Inspiration: What is unspoken is often a lot more powerful.
Author Note: I hope this surprises you, that's all.
Re-edited: 5/4/2015
Word Count: 14,831
Chapter 28
Twenty Minutes Before Dawn, Lake Hylia: Vincent's POV
My sister and I were in one of our rare good moods considering the circumstances. This quest to bring back Vaati had taken us pretty much all over Hyrule. However, we now knew we had exhausted all of our options, opportunities, and resources here. I had read in one of my many esoteric books, possibly The Secret Mysteries of All the Ages, that strange and caustic powers were latent somewhere in the kingdom of Balaam, similar to Hyrule. The dark resonance oscillators known as the Shadow Crystals, used to quantify and calculate potent energy sources, even showed evidence of enigmatic wave reverberations generating from the region as evidence of this theory. Of course, nothing would ever top the energy pulses in Hyrule itself, but if there was some other mystic power out there that Morgana and I could utilize in the mean time, then it was better than no alternative at all. I still had every intention of bringing my master back, especially where Hyrule was concerned, however, I just couldn't do so right now. I needed to reestablish myself, and make my way up Balaam's elite family circles, then perhaps in a few months, or years if need be, I would come back to Hyrule when the mention of my name wasn't so polarizing. That sounded far fetched, but nothing was impossible, even Ganondorf had sympathizers. The same could happen to my sister and I as time went on.
Speaking of my sister, the change of scene would be good for Morgana as well. I could tell she was disappointed in her last meeting with the dragon prince. She never gave me all the details, nor did I pry for such information, but she did divulge that he was no longer a viable option for her as a lover. I was glad she decided to use her head instead of her heart, but at the same time I was mildly disappointed. Elbourne could have been a powerful ally, and interloper if he had more of a vision for it. However, it seemed he would rather mope around and wishful think about a woman who didn't even love him, instead of being the pragmatic grand man I thought he could be in the history Morgana and I were creating. But... such is life when people only have such a linear point of view. After Vaati is reawakened, I am personally going to ask if I can destroy Dragon Roost myself due to Xavier and Elbourne's lack of vision. Hopefully, the wind lord would allow that one concession for me. Those fools would be sorry they failed to see things for what they really were, I would make sure of that.
We'll just have to wait and see, I thought.
I took comfort in the thought and pulled my cloak closer to me, the mild frost in the air vaporized my breath when I breathed out. The chill in the morning atmosphere was sharp and crisp, not allowing for any internal warmth to be had when sitting down on the dew ridden grass, or even while standing erect. I attempted to rub my sleeves with my hands, to work up some friction underneath my robe, but it simply was not happening for me. I had to just bear with the discomfort and hope for the best. In some off handed way, it felt like an omen: the chills continually going up and down my back, the frigid bite in the air like something was coming for me... hunting me, relentlessly tracking me down like the force of an arctic cold. I didn't understand the strange premonition myself, and maybe I was just being a little paranoid, but I wasn't anticipating for it to be quite so icy this morning. Maybe a polar shift in the north from the mountains was making its way down towards the mainland. Whatever the case, I just wanted to board this boat and make my way to Balaam as soon as possible.
The sooner I can embark the better, I thought.
With my thoughts turning back to Balaam, it was interesting to note that the itself kingdom was more militaristic in nature than spiritual like Hyrule. The late great King Squall was an enigmatic man to say the least. In his youth, he was one of the best fighters in his kingdom, only being bested by the phenomenal hero, and his arch nemesis, Link the Great of Hyrule. There was a rumor that the two men despised each for different reasons. However, the most likely story was because of Queen Zelda, the Sage of Time. She forged a secret alliance with King Squall without the knowledge of her husband. It was said that King Link was very displeased with his wife's actions due to the indiscretion. However, the alliance proved to be in their favor, as the ports to Hyrule were all safe during the tumultuous sea faring war of the Zoras. King Squall even betrothed his precious daughter, Princess Quistis, to the hero's son Prince Daphnes II. It seemed that King Link was being short sighted regarding his anger, however, there was a rumor that the true purpose for his anger was that King Squall secretly coveted his wife. Before the hero and the sage were married, King Squall was seeking the to affiance Zelda. However, the princess at the time fell in love with, and insisted on, her union with the hero. I believe Squall never got over that, even though he always acted in the best interests of his people. He was a pretty just man, but I think he secretly disapproved of the marriage of Zelda to the peasant. I couldn't say I blamed him, a peasant's place was not with kings and queens. It was at the miller's lodge, or some other menial task. However, apparently history told another tale.
Balaam also afforded me an opportunity to start over. The network I had established in Hyrule was far too compromised, and after finding out that the Protector was nothing more than a peasant working for the queen, I knew I was safe no longer. I knew there was a reason I never disclosed anymore to him than necessary. I knew something wasn't completely right with him, especially in what I thought were the brotherhood's standards. I was wrong in that too. However, in now knowing who he was, I wished I hadn't openly admitted to trapping the hero in the past. That information was going to be used against me in court... if I were ever caught. I knew he and the hero were good friends, or acquaintances at the very least. It was always best to keep one's playing cards close to their chest. In that case, I hadn't done so.
That mistake will only happen once with me, I thought.
The ship embarked at the dock was departing in twenty minutes, but the captain was not allowing anyone to board until ten minutes more. I was sure that was due to the high stow away rate these ships often ascertained. Even still, I hated waiting out in the open like this. There was only a small crowd of about twenty or so people waiting with Morgana and me, but I was leery of them to say the least. I didn't know who any of them were, and they could have been spies for the queen. I didn't put anything past anyone any longer, especially considering the masks some men wore, Auru already being aforementioned for that reason. I wasn't going to pretend that I hadn't become increasingly more paranoid with time. When I was nearly captured in Dragon Roost, I thought it was all over for me. I was grateful that my sister had a contingency plan for our escape, but that still didn't leave me feeling any less anxious. The sooner my master returned the better. Until then, I was just going to have to wade it out. There was nothing I could do other than that.
There really is no rest for the wicked, I thought ironically.
The paranoia wasn't just one side either. Morgana had recently taken to relearning the craft of the bow and arrow. She had been a student of it before, but never took it seriously. However, a few weeks ago she reacquainted herself with her former studies, possibly due to the close calls we both encountered while in Dragon Roost. I almost forgot how much of a first class shooter she was when she concentrated. I also vaguely remember her talking about her own 'prey' she was after. Who or what that prey was she never disclosed to me. I had no idea what she was talking about, but I put nothing past my sister. She probably was speaking of a former lover who jilted her out of some rupees or something. Women could be cold when they wanted to be, even icier and more calculating than men, but one could never be too careful these days. I appreciated her efforts in wanting to protect herself, and for that she had my respect.
As my introspection waned, and as the waiting went on, Morgana groaned suddenly from the minor delay in boarding.
"Oh my dear goddesses, this is ridiculous!" she complained under her breath. "I don't see why we can't get on the ship now, waiting in this cold is going to give me frostbite!"
I understood her discomforts all too well, but knew there was nothing we could do about it. We needed to keep a low profile and keep quiet.
"Patience my dear," was all I said in reply.
However, hers was wearing thin.
"That's easy for you to say, and guess what? I'm sick of hearing you say that all the time!" she replied. "It isn't helping brother! Patience isn't warming my blood!"
I was aware of her unhappiness, but she needed to exercise a little more self control than she was. Our retribution wasn't that far away. Balaam was a two day voyage, and once we left the main land, we could rest a little easier.
"It'll be soon," I replied, "only a few more minutes."
However, she rolled her eyes and looked away, irritated with me that I wasn't seeing things her way. She was dressed in a dark blue gown with a matching cloak, with her long red hair flowing. I wish she kept it up like I asked her too, but she often ignored the things I told her. I couldn't help but think the flash of her hair could give us away, but there were many maidens in Hyrule with red hair. I was probably just being too cautious. While her attention was averted, something suddenly caught her eye down the shoreline.
"Who's that?" she whispered suddenly.
I glanced over at her, and then in the general direction she was looking in.
"Who?" I asked.
She then pointed abruptly.
"That," she said, "the man riding on horseback."
I looked down the shoreline at the rider in question. The man didn't look familiar at all. He looked like a peasant trying to hurry to catch the boat.
"Probably someone in a frenzy to make the ferry like us my dear," I replied.
However, my answer wasn't too reassuring to Morgana.
"I don't know Vincent..." she trailed cautiously, "there's something oddly... familiar about him."
I raised a brow.
"Really?" I inquired. "An ex-lover of yours perhaps?"
She took in a deep breath and shook her head as if insulted.
"Me sleep with a peasant?" she said in disbelief and scoffed. "Don't be silly, a peasant couldn't afford my bed. However, there is something... haunting about him."
For some reason, her comment made me laugh.
"Haunting?" I repeated. "Don't you think you're being a little fantastic Morgana?" I joked.
She shook her head.
"Fantastic or not, the man warrants discretion," she replied.
I grunted cynically.
"You make it seem as if it's that sniveling bastard Link or something," I replied, "but we both know that's impossible. He's still locked away in a jail cell. Just ignore the rider for now as we wait to board the ship."
Morgana seemed a little more at ease when I mentioned that.
"Indeed, maybe I am delving too deeply into it," she replied, "Link's the last man I expect to see, especially since it's rumored now the queen hates him."
I took a little comfort in that too and smiled.
That was truly unbelievable.
"I never thought I'd see the day," I replied.
Morgana nodded.
"Neither did I," she replied, then smirked, "her heart really must have been broken when he finally told her about his twilight girl."
I shook my head not really caring.
"All of that nonsense will soon be a far off memory," I replied, and looked up at the sun rising over the water, "... in approximately six minutes."
I had to admit, I did share Morgana's minor irritation in having to wait, when six minutes seemed so trivial, however, such was life. If we had to wait, we had to wait. In the mean time, something odd regarding that rider down the shoreline then caught my eye. It was his abrupt change of direction. He looked up and over at me and my sister for just a quick second, then, as if making some odd confirmation of some kind, suddenly shifted his horse from galloping down the shoreline, where the rest of the people were waiting, to the mainland. In fact, he looked like he was now coming straight towards Morgana and myself.
I found that incredibly odd.
What in the world is he doing? I wondered.
Morgana noticed it too and suddenly got afraid.
"Brother is he...?" she stopped herself from going on.
I didn't want to believe it at first, but that was exactly what was happening here.
That rider was coming straight for us, but how?
Why?
I was suddenly alerted to this new threat.
"I think we better get out of here," I warned, "you were right Morgan, something isn't right with him."
With terrifying unison, just as I said that, the rider then unsheathed a sword and continued riding towards us.
His gallop got faster.
I feet almost petrified with shock.
"Dear goddesses!" Morgana whispered. "What the hell is he doing?"
My eyes widened in fear, knowing exactly what his intentions were. Why it took me so long to conjure this was beyond me. I should have known before now. Morgana had been right all along.
He's an assassin, I thought suddenly, but how in the world did he find us here? Who could have told him?
"He's going to kill us!" I said in sudden alarm.
Morgana looked at me stunned.
"What?" she gasped, as if not knowing what else to say.
The rider was getting closer, and there was no doubt about what his objective was now. I got the horrifying confirmation when the man then shouted my name.
"Vincent!" he called out, coming closer, then unhooded himself on his steed.
All the blood ran from my face to my gut when I recognized who this bearded man was.
I couldn't believe it.
I didn't want to believe it.
"Good heavens!" I whispered. "That man is Link!"
Morgana too look terrified and coddled behind me.
"I can't believe it!" she said. "I thought he was in prison!"
So did I.
How the hell did he get out?
And how did he know where to find us?
I would never know the answers to those questions as his piercing blue eyes looked like they staring into my soul as he rode closer. There was no where for me to go. I had to make a minute decision. I turned right before he came to spare my sister. I pushed her off to the the side of the road onto the grass with all my might.
"Run!" I yelled at Morgana. "You must be the one to finish our objective!"
Morgana stumbled away and fell towards the shoreline, but looked back just in time to see me get impaled with the full blade of the hero's sword. The pain came as a sharp shock and my eyes widened immediately in disbelief. Morgana screamed a scream of terror I never thought I could hear from another living soul, alerting everyone else waiting for the boat. When the crowd saw what was happening, they too screamed and scattered for safety immediately. I fell to my knees with the sword still in my gut. Link had completely pierced me through, with the blade dangling out from the other side of my body. There was no doubt he came here to kill me without any hesitations. The hero rode past me after his initial impalement, but then doubled back and dismounted his horse. He wasted no time walking right past my screaming sister over to me, and grabbing the full tang butt of his blade once more. I looked up at him with a fear I didn't know that could be found in the Hylian soul. Now I knew how all of my victims felt. He didn't bother to negotiate, talk, make conversation, or anything else for that matter. He just stared at me with the coldest sky blue eyes I had ever seen. Afterwards, he pulled his sword out of my gut and kicked me backwards onto the ground. I had no will to fight, as a pool of blood captured underneath me almost instantly from the wound I sustained. He then walked over me and stood above me like an executioner. He looked me straight in the eyes without so much as a flinch.
A small grin curled his lips from the satisfaction he must have felt.
"This is for Hyrule you bastard," he whispered, before raising his sword.
I closed my eyes, knowing this would be the last sun rise I ever saw. All I could hope was that Morgana would be successful in her efforts. She was all that was left.
Soon after, there was a sharp pain at my neck, and everything went black.
~SSS~
Earlier in Lake Hylia, at the Flight by Fowl: Auru's POV
Bastion and I arrived a little before dawn, and headed up the narrow pathway that led to the Flight-by-Fowl business owned by a man named Falbi. I was aware that his business was closed, but he was going to have to make a consideration for us in the here and now. This was an emergency.
I pounded on the door impatiently.
"Open up!" I ordered. "You're holding up a matter that requires kingdom security!"
It was slow about happening, but soon the door opened to a man wearing a half shirt, baggy striped pants, and clown make-up. I was slightly taken aback at his unconventional presence. From the sleep he was wiping away from his eyes, he looked like he just woke up, which was odd considering his appearance. Who just slept in clown make-up? Apparently this man, who was no doubt Falbi.
I don't have to time to ask unnecessary questions, I thought, keeping my inquiries to myself, the way this man lives his life is his business. We just need to pass through.
"Sir I apologize for waking you, but this is an emergency," I said, getting straight to the point, "we need to use your facilities. Two people detrimental to Hyrule's security are trying to escape the country via the ferry preparing to leave in a few minutes, and we need to use your apparatus to stop them. Please, we haven't a moment to lose."
Falbi looked at me bemused, and didn't seem to care. "You got twenty rupees?" he asked. "I don't care what's waiting for you down there if you have twenty rupees. I'm in business to make money, not conversation."
I was surprised at his nonchalance, but not as visible about it as Bastion. Bastion looked at the man stunned, and then without a word from me, pulled out his sword and placed the sharp end of the blade at the man's throat. He didn't take too well Falbi's utter disregard for the seriousness of the situation.
"Twenty rupees?" he demanded. "Are you serious? Did you not hear what he said? There are people trying to destroy the country down there, and you're worried about money?!" he growled. "Move aside you witless idiot! You won't have a business if these individuals get away!"
Falbi's eyes immediately widened and cut to the blade now resting at his throat. He raised his hands in surrender and gave no further argument. "All-you-have-to-do-is-get-a-cuckoo-and-jump-you'll-land-right-on-the-shores-of-Lake-Hylia!" he said expediently.
Bastion and I wasted no time doing exactly as he said. We entered the main platform, grab a cuckoo, and jumped off the side and slowly made our way to the shore. However, we were there too late. Below us, I saw that Link was fast approaching a hooded man on horseback. That must have been Vincent, and before we landed on the ground, the hero had already pierced the trouble making villain through with his sister and all the other spectators nearby watching. We were getting closer to ground level, when Link did what I never thought he would do in front of another person, he took his sword and beheaded Vincent then and there. I looked on in utter disbelief, and the screams from Morgana and the rest of the crowd echoed through the air and throughout the canyon.
I clutched the cuckoo tighter and watched as the people nearby ran for dear life.
Great Hylia, I thought, he's definitely a changed man.
~SSS~
On the Shoreline: Morgana's POV
I couldn't stop screaming, as I watched, without an ounce of reluctance, that senseless bastard behead my dear brother right in front of me. It was an understatement to say that shock overtook my entire body for a few fleeting moments. It almost felt like I had an outer body experience of some kind. When my brother's head was decapitated and kicked aside like garbage, I covered my mouth in disgust and horror. It was all I could due to prevent the bile from coming up. It was the most gruesome thing I had ever witnessed, even with all the people I killed in the past. However, the nausea I felt soon subsided, and my disgust was replaced with anger. A white hot anger that burrowed from the depths of my soul and coursed through my veins like venom. He was going to pay here and now for what he had done, whether he took me with him or not.
"You horrible gutter snipe!" I screamed, then without thinking grabbed my bow I had hidden underneath my cloak and placed an arrow in it.
I was taking no chances as I made sure my projectiles were deadly. They were previously dipped in a fast acting poison that killed instantly. So, whether I missed a vital organ or not, it wouldn't matter, as it was still going to do the damage it needed to do. However, before I could get my projectile off, my view was suddenly obstructed from above. A man dressed in peasant clothes floated down out of nowhere, hanging from a cuckoo, and got right in my line of sight. I couldn't believe it.
What in the-? I wondered, but then accidentally let the arrow off blindly.
Unfortunately for the man, the arrow pierced right into his gut. The poison was going to take a few moments to work, however, he did groan from the immediate discomfort of the projectile puncturing his abdomen. I attempted to get up to get away, but suddenly realized I was out numbered three to one. There was another man who floated down with the first and grabbed me from behind when I tried to scurry away.
"Ahh!" I cried out from the rough way he was handling me.
"Leaving so soon Morgana," he whispered in my ear all of a sudden.
I turned my head and looked at the man in surprise.
I couldn't believe it.
"Bastion!" I said shocked.
I tried to wriggle myself free, but he was just too strong to overcome. However, I inadvertently did see I bought myself some time when the other man a few feet in front of me fell forward onto his knees suddenly, and grabbed the spot where he had been shot. I was assuming he was in some major pain now from the poison reacting in his body. He was starting to feel the horrible effects, and it turned out I did myself an involuntary favor by shooting this man without knowing it. It was then I realized he was Master Auru, or my target that I had been so eagerly looking for when I was commissioned from Ventus. The bastard had hand delivered himself to me without knowing it, and now he was going to die for it.
This was turning out to be better retribution than I thought.
"Ahh!" he cried out as he fell onto his back from pain.
When Bastion saw his fallen comrade, he immediately let me go and went to tend to him. Link too was now distracted by his dying friend, when he dropped his sword and hurried to his side. With both men occupied, I wasted no time taking this opportunity to get away. I started off as a crawl, but then I stumbled to my feet and ran as fast as I could to the shoreline. I ran past stunned and bewildered people, including the captain of the ship, jumped in the water, and swam as fast and as far as I could. The water was cold and felt like a thousand tiny cold daggers poking at my skin when the temperature adjusted to my body. It wasn't long before I dove under water and continued swimming that way, that I saw a cave not far off that led to one of the secret caverns my brother and I used for networking through the country. we used to live in Zora's Domain and knew all the outlets well, even the ones in Lake Hylia. I swam there, hoping those fools hadn't followed me yet.
When I got to the cave, I swam in, surfaced onto the small alcove, and hurried to see if I could block the entrance. There was nothing there in the way of my being able to do that. Instead, I turned and hurried deeper into the tunnel in front of me. Where in the world was I going to go? What was I going to do now that Vincent was gone? Most of his connections only dealt with him, they had no knowledge of me. So, what was I going to do? I pondered the question for a moment, when suddenly, the answer came to me.
I got a little hopeful.
"Dragon Roost," I whispered, "I'll head there... besides, I just did the king a favor."
Without giving it a second thought, I started for the house of the dragon masters. I knew I was going to have to keep my travel there a secret, until I arrived to make known what was happening. All of Hyrule was going to be looking for me now, and I needed any allies I still had left. A chill crept up my back from the cold, sodden clothes I was wearing, however, I couldn't focus on that.
Dragon Roost, I thought, fighting back a sniffle, I must get to Dragon Roost.
I traveled farther into the crypt, keeping my sadness at bay for my now dead brother. Vincent wouldn't want me to be sad. He would want me to keep going for the sake of the will of the Interlopers. I was a mystic in that order, and I would get to Balaam another way. There would be more ships. There would be more ferries. If I was patient waiting all those years to plan the murder of my father and mother, then I could wait and be patient in the resurrection of Hyrule's true master. The plan was put on hold for now, but I would make sure all that my brother wanted to do was going to come to fruition. I was not going to let him die in vain. I would find a way to bring Vaati back and restore the land to the dark world of chaos it once was. I wiped a set of tears that came to my eyes, but then narrowed them. Then I would plan and find a way to kill Link. He took the only person I cared for in the world away from me, and he was going to pay for it.
You insignificant peasant bastard, I thought, you will pay for this insolence.
I continued my trek and felt a deeper seeded vengeance in my heart.
All I knew for now was, I needed to get to Dragon Roost.
~SSS~
Meanwhile Back at the Shoreline: Link's POV
"Auru!" Bastion screamed, trying to shake his father-in-law awake. "Auru wake up! Come on!"
I looked on in disbelief, threw my bloody sword to the ground, and hurried over to my wounded friend. I dropped to my knees and tended to him immediately. I checked the puncture site from underneath his armor and initially didn't understand why he was so incapacitated. A puncture wound would temporarily disorient a person to be sure, and this wound was about two inches in length and about half a centimeter wide, with minimal bleeding. However, with Auru's neck swelling, his skin turning white, and his eyes now a bloodshot red, I quickly inferred it wasn't the flesh wound killing him. Morgana must have used a virulent poisonous reagent of some kind to overwhelm his natural defense systems. At seeing that, I wasted no time opening my satchel, and pulling out a bottle of golden chu jelly. I put the potion to Auru's lips hoping he would drink. However, as soon as the concoction was swallowed, he spit the contents right back out.
"What in the world-?" I stopped myself.
I couldn't believe it.
Bastion's disposition increased to panic.
"Auru are you mad?" he demanded. "Why the hell did you spit it out? That potion is to help you!"
With incredible effort Auru shook his head no.
His lips were turning blue.
"That's... oil... not... potion!" he croaked out.
I looked at my old friend horrified at the realization.
I couldn't believe I grabbed the wrong bottle when I left the doctor's office.
I dropped the bottle now in panic of what to do.
"This can't be happening!" I whispered more to myself than Auru.
Soon after, Auru's eyes rolled to the back of his head and he started to convulse. All Bastion and I could do was watch in horror.
What the hell was on that arrow? I wondered.
I then looked to the shoreline at the people still screaming and shocked by my killing Vincent, hoping to find someone lucid enough to garner a potion from them.
"Do any of you have a healing potion?" I shouted as loudly as possible. "This man is dying and needs one immediately! Please, any of you! He won't make it much longer without one!"
However, my pleas came in vain as no one came to our aide, or even acknowledged our presence apart from the fear I conjured earlier. No one wanted to help a perceived killer of an innocent man. After realizing that it was probably over for him, Auru reached up to grab my shoulder. I looked down at him trying to keep it together, not wanting to believe any of this was real right now. This couldn't be happening, Auru couldn't be dying. He had too much life to still live, he was going to be a grandfather soon, but his vital force was steadily leaving him, his body was in shock. First Ilia's father, and now Ashei's father. Was everyone going to be left fatherless after this was all over? Why in Hylia's dear name was this happening this way? Why were good men dying like this at the hands of perniciuos vipers like Morgana? That spineless whore was going to pay for this.
Auru tried gasping for breath, and manage a last ditch effort to say something to Bastion and I. He grabbed to front of my tunic and pulled me close to him. "The... queen... ordered... no... mercy!" he gasped. "You must... kill... her!"
I nodded in acknowledgement, knowing there was nothing else I could do for him. Soon after, I swallowed hard and kept my emotions at bay, when his eyes then rolled into the back of his head and collapsed. He didn't move after that, and that was when I realized he couldn't move after that. Auru was dead and his lifeless eyes were pure evidences of that. My eyes widened at the sight of the fallen soldier, and for a moment I felt like I was watching all this from outside my body. An eerie silence fell over the shoreline and Bastion and myself.
Bastion looked on in disbelief and tried to shake his dead father-in-law awake in desperation.
"Auru! Auru!" he screamed. "Wake up! You can't die like this! What about Ashei you selfish bastard?! What about your grandchild?! Wake up!"
My eyes stung, but nothing produced. I had to stop him before he drove himself mad. This wasn't going to do anything but cause him more grief. I placed my hand on his shoulder and shook my head no.
"Bastion... he's gone," I said quietly.
He shook his head.
"All he needs is a potion," he replied shocked, "all we have to do is-"
I squeezed his shoulder a little.
"He's gone Bastion," I interrupted, not trying to be cruel, "Auru wouldn't want you doing this. He wouldn't want you to lose your grip on your sanity."
It was as if the reality of it all hadn't registered for Bastion until that moment. His breathing quickened, and he broke down instantly after that. It was the first time I had seen him cry, and given the circumstances it was more than warranted. I understood the feeling all too well.
I looked away and towards the shoreline where everyone was still gaping in horror at what had just happened. Beyond the people, I scanned the waters for Morgana's whereabouts, and saw the motion of a current underneath the surface. I narrowed my eyes at the sight, knowing that was her swimming away. I saw her flee in my periphery when Bastion and I tended to a now fallen Auru. No one near the water or on the boat bothered to stop her. They just watched her dive and swim away. The thought of Auru's death angered me in a way I couldn't begin to describe. I was already suffering from my own loss, now I had to avenge Auru's death too. There was no way Morgana was going to hide behind the fact that she was a woman to escape her fate. Woman or not, she was going to be eradicated in the same manner as her worthless brother. Hyrule had no need for disgusting fodder like them. By all rights and purposes, she was obviously the more dangerous one of the two. She had her brother's penchant for survival, while at the same time knowing not to be as careless as he. She knew how to disappear, but... she also never had a man like me coming after her either. She may have been hiding, but she wasn't going to be hiding for long. She had limited resources and I knew that. She was going to try and follow up with someone she trusted, but the question was: who did she trust? Who did she think was going to help her now? Those were questions I didn't have clear answers to. I wasn't as clear on her network of spies and informants.
I got up from the ground and continued to watch the water as the current no longer gave a ripple effect, meaning she either drowned or let herself out in an under water passage way. My rupees were on the latter. Knowing the underground network was large, it could have led to anywhere. It was then I had to collect my friend and move forward. The time for grief needed to be later. Right now, we needed to focus on where to find Morgana. I placed my hand back on Bastion's shoulder.
"Let's go," I said quietly, "Auru will have a proper burial, we'll see to it. Right now, we need to find his killer. Morgana's still out there."
For a moment, I didn't think Bastion heard me, but he prove me wrong when soon after he wiped his eyes and stood up. He finally nodded at my utterance, and got his bearings together.
"You're right," he said finally, "it's what he would have wanted."
I nodded at his answer and looked down at our fallen comrade. I knew this was hard for him, and I wasn't going to pretend this wasn't hard for me either. Auru was like a father to the both of us. However, I had to put things in perspective regarding the larger picture. Morgana was going to try to get away at her first opportunity. Even now, I wasn't certain where she would try to hide, and Bastion knew the underground brotherhood network better than anyone. We had to stop her while the trail was still hot, and I needed Bastion's help in doing it. He had been the one to successfully pinpoint the whereabouts of Vincent and Morgana in the first place. He had to get back to his hunting mode for the sake of Auru's death.
I need you right now my friend, I thought.
"Alright then," I said, "you'll return to the castle and make arrangements from there to have Auru's body picked up. Afterwards, meet up with me on south Hyrule Field to reconvene on what we need to do next."
Bastion gave me an odd look just then.
"Why don't you just come back to Hyrule with me?" he asked. "Why the separation? You're a free man now. That way we can just reconvene at the Situation Room."
I simply stared at him.
"I'm not going back to the castle," I replied, hoping that would be enough for him.
However, this was Bastion, a simple answer was never enough for him.
"Why?" he asked. "What you suggests takes more time out of the day."
I raised a brow, starting to get annoyed,
"You know why," I replied, "I don't have to spell it out for you."
He didn't appreciate my tone.
"Apparently you do," he replied rather smartly, "your evasiveness is ridiculous."
I took in a deep breath just then.
"Fine," I replied, "I don't want to run the risk of seeing the queen. That... that woman is the reason this all happened."
Bastion looked at me in minor disbelief.
"You can't be serious," he said to me slightly upset, "do you really believe that? The queen was the one who had you set free!"
I looked away, not wanting to go into this.
Not now.
Not when so much was at stake.
"She was also the one who had me jailed in the first place, and possibly beaten," I added, "you'll have to forgive me for not seeing her as a saint Bastion."
Bastion narrowed his eyes at me.
"You know this isn't all her fault," he replied, "when are you going to take ownership for your own irresponsibility in all this? You knowingly and willfully defied her law Li-"
"A grotesque law meant only to keep me away from Midna!" I interrupted fiercely. "She's a jealous, contemptible witch!"
For some reason, Bastion got very offended when he heard that.
"You better be glad I know you or your jaw would have met my fist!" he warned. "The only thing Zelda is guilty of is falling in love with you in the first place!" he shot back. "You seduced her! You used her! And then you tossed her aside like she was a no account dog! Don't forget part of the reason any of this is happening is because of your selfishness and greediness Link!"
I looked at him taken aback and sincerely stunned.
I couldn't believe he was saying this to me after all that's happened, after everything I had just gone through. I knew part of this was coming from a place of anger since he just lost someone dear to him, and he probably considered it my fault. But for him to continually follow a hardhearted woman like Zelda with such blind devotion was beyond me now, and frankly I wasn't concerned with how he thought I saw the queen. Zelda's and my relationship was irreparable at this point. I wanted nothing to do with her, and if I could never see her again, it couldn't happen soon enough. My child was dead. My friends were dead. There was no bringing them back, and this was all part and parcel to the vicious whiles of a jealous woman. I would never forgive her, never. And as soon as Morgana was executed, I was never going back to that castle either.
I didn't bother to reply to any of what he said.
Now wasn't the time for another argument.
I kept my eyes fixed on his face.
"Are you going to help me find Morgana or not?" I demanded suddenly. "She's getting away as we speak."
Bastion narrowed his eyes at me, and was upset that I side stepped his previous conversation, but didn't bother to bring it up again.
"Yes," he said finally, "I want her gone as much as you do."
At that, I turned away, with that answer being good enough for me. I headed in the opposite direction.
"Good," he said, "let's go."
I didn't wait for his reply and mounted my horse a few feet away. The people who had witnessed it all were still in a state of shock, and normally I would have chosen a better method in doing what I had just done. However, I couldn't run the risk of Vincent possibly getting away like his vile sister, and for that I was unapologetic. I turned Epona towards the road, then giddied her to speed up. Bastion had to move quickly out of my way or risk being trampled on.
"Meet me on Hyrule Field in one hour!" I called over my shoulder as I rode away. "Got that? One hour!"
Again, I didn't wait for my friend's answer and galloped faster. All I could think about from then on was how much I wanted and needed to find Morgana Rue Morgue.
You are going to pay for what you've just done, I thought with narrowed eyes, you are going to pay.
~SSS~
Several Hours Later, Hyrule Castle, The Throne Room: Zelda's POV
"My lady, Master Bastion Belmonte requests an audience with you immediately," my courtier announced after the last audience left, "he says it's urgent."
My ears perked at hearing that.
"Send him in," I said with a nod.
The messenger bowed, then went to call for the young master outside the door. A few moments later, Bastion was standing about a yard or so away from my throne. There was a tired distressed look about his eyes, and I wasn't sure if his news was going to be good or bad.
Please let Link be alright, I thought.
"Good morning to you sir," I greeted, and then got right to the point, "I was told you have news for me."
The young soldier nodded.
"I do indeed ma'am," he replied with a slightly gruff voice.
He looked tired, like he hadn't slept at all last night, which was a normalcy I could relate to. I had a few hours at best before I was awakened to all the chaos that ensued in the coming hours. I probably looked a mess myself.
"Well please don't keep me in suspense," I replied.
Bastion nodded again, then bowed.
"I'm happy to inform you that the seditionist to the throne is dead," he explained, "Vincent was killed by the hand of the hero."
I felt my eyes widen in surprise.
"By the hand of the hero?" I repeated, mildly confused. "How?"
Bastion went on.
"I had a very good lead that turned out to be true when I went to check on the young master," he replied. "After seeing that his condition was okay, I divulged this news to him, and he insisted that he go himself to exact retribution."
I felt my heart skip a beat.
"He's alright?" I repeated. "He wasn't seriously harmed?"
The soldier shook his head.
"No," he stated, "he received several doses of golden chu jelly from the resident doctor, and rested enough until he was stable. He has scars from the wounds he sustained, but nothing too damaging in terms of his overall condition."
I bit my lower lip, and didn't let it show, but I was extremely relieved.
Thank the goddess! I thought.
"That's wonderful news," I said sincerely, "what about his blindness?"
Bastion looked at me confused for a moment.
"Blindness my lady?" he inquired.
I nodded.
"He was blind temporarily in the dungeon," I divulged, "I want to know if he completely recovered his sight."
He stared at me for a long moment before replying.
"His sight was fine my lady," he replied, "he had no visual defects that I could tell when I saw him."
I took in a deep sigh, relieved to hear that as well.
"Good," I whispered more to myself than to him.
The soldier studied me for a moment.
"Your majesty, may I ask you a question?" he inquired.
I raised a brow, already having an idea of what he may have wanted to know.
"Of course," I replied.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"How did you know the hero was once blind?" he asked. "I had no idea of such a thing until you told me just now."
I paused for a moment, realizing I did put myself into a corner with that statement.
"I... I had a servant go down and tend to him when I found out what happened," I fibbed, "she informed me of his condition, that's why I inquired of it."
He was quiet to my answer for a long moment. It was probably because he didn't believe me, and if he had spoken to the dungeon guard before hand he had just caught me in a lie. Even still, I knew he wouldn't question me on it, but he did bring up a rather interesting point afterwards.
"It's funny that you mention that your majesty," he said, "because the young master asked me to look for a peasant girl by the name of Elga who tended to him. Do you know where I can find her? He wanted to thank her personally for her kindness to him."
Involuntarily, I felt my eyes widen and my cheeks blush. I knew I had just given my secret away just then. I was making it so obvious I was hiding something.
"He wants to find her?" I repeated. "Why?"
Bastion narrowed his eyes again.
"I just told you, to thank her your majesty," he replied, "he said she had dark hair and a beautiful voice, he couldn't make out anything else."
I looked away for a moment and didn't reply right away.
"He said that?" I asked. "He said the girl had a beautiful voice?"
The young soldier nodded.
"Yes, he did," he replied, "he wasn't upfront, but I think he knew her."
I felt my cheeks warm again in discomfiture.
How in the world am I going to reply to this? I wondered. This is why I hate lying, once you start, you have to keep building on it... or I could simply tell the truth.
I cleared my throat before answering.
"I... I don't where she is now," I continued with my lie, "she was one of the towel maids when I asked for someone to assist the young master. However, she did say she was employed at Hylia's Tavern as well, you might want to look for her there."
Again, Bastion gave me a disingenuous gaze, and didn't reply right away.
"Right..." he replied, obviously not believing me, "I'll be sure to let him know."
I nodded.
"Very well," I replied.
There was a brief silence between us after that, until Bastion broke the quiet again.
"My lady, I have something else to report," he said suddenly.
The tone of his voice suggested this was much more sober news.
He had my undivided attention.
"Yes good sir?" I asked.
He was silent again and a sad look came across his face for a moment.
"I regret to inform you there was a casualty this morning on our pursuit of the Rue Morgues," he started, "Master Auru was killed in the line of duty this morning by the hand of Lady Morgana. She shot him with a poisoned arrow that overwhelmed his body. His body is still near the shoreline of Lake Hylia. Lady Morgana has since gotten away, but we are still pursuing her."
My mouth dropped in horror and my eyes widened.
"What?" I whispered.
Bastion found it hard to look at me.
"Yes your majesty, he's dead," he said, "I saw it with my own eyes."
I covered my mouth and didn't know what to think in that moment. It was only this morning when I sent him out on that assignment to have the Rue Morgues eradicated. Now... now the faithful soldier and father was gone. Lady Ashei must have been devastated.
"Does his daughter know of this news yet?" I asked.
Bastion shook his head no.
"I haven't had an opportunity to speak with her yet," he said honestly, "frankly, I don't want to tell her until after Lady Morgana is taken care of, but I'll use discretion in when the best time will be."
I nodded.
"I understand," I replied.
There was another silence that engulfed us after that. It was tense and thoughtful. I could tell from the look on Bastion's face that he was trying to keep it together for the sake of duty, but I knew he had to be torn up inside. Auru was his father-in-law, and he had a great deal of respect for him. There was nothing that was going to compensate for such a loss, but even still, I wanted to offer my condolences.
"I am so sorry Bastion," I said sincerely, "I know how much he meant to you."
Bastion closed his eyes, and didn't have much to say in the way of a reply.
"Thank you for that your majesty," he replied, "he... he loved his country, even at great sacrifice to himself."
That wasn't hard to believe, Auru had been a faithful servant to the crown since the days of my father. He was always looking out for Hyrule's best interest. That was why he joined the brotherhood. That was why he never remarried or thought of having more children. Once his beloved wife died he vowed to 'marry' his life to Hyrule instead. I understood such devotion being queen, but I didn't think I was ever going to find a servant as loyal and true as Auru had been. He was the epitome of faithful, and I hoped he knew how much I appreciated him and his service in the end.
"He will not be forgotten, and I will make arrangements to have his body picked up immediately," I promised. "As for you and your family, I will see to it that you will all want for nothing. Lady Ashei will have whatever she needs in the way of materials. I heard she's expecting soon, I know this isn't the time for congratulations, but I know you will be an exceptional father. If you'd like you can move your family into one of the chambers of the castle."
Bastion still didn't have very much to say, and I understood why. Empty words would never bring the person he loved back, but I hoped he would find solace someday.
"Thank you again your majesty," he said, "and I will take what you said into consideration."
I took in a deep sigh.
This day was proving to be more and more terrible, with the only good news being Vincent's death. However, Morgana was still on the loose, and she was known for knowing how to blend in and disappear.
"Do you have any leads on the whereabouts of Morgana?" I asked, changing the subject.
Bastion then got his bearings together for a second and stood erect.
"Not just yet, but we do know she escaped into an underwater tunnel," he replied. "She could be anywhere in Hyrule's underground right now."
I nodded.
"I see," I replied, "what do you need from me to help you?"
Surprisingly, Bastion shook his head no at the notion.
"If it pleases you my lady," he started, "Master Link and I would like to keep this operation as low key as possible. We have no idea who could possibly be a spy or a paid off liaison to the Rue Morgues due to their connections. The hero said he will take care of her himself."
When I heard that, I felt a slight stirring in my heart.
I looked down at my hands.
"Where is Link now?" I asked quietly. "Is he here in the castle?"
Bastion paused for a moment before he answered me. He seemed to be rationalizing what he wanted to say to me in his head.
"No, no he's not here in the castle," he replied, "in fact, he told me that he was never coming back to Hyrule Castle again."
I looked at him stunned when he uttered that. I felt my breath still for a moment, but I wasn't too surprised at the news. I knew he hated me now, I couldn't expect him to feel otherwise. I had done so much wrong to him already.
"I... I see," I replied, "I understand."
We were again quiet for a long time, and there was a since of finality about it. I was sure he needed to go. He had other things he needed to accomplish.
"Was there anything else you needed to tell me?" I asked.
Bastion shook his head no.
"That's all my lady," he replied.
I nodded after that.
"Then you may go," I replied, "and thank you for your service."
He gave me a sad grin just then.
"Anything for Hyrule your majesty," he replied.
I returned his grin.
"Indeed," I replied.
Afterwards, he turned on his heel and headed for the exit. When he left, I felt torn about the news he relayed to me. I was grateful Link was well, but I hated that my actions precipitated all this, and indirectly or not, Auru was now a casualty of it. He had been nothing but a loyal servant, and now he was dead. What was next? Who else was going to die? Why did this have to happen this way?
I closed my eyes and sighed.
"This day can't possibly get any worse," I whispered, "it just can't."
~SSS~
One Hour Later, Hyrule Field: Link's POV
I had been waiting for four hours when I told Bastion one. What was the hold up? What was taking him so long? I finally caught sight of him in the distance riding towards me. I tried not to show my displeasure, but time was wasting and there was no telling where that maniacal witch Morgana may have gone. Bastion not taking this seriously was going to cost us. As soon as he rode up I showed him my displeasure.
"Where have you been?" I snapped. "What part of one hour didn't you understand?"
Bastion didn't even seemed fazed by my attitude, and countered my inquiry with something else entirely.
"It was the queen who came and visited you in your cell this morning," he divulged, "that woman Elga doesn't exist."
I looked at him taken aback.
"What?" I demanded. "What are you talking about?"
Bastion dismounted his horse and walked towards me near the large tree I was resting under.
"I'm talking about your fictitious Elga," he replied, "the fake woman was simply a ploy by the queen who was apparently afraid to reveal her true identity to you. The woman who helped you in the dungeon was Zelda."
I looked at him dumbfounded for a moment, but then shook my head.
"How do you know this?" I asked. "Did she tell you?"
Bastion scoffed.
"Of course she didn't tell me," he replied, "but I can tell from her body language that she was telling me a lie when I asked about her."
I suddenly wasn't as interested in this conversation as before.
"So in other words you don't know for certain," I replied.
Bastion plopped himself on the ground and wiped some sweat beginning to seed off his forehead.
"I know it was her," he replied, "she was all but screaming it."
I took in a deep sigh and looked down at my friend, not sure of what to make of this news. I had a feeling, but wasn't certain, the woman who helped me did sound similar to Zelda, but her voice was more whispery as if she were disguising it. Maybe it was her, but right now it didn't matter. What mattered was finding Morgana.
I shook my head and sat down next to him.
"It doesn't matter anyway," I said underneath my breath, then added, "what now?"
Bastion shook his head.
"I honestly don't know," he replied, "Morgana could be anywhere right now."
I looked out at the vastness that was Hyrule Field. It did look daunting, but nothing was impossible.
"So maybe we should start with the underground networks," I stated, "there's got to be a central location where she could head to."
Bastion nodded, but then sighed.
"That's true," he said, "but all roads lead back to the Red Lantern District, and there's no way she going there. That would be too easy."
I saw his point.
"Does she have any allies?" I asked. "Does she have any people she trusts?"
He thought about that for a second.
"There is someone I heard she was enamored with," he replied, "how true it is I don't know."
I wasn't concerned with the latter if it could give us a lead to her whereabouts then I was willing to try it.
"Who?" I asked.
He raised a brow.
"Prince Elbourne," he replied, "the gossip in the district goes that he is her favorite customer simply because she's in love with him."
I frowned when I heard that.
"But you just said she wouldn't go to the Red Lantern District," I replied.
Bastion nodded.
"True," he replied, "but she may go to Dragon Roost."
I thought about that for a moment.
"I don't know about that," I said, "wouldn't that be obvious too?"
Bastion had very little for a rebuttal.
"I understand what you're saying," he replied, "but right now she's desperate. She has very few options, and right now Elbourne isn't too fond of Morgana. He actually found another woman to court even in place of Zelda, so he might be able to help us."
It was then I was taken aback.
"Wait a minute, what?" I demanded. "You want to petition help from Elbourne? You might as well hand her escape to her on a silver platter. Elbourne would never help us! He's too much of an egotistical bastard!"
He shrugged.
"You've got no argument from me there," he replied, "but if that is where she's headed we need to do something about it. We need to ask to queen to write to Elbourne and let him know Morgana may try ask for help from him when she's a traitor of the throne of Hyrule. He won't betray Zelda for Morgana, he has his faults, but he does seem to genuinely care for Zelda."
I wasn't interested in hearing about Elbourne and Zelda's relationship. It was apparent to me the two of them had something inappropriate going on from the beginning. Elbourne even made mention of it at the ball. What the state of their relationship was now was none of my business, nor did I care. However, if this was the only way we could capture Morgana, then so be it.
I groaned, not at all happy with this premise but saw no other alternative.
"Fine," I said finally, "can you petition the queen to write the letter?"
Bastion sat back and studied my face for a moment.
"I actually think you should ask," he said, "it would be more impactful coming from you."
I looked at him like he was insane.
"Are you crazy?" I demanded. "After everything that's happened? I'm the last person she wants to see."
Bastion raised a brow.
"Doubtful," he said, "she won't out and say it, but she wants to see you very badly. I could see it in her eyes this morning."
I groaned and turned away, not wanting to hear this.
"I don't want to see her," I muttered.
"Then you don't want your letter written," he replied.
I shook my head in frustration.
"Bastion-" I tried.
"Do it," he interrupted, "stop being a damn fool. You know deep down you want to see her too. Why the hell else would you be looking for a woman that you already knew was the queen?"
I was getting heated.
"You have no right to-" I tried again.
"Do it Link!" he interrupted again. "For Hylia's sake, take ownership of what the hell you've done for a change! Not everything is the queen's fault!"
My eyes widened and I looked at him stunned.
Bastion didn't bother to wait for my reply either. He got up, mounted his horse once more, and headed back towards the castle.
"I have my own dirty laundry to air," he called to me, "Ashei's still in the dark about her father, and I'm debating whether to tell her now or later. If you want that letter written, you will go to Zelda yourself and ask for it!"
With that, he whipped his horse around and galloped back towards the castle. I sat and watched him in complete disbelief. He really expected me to waltz into the castle and just ask for an audience with the queen? What the hell was wrong with him? Was he mad? Why the hell was he suddenly blaming me? I sighed, knowing none of this contemplation was going to get me anywhere. It was apparent that if I wanted this done I was going to have to do it myself. Afterwards, I looked to Zelda's spire in the distance, where her bedroom resided. She seriously was the last person I wanted to see, but in order for Elbourne to cooperate I was going to need her help.
This is a lose lose situation, I thought.
"Damn," I muttered as I ran a hand over my face.
I sighed, got up from the grass, and mounted Epona once more. My faithful mare neighed at my disgruntled disposition, and I in turn patted her back.
"It's not you girl," I reassured, "it's what I have to now do."
I looked to Zelda's spire again and wondered how in the world I was going to do this. I needed time to think, but time was something I had very little of. I then giddied my horse, and took off for no place in particular contemplating what I needed to do. I always came back to the same question.
How am I going to do this? I wondered. How?
~SSS~
One Day Later, Near Midnight: Zelda's POV
I was sitting at my counter brushing my hair for the fifteenth time before I finally decided to stop the futile activity. There hadn't been a word in over a day regarding the whereabouts of Morgana. Hopefully, it wasn't because she had slipped past everyone's radar unnoticed and gotten away. I knew she was known for being elusive, but she couldn't have coordinated anything that quickly in less than tweny four hours. I had been taking turns pacing my room and sitting at my dresser for hours racked with worry and concern for my comrades in arms.
Even with Link being exonerated, and the news of Vincent's death, I still wasn't able to sleep. After Auru's untimely demise, I was more concerned with everyone's safety than ever. I didn't think my heart could take the passing of another innocent soldier. Was everyone being careful? Were they coordinating their leads with the necessary precautions? What added steps were they going to take to protect themselves from Morgana? These were questions I wanted answers to, but considering the strained relationship between Link and I, I knew that was simply wishful thinking. It was probably silly and useless, but Link was always ever present in my thoughts. I was always thinking about him, and now wondering about his well being. After at first being wrongly imprisoned by me, to being flogged and severely tortured by a pack of unruly guards, there was no way I couldn't think about him.
I looked at my reflection in the mirror and almost didn't recognize the woman staring back at me. She was still the same physically encapsulated ego that made up Zelda. However, I felt like a shell of the woman I once was. I had done so many things I normally wouldn't do, but I hoped in someway I could atone for my sins. It seemed, regarding my treacherous dealings, I kept true to my family's tyrannical bloodline. I was hoping to break that curse, but given my actions, it could be argued I was no better than them.
It's best not to think of that now, I told myself, it won't change what you've done.
I sighed, got up from my chair, and abruptly went to my anteroom to get some items for relaxation. My mother used to burn incense oils when I was a baby to help me fall asleep. I remembered her singing to me quietly with her beautiful soothing voice. Even though she was gone, I kept in practice the use of aromatherapy. When I was stressed, often times it would help me to think more clearly, and given the recent course of events, this was definitely the time constituted for it. In the medium sized oak chest near the farthest wall, resided a tiny urn placed over a candle along with a bottle of honeysuckle oil. Honeysuckle oil was my favorite fragrance because it reminded me of the flowers in bloom at spring. Having what I needed, I went back into the main room of my chambers. However, I immediately dropped by incense holder, and nearly froze in fright when I saw a hooded man now standing in the middle of my room. I held in a shocked breath, and took two inadvertent steps back. I was terrified at his imposing presence, but remained calm.
"Who are you?" I demanded. "Show yourself to me at once! How dare you enter the chambers of the queen of Hyrule!"
The man almost seemed defiant at my words and didn't follow the command right away. However, soon after, he unhooded himself and I was in for a surprise.
My eyes widened.
"Link!" I whispered stunned.
He met my words with a cold hard icy blue stare and didn't answer.
His eyes were remarkably sky blue and clear, the clearest and bluest I've ever seen them. However, that was where the immediate familiarity ended, the rest of his appearance I was stunned by. It was no wonder I didn't recognize him right away, he looked ten years older with that beard covering his youthful face. His hair was slightly longer too, and he did look a little slimmer. I was sure that was from a poor diet, but he also appeared more haggard. He still had his incredible beauty, but it was masked behind this hardened expression and a contemptible look of displeasure in his eyes. I wasn't going to lie, I was afraid, because I wasn't sure what his purpose was for coming here. I wasn't expecting to see him so soon. I thought it would take some time before he would want to see me again. With that in mind, I couldn't help but wonder, was he seeking revenge? Was he going to harm me in some way? Was he going to speak with me about how much I betrayed him? What was his purpose? Why was he here?
I was about to find out.
He gave me a long once over before he finally looked me in the eyes.
"Good evening your majesty," he said in a low voice.
I swallowed hard and nodded, not exactly sure why I was doing that.
There was something about his tone that was unnerving.
"Good evening," I replied, and shook my head for no apparent reason, "I... I can't believe it's really you."
Link stared at me in a way I couldn't describe just then, I couldn't tell if it was indifference or disgust. It was as if he couldn't decided what to make of my words to react to them.
He looked away for a moment.
"Is this a bad time?" he asked suddenly.
I took a step forward almost against my own will. I nearly tripped over the hem of my gown. I know I looked foolish and possibly a little desperate, but I really hoped he wouldn't turn and leave.
"No," I said quickly, "no, not at all. I'm actually very glad you came."
He didn't respond to that, and found it hard to look at me.
"I need your help in finding Morgana," he said, getting straight to the point, "she's fled after her brother was slain."
I looked at him surprised, even though I shouldn't have been.
I was already aware of this news.
"Fled?" I repeated. "How?"
He narrowed his eyes at me, as if it were a stupid question, which it was.
"Does it really matter?" he asked. "The point is she's gone, and I need to find her."
His sharp tone clearly demonstrated his patience level with me.
It was practically nil.
"I'm-I'm sorry," I stammered, "I just..." I stopped myself and redirected the conversation, "what can I do to help?"
Link focused his cool blue eyes back on me and took in an almost relieved breath.
I was sure that was what he was waiting on.
"I need you to write your boyfriend, Prince Elbourne, and inform him not to give any aide to Morgana if she seeks it," he replied, "I have reason to believe she will go to Dragon Roost to hide out."
I looked at him surprised, choosing to ignore his obvious dig.
"Why would you think she would seek help from Elbourne?" I asked.
He raised a brow.
"She sleeps with him," he said matter-of-fact, "she may offer him a sexual favor in exchange for temporary residence. She's trying to wait until the heat is off her. I need you to write him to prevent that from happening."
His blunt disposition was something I was used to, but not in this manner. He was purposely trying to be scathing, rude, and just generally unpleasant to get under my skin. However, I had no rebuttral for any of it. In a way, I felt I deserved it.
"Oh... I see," I replied.
He raised a brow again when that was all I had to say. He was expecting a more concrete answer.
"Will you do it?" he asked.
I looked into his eyes for a moment and saw the burning hatred for me there. It was so intense I had to look away.
"Of course I'll do it," I said with a nod, "Hyrule is better off without her."
Link just stared at me in return.
"I agree," he said.
With that, there was a brief silence that overcame us. One where I wasn't sure where to take this conversation. The giant Lizalfos in the room was all but screaming at us regarding his imprisonment. There was so much I wanted to say, but knew that I couldn't given the circumstances. However, I could tell that from Link as well. The look in his eyes was like an unspoken story of anger. I thought there would be much more of a strain from him on his end, but then a moment later, Link surprised me with what he broke the silence with.
"Was there anything you wanted to tell me?" he asked suddenly.
I looked at him slightly perplexed, having plenty I wanted to tell him. I honestly didn't know where to begin. However, given the inflection in his tone, I realized he was being specific about something.
"I... I'm not sure what you mean," I replied.
He took in a deep annoyed breath after that, then got right to the point.
"Who was that peasant girl you sent to the dungeon to tend to me?" he asked as more of a demand than anything. "I need to find her."
I felt my eyes widen slightly, and had the same reaction as I had with Master Bastion, I blushed.
I took a step back, which was none too reassuring.
"A peasant girl?" I repeated a little thrown by his poignancy. "What peasant girl?"
His irritation heightened just then.
"If it wasn't a peasant girl, then who was it?" he demanded. "I know you know what I'm talking about, stop stalling."
Again, I was taken aback by his sharp tone, but not alarmed by it. The look in his eyes didn't allow me to be truthful to him. He had too much anger burning inside him.
"Oh..." I started as a poor attempt at a lie, "I believe the young woman in question went back to her other occupation. I don't know where she is."
I was met with another onset of silence from him after that. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he didn't believe me, and as such, he didn't bother to follow up on what I said and remained quiet. Afterwards, there was a long silence that ensued from the both of us. It was thoughtful and provocative all at the same time, and with the way Link was looking at me, I thought he wanted to kill me.
Why prolong this any longer? I wondered. Why not just ask him what needs to be asked?
I took in a deep breath and finally spoke up.
"What?" I asked finally in a whisper. "What do you want to say but haven't?"
His breathing accelerated just then, and he narrowed his eyes at me again. It was as if that was the cue he was waiting for.
He took another step forward.
"Why?" he demanded in a whisper. "Just why?"
I felt my eyes sting with tears at his tone.
There was so much in that simply presented question.
"I-I was wrong," I said in a broken voice, "I know that isn't a good answer, and if you hate me I unders-"
"I do hate you," he interrupted in a whisper, "I hate you very much."
I felt my bottom lip tremble when he uttered that again. The pit of my stomach felt like it collapsed.
All I could do was nod.
"I understand," I replied.
After hearing me say that, he walked up to me and stood over me, with the few inches of his taller height allotted. The look in his eyes constituted that he didn't think I could understand his pain. In a way, he was probably right. I didn't completely understand his pain. It felt like all this anger was stemming from another place, a much deeper place of hurt.
"Do you?" he demanded again, nearly spitting in my face due to his closeness. "Do you really understand?"
My tears spilled over and I nodded again.
"I wish I could take it all back," I said with a broken voice, "I was a jealous fool."
His eyes widened suddenly when he looked at me, and there was an emotion simmering deep inside him that was raging to come out, but he kept it at bay. I had never seen him like this before. He was like a feral animal waiting to be unhinged. He took hold of my shoulders and pulled me to him. There was a rare set of tears in his eyes, and I was shocked at the sight, but I knew I could do nothing to comfort him.
"Link I-" I tried.
"Once this is all over I'm never coming back here again, never," he swore, "I never want to see you or this goddess forsaken castle again. Do you hear me?"
I swallowed hard and all I could do was nod.
What else did I expect?
"I don't blame you," I said sincerely, as another set of tears ran down my cheeks.
His bottom lip trembled for a moment, but he never let those tears in his own eyes fall. His bright blue irises searched my face like he was secretly imploring me to give him an answer. He just didn't understand my rationale behind all this.
"I know I wasn't some innocent bystander in all this, but it didn't have to be this way," he whispered, "it shouldn't have been this way!"
He had no argument from me there.
He was right.
I wiped a tear from my cheek.
"I know and I agree," I whispered back.
His grip to my shoulders tightened, but not to the point of pain, or wanting to hurt me.
"There was a time I thought I was in love with you Zelda," he whispered in a growl, "did you know that?"
I looked into his eyes in complete disbelief.
I didn't know what to say.
There was a time when I sincerely did believe that. We had gotten so close, and confided in each other so completely. I told him things I never disclosed to another soul, and he the same with me. It was hard to believe we had come to this. However, after the Dragon Gala, Link made it clear to me that he was in love with someone else entirely, the twilight queen. Why was he saying this to me now, when at Emiry Tower he had a completely different stance? To be honest, this wasn't fair.
"You-you said you were in love with Midna," I couldn't help but reply, "how was I supposed to know any of that if you didn't tell me?"
Link didn't seem to care to answer that.
"Whatever," he muttered more to himself than to me, "it doesn't matter now. I could never love you like that now."
I cringed a little, looked down, and sobbed softly. I covered my mouth, not exactly astonished, but more blindsided than anything. I didn't know what to say.
"Link..." I trailed, "I'm so sorry."
He grunted and scoffed like he didn't believe me, then let me go and stepped back. He wiped his eyes of his tears, and pulled himself together like he was going to finalize this conversation. This was probably the last time I was ever going to see him. I hated that it had to be under such circumstances. There was another brief silence between us before he uttered something else.
"Write the letter," he said in a gruff voice, "tonight if you can, the sooner the better."
There was no doubt I heard him loud and clear, but at this point, I wasn't really listening. I was too consumed with my own guilt to give more than that. Even still, I forced a nod to let him know his words didn't fall upon deaf ears.
"I'll make sure it's done," I whispered after a few moments.
In turn, he just stared at me, a hard stare, and didn't have very much to say after that. Seeing the finality of this situation, with still so much left unsaid, he then turned to take his leave. I watched after him, wanting to stop him and implore him to forgive me, but I didn't. There would be no point in doing so right now. Link had his mind made up about me, and there was nothing I could to change it. I could only hope one day he would look back at all this with a clear head and try and see that everything wasn't as black and white as it seemed. There was so much grey mixed in all of this. As of right now, my condolences were nothing more than empty words to him. And to be frank, I couldn't blame him. I brought that upon myself for my own dealings and treachery. I took his freedom away and he suffered greatly because of it.
I guess I had more in common with the mistress of that play than I thought, I pondered.
The abrupt silence that followed was immediately disrupted, when the door to the secret passage closed behind Link, and I let out a breath of both relief and dread. I was surprised and grateful that he was willing to take a chance and see me. However, all it did in the end was reaffirm what I already knew he felt for me. I wiped my eyes and tried not to think of it as good or bad any longer. I was asked to do a task, and if this was the first step in repairing a fractured relationship, then I was willing to do it.
I walked over to my table in the center of the room, where there was some ink and paper already prepared for me, a 'Link' feature no doubt. He must have prepared this when I was in my anteroom. I sat down to write my letter to Elbourne. I kept my thoughts at bay regarding Link for now, and focused on the importance of what my correspondence could mean. Morgana was still out there and she needed to be found.
"I won't let you down again Link," I whispered as I wrote, "I promise."
I stayed at that table for another hour making sure the letter was perfect. Afterwards, I had the letter delivered by expedient delivery to Dragon Roost. My hope was that it would make it to Elbourne in time.
~SSS~
Somewhere in the Crypts of Hyrule: Ventus's POV
It wasn't the norm for Ventus to be receiving letters regarding matters of a personal nature, but in this case, he was willing to make an exception. The letter was short, to the point, and simply worded. Just the way he liked it.
It read:
The deed has been done,
the man named Auru is dead,
but I must meet with you immediately.
It's a matter of the utmost importance.
I will be in your territory tonight.
I will not be turned away.
~An Unwarranted Assassin~
Ventus put the letter down and grunted at the last bit of wording.
An unwarranted assassin? he thought amused. Can this woman be anymore obvious?
"So... we're giving orders now," he said quietly to himself, then tapped his finger on the wooden table in front of him, "we'll just see about that Morgana."
Afterwards, he got up and blew out the candle and closed the book he was reading. He looked over at the now unoccupied seat next to him where the Protector used to sit, and suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction. It was just him now... just him, and all he needed to do was ties up some loose ends. He was going to start with the author of this letter, and then make sure to eradicate the other member of the same tier as well, the odious fellow known as Bastion Belmonte. They both knew too much, and he couldn't run the risk of them possibly compromising his identity any longer, especially that viper Morgana . There was simply too much at stake, and now... he was calling again. The same way he did years ago... and Ventus wasn't referring to Vaati either. Ventus grunted at what his obligations now were and proceeded to leave the small room. However, before he left, he looked back over at the empty chair once more.
"And then there was one," he whispered to himself, "I'm sorry my old friend, but every man has there limits, even me."
He then looked over at the cote of arms of his family's bloodline hanging on the wall near a fireplace, and narrowed his eyes: a foot crushes a serpent rampart who's fangs are embedded in the heel.
The code of the house of the dragon masters.
Yes.
Ventus was no one other than Xavier Wilhelm Draco IX of Dragon Roost. He had been the Master of Wind for nearly twenty-five years.
King Xavier stared long and hard at that tapestry, and knew deep down he had done the right thing. Auru had been a good man, and a good friend, probably one of the best friends Xavier ever had, even over Daphnes II. They had done business together for many years, uncovered secrets of the brotherhood and Hyrule, even pledged together all those years ago in this very same vault. However, once Auru crossed the line and took the affections of Xavier's wife Constance away, the king knew there could be no forgiveness for him. He knew he was going to have to die, but Xavier also knew he was the only man to do it. He considered it his duty.
He grinned at that notion.
I wonder if he knew before he died that it was me getting rid of him, he thought, but then let it fall to the wayside.
It didn't matter now.
The important thing was he was dead.
Afterwards, Xavier left the crypt and headed back to his residence.
He needed to hurry.
He was about to receive an unexpected visitor.