Chapter 6: The Trial of the King

Taking a break from his studies, Ganon summoned up a Seeker, a tiny monster that was merely an eye with bat wings and bird feet. It spread out its wings on his hand, then took off on his mental suggestions. Ganon closed his eyes and set his mind to viewing through the Seeker's eye. With a spell to give it a boost in speed, the Seeker was able to fly right up to the prison tower and check in on Zelda and Impa.

The princess was at the writing desk, working on another letter. Meanwhile, her handmaiden was leaning against a wall in thought. Impa had been trying to find an escape from the room, but he'd already blocked them off. "Getting those monsters killed just two days after you sent him out after them is a promising sign."

"True, but I can feel more strong monsters waking up throughout..." she paused, tensing. "Something's watching."

Impa pushed away from the wall and made a motion with her hand. The Seeker died not even a second later. Coming back to where he was in the library, Ganon rubbed his forehead to ease some of the displacement. Spying on them wasn't going to work out. But it might help to send some of his human soldiers up there as guards. As long as those guards could hear into that locked room, it'd limit how much Zelda and Impa could plan with each other.

Calling up another Seeker, he sent it off to the public area of the castle to look aound and listen. He found the clerk Zelda loved at work: checking a message, writing one in response, sending it off with magic through a slot in his storage room. The Seeker was able to read the message Joachim had received while he was doing the last. It was from a tavern owner in the castle town, noting that some residents did not want to leave the city and were putting together a group to take the castle back. The tavern owner had asked him if he knew of any loyal knights still in the castle that could be sent over to help.

The resistance group would have to be dealt with, but Ganon didn't see them as a threat to himself. They were a threat to his soldiers, though. If the group gained enough steam, he might want to be even stricter with the Sudain soldiers in order to drive them away. There was a piece of him that was appalled at the thought even if it was for their own good. But his old self was losing his voice. Not that it mattered; he had been a weak person who was laughable even as a child king. He was stronger than that now. He could let go of that sentimentality, but he still needed to keep a clear head and it was more convincing to write Link with that old voice.

When Joachim got back into the office, Ganon had the Seeker hide on top of a bookshelf. There was vent nearby, with a pipe that led into a cast-iron heater and stove in the next room over. Voices could be heard through the pipe and as the clerk came by to look for some forms, he paused to eavesdrop. Making the Seeker hop closer, Ganon could hear them too.

It was his three human generals. "I am glad he got rid of Medras, but didn't you find that unnerving?" Kimbera asked, concern coming through her words strongly. "And he did the same thing to the knight captain who helped us in. He's... Ganon's not been the sort to be violent like that until recently." She paused. "I feel like we called him a different name, but it keeps escaping me."

"If he hadn't toughened up like that, we wouldn't have stood a chance at retaking our land," Leonidas said. But there was doubt in him too. "Much less take this step to overtake Hyrule itself. Although, it has been an extreme shift."

"He could've snapped under the Hylian king's cruelty," Velken said, a touch of ruthlessness in his voice. Although Velken was cold, he wasn't cruel like Medras had been. He didn't say a lot due to an antisocial nature, but that made him excellent in keeping discipline among the Sudain troops and directing other fighters like himself who worked better alone.

"That's possible, but we swore loyalty to him and should stay with him," Leonidas said. Ganon could imagine Velken nodding. He was dependable like that.

"I just wonder sometimes if he's the same person we swore loyalty to," Kimbera said. The way her voice shifted around, she must be pacing in the other room. "I'll stick with this; it is significant that we've accomplished his goal. But, he's secluding himself again and wouldn't explain to me what he's planning out now. He's clearly not done with things."

"He still has the Falcon's Ring," Leonidas said.

"Not wearing it," Velken pointed out. That was because it had started bothering him once the Triforce of Power and the evil spirit accompanying it had come to him.

"But he still has it, so the gods of our land still support him," he said.

"I worry, though, what's going to happen to us all if he keeps treading this path?" Kimbera asked. "If he's killing traitors or those who go against his wishes, is it going to stop with those two? I wouldn't think so, others could die even if we're serving him because we do or say something he doesn't like. The Falcon Ring is supposed to choose a good leader for our people, one that can pass its trials. If he's not wearing it anymore, what's that mean?"

"You may be worrying too much," Leonidas said. "Although, I understand. We need to keep sharp."

"Falcon Ring, huh?" Joachim murmured softly, not enough to be heard through the pipe but enough to be heard by the Seeker. He was a weak dandy who worked with paper. But, he cared about people and had managed a quick evacuation of the city under occupation. He was also someone who was likely to marry Princess Zelda if he survived the current circumstances. Was he someone who would take advantage of a people in need if it got him power? Or was he someone who'd fairly repay one favor with another?

Leonidas continued in a more sentimental tone. "And there are times when I also miss the boy who was trying so hard to make things right in a peaceful way."

Having overheard some good things, Ganon disconnected from the Seeker, instructing it to slip out of Joachim's office for a better place to hide when the clerk wouldn't notice. The claw ring that was his proof of royalty was sitting on the table along with the books he was studying. It didn't want him to wear it anymore, much like his generals were fearing. After all, it was designed to refuse a ruler with strong evil in their soul. His role in this legend had given him a better proof of power, yes, but had lost him this one that could break the loyalty of his human followers.

Not yet. They could desert him all they wanted in the future. For now, he needed them in small ways. But he had to plan for that future, for the well being of his people in his last acts for them. That meant the Falcon Ring had to go to someone. Leonidas, Velken, and Kimbera were all loyal to Sudai, but they were soldiers without experience in government responsibilities. While there were advisers and assistants who were running Sudai in his absence, none of them stood out as strong enough in heart to be a leader and keep the people safe from the repercussions of this legend.

Joachim, though, he was intelligent and had experience in how a kingdom worked. While not strong in body, his heart was strong enough to accept his disadvantaged position and turn it towards protecting others. If he could be made attached to the people of Sudai like he was to the people here, he would make an excellent successor as a king of Sudai. Albertos had really flubbed in missing the young man's potential. Sudai wouldn't become independent, but it could be joined with Hyrule through royal marriage. With the way Zelda cared for people too, that would leave Ganon's people to enjoy whatever peace came after this time.

Of course, that could still go horribly wrong. Perhaps Joachim and Zelda would not care as much as he hoped. Although, Ganon doubted that. She didn't trust him and yet she still had given her word previously that she'd try to get aide to Sudai. There was also the issue of if the three generals would accept a foreigner like Joachim taking the Falcon Ring. Within Sudai, the ring was considered a holy artifact like the Triforce itself, albeit not as powerful. They'd still be suspicious of him. There had to be some way to get Joachim to talk to the generals first, to nudge both sides closer.

Talking... that was it. Kimbera was most unsure. Ganon took some paper and wrote up orders for her to interrogate Joachim on some matter. Not the resistance, no, leave that for the time being. What about the treasury? Ganon did want to track down the Septdraco, the thing that had ultimately triggered this whole situation. Some of his references here were on that but the clerk might know something more. But not just the single artifact. After some thought, he wrote down that he wanted Joachim questioned over several artifacts as well as some information about the castle, town, and people.

And he needed Joachim to get some information about the Falcon Ring and its trials. Ganon couldn't just send him a book or two; they wouldn't fit with the work he was supposed to be doing. However, he was allowing Zelda to get some books from the library in order to keep her occupied. He could slip in a book about Sudain traditions and royalty. With the Triforce of Wisdom, she should pick out information on the Falcon Ring as important and then pass that along to Joachim when he was allowed to visit. That would give Joachim more incentive to get the ring; the talks should get Kimbera and probably Leonidas on his side. Velken was more likely to stick with Ganon, unless he too was pushed just right.

All that would lead to his people being protected in the end; it was an immense relief to finally have a full plan for that problem.

Ganon sent the interrogation orders off and went to locate the right book to get to Zelda. As he was doing so, the enchanted envelope came back with a letter from Link. He was in the public part of the library, so he tucked it away until he got the book found and placed to be sent up to her tower room. Back in the hidden room, he made sure he was alone before opening up the letter to read.

To Gale:

I really thought you were just tired when trying to write, but I'm happy that you actually mean it. I'm just not sure what all to write as a response. Actually, the time I first saw you, I'd hoped we could at least be friends because you seemed so interesting to me. And you take such good care of your horse; I could tell just in taking care of him that evening. I've always felt an affinity with horses, so I have an even harder time getting along with someone who makes horses nervous or doesn't care about them. Maybe that is odd, but it works out for me.

And I was really impressed with how you fought in the grotto too. Using magically summoned swords like that must have taken a lot of training in magic and swordsmanship; I can handle the latter just fine, but I don't think I could use magic that effectively even with my dreams. And I'm still not sure what to write with you about. We are very different, given how smart, powerful, and confident you are. Someone like you wouldn't have trouble anywhere when I'm going to have a lot more trouble in the future just talking to people who don't know me. Still, I'm trying to be a hero and heroes are known more for actions than words, so I'm hoping I can get by on that.

Well if you do start flirting with me, you'd be the only one I'd listen to in that way. There's been people who admired me or I admired them, but those never even got started. The closest was someone I got annoyed with really quickly, a girl back in Taven. When we were kids, she was one of those who would make fun of the way I talked. And I had a horrible lisp and mumbling problem back then; it's cleared up for the most part but I still really don't like my voice. In the past year, she's been following me around and pushing for me to be her boyfriend. Neither the horses nor I liked her, but she would not give up. That's actually one reason I had for leaving my hometown even though I love Taven in other ways.

I hope this wasn't boring, I'm just writing down things I think of. Though I'm afraid I'd be embarrassed if I wrote all that I was thinking right now. I'm really happy that this happened. Where are you staying, by the way? I've already got plans to move on and find the other two medals, but I'd like to stop by and see you again. Maybe on my way to the last medal, which is supposed to be around Death Mountain.

Write whenever you have time, but don't keep yourself up studying too late.

From Link.

"Got you right how I want you," Ganon said with a smile.

Bluffing about his location could prove tough. But knowing that he meant to go to Death Mountain at some point was an excellent thing to know. That area was inhabited by the Gorons, a people as rough and stubborn as the mountains they lived on. If he asked Velken to go in, cause some trouble and ask some provoking questions, they could set things up to make it difficult for Link to get to the medal there without talking to the Gorons. He might get by with the Zoras, but having to negotiate with Gorons that were wary and on edge could be a nightmare for Link. That would satisfy the evil spirit about tormenting the hero.

Although, maybe he could arrange for Link to meet up with him in another town on his way? The letters might not be enough when he needed Link under the control of Gale by the time he claimed the Master Sword and the Triforce of Courage. And the shrine was in the town of Onduran, which also had a college and library of high reputation. It should be possible to be there when Link was passing through, then arrange a cover letter asking him to be somewhere else so the meeting didn't take too long.

Ganon already had plans playing out around Death Mountain and the nearby town of Kakariko. And Velken wouldn't question orders. Ganon wrote down some quick notes on what could be done there. However, he had other plans today as well. He'd already made arrangements: call everyone left in town to meet up in the town plaza, bring a group of strong human soldiers and intimidating monsters to keep order, and most importantly, get King Albertos to drink a few beers laced with a potion of honesty. Today, justice would be on his side even though the legends forced him into a villainous mold.

When the time arrived, he sent some Darknuts to go fetch the king, queen, princess, the princess' handmaiden, and the captive clerk. Others might not understand why he wanted Joachim there too, but he had to be. Ganon left the library for the town plaza, flanked by Velken as soon as he got into the public area in the castle fore. "I'm going to need you on a mission among the Gorons soon," he said quietly to his general. "Orders will be sent later today, there's still a few things to work out."

"I'll be waiting, your majesty," Velken replied promptly.

The town plaza was full of tension, warm under a strong late spring sun. In front of the castle exit, his mix of soldiers obediently stood at attention, saluting when he walked by. Around the fountain and other buildings, a small crowd of those who hadn't yet left waited to see what would happen. Some of the civilians were afraid; others wanted to fight but had second thoughts on seeing them together like this. However, the plaza was not silent. That was because in the middle of it all, the prisoners were being held in a group and the king was burning with anger.

"What the hell is wrong with you all?!" Albertos yelled drunkenly at his remaining citizens, making a good number flinch. "I built Hyrule up to be stronger and just look at you all, you lot of sniveling cowards who just accept the invasion. Just what I expect of common tr..."

"Father, please be respectable," Zelda said in a strict tone.

"Hush girl," he said. "Girls like you should be obedient and quiet. Feh, but your line is blessed, so they say, and will only ever produce one girl at a time. One girl! Never a prince. I would have much preferred to have a son who could help actively in ruling a nation; we would have grown much faster."

"I agree with her that you should be respectable at this time," Ganon said, stepping out to in front of them. Velken stayed just behind the prisoners to keep an eye on things and Zelda was looking at the ground. "This will be your trial, when your fate will be decided." Although, he had already decided on that.

"What right do you have to pass judgment on me?" Albertos snapped, glowering at him. "I crowned you; I made you a king. You owe everything, even your life, to me."

Ganon stayed calm in spite of the fire of hatred that burned in his soul. This was a moment he'd been waiting for and he was going to enjoy it. "What gave you the right to crown me in the first place?"

"We don't have to speak of that to you," the queen said quickly.

Although he tried to not say anything, Albertos then blurted out, "Whatever, you were there too Abigail. I had the right because I killed your parents and claimed the crown of Sudai. But that damn Falcon Ring wouldn't let me touch it and so I had to put the crown and ring on you."

Ganon nodded, causing the gathered crowd to gasp. Zelda, Joachim, and Impa were all shocked to hear that; the princess even cringed and seemed like she'd cry. "Yes, that's exactly what happened," he said. "She was there the whole time; I was there the whole time. You said it was a meeting to discuss terms of surrender and murdered them instead."

"What's going on?" Abigail asked, confused about this. "We were not to discuss this, it was..."

"A closed door discussion, yes," Ganon said, flicking a hand so that one of his spellblades appeared. "I've decided it shouldn't stay behind closed doors anymore. King Albertos, you have been given a potion of honesty. You will be unable to resist speaking the truth today. Queen Zelda, your bloodline is renown for its wisdom and honor." She went still at that, afraid. "Not only were you there at the betrayal, but you were insensitive enough to laugh at it. That is true?"

"No!" Abigail said, shaking her head.

"Yes, you did," Albertos said, his eyes wide as he said it.

"You are just as responsible for this crime, as guilty as your husband," Ganon said, moving in front of her. In the line of his soldiers, the humans started glancing at each other. Even Velken tightened his lips, a faint sign of his uncertainty.

"No, leave her be!" Albertos shouted, trying to yank himself out of being held in place. But Ganon had made sure he and the queen were held by Darknuts who wouldn't care.

"Your turn will come," Ganon said, a smile momentarily slipping out before he caught control of himself again. "This is your end, Queen Zelda Abigail." He then decapitated her swiftly, causing cries of horror all around him when her head hit the ground. These people never imagined they'd be seeing a public execution in this age. Then he move back in front of Albertos. "And you..."

"Are you going to kill all of us, you monster?" the king asked, anger coming back to him.

"Not today," he replied. "There are things that I do not want to remain mysteries. What is the truth behind the theft of the Septdraco? Answer me now, in front of those gathered here."

"None of you deserve to know such things," he tried to resist with. Between the potion and the alcohol, though, he had no chance of keeping it silent. "Everyone is so small-minded. Hyrule is the greatest nation in the world, it doesn't deserve to languish in small borders and stagnation. No thief stole the Septdraco. It was copied by one of our master craftsman, then the worthless copy was sent to your parents under the pretense of being the real thing. When they announced that they had the artifact, they were seeking to secure it from abuse. But that wouldn't do and a spy intercepted the message to change it to a threat of using it. That gave us ample reason to declare war."

"That wasn't the only falsehood you spread to advance your ambitions of conquest," Ganon said. Nearby, Zelda was shaking and the human guard assigned to her looked uncomfortable. Joachim reached over and put an arm around her; neither of their guards did anything to stop them. But that was fine. Velken was back to being stoic and he would move quickly if they tried to attack or, more likely, run.

"You've got it all wrong," Albertos said. "I was called by the goddesses to this quest to unite all the lands under Hyrule's banner. Whatever it took because so many people are narrow-minded idiots. We pursued thieves that didn't exist through various lands because no one would believe that we were doing the best thing for everyone. While we were in your stinking swampland, we took some ridiculous treasure and sent it off to take care of another stubborn nation. Laverre did move against us first, but it was a handful of stupid teenagers who thought they were going to earn glory by stopping us at their border. They all died instead, just what they deserved."

Ganon pointed his sword towards him to make him stop. "Either you are delusional or your goddesses are cruel. I would believe both those theories to be true. But there's something you haven't said yet. In the end, you were going to use me, your daughter, and some stranger you don't care about to invoke the legends of your land and justify your blood-fueled reign. The Triforce will wash away all your sins even if you have not repented of them. Is that what you think?"

"My reign will be seen as the most glorious of all history," he insisted. "Hyrule is rising to such heights as will never be seen again. The legends will prove that I am right to rule the world."

"No, they will prove that you deserve to die," Ganon said, then executed him in the same manner. Unlike with the queen, this death was met with a silence only missed because of Zelda's quiet sobs on Joachim's shoulder. He then turned towards the crowd in the plaza, causing all of them to immediately back up. "You have witnessed justice today. Do not forget it; do not let it be forgotten." Then he turned back the prisoners and their guards. "Take those three back into the tower. We're done here, all are dismissed." He then headed back into the castle ahead of them; a group of four Darknuts advanced from the back line to make sure the prisoner group got moving in the right direction. The two who had been holding the king and queen retrieved the heads and took off with the bodies to fully destroy.

Velken fell in step beside him just as he had before. Whatever he thought of this, he was being silent on it. Hopefully he stayed loyal long enough to handle the Gorons for him.

To Link:

I have noticed the fall of the Zora Eaters, how they are no longer in the world. Thank you for dealing with them so promptly. But while that is a victory earned, many more monsters have come into being ever since Ganon took over the castle. I can tell that a good portion of them were summoned by him; it's very likely that he was responsible for the Zora Eaters too, although I only have a pattern within the summoning magic to support that with.

Since you have the support of the Zoras now, it would be good to have them show you the way to the Dust Devil Flats at the edge of the Garudo Desert. That land has long been deserted and will be hostile to your presence. Please take care and make sure you have good supplies. The Flats are an enchanted area of land, much like the Trickster's Grotto from near Taven. Every monster there is dangerous, but I would warn you most about the Helmaroc, the Wizzrobes, and the phantom

From Zelda

I apologize for disrupting her letter, but it's unavoidable as she's not in a state of mind to be writing. My name is Impa, Zelda's guardian and handmaiden. At this time, I am in some shock myself. Ganon has publicly executed King Albertos and Queen Zelda Abigail not quite an hour ago. The king was tricked into drinking a potion that forced him to speak his mind in full honesty. It was an ugly scene, from both Albertos and Ganon. While I won't go into full details of that now, Albertos has orchestrated all the wars that occurred in his reign and the Sudai rebellion is heavily driven by revenge. It's unclear what will happen now, except that Ganon will likely keep Zelda, myself, and possibly her sweetheart Joachim alive until he can claim the Triforce of Wisdom.

If the Triforce of Courage manifests in you as Zelda believes it will, please take great caution with your own safety. Claiming the whole Triforce is the most obvious goal for Ganon that I can think of, which would bring a time of chaos and darkness across Hyrule. It may even affect all the lands that Albertos conquered. My hope is that we don't get a chance to see if that is true.

As she was advising you on the monsters of the Dust Devil Flats, let me finish for her. The Helmaroc is a giant monstrous bird of shadows that commands many Kagorocs. They often fly into Hyrule on the desert winds, although the Helmaroc is rarely seen outside the desert. It's most often seen perched on a tall totem in the center of the desert. As those monster birds attack like eagles, they can strike swiftly. Be wary of what's in the sky during the day.

The Wizzrobes are a race of wizard monsters that can take many forms and inhabit many places. For the most part, they will wear a robe that acts as a tell for what kind of magic they can perform. In the desert area you're headed to, brown robe Wizzrobes favor earth magic, white trimmed with green robes warn of wind magic, and any with gold are capable of summoning other monsters. Physical attacks or non-magical ranged attacks are best for dealing with them.

Lastly, the phantom she refers to is a phantom puppet of a Ganon from many ages past. As long as you stay around the Dust Devil Flats and the oasis you emerge in, you should not encounter this creature. There is a chance with both the Helmaroc and the Wizzrobes that you may end up taken to the furthest reaches of the Garudo Desert where the ruins of a great temple lay. That is where the phantom of Ganon resides. It will not appear where there is sunlight, so if you end up there, hopefully it's during the day and not the night. It is powerful with magic and swords; I am unsure of any advice to give if you end up facing it since you don't have the Master Sword yet.

I do not know when Zelda will be able to write you again. However, I will remain with her and help her the best I can. Not only that, but Joachim has been allowed into the tower with us; he is doing all he can to comfort her. The most valuable help you could give us is to continue after the Master Sword so that you will be capable of fighting Ganon with its holy might.

I pray that you have the strength of heart to bear this burden that has fallen on your shoulders..

From Impa

"Something the matter?" Rosso asked, waiting by a pool among the many near the Zora town. A tunnel near the bottom was the one way in and out of the Garudo Desert.

"The king and queen of Hyrule are dead," he told him. "Executed in the middle of town. Zelda had been writing me a letter and her guardian finished it for her."

"There was something about those two that I never liked," he said, the fin on his one arm going still. "Still, I feel bad for the princess; she has a heart of gold and would forgive even them of their attitudes."

And their crimes? Link hadn't liked them either in spite of never meeting the king and queen. They seemed so proud of the wars that kept following each other. Still, could he have saved them if he was acknowledged as a hero? Probably not as he was now. Ganon held the Triforce of Power and it would take the blade that countered all evil to face him on relatively fair grounds. Maybe if his original request to become a mercenary had been approved? Then again, he could clearly remember the strange call to awaken as the hero from the morning that the horses had been stolen. That had been just a week and a half ago, not enough time for him to have gotten to a level to do something so audacious.

"Ganon is keeping Zelda alive, for now," Link said. "I really don't have time to waste; he'll only gain more hold over the land as the days go by."

"We'll hold onto Lake Hylia and these head waters as long as we can," Rosso said, nodding in approval. "I didn't think we could believe you entirely when you came here yesterday. But I believe in you now. Don't hold back against someone like Ganon."

"I won't," he said, then pointed towards the underwater tunnel. "Let's go."