Chapter 12:

Zelda

The princess was watched more closely now than when she had been a toddler and she hated it with every fibre of her being. And it was done so 'subtly' that it was just infuriating. Strangely, the same few servants would happen to be in the library or her study, lightly dusting off surfaces that had already been cleaned, not paying attention to her at all. One day an exasperated Zelda had herself cleaned her study to sparkling shininess, just to see what the coincidentally roaming servant would try to scrub while not watching her. The result had been both hilarious and sad. The poor lad had looked around in near panic, trying his hardest not to lay an eye on her but still find a reason to remain in the room.

Naturally, Zelda had still tried to find out as much as she could but it hadn't been easy. She couldn't just go against the expressed wishes of the king. She had no doubt that her father could and would confine her to her rooms, if she rebelled too openly. So she had used stealth, cunning and her greatest weapon: Sally.

"Voilà, another useless book, lovingly stolen by your caring cousin!" she sang. Zelda had to admit, she had a point. "It is absurd. Hardly any of the texts we've scoured for information discuss anything older than 2000 years. It's almost as if history just began there. I don't know if that is relevant yet, but it is definitely an oddity. And that one paragraph in "History of the most noble House of Hyrule" keeps bugging me." Zelda mumbled.

"What does it say?" Sally asked with hardly any interest.

"It reads "After the Threat was conquered a millennium and a half prior and the royal line was again firmly enthroned with their Queen and her husband, the land toiled no longer. The Queen and her arts, while always highly revered in footnotes of ancient texts, seem forgotten today. Barely any written document mentioning Her or the man at her side remains however. Odd, one thinks, as doubtlessly she is the progenitor of today's royal family." That text was written almost 500 years ago, so once again we are at this obscure limit of 2 millennia." Zelda explained.

"'The queen and her arts'. Is that what has drawn your attention?" Saria yawned.

"I can see the life of a scholar suits you exceptionally well… but yes, that is a promising line. But in all the books you have brought me that is the only time her 'arts' are mentioned. It is like we have just forgotten a part of our history."

Sally pointedly cleaned her ear with a bored face. "Fascinating."

"Oh you're impossible!" the princess exclaimed, irritated. "I am trying to shed some light into the whole matter and here you are, more preoccupied with earwax!"

Sally nodded silently and flicked her cleaning finger at her cousin, who squealed pleasingly.

"Really?!" Zelda yelled, not entirely able to keep herself from laughing.

"Zelda, you've cooped yourself up in here for the last eight weeks. I understand you are working on your noble ivory complexion but this can't be healthy. You are too obsessed right now and you aren't even progressing. You're going to be a shrivelled old prune before you find anything worthwhile. Look! I think I can see the first wrinkles, right there!"

Zelda deflected her cousin's finger (the same she had cleaned her ear with, of course, wouldn't be Sally otherwise) but had to admit that she had a point. With Saria's expert roguish talents there had not been an impasse of reading matter for weeks but the results were hardly existent. She yearned to be outside more but hadn't allowed herself that luxury so far. Perhaps a little distraction would help her see connections that she had previously missed?

"Alright then, you insufferable pest. What do you have in mind?"

"Would you look at that! A flick of my finger and the princess sees sense! If only I had known it was so easy!" she sighed dramatically.

"Sally…" Zelda warned.

"You are not the only one you've kept imprisoned here, you know?! I have had to stay in this dungeon too, thanks to your constant highly questionable desire for books and my sheer unfathomable will to help out of the goodness of my heart, bless me!" the smaller girl huffed.

"Sally!" Zelda threatened.

"Right. You are still organizer of the tourney of swordmastery, are you not?"

Zelda nodded. Traditionally the first born son would hold this honour, but since there was none… She had kept on holding that responsibility because it gave her an excuse to remain in her study 'organizing' the whole day.

"Excellent. By now all the fighters should have arrived at the gymnasium. Why don't we do a little inspection, make sure the boys and girls behave?" Saria suggested, a glint in her eye.

Zelda raised a tired eyebrow. "Why do I get the feeling that you just want to take a close look at the young men there?"

"Naturally!" Sally confirmed unabashed. "One has to make sure they are all healthy and in good shape, else serious injury could occur during the competition. And if some of the boys just happen to be showing off their skills with their shirts off, well… what can you do?" she shrugged innocently.

"Letch."

"I am a normal, healthy young woman with normal, simple interests who has been kept inside poring over dusty old tomes for two months." She intoned seriously.

Zelda shook her head, rolling her eyes.

"It's just boys Zelda. They are practically made to be looked at! Don't tell me you are suddenly so holy that you aren't interested in a little show, I know you better than that. And you know it's nothing more than a little peeking! We have done that since we were eleven!"

Zelda blushed but couldn't really deny their rare but interesting forays to the training plaza of the royal guard.

"And by the way: Your Ordian acquaintance that has impressed you so should be there as well, right? Link was his name?" Sally said slyly and had the audacity to raise her eyebrows at her.

Zelda knew that he'd be there. But she wasn't sure what to think of that fact. They had both been quite uncivil, the last time they'd met, so this could get supremely awkward. And what if he was still just angry at her?

… but she did want to see him again, she had to admit to herself. Even if there was no chance of even a brief private parley during such a visit…

Sally sighed histrionically. "Oh well, seems like you don't care. Seems like I have to go alone. Who knows? Since you have given him my name as yours, maybe I can have his undivided attention. I'd love to know what about him captured your interest so. I'll tell him you said 'hi' when we're alone!" she said in the most greasy way Zelda could imagine and turned to leave.

"You deplorable scoundrel, not another step!" Zelda grumbled, corking her inkwell and standing up. She knew she had lost and that Sally would never, ever let her forget it.

Setting up an impromptu inspection had been surprisingly easy. She was the highest authority in the matter, true, but she had been afraid that the king would have disallowed her to leave the stronghold. No such ban had been in place however and so she and Saria were almost at the compound in their carriage. Her cousin was positively vibrating with anticipation. Zelda had to admit that it felt wonderful to have left her study and be out in the city again, seeing, hearing, smelling. Even though she had an armed escort, of course, she felt freer than she had in the last two months. And she couldn't deny a certain thrill either. It was the first time she had been so closely involved in the annual tourney, as she was of a decent age now. She knew the names and origins of the combatants, naturally, but she would enjoy the chance of seeing them face to face before the fighting started.

A runner had been sent from the castle previously to announce her visit and to make sure that all participants were present. A welcoming party was awaiting them at the entrance of the gymnasium. Of course, Zelda would have preferred just arriving without causing a fuss, but that was just utopistic.

The entire staff of the place was standing ready in front of the large building. Waiting in front of everyone else stood Sir Alistair, her first advisor on matters of procedure of the duels. She liked the man, although she distinctly remembered being very afraid of him and his voice when she had been a little girl.

Zelda and Sally descended from the carriage, accompanied by a collective bow of the staff, and walked towards their reception.

"Your highness. My lady." The blademaster greeted her and her cousin. "Allow me to say up front that I think it a wise idea to meet these men and women. Not only have they agreed to display their skills for you, they may also one day be the very guards that protect your life. They will not forget today's showing of appreciation."

Zelda didn't have to look to know that Saria had a smug expression on her imp-face. "I thank you for your council, Sir. I must admit that it was my cousin's idea, though, lest I do her injustice." Zelda said nobly.

The aging man smiled and nodded in Sally's direction. "A born political advisor then." He said, not without humour.

Sally laughed dryly. "I would hardly say so, good Sir. I merely provide motivators for weary princesses."

Zelda wanted to pinch her, but refrained with some difficulty.

The knight smiled softly, bowed again then briefly introduced the staff and letting them explain their duties. Zelda listened well, but most of her attention was elsewhere. She was actually getting a bit giddy. Damn it, girl, keep it together, she scolded herself.

Once the flustered and vaguely proud people running the gymnasium had had their say, Sir Alistair led them through the main building and into the courtyard.

There awaited 32 young men and women, separated into two groups of 16: left the standard and right the junior roster. Behind each contestant stood his or her advocate. They stood to attention, terribly unnaturally and stiff.

"Ooh, now we're getting somewhere." Her unbelievable cousin cooed only for her to hear.

"Let them stand at ease, Sir." She asked her guide.

Sir Alistair barked the command and there was a visible wave of relief. She also noticed that the young men were eying her rather keenly whenever they thought she wouldn't notice. She now surveyed each of them briefly, from left to right. Strapping young fellows all around, she had to admit. There were 6 Gerudo, 4 Rito and 3 Zora fighters. Twenty male and twelve female.

And there in the rightmost spot was Link. …he seemed taller than when she had last seen him. He looked right at her with those deep blue eyes of his, not trying to hide it.

She looked away quickly before people could think that she was staring.

"We seem to have a comparably big variety in this years line-up." She mentioned, stating the obvious.

"Aye. It varies, of course. One year we had Hylians only. Boring affair." Sir Alistair rasped curtly. "This year is good!"

She nodded. She had on the way thought about how she should address them.

She focused her clear, majestic voice at them. "Men and women of the sword! You have come here to show the world your prowess. You have trained hard and diligently to impress my people. For that I honour you. You have already proven yourself by standing in this select group. You represent the very best in your field. Be proud in your accomplishment, as we, the people, are proud. Winner or not, you will be remembered."

That last part rang a bit hollow, even to her ears, but she didn't really know how to end her speech. Involuntarily she looked to the far right. He had a soft grin on his face. She had to keep her own lips from smiling back. Looks like he wasn't too mad at her. She felt a bit embarrassed at the relief that flooded through her.

Now she noticed that two people stood behind Link, an old knight and a large young man.

Sally made a soft 'hmmm' noise. Zelda glanced at her cousin. Apparently the little gremlin had followed her gaze and was now eyeballing Link with a very interested face. That little scamp! she thought irritably.

"Well spoken. Do you wish to greet them personally?" asked Sir Alistair.

"I do."

He led her to the older contestants first. Sally followed suit and graced her cousin with tiny, almost inaudible sounds of rejection or approval for each of them.

Slim, long haired boy: no.

Tall, dark intense boy: yes.

Gerudo lady with short red hair: no no.

Muscly, deep voiced boy: very yes.

Zelda almost lost her composure and had to bite her lip to stop herself from giggling. She couldn't even tell her to stop!

Other than that she actually enjoyed talking to them. Some where verbose, others shy, some seemed very nervous, some determined. One or two of the highborn lads she had seen before during some event, some time.

The closer she got to the end, the tenser she became. What would she say? What would he say? This was a mistaaaaaaaaaake…

Finally, after a minute with the junior group's only Zora, she finally reached him. She looked at him up close now. Her eyes were just level with his mouth which showed a slightly playful grin. His dark blonde hair was softly swaying in the wind. In his eyes Zelda could see the same gentleness that she had noticed at their first meeting… and a little tension.

Well thank goddess he is nervous about this too, she thought, exhaling.

"Greetings, your majesty!" he finally said, bowing. The way he said her title wouldn't sound suspicious to anyone except her. To her his little emphasis basically said "No costume today?"

"And I greet you, Link Andrésson." and she nearly bit her tongue. She shouldn't just know who he was! What was she thinking?!

"Ah, the disadvantage of being the last of the list! Now I am denied the pleasure of introducing myself." He saved her, without skipping a beat. He gave her a crooked smile.

Through sheer force of will she held back her own smile that was trying to muscle its way on her face. Instead she treated him to a regal little nod.

"Forced harmless conversation, come on!" She thought. You're a princess, you've been engaging in mindless prattle since you were old enough to hold a spoon!

"The village of Ord you call your home, I read?"

"Indeed, your highness." Again with the weird 'your highness', she noticed.

"Your father, I am told is an excellent craftsman, his steel highly sought after." Slowly the old instincts were coming back.

"You do him and me great honour, your majesty. I will certainly tell him of your great compliment."

"I beg your pardon, your majesty. Would you excuse me and this young man's advocate for just one moment?" Sir Alistair suddenly grated.

She looked at him, briefly surprised. "Certainly, sir. There is no rush."

The old man nodded and the two knights went a few metres away into a huddle.

Link looked after them, making a wondering face but didn't say anything.

Zelda was about to decide whether to say anything a little less vague, when Saria piped up.

"Well, now that our two old chaperones are gone: Greetings, Link. I would be Sally. I am sure you have heard of me." She chattered cheekily.

Zelda pondered whether to discard her cousin's body in the river or the landfill.

"I see. It is a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Sally." Link bowed, his face a little bewildered, but mostly amused. "I have been made aware that you too are interested in blacksmithing?"

"So I've heard." Sally chuckled.

Thankfully they all kept their voices low enough that nobody else could hear.

"And who do we have here? How is the imposing young man behind you, Sir Link?"

Link's face took a very "Oh goddess!" sort of look.

The large boy grew a whimsical grin, snapped to attention and rumbled in a nasal voice: "Lord Hamwell Cockelstrong, AT… your service!" and he bowed so low that his nose nearly touched the ground.

Zelda could see a few aghast faces turn this way. Thankfully the two old knights hadn't heard anything.

Sally seemed to engage in a quiet but intense laughing fit.

Link rolled his eyes seemed to whisper a quick prayer before saying "No, you're not. You are Ricco Torosson, the village idiot."

This Ricco didn't skip a beat and said "Indeed I am, gracious Ladies. But I left my frivolous duties to make sure my boy here eats properly."

"Well, you certainly seem to know how to do so yourself!" Sally countered, grinning mischievously.

"Stop!" Link said to his friend.

"Enough!" Zelda said to Sally.

Then the two looked at each other again, surprised. Then they had a giggling fit.

Zelda covered her mouth with her hand and bit at the skin on her finger to calm down. Link wasn't in a much better state.

She was almost sure that everyone was watching them by now, but somehow, she cared very little. She noticed the looks on Sally's and Ricco's face. They were glancing at each other as if saying "a job well done!". Either that, or "look at those two idiots!"

Thankfully Sir Alistair came to her rescue. The two old men seemed to be blissfully ignorant of all this madness. Or had chosen to ignore it.

"Have you finished with this young man, your highness?" he rasped.

"I believe I have." She said breathlessly. And to Link: "Thank you. I wish you luck during the fights." She turned around, ready to leave.

The blademaster however asked: "Would my lady like a demonstration? I am sure the boys and girls would be honoured to give you and your cousin a private show."

"We graciously accept!" Saria said so quick Zelda hadn't even had time to open her mouth.

The old knight showed a tiny grin but was waiting for her to confirm.

"Very well. It seems I have no choice in the matter." She finally acceded.

About half an hour later the two girls were in their carriage on the way back to the castle.

"I still can't believe that you didn't let them show us a second bout. It would have been fun!" Sally nagged.

"I think you have had quite enough fun this afternoon, my dear!" Zelda replied, a little cross with her cousin. She had made her look like a complete idiot in front of everyone… at least she had felt like one.

Sally grinned widely, impishly. "I guess I did. I guess so did you."

Zelda smirked. She couldn't quite deny that.

Saria sighed. "Now I know why you are so fascinated… he's cute!"

She couldn't quite deny that either, but… "I am not SO fascinated, you meddling brat!" she mumbled.

"Of course you are. And so is he." The younger girl chirped, contently.

Zelda hesitated, but in the end gave in and asked: "You think so?"

Sally gave her a look. "Sweety, you are as blind as a bat."

Zelda blushed. She hated herself for it, but she couldn't help it.

"And what about you and Link's friend, this Ricco? I almost thought I'd have to find an excuse to leave you at the gymnasium, you flirt."

Now it was Sally's turn to blush, something that occurred exceedingly rarely.

"Oho!" Zelda allowed herself a mischievous grin. "Look at you! Was it his impressive physique! No, I know! It was the tactless utter nonsense he said. I can see the similarities!" she cooed.

"Huh!" Sally huffed. "You won't get any weak denials out of me!"

Touché.

They continued their ride in pleasurable silence. Zelda couldn't quite hide her soft smile and didn't care to. As she had expected, seeing that boy again had been very awkward. But also very, very fun.

Zelda had arrived back at her chambers, tired but happy. She had made a mental note to thank Saria for wresting her away from her desk. Thankfully she had thought of taking her notes with her and hiding the stolen book behind a flowerpot on the balcony. She was sure that someone had 'tidied up' during her time away.

She had decided not to continue working for today, but to unwind. She had taken a bath and was now brushing her hair, clad in a large towel. She absentmindedly looked outside. She loved the view of Hyrule city in twilight. The people slowly preparing to retire to their homes, the streetlights being slowly lit one by one to light the city in a soft, yellow light, similar to the stars on the deep blue sky.

Blue like…

Aah no, stopstopstopstopstop! Zelda put her face in her hands. What is going on with her head! Could she, please, form one coherent thought without his stupidly grinning face popping up? Any thought at all?!

Suddenly an image broke into her consciousness. A vision, her sitting at her vanity, being watched by a figure in dark clothes.

She whipped around. There it sat, covered completely by a black cloak. Her sword was two metres to her left on its stand. The one time she needed it!

"Both of you detect me. Fascinating!"

A female voice! Old, strong, not unkind.

"Guards!" yelled Zelda.

"They are asleep. So is your maid. They were not harmed, I swear it." The woman was as calm as if Zelda had invited her to tea.

"Who are you and what do you want?" she said. To her own surprise, her voice was firm even though the fear she felt.

"My name is Impa, princess. I am here to tell you something of paramount importance." the woman said, gently.

Zelda felt this woman's strength. She couldn't say how, but it radiated off her. She also felt that no hostility was coming from her, but was not sure whether to trust this… sense.

"Speak then. I assume there is reason behind surprising me in my own quarters from behind?" she spoke regally.

"Yes."

The old woman didn't seem to offer more explanation pertaining to her rude entrance.

"Listen, Impa, whoever you are. You claim to have matters of 'paramount importance' to discuss, yet you give me every reason to immediately mistrust you totally. You enter my room uninvited like a rogue, you give flippant answers… it would seem you want your message to not be taken as seriously as you claim it should be."

The woman looked up at her, smiled a motherly smile and removed her hood.

Red eyes!

"You are…" Zelda was speechless.

"I am of the Shiekah." She said calmly.

"Assassin!" Zelda hissed. "Are you here to kill me?" she asked, disgusted.

"Nothing of the sort. I come with a warning." The woman seemed sad.

Zelda controlled her fearful outbreak. She still felt no murderous intent in her opposite. And her demeanour seemed genuine. She decided to listen, despite the absurdity of a Shiekah bringing words of warning. Or possibly just because of the scurrility.

"Speak."

"I am of the Shiekah. We are not mindless, directionless murderers. We have one goal. The defence against the Threat."

Zelda nearly huffed, but the mention of the Threat, which she had just today told Saria about, piqued her interest.

"The reason my people's motives are misunderstood is that no one remembers but us. Learned one's were assassinated, texts were burned, history was erased over hundreds of years by Its followers. Only we have some knowledge left and only we can read the signs of the nearing Threat. What you have experienced on the north road, princess, is a sign of It awakening. All of Hyrule, all of the world is in peril and…" the woman paused and looked at her compassionately. "…you most of all, child."

Her words scared Zelda to her bone. She had no doubt that this woman spoke true. She could not really say how… She just knew.

"Because of my… what I…" Zelda stuttered and swallowed.

"Yes, child. You are the light that leads through the darkness. You can be. The question is: will you be strong enough?"

She seemed to wait for an answer. Zelda was speechless. This woman just told her that she should be the one to lead her people through the shadows. She had not forgotten the unspeakable horrors that night. Those were only a sign to come? And she was what? A saviour? What can you possibly answer to that?

"How could I know? How could I possibly know?" she asked.

"Who will know but you? Tell me, what are you willing to give for your people, hmm? What sacrifice would you make for their life?"

Zelda knew this was a test, but the answer came naturally and without hesitation. "Myself. Everything. I am this land, and this land is I." Zelda was a little surprised at her immediate reaction. She had basically just confirmed that she was willing to die for everybody's sake. And she found that she meant every word.

She glared at the old woman as if daring her to question her resolve.

The crone's smile became even sadder.

"Spoken like a true princess." she spoke with an emotional voice.

Zelda was startled to see this woman, this Shiekah, slowly stand, then go to her knees and bow her head until it touched the ground.

"Princess Zelda, I vow my life to you. I swear to protect you from the shadows that would invade your world. I promise by my eyes of blood that my only goal will be that you may fulfil your destiny."

Zelda felt incredibly inadequate, nude with but a towel covering her, her hairbrush still in her hand, to listen to such a pledge of one's life.

The Shiekah raised up her head and looked at her with tears in her eyes. "My princess. My queen. That I may finally lay eyes upon you…"

Zelda didn't know what to feel or think. This whole situation was too outlandish. "I do not think it would be wise for you to be my bodyguard…" she said lamely.

The woman just cackled. "No. My presence would raise undue questions. I will continue to watch from the shadows. I do not want your happiness to be disturbed for as long as possible, child. But know that the day when you must become the princess is approaching."

"Can we not prevent this? Thwart this evil's plans before they come to fruition?" Zelda asked desperately.

"We… can not. It is as unavoidable as the night. I am sorry."

"And I can do nothing?" Zelda asked quietly.

"You can do what matters most. Fight for our continued existence."

The old woman stood up, smiled her sad smile and walked towards the window.

"I must leave you. There is still a lot to be done. So much knowledge has been lost, even to us. We must be sure that our way is right."

She hopped onto the windowsill and was about to jump when Zelda called her one last time. "Impa! … will I be alone? Will I have to fight all by myself?"

The Shiekah turned her head and smiled reassuringly. "Far from it, my child."

An with that she was gone.