Hello again everyone~~ Hope everyone has been doing well! Apologies about the major delay in updating! Been busy moving countries and dealing with quarantine, lol…
I must admit I've been procrastinating my life in general by playing Nightshade and writing a fanfic on that LOL. So if you like Nightshade, or if you just need yourself some more late night reading (wink wink) written by yours truly, then go and check that out via my profile or the title Moonlight Witness (Nightshade Otome), filed under Misc. Games.
Anyway, enjoy Chapter 5 of this ridiculous fanfic project… A very slightly longer chapter to make up for the late update. Enjoy!
Chapter 5
The noon day sun was high above the desert and the blazing heat beat down. The market square remained quiet and empty, with only a few stall owners selling fruit to other Gerudo. Even the migrating herons were unusually quiet as they flew overhead. Almost as if they knew something was amiss, they fluttered by in eerie silence.
Link had entered Gerudo town twice now, and though he didn't have much evidence to support his observation, even he found the town to be much quieter. There was very little chatter, and the sound of life had almost been silenced entirely. And yet… He felt their eyes. They watched him. Each step he took, each small swing of his hands, every tiny movement. Link was not one to be self-conscious, but here in Gerudo Town, where he most certainly did not belong? He felt the burning sense of their scrutiny.
Zelda, on the other hand, felt a bursting sense of pride. She saw the way the Gerudo people watched them walk through the streets. As someone who had lived her whole life under public scrutiny, she could tell the difference between a disapproving crowd and one which stood in awe. This time, it was most certainly the latter. She saw the way the small Gerudo children came to stare openly at her knight, at the blue sword upon his back. She saw the other off-duty Gerudo guards, whom Link had fought alongside just a week prior, coming to peer at him in silent curiosity.
"Resilient little vai, aren't you?"
Link glanced up at the Gerudo guard that walked beside him. He paused a moment, trying to choose the best course of action. The tall woman gestured at him with a hand.
"All those scars too," she commented, skimming his body up and down. "I didn't know Hylians could be so strong."
Link reached up to touch his hair subconsciously. His veil was still in place, covering his face. He felt the cool metal of the gold jewellery that decorated his hair, as braided by Zelda. She'd clearly had some different ideas about how a 'real' female Hylian would wear their hair, and for the most part, Link assumed she knew best. He let her braid his hair and obeyed her instruction to not wear his usual ponytail. But now that he had the attention of another woman? He was suddenly uncertain if he looked the part.
"One must be strong," Link answered vaguely, "…to earn a place by the princess's side."
The Gerudo guard tapped her spear across the pavements in a show of agreement.
"I saw the way you fought," she commented. "If the rest of your army is as strong as you, then the kingdom is certainly well prepared!"
Behind his veil, Link smiled faintly. He lifted his head to look at the guard and gave her a small nod.
"Indeed," he agreed. "We must prevail."
He lowered his eyes back to the road before him. He glanced over the running children who passed by, then lifted his attention to the sight of Zelda walking in front of him. He saw the way she turned to look at him, a crease between her brows. The fine lines on her forehead betrayed her small frown, as did the upturned corners of her mouth. Had he said something wrong? Not for the first time, Link struggled to come to terms with what he had done to displease the princess. Perhaps he ought to have remained silent. She never gave him explicit permission to speak more freely outside, did she? It's possible she thought his voice would give his identity away. Yet there was a dark look in those green eyes of hers. There was a depth of malice… No, it was fear. Resentment.
Link studied Zelda's shoulders as they drooped in silent defeat. It was a motion he had seen a thousand times over. At every shrine, every temple… Every spring they visited. And then he realised. It didn't matter how strong their military was… It didn't even matter how strong Link himself was. Even with the sword that seals the darkness – none of it mattered. Not if Zelda couldn't acquire the power of her birthright. Without it, Hyrule remained at risk of being consumed by the darkness. At least… Such was Zelda's belief. Link lifted his chin just an inch and met Zelda's small glare.
"…we will prevail," he murmured. "Without fail."
He spoke softly. His words weren't for the ears of the Gerudo, and it certainly wasn't intended for anyone else who might have been eavesdropping. To them, his words were about as optimistic and careless as one would expect of a faithful subject. In truth, he had spoken the words for Zelda, and Zelda alone. He wanted her to know that he believed in her. Even if he had absolutely no idea how to express it.
He couldn't be sure how Zelda felt about it, either. She merely turned away from him and continued along her path towards Urbosa's home. With few other options, Link followed. He passed by the stairs and the corridors, noting that the walls and floors had since been cleaned. The last time he had been there, he had killed four Yiga clan henchmen and left quite the mess. Link wondered if he ought to have apologised for the inconvenience – but then he realised he quite simply couldn't care less. They could consider the cleaning labour as the cost of endangering his princess. The heavy scent of incense was an indication that Link had spilled sufficient blood for the smell to have proven problematic in the desert heat. For that, he was silently smug. Emotionless he remained.
Upon their approach to the chief's seat, Link dropped to his knee and placed a hand on the ground. He bowed his head respectfully and just as he always did, watched Zelda from beneath lowered lashes. This was a comfortable, familiar task to him. Zelda stood barely two metres away from him, and for the first time since the Yiga attack, Link felt a scrap of peace. He was back by his princess's side. Where he belonged. Where he yearned to be.
"Link. It's good to see you back on your feet."
Link raised his head and gave a nod, acknowledging Urbosa's greeting. Zelda stepped forward.
"I imagine Link could be of some help," Zelda said. "If I am not too bold… Perhaps Link could assist in your efforts to retrieve the heirloom. I should like to help too."
Urbosa only lifted her knee and crossed it over her other. She tilted her head curiously, eyes on Zelda. The corner of her mouth curved with half a smile as she raised her hand and leaned into it.
"Weren't you telling me how you thought your cute little knight here has no brains, only brawn?"
Zelda's eyes widened.
Urbosa's smile only grew wider.
"Or perhaps you have changed your mind on the matter?" Urbosa remarked slyly. She liked the way Zelda's face went through various stages of fear and shock. It was rare to see Zelda caught off guard.
"Perhaps Link is able to engage in some amount of intelligent conversation, after all," Urbosa continued, "…considering you never did return for dinner. I'm sure you had many a conversation well into the night, little bird."
Zelda's shock turned to burning embarrassment and horror. Her face turned red as she fumbled for something even remotely intelligent to say in return. Of all the things she had been expecting Urbosa to say, it hadn't been this. For the first time, Zelda struggled to identify whether Urbosa was being sarcastic, or if there was an underlying threat. Surely the Gerudo chief knew there would be consequences, if word were to get out. It would be a filthy scandal to mark an already pitiful reputation.
"We spoke about many a thing indeed, Lady Urbosa."
The sound of Link's voice, so measured and calm, made Zelda whirl around. He remained upon his knee, knelt in a submissive position behind her. His blue eye remained fixed on Lady Urbosa. Not once did he look at Zelda.
"I was hoping to further our discussions with you," Link went on. "I have burdened you with my slow recovery, and I am deeply remorseful for it. But if it isn't too forward of me… Perhaps I can offer further insight into the Yiga clan's motivation for attacking your town."
Urbosa's brows were high upon her forehead. She hadn't expected Link to speak. Heck, she wasn't sure she remembered the last time she heard him speak. It was smooth and calm, low and measured. It wasn't a voice she recognised or remembered. At most, she had heard him utter the word Highness with varying degrees of urgency or exasperation, depending on how cruel the princess was trying to be. Maybe a small 'yes' or 'no' here and there, too. But to hear him speaking full sentences? And so many of them at once, in such a noble and polite fashion? It was a rare treat.
Urbosa grinned and leaned forward in her chair. She noted the shocked expression upon Zelda's face. She'd only meant to tease the poor child. She had been seeking entertainment, and to some extent, she'd been hoping to see both princess and knight just a little more flustered. She hadn't been making things up, either. Zelda had certainly complained many times about how cryptic and silent her knight was, and had previously expressed her frustration over whether Link was merely too stupid to talk. But now? Link's response was infinitely more interesting to her than whatever cheap entertainment she had been seeking. Both in his ability to respond so nonchalantly, as well as the information he offered.
"Is that so?"
Link nodded. His blue eyes swept to Zelda, whose face remained pink and hot. He gave her a small tip of his head.
"…with your permission of course, Highness."
Zelda took a sharp breath and turned back to Urbosa.
"Yes. Of course."
She silently slapped herself. She had to get her act together. Urbosa may have only been teasing… But her inability to respond appropriately had been rather atrocious. The mere fact that Link, of all people, had to cover her… Not for the first time, she felt his existence serve as a mild insult to her own.
"That is why we are here," Zelda resumed, her voice stronger and more determined. "I have burdened you with my stay for long enough – it is high time I returned the favour. Just as you treat my enemies as your own, Urbosa, your enemy is mine. Let me fight by your side."
Urbosa chuckled lightly. She gestured for Link to come forward.
"Alright, Link. Speak."
For a brief moment, Link panicked. He glanced quickly to Zelda, silently seeking permission to speak. He was critically aware of the other guards that stood at each of the doors, listening silently. Never before had he been addressed directly in the presence of Zelda, who was a much more appropriate orator. Zelda gave a nod of her head, encouraging him.
"I…"
Link swallowed and bowed his head again, to remove his attention from Urbosa's sharp gaze. He took a few small breaths, forcing himself to calm down. He hadn't spoken for the mere purpose of saving face. No, he had legitimate cause to seek audience with the chief.
"I have but a few meagre pieces of information to add," Link said slowly. He exerted as much effort as he dared into keeping his voice steady. "I'm sure your captains are very competent and may already know this… But I recall the words they spoke upon attacking Her Royal Highness, Princess Zelda."
There was something about the way Link spoke her full name and title that made Zelda feel anxious. It seemed so formal. So distant.
"We have the heirloom," Link recalled. "And now… The princess."
He swallowed and closed his eyes. "That was what they said. It…"
Link's hand lifted to sweep a stray hair out of his face. He wasn't quite accustomed to having his hair down, even in spite of Zelda's efforts to braid it out of his way.
"…it gives me reason to believe they already knew the princess would be here, in Gerudo Town."
His eyes lifted to look at Urbosa. "If I may ask… What is special about your prized heirloom? Aside from its weight in gold… Why would the Yiga clan want it?"
Urbosa tapped her fingers across her armchair, in thought. She had suspected it was no coincidence that the Yiga attacked on the same day Princess Zelda arrived, however, she hadn't found any hard evidence or witnesses to support the theory.
"The heirloom…"
Urbosa closed her eyes and sighed. "Other than its value to the Gerudo people, it has the ability to ward off lightning. It is quite a powerful piece of armour, if it must be reduced to such a purpose."
Link's brows furrowed deeply in thought. What use did the Yiga clan have for armour with such properties? There were no storms in the Gerudo desert, let alone electrical storms. Assuming the rumours about the Yiga hideout being near the desert were true, then what use would they have for such an item? It didn't seem likely that any of the Yiga, leader or otherwise, would exert such effort into stealing the heirloom for protection against electric creatures such as the lizalfos or keese that sometimes roamed the deserts. The capture or assassination of Princess Zelda was unfortunately more self-explanatory than the theft of the heirloom. Yet the more Link thought on it, the less it made sense. The Yiga had always been rivals of the Sheikah tribe, and thus of the royal family of Hyrule, but why would they go so far?
"The divine beast."
The sound of Zelda's voice, soft but shocked, made Link look to her. Urbosa glanced over as well.
"Naboris?"
Zelda's hands tightened into fists as she stepped forward. "Can the heirloom provide protection from Naboris's powers, Lady Urbosa? Is it possible?"
Lady Urbosa put a hand to her chin in deep thought. "I have never tested it, but I suppose in theory…"
She trailed off into silence. Link thought it over himself and pondered the possibilities. Piloting the divine beast was one thing. To hijack it and turn it against the Gerudo people and the entire kingdom of Hyrule? It seemed too far-fetched.
"If that is their intentions," Lady Urbosa said slowly, "…then it would indeed be problematic. Vah Naboris is not a child's plaything. It is a dangerous weapon. And if they seek to take control of it… Do they intend to rebel against the crown?"
The capture of Princess Zelda would certainly have hastened their path towards victory, if to rebel against King Rhoam was their goal. The Yiga clan were a small group of rebels, and Link had heard enough stories from other lands to know it could very well be all that was necessary for a successful revolt. A divine beast would certainly assist their efforts. However, Link wasn't so sure. He understood little of political agendas, and didn't really have the sufficient education to fully appreciate what was at stake when it came to power and control of a kingdom. Nevertheless, a simple game of numbers would suggest that even just one divine beast could not possibly best the entire kingdom of Hyrule, or the three other beasts within their control. Link's eyes widened as he looked up at Princess Zelda.
"…Highness."
Zelda looked down at her kneeling knight, unsure what he was trying to say. She saw only the urgency in those blue eyes, wide and sharp with worry.
"Link?"
"Have you received word from the other champions, as of late?"
His question, so quick yet formal, made Zelda do a double take. It wasn't that Zelda had never heard Link speak to the other Hylian captains, and neither did he always remain utterly silent around her. But the tone of voice he took was that of how he addressed other Hylian captains, who were at a similar rank as himself. Flustered, Zelda suddenly didn't know how to carry herself.
"I… I sent word to Revali a few days ago, to inform him of our situation."
Their next destination had been Rito Village, after all. It made sense that Zelda would inform them that she would be late, if she were able to arrive at all. The small, quick nod of Link's head made Zelda feel as if he finally approved of her. She was certain Link had not given the exchange nearly as much thought or overanalysed his actions to the same degree. Still, she couldn't help but feel as if the gap between their ranks had closed just by a tiny few inches.
"Lady Urbosa," Link uttered quietly, turning to her, "…I fear this may be the beginning of something quite sinister."
Lady Urbosa was already pushing to her feet. "That too, is what I fear," she said, "I must see to it that Naboris's defences are raised. We cannot have any of our beasts falling into the wrong hands."
She extended her hand towards Zelda.
"Little bird," she said, her voice softening, "…please. I need your help."
Zelda reached out to take Urbosa's hand. She followed Urbosa's lead as she walked away from the central pedestal of the room and towards the far door. Behind her, Link slowly rose to his feet and followed.
"If there is anything within my power that I can do for you, Lady Urbosa, please consider it done."
"I need you to send word to the other champions," Urbosa stated. "To warn them that somebody may soon try to take control of their beasts."
She swivelled her head to look over her shoulder, at Link.
"And you…"
Link glanced up. His hands swung gently by his sides, but Urbosa knew he was ready. It didn't matter how cute he looked in a vai's clothes, or how pretty his hair was. He had the walk of a man who knew his duty and purpose.
"I will take care of matters regarding Naboris. You will investigate, with Captain Suma, the coincidence of their attack being the same day as the princess's arrival."
Link didn't nod straightaway. He was willing to do as told, but only on one condition. He opened his mouth to speak.
"But neither will you leave Zelda's side. Her life is still your top priority."
Link closed his mouth again. He didn't need to speak, after all. He gave an appreciative nod and bowed his head.
"Yes, of course."
Lady Urbosa led them to the main doors and released Zelda's hand. Before she stepped outside under the burning sun, she stopped and turned to face them.
"Now then. I shall see to defending our beast. We will not lose a crucial pawn in our fight against the calamity – not to the likes of the Yiga. Little bird, Captain Suma will show you to my private study where you may pen all necessary correspondence."
Zelda nodded resolutely.
"Please be kind to your knight," Lady Urbosa said lightly. "Try not to make his duties any more difficult than they already are."
Zelda felt a warmth spread to her cheeks. "Of—Of course not! Why would you say such a thing?"
Lady Urbosa only threw her head back and laughed. She turned about and waved them goodbye, before walking out under the scorching desert sun once more.
Lady Urbosa's private study was a quiet place. Secluded even within her own home, it was raised high above the earth and offered a small peeping view of the distant Gerudo Highlands. There were many books organised upon the shelves, together with chests of secrets. Golden weapons were displayed upon the walls too, along with another old heirloom shield. Zelda sat in Urbosa's chair, busy writing letters to be sent to each champion. Behind her, Link stood guard at the door. His back was to the princess, but every so often, he glanced over his shoulder to check upon her. It wasn't that he thought she would suddenly disappear, or that he thought an enemy could fit through the small window above her. He could hear the scratch of her quill against the parchment, and the occasional shuffle as she shifted her weight or touched her hair. He felt her presence behind him. Still, he felt compelled to look at her.
"There," Zelda said, signing her name across the final piece of parchment. She set aside the pen and picked up the paper to blow on it lightly, encouraging the ink to dry a little more quickly. "That's the last one."
Link swivelled just a quarter of a revolution to look at her, awaiting her next command. Zelda turned in her chair to look up at him, her letters in hand.
"Um…"
Link's blue eyes searched her over carefully. There was a hidden tension in her shoulders, and there was sweat forming at her brow. A few stray hairs were sticking to her damp neck, too. Link knew it could very well the desert heat alone was enough to make anyone sweat, but she seemed altogether too nervous.
"…is everything alright?"
It wasn't the first time he had ever asked such an ordinary question. But his voice, so soft and tender, flustered her. Zelda felt her heart skip two beats as she temporarily forgot about her worries. She clutched at the sheets of parchment and waved her other hand at him.
"I'm fine!" she said, flustered. She tapped the edges of the paper against the table hurriedly, aligning them and tidying the pile. "I was just wondering who will send the messages."
Usually, Link was first in the chain of messengers. He would take the letters from the princess and assign an appropriate messenger to carry her word across the land. Zelda realised now she took such a process for granted. She never saw who it was that Link sent out, and only occasionally would she see messengers coming to her. Almost always, Link intercepted the message long before a runner could see with the princess. She expected it was to keep her safe, but still, she felt as if it were a deliberate action to limit her contact with others.
Link turned another quarter revolution, till he was facing her. He brought his sword out in front of him and rested his hands over the pommel.
"I will find a trustworthy messenger to deliver the messages, Highness. You need not worry."
He watched as she folded each letter carefully. She placed a few small pieces of wax into the metal spoon over the candle and waved it gently, waiting for the wax to melt. Her actions were practiced, but he saw the stiffness of her elbows.
"…but I do worry, Link," she sighed. "I feel as if… I feel as if I am not doing enough."
She poured the molten wax over the edge of the paper and waiting till it was a little cooler, she stamped her insignia into it and sealed the paper. Only then, did she glance up at Link. She was mildly surprised to see him watching her.
"I will find a Gerudo guard who is willing to carry your word," Link said, after a pause. Was an explanation what she wanted? He wasn't sure, but thought he ought to try anyway. "I will attach a small note, with orders of my own for the captain. He will know who to send to each respective champion."
He surprised her. Zelda was quiet a while, watching him right back. It was infinitely more difficult to read his face now that he had a veil on. Still, his eyes remained unwavering. There was no deceit to be had, nor any doubt. Even his brows remained flat and neutral. Zelda expected to find his explanation patronising. And yet it wasn't. She turned back to the table to seal the remaining two letters.
"And these captains… Do they respect you?"
Zelda realised she had never explicitly asked Link questions of his own life. What with the way he was always so silent, she simply figured there was no point. Except now, she was beginning to realise how little she knew about her knight. He knew everything there was to know about her, and she knew almost nothing of Link.
The soft jingle of Link's jewellery gave voice to the vague, sideways nod he made. His eyes glanced across the room then, and Zelda saw his brows arch just a little.
"Enough, I suppose."
His voice was thoughtful, as if he hadn't planned an answer to such a question. It made Zelda smile just a little, though his answer made her frown.
"Enough?"
She felt the need to ask for clarification. "I thought my father arranged your status such that most of those Hylian captains must heed your word, especially if they are my orders."
The fabric of Link's veil moved when he blew out a soft sigh.
"Obeying my orders and respecting me are two different things…"
Zelda collected her completed letters in her hands and looked to Link. His response puzzled her this time. Had they not specifically chosen captains and infantry whom Link was more familiar with? Link himself had played a small part in choosing their party, and had been asked his opinion on which captains he found both trustworthy and easy to work with. Even when he remained silent on the matter of the individual soldiers to be handpicked for their travels, Zelda had specifically conducted research into finding men Link had previously fought with. She thought he would be happier to be travelling with familiar faces. Had she made a mistake in making such assumptions?
"Is it my doing…?"
Link's eyes snapped to her so quickly that Zelda flinched. He finally understood her trepidation, and his eyes widened as he fumbled to come up with a better explanation.
"No, Highness," he said quickly. "Not at all. Those men…"
He furrowed his brows and scratched his head. "I trained with many of them," he said. "Fought alongside both captains during the Battle of Hyrule Field, just two summers ago. They know me quite well… Perhaps too well. There are things I've done in the past which they will never let me forget, and, well…"
Link lowered his head to look down at his feet.
"They are more like brothers than colleagues, I suppose," he said quietly. He tapped his fingers over the helm of his blue sword.
"I may have a sacred sword in my hands now, but to them, I'm just Link. They will still quite happily punch me when you aren't looking."
Zelda couldn't stop from grinning. She couldn't imagine someone punching Link, of all people. It seemed too outlandish an idea. She'd seen the way Link fought off enemies, without mercy and without hesitation. It took a very dangerous enemy to take him off guard. Zelda couldn't imagine what sort of friendship he had to have with the other men that he would allow them to punch him. She envied him.
"I see."
She gathered her letters and pushed to her feet. "Well. I suppose you ought to take these from me now. We haven't a moment to lose."
She held the letters out to Link, who slung his sword over his shoulder and accepted them with both hands. He gave a small bow of his head as he took them.
"Then, will you please come with me?" he asked. "I will take these to the gate of the town and see them off."
Zelda shaded her eyes against the burning sun as she watched the Gerudo messenger fly off into the distance. Sped along by one of their specially trained sand seals, Zelda knew the message would be with their Hylian captains within the hour, or possibly even less. She leaned into the town gateway and watched Link return to her side.
"I suppose now you are in charge?"
She was referring to the fact that the task of assisting Captain Suma's investigation was now Link's responsibility, and probably not hers. Link paused just two steps away from her.
"If you would like me to be."
Zelda placed a hand over her chest. "Politics and diplomacy are my areas of expertise. Military is yours. But if you would allow it… Perhaps you will let me observe more closely? I should like to learn more."
She thought for a moment that Link had smiled, but again, she couldn't be sure. The veil across his face was certainly making things much more difficult than usual. He gave a small gesture of his finger, indicating that she didn't need to ask his permission.
"You will be a strong queen," he commented very softly. His voice was so quiet that Zelda nearly missed it altogether.
"…do you really think that?"
Link retracted an inch. What reason did he have to lie? He took a few seconds to process the look of vulnerability upon Zelda's face. He nodded slowly, so there wasn't any chance of her missing it.
"I don't think it. I know it."
Zelda looked down at her feet. He sounded so sure of himself. What reason did he have, to place such blind faith in her? He'd been by her side during each and every failure she faced. He knew just how many days, weeks and months she had prayed to the goddess Hylia, to no avail. Was it blind loyalty? Or did he truly have reason to believe she would prevail, and that Hyrule would not fall to darkness?
"…Highness."
The soft sigh of Link's voice made her glance up. He sounded impatient with her, one way or another. His brows were creased, and his eyes brimming with concern as he watched her back. She saw him raise his hand and reach out.
"You mustn't—"
His voice cut off when his head snapped the other way. Those blue eyes of his swept over the distant horizon. He could hear the soft, faint sound of feet pounding into the hot desert sand. It was the sound of someone running, and considering most Gerudo folk travelled the deserts by way of sand seals, Link suspected it was a Hylian who approached them. Judging from the lack of travellers and tourists in Gerudo Town lately, there was a high chance that the person who approached them was a royal messenger. Link retracted his hand instantly and pulled it back to his side, not wanting to be seen in a compromising position by any royal servant.
Zelda followed his gaze warily, trying to see what had startled him.
"Link?"
Her voice was small. It was afraid. Link turned back to her immediately, his eyes wide in panic. He raised both his hands in a reassuring gesture. He hadn't meant to scare her. He understood Zelda had likely misinterpreted his actions as a sign of danger. He took a step away from her, allowing her a better view of the approaching runner. He pointed at the small figure that came towards them.
"Sorry!" he exclaimed softly. "It's just a messenger," he said, taking another half step back and allowing Zelda to see for herself. "See their uniform? It's probably for you."
Zelda took half a step out from where she stood, to peer at the approaching runner. Squinting into the distance, she focused on the light grey and blue colour of their uniform. He had no metal armour, but it was the same tunic that the rest of her soldiers wore.
"Hmm. You have good eyes, Link."
Link nodded. He gestured for Zelda to take a step back into safety, behind the two Gerudo guards at the gate.
"Please, Highness," he said. "I will see who it is."
He nodded to the tall Gerudo guards, and they both took a step forward, ready to defend the princess if it was necessary. Zelda didn't think they were about to pick a fight, but they were certainly ready for one. She supposed with three loyal fighters around her, she didn't have a choice. She retraced four or five steps, till she was safely behind the clay walls of Gerudo Town. Still, she leaned against it and peered around in search of the messenger.
Link stepped out of the town gate to meet the runner. He was a young man, about the same size as Link, but probably a few years younger. Zelda leaned forward several more inches, straining to hear what was passed between knight and runner.
"S-Sir…?!"
Zelda saw Link raise his hand and put a finger to his lips. His back was turned to her and obstructed her view, but she saw something pass between their hands. It was the message, undoubtedly.
"Wait just a moment," Link said. He reached into his pouch and unclipping it, he dug through in search of something. A few seconds later, he produced a small wooden peg. Zelda squinted at the object, wondering why on earth Link carried pegs around.
"Here," he said. "Give this to the captain at the bazaar."
The runner's face brightened with a grin as he took the peg in his hands and bowed deeply to Link.
"Thank you!"
Link set his hands on his hips and gave a jerk of his head, motioning for the runner to be on his way.
"Safe travels, then."
The runner bowed a second time before running off again, this time towards the Kara Kara Bazaar. Link watched the dust clouds kick up behind him, waiting a few minutes to make sure he was safe. Only once he was well out of earshot did Link turn back to face his princess. Suddenly flustered, Zelda quickly pushed away from the town wall and dusted herself off. Had Link seen her leaning around the corner, like an eavesdropping child?
"Highness," Link called. He chose not to comment on Zelda's actions. "A message for you."
Zelda dusted her palms down and straightened out her posture to meet him. "Who is it from?"
Link rotated the rolled letter in his hand, showing her the wax seal that imprinted upon the parchment. It was the king's personal seal, and Link had recognised it immediately. He saw from the way Zelda's eyes fell upon the seal that she did too.
Zelda reached out and took the letter from Link's hand. Still, she didn't open it immediately. She looked back at him, daring to point after the runner.
"Why… Why did you give him a peg?"
Link was quiet a moment, surprised by her question.
"Oh. It's just a simple message, from me to the captains," he answered. "In my absence, it ensures the captains give them provisions, and a place to stay if it is night. A peg is difficult to suspect if messengers are caught."
To be a royal messenger was an honourable job to have, but it was dangerous and exhausting. Link knew a runner who crossed the lands to deliver a single message could easily die from exhaustion afterwards, and he would very well do everything within his power to prevent it happening to anyone.
Zelda's mouth opened in a small but silent acknowledgement.
"It is hard work," Link remarked. "I don't miss it."
Zelda went quiet again. Once more, she was reminded how little she knew about Link and his life. She wondered if he would be offended if she asked him about himself. She wanted to learn more about him. Did he have family? Did he grow up with siblings? What did he like to do in his spare time, when he wasn't fighting monsters or guarding her? They were questions that a princess didn't need to know of her knight, but they were things that she wanted to know of a man she had fallen in love with. She supposed she would need to pick and choose the timing of each question carefully, so as not to rouse his suspicions. She looked down at the letter in her hands and traced over the familiar pattern of her father's royal seal.
"You served as a messenger, then?"
She did her best to disguise her question as a passing comment. She swivelled her attention away from him, away from the Gerudo Town gate. She bowed her head to look at the letter in her hands, but her eyes and ears were focused on Link. She heard his feet move to follow her.
Link was mildly surprised by the question. Zelda didn't often ask him about his past, and he'd assumed it was because she wasn't interested.
"Yes."
It was years before he signed his name officially to the royal army. He'd started as a small boy, running favours for his father during the time he served as a royal knight of Hyrule. Perhaps that was where it had all begun, Link thought. The other guards favoured him for being small and nimble, and quick on his feet. They taught him swordplay in return for his help, and as he entered his more adolescent years, they began to entrust him with running messages between garrisons.
She was surprised he chose to answer her vocally, though she supposed he wasn't stupid enough to think she would see him nodding if her attention was on the letter in her hand. She glanced up at him.
"…were you fast?"
Link nodded. "Fast enough," he supposed. "It was before I had any idea what to do with a sword."
Zelda found herself smiling. She couldn't imagine a young Link, one who didn't know how to wield a sword. He had to have been such a cute child, too. Small and innocent, smiling and laughing. She didn't think she'd ever seen Link laughing like the other soldiers.
"I see."
Turning away, she broke the wax seal and unrolled the paper. She smoothed it out with her fingers and read over the cursive handwriting. Link watched and waited. He wondered if the king was asking of her health, or wishing her well. It had been a week since the attack, after all. Zelda had told him she sent a letter to the king to inform them of the situation, but that was already six days ago. Link knew it was two days to reach the castle on horseback from Gerudo Town, and another two days for a returning messenger. This would be the first letter she had received since she sent her own, which meant it was already late. Link felt a deep sense of sadness for his princess, and he silently prayed that her father had sent kind words.
The drooping defeat in Zelda's shoulders as her hands fell back to her sides told him it was not the case. Link looked to the letter in her hand, glancing over the contents. He didn't dare read the words, but he saw it was a succinct letter of few words, written only on a single sheet of paper. He felt his heart weigh like a brick within his chest. He wanted to reach out to her. He wanted to take that step forward and close the distance between them. He wanted to take her hand, to hold her close. To tell her that she was loved. Perhaps not by her own father, but by him. Her father may not have believed in her, but he did. He wanted the ability to convince her of such a fact. And yet he could not. The distance between them was a void that could not be breached. He felt an invisible force rooting his feet to the ground, preventing him from acting upon the roiling emotions in his heart. He willed himself to move. He could not.
"…is…"
His voice was as weak. Much like his will, which had grown so pathetically weak over the past month, it was soft and sad. He swallowed and forced his larynx to work harder.
"…Is everything alright, Highness?"
The sight of Zelda's face, so forlorn and sad, stabbed Link's heart like a thousand arrows. Her brows were creased in frustration, her eyes narrow and glistening with the beginnings of tears. She shut them tightly and swallowed visibly, clenching her fists. Her body heaved with a great big breath of air and she looked up to the skies. She saw the herons flying past, flaunting a freedom she didn't have.
"…Zelda."
Link's voice was so quiet. He sounded in pain, as if he couldn't bear her silence nor to see her so defeated. When Zelda looked to him, she thought she saw sadness those blue eyes of his.
"I am to return to Mount Lanayru," she told him quietly. Link's brows creased in confusion. Zelda sighed again.
"We are to leave at daybreak," she said. "I'm to focus solely on awakening powers I clearly will never have. And I'm to…"
She lifted the letter again to check over the exact wording, "…cease this foolish investigation into the divine beasts."
It was then that Link took half a step towards her. "Zelda…"
She blew out a ragged breath and held the letter out to Link. She didn't care that it wasn't appropriate, but at the very least, she didn't want to hold onto it anymore. She felt just a twinge of relief when Link accepted the letter. He didn't read it, but he folded it over in his hands and relieved her of its presence.
"Let's go," Zelda said flatly. "Daybreak was hours ago. I should go and pack—"
Zelda squeaked in surprise when Link's hand closed around hers, pulling her back around.
"Zelda," he said softly. "…stop."
She looked down at his hand, then at his face. His veil masked his full expression from her, but she saw the deep concern in those eyes of his. They weren't stoic. They weren't cold and lifeless. They gazed her upon her with such softness that she felt the tears threatening to spill. Then, all of a sudden, they looked down again. His hand, however, remained around hers. She felt the soft squeeze of his hand.
"Here."
Link had only removed his attention from her to look down at what he was doing. To Zelda's surprise, he located a handkerchief from the confines of his seemingly bottomless pouch and pressed it into her other hand. Still, he didn't release her. He took a step forward, and then another. His hand tugged at hers in gentle but silent request for her to follow him, and with nothing better to do now, she did.
"Come," Link murmured. "Let's not cause a scene. We can speak in private."
Zelda took a sharp breath of air and glanced around at the people in the town square. They hadn't caught everyone's attention just yet, but there were a few people who were looking at them. The moment Link began to walk them out of the public domain and towards Lady Urbosa's home, they started to lose interest again.
Like a child, she followed his lead. She looked down at the hand that held hers. His other dominant hand swung by his side, purposeful and ready to defend her if he needed to. Her eyes went to the shining sword upon his back. It glinted beneath the scorching sun, belittling her. Unlike her, his footsteps were sure and steady. Unlike her, he had a place in this world. He knew his duty and knew how to fulfil it. How many times would Zelda have to reach such a conclusion before she learned to walk her own path?
Zelda pulled to a stop and snatched her hand out of Link's. He stopped abruptly when she did, and turned to look at her. His eyes were confused.
"…Highness?"
"We will leave tomorrow," Zelda stated. She swallowed and cleared her throat, trying to find her resolve once more. "We will set off at daybreak tomorrow."
She straightened her posture and clasped her hands together. Lifting her chin, she addressed him as calmly as she could.
"I ask that you send word to the troops, and make sure they are ready to march."
The sight of Link's posture hardening was difficult for Zelda to watch. She bore witness to him resuming his role as knight and protector. His hands returned to his sides, and his spine straightened back up as he faced her. She even heard the sharp transition of his voice as he answered her formally.
"Yes, your Highness. It will be done."
And yet, the emotion didn't leave his face. His brows remained creased with concern, and the softness didn't leave his eyes. They watched her still, so quietly, so sadly. It felt as if he could see through her. She felt vulnerable.
"Which means… We have only one day to conduct your investigation. Will it be enough?"
Link's chest expanded with a slow, careful breath. He answered her with a nod, but his eyes tracked something behind her.
"It will have to be."
Zelda couldn't help but glance behind her, to see what it was that had caught Link's attention. She saw nothing out of place. When she looked back at him, his eyes were on her again.
"Then… We will go see Captain Suma."
Slowly but surely, Zelda moved her feet. She saw from the way Link waited that he had no intention of walking before her, and if she never moved, she suspected Link would simply stand there all day. He'd broken from his place beneath her feet for barely a few moments, and she'd thrown him right back. So quickly, so readily. The guilt consumed her, but Zelda knew it was something she had to do. She had to show him she was strong. He would understand, wouldn't he? If he truly believed in her… Zelda shook the thoughts from her mind and began her walk towards the Gerudo training grounds, where Captain Suma was located. Ever loyal, Link followed closely behind. He remained silent and unquestioning.
Compared to the market square, the training grounds were much noisier. It was filled with Gerudo guards practicing and training. There was target practice by the far wall, while younger guards practiced using wooden swords on straw dummies. Other women trained together with real weapons and sparred with enthusiasm. It was a sight that Princess Zelda was rather familiar with, though the only difference was the fact that they were all women. It was rather a pleasant change of scenery, with a comfortingly familiar noise to fill the air.
"Your Highness!"
Zelda smiled at Captain Suma. She was a tall and gruff looking woman, but Zelda wouldn't allow herself to be intimidated. She was accustomed to disapproving adults glaring down upon her. The glare of a military captain was a walk in the park in comparison.
"Captain Suma," Zelda greeted politely. "How fares your investigation?"
Captain Suma banged her spear sharply across the floor, before pointing the end at Link.
"You!"
Zelda whirled around. Had his identity been discovered? Was his disguise not good enough? When her attention fell upon her knight, she didn't see anything out of place. He did, however, slow to a stop at the bottom of the stairs. His hands remained by his sides, but he didn't falter. His stance remained steady and ready. Zelda knew he was ready to fight if he had to. He waited.
"I will allow you to partake in our investigations, on one condition!"
Link gave a careful nod, to show he was listening.
A grin broke out across Captain Suma's face. "I would like to challenge you to a duel. When the day is over – I want to test out the princess's handmaiden bodyguard. What say you?"
Link's face didn't change. He only glanced to Zelda.
"…with your permission, Highness, I would like to accept."
Zelda stared at the two of them. Was it common for allied captains to duel each other for fun? Link certainly hadn't hesitated to accept the challenge, and Captain Suma was grinning as if it were a game. She gave the smallest shrug of her shoulders, to express her indifference. She had seen enough of her own troops wrestling each other for the fun of it. They'd strip down to their underwear and roll around in the mud, or throw each other into the rivers. Zelda had always secretly hoped to see Link take part, but he never did. Perhaps this was as close as she would get to seeing him fight a friendly battle where the only thing at stake was pride, rather than life or death.
"If that is what you wish, Link."
It was then that Link's eyes crinkled with a small smile. He turned back to face the tall Gerudo woman.
"Then I accept, Captain Suma. It will be an honour."
Captain Suma banged her spear across the floor again, sealing the deal.
"Very good! Now then, please come this way. We shall speak in private, Highness."
Zelda waited till Captain Suma's back was turned, and let a few steps of distance widen between them. She bent and whispered to Link.
"…are you sure?"
Link glanced to her in surprise. He knew she was trying to act strong, and simply wasn't expecting her to still hold out such concern for him. He took another step, closing the gap between them so that they didn't have to speak so loudly. He answered her with a nod.
"It is a good way of building trust," he replied.
Zelda was silent a while. "Oh, I see."
Link nodded again. "It's only friendly," he assured her. "I will make time for it. You need not worry, I will do as you have asked."
Zelda only nodded. If he was confident, then what reason did she have to doubt him? She turned away and went after Captain Suma. She entered the small building and looked over at the great table, where Captain Suma waited. There was a large map of the desert spread across it, along with various other books and notes scattered about. Zelda approached carefully and motioned for Link to follow.
"Now, then," Captain Suma stated. She pulled out a chair and gestured for Zelda to sit. "How well do you know the land, little vai?"
Link gave a sideways tip of his head as he approached the map.
"Well enough," he replied. "Though the Highlands remain unchartered territory for me."
Captain Suma placed her index finger over a particular location upon the map. Link's eyes followed, and landed on a particular ridge of mountainous formations. He identified it based on its proximity to West Gerudo. It was home to another lively young city, where boisterous adventurers liked to visit. There were no restrictions on men entering the town's keep, and as such, many people frequented its markets.
"Karusa Valley," Link observed.
Captain Suma gave a nod of approval, pleased that he knew his geography. She leaned back and folded her arms.
"We have word about the Yiga clan residing there," Captain Suma stated. "There are many Yiga sightings near the area, with increasingly fewer people surviving the encounters. We have reason to believe they are defending their little hornet's nest."
She saw the way Link's hands closed into fists. It was a reaction she would expect from a soldier, not a princess's handmaiden. His arrival had surely been convenient, but no less suspicious to Captain Suma. He may have proven his loyalty to the princess and was trusted by Lady Urbosa, however, Captain Suma needed a little more convincing. She circled the table slowly, taking the time to make eye contact with each of the two small Hylians.
"As of now, we are still unsure of their numbers," she stated. "They have many spies, and while we were successful in capturing one alive just last week, we were not successful in extracting any useful information from him."
She placed a hand on the table and leaned down towards Link, almost threateningly. He did not flinch. He was not intimidated. Instead, he stood his ground, unaffected by how close Captain Suma leaned in. She saw the way those blue eyes lifted to meet hers.
"…I assume you handpicked the troops you command," she uttered. "You seem like the sort of knight who would know each of his soldiers by name. You wouldn't have any scum beside your princess now, would you?"
Link's eyes widened just a few millimetres, betraying his surprise. To his merit, he quickly overcame his shock and narrowed his eyes again, taking a moment to think things over instead.
"And I assume it would be no simple feat for a Yiga clan to pose as one of yours."
Captain Suma was immensely pleased with his response. She grinned and leaned back again, withdrawing from his personal space. Folding her hands behind her back, she glanced down at the floor and began to pace again.
"Then we must look elsewhere."
Link folded his arms together and glanced across to the other side of the room. He wasn't surprised that Captain Suma had seen through his disguise, and in fact, was surprised she was so willing to go along with it. He supposed Lady Urbosa had made it clear he was allowed to stay by Zelda's side, after all.
"Stealth is difficult to achieve, when you march so many soldiers across the land," Link said. "It wouldn't be difficult to track and follow, nor predict where the princess may go."
Captain Suma watched him from the corner of her eye. She could tell he was an experienced soldier, one who had fought many battles before. She saw it in all the scars upon his body, and the way he held himself. And that sword… She'd heard the rumours. Who else could have possibly earned a place by Princess Zelda's side?
"I'm sure they must be following from a great distance, for you not to have noticed," Captain Suma remarked. "I suspect this may serve as a constant hindrance to your travels, if you continue to march such a large force."
The silken fabric of Link's veil fluttered when he blew out a small breath. He lowered his eyes and glanced to the side.
"I am but a lowly servant," he sighed. "I do not choose the size of our travelling party."
"I should like to bear witness to your army," Captain Suma suddenly said, looking to Zelda.
Surprised that the captain should suddenly address her, Zelda's eyes widened. She paused a moment, to look at Link. He stood in silence, but his eyes were on her. He was watching.
"If we are able to estimate the Yiga clan numbers," Captain Suma continued, "…then it is possible we may need your forces to assist with extinguishing their existence. If their intention is to rebel, then I am sure you would willingly lend your armies for the cause, Highness."
Zelda remained silent, thinking it over. She understood what Captain Suma was proposing, but did she, a pitiful princess with no ability to seal the darkness, have the power to make such decisions? She was about to speak when Captain Suma spoke up again.
"Of course, your Highness," she went on, "…you must forgive my excitement. What I mean to ask is that you lend your hand in helping to convince the king of our cause. You will build a stronger bridge between your kingdom and our people, Highness."
Zelda smiled. "Of course," she replied. "I shall see to it I speak with my father, the king. I am sure he will gladly listen."
Captain Suma rapped her knuckles across the table in approval. She smiled and lifted her hands to her hips.
"In the meantime—"
She was cut off by a loud, deafening rumble. It growled like an abominable beast that existed beyond the realm where humans lived, sharp and menacing. It was a sound so loud that Zelda jumped and elicited a small gasp. Link's eyes were on her immediately. But before he could call out to her, a great whirlwind blew through the open doors and windows. As if commanded by the ghastly growling outside, it threw aside all the loose sheets of paper and the maps. Even the smaller books were sent flying across the room. Captain Suma spun to face the open door, eyes wide with surprise. Behind her, Link ran for Zelda. He knocked aside the books that flew towards her, taking the bruising hits to his own body.
"Highness!"
"A sandstorm?!"
Captain Suma's incredulous voice cut through the roaring noise that engulfed them. Even so, Link barely heard it. His vision was quickly filled with sand, hot and fierce. He felt it whipping across his skin, cutting shallowly. Each particle was so tiny and fast that it was impossible to dodge or avoid. He felt tears prickling in his eyes as he fought against the wind, trying to see what had happened. Tearing his veil from his face, he pulled it over Zelda's head instead, and grasped her hands in a silent plea for her to protect her face and eyes. He felt the sand cut into his own face more painfully, but he didn't care. Inch by inch, he fought against the swirling wind and pushed his way towards the door. When he was finally there, however, he didn't know how to comprehend what he saw.
The light had disappeared. He could not see them through the sand, but he could hear the panicked cries of people. He heard frantic footsteps, and the distant slamming of doors as people retreated to their homes. He glanced up at the tall Gerudo captain, wondering if she had any further insight to offer. She stood bracing herself against the wind, struggling to come to terms with it all.
"A sandstorm, in Gerudo Town?" Captain Suma exclaimed.
She confirmed Link's fears. He hadn't ever heard of a sandstorm engulfing the town before. Usually, they occurred much further south, where the leviathan bones rested. However, that wasn't as much of a concern to Link as the growling noise was. He didn't have much experience with sandstorms, and had only ever been caught in one a few years back, but something told him sandstorms didn't growl. The noise that filled the air made Link think there was a beast out there, trying to swallow the earth whole.
"It's Naboris…!"
Link shielded his face from another onslaught of spitting sand. "N-Naboris? Is it…"
Captain Suma pulled on a mask and offered Link a spare. He accepted it with both hands, but all he did was return to Zelda and pull it over her nose and mouth. She was crying, not from fear or sadness, but because of all the sand getting into her eyes. As carefully as he could, Link wiped his thumbs over her eyes and fitted the Gerudo mask over her ears.
"That sound! It's Naboris!"
Another surging wind tore the flimsy silk veil off Zelda's head, sending it flying into a lost corner of the room. Link pulled Zelda close, shielding her with his body. He turned to squint at Captain Suma.
"What do you mean?" he demanded. "This sandstorm…!"
Was Vah Naboris capable of generating such a ghastly storm? Link didn't have enough moisture in his throat to ask. He braced his back against the wall and held Zelda tightly in his arms, covering her head and face with his hands. He leaned over to look outside, only to be met with another spit of sand. Captain Suma was already gone.
"Link…!"
He looked down at Zelda then, eyes squinted tightly as he tried to peer past the whittling winds.
"Zelda," he whispered. "Are you alright?"
Zelda grasped his arm and pulled herself upright, shielding her eyes as she did so. She hated that Link was protecting her with his own body. Each time she reached out beyond the cage of his arms and legs, she felt the sharp cut of sand across her skin. And yet when she looked to Link, his expression was impassive. He looked worried, not in pain.
"I'm fine," she said. "What did she mean, it's Naboris?"
Link shook his head. "I have no idea," he whispered. It was the truth. What he didn't give voice to, however, was his fear. Hadn't Urbosa gone to tend the divine beast? He didn't understand the full potential of Vah Naboris, but neither did he think Urbosa would use any of it against her own people. He felt the impending sense of doom within his body, hot and scalding, spinning like the sandstorm upon them. He tightened his hold on Zelda.
.
.
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Chapter 6 is coming~