Chapter 4: The King, The Princess, and the Sword
Link carried the sack of swords over one shoulder as he walked towards the castle. On his way, grabbed three apples from his favorite apple tree and munched on one while he was on his way to Hyrule Castle, put the other two in his pouch. He looked around at the beautiful scenery, attempting to get last night's dream out of his mind, trying to convince himself that it was just a dream. On his way to Hyrule Castle, he stopped by Lon Lon Ranch, and gave one apple to his favorite horse, Epona. The owner of the ranch, Talon, always enjoyed when Link visited. It was the only time that Epona was ever happy. After having visited Epona, Link continued on towards Hyrule Castle to make this month's delivery.
After about another ten minutes, Link arrived at the gates of the castle. He saw the guard on duty, Mihalich. He knew Mihalich from school; he was at the last year of his schooling when Link first arrived at the school. He was mature for his age, and as a result did not pick on Link at school.
"Greetings, Mihalich. Fine weather we are having, wouldn't you agree?"
"Greetings, Link. Yes in deed. Is it that time of the month already?"
"Yes, it is. Ten swords to deliver this month. How is your family doing?"
"Quite well, thank you, Link. The king is in his throne room, you know the way"
"Yep, thanks Mihalich. Nice talking to you"
"You too, Link".
Link walked through the castle garden, and into the castle itself. As he made his way up to the throne room, he looked at the paintings on the wall of past kings, and at the suits of armor, still trying to get his mind off of last night's dream. It seemed that it would never get off his mind until he saw Zelda, when he might get an explanation. Link walked into the throne room and bowed reverently towards the king. The king always enjoyed when Link delivered swords, Link was so polite. Also, he enjoyed when Link was with Zelda too. Ever since Link first made a delivery, the king always thought that Link and Zelda should get married, when the time was right.
"How are you, my boy"
"Good, and you, your highness?"
"Nothing to complain about. How many swords is it this month?"
"Ten swords, your highness"
"Ten swords at thirty rupees a piece, that makes, three hundred rupees". The king took the sack of swords from Link, and examined them.
"Link, these swords are high quality. I should pay you extra for them. How's five hundred rupees sound?"
"Oh, sir, I could never accept. I enjoy making and fixing swords. It's no trouble at all for me".
"Very well then. Oh, by the way, Princess Zelda has been waiting to see you. She's at the fountain in the courtyard"
"Thank you, sir". The king handed Link a satchel of three hundred rupees, Link bowed again, and exited the throne room. He was wondering why Zelda would be waiting for him. Usually Link would surprise her when he visited. Link was wondering why she would be waiting for him today of all days. He wondered if it could have something to do with the dream last night. Soon, he would have all his questions answered, as he entered into the courtyard. Link took the remaining apple out of his pouch and shined it up.
"An apple, for the most beautiful girl in all of Hyrule".
Zelda giggled. "Why thank you, Link". Zelda took a bite of the apple and swallowed. She then asked Link the question that would change his life for ever.
"Link, did you have a weird dream last night?"
"Yes, I did. The Spirit of the Master Sword was in it and said I should see you today".
"The Master Sword has chosen"
"What do you mean chosen?"
"Link, it is written that there will come a hero who will wield the Master Sword and defeat the evil in this land. It is my duty to show the chosen one to the Master Sword".
"Wait, I can't be the chosen one. I barely know how to fight. The experience of my fighting is limited. The only time I fought with a sword was when I was ambushed by bandits on a delivery. And all I did was scratch them, and they still stole some of the swords. I'm lucky to be alive after that, now that I think about it"
"Link, you will learn to wield a sword. I have faith in you. Don't worry, everything will be explained in good time".
Zelda grabbed Link's arm and led him to the Shrine of the Master Sword. The Master Sword was the most perfect blade ever forged. Link knew a little about the Master Sword because it was the first sword ever made, and the person who helped make it taught only one person the craft, who in turn taught only one person. This trend went on for many generations, and Link ended up being the last person on that trend. Link knew that only a person pure of heart could grab the handle.
"Grab the handle Link", instructed Zelda.
This was the crossroads Link was told about last night. Now he knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt that is was more than a dream. He could either pick up the blade and become the hero, or walk away from all of this. Link thought about this crossroads for a second, and then realized that Zelda would never lead him astray. Link grabbed the handle, and was immediately transported to a chamber. He landed flat on the ground, and picked himself up. He looked around the blue chamber, and saw it was empty. Then a voice spoke to him.
"Welcome Link. You have chosen the right path".
"Spirit? Is that you"
"Yes, Link. You will become the Hero of Hyrule. But first there is something you must do".
"What's that"?
"Defeat the darkness within yourself".
Link felt a sharp, agonizing pain in his chest. A shadow of himself left his body and walked away from Link until he was about ten feet away from Link. Link saw that this shadow had a sword like he did, and a shield like he did.
"Link, this is your first test", said the Spirit of the Master Sword.
Link panicked, he knew he couldn't fight, and now he had to fight not only for his life, but for the fate of Hyrule.
