I finished chapter 15, so here you go. The story continues! And of course, the POV jumps around between the Resistance, Link and the Princess.
12
The Royal Chapel. Rescue Plans. A Tense Supper.
Ashlyn wanted to be the one to ask the guards at the gates, but she was a well known rebel and would most likely be arrested on sight. So Lux went up to the guards while she stayed back. She did hear the conversation, though.
''Executions? No, none in the castle grounds recently,'' a guard said in response to Lux's question.
''But I did hear a rebel was brought here yesterday. A boy, probably around sixteen. The Princess spared him, apparently,'' the other guard said, clearly wanting to share that gossip.
''Really?'' Lux asked.
''Yeah. Good to know, because it would be terrible to hang a child.''
''Indeed,'' the first guard agreed.
''Right. Well, I should be going. Thank you for that interesting bit of news, sirs,'' Lux said and walked off.
The mage came up to Ashlyn. ''You heard that, yes? Link is still alive.''
Ashlyn nodded. ''Thank the Goddesses! Let's go back to the others.''
Risbon was sitting at the usual table that the Resistance used in The Shining Sword. Telea was standing nearby, talking to him.
''What's wrong?'' Telea asked.
''Link was arrested yesterday. We found out earlier today...''
Telea's dark blue eyes widened. ''Goddesses!''
''I hope that he is all right... But I don't know if he's even alive.''
At that moment, the tavern door opened. Ashlyn and Lux walked in, quickly rushing over to the table. They both looked relieved.
''Boss! Link's alive! The Princess spared him or something. He's at the castle,'' Ashlyn said eagerly.
''Thank the Goddesses,'' Risbon breathed.
Telea smiled. ''That's good to hear!''
''Well, I suppose we should head back to the Amalgam and tell the others.'' Risbon turned to Telea. ''Sorry for cutting it short, I wish we could stay longer.''
The teal haired woman shrugged. ''No, no. It's fine.''
Risbon stood up from the table. Ashlyn and Lux followed him out of the building. All three of them started quickly to the Amalgam.
Link went up to the thirteenth floor with his escort of two soldiers. Ahead was a set of ornate double doors. The only doors. He grasped the handle of one and opened it, stepping into the room.
It was the castle's chapel. Statues of the Golden Goddesses were arranged in a triangle, bringing to mind the Triforce. There were also statues of Hylia, Ethsis and Sazhmet. The room was quiet and no one else was there. A very peaceful, holy atmosphere. The guards had not come in; they were waiting just outside. Link closed the door and walked up to the statue of Din.
The statue was probably not what the Goddess actually looked like; it was the artist's guess. But it was impressive. The Goddess of Power had the fair skin of Hylians and pointed ears, with red hair and eyes. Her long dress was red as well. She looked fiery and powerful, yet also graceful.
He glanced at the statue of Nayru. The Goddess of Wisdom had the same skin and ears. But her hair and eyes were blue along with the dress. She looked very serene and wise, considering something.
The statue of Farore was similar to the other two. But the Goddess of Courage was clothed in a green dress, matching her hair and eyes. She looked very calm and collected but there was a hint of courage in her too.
The statue of Hylia looked remarkably like Princess Zelda, except that her hair was golden and her eyes were a watery blue. She was wearing a white dress. She looked happy, smiling gently. Since the Princess was descended from the Goddess of the Sky, the resemblance was not a coincidence.
Ethsis's statue had purple hair and eyes, with a matching dress. She was the Goddess of Truth, revered by the Sheikah race. She really did look honest, and that she knew the truth about many things.
The last statue was of Sazhmet, the Goddess of Sand. She was mainly worshipped by the Gerudo. She was the only one without pointed ears. Her skin was also slightly tanner. She was wearing a dress the color of sand. Her hair was the same sandy color and her eyes were golden. She looked peaceful and contemplative.
Link knelt before Din's statue, wanting to pray for a solution to his dilemma. After he was finished, he did the same to Nayru, Farore, Hylia and Ethsis. Then, thinking it would be disrespectful not to, he prayed to Sazhmet. He had never been to the desert and was certainly not Gerudo, but she was a deity who could help if she wanted. He stood up and left the room when he was done.
Risbon, Ashlyn and Lux returned to the Amalgam. Glurak and Tancred were sitting next to each other on a couch. Yost was sitting in a chair. They looked at Risbon hesitantly, as if fearing bad news.
''He's not dead. They're holding him at the castle,'' Risbon said.
Glurak broke into one of his rare grins, while Tancred and Yost gave relieved laughs.
''Right, now that we all know... Let's go! We have to rescue him!'' Ashlyn stated loudly.
''...Without a plan?'' Lux asked.
''Ashlyn. We can't just storm Hyrule Castle. It would be tantamount to suicide. We would be captured and hanged,'' Risbon said.
''So what do we do?'' Ashlyn asked.
Risbon rolled his eyes. ''We rescue him, of course. But we need to come up with a very thorough plan first.''
''We need to find out where exactly Link is being held,'' Lux said.
''Well, that should be easy. The dungeon, right?'' Ashlyn pointed out.
''Uh, doesn't the castle have a prison tower, though?'' Tancred asked.
''Yes. Although I would think they would most likely be holding him in the dungeon,'' Glurak answered.
''My point stands. Anyway, we need to get in the castle first,'' Ashlyn said.
''I will draw a map of the castle grounds and the first floor,'' Glurak said to Risbon.
''All right. Sounds good.''
Princess Zelda stood at the railing, looking down. It was something that filled her with an indescribable feeling. To be able to see Castle Town from the balcony on the roof of the castle proper. Everything was smaller...the buildings, the people... So beautiful.
But she had come up to think, not enjoy the view. She was pleased that she now had Link. Things were going well. However, he was obviously not going to be content remaining in the castle. As a matter of fact, she suspected he would be somewhat of a handful. But no matter. She could deal with him.
A bigger issue on her mind was the rebels. They were causing problems around town by raiding armories, stealing weapons, disrupting law enforcement, attacking soldiers, and otherwise disturbing the peace. Not to mention their treason against the country. Something needed to be done about them. She glanced at the town for a brief moment before turning and heading back downstairs.
Link glanced at one of his guards, the same soldier who had taken him to the library. There was something he wanted to ask. ''...The Princess said something about the back of the dungeon being...''
''Worse than the front? It's still being redone. The back is the original dungeon. Over the centuries, more cells have been added. There's a separate section for women and one for more dangerous criminals.''
The other guard added, ''The Princess said she'd put you in the back or something? She was probably joking. The back isn't really used for punishment as much as you'd think. I mean, yes, there are people locked up there, but that's because we find it easier to fill up the dungeon from the back. Way up front, the first twenty or so cells have never even been used. Except for yours, anyway.''
Well, that certainly was better than he thought. ''Ah. That clears things up,'' Link said.
''It is a bit hard to tell if the Princess is joking, but you'd know if she was actually angry at you,'' the first soldier said.
Link opened the doors to a lift. ''I'm not really sure I want to know what her anger looks like.'' He stepped inside the lift.
The members of the Amalgam were gathered in the main room around a table which had been set up. A map of the castle grounds that Glurak had made was on the table.
''Well. We have a general idea of the outside of Hyrule Castle. Glurak, if you please?'' Risbon said.
The young nobleman nodded. ''Right. The castle's defenses are quite heavy. Soldiers man the gates, patrol the courtyard, the gardens and the battlements. To even get in will require a very good plan.''
''Thank you. Well, any ideas?''
''What if we set up a distraction? We infiltrated several military buildings that way,'' Tancred suggested.
''That could work. But I think we would need a big distraction,'' Lux said.
''Hmm. What if Risbon and I walk down the street near the gates? We're the two most wanted members of the Resistance. We're sure to attract their attention. They'll chase us and the rest of you can sneak in,'' Ashlyn said.
Tancred looked surprised. ''That... sounds really good, actually. But it would put you and the boss at risk.''
''I don't give a horse's arse about the risk.'' Smiles broke out at Ashlyn's statement.
''There are other plans we can make, though,'' Lux pointed out.
Risbon nodded. ''Right. We shall consider all the possible options before we make a decision.''
''I can go in the castle.'' Glurak paused for a moment. ''I am the heir of House Romswind. They can not deny me entry.''
''Glurak...'' Risbon knew that the mage heartily disliked acknowledging his status as the heir to one of the highest noble families in the country.
''If it is to rescue a friend, then I don't mind,'' Glurak said.
''...What's your plan?''
''I will enter Hyrule Castle and create a disturbance. I shall claim that I have been robbed and demand that guards assist me in finding the thief. I will not stop until a sufficient number of the outside guard are with me. Then the rest of you can sneak in however you please.''
''That sounds really cool,'' Ashlyn said.
''Yeah. So, my idea is to involve Johara. She's a famous dancer, right? Maybe the guards will want to watch her dance instead of doing their jobs,'' Tancred suggested.
''Hmm. That might work but... I'm not sure I like risking her. If it goes wrong, they could arrest her.'' Risbon's tone was uncertain.
''We could wait for Link to get out himself. He is a competent swordsman. He isn't stupid either. I'm sure he can figure something out,'' Yost said.
Ashlyn frowned. ''I'm not saying that my friend is stupid but... What if he's too heavily guarded to escape himself? And I'm sure that's the case.''
''Probably,'' Yost admitted.
''Lux, do you have a plan?'' Ashlyn asked.
The mage nodded, fiddling with his robes. ''Yes. However, it is a bit... risky. I am rather surprised I came up with it...''
''What is it?'' Glurak questioned.
''Well... Hyrule Castle has a sewer, yes? And that sewer is connected to the one under the city. So perhaps we should infiltrate through there.''
''We'd have to find the entrance,'' Yost said.
''Yes, we would. There might be thieves and other criminals that dwell there. Guards might even patrol the sewer under the castle. And I have no doubt that the danger we would face once we get into Hyrule Castle itself would be substantial. But it would have the element of surprise.''
''So your plan is to slip in through the sewer? That's pretty impressive,'' Risbon said.
''Yes. It would involve us fighting our way through, however.''
''Naturally,'' Ashlyn said.
''So, what do you all think?'' Risbon asked.
Princess Zelda went to the throne room and called for Captain Rusl. He entered not long after her summons, walking up to her and bowing at the waist.
''How may I serve you, Your Royal Highness?''
''The rebels are becoming quite the problem. Your men have been able to capture many of them, and I commend you for that, but that has not stopped them. They are spread out around the city and adept at hiding. I do not know exactly how many there are, however, it is probably a higher count then estimated.''
He nodded in agreement. ''Indeed. What would you have me do?''
The Princess smiled. ''Take the fight to the higher ranking rebels. As long as they are still at large, the rebels will regroup. Target their leadership.''
''There is a problem with that, Princess. Their leader and the other higher ranking members are very well hidden. And quite good at avoiding arrest.''
''You can do what I ask.'' She paused for a moment. ''After all, you were able to track Link and set a trap for him. Exactly like I wanted you to.''
''Yes, Princess.'' Captain Rusl bowed once more and exited the room.
The group had decided to do Lux's plan with some parts from Ashlyn's and Glurak's added in. The mages would find out where the two sewers connected. Once that was taken care of, either Risbon or Glurak would distract the soldiers by causing some sort of commotion. The others would enter the sewers and make their way to the castle. They would fight their way through, get Link and then leave.
''Well, it is a satisfying plan,'' Lux said.
Tancred nodded. ''We'll start looking for the entrance soon.''
''It's around five o'clock. Dinner anyone?'' Yost asked.
''Of course! After all that planning, I'm sure we're all famished,'' Ashlyn said.
''You, most certainly,'' Lux commented with a smile.
Risbon grinned. ''All right, now that we know what we're doing, let's eat and rest up.''
''All right!'' Everyone went to the dinning room.
Link closed the door behind him, latching it. He had entered the privy to relieve himself. But it also had the added benefit of getting away from his escort for a minute or so. He had been walking around random floors, the two guards following him. Eventually he had become both in need to excuse himself and to have a moment alone. So he had asked for the nearest privy on the current floor, which was the eleventh.
Link undressed and sat on the lacquered wood bench. The privy was the cleanest he had ever been in; not that the ones inside the Amalgam were bad. He sighed. How was he going to get out of this castle? He supposed he would figure something out. After he had finished, he stood, pulled his clothes back up and dipped his hands in the basin. He took a brief moment to collect himself before unlatching the door.
When he stepped out into the hall, the two soldiers were there.
''We received orders. Come on.''
''Are you going to be taking me back to the dungeon?''
''No...'' one of the soldiers said.
''The Princess would like you to join her for dinner,'' the other explained.
Oh. Oh no. Link didn't really want to spend any more time with the Princess than he had to. She terrified him. And there was the fact that she held his life in her hands. He doubted he had a choice, though.
So he went with the soldiers to the lift, which brought them to the third floor. They passed a set of double doors, instead going to another room. This room had a table with fancy wooden chairs. Though eight people could sit at it, the table was set for two. But he was the only person in the room.
Then another door opened and Princess Zelda walked in. She was wearing a white dress with a blue tabard that served as a top layer. The sleeves had a blue stripe. The red loftwing crest was on her tabard along with the Triforce. A gold belt with a blue jewel in the buckle encircled her waist. A gold necklace with a blue, teardrop shaped pendant was around her neck. She was wearing her usual crown, the red jewel providing an interesting contrast to her blue attire. Her earrings and gloves were also the same.
She sat down at the table, and Link noticed that she did not sit at the head of the table like he thought she would. She gestured for him to do the same and he sat across from her.
''How was your day?'' she asked.
He thought about it for a moment. ''Fine, Princess.'' What else am I supposed to say? I don't exactly want to be here. Goddesses, this was going to be a strange dinner.
She nodded. An awkward silence pervaded the room. He turned his attention to the table, noting that the cutlery was real silver. A wide array of food was laid out, some of it familiar, some of it not. He honestly had no idea where to start.
Princess Zelda delicately placed a bird leg of some kind on her plate with a set of metal tongs. A small steak and some vegetables followed. She paused once she had her food, waiting for him. He eventually decided on some cucco breast meat, a baked potato, and some lettuce.
She began cutting her steak while he watched her warily. After she was satisfied with the number of pieces, she lifted one on her fork and ate it daintily. Some minutes passed as he picked at his food, feeling very nervous.
The Princess raised her eyebrows. ''Why aren't you eating?''
Deciding that he should eat, Link took a bite of the cucco breast, finding it tender. Honestly, it was probably the best he had ever had. He started eating more of it.
''What is this about?'' he asked.
''This? I thought you would enjoy an excellent supper.'' She paused to take a bite of her salad. ''Do you think there is something else?''
He really didn't know if there was. ''No...?'' he said uncertainly. Glancing at his food, he added, ''The supper is excellent.'' Well, being from the castle, of course it was.
''I will have to mention it to the cooks. Is there anything particular you would like for dessert?''
''I'm not sure.''
''Well, I am sure you will like it.'' She rang a small bell.
Not a moment later a young lady entered, carrying a tray. There was something familiar about her, the way her bangs were a different color from the rest of her cholcolate brown hair...
''Dolcia?'' Link asked, recognizing her.
Princess Zelda glanced at him. ''You know her?''
He realized what the Princess was most likely thinking. That if he knew Dolcia, she was in league with the Resistance. He was about to say something to protect her, but Dolcia answered.
''Yes, Princess. He helped me with some thieves who were stealing a shipment of Lon Lon milk.''
''Ah. I am glad he did, then,'' Princess Zelda said, no longer sounding suspicious.
Dolcia placed the tray on the table. There were two bowls of ice cream. Vanilla with chocolate poured on top and some ingredient that was lighter than chocolate, decorated with what looked like yellow sprinkles of some kind. The bowls themselves were made of fine porcelain, painted with golden lines.
''Here you are, Your Royal Highness,'' Dolicia said. She went to stand off to the side.
''Thank you.'' Princess Zelda took one of the bowls, picking up a spoon.
''What's this? Is this another kind of chocolate?'' Link asked.
Dolcia smiled. ''No. It is a special, expensive flavoring. There are little bits of chocolate in the ice cream, though. The bits of yellow are little pieces of gold.''
Link looked startled. Had he heard that correctly? ''Gold? As in the metal?'' Why would there be gold in ice cream?
''Yes,'' Princess Zelda answered. As if to assuage his doubts, she added, ''It isn't dangerous to consume this small. It's really just for show. Dolcia does love to do that.''
Dolcia gave a curtsy at the compliment, amused. ''That ice cream is a special recipe of mine. And yes, it is quite showy.''
He hesitantly ate a little, finding it actually amazing. If the milkshake Dolcia had once given him was good, this was better. By a large margin. Whatever that special ingredient was, it had an incredible taste. The tiny bits of gold also lended a metallic flavor that wasn't too distracting, though still noticeable. Again, why gold was even in the ice cream eluded him. Must be some kind of status thing the wealthy did.
When they had eaten all of it, Dolcia came up to the Princess. ''How was it?''
''Excellent, as always. I have a fondness for your desserts,'' the Princess replied. She stood up from the table. ''Here.'' She handed what looked like a large sum of money to Dolcia.
Dolcia curtsied low in a respecful manner. ''My thanks, Princess. Have a pleasant evening.'' She left the room.
Out of curiosity, Link asked, ''Just how much was that ice cream?''
''Eight hundred rupees for each bowl.''
That much? Eight hundred...? ''So that's...''
''One thousand, six hundred in total.''
''Just for dessert?'' He sounded incredulous.
The Princess shrugged. ''It was good, was it not? I don't mind paying that much. Dolcia's desserts are the best. And that had rare ingredients in it, which is why it was expensive.'' She opened the door and stepped out of the room. He followed after her.
The two guards were waiting there. Both saluted to Princess Zelda. ''Should we take him, Your Royal Highness?''
''Yes. I am going to be retiring to my chambers soon.'' She turned back to him. ''I will see you tomorrow.'' With that, she walked back towards the lifts.
Link had been escorted back to the dungeon. Earlier, they had offered him another bath. He had accepted and took a short one. Now he stood in the hall as one of the guards unlocked the cell door. When the door swung open, he stepped inside.
''Here.'' The other guard handed him a nightgown. ''The Princess knew you'd need one and sent a servant with it while you were in the bath.'' The door closed and the lock clicked. Both of the soldiers went back upstairs.
Well, at least he wouldn't have to sleep in his clothes again. He checked to make sure the guards on duty were not watching. Two of them were near the stairs, standing at attention. Neither glanced in his direction out of courtesy. The other guards were patrolling further down the hall. He changed out of his clothes. The nightgown was longer than the ones he had; it reached down to his ankles.
He went over to the cot and draped his clothes over the metal footboard before sliding underneath the blanket. Within ten minutes, he fell asleep.
Link is probably going to be in the castle for a few days. Escapes usually do not happen instantly, after all. Besides, if he escapes right away...he won't figure certain things out that he needs to.
I made my own pantheon of Goddesses and deities. The six represented in the chapel aren't the only ones. Other races have their own guardian deities/spirits like the Deku Tree or Jabu-Jabu etc. The six in the chapel are main deities. I made the Goddess of Sand separate from Din, because I honestly don't believe they are the same (Din doesn't look Gerudo either in my mind). Hylia is the Sky Goddess (reasons should be kind of obvious). Ethsis is my own creation, she's the Goddess of Truth (purple). Din represents fire, Nayru represents water/ice and Farore represents plants/nature. All three of them represent earth collectively: Din makes earth, Nayru waters it, Farore plants seeds of life. Earth cycle. I did that because the three of them worked together to create everything, so it fits.
Princess Zelda's dress in the dinner scene is inspired by the dresses of A Link to the Past (both the blue dress and the credits dress) and Young Ocarina of Time. The expensive ice cream is based on real ice cream that costs $816 in real life! See you next chapter.