Chapter 23 - Aftermath

Zelda had to be detained.

After her premonition, Lyonel was nearly forced to bar the door to prevent her from going after Link despite his own pressing need to search for his son. Thankfully, she was placated when he sent a few people out to look for him, knowing fully well the Princess possessed an intuition that wasn't to be ignored.

So if her senses were telling her something terrible had happened to her cherished friend—or more than friend considering the kiss he'd witnessed in Misty Falls—then it was probably true, and the mere notion of it worried Lyonel endlessly.

But leaving wasn't an option, not if Ganondorf was the cause of Link's predicament.

Instead, the King of Evil could've been using Link to set another trap, one intended for Zelda, and Lyonel knew as well as his son did that the Princess had to be protected. So he'd sent a party out to find Link, and contacted Myriad using the stone located in the conference chamber of the old outpost to make sure she knew something was wrong.

At that early hour of the night, Myriad hadn't heard a word from anyone, and as such, she had no news to supply. Yet she promised to pass along any information she might receive as soon as possible.

And once their conversation was over, Zelda had nothing more to do than sit and wait.

After her long day traveling, she knew she should try to rest, particularly in realizing that there may not be any news arriving until morning. Yet she couldn't sit still, pacing her room while resisting her repeated urges to ask Lyonel to contact Myriad for an update when only five minutes had passed.

It wasn't until Dorrel relieved Lyonel from his duties standing guard outside her room that she passed out without realizing it, only to awaken in the early morning. But despite how little she'd slept, she instantly got up to ask Dorrel if any news had arrived.

Sadly, he had nothing to report, so she requested he deliver any news as soon as it came no matter if she was sleeping or not. It was the first time she'd ever been grateful to have authority as a Princess—at least she could use it to stay informed.

Still, morning seemed to draw on forever, and the entire while, she felt completely helpless and unsure which way to turn. So she decided to have everyone gather in the conference chamber for an official address of the matters at hand if only to distract herself. That aside, it gave her a chance to assert her position, and the sooner she did so, the more smoothly things would flow.

So she started by telling everyone precisely what Dragmire had done, and how Ganondorf was continuing to take advantage of the power his father had gathered regardless of the consequences. She left nothing to question, explaining the means by which they'd stolen the power meant for Hyrule's Sages and how things had gone on for so long that only one hope remained—the Hero of Legend, and his fate presently hung in the balance.

Thankfully, everyone gathered understood her explanations, and Zelda relieved their fears by informing everyone of their efforts into restoring the kingdom, as well as relating how a search was being done for Link. In response, a number of people volunteered to help, including Betarro and Olnor.

Even Cody offered to take a boat out for the chance to pick them up despite his pessimistic nature.

Deciding the added help couldn't hurt, she allowed them to depart, and ended her address by asking for everyone to feel free to offer their opinions and ideas over what should be done to improve the situation. She had no intentions of making any moves without first considering everyone's needs, which they all seemed to appreciate.

And as they departed, Zelda knew a long, tedious day awaited.

Even when news arrived, she doubted it would console her fears for Link. The premonition she'd had the night before was so strong and so distressing it'd woken her, meaning whatever had happened was sure to break her heart.

Sadly, it made the task of involving herself in the revolt's affairs extremely difficult. Nearly all she could think about was the question of Link's condition, so concerned for him she had to excuse herself from a conversation and go clear her head.

By then, midday had rolled around, and Zelda adjourned to one of the bridges overlooking the Zora River for some time to herself—not that she was truly alone. After what had happened the previous day with Jesop, Lyonel arranged for at least two guards to follow her on watch at all times, but they thankfully gave her enough room to remain comfortable.

So she leaned against the wooden rail and watched the boats passing below, wondering if one of them could belong to a revolt member coming with news. But she didn't get her hopes up, and tried to focus instead on steadying herself if only for the benefit of the people.

After all, she was the Princess, and they would look to her for strength when their own dwindled. So no matter how badly she felt, she was determined to remain standing if only to keep everyone's spirits up.

After all, she wasn't the only one worried out of her mind. Lyonel was just as aggrieved by the prospect of his son being hurt, but kept himself in check when he wasn't alone. For that reason, Zelda put him in charge of maintaining contact with Myriad. Officially, she gave the order so they might have news as soon as possible, but she also wanted him to spend some time speaking with his wife if only so they might find comfort with each other.

He seemed to understand her reasons as well, thanking her for the task as soon as he'd felt no one was listening.

So he'd spent most of the day near the stone, and as Zelda stood upon the bridge with her eyes closed and the breeze blowing over her, she looked up the moment she heard his voice.

Standing nearby, he was relieving her current guards of their duties watching over her, suggesting he had something to say that he didn't want anyone else to hear. So she wasted no time walking over and asked the moment they were alone, "Has there been any word?"

Though Lyonel nodded, his expression was solemn, and Zelda took a deep breath to prepare for what she was about to hear.

"Myriad was contacted a short while ago by Impa, who found Link early this morning," he started. "She didn't explain precisely what happened to him because she wanted to save time, and Myriad directed them to bring him here. So with any luck, Cody will find them and pick them up, meaning they'll arrive soon.

"I should also mention that Myriad told me this about an hour ago, and I would've come directly to you, but I wanted to make sure accommodations were ready for Link and that our shaman had time to gather the supplies Myriad named to mix more effective potions."

"More effective potions?" Zelda asked, a knot of despair sinking into the pit of her stomach as she added, "Why? Is he hurt that badly?"

Exhaling a low sigh, Lyonel admitted, "She did say he's in bad condition. The injuries he sustained were received from the dark powers of the Sacred Realm, so normal healing magics won't work and he'll need something stronger. But there's some good news, too."

Lyonel rushed to add the last when Zelda closed her eyes as if to fight off tears after learning of Link's situation. So, when she opened them again, he didn't hesitate to explain, "Jada and Nissa were with him when Impa arrived with a very unlikely friend."

Glad to hear that Jada and Nissa were fine, Zelda took a deep breath and tried to keep the thought of Link's condition at bay for now as she inquired, "Who?"

"Arden," Lyonel answered, explaining at her confused expression, "Ganondorf blinded him as punishment for failing to capture me, and in turn, Arden freed Impa from Hyrule's dungeons as a form of atonement. So Impa returned his sight using shadow magic, and took him with her."

His comment left her speechless. Impa had been imprisoned? Zelda had no idea, a lingering sense of guilt plaguing her for leaving the Sheikah in the Temple of Time. Yet she tried to focus on the fact that Impa was fine, and was even pleased to hear that Arden was with her, particularly after witnessing his skill in a fight.

If he was looking to atone, he would make a valuable asset to their cause.

"That's wonderful, Lyonel," she finally remarked, then gave him a concerned look, asking, "but what about Myriad? Is she alright knowing what's happened to her son?"

Lyonel exhaled low and remarked, "She said she's as well as can be expected, and I believe our conversation helped. I also told her that you know our identities as his parents now just so there's no confusion. Still, I think we should both keep her apprised on Link's condition as often as possible to keep her worry to a minimum."

"Agreed," Zelda returned, sighing low as she turned back to the railing to gaze down at the river so far below them.

Watching as the waters flowed by, she noticed Lyonel leaning next to her and glanced up to see concern in his eyes.

"Is there anything you need?" he asked.

Providing him with the biggest smile she could muster, she shook her head. "No, and I should ask you the same thing." Turning her gaze back down to the river, she sighed and added, "I'm worried sick, but I know this is even harder for you as his father."

Though Lyonel nodded, he regarded the river below and qualified, "As hard as it is for me, it's much more difficult for my wife. She can't even see him as we can, which makes me grateful for what I do still have. So I've told her everything I can about him, hoping to make things easier."

While she listened, Zelda couldn't help thinking how much Lyonel seemed to love his wife. He wanted to give her every possible comfort, and somehow, his consideration reminded her of Link. It was still difficult to tell if he'd taken after his father in that regard, but she knew he'd do the same for her in a similar situation.

She also recalled his goodbye in Misty Falls, his gentle kiss followed by the words I love you, and the thought clouded her vision with tears.

Yet, in considering her emotional state, she suddenly exhaled an airy laugh that drew an inquisitive look from Lyonel.

"What's funny?"

Shaking her head, she remarked, "It's just that we're up here drowning in our sorrows, and when Link arrives, he'll probably just wave it off like he's only scraped a knee."

Smiling, Lyonel asked, "You think so?"

She nodded. "He does that all the time, never complains of pain and insists he's fine."

The words made the soldier smile genuinely. "He gets that from his mother, I'll be honest. The night she went into labor, she kept telling me it would be alright."

Zelda laughed at the thought, which felt extremely good after so much worry. Besides, if they couldn't find at least a small amount of humor in the situation, how would they ever help Link recover when he arrived?

So, in the spirit of keeping their moods as light as possible, she related, "When we were little, Link and I used to get picked on by the village children because of our ears. We were the only Hylians in Kakariko, and he always got so angry, but mostly on my behalf. He never cared if they called him names, and was just afraid I'd get hurt by it."

The story put a smile on Lyonel's face, and he couldn't stop himself from asking her to tell him more. So Zelda related their numerous attempts to gather enough materials to build a tree house followed by a story about the biggest fish she could recall him catching in the pond, and Lyonel hung on every word.

Once she was done, he thoughtfully mused, "If he likes to fish, then we should visit River Town and get him a new rod."

"I'd thought of that actually," Zelda admitted with a smile. "I think it would be nice if he did a little fishing while he's here, that is, once he's feeling up to it."

"Yes," Lyonel agreed, qualifying, "but I was also thinking of a gift for his eighteenth birthday, which is in about three weeks." Glancing at her as if he'd only just realized something which should've been obvious from the start, he added, "Yours is in that time plus roughly three months. Did you know that?"

Zelda stared in surprise and quickly shook her head. "No! I mean I knew he was a few months older, but we didn't know the exact dates. Alma always threw parties for us on the day she'd received us as her children each year, but that's not for another three months or so."

Lyonel smiled as if glad to supply the information, and Zelda couldn't ignore the excitement it caused as she admitted, "This really makes me hope you decide to tell him the truth of his parentage because I've always wanted to throw a party for him. So if you do, will you help me?"

Though he chuckled, there was a heartfelt look in his eyes suggesting the prospect of throwing a birthday party for his son was much more meaningful than he could've said. So Zelda didn't push for an answer, allowing him to rein in his emotions before he responded.

"I wouldn't miss the chance for the world, and I must say, I'm finally seeing how you take after your mother."

Recalling Bessa's claim that Nissandra loved festivities, Zelda laughed and reached over to hug him. The movement must've been unexpected because Lyonel looked surprised, though he did chuckle softly and pat her back. Yet he had no chance to respond, and instead, as Zelda stepped back, Tenio called to them from another bridge just across from and above the one they stood upon.

"Lyonel, they've arrived! The shaman is having him put in his room now!"

Hearing this, Zelda's heart began fluttering with the urgent need to see Link as soon as possible. But she let Lyonel lead the way if only because she wasn't sure what room he'd had prepared.

Thankfully, he didn't waste any time doing so.

Lyonel and Zelda waited outside Link's room at the shaman's request, and it took the healer longer to clean and dress his wounds than they'd expected.

Zelda could barely contain her worry the entire while, her curiosity to know precisely what had happened to her friend overwhelming. She wanted so badly to put her doubts to rest, and the more time the shaman took, the worse she believed Link's condition had to be.

Sadly, seeing him for the first time didn't help matters.

The shaman eventually exited the room, but related the reason it took so long before allowing them entry—some of Link's wounds were still seeping blood, and the healer had trouble trying to stop the flow. So he'd finished cleaning the wounds to the best of his ability, as well as eliminating the signs of infection they were showing, and finally allowed them inside.

And the sight awaiting them broke their hearts.

Lying upon the room's single bed, his clothing had been replaced by a loose fitting pair of brown pants that left the bandages encompassing his torso and arms visible—and guessing wasn't necessary to know where the wounds were. Instead, red spots were already forming in the protective layers, and the worst that Zelda could see was in a diagonal line across his chest moving toward his left shoulder.

Yet the shaman related that the most serious was a puncture wound in his upper right thigh. Additionally, nearly all of them had shown signs of infection which had thankfully been easy to eliminate with the exception of the wound on his lower left arm.

At present, one of the shaman's assistants was lifting Link's head to administer a dose of potion by gently pouring it into his mouth, and as he worked, the shaman explained the concoction's use.

"That's the mixture I made with the materials Myriad named, and it will keep him asleep for a while as well as relieve his pain, though I'm not sure he'd have awoken soon anyway. His body is in shock from the trauma, including the poison which I've been told can cause delirium. So we'll need to keep an eye on him, but either way, he needs rest more than anything right now, and I'll be by every two hours to check his wounds and make certain the infection hasn't returned."

Thoughtfully, the shaman concluded his prognosis by stating, "All in all, he's got a day to show signs of improvement before we can know for certain what will have to be done."

Zelda and Lyonel hung on every word despite how difficult it was to hear, and she thanked the shaman for his hard work as he departed with his assistant following behind.

Alone with Link now, they walked over to the bed, and Zelda didn't hesitate to take his hand as she sat in the chair the assistant was using while administering the potion. Refraining from squeezing his hand due to the bandage covering it, a sick feeling swept over her as she regarded his face. Zelda had never seen him looking so weak as he did now, his expression one of both weariness and discomfort despite his unconscious state.

Unable to help herself, she lowered her head and began to cry in earnest. Was this her fault? Or was it meant to be? She wasn't sure, and could only vow to stay with him until he recovered.

It was the absolute least she could do for her friend—or better yet, for the one she loved more than anything.

As she made her silent promise, Lyonel found himself on the opposite side of the bed reaching for his hand despite feeling as if he didn't have the right. Still, he gently folded his hand around Link's fingers, careful not to jar any of his injuries as he took in his son's condition, lifting his free hand to brush a few strands of hair from his face.

The mere sight of him in such a precarious state broke Lyonel's heart in ways he could never explain, and in that moment, he made his decision.

"Link, I'd apologize to you for the lies, but now isn't the time. Instead, once you awaken and as soon as you're strong enough to hear it, I'll tell you everything I should have before. I promise."

Hearing those words, Zelda lifted her head and cast a tear stricken gaze up at the soldier as he regarded his son with a solemn mien. Yet there was also a kind of love in his eyes that could've only been described as fatherly, and she finally found a smile. Lyonel's confidence in his son's ability to recover was heartening, as was the thought of their reunion, particularly during a time when the land was in crisis.

Any family that could be there for and support one another was a blessing, and knowing Link would have his father by his side soothed her in ways she couldn't begin to describe.

It was something the both of them had always wanted, and at least, Link would have the chance to experience it.

The thought drew a fresh batch of tears from her eyes, and she regarded Link again, clearing her throat before relating, "We'll be right here until that time comes."

He didn't respond, and only shuddered in his sleep with a deep breath. The movements suggested he was cold, but when Lyonel reached to his forehead, he found his son was actually sweating because of the lingering fever. So he took a clean cloth from the washbasin and dipped it in the water before laying it over Link's forehead.

As he worked, Zelda examined Link's wounds more closely, relating, "I still don't understand what could've left marks such as these. This line across his chest is in an even row, so what exactly did Ganondorf do to him?"

"He was tangled within a bed of barbs and left there overnight to stand as a testament that Hyrule's hope is hanging by a thread and eventually all who resist Ganondorf will fall."

At the sound of Impa's voice, Zelda's gaze darted to the door where the Sheikah stood and continued to relate, "But despite Ganondorf's best efforts, Link has spoken since we found him, though he's only asked for the Princess. Even still, this proves he's not as lost as Ganondorf might've liked."

He's asked for me? Zelda's heart nearly broke at the notion that he wanted her near, particularly while trapped the way Impa described. The notion was so distracting that she didn't have much of a reaction when Arden appeared behind her mentor.

Instead, she closed her eyes while rubbing Link's hand with gentle strokes and asked, "Has he woken at all since you found him?"

"Not yet," Impa answered as she and Arden both stepped inside, the latter shutting the door.

Once he had, Impa continued, "According to Jada and Nissa, he battled a horde of Jackal Knights through the ruins of Engleton before coming face to face with the false king himself. Yet, even after his engagement with the Jackals, he did not falter against Ganondorf, and instead, the fight ended in a draw. The only reason Ganondorf overcame him afterward is that he recovered first and used Link's unconscious state against him, leaving him strung up for all to see."

Despite knowing the explanation would be hard for Zelda to hear, Impa wouldn't withhold the truth, concluding, "This morning, Arden and I happened across Epona without her master and she led us right to him. When we arrived, Jada and Nissa were already searching for a way to free him."

Zelda slowly nodded, still gazing at Link while gently stroking his bandaged hand as she replied, "Thank you both, and please tell Jada and Nissa I'm so glad they're alright."

"I will once they awaken," Impa returned. "They stayed up all night waiting to go to Link and help him once the threat of the redead was eliminated with the morning sun. So we had them taken to get some rest."

"Good," Zelda remarked, watching as Impa next turned to Lyonel with a look of remorse.

"Lyonel, I owe you an apology," she related. "I told Ganondorf of your location to delay his attack on Engleton as I knew you'd have a better chance of protecting yourself than the villagers."

"An apology isn't necessary," he returned, stepping away from Link's bed with the words, "I knew you would've only exposed my location to protect innocents, and I hold no grudges. Besides, I had an obligation to come here and help this resistance for the people, and I'm just glad you're well."

"I am, with a little help from Arden, and it's good to see the same of you," Impa replied as the two shared a friendly hug.

Following their embrace, Lyonel stepped back and turned his attention on Arden who stood there quietly for a moment before he finally stated, "I doubt the return of your son is enough to make up for my transgressions, but I hope it's a start."

Knowing what happened during their last encounter, Zelda found herself curious to see how Lyonel would respond—and she somehow doubted he'd consider the return of his son a paltry act of goodwill.

As it turned out, she was right. Shaking his head, Lyonel finally responded by reaching up to place his hand on Arden's shoulder, remarking, "Perhaps you've more to atone for, but in my eyes, no greater favor could have been done, Arden. It's also good to know you haven't completely lost hope."

Scoffing, the berserker retorted, "Don't overestimate me, Lyonel. I did lose hope, but Impa helped me restore a small piece of it. You did too, in your own way."

Confused, Lyonel inquired, "How so?"

"By reminding me of what it's like to have something to fight for," he admitted, then regarded Link and qualified, "But don't get me wrong, I didn't help Link just to atone."

"No?"

Shaking his head, Arden related with a smirk, "I kind of like the kid. He's got spunk, like another scrawny arsed Hylian I used to know."

The comment put a grin on Lyonel's face as he gave Arden's shoulder a friendly slap while observing, "I seem to recall a fat stable hand slacking off in the courtyard until his father came along to make him do his work properly."

Arden snorted, but though he was humored by the memory, he released a low sigh after regarding Link again.

Seeing the direction his blindfolded face was pointed in, Lyonel glanced at his son and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"There could be, and I told the shaman this, but there's something you need to know about the poison. It sometimes causes—"

"Link!"

A thud followed Zelda's gasp of his name, and everyone looked to see that Link had tugged his arm away from her and turned so abruptly he'd rolled off the bed. Furthermore, he was groaning and jerking as if in pain.

Seeing it, Arden muttered a low, "Damn, I was hoping this wouldn't happen."

"What?" Zelda asked as he and Lyonel quickly moved to lift Link back onto the bed.

But he didn't go willingly.

As they grabbed him, he began yelling in anguish, struggling to free his arms and legs from their grasp. Thankfully, he was so weak from his trauma that they managed to move him without too much trouble, but that didn't stop Link from sending a fist into Arden's cheek.

The blow was weak, and barely fazed the berserker, who grasped his wrists and started to explain what was happening, but had to wait when Link emitted another anguished cry.

It wasn't a sound Zelda ever heard him make before, and it tore her heart out.

"He's reliving his torment," Arden finally remarked, raising his voice so they could hear him over Link's shouts. "The poison causes delirium and nightmares, and some of the men Ganondorf punished this way said they thought it was happening again and again."

Hearing this, Zelda stared at her struggling friend who must've been confused and believed he was simply being restrained by more vines instead of held down by Lyonel and Arden. The way he twisted and jerked on the bed served as proof, and she didn't take the time to think, could barely form a thought beyond her roiling emotions.

Instead, she acted.

Moving forward, Zelda placed her hands against Link's cheeks and closed her eyes, her hands glowing as she focused her thoughts.

Remember, Link. Forget the pain and remember.

Forming a telepathic bridge with her friend, she could sense the poison plaguing his thoughts like a dark cloud fogging his mind. To counter it, she summoned up a shared memory between them, something she'd told Lyonel about earlier—fishing at the pond.

The two of them had been sitting on the pier, and as she was reading a book, Link felt a tug at his rod, prompting her to stand and watch as he began to reel it in. It took nearly fifteen minutes, but he successfully caught a carp that was put on record as the third biggest to ever be caught in the pond.

As the memory played out, Link stopped yelling in pain, his body relaxing and breathing growing steadier with each exhale. Finally, things calmed down enough that Lyonel and Arden felt it was safe to let him go, and Zelda maintained their bridge for another few moments before she opened her eyes again.

"Princess?" Lyonel asked. "What did you do?"

As the light faded from her hands, she explained, "I formed a telepathic bridge and helped him remember something pleasant, something that would make him forget his torment. I don't know if it will stop the nightmares for good, but for now, he won't be bothered."

Hearing this, Lyonel exhaled a soft breath, then regarded Impa with the words, "It seems you've taught her well."

Quirking a brow, the Sheikah shook her head. "I never taught her how to do that."

Finding the comment curious, Lyonel glanced back at the Princess as she brushed some of Link's hair from his face and admitted, "I didn't know I could until I simply did it. I only knew I couldn't stand by and allow him to continually suffer what he'd already experienced."

Looking up at Lyonel, she added, "So I'm not leaving until he awakens to ensure this doesn't happen again."

As Lyonel agreed and promised to have a few of her things brought by for convenience, Zelda's attention was snagged when she felt Link's hand covering hers.

Looking down, she watched his fingers curl around hers with a gentle squeeze despite how weak he remained.

Her heart ached in response, his unconscious gesture serving as a reminder that he was a fighter, and she knew him well enough to realize he'd never let this bring him down. It wasn't much, but it was enough to finally make her feel as if things truly would return to normal despite what had happened.

It was a good start to the aftermath.