Inspiration: The skeleton in "The Bottom of the Well" with the very cryptic message about the bloody history of the royal family.

Special Shout Out: iBayfully: who read both my stories in one sitting and left reviews for each chapter! Thank you man, you are amazing! Check out his story "The Legend of Zelda: When Heroes Rise".

Original Shout Outs: Kirichu48, Jackie, Panterstar101 (thank you for reading; I will make a concerted effort to reduce the 'sentence enhancers' lol).

Author Note: 2/8/2013 This chapter was reedited to include Saria's POV. I found that it was necessary because her character has more interactions this time around than the initial edit.

Reedited 4/10/2012, ADDENDUM reedited 2/9/2013.

Chapter 14

Saria's POV

I was breathing hard as I ran and jumped over the thickets and bushes of the Lost Woods. I stopped for a moment to catch my breath. I ran a hand through my hair and tried to calm my racing heart. I felt my ears perk when I thought I heard some footsteps. I tensed and listened, but was relieved to find it was only a cuckoo plucking about the grass. I closed my eyes and rested my back against a nearby tree and slid to the ground.

I can't believe how close that was, I thought, wiping the scant perspiration from my brow, I can't believe I got caught like that!

However, in all honesty, I wasn't really surprised. It was Link that gave chase to me. That man possessed extraordinary abilities. Even when he was a child he exhibited a bulwark that was rare in the Kokiri. That's how I knew he was different. I knew he was special. He really lived up to his legendary status as the hero. Even still, given everything that's happened, I was surprised he let me go so readily. I was expecting a lot more from his reaction than what transpired. However, even with what was supplanted, his reaction was still forceful. I never saw him so angry before. He was never the type to call someone out of their name, but given the nature of my reveal I wasn't too surprised. It conjured such a chord within me, the feeling made me stare off into the woodlands to think for a moment.

I honestly thought he was going to kill me, I pondered, he looked so upset and hurt.

I took in a deep sigh when I thought about my complicated relationship with the hero. I hated the fact that I had to be deceitful to Link all this time, but I had no choice. I had orders, and I had to obey them.

That's the life you live when you're a slave, I thought and sighed.

I glanced down at my hands just then, and thought back to the fight that previously took place. I just brawled with the greatest warrior in the land and lost. I don't know why, but the thought of that made me grin. In some strange way it made me think of when we were children. I knew it didn't make sense, but honestly many things in my life didn't make much sense. I had so much respect for Link and his life of service, and even though I was his opponent, I was glad I lost. I wanted to lose. I was tired of hiding behind that mask. I was tired of pretending that he was my enemy, when the reality was far different. I wiped my bloody mouth and swallowed hard. However, even with my life being hard, I couldn't complain.

I asked for this, I reminded myself, I asked for this when I left the Sacred Realm to become a Hylian.

I took in a deep breath at that thought.

And I almost screwed up... I let my mind trail at the encryption.

I couldn't believe I almost told him I loved him.

Are you asking for a death wish? I scolded myself.

I knew there was no way Link and I could ever be together, no matter how much I wished for it. I foolishly allowed myself that thing called hope when we spent all that time together at the laboratory. Those days were so wonderful, I almost felt like his wife.

His wife... I thought with a sad grin, and felt a rare set of tears fill my eyes, that's all fiction and fantasy. That's the little girl in you hoping for something that can never be.

Even still, when Link was staying with me I looked forward to him coming home at the end of the day, and us having supper together. I loved talking to him about anything and nothing. He was so serious, but so focused on what was important to him. I think that was what I admired most about him. Sure, I teased him about being such a sourpuss from time to time, but I respected him just the same. He was a wonderful man, with a big giving heart. It felt like old times in the forest. We had a real bond and trust.

We promised each other an eternal friendship, I thought, thinking back to when he saved me years ago and awakened me as a sage in the Forest Temple, I told him that I would always be his friend... and I will be.

I felt my heart flutter for a moment when I thought about when he kissed me of his own accord that evening in the laboratory. I didn't initiate it, he did. He... wanted me, and he showed it. When I was a Kokiri, I had no real concept of Hylian love. When I realized I felt something deeper than friendship for my best friend all those years ago, I knew there was a change in me. Maybe it was the sage-ship procuring me to my differentiation. It had to have been something, because even when I was in the Sacred Realm my feelings for him never wavered. In fact, they only grew stronger.

Link... I thought with a grin.

My cheeks blushed at the thought of his words and the closeness of his touch. He was so loving and passionate in that regard. I almost wish I didn't care about the negative outcomes of my actions and made love with him anyway. However, I knew that wasn't possible. Something verbally would've... slipped on his end, and disaster would've followed.

You have to be practical Saria, I told myself, there's no way two people can engage in that kind of activity and keep their feelings to themselves. However, after I contemplated that further, I had to renege that, forgetting that every couple was different. Well... maybe I'm wrong, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

That was why I felt so incredibly guilty when Link realized I was the person he was searching for. He looked so confused, so... angry just now, and I knew it was because of his feelings. He felt betrayed, and I knew it was hard for him to give his trust to anyone.

I'm so sorry Link, I thought, wiping another set of tears from my cheeks.

I sighed again and rested my head against the bark. Even though all this introspection was good for me, I knew I couldn't sit there and reflect forever. I had objectives to meet. I wiped my eyes again and refocused on what I was supposed to be doing.

Ordon Saria, I told myself, you have to get back to Ordon.

I took in a deep breath and stood up from my resting place.

That bastard is waiting for you, I thought.

I looked around once more, and finally decided it was time to leave.

Reflection time is over, I thought, I have to get back to work.

~SSS~

Link's POV

I turned around and interlocked my hands behind my head. When the guards reached me, they had their swords drawn, but did not initiate a fighting formation. The head guard scanned the woods before addressing me.

"Where's the killer?" he asked finally.

I didn't hesitate.

"He got away," I lied quietly.

I wanted to make sure Saria had enough time to at least have a sizable head start if they decided to pursue her further.

Please be safe out there, I thought, not being able to not be worried about her.

"Which direction did he head?" the guard continued.

I nodded towards the forest.

"Deeper into the maze of the Lost Woods," I replied, "I don't know about you gentlemen, but I do not want to become a Stalfos today. I halted my pursuit when the killer entered the labyrinth."

The guard looked at me upset when I revealed that to him. He then turned his sword towards me.

"The king demands an audience with you," he said to me suddenly.

Of course he does, I thought, not at all surprised.

The guard then came up to me and shackled my hands in a bond. I didn't resist, I knew this was protocol, and after everything Saria had told me I was interested to see how this would play out.

I'm about to find out if you're a liar and a fraud as much as you claim you are Saria, I thought.

A few moments later, I was escorted back to the castle with the guard. I didn't let it show, but I let out a sigh or relief. I was glad we were going in the opposite direction of Saria. I knew if she got caught she would be killed.

Keep running Sar, and don't look back, I thought.

I kept my face staid and stayed focused on what was about to take place. There were still some things I was immensely confused about. For instance, I still didn't have a clear explanation as to why Saria was disappearing. I knew she said it was in part because I was helping her, but I wasn't satisfied with that. There was something else behind why she was disappearing, and I was going to find out what that was.

There is more to it than that, I thought, there has to be.

And then there was Daphnes.

Daphnes had so many strings in his web of lies. He had some major explaining to do. Why did he make being a spy as part of Saria's contract? Why was Daphnes so desperate to find out the secret Zant was hiding? And what was the secret? Why did he need me so badly if he just made a royal decree to have me beheaded? These were the questions I needed answers to. There was too much going on for all the jargon I knew Daphnes would try and feed me.

No.

Daphnes was going to come clean, and he was going to come clean today. While I thought about all this, I arrived with my escort at Hyrule Castle Town to a large crowd. Many of the onlookers had open remorse on their faces for me. I was surprised considering the recent events. I kept my pan of vision tunnel. However, a moment later, I was surprised when one of the town's people initiated applause.

Seriously.

Soon, everyone joined in, even some of my escort. Admittedly, I couldn't believe it. After living on the lam, and my fall from grace, I hadn't expected an ovation of any kind. To be honest I didn't want it, but being the hero and given the people's fickleness, I knew I shouldn't have expected otherwise. Anyway, I was led to the castle and escorted down the hall to the throne room. Once inside I was unshackled.

What's going to happen now? I wondered.

Zelda's eyes widened in relief when she saw me. She was sitting on her throne initially, but at my arrival she ran up to me and immediately and hugged me in a tight embrace. I couldn't help but grin at her grateful attitude. It would've been devastating if Hyrule lost its princess. I glanced over at the king regarding his daughter's actions, he merely nodded. He seemed to approve of the action.

It seems you were right so far Saria, I thought, feeling a surge of relief.

I hesitantly hugged Zelda back. I knew she was worried about me, and I didn't want to be cold to her. She looked up at me and caressed my blood stained cheek.

"Thank you so much," she said softly.

I tried to smile at her.

"You're welcome princess," I replied.

Daphnes raised one of his hands for my escort to leave. The men that led me to the castle quickly turned at the signal and marched out. Zelda released me from her hold and went and sat back down on her throne beside her father.

"I cannot thank you enough Link," Daphnes began humbly.

I took in a deep breath and swallowed hard.

This is not going to be easy for me to listen too, I thought, not after everything Saria told me.

"My daughter is the most precious treasure in my entire kingdom," he went on, "if she had died today I don't know what I would have done."

I didn't say anything for a moment. I just stared at him in hidden disbelief.

You bastard, I thought, you set the whole damn fiasco up, and now you want to act as if you had no part of it?

Even with my thoughts being so eviserated, I couldn't let my actions be the same way.

"It was… it was my duty sire," I replied, having to keep my feelings in check, "fugitive or not, I couldn't let anything happen to the first daughter of the kingdom. The princess is Hyrule's greatest treasure."

Zelda smiled when I said that, and tears filled her eyes.

"Link..." she whispered.

Daphnes looked over at her when he heard her loving inflection.

"Father," she said quietly, turning to look at the king, "may I interject for a moment?"

Daphnes merely nodded.

"Of course," he replied to her.

Zelda then turned her attention back to me. She clasped her hands together and looked at me eagerly.

"I wanted to tell you the wonderful news myself," she began.

I raised my eyebrows and looked at her puzzled, but then soon understood what she meant.

My inevitable reinstatement of the knighthood, I thought.

"What news your highness?" I asked, already knowing.

Zelda wiped her eyes and smiled again.

"I, Zelda, as princess of Hyrule, hereby grant you, Link the Hero of Time, all your rites and privileges back," she said to me, "your rank as first knight is reinstated, but with an added bonus as regent of Hyrule."

What the hell? I thought all of a sudden.

I felt my eyes widen at the latter news. I wasn't expecting the regency. I only thought they were going to offer me the restitution of my former position and that would be the end of it.

This isn't supposed to happen this way, I thought.

"Regent of Hyrule?" I repeated surprised.

Zelda's smile widened and she nodded.

"You will be second only to the king," she went on, "your new rank even surpasses mine now."

There was a brief silence between all of us, as the shock was still setting in.

Regent of Hyrule? I thought in disbelief. I wasn't expecting this. I knew I was getting my title as first knight back, but the regency?

"Your majesty, your highness," I began, still dumbfounded, "I cannot take such an honor."

Zelda smiled at me warmly.

"That's why you must take it," she said to me softly, "you haven't an ounce of carnal ambition in your body."

I looked at Zelda taken aback.

"The rank of first knight I can understand," I replied, "but an older, wiser counselor would be better suited for regent."

Daphnes even smiled at me

Seriously.

I wasn't not kidding.

The king smiled at me.

Will the wonders ever cease? I thought.

"I will not accept no for answer," he insisted, "after what you've proven today, there is no greater man in my entire kingdom."

I looked over at Daphnes and tried to conceal my apt cynicism for him.

How can he be so nonchalant about everything? I wondered upset. He just tried to kill his daughter!

After knowing what he had done to Saria, and the apparent disregard he had for his own daughter's life, I wanted no part of his scheming. However, I knew I still needed to get answers to my questions.

I have to hold my tongue, I thought.

"May I have some time to think about it sire?" I asked, trying to detract and buy time.

Daphnes narrowed his eyes slightly, but then widened them to their normal epicanthic fold when his thoughts came to fruition.

"You may think about it now," he said to me perceptively, "the offer is revoked once you leave this room."

Zelda looked over at her father surprised.

"Father…" she trailed worried.

Daphnes raised a hand to silence her and kept his attention on me.

"Well, sir knight?" he inquired of me.

I swallowed hard, realizing at the moment I had no choice. I needed to get back into Daphnes' good graces, or at least his civility.

Play his game Link, I told myself, you need to be patient, you've been irrational lately and it's gotten you nowhere.

"Well," I began, "if that is his majesty's desire, then I have no choice but to humbly accept your offer."

Daphnes was quiet for a moment, but then smirked at me, a snide, slick smirk. I couldn't let him get under my skin, but he was making that very hard. Daphnes was beginning to get to me with his blatant arrogance.

I'd like to wipe that smirk off your face, I thought honestly.

"You've made the right choice," he said to me.

Right, I thought in sarcasm.

I smirked back at him and I sensed a crack in my veneer.

"Of course," was all I replied.

I looked over at Zelda and tried to smile at her. She still looked worried, but she smiled back. Daphnes then turned his attention back to his daughter.

"So, it seems you can commence with the engagement party my dear," he said abruptly to Zelda.

Zelda looked over at her father and blushed. I found it uncomfortable he put us on the spot that way.

You always have to be in control, don't you sire? I thought.

Zelda then looked back over at me. I took in a deep irritated breath.

"The princess and I will discuss that privately your majesty," I divulged, "there are other things to consider at the moment."

Daphnes and Zelda both looked at me stunned.

"I…" Zelda trailed, but then divulged, "I never cancelled the engagement party or the wedding Link."

I raised my eyebrows at her.

"What?" I said, taken aback.

Zelda stroked her hair nervously.

"I knew Hylia would find a way to bring us back together," she said softly, detracting the subject, "and… and when you saved my life today, I knew that was it. That was the sign Link."

I felt my heart accelerate, because speaking to Zelda about our future together in this manner was something I wanted to avoid. When this madness was all over with regards to Zant, I was going to be with Saria if she would have me.

I can't marry you Zelda, I thought, I don't deserve you. You deserve someone who wants what you want.

I kept my thoughts to myself however, and merely nodded at Zelda's words. I felt guilty because she smiled at me.

"Is it okay that we keep the engagement party next month?" she asked me.

I could tell she was nervous and hopeful.

I should just be honest with her, I thought.

I just nodded, not really having a reply, but her face lit up.

"Wonderful!" she said with apt happiness.

She's going to hate me when everything is said and done, I thought, feeling guilty. Why didn't I say anything just now?

Daphnes looked from his daughter and me in approval. This situation was getting more and more complicated by the minute. Zelda then got up and bowed towards her father. She looked excited.

"You must excuse me your majesty," she said to Daphnes, unable to contain the smile on her face, "I have many things to do before the party."

Zelda then turned to me and bowed.

"I'm so glad everything turned out the way that it has Link," she said to me happily.

I swallowed hard, hating myself for being deceitful to her.

"So am I princess," I replied.

There was a sudden flood of emotions that overcame Zelda, and her eyes filled with tears again. Zelda came down the steps of her throne and stood in front of me once more. She stared into my eyes for a long moment, before reaching up and kissing me right in front of her father.

This can't be good, I thought.

Inadvertently, I felt my eyes avert to Daphnes' direction.

This is awkward, I thought at the sight of him watching us.

Zelda pulled away and caressed my cheek.

"I love you so much," she whispered.

I hesitated when I felt my heart pound anxiously. I glanced over at her father again. He was studying the interaction closely with a raised brow. I was frustrated with that.

Can't you turn away for one bloody moment Daphnes? I wondered.

"I…" I trailed cautiously, "I care for you too, very deeply princess."

She looked at me for a long moment again, slightly disappointed that I didn't say her exact words back, but she misrepresented my hesitation as just being a man embarrassed to utter such words in her father's presence. Zelda grinned at me and caressed my bloody cheek again.

"I can't wait to be your wife," she said to me softly.

The remorse I felt was beginning to surge.

You won't be my wife, my lady, I thought.

"I know," I replied.

Zelda's grin widened to a smile.

"I told you I'd make amends," she whispered to me suddenly.

I looked at her strange for a moment, not understanding what she meant.

She must be talking about the regency, I thought, guessing her rationale.

"Yes, you did," I replied back.

Zelda stared deeply into my eyes again for a long moment, then took her leave. I turned and watched her go, and bowed when she turned and looked at me once more.

She really loves me, I thought, feeling guilty for not precipitating the same feeling.

I turned back to Daphnes who, for some odd reason, had his eyes slightly narrowed at me.

What's this all about? I wondered.

"Sire?" I inquired of his stare.

Daphnes gave me a long once over and didn't answer right away.

"You should never be afraid to tell the woman you love you love her, sir knight," he said to me suspiciously.

I'm not, I thought.

"Of course your majesty," I replied, "I just thought at the time the reply I gave her was more appropriate."

He stared at me with open cynicism for a moment.

"Right," he replied finally.

There was another brief silence between us.

He's gauging my behavior, I thought, he wants to know if I've been rattled by today's events at all.

Daphnes took in a deep contemplating breath before he spoke again.

"I realize our last encounter was not the most civil," Daphnes said to me, redirecting the conversation, "there were many things you desired to know. At the time I was not at liberty to share them with you. However, after these recent turn of events I believe I can trust you implicitly. Admittedly, there are some things I am still hesitant to reveal."

Oh really? I thought, wishing he would stop with all the segues.

I tried not to let the contrition I felt for him show in my face.

"Of course your majesty," I replied, "these are dangerous times."

I had to play Daphnes' game in order to get the answers to my questions. Even still, Daphnes gave me another long once over before he spoke.

"What would you like to know?" he asked me.

I swallowed hard, remembering the need to be thorough.

Don't do what you did last time Link, I reminded myself.

"I know it is your duty to swear secrecy and you must protect the royal family," I began, "but sire I must know, why did you seek counsel with the Deku Tree?"

Daphnes stared at me for a long time before replying.

"The Deku Tree is a great spiritual ancestor of Hyrule," he said to me, "it is only fitting I seek counsel with one of the guardians of Hyrule."

That was all well and good, but I knew there was more to it than that. I waited for him to continue, but he didn't.

"Well…" I trailed, trying to figure out how to ask my obvious question, "what did you discuss sire?"

Daphnes raised an eyebrow at me.

"If you must know I discussed the safety of Hyrule with it," he replied vaguely.

This is ridiculous, I thought aggravated, this is going nowhere.

"Could you explain to me why such measures are necessary?" I asked, trying to stay respectful.

Daphnes scoffed lightly and chuckled in indignation.

"I will tell you why," he replied, "just not right now."

I felt my eyes narrow slightly.

That… that is his answer? I wondered in disbelief.

I didn't let it show, but I was getting increasingly irritated by his evasiveness. However, I only nodded in agreement. Daphnes gave me an offhanded stare for a moment. I think he was trying to anticipate where I was going to go with this conversation.

"What's your next question sir?" he asked me, wanting to change the subject.

Realizing I didn't have much of a choice, I changed the subject and asked another question.

"Fair enough sire," I said, deciding all I could do was play along, "why does Zant have such an extreme hatred for the royal family?"

Again Daphnes was hesitant, but I sensed more indignation by the directness of the question.

"So..." he trailed, "you know about him?" he detracted cryptically.

What's this about? I wondered.

I nodded.

"Yes, I do," I replied.

Daphnes paused again.

"I can't say for a certain why he hates the royal family," he replied, "I'm having that investigated."

I didn't flinch after hearing that.

By Saria, I thought.

"By whom your majesty?" I asked, pretending ignorance.

Daphnes looked at me suspiciously just then. He was quiet for a moment.

"Why do you ask?" he inquired.

I had to think quickly.

Be convincing, I told myself.

"I was your commander of the army and knew of all the differentiated factions," I explained, "I wasn't aware of any secret assignment given to an unknown task force."

Daphnes narrowed his eyes and then smirked snidely.

"That is the privilege of being king," he said to me simply, "you don't have to let your subordinates know everything that is going on."

Is that right, you insolent… I thought, letting my mind trail.

I knew the comment was a direct jab at me, but I didn't let it deter me.

"I see," I replied.

However, I saw an uncomfortable shift in his weight.

What's this? I thought.

"What's your next inquiry soldier?" Daphnes asked.

I could hear residual contempt in his voice.

I must have gotten under his skin, I thought.

"Why was the territory of Ordon kept such a secret?" I went on.

Daphnes stared at me for a moment.

"You do know about that place too, don't you?" he said more to himself than to me.

I grinned at him.

He's probably wondering how the hell I found it, I thought.

"Ordon is a hub or erroneous activity," he said carefully, "I was having it monitored before I deemed it safe for residents to live there."

That's a load of crap and you know it, I thought.

"By your secret task force no doubt?" I replied in a snide undertone.

Daphnes looked at me upset, he caught the inflection in my voice.

"Yes," he replied.

I'm going to call you out you bastard, I thought.

"But sire, there are already citizens living in Ordon," I divulged the information he already knew, "it seems whoever you had investigate the territory inadvertently forgot to make you aware of that."

Daphnes narrowed his eyes at me again. I could tell he was getting sick of my game of cat and mouse.

"I wasn't aware that you traveled there," he said to me, mildly stunned, "I was under the impression you were told of this place only."

I tried not to scoff.

You're telling on yourself Daphnes, I thought knowingly.

"No," was all I said in reply, "I wasn't told anything."

Daphnes stared me down hard just then, and there was an intermittent silence.

He's trying to evade, I thought.

"Why did you travel there?" he asked me finally.

I made light of the inquiry.

"I went there to investigate the Interloper incident," I replied, "I actually fell upon it by accident."

Daphnes looked away from me when I revealed that.

"Yes," he replied in absence, but then added, "you went with that woman, didn't you?"

I was surprised he was so forthright with his thoughts.

Maybe he doesn't care that I know, I pondered.

"What woman?" I asked, pretending ignorance just to get a reaction.

Daphnes turned back to me and grunted in irritation.

"Don't play with me boy!" he snapped. "You know I'm speaking about your little seamstress friend who got the purple chu jelly toxicity! She was also arrested by aiding you as a fugitive!"

She's also a spy for you, I thought upset, not letting my feelings show, and you know damn well she isn't in prison any longer.

I nodded in line with what he said.

"Oh," I replied sardonically, "right, that young woman. You have a stellar memory sire."

Daphnes stared at me angrily at my sarcastic tone.

I merely smirked. I decided I was going to raise the stakes.

"How's she holding up in prison?" I detracted, knowingly. "Is she doing well? Did you punish her severely for helping me?"

Daphnes narrowed his eyes again.

"Watch yourself sir knight," he warned, ignoring the question.

No Daphnes, I thought, you need to watch yourself.

I really wanted to curse him for his insolence, but kept my temper in check.

"What's your next inquiry?" he demanded, quick to change the subject.

I paused for a moment, pondering my next question carefully.

I have to redirect the conversation in such a way that it leads to less tension, I thought, if I don't Daphnes will clam up on me.

"When I came in contact with Zant, I noticed he controlled an environmental mechanism called the twilight," I began carefully. "That light casts various effects on Hylians, however I noticed Zant could intercept the light of both dimensions easily. Why is that?"

Again, staying true to form, Daphnes was tentative.

There was a long thoughtful silence between us.

Answer the question Daphnes, I demanded in my head.

"The blood of the Twili allows them to cross over into our world without the threat of transformation," he divulged finally, "however, when a Hylian crosses over into the twilight light realm the nature of who they really are is displayed. For the most part when a Hylian crosses over they change into a teardrop of light. It is very rare for a Hylian to transform into something other than a teardrop of light."

My eyes widened in surprise. I couldn't help it, I was shocked.

My transformation must be heavily influenced by the Triforce of Courage, I thought incredulously.

"What's the matter?" Daphnes asked, catching my expression.

I swallowed hard and looked away from him.

Should I tell him about my transformation? I wondered.

"Have you…" he trailed, "have you experienced such a metamorphosis Link?"

I looked to the ground, still unsure if I should answer him.

I don't trust you Daphnes… I thought, I don't trust as far as I can see you, but really, what choice do I have? He may be able to tell me something that I'm not aware of.

"I had an encounter with Zant in the forest not too long ago and I transformed into a wolf," I confessed, realizing there was no real reason not to.

Daphnes eyes widened at my confession.

"You did?" he asked in minor disbelief.

I gauged his reaction.

It seems Zelda was true to her word in not telling her father, I thought.

"Yes, I did," I replied.

Daphnes turned away from me and took in a deep troubled breath.

"Then it's true," he whispered to himself cryptically.

I looked at him strange just then.

What's true? I wondered.

I raised my eyebrows.

"Sire?" I asked perplexed.

Daphnes didn't answer me, instead he held up his hand signifying my dismissal.

"You may leave," he said to me.

What? I thought in surprise.

I tried not to let my annoyance show, but Daphnes was really leaving me no choice.

"Sire, I need to know what your last statement meant," I said, unsatisfied with the general course of this conversation, "if I am to be useful in your service I mustn't be left in the dark."

Daphnes narrowed his eyes at me again.

"I said you may go soldier," he repeated.

I stared at him and felt my anger simmer, and realized if I wanted to know what was really going on I would have to investigate on my own once more.

It isn't like he told me anything that I didn't already know anyway, I thought, I'll have to figure this one out on my own, and I think Ordon is the place to start.

I bowed, then turned from Daphnes' presence. Before I left however, he stopped me.

"By the way," he said suddenly, "when you apprehended Zelda's killer, did you happen to see the assassin's identity?" he asked me, stopping me in my tracks.

I turned back around and looked at Daphnes with a closed suspicion.

Is that a threat? I wondered at the indirect sublimation. Is he trying to say he'll harm Saria if I pursue this further?

"The identity of the killer sire?" I inquired with evasiveness.

He paused for a moment before he answered.

"Yes," he replied.

Why do you want to know that I wonder? I thought in sarcasm.

"Unfortunately, the killer got away," I replied, "I wasn't able to find out his identity."

Daphnes stared me down hard.

"Oh really?" he replied with open distrust. "So, you know for a certain it was a man?"

You're telling on yourself some more sire, I thought, you just want to be an open book today, don't you?

"Yes," I replied, "really, I could tell by the man's build."

Daphnes narrowed his eyes at me again and didn't reply. I knew he didn't believe me, and honestly, I didn't care. If he wanted to give me the runaround, I could do the same for him.

It's not a nice place to be, is it Daphnes? I thought, and decided to goad the tension further.

"Maybe you can send out your special task force to get the results you seek," I said, knowing at this point I should have kept my mouth closed, "perhaps the killer is someone unorthodox and a person we don't expect."

The king narrowed his eyes at me just then.

"You insolent son of a bitch," he muttered to me.

I just grinned at his utterance.

I must've really rattled him with that one, I thought.

At that, Daphnes got up from his throne and came down the stairs to stand in front of me. He grabbed hold of the collar of my tunic beneath my stolen armor and stared straight into my eyes.

"If my daughter didn't love you so much, and if you weren't... necessary, you and I would have a reckoning sir knight," he said to me angrily.

My grin widened snidely and I stared right back.

"Maybe we still could your majesty," I said boldly, "we can say it's practice for when I fight Zant."

That did it for Daphnes, he punched me square across my jaw after my utterance. I explained before that his fifty-two years of age was deceiving, he still had one hell of a right cross. I shook the pain off when he let me go. I bit at my now bloody lip and stared at Daphnes angrily.

You can only do that to me because you're king, I thought.

"Get out," he said to me quietly.

I wiped the side of my mouth with the back of my hand, then bowed in a sarcastic gesticulation.

"Always a pleasure sire," I said with mordance, then took my leave.

I guess I was going to have to wait a little longer.

It looks like Daphnes didn't come clean after all, I thought as I walked out of the castle.

~SSS~

I tried to keep a low profile, but I knew that was useless. It seemed like everyone in the kingdom was gathered in the square. I headed for my villa in Castle Town, and was greeted with another wave of applause. I paused for a moment and looked at the grateful town's people.

"I knew you'd do the right thing!" exclaimed the burly bazaar owner.

I looked over at him with hidden disbelief and smirked.

Did you now? I thought. It can't be helped, Hylians are fickle creatures.

"Three cheers for the savior of the princess!" another young man said in adulation.

"Hip hip hooray!" the crowd exclaimed.

I was taken aback and a little embarrassed.

I wanted to avoid any undue attention to myself, I thought, that's what his majesty wants. He wants me to succumb to the pressure.

"Hip hip hooray!" the crowd extolled again.

I took in a deep breath and forced a smile.

"Hip hip hooray!" the crowd said with finality.

After it was all over I merely bowed, and the crowd broke out into a thunderous ovation.

This is going to be tough, I thought, suddenly becoming aware I was digging a deeper hole for myself than even I had realized.

"Congratulations on your reinstatement and your new official station as regent of Hyrule!" a guard said to me abruptly.

I looked at the guard stunned.

I just got reinstated, I thought, how does everyone know about the regency and the knighthood already?

"Thank you," I replied, not knowing what else to say.

"I always knew you had the princess's best interest at heart," said the woman from Kakiriko Village. It seemed she had a change of heart from when I last saw her.

I raised my eyebrows at her, a little surprised at her lack of amnesia.

I guess now that I'm back in good graces, my 'treacherous' actions don't matter, I thought.

"Thank you madam," I replied.

The praises didn't cease all the way to my villa. When I got home I took in a deep sigh behind my closed door.

Where is this all leading to? I asked myself.

"I need to get to Ordon," I said to myself, "the only way I'm going to get answers to my questions is by asking them from the source, Zant."

My thoughts suddenly shifted to Saria.

I hope you're okay, I thought, understanding the gravity of the danger she was under, if Zant suspects a thing he'll kill her without hesitation.

"I can't let that happen," I said aloud to myself, "she's already been through enough as it is."

With these thoughts in mind, I washed up and changed my clothes. I was going to head out to Ordon with or without a decree from his majesty, but before I could step foot out my door, I heard an urgent pounding. I opened the door to see what the ruckus was about, and came face to face with the vigilant postman.

"Mr. Link!" he exclaimed, even though he was staring me straight in the face. "You've got mail!"

The postman then handed me the message and ran off to continue his route. I closed my door again and opened the letter. I raised my eyebrows in surprise at the contents.

What in the...? I pondered.

The letter read:

Hello Hero of Time:

I know you are acquainted with a certain young woman who was staying

at my home. Please visit me at your earliest convenience. I have important

information to share with you.

Sincerely,

Your Friendly Seaside Laboratory Ophthalmologist

I looked at the letter inquiringly, wondering what the old man could possibly know about what was going on. I had no idea that he actually knew Saria.

I guess there's only one way to find out, I thought.

I needed to head to Lake Hylia.

Please write a review and tell me what you think. Chapter 15 will be out soon, and yes I'm aware this was a filler chapter lol. It was like that in the first edit too.