The return to Hylia manor was done in complete, grating silence, with the awkwardness from their earlier encounter and the still lingering threat of Vaati hanging between Link and Zelda like a veiled curtain. For once, Link had nothing to say, and took no solace in Zelda's presence: in fact, at the moment, he would have preferred to be alone.
On his own, haunting Ganondorf's minions from the shadows. The secret life he engaged in once the sun set every night. That was where he could feel most alive, and put his confused and muddled thoughts about Zelda aside – at least for now.
As the coach pulled up in front of the manor, Link leapt out of the still-moving carriage, not even bothering to wait for Zelda. As he strode brusquely to the manor's front doors, he could hear her soft footsteps behind him as she hastened to catch up.
"Link," she said, as his hands rested upon the Deku-oak doors. He paused briefly, consenting to hear her once more this miserable night.
"Thank you," she said sincerely, placing a tentative hand on his shoulder, "for taking me out tonight. I… I really had a good time."
"Not a problem," Link replied, unwilling to reveal his disappointment that nothing had developed from their night together. It was as if she had further distanced herself from him, dooming him to be only a knight that would serve his princess unwaveringly. Well, he would do that, if only for his sworn oath.
Zelda hesitated, obviously sensing some of his discontent, but she said nothing else, and he pushed open the front doors without another word. The main hall was still lit – Impa was keeping vigil over the manor, obviously waiting for their return.
"You're back!" the old nursemaid exclaimed, getting up from her chair where she had been reading a weathered book by candle light. "Earlier than I was expecting."
"You shouldn't have stayed up for us, Impa," Link said, shedding his coat and already ascending the staircase to the second floor.
"Is something wrong?" Impa asked in bewilderment, looking in confusion from Link to Zelda.
"Nothing," Link heard Zelda mutter distractedly, trying to console the nursemaid. "Just some… unexpected events occurred. That's all."
Unexpected. That was the word. Link vaulted up the stairs two at a time, his mind still burning in confusion, disappointment, anger. His whole relationship with Zelda had fundamentally changed – and not for the better. She had emphasized their disparities – him as a noble, her as a mere servant. How ironic, that the Princess of Hyrule thought herself subservient to him, Link thought bitterly. And now, she had clearly placed her priority of duty over personal desire. He respected that greatly in her, but her refusal of him was nonetheless stinging.
Link buried his feelings in the pit of his stomach. Love sickness – how weak. People were suffering, dying, and he was worrying over Zelda's affections. Angrily, Link concentrated on the task at hand: he had his nightly rounds to complete, and after Vaati's smug comments, he would be damned before he gave Ganondorf's soldiers even one night of respite.
Hastening to his room, Link changed from his dress clothes into a simple green tunic – symbolic of the garment worn by the Hero of Time in his quest to rid Hyrule of evil. Although the forest green cloth wasn't ideal for night patrols, Link figured that its symbolic value was what mattered. The hero was fighting for the people once more.
Link slung a quiver of arrows and his longbow across his back before taking the long sword that lay hidden in an alcove beneath his bed. The weight of the steel blade felt comforting in his hands, and Link sheathed it almost reverently before strapping the sword to his side. There – he was ready, fully prepared for the night's adventures. He stepped towards the windows leading to his bedroom balcony, his preferred exit to escape the manor unnoticed.
"Where are you going?"
Zelda was standing ten feet behind him, framed in his bedroom doorway. She was still in her dress: apparently, she had followed him up to his quarters rather than retiring to her own. Her inquisitiveness was usually endearing, but on this night, Link felt only irritation.
"I'll be back before dawn," Link said shortly, not bothering to turn around as he walked onto the balcony. "You should get some sleep."
"Link! You're not seriously thinking of going out there tonight?"
"I am," he said calmly, leaping onto the balcony railings. "It is my duty."
"Your duty?" Zelda asked incredulously, striding up to where he sat perched like a bird of prey. "Link, this is insane. You're going to get yourself killed. This is suicide!"
"Look, Zelda," Link said, more harshly than he had intended. "I swore an oath as a knight of Hyrule. To restore the true monarchy, even at the cost of my life."
"The true monarchy is dead," Zelda exclaimed. "You're fighting for a lost cause."
"Not as dead as you think," Link retorted. "As long as one Royal Family member remains alive, and the rightful owner of the throne, I will fight body and soul for them."
"Don't be a fool," Zelda snapped, her normally tranquil face awash with barely suppressed anger. "You're behaving rashly, acting on your emotions. Link, are you really so childish, so… selfish?"
"How can you call me selfish?" Link demanded, stunned. "I'm fighting for the people… which is more than what you're doing."
He could tell immediately that he had struck a nerve. Zelda's face turned pale, her hands clenched into shaking fists.
"How… how dare you…"
The inside of his mind was in turmoil, and his soul was awash with guilt, but Link couldn't help but feel a sort of vindictive pleasure in watching Zelda shake in rage. His best friend, the woman he loved, his princess… what was he doing to her?
"Link," Zelda said, through gritted teeth, her voice struggling to stay calm. "I know why you're fighting. And it's not to free the people, or to avenge your father's death, like you claim."
"What am I fighting for, then?" he challenged, his heart pumping.
"You're doing all this for me!" she said, agitatedly, eyes furiously red. "Don't try to deny it! Everything you do to fight Ganondorf… you're doing it because you have some misguided, foolish belief, that I'm some sort of… damsel… that you need to protect!"
"That's a lie," Link shot back, even though he knew damn well that her words were true. Everything he was fighting for, everything he did, was for her, no matter how he tried to convince himself otherwise. But why… why was she so disdainful of his efforts?
"I can't stand the fact that it's because of me that you're going to die!" Zelda shouted, tears threatening to cascade from her crystalline eyes. Her anger, so volcanic only seconds ago, had now melted away, and Link found himself suddenly ashamed of his earlier words to her.
"Listen to me," Link said, voice low and reassuring as he cupped Zelda's cheeks with both of his hands. "I am not going to die. I promise that I will always be here to protect you."
Even as he said those words, he was aware of how hollow they were. Guiltily, he tried to pull away from Zelda, but she held onto him firmly, clutching his fingers to her mouth and gently kissing them.
"I don't want you to protect me! I'm scared for you," she whispered. "Every night you go out, I'm terrified that I'll wake up the next morning and…"
Zelda trembled, closing her eyes tightly. "Please, Link. Give up this oath, this madness. You can't achieve anything through your actions."
Her sadness, her utter misery, nearly compelled Link to obey, but he softly broke away from her and turned away.
"That's where you're wrong, Zelda," he said quietly, staring out at the rolling countryside. "I can make a difference… and no matter how much I love you, I won't stop fighting for you."
"They'll kill you," she whispered, eyes shimmering with tears. "They'll kill you, Link, I know it… Vaati, he knows something about you. He was hinting at it earlier…"
"Regardless, this is something I must do," Link said gently. With one leap, he fell gracefully from the balcony's edge and was swallowed up by the darkness, even as Zelda cried out his name one last time.
"Link!"
If his fingers weren't drumming impatiently on the hilt of his broad sword, Ganondorf might have been mistaken for a statue that sat impatient and immovable upon his gem-studded throne. Every few minutes, his eyes would flick up in a haze of red – as he did so now, causing both Koume and Kotake, the only other occupants of the throne room, to let out a startled squawk.
"Well?" Ganondorf asked, his voice dangerously low. He had been awake all night, playing the waiting game, in the hopes that the witches' gambit would pay off. Thus far, he had been disappointed.
"Nothing yet, milord," Koume murmured anxiously, consulting the parchment held in her ancient hands. "B… but I'm sure we'll catch him… it's only a matter of time…"
"Have more patience, milord," Kotake added timidly, causing a vein to pulse in Ganondorf's temple.
"Have more patience?" he repeated, causing the witch to wince in fear. "I have been waiting here for six hours, Kotake. I feel that I have given more than enough of that precious commodity!"
"Of course, of course," Kotake replied soothingly. "Perhaps you should retire for the night… we will inform you of any news."
"No," Ganondorf breathed, settling back into his throne and rubbing his eyes. "I will wait the night out. I have faith that your plan will work…"
Both of the witches cringed at these words.
"Milord," Koume said, quickly, "it's possible that he will not make an appearance tonight… after your ball, the traitor may feel it… prudent… to remain hidden."
"At least for the time being," Kotake added nervously. Both of the witches looked anxiously at Ganondorf.
"No, he will show himself tonight," Ganondorf growled. "Keep watch. Keep me informed."
Both of the witches bowed their heads, and Ganondorf closed his eyes once more, an irritating headache settling into his mind. All this work to find one measly traitor! It annoyed Ganondorf that his own troops were so incapable of apprehending this man. Even the Gerudo were having trouble locating him – Aveil had already reported the death of one of her warriors. This meant, however grudgingly Ganondorf admitted it, that the traitor he was hunting was a skilled foe.
That alone sent a chill up the usurper-king's spine. For decades, he had oppressed the gutless cowards of Hyrule with little opposition – and now, one man threatened to undo everything he had worked for. His guard captains reported that the peasants in Castle Town grew more unruly by the day, obviously inspired by the traitor's example.
If Ganondorf could find the traitor, and make an appropriate punishment for him, he felt sure that the spirit of the Hylians would be crushed for good. Then, finally, once all the seeds of rebellion had been destroyed, Ganondorf could get on with the creation of his new country – a land completely controlled and cowed by him, their sole king.
For several minutes, Ganondorf idly amused himself by imaging the punishments he would dole out to the traitor. Perhaps a short time on the rack, to test the man's mettle. Ganondorf doubted that such a strong foe could be broken by such a simple torture device, but it would be satisfying to watch him scream in pain. Then, Ganondorf thought with a wicked smile, the true torture would be left to the skilled hands of Aveil. She had not yet failed to break a man.
Only once the traitor was completely crushed, body and soul, would he be brought out for a public execution. To make a public example, to cement his might once and for all. Ganondorf would not tolerate traitors to the crown, and he intended to make this clear in the minds of his subjects.
Ganondorf smiled contentedly, already dreaming of the beautiful day when this loathsome traitor would be caught and slaughtered. It helped keep his mind at ease in light of the current problems he was facing.
There came a booming knock on the throne room door, and Ganondorf raised an irate eyebrow as his pleasant dreams crumbled in an instant. "Enter!" he demanded, his voice tinged with annoyance.
The doors creaked open, admitting a single man clad in ornate robes and gilded finery: his chief advisor, Vaati. The other man bowed his head respectfully. "Excuse me for the interruption, Lord Ganondorf."
"What is it, Vaati?" Ganondorf replied in a bored voice.
The other man straightened up, casually glancing at the two witches huddled in the corner of the room. "I have just been informed by Captain Zant, milord. One of our supply depots was raided an hour ago – the guards were found tied up and a week's worth of rations were stolen."
Vaati paused, allowing Ganondorf to process the information, before continuing. "Captain Zant is doing his best to control the rioting in Castle Town. Apparently, the stolen food had been distributed amongst the citizenry."
"I see," Ganondorf mused, his heart pumping faster. Immediately, he looked over to Koume and Kotake, who were surveying the parchment held in their hands with expressions of glee.
"Shall I deploy additional soldiers, milord?" Vaati asked.
"What? Yes, do whatever you deem necessary," Ganondorf said dismissively, waving the other man away. Vaati bowed and cast the witches one last annoyed look, apparently displeased that they had stolen his lord's favor so completely.
"Well?" Ganondorf asked excitedly, as Vaati left the room. "The name! Give me the name!"
Trembling, Kotake took the parchment and brought it over to Ganondorf. He snatched it from her quivering hands, his eyes scanning the rows of names that had been etched in the blood of his nobles only hours ago. The blood had dried into sickening crust on the paper, but one name, at the very bottom, remained wet with guilty blood, magically enchanted by the witches' spells.
Ganondorf's lips curved into a predator's smile.
"I have found the traitor. Assemble a group of soldiers, Kotake. At dawn, they are to arrest Link Hylia."
It was dawn when Link returned to the Hylia Estate, tired and yet exhilarated from his successful night run. The seeds of rebellion had been sown, and the bonds of fear that had shackled the peasants for so long were finally being lifted. Soon, it would be time – time to finish off Ganondorf and destroy the oppressive reign he had crafted. Link smiled eagerly at the thought, and for a minute lost himself in the glories to come.
Lithely scaling the vines that grew alongside the manor walls, he crept back into his private chambers, the adrenaline rush from the night still numbing the aching of his exhausted muscles. He had been especially daring the previous night – attacking one of Ganondorf's supply depots. Link smiled to himself as he remembered the amazed and grateful looks of the citizens as he distributed the king's goods amongst the starving population. It was moments like those when he was sure that his actions were just, and that he was truly fighting for the good of Hyrule. Some might have called it idealism, but Link knew that all he needed was to get stoke the fires of rebellion. Soon, Ganondorf would have much more to worry about than a lone vigilante.
Link closed the balcony doors behind him as he entered his room, the plush carpet feeling heavenly to his feet as he slipped out of his boots. A long nap was in order – he was positively drained – and then he'd go seek out Zelda and apologize for their argument the previous night.
Link frowned, his jubilation momentarily scarred as he recalled the bitter words he had exchanged with her. Perhaps it was time to tell Zelda of her true heritage, that she was by blood the Crown Princess of Hyrule. It would put a wall between them, and probably destroy their relationship as friends, for her duties to the country would be more important than his own wants and desires. Still, Link mused sadly, it was probably best that way. Zelda needed to understand, and he needed to move on.
Yes, I'll tell Zelda today, he thought, more firmly now. Distractedly, Link threw his weapons to the floor and drew aside his bed curtains, intending to flop into bed without even bathing. As he wrapped himself in the inviting warmth of his blankets, a sharp rap came on his bedroom door. Groaning, he rolled onto his side and reluctantly lifted his head from the pillows. "Who is it?"
"It's me," came Zelda's voice, muffled from the other side of the door. "May I come in?"
"Of course," Link replied, and a second later, the door opened. Zelda stepped in, hair disheveled and still wearing the dress she had worn to the ball.
"You didn't sleep at all?" Link asked, as she delicately closed the door behind her and took a seat next to Link on his bed.
"I couldn't. I was hoping to talk to you as soon as you returned," she murmured. There was a brief pause, before she asked, "Were you in the market last night?"
"Yes, how did you know?"
"You smell horrible," she said, a tired smile stretched over her face, and Link felt relieved that some of the previous night's anger had drained out of her. "You're not even going to wash up?"
"I was planning on sleeping first," Link confessed, looking down at his grimy hands.
Zelda looked fairly revolted. "You're absolutely filthy, Link."
"Alright," Link said, taking the hint and getting to his feet. His energy was waning, and his legs protested mightily as he forced himself into his bathroom. He closed the door behind him, feeling the cold stone beneath his bare feet and shivering. Peering into the bathtub, he was surprised to see that it was already filled with water – hot water, for that matter.
He opened the bathroom door once more, looking suspiciously at Zelda. "The bathtub – did you…?"
She raised her eyes innocently at him, and he shrugged, ducking back into the bathroom and shutting the door behind him.
"I've been thinking," Zelda called, from outside, as Link removed his filthy tunic. "About last night. About what you said to me."
"Zelda," Link said guiltily, "I'm sorry I lost my temper. I didn't mean…"
"You were right," she continued, ignoring him. "I'm not doing Hyrule any good by hiding in this manor."
Link froze, listening to Zelda's words. Rather than belligerent, she sounded tired and exhausted.
"Am I a coward, Link? For being scared to leave the manor at night? For wanting you to hide here with me, and pretend that everything will work itself out?"
"Zelda…"
"You talk about duty. About fighting for a cause. But I… I just don't have the power or skill to fight. Does… does that make me… weak?"
Link opened the bathroom door again, poking his head outside to look at Zelda. She was sitting on his bed, body trembling, hands clenched into fists. A surge of emotion filled Link, and he smiled softly.
"Zelda," he murmured, and she looked up at his gentle words. "I'm a knight. The only thing I know how to do is fight – fight for a greater cause, a greater duty, than my own. But… there is only so much that violence can solve – and the problems that come from it are often greater than the solution."
"Then why do you fight?"
"Because I'm weak," Link said simply. "I don't know how to solve Hyrule's problems, except through the use of the sword. And so I fight, hoping that my actions will do at least some good."
"You could teach me," Zelda suggested. "To wield a sword… or the bow…"
"No," Link said, shaking his head. "My hands are stained with blood. I would not ask you to pollute your soul through acts of murder."
"Link…"
"I fight for a greater good, but my actions are a necessary evil," he continued. "I'm a simple brawler, nothing more. But you, Zelda… you can do so much more for Hyrule than I ever could."
"How?" she whispered. "I feel so helpless, sitting in this manor every night while you go out and fight Ganondorf. Link, I have no power at all – nothing!"
"You have qualities that the people of Hyrule need: compassion, love, a strong sense of justice. Those traits are infinitely greater than the ability to wield a sword."
"What good are those traits, if I can't even escape this Goddesses-damned manor?" Zelda spat, her temper briefly flaring up. She glared venomously at the floor, before sighing.
"Zelda… no dictator can hold onto his power for eternity. It is only a matter of time until Ganondorf falls, and when that day comes… you will be needed to rebuild Hyrule."
"What do you mean, Link?"
"You…" For a brief moment, Link contemplated of revealing her identity, before he hesitated once more. Did she really need to know of her royal duties yet? It seemed like such a burden…
And do I really want our friendship to end?
Link shook his head, suppressing the wave of guilt that rose up in his mind. It was still too early, he convinced himself… he would tell her when the time was right…
"We need to talk later," Link said quietly, "but right now, I'm going to clean myself up."
Zelda nodded her head, trying to flash Link a brief smile. He closed the door behind him, letting out a tense sigh.
"Zelda," he called, his voice echoing oddly inside his bathroom. "About last night… at the ball…"
Even thought he couldn't see her, he envisioned her tensing suddenly. He continued, determined to make his intentions clear. "I'm sorry I tried to… kiss you."
"But Link," she replied in surprise, "I was the one who…"
"I was drunk," he continued, fully aware that she knew he was lying. "I… I would never want to ruin our friendship, Zelda. It's my most prized possession."
There. He had said it. Made the clear-cut assertion that they were friends, and nothing else. It would help ease the underlying tension between them, and help make her transition to queen much easier on his emotions, Link convinced himself. He loved her, deeply and with a burning passion, but she was more than an object of desire to him. He cherished Zelda for who she was, and even if she would never reciprocate his feelings, he at least wanted to have her friendship to treasure.
There was a pause on the other side of the door, as if Zelda didn't know how to reply. Link wanted in tense agony for her words, his teeth grinding together viciously.
"I understand, Link," she replied softly, barely loud enough for him to distinguish her words. "And… I… agree. Your friendship… it means so much to me."
Sighing, Link clenched his fists and sank slowly into the warm water of the bathtub, her soft words washing over his body like the water he was immersed in. He had convinced himself that it would be better this way, but for some reason, his mind felt even more drained.
