Hyrule under Fire

Premonition

Hooves thudded against a dirt road, endless rows of shrubs and wildflowers waving in the wind. A caped cavalryman rode across the cloudy countryside, plate armor clinking and mail jingling as his horse strode.

Sturdy face untroubled from his visorless helm, the fair horseman saw Hyrule Castle proudly towering amidst gathering stormclouds. He pulled his red cloak over his shoulder, cool wind flowing into the gaps of his armor.

The horse stopped and snorted, patted by his rider.

"Come now, stubborn boy, just a little more. You'll enjoy retirement in Lon Lon Ranch when you're old enough."

The first rumble echoed from the unborn storm...

Perfectly groomed, brass earring hanging from his left ear, the cavalryman returned home unarmored save for golden bracelets, wearing a green tunic with white borders. "I salute you, beautiful ladies."

His abrupt arrival surprised his wife and Grandma, who sat next to each other.

His pretty wife—as ocean-eyed as he was—wore a blue dress and pink shawl, hair done up into a blond bun.

Grandma's purple gown, orange coat and white headdress were as old as she was, yet her sharpness remained youthful. "We've been expecting you."

The horseman's sternness and unblinking gaze hinted at everything his wife feared.

A baby boy in a tiny yellow housecoat and a green cap crawled between the ladies. He reached for Mommy's lovely hands—she got up, baby faceplanting the sofa cushion. His head popped back up and he watched his parents kiss.

Mother kept her hand on her husband's shoulder. "Is it true that war is impending?"

Unblinking, he replied, "It is true, my beloved. We have to prepare for the worst."

She sighed. "Will war ever end?"

"The people have divided. One side wishes to go pre-emptive in the war between the Gorons and Zora… The other wishes to maintain Hyrule's neutrality."

Baby gripped Grandma's armchair, too tiny to pull himself over. Maybe Grandma will notice him? She patted his head in acknowledgment.

The husband sat at the table, thinking heavily. His wife never liked how expressionless his face became. At times, she asked herself if she even knew who this man really was.

"What do you think?" Grandma asked, silence broken.

The horseman's face remained stony. "Hyrule has never interfered in the wars of other people, except to ease conflicts." His fist thudded against the tabletop. "We must keep it this way. The Gerudo have spread dissension among the people of Hyrule. They have dark plans…though I cannot figure out what exactly."

The wife's eyes lowered, sensing her husband's and Grandma's heavy thoughts that were best left undisturbed. She heard a tiny mumble and turned. Baby played with his feet then stared at Mom and smiled. She scooped up her bundle of joy, setting him on her lap.

Mother tried relaxing, closing her eyes. "What should we do with our son?"

Comfy in Mom's arms, Baby extended a leg and curiously stared at Dad.

Father's statue-like expression melted. He went over and, hands on his knees, slightly knelt to smile at his little creation. "He will not become a child of war…" Father hoisted his son up, awe emanating from Baby's eyes as he giggled. "He won't grow up in the middle of death and misery. My service in the army is good enough so he will never have to fight."

Baby moved his forearms closer, giving Father a big, two-toothed smile. Yet Baby's eyes slightly closed, sleepiness creeping.

"As soon as this war begins, we will flee from Hyrule. The four of us will build up our lives in a different place, even if we must forsake our prosperity."

"A good plan, my sturdy husband."

Something clicked in Father's mind, head straightening. "I don't think so…"

Grandma seemed nonchalant, thinking, I'm not going anywhere.

Baby cocked his head and sucked his thumb, wondering why Dad was suddenly concerned.

"I think I can give some advice..." Grandma's eyes were closed, hands clasped in prayer. "An old legend tells about the Kokiri...who live peacefully in the woods to the east. But no one has dared enter that forest."

"Our hope is the Kokiri!" Mother chirped, undaunted.

The sky rumbled, winds intensifying. Baby and Mom nervously looked up, though Father and Grandma were unbothered.

Father partly raised his hand. "So be it."

The parents made eye contact, something inside not feeling right...

Baby hugely yawned, stretching like a cat and rubbing his eyes. His parents chuckled.

"Link...are you sllleeepy?" Mom raised Baby so their warm cheeks rubbed, Baby softly laughing.

Dad wrapped an arm around Mom's shoulders, his head leaning into hers as they watched Link happily squirm.

Link's mouth popped open, "Hyyyaaa..." He yawned then tried sleeping. Mom held him against her chest, feeling his little heart beat against hers.

Dad's smile remained. "You look so much like your beautiful mother..."

Grandma solemnly gazed at the full moon through the window. This will be the last time I see the moon.

Banging at the front door destroyed the family's slumber. As if never asleep, the sturdy husband leapt out of bed, fixed up his pajamas as best he could, and approached the door.

"Arn! Arn!" a man outside yelled, banging ensuing. "Are you inside!? Please be alive! Arn!"

The cavalryman undid the locks and opened the door—slightly. "Kevin? What is it, guardsman?"

The guard outside spun around, clutching his spear as his visor fell over his eyes. He sighed with relief, lifted his visor, and saluted. "Captain Krin...he's, he's—"

"Dead," the cavalryman interrupted. "What happened?"

"We don't know. Krin was found at the bottom of the market fountain, his throat cut!"

"Assassination."

The guard nodded then looked both ways down the street, ready to hide behind his spear. "Sir Combsly decided you are the head of the guards, immediately! There's no telling what may happen while we are here!"

The cavalryman paused, thinking about what he said to his wife earlier, As soon as this war begins, we will flee from Hyrule... He turned, seeing his frightened wife tightly holding their sobbing son.

He faced the guard. "I will meet you at the castle."

"Oh, thanks so much! I don't know what we'd do without you!"

The guard saluted then scurried away, occasionally flinching.

"Arn, what is it?" the wife asked as her husband closed the door. Baby sniffled, staring at Dad.

Father lowered his head. "Medilia, I must go. My comrades and the King need me."

"Wait, you're going?" Mother and son stared blankly as Dad got his clothes ready, Grandma already dressed and sitting in her armchair.

"Yes. In case things get too dangerous, I stabled Malanya in case you need him. He's tired from all our patrolling, but he is nevertheless a young lord of horses. No matter what happens..." He put on his swordbelt, sword and dagger sheathed on. He tossed the spare swordbelt, sword and dagger onto their bed. "You know what to do."

Eyes shiny, Mom nodded, though her heartbeat intensified. She sadly watched as her husband knelt before Grandma.

Dad kissed Grandma's hand. "Thank you...for everything."

Grandma leaned out her seat and embraced Dad, kissing his cheek. "What more could an old woman ask for in this life?"

Mom joined their hug, Baby enjoying the extra warmth. Grandma and Dad let go and he cupped Mom's cheeks, their lips mingling. They embraced, Mom nuzzling Dad's chest, exchanging several heartbeats that should have lasted longer.

"Goodbye, Medilia."

Mother sniffled, eyes watering, heart aching. "Goodbye, Arn."

Dad kissed his son's cheek, stroking his hair. "Goodbye, Link. I cannot tell you how much I love my son and his beautiful mother."

Baby smiled. Surprise gripped his face when he watched Dad leave, unable to comprehend why he had to go.