Thank you very much to YoAndAnna4ever, La Generala and Fantasymask for your reviews, I am glad the story is becoming clearer, but I hope that this chapter will not cloud everything back up. At the bottom I have put a summary of the plot so far… see if you agree with it. If not, I have some serious re-editing to do…!
Chapter Nineteen – Fate
A moment later and the front door of this dilapidated building swings open and out runs Link's friend.
"Oh thank the gods you are safe." She cries as she flings herself upon Link. I school my features to look indifferent but I cannot help but itch to wrestle her fingers from around his neck. Fortunately, Link soon detaches her from her stranglehold and looks beyond her to Varjo. He looks a little different from I remember. His skin has an almost greyish tinge to it now and his eyes are even deeper red. He smirks as he meets Link's eyes.
Perhaps it is my newfound power, or perhaps I have just never noticed before, but the way he watches Link fills me with foreboding. It reminds me of a hawk – his gaze is so intense, so unflinching… I feel my right hand tingle slightly and as I blink – the most horrible image of Varjo fighting Link flashes in my mind. I control the urge to shout out a warning to Link and instead concentrate on observing them both.
Varjo shakes Link's hand and turns to me. "Are you angry with me, Princess?" He asks. His manner, as always, is insolent.
"Where were you last night?" I demand.
Varjo smirks again. "Oh Princess, I would have thought you would enjoy a night alone with your lover."
"How dare you Varjo." I draw myself to my full height and stare him right in the eye. "I will not stand for you casting such aspersions on my character, nor will I allow you to call Link's actions into question."
"Such heat, Princess," He sneers, "will not convince anybody of your innocence if you continue to defend him in such a manner."
"You go to far, sir." I meet his flashing eyes bravely, but cannot stop the slight quiver I feel in my knees.
He smirks again but bows, "As you say, Princess. I apologise for not being here last night."
"Where were you?" I ask. I clearly remember seeing Link's friend peering at us through that window only moments ago and am quite willing to swear they have been here for a lot longer than they let on.
Varjo flicks my cheek with a careless finger. I feel myself flush, not with embarrassment, but with white-hot anger. He laughs at me and says, "Princess, do not worry – I will tell anybody who asks that you were chaperoned the whole time."
"Nothing happened, Varjo." Says Link. He glances at me, the gentle smile I see in his blue eyes cools my anger swiftly. "Still, it would be interesting to discover exactly why you decided to default on our agreement to meet here last night."
"Not you too, Link!" He laughs. I see a strange look pass through his eyes again and I know that he is up to something. "We got a little distracted…" He smirks at Link's friend, whom I remember is called Mali. She meets his look with a secret smile. The way she watches him is odd – it is like she cannot look away. Like she is bewitched. I do not remember her being like that before. In fact, if I remember correctly, the last time I saw her she had been completely obsessed by Link. She has barely given him a second glance. What could it mean?
"We came here as soon as we could." Explains Mali. She still is gazing at Varjo, as if she is awaiting his approval to continue. I see him nodding, ever so slightly, and she smiles again. "I'm sorry, Link. We didn't actually know you were here until I happened to glance out of that window and saw the Princess. Will you forgive us?"
I notice that Link has turned his attention to me again, just like Mali watched Varjo, he seems to be waiting for a signal from me. I remember last night he said that the Triforce of Wisdom would guide us both, if I allowed it to – all I have to do is put my trust in the goddesses. Perhaps he is waiting for me to request the help of the gods. The only problem with that is that I cannot just say to Varjo – 'oh hang on a moment, allow me to consult with the gods a second to see if I am supposed to trust you or not' – so I must trust my own instincts. My instincts are confused. I just want to be alone with Link again.
Perhaps Varjo has been here all night. Perhaps he even witnessed that perfect moment when Link kissed me. Perhaps he had planned this all along. I do not know, but the only way I can find out is by letting fate run her course, for now let us see what Varjo is planning. I am sure, if things are going to get bad, the Triforce will warn us in time.
And so I nod at Link to signal my acceptance of the apology. He conveys this to Mali and she squeaks in relief. "So how was the Zora's Domain?" She asks.
I remember now that she is always so energetic and vital – I feel myself falling into her shadow again. Today it does not matter so much. I have far more important, wonderful things to think about. Like how warm Link's lips were when he kissed me last night, and how my heart stopped when he whispered those words. Or how tightly he clung to me as our lips met, or the bubble of sheer joy that fills my stomach whenever I meet his eyes. I could barely stop smiling last night, and today I must cover my feelings and pretend that there is nothing there in my heart. But I know. And He knows. He said he loves me…
I feel his eyes are resting on me again and I glance up at him. I blush as I see that look there again. It is something that he cannot hide from me any more than he can hide that mark on his hand. It is something that I can see clearly now. It is something that has changed my whole life. He blushes too and returns his attention back to Mali. "The experience was…different." He replies.
"What happened? You were gone for so long – I was scared." She whimpers. She rubs her head against his shoulder and for the briefest of moments she glances at Varjo again. If I were not watching so closely, I would have missed it.
"It is a long story." Says Link.
"Well come inside, and tell us all about it." Laughs Mali. Without waiting for an answer, she drags him off towards the house. I feel a shadow pass over me as he walks away. I do not need to look up to know that Varjo is still standing there, watching me.
"Well, Princess, shall we?" He offers his arm to me politely. I take it mechanically. I know that I cannot put a foot wrong in front of Varjo. Out of all my father's courtiers, I think he is the most dangerous. I do not want him to suspect anything of what happened last night. Providing of course, he did not witness any of my actions, then mine is a hopeless cause. However, if he did witness them, he is unlikely to admit to that – for to do so would mean he would have to admit he knew I was in danger and left me to fight those Moblins alone.
I glance up at his impassive face and realise that such a consideration does not weigh much with Varjo.
He walks at a sedate pace, as Link is distanced further and further away from me, I feel Varjo's grip on my arms tighten. Something is wrong – very wrong. I have the strangest sensation that I am standing on a precipice and am about to fall over the edge. My gaze rests on the golden haired figure walking before me and I feel myself heave a sigh of relief. As long as I have Link, I know I can overcome anything thrown at me. He is my sword and my shield and I trust him.
"I thought you were clever, Princess Zelda." Varjo's voice interrupts my pleasant visions of Link and I and brings me back to earth with an unpleasant bump.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I did not suppose for an instant that you of all people would be so blind as so forget your position so quickly, my dear." He smiles at me and glances at the figures before us, "Oh, do not try to hide it, my sweet, I know exactly what you have been up to this last fortnight, allowing that delicious, unfavourable attraction to your servant grow and grow into an uncontrollable lust for him. I always imagined that you were impassionate, and cold. It appears that I was wrong and in you flows the same hot blood as any other young creature in Hyrule."
"What are you talking about?" I take a line somewhere between indignation and ignorance. I know by the way Varjo's eyes glint with malicious amusement that he is not fooled.
"Do not feign innocence, Princess." He repeats. "I know all about your little affair with Link."
"There is no affair and there will be no affair." I retort. I cannot stop the rush of blood to my face as I challenge Varjo. He only smiles at me, and returns his attention to Link. "Are you honestly so stupid to think that people will believe that you travelled alone with him for two weeks and nothing happened?"
"We did not travel alone. We were at the Zora's Domain."
"You stayed in the Zora's Domain – presumably as guests of Queen Ruto?" He replies.
"Well, not at first. I was imprisoned, but then Ruto freed me and I was welcomed there."
"You – the only daughter of Daphnes De Hyrule – were welcomed into the very bosom of the Zora's homeland? How stupid do you think your subjects are, Zelda? They won't believe that fable for an instant. You would never be welcomed into the home of the Zora. They are enemies of your father."
"That may be the case but nevertheless, I was welcomed there. I have no doubt that Queen Ruto and Prince Rheyan will confirm this for me."
"Really?" Varjo sneers down at me and I wonder what has happened to change him so dramatically. Before I left with Link, he was never this bad. I even quite liked him then but now…now he scares me. "I don't think so Princess. In fact, I would imagine that the Zora would be quite happy to do anything to 'stitch you up' as the saying goes."
"They said they wanted to heal the divide between our people." I argue.
"Did they? Cunning little bastards, aren't they?" He laughs. "You are so naive, Zelda. Why do you think the Zora kept you there in the first place?"
"W-what do you mean?"
"Do you have any idea of what has been happening in Hyrule in your absence?"
"How could I when I was cut off from the country?" The horrible foreboding emotion is burning again in my chest. My right hand tingles so badly it is beginning to hurt. It feels like my hand is being run through by knifes.
"True, but even the Zora could have told you the true state of your beloved nation. I wonder why they chose not to… perhaps because they are still out for revenge?"
"They do not seek revenge but to mend the divides between us. Perhaps they did not know." I rub my hand softly and at that moment happen to glance up at Varjo. His attention is fixed on the faint golden light that is visible there. He catches my look and smiles softly.
"So, it is true. Link was right." He murmurs. For a second, I could swear that his eyes were glowing. "You are Zelda's heir. The blood must have been severely tainted over the years…" He laughs as I reprimand him but does not apologise for the thinly veiled insult. "The first Zelda was able to lead the sages because she was an adept – a magic user – and she was extremely wise. I wonder if you will be the same when the time comes…"
"What are you talking about? Have you lost your senses, Varjo? You are sprouting a great deal of nonsense today."
"Am I?" He grins at me again, and I feel the bottom drop out of my stomach. It is not a good feeling. The only way I could describe it is to say it is the exact opposite to every good emotion I feel when I am with Link. "Are you sure, Princess? You have yet to hear my news of Hyrule."
"Speak then." I command him. I also notice that Link has disappeared into the darkness of Varjo's house. I am all alone in the courtyard with him. I feel strangely vulnerable but not defenceless. "What has happened in my country that is so terrible?"
"Oh, it is a rumour, of course – and I would discount it were it not for the growing evidence of it being true."
"What is true?"
"That Ganon is reborn and is even now mustering his forces to overthrow Hyrule for good."
How can it be, even though I have never believed the folklore tales of the ancient "King of Evil", the antagonist of Hyrule, that when Varjo says it, I get this horrible shiver right down my spine. My right hand clenches involuntarily and I feel a stabbing pain.
"That is n-nonsense." I reply.
"Is it?" Varjo smiles serenely, "You know, Princess, only an inept fool would turn a blind eye to what she knows is the truth. Have you never considered why you have only just found the mark on your hand, or why you feel its strength more and more recently? Have you never wondered why I brought Link to you in the first place? Oh, it was I that found him. I searched for many years for him. Did it not even occur to you to question why Ganon's minions attacked you? Surely even you are not such a fool to deny such signs." His red eyes glow distinctly as he peers down at me and I feel myself taking a step back. "Well, Princess?"
It is strange but the only explanation to all his questions that I can think of are all Link related. The first time I felt that now-familiar tingle in my hand was when I first saw Link. It reacted to him. Remembering the occasion, I suppose the Triforce might not have been reacting to Link, but to the Triforce of Courage that I saw shining there. Link is not here right now, so why do I keep getting flashes and pains in my hand? Surely Varjo doesn't have the Triforce of Power, does he?
No – that would be impossible – that would make him Ganon. Link would have known if he was Ganon. I stare up at him and, with this new line of reasoning, try to place Varjo in the grand scheme of things. But it is impossible. I know of no historical or mythical figures that would match his description. Perhaps the sensation in my hand is warning me of something, but what? I barely know Varjo and I have always trusted him. Indeed, my father trusts him completely. I have no reason to doubt him, do I?
"Well, Princess?" Varjo repeats his question, all the while his eyes burning into mine.
"I do not know." I answer. "I did not even believe in the power of the Triforce until last night."
"Hm, I wonder what happened last night that changed your mind?" Varjo grins wickedly at me. It is at that point that I know he saw what happened. So he did leave Link and I to fight alone! Whilst the battle eventually went in our favour, it could have been a lot worse. So why did he do it? Why would he want me hurt? My hand tingles again as if confirming this… but it still does not make any sense.
"Don't worry, Princess, your secret is safe with me." He whispers in my ear, sending a cold chill down my spine. "And if you are agreeable, we will not discuss the matter at all. My one comment would be that you have made a grave mistake."
"On the contrary, I think I have made the best decision of my life." I retort. When I think of Link, I know that there will be obstacles. There will be pain and hurt and I may have to lose everything. As long as I do not lose him, I can survive. Varjo looks a little surprised, "You recall, do you not, that my father asked me to pray to the gods for wisdom to chose who would be best suited to be my husband?"
Varjo laughs.
"Laugh all you want, Varjo, I care not. I know that there is only one person in this whole world that I can learn to love and respect, as a wife should. I also know that there is only one person in this world that can protect me from all danger, and who will guide me and care for me through every obstacle. And so I shall tell my father."
"Great Ganon, are you seriously going to put forward Link as the candidate for future King of Hyrule?" He laughs. "Good fortune with that, Princess. How soon do you think it will be after you make such a pathetically sentimental and nauseating request that Link will meet an untimely demise? Mark my words - you can have him as your lover, but Hyrule will never accept him as King."
"The choice does not lie with Hyrule. It is mine entirely." I remind him calmly. Somehow, after making that declaration, my life seems like it could be easy. For a moment, I allow myself the indulgence of supposing my father accepts my word, supposing the people agree to a marriage between a peasant and a princess. Suppose our allies and enemies see it as a marriage, not of convenience or political advantage, but one built on a solid foundation of trust and respect and love.
Varjo throws his head back and howls with laughter at my suggestion. Too soon I will be brought back to earth. I know that my dreams cannot be fulfilled.
Whatever choice I make, I will lose something I love, and I must choose which is more important to me – Link or my country.
If I were an ordinary girl, I would not have any other consideration but my own heart. I could freely admit that I have tumbled headlong in love with the most wonderful, kind, humble and beautiful man I have ever met. I would marry him tomorrow and live happily ever after in a stone cottage, with a brood of children, horses and dogs and cats surrounding us. I would grow old with him, sharing my dreams, my life and my bed with him.
But I am anything but ordinary. I am a Princess of the realm. I am the sole heir to the mighty throne of Hyrule. The blood of a thousand kings runs through my veins and the very wisdom of the gods is at my right hand. I do not know if I have the right to forsake my country for my happiness. I do not know if I can be that selfish.
Perhaps I should speak to my father. I believe that would be the best option.
I did not realise how much that decision would cost me.
It seems so simple to wave them off – Link and Varjo - both mounted on spirited horses, off to save Hyrule! I still have a feeling of misgiving when I look at Varjo, but I have no grounds to base this fear on. Link seems not to share my worries. I have not had the opportunity to talk privately with him though. For a whole day we have been immobilised at Varjo's crumbling mansion. For a whole day we have been chaperoned.
They are going to the Temple of Time, the same place I was supposed to be headed for all those weeks ago. Link took Varjo's words about Ganon's rising much more seriously than I did. It almost seemed like he knew it already. Maybe it is because of what happened last night with those moblin creatures, or perhaps it was he understood what the death of the sage of water meant. He said it meant that the seal guarding our world from Ganon's is damaged – possibly beyond repair. He had to go to the Temple to seek the advice from the gods.
Once this decision was made, Varjo seemed to relax slightly. He and Link discussed the whereabouts of the Master Sword, and whether or not we should involve the Zora's in this fight against the impending darkness. Varjo seems to change his attitude towards the Zora from one breath to the next. I am still not convinced that there is any incoming darkness but what can I do. Both Varjo and Link have accepted that there is something sinister waiting in the wings of night, biding its time, watching.
And so Link is going to investigate this mysterious phenomenon, whilst I have to go home to seek the advice of my father. I do not want to leave him. I do not want to be left behind. I am frightened…
He smiles at me as Mali and I stand in the doorway, watching them. I can see the excitement and a strange resignation in his eyes. I know there is something that he is not telling me – I have seen him taking furtive glances at both Varjo and Mali, and when he thinks I am not watching he glances at his hand. It is as if he is communicating with things beyond my sight. I wonder if they are giving him the same warnings that I am getting. I glance at Varjo and as I do, I see him smirk at Mali. My hand tingles painfully and I open my mouth to shout Link.
Much of what he has discussed with us today makes sense in an odd way, but there is still something bothering me – and it is this uneasiness I want to warm Link about. But how do I know that I am not just kidding myself? Am I really concerned for his safety or do I just want him to stay with me? Am I making excuses?
I try to make him understand with my eyes and my smile – I try to tell him the things that I am forbidden from saying. Can he read those words in my eyes? Does he know that I love him so dearly that I cannot bear to be away from him?
Varjo says something to Link and grins. Link starts a little and looks at me in acute guilt. But I do not care what has been said between them. All that matters to me is that Link suddenly springs off his horse and marches back towards us. Perhaps he has changed his mind…
His eyes remained fixed on mine as he walks forward. I feel as though I am under a spell, for I cannot turn away. I feel my cheeks growing hot. Surely he cannot intend to kiss me in front of Mali and Varjo, can he? Such an act would be suicidal. Varjo would not have told him to do that?
I know my answer when Link grabs my arm as he walks past and pulls me into the house. His grip is so tight that it hurts. I protest as I am dragged behind him into the darkness, his pace is so fast that I stumble. Once we are completely surrounded by the darkness of one of the interior rooms, Link swings me around to face him. I have to admit, I do feel a little excited by this behaviour – it is quite unusual for him to manhandle anybody this way. Is it wrong to like his more forceful approach? The thought makes a smile appear on my face.
"First things first, Princess." Mutters Link. His eyes flash in the kind of anger that makes my heart splutter in my chest. I feel that it has stopped though when his lips crash on to mine. The world appears to be spinning too…
"I am sorry." He mutters as he releases me and buries his head in my hair. "I'm sorry." He repeats this and moves slightly. His arms around me are so strong, yet so gentle. I could stay like this forever – lost in this dream. I do not want to wake even though I must.
"What is wrong, Link?" I whisper in the darkness. My hand tingles again as he brushes the hair from my face in a tender gesture. I glance up and see his eyes are closed and he is frowning slightly. He leans forward and kisses my forehead.
"I am leaving you." He replies as he tightens his grip around me, "And I promised that I would not." He releases me slightly and I look up at him. His blue eyes, shrouded in darkness, shine brightly. I could almost believe there are tears there. He attempts a smile to reassure me but I am not fooled. There is something he is not telling me.
"But you will come back." I smile at him.
He shakes his head sadly, "I do not know that. Tell me, have you had any strange feelings today – has the Triforce spoken to you?"
"It has not exactly spoken…but…"
He takes my hand gently in his and holds it to his cheek. He closes his eyes again and sighs. "Zelda…I have felt it all day – anxiety, fear, dread even. Something has stirred in the land that I have never felt before. I must go to the Temple to discover what is amiss. Maybe if Ganon has arisen I can halt his advance before he reaches Hyrule. I fear that our time is running out – I don't want this to end, but it must…it must."
"Link?"
"We can never be, don't you see that? Even if I can stop this evil from rising, even if I become the most celebrated man in all of Hyrule, I am still a peasant. I am still ordinary. There is no feat I could ever perform, no riches I could ever amass – nothing…nothing I can ever do will make my acceptable in the eyes of Hyrule."
"A hero marrying a princess is not something unheard of, Link." I whisper.
"Only in fairytales does that happen." He laughs bitterly. His eyes open again and he again kisses my forehead lightly. "Unfortunately, we are not living in a fairytale but in Hyrule and in Hyrule the Hero and his Princess are destined to be apart."
"Why?"
"Love. Time. Circumstance. I do not know." He rubs his fingers against my cheek softly and I feel my heart melting and breaking all in one breath. "Something always prevents our union – perhaps it is a curse. Perhaps it is merely fate playing with us, but I promise you, Zelda, one day I will be with you, and only you. And for all time, I pledge to you my heart, my hand, my strength and my courage. If I should fail then you will succeed. I will always be with you."
"Why are you telling me this?" I stammer. Part of me is refusing to comprehend what he is talking about. The other part has already drowned in a horrible feeling of alarm that has consumed me.
He kisses me again, tenderly, lovingly and my whole body trembles in response. He raises his head just enough so that our foreheads can touch, his breath caresses my face and he strokes the stray hairs away from my cheeks. I feel tears stinging in my eyes and struggle to hold them back. Surely he is not leaving? He cannot leave me.
"I tell you this, Zelda, because I love you. I have loved you since time began and I will love you for always. If I should fail, then I will wish the Triforce of Courage into your safekeeping. You are Hyrule, my love – as long as you stand, our beloved country will stand. That is why you cannot be with me, as long as there is a Hyrule, it needs a Princess to lead her and a Hero to protect her. Their paths may intertwine but will never meet. Do you understand?"
I shake my head.
"For one who holds the Triforce of Wisdom…" He murmurs with a smile on his face. I smile back reluctantly.
"We are not very good heirs, are we? You get frightened and I am stupid." I reply.
"I told you, Princess, the only thing that scares me is failure. And the failure I fear is failing you. I don't want to let you down or let you get hurt. And you are no fool."
"In that case, Sir Link, you must come back alive. Then I will have nothing but happiness to contend with."
"I wish it were that simple." He kisses me one last time and smiles. "I must go. Mali will take care of you, she is actually a pretty good swordswoman and you are not far from the castle. Goodbye, Zelda…"
I remember that Link was going to teach me how to use a sword at one point. I stroke his face and suddenly all the tears that I have tried to fend off - everything I have held back, breaks free. I bury my face in my hands, unable to fight off this sorrow any longer. "Please, don't go…" I cry repeatedly. Link cradles me in his arms and rocks me back and forth gently, like I was a child. His arms are so comforting and his body so warm I am soon lulled into a calmer state. I think he will always have this effect on me – he is very soothing.
"Link, don't go." I repeat.
I feel his arms drop around me and I suddenly feel very cold and very alone. For a long moment we just look at one another. I can read the sadness and regret in his eyes. He smiles weakly at me but even his best attempts at cheeriness cannot shake the despair from those blue orbs of his. "Don't…" I whisper.
He sighs sadly and looks at his hand, "I…I have to…"
Okay so here's the promised plot summary so far:
Link is taken to Zelda on her 16th birthday. Here she also meets Varjo, her father's aide and captain of his army. Link is sent away to be trained for the army and two years later he returns. His childhood friend is jealous of the attention he gives to the princess so she hooks up with Varjo who offers her a means of revenge. As Zelda cannot decide on a marriage mate, she takes Link's advice and goes to Ordon Village so that she can visit the Temple of Time. In Ordon, Link is accosted by a Zora named Rheyan who insists on taking Link to the Zora's domain, Zelda decides to accompany them, however, on arriving at the Zora's domain, she is captured and imprisoned.
Six years earlier, Princess Ruaela of the Zora was killed by one of the King's guards whilst on a mission in Hyrule. This resulted in a war between the Hylians and the Zora. On release from her prison, Zelda discovers that the Zora want to heal the breach between their people. The Zora Queen, Ruto, also declares that Zelda's half-sister is the most likely heir to the Triforce. Zelda and Link leave soon after to meet up with Varjo and Mali, only to be attacked by a band of Moblins – Ganon's mercenaries.
Our heroes win the fight and Zelda discovers that she really is the heir to the Triforce. Link admits he loves her (ahhh)
Varjo and Mali (who are in the house at the time) watch this and then meet with Rheyan, Link's Zora friend, who reveals that the Zora still want revenge for the death of Ruaela and that Queen Ruto has pledged her support to Varjo, should he want it. When he leaves, Varjo tells Mali that Ruaela was actually the sage of water and that he was responsible for her murder. The Zora had been planning to kill Zelda.
They meet up with Link and Zelda, and Varjo tells them of the rumours of Ganon's uprising. With the sage of water dead, the seal between the two worlds has been broken and Ganon can rise again. If he has arisen, the only way he can be stopped is to use the Master Sword, so Link and Varjo go in search of that, whilst Zelda and Mali return to the castle. Zelda asks Link not to go, as she fears for his safety but he has to leave. Their only chance of survival rests with finding the sword. Link promises Zelda that if he should fall, his piece of the Triforce will go to her.
Wow, that was a long summary! I hope it makes the story clearer? It might also give you a clue as to who Varjo is and what he is planning… Only a few more chapters to go…
pLeAsE rEvIeW