Sheez... only one review for the last chapter? And no ratings either? The reason I came up with the ratings thing in the first place is because I thought people would have no trouble leaving behind a number; it takes only 2 seconds or so after all, in case you're too busy or just don't feel like wasting precious time on writing a long review.

But no... here you go again playing the tough crowd...

Well, let's see if this chapter is good enough to get some feedback out of you!

It was not long until the king's carriage drove into the farm and only little longer until the young king stepped out. His eyes passed over the landlord, the burly Talon, and over all his farm help.

Then the young king laughed.

"By Farore, what happened to you and your people Master Talon? It is a peaceful, happy day yet you look as though a stormwind has blown through your farm!"

The land lord kooked down in embarrassment, while his daughter, the good Malon hurriedly plucked out the haystalks caught in his clothes.

"Forgive me your highness, I was working in the stables just now, feeding the horses and bringing in some hay..." said the burly landlord, though in truth he had been napping in a pile of hay, as he usually did in the afternoons.

"How good of you to look after the horses yourself and take part in the stablework when you have all the stableboys you need," said the young king though in truth he did not believe one word the burly landlord said.

The young king let his gaze wander again. He pretended not to see the farmmaids who tried their best to smoothen their hair which had come disheveled in their rush to the farmgates. He did not wish to embarrass them.

However, when his eyes fell upon the wise, fair Zelda, they stilled for an instant.

"What have you come here for, your majesty?" asked the burly landlord Talon.

"Nothing much, nor worth of mention..." replied the young king, "I am o my way to our good neighbor, the beautiful kingdom of Calatia, but since it is sucha long road, with few towns to stop and rest in, I decided to make a short stop here..."

With that the young king turned to one of the soldiers who accompanied him. Said soldier stepped forward and handed the young king a small but heavy pouch of rupees which the young king handed over to the burly landlord Talon.

"Unharness our horses and see after them. They have a long road ahead of them. Better I let them enjoy a short break and another good feed before we head off for good," said the young king, and the burly landlord bowed in deference.

"The same is true for me and my men," continued the young king, "If your farmmaids could fix us a small meal, we would be most grateful. Of course I will reward them for their troubles as well as pay you for the food."

"It will be no trouble at all, your highness," said the good Malon with a bow, "Just bid you a bit your highness, you and your men, and we shall have a great feast prepared for you."

"Oh no, good, fair maid," said the young king with a laugh, "We already had an early but small lunch before we left the castle. There is no need for you and your friends to go so far out of your way as to prepare a whole feast for us. Please, some savory tea and a few buns of sweet bread would be more than enough. Although..." added the young king thoughtfully, "Seeing that we have such a nice, warm day today, I would be more grateful for something cool to drink."

The good Malon bowed compliantly, "As you wish your highness. It shall be done at once."

The young king chuckled.

"No need to be so eager and rush, fair maiden. Take all the time you need. I am certain my horses are grateful for this rest and I too am happy to be out of that carriage and eager to walk. In fact..." trailed off the young king and he looked round again, "I have heard so much about how great your farmlands are and are doing, Master Talon, and I wish to see this with my own eyes.

"Is there any capable maid or lad here, who could guide me around and tell me about everything I see? One who knows about everything here on your farmlands and who can answer any and all questions that I might have?"

The wise, fair Zelda promptly felt her heart sink, as though brought about by betrayal.

For the burly Talon, the red-haired, good Malon, the slim Anju, and all the other farmworkers and farmmaids, and even her own father, the old Daphnes, had at once turned to look at her to do this task.

Author's Notes:

Well, tough crowd? Is this more to your liking?

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