Here you go! As promised, a chapter. I am going to start going back and naming chapters with three short sentences or groups of words where the chapter numbers is. The titles will have something to do with what the chapter has to do with. So pay attention~
18
Fleeing Kakariko. Romswind Manor. Escaping the Auction House.
Link looked at the assembled Sheikah guards with a sense of dread. All of them were armed and blocking their way. More were probably coming.
''What are we supposed to do!?'' Ashlyn asked, voice tinged with something like panic.
He swallowed. There would be no fighting their way out of it. Not a chance. If they couldn't stand against one Sheikah, they wouldn't be to stand against a whole town of them. ''...Ah...''
''Get off your horse, boy,'' Shara stated.
Link wasn't sure whether to comply or try to fight. Glurak frowned. ''Do not dismount.''
As the blond turned to his friend, the hooded mage thrust his hands out. A magical force sent the Sheikah sprawling. ''Let's go.'' He spurred his stallion.
Link wasted no time in getting Epona to move. They wove through the streets of Kakariko, shouts filling the settlement. Glurak fended off pursuers with his magic, keeping his head down to avoid the hood coming off and revealing his face. He was steering the horse with only his legs, neither hand was holding the reins.
''Stop them!''
Ashlyn drew her sword, swinging clumsily as she was unused to fighting on horseback. She aided Glurak in fending off incoming Sheikah, though she kept an arm around his waist to avoid falling off the horse.
They went through the town entrance. Glurak spread his hands, creating a large barrier to prevent the Sheikah from leaving their hometown. They quickly put some distance between themselves and Kakariko.
Ashlyn glanced back warily. ''Well, I guess we won't be staying there,'' she said dryly.
Link released a short laugh. ''Guess so. Where are we going to stay?''
Glurak sighed. He was paler than even his usual complexion, creating the barrier had taken a lot out of him. ''...The barrier won't last more than...an hour at best. And they can still...teleport out if they wish.''
''Lon Lon Ranch is out. The capital is obviously out... Hmm.'' Ashlyn ticked them off on her fingers. ''What towns are close enough to get to by dusk?''
''Nettlewood, where I grew up, is near here,'' Link said uncertainly. He bit his lip. ''I'm not sure I want to go there just yet, though...''
Glurak shifted in his saddle. ''...I know a place where we can go.'' He took a breath. ''Mansfield. Where... my family manor is...''
Ashlyn put a hand on his shoulder. ''You sure?''
He nodded. ''Yes. It's safe there. My mother told me that...if we were in trouble, we were to go there.''
''Lead the way,'' Link said.
Risbon knew he needed to fight, to get away, something, but he couldn't focus. The pain was too much. All he was currently aware of were the cries of shock from his team, the narrowed eyes of Lady Lurise and the magic crackling at her fingertips. And the pain. Lots of that.
''Boss!'' Tancred shouted from his position on the bottom step of the staircase. The earth mage leaped off the step and started towards him.
''Risbon!'' It was his brother's cry that brought things into focus somewhat. He took a step back, breathing heavily.
Lady Lurise kept her gaze on him. ''You were foolish to come here. When the guards reach this spot, you're finished.''
Yost walked forward. ''I don't think so.''
Tancred reached them and gave a nod. ''We won't be captured here.'' He glanced around. ''Nettie, hurry!''
The brown haired healer, who had been running towards them, sped up her pace. She raised her hands, glowing with healing magic.
Lady Lurise's hand went to some of the black lace on her gown. She took out a thin knife and flung it skillfully towards the healer, missing her on purpose. ''None of that.''
Nettie's eyes went wide as the knife flew inches past her face. She took an involuntary step back, the glow fading from her hands.
''Tancred, with me,'' Yost said.
The earth mage nodded seriously. ''Right.''
Both of them approached the auction house owner. Neither had the intention of harming her; they only wanted to get her away from Risbon and preferably out of the building entirely.
From the stairs, Lux was using his magic to keep the soldiers at bay. He could easily see his comrades and could aid them if need be. The blond mage sent a spray of magical water towards his opponents, soaking them and wetting the floor.
Tancred swung the handle of his axe towards Lady Lurise. The noblewoman easily moved away, even wearing her long, many layered dress. Yost attempted to grab her wrist, only to be met with naught but air.
A few more knives appeared in her hands, having floated out of her dress. She threw them all at once. Yost dove out of the way. One of them clipped Tancred's ear.
He reached up a hand to his right ear, noting the blood dripping down. ''Gah. Where did you learn to throw those?''
''You thought I was like other noblewomen, who only count their money, didn't you? You'll be very sorry for making that mistake.''
Yost lunged at her, using his sword to deflect her throwing daggers, which she had retrieved with magic and thrown again. She moved out of the way, her movements very quick-footed and graceful. She made a gesture with a hand.
''Duck!'' Tancred and Lux both shouted.
Yost threw himself to the ground as a bolt of magical lightning flew over his head, the air crackling and smelling like electric static. He moved again, expecting another attack, which did not come.
Risbon watched the fight, trying to summon the energy to join his brother and Tancred. He knew his sword arm would be useless, but there had to be something he could do.
Link steered Epona after his friend's horse, following the mage. After about an hour and a half or so, they reached the gates of a walled city that was smaller than Castle Town. Glurak dismounted Storm, Ashlyn following suit.
''This is Mansfield, the town that my parents have a degree of dominion over,'' the mage said.
''Nice place,'' Ashlyn commented.
''Looks like it,'' Link agreed.
Link dismounted his horse. They led the steeds in through the gates and into the city. It was less bustling than Hyrule's capital. Wreaths of pretty flowers adorned several houses and businesses. People were wrapping up their shopping and heading home.
Some soldiers walked down the streets on patrol, though none of the guards recognized them; apparently either Mansfield hadn't been alerted about them yet or the soldiers just didn't care. They continued to follow Glurak down the main street, looking around at the buildings.
Eventually they came to a large property surrounded by walls. Two guards were stationed at the gates, wearing uniforms with the crest of House Romswind, the sword and two crossed spears.
Both men held their weapons at the ready. ''State your purpose.''
Glurak stepped forward, sighed, and lowered his hood slightly. ''I'd like to go inside.''
They gave respectful bows. ''Of course, Young Master.'' The gates were opened.
''You are not to tell anyone we were here, understood?'' Glurak said to the guards.
''Yes, Sir Glurak.''
Glurak led them through the gates and inside the estate boundaries. A large, green lawn stretched out before them, a stone path leading up to the manor. Trees lined the path at a distance of about fifty feet from each other. The manse itself was grand, stately and extensive. It had to be three floors. Other guards patrolled the grounds.
Even having been inside Hyrule Castle, Link was impressed at his friend's residence. Ashlyn was staring at the building, awed. They walked along the drive towards the manor.
''So...you have a private army?'' Ashlyn asked jokingly, referring to the guards.
Glurak shook his head, somewhat amused. ''No. They are my parents' men, but they're only for guarding the manor. They'll fight for our country in times of war, of course.''
Ashlyn nodded. ''Well yeah.'' She paused in her walking for a moment, looking around at the lawn.
''What is your title, exactly? They called your Sir,'' Link asked.
Glurak sighed. ''Actually, I have more than one title. I am a Lord and a hereditary knight. One day I will inherit my father's title of Duke.''
''You're a knight!?'' Ashlyn exclaimed teasingly.
''Not the soldier type. Although my ancestors were in service to the kingdom. But now, my family members attend courtly parties. The only one who'd fight now would be my father. He learned the use of arms.''
Ashlyn smirked. ''I know. Trust me, I know the difference between a hereditary knight and a Knight of Hyrule.''
Glurak shrugged. ''Oh, I know. I was using the explanation as a joke.''
They arrived at the double doors of the mansion. Glurak pulled one open and stepped inside. They were greeted with the sight of polished wood flooring, gleaming candlesticks, and banners and paintings on the stone walls.
''Whoa.'' Ashlyn looked around. ''Somehow I was expecting marble floors, though.''
Glurak shrugged. ''Our house in Castle Town has them. There are some tiled floors here too, but I do prefer the wood.''
A servant approached them, dipping into a curtsy for Glurak. ''Young Master, welcome back. I apologize, we weren't expecting you...''
''Thank you. There's no need for ceremony, don't worry about it. My friends and I are simply staying a night or two.''
''I see. Out exploring, Sir?''
He nodded. ''Something like that.'' He paused for a moment, thinking. ''Would you please prepare two guest chambers for my friends, as well as baths?''
She nodded. ''Of course, Sir.'' Other servants had come in and heard Glurak's request. They nodded as well.
Glurak led them all upstairs to the second floor and then to the third. The hall was lined with fancy doors.
''Sir... This floor is for your family,'' a maid said, confused.
''Yes, but there are empty chambers. I'm sure my parents won't mind,'' the mage responded calmly. Some of the servants went to two doors and went inside to prepare.
''Huh?'' Link and Ashlyn asked.
''The third floor is for my family. Some of these rooms are for cousins and such. But there are few reserved for siblings. But since I am an only child, they are empty,'' Glurak explained.
''Ah.''
Glurak walked towards a door and opened it. ''These are my chambers.''
Link and Ashlyn followed him inside curiously. The sitting room had a low table and some couches. A dark rug covered some of the floor. The door to the bedchamber was open.
Glurak's bedroom had several bookcases, all lined completely with books. The bed was canopied, the dark wood posts carved in spirals. Light gray curtains hung down. The dresser was of the same dark wood, as was the rest of the furniture. Doors led into a closet, a privy and a bathing chamber.
The bathing chamber was tiled with soft colored stone. The bath itself was carved from stone, rising out of the floor. A rack with towels was against one wall.
Ashlyn smiled. ''Nice rooms.''
''Thank you.'' They left and went back into the hall, where the servants were.
''Your baths are ready.''
One maid led Ashlyn into one of the rooms, another took Link to his. Glurak told them he would be heating his own bath.
Lux dared to look back at the fight to see how his friends were doing. Tancred was trying to draw Lady Lurise's attention away from Yost. The earth mage succeeded and jumped out of the way as she threw a dagger at him. Yost got off the floor.
He quickly turned back to his own battle; he could not allow the soldiers to reach the others. He fired off a wave of regular magic, sending several men reeling. He was starting to feel drained, the others needed to hurry up.
''I can not hold them off forever!'' he shouted.
Yost nodded. ''Tancred, go back and help him. I can handle this.''
Tancred nodded and ran back to the stairs, slamming a soldier out of his way. ''We'll hold for as long as we can.''
Lux glanced around. ''We have to.''
Nettie was standing by Risbon, looking at the fighting warily. Since the auction house owner was busy, she used some healing magic on the Resistance leader. ''This is the best I can do for now... We need to get out of here and get someone else to help.''
''That's...fine,'' he replied.
''I'm sorry that I can't fight. I would to help out, but...'' she said.
Risbon shook his head. ''You don't need to be...a fighter to make...a difference.''
As she smiled at his words, he watched his older brother. Yost was avoiding the knives thrown at him. The one sided fight was mostly at a stalemate.
He took a step towards them. Nettie grabbed at him, surprised. ''What are you doing? You can't use your sword arm!''
''I know. But I can try my left hand,'' he responded. He went to join his brother.
Lady Lurise turned to him slightly. ''You are quite bold. What do you think you can do?''
''What I need to do. Get my friends out.''
She laughed. ''It looks like those two are getting tired. You'll soon be overwhelmed.'' She pointed to Lux and Tancred.
Risbon transferred his sword to his left hand and held it at the ready. ''We'll manage.''
She smirked and floated into the air magically, looking down at them. ''Not if I have anything to say about it.'' She spread her hands, sending out a wave of electric magic.
Yost moved in front of Risbon, taking most of it. ''Ngh. That doesn't feel all that great.''
''Ideas?'' Risbon asked lowly.
Yost glanced up at their opponent. ''Normally, I'd like to continue. This is a nice challenge. But the others can't hold out much longer. We need to just get past her and get away.''
''Yes.'' He turned his head towards the others. ''Lux, Tancred, Nettie!''
Nettie came over, standing behind them. Both mages leaped off the stairs and hurried to them. Risbon made run towards the back exit, Yost covering him. The others followed suit as soldiers went past the stairs.
''Going somewhere?'' Lady Lurise reached under the many layers of her gown, pulling them up slightly. She was wearing black heels and high stockings, held up by garters around her thighs. Attached to the garters were more knives. She removed the thin daggers and threw them.
One of them nicked Nettie's arm, slicing some of her sleeve. She winced, her opposite hand going to it. The others managed to move out of the way, the knives clattering to the tiled floor. Risbon threw the back door open.
With an ominous shout, Lady Lurise sent out a large shockwave of magic. Lux was in its path. The mage looked at the oncoming burst of crackling energy and held out a hand, releasing his own electric magic. It sent her magic back somewhat, sparks flying as the two bursts canceled out.
''Go!''
The Resistance leader and his team ran out the door. Just before it shut, they heard a scream of fury. They hurried along the back street, making it to a secluded spot.
''Soldiers are probably everywhere. I don't think we'll make it to the Amalgam,'' Tancred pointed out.
''The Mages' safe house is closer. We can probably make it there. They will also have more people to help us with our injuries,'' Lux said.
Ashlyn looked around the bedchamber. The bed had light red curtains, which she liked. The furniture was the same dark wood as Glurak's. The maid led her into the bathing chamber.
''Everything is right where you need it. Enjoy.'' The maid left the room.
When the door clicked closed, Ashlyn removed her clothing, slipping into the bath. She sighed as the warm water enveloped her. Taking the soap, she rid herself of any dirt. She washed her hair with the nice hairsoap that was there. After she was fully clean, she stayed in the water for a bit.
When the water was starting to cool off, she got out of the bath and dried herself off. She put on the long white nightgown provided as well as the silky robe. Ashlyn opened the door and stepped into the bedchamber.
Link noted that the bed had cream colored curtains hanging down. All of the furniture was dark wood. The maid directed him to the bathing chamber.
''Everything is here for you. Enjoy the bath.'' She left the room.
Link stepped inside and closed the door. He undressed and got into the warm water. He cleaned himself off and washed his hair. When he was finished, he lingered for a bit. It was good to enjoy a hot bath.
After a few minutes, he got out and dried off. He put on the nightgown and opened the door. He left the chambers and went into the hall to see if the others were out. Although he wasn't sure about being seen in his nightclothes, he did want to bid the others a good night.
Ashlyn was already out in the hall, wearing a robe over her nightgown. Her hair was wet. ''Hey, Link.''
''Hey yourself.''
Glurak's door opened and the mage stepped out, wearing a nightgown with an open silver robe. ''Did everything go well?''
''Yes,'' Link replied.
''Yeah. I'm not sure I want to go to bed with wet hair, though,'' Ashlyn said.
Glurak walked over to her and put a glowing hand over her head. Her metallic gray hair dried after a few seconds.
''Thanks.''
''What are friends for?'' he responded.
She grinned. ''So I'm guessing the beds have feather mattresses?''
He nodded. ''Yes, they do. The guest chambers on the second floor have wool.''
''Thank you for letting us use the rooms,'' Link said.
Glurak shrugged. ''They aren't used by anyone. It'll be good that they finally have a purpose.''
''Good night.''
''You too.''
''See you tomorrow.''
They went into their respective chambers. Link slipped into the bed. It was his first time on a feather mattress and he was a bit hesitant. It was very soft and warm.
They felt tense as they went through the northeastern streets of the city. It seemed like every soldier was looking for them. Their raid on the Lurise Auction House had certainly made a statement.
They skirted around the city square, going though it would be a very bad idea. When they reached the stone building with wood panels that was the Mages' safe house, Risbon though he would cry with relief.
Lux threw the door open and led them inside. The door closed after they had all entered. He led them into the north room and pressed a spot on the floor while pulling on the edge of the floor panel, opening the way. They hurried down the stairs, where they were met with many people wearing robes of various colors.
''We are glad you could make it,'' Wavros said solemnly.
''Thank you,'' Risbon said.
The water mage beckoned them forward. ''Come on, let's get your injuries fixed up.''
They were led past the elemental rooms and to a door marked ''Medical'' in bold. Inside were two rows of small beds against the walls. There were curtains that could be moved for privacy. A few people in gray or white were there.
The head healer or doctor stepped forward. She had wavy lavender hair tied up. ''Come here,'' she said to Risbon.
Risbon sat down on the bed closest to her. She cut the sleeve off of his tunic, fully revealing the wound. A hole was burned into the skin, which was charred. Some burned muscle tissue was showing. The hole was not all the way through his shoulder, thankfully. The others in the room winced.
''Mmm. Nasty magic burns. You're lucky it wasn't worse,'' the medic said.
Tancred looked at the injury warily. ''Can it be healed?''
She nodded. ''Of course. There may be scarring, but I can repair burned skin and muscle tissue. Missing skin and tissue can be regrown.'' She glanced around. ''Anyone else injured?''
Tancred pointed to his ear. ''Me. Got clipped with a throwing knife.''
''I did as well. But I can heal it. Don't concern yourselves with me, worry about Risbon,'' Nettie said. She sat on one of the beds and gestured at her cut with her right hand. Glowing energy touched the wound and the cut closed itself up.
One of the other medics stepped up. ''Doctor Petra, I'll take care of Tancred.''
The head medic nodded. ''Good.''
''You're a doctor as well?'' Risbon asked her.
''Yes. I practice medicine as well as magical healing,'' she replied.
Lux sat down on a bed to be there for their leader and to watch the healing process. After all, he wanted to learn all the forms of magic except dark. Wavros sat next to him.
Doctor Petra's hands started glowing. She moved them up to Risbon's shoulder. Inside the hole, the ruined muscle tissue started to mend itself. Risbon shifted a little. Healing magic usually didn't hurt, but it did give a strange sensation. Once the muscle tissue was healed, the hole started closing, skin stretching and regrowing at a quick rate. Within a minute, the wound was completely closed. There was some scarring, but it was faint.
''The scars will probably go away eventually. I advise you to not use the arm strenuously for a few days; it needs time to strengthen. You could end up tearing the muscle tissue or skin easily,'' Doctor Petra said.
Risbon sighed. ''Thank you very much. I'll be sure to rest.''
''Is there any pain?'' Lux asked.
''Not really. It's stiff but not hurting,'' Risbon replied.
Tancred got his ear disinfected and bandaged. As the healer put it, for such a small cut, magic was not required. It would heal on its own.
''You should all stay here for a few hours. Just until the search dies down,'' said Wavros.
Yost nodded. ''Yes, we'll do that.''
So yes, there is a difference between a Knight of Hyrule and a hereditary knight as you may have already figured out~ The Knights of Hyrule go out and actually fight, hereditary knights usually don't. They're just nobles with the right to be called ''Sir Name''.
Lady Lurise is a deadly lady. She kicks ass. She is not meant as fan service. That would be Link in the bathtub. I don't have anything against fan service, but too much sucks and I'm tired of the anime big boob girl stereotype. So there won't be a lot here. I want to focus more on the plot, world building and character building. Romance will also take a backseat. There will be some pairings but they're not too big of a thing.
Medicine is still a thing. Magic healing is sometimes unavailable, so there is still a need for doctors. Doctor is used solely for those who practice medicine, while healer is the term for someone who uses magic. Medic is used for both interchangeably, as well as nurse.