Chapter 3: Not alone
Valentia Castle-early morning
Despite the events of yesterday, Celica managed to find sleep, all things considered. A handmaiden came in to awaken and prepare Celica for the day.
"There. You are ready for the day, my queen."
"Thank you. Has Conrad woken up as well?"
"Sir Conrad left earlier; he received word that there are several monsters attacking other settlements. He returned to Zofia Castle to send several garrisons to those places." The handmaiden somberly answers.
"What?! Why was I not notified of this?!" Celica responds in alarm.
"I'm sorry, your highness. Sir Conrad told us to let you sleep, he did not want to put you in danger."
"That big brother of mine…" Celica puts her hand to her forehead in exasperation. "Wait, is the same happening in Mycen Village?"
"Worry not; Sir Clive had a messenger sent to the village, particularly addressed to Sir Gray and Lady Clair. They will no doubt be on high alert."
Relieved at this news and not wanting to linger in her room any longer, Celica and her handmaiden leave and go their separate ways with the former heading towards Link's room, but not before stopping by the central courtyard to oversee the surviving villagers being tended to by Mathilda with several other servants and apothecaries, to which she smiles contentedly. Upon reaching Link's room, she knocks on the door and sees that it's partially open. Slowly entering the room, Celica sees Link sitting on the bed with his head down and eyes closed. "Link?"
Link's eyes open up and he looks at Celica. "Oh, good morning, Queen Anth- Celica."
"Good morning. Did you sleep well?"
"Uh, for the most part." Link half heartedly answers. "And you?"
"Oh. It was a bit difficult, but I did." Celica answers with the same tone. "Well, if you're ready, we can begin with our plan to bring Alm back and get you home."
"I'm ready." Link stands up and stretches his arms up. "Where do we do this?"
"We have a meeting room; we'll talk there." Celica responds and has Link exit the room, just in time for Clive to show up.
"Ah, good morning my queen." Clive greets Celica before turning his attention to Link. "And to you as well, Link. Allow me to lead you to the meeting room."
"Alright, thanks." Link nods as he follows Clive down the hallway. As Celica leaves, a blue shimmer catches her eye from Link's bed.
Meeting room
At the table, the meeting begins after Celica arrives. First off, Celica, Link, Clive and Mathilda take into account over the events of yesterday; the arrival of monsters in Rigel Village, Link's appearance with Alm's disappearance, the witches claiming responsibility for everything and the lack of information on Hyrule.
"Well, this truly is a predicament; if this 'Hyrule' really is in another world, then how are we supposed to reach it?" Clive comments.
"I'm just as lost as you." Link says with his arms crossed. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of this."
"Honestly, if anything, it sounds like the only way we can start from somewhere is if we had a witch on our side." Mathilda adds. "But, those two obviously are not friendly."
At a bit of a loss as to what to do, the meeting grinds to halt, Link in particular just sits quietly without a thought he could share in the meeting; the idea of being trapped in another world still races through his mind. Finally, after four minutes of pondering, Celica decides to speak up.
"Wait, maybe I know someone who can help us."
"And who might that be?" Clive asks.
"Sonya."
"Sonya? As in the dark mage Sonya?" Mathilda cuts in, surprised at Celica's idea. "How are you so sure that we can trust her?"
"Have you forgotten? She helped me two years ago to stop Duma."
"Yes. We remember, but no one has heard from her after that." Clive interjects. "The last we heard about her was that she took residence in Nuibaba's Abode on Fear Mountain. But after that, nothing else."
"Then I should go there and confirm it for you." Link, finally deciding to speak up, comments. "I've climbed mountains before, this shouldn't be a big deal for me."
"Wait, you want to go there alone?" Mathilda, shocked at Link's brashness, asks. "You don't know about this land; you'll get yourself lost."
"I agree. Without a guide who knows the land well, there's no telling where you might end up." Clive adds.
"Then give me a map of the region. I mean, if this person can help me, then that's my best bet to get back and fix all of this." Link answers with conviction. "Listen, these people want me and because of that, Alm and everyone here got caught up in it. I just want the chance to make things right. Give me that opportunity to do so."
Hearing Link's declaration, Celica and the others ponder his words for five minutes in silence until Clive speaks up. "Why exactly did you plan to head off on your own? Without some form of backup?"
Sighing, Link rubs his hands together before speaking. "I don't want to risk any more lives by them getting caught up in, what is now, my fight. This didn't need to happen, only I should do this. Please."
While the two knights ponder Link's declaration, Celica can't help but compare him to Alm; driven and with a desire to not needlessly sacrifice people. Mulling it over in silence, she moves to speak out on Link's words, until the bells begin to ring. Catching everyone's attention, Clive runs to a nearby window overlooking the entrance to the castle.
"Clive, what do you see?" Celica asks.
"Highness, we have a brigade of unknown soldiers approaching." Clive answers with a serious tone.
Hearing the bells, the soldiers prepare themselves as the servants hurry the panicked villagers deeper into the castle. Several archers disperse themselves on the border wall and a vanguard of about 200 soldiers position themselves outside as the strangers steadily make their way towards the castle, stopping briefly as the, presumed, leader holds up a white tarp with a black cross that has the left and right points curved upwards. The Valentian soldiers knew that this was the brand of Mila; in other words, they were calling out to Celica. Getting the message, she and Clive mount their horses and the soldiers give way to let them pass. Mathilda plans on joining them, but has to deal with a certain someone first.
"Why can't I go through? You might need my help!" Link protests.
"I'm afraid not, young man." Mathilda answers in a serious tone. "These people might expect to see King Alm; seeing you in his stead would be suspicious and they might think that he's not here. We can't have that traveling the land."
"Then, what should I do?"
"Stay here; if you can fight, then protect these people if any of those soldiers pass through. I have to go with my queen, heed my words." Mathilda says before riding off, leaving a frustrated Link behind.
Celica removes her right glove and holds her arm up with her palm facing the, potential, enemy soldiers. Pulling out a spyglass, one of the soldiers accompanying the leader looks at Celica's hand, confirming to him that it's her. The leader smirks and commands his guards to accompany him, while Celica instructs Clive and Mathilda to follow her as well. Getting close, they notice that the red flags mounted on the horses saddles have a distinct mark not seen in two years; the mark of the Duma Faithful, which slightly unnerves them. Finally meeting at the halfway point of both squadrons, the leader (an adult man wearing black armor adorned with the Duma Faithful's insignia, slick black hair in a short ponytail, clean shaven face with a normal complexion and brown eyes [as well as a slight sneer]) holds his right fist up to signify to his men not to attack before finally addressing Celica. "Good morning, Your Highness. Allow me to introduce myself; I am Matias, and I humbly request an audience with you."
"An audience? Yet you bring soldiers here, to my palace and endanger the people I've sheltered?" Celica answers, put off by Matias's declaration.
"Hahahah, well one can never be too careful; what with all the strange events happening."
"Fair point. Now then, what does the Duma Faithful want with us?"
"Straight to the point? Very well then; first, let me tell you that we have no intention to fight. I only want two things from you and we'll be on our merry way."
"What exactly do you want?" Celica asks with clear suspicion.
"First, I want all of Valentia to submit to the Duma Faithful-"
"Not going to happen." Celica angrily interrupts. "You cannot come here and expect me to hand over Valentia to religious extremists, who by the way should not exist anymore due to the fact that Duma has been defeated."
"Ooh, you wound me, Anthiese. Well, depending on your next answer, I'll overlook what you've said. Now then, second; hand over the Hero of Time to me." Matias calmly demands and Celica's eyes widen in shock. "We're the only ones who can help him and we'd be more than happy to send him home. Oh, and don't you play coy with me; I know he's here. So, why not just call him out and let us meet him?"
Hearing his demands, Celica mulls it over; How did they know that Link is known as the Hero of Time? The only ones who called him that were those witches from his world; could the Duma Faithful be working with them? Speaking of which, why exactly does Link go by that name? Regardless of the questions, Celica feels that she must make the right decision, even if it might be the wrong one. "No."
"What?" Matias asks in surprise, causing his personal guard to slowly move in. Clive and Mathilda arm their lances and do the same.
"My answer is no." Celica answers determinedly.
"I beg your pardon?" Matias exclaims with frustration present in his voice.
"I will not let you take him. How did you know that he's from another world? Why did you refer to him by that name? We know only because a pair of witches looking for him referred to Link as such. So, what's your excuse?"
Matias, clearly upset, strokes his forehead and towards his hair to calm down before speaking again. "I tried being diplomatic with you, Anthiese. But, you're being very stubborn. Now, I'm going to ask you once more; give us the Hero of Time or there will be consequences."
"You dare threaten the queen?!" Mathilda angrily cuts in, only having Clive to hold her back from attacking Matias.
"Calm yourself, Mathilda." Celica calmly tells her knight to stand down before returning to speak with Matias. "Now, you've given me more than enough reason to distrust you. My answer is the same; no."
With a sour expression, Matias takes in Celica's declaration until he speaks up "So be it, Anthiese…..Men, prepare for battle!"
Hearing Matias's command, the troops arm themselves and ready their horses to charge. The Valentian soldiers, in response, ready themselves to defend the castle, with a few running up and nocking arrows from behind Celica to aim at Matias. The two armored guards hold their rectangular shields sideways to defend Matias as they run back to the troops.
"I gave you the chance to save your people from unnecessary bloodshed! Now, we will kill all of you and take him with us!" Matias shouts in anger as he puts on a helmet offered by one of the soldiers and organizes them for the attack. Celica and her knights rush back to their own troops (the soldiers parting briefly from their positions to let them through), ordering them to prepare for the incoming assault. From a watchtower behind the castle walls, Link stares in awe at the lengths being taken just to capture him and looks on anxiously at the terrified villagers.
"Charge!" Matias shouts while holding his sword forward as his men shout in acknowledgment before charging towards Valentia castle.
Hyrule castle town, morning hours
After the fierce attack by King Dodongo and its subsequent defeat at the hands of Alm, he has been the talk of the town; many wondering who this mysterious warrior is, where he came from and if he would be willing to help in their plight. Meanwhile in the castle, Alm woke up bright and early and after re-equiping his armor, headed to the throne room once again to speak with Daltus. Sitting back down until the king arrives, Alm pulls out his compass again to see Celica's picture on the inside of the lid while he waits. Thoughts of her are what kept him from finding enough sleep last night as well as his lack of knowledge of this land. About 3 minutes pass and he receives a surprise visit.
"She's beautiful."
"Huh?" Alm, in shock, closes his compass and looks to his right to see Zelda standing next to him. "Princess?
"I'm sorry for startling you; you looked like you were lost in thoughts and I didn't want to bother you." Zelda comments with a slightly bowed head. "But, curiosity got the better of me and I wanted to see what had your attention. I apologize again."
"Oh. No, it's alright." Alm says in a friendly tone, now relaxed from his earlier surprise to Zelda's sudden appearance. "Anyway, it's not a secret as to who this is; she's my wife." Alm answers as he shows Zelda the picture, which she takes in her hands.
"Then, I assume that she's the queen?" Zelda asks to which Alm nods in affirmation. "What is she like?"
"She's kind, brave and is always willing to help others. Though, she prefers to end conflicts peacefully, she's not above using force to protect the people. Most of the time, I feel like I can take on anything and anyone as long as she's there with me." Alm answers, happily smiling while talking about Celica.
"Wow. What's her name?"
"Ah, legally her birth name is Anthiese Lima. But, to me and the ones closest to her, she is Celica."
"Hmm. Personally, I think I like the name Celica more than Anthiese." Zelda comments as she hands the compass back to Alm. "Oh! I almost forgot; my father sent me to summon you."
"The king sent you?"
"Well, technically, I was supposed to tell a guard. But, I wanted to see how you were."
"Oh, that's very nice of you, highness." Alm says with a smile.
"Oh please; call me Zelda."
Upon finishing their conversation, Zelda leads Alm to the throne room. Surprisingly, Alm notices the clack of her heels on the marble floor. Normally, this wouldn't be out of the ordinary in the slightest, but what's strange is the fact that he didn't hear them at all when she approached him from behind. Zelda, meanwhile, shows slight satisfaction at Alm for not being able to detect her until she spoke up; confirming that she hasn't lost her skill.
Hyrule castle throne room
"Once again, you have my gratitude for the events of yesterday. Were it not for you, King Dodongo would have destroyed the town." Daltus proclaims to Alm while seated at the throne with Zelda seated to his left.
"But, what was that thing that was attacking?" Alm, standing at the spot in front of the throne, asks.
"The first of many issues in Hyrule." Daltus answers in a partially worried tone. "I believe you have earned the right to know what is happening; with the Triforce of Courage gone, there has been an imbalance in our world. Monsters have suddenly appeared in great numbers across the land, irregularities have sprouted in many of the provinces and all the races of the land are in danger."
"That explains the people panicking in the streets yesterday, right?"
"Yes. They are from the neighboring village of Kakariko. Monsters have claimed it as their own and driven the people out. With nowhere to go, they came here. Now, we must find a way to restore everything or I shudder to think of the consequences…" Daltus says before furrowing his brow and Zelda rubs his arm to calm him.
"Is there anything I can do?" Alm asks out of the blue, earning surprise from everyone present.
"You?"
"Listen, I may not be from this land, but I can't just let people suffer. If there is anything I can do, I'd like to help. Besides, maybe then I can find a way back home as well."
Daltus and Zelda take in Alm's words and silently deliberate. Roughly 5 minutes later, Daltus speaks up. "We have not seen you as a threat and therefore we have decided…to accept your aid."
"Alright then." Alm happily answers. "Well, where should I start?"
Daltus moves to speak until Zelda decides to add her part. "Father, perhaps he should speak to the Deku Tree?"
"The Deku Tree? Zelda, most of the beasts occupy the forest and we haven't heard anything from the Kokiri. I think it would be unwise to send him there alone."
"I agree. That is why he should be accompanied by another."
"Ah, a royal guard perhaps?"
"Actually father, I have someone else in mind. Would you be willing to hear me out?"
"Very well. King Alm, before we send you off on your quest, please give us the time to prepare a guide for you." Daltus declares after standing up from his throne.
"I understand, thank you King Daltus." Alm answers as both Daltus and Zelda make their leave. Impa comes in and escorts Alm out; first to retrieve his sword from the armory and to head out towards the entrance to the castle.
Valentia castle, under attack
The soldiers manage to keep the Duma Faithful from getting through the walls to the castle, but it still proves to be very difficult with the enemies heavy weapons hitting their shields and them buckling under the pressure. Clive and Mathilda, for their part, barrel through several enemies on their mounts and impale them with their lances (followed by a small group of mounted troops). Celica directs several troops to defend weak spots on their lines (standing behind a phalanx of soldiers at their request). For a while, this seemed to be effective; until Matias called out several cantors, which summon Terrors (undead soldiers) to replace their losses and add to the overall threat. Link, meanwhile, watches as Celica, slowly but steadily, loses the advantage.
"I advise you to get down from there." Link looks down to see a guard speaking to him. "Otherwise, you'll be an easy target for them."
"I need to get out there." Link anxiously says to the guard.
"I'm afraid you can't do that. First of all, they said they're after you; sending you out would leave you vulnerable to the enemy. Second, Lady Mathilda gave us specific instructions to not let you go through that door."
"But they need my help!"
"Then you can help by keeping these citizens safe; be their guard. But, I will never let you through. Understood?" The guard firmly announces, followed by several others who back him up.
Frustrated, Link looks outside and sees the Valentian forces beginning to lose the fight; Cantors making barriers of fire to frighten Clive's horse from proceeding, Mathilda getting thrown off of her horse and being surrounded by enemies and Celica being forced to enter the fight against the wishes of her troops. Looking back at the frightened villagers and remembering his encounter with Koume and Kotake, Link shuts his eyes and ponders his options. Finally concluding that he will not allow others to suffer because him, he declares his intentions.
"I may not fully understand what the reason for my being here is, but I do know this; I will not allow things to continue as they are. If they want to capture me;" Link pulls out his hookshot and aims it at a nearby flagpole. "Then let them come!" Firing the hookshot, Link ejects himself from the interior of the castle and stands above the wall (ignoring the guards protests). Seeing the phalanx, Link jumps down and vaults off the shields to confront the Duma Faithful (much to the confusion of the soldiers performing the phalanx).
"Link? What are you doing out here?!" Celica shouts in horror and Link simply grabs a bow from a fallen soldier and rapidly shoots arrows at the soldiers surrounding Mathilda (hitting them in the unprotected points of their armor). Noticing the dead enemies, Mathilda recalls her horse and mounts it, racing towards Clive to throw a discarded lance at the cantor conjuring the fire. This not only kills the cantor, but dispels the fire surrounding Clive and his soldiers and disintegrates a few of the summoned Terrors. Satisfied with these results and ignoring the surprised clamor of the troops, Link commandeers a horse and races off towards the enemies, as well as ignoring Celica's protests.
"Ah, he's here." Matias sinisterly comments from his position at the back of his brigade. "Remember; capture only, do not kill him."
"What if he resists?" One of the guards asks before giving the order to the troops.
"Don't worry; I've already been informed that he's more of a brawler than a fighter. Overwhelm him and he should fall swiftly. Now, bring him to me."
Nodding, the guard orders several troops to seize Link. Hearing that command. Clive and Mathilda look back and see Link rushing towards the enemy, much to their dismay and aggravation. Then, everyone's fear of his capture turns to shock; Link jumps off of his horse and manages to strike three troops with an arrow each before finally landing. For a brief moment, the fighting stops on both sides to bear witness at what this stranger is capable of (Celica stares in wide eyed surprise, Matias grin disappears and the soldier from both sides chatter among themselves).
"What did he say his occupation was?" Mathilda silently asks.
"He said… he was a carpenter." Clive answers with the same silence and stupefaction.
Discarding the bow, Link draws his sword and shield before beckoning the enemy to face him. A few seconds in, one of them shouts a battle cry before charging to face Link, who effortlessly parries his attacks and kicks him across the head, knocking him down. Another troop musters the strength to try and sneak up on Link, only for him to break the spear he had with his shield, following up with a stab through his abdomen, killing him. Another two soldiers, armed with axes, both charge at Link who slides underneath their horizontal swings, turns around and leaves a slash on both of them. Angered, they both try to hit him again, only for Link to jump on one of the axes, drive his sword on one of the soldiers chest and use his axe to kill the other one. With both dead, Link discards the axe and retrieves his sword, swinging the blood off of it before glaring at Matias. The now fearful Duma Faithful stare in shock over Link's startling ability and fighting prowess. Celica, amazed at what Link is capable of, begins chanting; "Hero of Time! Hero of Time!"
"Hero of Time! Hero of Time!" Clive excitedly joins the chant, thrusting his lance up.
"Hero of Time! Hero of Time!" Mathilda smiles and contributes to the chant.
Soon, the Valentian soldiers chant as well, much to Link's surprise at being revered by that name. Matias, on the other hand, grows increasingly frustrated at the lack of progress and the supposed misinformation given to him about Link.
"DON'T JUST STAND THERE, YOU FOOLS! GET HIM!" Matias angrily shouts, kick starting the Duma Faithful into attacking once again. "KILL THEM ALL!"
"Charge!" Celica, on horseback, leads the inspired soldiers to attack the Duma Faithful. Clive and Mathilda once again lead their mounted troops into battle, planning to take out the remaining cantors. Link at first holds his own against the enemy forces, until Celica arrives with her soldiers who begin to overwhelm them. At long last, the tide begins to turn in favor of the Valentian soldiers as the Duma Faithful numbers begin to dwindle.
"We need to pull back!" One of the guards shouts in desperation.
"What?!" Matias angrily questions.
"We're outnumbered, sir! They're too strong!"
"I'm not leaving empty handed! At least make sure that the queen dies for her insolence!"
Hearing that, Link pushes several soldiers aside and tries to attack Matias, only to be intercepted by his guards. "Come on, I'm right here!"
"So eager to meet your end!" Matias derisively shouts. "I'm afraid you'll have to wait a while longer to face the grim reaper. But mark my words, I'll not soon forget your resistance, you and your little queen... All survivors, fall back now!" Matias makes a 180 degree turn with his horse and retreats (visibly angered that he is, in fact, leaving empty handed), followed by his personal guard. The surviving Duma Faithful make a hasty retreat as the Valentian soldiers give chase, stopping as they fall in range of surprise archers that give the survivors time to get away. now in the clear, the soldiers erupt in applause over their victory in driving off the Duma Faithful, with all eyes on Link; Celica dismounts and offers her right hand (with the brand of Mila still visible on her palm) and smiles in gratitude. Link looks down at her hand and takes it, reconfirming his allegiance. Clive and Mathilda happily escort the two back to the castle as the soldiers chant "Hero of Time!" once again.
Hyrule castle town entrance, noon.
Alm, having retrieved his sword (which the knights tried to fruitlessly lift until he arrived at the armory, trying his best not to laugh at their frustration), waits patiently at the drawbridge. Noticing the looks that he's receiving from the townsfolk (mostly positive), he turns his back to them and tries to ignore the chatter, being a bit uncomfortable with the attention. Not long after, the king arrives with a small group of soldiers to send Alm on his way.
"King Alm, after discussing with the princess, we have decided to send an escort with you. Though he may be young, Chief Impa has informed me that he is one of her best and will be most helpful on your journey."
The soldiers move aside and a young man with red eyes, short blonde hair, black and blue body suit, black boots, white sleeveless vest with the Sheikah eye on the front, high neckline covering the lower half of his face and a white turban, walks out to meet Alm.
"Sheik, tracker and warrior of the Sheikah clan, at your service, sir." Sheik introduces himself with his hand up to his chest and slightly bows.
"I personally recommended him, King Alm." Zelda, standing next to Daltus, comments. "He knows the layout of the land, making sure that you'll never be lost."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sheik." Alm comments while extending his left hand, which Sheik accepts. To himself, Alm notes that Sheik's hand feels almost delicate, but pays it no mind in the end. Now, with everything in place, Alm and Sheik bid everyone goodbye and head off towards the forest. Impa, meanwhile, lingers at the entrance as she sees them walk away.
"Don't let me down, King Alm." Impa silently says, concern present in her voice before returning to the castle to make sure "nothing goes wrong".
Valentia castle, noon.
After the morning events, the decision is made to allow Link to venture towards Fear Mountain with the objective of finding Sonya. The guards have prepared Link a brown and white horse for him to head off. Instead of giving him a map, Celica assigned a guide for him, but nothing could have prepared him as to who it was as he waited for them to appear at the entrance to the castle on his horse.
"Alright then, so which way should we go first-" Link turns around to see who his guide is, only to find that it is none other than Celica. "Queen Celica?"
"Hello Link." Celica greets Link as if there's nothing out of the ordinary.
"Are you serious? You're my guide?"
"I talked it over with Clive and Mathilda; I told them that I would guide you to the mountains under the condition that you would be my protector. Besides, if Sonya does know something about what happened to Alm, I want to hear it for myself. And please, just call me Celica."
Surprised, Link finds himself being the protector of a queen this time. However, Celica volunteered to be his guide through the now dangerous land of Valentia. Link could not possibly deny her selflessness, nor the chance to reunite with her husband.
"Alright, but let's not lose sight of each other." Link agrees to have Celica guide him and she beams at this. Now, with both of them ready, the pair head away from the castle. From the entrance, Clive and Mathilda look on as their queen heads towards what is now uncertainty, but with the hope that Link will keep her safe.
"Ah, before I forget, here." Celica stops to hand Link his most prized possession; the Ocarina of Time. "You left this back in your room."
Link stares at it in surprise, completely unaware that he didn't have it in him. Grateful, he takes it back and attempts to put it away, but Celica has a request.
"Wait, you were playing that last night. I could barely hear it, but I know."
"Yeah, I thought I could fall asleep quicker if I did. I tried playing it as softly as I could, but I guess it didn't work." Link answers in embarrassment.
"Well, maybe you can honor my request; could you play that song again?"
Smiling, Link brings the ocarina to his lips and plays the song while they continue trotting; Zelda's Lullaby. Hearing this, Celica feels relaxed at the songs soothing melody as the pair head off to their destination (unbeknownst to her, the Triforce of Courage on Link's left hand begins to glow).
Hyrule field, afternoon.
Passing by the boarded up Lon Lon Ranch, Sheik suddenly stops as he can almost hear a familiar song and holds on tightly to his right hand. Shaking off that feeling, Sheik looks at Alm, who also abruptly stopped. "Highness, what is the matter?"
"What…what is happening?" Alm asks in shock over everything he sees from his spot on the field; the forest covered in darkness, Death Mountain with a red ring on its summit as well as lava slowly flowing from the top, a massive storm over Lake Hylia, powerful winds coming from Gerudo Desert and monsters sparsely distributed on the field.
"It's the consequence of the missing piece of the Triforce; everything is out of balance. If anyone can tell us anything, it would have to be the Deku Tree." Sheik answers after catching up to Alm.
"This is going to be tougher than I thought…" Alm responds while gripping his swords handle tightly in anticipation of what's to come. "Alright Sheik, we're going."
"Understood, sir."
The duo now head off in search of the Deku Tree, unafraid of what threat awaits them.
To be continued.
Author's note: Alright, chapter 3. This chapter was particularly difficult to complete, what with the things I wanted to establish and how I could make it flow. But, I think I found something of a rhythm now. Also, no that wasn't a mistake, yes I put Zelda and Sheik in the same place for a good reason. :P