Yay exciting stuff! The ending plot is finally starting to happen. Lets get this story rolling.
Chapter Twenty Two: Snowball Fights and Secrets
Kasten leaned his head against his bedroom window. The cold glass burned his skin for a moment, creating a headache.
Outside everything seemed so peaceful. The exact opposite of what the castle was like. The snow seemed to stretch on forever. It made the front courtyard look so vast.
It had been a year now. A year since Link and Reena had disappeared. More than a year since his life had changed drastically. More than a year since his first best friend had turned on him.
Kasten felt defeated. Sarid was his brother. What had happened to him? Was it something he had done?
In his mind played their numerous pranks they had accomplished. It had always been their favorite sport until two years ago. He could still remember…
"Stop it," Kasten said sternly. "He's changed now."
It still hurt. He would have to kill his own brother. Though he knew it was futile to hope, Kasten wondered if Sarid still had some good left in his heart. He didn't want to hate the memories of him. Even after all he had done, Kasten still hoped Sarid would…
"You're getting unrealistic," Kasten muttered. "He's killed himself. He tried to kill you. He killed mom and dad…"
Kasten looked down at his hands. The crest of the Salderin was encrypted on an emerald set on a gold band. He slid it off his finger. It glinted in the sunlight, green bouncing off the walls.
The window stuck slightly as Kasten pushed it open. The last mark of his history fell to the ground below, getting lost in the deep snow. His family's dynasty had ended. He would never rule, Sarid wouldn't live much longer, and his parents were dead.
Where would he go after the war? Not Salderin. He'd be killed for sure. Maybe Termina… His heart sunk. It would be impossible to live so far from Lera…
Kasten lifted his gaze to the courtyard again. In the distance two people were approaching the castle. They were admitted past the gate and Kasten eyed them. No one was let in that easily.
As they neared, Kasten felt familiarity sweep over him. He didn't know why for he couldn't recognize who these two were. All he could tell was that it was a man and a woman. A small smile came to his lips as the woman slyly stuck snow down the man's back. She laughed as the man tried desperately to get it out of his shirt.
"Reena! I'm going to get you for that!"
"By the goddesses," Kasten breathed.
Before he knew what he was doing, the tapestries in the castle halls were whipping by him. He screeched to a halt in front of the study, breathing hard.
"Kasten? Are you alright?" Lera asked, startled.
"I saw… I saw," he gasped. "You won't believe what I saw!"
"What did you see?" Lera asked, walking over to him.
"I-I saw Link and Reena! Coming towards the castle!" he exclaimed.
"What?" Lera cried, breaking into a run. The two nearly took out every soul that got into their way as they darted down the halls. They collided into each other as they tried to stop in front of the Throne Room's side entrance.
"They're here!" Lera exclaimed, struggling to get up from the floor. She pulled Kasten up before running to her parents. "They're here!"
"Who's here?" Jerold asked, stunned by her sudden outburst.
"Link and Reena!" she answered, almost jumping up and down from excitement.
"Are you sure, dear?" Lenaya asked, clasping Lera's hands with hope.
"I saw them," Kasten said, hurrying over to them. "I know I saw them. They were-"
One of the large, magnificent castle oak doors opened. The group gaped as Reena quickly shut it behind her, sliding down the smooth wood. She was laughing hysterically. It stopped the moment her eyes rested on them.
"Er…Hello!" she said, giving them a small wave. "I'm not here! Link's going to kill me!"
"He's going to kill you? He's going to kill you?" Lera shrieked.
"Reena! That was not funny!" Link cried, bursting in and nearly slamming Reena against the wall.
"You nearly crushed me!" Reena accused, getting out from behind the door.
"So help me I am going to… uh…" he trailed off as he too saw the others. "We're… um… back."
"You're dead," Lera hissed, pointing a threatening finger at the two.
"I told you it was a bad idea to come back," Reena murmured as he helped her from the floor.
Link was nearly knocked to the floor again as Lera threw her arms around him. He laughed, hugging her tightly.
"You two have a lot of explaining to do!" she cried.
"We know," Link smiled, letting her go to Reena.
"Where you have two been?" she demanded. "You just left me here! For all I knew you were dead!"
"What, you were worried about us?" Reena asked, embracing her sister.
"Slightly!" Lera answered, smiling up at the two.
"I have a feeling there's a long story that needs to be revealed," Jerold said as the three descended the stairs.
"Not that long actually," Link admitted, glancing over at Reena. "Really, you all are going to have a lot more to tell us. I can sum up right now what happened over the past year."
"Well, let's go to the study and discuss everything there," Lenaya said, tears in her eyes as she looked at Link and Reena standing in front of her, safe.
*astrix astrix astrix*
Lera knocked against the oak door three times, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear nervously.
"Come in."
The knob turned beneath her hand and Kasten's chambers welcomed her. Kasten sat on his bed against the wall. His knees were drawn up with his arms crossed resting on them. His eyes met hers and a small smile answered Lera's.
"Hello, princess," he said.
"Hey," Lera replied. "Mind if I sit down?"
Kasten laughed quietly. "Go right ahead."
"Where were you this afternoon?" Lera asked, sitting down. "I didn't see you in the study."
"I… didn't want to intrude," he explained.
"Intrude?" Lera asked, eyeing him. "If anything I do that."
"…Well, what about you? I'd figure you'd be talking with them," Kasten admitted.
"They're talking with my parents," Lera answered. She extended her right hand, opening it. "Reena… found this."
Kasten stared at his ring. How had Reena been able to find it? He narrowed his gaze, becoming interested with the wall again.
"Do whatever you want with it. Melt it down. I don't care."
Lera saw sadness lurking behind his icy stare. She placed the ring on the bedside table, sliding next to him. The young prince tried not to lose composure as she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Kasten, I'm sorry."
Kasten looked at her, startled. "For what, princess?"
Lera swallowed hard, guilt washing over her again. "All this time… you haven't said or complained about anything… nothing."
Kasten tore his gaze away from hers. "You all have enough to worry about."
"What does that have to do with anything?" Lera asked, trying to make him look at her. "You've lost your family. I'm not having another Link in our midst who hides everything. I know there's something behind the false composure."
Tears threatened at the corners of his eyes. Kasten hid his face in his arms, feeling himself shaking.
"He wasn't like this," Kasten breathed. "We were best friends when we were younger. My favorite childhood memories are… with him."
All around him swirled scenes of their time together. The cook screeched as she found their dead mouse in the pantry. The stable boy ran frantically around the castle grounds, trying to locate the missing horses…
"I don't know what happened," Kasten admitted, trying hard not to cry. "I wish you could have known him before all of this. He was supposed to rule! Why'd he throw his life away? Why'd… he join him? Was it something I had done?"
"Kasten, you're going to drive yourself insane trying to answer those questions," Lera said softly.
"Something must have driven him to do such things," Kasten whispered. "If not… I don't know what I'm going to do. I know he won't live after the battle. He doesn't deserve to. But… but…"
The tears couldn't be kept back any longer. A single tear splashed against his knee.
"Kasten, it's alright," Lera said, grasping one of his hands.
"No, it's not," he answered, his voice muffled. "Why am I going to miss him? Why? After all he's done?"
Kasten looked at her, waiting for the 'I don't know'. Even he didn't know.
"Because he's your brother," Lera answered, putting her arms around him. Even at a time such as this, butterflies were in her stomach as he held her close. "You know him best and have memories of your times together. You know how he used to be."
"There are so many things…" Kasten whispered. "I don't now what happened. It's like a night mare and I keep telling myself that I'm going to wake up. That I'm going to wake up to Sarid waiting for a brilliant idea to fool everyone and to my parents urging me to find…"
"Find what?" Lera asked.
"Nothing," Kasten whispered, closing his eyes as he held her tighter.
Lera gently rubbed his back, feeling him tremble beneath her. She fought hard to stop her own tears from falling.
"What did you two pull?" she whispered into his ear.
A small, mischievous smile appeared. "Do you really want to know?"
Lera pulled away, gently wiping away his tears and nodded. "I might get some ideas."
"Can I help?"
"It'll all depend."
*astrix astrix astrix*
"So… when are we going to tell them the whole story?" Reena asked.
"After the war is over," Link answered. "Personally, I think they can only take so many surprises in one day. And… we can leave a few details out…"
"Like… making out on the ground?"
"Yes, that would an ideal detail," Link said. "I only wonder when the war will be over."
"Soon," Reena shrugged.
"You're taking the matter to lightly," Link chided. "Lest we forget, he's looking for you. You won't be safe until the war is over."
"You worry too much," Reena concluded, smiling at his irritation.
"Sorry, I don't want you dying," Link said, rolling his eyes.
"Link? Reena?"
The two backtracked, coming to Kasten's room. Lera and he sat on his bed, a glint in their eyes.
Reena smirked. "What now?"
"Snowball fight," Lera answered. "Tomorrow."
"Boys against girls," Reena said.
"Done," Link and Kasten both said.
"They're dead," Lera snickered.
"No magic," Link warned Reena. "That is an unfair advantage."
"Yeah, I don't want to be impaled by some spell," Kasten added.
"You wimps," Lera muttered. "Reena, I think you have to agree."
"Fine, if that's the only way you two will play," Reena sighed. "But we'll still beat you two horribly."
"Say whatever you like," Link called after her as she walked away. "Don't stay up too late because tomorrow's war."
Link followed after Reena, closing the door behind him when he stepped into her room.
"Hey, we're enemies now, what are you doing in here?" Reena said, crossing her arms.
"We've barely known each other's existence for over a week and already we've been pitted against each other," Link smiled.
"Why am I not surprised?" Reena asked, as he kissed her goodnight.
"Hey, Reena?"
Reena and Link jumped apart just as the door opened. Lera stopped, eyeing them.
"Sorry, didn't realize you two were busy," she snickered.
"Oh, shut up," Reena said rolling her eyes.
"I'm kidding," Lera said rolling her eyes. "Anyways just came to tell you we're starting at dawn."
"I'll be dead tomorrow morning, but okay," Reena said as Link gave her a small smile and headed for the door.
*astrix astrix astrix*
"I didn't find them," Lera said, meeting with Reena in the gardens.
"Neither did I…" Reena murmured. "That's surprising…because we've been able to find them every run."
"Link's pretty quiet," Lera pointed out. "But I didn't know Kasten was too!"
"They may be quiet, but not quiet enough," Reena smirked, dropping her voice. "Besides, we've learned their tactics. Follow me."
The two crept noiselessly through the winter wonderland of snow covered trees. Reena led Lera through the forest, stopping every now and then. However, Lera now knew better than to ask what Reena was doing. Every time she led her on what seemed like a wild chase turned out fruitful.
Reena stopped, waving Lera forward. She pointed through the snow dusted brush and Lera smirked.
Link and Kasten were crouched in the snow, discussing amongst themselves. In the snow they drew and Lera shook her head. Who drew out maps in a snowball fight?
"Should we split up?" Kasten asked. "It's worked earlier."
"Yes… then at least one of us still stands a chance," Link said. "But they might team up on one of us and then it's over."
"Link, this isn't going against Ganondorf. It's Lera and Reena."
"Exactly, it's worse."
"Damn right," Lera whispered to Reena who smirked. "Want to split up too?"
"No," Reena answered. "We'll get 'em right now and finish this thing finally!"
"Alright, let's go," Lera said. "From the sides?"
Reena nodded, the two going separate ways.
"Alright," Link said, drawing in the snow. "They're both good climbers, especially Reena. You're going to want to watch from above most likely."
"Lera's not too fond of above attacks," Kasten said. "She'll probably stick close to Reena, covering the ground."
"Most likely," Link agreed. "Now if-"
"You two are analyzing this way too much."
"Run!" Kasten cried.
Too late. The two were bombarded with snow as the girls charged at them. They were chased all throughout the gardens and out of them. Finally they were tackled in the front courtyard.
"Mercy!" Link cried, covering his face a Reena threw a fistful of snow at him. He shook his head, sitting up from the cold ground.
"Yeah, right!" Lera exclaimed. She let out a cry as snow hit her in the face. "Kasten, you are at my mercy! Not a smart idea!"
"I'm not going down without a fight!" he answered, throwing some at Reena.
"Oh, you're dead!" Reena said, picking up more snow. She froze as snow melted down her back. Link began to laugh hysterically. It only got worse when Reena slowly cast her hateful eyes at him. "I loathe you."
"He's dead," Kasten said simply.
Reena lunged at Link, trying desperately to give him the same punishment. However, all she accomplished as forcing him to the ground again and pelting him with snow.
"Alright! I can't breathe!" Link cried, trying to push her away.
"You should have thought of that before!" Reena snapped, leaving him be and trying to get the snow out of her tunic. "Arugh! It's stuck!"
"Don't ask for help," Lera warned, "because they'll jump at the opportunity."
"Yeah, I know," Reena murmured. However she gave Link a half smile.
Link returned it, still breathing heavily. He got up on his elbows, shaking the snow from his hair.
"It is cold on the ground," he said.
"Really?" Lera asked innocently. "I never knew!"
"Be quiet," Kasten said, sitting up. He pushed her over into the snow. "See what it's like."
"Okay, snow in the ear is not cool!" Lera cried, getting up as fast as she could.
"Now you know how we feel," Kasten said, standing up. "And now we're all soaking wet."
"Before I freeze to death," Lera said, "I'm going inside."
"I second that," Link said. "How long have we been at this?"
"We started in the morning and the sun's about to set," Reena answered. "In short, a very long time. And as we told you, girls won!"
"You got lucky," Kasten said as the four trudged back to the castle.
"Well, who won?" Jerold asked when they trekked down the grand staircase.
"Girls naturally," Lera answered as the boys rolled their eyes.
"You four were certainly outside long enough," Lenaya said, shaking her head. "Go to the study once you've changed into some dry clothes. We'll have a fire started and hot chocolate brought there before you all catch cold."
"Thanks," everyone echoed, going to their own quarters. By the time they had all gathered in the study, night had fallen.
"Tired?" Lera asked as Reena stepped into the study.
"How could you tell?" she asked, sitting down on one of the couches by the fire.
"You're in your pajamas," Lera answered.
"As are you," Reena pointed out, grabbing the blanket hanging over the back of the couch. "Naturally the guys will comment."
"Will comment on what?" Kasten asked as he entered. "You two certainly seem ready to go to sleep."
"Yeah, you too," Lera said, grabbing a steaming mug from the table in the center of the sitting area. "Okay, now let's see if Link followed the pajama rule."
"He followed the rule," Reena said as the last of the group entered. "You guys put up a good fight. So, good game."
"We let you win," Kasten said.
"Fine, rematch," Reena said, narrowing her eyes at him.
"Wrong thing to say," Link groaned, sitting down next to Reena. "Just for the record, he said that, not me."
"He's your comrade," Lera answered.
"No rematch," Link pleaded, taking the hot chocolate that Reena handed him.
"Fine, we'll just beat Kasten to a pulp," Lera said with a malicious smile.
"Good luck," Link smirked, eyeing Kasten. "One would assume you've learned by now."
"He's not as experienced as you," Lera explained.
"Thank you," Kasten said, glaring.
"Well, it's true," Lera shrugged. She looked at Link and Reena. "Glad you're finally back."
"It's good to be back," Reena said, hiding a smile as Link's hand brushed hers.
*astrix astrix astrix*
"Where were they spotted?" Reena asked, matching Link's stride on the way to the study. It was the next day and shocking news had reached the castle.
"Not far from Hyrule's border," Link answered. "The guards said it was a massive army."
"Not what I want to hear," Reena murmured. "And the guards just arrived?"
"They were coming all the way from Lake Hylia," Link explained. "They made good time."
"How long ago did they see the army?" Reena asked as they entered the study. Lenaya, Jerold, Kasten, Lera, and Impa waited for them.
"Five days ago," Link said, swallowing hard.
"Five days?" Reena breathed. "They could be here in less than a week!"
"I know," Jerold sighed as the two took seats. "We sent scouts to every domain whom are spreading the news. Our army shall be ready within a few days."
"We may not have a few days," Impa said, her arms crossed.
"With an army of such size as it was described can not be moving fast," Kasten said. "Then again… Sarid has his ways of doing such things."
"We'll need more help," Lera said. "We can't only depend on our forces alone."
"What about Termina?" Reena asked.
"Wouldn't have Sarid tried to get their alliance already?" Lenaya objected.
"When we saw the maps," Link said, digging into his memory, "it seemed that he planned on taking Hyrule and then Termina. No doubt he figures that if he takes Hyrule, Termina will have no chance. Which is true because they'd be surrounded."
"Termina would have noticed that such a large army was passing by their territory!" Kasten said.
"Not true," Impa said. "There are paths that branch far enough from Termina's borders."
"Which Sarid no doubt took so not to raise any type of alarm," Lera added.
"Reena and I can go to Termina," Link said. "I think we'll be able to rally an army there."
"One would hope," Jerold said. "You two did save Clock Town and probably the whole land!"
Link gave him a half smile. "Exactly, so let's hope they remember that."
"And you can get your hat back," Reena added in. Everyone laughed at this despite the tension in the air.
"Yes, because that's on the top of my priority list," Link said, rolling his eyes. "We'll leave tomorrow and come around behind him. Are you meeting him in battle?"
Jerold nodded. "I want to keep him in the fields of Hyrule. This war will not branch into the domains."
"Kasten… is everything alright?" Lera asked, seeing how pale he was.
"Something's not right," he said quietly. "This isn't like him. He'd make sure his approach was secret. If he took the effort to avoid Termina… why'd he let guards get away with warning us? He's planning something else…"
"We'll be ready for anything he'll try to pull," Jerold assured, standing up.
Everyone began to leave, but Kasten hung back. He wasn't satisfied. Sarid wasn't like this. He wasn't careless with his plans. He made sure they worked out his way.
Throughout the rest of the day this kept running through his head. What was he going to do? What was he planning? It was driving him to near insanity. Dread began to set in as night fell. He needed to figure out what Sarid was up to!
As he paced his room again, a knock sounded at the door. He was so deep in thought that he jumped at the interruption.
"Come in," he said, sitting down on the edge of the bed.
"You're really stressing over this, aren't you?" Lera said, walking in.
"I just know he's going to do something!" Kasten exclaimed, putting his face in his hands. "Becoming discovered isn't his style unless he's planning something!"
"Kasten, it's okay," Lera assured. "Come on. Try thinking of something else for once."
"Like what?" he asked, giving her a half smile. "I'm open to suggestions."
Lera shrugged. "Anything."
"Alright, go ahead and tell me," Kasten said, smiling at her.
"What?" Lera asked, surprised.
"You're dying to tell me something," Kasten said. "I can see it in your eyes. Tell me before you lose your mind."
Lera's face broke into a proud smile. "I'm going to be leading the battle with my father."
"What?" Kasten cried, jumping to his feet.
Lera stumbled back, shocked by his reaction. However, his shock seemed to surpass hers.
"What's wrong?" Lera asked.
"You could get killed out there!" Kasten protested. "I can't believe their letting you go into battle!"
"Kasten, I want to!" Lera explained. "I can fight! And you know that!"
"I know you can fight, Lera," Kasten said, shaking his head in despair. "But this'll be different! What if you get killed out there?"
"What if you get killed?" Lera shot back.
"Who cares?" he demanded. "You-"
"Who cares?" Lera asked angrily. "Me maybe!"
Kasten fell silent, guilt rushing over him at her hurt expression. He went to speak when his heart stopped. A mirror gazed over Lera's shoulder… with two glaring eyes reflecting off of it.
"Kasten?" Lera asked.
"Lera," he breathed, "keep looking at me. Don't look over my shoulder. Throw something on the ground, like you're mad at me."
"Well, I don't need to act there!" Lera snapped. "Why would I do that?"
"Just do it, damn it!" Kasten hissed. "For once in your life, just do as I say!"
Lera didn't hesitate. She took the necklace from around her neck, narrowing her eyes at him and dropping it to the floor. Ever so slowly did he crouch down, pulling the dagger from his boot.
"Kasten… what are you doing?" Lera breathed.
"They're here."
Before Lera could question, Kasten whipped around. The dagger crashed through the window, a sickening thud sounding. Lera nearly screamed when she saw the black figure stare at her in shock and then at the dagger protruding from his chest. His eyes rolled to the back of his head and plummeted to the ground.
"Run," Kasten ordered, backing away from the window. "The castle is surrounded. Run!"
Lera threw the door open as another assassin came through the window. A screamed echoed down the hall. Windows could be heard breaking.
"Reena!" Lera cried, throwing her door open. Her sister wrestled with one of the assassins on the ground. Lera grabbed the dagger in her own boot, sinking it into the attacker's back. Reena kicked him off, jumping to her feet.
"They're coming in everywhere!" Lera exclaimed as the two ran from the room and screeched down the hall.
"Where's Kasten and Link?"
"I'm here," Link said, running up to them. "Reena, get out of here! They're here for you!"
"Me?" Reena asked, as Link grabbed her hand and pulled her into his room. "How do you know that?"
"I forced it from one of the assassins," Link answered, motioning to the dead body on the floor. "Come on. Out the window."
"How'd he find out we're here?" Reena asked as Link forced the window open.
"I don't know, but you need to get out of here, Reena," Link said as they slowly descended down the icy castle wall.
"Link, I can fight them! You know that!" Reena protested as they jumped the rest of the way, their feet sinking into the snow. They began to navigate through the gardens, stopping every now and then to listen for pursuers.
"No," Link answered. He turned to her, stopping her before she continued. "I thought I had lost you once. I can't go through that again, Reena. Listen. You can hear how many there are here! I'm not giving them the chance of getting, you, Reena!"
"Link-"
He put his hand over her mouth. "Please, Reena."
She looked at him for a long moment before nodding slowly. They broke out of the gardens and Reena called Athen.
"Over here!" a voice called out.
"Reena, do you know where you're going?" he asked as Athen neared them. She nodded. "Don't tell me. When the war's over, I'll come and find you."
"You had better," Reena said. She closed her eyes as he kissed her, hating the moment he pulled away. "Be careful."
"I will," he assured. A grin spread across his face. "I've got you to answer to."
"Damn right," Reena answered, about to gallop away.
"Reena," Link said, grabbing a hold of Athen's mane to stop her from leaving. He pulled an envelope from his tunic and handed it to her. "Wait till you get to your destination to open it. I'm… I'm sorry I had to do it like this."
Before Reena could question, Link slapped Athen's hindquarters and they disappeared into the night.
*astrix astrix astrix*
"Get into the study!" Kasten ordered, grabbing Lera and pulling her inside. "Where are Link and Reena?"
"I don't know! They ran into Link's room and that's all I saw!" Lera answered.
"Alright, stay here," Kasten said. "Keep the doors closed and stay hidden! You're one of the main targets! Don't come out until the assassins have been handled."
"What, can I not fight anymore?" Lera demanded.
"Lera, it's not that!" Kasten exclaimed desperately, grasping his sword tighter as he walked towards her. "It's not if you can fight! It's the fact that they're going to try their hardest to kill you and you need to be protected! Just stay here… please?"
"Kasten-"
"Get down!" he cried, shoving her to the floor. Another window shattered and swords clashed. Lera jumped to her feet as two more assassins entered through the window. Without knowing what she was going to do, Lera ran to Kasten's aid.
"Lera, no! Get out of-"
Kasten froze, his words catching in his throat. Screaming filled his ears, but it wasn't his own. Screaming? Who was screaming? Then pain hit him like a tidal wave. Knives pierced his mind, splitting his head in two. The world swirled around him.
Slowly he sunk to his knees. Blood seeped through his tunic, dripping onto the rich carpet. The sword clattered to the ground as his body slumped to the floor.
"Kasten!"
Impa burst through the study doors, grabbing the princess.
"No! Kasten's been wounded!" Lera screamed, trying to break free. "He's been hurt!"
"Stay here!" Impa said firmly.
"No!" Lera shouted, breaking away from Impa and running back inside. She charged at the assassins, hatred flowing through her veins. She tackled one to the ground, grabbing the sword from his hands. Out of the corner of her eye Impa, Link, and Hyrule guards came running in. Light flashed as Impa used her powers and metal rang from Link.
Lera rolled on the ground with the black figure, ready to kill him. Her fist connected with his jaw, freezing him for a moment. Lera got the upper hand, pinning him to the ground. Again and again her curled fist connected with his head. Finally, his head slumped to the side, red bleeding through the black cloth around his head. Two hands ripped her back and Lera looked up into the eyes of another. He let out a scream as a sword suddenly ripped through his chest. Lera jumped to her feet, looking for anymore.
"Check the perimeter of the castle for anymore assassins," Impa ordered.
"Comb the inside castle for anymore," Link added, sheathing the Master Sword and kneeling next to Lera. He swallowed hard at the site in front of him.
"How bad is it, Link?" Lera demanded her voice quavering.
"I… I don't know," Link admitted, feeling the slit that ran from Kasten's shoulder to his stomach. He stood, grabbing a blanket and putting it over the wound. Kasten's eyes snapped open and he let out a cry. "Keep applying pressure to stop the bleeding. Stay here with him until we get back."
Lera nodded, keeping her tears back. She slid closer to him, laying Kasten's head in her lap. It seemed forever that she sat there, hearing only his labored breathing. She could feel her hands shaking and her heart jumping at every noise. After what seemed like an age Link returned with guards and Kasten was brought to his chambers. His tunic was pulled off and Link examined the wound.
"Only time will tell if he'll be alright," Link said as he began to dress Kasten's wound. He stood once was done, meeting the crowd that stood around his bed.
"I'm going with you to Termina," Lera said, her eyes on Kasten's still body.
"Lera… you can stay with him," Link told her gently.
"No, I'm going with," Lera said. Kasten would want her to. He'd rather have her do something than sit here and do nothing. She'd do it for him.
Important stuff. In a couple chapters (next? 2?) we will have the start of our conclusion with the big war. I can't believe this storys almost over! Also next chapter will explain the significance of Link's letter that keeps cropping up. It's important. Truely.