CHAPTER 2
Wynn slowly opened his eyes. He had a splitting headache, and the bright sunlight wasn't helping him. He sat up and tried to remember what had happened to him that would lead to this kind of pain. Suddenly, the events of the night returned to him, and he gasped. The monsters...Tane and Shezarah...had to warn the Gerudos...
He fell back to the bed as the thoughts whirling through his head overcame him. He groaned in pain. He waited, then tried to sit up, but someone held him down.
"No, Wynn, you need your rest," a soothing female voice told him gently. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Wynn remembered that voice.
"Tane...Shezarah!" Wynn gasped, concerned for his friends.
"They're here, and safe."
"The...Gerudos?"
"I don't know. I sent my father to Kakariko this morning to see if they made it. He hasn't returned," the voice told him. "Now, rest. You need to sleep. I will wake you when my father returns."
Wynn sighed, and slowly sunk into the darkness of sleep. He knew the voice was right, and he would need all the rest he could get. He just hoped everyone was alright…
******
Wynn drifted between sleep and waking for a while, then allowed himself to rest in peace. He awoke several hours later, in much less pain than when he had first came to. He sat up in bed, noticing the dusky light of evening streaming in the window. He had been asleep for a whole day!
He swung his legs out from under the sheets, noticing how cold the floor felt to his now-bare feet. His boots, along with his armor and weapons, lay in the corner of the room he had been sleeping in. He quietly walked to the open door leading out, and peered through. A small flight of stairs ran from the door to the floor below. There, three familiar people, two men and a woman, stood with their backs to him, talking to Tane and Shezarah. One of the men was burly, and was talking animatedly. The other man was thin and tall, nodding at what the other was saying. The woman was thin, with Hylian features and long red hair.
Wynn gasped. He recalled where he was, and who the people were. He was at Lon Lon Ranch! And that girl was…Malon!
He smiled as a rush of memories came back to him. They had had so many fun times…He shook his head. Now was not the time. He had to see what had become of the Gerudos he was supposed to help.
Careful not to fall, he slowly descended the stairs. The group saw him, and Malon started to stop him and usher him back to bed. He waved her off, and walked up to the others. They watched him with disapproval, knowing that he shouldn't be up. The monster had hit him hard enough to almost kill him, and he wasn't in bed?
Tane stepped forward. "Wynn, pal…"
Wynn frowned at him. "I'm fine, don't worry. I've been hit harder than that, and was back on my feet within minutes." The two men raised their eyebrows, and Malon looked upset. Tane nodded solemnly, knowing this to be true.
"Wynn, Talon here has just returned with the news that the Gerudos reached Kakariko without trouble. They saw no monsters, and were not attacked. As a matter of fact, they were shocked we were attacked. They found everything to be normal." Shezarah informed him, motioning to the larger man.
Wynn nodded, pleased. He had hoped the monsters would avoid the larger group of soldiers. Or it might have been enough were killed that they were wary of any more adventurers. Whatever the reason, the Gerudos were safe, and Wynn couldn't have been happier.
Wynn noticed the larger man had a grin growing on his comical-looking mustachioed face. Wynn returned the smile. "So, you're THAT Wynn! You're Baro's son! Boy, you have grown! I didn't even recognize you!" the man chuckled.
"Yes, you old bear, and you haven't changed at all. Neither has Ingo over there. Malon sure seems to have changed in the few years since I saw her last, though." Wynn laughed quietly. Ingo, the tall, thin, mustachioed man, perked up at the mention of his name, and gave Wynn a huge smile. Malon merely blushed.
"Well, it has been several years since we saw you, hasn't it? The last time, you were with your dad, buying milk. You were only knee-high to a Tekitite then! You and Malon would always run around, playing. I remember the first time you tried to ride a horse!" Talon said with a booming laugh. Ingo also snickered. A red blush grew on Wynn's face.
Tane looked, curious, to his friend. "So, Wynn, what's this story?"
"Later," Wynn growled.
"I'll never forget the look on his face when you fell off that foal!" Talon guffawed.
"And the wail you let out when you landed on your face!" Ingo chipped in.
Wynn's face was slowly becoming redder and redder, approaching crimson. He noticed Tane and Shezarah smirking at him, bemused expressions pasted on their faces. "Hey! I was only ten then! That was a long time ago!"
"Yes, it was. How is Baro, anyway? Probably getting old and gray, like me," Talon chuckled.
Wynn's face and spirits fell. "He is gone. He was kidnapped months ago, by that scum, Silver Knuckle. He captured him and Mom, and turned them over to an evil wizard, Icarnos. I defeated both, but didn't find my parents. I have been searching Hyrule for them ever since."
All three of the ranchers stared at him, shocked. Baro had been a good friend of Talon and Ingo. He had been like an uncle to Malon.
Tane stepped forward. "That is another reason we need to leave tonight, Talon! As soon as we can make sure the Gerudos don't need our help, Wynn can return to his quest."
Talon shook his head. "No, it is too dangerous. Surely you remember last night?"
Wynn grimaced. "Talon's right, Tane. We might not survive another attack."
Tane nodded, accepting the decision. Talon clapped his hands, getting everyone's attention. "Very well then, you shall spend the night here. We only have beds for Ingo, Malon, and myself, but you are welcome to sleep on the straw in the stable. We will meet for breakfast in the morning, before you depart. Goodnight, all." He turned to Ingo. "If you would, show them to the stable." The ranch hand nodded, and started out the door. Tane and Shezarah walked out, but Malon stopped Wynn.
"Sleep well, Wynn. It has been good seeing you," she said, smiling impishly. She gave him a peck on the cheek, and started up the stairs to the bedroom Wynn had vacated.
Wynn stepped outside, walking to the stable, his mind whirling with memories. It had been a better time then. But then was past, and now was different.
He stepped into the stable, made a place to lie near his friends, and laid down. He had thought it would be hard to sleep, but sleep came easily, and he was gone into his dreams within minutes.
*******
Wynn was up with the sun the next morning. He returned to the main building, where Malon was making breakfast. Ingo and Talon were out doing morning chores. "Good morning to you, Wynn," Malon said cheerfully. Wynn responded with a smile, which turned into a yawn. He started rubbing the sleep from his eyes, sitting down at the table.
A few seconds later, Shezarah and Tane walked into the room. Shezarah came in first, a smile on her face, while Tane followed, looking less than half-awake.
Shezarah nodded to Wynn and Malon. "Good morning to be alive, eh?"
Tane merely grumbled something about Gerudos in general, and Shezarah in particular.
Shezarah merely smiled at him, and said, "Cheer up. We have a good day ahead of us. A hike to start out the morning, a visit with a good friend, and maybe even a brawl!"
Tane grumbled darkly as he sat at the table. Shezarah raised an eyebrow, and said softly, "I heard that."
Malon stared at the two; not realizing this was how they normally got along. Wynn leaned forward, and spoke to Shezarah. "Aw, leave poor Tane alone. I bet he needed to sleep even more, but someone woke him up. Am I right?"
Tane nodded pitifully to his friend. Shezarah merely sniffed.
The door opened, and Ingo and Talon walked in, and sat at the table, discussing some ranch business. Malon smiled as they walked in, and started carrying food to the table. "Breakfast is ready!" she said, placing food in front of the group. Tane seemed to brighten considerably at the sight of food.
The six started eating, Tane in particular eating ravenously. It didn't take long for all of them to eat their fill. They all rose from the table, and started preparing for Wynn and his friends hike to Kakariko. Wynn found Malon had brought his armor and weapons down, and slipped them on. It didn't take long for the three of them to be ready.
They all walked out to the gate leading out of the ranch. Wynn, Tane, and Shezarah turned back to the ranchers, and thanked them for all the help they had given them. Talon nodded, and shook Wynn's hand.
"Good luck in your quest to find your father. Remember: never give up. Baro certainly wouldn't, and you are just like him," the owner of the ranch said gravely. Ingo nodded to this.
Wynn nodded. "I will find him, and Mom. I swear."
Malon ran up to Wynn, and wrapped him up in a hug. "Be careful, Wynn. Please, come back and visit. You are always welcome here."
Wynn gave her a brief smile, and then turned away. Together with his other friends, he started walking toward Kakariko, leaving a watching trio behind him.
"Please, be safe." Malon said under her breath.
******
It was nearing midday when the three heroes reached Kakariko. They walked up the stairs leading from Hyrule Field, and past dozens of guards. The guards were silent, and most kept their eyes on the trio. One guard, dressed in tarnished plate armor and a helmet that concealed all but his eyes, walked up to them. He nodded to them, and said gruffly, "Follow me."
Wynn nodded to the guard, and motioned for Tane and Shezarah to follow. They agreed, and the four made their way into the town square, and then up a stairway to a large red-roofed house. Two sentries were posted at the door. The man the heroes followed motioned to the sentries to open the door, and they complied.
They stepped into the house, and into an argument. A Hylian soldier dressed in full splendor was in the midst of a heated discussion with another man. This man was tall and thin, almost wiry, and dressed entirely in black. On the chest of his black tunic was an odd symbol of a single open eye in bright red. His dark eyes were livid in anger, and he ran a hand through his jet-black hair as they watched. Wynn smiled. The man in black was Jier, his friend and fellow adventurer. Neither the Hylian nor Jier noticed the entry of the others, and the guard motioned for them to be silent until the two were finished.
"How can you desert us like this?" Jier demanded, slamming his fist into the table separating the two.
"I feel the danger is past. My troops are not longer needed," the Hylian said with an arrogant wave of his hand. Wynn inspected the man silently. He was dressed in a bright yellow chain mail armor, with matching tunic and pants. His hair was a flamboyant red, and he sported a matching handlebar mustache. He wore a yellow cap, with a red plume sprouting from it. He had a smirk on his face, and it grew the same as Jier's anger.
"What do you mean, 'no longer needed'? Those marauders will not leave my town alone until it has been looted and burned to the ground! And you will leave us stranded and defenseless? You know as well as I your orders were to stay and protect the town until ordered otherwise!" Jier shouted, enraged.
"I have just received orders to vacate, and I intend to follow them."
"From who?"
"From the leader of the Hylian Army of Defense."
"But...he just retired, and they haven't named a replacement..." Jier said, surprised.
"Ah, but you are wrong! General Rosburn has been named the new High General." At this, the Hylian practically beamed, yet somehow maintained the arrogant smirk.
"They named...Rosburn, you devil!" Jier growled, preparing to lunge at the other.
"Calm down, Sheikah." Rosburn practically spat the word 'Sheikah'. "Your mystical powers should be sufficient to protect the town. Or, I would hope, for your sake." With that, Rosburn let out a short laugh, and turned to leave the building when he noticed the three adventurers and the guard. "What do we have here? Captain Greer, report."
"Yes, sir. These three entered the town minutes ago. I stopped them, and brought them to you immediately, as per my orders," the guard said to him.
"Very well. You are dismissed." As he was told this, Greer turned to leave. "Wait, Captain. Convey my orders to the men. We are to pack up and leave before nightfall. We are returning to the castle."
"Yessir." Greer walked out. Wynn could tell he hadn't like the orders by the way he had slumped slightly as he was given them, but Greer's soldier discipline kept him from disputing the matter with his superior.
"I will bid you farewell, Sheikah. And you three," Rosburn turned back to Wynn, Tane, and Shezarah, "Don't start any trouble. Or at least, wait until me and my command are gone. It won't matter then." He barked a short laugh, and walked out.
Wynn turned back to Jier. His friend was having a seat at the table, shaking with rage. So intense was his anger, he didn't even notice the identity of the three standing at the door. Wynn stepped forward until he was near his friend. Jier looked up, to see who it was, and the look of anger fell from his face when he saw whom it was. "Wynn!" He sprung from his seat, moving to stand in front of Wynn. "I am glad you're here. Listen, I need your help. I seem to have lost Rosburn's aide."
"Yeah, I can tell. Who is he?"
"He is now the new High General of the Hylian Army of Defense. The old one retired several days ago. The old High General was the one that decided that Kakariko would be a likely target for the marauders, and sent those soldiers. If it hadn't been for him, the town would have been overrun. Rosburn was sent to command the soldiers. However, the old High General announced his retirement suddenly last night, and Rosburn was elected to take his place. Rosburn has friends among Princess Zelda's advisors, and they probably decided to pay him back for a few favors." Jier said the last part with scorn.
"Let me guess the rest. Rosburn doesn't want to risk his neck for this town, and has decided to pull out. And that means you have no one to help defend the town, if the marauders return," Wynn said.
"Exactly. I know Zelda won't approve with Rosburn's actions and send him back, but he'll stall, it may be too late when he finally arrives." Jier announced, dismayed.
Tane, standing with Shezarah at the door, coughed into his fist. "Why don't we go talk to Zelda about this today, before Rosburn has a chance? I mean, he'll probably stay with his troops until they move out, and we could arrive at the castle by afternoon if we leave immediately," the ex-mercenary suggested.
Jier turned to look at Tane, shock on his face. It was obvious Rosburn had upset him so that he had not even noticed the other two. When he saw his friends, his face lit up, and he said loudly, "Tane! Shezarah! How are you? It's good to see you! How are things at the fortress?"
Shezarah gave him a small smile. "We're fine, Jier, and we're glad to see you as well. However, I agree with Tane about leaving immediately, and we could discuss everything else on the walk."
Jier nodded. "You're right. I will go tell everyone I'm leaving and will return tomorrow, since we will probably have to spend the night in an inn in Hyrule Market. It's dangerous to travel at night anymore, you know."
Wynn rubbed the back of his head gingerly. "Yeah, we know pretty well," he mumbled.
"Meet me in the town square in a few minutes, I have some people to say goodbye to." And with that, Jier walked past Tane and Shezarah and out the door.
"Why do I have a feeling we just got pulled into another bunch of trouble?" Tane asked, a grin on his face.
"When are we not in trouble? At least this time, we don't have a crazy wizard and his henchmen out for our blood." Wynn laughed as he said this, remembering the quest against Icarnos and his cronies Silver Knuckle and Seron.
All three chuckled at that comment, each glad they weren't fighting for their lives constantly as they had then, but each secretly missing the feeling of adventure and companionship they had shared during that quest.
"Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get to the square!" Wynn said, and followed the other two out. He mentally wondered if he would ever have an adventure as exciting as the one he had then. Little did he know, he was about to embark on a voyage just as exciting and dangerous as the one of his past.
******
High on a cliff overlooking Hyrule Field, a dark figure studied the land spread out before him, and sighed. He had once had aspirations of controlling all that had lay before him, but those dreams had been crushed. And it had been all because of Wynn, son of Baro.
The dark figure clutched his hand into a fist at the memory of Wynn. Curse him! If it hadn't been for Wynn, he would have risen to become the ruler of Hyrule.
Sure, Wynn's allies had caused him trouble. Tane, especially. It had been Tane that had defeated him at the Shadow Temple. Jier and Shezarah had killed the monster he was supposed to protect there. But Wynn had been the root of all his trouble.
The dark figure shook his head in frustration. Wynn had caused his master to doubt him, and that had been his downfall. The dark figure was a young man, the same age as Wynn, his greatest foe. He was dressed entirely in black, with a black cape. His black hair waved in the wind, and his brown eyes were narrowed with anger. He raised his fist, and pointed towards a bush far below on the field. A green fireball flew from his finger, and hurtled into the bush. After the dust from the following explosion cleared, all that was left of the bush was a crater.
Seron gritted his teeth. If Wynn hadn't led the others in that quest, then he and his master would have overtaken Hyrule easily. Seron had intended to learn from Icarnos until he was strong enough, and then eliminate the old fool, and his lackey Silver Knuckle. But Wynn's interference had given Icarnos reason to question his usefulness, and the old man had nearly killed Seron after his failure in the Shadow Temple. The wizard had ignored the fact that Wynn himself had easily beaten both the monster, Morpha, that he had decided was too important for Seron to guard, and Icarnos himself.
But Seron would have his revenge soon. Both the fool Icarnos and the toady Silver Knuckle had fallen to Wynn. Seron had been training for these two months, and now his magic was much more powerful. Wynn would be easily killed, and Seron could finally rule Hyrule. Wynn's friends would also pay for their aid of that accursed hero. He would kill Jier and Nerah, that Gerudo Shezarah, and finally Tane. Tane especially had much to pay for.
An evil smirk came to Seron's face. His truest triumph would be capturing Fami. Seron had plans for that beautiful woman. She had feelings for Wynn, but after Seron murdered that pest, she would realize Seron was the one for her. Yes, Seron would win, and victory would be sweet indeed.
******
Wynn, Tane, and Shezarah stared at the activity in the town square. Everywhere, soldiers bustled about, gathering this or that, packing that or this. It wouldn't be long before the Hylians were gone, and this town would be in danger of attack.
Kakariko wouldn't be defenseless, however. The Gerudo soldiers intended to stay and protect the town, even though the marauders would easily overwhelm them if the Hylians were gone. Wynn shook his head. Much depended on his and his friends' attempt to convince Princess Zelda to make Rosburn aid Kakariko.
"Survivors! Form up!" a gruff voice bellowed from near Wynn. Wynn glared at the loud interrupter of his thoughts. It was none other than Captain Greer, the guard that had led them to Rosburn.
Immediately after the captain yelled, a group of armored men came together to form precise lines. Each man was dressed in worn armor, and each wore the look of a person that had lived through countless battles. One, however, was unscarred, and he wore no helmet. His brown hair waved with the gusting wind. He was standing next to his captain, telling him something Wynn and the others couldn't hear. Greer nodded slowly, and Wynn could tell by the frown on the helmetless man's face they were probably discussing their current orders.
Suddenly, Tane pointed towards the house they had left. Jier was walking towards them, yelling something over his shoulder to a young woman inside the house. She waved to him, yelling something, then saying something under her breath. Wynn smiled as he recognized her as the Cucco Lady. She was a gentle-looking brunette, wearing a dress like her usual one. Wynn could read the concern for Jier in her eyes as her love walked away from her. At least if all went well, Jier could return to her soon.
Jier stepped up to Wynn and the others. "Are you ready?" The others nodded, and so they started for the path to Hyrule Field. From there, it would be a short hike to Hyrule Market, and from there to Hyrule Castle. They were nearing the entrance to the field when a horse stepped in front off them, blocking their path. Wynn looked up at the rider, whose red hair blazed in the sunlight. It was none other than Rosburn!
"Where do you think you are going, Sheikah?" the Hylian asked, a sneer on his tanned face.
"We thought we would pay a visit to a friend of ours...Princess Zelda. I thought she should be advised of your sudden withdrawal, and I didn't think you competent enough to do it alone," Jier stated.
"Well, Sheikah, perhaps you should reconsider that. I mean, it certainly is too dangerous for you in the fields, even with your so-called magic." Rosburn said, casually waving his short sword as he spoke.
"We'll be fine," Jier growled.
"And you wouldn't want to leave that lady of yours here alone. She is certainly lovely..."
Wynn grabbed his friend's arm when he noticed Jier reach for the hilt of his dagger. "Don't concern yourself with us, High General," Wynn said calmly, "And I'm sure that the Cucco Lady will be fine. Why, anyone that harmed her wouldn't only have to worry himself with Jier, but I and my friends as well." As he said this, Wynn drew his enormous Biggoron sword, showing it to Rosburn.
Rosburn glared at Wynn. "Very well. I must go oversee the withdrawal, but you should watch your backs. People like you seem to have the potential to make many enemies." And with that, he rode off. Jier watched him go, and then turned back angrily.
"Let's go." Jier lead the others into the field, already thinking about what words he would use to convince Zelda to order the troops to return to Kakariko, and maybe get that fiend Rosburn fired.
******
It was mid-afternoon when the four heroes reached Hyrule Market. Together they stepped inside the bustling market, looking around at the various stands, with the sellers hawking their wares and the buyers scrambling for this and that. It was a mob of people trying to outdo each other, in both selling and buying.
They hurried through the market, trying to avoid any merchants that saw them as potential customers. Wynn was simply amazed at the progress of this place. Over two months ago, the only things that inhabited this town were monsters, and Wynn had been the one that had volunteered to slay them. The carpenters that had rebuilt this place had done a good job.
They walked out of the market, and up the path through the gentle hills surrounding the castle. They passed a half-built guard station, with several sentries standing alert at their posts. They stopped when ordered, and Jier quickly explained their purpose in visiting the princess. Jier was a rather frequent visitor to the castle, and they let him pass with little hesitation.
It wasn't long before they stood in front of the main door to the castle. The castle itself wasn't fully rebuilt yet, but was missing several large chunks. Where areas were missing, carpenters and masons scrambled to repair them. Not far from where they stood, a gruff-looking man stood, inspecting the work from afar.
"Well, well, what do we have here? Aren't you that kid that helped me kill those Redeads in the market?" the gruff man cawed.
"Yeah, it's me. And I see you haven't changed much." Wynn said, his eyes narrowing slightly. He was remembering that job, and how hard it had been to get his payment from this man. The man was none other than the carpenter boss, and Wynn's memories of him weren't exactly fond.
"Nah, haven't changed at all. And who is this?" the man pointed to Shezarah.
"This is another of my friends, Shezarah. You've met Tane and Jier."
The carpenter boss shook Jier's hand, and glared at Tane. Those two weren't the best of friends, either. "I had figured you were smart enough to get rid of that one long ago."
"We've tried," Shezarah sighed, joking.
"Hey!" Tane said indignantly, his pride hurt.
"Well, good luck. We have an appointment with Princess Zelda." Wynn said, moving to walk away from the carpenter boss.
"Good luck catching her. I heard she had left earlier for the Shrine of Time, or something like that, and hadn't returned." With that, the carpenter boss turned back to his work. Wynn led the others into the castle, secretly relieved the man hadn't tried to con him into another job.
Inside, they met with a guard, who, after a lengthy explanation of why they were there, took them straight to a room near the throne room. It was obvious the carpenter boss had been mistaken; the princess was indeed in the castle. There, the guard announced to the princess someone was there to speak to her. Wynn could hear her say, "Send them in!", and the guard motioned them into the room. Inside, the princess was conversing with two men, both opposites of the other. One was a tall, gangly man, with an extremely nervous look on his face, which looked as if it was permanently glued there. The other was a brute with a fierce scowl on his face.
"Ah! Wynn! Jier! Tane and Shezarah! Good to see you all! I had hoped I could run into one of you. One moment, please," the blond princess said, a large smile on her face. She turned back to the other two men. "So, you know your missions, right?"
"Yes," the skinny man said nervously, "I'm supposed to infiltrate the marauders, then report back to..."
"Your Highness," the bulkier man interrupted, "Are you sure of the wisdom of discussing such delicate matters in front of outsiders?"
"Now, Captain Merce, you should know that Wynn and his friends are allies of the throne," the princess scolded.
"Yes, my Liege," Captain Merce skulked.
"Now, your mission is...?'
"To meet with Wittier there at certain dates, to receive the information he has gleamed from the marauders." Merce droned.
"Very good. Now, you are dismissed. Good luck with your missions."
The two men walked past Wynn, and out of the room. Princess Zelda turned back to Wynn and his friends. "Now that that has been handled, I must speak to you. An invasion of monsters..."
Wynn coughed quietly into his hand, interrupting the princess. "I'm sorry, your Highness, but I really must speak to you about the reason for our coming here."
She waved him on. "You see..." Wynn started into his explanation of Kakariko's situation, with Jier's help. Zelda's face grew colder and colder with each description of Rosburn's actions. When they were finished, she looked positively angry.
"Have no fear for your town, Jier. I shall send Rosburn back, and with extra soldiers. Rosburn will certainly be reprimanded for his role in this. Now, for my earlier problem." Zelda started.
"As I was saying, a group of monsters has invaded Hyrule Field. They have attacked travelers, and each description of them is more and more horrible. They have even appeared in different regions of Hyrule besides the field. However, one area of Hyrule remains unaffected. And that is where you come in," she explained.
"I believe we have encountered the monsters you speak of, princess." Tane said quietly.
"Really? Well, perhaps you are truly my best hope. You see, the Lost Woods and Kokiri Village haven't been attacked yet. The monsters simply show no interest there. Now, I know you have a good friend in Kokiri," she went on, a gleam in her eye as she said the last part, looking at Wynn, "And perhaps they could be convinced to help us be rid of the monsters. Besides, you will probably enjoy the chance to visit your friend there." Wynn blushed slightly as she said the last.
"But, I am needed in Kakariko..." Jier said hesitantly.
"I know that the town will survive without you there to oversee everything, Jier. Besides, perhaps you could use a vacation from your responsibilities."
"Would you send a messenger to inform...everyone...of my trip?"
"Yes, of course. Now, I will arrange rooms for you for the night. You can leave in the morning, and I will provide horses," the princess said. "Oh, and you are also invited to join me at dinner tonight. I would be pleased to hear more of your adventures."
Wynn nodded to that, and the princess smiled gratefully. "One of the guards will show you to your rooms, you all look extremely tired..." Wynn listened to the princess talk, pleased with the aspect of resting well for a night in one of the castle beds. Comfort was a luxury hard to find in an adventurer's life...
******
Deep in the heart of the Lost Woods, a wretched soul stirred. A pile of what had been armor lay rusted and seemingly lifeless and vacant. But if one looked hard enough, past the vines and leaves coating the armor, then he would see twin red glows that appeared to be eyes.
Silver Knuckle was now a shadow of what he had been. He had once been powerful, an iron fist that wiped out everything opposing its master. He had been a warrior.
But now the warrior was defeated. His master, Icarnos, had been slain by the same man that had defeated Silver Knuckle. Silver Knuckle had failed his master, and he would never forget that. It was his life's torment.
Once, he had hoped for revenge. But that quest was hopeless, since Silver Knuckle's fighting spirit had been lost in that final clash. Wynn had won, and Silver Knuckle was nothing.
But even now, something burned in his black heart. He had to avenge his master. It was his only purpose in life. For the first time in what seemed an eternity, Silver Knuckle rose, a creak ripping the forest's stillness apart. Silver Knuckle would have his revenge, or die trying.