Chapter Eight
Hylia

A hundred thoughts rushed through Rael's mind as he raced over the rolling plains down track of hard-packed dirt towards the North. He clung onto Garsh's back, and kept his head low down, to reduce wind-chill in his face. A cooler day at last, but now he was not sure if he preferred this to the scorching heat. Images through his mind consisted largely of apprehensions, doubt, fear and an overwhelming desire to find answers to burning questions.

First and foremost his father; where was he, was he alive, would he ever see him again, had he really been a soldier? Thoughts of Ralis; with his uncharacteristic changes of mood, practicing with that blade, and uncertainty about the origin of the blade itself. Of Hylia; what would he do when he got there, having not considered it much and having only been thinking about getting there? Uncertainty of his supposed friends; Daran, expressing wishes to learnt to fight with a sword; Mara and her constant concerns for her husband; Tabett and Elane who he still hardly knew, though he believed he could trust them, how could he be really sure? Thoughts of war harried him too, it felt unavoidable, but would do anything to escape the prospect of battle.

And thoughts of himself also. The strangest feeling of all was that he had the slightest notion that perhaps he did not know who he was any more. He could not find a reason for it, but he could not help but feel this way.

As they topped the hills, he caught glimpses of Hylia up ahead. The horses moved more quickly in this less intense weather. Not that it wasn't still incredibly bright and sunny, the golden sun still shined down rays upon the land that illuminated every tree boulder and pebble, it just seemed as though perhaps the gods had decided to turn down the heat ever so slightly. Shaef pressed them on, and soon, though it did not feel so quick during the journey itself, it seemed as time had just flittered itself away.

They were crossing through farmlands again, down an ever widening road before them leading to the great capital of Hyrule. Small homes, farmhouses, even clusters of villages had grown up for miles about the city, and they crossed through them now gathering momentum, not a single face without a look of pure amazement.

No longer an object in the distance perched between the mountains, and now a glittering white city growing larger and larger in his sights, the great white walls were soon too far across to be take in at one glance, and he had to make a turn of his head around to see it all. They were here, and it was grand and magnificent beyond anything Rael had ever imagined, and lit up in the late-day sun like a pearly white jewel.

Hylia unfurled itself before them in a brilliant blaze of majestic glory. Great white walls stretched high into the air, fortified with tall towers and battlements of stone and steel. At the end of their road - where the dirt track became paved stone, cracked at first, but firm and hard beneath the horses hooves here - were the two tallest towers of all, and between them great iron gates which were wide open, as people came to and fro from the gates. Horse drawn carts, farmers, some patrols of soldiers moving out on horseback, all making their way into and out of the city. Atop the great walls, Rael could pick out armoured men, their breastplates and spears glittering like silver and gold in the late day-sun.

Atop the two gateway towers were two banners, elevated high into the sky on great shining silver poles. As flags they flapped in the wind, displaying two great emblems. On the left, the emblem of the Royal Family. A blood red eagle on a white field, with three golden triangles above its wings. On the right, a symbol he was not familiar with: an inverted silver sword on a white field, with great golden wings behind it that in catching the sun seemed to reflect shades of green, blue and a shimmering pink-red.

"My friends," announced Shaef, as they drew closer together underneath the great archway that led through to the inner city, speaking loudly in his gravely tone, "Behold the glory of the ancient and restored city of Hylia. Honoured domain of Her Majesty the Queen, and stronghold of the Hylian race."

"By the gods…" whispered Daran, as they passed through the shade of the soldier-lined tunnelled archway, and emerged into the vast city which was Hylia. If this city had been made by the same race that made Baradale, then it certainly did not show.

Beyond the walls, the first buildings were shorter, and narrower. Often chained together by connecting walls or linking slate roofs. This was the populated end of the town where people lived and slept. Streets cut sharp right angles between the buildings, through this dense formation of housing that most likely stretched the full length of the city's half-mile outer wall, and ran a long way inwards.

People were moving through the city busily, dressed in all range of fashion from pale greys and browns to vibrant shades of green, blue and purple. Women in flowing dresses, men in well cut coats and breeches, and noticeably nobody walking barefoot as was common in the poorer regions of the south. Every Hylian seemed to be of good health, and not without well paying work. Back nearer the wall had been land not yet covered in housing, where men were hard at work constructing new houses from the finest pale grey stone. Shaef faced the group, "The Outer Circle, very impressive these days. It is years since I was last here in the capital, but the growth has been incredible." He took on an informed tone, "People can say what they like about our Queen, but she has done a marvellous job in commissioning the rebuilding the empire of our ancestors. Which as you should know was so sadly lost in the Civil War fifty years ago. Not to mention her work repairing the damage done during the Gerudos Sieges, in the years after their King's death here some forty years ago. Of course, the fortifications were significantly less impressive then."

They moved higher up, and further in, and as the road inclined slightly uphill. the buildings were constructed taller and wider, with many large wooden doors open revealing workshops, and large smithies with billows of black smoke rising into the sky. It was to these buildings, in this second ring that many of the horse-carts coming into the city delivered their loads. Wood, metals, even some of gold and silver ores that Rael believed he had spied being delivered, under guarded escort of course. The clanging of hammers and banging of steel on steel, and scraping of saws on wood resounded clearly through this quarter of the town. The group listened intently as Shaef went on, "The Industrial Circle," he remarked, "The pride of the Hyrulian armed forces, and of course the builders unions. Here the hammer of war and the iron fist work hard every day."

Looking about, Rael realised he really had had no comprehension of the sheer scale of this place. Taran Kaey could have fit inside it many, many times over. Up ahead, towers as tall as the one in Baradale were erect all over this city, some linked by bridges high up in the air.

As they came up to the top of the rise of land, where the ground levelled out before them, the great monumental peak of the city was visible. Half a mile or so away from here, elevated up on a hill and dwarfing all other buildings, was a great castle. In fact, Rael realised fairly quickly, that there were two castles. One closer, and slightly offset to the right - as though guarding the higher one, without obscuring it from view – which appeared to be a fortress. It was a fortress of scale beyond the great walls of the city, and built up with towers and battlements from base to the highest parapet.

Beyond it, set triumphantly above the city like a crown of white and silver, shining in the morning sun, was a magnificent palace. "There be the great fortress of Hylia," proclaimed Shaef loudly, above the hustle and bustle of the crowds, "often referred to as the Hylian Shield. Though some prefer to use the name 'The Dragon's Keep' after its commander, General Dragan. That is where I shall be going now, to meet with the General and the Council." He spoke with pride, as though he had been granted a great honour - but felt strongly that he deserved it.

He went on, continuing his self-imposed role as their guide, "Beyond the fortress you can see the great jewel of our homeland, and pride of the Hylian nation, the Royal Palace of Hyrule; there dwells Queen Zelda Nohansen Hyrule, ruler of all lands from the Northern Waste to the Southern Ocean. May the light of the gods shine on her."

They had drawn near to another wall now. A lower wall, which was not being patrolled, rather left as though it was some sort of historic object. Between the wall and the lower rings of the city there was a narrow stream, and a white stone bridge was built across it, edged by highly patterned low walls that looked like intricate lace.

"This," said Shaef to those of the group still paying attention, which incidentally seemed to be just Ralis and himself, "is where the walls of Hylia used to be. Well," he said, correcting himself, "long ago the walls were where they are in the current day, if not even further out, but years of war destroyed Ancient Hylia. It was beaten back to a feeble remnant of its former glory, so much that it was no long even called Hylia. It was referred to only as the Market. The Queen has rather changed things though, being as she is…magically inclined…or so they say." He paused for a moment, and looked up towards the fortress as they cross the wide bridge over the narrow river. "And she has of course had much assistance from General Dragan al'Dragal, a great man. And of course Marshal al'Arantos."

Daran leaned over to Rael, and muttered, "He sure does like a lot of grandeur."

"Grand place," muttered Rael, "maybe he's getting in character for meeting his friend Dragan."

"Dragan," said Daran, snickering, brushing back his pale hair, "Who would name their son, Dragan?"

"Someone called Dragal, apparently." Said Rael, without thinking.

"Its strange," said Daran, sitting upright again, "Drag… it sounds similar to another name I heard mentioned once."

"What was it?"

"I have no idea."

"Oh, but how can I forget," said Shaef casually, still just talking to the air, "The previous General of Hylia, who first began work with the Queen on the rebuilding, long before General Dragan took over." He paused for a moment, as though trying to recall a name out of a lesson in history from long ago, "General Resh al'Shael, Hand of the Sun."

Rael's heart thundered in his chest, and he felt a deep wrenching twist inside himself. "No..." he choked, as air failed to fill his lungs. Even as he heard the words, he froze, as a tremor ran down his spine, and all around him, time stood still.

"Rael?" Said Daran, he voice like an echo in the blur of confusion swirling through his own mind. "Rael!"

"Wha-" Rael managed, tripping on his tongue, "What did…what did he…he say?"

Daran was a little bit confused, and nudged Rael to try and break him from his trance, "He said the previous general was called Brash al'Aals, and now he's talking about…the market?"

Rael shook his head, and remained quite motionless as Garsh ambled on in step, "I could have sworn he said…" He grunted, and heeled Garsh to trot a little faster, to catch up, "Never mind." Nobody else had reacted, but he knew what he had heard. Maybe it was just the tiredness setting in. He sighed, and looked around again.

They had passed over the gates and under the archway of the bridge into the section of the city signposted as the Old Market. 'Old' or not, this market quarter was busier and more full of people than any place he had seen before in his life. A great square, packed so full of market stalls, carts, horses, mountains of produce, and frenzying Hylians that if he did not have the advantage of horseback he would surely become lost. People parted around them as the column of riders moved through, headed by four soldiers from another city. Whispers followed them as they wound their way through the narrow passages over the cobble street.

Later, as they emerged into the clear again, remarkably still all together, Sergeant Shaef gathered the group around. They had reached a wide road that led up to the fortress and the palace. Behind lay the city, up ahead lay its grand summit, spiked in silver and white. "From here," he began, "I cannot say what will become of our companionship. I must go on now to the fortress. I have brought you as far as you requested, Master Ralis." He surveyed the group, and exchanged a long glance with Ralis. "You should be able to find lodging here in the city, you are equipped enough I assure you."

"Thank you," said Ralis, "however I do not think we will be separating just yet, I too have come for an audience with the General, if he will allow. I have no doubt that we are the first Taraners that witnessed the raid first hand to have come to the capital. He will want to hear from us directly I am sure."

Shaef nodded, considering, and took a quick look up the road to the great fortress atop the hill. "I am quite sure you have informed me well enough of everything, I will be able to relay to him everything that is necessary. Thank you, though." Rael guessed Shaef did not want Ralis to steal his moment in the focus of the General. No doubt he was using this position to gain higher station in the army.

"I insist, Sergeant. Besides, I have another matter to discuss with him." For a fleeting second, Ralis' eyes twitched to the gold and silver hilt that hung at his waist.

The Sergeant sighed, and tugged at his reins. "Very well, follow on."

Ralis smiled, looking genuinely appreciative.

The road was lined with Hylian soldiers, who remained firmly on station. A brief discussion with the guards at the gate at the top was enough to grant passage through to the fortress. Beyond the gate, the road diverged into two paths. One led off to the right, into the fortress proper. The left road led away to the great palace. Rael had a feeling he would be seeing the palace closer very soon.

The fortress was built of a dark grey rock. Its immense size, height, length and depth was daunting. There was something almost sinister about its spiky battlements, gaping wide gateways, and windowless towers. It was no wonder that it had attained the title, the "Dragon's Den". Daran had gone pale, as he tended to do in situations like this. Rael's eyes narrowed as he observed his friend's golden hair. The pale tips that he had observed the other day were far more pronounced. Longer, and even more deathly white. Nothing seemed to fit here, it was as though everything had been shifted out of place.

……

"Your lordship!" Declared a short stout man beside the door, in a long red overcoat that seemed too large for him, "The representative for the Border Guard city of Baradale, Sergeant Shaef al'Shaed. Accompanied by Ralis al'Resh, Rael al'Resh and Tabett al'Tabar." Rael was unsure how necessary his presence was, but Ralis had insisted. As had Tabett.

From the other end of the ornately furnished office, a tall man arose from a high backed chair, and held his arms open wide. With Sergeant Shaef at their head, they proceeded through the room to the far side, to large desk in front of archways that opened out onto a balcony. The man behind the desk was large, tall and held an inescapably strong presence of authority. He showed no sign of emotion on his face, just a look of complete placidity, neither pleased or displeased, glad nor angry. But there was a lifetime of wisdom in his eyes. His thick grey hair, with few streaks of black still remaining, was oiled back behind his head.

He wore blood red robes worked in gold and silver embroidery, fashioned along the sleeves into ancient symbols and two long snakelike dragons around the cuffs. Under his chin were ruffles of ivory lace, and underneath it hung a chain of gold. He spoke, and his voice was so deep and authoritative that Rael understood this man's power at once. "Greetings Sergeant Shaef of Baradale. It pleases me that Captain Destan has answered the Queen's call. Too few have come so far."

Shaef bent knee, and bowed his head low, "General Dragan, highest favoured of Her Majesty. I have come to answer the summons to Hylia." Ralis had already imitated Shaef, and he Tabett copied also. Rael was not sure whether they should be kneeling to this man, he was no monarch, but Shaef knew what he was doing evidently.

"Arise, Sergeant Shaef." Said Dragan in his deep hollow tone, "And these three, of Taran Kaey are they?"

"Yes, my lord." Said Shaef, getting to his feet. "Please, my lord, permission to speak freely?"

"Granted," said Dragan, passing a gaze across the three kneeling Taraners. His eyes caught Rael's and he felt a shiver run down his spine. It was not fear of this man, but rather such a deep and profound respect that he had never known before.

"Taran Kaey has been attacked," said Shaef, rather hastily, a certain pressure was being exerted upon him.

"Attacked?" Said General Dragan. Rael wondered how long he would have to stay keeling there.

"Taran Kell also, and Taran Morval, if we understand correctly."

"Attacked by whom?" pressed the General, emotionlessly, but firmly.

Shaef stuttered over his words, "The Kairin, my lord. From the south, by sea. These three have come from the south, they bear more detailed news of the attack."

"Rise." Said Dragan, and Rael knew that meant him. The three of them stood up straight, as Dragan eyed each of them in turn. Eventually he nodded, and sat back in his chair, resting his arms upon the desk and picking up a quill. He began to write some notes on a piece of parchment. As he scratched away, Rael wondered how he had ever been talked into this meeting.

"The Queen foresaw this long ago," said the General, as though it was news barely worth hearing, "She predicted an attack from overseas. But, I advised her not to include it in her letters to the Captains, but I knew she did not listen to me." He paused. "As is her entitlement. She is after all…my commander…." Dragan gestured that they sit down in the chairs before his desk. Preferring to stand, but not seeing an alternative, Rael reluctantly sat down next to Tabett. Shaef and Ralis sat further along. "I was under the impression that her visions were nothing more than dreams, delusions. I told her not to speak her mind yet. But Zelda was never one to listen to the advice of others." He frowned, and looked at them each in turn again. "Unfortunately for all of us, she was correct in her visions. Had I been more open minded, perhaps Hylia's armies would have been sent to the coast as a precautionary measure. Although I do find peace in the fact that as yet no place of true importance has come under siege." Rael's fists tightened, and he saw Tabett shift uncomfortably as well.

"Now," he said, looking back at his parchment and continuing to write, before looking up again and speaking again, "we shall be able to send troops to the South with knowledge of what we face. We shall drive the Kairin back from our shores, and bring order back to the borderlands." He fixed his eyes on the Sergeant, and from this point on he did not look at Rael again. "Shaef, you will brief me on the nature of the assault. However, I have no need for these peasants. Leave us." He commanded, and Rael could not wait to be clear of the room.

"No." Said Ralis strongly. Rael, halfway to his feet, looked across at Ralis in shock and horror.

General Dragan merely inclined his head slightly to the side, and looked at Ralis blankly. "No?"

Ralis swallowed, but stood up resolutely. "I have something to show you."

"To show me?" Said Dragan, hardly interested at all with this 'peasant'.

Ralis reached underneath his cloak, and fiddled with his belt ring. "I think you will find this to be of interest." Slowly, he drew up the long black scabbard, with its golden and black hilt exposed.

Rael's eyes widened in disbelief. What was even more of a surprise was the expression of bewilderment and profound amazement that spread across Dragan's face. "By the gods…" he said quietly, taking the sword from Ralis' open hands. With lightning speed, he unsheathed the brilliant silver blade, and held it before his eyes, turning it, and examining it at all angles. He looked up at Ralis, and almost shouted, "Where under the sun-?" Then dropped nearly to a whisper. "Oh light, surely…this cannot be. Not now. Not you….You? You? No… no, this cannot be."

Rael, Tabett, and Shaef were wide-eyed and open mouthed at this furious exchange. Clearly, Ralis had not expected such a reaction either. How had this sword caused such a stir? "You!" he said, pointing an accusatory finger at Ralis. "All of you Taraners!" he declared. "You shall go before her now!" It was the deepest and darkest command Rael had ever heard, and he knew he had to obey at all costs. "Barson!" He yelled, and a tall handsome soldier who had been on guard outside entered the room.

"Yes m'Lord?"

"Take these three men before the Queen. This instant!" Rael gasped, and terror spread across his brother's face.

"Yes m'Lord. At once."

Dragan scribbled a note, sealed it with hot wax, and handed it to the soldier as he made his way across the room to the door. His face was red, all composure lost. "I am going to…" he said half-heartedly, "I am going to consult the Marshal…Tell her majesty I will be along shortly."

"Yes, m'Lord," intoned the soldier once again.

"Ralis!" Snapped Rael, as soon as Dragan was out of earshot, "What have you done?"

"I don't…I don't know…" He picked up the sword, only to have it snatched from his hands by 'Barson'. He did not protest, and fell in line as the soldier led them away back along the corridors of the fortress.

"The Queen? What is going on?"

"I wish I knew…" said Ralis softly. "I wish I knew."