, Link won't be around permanently. I kind of wish he was now. What you purpose we do?"

Silas stared at him. Grey knew what these responsibilities were doing to him, he knew of the losses Silas suffered, he knew better than anyone else just how 'fine' Silas really was, and yet the man still asked regardless. He was looking expectedly at a young man, expression unmoved. The answer was obvious. He knew it. Silas knew it. This was a test. Grey needed to see, he needed to know, what kind of a leader Silas was underneath.

Silas closed his eyes. So many families would be so dismayed, mothers waiting for their sons and husbands, friends concerned, neighbors nervous. It was now his choice for their fates—either the defenses of the town or the search for the missing villagers. What would his father make of this?

Silas turned to the window, his thoughts turning to a dark place. What would happen if he ran away? Would they chase after him? Would they tie him up? Or would they simply choose someone better?

Grey needed an answer. He didn't offer any opinions, no advices, no suggestion. He wanted to put this all on Silas and Silas hated him for it.

He turned to face the captain, hoping he didn't look as sick as he felt. "We need the men to defend the town." The words were heavy on his tongue. They hung in the air like an echo, drifting there like a hanged man. A sudden pain clawed into his stomach. Silas only clenched his jaw, making fists on his lap. It was only with years of pretending to be look well that Grey didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

What he did know was that Silas wished to be alone. "Understood, my Lord. Take care now."

"And—" Silas hesitated as Grey turned away from the door. He took in a deep breath. This was would be much harder but it had to be done. "No one is to leave this town until further notice. If those hunters as well as our scouts haven't returned then it's far too dangerous for anyone to leave."

Grey nodded. He must've been thinking that as well.

Silas sat back in his chair, the strength lost in him. He had just proclaimed that no one was to search for their family and friends. He also refused to send any more search parities for fear that they won't return. No one knew what was happening to their people. They have to worry in their homes, curse at their Lord for failing them. Logic said that it was the best choice of action, but the emotions that came with it was like a hard smack in the face.

The door opened just before Grey could touch it. The air thickened as tension settled into the room when Grey and Viktor looked at each other with an expression that spoke volumes. It was the captain who broke it, leaving in silence.

"What did he want?" Viktor asked bitingly.

"Just a report," Silas said. "What is it now?" Before the butler said anything, Silas cut him with a sharp tone, "Aside from Link."

"Just wanted to see how you were," Viktor said coolly. "Have you taken your medication?"

Have he taken medicine? Why can't Viktor ask something else, like how Silas was doing? Why can't he offer his thoughts rather than demand for Silas to take the lead? Why can't he encourage Silas to be more honest on how he felt on the inside? Why can't he understand? Why can't anyone understand?

The room still felt like it was spinning. A storm was ruining him from the inside, barely repressed. He needed something to sooth the storm, to lay it to rest.

"I have taken them," Silas said carefully. "But not nightshade." Viktor looked at him, crossed. "I forgot. Honest."

Viktor was about to scold him but he frowned a bit slightly as if he remembered something. "I could have sworn Sally told me she served it to you in the morning."

"She may have forgotten. You know her." There was guilt as he said those words. Sally did have a tendency to forget things, and Viktor would reprimand her sorely for that.

Viktor bowed before he left. A few moments later, the maid came in with a tray and all traces of guilt vanished at the pleasant smell of nightshade.

She set the tray in front of him, looking a bit puzzled. "Are you sure I didn't give you nightshade earlier?"

He felt crushed but ignored the feeling. "It's okay. I forget as well."

Next to it were Yven tea and lemon cakes. The Yven tea was to be taken three times a day, mostly to help with his digestion. The apothecary said Silas had to take it even if it didn't feel necessary. The taste of it was just so ghastly that it had to be accompanied by something sweet, like cake or candy.

"How have you been?"

Silas's lips pursed. If he had a rupee for number of times that question was asked….

"I'm fine. Really." He drummed his fingers on the table. "By the way, have you taken those paintings down?"

Sally frowned. "Lord Silas," she started, gently but eyes stern, "I know this is difficult for you—"

"Difficult?" he echoed bitterly. "You think you know what this is?" He tapped a firm finger on the table. "Have you taken them down or not?"

"I have, yes," she said thinly.

"The ones with my sister?"

"Those at well."

"Good. The door is there."

He winced when it was slammed shut. Silence filled the room, followed by crawling guilt. That maid had been more like his second mother to him, and Grey as a second father. Out of all people Silas chose to be disrespectful to, it had to be the people who cared about him the most. His head leaned back with eyes closed. The only person he couldn't seem to hold his ground against was Viktor. The man may be a butler but Hylia above them he was terrifying when he was angry.

Silas got up, taking the Yyven with him. Steam puffed from the dark liquid, rising up to his face. Even after years of taking this stuff, he couldn't help but look at it with disgust.

He opened the window and threw the liquid out, setting the empty cup down. The cake was then devoured in three bites, with the nightshade saved for the last. It was warm, which is good since he'd have gulped it down even if it were boiling hot. In seconds, the pressure was lifted from his chest, his thoughts numbed as the emotions were stripped off of him. He couldn't feel himself angry anymore. A sweet bliss overcame him, and he sighed out with a small smile.

No one could ever understand just how much he needed this. No one knew just how bad he was getting. When Silas was drowning, he was surrounded in so much darkness that light felt like a dream. The pressure would crush him and something would pull him down and down. His arms failed at his side, panic spread through his mind. But still he'd try to reach the surface.

And, before, there would be a hand waiting for him. The hand would be his sister, not Irela, his fiancé. If his sister had been here, Silas wouldn't even need nightshade, he wouldn't feel afraid. If his sister couldn't reach him in that deep sea of misery, then she'd have jumped in after him, even though she couldn't swim. Neither of them could. But if he were going to drown, then she wouldn't let him go about it on his own.

A trembling hand rose to Silas's mouth while he steadied himself on his table. He was ready to throw up his nightshade.

Don't think about it. Don't think about it. Don't think about her.

He buried his head in his hands. Nightshade could do wonders but it could never ever fill in that gaping hole, that tear that she seemed to have left behind. He took in slow, deliberate breaths. He will not cry. He will not scream. That was for drama. People needed him to be strong. So with a shaky hand, he picked up his quill and turned back to his work.


Grey did keep his pride in check. That was one thing Link appreciated about him the most. It couldn't have been easy, putting yourself at the sidelines and watching somebody else do your job—a job you swore your life on. The guards who didn't see Link as some sort of miracle shot him looks to show how they really felt about him.

Grey also gave Link updates on the monsters and now he gave some bad news about the hunters.

"Those poor people," Katie said lugubriously.

Grey nodded solemnly. They stood in one of the markets where two of the biggest buildings met. The place was nearly empty with some merchants stubborn enough to linger about. "By the order of Lord Silas, we will not send any men out to look for them. No one is allowed to leave as well. It's just too dangerous. We can't afford any more of this."

Link grimaced. "The families won't like that."

With the old lord gone and his son barely an adult taking his place, people will start to think they should take care of themselves. But Link wouldn't be too worried about that. He could see that Grey already got started on obviating any rebellion from gaining momentum. He seemed like the kind of guy who would put a thief in a cell before he had the chance to rob anyone.

Link respected him. When the man knows something had to be done, he will see it done regardless of his pride or reputation. Link would like him a lot more if the captain stopped looking at him skeptically. The man had the tendency to ask too many questions. Link just ignored him for the most part.

"It's not like we can do anything about it," Grey continued. "Any time we send someone out, they never come back. We just don't have the men for it."

It had been an hour since the conversation with the captain and it still weighed heavily on Katie. She fluttered lowly with a faint glow as they walked through the town square on their daily stroll. Link pinched the front of his shirt to bring it front and back to let some air cool his skin. "Dammit, this heat."

There had been villagers in the square though some kept their distance. Only a few shops out of dozens dared to open, and the owners tried to encourage people in. Link was glad it was mostly empty. Seeing people with the life snuffed out of them bothered Katie. And whenever she was bothered, she nagged it to him.

He could see signs of battle from the sides of homes, burned down doors, broken windows. This was the monsters way of leaving their mark on the town. Boards or sometimes a sheet of cloth would be used for an impromptu repair. Grey had told him they spent so much time defending the town that they couldn't spare extra hands to fix up the damages. Several doors have been hammered into place with windows covered by drapes.

It didn't change even when Link decided to stay for a while. That assured him in some way. It showed that they weren't complete fools to put complete trust in him.

What would happen to this place if he left? How long until it was wiped off the map?

He felt some weight on his shoulder and saw it was dusted in sparkles. Katie was still sulking, drawing a few curious eyes.

"We can't do anything about it," he snapped. "Quite moping already."

Her color was giving him a headache. As much as he loved her quiet misery, it wasn't helping him. He had to keep looking out for Misko. No one seemed to know to recognize the name when he asked around, so Link had to keep his eyes peeled.

"How can you not care?" she asked, as if astonished.

He snorted. "I don't know these people. Why should I care?"

"I just wish we can do something."

"You need to learn to mind your own business about some things. Shit happened. No point in whining."

"People should do something," she said sharply. "Are you saying that when things get tough, people should look the other way? We need to help each other! It's like what Dobbin said: good people will become bad people based on bad decisions. If they just had someone to talk them out of it then it wouldn't be a problem!"

He looked at her, amazed. He could've said a hundred things to that until a loud voice cut him off, "Step right up, folks, and win the lot! One throw for free and this jackpot might be yours."

Link blinked. The voice was loud, full of mirth; something he didn't think would exist in this miserable place.

A passing woman groaned. "Another scammer. Why won't they leave us be?"

Katie's color shifted into an interested shade of yellow. "What's a scammer?" Katie asked him. "I've never heard that word before. Is it a merchant?"

Link chuckled. "A cheating merchant. Heh. Used to be one back in the days." He placed his hands behind his head, not realizing that he was headed to the owner of the voice. "You won't find the word in any of your fancy books. People rig their games or deals so the outcomes will play out in their favor."

Katie gasped. "But that's stealing."

"Hence the name scammer."

"They have to be arrested!"

"Whoa there, kid!" He snatched her from the air before she could bolt. In his hand, she glowed like fire. "Where the hell are you off to?"

"I'm going to get the guards!"

"Listen, you, another reason you don't find scammers in books it's because they're good at keeping out of trouble." He gave her a firm look before letting her go then clapped his hands free of sparkles. "That's what they do. They'll just twist the law and make themselves look like innocent lambs. You won't catch them with any dirt."

She reddened. "And you used to be one of them?"

He quickly raised his hands at the sight of her hammer. "Hey, I've retired!"

"You better." She dismissed her weapon and it fell to flakes. "Now let's see what that dirty scammer is up to."

"We don't even know if this one's a scammer," he said with a groan.

The seller or scammer again called out, "Which one of you can strike gold, huh? Bring back something for the missus?"

Link frowned. That line was way old school.

The supposed scammer set up his own game at the corner of the town, giving him an entire space all for himself. He looked quite jovial and seemed to be charismatic as he was able to grasp some people's attention, though some lost interest quickly. He didn't let that dishearten him and kept on encouraging others to try their hand.

Link frowned a bit. The voice sounded familiar but he couldn't place a hand on it. At his side, the fairy turned a sharp color with a gasp. "Is that…?"

Link got a closer look and gaped.

Misko stood there like some wealthy merchant with tidy doublet, hair neatly combed back with only a strand of it curling at his forehead. He grinned widely, spreading out his hands.

"All you have to do is hit one of these glass bottles with a ball and you—you?!—I mean, you! You can win the whole jackpot!" Misko dapped a handkerchief on his forehead, doing his best to avoid Link's seething gaze.

Link stepped forward to him, but stopped when someone passed by him. It was a patrolling guard with a sharp-looking halberd resting against his shoulder. There were more of them around in groups, taking care to stay at the sidelines, determined not to let a single monster get any further from here should they get past the front gate. They also patrolled around to keep the peace.

Misko wore a smirk on him. He placed his hands on his hips, looking more vibrant now that his safety was assured. "So, anyone wants to try?"

"I'll play," Link said dryly.

Misko pretended he didn't hear him. "Anyone? Someone?"

People continued to stroll by and it forced him to acknowledge Link crackling his knuckles.

"Mister, I want to play!" A little girl with pigtails piped up.

Misko seized the opportunity at once. "What a lovely girl we have here! Think you got what it takes? The first shot it free!"

The little girl insisted that she was a great shot. Misko gave her a colorful ball and showed her the glassed bottles. The targets splashed with several swirling colors completed with a little bow tied at the neck. They were arranged in a triangle formation, their glass glinting in the sun.

The little girl took a moment to fix her aim then fired before the bandit could get impatient with her. The ball touched the bottle in the front which should've knocked it to another bottle and then another until the whole thing fell on itself. But the ball lamely bounced off the glass. The target didn't even flinch.

"I hit it," she complained, stomping her foot down. She looked genuinely upset to the point of tears.

"Oh you did? I must've missed it."

Katie fumed. "No, you didn't! She hit it right there, you thief!"

The little girl went over to pick the ball up. "I want to go again."

Misko hummed. "Yes, that'll be for five rupees."

Her face fell. "But I—"

"Either take it or leave it, kid."

Link's jaw clenched. "I'll play," he growled, startling Misko when he shoved a blue rupee in his hands.

He knew what Misko did to the bottles. It was another classic move for scammers. That paint wasn't for decoration. There was water inside of those bottles, anchoring them down. The ball was made up of cotton and even if the bottles weren't filled with water, you still had no chance of knocking them down. They were simply a precaution.

Not all of them were filled up though. This was a way to reel in the fish. The bottles would wobble a little, giving the illusion that it was a close call. The first free shot was another tactic as well, letting the costumers familiarize themselves with the game so they could try their hand again. While Katie was pestered at Misko, Link ripped the ball open, tore out the cotton and stuffed a rock inside.

"I would never do such a thing," Misko said, indignant.

"But you did rob us!" Katie snapped, turning to a molten color. "You took something precious from us. Tell him, Link."

"Telling him won't do anything," Link said as he grinned sinisterly. "I'd rather beat the life out of him instead."

Misko faltered before mustering up bravery. "Now if you're going to threaten me—"

"It's not a threat. It's a promise." Link winked at the little girl. "Watch and learn, kiddo."

People nearby jolted by the tempestuous sound of glass shattering. The sharp sound of it cut the tension in the air, frightening the birds on the ground to a storm of feathers as they took off. Water splashed on the cobbles, running down it in tiny streams, the broken glass glittered like diamonds.

The little girl's eyes widen. "Hey, there's water in there! I'm going to tell my dad on you!" She turned and bolted right out.

Link chuckled. "Where's my prize, mister? I hit it all, didn't I?" At his side, Katie glowed exuberantly.

"You cheated," Misko accused, taking a step back.

"You rigged it," Link said simply, taking a step forward. "Now you have a choice. Either I report you to the guards and have them throw you in a musty cell or you come with me nice and quiet."

Misko snorted with a smirk. "Oh really? What's coming with you going to do for me? I already got all the good stuff."

"You have bigger steel than I thought," Link said softly. "I'm going to enjoy breaking you."

"I tried warning you," Katie added in, giggling. "Now how's about you give us back the medal before things get too messy?"

"And you tell us everything you know about this." Link brought out a small piece of paper. "The red tunic? That's what you're looking for, I take it?"

Misko just blinked at him. "The what?"

Link gritted his teeth. "Don't start lying to me." He grabbed Misko by the shoulder. "Tell me what you know."

"N-not so hard! You don't want to alert the guards, right?" He smiled nervously when Link's eyes hardened. "Look I have no idea what you're talking about. Honest."

"Liar! Link, beat him up!" Katie said.

But Misko wasn't lying. He was actually telling the truth.

A cry came out from the gates of the town. People rose up at the sound sharply, and panicked. Link cursed under his breath. Misko used the distraction to slip out from his grip, and even managed to snatch the piece of paper before making a run for it. Link, dumbfounded at first, was about to chase tail when Katie came in his face.

"I know what you want to do but you need to save the town."

"What if he don't find him again?" he argued.

"No one is allowed to leave town. That's what Grey said," she said quickly. "We'll catch him another time but we need to keep our priorities in check."

She was right. Goddammit, he can't stand this shit. When he reached the monsters, he rushed through the fight. Misko couldn't have gone far if Link caught up. The monsters weren't even a large group, not like the last time. But they had archers this time who fired flaming arrows at buildings and wagons. Link grounded his teeth. Katie helped him out in the fight.

"Have you gotten them all?" Katie asked when the black flakes settled on the ground. Soldiers were already working on trying to control the fire.

"Yeah, pretty sure. Let's find that jackass."

"Wait, Link, you can't just rush things." She glowered when he ignored her and with one swing of her hammer she had his complete attention. "Dummy, you made a deal to kill every monster that comes in here! What happens if there's still some Bokoblins around? You know how smarter they got."

Link's eyes flared as he rubbed his aching head. His fingers twitched to grab her from the air and crush her. "I told you I got them all!"

He'd be lying if he said he wasn't too confident. There was that itch that he forgot about something. But the monsters had rushed in on him all at once, and so he knew for sure that he got them all.

"And if there are any monsters, the soldiers could handle it. That's what they're paid for, right?" Link cringed when he saw the once inhibited villagers look at him with the same approbation, some children snuck out from their seclusion to come and see him.

Katie saw his discomfiture and snorted. "Still want to look for him now?"

"Shut up."

"Why don't you just tell Lord Silas then?" she suggested. "Hey, why haven't you told him that from start? Oh right, you want to slowly torment Misko to the very inch of his sanity, right?"

Link grinned. "Aw, you know me so well!"

She piped red. "Look, you're not going to find him on your own. Not if you want to bump into some fans and defend the town. Besides the guards will be more than happy to help."

"He needs to pay though!"

"Would you rather have Ruto's medal back?"

He paused. A session with Misko over a gift from fish bait? If he told Silas about Misko then the bandit would only get a lighter sentence rather than screaming for mercy. But if Link kept it to himself, there was a good chance Misko could get away…

Link remembered how Ruto had first proffered him the medal as a merit for his cheating. She looked as if she tasted something bitter when she had to praise him for the honorable fight of his. He tried not to smile fondly at the memory.

He shook the thought out from his head. He can't deal with that now. With a defeated sigh, he muttered, "Fine. I'll tell shorty or whatever."

Katie glowed softly. "It's better that way. You get to focus on other things."

"Yeah like what?"

"Our lesson maybe? And it'll be better if you start relaxing a bit. You know the journey to Death Mountain won't be an easy one."

"I'll relax when I get Agnes back."

That put an end on the conversation. He quickly absconded from the town before people began to—ugh—thank him. As if he would do this for free. Katie suggested that they took this time for another lesson, but he had no patience for that so she took herself to the library, finally leaving him on his own.

It pleasant to have his shoulder empty. She was often too warm when she got close to his face, and with how much time they've been spending around each other his tunic now glittered in the sun from her sparkles. He could definitely use a few hours without her naggy voice.

But now he was left with no one to annoy. Sally was way too up tight. Not even fun to mess with. Viktor was another matter. Link could try pissing him off but the man had talent of reflecting it back to him. So that left with only one person…

One important note Katie pounded to his head—quite literally—was that he mustn't ever interrupt Silas's working place. But of course, Link didn't have the energy to care nor did he have the time to waste what's left of it in pointless curtsey. He walked right in like he was invited.

Silas jolted when the door swung open then he frowned. "I didn't hear you knocking…"

Silas was just as Link had last seen him. Back hunched down, eyes fixed with concentration as they ran through every curly sentence that made no sense to Link.

Katie explained that this particular writing style was known as cursive. It was an educative art that the higher ups, scholars, and scribes would use. To him it just looked like someone was doodling and got sidetracked.

Link watched Silas's fluid stroke with the quill with envy. There was no hesitation, no pause, only confidence. The time when Silas must've learned how to hold a pen was when Link learned how to swing his sword.

"Do you need something?" Silas asked without looking up. There was impatience behind his politeness. He blew the dust from his paper before stamping it.

Link leaned against the wall. "This is boring. Don't you have any attractions around here or something?" At least Hatino had their puppet show.

Silas scribbled some more, irking Link again with how seamlessly he did it. His handwriting wasn't sloppy; it was so smooth and delicate, like an art. Silas treated it with indifference since he just placed the paper by the side to put another one in its place. "I hear monsters are entertaining."

Link shrugged. "Eh. They get boring after a while." Link frowned when he still didn't get his attention. "What do you do all day?"

"Work."

Link frowned. "That's it?"

Silas took in a deep breath. "I am a Lord," he said, dipping his quill before continuing to write. How can he write so fast and talk at the same time? "It's the only thing I have to do right now."

"How does your thing work?"

Silas stopped and looked up at him. "What?"

"Your condition, right? How does it work? Like what is it that you have?"

The young lord returned to his work, somehow keeping his writing neat while explaining. "It's a hereditary condition that's been passed on to me. My body is weak to put it in simpler terms; therefore, I can't endure too much physical activity. It comes with symptoms and I must take medication to counter them out."

"What's it called?"

"The name came from the Gerudos as it is originated from their land. It's called the Sareequ, meaning the weakened soul." His expression didn't change. He spread some pale powder on the paper to dry the ink, then blew it off gently.

Link chuckled. "Ouch. What do you call it then?"

"The curse. It's just—" He paused. "I don't have time for this. I have a lot of work to do and I would appreciate it if you don't bother me."

Link made himself home on the couch, leaning back, and placed his boots on the table in front of him. "Shouldn't you take it easy though? Not that I care but when you complain about back pain first thing in the morning—"

Silas's eyes narrowed. "Have you been eavesdropping?"

"Can't really call it eavesdropping when you're three doors down from me."

Silas set his jaw. "Link, I have a lot to do," he said with a steady voice. "I'm grateful for all the help you've given me but I—"

"Okay, I need you to stop there."

"What?"

Link waltzed up to him, placing a hand on his desk. "That," he said, pointing at Silas's puzzled and irritated face. "The way you talk. It's like you're reading a script."

"Just what do you want from me?" Silas asked exaggeratedly. "I have a lot work, Link, and I don't like people bothering me! Now is there anything I can actually do for you?"

Link sighed. "Well, I guess you could help me catch that bandit." He turned to sit back on the couch.

"Thief? You've been robbed?"

Hearing that out loud was embarrassing. All those years of taking things from people, the table really has turned. "I wasn't paying attention," Link said testily. "That shit took something valuable from me."

Silas finally gave him his full attention. "Okay, can you describe how he looks? Have you seen him in town?"

"I've seen him in town. He got away." That stung even more. If only he could beat that bandit to a pulp. It would be more satisfying to see him with a few teeth missing than crammed in a cell. "Brown hair, real ugly looking."

Silas cleared his throat. "I need you to be a little specific."

"He's running this shit game of throwing ball at bottles." Link just shook his head. "He's a terrible scammer." Seriously, who decides to run a game at a town like this one? Not a good time to run business.

Silas's eyes hardened. "A scammer? In my town?"

Link sounded impressed. "Oh so you know what a scammer is? Didn't think his lordship would know such nasty underground names."

Silas gave him a flat look. "I've dealt with several 'merchant's who thought I wouldn't know the difference between fresh cotton and worn down, painted linen. I like to think I would know a scammer when I see one."

"Well, he didn't just take something from me. He knows something about the red tunic. I think he has a map of it."

The quill fell from Silas's hand, making a mess of the beautiful writing. "What? How can that be? The red tunic was gone for years! Are you certain he has a map of it?"

"Could be. I don't know. It was written in Hylian graphic. You know, the words that looked like someone drew on them as if they were drunk?"

Silas frowned. "Those words are from the Goddesses themselves, you know."

Link waved a hand dismissively. "Look, if we get that paper from him, we might learn something." Link found the idea enticing. He might not need to stay for two weeks.

"Leave that matter to me. I'll write up to Grey and get your stolen item back, but for now I'd like it if you focus keeping those monsters at bay."

Link didn't like asking for help, but he knew this is the better option. It beats having to run around and ask for the bandit. "But if you take too long then I'll find him myself. We clear on that?" Link said. "And try not to be too obvious when you're looking for him. This guy will keep his head down the moment he smells trouble."

"Understood. But I need you to be patient until then."

"Look, I don't—" A cold shiver ran up Link's spine when he saw something in the window. He walked up to it, and froze at what he saw. "Shit."

"What—" Silas's face paled when he looked over his shoulder. "Oh Din, where did they come from?"

Link unsheathed his sword and ran out the door. Silas tagged along, and they made it just in time to see the door down and the monsters pouring out of it. There were only a couple of Bokoblins and some archers with their faces concealed, only showing a slot from where their eyes bulged. They wouldn't be a problem…but they were all silver with purple strips.

Shit, shit, shit. They must've followed him here. If he hadn't rush…

"Stay back," Link told Silas before slicing the first monster in his way. From the other side of the foyer, Viktor appeared, looking aghast by what he saw.

The archers fired flaming arrows, sending some of the paintings up. The Bokoblins held weapons, looking eagerly at the Hylians.

"Get back!" Viktor went by Silas's side defensibly, grasping his shoulders. "My Lord, go to your room. Let Link handle this."

Silas moved to turn but stopped. "Sally!"

"Lord Silas, wait!"

The idiot actually left, disappearing into the hallway with Katie and Viktor after him. Link couldn't even glance over to him since he had a Bokoblin in his face. It snorted at him, ears twitching with irritation. It was closer to him so he used his dagger to run it through its neck. The monster disappeared in a cloud of flakes. The two other growled at him.

"Lord Silas, stay away from them!" Katie shouted.

Link stepped aside from one attack, bringing his sword to the monster's chest. The monster recoiled back though, its new speed never failed to unnerve him. The other monster waited for an opening, and when it showed, one took its chance by driving its sword straight for Link's arm. He twisted out of the way, the dull blade thrust into the empty air.

The white Bokoblin swung its blade horizontally, far too close that the wind of its attack startled Link. He tripped back from the lump on the carpet, and at the same time dodged a hammer at his side. He rolled away just as a rusty sword was brought down to him, sticking into the ground. He kicked himself up to his feet, backing away with a heavy pant as all three monsters snarled at him.

There was chaos happening in the other rooms. The sound of vases breaking, of people crying, of Bokoblins snorting. This is bad. Link cursed as he faced down the monsters. He can't afford to fight them like usual. He had to treat them like a real challenge. He had to end this now.

When he went at the monsters this time, he was able to kill the first one by slicing its head clean off its shoulder. The second tried to step away but with his hookshot he brought it back to him and plunged his sword through it. The third with a hammer swung, missing as Link stepped to the side, dropping the holy blade and instead used his dagger.

With the monsters kaput, he fired a few ice arrows to stop the fire before rushing off to help the others. He found two archers cornering Silas, Viktor and Katie next to the glass-framed deed. Link noticed a few black flakes, and figured it was Katie's work. She couldn't do anything now with the sun covered by a cloud.

"Link!" she cried out.

One archer Bokoblin, with a mask over its mouth, fired a flame arrow. Viktor grabbed Silas's shoulders and the two fell to the side. Before Link could reach them, something glinted in the shadows and went straight for the archers. It threw the monster back, killing it immediately.

"I've still got it," Sally said, emerging from the end of the hallway. She held something metallic and sharp.

"Nice shot," Link said, eyebrows raising to his hairline when he saw what she held in her hand. A shurkin. "Sheikah?"

"No. I use a bow but…we had someone who knew how to use these." Her eyes flickered over to Silas and he looked away, his expression darkening.

The last monster wasn't a challenge though it was tedious. He took its own arrow and drove it through its eye, grinning by how it thrashed and screamed. It was finally over. Soon, the five of them stood in the aftermath of the fight. The long, red carpet dirty with footprints, black flakes smudged at it, some vases knocked down with water trickled down the broken pieces.

Link put away his sword. "Close shave."

"Very close," Viktor agreed. "Are you alright, my Lord?"

"Just shaken up," Silas said, getting up from the floor and dusting off his robe.

"I need to stop the fire from spreading." The butler brushed the dust from his shoulders, pulling his shirt down to smoothen any wrinkles. The familiar motion seem to have brought back his aplomb self though his face still pale.

"I took care of it," Link told him.

"How did this happen?" Silas asked.

Katie glowered at Link when he chuckled nervously, scratching his head. "Okay, I might have rushed a little back there…"

Viktor spun at him, eyes wide with fury but someone else joined in the rukus. "Just what in blazes is going on here?"

Someone waltzed into the manor as if he took the broken door as an invitation. The heat outside had flushed his face, making it slicker. His clothes stuck to his thin frame, his stringy hair made him look hollow somehow.

Viktor was stunned. "Lord Tristan?"

"Uncle? What are you doing here?" Silas asked, just as surprised.

"I've come to get my money and saw monsters on my way." Tristan snorted over at Link. "And you manage to screw that one up."

Link smiled. "Would you like me to cut off your tongue? I don't see your dog around."

"He isn't here and if he was he would have—" His eyes grew wide when he looked over their shoulder. "Bloody hell, where's the deed?"

They turned to the corner. The glass frame cracked from the middle from where an arrow was pierced into it. Inside of the frame was nothing but ashes. It sprinkled to the ground, giving the air a strong smell of something burning. Sally's shaking hands cupped the ashes. Her face as white as sheets. Katie glowed in a pale color. Tristan and Viktor were silent. Everyone else was horrified except for Link who just frowned.

"What's the big deal? Everyone knows you're the Lord," Link said to Silas. "Why need the paper?"

Silas shook his head, paling. "The deed—it's been made by a special parchment." He reached to pick at the ashes as if he couldn't believe it was once the deed. It stained on his fingers when he rubbed them. "This parchment should be immune to fire, water. It's indestructible."

"So it should." Tristan's eyes darkened.

Silas looked up at them. "This was a fake all along. The real one had been stolen."