Disclaimer:
The Legend of Zelda is property of Nintendo.
Author's Notes:
As a result of my attempt to attract more attention to my story, this chapter's ready in about a day. I'm also thinking about changing the name of my story, but I can't figure out a better name and it might just confuse people. So, if I change the name of this story to something else, don't get confused and just look for my name, Link of Hylia, with the story to find it again.
That's it for comments today, so read, enjoy, and PLEASE REVIEW!
The Legend of Zelda: The War of Power
Chapter 10: On the Brink of War
"They're really going to declare war," Zelda said, shocked after hearing Amir's news regarding Solatia.
"Well, it's not really like declaring war," Amir said, "It's more invading, surprising Hyrule, and then trying to slaughter everyone, including innocents. They're all a bunch of dirty-"
"Cowards," Link finished. The Calatian smiled.
"Exactly," he said, "I like the way you think, kid."
"Oh, it's Link," the boy said, "I forgot to mention my name. Sorry."
"Link's not very good at the whole 'manners' thing yet," Malon said, causing her and Zelda to laugh.
"He could really learn some things from you, Amir," Zelda said.
"Leave the poor boy alone," Talon, Malon's father, said, laughing.
"Thank you, Talon," Link said, "Now if we could get back to the matter at hand." Malon and Zelda laughed one last time before turning serious.
"This news needs to get to the castle immediately," the princess started, "But we can't go back there just yet."
"Why not?" Amir asked, confused.
"Um," Zelda stammered, "It's not safe for … um … Link! Yeah, he helped Princess Zelda escape and so the assassins are after him. The princess told us to stay hidden here."
"Right…" Amir said, "Excuse me for saying so, Your Highness, but just how stupid do you think I am?" Zelda's and Malon's jaws dropped open, a sight that made Link explode with laughter.
"I like this guy!" Link said, pointing to Amir, "Anybody that can make you two go speechless is definitely talented. You should see the look on your faces!"
"Shut it," Malon said, "You know you'll regret that."
"It was worth it," the boy said, holding back laughter.
"And I suppose you knew all along that he knew," Zelda said.
"Yep," Link said, "Ever since I made up the stupid nickname."
"It was kind of a giveaway," Amir admitted, "I mean, 'Zelda' and 'Zellie'. Couldn't you do better, kid?"
"Yeah," Zelda said, "This is your fault, so I don't know why you're laughing."
"Well, sorry," Link said sarcastically, "But your nice little Crest of the Royal Family doesn't help much, either, Zelda."
"I didn't have time to change out of my dress!" Zelda said, "We had barely gotten here!"
"At any rate, Princess," the Calatian interrupted, "Sorry for being rude, but I felt that it needed to get out."
"It's okay," Zelda said before casting a side glance at Link, "Just don't call me 'princess'."
"Yeah, she hates that," Link said, "Right, Princess?"
"Fairy Boy, you're digging yourself a deeper grave," Malon said.
"Sorry to change the subject," Amir said, "But how will we inform the kingdom. I doubt that this Impa lady you say is currently in charge would believe a single Calatian."
"I believe you and I'm the princess," Zelda pointed out, "But you're right. I doubt the people would easily believe that Solatia's going to attack. I have to talk with Impa personally."
"You're not going back there," Link said decisively.
"Link, it's sweet that you want to protect me," Zelda said nicely before glaring at the boy, "But you are not in charge of me."
"Maybe my dad could get a message to Impa telling her to do that telepathic conversation thing again," Malon suggested, "You said she couldn't use it very much, but maybe she's rested enough to try once more. Do you think you could give a message to her, dad?"
"I'd be glad to," Talon said, "I'll go up there right now."
"I guess that'll work," Zelda said, "Do you have a piece of parchment, Malon."
"Sure," the farm girl said before walking over to a small desk in her room and searching through a door. The company was lounging about Malon's room as she found the paper she was looking for. She handed it to Zelda who wrote a short note and signed her name. Zelda handed it to Talon.
"I'll be back in an hour or so," he said before leaving the room.
"Well, now that that's taken care of," Link started, "You want to show off your sword, Amir?"
"I don't know," the Calatian said nervously.
"Come on," Link said, "I want to see how you use that huge thing, and maybe we can spar."
"Alright," Amir said reluctantly, surprised that this boy wanted to fight with a man of his size, "Let's go." The four left the room and soon found themselves outside of the corral on the side of the house.
"Now," Link said, "Show me how you use that thing. Step back, girls." Zelda and Malon readily obliged as Amir pulled his sword from his sheath.
"That thing's huge!" the boy said, "I once used something like that. It was called the Biggoron sword, but even it wasn't that big, and it took me two hands and my full strength to wield."
"I trained for a long time to be able to use this," Amir said, "But I'm now able to fight with just one hand." The Calatian demonstrated by gripping the sword tightly with his right hand and swinging it in a number of different slices. He swung horizontally, then immediately switched to an upward swing, then diagonally before doing a number of stabbing techniques and finishing the display off by flipping the sword up in the air, catching it, and performing a type of spin attack in which he spun halfway around on his heel and swung the sword horizontally.
"Incredible," Link said with awe, "Man, you're strong. That was awesome."
"You sure you want to spar?" Amir asked as Link nodded.
"Definitely," he said, pulling his sword from his sheath, "I could use some training."
"Ready?" the Calatian asked. Link nodded.
Amir immediately began by charging Link head on. The boy ducked under the initial horizontal swing and sidestepped a stab attempt before leaping over another slice. Link grabbed the man's shoulders with one arm in midair and flipped himself over the large Calatian. He spun around and swung his sword before he hit the ground in an attempt to hit Amir's unprotected back. The Calatian lifted his arms over his head and pointed his broadsword down behind him, blocking the attack. He then spun faster than Link would think the big man could before swinging his sword at the boy. Link had no choice but to block the attack with his own sword. The two weapons collided, and the force from the broadsword made Link's right arm go numb and almost knocked the longsword from his hand. He had no time to recover, however, as Amir tried to surprise him with a powerful kick. Link caught the man's foot with his hands and almost fell over from the force. The boy pushed the foot to the side before ducking and kicking the one leg Amir was still standing on. The big man fell over when his leg was swept out from under him but managed to catch himself with one arm before he hit the ground. He brought his sword up to block Link's attack and pushed himself to his feet with his arm. They continued in this fashion for a while, each seeming like they were beginning to best the other until the tides turned. Link eventually decided he needed to take a chance if he was to win, and he skillfully leapt over Amir's next stab. The boy landed on the flat part of Amir's blade and pushed it towards the ground with his feet. He then leapt once again, catching the man by surprise, and kicked him in the chest before flipping backwards, landing, and pointing his sword at Amir's throat.
"Good job," the Calatian said, surrendering, "I underestimated you, kid, and you found a weakness in my sword technique."
"Actually," Link said, "It was more of just plain luck. I didn't really know if that was going to work or not." Amir laughed as him and the boy walked over to Zelda and Malon who were sitting up against the house.
"Way to go, Link," Zelda said sarcastically, "That makes two adults you've beaten in competition that will probably want to pound you for the rest of your life."
"We still have a while until my dad gets back," Malon pointed out.
"Yes, but if Impa gets the message sooner she could contact me immediately," the princess said. As if to prove her point, the faded image of the Sheikah appeared in front of the group.
"Whoa," Malon said, "That's really weird."
"Princess, I can't hold this for long," Impa reminded her, "What did you need to tell me?"
"This is Amir of Calatia," Zelda said, waving her hand towards the man, "He has come from Solatia with distressing news. King Halberd is manipulating the people into thinking that we used them and that Hyrule is the cause of their poverty. Solatia is planning on attacking soon, and they hoped to take us by surprise. Amir does not know how many other nations have rallied to this cause."
"This isn't good," Impa said, "If it is true, that is. Stand in front of me, Amir of Calatia." The man did so. The Sheikah glared into his eyes, and Amir seemed to feel her presence in his mind searching through his thoughts. They stood in this fashion for a few minutes.
"He's telling the truth," Impa said finally, "You may move away now, Amir." The Calatian readily did so, glad to escape the penetrating stare.
"So the purpose of the assassination was to leave Hyrule leaderless," Impa said, "Halberd hoped it would weaken us enough so that the Solatians could emerge victorious. Weak little cowards."
"Yeah, that's been established," Link said sarcastically.
"I can come back and rule, Impa," Zelda said.
"No, Princess," the Sheikah said, "I'm sorry, but I have to continue to think of your safety. We now know of two sorcerers by the names of Gahoch, the apprentice, and Gahmig, the master. They are both extremely powerful, and could easily assassinate you despite the amount of protection we establish. It took only the apprentice to kill your father, two royal guards, and Kard, and they fought with everything they had. And the master would be far more powerful. I know you won't like this, Princess, but I think you should leave Hyrule. Link and Amir, you will go with her and try to reach Calatia. You should be safe there, Princess Zelda, and perhaps Amir can convince the nation to come to Hyrule's aid."
"That makes sense," Amir said, glad he would finally return home, "The King of Calatia would most likely help Hyrule against the Solatians. With the combined power of the armies, King Halberd would fall in a heartbeat."
"Link," Impa said, addressing the boy, "You will continue to protect Princess Zelda. If anything happens to her, I'll-"
"Got it," Link said, not letting her finish her sentence.
"Goodbye, Princess," the Sheikah said sadly.
"Goodbye," Zelda said quietly as the figure disappeared.
***
"Madam Impa! Madam Impa!" a voice called from outside the Sheikah's door.
"What is it!" she barked.
"It's General Kard!" the soldier said, "We found him by the king, but he's still alive."
"He survived?" Impa asked, opening the door, "Where is he?"
"In the medical rooms," the guard said, "He's being treated. We thought you might want to see him." Impa said nothing more and walked away towards the medical sector. She arrived in a large room filled with many healers tending to those who had been injured during the night.
"Kard!" Impa yelled, "Where are you?"
"Over here," someone grunted, causing Impa to look to her left. Kard was sitting on a small bed, his back up against the wall, clutching his chest.
"You're actually alive," the Sheikah said, amazed.
"It takes more than a cowardice sorcerer to destroy me," the general said.
"What happened out there?" the woman asked, "Is King Harkinian really gone?"
"Yes," Kard said, "I tried to save him, but the sorcerer was too powerful. I got this to show for it." Kard removed his hand from his bare chest and Impa gasped when she saw an enormous scar over his heart.
"How did you survive that?" the Sheikah asked, astonished.
"I really don't know," the general answered, "The sorcerer stabbed me and I suddenly felt my body being ripped apart. According to the doctors, the energy blast somehow missed my vital organs, even though it was right above my heart. The same technique was used on the king, but he wasn't as lucky. I would have gladly have had my life taken so that his would be spared, but fate is cruel like that, isn't it?"
"Solatia's going to attack," Impa said, changing the subject.
"I figured as much," Kard said, "They'll probably try to catch us off guard with a surprise attack, and they think we'll be weak because our king's dead."
"They underestimate us," Impa said, "For the death of our king will only serve to fuel Hyrule's rage. And you are correct about the surprise attack. A man by the name of Amir from Calatia told us that he had been in Solatia and learned of Halberd's plans. The Solatians have been fed lies by the king, and the sorcerer Gahmig has most likely persuaded other nations to join the Solatian cause. Their campaign involves convincing the people that Hyrule is the cause of their poverty and other problems. I don't know when the attack will come, though."
"What about the princess?" Kard asked, "Does she still live?"
"Yes," the Sheikah answered, "Link escaped with her. They're at Lon-Lon Ranch right now, but I told them to go to Calatia before the war starts. Princess Zelda should be safe there. Amir the Calatian is traveling with them in the hopes that he can persuade his people to aid us in the coming battles."
"That boy better keep her safe," Kard growled, "I don't know if it's wise to put the fate of our country in the hands of a kid."
"You know as well as I do that he can protect her better than we can," Impa said as the general quieted, realizing she was right.
"Has anyone informed the people of the situation?" Kard asked.
"No," the Sheikah answered, "Most are still cowering in their homes."
"Get the people together," the general said, "I'll make the announcement. Hopefully they will be willing to engage in a war at this time."
"I'll go to the Gorons, Zoras, and the Gerudo," Impa said, "I know the Gorons and Zoras will help, and I should be able to persuade Nabooru to lead the Gerudo to war." The Sheikah left the room to call for a meeting of the people as Kard lay back down to rest.
***
"Hyrule approaches!" a voice yelled from atop the mast of the royal Solatian ship.
"Finally," King Halberd said to himself, "The time has come. We will land in a day and then it is just a four day journey on foot to the center of Hyrule." The king had set sail immediately after his advisor Gahmig had left to persuade the other nations to join Solatia's cause. The entire army of Solatia had traveled up the coast of the continent of Ahras to get as close to Hyrule as possible before launching their surprise attack. Gahmig had magically transported himself as well as his apprentice and the Solatian assassins onto the ship when their duty was over. Halberd did not know that his advisor was so skilled at using magic, and he realized he didn't know much about his advisor at all.
Gahmig had told the king that he had convinced every nation he traveled to that a war with Hyrule was a worthy cause. The countries of Lohen, Hoshena, Kaban, and the huge, beastly people of Coshrak had all joined Solatia. The Lohenese, Hoshenans, and Kabanese all agreed that Hyrule had robbed them and tricked them many times, and the Coshraks just enjoyed fighting for any cause. They fought for the sake of shedding blood, and Gahmig had earned their respect when he defeated their leader. Afterwards, the sorcerer became their new master and they had readily joined the Solatians. The sorcerer had told Halberd that the nations would not arrive in time to help Solatia with the first battle, however, but they would engage in the war shortly afterwards. King Halberd had not worried about this, though, thinking that he would easily be victorious because Hyrule was not aware of the coming attack. The fleet of ships had stayed just far enough away from the coastline to be invisible to a person gazing across the sea. There was a perpetual fog on the west side of Ahras, also, which aided the Solatians in hiding. Halberd had become still more confident when Gahmig's apprentice, Gahoch, had stated that he personally killed the King of Hyrule.
"Everyone prepare themselves!" King Halberd yelled, "It is time! Hyrule will fall!" The warriors cheered as the fleet neared the land of Hyrule.
***
"Are you sure?" Nabooru asked.
"Yes," Impa replied, "The Calatian informed us of this, and I could tell he was not lying. And it only makes sense that the Solatians would attack while they think Hyrule is weak."
"That may be true," Nabooru said, "But the Gerudo may be unwilling to participate in the fighting. Most like to stay separate from the wars of Hyrule. The Gerudo philosophy states that we will not involve ourselves in outside matters."
"But it may not be an outside matter," Impa said, "They will not leave your people alone once they have invaded Hyrule."
"I'm sorry, Impa," the Gerudo said, "But I will have to speak with the elders about it. This is a rather large demand, after all."
"Fine," the Sheikah said almost angrily, "Do what you can." The large woman rose from her seat at the small table and left the room. She retrieved her horse from the stables and began the journey back to Castle Town. Sometimes Impa didn't understand the Gerudo. The Gorons had agreed to the war in a heartbeat, and the Zoras also after a little persuading. Although she understood that Nabooru would have to talk with the Gerudo and that they warriors may take some coaxing, she felt that there was no time for that. She did not know how soon the attack would come and she greatly hoped that Zelda would have time to leave the country before anything happened. The princess had left just three days ago, wanting to spend some time at the ranch to prepare for the trip. Against her better judgment, Impa had allowed this, partly because she had been traveling four the last four days and was rather preoccupied. She looked up into the night sky and assumed it was nearly midnight and that she would be at the castle by morning.
***
"So, Amir," Zelda said, smiling, "We're just going to Rok so we can get a ship, right?"
"Yes," the Calatian said quickly.
"There's no hidden desire to see the beautiful Hawehn again?" Malon teased the big man.
"Leave the man alone, Zelda," Link said before Amir had to respond, "It's bad enough when you two do that stuff to me."
"Lighten up, Fairy Boy," the ranch girl said, "I have to enjoy my time with you while it lasts." Malon was referring to the fact that she was to leave the company after arriving in Rok. The girl and Link had engaged in a long and loud argument about whether or not Malon should come on the journey. Link had told her that he was concerned for her safety and that she didn't need to be put into any danger. Malon had argued that although she couldn't fight, she could still look after herself. They had ended up deciding that the girl could come as far as Rok and that she would spend some time with her friend Hawehn. She would then return to the ranch. Although Malon had agreed to this, Link knew that she would attempt to follow them the rest of the way.
"I know you're up to something," Link said, "Don't think you're coming any farther than Rok."
"Not again," said Zelda as Malon opened her mouth, "Don't start fighting."
The princess had changed out of her normal attire which consisted of her pink dress into something more suitable for traveling. She wore a blue cloak which was held on with a Triforce brooch, dark brown pants with black boots, and a sleeveless blue shirt. Link had also chosen to wear a cloak, though his was dark brown, and the boy wore brown pants as well as a dark green tunic. He wore a brown shirt underneath his tunic and his brown gloves and boots, and his sword hung in the sheath at his side. Malon was dressed in her riding pants as well as a brown shirt, and Amir still wore what he had come to Hyrule in; a short sleeved brown tunic and black pants.
"Rok should be less than an hour away," Amir said, studying a map that Impa had given the group before they left.
"That's good," Malon said, "This is getting tiring. I still wish we could have brought Epona."
"She would just have to go back as soon as we reached Rok," Link pointed out, "We couldn't bring any horses on a ship."
"Yeah, I know," the farm girl said, "But I miss her."
"Well, you didn't have to come," Link said.
"Quiet!" Amir suddenly hissed. Link and Malon looked towards the road ahead to see smoke floating through the air close by.
"That's where Rok should be," Zelda said quietly as Amir suddenly took off running.
"Let's go!" Zelda said as both her and Malon began running. Link joined them also, although he didn't think it was a good idea to lead the princess straight towards danger.
As the four reached the apex of the next hill, they could see Rok less than a mile away.
"Oh, no," Malon said quietly, looking at the burning town. Amir once again took off running towards the town, drawing his sword.
"Zelda, stay close to me," Link said as the three followed the big man, "I don't think this is a good idea."
The group soon reached the village to see flames devouring every house in the village. Soldiers were ransacking the houses, stealing anything of value, and killing innocent people. Amir picked out one house immediately and ran to it.
"Hawehn!" the man called loudly, "Hawehn! Are you there!"
"Yes!" a voice answered, "We're in the house, but the flames are trapping us! Please help!" Amir wasted no time in charging through the burning door, ignoring the flames that seared his body as he did so. He saw Hawehn and her father, Cletts huddling in a corner of the house, trying to stay out of reach of the flames that covered the cottage. Amir dashed through the fire and reached their position. He picked up Hawehn and held her close to his massive chest as he ran through the flames to the outdoors, covering the woman as best he could so that she wouldn't get burned. He set Hawehn down, reentered the house and emerged seconds later carrying an unconscious Cletts.
"The soldiers!" the woman cried before showing Amir her father's stomach, "They did this to him, and then they burned the house." Link, Zelda, and Malon soon arrived on the scene and Zelda set about healing Cletts' wounds.
"I think he'll make it," Zelda said when she had finished, panting, "I was just in time, but that took a lot of work."
"What's happening?" Hawehn asked, confused.
"Solatia's attacking," Amir answered, "Those ruthless cowards."
"But those aren't Solatians," the woman said, "They have long ears."
They all turned to look at the attacking soldiers, only to see people clad in Hylian armor bearing the crest of the royal family. Those weren't Solatians, they realized; they were Hylians.