The Tale Of A General
Chapter Two: Disagreement
Hyrule Castle was a place of luxury, beauty and gold. Every time one set his eyes upon the white of the great wall that surrounds the city, one could only think of the wonders inside its walls. It's people, once oblivious to the siege that had befallen them during the war of twilight.
The castletown is alive everyday from dawn till dusk, many people buying and selling. Soldiers walk the streets, patrolling the different sections of the castle.
Link sat in the dining hall three days after the attack on Ordon Province. He had been invited to a ball amongst the nobles in which many other nations attended, mostly to sign treatys and create alliances with the royal family. Of course Zelda is the last known heir to the throne, her father being assasinated before siege of the light world by the twilight realm.
Among the nobles were also Zeldas ruling council, which Link couldn't help but notice, that they had begun bickering again, making a scene among the guests that attended the ball. Link threw his black cloak behind him and lifted himself from the table. He guided himself towards the other end of the table where the princess herself greeted him patiently.
Link kneeled, " My lady." He spoke.
Zelda let out a sigh as he said this, not liking formalitys from Hyrules savior. But the princesses mind couldn't linger on this subject much, as there seemed to be problems elsewhere in the dining room. Her eyes darted back and forth between the council as they argued over many simple things. But her eyes stopped at one particular person.
Quiet in nature, Jabari sat, cloaked in a quiet place around the center of the table. He watched as the council bickered, and hearing it made his skin crawl. He decided to put an end to it.. " Enough!" He shouted, silencing not only the councilmen, but the nobles and the guests as well. "You four men will do well to hold your arguments until a later time."
Link and Zelda both nodded, and the festivities continued. Soon it was time for Zeldas suitors to meet her in person. So as tradition, music was performed, and a dance was initiated.
The night ended as all other balls do, Zelda ends up still princess and ruler without a king, something the council despises.
The next day a council meeting was in order, and it was set up before princess Zelda in the throne room with Link standing at her side. It was mid day and the room was heated with debate.
"Your highness with all do respect, Lance's decision will not be the best way. Hyrule is best left alone." Artemis glared at Lance, who didn't lose focus on the princess' gaze.
Lance shot a glare at the rest of the men, then looked at Link," My lady please understand. If Hyrule can expand its borders beyond the forest to the south, we will be most profitable. We have a powerful general who could guide our forces into victory. Conquering the southern tribes would end the conflict that has been fought for years."
" But…your highness." Artemis interupted, " You must understand, Lance only wants an empire. We do not strive for that, its not our way!"
The room was quiet for the moment, and Zelda had a lot on her mind. Her eyes never lost focus for a second, showing her control and power over the situation. She knew Link wanted to go home, she knew he had a family to look after. She saw the homesickness in his eyes. He had been so close to his home for so many years, yet he wasn't able to see his people, his village.
But on the other hand, the southern barbaric tribes had to be dealt with, and no one knew the area south of Hyrule more than Link did. Her thoughts were interupted as Link suddenly kneeled before her.
He kissed her left hand and then her right, then kissed his own. " Your highness. With all do respect. If even for a short period of time, would I be allowed leave to see my family, my son, my wife."
Zelda couldn't see the fierceness in his eyes but she could sense them. He hasn't been home since the day she came to him herself the night of the red moon, asking that he lead their forces. She shivered at the memory, not knowing herself what true love really is.
"Link…I will release you." She started. She could see the releif building up inside of him as he sighed. Then she started again, " But there is one more duty I would have of you before you go."
Link frowned a bit, then kneeled once more, " I am yours to command my lady. Whatever task that is set before me that must be done consider it done. I am with you, to the death."
But before Zelda could finish, a messager entered the throne room with several gaurds at his heels. The messager kneeled before the throne and rose again quickly. His voice was quickened, as he was out of breath , under his helmet was a flood of sweat that leaked into his armour. " your highness, theres trouble at the Western gate." Link stood, reaching for his sword at once. The messager spoke again, "The barbaric tribes have marched around death mountain and attacked Kakariko village. There were survivers, they have camped themselves in the eastern gate."
Lance walked over to Zelda and bowed, "Your highness with your permission, let me lead this battle against the bastard barbaric leader." Zelda looked at him, then back at Link. " After all, you did put me in charge of the western district."
Zelda nodded and Lance was off. She walked to the edge of the stairs before the throne and looked through the window, surley enough smoke could be seen. She shivered, " Link I… I'm afraid."
Link walked over to her and comforted her with a hand on the shoulder, " Your highness, nothing will harm you I assure you." He took her hand. " This favor you asked of me…what was it." Silence filled the room for several minutes as sounds of bombardment could be heard echoeing throughout the castle halls.
" Link… Hyrule isn't safe yet. My council is corrupted, and all hope is lost for the government that my father has created." She took his hand and this time she kissed them, " I ask that you stay for a little longer, to assure that the kingdom can stand on it's own two feet once again. I am not my father… So I ask that you return peace to the land, as my father did when he united the races."
" My lady…Consider it done." He then unsheathed his sword and walked out, heading towards the battle that now engulfed the western district.
I know the story line isn't forming right away, but trust me, it will all fall together shortly, and remember poor old Jabaris??? You haven't seen the last of him. So what do you think will happen within the council??? Don't know, you gotta read to find out! RnR, tell me what I need to work on! Give me ideas as well! I'm open to improvement and suggestions!