Chapter 46: Dealing with Spiders
A gentle knock on the door was followed by Impa's voice. "Princess? It's time."
Zelda glared down at her book, a confusing read if she was being honest. One of the few books on magic that Rauru was willing to let her take away from the temple. And after having read it cover to cover, she was certain it was more to challenge her than to actually be helpful.
A treatise written by an unnamed magi long ago. But from the topic and the language used, it seemed clear to Zelda that it was written by a Sheikah magi in the most circuitous manner. The author would allude to various magical processes without actually describing what any of it meant. There were certain words that seemed to be repeating in some kind of pattern, but for the life of her Zelda could not decipher it.
She had always thought herself good with puzzles, but for some reason this one would not crack.
"Come in."
"Still laying down?" Impa closed the door behind her as she entered.
"Look at this, Impa. Does this make any sense to you?" She asked, trying to ignore the fact that even asking was admitting defeat. That this unnamed magi had bested her.
Impa walked over her shoulder, quickly scanned the page, then shrugged. "I am a spy, princess, not an inquisitor."
"But you're certain it was written by a Sheikah inquisitor, right?"
Impa took another look. "I am most certain."
"What about this bit" Zelda flipped a few pages back. "Whenever the writer talks about drawing power they speak of 'the drummer in chains' do you have any idea what that is?"
Zelda felt Impa's shadow shift over her head. Something made her uncomfortable. But when Zelda turned to look back to her friend, Impa's expression remained as steady as ever.
"I do not know what that means for certain. But I can ask around if you wish it."
Of course, she will find nothing, a Sheikah will always keep their secrets. "It's not directly important for now, thank you anyway." Zelda got off her bed and quickly smoothed out the front of her gown and gave herself a quick look in the mirror. A proper princess looked back at her, at least proper enough for another war council.
Leaving her room, she nodded to her guard. "Any word what this meeting is about?"
"Yes, my friends have told me that the entire account of the battle of The Crown was delivered last night. Along with an update from Duke Arlan."
"And the Zora?"
"Silent."
"Strange, King Zora usually gives the longest accounts of them all. At least we'll be spared having to listen to his grandiose ways of saying Lord Jabbu-Jabbu is winning their battles for him." As they rounded a corner and down the stairs, Zelda glanced around with a slight and subtle movement that would look completely natural to any onlooker. Just as Impa taught her. Satisfied no one was listening, but still cautious she let her voice go quiet. "And what of that other thing? The stone?"
"My friends have found one. But the current holder of the item in question has proven unwilling to part with it."
"Who is the current holder?"
"Jovanus of house Spinne."
"A noble?"
"Barely, your highness. His house only goes back three generations. They gained their holdings and a minor title for funding the crown during the early stages of the Hylian Civil War."
"Yes- thank you- I think I've heard of them. Their house has a spider sigil."
"Exactly."
Zelda frowned, the man had visited her father a few times over the years and did not leave the most favorable impression. "And they're in the city?"
"Yes, but Lord Spinne has been somewhat unreasonable with my friends when they asked to acquire it."
"I need that stone," always some complication with these plans, wasn't it? "During the meeting, you will visit him yourself. Let him know that it is important that he gives it to you."
"I don't think that family in particular is willing to give anything away, your highness."
"You'll figure something out," Zelda said as they reached the meeting chamber.
"Of course, your highness." Impa opened the large wooden door and held it for Zelda to enter. Guards were already in position around the room. Her father and Bulira sat at the great table. The lines on the Gerudo's wrinkled face twisted into a slight smile, a friendly smile.
This was not altogether unusual, the one called Bulira was friendly to everyone. That did not make it less infuriating.
Zelda took her place beside her father and waited for the rest of the war council to arrive. Simple Durrell with his wide eyes and smile, Sir Jora with a stack of papers. Only taking a moment to place his sword by the front door, the pink cloth tied to the hilt drifting elegantly down from it. Coroto almost rolled in, and sat down with worried excitement, and Lady Selvas strutted in as if knowing all eyes would be drawn to her. Only once all else were seated did the other Gerudo entered side by side, with knowing smirks between them. Or as close as they could get to standing side by side with the Most-Feared filling up the entire doorway to enter.
Zelda had to make certain that her lips curl into a frown. The more she got to know those two the worse she thought of them. Ashdin in particular seemed to be born of cruelty and malice, taking petty pleasure at making the lowest of the servants grovel and beg. Giving any beneath her a heavy handed slap at the slightest provocation.
She had heard that some nobles treated their subjects that way, but she had never seen it. Her father for all his faults always taught her to respect those that served them. Only punish them when they do something actually worthy of punishment, like theft or on one occasion when a guard got drunk and fell asleep at his post.
But now she knew why the Most-Feared earned her moniker. The vile woman reveled in making those beneath her squirm.
And Rijya was not much better, worse in some ways. She could be quiet, clever, only speaking once or twice in a whole meeting. But whenever a decision would be made, she also spoke for the most destructive and vindictive coarse of action. Rijya of the Molduga-Skinners did not just want to win this war, she wanted to destroy all remnants of the enemy.
But as distasteful as Zelda found them, it was nothing like her distaste with Bulira, the false-friend.
"Hello, wise princess," the little woman said with a friendly smile after her conversation with her father came to a lull. "I was just talking to your father about you."
Why was father speaking of her to the Gerudo of all people! "Oh," she forced herself to smile. "Good things I hope?"
"Just little stories about how much he loves you."
That made her father's jaw set. Really? That was the tack that she was going to play? There was no way that her father would make that the topic of any conversation.
"It was a story of when you were little," the king said. "That is all."
"Oh, but the way he told it," Bulira said. "All stories parents tell of their children are just about how much they love them. Even when the tale is about when they've done something wrong."
Zelda and her father exchanged glances, but did not say anything more. Her throat felt dry as the silence grew between them. It was as if both were waiting for the other to say something. But what was it either could say?
Thankfully, the awkward moment was broken when the crier stepped forward. "Two messengers from mighty Chief Darunia and fierce King Dragmire, for your majesty and his honorable council."
The doors opened once more and two entered. The first a large Goron, his chest and belly covered in swirling markings with a necklace of polished stones around his neck. In his massive hands he held two scrolls. The second would have been a tall woman in normal company, but the Gerudo looked a twig beside the Goron.
The messengers knelt before the council table. "Thank you for seeing us, your majesty," said the Goron. The Gerudo merely nodded her agreement.
"Thank you both for traveling far and quickly to give information on the war," her father said. Speaking slow and dignified, ever performing as the king before his court.
Zelda gave them a polite and completely vapid smile, which she was getting very good at. This entire meeting was a waste of time. Impa had already informed her of the key details of the battle. The Lizalfos were defeated, Ganondorf and dear Darunia had survived. A near complete route of the enemy army. What more details could there be shared that would actually effect the course of the war?
The Goron moved first and unfurled the largest of the scrolls. "I speak, with the voice of Chief Darunia. To my king and dear friend. I give you word of victory! The battle was hard fought, and many losses were dealt to the enemy. I slew the beast that led the lizards myself." The messenger stopped and glanced to the Gerudo messenger beside him.
She set her jaw and began to unfurl her own scroll. There was something going on between the two of them. They were kneeling as far away from each other as they could while still being before the king. Was the tension personal or something more?
"But the news is not all good, goro. In the battle the Dodongo broke into the Crown. That which we thought had been impenetrable was overcome. And many died. Far too many. It is also with heavy heart I must warn you. I have learned something foul of our new allies. The Gerudo King, who's name I will not deem worthy to write is not who he seems. We must talk. The remnants of the Lizalfos army must still be dealt with. But I beg you, my king. We must talk in person and soon. Some things I cannot explain in a message."
Zelda's mouth dropped open. What had Darunia learned? Had Link gotten to him? Had her plan worked somehow? Even with Navi captured by the Great Fairy? How had Link gotten away? If he had given the message to Darunia perhaps he was already out of danger with the Ruby and heading to the Zoras.
This was the best news she had heard in days.
"What is that great rock-brained fool talking about?" Ashdin growled, before the rest of the council could react. "Those blasted stone-men have always hated us."
"What kind of voe betrays the army that saved him?" Rijya said.
"I know Chief Darunia." Zelda tried to make her voice and appearance dispassionate, but she found herself leaning forward in her chair. "He would not lie, and he would not betray anyone. Coroto, you know your chief he must have good reason for writing that."
She looked to the Goron ambassador, but his eyes were far away, he did not appear to be listening at all. What good is an ambassador that doesn't pay attention? Next she looked to her father.
The king's brow furrowed, as he did when he was trying to think through a problem. Often just before he made another mistake. "That is ill tidings. A great deal of the war effort rests on King Dragmire's shoulders."
"You'd have to be a drink-addled fool to throw away all our plans because of one liar's words."
"He is not a liar!" Zelda spoke again, too loud, too emotional. But she could not rein herself back in. "He is friendly and kind. He would not write this if he did not believe it to be true. Father, think, what if-"
"And how the little one squeaks," Ashdin snarled. "Forgive me sire, but your daughters hatred for my people is widely known. How do you expect our alliance to hold with these… these..."
"Accusations," Rijya said.
"These accusations," Ashdin nodded to her counterpart, "and your daughter trying to tear your kingdom apart."
"I'm not! I'm trying to save this kingdom. I have made peace with your king. But only a fool would choose the new ally over a loyal friend we've had for my entire life."
There was a brief silence. Ashdin was clearly trying to form some kind of argument in that melon of a head of hers. What would her next tactic be? Zelda needed to play this smart. No more mistakes. What would she say if Ashdin's next argument poked at her age? Better young and intelligent than old and fooled. That was easy, but what if she went for something less biting? Being clever with words could only take you so far. If the accusation is she hates Gerudo, then being too biting just proved them right.
But before she could plan the next stages of the conversation someone else spoke. "Dear Coroto," Bulira's voice was calm and gentle. "Are you alright?"
Only then did Zelda notice the Goron was shaking. "The Crown," he said. "They made it into the Crown?"
Zelda's stomach sunk as she remembered where Coroto's family lived.
"I have another message," the kneeling Goron said. "From Chief Darunia, to Ambassador Coroto specifically. May I approach him?"
"You may," her father said.
As the Goron messenger stood up, the Gerudo by his side started speaking. "If I may give the account of the battle from my king, I believe that the question of loyalty and the argument between King Dragmire and Chief Darunia will become clear. There was a rather public disagreement over the order of the battle that left everyone worse off."
The king beckoned her to speak. As the messenger opened her scroll to tell a tale about battle lines being changed by Chief Darunia that left the entire battle in question, Zelda only half listened.
"The chief warns that you may wish to open it in private," the Goron messenger whispered to his ambassador. Bur Coroto ignored him, tearing open his chief's seal and near ripped the parchment as he unrolled it.
The Gerudo was halfway through her rambling when Coroto wailed. The scroll fell from his fingers and clattered against the table. The messenger stopped mid-sentence and every eye went to Coroto.
"Dead," he said. "All dead." His head fell into his hands, and the wail grew loud again, as his stony fingers scratched at his own hardened flesh. "Nobek, Godago. Oh Goddesses." Another wail tore through the council chamber.
Ambassador Selvas edged away from him, as far as her chair would allow. Bulira was out of her chair and had her arm wrapped around Coroto's shoulder with one hand, and pulled his head down until it rested on her own.
The Goron sobbed, and clutched onto her. The old woman's face twisted in pain, as the massive stone hands wrapped around her arm. But she did not pull away or try and admonish him for hurting her. Instead she whispered something to the Goron and held him tight.
"Your majesty," Sir Jora stood scattering several of the papers in front of him. "I request that I be excused and allowed to escort Ambassador Coroto to his chambers."
"Granted," her father ushered the knight forward. "Help him."
Everyone in the room stood quiet as the knight moved to the sobbing Coroto. Everyone, except the two Gerudo matrons. Rijya leaned close to Ashdin and whispered something quick. Perhaps only a single sentence, but the effect it had on the Most-Feared was as obvious as it was hateful. The woman's lips split into a wide smile as she watched Coroto.
They were laughing at him. Joking at his loss. How dare they? Zelda's heart pounded in her chest. How dare they! She should shout at them! Scream at how horrible they are. Let everyone in the room know what kind of vile snakes they were.
She opened her mouth to say something, only for Coroto to take one step and fall to his knees with a loud crash. Cutting her off before she could speak.
"Here," the squire Durrell stood up as well. "Let me help him, too."
"No," Zelda said before her father could say anything further. "You still have to give your uncle's account of the eastern front. I will see to the ambassador."
Durrell looked to the King, and Zelda did as well. Please father. If I have to stay with these Gerudo for much longer I might do something I will regret. Please just let me go.
"Highness, see to him. Make certain he is well." The king leaned back in his chair and beckoned for the two messengers to continue their account of the battle as Zelda moved to stand beside the Goron.
She took hold of one of his massive arms along with Bulira, the knight Jora at Coroto's other side.
"Come on Coroto," Zelda said, trying to make her voice sound calm. Though in truth she could not keep the bite of anger from her words. But if Coroto could tell, he did not say. Perhaps he was too deep in sadness to understand much of what was going on around him.
"We're here with you," she tried again. "But we can't lift you alone. Ambassador, you must stand."
Still shuddering and sobbing the Goron placed one foot on the ground and lifted himself up.
"There we go, my friend," Jora said. "We have you." Though Zelda doubted that if Coroto fell again, even a knight of his renown would be able to hold him up.
"Thank you," Coroto mumbled as he took another step. He seemed steadier on his feet, but he moved in jagged bursts. Thankfully the three of them were able to lead Coroto around the table and out of the doors.
The two messengers continued their bickering about the battle before the doors closed and thankfully Zelda did not have to listen to them anymore.
"There now, one step at a time," Bulira was saying as they led the sobbing giant through the halls of the palace. Coroto had stopped crying, and instead moved as if he was half in his grave himself.
Through her life, Zelda had seen many people who were overcome in sorrow. Ladies in waiting who had their hearts broken, and wandered about for days as if in a haze. And after the battle with the moblins people wept at the funerals. But she had been shielded from most of the carnage of the day. The worst that happened to her was realizing that some of the guards she had seen all her life would never stand watch over her again.
She had cried for them, the following day and at the funerals.
But this? This was some grief that she had never seen before. This was felt deeper than anything she had felt in her eleven years. Coroto did not look up, his mouth hung half open and his reddened eyes barely blinked as he stared at the ground. He looked as if all the joys in the world had left him behind.
It reminded her of what Impa said of her father, how he was inconsolable after her mother was taken form them.
At least she could be there for him. That would be good, if he thought that she cared deeply about him. Would that make him loyal?
As they brought Coroto to his room, that thought stuck with her. Was she only doing this because it would be beneficial politically? Well no, she had offered to come with him to get away from the other Gerudo, especially that vile woman. She did not want to make a such a mistake again.
But, that's also a political reason, isn't it?
Was that everything she was doing? Pretending to be nice just to make herself look good?
Was that even a problem?. After all she would be queen. She had to keep the priorities of her territory foremost in her mind. But it felt wrong to her all the same. What would Rauru say? Probably something vague about the Goddesses or a story about empathy. Little good that did her now. Why did she have to think about everything and make it all so complicated?
Couldn't she just try and care for a man in sorrow without analyzing every little detail about her motives?
After far too long, they reached Coroto's chambers and the great slabs of rocks that the Gorons slept upon instead of a bed. They laid him on top of it, and quietly stood around him until the giant's sobs turned into long low sorrowful breaths.
"Someone should stay with him," Bulira whispered when they were certain that Coroto was asleep. "I have known many who have faced this loss. When Coroto awakens, that will be near as cruel a time as when he opened the letter. For some, even worse." She looked to the other two. "I'd do it myself but… I can't."
"You can't?" Zelda whispered back. The way the old woman spoke was odd, deeply uncomfottable.
"There are… I have… people coming to see me tonight. I cannot keep them waiting."
Was that fear in her voice? A desire to explain herself, but an apprehension that she could not elaborate. Zelda's eyes narrowed. Whatever else Bulira was, she was still a Gerudo. She may be the kindest of them, so sweet to speak to that Zelda did not always think of her as the enemy. But she was.
"No matter," Jora whispered. "I only have letters I wish to write. One of them to your daughter, as it happens. I can stay with our friend tonight."
"Thank you, Sir Jora."
"Yes," Zelda could not take her eyes away from Bulira. "Thank you, Sir Jora. If Coroto needs anything feel free to call for me or my father."
"I will, your highness."
Zelda paced along the side of her room. Impa stood motionless by the door. "There's something happening tonight. I can feel it."
"I cannot be everywhere at once, your highness," Impa said. "I can tell one of my friends to watch Bulira's door. But if you wish to see to that item, we must do it tonight."
"Why does everything always happen all together?" Zelda said. "And why is this Jovanus being so obstinate?" The man had refused to even see Impa, and left her standing at the door for over an hour before his servant was sent to make even this arrangement at the gates..
"I could not say, your highness."
"Don't 'highness' me, Impa. That only annoys me."
"Most things do when you get like this. Breathe, Zelda. Getting excited doesn't help anything."
Zelda glared to her mentor, even if she knew Impa was correct. Breathe in. Breathe out. Recognize the emotions, see them for what they are, what they're trying to tell you. But do not let them control you.
She shut her eyes and let herself think through all the information she had available. "The stone is too important. Navi needs us. We will meet with Jovanus Spinne tonight, but have your best man watching Bulira's door. I want to know tomorrow where she went, who visited her, what her reaction was, and, and, and whatever else a Needle would normally look for."
"That is the majority of them, items that exchanged hands or are left behind is usually also on the list."
"Yes! That too."
"I'll see to it. Be ready by nightfall."
It was easy enough to prepare. An elegant dress with the right amount of jewelry that her power and prestige could not be questioned. The way she dressed for important ceremonies or meeting dignitaries for the first time.
Lord Spinne had refused even speaking with Impa and she still needed what he held. If subtlety would not work, then she would try splendor. Let him know that he was dealing with the power of the throne.
Wearing the dress felt like wearing a second skin. She could be regal as her father if she needed to. Once prepared she picked up the book of the mysterious Sheikah Inquisitor. The drummer in chains. It was such an interesting phrase, it must mean something. Was it some kind of magic item? Was that how it was giving the Sheikah their power?
If that was the case, why did one section of the page call for drummer's blood? Was that the same drummer they held in chains? The text was from before the Civil War began. Surely any drummer that was held was long dead by now. And yet it was whispered that the Sheikah Inquisitors worked with some kind of magic. That was part of why they were still so feared.
When Impa returned Zelda had finished reading the book and had started over, with no more answers than when she started. She was more than ready to put the book down and do anything else.
The two left the castle with an escort of guards and made their way through the city streets. People bowed and scraped to her as she passed them. Those that drew close the guards pushed back with a warning growl that they could not get close.
Too harshly by Zelda's reckoning, but she was not going to reprimand them now. A princess must look a princess. She held her chin as high as her young neck could go. She must be regal but also loved. So as after she and her guard left, a group of servants came behind her distributing food and coin.
That would get them to love her, certainly.
But it would also give her the appropriate appearance as she made her way to the great manners of the wealthiest part of the city. Lord Spinne's city-house was larger than most, with great steel gates and a stone wall that made it look a fortress. The spider banner was draped from the upper windows was woven on cloth of gold. Even the bushes and trees that filled the yard did not seem to have enough natural beauty for this Lord Spinne, as they twinkled with fine jewels. He must have guards posted every five feet day and night to protect such wealth just out in the open.
The cohort of townspeople behind her creating quite a racket as they noticed the riches as well. Many of them may have never come up to the hills where the wealthy lived. A few gems from a tree would be all it took to feed a man for a lifetime if they were careful enough with their rupees.
"Tell your Lord Spinne that Princess Zelda has arrived and requests an audience," Zelda said as a group of servants came to the gates.
"Of course, your highness," one tall man with a heavy brow bowed. "I will call you in at once. Please, let us see to your horse and men." The other servants moved around him, one taking hold of the reins of Zelda's horse. Others offering refreshments to Lady Impa and the guards. "However, my master does humbly ask that you disperse the crowd that has followed you here. He finds it, unbecoming to have such a crowd outside his home."
"How can the people of Hyrule be unbecoming?"
"Ahh," the servant bowed again. "You must ask my lord master. I'm afraid such philosophical questions are well beyond me. But he does humbly insist the crowd disperses just the same."
Insists this time, not asks. Zelda weighed her options, having the people behind her did give her an aura of power. But would she need them after she had entered the house? "Sir Rogier," she turned to one of the guards. "See that everyone who has followed us here have been given some friendly token, then send them on their way. Peacefully."
"As I can," the knight nodded.
"I worry that a firmer hand may be needed," the servant said. "Your highness has a kind heart. But it is my master's position that such people when shown a coin or two will do whatever they can to get more. Yes, a harsh hand is needed when dealing with them."
"Then it is a good thing that I am princess, and not your master. Sir, disperse them peacefully."
The knight nodded before he called the guards to them to give out instructions.
"Now, with that sorted. Take me to your master."
The inside of the house was as garish as the outside. Every surface seemed to have some sort of gold or jewel on it. Tapestries lined every wall of every corridor. Even the house-servants were in finery that many nobles would consider extravagant. Was that this Lord Spinne's own method of negotiation? She brought the power and people of the crown to the negotiating table. Jovanus Spinne brought wealth.
The servant stopped before large doors, he knocked once and stepped back.
"Let her in," came a voice from within. The servant heaved open the door, and revealed Lord Spinne's room of business, by the look of it. The man sat behind a desk, much larger than himself. The rich dark brown of the desk made it look to be Deku wood, or Lord Jovanus had spent many rupees to make it appear as such.
And that would be the cheaper of the two options.
On the desk, rupees were arranged by color and size, with two scales at the corners of the desk, one for smaller rupees the other for large. Behind the man was stained-glass in the shape of a rose, though it was too dark to see what colors the window would show during the day.
Likely designed in such a way that the light could make the colors of the rupees all the more beautiful.
"Princess Zelda," the man said as he looked up from his papers and coins. He had the decency to stand before her, at least. He did not look like much other than his clothes, which were as elaborate and flowing as any she had seen her royal father wear. But the man beneath the clothes seemed a short thing thing, with long flowing locks of hair and thick sideburns, all of which were impeccably well groomed. He did not look particularly old, but the hair on the top of his head was already starting to thin.
"Lord Spinne," she took a chair before the desk and motioned for him to sit. Impa went to her side, just as the servant that led her here went to his master.
"What a pleasant surprise," Jovanus smiled as he sat. "It is rare that a member of the royal family would come to see my meager home." He gently picked up several rupees from his desk and placed them off to the side. Not that they were truly in the way of Zelda seeing him, the move seemed calculated. Just one more means of demonstrating just how wealthy this man was.
It might even have been a winning move in most of his business dealings. But Zelda had seen wealth before, and frankly, all the wealth in the world was far less impressive than what she had seen in the vaults of the Temple of Time.
"Well, it is not often a member of the royal family feels the need to come handle such affairs directly," she held up her nose as best she could, as if the simple art of making a deal was beneath her. "And rarer still that someone insults Lady Impa in such a manner."
"Only Impa, surely," Spinne leaned back in his chair.
"Pardon?"
"It's just Impa, surely. She has no titles, no holdings."
"What does-"
"If she has no holdings she is not a noble. If she is not a noble she does not have the right to the title 'lady.'" He looked up at the greatest Sheikah Needle in the world and smiled. "By the eyes of the law she is no more than a nanny, and I do not do business with servants."
Zelda gripped the arm of her chair. What kind of low insult was that? Everyone called Impa, lady! Every guard, every cook, and cleaner. They all gave her the respect she more than earned. Even her father referred to her as a lady! What did it matter if she was a servant? She had to be worth ten of this coin-counter whose family bought his titles. She looked over her shoulder to see how Impa would take such an insult. But, her guard and dearest friend showed nothing. Not a single change in her expression.
As if the words of this man did not matter to her in the slightest.
Zelda took a breath, and smiled. "You'll have to excuse me, as royalty, I must confess I sometimes see little difference between my personal servants and someone of the lower aristocracy such as yourself."
Jovanus jaw clenched, and Zelda could see his muscles tense through the shifting of his sideburns. But what was he to do? He could not throw out a princess, no matter how much she needled him.
"You do have the item," Zelda continued. "It would make me most displeased to come all this way for nothing."
"Yes," Jovanus said, quickly regaining his composure. He signaled to the servant at his side. The man went to a large locked chest in the corner of the room, took out a large key, opened it, and gently pulled out a dark velvet bag.
"The Stone of Agony," Jovanus said as his servant reached into the bag and pulled out a rock. It did not look like much, with only the symbol of the Triforce etched into it to differentiate it from any other fist-sized rock. But Zelda could feel the magic radiating from it. It was not the most powerful artifact she had ever seen, but the spells etched into it was exactly what she needed. "An item from a long lost age where magic was far more abundant. In the presence of illusions and curses, it will burn them away, clearing its holders mind. Ten-thousand rupees."
"What?" Zelda said. "I was told it was only worth two."
"Strange how prices fluctuate, isn't it?. One buyer came to me asking for it only a couple days ago, I told him two to see how much he wanted it. And he backed away from the deal. Too much for him, clearly. Then some low servant comes asking around. Now, I say to myself, perhaps this rarity is worth a bit more, since so many are looking for it. And now my suspicions are confirmed. Her royal highness, the Princess Zelda, is looking for this stone. Why, it must be the most important thing in my inventory, and I will price it as such." His smile grew all the wider. "You will not find any other in a hundred miles who holds such a stone. I promise you that."
Her stomach grew sore, she was clenching all the muscles without even noticing. How dare he? He insults Impa, and now he's making ridiculous demands? She should walk out now. But, what good would that do her? Navi would still be imprisoned, and she would have no means of contacting Link, wherever he was.
Zelda gave a light-hearted chuckle. "Ten thousand? Is that all? I'll have Lady Impa deliver the sum tomorrow morning." She stood up and reached out to take the stone.
"Ahh!" Jovanus said. "I'm sorry your highness, but you see, in business it is customary for payment to happen before people walk away with your goods."
Zelda did not stop, picked up the stone and enjoyed the brief moment of the magic from the item dancing around her fingertips before handing it to Impa. "Of course, but as you said. You don't customarily make deals with royalty."
"You can't-" Jovanus began to say, his servant stepping toward Impa.
For the first time, the Needle's expression changed. Her eyes narrowed and her hand moved ever so slightly back into her sleeve. But that movement was all it took. The servant stopped in his tracks, and Lord Spinne finally was quiet.
"You will have your money tomorrow, as promised. And I expect that Lady Impa will be treated with the respect she deserves or you will find yourself with far less. Who do you think has the king's ear when he decides who to tax?" And without waiting for the man's response, Zelda turned and left that garish abode.
Author's Note: Sorry for the long delay. Life has gotten busy. In a good way, but, does leave me with little in the way of time. But I would like to thank everyone who's made it this far. This story has over 10,000 views. And even if a third of that or more is just people reading the prologue and bouncing off, it remains easily the most popular thing I've ever written. So, thank you. It's nice knowing people are enjoying it.