CHAPTER 4
Silver Knuckle came to slowly. He was still in the field, and it was morning. He jumped to his feet, searching for the monster, but collapsed.
He sat back up in surprise. Something was wrong. He had felt that! He had felt every gravel, every stone lying on the path.
He touched his arm gingerly. He felt it, too, like one feels someone touching their arm, not like someone touching a gauntlet he is wearing. He could feel every touch on his armor like it was a touch on his own skin!
He realized suddenly what had happened. He was in fact not a man, but a mere bug in this armor that had been brought to life by Icarnos's magic. But that fireball had destroyed his cursed insect body, and fused his being with his armor. He was now a living suit of armor!
A feeling of superiority came over Silver Knuckle. He was now impervious to any attack! He could destroy Wynn with no trouble now.
A low chuckle came from his throat. He would avenge his master, and himself. It wouldn't be long before Wynn would rue the day he had opposed Silver Knuckle!
******
"Not again!" groaned Wynn. He and the others were in the royal stables, preparing to ride to Zora's Domain. Wynn glared at the horse he was to ride, cursing his luck.
"Now, now, Wynn, calm down," Fami teased him.
Wynn glared at her. "You're enjoying watching me suffer."
"It's what you get for paying too much attention to Nerah."
Wynn sighed. Oh well, time to go. He slowly climbed up the horse, crossing his fingers. To his surprise, he successfully did it. "Hey, I-" He never got to finish the statement, since the floor rushed up to his face before he could blink. He then climbed to his feet, blushed, and tried again.
He supposed it was his destiny to face difficulties at every angle.
******
The five of them rode out that morning, alone. They were to ride to Kakariko, where they would be met by the Hylian soldiers Zelda was dispatching to the Domain. From there, they would ride to Zora's River, the staging ground for the first line of defense. They would assist in any way they could to prepare for the battle, and Wynn would bet they would be in the midst of the fight with the rest of the soldiers.
It wasn't long before they were where the paths leading to Zora's Domain and Kakariko. Standing there, in formation, was a small group of soldiers. They were in standing there in perfect stillness, waiting for orders. At their head were two men, one helmetless and the other familiar to Wynn.
"Halt! Who goes there?" the familiar man asked. Wynn could remember him as Captain Greer, the guard that had led him to Rosburn when he had first arrived in Kakariko.
Wynn nodded to him. "We are allies of the throne, on our way to assist in the coming battle. We have been sent to meet with you by the princess. Where are the other soldiers?"
"Others? What others? We are the only soldiers Rosburn ordered to help the Zoras." Jier grimaced at that. Greer thought for a second, then turned to the man next to him. "Kesler, have the men start on to the river. I will catch up with you."
The helmetless man smiled. "Sure thing, Capt'n." He turned to the men, and started barking precise orders. He was tall, and muscular, with fine brown hair and green eyes. He was Wynn's and the other's age, and his young face showed no sign of the troubles he must have seen as a soldier. He led the men off, towards the domain.
Greer turned back to the five heroes. "Your names?" It was an order, not a question. Wynn could tell Greer was used to giving orders, and having them obeyed.
"I'm Wynn," Wynn offered his hand, "And they are Tane, Shezarah, Fami, and Jier."
"I've met the Sheikah," Greer said as he took the others hand with a firm grip, "And you and those two look familiar. We met in Kakariko, before you left to speak to the princess." Greer's voice had an undercurrent of annoyance. "You were the ones that complained to Zelda about Rosburn."
"Yes, we did. Kakariko needed the protection from the soldiers, and Zelda was the only one that could help." Jier objected.
Greer frowned. He viewed their action as insubordination, since Rosburn was the High General. They had no right to question someone who would be considered their superior. He, too, had disagreed with the order to leave the town defenseless, but he had followed orders, like he had been trained. He had an inflexible view on life: obey orders from your superiors, or stop breathing.
"Perhaps. Now, follow me. We must hurry to the river, to prepare the defense." He started off, with the five heroes not far behind.
******
Deep in the heart of the base of operations of Deihawk's Raiders, a man walked hurriedly to report to his boss. He had been sent to tell Deihawk that the troops were assembled, and ready to attack. A slow grin lit his scarred face. Finally, he would be able to prove that he was not a coward.
Agno's smile faded as he remembered how he had lost face to that cretin, Wynn. He had met Wynn first in Kakariko, where he had taken a job from the adventurer. While he had failed in that task, he had been able to blame it on his cohorts. However, when he and Wynn had met again in the shadow of Death Mountain, he had not only lost the fight, but had run like a coward.
But now, he was one of Deihawk's Raiders, a leader even though his failures had hung over his head like a cloud. He believed that this upcoming battle would give him the respect he had lost. He almost hoped that Wynn would be there, so Agno could take his revenge by finishing that fool.
Another grin appeared as he walked into the room Deihawk laired in. He just knew that the boss would soon be impressed by how much bravery Agno would show in the upcoming battle, and none of the Raiders would mock his name again.
******
It was early afternoon when they met up with the group of soldiers gathered on the banks of Zora's River. The group was composed of Hylians, Gerudos, and many Zora's, the half-fish, half-man inhabitants of Zora's Domain. Kesler saw them approaching, and walked up to them. He spoke to Greer in hushed tones, and then walked back to the group.
"Greer, what's happening?" Wynn demanded.
"The scouts the Zoras' sent out have reported back, and with bad news. A large group of marauders have been seen crossing Hyrule Field, and they are on their way here. The Zora commander is getting ready to make his final orders, and some are setting up traps." Greer told him, a strange eagerness appearing in his eyes. Wynn could tell that Greer was a man that only came alive when in battle, and was looking forward to what was coming.
Suddenly, Wynn heard someone bellow, "Gather 'round!" He, his friends, and Greer moved toward the speaker. Soon a large crowd was standing near the man, a Zora only a little older than Wynn. He had a sword strapped to his side, and he stood on a rock so he could be seen by those in the back of the crowd.
"Attention! The marauders will be here soon, and I'm here to give everyone their final orders." He paused, then introduced himself before continuing with the orders. "My name is Jaco, and I'm the leader of the Zora Defense Force, because the last leader suddenly retired several days ago." Wynn's eyebrows rose with suspicion. First the High General of the Hylian Army of Defense, and now the Zora's defense leader?
"Now, our primary goal is to stop the marauders before they find the Zora school. This is where the inhabitants of the domain have been relocated, as well as what small riches the marauders are after. That is why Zora Defense Group One, myself included, and the Hylians, the Survivors, are going to serve as a last-ditch defense at Zora's Fountain. Now, Zora Defense Groups Two and Three will be posted up on the cliffs above us, armed with these." Jaco held up a bomb. "Our friends the Gorons regretted not being able to help, being as they have a low tolerance towards water, but they sent their finest crop for us to use against these fiends. The Gerudos will be posted on the precipice above us, armed with bows and spears. These three groups will throw everything they have at the marauders, and try to stop as many as possible. Those that get by them, the Survivors and my group will stop."
"Now, good luck, and remember: You are the Zoras' last hope. Goodbye." With that, Jaco stepped off the rock, and walked towards a group of maybe twenty Zoras. Greer, Kesler, and the Survivors followed, while the rest made for the ladders leading to the cliffs above. Wynn and his friends paused, uncertain as to where to go.
"Well, what do we have here? It seems to be three of my good friends, my boyfriend," came a silky voice from behind them, "And Fami." Wynn spun around, instantly recognizing the voice, and found himself staring into a pair of emerald eyes.
"Hello, Nerah." Wynn greeted the Zora girl, and then found himself encased in a bear hug.
"Wynn, you should have visited! It has been too long!" Nerah said, squeezing Wynn.
Fami watched the happenings with a disgusted look on her face, and then turned away with a "Hmmph!"
Once Nerah let go, Wynn stepped back, smiling towards the Zora girl. "Good to see you too, Nerah. It has been too long, but it was nothing that could be helped."
"Yeah, but it's not right to leave your girlfriend and never visit," Nerah complained.
"Yes, but he's not your boyfriend!" Fami interrupted.
Wynn sighed as he watched the two glare at each other. If looks could kill, both would be corpses.
"It's been a while, Nerah." Jier said, diverting the girls' attentions off each other.
"Oh, hello, Jier, Tane, and Shezarah!" Nerah said, having totally forgotten the other three.
"Sorry to interrupt our reunion, but where do we go?" Tane asked.
"Well, we all are going to the fountain, with Group One. Tane, you may be glad to know that your friend Zaruu is in Group One, which is composed of the most elite fighters," Nerah informed them.
"Oh, really? It'll be good to see that old lug," Tane said, his face brightening.
Nerah smiled evilly. "So is Panu."
Tane's face fell. Panu was a gambler; someone Tane had encountered many times. Panu seemed to have a knack with separating Tane and his rupees.
"Well, let's hurry and catch up with the others. It won't be long before the marauders get here," Wynn advised, and then started up the river, the others close behind.
They made their way up towards the domain, across hastily made bridges. Wynn smiled when he saw that every bridge was rigged to fall when too many people tried to cross at once. They were all traps for the marauders.
After a short hike, they reached the entrance into Zora's Domain. The waterfall concealing the entrance slowly stopped as Nerah used her water magic to help them enter the domain. They hopped into the tunnel leading into the mountain that was home to the Zora's Domain. Once inside, they looked around. They were in an enormous cavern, with a large pool of water off to their left. A path wound up past the water, and then ended in a staircase the heroes knew led to the king's throne room. They walked forward, past soldiers finishing barricades that would hopefully delay the marauders.
They arrived at the throne, which was vacant. The king had been evacuated to the school, along with the other inhabitants of the Domain. They walked up a path, past where the king usually sat, and into Zora's Fountain.
The Zora's Fountain was a large lake, surrounded by cliffs on three sides. On the last side was the gate leading to the Zora School, which was guarded by dozens of Hylians and Zoras.
Tane saw Zaruu standing among the guards, and walked up to him. He called out to his friend, getting his attention. "Zaruu, my friend, what trouble have you gotten into now?" Tane asked.
Zaruu smiled when he saw his friend approach. "You're not one to talk."
Wynn watched the two begin conversing, and then turned to Fami and Nerah. "It's time for you two to go to the school," he ordered.
"Wynn, I'm going to fight. Fami can go, but I'm staying," Nerah said.
Fami also shook her head. "I'm not going, either. My magic can be helpful."
Wynn nodded, a small grimace on his face. He had hoped to send those two to safety. They were not as accustomed to fighting as the other four.
But Wynn could not argue any more. A Zora walked up to them, a broad smile on his face. It was none other than Jaco, the leader of the Zora soldiers.
"Hello, Nerah. I have been trying to run into you, but I never seem to be able to find you," he said pleasantly, nodding to the girl.
"Uh...hello, Jaco. Shouldn't you be planning, or something?" Nerah asked, nervousness in her voice. Fami noticed this, and seemed ready to pounce at the first chance to make Nerah even more uncomfortable.
"Yeah, I suppose so. Well, I will see you after the battle, perhaps, and we can talk then. Farewell, Nerah." Jaco said, disappointed. Nerah watched his back as he walked away, and sighed in relief.
"So, who is he?" asked Wynn, interested.
"No one, no one," Nerah said, eager to change the subject.
Jier, meanwhile, was looking around at the Hylian soldiers. He could recognize each of them as having taken part in the fight in the previous battle for Kakariko. The group they were in, the Survivors, had had the least injuries, and Jier could recall the respect even Rosburn had shown Greer.
"So, you're the mysterious Sheikah. Don't look quite as intimidating as Rosburn made you out to be." Jier whirled as he heard a voice come from beside him. It was none other than Kesler, the Hylian soldier. Kesler had a smile on his tanned face, indicating he meant no insult.
"Appearances can be deceiving," Jier said simply.
"I suppose so. I mean, my troops do appear to be a rough group. But instead, they are the most disciplined soldiers you'll ever encounter," Kesler said, a hint of pride in his voice.
"Yes, the Survivors? How did they get that name?" Jier asked, curious.
Kesler gave him a roguish smile. "Well, it's mainly because we have an irritating habit of surviving whatever Rosburn throws us at. We are the Hylian Army of Defense's elite soldiers. No matter what we are fighting, you can bet on us coming back victorious."
Jier nodded solemnly. "Good. I was beginning to form doubts about the entire Hylian army."
Kesler laughed easily. "Yeah, and don't worry about the battle. With the Survivors here, we can't lose."
Meanwhile, Tane was reminiscing with Zaruu, who was cleaning his sword. Both were chuckling, until another Zora walked up to them.
"Care to place bets?" Panu inquired innocently, an enterprising gleam in his eyes.
"How did I know you would be gambling on the battle?" Tane sighed.
"Well, if you don't, you're missing out. The odds are..."
"Wait," Tane interrupted, "I hear something."
All around the fountain, the soldiers tensed. They could hear the rumble of bomb blasts. Everyone drew their weapons, or charged their magic, and prepared themselves. The Battle for Zora's Domain had already begun.
******
The Zoras and Gerudos posted high on the cliffs watched the enormous crowd of marauders standing at the foot of the hill at the beginning of the Zora's River Valley. They drew their weapons, and raised their bombs, ready for the order to attack.
The marauders, too, were armed, and each wore a malicious look on their scarred and battered faces. Without warning, the order to charge was given, and the marauders flooded forward, yelling a fierce battle cry. It was a ferocious sight, and each of the defending soldiers felt shaken.
The Zoras waited until after the marauders encountered the first bridge to attack. A flock of the cut-throats stormed onto the bridge at once, reducing the rigged bridge to splinters. They were whisked downstream by the fierce current, and were out of the battle for a while.
The others plunged into the river, struggling to cross. The Zoras took this moment to attack, hurling bombs. Many marauders were hit by the explosions, and were washed downstream before they knew what hit them.
The Gerudos began to open fire, picked off as many as their trained aims could. However, the marauders screamed as one in anger, and returned fire. Many Gerudos were hit, and fell back to the others waiting to assist the wounded. The Zoras shrank back from the cliffs, and hurling their bombs from a more sheltered distance.
The marauders' charge was a mindless, desperate one. Many were washed away, but as one disappeared, five charged to take his place. The army of marauders lost many of its men when they were washed downriver, and then washed ashore, out of breath and out of the fight.
The marauders had nearly reached the entrance to the domain when they reached another obstacle: the final rigged bridge, which was in a narrow pass with many Zoras lining the walls. When the marauders neared the bridge, a few thrown bombs reduced it to rubble. Then, more bombs tossed the leading marauders like rag dolls into the river.
The marauders paused, uncertain, but then a figure wearing a flowing black cape and clutching a serpentine sword strode to the front. At the sight of him, the men cheered, and began to leap into the river and struggle forward. The Zoras tried to stop them, but volleys of arrows from the marauder ranks forced them back.
Finally, the marauders reached the entrance to the domain. The Zoras along the walls tried to stop them with more bombs, but before the first was tossed, several marauders had went through the waterfall, and more were following them every second.
The leaders of the Zora Defense Groups Two and Three looked to each other from across the river. They had certainly slowed the marauders, and had deprived them of certainly over half their men, but would it be enough?
******
Several Zoras, safe on top of a waterfall inside the domain, watched as the marauders tore through the barricades they had made with an insane efficiency. It took them no time to start up toward the throne room. Suddenly, a cry arose, and arrows started hurtling at the Zoras. It didn't look good, they thought as they fled for their lives, and now they could only hope things turned out for the good.
******
Wynn and the others tensed as they heard the marauders approaching. They would be upon them soon, and then the real fighting would begin. Wynn suddenly smiled as an idea came to him.
"Stand back!" he ordered the other soldiers. Many sent him glances of annoyance, but complied. Wynn raised his arms, and began channeling his magic.
The marauders burst into the fountain with murderous roars, charging straight into the ranks of the Hylians and Zoras. But Wynn was ready for them, and released his magic at them. The resulting explosion was twice as big as a bomb blast, and halted the marauders' advance momentarily.
But then they charged again, and the clash of men and weapons was deafening. Wynn couldn't use his magic again, for fear of hitting his allies, and instead drew his gleaming Biggoron sword. His friends jumped into action with him, and they began struggling for their lives.
From what he saw during short lulls in the fighting as the marauders regrouped and came again, Jier saw that Kesler's earlier statements had been no boasts. The Survivors were the most efficient and disciplined fighters he had ever seen, and were taking a great toll on the marauders with only few injuries among themselves.
Suddenly, Wynn felt himself being pulled away from the fight by a sharp tug on his collar. He whirled, and found himself face to ugly face with an old enemy: Agno.
"Good to see no one has killed you yet. I was hoping I would have that honor," Agno sneered.
"Well, I see you are back for more, coward." And with that, the two dashed at each other, and locked themselves in combat.
******
Tane looked about him. He had somehow drifted away from the main body of the fight, and was now all alone. He stopped to catch his breath, and then started to go back into the struggle.
He stopped when something caught his eye. There near him, also away from the fight, was a caped marauder with a droopy black handlebar mustache. Tane felt his breath go out of him as he remembered the man's face, from his distant past. He couldn't remember from where, and couldn't explain why he suddenly found himself rushing at the man, howling at the top of his lungs and slashing wildly.
Before he could reach him, though, an armored figure stepped in front of him. His first thought was that it was Wynn's nemesis, Silver Knuckle, as this figure wore a similar armor, was of similar stature, and carried a similar giant ax, but the armor on this one was a dirty gold, not a shining silver. Tane lunged at the figure, but to no avail, as the ax met him in mid-air and sent him tumbling to the ground several feet away. Tane fought the darkness of unconsciousness bravely, but it took him before he could even name the mustachioed figure.
******
Wynn jumped back from Agno, a small smirk on his face. " It is obvious your skills haven't improved any, mercenary." It was true, Agno was meeting Wynn's measured strikes with sloppy blocks and over-confident attacks.
Agno's answer was a howl, and a charge, his sword striking high. Wynn dodged, then feinted high-right. Agno moved to block, then slashed when Wynn's sword didn't make contact with his own. Wynn jumped to the left, and made a stab at Agno's side. Agno tried to dodge, but was too slow, and found himself looking at Wynn's sword, which was buried in his side.
Wynn withdrew his sword, and looked Agno in the eye. "Run, now, if you want to survive. You can live through that, but I won't hesitate if you attack again."
Agno clutched his wound, glared at Wynn, and then ran with one final howl: "I will have my revenge, Wynn!" Wynn then watched his figure recede as he ran back into the domain, towards the river and freedom.
Suddenly, Wynn noticed the marauders were retreating. He smiled and let out a whoop of victory. They had won!
Wynn saw Fami start to approach him, and then noticed a Hylian run up to him. He smiled as he recognized the man.
"Captian Merce! I didn't know you were here!" Wynn exclaimed.
"Yes, I got lost in the confusion," Merce stated as two men, appearing to be marauders, moved up beside him. "Wait! Behind you!"
Wynn whirled, expecting to see a marauder, but found no one. "Merce, what kind of joke are you..." Wynn's comment was cut short as he was clubbed from behind.
Fami ran up to Wynn, glaring at Merce. "How could you?" she demanded. "How could you betray your own to these marauders?"
"Easy. Anyone can be bought, at the right price." Merce said, a manic grin lighting his evil face. "And you two should fetch a fine price from Deihawk, since you both played a major part in wrecking his plans."
Fami raised her hand to call forth her plant magic, but Merce moved to quick for her, and she joined Wynn in his slumber before she could even call out. The two marauders picked up Wynn and Fami, and then the three made a dash for the exit. Merce laughed as he ran, thinking of his reward. The battle may have failed, but he had won.
******
Tane groggily tried to rise as he watched two of his friends being carried away. He knew that Jier, Nerah, and Shezarah were still fighting off the remaining marauders, and they didn't even know their friends were being taken from them. Tane fell back down as the darkness took him again. They may have won the battle, but two of the best people he had ever met were now in the hands of the marauders.
Author's Note: Since this is pretty much the halfway point in book 2, I thought I'd stop and say thanks to everyone who had been reading so far. Please continue to read, and review, and enjoy the rest of Hyrule's Heroes.