Update: 10-22-2019 The first two chapters to the full voice cast audiobook version of this story has been posted to youtube listed as "Zelda botw sequel (fanmade) audiobook part 1 and 2" please give them a listen and some love if you can. Thanks so much!
Chapter 14
The Stranger
What seemed like days slipping away took just mere minutes. Whatever time, Zelda thought she had to prepare for what she was going to say once facing him again had long expired with her thoughts. Zelda, escorted by the Starsguard sentry of House Illiastar, had made her way to the top of the pavilion where a mass of around twenty soldiers has gathered.
Among them in their company was the Hylian Champion, the young man who held the key to her heart, Link. He was engaged in what seemed like a mock battle or training exercise with Sidon. She couldn't be sure just yet, for they were still not entirely in her view.
Her stomach grumbled, not due to any hunger of the flesh but because of the nervous feelings that stirred within her. She felt her tongue tie into a knot, and her lips become stiff. She didn't know how exactly to approach Link.
The closer she got to the summit of the hill, the rambunctious roar of cheers and shouts of the surrounding men were heard as Link, and his squire danced back and forth contesting with one another. Clinging and clacking their batons in a duel.
Heads slowly turned from front to back as they all noticed her majesty approach their group. One by one, they fell quiet as she made her presence known to them, some not sure whether to kneel or stand. Most in attendance were awestruck by her sheer beauty. She was glowing in her new dress and was a tapestry of Royalty among them. A sight they haven't ever beheld in their lifetimes.
Until, at last, all that could be heard left among those gathered was the beautiful tune. A whistle of the nobleman Sylmoor's ocean glazed ocarina as he played in rhythm to the distracting grunts and clatter of the two warriors battling it out. It was if he was orchestrating their fight with an age-old melody from a time and war long forgotten to the minds of men.
He was sat atop of a sour apple ale barrel near some crates, legs crossed, eyes closed, and piped away his song without a care in the world, not even noticing the princess had arrived in their midst.
Link jerked, narrowly dodging a strike from Sidon's wooden sword as it grazed the chest area of his rugged and worn grey shirt.
"Not bad...for a Zora! I didn't know you all could actually fight?" he huffed with a slight grin. His long, sandy-colored side bangs waved against his face in the wind.
"Hmph! So, Says the man who fell on his backside yesterday! Or have you forgotten already?" The larger Sidon rebutted with a shark-toothed smirk, dashing away from a swing of the knight's counter-attack that narrowly slashed at his neck.
The former royal guard lunged again.
"Perhaps, to the untrained eye, but I was just about to make my move when you interrupted and stole my glory. I like to give a good show when I fight," Link huffed and spun, striking a finishing pose, smacking away the Prince's phony blade, driving him back to fall on the ground. And that was just as he was poking fun at the fact Link did the same just a day prior too.
There stood the unsung Hylian, knees slightly bent one behind the other, faux sword out and pointed in an engarde stance, tip toward his rival trainee. He had won this round. Although usually always confident, he knew how to contain his confidence with a degree of humbleness in the past. But, on this rare occasion, Link was behaving far more hubris, almost as if he was putting up a facade.
He was in perfect fighting form and appeared more like a marble sculpture of an old warrior hero, the likes only one would hear about in myth and legend, than any real person with the way he stood among them. He was focused and driven. A picture-perfect cutout out of an epic fairytale.
The men gathered had never witnessed such a spectacle before. It was as if they were peering into a looking glass and caught a glimpse into a fighting era lost to memory, but it wasn't lost at all. He was standing before them, breathing and alive.
And although they may have imagined only such a being if they ever encountered one to be a godlike apparition shrouded in golden flame, they soon found that he wasn't. Because for the most part, Link appeared to them to be just a mere man, no different than any of them, one of which who was even younger than most within their ranks, in fact. But, he fought with the fighting spirit and experience of a well-seasoned veteran of many wars.
Although indeed, he has never fought in any wars among men, he was most valiant in the tremendous long war that mattered the most. For he was the sole survivor and lone warrior who took on the task of battling the greatest nightmare the world has ever known, and through it, he emerged victoriously. So, it was only natural for Link to be filled with a sense of hubris. It was long overdue of him to display his superior martial abilities as well as instill confidence in the men.
Zelda stood just behind him now with her hands ready to perch on her hips. But Link paid her no mind at all and still faced the other direction toward his friendly rival. Even though her presence was made known and evident by the sudden hush of the gathering.
Link gleamed toward the Zora prince and boldly declared, "Now, let's go again. And this time, we will try something different."
And as he spoke, he leaned over to his side towards the grass, grabbing the rope he attained earlier from Sylmoor.
Awkwardly and somewhat forcefully, Zelda was just about to interrupt him but was caught by the song coming from Sylmoor's ocarina. Quizzically she glanced over to the noble lord who happened to have noticed her pout that she was wearing just seconds prior as if she was on the verge of discussing some vital matter with her knight. So, with that, he lowered the blue flute from his lips as a show of reverence to her presence.
Zelda blinked almost apologetically for interrupting his song so rudely, "Oh no, I'm sorry… no need to quit playing. That melody is quite nice…And that is such a beautifully crafted instrument you have there…In fact, I can't really explain it, but I feel as if I have heard that tune somewhere before in the past. But, I know I haven't…I can't put my finger on it. It's hard to explain really," she said to him, trailing off in her own thoughts.
Sylmoor replied, "Oh, this here? It's an ocarina, your grace, it has been in my family's care for countless generations. A very treasured heirloom of House Illiastar…and that song, in particular, I believe was once written by a hero, not unlike our friend Link here," he continued shooting a look and friendly wink over to Link who just stood paused from his spar hearing their exchange of words. The knight huffed under his breath in a bit of annoyance and turned away and listened.
The Lord then faced her and spoke again on the matter, "I believe this song is called the Song of Storms if I remember correctly. Though I must admit I don't know quite all the notes, so I had to improvise quite a bit. An ancient song, spanning many millennia in fact."
Zelda leaned back, hands on the waist of her blue dress with a warm smile, "Well, it is a wonderful melody. I do like it very much so. I just…feel something when I hear it."
"Well, we always aim to please. Especially, your ears your gracefulness," Sylmoor said as he performed an overconfident curtsy, fanning out his cape proudly before returning where he sat.
The princess then remembered why she was there, and the comfort she felt from that song faded as fast as her thoughts returned to her. Her belly flopped as a slight nervous jolt rang through her entire body. She had to tell Link how she felt. But she couldn't find the words on ho to apologize for how she acted yesterday. She had no idea where to begin.
So, with a blink while facing him and just as he held the rope in his hands, she spoke to him with an embarrassed blush cross her cheeks for being so out and open among all the men gathered there, "Link, may I have a word with you," she looked around again. "…alone?"
The Hylian young warrior took his time and spun back around to her calmly. Eyes slowly rolling upwards from the grass of her feet, and as he met her own, he stood still, cold as ever in the wind.
"What it is you have to say can be said here. I'm-I mean, we're only just soldiers after all. So, whatever it is, surely can be spoken here, my princess," he said stoically.
Her heart jumped in her throat as she was hit by his chill quick response to her. It was all she could do was to just wait, mouth wide, and mind racing, trying to find the words to reply. But his eyes which were locked on hers were speaking something utterly contrary to what his lips were saying. She felt the hurt she caused him. That it burned brightly in her heart. And time seemed to have slowed down around them both as she locked eyes on him.
But even still, it was hopeless for him. And after gazing upon her wearing the soft blue maiden's dress of legend, his heart instantly softened towards her. He knew in his heart of hearts, she only spoke the truth yesterday, and so he regretted his words the moment he breathed them.
Sylmoor slid away from leaning on the barrel he was resting upon. In short work and with slight pant, he cleared his chest with a cough, now making his way in-between them, to help and try dispelling the thick tension in the air. But stopped mid-step as he saw Zelda and Link's interaction.
She stepped closer to her knight, somewhat timid. "Link...I."
But Link interrupted her words and walked closer to her as if he was about to reach out his hands to grab her in his.
She looked down at his gesture as he was making his way to her. A tingle raced through her body, and a beat in her heart drummed as she anticipated his coarse warm fingers gently sliding over her cool soft hands, and at that moment, she glanced back up to his sweet, serene blue eyes yet again. She wore a soft smile, calm as a summer's morning.
But before their hands could meet or feel his touch, and before Sylmoor could catch himself between them. A loud horn blew nearby, and all those gathered turned to face its trumpet song. It rang throughout the entire camp. And as it approached them, it quieted.
It was three riders coming to meet them from the open plains, a single Hylian followed after by two Zora, who both rode on more massive beasts of burden, prehistoric-looking quadrupedal creatures, giant and majestic. For they didn't move as fast as the typical horse mounts, but the Zora had them no less for when they needed to travel abroad.
With his attention torn away, Link pulled back his attempt to hold the Princess's hands and turned to the sight of the incoming riders.
Zelda breathed, "They…they have returned…hopefully, they are not too late with the medicine," She looked up to Link.
Link nodded.
Sidon greeted the riders first with a shout, "Well, hello there, friends! Aren't you all a welcoming sight! Did you bring much-needed medicine? And what news of the Domain do you have?" he smiled.
"Yes, m'lord." The Illiastar dispatch rider said as he leapt off his mount graciously, making his way over to the Princess, patting the satchel that he carried strapped to the side of his waist. The two Zora also followed him, sliding off their beast as well.
Zelda sighed a sigh of relief as she pressed a hand against her bosom, hearing they had medicine for her friend.
One of the Zora soldiers was quickly recognized by Zelda, Link, and Sidon. For he was burly and fierce. It was Seabass, the one who challenged Link just yesterday morning. He had decided to come along with the Illiastar riders.
"So, what has happened back home since I have been away? And what has become of Lord Buru Buru? Is he alright? Did you ever find him!?" Sidon asked his subordinate impatiently.
"Yes, my liege. We found him. But, great damage was done to the entire canyon near the domain since the catastrophe. I'm afraid many innocents more than previously thought has been found dead; Zora and Hylian alike. I'm sorry, my prince…But, as for our Deity King, he seems to be stable now. He was found in a shallow pond nearby by some children, right before we left. And luckily too that they found him, for if we have found him any later, I'm afraid he would have not made it as well. For now, the men are working on getting a temporary dam built around him. So, we can drain more lake into where he is resting. At least until we can figure out a way to return him to his home."
The prince shrugged his shoulders and looked up to the sky, heaving a great sigh, sad for the loss of life of his kinsmen and Hylian friends in that region. "Thank Seabass…you all did what you could do…good work," Sidon said, walking over towards the brute, patting him on the shoulder to help calm his nerves.
Zelda looked to the distressed Sidon and saw the hurt dim his bright and cheerful face and wanted to lift his spirits. "Sidon…if you must return home, there is no dishonor in leaving to help your people. I want you to know that I stand behind you," she said to him sweetly.
Link stepped in as well. "Yes, the princess is right. If you need to help those you love, then you should go," he said, placing a friendly arm up over to the back of his shoulder.
"No…" Sidon said abruptly. "I have sworn an oath…And until I have fulfilled my oath, I shall be duty-bound here. The Domain will be alright in my father's and Muzu's capable hands. I…I will be alright, don't worry…and so will my people. Thank you."
Link only nodded as Zelda spoke softly. "You're very brave, Sidon. It shall be done then, according to your wishes. I thank you for your loyalty in our hour of need. It shall never be forgotten," she smiled again as warm as the sun, and for a brief moment, the red prince felt relief wash over him. The princess had a special gift and care about her that always seemed to have mended the brokenhearted.
"We should get that medicine then quickly to Riju. There isn't much time," Link interrupted. He then spiraled back to Sidon. "We will continue our training later."
Zelda nodded, feeling hopeful for her friend.
Sylmoor barged in as he took a step forward among the group, flipping his fancy cloak outwards, "I agree, then shall we proceed to the infirmary tent? This way is the quickest," he said as he waved his hand behind himself as to lead them down the fastest path to where she lay.
Wasting no time, the group left the main body of men that were still atop of the pavilion. Sidon hand signaled Seabass to stay with the men, as this was a personal matter for just the four of them. The behemoth great white Zora nodded. No sooner than that, they were off to help their friend.
Zelda brashly flipped over the flap to the infirmary tent. And as soon as she did, she swooned over to where Riju was lying on a medical cot, unraveling the satchel wrapped around her waist that the sentry gave her back atop the hill.
The field surgeon who had Riju in his care stood nearby, instructing nurses to clear away medical bowls full of worn and bloodied bandages. Quickly upon noticing her majesty in his presence, he turned all his attention towards her. He was older, with a beard and head of hair as white as snow, and had a slight lump in his throat when he talked.
"My princess, have you come bearing the medicine?" he questioned.
"I do…here it is doctor. Oh, please do tell me there is still time and that we are not too late," Zelda said, looking over to her friend. There she saw that Riju appeared to be sleeping but was breathing slowly in out of rhythm with heavy breaths.
"Yes, there is still time. I was worried that if another day has gone by, she would have been lost even with the medicine. But, don't you despair, the goddess shines her blessing on you now and has brought us this great gift," he reiterated, turning back to face the poor girl.
Link and the entourage who followed shortly after Zelda was standing by the shaken princess. Link desperately wanted to wrap a comforting arm around her, but after realizing who was around and who would see if he did, thought better of it not to.
Zelda, with her hands clasped together, looked up to the man with her eyes aglow about to fill with tears spoke. "How…how bad is it?"
The doctor cuffed his chin and poked at his mustache in evaluation and turned back to the disheartened girl. "I'm not going to lie to you…it is very bad, worse than I thought. I'm sorry, I know that isn't what you would like to hear your majesty," He said with a rasp in his voice, being cut short by her.
"No, it's okay…I want to know the truth. I want to know everything. I can handle it. Thank you…what exactly is still wrong with her?" she said, wiping away a single tear from above her cheek with a sniff.
"It is as I feared, she has severe necrosis of her bones and abscesses have set in on several internal organs, with her blood nearly gone completely putrid because of it. Even though this was after, I still removed all the specimen splinters of broken arrow," he said.
Zelda and the others looked a bit confused at the doctor's prognosis, unsure entirely what he meant. So, Link spoke up for everyone around."Hylian doc, what does that mean?"
The surgeon glanced around, trying to find simpler terms. "It means she is a very sick girl and is dying. She is with fever. The infection has taken quite a hold, unfortunately. And the only reason why she isn't crying out and thrashing around in pain right now is that she has fallen into a coma or a deep sleep. But there is hope…I am hopeful now that since because I have the proper medicine, I can reverse its effects," he continued reaching for the vile.
Zelda was about to cry but held back the tears as the doctor saw.
The man then placed a comforting hand up to her shoulder, "Don't you fret my dear princess, I am the best at what I do, and I promise I'll take good care of the girl."
The noble Sylmoor chimed," You better, this will be the defining moment of your career, my good man if you are successful."
Zelda looked back up to the smiling doctor who had a face full of encouragement for her. "Oh, please do, and you shall want for nothing. Whatever it is you require to perform this task, it shall be yours...all that I ask of you is... please just save my friend."
"I will," the doctor responded calmly with a gleam of hope shine in his eye.
Zelda, at the moment, was trapped in thought and reminisced her long-lost friend from over a hundred years ago. And although she had only actually known Riju for only just a short while, it felt as if she had known her a lifetime. The Gerudo girl was the closest she's ever had to a friend other than Link since both have returned to Hyrule. So even in the short time she has gotten to know her, she saw in her, her dear mentor and friend Urbosa, the Gerudo champion from a century past. And losing Riju now would re-tear the wound across her heart that she felt when she lost her dear friend to the scourge of the calamity that fateful day one hundred years ago.
Although she saw Urbosa in Riju, she also felt a new bond with her develop as well, one to be just as strong, or more so than even from a century past, for they were much closer in age. They could have been sisters.
And as Zelda and the others were about to step away, to everyone's surprise, including the doctor, Riju woke. There she lay and peeked one eye open using all her strength just to speak. Zelda and the others looked upon her and saw that she was as thin and frail as a shadow.
"Hey there, princess..." Riju coughed in a broken whisper that was faint and weak. "Don't you be crying on my behalf now? I ain't dead yet. And besides, you don't want these tough men to see you cry, do ya? Us women must always remain strong, you no less princess," Riju choked again, eyes faint and weary but still able to manage all her effort to crack a reaffirming smile.
Zelda beamed back brightly. "Shh, Riju. Save your strength."
"I count on it…" Riju said with a faint breath.
Wasting no time, the surgeon and his swarm of field medics began to huddle around the sickened young girl.
The doctor leaned into Riju. "I'm sorry, but were going to have to perform another operation right away. This will be quite painful. I'm afraid…even with the milk of deliria."
"Then…what are you waiting for then? Get going. I need to be ready for the battle that is coming soon. I wouldn't want to miss it for the world. It won't be said that the great Gerudo chief Riju, grandniece of the legendary Urbosa, was done in by a single measly arrow!" Riju snarked, choking on a cough yet again.
The surgeon chuckled, amazed by her strength and courage for being such a young woman and leader of her people. Zelda, too also found strength in watching her friend be brave. She also was a leader and not only that but the heir and ruler of all the free peoples of Hyrule and its dominions.
The doctor then reached for the foul drink and offered it up to her poor girl's lip as the only means to dampen the pain. Riju gagged as she took a gulp. In that same stroke, the assistants bound her to the bed with leather straps, so she wouldn't be able to interfere with the procedure if she were to thrash around in agony.
The doctor turned back to face the others who were still present and lifted his furry white brow, urging them it was now time for them to leave their friend to her surgery.
Link noticed his gesture and calmly declared to the others, "We should all go. We will come back after it is all over," he said, speaking more so to Zelda than the others
Zelda, upon hearing Link's words, loosened her tight grip of her friend's hand in hers and slipped away with the others while being led by her Knight.
As they marched out of the infirmary tent, Zelda's shot one last look over her shoulder and saw the medical staff close a white drape around her friend's bed. She was now in their hands, and all they could do was hope and pray that the medicine would be proven effective.
Upon leaving the tent, Zelda was stopped by Riju's right hand and loyal guard, Buliara.
"Go on ahead, princess, I'll stand watch here and let you know as soon as the surgery is finished," The strong woman said with a soldier's huff, hand's firmly clenched on her scimitar.
Zelda cracked a roguish grin trying to be cheerful, "Very well, thank you, Buliara," she said, turning back to face the other three who were in front of her.
Link and Sidon were about to head back up the hill to continue their training under the watch of Sylmoor, who was intrigued by their interaction. But before they could make their way off, Zelda remembered she wanted to speak with her Hylian champion.
"Oh, Link, before you go… I wanted—"
Link spun back to hear as he heard her soft sweet voice, but before she could finish her sentence. A noble progression rode into that part of the camp and interrupted them all. The clop of the horses galloping in, followed by a stiff breeze, pulled the princess from her thoughts.
It was Lord Simon accompanied by several of his Starsguard sentries. He quickly dismounted off his beautiful pale stallion that was adorned with every vestige of high born ornamentation. Eagerly, he approached the princess, also noticing she was wearing the maiden's gown he had gifted her earlier.
With a warm but stern greeting, he made his way up to the group and to the princess, "Good morning. I trust that you slept well and that you have come to see your friend? Tell me, how is she? Has the medicine arrived?"
Zelda rubbed her arm in apprehension and replied, "Yes, the quarters were quite comfortable. Thank you…and yes, the medicine had arrived on time. Thanks again for your concern."
"Might I say that that dress looks absolutely divine on you…truly now, you are the princess we have been searching for this entire time," he said with a chuckle. His men also followed him in a laugh as well.
Zelda looked up to him as she saw him notice. Link was still standing beside her.
Simon then flapped out his arm from his noble white cloak with a slight bow offering a formal request, "Dear princess, won't you accompany me to the pavilion this fine afternoon? There is much more I'd like to speak with you about regarding your plans for the kingdom,"
Zelda lightly glanced at Link, who was still waiting for her to finish what she said moments earlier. She didn't say a word.
Link spoke instead, "Perhaps, Sidon and I should return to our training. We're just soldiers, after all."
Simon concurred almost immediately, stepping even closer to them both as if almost in-between them. And with a boisterous pat to Link's back, he snarked. "That's a good lad. Best to stick to what you know and where you belong. Now, princess, shall we be off?" He then reached out for her hand as if to lead her to his horse to accompany him. But she pulled away in a slight annoyance
"I think I can manage my own horse. Thank you very much," Zelda replied boldly.
Simon's eyes widened, "Oh, forgive me. I just saw that you were wearing the dress and assumed you wouldn't be able to ride in such a state. Very well then," He said as he waved his for one of his sentries to usher over a free noble steed of her own to ride.
But being also disheartened by Link's seemingly cold disposition, she then took the Noble's hand as he offered it again, but this time to lead her to her own stallion to ride.
The younger brother Sylmoor used this moment, cleared his throat, and interrupted them all before anyone could leave with a bold sass. "Don't have too much fun without us, brother…Ah, what am I saying? We both know that you don't know how to have any fun…We'll meet before nightfall back at the command tent. I have a surprise that I want to show you that you are just going to love,"
Simon raised a brow towards his jokester brother as he climbed upon his steed. "You know I don't have time for games, certainly not yours. What is it now?"
Sylmoor chuckled mischievously. "It's a surprise… don't you worry…but you'll just have to wait and see…I know…I know, dear brother…I know you're all work and no play." He said as he slowly turned to the princess. "Hopefully, you'll be able to stay awake with this one, dear princess…Wouldn't want you to fall asleep on your horse and have a nasty tumble or sprain yourself. And then where will we be? With a kingdom and no princess!?" He said with a full belly laugh jokingly.
Simon huffed in annoyance at his rude remarks, eager to embark back to the Lord's pavilion.
Sylmoor continued to Zelda. "Oh, and don't you worry, I'll take real good care of your knight. Farewell now, the both of ya!" He glanced at her and his brother as he threw them both an exaggerated wave.
Zelda replied with a cheeky tit for tat just before she slapped the reins to her horse as she sat side-saddle, "Or…he might be the one taking care of you my lord Sylmoor!" she said in a farewell, lifting her nose to him as she rode off following the Illiastar commander.
"Well, there they go," Sylmoor pointed to the others who were left standing in their wake. "Now, my friends, do we head back to the hill, or what have you?" He questioned, but before he could get a reply from either Sidon or Link, he continued his propositions. "But, before we do, let me grab some mugs. It's perfectly good ale weather today, and I wouldn't want to waste it being in such a boring state as I am now. I don't want to miss the show, after all! No good can come of that!" the younger lord roared with a laugh to the others.
Link turned. "And what sort of state might that be?"
"Why, being sober as a judge, of course! I am not like my brother, you see, nor am I a lawman, nor do I think I will ever be either those things, so why should I pretend to have any dignity? Come, let us be off…but after I grab the mugs of course," he said with a gleeful smile stretching from ear to ear. He then trailed past both Link and the red prince without care or delay and made his way under the flap of a nearby tent, which was housing supplies, undoubtedly to find the goblets for drinking.
Link gave Sidon an apprehensive stare, still unsure of the young Lord's motives for his sudden friendship.
No sooner than the fanciful man left, did he peak out his head from the folds of the tent with another grin, eyes ashine.
"I lied! Every day above ground is perfect ale weather! Now, here we are! We can truly let the training begin! Lead the way my new friends!" he said, lifting three wooden cups on display.
With not much of it but to oblige him, Link shrugged and signaled for Sidon to follow him back up to where they were earlier. But truth be told, having a warm belly beverage, nor fighting was on the young hero's mind, she was.
As three young men made their way back to where their morning had commenced, a small gathering of fellow troops was still out on the field near them. Link without hesitation out on the top of the bluff with Sidon spun back to face him, mock sword and rope in hand.
"Now, shall we continue where we left off?" Link grinned.
Sidon cracked his knuckles and looked over each shoulder, "I'm game, show me what challenges you have in store master Link," Sidon chuckled.
"No need for the formalities. I am just Link," he replied.
"Okay, well, then my friend…Link it is," Sidon reiterated.
Sylmoor was still trailing a few paces over to the stacked barrels and other strung out provisions that were nearby for the men sparing on the hill. Armed with three mugs in hand, he drained one of the apple ale barrels and filled them all brimming over.
Sylmoor called attention to all the men gathered."If I may interrupt you all and have your attention, please! I'm sure you are just dying to get started, but how about a toast! A toast to our new friend here and hero amongst us. Why, if you all didn't know, this young man here was the one that crushed the devil himself, the very spawn of Demise! Here, To Link, the calamity slayer!" he roared with overflowing enthusiasm pointing to the knight.
Link calmly just stared outwards to all around who also joined their liege in applause and cheers. Wasting no time, though, he fanned the crowd down humbly. Such charisma and brazenness just from a couple hours prior had faded. Link now knew the men honestly did look up to him. And that thought weighed heavily on him. He wasn't just a nameless hero anymore. His secret was out.
Sylmoor slid a frothy mug across one of the oversized cargo crates that Link was standing next to.
"Here, my new friend, a drink. Both of you." Sylmoor gazed at the red giant and the Hylian hero.
Link grabbed the mug as it slapped into his hand, stared at it for a moment looking down as he held it and then back to Sylmoor, setting it back on the crate softly. "Thanks, but I don't really drink, not before a big fight," he said back modestly.
"Come now! The battle to come won't be for at least for several more days. We still have to wait for the rest of the army to arrive before my brother can lay out his war plans," Sylmoor replied with a laugh. "Surely, you can have just one pint. Don't worry…your princess isn't here…and besides, you're training technically and not fighting for real…and…you're with me, and today we celebrate. What say you, my good man, I can keep a secret if you can?" Sylmoor insisted with a wink to both of them. "And what about you, Zora? Won't you do me this honor and show your friend that we all are here as friends? It's quite boring to drink alone, ya know?" Sylmoor looked up at the tall Sidon, who was apprehensive just as much as his mentor was.
"It's Sidon…the name is Sidon. And sure, why not? I'll play your game and have a drink with you, but only after the spar and only if Link is feeling up to it as well." Sidon stated.
Link glanced back at them both and pondered on the matter and figured one drink wouldn't hurt, surely if it was after training. So, with that realization, he nodded to them both.
"Well, don't mind me if I get a head start on the both of ya!" Sylmoor laughed as he slurped a gulp from his mug, followed by an enthusiastic sigh of delight.
Coming up from behind the Lord, a familiar voice was heard shouting to them."I'll drink to that!"
It was Seabass, the pride of the Zora defense forces and a lieutenant who served directly under Sidon's watch. He was wearing a grin and had an entourage of Hylian soldiers trailing eagerly behind him, ready to fill their mugs next to where the Sylmoor had poured his.
Sylmoor smiled. "Well, the army didn't spend all these rupees on barrels of ale for you all not to drink it!? Everyone, come, fill your gobs!" the Lord declared to the small crowd gathered.
Link gave Sidon a firm look as if they should return back to their training. The red prince smirked in compliance and stepped toward him, marching several paces away from the assembly of men who were now going to have a drink and watch these two contestants of strength fight it out.
A chorus of cheers began to sound around them as Link and Sidon paced in slow circular motion eyes locked about ten feet away from each other, dead set on beating the other in a show of strength and skill.
Link called over to his squire. "Before we begin, let's see you try this on for size," he said, reaching out and displaying the rope he had carried in his hands. Sidon gazed back quizzically about to cup his chin, wondering what the knight had in store for him during this challenge.
"We're going to have to tie your good arm around your waist, so you won't be able to use it. Need to be able to test to see how resourceful you are with your left sword hand!" Link shouted, signaling one of the soldiers nearby to grab the rope from him and tie Sidon's arm to his side.
"And what about you!? Will you also be facing this handicap?" Sidon questioned sharply.
"No, you won't be dueling me…that would be hardly fair at all…Instead, can I get..." Link said brazenly. He then cupped his chin in contemplation, hair blowing in the firm breeze that was begging to brew around them, clouds too were forming nearby as the afternoon dragged on. And then whispered to himself, "One, two, three…maybe four ought to do it? Surely he can take on four?" he debated under his breath. "Okay, yes! Could I get four willing volunteers!? Four brave men to face my squire in open combat!" Link declared loudly to all gathered, slamming his fist into the palm of his hand in delight at the idea of it.
Some men were preoccupied with their drinks in hand, whereas others were eager to showboat their skills, especially against a Zora. Friendly rivals their militaries they were. So, it was only natural for them to have a competitive spirit among them.
In no time, four challengers emerged from the group of roughneck soldiers, all Illiastar infantrymen.
Link coughed into his fist. "Alright, you all have to try and defeat this Zora. But be warned, this is Prince Sidon you face, we wouldn't want him to get hurt. We want to return him in one piece to his father after this is all said and done, after all, so don't teach him too much of a lesson," Link joked, trying to get a rise out of the men and Sidon.
Sidon interrupted in playful protest, "Bring it on! I can take all four of them, and you too…Link!"
"Ha! We shall see…first, face the men," Link smirked back as the four men cautiously approached the red prince, swinging out their batons as they surrounded him. "Now…Attack!" Link yelled. In unison, all four soldiers charged from all directions and engaged the red prince. He only had the use of one arm and was using his left hand to defend their advances, parrying their strikes one after the other.
But just as quickly as they all lunged, taking their best shots at him, the proud Zora in a beautiful ballet maneuvered and dodged their feeble attempts at attacking him. Swift and noble did he fight back with the use of his left hand, and one by one as the shouts roared, did each man submit to the Prince, the pride of his people.
And as each man fell to their knees, Sidon stood victorious. Link was impressed. He didn't think he would have beaten them so quickly but wasn't entirely convinced. Eyes were focused, each of them, student and mentor.
"I'm sorry…it must have slipped my mind…But, I forgot to mention something before you had me bound…but you never asked, so no foul on my part, I suppose. But, in case you were wondering how I bested your men so easily I thought I should let you in on a little secret…I'm ambidextrous!" Sidon's eyes lit up in excitement as he glared confidently at his Hylian rival.
Link lifted his head. "Ah, so this challenge was too easy for you, huh? Then suppose I shall make it even harder, shall I?" he said as he whipped out his wooden blade and took a sudden and unannounced strike at the red prince.
Sidon fell back, narrowly dodging his attack. Even still, Link was unbelievably fast and unbeknownst to Sidon. He didn't notice that Link wasn't aiming for him at all but for the rope that had him tied. To his shock and surprise, the cord was cut loose as it slid off from around him, freeing his arm.
Astonished by the quick reflexes of his mentor, he spoke, taking a few steps back, regaining his war footing. "Look, I know I have no chance against you one on one with a blade…but put the holy Trident in my hands, and we shall see who would rise victorious," Sidon declared boldly.
And just as he said those words, Link was about to oblige him when a thundering crash roared overhead. To everyone's amazement, a lightning bolt struck not too far off from when everyone was, ripping through a lone tall tree out from among the open plains nearby. Its loud crashed echoed all around them, signaling a storm to come. The charcoal clouds above them were split by even more lightning and began to pour out their rain among them. Softly it happened at first, but as time dragged on, small rain became a prodigious downpour.
Sylmoor bolted to where Link and Sidon were standing, flapping his cloak over his head to shelter himself from the raindrops careful not to drop his ale. "I believe that will be enough for one day. I don't think this storm will let up anytime soon. Come, let us return back to camp. We should eat supper and finish our drinks. A good show this was, let us not spoil it…Also, I'm sure my brother and the princess have returned to the war tent anyways. Let us go and meet them afterward as we seek shelter from this deluge," he said, taking another drink from his mug.
He then handed Link and Sidon their gobs for a drink and cheered them for their brilliant show of swordsmanship. Link nodded for Sidon in approval to appease the young lord's gestures of friendship.
So, with that, they both drained their mugs and followed him down below to the main body of the camp.
Reaching the bottom and back in the heart of the camp and after they ate and had a few drinks, Link decided he had to make a quick stop by his and Sidon's tent. As nightfall was soon to be fast approaching, he thought best perhaps to grab his sword and other gear. Although the princess should be safe, he didn't want to take any chances of anything happening in the dark. He remembered his father's wise words of council, "Always be ready, even when you think you are safe."
As the knight emerged from the flap of his tent, Sylmoor's eyes lit up. "Is that…is that the legendary blade? The sword that seals the darkness!?" he questioned, hardly able to contain his excitement. Perhaps, he may have had one too many pints of ale this afternoon and caused him to squeak as he spoke.
Link only smirked at his question.
"It is so! You weren't kidding! Remarkable indeed, my good man. Come, let us be off to the command tent. We're late." he said again with a hiccup.
Link too was also starting to feel the weary effects of the ale, although he only managed to drink just shy of two mugs. He felt the tingling sensation creep through his fingers and begin to course through him. But even he was amazed how easily it started to have a hold over him. But then it all dawned on him. It's been over a hundred years since his lips have tasted strong drink. It was as if he had the stomach of a child once again, un-immune to its effects anymore. So, with that in mind, he thought better to not drink anymore for the evening no matter how many times the young lord was to prod him to do so. He has already had his fill.
Inside the tent, Zelda was pacing about, having words with lord Simon of illiastar, several members of his council and Taleran, representative of the Lady of the lake of house Tarble.
Simon, as he was pointing to a flattened out map spread across his table of Hyrule castle and its surrounding areas, was moving markers around which represented the strategic positioning of his forces, spoke. "The body of our main force should be here in two more days at the latest. We can't afford to wage an attack until all our supply lines have arrived. Also, it would be unwise of us to initiate an attack without knowing if the effects of the cursed moon have diminished entirely, my princess. We know Ganon's forces in the past could appear even after being slain in battle. Quite troublesome when waging war."
Zelda spun back around to face him. "You mean, the blood moon? I assure you, Ganon is no more, my lord," she said insistently.
"Well, in any case, we shall know by tonight, tonight is the night of the blood moon as you call it and we shall see if the lingering power of the Devil has indeed vanished my dear prin-," he said but was rudely interrupted by his brother who came barging in through the tent, disrupting the meeting.
"Hold it! Hold on just a minute! I'm sorry, but you all must start the meeting all over again. We weren't here. And I demand that you do so this instant, for the three of us!" Sylmoor announced with a grin and just about ready to sit and kick his feet up on the table.
Zelda smiled as if this was the first sign of excitement that she has had all day. She almost narrowly avoided being put to sleep by the bore of his older brother several times throughout the day, in fact. A much-needed relief.
Simon jolted and chastised. "Well then perhaps, better of you next time to keep account of the minutes than how many mugs of ale you have left to drink and then maybe, you wouldn't have been late!" he said, eyes beginning to fume.
Zelda then saw Link and Sidon calmly walk in just behind the boisterous lord.
She shot a glance at her knight. "And what about you? What have you to say for yourself? Have you been…drinking as well, Link?" she said with a false pout cross her face that turned into a gleeful smile as she turned away from his view.
Link stood nervously, not quite sure if she was genuinely offended by his unknightly behavior.
Sylmoor sprang to Link's defense before the knight could utter a syllable. "Well, my liege, it was all my doing. The lad only had one pint," he said apologetically but immediately corrected himself under his breath but was still loud enough for everyone to hear. "Or was it three?" he hiccupped again, counting his fingers slowly, looking upwards towards the roof of the tent in remembrance. "In any case, he is quite capable of handling himself this one your grace, I assure you, a marvelous performance he did early out on the field today, isn't that right my tall red friend!?" he said calling over to Sidon to help him in his excuses.
Zelda spun back around. "Is that so?" she asked in a playful tease.
But before she could question any further, Sylmoor hopped and made a declaration to all in attendance, more so for his brother. "Now, before we begin brother," he said but was cut short by Simon.
"We already have begun, hence why we were here before you," the older lord said as he slammed down one of the pale stallion place holders back on the table in protest of his interruption.
Sylmoor smiled and swallowed, smoothing his tongue. "Yes, yes, I know…but I mean before we really begin, you must know that this knight here isn't no mere soldier out from a crowd or mercenary. This here knight wields the legendary sword of our father's fathers and all those who remember its sacred place in legend. The sword that seals the darkness is strapped to his back! The sword!"
Simon's eyes widened, and he nearly fell over from where he stood at the revelation. At first, he didn't believe it. "Surely you are joking or mistaken, that is impossible. It cannot be so," he said face beginning to redden as he pointed over the cool knight that stood just ten paces away or so now next to the princess, "Him?!...HIM!?" he questioned twice, still in shock at the reveal.
"It is true, brother! Show him Link. Show him!" Sylmoor said hardly able to hold back the laughs, giddy as a schoolboy.
After getting the approval and undivided attention of everybody, Link slowly unsheathed the legendary blade out from over his back and displayed its brilliance to everyone in attendance, waving it slowly back and forth for everyone to testify to its existence.
Sylmoor ran up to his brother and nudged him in the shoulder. "Ya' see! And not only that, but he was also the one who slain the calamity."
Simon's eyebrows raised, still astonished. "Remarkable indeed, and how many of you did it take to defeat the beast?" he said, pushing past his brother trying to afford a better look at the sword and Link.
The knight looked at him, dead in the eyes. "It was just me."
"Just you? That cannot be so. It would take a legion of men to face against the devil Ganon. But you expect me to believe you accomplished this task all on your own!? Surely you have more honor than that, then to lie and leave the glory out from your comrades who helped you!?" Simon protested, waving his hands about in a demeaning fashion as if Link was on trial.
With just about all she could stand, and before Link could say a word in his defense, she took a bold step forward. "No, it is true…I was there…I saw everything…he did defeat the calamity all on his own…while you were all hiding up in your castles stewing on ways to act and debated amongst yourselves on what to do and what was the safest action. Link bravely rose to the challenge and conquered it…alone." She declared with her head gradually turning, meeting everyone's eyes in the room until, at last, they fell upon her hero with a soft smile. A silent apology for yesterday if you will.
Sylmoor chimed yet again, interrupting their moment before it could even truly begin. "See, brother! Even she can attest to his bravery! Surely you wouldn't contradict our princess, would you!?" he smirked, folding his arms proudly.
Slightly taken aback, the lord of Illiastar cupped his chin and remarked. "So, it would seem you hold quite the reputation, knight. Well then, show me this blade. I wish to behold its magnificence in my own hand. Won't you do me this honor? May I?"
"Sure, as you wish, m' lord…here…catch," Link said with a slight grin.
With nary a second thought, the lord combed back his platinum hair proudly, marched over towards the knight, and reached out for the blade as Link flung it through the air in such a way that he could easily have grabbed it by the handle. But the very moment he held it, it tore itself through his tight grasp. "Eyagh! Hmph…It just slipped out from my finger's that's all."
The sword landed in such a way that its blade dug deep into the earth beneath the tent, sinking several inches. The Lord walked up to it calm and cool, flexed out his hands, and grabbed it by the handle yet again. But try as he might, and no matter how much strength and sweat he used as he pulled, the sword did not budge one centimeter, as solid as stone it stood, stabbed in the ground as if it was back at its pedestal resting place. He attempted again, but to no avail, and by now, his face was red with frustration, and those gathered were questioning what exactly they were witnessing.
Zelda blinked, wearing a 'gotcha' smirk, letting out a few quiet chuckles from the side of her lips.
Noticeably angry, Simon called out to his bannermen, who were near him. "Well, don't just stand there. Help your lord! Now!" he commanded. Three men together as one who was just about to climb over each other in fright at his order all helped him clinch the blade's handle. And as each of them exerted all their strength alongside him, their efforts were futile. The sword did not flinch as if it was solid earth.
The lord let out of gasped breath alongside his men and glanced over to the calm knight. "I don't understand it. It won't budge. What sort of trick is this!? How did you get it to behave this way? Answer me!?"
Link's lips cracked slowly into a confident smile. "Its no trick…on some days, even for me, it gets heavier. I think it's the sword's way of letting me know that I must constantly earn the right to hold it in my hands."
Simon huffed. "As if swords had feelings or thoughts…come now…You mean to tell me, the legendary blade of all great houses of Hyrule and the sacred blade from the KNIGHTS of legend who were the only ones able to wield it and who have been long gone for over an age, has chosen you…a mere commoner? But how can that be? I don't believe it!"
"Well, believe it! The sword only answers to Link, and he alone." Zelda said boldly as she was filled with bursting pride for her knight.
Sylmoor jumped up in between them all. "And is it no surprise, brother!? This man faced the calamity and lived, and not only that, destroyed him…with the help of her majesty, of course." He said, waving his hand over towards the princess out of respect.
Simon then paced away from the sword that was still stuck and pillared into the hard ground. "Then there is more to you than I previously thought. Well Sir-Link, now that this knowledge has come to my understanding, I apologize for any previous misconception… and as an act of gratitude for your service to the kingdom and the crown, I offer you proper quarters beholden of a true knight, and I will not have you parading around this camp in those peasant rags you are wearing. It's unbecoming of you. You will be given proper armor, those that match the dignity of the knight that you are. And although you could never be a lordship, you may at least dress according to your stature." Simon said as he folded his arms somewhat humbled by link.
Link smiled again, walked several steps slowly, and to everyone's amazement, reached out for his Master Sword, and easily relinquished it single-handedly from its resting place. With three cool spins over his head, he sheathed it back in its scabbard.
He then shot a glance to Zelda for her approval on the matter concerning the Lord's request of him to dress more 'appropriately.' And with her smile as an affirmation of what he should do, he nodded back and replied. "Then, I accept your offer. Thank you, m'lord." He said with a tilt of the head of respect towards him.
And on that note of compromise and just as Zelda was about to speak to carry the meeting forward in the discussion, the fold to the tent flapped open, and in a frayed panic, one of the Gerudo guards rushed over to the attention of the princess. "Princess! I'm sorry to interrupt, but you must come quick! It's Riju! Something's wrong. You must come see her! Quickly my princess!"
Simon's furry brows raised, and immediately he called to the attention of everyone." Meeting adjourned! Come, let us go see your dear friend."
Zelda nodded back to the girl and almost without even asking for his permission or for his say-so to leave, bolted alongside Link after the Gerudo girl who stormed in just seconds prior. They both ran without a worry for themselves, rushing out into the pouring rain and back to the infirmary tent where Riju lay.
After seeing them both exit hastily, Prince Sidon, Lord Sylmoor, Taleran, and Simon all followed after them.
Back at the infirmary, they entered on an nightmarish sight. Riju was still bound but wailing in agony, with her eyes rolled back into her head, squirming in her bed, tugging at the restraints. Horrified by what she was witnessing, Zelda gasped, covering her mouth with both of her hands, shaken and afraid at what was happening.
"What's wrong!? What's happening to her!?" the princess pleaded aloud.
The Surgeon ran up to her and placed both hands on her shoulders to calm her. "I don't know. The operation went perfectly, but the medicine…it isn't working. It's having the opposite effect; the sickness is spreading all through her body. I can't explain it," he said with his voice breaking up due to the fear.
As he said those words, they all saw how even the poor girl's flesh was starting to look. Her once beautiful tan skin was beginning to show many signs of death. Black and sickly-looking veins had wrapped around her skin like vines and began to pulse, pumping more of the disease, or so it would seem.
Everyone in the room was filled with worry. Buliara slammed her fist on a nearby table, almost unable to hold back the rage at the news of her dying chief. She felt a pang of deep seed guilt for allowing this to have happened to her.
The doctor's eyes lifted as he questioned them. "Tell me, are you sure it was just an arrow that she was struck with? Please try and remember, I need to know. Something isn't right, Zora medicine is powerful medicine, and it has had hardly any effect on her. It doesn't make any sense," he demanded of the group present.
Link turned and faced away from everyone, cupping his chin, closed his eyes, and delved deep in remembrance of how the battle unfolded yesterday. Almost immediately, it all dawned on him, and slowly he turned to face the group yet again, hit by the realization.
Zelda could hardly hold back the fright as tears began to well up in her eyes. "What? What is it?"
Link's eyes hesitantly met hers, and as they did, a fear pitted in her stomach.
"I don't…I don't think Riju was that arrow's intended target," he said softly. Afraid at the admittance and what it signified.
Realizing what he meant, she questioned aloud. "But how!? How can anyone know of my existence!? How could they know who I am?"
The doctor intervened. "Wait, so what does this mean? You mean to tell me you were what they were after? The one they were trying to kill?" he said, looking to the princess who just nodded her slowly, worried at the notion.
Simon chimed. "Well, that still doesn't explain the arrow? How can a simple arrow carry on such devastating effects, especially if the surgery was supposedly a success!?" he questioned, pointing suspicion towards the surgeon.
"Then it can only mean one thing…it was no mere arrow. It couldn't have been," Link confessed.
Simon then poked at the doctor, "You man, what color was this arrow? The splinters you pulled, the fragments, what color!?" he demanded forcefully.
The doctor hesitated out of fear but replied. " I-it was-s a black arrow of some kind, If I recall," the doctor stuttered.
Simon then looked over to Link. "And you, do you remember who fired this arrow at her majesty?"
Link closed his eyes for just a brief moment and opened them. "It had to have been that Lynel… the gold one. I never seen such a shot fired by such a distance. No way that it could have been a bokoblin now that I think about it. We all must have forgotten about it in the noise, but now that I remember, I'm certain it was him," Link said, slamming his fist into his open palm, frustrated.
Simon's eyes widened. " If that is true, then it was him…Malroc the terrible. He has been blood-soaked in Ganon's raw power, so who knows what sort devilish power's he has been given license to…I'm sorry, princess, but your friend has been pierced by what could only be a bewitched arrow. No medicine can cure that, for it is dark and powerful sorcery which has a hold of her now, I am afraid. I am truly sorry," he said, looking back to the girl who was still tossing in pain on her bed, heaving quiet moans as she wrestled with herself.
Zelda was about to break into tears, realizing that there was no hope for her friend and that she would perish.
Link too was upset, but just before all hope was lost, a voice broke through the silence. It was the thin and noble Taleran, representative of house Tarble. " If I may, I believe that there can be one chance still for your friend my princess,"
Zelda paused her cry before it began and glanced up to him eyes filled with tears. " Please, do tell me anything…if there be any way at all, I must know of it," she begged.
Without hesitation, the man replied. "They say that there is one who can perform marvelous feats, a real miracle worker they say, he hails from the land of Draene, they call him, the wizard my princess," he said but was immediately cut off from Simon.
"Not him, don't be filling the princess's head with the fantasies of cheap trick magicians."
"They are no tricks! I have seen some of his miracles myself, with my own eyes! A once and barren field on the outskirts of the Stonelands, a small village was doomed to starve. It would have been days before any food could have arrived due to a storm that blocked the road of travelers and commerce. But then he appeared. Kelcifer is what they called him if I remember correctly, with a wave of his hand and a few words, and by that following dawn, the terrible famine which ravaged those farms was washed away, as if they never happened at all. They never have seen such a good crop in all their years. I shortly arrived thereafter, I was on an errand of her lady, and I witnessed the fruits of this man's labors myself. It indeed happened. Even Lord Malifus of Draene named him overseer for his very acts of kindness and preeminent leadership. He is as genuine as they come my liege," The Tarble man defended.
Simon rolled his eyes in frustration. "Hogwash! C'mon man, surely you have more sense than that, then to believe in children's stories. I'll let you in on a little secret…of course, the Stonelands were in a famine. They are always in hunger. It would seem, that's why they are called the Stonelands man! They mine ore and stone, not raise crops. That is what we do in Bountiful. We trade with them!
"But to say that this conjurer of cheap magician's tricks is what caused them to have a miracle harvest is a bald-faced lie, and the princess should hear none of it! They were just simply do for a return. It was bound to happen at some point in time, even for them. Those things occurred because it was in their proper order to happen, not by any one man's magic," Simon contested.
Zelda stepped in between them. "Lie or not, my lord, I have to try…what choice do I have but believe in this wizard? And you are wrong, my Lord Simon, I have witnessed marvelous powers and wonders first hand, take the Sheikah slate, for example. It can do many things that would baffle the imaginations of anyone who would ever have the honor of witnessing its power. So, don't tell me a miracle isn't possible. I, for one, believe in miracles," she said, sternly continuing her scolding. "And how can you say you don't believe in the miraculous when out of one side of your mouth you admit to the sorcery of Ganon, yet not this wizard!?"
Simon looked at her. "You have seen the sheikah slate? So there really is such an artifact?"
Zelda lifted her nose up to him. "Yes, there is, I have it in my care as we speak, and although it is in a corrupted state, I confess, it still has some of its ability that remains."
Sylmoor, the younger gasped. "Amazing…remarkable indeed."
Taleran then continued. "Though I confess my princess, this Kelcifer is probably deep into the land of Draene, and we have no way of getting to him in time to save your friend,"
Link intervened. "Doctor, how much time does she have left if we were to act?" he said, prodding the surgeon.
"I'd say, even though the medicine has had hardly any effect on her, she may have maybe one or two days at the most before we lose her…I'm very sorry," he said head hung low.
That didn't deter Link; however, he had an idea. "And didn't you say this Kelcifer is their overseer? Wouldn't that mean he would be aiding them along with their army? And didn't Impa send word to house Draene in a call for aid against the remnants of Ganon's forces?" he asked the Tarble man.
"Yes, that is true…what are you getting at?" Taleran admitted.
Link waved his hands outwards in explanation. "Then perhaps he isn't deep into the Stoneland territory at all, but nearby. If the lords of Draene did, in fact, answer the call, and sent their army south, then they should only be shy of a day's ride from here by now or even closer. And if he is the overseer, then there is a good chance he might be among them riding."
Taleran rubbed his chin and mustache in contemplation. "Yes, that is a good point. I see."
Link continued. "Then I shall go and fetch this wizard and bring him here at once. If it is Riju's only chance, then I must."
Sylmoor clapped. "A bold plan…I like it! This is quite a sharp one you have here, princess," he confessed, throwing a glance at her majesty with a wink. "Oh, c'mon brother, don't give me that look, even you must admit that it is a good plan," he said to Simon.
Zelda shot a look to Link while not at all admitting it but did not want him to leave just yet. She didn't want to be left alone in this challenging situation they were left in. She felt she needed him now more than ever.
Simon saw her worry and wanted to use this opportunity to outshine her knight. "Well, if you all insist on this working, it shouldn't be you that has to go. I'll send ten of my Starlight Calvary in his stead. They are the best riders in all of Hyrule. They shall leave without delay and head to this northern army if it exists and bring back this wizard Kelcifer, and then we shall see if he truly is worth his weight in rupees," Simon shrugged.
"Are you sure?" Link questioned.
"I insist, and I'm sure her majesty would rather have you here, isn't that right?" Simon asked.
Zelda's eyes lit up. "Yes, I would rather have you by my side if he can send the Calvary in your stead, I…thank you, Link."
The knight nodded.
Still distraught by the news, Zelda stumbled as she took a step closer towards him.
Link nearly had to catch her, or she would have fallen.
"Perhaps, we should all get some rest. It is already nightfall," Link stated, gently lifting her back up by the hand.
"I'm alright…I think I am just tired, so much bad news ever since we have returned. Link, won't you please accompany me back to my quarters?" she asked almost hesitantly, still unsure if he has forgiven her just yet.
The knight smiled sweetly and only to where she could see.
"Indeed, we should all get our rest. I'll send my men at once," Simon ordered. "There isn't much we can do for this girl, but wait and see if this magician can pull off a miracle here tomorrow," he said.
And with that, they left her to the care of the doctor and went for their tents for the rest of the evening.
Several hours into the night, the storm had finally let up, and the moon and stars began to pierce through some of the broken clouds. It was just as the princess said. It was an end to the blood moon.
However, near the outskirts of camp where sentries are posted to keep watch of the outlying border of the camp were gathered a few men, nestled near a campfire, watching over some of the wagons that had arrived earlier that day that housed supplies for the army. It was six Illiastar guardsmen. They had to take turns keeping watch throughout the night, whereas most of the camp was already fast asleep.
And just as those men gathered around the fire were laughing and having a sport with one another telling stories, a silhouette of a man emerged out from the forest, which was at the edge of their camp.
One of the guards called out to the stranger among them, hand firmly placed on his sheathed sword, ready to draw at a moment notice. "You there, come into the light? Who goes there?"
Worry quickly faded into relief once they had a better look. It was just a cloaked Hylian man, appeared to be older and frail.
Another guard blurted out. "You nearly gave us quite a scare there old man! What are you doing wandering the plains at this time of night anyway," he asked the stranger.
The stranger replied, "I was coming to and fro from the north. I am a man of great commerce, and I have business in Kakariko. I saw the fires of your camp and thought better of myself to put in for the night here for safekeeping," he confessed in a deep chill voice.
The guards looked to each other and perceived no threat from this Hylian man. The leader of the ragtag group of soldiers hollered back to the man. "Well then stranger, come…sit by our fire, plenty of warmth to go around. It is quite dangerous for an old boy like yourself to be traveling the open fields at this time. Don't you realize it isn't safe out here to be alone," the guard scolded with a friendly full belly laugh.
The stranger replied, still face hidden under his cloak, only bearing his lips and smile. "I find that traveling alone, I am the safest actually…It's quite easy to spot a large force. Just like it was easy for me to find you all here tonight. Yet, I could have slipped right by, and none of you could have been the wiser since I was alone and hidden in the dark," the man said, letting out a faint laugh.
The guard blinked, rubbing his round belly, and some of his men quieted. "Is..is that so? You don't say," he said, kind of put off by his remarks but then shook it off after again looking to see that he was just an unarmed, old man after all, or so it would seem.
The men continued taking their turns with their drinks of ale and kept their stories. But one of the guards offered a toast to their new friend who was now sharing their fire. "So, Friend, would you like to partake of some fine warm drink? On a cold night like this, it sure does make the night sweeter!?" he chuckled loudly.
"Oh no, I'm fine with what I have here, thank you," he said, revealing a water skin from under his hooded cloak, one that carried an unknown drink of some kind.
"Say, what is that you have there, friend?" the leader among them asked.
The man finished his gulp. "Oh? This? It is a special brand, just a bit of Widow's Wine…It's of my own making actually," He said with a quiet smirk under his pale grey hood.
"Care if we try some?" the lead guard asked un-bashfully.
"Certainly. I mean, you were all so kind to share your warm fire with me…it is the least I can do," The stranger said, handing over the sack of liquid to the men gathered with a small grin.
After watching one after the other partake in a drink from the sack, the man then began to speak yet again. "Tell me, have you all heard of the story of the maiden's shadow? It's a wonderful legend," he said curiously.
"No, I don't think that any of us have heard of a story like that!?" the head guard laughed again with a roar, wiping his chin from some of the spilled drink. The other men also shook their heads in agreement.
The guard laughed. "Come, do tell us!"
"I'm surprised such good Hylian men such as yourselves haven't heard of it…but no matter, I shall tell you…But only just a verse…When the sun rises in the west, and when the mountains fall, the princess of legend shall try and save them all. But try as she might, to win her fight, endless was the shadow that held her tight…Of course, this is only part of the story, and I'm afraid you won't be around to hear the rest of it."
"What…What do you mean?" the lead guard questioned, but immediately after he spoke, he began to feel his vision become blurry as he saw his hands fade right before his eyes and felt his consciousness begin to slip away. At that same time, the other men were also feeling the same effects. "What…what did you do to us…ugh."
And after just a few seconds, all of them collapsed where they sat and a silence followed, except for the crackle and pop of the burning embers.
The stranger slowly cracked a cold smile under his hood, to where only his lips could be seen by the flicker of the fire and spoke a final word on the matter. "Oh…and I forgot to mention unless you are an Avendian, that sweet tonic is quite lethal, but don't you worry, you will not die...not yet," he said cruelly, letting out a faint laugh that escaped his lips. There he sat relishing in the moment, staring eerily into the campfire.