Chapter Three

She Strikes

Duke Skulljack, emissary for the Morolak Kingdoms, was a pig. Not a real pig, of course, Cyle thought as he watched the Duke's massive frame quiver while he munched down on honey-roasted cucco. Not even pig-ish like Ganon, but he wondered whether the Dark Lord himself would cower before the gorging skills of this man. No, he corrected himself, as the Duke helped himself to some Hylian Salmon, even pigs themselves would be embarrassed to be associated with him. The Duke somehow managed to eat the roast cucco and the fish all at once, not noticing or caring about the flecks of spit-covered food that rolled down to his beard. Even the Duke's wife looked mildly annoyed.

"I trust that the meal is to your satisfaction?" Cyle said, a smile fixed on his face. The smile, he knew, worked wonders. It enhanced his already comely features to a new degree. People couldn't help but respond to it. After all, it had already bagged him one Queen and a myriad treaties.

"No, actually," the Duke slobbered, wiping his mouth with a greasy sleeve. "Your cook should be flayed."

The corner of Cyle's mouth winced minutely, but he congratulated himself on maintaining his smile. He supposed it didn't work on one such as Skulljack. Why should someone who had no care for his own appearance be affected by another's? "I'll see it is done first thing in the morning."

The Duke's eyes glowed at this. "Good! Good!" Then he bellowed with laughter. "You're a good man, King Cyle. I can see it'll be a pleasure working with you."

"Why thank you, Duke. You honour us with your presence."

The Duke gave a little shrug, then tore into a hunk of crackling hot meat, freshly delivered from the kitchen.

Disgusting. Cyle's gaze swept over the Main Hall of the castle where the feast was taking place. The happy murmur of well-fed revellers reached his ears and he felt content. Well, almost content. Seated at the Grand Table, the Duke and Duchess were to his left. But to his right was the cold, empty seat where his Queen should have been. Cyle frowned.

"The Queen will not join us?" the Duchess asked. There seemed to be a hint of challenge in her voice. Cyle shrugged the thought away. Now was not the time for his imagination to get the better of him.

"Ah," he said. "I'm afraid Zelda is not feeling very well."

"Nothing serious I hope?" This time he heard genuine concern. Cyle knew an advantage when he saw one. He weighed up his words in his mind before speaking.

"Actually, it may very well be quite serious. I've had to gather my best physicians, but …"Cyle left the thought unsaid. He frowned slightly to indicate his despondency. He didn't want to over act though, so his smile came back easily, but still he saw the look of mild horror on her face. Her defences were broken. He grinned inwardly.

"Oh dear," the Duchess said. "If there is anything we can do …"

"Ah, no, Milady." Cyle's heart soared. He sensed victory. "Just your kind offer is enough ... and, of course smooth negotiations between our two great nations."

"But of course," she said, scowling at her husband as he tucked into his fruit dessert.

Ha! This one was going to be easy. Zelda may think that her absence would upset the balance, but it had done quite the opposite. Cyle was still surprised and somewhat amused by the states of unease that existed between Hyrule and her neighbouring countries. Wars declared long ago, but never fought, had soured international relations. Zelda's doddering old fool of a father had done nothing to change this situation. It had taken Cyle's wit and intelligence to achieve what needed to be done. No more would Hyrule be thought of as 'Evil's Den' or 'Ganon's Home' overseas. Soon, Hyrule would be centre of a great civilisation. His civilisation.

Cyle heard the Duchess sharply scold her husband. He let the voices fade away and returned to observing the celebration. His Advisor, Chalance Vance, had warned him that the festivities were premature. The Morolak Kingdoms were the second to last nation to sign the Hyrulian Pact. Cyle felt certain that they would sign now. There was still the Freelander Emirate, but Cyle was feeling confident that nothing would stand in his way. It was a giddy feeling.

Vance had argued to postpone the celebrations until after Prince Chizan – the Freelander representative - had signed, but Cyle had waved his objection away. There had not been a celebration for a long time in Hyrule Castle. They could have an even bigger one when Chizan signed. Besides, they could afford it now with all the new trade routes that had been opened.

Cyle eyed his Advisor, sitting at a table on the far right of the Hall. Chalance Vance looked almost comical. While everyone around him bellowed in laughter and merriment, Vance sat there, his mouth in a thin line, taking everything in with a stony glare. Cyle stifled a laugh, before catching his breath. Just at that moment Vance had turned and looked directly at him. Cyle felt his heart turn to ice. Chalance Vance was not pleased.

The King gave a brief nod to his Advisor before turning away, unsettled. They had found Vance on one of their early trips abroad in ... what country was it now? He shook his head. For some reason he couldn't quite remember. It was no matter. Vance had helped them win an audience with the local sovereign, leading to the signing of a trade pact that had flooded the Castle's town with wealth. Many had rejoiced that day. The children in the town had even gathered at the castle gate, shuffling shyly before breaking into a song praising the King. Oh, and Zelda too. Though he was certain it was mostly for him and the verse 'She of Golden Hair That Doth Glow, Beloved to All, All Beloved to Her' must surely be an aberration.

One fool had tried to sing about that Triforce Cursed 'Hero of Time' before his guards put a stop to it. Privately he had ordered his Guards to quell any public display of affection for Link, but publicly he had spun a story saying that the Guards act independently due to their jealousy of the Hero that his subjects were so enamoured with. It would do no good for the public to know that Cyle nursed an acidic hatred against Link.

Vance had sidled up to him after that incident and told him in his quiet, yet clear voice that he could have the fool silenced ... permanently. Cyle had let him keep the fool as a reward, though he was not sure what had become of him. It was after ... what event was it again? No matter. Something important had happened and he had made Vance his primary Advisor. Zelda had been thrilled. Or had she vehemently opposed it?

Still, Cyle had been very pleased with his new Advisor, so he could understand the slight hostility Vance felt for being dragged to this event. Surely Vance would not be the type to hold a grudge over something so trivial, would he?

Suddenly deciding he didn't want to think of his Advisor anymore, Cyle looked towards the table on the far left. Seated there were the representatives from the other races of Hyrule. There. Princess Ruto, her fishskin gown shimmering in the torch light. She had been Queen Ruto for a while after her father had died, but Cyle had a royal decree issued stating that there was only room for one Queen in this land. His Queen.

In a huddle of men, there was his other Advisor, Tyron. Every so often there would be moments of silence as Tyron muttered silently while his comrades listened, intense expressions hanging from their faces. Then his voice would suddenly rise, leading to what Cyle assumed was the punchline, before the whole table exploded in a roar of laughter. Cyle grinned, suddenly missing the feeling of being amongst such close friends. He hesitated for a moment, feeling the whisper of doubt. Who exactly were his close friends?

Occasionally, he saw Tyron give a wary glance in Vance's direction. He wondered if there was some sort of professional jealousy going on. That must be it. He even recalled Vance telling him that Tyron was a 'nuisance' that should be dealt with. His Advisor certainly had a flair for the theatrical.

In between the two great tables, merrymakers danced and children played. Lavish silk drapes adorned the hall and in one corner an orchestra played light, uplifting music. People were laughing, men were shouting in good-natured banter and women quietly conversed with one another. The smell of roasted vegetables, melted butter and sizzling meat pervaded the Great Hall, though Cyle had lost his appetite after seeing the Duke devour his meal.

He glanced over at the Duke and saw his head bounce repeatedly against his chest as he tried to keep from snoozing. He saw that the Duchess was deep in conversation with one of her handmaidens. There would be time for negotiations later.

Cyle caught a glimpse of the Goron representative sulking in one corner. King Darunia had been the last to hold out on signing the One Hyrule Pact that he had made with the other races. Darunia felt that the Gorons were an independent race and needed no official unity with the Hylian King. The Gorons had been the toughest ones to crack. Cyle had been surprised at that.

The Gerudo had fallen into line. He had thought that they would put up a fight, but they were becoming poorer and needed the trade. An empty stomach was an easy tool for an ambitious monarch like himself. Princess Ruto had only agreed after speaking with Zelda. This was before Zelda had decided she no longer wanted to play a part in Hyrule's glorious future. More fool her.

Darunia had held out till the end. Vance had promised to deal with 'the old fool' and 'make him see sense', but the Goron King had fallen mysteriously ill before Vance had a chance to visit. Or had he fallen ill after Vance had returned from a visit?

Cyle pursed his lips. It must be all the excitement and the stress. That was probably why he couldn't think straight. The excitement was from the near completion of his plan. The stress ... he didn't really want to think about that now. The target was still out there and Chalance Vance's agents had not given an update on the chase. They had spotted the target, but whether it had been caught yet, he still did not know. Besides, watching the Duke eat was enough to scatter one's mind.

The King bristled and the Hall fell into confused silence as the Royal Anthem rang out from outside the door. What was going on? Cyle was bewildered. The Anthem was only made when a member of the family made a public appearance. He would have the head of whichever drunken trumpeter had made such an idiotic error. Or hand them over to Vance. He had noticed that people would rather prefer a beheading than an audience with his Advisor. Somehow, that made him feel uncomfortable.

Cyle was distracted as the doors to the Great Hall creaked slowly open. All eyes turned to the person making their entrance. One or two plates crashed to the floor and shattered. Some women gasped in shock, while some of the men began murmuring. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Ruto's face crack into a wide grin. Beside him, he heard the Duchess exclaim indignantly, "Well, she doesn't look very sick to me!"

2

"Yoooo hooooooooo!"

Link had to admit this was the most annoying fairy he had ever met. "Let me sleep," he slurred.

"Hahaha. Oh great and mighty hero! Still need your beauty sleep, eh? Eh?! Haha."

This fairy had an irritating tendency to laugh for no reason. Link growled and shifted in his bed. Ow. Why did it hurt to do that? Through the veil of semi-consciousness, Link could hear people talking in the distance. Probably from outside. He heard the tingle of children's laughter. Something about children bothered him though.

"My goodness! Haha. The Hero of Time! The Lazy Ass of Plenty of Time, more like!"

The fairy was one step away from being hookshotted. Link was tired. He needed to sleep. In the morning he had to get to Xeno's and meet with Shade. They were awaiting the next would-be apprentice. A woman this time.

Link's forehead creased. Wait. That wasn't right. He did not have time to ponder the matter as the fairy had decided to start kicking his head. That was it. Link bolted upright with a roar. Splinters of pain racked his body and he started spluttering into a coughing fit.

"Oh dear. Haha. Oh my goodness me." Link forced his eyes open and was met with an awful sight. This was no fairy.

The Hero of Time yelped and leapt backwards, banging his head. Before him stood the ugliest creature he had ever seen. Barely two feet high, the dark grey monstrosity was covered from head to toe in warts and gazed at him with yellow, bloodshot eyes.

The thing looked left. Then it looked right. Then it peered over its shoulder. "What?" it said, pointing to itself. "You weren't frightened of little ol' me, were you? Haha."

Link took a deep breath. "No. Of course not," he said. He looked at the thing again and swallowed. Link opened his mouth to speak, but couldn't quite form the words he wanted. Instead he went with, "What are you?"

"Well, nice to meet you too! I am Chitz, good sir. And for your information, I am an Imp."

Link rubbed his head. "There are no Imps in Hyrule," he said. "They come from the Southern Continent."

"Yess," Chitz continued in a 'and how stupid are you?' voice. "And I came from the South."

"Right," Link grunted. Chitz watched him as he shuffled painfully out of the bed. Link was in an unfamiliar room. It was sparsely furnished, just one bed and an oil lamp that creaked while it hung from the wooden ceiling. There was a small window that let in a tiny wedge of eye-watering sunlight. For some reason, Link didn't feel like looking outside. The bed and the walls were covered with richly textured furs of brown and cream. Homely, Link thought.

He looked down and noticed all the fresh scars crisscrossing his body. Some of them were stitching marks. He winced as he managed to poke his tongue through a hole where a tooth should have been. His body felt like lead and ached. Link tried stretching his arms and legs, but hissed in pain from the stiffness.

There was something else too. A dull pain in his heart, like the burning embers of a dying fire. It felt like he was missing something. Or someone. Link tried to think and got a splitting headache for his efforts.

Malon ..?

Zelda ..?

"Zayna!" Link spun around to grab the Imp.

"Hey! Haha. Hey! Hands off the merchandise!" Chitz slipped out of his grip as Link fell to his knees. He tried to crawl forward, but vomit rushed into his throat. "Yuck! Haha! Better get Fran."

Link watched the Imp scarper off as memories flooded into his mind. The Riders. Being trampled. The abnormal heat. The voice like despair. Zayna. Link retched again.

3

"So," said Fran Marcaster. They were seated in the host's modest dining room. Thankfully, the Imp was nowhere to be seen. Link had recovered somewhat, but sudden movements still resulted in knife-like pains. He played with his Cucco soup, but didn't have much of an appetite. "There was me, there was Lorfor and there was Maken. A finer hunting party you would never see." The gentle looking man sighed deeply in pride.

Link looked up at him, but didn't speak. Fran took the hint and cleared his throat.

"So there we were. Hunting in the Forest of Melody, when suddenly Maken gives a shout. 'Hey, Fran look what I found.' We made our way over, hoping that he'd bagged some nice, fat boar that would do nicely for supper. You ever eat boar?"

Link shrugged. "Maybe."

Fran cleared his throat again, embarrassed. "Well, there was no boar that night. And what do we see instead?"

The hunter pointed at the Hero gleefully. "You!"

"Yes, me," Link said, a little testily. He should be grateful. Fran had probably saved his life. He could imagine the look of shock on the kind-faced man before when he and his friends stumbled over the Link's dying body, staining the leaves with blood. He wondered why they had gone so far out to hunt, but decided that he should be glad that they had. Still. He couldn't shake the feeling of gloom.

"In a right state you were. Well beaten," Fran said. He paused to sip from his soup before continuing cautiously. "Got in a fight with some Stalfos did you?"

Link could tell he was probing, but decided to ignore it. He felt a little guilty at that and felt like he did owe Fran an explanation. But he needed information more than Fran did. "Was there anyone else? A woman?"

Fran raised an eyebrow at this. Link saw the thought flicker across his features.

"She was a friend," the Hero added hastily.

"Aye, a friend." He didn't sound very convinced. "All we found was you, your weapons and two untethered horses."

Link sighed with relief. At least Epona was alright. He didn't understand why the Riders had not finished him off. Perhaps they had thought that they had done enough and left him to die. They were probably right, too. He felt strangely calm though and some of his sour feelings started to dissipate. They had taken Zayna, that was certain. And he was still alive, which was certain also. That equation resulted in a lot of bother for the Riders when he caught up with them. Link felt a little exhilarated that his old confidence was returning. Rescue the girl and save the world. Well, rescue the girl. Just like old times.

"We put you on horseback and galloped as fast as the wind itself. Blood pouring everywhere, there was. We managed to get home at the dead of night, while everyone was sleeping. Old Lorfor was petrified that you'd die in our hands and would come back to haunt him." Fran chuckled. "I had no doubts you'd make it. Knowing who you are now it was obvious. But your face was in such a mess, we didn't have a clue. We took you to the village Healer who recognised you straight away. He put herbs on your wounds while my daughter stitched you."

"Daughter?" Link had only been awake a few hours, but was under the impression that Fran lived alone. Apart from the Imp, of course.

"Aye," Fran said. "She's gone to the big feast over at the castle."

"Feast at the castle?" Before the man could answer, Link realised something. "Wait. What village is this?"

"Why," Fran said, his voice puffing with pride. "Lon Lon Village of course."

Link' s heart sank even further.

4

Zelda strode into the Great Hall, surrounded by an entourage of her maids and royal advisors. Mina was at her side, holding her arm. The Queen glowed. Her cheeks were rosy, and her hair glittered like diamonds. Cyle realised that she'd added some sort of sparkle cosmetic to it. She hadn't looked this good in many summers. So pretty, so healthy so…alive. Every person she passed gave a short bow and murmured, "Your Majesty." Cyle noticed that she had kept her distance from Chalance Vance, looking even slightly nauseous while passing him. Interesting. Zelda flashed a grin to Ruto before stopping before the Grand Table.

Cyle fumed behind his smile. She had done this deliberately to humiliate him. It was an undermining of his power. She was wearing her traditional pink dress as well, and not the purple gown like he had ordered. He hated pink.

"Duke. Duchess." She nodded to each one in turn. "Please forgive me for my tardiness."

"Your majesty," the Duchess answered, her voice warm, but uncertain. "So good to see you made such a ... speedy recovery."

Zelda didn't miss a beat. "We have very fine physicians here. As I'm sure my husband has informed you of." Finally, she turned to Cyle and smiled.

"He has indeed," the Duchess said doubtfully.

"So good to see you up and about, dear," Cyle said. "Please take a seat." He motioned to the empty chair beside him. A servant rushed up and pulled it out.

Zelda did not move. Cyle's hand was still outstretched, and he felt his cheeks start to colour.

Silence oppressed the air. The King's eyes flicked up to the Queen's face, who returned the gaze coolly. What was she up to?

Zelda spun around gracefully to face the revellers. "People of Hyrule," she said, her voice raised.

Cyle froze. For one awful and surreal moment he honestly thought Zelda was going to speak on the marriage in front of all these people.

"Noble visitors of the Morolak Kingdom!"

All eyes were upon her, the people's faces etched with expectation. The King suddenly felt tense. He twitched involuntarily.

"Welcome to my Castle!" She smiled and the Hall erupted in a cheer, scaring even some birds that had nested in the high ceiling.

Cyle swallowed the bitterness down as Zelda sat beside him. Her castle? What was she planning? This had been a victory for her, that was for sure. He frowned at the thought, wondering exactly when this had turned into a war. She had never been so ... forward before. But the message was clear. The people loved her more than they did him. He glanced up at her and caught the amusement in her eyes.

"Shame on you, husband," she said, her voice light. "For not welcoming the people earlier."

Cyle gritted his teeth. "I was only awaiting your presence, fair one," he said, which elicited a raised eyebrow from the Duchess.

The Duke had snoozed through it all, only to grunt and shuffle a bit from the cheering. Zelda turned to regard his wife. "Duchess," she said. "I look forward to our negotiations." Cyle opened his mouth to protest, but the Duke took this moment to wake up. A moment of confusion flickered over the Duchesses' features. She had not expected to be part of the talks.

"But of course, Your Majesty," she said. "It would be good for all four of us to be there. Isn't that right?"

The Duke looked lost before saying, "Yes, yes. Of course."

Now Cyle could say nothing without him losing face. "Naturally," he said, planting his most dazzling smile on his handsome features. "That was always the plan."

"Naturally," chuckled Zelda.

5

Fran was worried that his daughter had not returned yet, and had headed out to the castle, muttering unflattering things about the girl's mother. He had offered to take Link too, but the Hero of Time had declined, claiming that he was not fully recovered yet. Fran had accepted this with no complaints and, after showing him where Epona and his supplies were, galloped off. He had assured him that apart from the hunting party, the Healer and the Imp, no one else knew he was here. Link thought that that was four people too many.

Link wandered the narrow streets of Lon Lon Village, a hood partially covering his face, partly because he still looked beaten and partly because he did not want to be recognised. Especially not here.

His facial injuries were worse than he thought. After Chitz had brought him a mirror, Link saw the thin, long scar on his forehead, the bruised cheekbone that had inflamed into a grape coloured ball, and saw that one of his eyes was still blood red.

"Haha. What do you think about that, oh handsome hero?" Chitz had said. "Even I look better than you! Haha."

Link had thrown the mirror at him.

He had given his thanks to the Healer, a kindly, surprisingly young man that had appreciated his comments and appreciated his rupees even more. Now Link walked the streets, dogs darting through his legs, vendors selling meat sticks that spat sizzling fat from the grill and set off plumes of roast smelling smoke into the sky. Children giggled and bothered the mask sellers who half-heartedly tried to shoo them away. People pushed against him, smiling apologetically. No one recognised him. Apparently there was some great feast day happening and so everyone was wearing their best as they cheerfully made their way through the day.

Lon Lon Village was one of the many new settlements that had sprung up over the summers. The new wealth that Hyrule had acquired had led to an expansion in towns and a renovation of Hyrule Market and Castle. Or so Link had heard. He hadn't bothered to check it out himself.

Link glanced to the right. In the distance he saw Lon Lon Ranch. Summers ago, that would have set off warm memories, but now it filled him with dread, foreboding and a sharp tug of pain. Talon would be in this village. He knew it. The man must always trade here. Link was taking a big risk by walking in public like this. Part of him told him to run and hide in Fran's house. The other part of him, the traitorous part, wanted him to seek out Talon and explain everything. Not that Talon would listen or anything.

No, the sooner he was out of here, the better. As soon as Fran was back, he'd make his goodbyes and go

Link saw a small crowd surround some children who were enthusiastically yelling. He paused to watch. One child in an ugly, green mask and arms outstretched stomped theatrically towards a little, blond girl in pink.

"Zelda! Give me the Triforce!" Ugly bellowed. The little girl put the back of the hand to her forehead. "Never, you fiend!" she squeaked. She looked to the crowd, an imploring look in eys. "Won't somebody please help me?" Link wondered what the real Zelda would think of this portrayal of her.

"Hi-yaaaaa!" A small boy in green leapt into the fray. He waved his little wooden sword so menacingly that Link was worried that he would take someone's eye out. "I am Link! Prepare to perish, Flabby One!"

Apparently, the mindless waving did the trick as Ugly fell to his knees, screaming. "Arrggh! I will get you, Hero of Time! Mark my words!"

Just then, the door to a nearby tavern burst open and a Royal Guard lurched out. "Hey," he said, slurring his words. "Whass goin on?" The Guard clutched at the 'Link' child who easily slipped away, giggling. "Hey! Who you sssuposssed to be? Don't you know ... thas illegal?" He stumbled over the girl, who started weeping.

"Whass you cryin about?" The guard growled at the girl. Link felt his face flush from anger. He reached for his sword, before realising it was not there. He had taken it to be repaired. It was bent in two from the battle with the Riders. and had an ugly black mark on it that shimmered like the night.

The tavernkeeper came running out, his belly jiggling, and scooped up the girl. "Now, now, Milch," he said, a threat in his tone. "Just children playing. Nothing for you to get worked up about." The guard considered this for a moment and seemed ready to strike. Some other men joined in and put their arms around the guard, whispering promises about buying him a drink, before he stumbled off cursing.

Link sighed and turned away, wondering why the guard was not at the castle. Soon, he found his destination and entered the Weapons Shop, making the bell jingle.

The shopkeeper looked up and smiled. "Ah," he said. "The outsider." He winked and handed over Link's sword, which was now wrapped in white cloth. "Nice sword you got there."

"Thank you," Link answered. "How much do I owe you for your service?"

"Why," the shopkeeper laughed, looking a little aghast. "No charge for one such as you." He winked again.

Link grimaced. The man had recognised him just from his sword. There was no honour in accepting a service without due payment. The Hero let his gaze wander as the shopkeeper waited.

"Say," Link said. "How much is that Rubber Spiked Hammer ... up there?" The shopkeeper followed to where Link was pointing and pursed his lips.

"Not much demand for that." He looked back at Link carefully. "Can't see why one such as yourself would need one."

Link shrugged sheepishly and smiled.

The shopkeeper sighed. "Alright. Just give me a moment to go get it."

As soon as his back was turned, Link flicked some rupees onto the counter and walked swiftly out.

The sun was starting to set and the sky had turned an angry red. A cool breeze blew and that, combined with the bustling crowds eager to get home, knocked his hood off. Link wasn't paying attention. He unwrapped his sword and, turning the gleaming blade in his hands, admired it in the freshly burning torchlights. He smiled. Everything seemed fine. He slid the sword back into its scabbard. Now he felt whole!

Link looked up. For a moment, he did not recognise the man and the man did not recognise him. Then, a child's voice called. "Hey! Isn't that the Hero of Time?"

The man stiffened and looked up. Oh no, thought Link. The man's face contorted into a scowl of rage as Link tried to fend off the growing crowd of children that were now pooling around his legs.

"Murderer!" Talon bellowed, a fat, shaky finger pointing at Link. "You killed my daughter!"