Chapter 17 - Small Tastes

Zelda and Link returned to Misty Falls to access Hyrule Field more quickly, and spent the first half of the day traversing the winding paths. But despite making good time, they never made it through to the other side before trouble found them much sooner than they believed it might.

Shouting coming from one of the paths ahead caused the Hylians to stop their horses. Just afterward, another shout sounded without their mounts' hoof falls drowning out the voice, and Link informed Zelda softly, "That almost sounded like Betarro."

Zelda nodded in agreement, watching from beneath the hood of her new cloak as a familiar rider rounded the corner—Olnor, Engleton's elder councilman.

The moment he spotted Link and Zelda, he drew up on his horse's reins, instantly recognizing Link who'd neglected to pull the hood of his cloak over his head. In turn, they goaded their horses toward him as Link called, "Olnor? What are you doing out here?"

Olnor didn't immediately respond, and the troubled look on his face worried them as he spoke their names in greeting, but didn't have a chance to say more before Betarro called from beyond the bend, "Careful! There's a patch of ice here, so don't carry those stretchers over it!"

Olnor looked back with a low sigh when he heard the command, watching with Link and Zelda as the first in a long line of people came around the rocky corner—and the Hylians were shocked into silence.

Most were dirty and exhausted, their fearful expressions waylaying the gravity of the trauma experienced, and the more that rounded the corner, the bloodier they became. Several were limping while others were carried on stretchers, and nearly all of the injured were nursing their wounds with the help of their traveling companions using whatever supplies they had on hand.

Link and Zelda could barely process what they were seeing, each speechless when Betarro appeared on horseback, helping guide the people with Kiama sitting behind him. Both looked to be well as far as their physical condition went, but it provided little comfort, particularly when a number of children came into view—and those few not bawling in despair were silent in a solemn manner completely unbefitting anyone so young.

Link's gaze was only drawn away from the sight when he noticed Zelda taking his hand to squeeze, and he didn't have to ask to know why she'd done so. They were both thinking the same thing, and despite knowing fully well what was going on, it was still hard to believe.

Ganondorf's attacks had already begun.

At the thought, anger surged through Link as he held Zelda's hand in a firm grip, hoping to comfort her if only because he knew how heavily this scene would weigh on her gentle heart—to say nothing of his own.

"Olnor?" he asked. "Was it an attack from Jackal Knights?"

Instantly turning his head from the procession of people now moving by, he asked Link urgently, "How do you know? Are there more ahead?"

"No," Link returned quickly to calm his fears. "The lake was still safe when we left it."

Olnor released a loud sigh of relief just as Betarro called out, "Link!"

Looking up, they watched the big man riding over, coming to a stop nearby with a greeting for them both before asking, "Did you two just come from the lake?"

Nodding, Link repeated what he'd told Olnor about the lake being secure, adding, "We also ran into your niece, Alia, who told us to instruct you all to go to River Town, but I'm guessing that's where you're heading anyway."

Looking between them, he inquired, "What happened exactly?"

Olnor shook his head slowly, regarding the people passing with morose eyes as he answered, "Last night, we were attacked by the monsters you just described, and there's nothing left of Engleton. Most of the homes were burned down, and those who survived gathered together to leave for the revolt.

"But we did have some warning. About an hour before those … Jackal Knights arrived, a few people who'd survived a previous attack came to us, but no one knows exactly what's going on or why this happened. We only know those Jackals are vicious and kill without mercy."

As he spoke, Zelda regarded the passing faces. Some ignored them while others stared, but each fed the ache in her heart until she realized a few tears had tracked down her cheeks.

Quickly wiping them away, she scanned the group one more time, wondering if she might spot anyone they knew aside from Olnor, Betarro, and Kiama. But none of their faces were familiar, the thought prompting her to ask, "Betarro, where are Jada and Nissa?"

Kiama's sudden sniffling tore Zelda's heart in two, and Betarro patted his daughter's hand when she clutched him tighter despite his own dour expression, answering, "We don't know. We tried searching for them, but there just wasn't any time, and we couldn't stay with how badly injured some of the people are."

Letting a low sigh, he added, "As much as I hate to say it, all we can do is hope they survive somehow, and if I were you, I wouldn't head toward Engleton. Those monstrous bastards could still be around."

Despite Betarro's concern, Link had no intentions of turning back. If his nightmare was any indication of what they described—and he knew it was—he needed to travel that way and stop those Jackals from harming anyone else.

Yet he had no time to comment on the matter before Zelda released his hand and dismounted Frost, moving toward the crowd swiftly.

"Zelda?" Link asked, dismounting Epona to follow as she marched over to an older man laid out on a stretcher and inspected his injuries.

Coming to a stop behind her, Link watched as she placed her hands on the man's arm and used the healing magic she'd learned to help him recover. Yet the wounds didn't close completely, too severe for her minor healing spell, though it seemed to be enough to provide some relief from his pain because he regarded her with grateful eyes and whispered a raspy thank you.

Zelda nodded, drawing her hand down his arm as he was carried on, then scanned the crowd and moved to a woman carrying a child with a bloody scratch upon the side of his face. Using her power once more, she healed him fully, and immediately tried to find someone else to aid despite knowing she couldn't help everyone.

Link knew it too, reaching for her hand when she tried to move to the next person only to find her pulling away as if desperate to assist as many as she could. The thought broke his heart if only because he wished they could help every person present, but it simply wasn't possible, and they didn't have enough potion to go around.

So he quickly grasped her wrist and drew her back, clasping her shoulder with his free hand while saying against her ear, "You can't heal them all that way, and you'll exhaust yourself trying. Besides, Betarro's right. There could be more of those monsters nearby, so they need to move on and join the revolt as soon as possible."

She gave a silent nod that said she knew as much, and when he canted his head to see her hooded face, he noticed her cheeks were damp with tears. So he gently drew her back to their horses and helped her mount Frost again, then returned to Epona as she made a good point.

"Link, do you think they could've let these people go on purpose? Ganondorf may have suspected their intentions, and he likely knows there's a resistance forming, so it's possible he wants to track them."

Swinging up onto Epona's back, Link replied, "I'd just thought of that actually, and it's very likely, especially since he's doing this to trap us. So whether we move on to Engleton or go with these people, we'll likely run into trouble."

Nodding in agreement, Zelda turned her attention to Olnor who was still overseeing the people's journey through Misty Falls. Getting her thoughts together, she goaded Frost toward him and asked, "Have you been doubling back to be sure no one's following you?"

Looking up, Olnor answered, "We've tried our best to make sure we're not leaving tracks, but evil fuels these beasts, so it's hard to know if we've been successful."

Exhaling low in the knowledge that he was right, and there was no way to know how easily those beasts could track a fleeing group of people, she tried to think of a solution. Thankfully, one quickly came to mind—she simply didn't have the chance to voice it before someone else qualified from a spot behind them, "You may have done a sufficient job hiding your tracks, but like any dog, they'll scent the blood these people have shed. So you'll need to do more than concealing physical signs of your movements to keep these beasts from tracking you."

As everyone turned their attention to the newcomer seated upon a silver stallion, Betarro exclaimed, "Lyonel! You sly Hylian, I can't tell you how good it is to see you at a time like this."

The smallest of smiles curved Lyonel's lips as he replied dryly, "I can imagine. You'll need all the help you can get to bring these people to safety, and if I'm not mistaken, Zelda, Impa was your mentor, and she knows a great deal of shadow magic."

"Yes," Zelda confirmed. "I was just considering this as she did teach me to use it. So I can definitely mask them."

With a nod, Lyonel looked between her and Link, suggesting, "That will most likely work well, but the chances are good that there are survivors who've been left behind, and we can't allow them to remain in danger. Yet we also can't stop these people without risking their safety as well."

Giving them a moment to consider the problem, he then directed his gaze at Zelda and inquired properly, "So what do you propose, Your Majesty?"

His formal address drew the attention of several people, particularly the older ones, and the question of Your Majesty? rolled through the crowd in a wave.

As they curiously whispered amongst themselves, Zelda took a deep breath, obviously uncertain how to respond. Lyonel hated putting her on the spot in such a way as well, and yet these people had lost everything, including hope. So if he could send a few rays of light into their gloomy worlds by showing them the true Princess of Hyrule herself was with them, fighting for them, they'd not only feel better, but also have a much better chance of reaching the revolt's stronghold safely.

Zelda understood this as well. Something in Lyonel's expression spoke volumes of his desire to help these people however possible—and she also understood her responsibility to decide the right course of action here, as well as to learn how to take an official stand.

Otherwise, Ganondorf would continue to terrorize and brutalize the people for his own selfish desires. His power has to be destroyed before he destroys Hyrule, and this is how another piece will be taken away.

The thought fed her conviction, and she didn't hesitate any longer, reaching up to tug her hood down with determination filling her violet blue eyes as she gave Lyonel a confident response.

"I will travel with them and use my knowledge of shadow magic to hide their steps as best I can. As for potential survivors, someone will need to travel out in search of them."

Lyonel didn't bother hiding his smile. Seeing her taking such confident steps into the world she was born into left him feeling somehow redeemed. After all the years of guilt he experienced since handing her over to adoptive parents with Link, it was nice to see her taking command as she was meant to do.

He also wanted her to have a good idea of what to expect as royalty. So, as any advisor of the court would do—as his own beloved wife used to do—he informed her, "My Princess, there are but four of us here capable of such a search, yet the people need as much protection as possible while those beasts may prove too powerful for just one of us alone. So who might we send?"

Only one logical answer rang out in Zelda's mind, but she didn't want to speak the name.

Link.

He was the only one equipped to deal with the Jackals, but could she really send him out to handle such a task alone? The question reminded her of Myriad's recent vision suggesting she and Link would soon be traveling separate paths. As the Sage put it, I saw a knife, and the mind used it to sever itself from the heart so they might part ways for a while.

Myriad had also advised them to make their decisions for the greater good and not for personal preference. So, as hard as it was to accept, she had to act as the Princess now and do what was right for the people.

"Link will go," she stated, turning her gaze to see that he didn't seem affected by her verdict in the slightest. He only nodded his head in agreement, proving he recalled Myriad's vision as well, and had no qualms following the Sage's advice.

Indeed, Link understood perfectly, though he kept a straight face because he knew Zelda didn't want to send him out alone. Still, as he regarded the determined look in her eyes, his thoughts were a million miles away from any danger he was likely soon to face. Instead, he was engrossed by the way she was taking charge of the people's safety, and for the first time, he got the sense that the girl he'd once known as Mira now only existed as a memory.

The woman before him now was no commoner. Her countenance was too fierce to belong to anyone but the Princess of Hyrule—and he wouldn't refuse her command, responding with the utmost sincerity, "I'll do my best, Your Majesty."

He saw her lips quiver despite the confident expression she maintained, and offered her a faint smile of reassurance.

Seeing it, Zelda's eyes warmed with affection as she gave a formal nod and returned, "Thank you."

Holding her gaze for a moment longer, he then focused on Lyonel and qualified, "Part of my duty is to protect the Princess, but I can't do that and search for survivors at the same time. So could I ask you to keep her safe while I'm away?"

"Of course," Lyonel confirmed, his tone filled with solemn duty when he vowed, "I'll protect her with my life."

Zelda closed her eyes for a moment, uncertain she'd ever like the thought of someone giving up their life for hers. But now wasn't the time to make an issue of Lyonel's promise, and she forced herself to focus on the tasks at hand by announcing what needed to be done.

"Lyonel, I want you and Olnor to take a position at the back of the procession, and I'll travel at the front with Betarro so his daughter will be safer in case we're attacked."

"As you wish," Lyonel acknowledged, signaling to Olnor to follow him as he goaded his horse toward the back of the line.

As Zelda watched him go, she soon became aware of the fact that several of the people had stopped moving in favor of staring at her. Most looked extremely curious—if not confused—and if for no other reason than alleviating their concerns, she knew she needed to introduce herself and inform them of what to expect.

So she rode forward and announced as formally as possible, "I am Zelda, the true daughter of King Hadinaru and Queen Nissandra of Hyrule, and I'll be traveling with you to use my knowledge of magic to hide you from the beasts that attacked you last night."

A low wave of chattering spread through the crowd as the younger people stared in curiosity and the older ones looked on in awe. If she didn't know better, she'd even say some looked hopeful, which was the precise reason Zelda believed Lyonel had exposed her identity from the start.

He wanted the people to know they weren't without help, and as she allowed the information to settle in, one of the women who was close to tears came forward and asked, "Your … Your Majesty? Do you know what these beasts are that destroyed our homes and families? Were they really sent by the King?"

Saddened by the woman's distraught tone, Zelda confirmed as gently as possible, "Yes, Ganondorf has opened hostilities on his own people, but I'll have to explain everything later as we don't have much time now."

Without mentioning their actual destination aloud to ensure the revolt's location remained secret, she stated, "I know many of you are tired, but we have to push on until we reach the stronghold where you'll all be safe. So prepare yourselves, and I'll do my best to get you there as quickly as possible."

Most nodded in understanding, and though many still seemed full of doubt and trepidation, a few provided warm smiles and words of gratitude. It wasn't a huge improvement to morale, but it was enough to offer some much needed optimism, and somehow, the sight of it was enlightening.

Zelda had never enjoyed the thought of someone like Link or Lyonel being so willing to give their lives to protect her, but this was a part of the reason for their dedication. The people needed a leader they could have faith in, and if others were risking their lives to keep hers safe, then she would do everything in her power to ensure the people eventually got back on their feet.

At the thought, she returned her attention to Link who was still waiting nearby, and goaded Frost over to him. Coming to a stop a few feet away, she reached into her pouch and retrieved her vial of potion to lift in offering.

"Take this with you, just in case."

Waving his hand, Link shook his head. "No, give it to these people. I still have some of my own, and they need it more than I do."

With a shaky breath, Zelda nodded and slowly lowered her hand, unable to fight the swell of emotion that rose up over the thought of not seeing him for a few days. Perhaps it was childish to wish he could come with them so badly, but they'd been together for every step of the journey so far, making it difficult to part ways, even temporarily.

Seeing the worry in her eyes and knowing she was concerned despite the confident way she'd taken charge of the situation, Link couldn't stop himself. Audience or no, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers, kissing her with all the emotion churning inside him, just as worried for her safety as she was for his.

Not that the thought of her being under Lyonel's protection was disagreeable, and if Link had to hand Zelda's safety over to anyone, the seasoned Hylian soldier was at the top of the list. Still, there was always a chance for something to go wrong while he was away, and he had to push those thoughts aside and keep a clear head if his own journey was to be successful.

Thankfully, it wasn't hard to do when Zelda returned his kiss in full, lifting her hands to cup his cheeks as if to hold him there for a second longer before he could break away—and he savored every moment, every sweet brush of their lips.

Yet it soon broke, and as their foreheads met to her whispered words of, "I love you," he kissed her once again and told her the same.

"I love you, too, and I'll be back soon."

"You'd better be, and you better stay safe," she returned, opening her eyes to gaze up at him with the same smile that made everything seem worthwhile.

As he sat back again on Epona's saddle, she tried to lighten the mood by adding playfully, "That's an order."

"Yes, Your Highness," he returned with a smirk, regarding her for a moment longer before turning Epona's reins to goad her off in the direction of Engleton.

"Your Highness? We're ready to move."

Betarro's voice hit Zelda's ears as she watched Link riding off alone. Closing her eyes once he disappeared from sight, she took a deep breath, attempting to reassure herself that he would be fine. Hero of Legend or not, he was strong, capable, and courageous, so if anyone could help those survivors left behind, it was him—just as she had to assist the survivors now marching to the Zora River.

"I'm coming," she called back, turning Frost to ride to the front of the crowd. Once there, she gazed back to see Lyonel and Olnor at the rear, both providing nods as a sign that they were also ready to move.

So Zelda immediately called out for everyone to go, and as they began traveling once again, she invoked the magic Impa had taught her years ago to gather the shadows around them, causing everyone to disappear completely.

As a result, not a trace of their presence was left. The shadows concealed their bodies from sight just as it muffled any sound they made and also hid their scent. It was as if they'd never been there at all, and with any luck, they'd reach River Town by evening.

Thankfully, the spell she'd cast could last quite a while as long as the people stayed within the shadow's boundaries, and hopefully, she wouldn't need to recast it. But though she hoped for the best possible scenario, she prepared for the worst, realizing this situation was but a small taste of things yet to come.