Chapter 15 – Dark War

The courtyard was all but empty beneath the setting sun as the gates opened for a returning soldier and then shut again.

Handing his horse's reins to one of the stable hands, Arden gazed across the yard at the stairs opposite the fountain that led up to the throne room doors. The granite structure had always seemed cold, but now it was like a wall of ice—and he knew the sense of foreboding it radiated wasn't just his mind playing tricks.

Exhaling a deep breath, Arden headed toward the steps with a stern mien, ignoring the lingering pain of the injuries he'd sustained in his fight with Lyonel. Instead, he thought of what the former royal guard told him, something he would never have considered if only because he'd chosen this path, making the Hylian's suggestion meaningless.

Yet everything was meaningless now, and Lyonel's supposition was right—Arden's life was forfeit.

Pushing the doors open and crossing the hall to the throne room, he entered the chamber without waiting for someone to make a worthless formal announcement concerning his presence. Considering his King spent much of his spare time there, it stood to reason he'd be there now, and Arden could simply go in and get this over with.

Yet, where the courtyard had been lifeless, the throne room was currently host to a great deal of activity.

Just as suspected, Ganondorf was present, standing near the throne, and before him was a large number of soldiers lined up in numerous rows—but he wasn't giving them a speech or performing some routine task. Instead, he'd summoned a thick fog of dark power which was moving across the men in black waves.

The sight of it was unnerving, even for Arden, who'd witnessed a number of brutalities and had even performed them since coming to serve Ganondorf. Now, he watched the dark mass of energy rolling over each soldier like a set of long, spindly fingers reaching out. The energy darkened the entire chamber, blotting out the light of the torches and candelabras as his power began consuming the soldier's bodies.

And if their reaction was any indication, most hadn't expected such a turn of events.

Some of them jerked while others let reluctant shouts, and Arden's gaze widened as he watched the soldier's transform. In a matter of only a few moments, their bodies grew bigger, the energy warping them in unnatural ways, and the voices of those emitting surprised shouts grew guttural, even beast-like.

It was then that the dark power faded from the room, allowing the flickering candlelight to illuminate what Ganondorf's power begot. Instead of regular soldiers ready to serve, there was a legion of armored beasts with the heads of black jackals, their eyes glowing red and fangs dripping saliva as if hungry for the taste of blood.

Arden had suspected something of this caliber was coming for quite some time, and yet he couldn't help staring in disbelief. The men he'd served with for years, the same he'd commanded who might be described as regular people, were now a force of darkness he could never have imagined.

With a wave of snarls coming from the newly made beasts, Ganondorf's voice rang out, his tone confident and full of pride.

"Now that I've bestowed my gift for your years of loyal service, go prepare to depart and your thirst for blood shall soon be quenched."

Without question, the Jackals turned one by one and approached the door, passing Arden on their way out. Each ignored him as he watched them pass in silence, realizing his search for Lyonel had spared him from experiencing the same fate.

The notion had the Hylian's last words to him ringing out once more as his working eye turned to the throne to realize his King's gaze was now upon him. It was a cold look, one Arden knew well, sending a chill through his core. Yet he kept himself in check and refrained from approaching his King until he was summoned.

Ganondorf said nothing however, and merely descended the steps from the throne to approach the soldier himself. Seeing this, Arden knew two things. First, there was but one acceptable move to make, and he dropped to his knees.

Second? Regardless of the outcome, it would likely be the last time he ever did so.

A moment later, Ganondorf stopped before the kneeling soldier and arched a single brow above an ochre eye, stating simply, "You've returned empty handed."

"Yes, My King," Arden answered concisely. "I've failed you."

A brief silence ensued his confession as the corner of Ganondorf's mouth curved upward with the words, "There's no need for shame, Arden. After all, you're one of my most skilled warriors, and Lyonel was also fairly skilled, was he not?"

"That's no excuse for my failure," Arden returned. "My only success was in learning of a revolt with a stronghold located somewhere near Lake Hylia, but I couldn't even get the exact location."

"You're just being hard on yourself. So stand, Arden," Ganondorf directed, allowing his subordinate to do so before he continued. "One of the men you sent back informed me of the revolt, and its location is immaterial as the matter doesn't concern me. It's merely a last attempt by scared children to stand against powers they could never understand, and no matter where they're hiding, my newly sired knights will find them and put an end to their ignorance."

Arden couldn't dispute that claim—those Jackals would likely give even a seasoned warrior trouble. So if the rumors were true, and this revolt was mostly comprised of idealistic kids, it wouldn't stand a chance.

Not that he was entirely focused on the matter. Instead, Arden was too busy trying to read his King's intentions. Ganondorf's tone was magnanimous, possibly because he was happy with his newly sired knights—but that didn't mean he had no lethal plans for the captain of his royal guards.

Or … did he intend to transform his captain into one of those beasts as well?

Arden checked a grimace, thinking he preferred execution.

Yet Ganondorf didn't waylay any plans as he continued speaking through Arden's considerations.

"For now, I'm anxious to see what they can do, so I'll be traveling with them. You may stay here in the meantime as I trust you're capable of tending to any matters that may arise in my absence."

"Yes, Your Highness," Arden responded as his King walked by, supposing he'd been given another chance after all.

The only question was whether he truly wanted it.

At the door, Ganondorf came to a halt and snapped his fingers, relating, "Oh, I forgot to address one other matter, Arden."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

The Captain looked up just as the King grasped the handle of his blade, swiftly turning to unleash it.

Blackness ensued.

There is no mercy for the weak … .

Eventide was a peaceful time for the village. With the sun drawing down, the people made their way home for dinner with family and friends to relax after a hard day's work. All was well with nary a problem in sight.

Yet nightfall told a different story.

As soon as darkness crept across the sky, the Jackals moved into the village unchecked, sending its people fleeing in terror. But their speed was outmatched, and soon, axe and sword alike came down, blood splattering the streets while homes were ignited, chaos consuming them all.

Men, women, and children, all were pulled from their homes, ripped apart in the frenzy. The Jackals showed no mercy, using their ferocious strength and speed to slaughter any in their path.

Several people were witness to the murder of loved ones while all saw their village set ablaze, their cries echoing out into the lonely night.

Still, a few managed to escape the wrath of the Jackals, some running toward Hyrule Palace in the misguided belief that the King would retaliate and defend them. Others simply headed into the hills, surviving by way of their own resourcefulness.

From a distance, Ganondorf watched the turmoil overcoming the settlement without remorse, settled upon a black steed with a smirk lifting the corner of his lips. As the smoke drew high into the night sky, he knew it wasn't yet enough, but it was a good start. This destruction would draw out the two he sought, those Hylians possessing pieces of the Triforce necessary to complete his quest for domination.

Like moths to flame, they would come running to stop him, and then he'd add their power to his own—and possess hers.

It was time for this dark war to begin.

Gasping loudly, Link sat forward, eyes wide in response to the horrendous nightmare he'd just had. Not even the pain of his busted ribs could erase the sickening feeling it evoked, though he still cringed over the sharp ache caused by his abrupt movements.

Gently pushing his arm over his side, he held his chest and took in a slow, steady breath to ease the discomfort. Thankfully, it soon faded into a dull ache, and he glanced around to realize he and Zelda were back in the guestroom at Zora's Domain.

At present, she was sound asleep on the pallet across from him, snuggling a soft pillow he found himself strangely jealous of as the blue flame in the hearth warmed the room. It was hard to say how long they'd been resting, or what time of day it might be without any windows available to check, but his clothing and hair were completely dry.

There was also a silver tray sitting between their pallets covered with fruit, two empty glasses and a decanter of juice, as well as a vial filled with potion. A folded note had been included with their names written on the outer flap, and Link turned toward the items before lifting it to read.

As we placed you in the guestroom to rest, I noticed your injuries, but did not wish to medicate you without your knowledge or consent. So I included a vial of our healing potion with the tray of fruit and juice which you may take at your leisure, but be warned, we've noticed it causes grogginess in humans.

I'll be by periodically to check on you both.

Esair

Realizing the potion would heal him, Link didn't hesitate to grab the vial and down the contents—immediately followed by pouring some juice into one of the glasses because of the taste. Swishing it around in his mouth to rid it of the bitter medicine flavor, he swallowed and returned the decanter and empty glass to the tray while trying to console himself with the knowledge that they were currently safe.

Yet he couldn't quite shake the harrowing images of his nightmare from his mind.

Darkness, screams, cries for help, the images were like a brand, leaving him anxious to answer those cries however he could—but where did he start?

Taking a deep breath, he wanted to tell himself it was only a dream, but somehow, the sentiment seemed like a lie. Zelda had seen visions in the Temple of Water concerning Ganondorf's plans, and his nightmare was eerily similar to what she'd described. Yet he didn't want to wake her just to ask if he'd had a vision of his own, or if it was simply that the notion of Ganondorf attacking Hyrule had affected him more adversely than he'd realized.

At the thought, his gaze met Zelda's belt pouch, the bag somewhat bulky due to the contents—a Myriad Stone.

Realizing he had a chance to contact the Sage, he pushed himself up, unwilling to let the opportunity pass. For some reason, listening to Myriad speak had a calming effect on him, even when she was delivering less than pleasant news, and that aside, he was concerned after the images Zelda said Ganondorf had sent her—though he'd have to speak with her elsewhere, otherwise risk waking his friend.

Still, there was a closed door on the left side of their quarters that he assumed led to a washroom, and he gently extracted the softly glowing stone from Zelda's pouch before standing to find out if he was right.

Surely enough, the door led him into a room where bathing could be accomplished, though it didn't possess a typical tub. Instead, there was a pool of water with a small fountain at the center and a few steps at the front wall for ease of access.

Walking over, Link sat on the floor next to it, hoping his position farther from the door would keep things quiet in the bedroom so Zelda could rest easier. There, he gazed down at the glowing stone in his hand and covered it with his opposing palm.

"Myriad?"

Because the washroom was already dark, he couldn't detect any change in lighting, though the Sage's voice came through without hesitation.

"Yes, Link. I'm here, though I'm uncertain of your location because the stone you're touching isn't connected to a beacon. Is it the same from Lake Hylia?"

Supposing she meant that the stone was no longer perched upon a pedestal, he answered, "Yes, and Zelda and I are back in Zora's Domain. We've broken Dragmire's orb, and she's resting at present."

"That is wonderful to hear," Myriad replied, her tone sincere, though it took on a worried edge when she added, "though I wonder why you're not also resting after your ordeal."

Exhaling, Link admitted, "I woke up because of a nightmare, then took some healing potion from the Zora for a few busted ribs. So I'm waiting for it to help me go back to sleep, and thought I would contact you in the meantime to make sure you're doing well."

"I see, and I truly hope the potion relieves your pain soon. Yet I'm curious why you'd be concerned for me."

"Because Zelda saw a vision of Ganondorf's plans in the temple," Link answered without qualm. "He was sending them to you, and I thought you may have been bothered by it."

Myriad was silent for a moment, but soon returned, "The images were unpleasant, yes, though I'm more concerned with Zelda having witnessed such things. Is she well?"

"It shook her up and … truth be told, my nightmare was the same as what she described. It's left me feeling unsettled, like I need to do something about it, but there's nothing I can do right now."

After another moment of silence, Myriad observed, "So this is why I sensed distress when you touched the stone, and perhaps it will make you feel better to know I do have something to relate regarding the visions of Ganondorf's plans. Yet I'd rather tell you when Zelda is present to hear the information."

Sighing, Link looked at the door, realizing he'd contacted the Sage impulsively and should've waited until he and Zelda were both ready to speak with her before making contact. Frowning at the thought, he gazed down at the stone and apologized.

"I'm sorry, Myriad. I shouldn't have bothered you with this. I just … ."

As he tried to think of the right words, Myriad interjected, "Never apologize for contacting me, Link. You needed someone to speak with, and I'm happy to provide support however possible, even for something as simple as soothing your worries after a nightmare. I can only ask you to trust me when I say it's no trivial matter in my eyes."

Finally, a smile curved his lips. He didn't doubt her gentle tone, getting the feeling she might've even tucked him into bed if she were present.

The thought prompted him to admit, "It may sound strange, but … listening to you speak does calm me."

He thought he heard a soft chuckle before Myriad replied, "I don't think it sounds strange as I find it soothing to speak with you as well, and I do understand your frustration at being unable to intervene in Ganondorf's plans right away. Those willing to fight for the greater good have always struggled through such times, myself included."

That came as no surprise. Myriad was locked away in the Sacred Realm where she had no means of helping the situation outside of offering advice, making him wonder if she ever worried her suggestions wouldn't work.

So he asked the only question he could think of that might help.

"How do you deal with it?"

"I wish there were an easy answer to that question, Link, but we all deal with such frustration in our own ways. For me, I consider the ones I love most, including those I want to see pull through troubling times as easily as possible. When I imagine their faces, I know the effort I've put forth is worthwhile even if I've wished there was more I could do. It doesn't chase the frustration away completely, but it certainly helps ease it."

As she spoke, Link found his gaze meeting the closed door, his thoughts centering on Zelda. The image of her smiling face did make his efforts thus far seem worthwhile, and perhaps the true frustration was in knowing he couldn't help everyone no matter how hard he tried.

Maybe Ganondorf knew it as well, and his purpose was to use it against them.

Whatever the case, he was distracted when his lids grew heavier with the need for sleep, the dull ache in his side finally starting to abate. It was a sign that the potion was working, and he found himself so comfortable speaking with Myriad that his head bobbed and the stone nearly slipped from his hand.

"Link?"

Realizing he hadn't responded, Link drew out, "Sorry, this potion is starting to work, but I heard everything you said, and it does help."

"I'm so glad, but you should be abed. So please rest, and this time, have pleasant dreams."

Smirking, he replied, "I'll try, and thank you again, my lady. Zelda and I will contact you tomorrow after we've rested."

With his promise given, he allowed Myriad to say goodbye, then removed his hand from the stone and stood to adjourn to the bedroom. But instead of returning to his pallet, he walked over to Zelda's and sat down behind her, finding there was enough room to stretch out—if he held her close.

Gently slipping his arm beneath her neck, he was heartened when she reached up in her sleep to grasp it as he drew it over her chest. Thankfully, there were so many pillows he didn't need to adjust them, and rested his cheek on the one behind her head before whispering against her hair, "I love you so much, Zelda. You make everything worthwhile."

As if she'd heard him, she uttered a few incoherent words in her sleep, and he smiled, snuggling as close as possible without jarring her. He just wanted to have her near, to feel her warmth as a reminder that not all was lost—and it quickly lulled him into a deep, restful slumber.

He didn't dream again for the rest of the night.