A/N: For some reason, ff.net wouldn't let my italics show (except for in some places). Bold was fine, but not italics. I saved it as a web page too, so my formatting shouldn't have been lost. So, I've used bold for everytime I wanted to use italics, but I think it looks ugly and ruins the subtle nature of the character I was trying to express. If anyone knows what has gone wrong, plz e-mail me. If I can get it sorted I'll upload the chapter again.
Chapter 21
You must kill Zelda.
Link's eyes opened slowly as the icy voice rolled around his head, ponderously fading in a dissonant echo. The night was still and cool, a comfortable shelter from recent events. Moonlight, pale and broken, illuminated corners of the room, making his chambers seem like a hazy dream. His soft bedding tugged at him, inviting him to return to his slumber. His eyelids faded under the heavy weight of his weary fatigue.
You must kill Zelda.
The Hero of Time snapped awake, realising with a deep sigh that there would be no sleep this night. Just like the previous three.
Blinking away the gummy film from his eyes, he rose, wrapping himself in a robe. He made his way to the marble water bowl set into one wall, his feet softly padding on the cold floor as he paused to light a torch. The glow crept its way around the walls in a shy path. Setting his hands on the rim of the delicately carved basin, Link peered into the water. His blurry reflection looked back at him, the sparkly blue eyes calm, the scars now nothing more than thin, black lines.
Ghostly screams of pain floated in his ears, the memory of thousands of soldiers being buried alive still vivid. He closed his eyes to shut them out, but they still pricked at him. What had he done?
You did what had to be done.
Was that true? He dipped his hands into the cool liquid, disturbing his still image. So many people had died. He had never taken so many lives in his entire life. Not just Hylians, but people from other nations too. Not to mention the Freelanders that had fallen in battle. Faceless, nameless men and women. People he had never met, people with families and lives of their own. What right had he had to snatch it all away from them?
If you had not acted, the King would have won and a lot more would have been lost.
He should have killed Cyle when he had the chance. He had won the King's trust; it would have been a simple task to just slay him during any one of the many nights Link had been under his 'command'. The war would have ended there and then.
Don't be a fool! His guards would have slaughtered you! Even if you had killed the King, Vance would have lived and continued the war. You had no choice but to play along, make them believe you were one of them. Besides, you enjoyed it. Admit it. You loved the mind games. You loved the power you held over them.
Link splashed the crystal cold water into his face, jolting him. Something had awoken within him during that time he had spent chained and beaten. Something malignant that had curled up from hidden depths to seize his soul.
It was me. I awoke. The part of you that you kept locked away. Your warrior spirit, your primal fury – the one that glories in a successful kill, the one that is content bathing in blood. You gave me control and I gave you the edge you needed to survive. The edge that had been blunted by summers of uncertainty and inactivity.
The voice chilled him. It was troubling that it referred to itself as a separate entity.
I am you and you are me. Different sides of the same coin. It's just that you chose never to acknowledge me before – never chose to acknowledge your whole self. We worked together – you and I – to bring Cyle down. We're the perfect team.
It made sense and sounded temptingly right, but still the slivers of doubt taunted him. The voice lacked honour.
Honour? The time for that has passed. It's outdated, a dead concept. Welcome to the new world. A world with a new, improved Hero of Time.
It did feel right. People now could not even keep gazes on him anymore. They kept their eyes fixed shyly to the ground, regarding him with distant awe. It was something that had afflicted him when he was younger; the inability to act natural if front of people he admired or respected. Now it was being done to him, even more so since the battle of Narik's Rock. Freelanders would fall into hushed silence whenever he passed, their conversations trailing off into silence. He'd obtained the highest Heroic Deed – the willingness to sacrifice his own people for the greater good.
Link could not decide whether he liked that or not, and so he turned his mind to the one anchor that tethered him to life. Zelda.
They hadn't had a chance to really speak in the three days since the end of the war. It had been a whirl, tending to the injured and burying the dead. He was caught in the wind; half of him wanting to sit down and discuss his troubles with her, the other half chastising him for selfishly hoping to burden her with his concerns. They had moved back to the Freelander palace where they now were, Zelda and Link only having the chance to exchange a few brief pleasantries in the odd moments they had had to themselves. Link had to content himself with Fran and Tessa's company, after the father and daughter had dragged themselves to the Freelander sanctuary barely in time before the explosives had detonated. He had spent most of his time apologising for and explaining his strange behaviour to the hunter.
Strange behaviour? Seemed perfectly natural to me.
The Hero needed to speak to Zelda, he ached for it. He had to release the feelings bubbling in his heart; so potent they were that they threatened to spill out. No longer could he afford to lose her, life being so fragile that it could be blown away with the tiniest hint of a breeze. It was the only certain belief he held in his life and with all the disquiet whirling around his head certainty was something he thirsted for. He had to clear the air, regardless of what she thought or felt. Had to tell her that he loved her, that she had saved him.
What about me?
Link blinked the whispery voice away as he made for a small box resting beside his bedding. He knelt down, opening the latch with a click. Something glittered in the darkness. Still unsure of exactly what he would say to her, Link had reverted back to his old ways whenever he wanted to try and break the ice. He'd gotten her a gift.
The large, vine-green jewel had caught his eye whilst he had gone exploring the battlefield on his own the previous day. He didn't know where it came from or what it was doing in amongst the crumbling, broken rocks, but all he did know was that it had been made to fit perfectly with his Queen. He tried to imagine her beautiful face light with joy when he presented it to her, but the only image that came to him was that of Prince Chizan.
Whenever he had seen Zelda over the past few days, the Prince was there, always glued to her side. The Prince had been the only one of few people to fix their stare on him, his purple eyes flashing with warning. It scared Link. Not the hint of a physical threat from Chizan. No, he was terrified that she was going to slip through his fingers one more time. He knew he had to make his case soon and quickly, knew that anything pre-marital was severely frowned upon, especially now with all the sick rumours about Zelda and Chizan freely on the lips of most people of the world. He had to go for broke, all or nothing. Another rejection would probably break him, leaving his heart hollow and dead. But Chizan had spent more time with her these past weeks. Had she caught herself another suitor? And a Prince at that. What would Link do if she had?
Put a knife in his back while he sleeps. It'll be perfect.
Link held the fist-sized jewel in his palm, letting his fingers run along its sharp edges. He tossed it into the air, catching it with a fluid grasp. Again he felt the nudge of remorse – how could he fret over his own desires so easily, when people with similar dreams were now lying dead because of him? But life had to go on. He couldn't stand still paralysing himself with guilt while the world moved on without him. He would stagnate like that, and he had made a similar mistake once already in his life.
Tonight the Freelanders were holding a grand banquet, a festival in honour of the great victory. Tonight was Link's chance to catch some time with the Queen. He had to tell her then.
Remember to twist the hilt. You'll enjoy it more.
With a sigh, Link placed his gift back in its box and snapped the lid shut. He had to try to get some sleep, if only to get away from that infernal voice.
*
"They're bringing some sort of wise woman down from the mountains," Zelda said to Zayna as the morning sunlight fought with the shadows for dominance. They sat at a simple table, their breakfast already going cold. "Chizan's father thinks she can help you. She has knowledge of old lore. Even Tyron seems enthusiastic about her."
Her friend looked doubtful, nursing a mug of something hot and steaming in both her hands. "I hope so."
Zelda smiled, trying to comfort her. "Don't worry. Cyle's gone now. No one is after you anymore. For the first time in your life you're truly free. Savour it."
Zayna sipped her drink frowning, not sharing in the Queen's optimism. "I wish I could believe that. Nobody knows what happened to the King, not even Link. If he is still alive, then he's still going to want me."
Zelda chewed on the inside of her cheek, frustrated. She didn't know what she could say to ease her former Advisor's anxiety. The Key watched her, a faint smile flickering on her features, as she understood her mistress' predicament.
"Don't worry," Zayna said. "This is my fate. I've come to accept it now."
The Queen tried to smile, but could not summon up enough enthusiasm. She still recalled the haunted look on Zayna's face as she had marched, unarmed, towards Cyle's army. Certainly not the actions of someone who had come to terms with her place in the world. She had to be helped, and quickly.
Zayna got to her feet, scooping up the plates smeared with golden, melted butter. "Anyway, let me clear this up. Big day ahead," she said with a smile.
Zelda sat back and sighed, watching the Key go about her business. Seeing her engrossed in such mundane, everyday activities almost made the Queen forget exactly who and what she was. Almost. Zelda felt that it was a tragedy that her friend could not live a normal life and felt an extra edge of determination take her. She had to be helped.
The Queen had other concerns. Zayna was right, they were not certain about Cyle's fate. If he had survived, then she still had a struggle ahead to reclaim her throne. Though this time she would have the weight of the Freelander military behind her, whilst her ex-husband had only a skeleton of an army left. She was certain that she would have the Zoras and Gorons by her side too, and the Morolaks when she finally could get word to them. And, of course, she had her ace in the hole – the Hero of Time himself.
A big day ahead indeed. Letting her worries melt away, Zelda let the pleasant anticipation that had tickled her since daybreak take her again. Today was Feastday; today she would finally get a chance to have Link all to herself. The thought made her grin unselfconsciously. She had been so excited that she had gone through the morning bumping into things and giggling in a dream like state. She was behaving like a ditzy maiden at her first Spring Festival and she couldn't care less. In fact, she enjoyed it.
It would do her good to be away from Chizan's smothering presence anyway. She would also get the chance to finally steal the Hero away from Tessa. In the few glimpses she had had of Link, the ranch girl was always a few steps behind him, keeping her distance whilst her face betraying the fact that she wished she was closer. Zelda wondered if Link had even noticed Tessa's attentions or if he was playing some sort of game with her. She certainly hoped it was not the latter.
The Queen felt sorry for the girl either way. After feeling the cold pain of being cast out from her home and staring death in the face during the battle of Narik's Rock, she did not want to waste the opportunity to take back what had been offered to her all those summers ago – Link.
Silly and selfish, she was behaving like a maiden again. It was the Hero's decision on who he decided to unite with, she thought with a sigh. If he wanted Tessa, she would be happy for him. The girl was sweet and kind and would soothe his heart better than she herself could. Zelda would not resent her. After all, he had spent most of his time with her these past days. She wondered at the story behind that. Tessa and her father had apparently hidden themselves away with Cyle's army, following Link's progress. Brave, indeed. Showed a lot of devotion.
There were still things that puzzled her. How exactly had Link managed to win Cyle over so easily that he had let the Hero orchestrate the battle? It just did not make sense and no one seemed to have any answers for her. It seemed that Link had been reluctant to discuss the details of his adventure with anyone. The Freelanders took it as modesty, but she wondered if she was something else behind it all.
She let her thoughts drift back to her feelings for the Hero. The Queen had tasted marriage once in her life, and she knew how men could be deceptive in their courting, a sweet shell hiding darkness within. How did she know Link would not be any different? Of course, he could never be as bad as Cyle, but did she really know what lurked inside?
Depressive thoughts and she shook them away angrily. They were silly too – she couldn't assume that all men were like Cyle. She did not need these notions, especially not this day. She had tonight and that was enough. Tomorrow was another day, full of possibilities and paths not yet taken.
Happy again, Zelda stood up, making her way to her chambers. She had wanted to try her gown again, when a sharp rap at the door interrupted her. Zayna joined her as she opened it.
The Freelander Prince stood in the doorway, dressed in fine, new attire and grinning broadly. He had a slight limp, his leg still recovering from the arrow it took. "Good morning, Your Highness," he said, his voice light. Chizan had changed somewhat since the battle, as if a crushing burden had been relieved from his shoulders. He was more relaxed now, more open. "I hope you are well. The day's radiance is made the more brighter by your shining countenance."
"Ah…" Zelda said, feeling flustered at his words. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks. Maiden at her first Spring Festival! "I am well, thank you."
"We both are. Thanks for asking," Zayna said mischievously.
Chizan nodded to the Key, barely acknowledging her presence. "I trust your gown is to your liking?"
Again, Zelda was startled. "That was you?" Her new dress was beautiful, and she was eagerly awaiting the chance to wear it at the banquet. She had thought perhaps Fran or maybe even the Freelander King had ordered it made for her. She had held a faint hope that Link was somehow behind it too.
"Of course," the Prince answered, his grin still in place. "Was there a problem…?"
"No, no," she said, not wanting to offend him. "It's lovely. Thank you very much."
"Excellent! So will you do me the honour of letting me escort you to the festival tonight?" he asked earnestly. "We have to celebrate. The blood of our forefathers saved us once more."
He had been rubbing that in since the battle's end. The almost-miraculous nature of their victory had just confirmed to him the power of Narik's Rock.
Escort her to the festival? She noticed Zayna's uncomfortable look. Her friend probably felt awkward in this situation, like a child caught watching something she shouldn't have. Then again, she could not blame her. Zelda felt equally ill at ease. Chizan's intentions were obvious even though no one had spoken of them so far.
She looked into his face, saw his eyes wide with hope and expectation, and she sighed inwardly. It would be rude of her to refuse and she could not think of an easy excuse to give. So long as she conveniently lost him once the festivities were under way, she did not see any problem with his request.
"Yes, Chizan," Zelda said with a smile. She noticed Zayna's eyebrows arch slightly out of the corner of her eye. "I will."
*
Link gripped the jewel tightly in his hand as he stepped into the Great Hall where the banquet was already underway. He was dressed in a deep blue tunic, a shimmering cloak fastened around his neck. All eyes turned towards him and abruptly all conversation died to a murmur. On a raised platform at the far end of the room, he saw the Freelander King sat on a silver, pearl encrusted chair, flanked by the Viceroy Ren and Prince Chizan.
The King's face split into a grin when his eyes came to rest on Link. "Why, it is our guest of honour himself!" He bellowed, his voice echoing around the room. "All hail the Hero of Time!"
The Freelanders raised their arms into the air, some spilling their drinks, as they gave a raucous and heartfelt cheer. Ren nodded to him, one hand resting on the back of his uncle's chair. Chizan remained motionless, no clear expression on his golden face.
Link smiled in return, bowing his head slightly. In his younger days, he would have felt his cheeks burn at the attention, but now he decided to drink it all in and enjoy it. This may well be a pleasant night.
You'll be bored out of your head and you know it.
"I thank you all, my friends," he said, as most of the merrymakers hung onto his every word in hushed anticipation. "I was proud to fight alongside you, though my part in the battle meant I could sadly not be physically at your side. Your King honours me and so do all of you. Your Heroic Deeds have been etched into my heart, and I pray that the Freelander Emirate stands for a long and prosperous time."
There was another ferocious cheer, almost deafening him. Freelanders ran up to him, grinning as they clasped his hand and uttered sincere congratulations, their earlier timidity with him momentarily forgotten. The Hero paid them little attention, murmuring his thanks automatically, as his keen eyes scanned the room. He walked past the long, polished tables laden with all manner of exotic foods, pausing only to briefly respond to his many well-wishers. The marble floor was slippery in its smoothness, the reflected torchlight giving it its own glow. Music floated in the air and the room was filled with the hum of chattering people.
Link cared little for merry making this night. He rolled the treasure discretely in his hand, his narrowed eyes trying to peer through the sea of faces, hoping to catch a glimpse of the one he sought.
She's really going to appreciate receiving a sweat-soaked gem, you know.
His eyes locked. There she was!
His breath escaped him and he stood rooted to the spot, his heart enlarged in amazement. Zelda's hair was tied back, letting her smile and eyes sparkle in the light. She wore a long, fair gown that, like the palace itself, shifted in colour. One minute it was a pale green, tiny diamonds glittering at the hem and waist, the next it blushed to a faint red, like a shy child meeting a new friend.
Link swallowed, unable to take his eyes off of her. There was no way he could ever let her go now. She was hooked into his heart, now and forever.
She hadn't noticed him yet and he walked slowly forward, his sight of the room and all the other people softening into the background. Only Zelda stood clear in his vision, and he walked on in a stupor, his heart light as if it was floating. She smiled and chatted to those around her, oblivious to his approach. In his eyes, she loomed closer and closer and –
"Link!"
The Hero of Time blinked, breaking out of his reverie. Zayna stood before him, smiling.
"Zayna," he said slowly. Memories flooded into his head, fighting the Demon Riders in Melody Forest, the despair he felt at her capture. "Zayna! It's been so long. Heavens above, what happened? I thought I'd lost you." He grinned.
"You can't get rid of your apprentice that easily," she replied, biting into a soft fruit and making the juices run down her chin. Apprentice. She was still under oath to him and he had a duty to look out for her well-being. Shame burned at his soul.
"I'm so sorry, my friend," he said, his tone turning grim. "I let you down."
"That's not what I heard," she said softly. "Rumour has it you went searching for me."
"And I failed," he answered, shivering. "I was captured and …" He swallowed. "I was captured."
His apprentice searched his face carefully, her forehead creased slightly in puzzled concern. "Link, you did more for me than most have ever done in my life." She smiled awkwardly. The look in her eyes was genuine and the Hero looked away, slightly embarrassed. "I thank you."
"You escaped though," he said, with a hint of pride. "Looks like I taught you well." He gave her a playful smile.
She snorted. "Hardly. But I am looking forward to resuming our classes again."
"You shouldn't be," he said with a mock-stern voice. "You've been late for my lessons for the past few weeks and you have a lot of catching up to do, young one."
Zayna chuckled gently. Her eyes flicked to the gift in his hand. "Looks like I'm not the only one wanting to catch up," she said, her familiar smirk touching her features. She pat him on the shoulder, before moving to leave. "I'll leave you to it. We can talk later."
Link smiled, grateful for her understanding. Fixing his gaze on the Queen again, he walked onwards urgently, narrowly dodging the other guests. He didn't stop for anyone now, his line of sight set, his intention determined. The music and voices swimming in his head started to annoy him. His stomach growled in reaction to the aroma of spicy food, but he ignored it. There were greater needs that had to be satiated. He held up his prize, ready to deliver and –
"Is that for me?"
Tessa smiled sweetly at him, her eyes shining with quiet happiness.
"Erm," he said. A false grin was carved onto his face as his brow broke into a sweat. His hand was still held outwards, looking useless. He looked it at it as if it was an entirely new limb that had just sprung from his body that very instant. Tessa looked down shyly when he did not reply.
Ho there! I'm looking for the Hero of Time! He used to occupy this space, but now seems to have departed and has been replaced by Dobbin, the Heroic Mumbler!
She dared to glance up at him, her cheeks reddening slightly. "Well?"
What could he do now? If he took his hand back, he would only look foolish. And she looked so innocent, so eager.
If she wants it so badly, just shove it up her nose and give it to her.
Link grit his teeth and, turning his hand over, dropped the jewel into her palm with a heavy heart. "Of course," he said. "Whom else could it be for? A sparkling jewel was only meant for a sparkling face like yours."
Coward!
She giggled, her eyes wide as she examined her gift. "It's so pretty," Tessa said, gasping. She surprised him with a fierce hug, and his bulging eyes caught sight of Zelda, looking up and seeing him for the first time. The Queen peered at him, an unreadable expression on her face. "Thank you so much."
Let me have control again. I can get you Zelda. She won't be able to resist us. Trust me.
Link and Tessa looked around, an awkward silence hanging between them. The Hero's eyes surreptitiously darted towards the Queen, anxious to be away, but feeling guilty at not being able to give the farm girl his company.
"Let me go show this to Papa," she said softly. Link smiled in response, hoping the hunter would not misinterpret the gift.
You really are quite naive, aren't you?
The Hero sucked in a breath. This time he would not be stopped. He had lost his gem, but he still had his words. He would march to the Queen and say exactly what he felt. And at this moment, he felt like telling her how dazzlingly beautiful she looked. Unlike all the previous times, he would not turn away either or try and hide. He would tell her those words and then ask for her company. And then. And then he would tell her everything.
The last few Freelanders parted as he approached. At last, she was before him, her eyes fixed on him with a gentle gaze. A smile played on her face and again Link was struck, his mouth threatening to go dry. His jaw muscles clenched, refusing to let them fail him now. She waited for him to speak with an expression of expectation. He could say such things to Tessa quite easily, so he shouldn't really be so unnerved. Link opened his mouth.
"You look dazzlingly beautiful tonight."
Zelda blinked, turning to the sound of the Prince's voice as he strolled up to them. "Why, thank you, Chizan," she said, looking a little agitated.
The son-of-a-mongrel stole our line!!
"Hero of Time, it is good to see you again," Chizan said, briefly casting his gaze at him.
"And you," Link mumbled. He was crestfallen; feeling like someone had kicked him violently in the gut. His shoulders sagged. This night was turning out to be a disaster.
So, how about that knife- in-the-back-plan? You know you want to.
The Prince moved to speak again, but was distracted by a messenger boy urgently tugging at his sleeve. He stepped away, as the boy spoke in a hushed whisper.
Link looked at Zelda. At last, she was on her own!
"So," he said. "You look nice." His tone was confident, even if his words were not. An age ago he would not have even managed that.
You're hopeless!
She blushed, and Link felt a stir of satisfaction. The Queen had not reacted like that to the Prince's words.
"Thank you," she replied. He was getting a little sick of being thanked all the time. Her eyes flicked over him. "You're looking good too, Hero of Time."
He gave her a lop-sided smile, not sure what to say next. As usual when he was in this situation with Zelda, his mind went blank.
"So," she said.
"So." He was at a loss, both of them looking for words, but not wanting the moment to end. Emotions danced on their faces, clear to any casual observer, but neither of them were able to express themselves.
You're both like attendees at a Spring Festival. Are you thirty summers past or thirteen? I'd wager she's thinking exactly the same thing.
They looked up, catching each other's gazes and laughing.
"This is silly, Link," she said finally, her face relaxing. "We have lots to talk about."
"Yes, we do," he said, his smile still in place. He stepped up to her, standing tall and taking her hand confidently. She was mildly surprised. "Let's get out of here. Find a nice, quiet place. I have many things I wish to say."
"Yes, let's," she said, grinning. They were lost now, oblivious to all around them.
Doth my eyes deceiveth me? Are you actually making a first move? The Freelanders should be holding another banquet in honour of this historic moment.
A cough broke their gazes. They both turned as one to face the Prince. There was a moment as one of his eyes narrowed, regarding them, but it was gone in an instant.
"I have just been informed that the Wise One of the North has just arrived. She is eager to meet us," he said. "Find the Key. We must make haste."
Zelda's hand dropped from his, and Link watched his chance dissolve into ash.