-A Legend of Zelda-

The Age of Link

Disclaimer- All names, places and settings bellonging to Nintendo are their property and i make no claims of ownership. All other creative elements are mine and I rightfully maintain my ownership. Don't sue me, all I own is an old shoe and the poor old woman that lives in it... I'm willing to sell if anyone is interested.

PREFACE

The evil sorcerer Ganon was defeated by the Hero of Destiny, a young elven warrior by the name of Link, and the Princess Zelda was again safe. Peace was restored and Hyrule could again rest easy. Though young, Zelda was the last surviving member of the royal family and thus no longer princess but queen. All expected her to claim her champion as her husband and make him king but to the land's collective surprise this was not the case. The kingdom of Hyrule shared borders with three other nations, Ceptir, Llolackle and Duko Dale. Each kingdom had its own despots eager to claim the war torn and weary Hyrule. Zelda knew that as long as there was the possibility of marriage between herself and one of her neighbor's sons she could maintain a truce. She discussed it with her hero and true love and he accepted the logic of her decision. They could never marry, never enjoy each other like husband and wife, but he would never love another so he could not leave her side.

The ruler of Llolackle, Queen PenLlack III, controlled the largest of the four kingdoms but had her black heart set on ruling them all. Her armies out numbered the forces of Hyrule ten to one and stood ready to invade at PenLlack's whim but her advisors warned her against such a rash action. Though tired, the Hyrule army and their formidable knights were seasoned warriors fresh from the battlefield not to mention the mysterious powers wielded by the Hero of Destiny. It was believed that even with their overwhelming numbers victory was not a assured. Queen PenLlack III was not the kind of person to relent once her heart was set on attaining something she wanted. She decided that if she couldn't take Hyrule by force she would take it by cunning. She would use one of her own to seduce Queen Zelda and take the throne. From her five sons she chose Baron YartLl, cruel man with the outward appearance of a saint.

Baron YartLl spent an entire summer attempting to woo the Queen before he grew tired of his mother's game and tried to force himself upon Zelda. Only the Queen's insistent pleas and the restraining hands of her knights kept Link from killing the depraved Baron. He was escorted to the border and banished from Hyrule for eternity. The two lovers believed themselves free of him but he pledged revenge for his humiliation.

And PenLlack never gives up on something she wants.

CHAPTER I

His breathing was ragged and his clothes were torn in dozens of places. He crashed through a tangle of bushes scattering the wild chickens that had made the collection of greenery their home. His blood peppered the leaves as they slid across his sweat drenched skin. He stumbled to the ground for what must have been the hundredth time and found it extremely hard to get back up. He lied in misery thinking about his fallen comrades and the mission that he had to complete.

The huge South Bell rang drawing his eyes from the dirt to the Royal Castle of Hyrule. High atop its southern spire, within its ornate bell tower sat the South Bell; the symbol of good fortune during times of peace and the call to arms in times of war. He struggled to his feet and forged ahead. The stripes of nicks and cuts that covered his body were slowly but surely sapping what little strength he had left but he was determined not to give up. He was almost there. He had to warn the young queen, then and only then could he afford the luxury of death.

It was early and a Saturday so he felt no need to rush. She would be there as always. He came to the end of the long stone hall opened the sturdy wooden door and closed it quietly behind. The sound of singing birds and the fragrant smell of exotic flowers met him as he descended a flight of narrow stairs. He reached the bottom and walked under a meticulously carved stone archway. At its center was carved the image of the Legendary Triforce. He came from beneath the archway and stepped into the royal garden.

He scratched the dusty blond stubble that had gathered on his chin over the last few days and thought of the size of the yard. The cottage in which he was born and raised could fit within the garden six times with room to spare. The garden was divided by low hedges that separated the different species of flowers from one another. A butterfly fluttered pass and he followed its path across the courtyard of flora. The patterns of the creature's wings blended in with the multiple colors of the fragrant and beautiful plants. It stopped above a high blue pedaled bush and landed lightly. He looked beyond it to a long pink dress and the gorgeous woman that wore it.

The Queen, his Queen Zelda stood by an ornate stone fountain watching a trio of birds bathe. They sang to her and she hummed back. Her back was to him, giving him a perfect view of her long flowing blond tresses. Ribbons of finely worked gold were woven into her hair in a manner that made her sparkle whenever the wind blew. Her dress was of the finest silk cultivated from rare spiders native to Duko Dale. She hummed along with her small friends and a breeze blew in from the west. Her hair was caught in a stunning dance of pink spider silk, golden locks and water from the stone spring. He stared awestruck for a moment before he gasped for lack of air. She always had that affect on him; she could always take his breath away.

He looked to the walls that surrounded the huge garden and was proud to see that the guards, that he insisted watch over the Queen at all times, were at their post. Their leader, one of the renowned Hyrulian Knights, nodded to him and the soldiers quietly disappeared. He turned back to the queen and noticed that she was no longer singing.

"Good Morning, Link." said Queen Zelda in her melodious voice. She continued to play with her pets as they splashed around and tittered about.

"My Queen, how did you know it was I?" he asked. She always seemed to know when he arrived in her garden, almost as if she expected him.

"I can feel you like a part of my soul…" she replied. "Besides, the guards always seem to disappear whenever you're around. Perhaps they believe you're all the protection I need. Or maybe they just want to give us a little privacy."

He knew she mused but the barb was a little too close to home for his comfort. She chuckled and he smiled a little nervously. She turned toward him and her little companions took to the skies. She didn't afford them a second glance. They'd return as always. Link bowed low and the Queen curtsied in turn. They straightened up, brown and green eyes met, and the two froze. The Queen of Hyrule had large almond shaped eyes of emerald green that sat in a round and gentle face. She had a small button nose and long pointed ears that bespoke of High Elf lineage. A stand of hair hung over her right eye in a corkscrew curl that looked intentional but actually occurred on its own. The Queen's personal bodyguard, Link, had hair considered long for a guy that would hang to the small of his back if he didn't keep it in a large braid at the back of his neck. His brown eyes were those of a thinker, very piercing, and gave the impression that he saw more then what was on the surface. His nose was long and slightly pointed as were his ears. His lips were full and a complete contrast to the Queen's thin ones.

She blushed and cast her eyes skyward suddenly concerned with her flying companions and he occupied himself with kicking some fallen leaves off of the stone path. He snuck a peek at her and started as their eyes met again. She giggled and it was his turn to blush. She began to leisurely walk down a winding trail that led deeper into the Royal Garden and it wasn't long before he fell in step behind her. They're hands hung low at their sides almost touching, but not quite. Link began to hum the catchy tune of the Queen's song birds. She smiled at him and enthusiastically joined in. They walked and hummed and laughed for a long time, just enjoying each other's company.

Eventually they stop and sat at a cozy bench tucked into the northwest corner of the garden. Her hands rested in her lap and his mimicked those. A new butterfly arrived and landed in Queen Zelda's lap. She smiled and gentle raised it toward the heavens, sending it on its way.

"It's a beautiful day isn't it Link?" she asked turning in such a way that their knees brushed lightly. "The sun is shinnying bright, the air is sweat, the birds sing happily and I get to share it all with my favorite person."

"It's always a beautiful day when I'm around you my, Queen." Link quietly responded. Though extremely flattered, Zelda frowned.

"Must I constantly ask you not to be so formal when we are alone?" she asked. Her face was red but only slightly out of anger.

"I'm sorry… it's just, well it's just that I find myself thinking of you all the time and if I don't distance myself from you I'll be lost." he admitted. "I feel like I'm a moth and you're a flame. I must try to keep my distance or be consumed." The red flush of her face deepened. Unable to hide her emotions she turned away.

"Oh Link, my courageous and strong Link, I'm so sorry."

"Don't be."

"But this is all my fault. It was my decision not to marry you."

"It was for the greater good."

"I care not for the greater good. I love you. I love you more than any one person should love another, yet I hesitate to even touch you. Please Link, don't look away. If you would just promise me that we would go far from here I'd renounce my throne in a heartbeat." Link had avoided her eyes since she'd called him her own but looked at her sharply when she spoke those hard words.

"You know I'd promise you anything Zelda. Yet those words seem selfish and unlike you. You can not, no must not leave the throne. The people need your leadership. What's our happiness compared to the happiness of Hyrule. I love you but I could never let you do such a thing."

"It's not your place to tell me what I can and can't do!" she raged. Tears had begun to stream down her cheeks and the fiery color that was once in her cheeks had fled to add heat to her green eyes.

"Neither is it yours!" he retorted, acquiring some of her anger. Infuriated by his words and the truth behind them Queen Zelda slapped Link across the cheek with all of her anger fueled strength. His blood boiled and that part of him that thrived on conflict and battle, that part which could never be content with sitting on a throne and never seeing battle, attempted to surge forward. He grabbed her hand lightning fast. She tried to fight loose of his grip but had little success. She brought her free hand up to give him another slap and he easily claimed that one as well. Their eyes met and the anger seemed to leak out of both of them to be replaced by sorrow and self-pity.

"Let me go." She weakly implored. She continued to feebly struggle and her efforts had brought her nearly into the green clad elf's lap. Her hair fell over his right arm and her dress overlapped his green tunic. Their faces were merely inches apart.

"I can't Zelda, no matter how hard I try. I could never let you go." Another tear dropped but from his eye this time. He leaned that final inch to breach that ever widening gap. She closed her eyes and parted her lips.

"YOUR MAJESTY, COME QUICK! SOMETHING AWEFUL HAS HAPPENED!" The voice belonged to one of the younger Hyrule Knights. Link pulled away just before their lips could meet and jumped up from the bench. He looked towards the garden walls and found the knight jumping up and down in an attempt to get the queen's attention.

"What is it! What has happened." bellowed the Royal Bodyguard.

"THE EAST IS UNDER ATTACK!" The Queen gasped. Her advisors had been afraid of just such a thing happening. Queen PenLlack of LloLlackle had made it clear that her eyes were set on Hyrule. It was only a matter of time before she made her move. Link reached out his hand and she took it. They exchanged a look that made promises and apologies all at once. Their time had come and gone with the weeks following the defeat of Ganon. It was now Hyrule's time, time for its Queen to protect it.

Together they ran through the garden towards the throne room.

A chair was hastily found for him but he valiantly refused. He survived the trip from the Eastern watch; he could at least muster the strength to give his report on his feet. The knights applauded his fortitude and stood respectfully aside as he knelt before the throne. He bowed his head as the Queen entered the room and he noticed that he was bleeding onto the room's large red carpet. He quickly tried to stem the leakage with his torn shirt. A young squire scuttled pass and formally addressed the soldier to Her Majesty Queen Zelda.

"Arise Mr. Derrickson and give me the message you so bravely deliver." said the ruler of Hyrule. Derrickson looked up at Queen Zelda, dressed in all pink and draped in flowing golden tresses. She reclined in the room's single throne appearing not to have a care in the world. Her words were urgent and if the remarks of the knights were true she had just run from her garden deep within the palace to hear his news. Able to keep her composure in any given situation the Queen constantly proved that she was definitely a fit ruler.

"I bring news from the East my Queen," he croaked. His mouth was still a little dry from his long and arduous trip. He cleared his throat. "dire news." A few of the royal advisors leaned forward in the wooden chairs eager to hear what Derrickson had to say.

"Proceed." said the Queen.

"My post is night watchman for the third tower of the Eastern Fort." he said, stating the obvious because his uniform was of the design worn only by the Eastern watch. "Two nights ago I was late for duty…" he looked around to see if anyone would take offense to his words but everyone seemed more interested in his message than they were in his poor work ethics. "I reached my post almost an hour behind schedule and called up to my partner, Sammy, to throw down the rope ladder. I was trying to be quiet because I didn't want the Sergeant to know that I'd been late. There was no response so I called out again. I waited for an couple of moments and finally decided that Sammy must have fallen asleep, which he had a tendency to do from time to time."

"These are the kind of troops we employ to guard our borders?" loudly asked an elderly man seated to Derrickson's left.

"Balork Stop interrupting and let the young man finish!" retorted another of the Queen's advisors.

"Please continue, Mr. Derrickson." prompted the Queen.

"Frustrated I began to climb the scaffolding of the tower. It was dark and the mist from the east was exceptionally thick that night. I moved slowly because I could barely see the wood in front of my face by the weak light provided by the tower's torches. After what seemed like an eternity I reached the top and I entered the tower. I could see Sammy laying on the floor in a puddle of wine." Derrickson again looked for any reaction from the Queen or her entourage. Chancellor Balork wore a mask of disgust and the Queen appeared seemed to be studying the watchman unhappily. Scared to continue his story but unwilling to stop Derrickson forged ahead. "Angry that I was forced to take the long way up I gave Sammy a sharp kick and moved pass him. The eastern winds have a tendency to put out our torches and thanks to such a gust the tower was covered in thick shadow.

"I grabbed a torch and took it back to my supply bundle for some flint when I saw something in the grass below me. I froze thinking that it was the Sergeant and that Sammy and I were in trouble. Not taking my eyes off of the approaching silhouette I inched over to Sammy. I was almost to him when I heard the approach of a rider on horseback. To my surprise the shadowy figure hid in the concealment of a tree and was quickly joined by four others. Confused I fumblingly tried to wake Sammy without loosing sight of the shadows or the approaching rider." Derrickson risked a glance toward the Queen and found that she was leaning forward in her throne and listening intently. "As I my hand trailed across Sammy's back a felt a shaft of some kind jutting out of his back. I examined it with my hands and brushed across a pair of feathers connected at its tip.

"At that exact moment an arrow shot from the shade of the trees and struck the rider dead. Horrified I check more carefully and realized that it wasn't wine that Sammy slept in but blood. He was dead and I knew I would be too if I didn't get away."

"Boy, are you sure that you saw what you think you saw or was it just hallucinations brought on by a night o drinking with your friend Sammy?" asked Balork. Many of the other Chancellors eyed the old man with disgust but a good number nodded their heads in agreement.

"With all due respect Chancellor Balork I didn't imagine my best friend laying dead in my arms. I didn't imagine those arrows directed at me when I dropped the torch and I sure as hell didn't imagine the Eastern Fort engulfed in flames at my back!" Derrickson's outburst was ripe with disrespect and distain. If it wasn't for the urgency of his words he would have been detained and imprisoned immediately. The royal bodyguard and the Hyrule Knights were stepped forward at the mention of the burning fort. None of them would standby idle while their comrades were slaughtered by an unseen enemy.

"Who were they?" asked one of the Chancellors.

"I don't know." answered Derrickson.

"What kind of numbers are we dealing with, a scouting party or an invasion force?" inquired another.

"I'm not sure." The soldier's answers were becoming more and more helpless and the questions were coming faster and faster.

"Where did they come from?"

"How could they have gotten so close without any warning?"

"Why attack us, we are no one's enemy?"

"I don't know. I don't know. I DON'T KNOW!" yelled Derrickson exhausted. He dropped to his knees and began to cry into his hands. Everyone allowed him his moment of relief in silence until a gloved hand grabbed his shoulder and helped him to his feet. Derrickson turned and stared into the half-blind eyes of General Cole. The commander of the Hyrule Knights saluted the lowly watchman and patted his shoulder sympathetically.

"It's okay soldier. You've been through a lot and you can't be expected to remember everything. As far as I'm concerned you are a hero." said Sir Cole. He took a step back and joined the other Hyrule Knights as they all saluted the watchman. Derrickson wiped away his tears and proudly returned the salute. "My Queen, with your permission I'd like to begin preparations for this man to be inducted into the Knightly Order, but first we must decide what is to be done about this attack." With his mission accomplished Derrickson collapsed into the previously offered chair and fell to sleep.

"The decision is for The Council of Elders to decide. It is a time for diplomacy not warmongering." bellowed Balork. He and Cole had no love for one another and never bothered to conceal their contempt for each other.

"Time for diplomacy? As we speak our lands are being stalked by gods know who! What we need right now is a decisive counter strike. We need to spill blood now before we lose more ground!" said the General, his words punctuated by cheers from his men.

"This isn't chess Sir Cole." said Chancellor Thyme. Thyme was once a knight himself and was the only chancellor that commanded the respect of both The Council of Elders and The Hyrule Knights. Sir Cole nodded his acknowledgement but charged forward, as was his way.

"When isn't it chess? Someone has made their move and now our eastern flank is wide open." Cole was adamant. He believed there was no time for the matter to sit and be debated over. Action had to be taken.

"We don't have the luxury of making arbitrary decisions. We must make logical choices or suffer the consequences later." said Thyme.

"We must act now!" replied Sir Cole. A sharp pain ran through his chest and stole his breath away. He gripped the hilt of his sword so tightly that his knuckles were turning white. He looked down and could only see his armor as a sparkling bronze blur. After years of charging headlong into battle time had finally caught up with him. He was finally too old to be a hero and he knew it. He slowly released the sword and looked to his Queen, the Queen of his people. "My Queen I am being a little over zealous but I believe that we should at least send a small scouting party to investigate." He looked to Thyme and then to Balork. "The council can't make an informed decision until all of the facts are gathered." The Queen nodded her head. Outraged Balork leapt to his feet.

"You can't seriously be taking a recommendation from this brute!"

"Brute! You chicken hearted son of a snake, how dare you?"

"GENTLEMEN BE SILENT!" ordered the Queen. The knights all stood at attention and the Chancellors took their seats though Balork gave her a scornful look. "Sir Cole is right we must find out exactly who and what we are dealing with." The General smiled and bowed to Zelda. "Chancellor Thyme is right as well. We must make an informed decision. A scouting party will be sent to the Eastern Fort and a messenger will be sent back as soon as what is really going on is determined." Chancellor Thyme also bowed to the Queen. Balork snorted derisively but held his tongue. "General Cole I want your fastest riders sent by tomorrow morning."

"They will be ready before tonight Queen Zelda." assured Sir Cole. He turned to his assembled knights and began giving orders in their quick and unique secret hand signals. The knight scattered to carryout their orders leaving the throne room eerily silent in their wake. He bowed low and turned to leave when Link called out to him.

"General, with yours and the Queen's permission I'd like to join the scouting party." The Queen shot Link a queer look and the Chancellors began to file out to confer in The Chamber of the Elders.

"Young man these are your troops as much as my own. If the Queen could spare you I would be honored if you accompanied them." General Cole watched for a moment while the Queen was wrack with indecision but eventually she nodded her consent. He swiftly left leaving Link and Zelda alone.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"My duty."

"Your duty is to stand by my side."

"My duty is to protect you. Anything that is a threat to Hyrule is a threat to you."

"I have a bad feeling about this entire thing Link… I need you here with me."

"I have a bad feeling too and I must confront it head on. It's who I am."

"I know. It's one of the things I love about you. Be careful my love… and hurry back to me."

"I'll be back soon. I promise."