Zelda woke early the next morning and stretched. She stood up slowly and walked around. She was still sore from having ridden the horse for so long. She walked to the door and opened it, blinking from the bright sunlight. She looked around as children her own age and younger stared at her from behind windows and buldings. Just then a shrill whistle blew, and the children all rushed off in the same direction.
Zelda started to follow them, but stopped when a dark shadow fell over her. She looked up, a little frightened, and half expecting to see Ganondorf. She relaxed when she saw that it was the man she had met before, Aydyon. He offered a strained smile to the girl and reached out his hand. "Come on miss. We are going to see about your training." Zelda too k his hand. "It's Zelda, not miss." His smile became a little less forced.
Zelda and Aydyon walked in the same direction the children had gone earlier. They came to a large area surrounded by a fence. Inside it, children were practicing with swords, in another area they were practicing magic, and in yet another there was hand to hand combat, and archery, and many other fighting skills. There was also a section for learning. Zelda gazed around in wonder, her eyes wide.
Aydyon spoke. "This is were you will spend your time Zelda. You will train and develope your combat as well as magic abilities. These students will help you and be your companions." Zelda was led into the main area. A young woman greeted her. "Welcome Zelda. We are glad to have you. Which weapon do you think you would like to study?" She asked gently.
Zelda opened her mouth, ready to answer that princesses didn't learn weapons, but stopped. Why shouldn't she? She had always admired the way the guards used their swords, and even Link had a sword. "The sword." The woman smiled. "Good choice. We'll start you out with a dagger." She handed Zelda a small blunt dagger and led her to one of the areas she had seen before. The other children smiled at her. The teacher of the area spoke to the woman and nodded. He introduced Zelda to the class and went back to explaining about the ways a dagger could be used.
After she had practiced dagger work for about an hour and a half, she went on to learn about her magic, then to athletic training (sort of like obstacle courses), then to school work. There were breaks for food in between. When she was done training for the day, it was eight o'clock at night. Zelda's whole body ached, and she went straight to bed.
This was how Zelda's life went, the same schedule every day until she was fifteen. During those years, the adults of the village had been heading small attacks on Ganondorf, but his power was still growing. He had taken over part of Lake Hylia, and trying to spread his power to Castle town.
Chapter 3 coming soon...