Notes at the end of the most recent chapter.
Link had just finished gathering his personal belongings (which didn't amount to much more than a few keepsakes and clothing) when a brief knock came from the door.
"Are you almost ready?" The familiar, yet muffled, voice of Sikumar came from outside.
To answer the captain's question, he opened the door and stepped out.
"Good. Follow me."
Sikumar led him through the vast corridors of Hyrule Castle, which Link would soon have to know if he was going to serve in the high guard.
"You know, your father was in the high guard in his time."
"It's an honor to follow his actions."
"Indeed, it is. You know, Link, you've matured well. I'm glad you—" Sikumar covered his mouth and stopped himself.
"You're glad I what?"
"Well, it seems I spoke prematurely. I'm going to be honest; we aren't going to the high guard barracks," Sikumar admitted.
Link's eyebrows furrowed.
"I don't understand—" Link's confusion was silenced as the captain led him around a corner into the same courtyard where time he found himself lost after the royal banquet. Only, this time, the king and his escort were present, circled around Master Sword. The boy instantly dropped to his knees, ignoring the pain of his knees colliding with the stone ground.
King Rhoam stepped forward and knelt beside Link, who fearfully tilted his head downward. The king tilted his chin back up. He boy finally gave in and met his eyes.
"I can tell you're afraid. You have no reason to fear me, boy, you've done nothing wrong. I have brought you here to ask something far greater of you than join the high guard, but only if you truly are the hero of the ancient tales. Let us see, then."
Rhoam retracted the hand on Link's chin and stood, gesturing to the Master Sword—which was still lodged firmly into the ground.
"Sikumar pleaded that you come here on your own accords and informed me of the risks that accompany retrieving the sword prematurely. But Ganon's return is imminent, and after seeing your swordsmanship I think you're ready."
Link slowly rose to his feet, his knees shaking. He carefully set down all his gear and removed his gloves, revealing his mark.
He approached the master sword slowly, taking nervous steps and sharp breaths. Sikumar stiffened, glanced around at his comrades, and broke his composure. He quietly said, "I'm sorry…" before running up to the panicking boy.
"Link! Link, you don't have to do this if you aren't ready. Please, do what you feel is right. If it's too early, the sword's power can overwhelm you and kill you—"
"I'm ready," Link whispered, barely audible.
"What?"
Link blinked hard and balled his hands into fists. He turned to Sikumar with a steely expression.
"I am ready."
Without another word, he closed the distance between himself and the blade. Not wasting a moment, he somewhat carelessly gripped the hilt and pulled. He did afford a considerable amount of strength to free the Master Sword, but Link maintained his stiff expression even after he successfully dislodged the blade, which felt perfectly balanced and strangely connected.
King Rhoam smiled and walked up to Link again, patting his shoulder. "This is a great relief, my boy. Now that I know for sure you are the true hero—the one who wields the Sword that Seals the Darkness—I must pair you with my daughter. She is the second component of the ancient tales. Princess Zelda carries the blood of the goddess herself, and she was born with a divine power to fight Ganon. Unfortunately, she has not been dedicating herself to unlocking that essential power. She will need to pray at the springs of power, courage, and wisdom scattered across Hyrule and ask for guidance from the goddess, but I can't have a royal patrol parading around accompanying an asinine girl. I entrust you with that burden, Link. You are more than capable, and I hope she will offer you some company."
"Offer who company?" a new, female voice asked.
Rhoam turned to see his daughter, Princess Zelda, glaring in his direction.
"That boy is nothing more than a shrimp! He's struggling to even lift that sword, and how dare you assign such a dull fool as my aide—"
"ENOUGH! It is settled. Link will be your permanent companion, and you will appoint him before the royal counsel! I shall inform the Champions as soon as possible," Rhoam retorted.
Zelda's glare crumbled into a frightened stare; the king of Hyrule seldom lost his temper. She knew that any further protest would be fruitless, so Zelda stormed away.
Rhoam sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Link, I'm sorry you had to see that. And I also apologize for not giving you a choice. But this is for the best. Sikumar will take you to your new quarters and discuss the details of knighthood. I know you are more than capable, however; I have witnessed your abilities firsthand and I must say you are underrated. I will warn you now: Zelda is a handful. She can be very cold and condescending. Just give her time, she'll open up eventually. Can I count on you, Link?"
The boy thought briefly to himself, 'This is my only chance. I don't understand any of this, though… I bet Sikumar will explain it to me. Yeah, it'll be fine.' Ensuring he erased any doubt or emotion from his mind, Link gratefully accepted the duty he was burdened with.
"Very well. You are dismissed."
Tick-tock, tick-tock.