Inspiration: Ben Hur with Charleton Heston and Stephen Boyd. The chariot race for this film is one of the best ever captured on cinema. It took a year to record, 50,000 extras, Arbian stallions {both black and white}, was filmed in Italy, and has the majesty and tragedy of any great Shakespearean story. This 1959 movie is one of the best films ever made, winner of 11 Oscars, and Charleton Heston's performance as the Prince of Hur is the stuff of legends. No remake will ever come close to the brilliance of movie. If you have not seen it, I highly recommend it I promise you won't be disappointed. Gladiator with Russel Crowe, particularly the scene where Maximus calls out "Are you not entertained?!" is one of the best lines of the entire movie. 'The Legend of Zelda Skyward Sword...' who doesn't love the scene where Link and Groose compete to spend the day with Zelda?

Shout Outs: Pouda-P, Kyoko Ryuuzaki-Dragon Reborn, Elluka.

Author's Note: Please enjoy the Dragon Gala.

Word Count: 12,856

Chapter 15

The Dragon Gala: Part 1

~SSS~

The Throne Room of Dragon Roost: Link's POV

Everyone was looking at me in complete and utter puzzlement at my utterance. I didn't blame any of them, the news would have been a shock to anybody. No one was expecting to hear it.

"Vaati?" Queen Constance repeated. "Who in the world is Vaati?"

Before I could answer, Zelda chimed in. "Vaati is the manipulator of wind," she replied, "he's an evil, maniacal being who at one time tried to take over the land of Hyrule. He was kept at bay with the power of the Four Sword a counterpart of the Master Sword." She then turned her attention to me with a slightly perplexed look in her eyes. "What I want to know is how is this possible and when did you find out about this?"

I took a step forward at her inquiries.

"My investigation directed me towards this conclusion when the noble Vincent and his sister left the city suddenly," I divulged, "it had always been their endeavor to bring the wind god back since they were both involved in a sect known as the Interlopers."

Everyone in the room looked at me alarmed, even Elbourne stepped forward. "The what?" he asked.

I went on.

"The Rue Morgues are trying to take over Hyrule by means of this ancient evil," I explained. "They've been planning his reappearance for years, using otherworldly creatures as agents to mandate attacks on anybody they saw as a vice or virtue to that end, including myself and her majesty Queen Zelda."

Queen Constance looked at me confused. "What do you mean?" she asked. "Are you saying the both of you had a potential personal stake in this initiative?"

I wouldn't have put it quite that way, but she was more right than she knew.

"Yes and no," I replied.

Elbourne grunted in annoyance. "What the hell does that mean?" he demanded.

I fore went his frustration in lieu of the importance of the situation.

"It means the Rue Morgues used any means necessary to get what they wanted," I replied simply. "Evidence of this was apparent with the attempt at the ball."

I wasn't going to disclose to him that that attack was solely meant for me. However, the affect I wanted registered with the king and queen, and because of such it kept Elbourne quiet for now.

King Xavier sat back on his throne and ran a hand over his face. He looked beyond stressed. "Are you certain of this?" he asked.

I was aware a deeper explanation was in order.

"Let me elaborate," I went on, "the method with which the Rue Morgues used was a clever one. They found and deciphered arcane knowledge only privy to a few to make this come to fruition. As it turns out, they haven't been successful just yet, but they are very close to seeing the endeavor become a reality. They've collected two items that are vital to the resurrection of this villain. However, the only way these items can work is on the night of the crystalline moon where the wind currents are the strongest. It makes sense considering the nature of the creature they're trying to bring back. Dragon flight amplifies this current, creating a subliminal tangent that speeds up the process."

Elbourne didn't like what I was implying. "So what."

I ignored him and continued to address his father.

"Sire, it's imperative that we think of the safety of the citizens regarding this matter," I said, "if not there could be massive amounts of bloodshed."

Zelda and Constance both gasped.

However, the king looked at me with the same inherent suspicion as his son. "What are you suggesting?"

I took another step forward and didn't hesitate.

"It's my recommendation that you postpone the gala sire," I replied, "if not you run the risk of witnessing a bloodbath."

Now Elbourne scoffed. "Preposterous!" he said. "Postpone the gala? Are you mad?"

I looked over at the prince just then.

"Not as mad as what you or everyone else will be if this is allowed to happen," I said boldly. "With all due respect your highness, it would be idiotic to endanger a nation of people for pure sport."

Elbourne didn't appreciate my apparent usurping of his ridicule in this regard. His mother saw the look in his eyes and tried to reason with him.

"Elbourne my dear," she started, "you should at least take what he says into consideration. There is true legitimacy in what he is saying. We need to think about this with clear heads."

It was as if the dragon prince didn't hear a word his mother or I said. "Father, you're not actually considering this nonsense are you?" he demanded. "What are the suggestions of a peasant who's forgotten his place anyway? This sounds like lunacy!"

At hearing that it was then Zelda stepped in. "Elbourne you cannot be serious," she said in mild disbelief, "how dare you act so high and mighty when Master Link came here in good faith!" she demanded. "A person's life standings have nothing to do with a practical suggestion! What in the world does his being a peasant have to do with common sense."

The dragon prince rolled his eyes at her words. "I wouldn't expect you to understand my dear Zelda because your judgment is being clouded by something else," he said, "how could you have proper insight on this?"

Zelda looked at him stunned, and now I wasn't going to let that slide. Who the hell was he to speak to the queen in such a fashion?

"Again your highness, with all due respect, her majesty is exacting better judgement on the matter than you," I said boldly, "at least she isn't throwing the notion to the side as no account fodder."

Elbourne looked at me pissed just then. "The notion is ridiculous you presumptuous bastard," he went on, "where is your evidence of such a threat?"

It was obvious he wasn't paying attention to what I had been telling him. The dragon prince was so overcome with his bitterness he couldn't see straight.

"I told you your highness," I stated, "the Rue Morgues have already utilized it."

Elbourne took a step forward. "Based off what criterion?" he demanded. "Your word?"

He was really starting to get on my nerves. This was exactly why I didn't want to have to deal with him. He didn't know how to be rational when the time came for it. There was more to life than his bruised and battered ego.

I cleared my throat.

"No," I said anyway, "I have strong reason to believe the Rue Morgues have already confiscated two keys and put them in place somewhere in the city to begin their measures of bringing this monster back."

I could see from the corner of my eye Queen Constance's disposition change a little. Something in what I said resonated with her, even if just a little bit.

However, my words didn't seem to faze the dragon prince. "So, in other words you have no evidence?" he demanded. "Is that what you're telling us?"

Bastion grunted in disbelief behind me. I didn't blame him, Elbourne was being beyond ridiculous. He was turning this matter into something else entirely.

"Your highness, this plan of Lord Vincent and Lady Morgana has been put in motion over the course of years," my friend added, "there is a very high probability of Master Link's theories being true. If we do nothing, they will have certain success."

Elbourne shifted his attention to Bastion. "And you think that we should turn over a hundred thousand Hylians and Roostians away because of that?" he asked cynically. "You're insane."

It was then Zelda chimed in once more. "You forget my dear Elbourne that you came to me recently expressing concerns related to Lady Morgana," she divulged. "You explicitly said that she was threatening the throne of Hyrule and that you were concerned for my safety."

I raised a brow at that revelation.

When in the world did this happen? I thought.

However, I didn't ponder over it too much.

Elbourne didn't appreciate Zelda calling him out like that. "I said that to you in confidence," he replied.

I looked at him incredulously. He couldn't have been serious. I was getting tired of the prince's shortsightedness.

"I understand that it would be a temporary financial loss," I said, changing the subject slightly, "but such a loss could be mitigated in the future. The people's lives are way more important."

The prince pursed his lips together and seemed offended that I took the conversation that route. He narrowed his eyes, then walked up to me, and suddenly got in my face like he wanted to fight me. He looked me straight in the eyes, and I stared right back. I in no way was going to back down or be backed down. I wasn't intimidated by him and his stupidity would have benefited greatly from a right hook to his arrogant face.

Elbourne's eyes searched my face for a moment. "You know what this is really about," he growled, "you're just afraid of losing dismally to me in the race and you want a way out."

I looked at him like he was crazy, but I could tell he was dead serious.

I took in a deep frustrating sigh.

"This has nothing to do with me not wanting or willing to race you your highness," I reassured, "this is about-"

"This is about your inferiority complex and you not being man enough to deal with it!" Elbourne interrupted explosively. "Admit it!"

My eyes widened at his sudden words, and a pin drop could be heard after that; it had gottenthat quiet. Zelda looked at the prince shocked as did Queen Constance and the king. I couldn't see Bastion's face to warrant his expression, but I was sure it was one of disbelief. Elbourne's utterance seemed to be conjuring from a much deeper level than one of anger. It almost seemed like he was talking about himself. He had managed to take a matter of the utmost importance and find a way to utilize it in exacting his silly rivalry he had going with me. It was both maddening and stupid all at the same time. Why couldn't he put his pride to the side for a second? Why couldn't he see the bigger picture?

I took in another deep sigh.

"Like I said before," I said, breaking the tense silence, "it has nothing to do with me not wanting to do the race, I'm more importantly thinking about the people."

Elbourne's eyes searched my face again. "The people," he repeated with an almost disgusting contempt, "don't make me laugh. You didn't come in here grandstanding for the people. You came in here for one purpose and one purpose alone, and that's to try and seduce the affections of her majesty Queen Zelda."

I had had enough of this.

"Your highness-" I tried.

"Stop trying to change the subject"!" he interrupted again. "You're here for the queen!"

There was another brief tense silence, one where I looked from the prince to Zelda in my periphery. She was blushing at the prince's bold words, but she knew as well as I that I wasn't here for such superficialities. I had been investigating the Rue Morgues for months, but I couldn't expect the prince to understand that because that was a logical thought process, and he was such a self centered person. However, even still, if Elbourne wanted to make this a matter about the queen, I would appease his jealous ego for a moment. After all, I was well aware who Zelda was truly in love with. I could utilize that fact to my advantage.

I narrowed my eyes slightly.

"Of course I'm here for the queen," I replied, "she and I have an unyielding trust in each other. She knows I would do anything for her and would protect her with my life. A race against you would be nothing for the greater good of Hyrule and myloyalty to her majesty." I could tell my words were getting under his skin. "Do you know what it means to be loyal on that level your highness?" A faint grin came across my face just then as I continued my taunt and lowered my voice. "It's almost an intense pleasure."

Elbourne nearly lost it at that, but kept his temper in check. "You smug son of a bitch!" he growled in my face.

All I did was smirk.

However, Xavier and Constance weren't having any of their son's usual antics that afternoon.

"Elbourne stop this!" Constance snapped. "You're being ridiculous!"

Xavier agreed with his wife. "Your mother is right," he replied, "you're letting your pride cloud your better judgement."

I was glad to hear some reasonableness for a change, but even with that it wasn't going to last. Xavier still had his doubts.

"Master Link I appreciate your candor," he said, "but I need more than just a whim. I cannot postpone the gala off of instinct alone."

I was aware of that, but this was more than instinct. I stepped away from Xavier's hot headed son and turned back to facing his majesty.

"I understand that sire," I replied, "but I wouldn't be here telling you this if I weren't certain."

However, my reassurances weren't good enough for the king. He shook his head. "I'm afraid I need more than your word my good man," he said.

I had nothing else to give him because the Gufu Stone and the Demanded Key were already confiscated.

"I'm afraid that's all I have," I replied.

Xavier shook his head again. "I'm sorry," he replied, "that simply isn't enough."

I wanted to hide the disappointment from my face, but I couldn't. I supposed the deaths of thousands would be. No matter how he tried to chock this up, the king was being no more reasonable than his stupid son.

However, Constance looked between both men and took a stand. "I think we have to take Master Link at his word," she said, "the gala is not more important than the greater good of the kingdom."

Xavier fanned her off. "I've already made my decision."

Constance looked at her husband upset, but not altogether shocked. She must have been used to his stubbornness by now.

However, her majesty Queen Zelda decided to intervene in the dragon queen's behalf. "Sire I'm inclined to agree with the counsel of her majesty and Master Link," she said, "there is too much reasonable doubt not to take what is being said in consideration."

Now Xavier was starting to express the same irritable spirit as his son. "Your counsel has been noted my lady," he said, "and as it stands, my orders remain the same. I will not postpone the gala on a whim."

I took in another deep sigh and looked over at Bastion. He too looked disappointed. Unfortunately, there was nothing we could do about it now. The king had spoken.

For your sake Xavier you better hope I'm wrong, I thought.

"Very well then sire," I verbalized, "if that is your decision may I be excused to go practice?"

Xavier studied me for a moment, before slowly nodding in agreement. "You're excused."

I took another small step back and bowed. Afterwards, I gestured towards Bastion and the both of us started for the exit. This whole endeavor had been a lesson in futility. What was the point of warning someone of a potential threat if the one in power didn't take what was said seriously? It was ridiculous, but I for one was not about to stand aside and allow thousands of people to die. I didn't care how prideful or arrogant the king and the prince were being, I was my own man, and if I had to thwart this threat myself, I was going to do just that. However, before Bastion and I left the throne room, the king stopped us once more.

"Master Link," Xavier called.

I paused in my tracks and immediately turned around.

"Yes sire?" I replied.

The king rested his head on his fist and looked at me thoughtfully. "Are you certain the creature set to be released by the Rue Morgues is Vaati?" he asked for some reason. "Not someone... or something else?"

I found that to be an odd question. It almost seemed like he was in expectation of something foul. Why would this be a concern of his?

"I'm certain sire," I replied, not making my inquiries known, "the creature set to be released is Vaati."

Xavier stared at me for a long time before effectively grunting and dismissing me. "Hmph, thank you," he said then fanned me off with a gesture, "that's all."

At hearing that, I didn't leave right away, and I glanced over at Zelda who was looking at me concerned. I could tell she wanted to tell me something, but obviously not here in the open with the others watching and listening. She would probably call for me later. I then looked over at Elbourne who stared right back at me with complete contempt. The feeling was more than mutual, but for very different reasons. Peoples lives really meant so little to him. They were like pawns in a game of chess. Unfortunately, I was going to have to play his game, and I needed to be the victor. Constance too was looking at me with some well controlled restraint. It looked like she had something she wanted to share, but didn't for fear of being shot down again. I could understand that, and given the foolish nature of the men around her, her options were limited. Afterwards, I then turned back to Bastion and headed out the door.

"We have to hurry," I said in a low voice to my friend, "we have to prepare for more than the gala."

Tonight was probably going to be the longest night of my life.

~SSS~

Somewhere in the Crypts of Hyrule

The Protector paused when he thought he heard footsteps following him, but he knew that to be impossible. However, he did raise his masked brow in surprise when he saw a note waiting for him on the door. Who in the world knew he would be down here? It didn't make sense that something would be waiting for him down here when there were no pre-arrangements put into place. Having acknowledged that, the Protector tore the piece of paper away from the door and read its contents:

Be on the lookout, they're trying to revive

the sleeping menace Vaati. Oh... and by the

way, I know who you really are. You had better

be careful. He isn't too happy with you.

That's all for now, I'll keep you posted.

~The Elusive Member of The 15th Tier~

The Protector paused at the letter's end and knew it was very much a threat against his life.

Something had gone wrong.

Something had gone seriously wrong.

And... the Protector knew exactly what it was.

He could have cursed himself for not being careful, but that was the risk and the price for such actions. Even still, with everything that was going on, that situation was a secondary concern. With the news of Vincent trying to awaken Vaati, the Protector was fully aware of what he now needed to do. He was going to have to dig up an old treasure. A treasure predating many of the artifacts known to most Hylians today. It was once housed in a grand palace under strict guard, but then the treasure was stolen and rediscovered by the brotherhood. That treasure was the true impetus of his being in the brotherhood. Protector Quadriennium was not simply a name in relation to the walls of secrecy. It was a name in relation to the treasure to be kept in trust by the grand master who ascended that aspect of the Deeper Levels of Insight. Protector Quadriennium was not merely the name of one of the grand masters. The appellate title given also allotted the responsibility of the grand master, and his responsibility was to protect the treasure of four.

Four heroes of the past.

Four heroes who worked in unison as one.

The Protector now needed to get that same treasure to the Hero of Twilight.

That treasure was the Four Sword.

He just hoped with the time now reduced he had the initiative to do so. With that, he left and headed off to his objective. Everything else was going to have to wait.

~SSS~

Later that Night, the Queen's Chamber: Constance's POV

The dragon queen had been pacing impatiently around her room in a whirlwind of worry, hoping that Auru would make his eventual appearance. However, after another thirty minutes passed with no sign, she sensed that he wasn't coming, and her dread only deepened. What she had been told by her dear beloved was in direct correlation to what Master Link had said earlier in the afternoon. If Vaati was a real and viable threat, and Xavier was going to do nothing about it, it was Constance's duty to try and warn as many of the citizens as she could. She wasn't going to stand around and do nothing if an attack was nigh, but she also knew she could only do it using Auru. After the conference with her husband and the others, Constance was certain that her security had tightened, and that she was now being followed. And to make things more complicated, she wasn't sure if the mandates were put in place by her husband or... her son. It was no secret that Elbourne was displeased with her, and his behavior earlier proved that he wasn't thinking rashly. Constance wouldn't put it past her hotheaded twenty-one year old to have her watched. He probably replayed the scene of catching Constance with Auru over and over in his head for fodder. The dragon queen loved her son, but she knew he was capable of anything, thus her added precaution of staying in her chambers that night.

No sense giving anyone anymore to talk about or report, she thought.

Constance sighed then sat down at her table in the center of her room, and ran her hands over the polished marble nervously. She often kept her nerves at bay, but that was proving difficult with all the recent activities. She even had a copy of her favorite book on the table, but that wasn't providing her with much comfort either. The dragon queen was about to get up and have a stroll about her terrace, when suddenly there was a knock on her door. Not expecting any visitors, knowing that Auru would use the secret passage through the mountains, and having sent all her servants away, she looked at the door intrigue. Who in the world wanted to see her now? Xavier? Elbourne? Zelda? Deciding not to guess any longer, she went to answer the door. On the other side was a messenger carrying a letter in an odd form of stationery.

Who...? she wondered with a trail.

Puzzled as to what was going the dragon queen inquired of it openly.

"What is this?" she asked quietly.

The courtier bowed at her utterance.

"It's a correspondence from Master Bastion of Hyrule my lady," he replied.

The queen looked at him surprised.

"What?" she asked. "Master Bastion? Why would Master Bastion send me a letter?"

The messenger's guess was as good as hers.

"I have no idea my lady," he replied, "I am but a humble servant."

Constance hesitated and looked from the courtier, to the letter in his hands, and made a minute decision to acknowledge the letter and took it.

It must be important, she thought.

"Thank you," she said then closed the door behind her.

She wasted no time tearing the letter open and reading its contents.

It read:

Dear Constance,

I'm sorry for the deceit, but this is

actually Auru. I had to use discretion in

getting this to you because of how dangerous

the times are becoming. I know you called for

me my beloved, but I can't come to you at this

time. It's too dangerous, and Xavier's spies are

everywhere. I have a feeling I know what you

want to tell me, and I think I've already

deciphered an important clue I had privy elsewhere.

Please know I'm thinking of you, and I love you

with all my heart. However, as it stands we can

never meet again. I won't run the risk of you

losing your life for me. I will correspond with

you soon.

~Auru~

At the letter's end, Constance felt a pang of apprehension mixed with sadness, but she understood why the added precaution was necessary. She got up from the table hoping and wondering if Auru was alright. She knew he was a resilient man, but he was still just a man nonetheless. There was only so much life he could take before mortality would overtake him. She tried not to think about it and looked out at the city from her terrace. Everything was so from where she was standing, small and simple. How she wished life were the same way.

She sighed and pursed her lips together.

"Please Auru..." she whispered as the night breeze set in, "please be okay."

~SSS~

Zelda's Chamber: Zelda's POV

It was about midnight when I called for Link to see me. I certainly hoped he didn't think it was going to be an inconvenience for him, but I missed him dearly and wanted to see his handsome face. However, as there was a knock at my door and my anticipation grew, I was surprised to find that a messenger was there to greet me instead of Link. I didn't understand why, until I realized what was going on. The courtier bowed when he saw me and was holding a letter. I was a little disappointed in seeing that because I had a feeling I already knew who it was from.

Oh no... I thought.

After receiving the letter, I immediately regulated some privacy and sat down at the table in the center of the room. I opened the contents and read it immediately.

It said:

My Dearest Queen,

I saw that look in your eyes and knew you

wanted to see me tonight. The confirmation was

made when you sent for me to come see you.

I want you to know it isn't my intention to

ever outright disrespect you, or disobey a

royal command. However, I hope you understand

why I can't see you tonight. I have to practice,

but more importantly, I have to stay focused

to protect you and the people. I hope you

don't think me too presumptuous for not

coming to you, but please know I am

thinking of you, and I thought you looked

beautiful this afternoon. After a long afternoon

of dragon riding the last thing a perfect, beautiful

woman like you wants to do is embrace a

sweaty smelly man. Your perfect essence

should remain perfect. I hope this letter will be

enough until tomorrow. Stay incredible as you

always are Zelda.

~Your Hero, Link~

When I finished reading, I was a woman of mixed emotions. I was glad he was so thoughtful in writing to me, but a letter was a poor substitute for the real man. Link couldn't have been more wrong about me not wanting to hug his sweaty body. I would have gladly welcomed that to see him. However, I understood his reasoning, and this Vaati matter was not one to be taken lightly. Only Link would be so bold to disobey a royal request and then make me feel good about it. I just hoped he was okay, but I knew one thing for sure... I couldn't wait for tomorrow. I got up from the table and got ready for bed, when I was snuggled under the sheets, I stared at the ceiling.

"Just be okay Link," I whispered, "just please be okay."

~SSS~

The Next Day, the Dragon Gala: Link's POV

It was obviously a lesson in futility trying to convince Prince Elbourne to call the gala off, but I didn't think I was going to have the same lesson convincing his father. However, I was wrong. Xavier was especially insistent on the gala taking place. I didn't understand why, but there seemed to be an undercurrent of desperation in his manner. I guess the threat of Vincent and Morgana bringing back Vaati wasn't enough. I guess the Roostians needed to see Vaati firsthand to believe that he was a real viable threat. The only person who had a shred of sense was Queen Constance, but that wasn't too surprising, she was a woman with good sensibilty. However, she was immediately overshadowed by her husband and son. I would have to say in that instance, the male ego should have taken a back saddle to some feminine intuition.

Anyway, I was currently in the lower barracks, near the dungeons, where the dragons dwelled. Each dragon was locked in a large cell that was reinforced with dragon ore. Such measures had to be taken because the animals were gargantuan in size, and their strength was the stuff of legends. I often wondered how the stable boys and men attended to the creatures without getting hurt. I chocked it up to years of practice. I walked down the long corridor and looked over each magnificent animal. All species of dragon were going to be represented in the race: dracosaurian, illumisaurian, magisaurian, and the plasmosaurian. There were two other illumisaurians present, and I wasn't surprised considering that was the choice dragon for most riders. When I walked by, they both roared in acknowledgement and that made me smile. I continued down the cell block and looked over the next three plasmosaurians and the two magisaurians. They were smaller dragons, but if properly trained they were fierce competition. I had seen some of the riders in Hyrule do some pretty extraordinary aerial feats with them. I continued down the row, but stopped for a moment when I got to the end. At the back of the cell blockade, resting in a cage three times the size of the others, was the dragon prince's famed dracosaurian.

I stood there and watched the majestic creature in silent awe. The dragon's eyes were closed, and it looked like it was sleeping. I found that funny. The animal had such confidence in its ability to win that it had time to sleep before the race. Maybe that was just a little bit of its owner rubbing off on it, but it was remarkable to see nonetheless. Sensing my presence, the dracosaurian then opened its eyes and stared at me. The green orbs shined like jewels in the dim dank room, they were crystalline and beautiful. It didn't move, it didn't shudder, it didn't flinch, it didn't do a thing but stare, and all I could do was stare back. Seeing that I didn't back away, the dragon grunted as if tired of me, and closed its eyes once more.

That made me chuckle.

"That's a first," I said to myself.

What a magnificent creature.

Sensing my minor betrayal, my Sarginto roared from the adjacent cell. I immediately turned my attention to the dragon and laughed.

"No need to be jealous my boy," I said, "I was just looking."

The illumisaurian roared again as if answering me, and it only made me laugh more. My dragon was ready and eager to race in these games. The arena was at maximum capacity, leaving zero seating, but there was standing room all over the mountainside. There were even some people sitting on Hyrule Field watching from a distance. It looked like the whole of Hyrule was there. There was not one smidgen of space seen in between the spectators. Vendors from all over the country were there selling drinks and refreshments. Barbecue pits were dug in several key locations for people to get food in the quickest way possible. A specialized water irrigation system was put in place to spray the crowd when the temperature got too high, and even though the race was taking place at night, the heat from Death Mountain could be unrelenting. There was an eighty piece orchestra mandated just for the fanfare. However, before the games began, there was a parade scheduled along with an initiation of the games.

The parade was a long standing tradition for the Roostian culture. It celebrated the pride and the might of the dragon masters, starting from Draco the Great to its current king in Xavier. It celebrated the history of Dragon Roost, and even gave a little insight to why dragon culture was so important to Hyrule. The parade was an important part of the festival, and a long standing tradition of the royal family.

Nine riders from all over Hyrule were going to be showcased in this year's gala. It was quite the spectacle with the inclusion of me and of course the dragon prince, but there was another rider who was making headlines as well, a female Gerudo rider from the desert. She was the first female rider ever to participate in the games. There was no rule stating women couldn't ride, it was just women never entered the competition, that is, until now. She was quickly becoming a heroine to young girls everywhere. Now they too felt they had a proper representation in the games. She was someone all women could root for, another underdog so to speak. She had just as much of a chance as anybody to win this race. However, with that being taken into consideration, the overwhelming favorite was Elbourne. No one took his talent lightly. The dragon prince was undefeated in these games since he entered, and his massive dracosaurian was not an animal to be trifled with. The famed dragon had a wingspan that could knock other dragons off course, it was that powerful. Elbourne also boasted the largest animal in the competition, and only a true dragon master could tame a dracosaurian. Even though I didn't like the guy, I still respected his craft, there was no denying his abilities.

I was almost ready to go as I was awaiting the opening horns signifying the beginning of the parade. Bastion and Ashei were down in the barracks with me helping me to get prepared. They were more there as confidence boosters than anything. Even still, I would take whatever it was they wanted to give me.

"Are you ready for this?" Ashei asked out of the blue with a confident smirk.

I shrugged, not sure one way or the other. There was more on my mind than the race.

"As I'll ever be," I replied, being honest.

Bastion patted my shoulder in reassurance.

"Just keep your eyes open," he said, "we'll be on the lookout down here."

I was glad to hear that, because more than me was needed to stop this menace. I needed the others eyes and ears as well.

"I know," I said, "and if I see anything unusual, I'll deviate to stop it."

Ashei nodded.

"At this point the race is a secondary concern considering what we're up against, you know?" she said.

I nodded myself, thinking the very same thing only a moment ago. I had updated Ashei on everything that was going on. She was fully in the know now.

"I'm well aware," I replied.

Bastion looked over at the illumisaurian I was to ride and decided to add his normal sense of brevity to the conversation.

"Still," he started, "it wouldn't hurt if you tried to win, for her majesty's sake."

I just looked at him and appreciated how he tried to make a potshot by using the queen. I decided not to answer that. There was plenty I was going to tell the queen later. However, I didn't need to chastise Bastion, Ashei was equipped to do that for me.

"Bastion sometimes I just think you were born to irritate reasonable people," she said to her beau.

Bastion pretended to take offense.

"Considering me a devil's advocate is an irritation to people?" he asked, which made no sense.

I raised a brow.

"I think the better question is, what in the world are you talking about?" I inquired. "You think the comment you made just now applies? You inadvertently called the interest of the people of Hyrule a more important endeavor than their safety."

He didn't see his folly.

"For some, livelihood is more important than life," he replied.

I groaned, seeing the biggest hole in his gaping argument as people being dead wouldn't lament them a livelihood anyway.

Is this idiot serious? I thought.

However, before I could correct him, a loud gong sounded from the outside, and a soon after an even louder roar ripped from the crowd seated in the large amphitheater adjacent to the barracks. It seemed the race was about to start sooner than I had anticipated. It was then I looked between Ashei and Bastion and took in a deep sigh, the time for playing was over. This was the real deal.

"The parade is about to start," I said, "you two better get going."

They both agreed with a nod simultaneously.

"Be careful," Ashei said to me, but then added as a caution, "don't downsize the danger of all this."

"Yeah," Bastion said, then added, "don't showboat too much for her majesty."

Again, I appreciated Bastion's attempt at trying to lighten the mood, and I normally would have found some humor in what he was saying, but today not so much. Not when there was so much on the line regarding everyone. The situation with her majesty was an entirely different matter, one I had to put on the back saddle. All I did was nod.

"Right," I replied anyway.

Ashei and Bastion then started for the exit, however, before either of them could leave, the doors to the large training facility abruptly opened. We were initially three of the few people there preparing for the race, but it was the anticipatory time for the other riders to start funneling in. When the iron gates opened in its entirety, the other challengers were more clearly seen. There were three riders from eastern Hyrule, one Goron, one Gerudo female rider, two other riders from Dragon Roost, and the ultimate rider of course in Elbourne. However, Prince Elbourne had not yet arrived, but I was briskly being greeted by the others. This was a competition after all. There wasn't going to be any hand holding, and I was sure each of these individuals wanted to win as much as I wanted to. The Gerudo rider in particular kept eyeing me, Bastion, and Ashei. So much so, that she deviated from her course to come and speak with me. She was dressed in golden armor and wearing a helmet that covered her long red hair. She was tall and very muscular for a woman, but it didn't take her femininity away. She looked liked she was perhaps a warrior or a mercenary when she wasn't training. She still looked very much like a woman, and I guess that was all that really mattered. Her eyes were locked on mine for a second, and she looked me up and down a few times before deciding to address me.

"So... you're the great hero who saved our world," she said, slightly surprised at my youth, "I didn't expect you to be a kid."

I didn't know whether she was complimenting me or not.

However, it really didn't matter.

"Yes," I replied, "and I never thought I'd see the day when a female rider had as much contention for the title as the dragon prince."

She raised a brow and looked at me surprised at my comeback, but grinned.

"You and every other man in this stadium," she replied, then added, "I would have been the original headliner too if you hadn't decided to come along and shake things up."

There was an undercurrent of contempt in her tone, but I guess I could understand her contention.

"That's the nature of this business I suppose," I replied, "but all you have to do is take the fanfare back and win."

She laughed lightly and shook her head.

"Is that all?" she said sarcastically.

I grinned at her and simply nodded.

"Yeah," I replied.

She looked over at Bastion and Ashei, then back to me.

"Is it true you've only just started riding a dragon young master?" she asked suddenly. "Have you really only been in practice for a few weeks?"

I looked her over myself now and didn't answer her right away.

"Yes," I said finally.

She grunted at hearing that and smirked.

"And you think you can win against the prince of dragons with such an expedient study of the craft?" she went on.

I saw her point, but honestly, that was every challenge I was presented with in life. Most of the time it was something I just contended with in that moment. It was how I defeated Ganondorf and completed my journey.

"Yes," I replied to her again.

She didn't let it show obviously, but I could tell she was impressed, even if it was mildly.

"Well," she said, "then this should be interesting. Don't let Death Mountain be a reeducation for you. Be very careful going through there. All the best to you young master."

It was sensible enough advice.

"All the best to you as well," I replied, "thank you for your interests."

She nodded slightly at my reply, and then walked past me to to mount her illumisaurian in one of the cells. Bastion and Ashei both stared after the woman, but then turned their attention back to me.

"It looks like you have some stiff competition," Bastion commented, "she looks like she's been doing this for awhile."

I didn't disagree with him.

"That it does," I replied, staring after the woman for a moment myself.

Ashei decided to chime in as well.

"It's too bad you're racing Link," she added suddenly, "because I would definitely root for her if you weren't in the competition."

I then turned and grinned at my friend. I should have saw that coming.

"Thanks," I said with a hint of sarcasm, "you really know how to string a vote of confidence."

Ashei thumbed up me and returned my verbal contradictory.

"You're welcome, you know?" she replied.

I raised my brow at her and almost forgot she did that from time to time. I guess it could be considered a 'successful failure' at trying to break an old habit. However, it didn't matter, I needed her to be on her way with her beau to be my eyes and ears in finding Vincent and Morgana.

"You know how to contact me if necessary," I said, changing the subject, "hand signal me if anything looks untoward."

"Right," they replied together.

Afterwards, they both bowed and headed for the exit. However, yet again, their departure was halted, this time by the man of the hour. Prince Elbourne had finally showed up with his small entourage. There were two stable men and two personal servants with him. He was dressed in all black, but he was overlain with some of the most incredible dragon mail I had ever seen. He wasn't wearing his helmet yet, and again I found myself staring at his too similar of a face. I still had a hard time believing we looked this much alike. It was no wonder Morgana and everyone else was fooled. When Elbourne saw Ashei, Bastion and me looking his way, he paused for a moment, but then decided to walk over to us. After our little spat yesterday, he wasn't exactly someone I wanted to converse with.

"Oh no," I heard Ashei groan.

Bastion held up his hand for a moment to silence his soon to be wife.

"Let's just see what he has to say before we assume," he whispered.

I didn't say anything, even when the dragon prince stopped right in front of me. He gave me a long once over then turned his attention to Ashei. For some reason he smiled slickly at her, and oddly enough she blushed.

"So, the prettied up soldier gives her true identity at last," Elbourne said to Ashei, then mockingly bowed. "I must say, no matter what you are dressed in you look stunning with those lovely brown eyes."

Ashei cut her eyes from the prince and didn't reply.

I raised a brow at the cryptic interaction.

What's this all about? I wondered.

Elbourne then turned his attention to Bastion. "You're a lucky man," he went on, "your lady has quite the spunk."

I knew Bastion wanted to slam his fist in the prince's face for trying to be suggestive, but he handled himself much better than that. He merely smiled and nodded.

"I'm aware of that your highness," he replied, "that's why she's marrying me."

Elbourne pretended to be surprised and looked at Ashei once more. "Engaged?" he inquired with mild sarcasm. "Well, congratulations, I wish you both many years of happiness."

Ashei rolled her eyes but then narrowed them when she looked at the prince. "Perhaps if you weren't so insincere all the time your highness people wouldn't have a hard time believing you," she said boldly, "I thank you for your well wishing anyway."

Bastion and I looked at her slightly stunned at her unbridled tongue.

Elbourne however didn't seem to take issue with it. In fact, his smile seemed to widen. "There's that spunk again," he said almost in a seductive voice, "it's too bad you didn't take me up on my offer."

Ashei's eyes widened and that was when Bastion decided that that was enough of this. The prince was disrespecting their relationship right in front of him.

"My lord I ask you as one man to another to keep your eyes in check," Bastion said boldly, "I love my fiance and won't tolerate her being disrespected, not even by you."

Elbourne didn't give his words a second thought. "If you can't understand that you have a beautiful woman at your side, it isn't my job to explain how that works," he replied, "she's an attractive creature and men will look, especially men like me."

I narrowed my eyes at him. I was tired of his pompous self righteous attitude. Elbourne respected no one but himself. He couldn't even give another person the sense of decency they deserved. I often thought such actions were cowardice and covered a much deeper issue, but alas, it was not my job to analyze the dragon prince. He was what he was, and what he was was a super sized bastard the way Maximillion and Zelvious warned.

"You can't expect a request like that from a man who holds so little value in others Bastion," I addressed my friend, but stared right at the prince, "it isn't an innate characteristic to be chivalrous for some men."

Elbourne laughed at me when he heard that. "I could give you a whole lesson on chivalry my friend," he replied, "don't use that tired tactic on me. Trust me, I've heard it before from men who are much more intelligent than you."

I didn't need to say anything else, he was proving my case for me. However, I mainly trying to get him to see the error in having this race when the Rue Morgues were still at large trying to awaken a sleeping menace.

I just grunted at his reply.

Elbourne looked me over again, then decided to change the subject. "So, this is the day Link," he said.

I paused for a moment before I replied.

"Yes," I replied, "this is the day."

The dragon prince took a step forward. "Mark my words," he said, "you're going to regret this day. The moment you thought you could win against me was the day I swore I would always be Dragon Roost's greatest champion."

I simply looked at him, and wanted to curse him for not seeing the bigger picture. There was more to this goddamned race than his pride, people's live were at stake. However, I didn't expect a selfish individual like Elbourne to understand that.

"We'll see," was all I said in reply.

This time the prince narrowed his eyes at me. "Yes," he replied, "we will see."

With that, Elbourne stared at me for a moment longer, but then pivoted on his heel and went to meet with the rest of his entourage. I felt my fists ball at my sides from his apt stupidity. It was one thing to have it out for me, but to disregard everyone else was downright maniacal. What made a man like that so unconstrained? What gave him the right to think that his will and well being was more important than everyone else's? I wasn't sure, and I never wanted to understand a man like Elbourne. He simply was a deviant and a fiend. I didn't understand Zelda's friendship with him.

I then turned to Bastion and Ashei.

"You better go," I said to them for the third time.

They both nodded.

"I wish there was some way you could win the race and save the people Link," Ashei said suddenly, "the prince really needs to be brought down a peg."

I wish that were possible as well, but priorities were priorities.

"There will be other races Ashei," I said, "right now we need to stop Vaati."

She reluctantly nodded, but then started for the exit again with her beau.

Bastion waved to me.

"Remember, keep your eyes open, watch for the hand signals, and deviate from the course if you have to," he said. "Whatever is going to happen is going to happen tonight."

I nodded.

"Right," I said.

Afterwards, the two of them left, and I went over to the cell where Sarginto was waiting for me, there was also a lone stable boy waiting to help me as well. Elbourne did not allow General Zelvious or his men to help assist me. He said it was about some nonsense about not getting preferential treatment. I looked around at everyone else, where they all had at least three more people to assist them and then back to the lone stable boy and me. I didn't see how I was getting preferential treatment. Anyway, I started unlocking the gate and raising the lattice for Sarginto to come out. The stable boy immediately moved to the other side to help me. I was grateful that he at least knew what he was doing. After the gate was secured, Sarginto roared the way he always did, but then he turned around so his back was facing me and got down and rested on his strong legs. It had taken me weeks to teach him that trick, but after we had spent so much time together the dragon was used to me now.

The stable boy looked on impressed. "That's quite a trick Master Link," he said excited, "I couldn't wait to come down here and help you, you're of my heroes young master!"

I grinned when I heard him say that. The young man was probably sixteen at the most, sixteen and eager to please. I remembered when I was that age. In many ways, he reminded me of Colin.

"Be careful when I back Sarginto out," I warned, "he doesn't like when people are behind him."

The stable boy quickly listened to my advice and stayed towards the side.

"Yes sir," he said.

I looked past him to the saddle strewn to the wall of the gate.

"Hand me that will you?" I asked pointing behind his head.

The stable boy immediately followed my command, and handed me the saddle and my helmet. My red tunic was secured, and the fibers felt like nothing I've ever worn before. Afterwards, I then ran up the dragon's scaly tail and back, and secured the saddle and reigns. I looked over my shoulder to make sure the young man was out of the way.

"Stand clear!" I called.

The stable boy quickly moved out of the way.

"You're ready to go!" he called back.

I then leaned forward and whistled softly into Sarginto's ear and the dragon slowly started backing out. I looked over my shoulder to make sure the stable boy was alright, he was fine. I needed to stop assuming that his enthusiasm meant he was a liability. Anyway, all the other dragon riders were quickly following suit. They were mounting their animals and getting ready to exit for the parade. The stable boy gave me a hand signal, stating that I was safe to make my way through the exit. However, as soon as I started moving forward, Prince Elbourne presumptuously backed out his dracosaurian and nearly bumped into me and Sarginto. I had to pull back on the reigns to prevent the collision. I was not amused, Elbourne just smirked at me.

"Are you sure you know how to ride that thing?" he taunted. "It would be a shame that you had an accident because of your inexperience."

I seriously wished at times this were a duel of swords. This son of a bitch couldn't touch me if this were a sword fight, however, I had to make do with what I was given.

"We'll see your highness," was all I said in return.

The smirk never left Elbourne's face before he covered it with his helmet and face shield. I covered mine as well and followed the bastard's lead to the main auditorium. After leaving the bowels of the barracks, there was suddenly a haze of firelight that bathed the night sky from the entryway. The moon looked like it had gobbled up the normal darkness it was surrounded by, and shined like a pale white jewel in the heavens... the crystalline moon. The dragons marched slowly in line with each other as the full amphitheater came into view. One hundred and twenty thousand Hylians, Roostians, Gorons, and some Gerudos from all over Hyrule filled the stands. There were even others who were standing in the distance. As soon as we, the riders, made our appearance the audience erupted with a thunderous applause. I wasn't going to lie, the feeling was electrifying. The applause was followed by an immediate fanfare from the trumpet section of the orchestra. Soon thereafter the fanfare died and was replaced with the voice of a master of ceremonies.

The audience quieted.

"Welcome one and all to the event that will resound through all the ages!" he greeted. "Never has there been a better time to be a Roostian or a Hylian! We warmly extol our pleasantries from the land of Dragon Roost to each and everyone in attendance!"

There was a resounding applause after his opening.

"Before we begin," he went on, "I would like to announce their excellencies and our royal guest. Please pay homage to his Grand Majesty, Xavier Wilhelm Draco IX of Dragon Roost and his queen, Constance Alexandria Garnet from the land of Balaam!"

There was more applause at the announcing of the king and queen. Xavier and Constance both stood and waved at the crowd dressed to impress. The king was wearing his signature code of arms, but instead of white being the primary color and black as the complimentary, he changed it so that black would be the primary and white as the off setter. I had to admit, there was something more powerful with his presence presented in primarily all black. Perhaps it was that whiff of platinum blonde hair that contradicted it. Constance was equally dressed with her black and white huntress gown, and her long dark hair braided back under a crown of chocolate and white diamonds. She looked magnificent, and her greens eyes shined in the firelight. I glanced over at Elbourne who opened his mask once more and was looking at his parents with pride. I couldn't blame him, they were a sight to behold when they stood together. The applause seemed to garner such as well, but then the master of ceremonies raised a hand to hush the audience.

There was more.

"To add to the exemplary presentation this evening, we are blessed with the presence of a descendant of Hylia herself," he continued. "Hailing from the land of Hyrule, please welcome her Grand Majesty, Queen Zelda of the Nohanseen bloodline, Sage of Light, Courier of the Triforce of Wisdom, and Prefect of the Royal Family! You honor Dragon Roost with your presence my lady!"

After being announced, Zelda stood looking more magnificent than I had ever seen her. She was dressed in a gown sequined in gold dipped fibers. The dress had the emblem of the Triforce emanating from it and it hued with a slightly lighter iridescence at the bottom of her skirt. Her hair was braided back like Constance's, but her crown was made of pure gold. Around her neck was a diamond shaped crystal that looked a lot like Nayru's Love, however, it was glowing a soft yellow instead of blue. A crystal of light perhaps? I wasn't sure, all I knew was that she looked incredible, and the even more incredible thing was that when she stood, the first person she made eye contact with was me. I could see that dark blue gaze from all the way down at the bottom of the auditorium. She smiled at me and quickly turned her attention to the crowd. I was a little surprised at her boldness, and glanced over at Elbourne again. I wasn't sure if he had caught that or not, however, knowing his keen eye, and his apparent fixation with Zelda, I was certain he saw something.

That should make things more interesting, I thought.

The applause was loud and thunderous for the queen, and was only lessened when the master of ceremonies again raised his hand to calm the raging crowd.

"Your applause only signifies the fact that Hylia's blessing is shining down on us tonight," he said.

I raised a brow at his words and found them a little ironic.

"I'm not so sure about that," I muttered to myself.

"And to show that this isn't mere lip service her majesty, Queen Zelda, has offered her own concession to these games," he announced, surprising everyone, especially me.

My ears perked.

What? I wondered. A concession?

"Queen Zelda has stated, that in addition to the one hundred thousand rupee prize, she will spend the evening with whoever wins these games at Emiry Tower!" he divulged. "How about that? No amount in gold can compare to an evening with the most beautiful woman in the world! Seriously ladies and gentlemen have you not seen her majesty? Her hair is like precious silk, her skin is as soft and serene as the night sky, her scent is that of honeysuckle and dew on a spring morning, her eyes shine like jewels in the moonlight, and all of her loveliness is tempered by the calming essence that is the Triforce of Wisdom! One hundred thousand rupees are nothing when compared to the real treasure of Hyrule! Let's hear it for the queen of Hyrule and her graciousness!"

Immediately following the announcer's words, there was another thunderous roll of applause. The clapping was vigorous and enthusiastic. It seemed many in the audience were more taken in by the master of ceremonies compliments of Zelda than the consideration of the prize money. And why not? He probably said what every person here was thinking. Well, every person that could see the queen's face. I had spent many pleasant evenings with Zelda, and she was wonderful company, but even still, I felt my eyes widen in surprise at the news. For some reason, Zelda adding an incentive like that made the race feel more grand, more over the top. I mean seriously, who didn't want to impress the queen of Hyrule?

A night with Zelda... I thought.

When I contemplated it more, a set up like that almost seemed too perfect considering what I had to tell her when this was all over. The applause continued and even some whooping came from the audience. That made Zelda giggle and cover her pretty mouth shyly. I grinned when I saw her do that. Even with all her apparent physical gifts she was still so modest ... she was so precious... she was so kind and beautiful. Who didn't want to spend the evening with Zelda? It was an exciting announcement, but I had to look away as a wave of guilt overcame me just then. That look she gave me only a moment ago made reality come careening to the fore of my mind. It wasn't going to be easy to tell her. However, I shook my head, knowing I had to remain focused.

The one lone complaint I heard was from the Gerudo rider. She groaned in disappointment. "What good is that going to do for me?" she said. "I just want the money! I don't care about this Hylian nonsense!"

I looked over at her and smirked, seeing her plight, but figured she should still see it as an honor. Meeting the queen of Hyrule was meeting the queen of Hyrule.

After the clapping finally died down, the master of ceremonies went on. "But before we begin the games, first, a parade representing the history of the Dragon Masters!"

With that, the announcer left the podium adjacent to the thrones housing the royal guests and gestured for the gates to the lower level of the auditorium to be opened. I looked over to where the parade was going to start, and slowly the gates abridged. A moment later, a large float with a band of warriors on it came out and started circling the perimeter. These men were dressed as soldiers who founded the kingdom of Dragon Roost centuries ago. There was one who stood out prominently and he was no doubt the representative of Draco the Great, the first king of Dragon Roost. Following that float, were two dragons, a magisaurian and a plasmasaurian, atop both dragons were some beautifully dressed ladies of the court. They were blowing kisses and wreaths out into the audience. Many who received the gifts blew kisses back. After the ladies was another large float, it housed a slew of blacksmiths and welders. If there was one thing Dragon Roost could be proud of, it was definitely their blacksmiths. There wasn't a purveyor in the land of Hyrule who could hold a candle to the Roostian smiths, however, the Gorons were the true masters of the craft. Many of the smiths learned their expertise from the mighty rock people. There was even an homage to that with several Gorons on the float with the Roostian smiths.

I grunted when I saw that.

That ought to be good for public relation purposes, I thought with hint of sarcasm.

There were more floats that came and circled the auditorium, but it was more of the same. It was nice, but I really wasn't in a festive mood. While everyone was enjoying the parade, I scanned the crowd. I didn't see anything too out of the ordinary right away, but I did spot where most of my friends from Ordon were sitting. They were about thirty rows up sitting behind the thrones, so they still weren't facing the queen. I kind of felt bad for Ilia in that regard because she was always talking about how much she would like to see Zelda. It seemed like the opportunity was never going to present itself to her. Ilia, along with Bo, Rusl, Uli, and Colin were all sitting together. They were hold a banner that read: ORDONIANS DO IT BEST! I appreciated the efforts, but I was going to need more than a banner to win today.

I darted my eyes to the lower section and was slightly surprised to find Vincent and Morgana sitting out in the open looking completely unscathed. I was serious. I was stunned in that one moment they were there, and the next they were suddenly out in the open. I had been looking for them for weeks, and now they had made their reappearance for what they thought was going to be their grand victory. Their flagrancy was telling me they were confident in what they were planning, and that everyone was seriously in very real danger. They weren't even trying to hide their intentions at this point. They were mixing in as if a mass killing were just another daily event.

The sick bastards.

I didn't realize how hard I was staring until Vincent caught me looking at him and smiled. That cold grey gaze could cut through stone. It made my blood boil. All of this could have been prevented if I preempted the situation properly. I should have had him arrested when I had the chance, but such was the consequence of indecision. Bastion had been right all along. However, 'would be's', 'maybe's', and 'if's' weren't going to help me in the here and now. I needed to figure out how in the world Vincent and his deviant sister were going to use these games to summon their master. They obviously had the two keys in a place somewhere called the Tuuli Stone. Finding that aperture was priority number one, even if I had to leave the race to do so. I needed to somehow dislodge the keys, and prevent Vaati's appearance. That was not going to be an easy task.

I groaned and looked away from the two villains, which precipitated a response from the dragon prince.

"Is Roostian culture a bore to you farm boy?" he taunted. "Would you rather we paraded about vegetables instead?"

Why are you talking to me? I wondered.

I ignored him and kept my focus on the task at hand.

Elbourne smirked at my lack of acknowledgement of him. "Be sure to tell me if you see the boogie man you were speaking so fondly of yesterday," he went on, "I'm sure he'll show his face the way you said."

I continued to ignore him.

For both our sakes Elbourne, let's hope that's not the case, I thought.

The parade was nearing its end, however my attention was temporarily diverted by the stable boy assigned to help me.

"Master Link!" he called to me from the auditorium ground. "I have a message for you!"

I raised a brow underneath my helmet, and thought this was the worst possible time to receive a message, but then reasoned it could have been something important. Perhaps Ashei or Bastion found something already.

"I'll be right down!" I called back, and unhinged myself from the saddle.

Sarginto was not taking too kindly to this intrusion and inadvertently roared in his displeasure. The outcry had a domino effect and all the other dragons roared as well. It actually went in tandem with the parade and many in the audience cheered at the animals' magnificence. I hurried down my dragon's back and met the stable boy who in turn hurried to give me the message.

"I know this is completely untoward!" he said to me. "But I was told you must receive this now!"

So, I was right.

"Thank you!" I replied. "Now, get out of here! The vortex from the dragons' wings will overtake you!"

The stable boy nodded then turned and ran back to the barracks. Afterwards, I hurried back up Sarginto's back got resettled back in. I then opened the letter, and was in for a mild shock at who it was from. It read:

My Dearest Link

No matter who wins tonight, I want

you to meet me at Emiry Tower after

the race. We need to talk, and besides

there are some promises we made to

each other that we need to keep. I look

forward to it, and wish you all the best.

Your Friend,

~Zelda, Queen of Hyrule~

I felt a minor pang of apprehension at the letter's end, and I involuntarily looked over at the queen who was now staring at me. She smiled again when I caught her eye, and she gave me a subtle wave. I nodded slightly, hoping she would know that I received her letter. Even still, I was nervous about that inevitable encounter. I was more unnerved about talking to Zelda than dealing with this situation regarding Vaati. I would just have to make the best of it, and put it out of my mind for now, it was all I could really do. In the mean time, I caught Prince Elbourne once again looking over at me. He was starting to become a nuisance.

What now? I thought.

I groaned at his gaze.

"Yes?" I asked him.

He didn't reply and looked back over at the queen.

"Hmph," he grunted, "well, I don't have to wonder who her majesty wishes to be this year's champion."

I just shook my head and let him be. He had no idea what he was talking about, and I wasn't going to clarify anything for him either. His obsession with Zelda was teetering on the verge of psychotic, and I was tired of it. It seemed that every way she turned, his eyes were there roving about. Elbourne watched Zelda like a hawk and it irritated the hell out of me. How could a man who had no qualms about flirting and sleeping with other women be so indignant for the affections of another? That rationale didn't make sense, and frankly, it was none of Elbourne's damned business what Zelda, or anyone for that matter, had to discuss with me. How was he even certain the letter was from the queen of Hyrule? Did he know Zelda's actions that well? Or, was he assuming because that was what jealousy often purported from an insecure man? The letter could have been from anybody, I didn't care that he guessed right. The man was insane in his possessive nature over the queen, and as such, I decided to ignore the prince and get back in line.

I had more pressing matters to deal with.

Soon, the parade ended, and the master of ceremonies returned to the podium. "Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, let's have a round of applause for all of the participants in the parade!"

Another applause followed the ordinance, and now it was time to begin.

"And now the moment you have all been waiting for," the announcer went on, "heralding from all over Hyrule, I, and Dragon Roost, am proud to present you with this year's participants for the raaaaaaace!"

After the extended effort in rousing the people, the audience roared in exhilarated response along with a fanfare. I had to admit the man officiating was perfect for his role, he knew how to get people going.

"Flying in from the east, representing the founding fathers of the Sacred Realm and counselors of her royal majesty, please give a stirring round of a applause to Miyamoto's Clan of Three!" he exclaimed.

At hearing that, the riders and their dragons roared and cheered. A brief fanfare was blasted after their greeting. Miyamoto's Clan of Three were triplets from one of the premiere families in Hyrule. They had been dragon riding since they were children. They were very experienced and would offer stiff competition. After their announcement they got back in line.

The next rider was then presented.

"Right here in our neighboring mountains," the announcer continued, "extols a rider with the power and tenacity to match brawn with an illumisaurian himself! Let's hear it for the representative of the people of Goron, the mighty descendant of Darunia himself, Darbus of the Gorooooooon Mines!"

The audience cheered again when Darbus came forward and nodded at the fanfare. I was glad to see he was back to his normal self, and proceeding with his normal duties. When he was mind controlled, he was a verifiable terror. His large imposing stature made him a formidable opponent. When I fought him I was almost always on the defensive, it took a little strategy to overcome him. I wasn't going to lie, he was quite scary when he wasn't himself, but then again anyone would be if the Fused Shadow over took them. After his announcing, Darbus stepped back into line.

The master of ceremonies then presented the next rider.

"From the sweltering deserts of the north east comes a vision of beauty who dared to test and challenge the confines that once only belonged to men!" the master of ceremonies segued. "A rider who is breaking all barriers and ceilings, let's hear it for Naboora from the Gerudo Desert!"

Her applause seemed to be even louder than the ones preceding it. I had to admit she was a marvel to behold. She was challenging the status quo by participating in these games, and doing so with the dignity and grace of still being a woman. The fact that she was challenging the conventions of such a male dominated society was admirable in itself. However, I probably needed to make a concession in that thought process, because when I thought about Hyrule, there was more of a matrilineal aristocracy, than a patrilineal one. Meaning women had more preferential treatment and power than men. That was evident by the blessing of the goddess to primarily the princesses and queens of Hyrule. When the horns rescinded, the Gerudo simply smiled and waved at everyone wishing her well.

Afterwards, she looked over at me and grinned. "I guess you were right," she said in relation to our previous conversation.

All I did was grin back.

"I guess I was," I replied.

The announcer then went on, but I was about to be surprised in how the next set of introductions were going to go.