Chapter 14
The man was droning on and on. Cyle, his head resting in one hand, idly spun a wooden ornament on the table as the Calatian representative - what was his name? Bocho? Bocko? Boka! That was it - talked in a thin, nasal tone. Boka's voice seemed to resonate through the King's head like that infernal humming in the Temple of Time.
"And so," he was saying. "I am certain that you will be well pleased with our performance. Our ships are standing by just outside Freelander territory, waiting for your mighty Hylian fleet to join us. Together, we will pulverise the pathetic little mutants once and for all." He paused to give a small smile that ended up looking like a sneer. "Ah, of course, Your Royal Highness will compensate us well, I'm sure. We Calatians would not mind claiming the Northern area of the Emirate as our own." He licked his lips. "We have heard that there are .. interesting minerals there."
Triforce, this man could talk! Cyle kept one eye on Boka as he continued to spin the toy. He sensed Chalance Vance fidgeting besides him. Obviously, his Advisor was a little irritated about his liege's lack of attention. Cyle could not care less. He still had not entirely forgiven Vance for having the Key in his grasp and then letting her slip away. He resisted the urge to hiss in frustration. So close. She had been so close.
All of a sudden, the King felt tense and felt the urge to just move about. Scooping the toy up in mid-spin, Cyle stood up and made his way to the large gold-framed window of the little study room they sat in. He caught the mild looks of surprise from the other two men and ignored them.
"Minerals, you say?" said the King as Boka watched him carefully. The man had his hair slicked back with some sort of oil and wore a dark blue silk tunic lined with gold. Boka spent so much effort on his appearance it disgusted him. He was thin and muscular, but still seemed to carry himself with an almost feminine grace. Cyle wondered if the man even realised that himself. "You mean the gold?"
Boka gave a small cough. By the Pit itself, even the man's cough sounded womanly. Cyle glanced at Vance. His Advisor was blowing his now twice broken nose on a style of handkerchief he knew was popular with noblewomen around Hyrule. Cyle laid his hands on the sill and looked out the window, stifling the exasperated snort he wanted to let free. Was he surrounded by women in men's clothing?
"Ah .. I'm sure Your Highness would not mind a little mining expedition run by ourselves," Boka said carefully, spreading his hands in a conciliatory gesture. "Naturally, Hyrule would be given a substantial share of the profits."
The King gazed out the window as the sunlight warmed his face. Even surveying the land that was now all his did not satisfy the restlessness within him. The gold that shimmered around the window just seemed dull to him now. He needed to be out there doing something. He needed the Key. But, he realised with a sigh, he needed his allies too. At least for now.
"Boka, consider it a gift," he said, not turning to face the other two. "I just want the Freelanders wiped out. If you and the other nations get that done, then you can gorge yourself on all the gold in the world."
Boka looked at him with mild surprise. The Calatian glanced at Vance who was looking a little flustered himself. He had caught them both off guard. Good. They were fools if they thought they truly knew him. Boka thought him to be as shallow as himself and Vance, though he knew of his plans of Joining, thought he only sought the power to satiate some sort of lust for conquest. No. That's not what he wanted at all. At least not physical control. He wanted what Zelda had so effortlessly achieved before he had torn it away from her. He wanted people's hearts. He wanted her heart.
"Why, I thank you, Your Highness," Boka said. "I look forward to discussing plans for mining rights with your magnificent advisors."
Cyle looked straight at him now, his eyes narrowed slightly. "But only after the Freelander vermin have been wiped from our world."
Boka gave a small nod. "But of course."
The King motioned with his hand. "Dismissed."
The Calatian bowed slightly before getting up to leave.
Cyle cracked his knuckles trying to expel some of the tension he felt. He noticed Chalance Vance's gaze upon him. His Advisor waited expectantly for him to speak.
"Vance, I am impatient," he said.
"Your Highness, worry not, we will get the Key back. I have it on good authority that she was last in Lon Lon Village."
The King frowned slightly, wondering exactly how Vance had come by that information. "No, not because of the Key." He grimaced. "Well, not entirely."
"Then ..?"
Cyle sighed as a thought came to him. "I should be out there, Vance. With the soldiers, leading the way."
His Advisor swallowed as he picked his words cautiously. "Surely, you do not mean to join in with the fighting, Sire?"
The King nodded, careful not to look at him. And why not? His soul itched for something and he did not believe anything could gratify him except feeling the
rush of sword upon sword, the thud of charging horses and the elation of defeating an enemy face to face. He closed his eyes. When had he been taken with this bloodlust?
"I must protest," Vance continued. "You are far too important. You could get hurt. Killed, even."
Cyle tried to keep the sneer from his face, but failed. "Do you think I am some soft, senile ruler? Do you think I do not know how to fight?" He strode up to the sorcerer as the anger took him. "Do you think I need to be nursemaided by the likes of you?" He thrust a finger into Vance's chest.
"No, of course not ..,"
"Good. After we take one of their ports our next target is .. ?"
"Narik's Rock. We expect them to regroup there. If they fall there, the rest will be easy."
"Excellent. That is where I will lead the charge."
Vance was silent, not wanting to put into words what he was thinking.
"Besides," Cyle continued. "You'll be there to protect me."
The King had to bite down to keep himself from laughing as his Advisor's eyes almost fell out in shock.
"But .. but .. sire, I am not a fighter."
Cyle raised an eyebrow. "Maybe not. But you do have skills that I think will probably be useful in a fight. Anyway, you have a few days. Perhaps you should spend them brushing up on some sword fighting skills?"
Chalance Vance's face paled and Cyle curled his lip playfully in response. He felt in surprisingly high spirits. It would do him a lot of good to stretch his muscles. Leading his troops in war would no doubt increase his soldiers' respect for him. He was not worried about dying. He knew how good he was and felt confident in that. Besides, his guard would probably give their lives to prevent him from coming to harm. Cyle could not help but smile.
"Have my horse and armour prepared," the King said. "And spread the word that the King of Hyrule will rejoice in the spilling of Freelander blood side by side with his army."
*
This felt so good.
Zelda and Link sat around Fran Marcaster's table as the aroma of roasted meat mixed with the scent of flowers in the air. The Queen felt her whole body relax and it was partly due to their host himself. Deep wrinkles in his face told her that Fran had lived a long and, perhaps painful, life. Yet, from his twinkling eyes and jovial manner, Zelda had been put at ease and a sleepy sense of calmness hugged her heart.
"And then lil Tessa came to me and said crossly, 'But how do Cuccos carry all those babies from place to place?'" Fran said, bringing his story to an end.
"Oh, hush Papa," Tessa said, giving him a mock expression of annoyance.
Zelda grinned before sipping a spoonful of Cucco soup. The hot, creamy soup warmed her throat and made her tingle.
She thought Fran and Tessa were beautiful. Not beautiful because their features were more unique than others. No, their loveliness came from the way there were with one another. Tessa giving her Papa a little pat on the shoulder while she busied herself serving, Fran giving her a small smile while complementing her cooking, Tessa making sure her father had a cushion to lean on when he rested, Fran surprising his daughter with her favourite sweet dish, which he had bought during the day. It was all so natural to them, yet Zelda wondered if they even realised they were doing it. She felt no envy even though she had missed out on that in her own life. She just felt in awe at witnessing something so simple.
Tessa had initially given her some wary looks that she had not understood, but her demeanour had eventually softened that she soon was chatting away to the Queen like they had been friends for life. The girl talked about silly, trivial things; yet, her tone and grin were so optimistic that it was infectious.
Zelda gave a small sigh. Here, in Fran and Tessa's little house, she could lock away the years of hurt and just float in the normality of it all. Even the dull aches of her wounds no longer bothered her.
Link sat next to her, tight lipped. A change had come over the Hero and she could not quite ascertain what the cause was. He had seemed a lot more rigid since they had left the tavern and had consciously kept his distance from Prince Chizan. Sometimes, she would catch him looking at her with a troubled look on his face.
The Prince himself was wandering around the room, pausing now and then to stare at some ornament or to stroke one of the many animal pelts laying around the room or hanging from the wall. Tyron was asleep in one of the other rooms, still exhausted from earlier events. Chitz the Imp was scampering about, happy to be home, but strangely singing a mournful tune about a girl in love with someone whose heart was with somebody else.
"Tessa, get us some drinks, there's a good lass," Fran said softly. Tessa smiled and went off to the kitchen, throwing Link a surreptitious glance. That was the fifth of the evening, Zelda noted. It slowly dawned on her what was happening and now she understood the girl's earlier reaction to her.
Link had barely noticed though. Poor girl. It was almost comical, the subtle attention she was giving him while the Hero of Time was seemingly elsewhere.
"So," Fran continued with a sigh. "It isn't everyday that I get such .. distinguished guests. I'll be sure to get the extra expensive pillows out tonight. You know, the ones not made of straw." He winked.
Zelda smiled at him. "There's no need for that, Fran. I guess I've gotten far too used to silk and other fineries. It would be healthy for me to sleep like real people today."
Fran smiled back as Tessa returned, carefully carrying a platter of drinks.
"Oh, but Your Highness," Tessa said, pouting. "I thought we could both attend the festival tonight. It would be fun and I would love the company."
"Call me Zelda, Tessa," she said. A festival. Why not? She was tired, but a little merrymaking would stop her from dwelling things that would keep her up all night anyway. She grinned up at Tessa. "That does sound like fun. I'd love to come, thank you."
Tessa's face brightened and she turned to Link. "I hope you can come too, Link," she said, trying to keep her voice casual.
This time Link did look up at her. "Sure," he said, his tone light. "Is it you they are celebrating?"
Zelda raised an eyebrow at the brashness of the statement. Tessa giggled and Fran's mouth set in a tight line as if he was fuming inside. Now that she thought about it, was Link's gaze lingering for a little too long on the young woman?
She batted the thought away. This was the last thing she wanted to worry about. Not now, especially when her people needed her the most. And yet, something pulled at her heart that she could not quite identify. She still did not know where she and Link stood in regards to each other. They were now united against a common threat. But were they even proper friends?
"Ohhhh .. the paaaaaiiiin .. it shattered my braaaaaaaaain .. my heart was a messsss .. for he could not care lesssssss." Chitz sang as Chizan paced around the room.
The Freelander still irritated her with his constant overprotectiveness. Though she had to admit she was a little touched by it too. She sighed. Thoughts like this would ruin her good mood and that was something she just did not want right now. It was too soon anyway. She had been a married woman just two weeks ago. She could still taste the bitterness of that union and she was not ready for anything else just yet.
"Why won't he noticcce meeeee?" Chitz continued. "Why doesn't he careeeeeee?"
Suddenly, the Imp's tuneless voice came to a gurgling halt as Chizan's cut him off by drawing his sword.
"Stop your infernal snivelling, toad," said the Prince. "Or I will cut out your tongue."
It amazed Zelda just how much the Imp was able to ruffle the normally calm Freelander.
"I am not a toad," said Chitz indignantly as Zelda and Link tried to stifle a laugh. She looked over at the Hero, glad that there was finally some amusement on his face. He looked back with a wide grin. "I am an Imp. Toads say 'ribbit, ribbit' and Imps say .."
" .. nothing at all if they know what's good for them," the Prince finished, his tone threatening.
"Actually it's frogs that go 'ribbit'," said Fran quietly. His face was straight, but his eyes twinkled with amusement. "Chitz, go and get the beds ready for our guests."
Chitz stormed off, muttering curses as Chizan sheathed his sword. "I am going outside for a walk," said Chizan.
Fran turned to his daughter. "Perhaps the Queen and the Hero need to rest, my dear. A festival might be a bit of an inconvenience."
"No, no ..it's no inconvenience Fran, believe me. I look forward to it," said Zelda.
"I too," said Link with a nod.
Fran raised his hands to concede defeat. Zelda felt sorry for the hunter. He was risking much by having them stay here. He had been shocked when he had learned of their true identities, but some sense of duty had prevented him from refusing to help. She hoped that he had not felt forced to do so. Still. She felt a little uncomfortable as she thought of what she wanted to ask next.
"Fran," she said. Something in the tone of her voice must have alerted him, as he looked at her, his face half grave, half in expectation. "You've been really wonderful to us. You and Tessa both. I can't thank you enough."
He gave a small nod. "But you need to ask of one more favour right?"
She sighed. He had it figured already. "Yes, I do. I'm sorry."
"Ask."
"Link is going to the castle in search of .. a friend."
"The apprentice?" asked Fran, catching her off guard. Zayna was Link's apprentice? She was a little annoyed that he had not told her as he nodded to Fran.
"It's not safe for him to travel alone," she said. "You don't have to do this Fran. If you know of anyone who would just accompany him .."
"Zelda, I don't really need anyone," Link said. His voice was soft, but his throat seemed to be tightening. "I'm touched that you're so concerned, but I can do this alone."
"Nay, Link," Fran said seriously. "She speaks the truth. You go up against a dangerous enemy. It would be better if I go with you. After all, you won't mind a friend tagging along now will you?"
Link stayed silent.
"It's just that .." Fran said, looking at Tessa.
"Oh, I can come too, Papa," his daughter answered excitedly. "I'm sure I could help."
"No." His voice was surprisingly stern. "It is far too dangerous. It's just that I don't like leaving you alone here either."
Zelda cursed herself. What right did she have to drag this poor man into anything? Just because she selfishly wanted to see the Hero protected? She gazed around the room, noticing all the simple little trinkets and ornaments displayed around the house. Compared to her previous life, Fran and Tessa had nothing except each other. It was wrong of her to try and take that away from them.
"Fran, you don't have to do this," she said. "I shouldn't have asked, I'm sorry."
"There's a tavern in Market Town. It's owned by an old friend of mine. Tessa can stay there while I help Link look for his apprentice. If anything happens, then he will take care of her."
"Hush, Papa, nothing will happen," Tessa said, her voice shaking a little.
"No, Fran," said Zelda. Her mind was made up now. "Stay here with Tessa. Don't risk yourself for nothing."
"Yes, my friend," Link said. "You've done so much for me already. More than I really ever deserved."
Fran held up a hand to still the talk. "Your Highness, Link," he said, looking at both of them in turn. "I am no coward and I think I can still handle myself pretty well in a fight. Tessa, the Hero and myself will go to the Market Town. If he still needs my help when we get there, then I will leave my daughter at the tavern and join him. Otherwise, we will come home." He turned to the Hero. "Besides, how are you going to get in without the proper documents? I know someone who can .. ah .. help you in that matter." He smiled cheekily. "How does that sound, my friends?"
Zelda still did not like it. But it was as good a plan as she was going to get.
*
The fire roared as the festivalgoers danced and laughed. Link turned to look at Zelda, as they lay side by side on the damp grass. Dancing orange shadows flickered over her face and made her eyes shine. She still had that air of serenity that enhanced her beauty.
Chizan had decided not to join the party and Link had felt strangely relieved because of it. Tyron was still bedridden and Tessa and the Imp were now by the fire, clapping their hands to the tune of some local minstrel. Fran's daughter was grinning as she bounced along to the tune. Link wondered if the girl ever lost her smile. He hoped she never would.
Earlier in the night, Tessa had made him dance around the fire. He had looked silly, his head still hooded to disguise him. It had been awkward too. Fighting off a horde of Moblins? No problem. But dancing with a young girl? More evil than a thousand Ganon's. He had caught Zelda snickering at his discomfort from the corner of his eye, but he had had to admit that it felt good to let go of himself for a few moments.
"Your Highness, we leave for the castle at dawn," he said.
She continued to gaze at the fire; it's light reflecting in her eyes. "Stop calling me 'Your Highness', Link." The Queen paused as something caught in her throat. She continued, her voice a little uncertain. "We are still friends, right?"
Link uprooted some blades of grass and rolled it through his fingers, absentmindedly. "Zelda, I'm sorry for my earlier behaviour. I haven't been able to deal with things in a proper way. Guess I've been away from people for too long."
She sat up, hugging her knees. "It's okay, Link," she said softly. "This has been a strain on all of us." She shivered and looked at the sky. "I wonder what Cyle is doing now, what is he planning for us all?"
The Hero was silent for a while, before he said, "Malon would have loved this. The dancing, the partying."
She smiled. "Well, it is her home, after all."
"We underestimated her. All of us," he said sadly. "Except Cyle."
"No, we didn't." She paused. "Cyle only saw a threat. Something that stood in the way of his ambitions. We saw her for who she really was." She turned to Link with a sad smile. "A truly wonderful person."
"I wonder if she knew who she really was."
They were silent for a time and watched as the flames licked the sky. Thick, black smoke billowed, melting into the night sky. Children shrieked as their older siblings chased them. Some people broke out in a tuneless song, laughing.
"I'm sorry for yelling at you in the cavern," he said finally.
"Link, Link, Link," she said, laughing softly. Her smile warmed his heart. "Stop being sorry. I understand. It's fine. I hardly expected you to leap for joy when you saw me."
Link sighed with relief. Still, there was a doubt eating at him and he tensed, ready to ask Zelda about it.
"So," he said, hoping his voice sounded casual. The Queen looked at him, one eyebrow slightly raised. "Why exactly did Cyle go to war with the Freelanders? He can't hardly have told people that he needed to defeat them so he could open the Gate could he?"
She frowned slightly, staying silent a moment. Link waited, agonising over what her answer would be. Finally, she said, "He accused Prince Chizan of dishonouring me."
Link's heart tightened, but he had to ask, "And is it true?"
"Does it matter if it's true?"
Link was taken aback for a moment. He kept quiet, wondering if he had pushed things too far. She noticed his discomfort and her expression softened.
"No, Link, it's not true."
His whole body relaxed visibly and Zelda gave a quiet, soft laugh. He had been worrying about nothing.
"You do realise," she continued, turning to face him. "That this could be the last time we see one another."
Abruptly, they both raised their hands as their Triforce symbols tingled.
"Yes," he said with a smile. "But somehow I doubt it will be."
"Me too," she said, leaning back to rest on her elbows.
"Is your offer still open?"
"My offer?"
"You wanted a Knight. For your army."
Her expression turned serious. "Yes. But only if you want to Link."
"It would be dishonourable to refuse a damsel in distress."
She chuckled softly. "I am no damsel in distress."
"I know."
They looked at each other and laughed. Link felt all the tension drain from him and he seemed ridiculously giddy. Let Cyle come. Let him bring Ganon too if he wanted. At this moment, Link felt he could take on the whole world and win.
"Looks like your fan is calling you," Zelda said giggling. She nodded down towards the fire where Link saw Tessa beckoning to him frantically.
He got to his feet with an exaggerated sigh. "Duty calls, Your Highness."
She looked up at him, her eyes large. He saw something in them that he could not quite place. Affection? Fear? "Link, you didn't answer my question."
He brushed off the dirt and grass from his tunic as he frowned. Question? What question? He thought back a little. Oh yes.
"Yes, Zelda," he said with a grin. "We are still friends."