A hearty thank you to those who reviewed. Any constructive comments are so very much appreciated, as they are often very motivating to hear/read. God bless you all!

~Penelope

Chapter Four:

Conspiracy

"Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?" ~ Proverbs 27:4

Two months later.

There was nothing worse than a cheery, hot, busy day in Keskus. One in which the sun beat down mercilessly in rays of pure gold, in which the skies were spotted with giant puffy clouds that looked like candy floss – though more sinister-looking clouds hovered at the horizon – and the gentlest of breezes brought a certain freshness to the stuffy air.

What made things worse was the constant stream of people that now packed the marketplace, and the trio of kids Caine was trying so desperately to keep in sight.

Out of obligation, of course. His parents felt he needed 'quality time' with his younger brother, hence his presence in the market, of all places, as he watched Abyll roughhouse with his young friends.

The children maneuvered to the entrance of a side alley, a pocket of space which, thankfully, hadn't been filled by the evening shoppers. Caine avoided being mulled over by a rather large woman just in time to find himself face to feathers with a headless chicken on a rack. A shriek of fright threatened to burst from his throat, but he managed to swallow it. The vender of the cart snickered at his scare, and Caine barely contained a blush and continued on to where the others played.

Abyll was waving his wooden sword about dramatically. "Come at me, Ganondorf, and test your steel!"

Mitus Dor, a boy of the same age as the young prince though he was at least three inches shorter, pretended to draw his wood blade painted black from its sheath in his belt. "I don't fight my battles with blades, insolent Hero! I am a Wielder of Shadow!"

"Shadow cannot stand against the holy Light!" Abyll raised his left hand – though, in truth, their father's Triforce was on his right hand – in a fist and made a whooshing sound effect with his mouth. He jerked awkwardly, as if something had burst from his extended knuckles, and Mitus clutched at his chest, dropping his sword.

"No! No, the Light… It… burns! Ah! I can feel it… tearing at my insides… Veins bursting open…"

"Ew!" shrieked the little girl who 'cowered' behind Abyll. She had one of her waist-length golden braids wrapped about her hand, and her big, brown eyes were narrowed at the dark-haired boy.

"That was a little more detail than we needed, Mitus. You're so disgusting." Mellon wrinkled her nose at them.

Mitus shot her an innocent grin. "But that's how it works, isn't it? Abyll, tell her that's how it works."

Abyll smiled a knowing smile and shook his head at his friends, as if he were much older and more mature than they. As if he knew all the answers, and knew just the right thing to say. "Well, Mellon, it is true that darkness can't stand against light, but…" He turned to Mitus. "That was a bit disturbing."

"What!"

Mellon stuck her tongue out at her brother. "Ha! See?"

"You're s'posed to be on my side!"

"I am," said Abyll matter-of-factly. "But I'm on Mellon's side, too. You're both right."

"Still." Mellon folded her skinny arms over her chest, throwing her brother a pointed look. "Mum will not be happy to hear what you said. Where on earth did you get that, anyway?"

"I can read." Mitus' voice had dropped considerably, and his dark gaze retreated to the cobblestone at his feet as he bent to pick up his faux weapon. He carefully brushed the dust from its surface, gingerly as to avoid splinters.

"Little boys your age shouldn't be thinking of such things." Mellon turned to Caine. "Isn't that right, Caine?"

Oh, brother… "Well…" He leant back against the brick wall of the building behind him, folding his arms over his chest to appear mildly concerned. "It really depends on their interests."

The little girl was incredulous. "…You must be joking."

With an inward smirk, he shook his head. Girls were so easy to tease. "No; honestly."

Her smooth brow furrowed in a look of confusion. "Well, then… Your interests are real history. Facts, science. Why don't you be Ganon? I doubt you'll be so melodramatic."

Oh, dear… "Uhh… No. How about not." Not good. The last thing he wanted to do was take part in his little brother's stupid games. Particularly as Ganondorf. Against Abyll, as his father. Besides, he was much too levelheaded, and definitely fairer than the Dark Lord had ever hoped to have been.

"I think it's a brilliant idea!" Of course Abyll would agree. "Oh, please play with us, Caine! Please!"

"Just for today, be nice to your brother. Play with him; you make him so happy. He looks up to you, honors you. Respect that." He let a resigned sigh escape his lungs. It would seem, by order of the queen, he had no choice in the matter.

But of course, the queen wasn't here…

Wait… No, a brilliant idea came to him… What fun he could have as Ganondorf, the Dark Lord, chasing the Hero of Time, the princess, and their friends about? Oh, the possibilities…

He pulled his hood up and snatched the black sword from Mitus' grasp, making the younger boy stagger backward. As Caine rose to his full height – a tad more than six feet – a cold wind rushed through the city streets, making his cloak play about his legs. He gripped the sword with firm knuckles, and closed his eyes, bowing his head. He had to get in the mood…

"Half moon. Orion to the south, upright, the dippers to the north, the Triforce directly overhead. A storm gathers on the horizon… Darkness draws close. And here… the Dark Lord of the desert… and the legendary Hero of Time meet once more…"

The three children gaped at him as he chortled darkly, so convincing was his act. Mitus trembled slightly.

"Black and white. Sun, and night. A battle to the last death. A showdown that will go from history to legend to myth, but never forgotten. For the world shall feel the earth tremble as their battle rages… if the warrior is brave enough to meet my challenge? Dare you cross blades with me, boy!"

Abyll jumped before regaining his composure, his boyish expression hardening as he took a valiant step forward and brandished his own wooden sword. "I will more than dare, villain! With this sword, I will defeat you! My God will deliver you into my hand!"

Caine gritted his teeth. This role was far too easy to play. "Foolish boy. Your arrogance will be your death." With that, he thrust his sword at his young brother. To his surprise, Abyll easily parried, most likely a result of the mild lessons their father had been giving him. Yet another thing he failed to do for me… But he'd been taking lessons from Lady Impa for years, and his parents still didn't know. Of course, he'd never told Impa that; as far as she knew, they had granted Caine permission to learn the ways of the Sheikah.

This is for all the times you were too busy to spend time with me… Caine swung ferociously, and it only aggravated him further as Abyll blocked each stroke with flawless accuracy. He clenched his jaw; how on earth could a ten-year-old be so good at fencing!

It was brief, but he caught a glimpse. A very small glimpse, of a marking on the back of Abyll's right hand.

A Triforce!

It wasn't possible! Fury billowed within his heart. Abyll got the best of everything! Even blessings from God Himself! What did that mere boy do that Caine didn't? Caine was every bit as good as Abyll, if not better! But no, Abyll was the chosen, the favorite, the perfect one!

Unknown to him, his blows came faster and faster. Abyll was quickly tiring, but Caine didn't care. Adrenaline and anger pushed him on, driving him to near madness in his jealous red haze. Only when he felt the wood give after a blow did he shake himself from the rage to see what happened.

Abyll's sword lay several feet away, and Caine's was pointed firmly at the boy's throat. Abyll was smiling.

"Wow…"

"By Jacque, that was incredible!" came Mitus' voice from behind him, and Caine craned his head to see the Dor children staring at him with glee. Mitus came bounding up to them. "I didn't know you could wield a sword like that!"

"You play a better villain than Dat!" said Abyll, beaming.

Their enthusiasm, however, did nothing to lighten Caine's mood. Darkness swirled in his mind as he glowered; he could only think of that wretched triangle on the back of his younger brother's hand. How could it… How could this happen? It never should have been like this… It wasn't supposed to be! Caine was the firstborn! He deserved everything Abyll had been given, and more! Not that Abyll didn't deserve certain gifts, but to steal everything that rightfully belonged to him? Hatred pounded at his head like the ringing bells of the castle tower.

Slowly, very slowly… a plan began to form in his mind. A vile plan; a despicable plan… but a very plausible plan. One that perhaps could go toward evening out the playing field. Because Caine knew plenty more than his brother did… and he had his brother's trust. That was a massive advantage.

"Those clouds are getting closer…" Mellon gasped. "I just saw lightning!"

Mitus fidgeted, studying the approaching anvil-tops. "I think… I think we should head home now. Mum and Papa would want us there before the storm hits."

Abyll nodded, going to retrieve his sword. "Perhaps we should all head back home?"

Caine said nothing as they bid their goodbyes, and the Dor children disappeared down the suddenly vacant market street. As Abyll began his march toward the castle, Caine caught his shoulder.

"Wait, wait!" He lowered his voice, giving his brother a conspiratorial grin. "Do you want to see something amazing?"

The boy's eyes widened. "…Like what?"

"We'd have to walk… But it isn't far. Just across Faron Field. We can get there and back before the storm hits, I think."

To Caine's delight, Abyll was beginning to get excited. The boy's blue eyes twinkled with intrigue and fascination. "Really? Tell me what it is, Caine? Please!"

Caine grinned wider. "I'll tell you when we get there. Come on; hurry, now!"

It took a long while for them to cross the southern Hyrule fields, not to mention maneuver the forests that surrounded the Sacred Grove. By the time they stood before the ancient pillars of Time Hall, the wind had picked up significantly, and rain was beginning to fall on the two princes.

The guards instantly tensed as the boys approached, and one stepped forward. "Halt! Who…" He got a better look at them, and Caine offered him a mild smile, though he wasn't able to hide the slight smirk. The guard blanched.

"Your Highness…" His eyes hardened, most likely as he recalled Caine's previous visit to the Hall. "What are you doing here?"

"Our parents said it was about time Abyll saw… what is inside Time Hall." Caine didn't want to give anything away to his brother just yet. He stood behind Abyll, his hands on the boy's shoulders in a very paternal way. Abyll beamed up at the guard, bouncing with his excitement.

The guard's expression softened. Yes… Just let us in. That's all you have to do. Just look at the poor kid; he's practically bursting with enthusiasm! You can't say no to that… Casting Caine one last disapproving glance, he stepped aside.

"Very well… But the weather's taking a turn for the worst. You'd better be in and out in a few minutes, and we'll lend you some horses to get back quickly."

Caine nodded, and forced his voice to sound excessively pleasant. "Thank you, good sir. We shant disappoint you." This was more or less true. Most likely, they would be in and out within a few minutes.

He led Abyll up the long stone steps that led to the main entrance of the great hall. Upon entering, they found it to be rather warm, heated by the torches on the wall, and the fire pit in the center of the circular floor that was kept blazing by the hall's attendants. Just opposite them, loomed a great, intimidating door. An island of stone with a slanted top sat just in front of it, with three glittering jewels inlaid in its face.

"That is the Door of Time," Caine explained upon seeing Abyll's expression of wonder. He smiled; his impromptu plan was working perfectly. "It is forever sealed unless opened through the placing of those stones there – the Kokiri Emerald, the Goron Ruby, and the Zora Sapphire – and the playing of an ancient song on this." From the satchel hidden at his back, Caine revealed the stunning blue Ocarina of Time. Abyll's blue eyes widened further, if that were yet possible.

"Beyond that door," he continued, "lies the Pedestal of Time. In which sits-"

"The Master Sword," both boys said at once. Abyll could no longer suppress his grin of elation.

"Do you know the song to open it? Please say you do, brother!" Abyll bounced on his heels impishly. Caine chuckled.

"Only because you insist." He put the Ocarina to his lips, and skillfully began playing the Song of Time. The eerily beautiful notes drifted from the instrument, dancing on the draft and playing over their heads. The stone walls provided perfect acoustics. If he did say so himself, he played the song better than even his father could. And that was saying something.

The Door rumbled and quaked. A sliver of light shot from its center top to the bottom, forming the seam of the doors. With a resounding crack, the shaking stopped. All was still as Caine drew out the last note.

He approached the door, and gave it a shove. It swung open easily, and Abyll couldn't hold still.

"That was fantastic! How did you know how to open it?" said the boy, excitement tainting his every word.

"I'm an expert on Hylian history, remember?" Guiding Abyll inside, Caine cast a wary look over his shoulder. The guards were still outside; the main doors remained firmly closed. Good.

The pedestal of time was a grand sight to lay eyes on, indeed. The stories told of its awe-inspiring image well did it justice. Since the new hall had been rebuilt about it after the Twilight War, the sword had no longer been opened, but remained enclosed in walls of wood, and stone. Such a sorry waste…

Caine glanced to his brother, and was pleased to see the look of reverence on the boy's face. Slowly, he spoke in a hushed voice, as if speaking too loud might disturb the sword's resting place.

"They say that only the true Hero of Time can wield the sword… Only the chosen Hero can pull it from that pedestal. Like Father can." For a moment, Caine's gaze darkened as he saw, in the shadows of the room, the Triforce on Abyll's hand give a slight spark. Abyll, himself, however, did not notice. Thankfully.

Abyll stepped toward the sword as if pulled by some invisible rope, or magnet. Caine grinned darkly.

"Do you think…" Abyll's voice was hesitant. He cocked his head at the sword. "Do you think I can touch it?"

Caine shrugged, trying to appear passive. "Perhaps… There is only one way to find out."

The younger boy looked confused, furrowing his brow. "But… What does it do to those who aren't supposed to? Doesn't it shock you?"

Play on his ego… "Yes, that is true… But… Maybe you wouldn't have to worry. You're Prince Abyll, after all! Hyrule's greatest prince! You're stalwart, brave, smart, humorous… The people love you, Mother and Father adore you over all others. You're everyone's favorite!" An idea dawned on him; he could use Abyll's Triforce to his advantage. "And… you know what else?"

Abyll looked up at his big brother expectantly. "What?"

"I noticed something as we were playing. Look at your right hand."

After taking a moment to remember which hand was his right, Abyll lifted his hand. His brows shot straight up when he took notice of the strange marking. "What… I… Is that…?"

Caine nodded eagerly, feigning anticipation, while inwardly he glowered at the distinguishing mark. "It's a Triforce. You must've inherited it from Mother and Father. Which makes sense, considering you show signs of both wisdom and valor – er, courage, that is."

Abyll stared at the mark with wide-eyed innocence, as if he were staring at someone else's hand. Caine took the opportunity to turn the boy back to the pedestal.

"Perhaps you are tobe Hyrule's next Chosen Hero. All signs point to it… Why wouldn't you be able to touch the sword?"

Abyll looked up at Caine, eyes wide in awe, and the humanity in Caine felt an annoying pang of guilt. Those young eyes were so full of trust, nearly brimming over with respect for Caine and his word. How can you do this thing to your own flesh and blood? The voice irked him. He drowned it out easily with a single glance at Abyll's Triforce.

"You really think I can?" Abyll's voice had gone so quiet, Caine almost didn't hear him. Quickly, he nodded, flashing his little brother a reassuring grin.

"I don't know… You can try, if you'd like. Just… be careful."

There. A flit of emotion across Abyll's face, easily recognizable as anticipation. The boy turned away from his brother, and slowly approached the pedestal. Time itself seemed to slow as he mounted the first step. Caine involuntarily wrung his hands together.

He slowly, ever so slowly reached out to the sword hilt, his little fingers shaking. Whether it was from fear or excitement, Caine couldn't tell. Those fingers reached within a few inches of the blue leather, and hesitated.

Come on, come on…

Abyll touched it. Thunder clapped outside, making Caine jump. Light exploded from the sword's hilt and what looked like static danced over the younger prince's frame as Abyll seemed to convulse, jerking in an erratic spasm, his hand seemingly glued to the hilt. A blood-curdling scream erupted from the boy's lips and, with one last burst of electricity, he was thrown backward across the room like a weightless ragdoll. He rolled to a stop, face to the floor… and didn't move.