Zelda immediately began to work on a training arena for the soldiers training. She kindly rejected Link's offer to help, and told him to enjoy his time in the town. She said that she planned for the training to commence the next week. Link spent the first few days exploring the castle, but ultimately ended up spending more time in Telma's bar instead. Several soldiers came in as well, along with Purlo, the owner of the star game in the fairgrounds. After Link had beaten his game he gave up on his living and now spent his riches in the bar. He always greeted Link in a not-so-friendly manner. The soldiers wouldn't be so kind either, if they knew who he really was.
"Why does the princess think that we need some guy to train us? We're soldiers! We're brave!" One of them complained. The others shouted with agreement. Telma just gave Link a humored look.
"From what I've heard he's just a farm boy. What kind of commanding officer is that?" Another one whined.
"I don't want to go to training! It'll take longer and I bet we won't even get paid!" Yet another spoke up, this caused a uproar among them.
"Oh hush up all of you." Telma interrupted. "I happen to have met your new captain and seen his skills. I'm confident that he could take on every soldier in Hyrule without so much as batting an eye. If I hear that you're giving him a hard time I'll be comin' for you, ya hear?" She snapped. This settled the men down.
"You really think he is that strong Miss?" One of the soldiers asked.
"You better believe it honey. He's a sweet lad and a good fellow. Don't think I won't take you up on that threat. I'll toss you outta this bar before you can say 'Hyrule.' Got that?" She narrowed her eyes dangerously and jabbed a finger in their general direction.
She then turned away and began to pet her cat Louise. The soldiers began their own conversations. Telma continued to stroke her cat and said to Link "Don't you hesitate honey; you tell me straight away if those cowards are acting up." She chuckled. "Although I doubt they would have the courage to say so to you."
"Say," Purlo spoke up. "Can anyone join this training program?" He asked the soldier next to him.
"From what I hear, yeah, anyone. Someone said there's even going to be kids there." He answered.
A few days after this evening the other Ordonians arrived. Malo, Talo, and their parents immediately moved in to Malo's shop and got it up and running again, while Colin stayed with Link in his room in the castle, despite Jaggle and Pergie's protests about him supposed to be staying with them. Link had no problem with it, although Colin promised it was only temporary. He slept on a couch in Link's room even though Zelda offered him a room of his own. Link suspected that while Colin had gained plenty of courage over the past several months, the idea of being in a new place far bigger than the quiet home he was used to was a little overbearing for him. To have a familiar face among the throng was just what he needed. Colin was more than excited for training though, he constantly begged Link to just start him off early. However his enthusiasm didn't quite reach to Talo's level. Talo pestered Link all day with questions that made Link seriously consider how he would go about training the soldiers. Would they learn archery? Would they be taught how to fight on horseback? What about all the other trinkets and tools Link had acquired over his journey? Would he show them how to properly use things like the Ball and Chain? If so then training would be far longer and more complicated than he thought. He decided to consult Zelda and see what it was she ultimately wanted him to do. After all, it would be her soldiers.
They walked in the courtyard in the late sunlight while they talked about the subject. "The men already know how to fight with swords and spears, or at least they should. If they don' t then I was lied to when they were passed on by their trainers in their first initiation. What I want you to teach them is courage, I do believe I told you that in the letter when I offered you the position. Perhaps I wasn't as clear as I meant to be. Link, please, all I ask of you is to teach my men to stand bravely, to have the courage to stand against the face of danger and not cower, but to fight valiantly. Link I am tired of the soldiers being the laughingstock of the kingdom. I wish for them to be brave like you are, to be willing to go on an impossible quest and conquer against all odds because they are determined to triumph. Turn my soldiers in to men, Link. True, honorable men."
Link winced. He was not brave. Your heart is troubled by selfish desires. And he certainly wasn't honorable. Perhaps he wasn't anything at all.