A/N Here is chapter 2
Deen ran through the castle his heart racing every sound tickled his ears trying to gain his attention but he was focused, set on his mission and on he ran. In the back of his mind he knew something was wrong he had been here before and he couldn't quite figure it out the halls were decorated in a regal fashion suggesting high nobility and wealth, he passed by a mirror and as he glanced at it he wondered for a moment why he was in his battle suit, it consisted of tight fitting dark blue shirt that fell over the chain mail that covered his body, his arms protected by steel plated gauntlets that covered the knuckles, his brown pants were loose around his legs and tucked into his boots allowing better movement, his legs were protected by his shin guards much like his gauntlets were steel plated, tied to his lower back was a Ninjaken he used the weapon but his primary means of fighting were his fists. After the thought of why it dawned on him, he screamed 'No' as he tried to stop but his body didn't respond as it continued to move as though his body was possessed. He knew what was coming next as he rounded the corner he stopped staring at the man who was kneeling on a cushion with his back turned to Deen.
The man grunted knowing Deen was there and finally stood after finishing his prayer turning to face his opponent, he had heard the stories of this man who fought only as vicious as the predator cat that roamed the mountains and plains. He watched the man and found that his earlier thought was off the mark, the man who stood before him was a Lion his eyes cold and hard seemingly seeking blood. He spoke quietly so as his family didn't hear "I know why you have come" he chuckled sadly and shook his head "I should have heeded your words and left the battle to be between you and myself." He looked out over the low lying wall of the balcony toward the battle field which was littered with corpses "I knew if I was to face you man to man I would surely die, but I though that my army was strong enough to defeat your's. On that account I was wrong" he turned and faced him "I cannot live with the shame of sending my men to die in my stead."
Deen listened intently he remembered this conversation and inwardly cringed at the words that would come out of his mouth "There is no need for you to lose your life I came to discuss the terms of surrender. I have called a cease to the battle and my army is handing aid to your men" Deen may have been a vicious and cold blooded fighter but he did have mercy and compassion.
The man sighed and smile softly"I thank you, but this war will not end till you or myself are dead" Deen's body act just as it had that day raising a brow as the man continued "the royal family will continue to do battle as long as their General still lives" he looked to Deen sadly "and I have not the strength to defy them." He drew his sword and took his stance facing Deen "This will be the last battle of this war" he said as he charged Deen.
Deen scream in his mind wishing to stop this madness, most of all he didn't want to relieve this painful day. On that day he really wanted to convince the man there was another way. The strike played out just as it had, Deen had no time to speak raising his arms blocking the blade with a gauntleted fist and ramming his knee into the man's stomach causing him to double over, Deen backed away as he was trained to do "Do not throw your life away." The man charged him again, He parried the strike kicking the back of his legs out making him drop to his knees. Deen winced as he growled his body spinning around and he kicked the man in the face making his body slide a few feet. The stood unsteadily using his sword as a crutch until he gained his balance, Deen watched on he could feel the anger in his body rising, he had been pleading with the man to stay down but the man seemed determined to die, as he charged for a third time. Deen's body didn't move no matter how much he will it to he watched on helplessly as the sword come crashing down. Deen remembered at this point had fallen into mentality of kill or be killed, he had timed his next move perfectly catching the blade between his hands just inches from his face, the man on the other end of the sword stood watching in shock as Deen held the blade in his hands before quickly disarming him.
With a growl Deen started to beat the man senseless and with out mercy, by this point he had resigned himself to reliving the memory as the man could only stand there taking the beating the best he could and it wasn't long before his body gave in, he found himself laying on the ground groaning in pain. Deen reigned himself in and tried one last time "Its over, let it go." The man stood unsteadily "I cannot" he said whimpering in pain as he pulled a dagger from his side, he gathered the last of his courage and charged Deen one last time. Deen growled rushing the man as well and quickly slipping behind him, Deen's hand wrapped around his mouth silencing him while the other gripped the sword handle, in one swift motion he freed the gleaming blade before satisfying its thirst for blood plunging it into the man's chest with a sickening sound. As the man was taking his final breaths Deen whispered "You fool, I gave you a way out" he said as he slowly lowered his body to the ground and removing his sword, he wiped the blade clean before sheathing it. Then as he was about to turn away he heard two screams, looking up he saw a woman and a young child rush to the fallen man both crying pulling the body close to them rocking it back and forth, alternating between trying to wake him up and screaming at Deen "You murderer, you monster" the woman yelled hysterically, the names didn't bother him but what came next made him cringe. The little girl walked to him tears streaming down her face she gripped his pants leg and looked into his eyes "Why did you take my daddy away?"
That one phrase destroyed him he saw his life as if he had lost either of his parents, he could not stop the tears that slipped from his eyes. Hearing heavy foot falls he turned seeing his men burst through the door to take the two prisoner and Deen yelled loudly "These two are not to be touched, they have suffered enough" he began to walk out intent on leaving the guard "see to it that they are cared for the rest of their days" he said as he walked out.
Deen bolted upright in bed his right hand flying to his face his breathing heavy and erratic, looking out of the window into the dark of night he cursed silently he sliding from the bed moving to the wash bin where he washed his face as best as he could in the small basin before grabbing a pair of gray pants not bothering to grab his shirt. He stepped from the room moving into the kitchen and was not surprised to find Link sitting at the table drinking a cup of tea, Deen moved to the counter pouring himself a cup before brewing a fresh batch and taking a seat across from his brother. Neither spoke just enjoying the brooding silence this was a common occurrence for them since their reunion, they had shared some of their tales to each other but they knew the other had things they never wished to speak of. Most mornings both would wake early from memories laced into dreams and would sit together silently, Deen stared into the green liquid looking for answer finding none. So he turned his thoughts to Zelda and as the Lavender hair princess filled his mind he smiled for the first time that day, Link had been studying his brother he felt bad for him Link had only slain beasts and monsters where his brother had to kill other humans.
Link smiled as he watched his brother's mood change and he was sure that Zelda was the cause of it, he remember the ball from last night when Deen had proposed to Zelda he was happy for the two. Link was broken out of his thoughts as their father stepped into the kitchen he smiled to his boys and mirrored their actions, the three men sat in silence the only sounds were of sipping tea and mugs being placed back on the table. All three of them were scarred not only physically but mentally, their better halves understood that the men they loved had deep scars and knew the best thing was to just be there for them in times of need. Malon and Medilla entered the kitchen as the same time smiling and kissing their loved ones Deen chuckled at the sparkle in his mother's eyes, he had been right about what would happen. The two women moved around the kitchen starting breakfast, Deen smiled half heartedly he missed Zelda hearing a knock he got up moving to the door saying he would get it. When he opened it his first reaction was to smile but on second glance his happiness turned to a raging anger mixed with concern, in front of him stood a battered Zelda her faced bruised, hair matted with blood, her dress ripped and torn.
Deen yelled out catching her before she fell to the floor "Mom Zelda's hurt. She needs help right now" he lifted her in his arms starting to an empty room with his family hot on his heels. He set her on the bed carefully watching over her with concern as Malon and his mother started to clean her up tending to her injuries, the men were doing what they could and were shooed out of the room when it came time to remove her clothes so they could better deal with her. Deen had spent the entire time pacing worrying about her cursing and threatening that whoever did this would pay, when they exited the room closing the door behind them Medilla moved to Deen "She will be alright she just needs to rest, which means stay out of there" she commanded. He knew better than to disobey his mother even though he was a strong man who could easily defy her she was a force to reckoned with and he was not going to chance being on the receiving end of her anger. He sighed listening to his mother command he wandered back into the kitchen it barley registered to him that Malon and his mother had returned to cooking, he couldn't focus his thoughts as they remained solely on the beautiful princess resting in the far room.
Medilla set a plate in front of him and he just stared at it which was odd even for him. She knew her eldest could eat large amounts of food and still retain a body carved from marble, she grumbled wishing he would tell her his secret she had to work hard to maintain her figure which after last night was getting ready to change once again. Looking to her son as he continued to cast glances at the door but it was the look in his eyes startled her she had never seen such concern or love in the man's eyes before, in the past he rarely courted and it never lasted she guessed it had to do with some of the things he did in the guard. Every time he would court a girl and wound up going into battle he would come back disinterested, distant, and stoic much like a depressed man with no will to live, he tried to hide it but she was his mother he could never hide anything from her. Her husband spoke what he said she didn't understand because she wasn't paying attention but Deen picked his fork up and just pushed his food around on the plate she felt for him, she knew he loved the girl so she gave in "Deen go to her."
Deen looked up surprised and his mouth open to ask but she just shook her head "You will probably be the first person she wants to see when she wakes" he didn't have to be told twice quickly getting up from his chair he embraced her kissing her cheek before rushing to Zelda's room, he opened then closed the door quietly behind him moving to the bed and looking at her. The bruises on her face were more pronounced thought that was as far as he could see but he knew she had other injuries, the cover had been pulled up to cover her breasts and her arms resting on top of the quilt. He gripped her hand lightly and pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face lightly kissing her he whispered "Zelda, Zelda I know your in there. Come back, come back to me" as he spoke she began to respond. He smiled "That's it Zelda, open your eyes. Come on open them" when he finished her eyes slowly opened. He caressed her face, she smiled at him nuzzling into his hand. Deen lowered himself kissing her and as she returned it "I missed you Deen" she said weakly.
He smiled "I missed you too" he paused wondering how to approach the topic that has been raging in his mind "what happened?"
She sighed and nuzzled into his hand again "It happened shortly after you left."
Zelda was walking on clouds a smile painted on her face when he proposed to her she couldn't stop looking at the expensive ring he had given her. She was on her way to bed when the sounds of fighting came from the corridor, a blood drenched figure came into view. At first she was scared that Gannondorf had returned but as soon as she could see his face she identified Prince Is'olde grinning evilly, the look in his eyes made her wish that Deen was there. She turned sprinting down the hallway away running as fast as she possibly could toward the royal stable. She managed to reach it and set to mounting her mare, but before she could get out he caught her. She tied to pull away from him but when his hand landed against her face harshly he stopped to wave a finger in her face "Now, now princess I'll have none of that" he said coyly.
Zelda was now yelling out in pain as well as fear, he began to hit her repeatedly trying to force her to stay quite but the more he hit her the more she screamed that was until two guards round the cornered to confront him. He released her to fight the guards off, and Zelda took the chance mounting her horse and quickly riding away desperate to get to the Al' mere farm, she looked behind her making sure she wasn't being tracked but the adrenaline began to wear off and with it fleeing the pain came in full. She nearly fell off of Snow feeling a warm liquid travel down her face, touching it when she pulled her hand away she started to panic seeing the red life giving fluid leaking from her head. When she saw the farm in the distance she pushed her mare harder. She had no idea how long she had been riding but with the sun starting to rise she knew it was most of the night. When she reached the farm she dismounted letting a farm hand take the reigns, they offered to help her but she declined moving toward the door she knocked. When the door open she couldn't help but collapse at the sight of him.
Deen fists clenched in anger as she laid out what had happened, he realized she fell silent he released his fists and took hers squeezing it gently in reassurance. He was ready to ride to the castle storm the gates and make whoever did this pay, but looking at her broken form she needed him here with her more than she needed him running off on a mission of vengeance. Leaning in he lightly kissed her lips taking care to avoid the injured area, having heard someone enter the house he whispered he would return before slipping from the room. He stepped into the kitchen to find a man sitting with his family at the table. He was talking to them but Deen didn't take the time to listen as he studied him. He was dressed in a blue and white outfit his blonde hair unruly and his blood red eyes taking in his family members, most of his face was obscured by a cloth but Deen having been in the military and being ever observant saw the features clear as day.
Deen took his cup from the table and filled it before turning and leaning against the counter, he sipped from the cup before speaking "So, your prince Sheik. I have heard quite a bit about you from your sister and my brother."
Sheik look to the man with a raised brow "Have we met?"
He shook his head "No."
"Then how?"
Deen shrugged "It wasn't hard to put it together" he stated "your sister is hurt during the night and arrives here then you show up" he said.
Sheik looked at the man curiously studying him looking for truth in his words before raising a brow "My sister is here, and hurt" he said standing from his chair with shock on his face.
Deen nodded "Yes, and before you storm in there to see her you and I are to have words" his word thick with a threat for at the moment he didn't trust any outside of his family.
Sheik felt the weight of the words and took the man's threat taking his seat "I.. understand" he got out after a couple of tries.
Medilla looked to Deen in outrage "Deen, show some respect! He came here to tell us about the attack on the castle."
He looked to his mother and sighed "Forgive my impertinence" giving a small bow "I just don't trust anyone outside my family. Now tell me how bad was the attack" slipping into military mode to see how much he knew.
Sheik nodded "I don't have much information as I just returned from a diplomatic mission to Termaina. I was told the Castle was attacked and we don't know by who, several guards were killed" he said not giving out the number.
Deen took another draw from his cup "Three."
Everyone looked to him, Link spoke "And you know this how?"
He looked up his eyes cold "Four guards dead all because they knew the identity of the attacker, Zelda just shared this information with me. She also told me the name of her attacker."
Sheik looked on eagerly waiting "His name?"
He sighed "Prince Is'olde" he took anther draw from his cup "my guess he was there to kidnap Zelda and force her to marry him. She told me as she was heading to her chambers she heard fighting then saw him appear. She turned running to the stables but he caught her before she could get away,she resisted screaming until two guards intervened losing their lives in the process allowing her to escape. Now "he said rubbing his eyes with the fingers of his left hand "we know who the perpetrator is and even with her knowing its still not enough, they won't try the castle again so we should move their for the time being."
Everyone had an incredulous look on their faces and it was his father who spoke "Deen, what your suggesting is.."
Deen cut him off "I know, but it will be the only way to keep her safe" he turned to Sheik "and with this turn of events we are going to need to prepare for war."
Sheik wondered why the man was looking at him "Why should we prepare for war."
Deen set the cup down before moving out of the room motioning he would be back, Link looked to Sheik the man had changed from the last time he had seen him. In his fight against Gannondorf Sheik had been aiding him and now here the man was telling Link and his family that a peace he had worked so hard to bring to Hyrule is now being put in jeopardy again? He was angry not only for that reason but the look in his brother's eyes as he mentioned a coming war, Link knew that if Deen saw war on the horizon and said that war is coming then it would be negligent not to listen. Deen took to politics better than he did when he said something bad was coming he was usually right, looking to Sheik "Prince" when he turned his gaze on him "I know you don't know my brother, but it would be unwise not to heed his word. If he sees war on the horizon then there is."
Sheik gave him a confused look "How would he know if there is a war coming?"
Medilla sighed "My eldest is a master of diplomacy he weighs every option. He adverted many wars for Calatia most times putting his own life at risk" she looked down the hall where he disappeared "and I believe I know what he has in mind. He has taken the enemy's steps and thought ten ahead."
Sheik gave her a confused look and she laughed "I believe he sees this Is'olde's next move will be to admit the attack and give an ultimatum of the princesses hand in marriage or invasion. So Deen will counter by marrying her earlier than he wanted to, in turn forcing his hand for invasion" she sipped her tea never having liked the taste of coffee "Deen's next move before the declaration of war he will gather his allies."
He nodded in shock "How will he gather his allies and who are they" he never would have seen what she pointed out that was so obvious.
She sighed "Calatia is one and they will not be to difficult to get to aid us, Termainia is another matter, when Is'olde hears Deen gathering allies he will do the same. Termaina will probably go to him as tensions between them and Hyrule have always been testy at best."
Arn chuckled as he thought what his son would do to increase relations between Calatia and Hyrule causing them to look at him, Medilla smiled know her husband put it together as well. Sheik was confused for farmers these people were highly educated not only in Diplomatic matter, military affairs, and even royal maneuvering but how would getting Calatia to help and he knew their support wouldn't last, he voiced his concern to which the big man answered "Well Queen Seline's daughter Nira is unmarried and looking for a suitor" Sheik was confused even more.
"How does that help him? He is engaged to my sister."
Arn smiled "That's true, but he promised the royal family that he would look for a suitor for Nira" Sheik was even more confused.
Deen stepped back into the room supporting Zelda he had heard everything and was ready to lay out the rest of his plan, he chuckled inwardly he couldn't have put it any better than they did. He settled Zelda into a chair and looked around, he had explained what he intended to do she was needless to say apprehensive about it but even she couldn't have gotten that far. He moved about fixing her a plate while the others watched him in silence, setting the plate and a cup of tea in front of her he took his cup speaking to finish what needed to be done "Yes, I did make that promise for they wanted me to marry her but it goes against their customs" he sighed knowing Sheik would not like the next step "To increase relations between Hyrule and Calatia and gain their army I'll need you" pointing to Sheik "to court and marry Nira." He was about to protest but was cut off by Deen "I'm not done yet, in doing so we secure more trade and succeed in binding the kingdoms together. If we are to come out of this we need to do whatever is necessary, I'm not doing this out of personal gain I'm doing this so our children, grand children, and great grand children will have a safe world to grow up in" he covered his eyes with his hand and sighed heavily "I have seen more battle and bloodshed than most and I'm sick of war for others petty reasons, this one will be fought on my terms, for my reasons."
Zelda looked up at him and voiced everyone's thoughts "What are your reasons to fight?"
He smiled at her "I'm doing this to protect my loved ones, in my mind family and friends come first and foremost. This is to protect them and future generations."
Sheik was stunned this man had come up with a way to forge the country together all for the sake of protecting those he loves, Sheik sighed heavily for some reason this man was right and he knew it so he would set up a meeting between the his sister Fiance' and the king to discuss this. He didn't know that Deen was intent on dealing with this matter that day time was of the essence, he asked the family if he could talk to his sister alone they nodded and left the room, one albeit left reluctantly and only with assurances from his better half things would be fine. The family moved to their rooms, Deen had gone to his room preparing his battle gear, he removed the suit and armor first folded neatly setting them on the bed, turning back to the box he hesitate staring at the thing that had saved and taken so many lives at the same time. Reaching gingerly into the case he removed a plain Ninjaken, holding it outstretched in both hands he kneeled praying for strength to get through this last war. He was lucky to have survived so many before and he knew that his luck would eventually run out he just hoped it wouldn't this time.
Link stood in the door way watching his brother whose sole focus was on the blade that he held, Link knew Deen was right he could feel the coming war just like he felt Gannondorf's evil presence when he entered Hyrule. He stepped away from the door before moving to his own room to get his own weapons he opening the door to find Malon already setting the small chest on the bed, he smiled moving to embrace her from behind. When he did she leaned into his embrace placing her hands over his, she turned to kiss him giving him a worried look "Your leaving again aren't you?"
He nodded "Yes, though I'm sure we are bringing all of you with us."
She smiled "Ok, I'm going to get your mother, myself and Kaden packed and ready to go.
Link nodded kissing her he watched as she left the room and he set to getting dressed, stepping out of the room he found Deen dressed in his battle gear. Link had dressed in a red tunic, white tights, chain mail worn underneath, two leather gauntlets and a red mirror shield. They nodded to each other as they headed down the hallway and as they passed their parents room their father fell in line with them his royal blue suit of armor with the white cape shone nicely, his twin swords hanging off of his left hip. When they stepped out of the house they were met with their horses saddled and ready to go, moving to the mounts they put the finishing touches on them before mounting. They looked to each other silent conversation passion between them as they waited for the other to come, moments later they came out side Medilla and Malon helping Zelda on to the wagon with Kaden hold her mother's stave trailing them. The men watched as settled on themselves onto wagon, Sheik climbed on to his horse and silently they started toward the castle. Sheik seeing these three men battle ready scared him a bit and it was then that the weight of the family's words cam crashing down on him like a blacksmiths hammer, the situation was far more dire than he thought even when they explained it seem like it wasn't all that bad. Sheik looked amongst them in trying to figure out what they were thinking so to try to understand he asked "Are things really going to get that bad?"
The three men looked to him and nodded, their eyes always moving searching for danger as they answer in unison "Yes, they are."