Disclaimer: I have no rights to LoZ. Instead, I'll let my imagination wander away.

Chapter V

Call of Arms

Heavy hoof beats thundered across the grassy plains of Hyrule fields. Armored riders clad in green and gold breathed a sigh of relief when their sights landed on the polished white walls of the castle that crested the horizon. After they had traveled for days, the knights were pleased to have reached their destination with no real issues. Their journey had been delayed due to the appearance of the demonic creatures. The men had fallen into the skirmish, misjudging the rate and range at which the dark entities spread across the borders.

Despite the surprise attacks, the group still made good time and were now dismounting at the stables just inside the gates of Castle Town. They received curious glances as they weaved their way around crowds and stalls until they reached the towering citadel's steps. Link's father stepped up to the guards stationed there, announcing to be the leader of his band and requesting an appointment with the King. One of the guards nodded and ordered for one of the servants to escort them to a waiting room while he sent a messenger to the throne where the King was conducting a meeting. The knights rested in the room, stretching their appendages, satisfied with the pops orchestrated by their stiff muscles.

"Sir Renaldo, His Majesty awaits you," called the messenger for earlier, bowing in respect to Link's father and the other knights. They were led into the expansive marble halls of the throne room and kneeled before the King. His Grace raised his hand, palm facing upwards, to signal them to stand as he looked them over. It's been a little over a decade now since he had sent these same men out to the southern villages. He had received reports from them from time to time, but had yet to see their faces during those years. They have not changed much, he mused.

"Welcome, my honored guests. I implore you, what brings you to Hyrule Castle?" asked His Majesty. He was a bit perturbed by their sudden, unannounced appearance. Their worn and ripped attire caught his attention, and he couldn't shake the feeling that whatever the knights wished to speak with him about, it would not be good.

Confirming his suspicions, Renaldo answered, mindful to keep his tone revering. He had grown too used to the simple and comfortable country life, he idly thought to himself. "My King, I come bearing dire news. I regret to inform you that the current situation among the forest lands has become more difficult to control."

King Yorrick pursed his lips, eyes scanning over the group before him once more. "Have the Gerudo become more aggressive in their assaults?" His grip on the arms of his throne tightened, the question sour on his tongue. Despite his better judgment, he decided on biding his time when concerned with the matter of the desert people. He had hoped that a solution would have come to him by now in regards to forming a truce with the Gerudo before their situations become more complicated. His thoughts were momentarily interrupted however when Renaldo shook his head with a light smile.

"No, Your Majesty. Not yet anyway," he assured his king. Then, a dejected expression formed on his face as well as the others. There was just no easy way to explain their predicament. The rugged man relayed their circumstances to the King, describing the sudden swarms of monsters that hindered their efforts to protect the borders. "Though, some of us wonder about these demon's movements. It's as if they're being directed by somebody to weaken our defenses purposefully." Renaldo himself didn't believe the stories that the Gerudo were responsible for the monster's maneuvers, but the suspicion was still ever present. It seemed too much of a coincidence for the desert people to go suddenly silent, only to be replaced by the new invaders. And scouting units have confirmed that the attacks were more heavily concentrated on the forest villages than anywhere else.

His Grace took a moment to absorb all of the information, bringing a hand to his chin in thought, course stubble grazing across his fingertips. How would he go about solving this situation when his hands were already full? Not to mention, there are no men to spare for aid, he grunted inwardly. He could sense that his pause was causing a steady tension to fester in the silence. Then, an idea sprung into his mind and he silently berated himself for not thinking of it sooner. "Am I correct in my memory that there is a spring in the heart of the forests?" he questioned, his hand returning to the arm of his seat.

"Yes, Sire," answered one of the other knights. He was an older man with a stoic personality, though currently his puzzled expression mirrored that of the rest of his group. What was the importance of the sacred spring?

"How expansive is it?" the King inquired, ignoring their confusion as his mind went wild with possibilities. If the spring is of decent size, then this may just work out.

"It matches in dimensions of the Forest Temple, about 300 meters in diameter and several meters in depth," said a third knight, a balanced age of mid-thirties. They silenced momentarily when their king shot up from his chair.

"That settles it then. I'll contact them immediately!" King Yorrick exclaimed. Upon their bewildered expressions, he cleared his throat and explained. "Are any of you familiar with the Zora nation?" He waited for their answer, only receiving a nod from the oldest man. "Then, allow me to clarify. The Zora dwell to the north of us. Their sentries are perfectly capable fighters and currently ally themselves with us. They've promised aid should the need to rise. However, they can only offer assistance if they're to remain in the presence of a large enough body of water to sustain them. I believe Faron's spring waters to be fair enough for them to lend out some of their soldiers."

The group of knights fought the urge to gape in astonishment. They came fully prepared for the worst, knowing full well that Hyrule kingdom's forces were too scattered to be able to offer assistance, considering the still ongoing stalemate occurring between their country and Labrynna. Never in their wildest imaginations did they expect to be offered assistance, and from an almost stranger race at that. They knew little of the Zora, and vice versa. But to be given aid and trust was truly a miracle to them. "May the Golden Goddesses bless you, My King," Renaldo choked on a cry, emotions welling. Maybe there was still hope for his home after all. The knights bowed deeply with respect and thanks, echoing his sentiments. King Yorrick dismissed the group to be escorted to their rooms for much needed rest as he went about to compose the call of arms for the Zora.


A little over a week has passed by before Hyrule received reply. The men waited anxiously, wary of whether the Zora would actually lend hands or not. The odds were noticeably uneven as they began to learn more about the neighboring fish race. Though their alliance pact was meant for the Zora to give support to the Hylians and vice versa, there was really no rule enforcing that they must do so. The marine race had every right to refuse if they saw fit, and, having been informed of the dangers, they were likely to have done so. Regardless, it came as a surprise when their letter of reply had accepted the proposition on the condition that receive payment in the form of trade. All the Zora asked for in return was trading of lumber from the forests for them to build river boats, so that they could welcome the Hylians in their own lands sometime in the future.

Though they answered to the call of arms, the mariners were only able to send in half a dozen of their own men. Their numbers were mere, but anything was better than nothing. The extra help would be greatly appreciated for the battle to come. Renaldo and the others remained at the castle for four more days in wait of the arrival of their recruitments. Once all necessary preparations and negotiations were made, the knights and Zora began their travel back to the forests. They were not delayed by the dark creatures this time but rather due to frequently stop at streams and ponds along the way. It was the first time in several decades that the fish people had journeyed so far from their homelands, the lack of large bodies of water in comparison to the Zora regions taking its toll on them. However, Renaldo and his men didn't seem to mind, allowing the group to take as many breaks as necessary to keep the mariners in good health.

Despite the rest stops, the group of fighters made good time, reaching the village in a little under a week. Barely a month had passed, and yet Renaldo had felt his heart constrict from missing his home village. Perhaps it was mostly because he missed his family, anxiousness to return to his wife and son plaguing him for the entirety of the trip. It truly was a wonder that he couldn't imagine home to be anywhere but here. Upon their arrival, they were instantly greeted by the villagers. Nearly all expressions were that of awe upon seeing the new, unfamiliar faces that belonged to the Zora.

Link's father led the group to the center of Kokiri, saluting to the people with a wide grin plastered on his face. With him, he brought hope for the villagers. The Zora that accompanied them were introduced to the townspeople and given hospitality. That day was spent accommodating to the needs of the mariners and giving a tour of the village and sacred spring. Once the tour was over, the Zora and all of the knights discussed their stratagems before retiring for the night.

Over the next few months, skirmishes with the demons have become less frequent thanks to the help of their new allies. During the first few attacks, the fighters had their hands full with strengthening their defenses. The assaults were so inhumanly brutal that some began to wonder whether having reinforcements even made a difference. Renaldo and the others immediately went to relieve the defense knights of their endless shifts. They became weaker with every new wave, only resting when they could afford to. Though no fatalities occurred on their part, many of the knights sustained injuries, some of which were critical enough to keep them bedridden for a week.

The demons were relentless in force, sending in the strongest troops to break the borderlines once and for all. It was truly an enigma how the villages remained intact while Renaldo and his group were visiting the king. Invasions came from all corners of the forests now, and he was beginning to wonder if the dark beasts would succeed this time, despite their efforts. And then suddenly, everything became quiet. The attacks had ceased, and the fighters managed to cull the legion, sending the vile creatures back to wherever they came from.

Anticipating another surprise attack, the villagers didn't wholly celebrate until a year had passed without any more troubles. In that time, the Zora and forest people developed relations, learning about each other's cultures. Renaldo and a few others were exceptionally pleased to learn fishing tricks that their allies had to offer. The marine races promised to send exports of succulent fish from their homeland along with rare shells and river gems in return for the hospitality and the lumber that would be traded to them. After a whole year had passed and spring was upon them again, the Zora were to return home. Kokiri and its neighboring villages held feasts in celebration of the won battle, their lands in peace once more. The fish people were sent away with gifts, including specially crafted urns carrying the spring waters that were fondly treasured, which they took in gratitude.

King Yorrick delighted in the good news sent to him within the following weeks, both in knowing that he had made the best decision in protecting his people and in strengthening bonds with the Zora. Only one thing perturbed him, and no solutions have yet surfaced to answer the question growing on his mind. Just where were these demonic creatures coming from exactly? While the forest villages were safe from harm for the time being, other reports have been coming in from other parts of Hyrule, to which the best he could do was divide his military troops up to take care of the more urgent attacks. He knew very well that this was not the best stratagem, especially when taking into consideration that, while his men were separated, either of the neighboring countries of Labrynna or Holodrum could invade at any given moment. I will soon have to make a decision, the king thought bitterly. As much as he hated to admit it, he was aware that he could not save all of his people. I'll need to look for another answer.

FIN

A/N: Alright everyone, that's it for this chapter. Finally, a short one, am I right? That being said, I wasn't quite sure how I wanted to end this to be honest. Part of me wanted a bit of a battle scene to feature the Zora's fighting, but I wasn't sure how to go about that. Then, I thought about adding another conclusion, but what was in mind at the time seemed too cliché, so I omitted it. So, I hope everything seemed okay to you guys. Maybe, sometime in the future I'll update this chapter with some new elements. I just know this chapter felt a little bit empty in some parts.

I apologize for any slow updating too. I've been working and it's left me tired. Not to mention, my leg is feeling absolutely shit right now, I can't even walk properly, so I haven't been feeling up to writing. Even so, I'm anxious to start on the next two chapters now, mostly because it'll feature one of my personal favorite characters. No, I won't reveal who. You'll just have to find out. I'll also warn you that Chapter VI will have a really depressing scene. Sorry guys. Without further ado, I return you to your reading. Please, review if you feel like it. I'll appreciate any suggestions, especially regarding this chapter.