Author's Ramblings and excuses:  I am so sorry.  I know that it has been a long time.  A long, long time.  Call it writer's block, plus a little chaos and catastrophes thrown in.   So here it is.  And hopefully, the story will be wrapping up soon.  I'm seeing another 2-3 chapters, maybe more, but probably not.  The next chapter is almost done, and I will hopefully have it up by midweek.  Thanks to all who are reading, and have read.

Past

The King's ministers were once again meeting in the chamber, however their mood had changed drastically since the last time we had met.  Recognizing that Link's presence and skill had saved this country, and their own wealth, they were much more open to listening to him this time around.

I watched my husband as he stood to speak.  The wound in his stomach was still giving him grief, even though it had been three weeks since he, Zel, and Link Arends had come back through the temple of time.  I believe his pain was only recognizable to me though.  His stance was steady and his voice unwavering all throughout his speech to these miserable, whining wretches that served as our kingdom's advisors.

"We are here once more, gentlemen, to save Hyrule.  Although this time I hope that this council will find within itself the courage to act swiftly and without delay as to prevent another month-long siege that our people cannot afford.  I have had surveillance reports that suggest Ahenous is once again approaching Hyrule castle, somehow he has managed to scrape together a fighting force and is marching, as we speak."

A loud gasp from one of the older ministers was quickly followed by quiet mutterings among themselves.  "What do you suggest then, Prince Link?"

Link glanced at Link Arends, exchanging a nod before looking back to the minister who had posed the question.  "We send our fighting force to meet him, face on.  We crush him before he can step one foot into our lands."

Rothan sneered at my husband.  "And allow just leave the castle itself unguarded and unprotected."  He snorted. "This is what we get letting a peasant run the army."

I was about to leap headlong to the man to rip out his jugular, but one of my faithful nobles beat me to it.  "How dare you, Rothan.  This peasant as you call him is your Prince, and has proven his worth many times over.  You would not be sitting here if he hadn't risked his life."  He looked around the table, meeting each one of the councilor's eyes in turn.  "I say we hear him out, and take his advice very seriously. And Rothan….. I would like to remind your own father was the illegitimate son of the scullery maid.  Or had you forgotten?"  He sat back down as some of the councilors tried to stifle laughter at Rothan's red face.

Link snorted himself.  "If I may continue, a small elite force, including myself and Link Arends, will stay behind to guard the castle while the King himself will lead the search. I am confident that we can withstand any emergency until our troops could be recalled to relieve us."

The ministers all voiced their approval, with the exception of Rothan.   "Well spoken Link.  I believe we are in agreement.  You may continue with your plans as soon as you see fit."  And with that, my father dismissed the council and bade us to meet with him for lunch in his rooms.

*~*

"So Link, care to fill me in?"  The King spoke around a mouthful of bread as the five of us sat in his chambers over our meal.

Link smiled sheepishly as Link Arends started a little.  I guess he had not expected the monarch to see through their plan so clearly. 

I smiled at the young warrior as Link answered that look in his eyes.  "I told you Zelda's father was smarter than Taryn.  In fact, he is quite well known as a military strategist."

"Often consider the second best," my father chuckled slightly, "I was the best, but my son-in-law has gained quite a reputation, and rightly so.

Link demurely turned a nice shade of red as he coughed lightly. 

"But come, come.  I know this whole business of sending a fighting force off to face off the madman is nonsense.  If that were your plan, Link, I know you would be at the head of the army, stomach wound or no."

"Your right, as usual.  This is a diversion.  We could go chasing Ahenous all year, wasting valuable time and supplies while he can sit back and rebuild his army. 
Instead, we're going to set an irresistible trap.  With our entire army gone, any small force could expect to easily break into our castle and claim power.  What they won't know is that we will be ready and expecting just that."  

"Besides," I interjected, "Except for the council, no one knows of Zel or Link Arends.  So we will have four excellent fighters here protecting the caste."

"Well, more like two and a half, dear."  I glared at him.  "I am still recovering and you should sit this one out as much as possible."  He said, placing a gentle hand on my now quite protruding stomach. 

My first instinct was to argue with him, but then my hand joined his.  I realized that he had made this statement, not out of the belief that I could not fight, but out of concern for my health and our child if I did.  I relaxed my face and flashed him a smile.  He squeezed my hand gently and returned his attention to my father. 

"But what if they send more people than you four can deal with?"  My father's eyebrows creased together in the middle of his forehead forming a neat V. 

Link Arends spoke up for the first time.  "He won't.  He hasn't had the time.  And he's arrogant.  He will see this as the perfect opportunity to strike quickly, fastly, and successfully."

My father thought for a minute, stroking his chin absentmindedly.  "Link, I trust you.  You have never let me, or Hyrule down.  I will submit to your decision." 

I knew this meant a lot to Link.  I can remember a time when he and Link did not get along so well.  In fact, there was a time when he had locked me in my room, saying I was not to come out until he had personally cut Link's throat.  Link clearly remembered this too.  He cleared his throat, barely managing a "Thank you, sir."  His hand clenched mine again. 

*~*

The two couples stood, watching the Hyrulian army depart.  The King reached the gate, turning in the saddle to wave at his daughter.  Zelda returned the wave, then turned to her husband.  "And now?"

"We wait."