Chapter Four

Before Link could ask what was under the monster's cloak, he felt cold steel pressed against his throat. The dark figure scowled as he stood over the hero. The boat continued to sail onwards and towards the mainland. It was dumb luck that he had managed to escape his master's minions. He wasn't going to rely on luck a second time against the hero of winds.

"That wasn't your ship, was it?" Link questioned the shadow. Dark Link couldn't help but grin. His broken hand was shaking as he pressed the blade against the heroes neck.

"My blade may have claimed the crew members," the demon smiled. The boat sailed softly towards the pier. Stood amongst it were a large crowd of spectators. They had seen the ship being engulfed in flames and fall into the waves below. They had heard the cries of monsters from the distance.

They watched in horror as the dark figure pushed Link to one side, slashed the sail and darted out of the boat. Link fell over the side and crashed into the water. The dark figure carried on, past the astonished citizens. He sped round the corner and under a bridge.

Aryll stood in his path, holding out her brother's sword and shield. He stopped in his tracks, snarling in the back of his throat. He raised his sword as she mimicked him. She stayed where she was, keeping her shield raised and the sword pointed in his direction.

"That blade will not harm me," the demon glared at her, his teeth bearing. Nothing but the master sword had a chance against exterminating him. Only his previous master would have a chance at defeating the legendary hero's shadow.

"Nobody threatens my brother and gets away with it," she told him. He was impressed by her courage. He recalled her being nothing but a whiney prisoner in the past. He gazed downwards and noticed her legs shivering slightly. She was all bark and no bite. He hoisted the servant girl from within his cloak, keeping her hidden as he kept the blade high.

"Be a good girl and get out of my way," he told her as he slowly walked forward. She stayed put. He could smell the fear on her, dripping down her forehead and onto her dress. He held onto the blade tightly, gritting his teeth as his broken bones shot pain through his body. His hand trembled as he strode towards her, his sword raised high.

"Don't take another step towards my sister," Link called out from behind him. The dark one peered over his shoulder. Link stood behind him, his blonde hair was dripping with sea water.

The red eyes scanned between the two siblings. His hand quivered as it held onto his sword. His other arm ached at the weight of the girl, still cold and barely alive, in his grasp. He wasn't worried about Aryll. He could take on the hero relatively well.

Dark Link threw his sword into the ground and bowed his head in shame. But he would never surrender or play fair. The girl blinked hard, standing on her feet awkwardly, shaking her head as his expression changed. Dark drew a small blade out from within his tunic, clutching the tiny yet deadly blade within his hand. He was going to kill his master's murderer. He was going to regain his authority and his pride. Any being that could fell the legendary hero would surely claim their reputation back.

"Who is with you?" Link asked the demon.

"He's with someone else?" Aryll asked in shock. Link nodded. Dark Link ignored the two siblings as he stared underneath his black veil. For the first time since their escape, a pair of amber eyes stared up at him. Her chest was raising and lowering heavily, desperately trying to breathe.

"A prisoner," the demon slowly told them, "nothing but a prisoner." He pulled the cloak out of the way, revealing the servant girl to the others. Her hand clutched onto his tunic weakly as she turned to face Aryll first. Aryll dropped her sword in shock at the sight of her. Her chest continued to heave up and down frantically. Dark knew she was in agonising pain but as she made no sound the others weren't aware of it.

"Release her," Link told the demon, stepping towards him. Dark turned and stared at the hero. He didn't appreciate cold demands coming from a spoilt boy.

"If she leaves my side she will fall into a coma. The wonders of a curse," Dark told him. Link stared at the prisoner. She looked fragile and sick. On her left hand was the marking he had seen in the boat. A single dark triangle trailed by many lines that ran up her wrist and part of her arm.

"Why have you bewitched her?" Link asked, continuing to edge towards the monster. Dark stared at Link with his deep red eyes. Just a little closer... he thought to himself.

"You're mistaken. I did not bewitch her." He chuckled as he said this, his grin growing as he kept the dagger concealed. "My master did. I just happen to be next in command."

"Lift the spell on her. Let her go or else," Link started.

"Or else what, hero?" Dark coaxed him, taking small steps towards him. Aryll raised the shield and sword higher but didn't move towards the two men. Link was out of practice and he knew this dark fiend was skilled. Even so, he couldn't leave knowing that she would still be his captive. The dark shadow laughed and took a step back, grabbing a hold of the sick servant roughly.

Link grit his teeth. He took a sharp stride forward and towards the villain. Dark Link smirked as he swiftly brought out the blade, knowing the hero wouldn't be able to react in time.

The girl lurched forward taking both of them by surprise. She grabbed Link by his arm and pushing him to one side. In that moment, she felt the cold blade enter her side. She closed her eyes and screamed in agony even though no sound passed her lips. Link stared in astonishment as Dark's eyes widened. The demon quickly clutched her tightly, grabbing the cloak and tying it tightly around her stomach. Her fingers gripped onto his tunic, tears streaming down her face.

"You're forbidden from dying!" Dark shouted at her. She juddered violently within his grasp. Link stood there both confused and bewildered. Dark hoisted her from the left side, his anxious eyes staring at Link and then sharply at Aryll.

"She needs aid!" Dark snapped at Link's sister. The two stared blankly. Link's mind raced at the thought of the same blade digging into his chest. The dark being had meant to kill him.

"You can't let her die!" Dark roared at them, lifting her up sharply and cradling her awkwardly, cringing as his broken hand jolted with pain.

Aryll nodded without hesitation, running up to the prisoner. Aryll dropped the weapons to the floor as she lifted up the girl's right arm and rested it over her shoulder. Dark carried her from the left. The two made their way towards the tavern as quickly as possible. Link kept close to them both, not trusted the dark figure with his sister.

Dark's eyes were full of desperation and fear. The veil was tied tightly around her wound but with each step she was growing colder and colder. They carried the girl into the tavern and into a spare room. Link followed closely.