Thicker Than Water
Chapter 4: Royal Facade
The moment I set eyes on the blade I sensed something was wrong. Little did I know I was walking into a trap set by my father. The sword was the cheese, and I had become the proverbial mouse.
He underestimated the power of fate.
But, then again, so did I.
–Alistair
"Perhaps you should leave..."
The voice of the king had a hidden bite to it, as if he blamed Link for what had happened.
Link was a poor sight. He hadn't left Zelda's bed since the attack. She hadn't woken, and every day he was apart from he beautiful warm smile and vibrant voice was nothing short of sheer agony.
It pained him to see her like this. Lips almost blue, face pale. She had lost a lot of blood. Every now and then he would rub his fingers past her brow, down her face, hoping that his loving touch would rouse her from her slumber.
It wasn't working...
"No. Not until she wakes up. I'll stay here until my own life flees from me if that's what it takes."
The king sighed.
"Although I don't approve of my foolish daughters taste in companions, even you must realize there is nothing you can do in your power to wake her up. The best medical care in Hyrule did little then sow her arm."
Link went back to Zelda's side, signifying the end of the conversation was near.
"Don't underestimate the power of love." Link said, with defiance in his voice.
The king scoffed.
"Don't overestimate it." The kind said coldly.
With that, the king left, leaving the foolish swordsman with his poor daughter.
Once again Link found himself waiting for her lifeless body to move, her eyes to open and have the same sparkle he remembered.
"Come back to me..."
- - - - - - - - -
Alistair cut a fine figure riding through the tall grass of Hyrule. He was on the horse he escaped with. The beautiful white stallion seemed to have an air of pride as he carried Alistair to his destination.
Alistair was trying to think of a name for him.
"So... Fluffy is out of the question." Alistair said.
The horse snorted.
"Wiskers?"
Once again, the horse snorted.
Alistair was thinking about all the names he had heard or studied about in his lifetime of twenty years. Then, it struck him.
"How about Medea? It means "Cunning". That certainly describes you."
The horse reared and gave a powerful whine, surprising Alistair.
"Show off..."
Medea it was.
The ride continued on throughout the day, and Medea remained at a steady trot. As usual, Alistair's mind was wandering from his current objective. He was admiring his new attire that Malon had crafted for him. Apparently, a wandering salesman gave her the magical white fabric when he needed some cows to start his own ranch. Supposedly, it would never lose it's radiant brightness, nor would it ever get dirty. But, it could also help it's user hide from those he did not wish to see him.
She crafted the material into trousers, a tunic, (With sleeves that were designed to be folded up in warmer weather) and a cloak complete with a silver chain. Other works of silver were folded into the fabric, making it shine beautifully. The trousers were baggy, and the tunic was very comfortable and although it was a perfect fit it appeared to be baggy, giving it a slight robe-like appeal.
For Alistair's footwear, She gave him a sturdy pair of leather boots that were meant for farm work. They were a little tight around the toe, but Alistair didn't complain.
And, on top of his new clothing and his beautiful horse, he felt something he had not felt in a long time.
Clean! It was surprising how much a single bath can do for a man's courage. He felt as though he could take on the world. His white hair shone with a luster he had long forgotten in that hell hole. His emerald eyes sparkled in the morning sun.
Now that he thought about it... With a horse of this caliber, and an attire such as this... he could probably pass for royalty. His first intentions of sneaking into the castle was to wait until night, but if he could perhaps spend a night in the castle, then take the sword from within...
With his new plan already formulating in his brain, he urged Medea onward, toward his objective.
It was almost within his grasp...
- - - - - - - -
Upon midday, Alistair was on top of a hill triumphantly looking at the Hyrule castle town below. A smile was on his face as he and his trusty steed marched down into the bustling city. Upon hearing Medea's hoof's clap upon the surface of the drawbridge Alistair felt invincible. He had made it this far after all. He had escaped from his father's grasp, wounded. He battled bandit's and saved a damsel in distress, then fallen in love with her. Now, he was here, about to obtain the key to ending his fathers evil.
The loud bustle of the city was soon silenced as people stared at the fair Alistair. People made a path for him as he stepped into the very center of the market.
"Greetings townsfolk!" He said in a voice of royalty. In Alistair's opinion, that meant trying to stuff as much arrogance and ego into your voice as you spoke to those that were "lesser" then you.
"I am Alistair. (He had decided that using a fake name would be idiotic, seeing as he was going to be leaving at nightfall anyway. Besides... he couldn't think of one that suited him well enough.) I come from the land of... Yarkeno... A proud city past your mountain range to the east! I seek an audience with your king!"
A soldier stepped forward. "Do you have papers to prove you are who you say you are?"
Alistair panted a perfect reaction of audacity to his face. "Such insolence! I need not papers, I am a prince from a far away land! How dare you speak to me in that manner knave! My father will hear of this!"
Alistair motioned as though he was about to storm out of the market when he heard the gibberish of the guard trying to apologize. He bowed formally.
"Im sorry! So sorry! Please, follow me I will take you to the king sire!"
Alistair lifted his head in triumph.
As the guard tried pushing the crowd out of his way (Apparently everyone was eager to see the man whom even the rough Hyrule guards would bow to) Alistair trotted proudly upon his horse. He was starting to scare himself on how well he was acting like royalty.
The guard lead him to a path just past the marketplace, and soon Alistair was staring at the beautiful castle of Hyrule. He was in awe of it's sheer size. As he gazed upon the castle he felt the sword calling to him from within. He was close...
Soon...
Another guard opened the gate without even asking who Alistair was, and stood up strait as he passed by.
Upon reaching the doors to the castle, he dismounted and let a guard take Medea away, most likely to some sort of royal stable. Alistair was then lead through the labyrinth that was known as the Castle of Hyrule. He gazed upon paintings of long dead members of the Hyrule royal family, all wearing garments that depicted the Triforce, the Hyrule royal seal.
Upon reaching the doors to the King's chamber, he was told to wait as the guard made his way to speak with the king.
While Alistair was alone, he tried sensing the blades location.
Down... it was below him. Deep. There was no way he could find it without a detailed exploration later this evening. He would need to convince the king to allow him to stay here somehow...
"The king will see you now." The guard said. Alistair swaggered boldly into the room, presenting himself as royally as he could. As he entered the beautiful room, decorated with many valuable objects and laden with stained glass windows, the guard was nice enough to announce him.
"Presenting Prince Alistair from the kingdom of Yarkeno!"
Alistair strode up to the king on the velvet red walkway. Then, once he was a respectful distance, he kneed to the king.
The king nodded for him to rise.
The king was quite a portly fellow, if Alistair ever did see one. Blonde hair, Blue eyes, and a whole lot of lard blanketed in royal fashion.
This was going to be harder then he thought.
"Tell me prince, what brings you to my fair kingdom?" The king asked, his brow raised.
"I have come to seek a treaty with your kingdom sire." Alistair responded, respectfully.
"Really? Is that so? Well where is your royal entourage? I have never heard of a prince clad in wealthy garments and a prized steed riding alone, without anyone to protect him from thieves."
Uh-oh.
Alistair was thinking quickly.
"My... father sent me alone... as a test. He wants to see if I can boldly stride into another land and ask for a treaty."
The king laughed. "This man sounds like a wise king! Obviously he thinks little of your ability to rule."
Alistair managed a fake smile. "Too little for my liking."
The king let out a loud bellow of a laugh. Apparently Alistair was part jester as well.
"Well, what kind of treaty?" The king asked.
"A trade agreement between our two lands... we're currently building a trade route from our respected land to yours. We have many things to offer, such as the material im currently fashioned in for those more... wealthy members of your kingdom. As well as herbs, spices, rare metals mined from our mountain range. Those are but a small amount of the things we have and are willing to trade, but... we would like if you could employ some of your soldiers to watch the road to make sure that bandit's don't try to target the trade route as a way to make quick cash."
The king let a slight "Hmm" escape his lips as he thought.
"Im sorry to inform you this young sire, but my kingdom is in no state to begin a trade route or any such thing. My only child has recently taken ill, and im afraid my mood is only a facade. Im deeply worried and I fear I wouldn't be able to keep up with all the fresh blood coming into my land. A trade route would have it's good, along with it's bad, such as flooding the marketplace, new travelers, and as you said, bandits."
Alistair faked a look of disappointment. "Perhaps in the future then."
The king nodded. "Yes, perhaps."
"Umm, excuse me milord, but..."
The king's chubby brow was once again raised.
"Yes?"
Alistair was trying to act embarrassed as though he didn't want to take advantage of the king's generosity, which in face he was more then willing to do.
"You see... it's been a long ride, and I am most weary from my journey here, and it's already past midday... I was hoping to impose upon you if I could perchance stay the night? You have my word that I will be off at first light."
The king seemed more then happy to oblige, almost as if he felt bad he couldn't help Alistair with his trade agreement.
"But of course, think nothing of it." The king grabbed a small bell made out of gold. A man clad in purple with a large Triforce symbol on his robes entered and bowed.
"What is my lords desire?"
The king bathed within his own ego.
"See that the fine prince here gets the room at the top of the west tower."
The man nodded and motioned for Alistair to follow him.
Alistair gave the king one last courtesy bow, and left his chamber.
- - - - - - - - -
Upon reaching the room, the attendant gave Alistair a slight bow.
"Will you be needing anything else sire?"
Alistair thought for a second. "A good meal will suffice."
The attendant bowed again. "Right away sire".
Alistair opened the door and was in awe of the room. Royalty really does live the good life. The bed was bigger then any he had seen before, and his room was complete with it's own small library, desk, lamps and a large fireplace. He also had a balcony with a spectacular view of the sunset that was begging to unfold.
Alistair pounced into the bed and let the fluffy softness take over him as he sunk into the bed as though he had jumped into a cloud. Alistair didn't even notice as he slipped into a small nap.
As usual, his nose had the ability to wake him up from slumber, and he the door close shut. He sat up and looked around the giant room.
Food. The attendant had left food.
Royal food.
Alistair leapt out of the bed as though it were on fire. Gazing longingly at the lid of the silver platter, he hesitated, wondering what delicious meal was hidden under it.
He pulled off the lid and gasped.
Steak. That's it? A prime cut hunk of meat? He could have had that at the ranch! What a rip-off!
Feeling gravely disappointed at the castle's lack of originality, he pulled up a chair, grabbed the appropriate silverware and began to eat.
It was well cooked, with some new spices and such, but still. It was just cow. He was expecting something new.
Bah...
Halfway through his meal, a knock came on Alistair's door.
He put down left his dinner and rose from his chair.
"Erm... Come in."
A beautiful woman clad in a see through from of silk entered the room. She curtsied for him.
"Hello milord... I was simply coming here in the event you might want some... company..."
Alistair was flattered and outraged at the same time.
"Im afraid that won't be necessary. I am already with another."
A dark and lustful smile crept over the woman's face.
"I don't see her... no-one would know..."
Alistair gave the woman a cold and dark look.
"Leave at once, wench! I have no need for your pitiful company!"
The woman's face turned dark as she spat on the floor. Then she stormed out of his room.
He looked back at the half eaten steak. He has lost his appetite.
- - - - - - - -
As the cold snap of night was full upon the castle of Hyrule, Alistair was already done with his preparations.
He put a small pile of books under a pillow, then put the covers over that to resemble his rough shape. He had also put the fireplace on to keep his inanimate self "warm".
He was ready to find the blade. He had been mentally searching for it, stretching our his magical sense's to locate it. His best guess was in some sort of dungeon or cellar, seeing as it would most likely be hidden from the rest of the inhabitants of the castle.
He silently left his room, and closed the door noiselessly behind himself.
As he crept down the winding staircase, he noticed two guards standing at the exit. It would appear as though someone didn't fully trust the prince of ... what again? Yorkin? Yarkended? Alistair had already forgotten. He tried his best not to laugh at his private joke, and pulled the hood of his cloak up.
Alistair moved past the guards without any idea that he was there.
Searching the castle was a much larger task then Alistair had anticipated. Every time he made his way downward there was a dead end. He could sense he was close, but not close enough.
Finally, roaming around the halls like a lost dog Alistair stumbled upon a door that seemed oddly out of place.
Even the doors to the dungeon's were made out of a thick oak. This was made out of pure steel, with a large lock. It looked... new.
Hmm...
It was worth a try, and Alistair had no idea how he was going to blow it up quietly.
Alistair snapped his fingers and a small green flame sparked at the tip of his finger. He pushed the crackling magical flame into the keyhole, then backed away. The lock sizzled for a moment, then he heard the "Click".
A smile crept onto Alistair's features. He removed the lock and set it on the tile floor. Then with a mighty push he opened the door. He looked down into the infinite darkness.
The blade was down there, he knew it.
He snapped his fingers again, except this time he produced a much brighter flame to guide him. Then he stepped into the welcoming void.
- - - - - - - -
Link was sitting in his chair. He had been thinking a lot about the words his father said to him. Would he be able to defeat whatever he was up to alone? He was obviously strong, and trained in some form of dark sorcerery.
Then Zelda's eyes flew open.
- - - - - - -
Alistair had reached his destination. He was in awe of the blade, incorruptible after so many years of being prone, locked within the stone.
His fingers ran over the hilt of the blade, and it suddenly flashed.
Then he pulled it free. The flash of green was quickly replaced by a dark purple. Alistair felt a sudden twinge in his arm, then he felt his very life-force draining from him. It was as though a thousand needless had hooked under his skin and were slowly taking away his strength. Then he realized there was a dark shadow growing within the room, feeding off his own life-force.
A mirror version of him. And as soon as the spell was complete and his life was drained, the shadow version would be able to take the sword to his father.
He was powerless to stop it...
He had lost...
- - - - - - -
Link rushed to Zelda's side. He looked into her eyes. They were rolled in the back of her head. Then a powerful voice echoed from her throat.
"You must save the Hero of Fate, for the maker of your blood has trapped him with the blood of wisdom. The sword must not fall into the hands of the Deity, lest the world turn to ruin..."
Then she fell back into the bed.
What was she talking about? The Hero of Fate? What swor-
The sword!
Link took up his own blade as he flew out of the room.
His brother was in trouble. He intended to save him.
Disclaimer: I don't own Zelda.
Note: Was this a long chapter or what? I mean, seriously. Anyway, Im not going to bug you all with a really pointless author note thingy, just remember to leave a review. That would be spiffy.
Anyway, I should have another chapter ready this Wednesday or so. Keep an eye out for it. Sorry it took so long to update, but it was a really long chapter, and I had sooooo many idea's.
...REVIEW!