Chapter 2

Nearly seven years passed and Link had grown into a strong swordsman. He was at the top of his class and consistently outperformed every squire. After his father's passing, Link had decided to dedicate all of his time towards his training with the end goal being named Hyrule's strongest knight. He had to uphold his father's honor by following in his footsteps and not allow any distractions along the way. King Rhoam himself had taken notice of Link's skill, and decided he should join a squadron of soldiers that was to accompany Princess Zelda on her next field expedition.

With the recent discovery of the Sheikah towers and Divine Beasts, the curious mind of Princess Zelda insisted on traveling to the Hateno Ancient Tech Lab to further study these phenomena. While on their journey, they passed several guardians that appeared to be deactivated or in a hibernation mode of some kind. One particular guardian was corrupted by a dark energy and awoke in an aggressive mode. Link heard the sound of the guardian activating behind him and turned just in time to see a laser take aim at the princess from its center eye. Zelda heard the sound as well and turned towards its source. Before she had time to react, Link stood in front of the princess and bravely blocked the beam of light that fired from the guardian. He then parried the beam of light back towards the guardian, disintegrating it after being shot by its own laser. Link's shield was a simple wooden pot lid and was burned badly from the guardian blast.

"Are you alright, Princess?" Link asked Zelda urgently.

Still shaken from the event, she nodded stiffly and stammered, "Ye-yes! Yes, I'm fine. Thank you for protecting me Link."

Link nodded and was about to put away his shield when the sound of multiple footsteps thundered nearby. The travel group turned and saw multiple monsters ascending the nearby hill. Link immediately drew his sword and stood in front of Princess Zelda. Impa had been traveling with the group and took the princess by the hand pulling her away to safety. Link charged forward ahead of the other soldiers and wasted no time cutting down each monster. At least ten bokoblins and moblins tried to defeat Link but it was futile. He made quick work of each monster until he was the last one standing.

Everyone in the travel group stared in awe at Link not sure what to think about what they had witnessed. Link sheathed his sword and shield then walked back towards the princess.

"It should be safe to continue now, your highness," Link reassured.

Zelda simply nodded not sure how Link was so calm and was able to easily defeat more than ten monsters at once. The travel group continued on their journey to the Tech Lab, but Zelda kept having intrusive thoughts about Link. She could not help but be impressed by his physical prowess and mental strength in battle.

When the travel group returned to Hyrule Castle, Zelda still harbored thoughts about the young soldier who saved her life more than once on her recent expedition. As she continued to think about Link, she went to visit her father after being summoned to his private study.

Zelda entered the castle's library and walked towards the bookcase that she knew hid her father's study. She pulled a hidden lever which caused the bookcase to swing open. The king of Hyrule looked up from his desk pleased to see his daughter.

"You asked to see me, Father?" Zelda asked politely.

King Rhoam turned towards his daughter and stood tall.

"Zelda, I have heard stories about the young soldier, Link, who appears to have saved your life on more than one occasion. Can you confirm this?"

Zelda was surprised by her father's question but responded, "Yes Father. He deflected a blast from a rogue guardian that would have struck me if Link had not intervened. He also defeated a group of bokoblins and moblins single-handedly.

"Is that so?" King Rhoam asked while pondering Zelda's statement, "Then my decision has been made."

"What decision is that, Father?" Zelda asked inquisitively.

"Link is to be your appointed knight moving forward. The kingdom has become more dangerous with the awakening of Calamity Ganon getting closer every day. I will not let any harm come to you as your sealing power is the only thing that can defeat the Calamity."

King Rhoam paused before continuing, "And you are my only child. I can't lose you and your mother."

Zelda felt her breath hitch at her father's words. She was ready to protest the idea of a personal knight but decided against it after hearing her father's final statement. Instead, she bowed respectfully to her father and said, "Link is an excellent choice and will make a fine knight. I know I will feel safer with him protecting me."

"Then it shall be arranged," King Rhoam declared. "He may be young, but he shows great potential and truly is the best we have. You are free to leave."

The king turned away from his daughter and returned to his desk to continue working. Zelda bowed one more time then exited her father's study to return to her room.

While Zelda admired Link and his combat skills, she could not help but feel some resentment towards him. Link had always been gifted and easily climbed through the ranks to reach his current position. Zelda on the other hand was a girl born into the Hyrulian royal family, meaning she was destined to inherit the sacred power that her mother and every queen before had possessed. Zelda's mother was supposed to teach her how to unlock her power, but she passed when Zelda was still too young to learn her power. This left Zelda alone in her struggle to learn her power and unlock it before the return of Calamity Ganon.

She spent every day praying to the Goddess Hylia and reading sacred texts to teach herself about the sacred power she was meant to wield, but nothing worked. Zelda's efforts felt pointless, but not Link's. He persevered through every challenge presented to him and even excelled beyond. Zelda became angry at this intrusive thought, and the idea that a living reminder of her failure would soon be following her everywhere she went.

Link walked through the castle anxiously as he made his way to the throne room. His superior had informed him that the king wished to speak with him personally about an important matter. Link was uncertain about what needed to be addressed and tried not to get carried away in his thoughts.

Link entered the massive throne room where King Rhoam sat upon his throne staring down at the young soldier. Immediately Link dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

"You wished to see me, your majesty?" Link asked respectfully.

"Yes, Link," King Rhoam's voice echoed around the throne room, "I wanted to propose a promotion to your rank and I hope you will accept it."

Link's eyes widened, surprised at the king's proposal. Staying on one knee he lifted his head and looked at the king clenching his fist to keep it from shaking.

"Of course, my king," Link replied proudly then offered a head bow, "I will accept whatever position you offer."

King Rhoam stood tall and stated, "Beginning tomorrow you be appointed as Princess Zelda's personal knight. You shall stay by her side and protect her at all costs. If you fail this responsibility, there will be fatal consequences. Do I make myself clear?"

Link was at a loss for words completely stunned by the king's request, however, he was thrilled at the opportunity presented before him. His hard work had paid off and been noticed by the king of Hyrule himself. There was only one answer to the king's request.

Link stood tall and spoke confidently, "Your majesty, I am humbled and honored by your request. I fully accept this position."

Link bowed deeply towards the king.

"Excellent," King Rhoam stated then continued, "New armor representing your knighthood will be sent to your quarters and you are to wear them for your knighting ceremony tomorrow morning. Make sure you are on time."

"Yes, my king," Link responded pushing his shoulders back.

King Rhoam motioned at a nearby servant and a young woman stepped forward bowing respectfully.

"Escort Link to his new quarters and have his belongings moved from the barracks," King Rhoam ordered to the servant.

"It will be done, my king," the servant answered and bowed one more time.

The servant walked over to Link and said, "Follow me, sir."

She turned her back to Link and began walking towards the main hall. Link bowed to King Rhoam one last time then followed the servant. They walked through the castle eventually stopping before a massive door. The servant reached into her pocket and removed a set of keys. She fit one of the keys into the lock then turned the key to open the door to the large room. Link and the servant stepped inside and he took in his surroundings.

The room had tall ceilings and a wide floorplan though it was decorated simply. A double bed was in the center of the room with two nightstands on either side of the bed. Two large chests lined the opposite wall as well as a writing desk. The only source of light were two exterior windows that shined sunlight across the room. One of the windows was low enough for Link to see outside granting him a stunning view of the west side of Hyrule.

"I hope you enjoy your accommodations, sir," the servant spoke suddenly interrupting Link's daydreaming. "A team of servants will arrive shortly with your personal belongings as well as your new armor."

Link nodded politely towards the servant acknowledging her statement. She bowed back then turned and left the room.

Link walked towards the bed and took a seat. He fell back on the bed staring at the ceiling with his arms spread to the sides. He took a deep breath then reached in his pocket pulling out the handkerchief Princess Zelda had gifted him almost seven years ago. Link held the handkerchief in front of his face and analyzed the intricate stitching along the sides and the royal sigil in the center. He gently rubbed his thumb across the sigil. Link always kept the handkerchief in his pocket in order to remember the act of kindness that Princess Zelda gave him when they were children. It also served as a daily reminder to his personal mission of being the best knight in the kingdom of Hyrule.

Now Link had a new mission. Tomorrow morning, he would be knighted and swear an oath of loyalty not just to the kingdom but the princess herself, and Link was determined to fulfill his oath.