Chapter 12: Major Bellows

Hearthstone – Service Street 14

Impassive, Empirical Monitor Zay stood at attention with the prongs of his service weapon still emitting dark wisps of magic; it was basically a long metal rod that ended in four sharp serrated slivers, akin to a wicked trident.

"You've no longer got time to waste." The Empirical Monitor spoke with the characteristic lack of expression Noh's Order was known for. "So, once more—stand to your feet or I'll have no choice but to encourage you."

He was speaking down to the woman he'd recently crippled. She lay on the road at his feet, disoriented and struggling to hold her head up. The gash in her side bubbled with dark and tarry blood.

"You've been given sound instructions. Maybe you don't know the definition of the word any better than you understood the phrase holding one's tongue." Monitor Zay said. "Instructions are tasks meant to be followed promptly and executed with high efficiency, though even a village idiot could comprehend that without being told. In addition, your crying is insufferable. I'll have to ask you to stop it."

This only made her sob twice as hard. A crowd watched from the sidewalk, unwilling to intervene. No one wanted to be another careless victim. Other Monitors patrolled silently like sharks in the water, searching for easy pickings of their own.

And unfortunately, the woman's children were present. They could only watch mournfully and teary-eyed as they were held back a gracious Samaritan.

"What about them? My children?" the woman cried. "You can't take my husband, if he's gone we—"

"There is no if. He could have kept his mouth shut. You could have as well. Idiot," Monitor Zay said coldly. "You've thought of the consequences far too late, and to think this is happening because your egos had to take priority."

The Empirical Monitor casually widened the prongs on his weapon, and then glanced over at the woman's children. "Now, watch and remember this, you spawns."

He struck fast and mercilessly, snatching the mother's neck in between the prongs.

"No matter what, you can always learn to be more obedient than your parents," Monitor Zay said, raising his voice as the children's cries turned into screams. He clamped the prongs tightly to her neck. "Or at least, develop more common sense and foresight. Rethink all you've just seen. You're being orphaned because one of my colleagues accidentally bumped into your father, leading to him and her feeling righteously offended to the point of making a commotion about it. This surely must be the stupidest pair of arrests ever made in history."

He pulled her up like she was a sack of trash, unaffected by the pitiful sounds she made. She choked and flailed, losing a shoe as she kicked about wildly. Monitor Zay began to drag her along without care, leaving a trail of bubbling, infected blood on the ground.

This is what Link, Tetra, and Sela had seen when they looked out the attic window.

"Y'know," Tetra began matter-of-factly, "while our situation sucks, I'll say that we have it a lot better than she does."

The citizens of Hearthstone were lined along the sidewalk in rows, standing close and rigid to one another like blades of human grass. This call to order wasn't just isolated to what those in the attic could see; save for them the entire population of Hearthstone was out, filling every angle and curve of the capital's large avenues.

The Empirical Monitors were vastly outnumbered, yet the only ones who roamed freely as if they owned every square inch of the land they walked on. They were impossible to mistake by their steel-plated mail armor, their unnaturally straight-backed march, and the viciously pronged staffs they carried.

"Well, she's one hundred percent dead," Sela said despairingly, watching the crying woman get dragged out of sight. "Her brood had to see that too, how awful. This is rightly a reason why I don't want to deal with humans. "

"We're humans," Tetra reminded her. "Well, I am. I'm sure that Link is really a monkey from how well he can climb. Didn't you see how fast he went up the ladder?"

"You both are small humans," Sela said shortly, scanning below. "A boy and a girl, not a man and a woman."

Tetra made a show of looking Link up and down, gasping. "Hey, she's right! Now that I get a closer look, you ARE a boy, Link..."

"You're very wise, Tetra," he said dryly.

"Watch your heads!" Sela snarled. A Monitor was glancing along the rooftops in their general direction. The children quickly fell out of sight. The ridge of fur on Sela's back began to settle.

"She didn't see anything…she's looking away now." The squirrel said, and they cautiously rose to the window again. "This, unfortunately, is a Culling day. It happens every Tuesday in the Hearthian Kingdom. The Emperor authorizes it and so everyone, from the lowest beggar to King Hearth himself, has to be present. I always regret these days but I can never look away…"

"Why are they doing this?" Link muttered.

"The Emperor sends his Monitors—you see them walking down there—to come and unearth any signs of treason, witchcraft, or general misconduct amongst the people in the kingdom…look look look now, there to the left!"

One of the Monitors had honed into another civilian, pointing his weapon into another man's face. As the civilian stepped forward with his hands up the Monitor removed something indiscernible from his belt. Nearby Monitors seemed interested and no less than six of them were watching the scene closely.

"He's about to check him for any signs of magic usage," Sela said grimly. "This could get ugly. Look at the others, they can't wait to pounce."

"But the dude was just standing there," Tetra argued. "I was looking at him right before that guy targeted him. He wasn't doing anything."

"Yes, but Monitors are shallower than air and have immense power. For any reason they choose, they can pull someone aside and make a mess out of it. Reasons like, oh, making direct eye contact with one of them for too long."

"Something like that is a challenging gesture, though," Tetra pointed out.

"Fair, yes. Most people wouldn't do it. Most. There's always those who make poor decisions in tense moments like this. But it's also things like if you sneeze at the wrong moment. That could make them take interest in you, and you don't want even that. You want to be as invisible as you can be. It's like a terrible game of chance."

"That's screwed!"

"Well, people and beasts are very disposable in this realm. The Emperor is unspeakably callous towards all lives but his own," Sela said grimly. "He loves ruling with wickedness and corruption, and it's obviously reflected in the people he inducts into his army. The fear he imposes works all too well. It's keeping his reign immortal."

"Lora said he's been around for a long time," Tetra muttered. "It's been like this for so long? How can you ever hope to live here in peace?"

"T'heh heh," Sela chuckled. "You don't. There's nothing called hope around here. Most folk laugh at the word."

Down below, the children that had lost their parents were crying inconsolably. The wary civilians of Hearthstone could only solemnly look forward and ignore them. Tetra suddenly had a suspicious feeling and glanced sideways.

"You—hey. DON'T even," she told Link roughly. "I can tell by the look in your eyes. I don't know what's on your mind, but you'd better not do it."

Bewildered, Sela glanced around. "I know it's all terrible, but she's more than right. There's nothing for you to do even if you wanted to. It simply isn't your place."

Link said nothing, looking away with a scowl.

Like Sela, Link and Tetra were unable to move away from the window. They didn't speak much and stayed still. Every slight movement on the old attic floor made a noise that seemed loud as a cannon shot. Their legs had long been stiff by the time a monotonous call came from the street.

"Oh! Someone else got caught?" Tetra whispered.

"No…it's a Monitor signaling that they're done in this sector," Sela said, sounding relieved. "They're beginning to dismiss people all over the capital."

It was peculiar. One moment the Empirical Monitors were there, urging the crowds to disperse, and in the next they were simply gone as people bled out into the streets; the bustle and noise of Hearthstone began to truly start for the day. To Link and Tetra it was surreal at how fast things had changed and gone back to normal.

"Finally! That's that," Sela said. "Thank Ziraj, this was one of the tamer days I've seen. Those poor children, though…who's to take care of them now?"

They had barely climbed down from the attic before knocking came at the door—

BANG! BANG!

"KEEYIRRR!"

Sela spooked and darted out of sight as someone yelled: "Major of the Guard, open up!"

Wide-eyed, Link looked at Tetra, who could only gape back. They stood still for a few more seconds before the banging came again.

"Boy! Girl! I have seen you," the voice outside thundered with impatience. "Open up or I will force my way in!"

When they opened the door a great bird man stood there, staring them down with the heated gaze of a raptor. Tetra shifted to partially conceal herself behind the doorframe.

"WELL?" Major Bellows snapped. "Explain why I spotted the both of you peering out of a window instead of being present at the Empirical Culling? And don't you hide," he said to Tetra. "Yesterday I saw you poking around the streets during the execution. You're to explain yourself first."

Tetra slowly came out from behind the doorframe, astounded. "Some guy was burning alive," she said. "Did I seriously have to see something like that?"

"With you obviously being under a certain age, no one could have forced you to attend an execution. You should have followed secondary protocol and remained off the streets while the event was proceeding."

"I should've done what?"

Bellows lowered his head, squinting at her in pity. "Good gracious. You act clueless and dress as though the customs of Hearthstone escape you. Far easterner, are you?"

"Yeah sure, I guess."

The Major's nostrils flared and he stared her down. Tetra barely held her wince in.

"Okay! Okay, I understand," she said. "I'll remember that the next time. But we were told to stay in here."

"WHAT IDIOT TOLD YOU THIS?!"

"The W—Lora!"

"...funny," Bellows deadpanned. "No, really. You claim that Loranne, Hearthian Executioner and former High Mage of Emperor Noh, told you not to report to a mandatory empirical event?"

"She sure did."

"Is it so amusing to offend her and I's intellect?"

"I mean, I'm not trying to."

Bellows' fierce scowl turned deadlier. "Enlighten me, then," he said harshly. "Correct my ignorance and tell me why she told you to stay in here."

"I don't know, I forgot. Something about a job. She's just being her usual self, you know, all secretive," Tetra said. "Couldn't you ask her?"

"I certainly will."

Then, for the first time, Bellows addressed Link: "Good god, if you stare at me any harder I'll assume you want—"

The Major's pupils pinned and his eyes widened.

"…trouble," he finished steadily, studying Link a bit closer. It took him a few moments to recover and recapture his firm disposition. "Boy…who are you?"

"Link, sir," he said.

"Now where did you come from?"

"The Great—uhm, Lora," Link stumbled. Tetra snorted quietly and he had to fight laughing at his own mistake. The Major didn't notice and stared at him for several very quiet seconds.

"…tell me the truth," Bellows said demurely. "Now, are you saying you're Loranne's son?"

"Yes, sir. I am."

Bellows backed away, spreading out a broad wing and beckoning. "I need to see you better," he said. "Come out of there."

Link didn't step an inch further past the doorframe.

"MORE, Link! Get in front of me!"

The Rito was tall and imposing like Lora but a whole lot meaner-looking up close. Link was glad the path was fenced in. He was positive that Bellows would have been circling him if he could.

At the moment the Rito was leaning over him, turning and cocking his head, looking at him from every angle. There was an odd tension filling his eyes.

Finally the Major of the Guard, who was as unshakingly fierce as Lora was calm and quiet, let his shock and amazement show as realization set in.

"You're her…son," he said quietly. When Link nodded Bellows spaced out, uttering, "Oh, no. Oh, Noh..."

The Rito was distant to the outside world for a moment, rubbing one of his finger-feathers to his beak as he looked off sideways in thought. He frowned when he saw the state of the yard and shook his head dismissively.

"I can hardly believe this. Then again, that's just a typical affect she creates," Bellows said. "But how could she have kept you from us for so long? How did she keep you from the Emperor? Does he even…know about you?"

"No sir," Link said. "I think she wants to keep it that way."

"Fine, then, of course. But if she's finally decided to introduce you to the realm, there's only so much time before the Emperor knows."

"What would…he do?"

"Hmm." Bellows mused. "I would hopefully guess nothing. Lora was, is extraordinary to him. I think…not even The Emperor would dare do anything…"

Link relaxed, feeling quite content at hearing that.

"You should also know your Mother and I are practically partners," Bellows said firmly. "In my opinion, it's even worse I caught you in the middle of some foolish act. Maybe she didn't warn you how seriously I approach certain matters?"

"It's not his fault!" Tetra yelled obnoxiously. "Link was just born yesterday!"

Bellows whipped his head to her, indignant. Link broke down and doubled over in a fit of giggles.

"Okay, that's enough! What I was saying firsthand has not changed!" Bellows stormed. "Assuming you WERE supposed to be in here, you both still endangered yourselves by NOT—STAYING—HIDDEN. You had greatly risked not only your own lives, but those of others as well!"

"Wait, huh? How?" Tetra asked. Bellows looked at her as if she had sprouted antlers.

"Is there a brain in your skull, girl?" he squawked. "By god! It's known throughout the realm that if one person is caught not attending the Culling, the Empirical Monitors will take that as a reason to be even more unforgiving to the rest of population! Two children just became orphaned because their parents were too simple minded to show respect and submission to the Empirical Monitors! That is the type of idiocy that ruins—"

A tentacle tapped him on the shoulder.

"—oh, what, Roxanne?" Bellows expressed in annoyance, turning around. The side door was open and the Octorok could be seen leaning over her bar, peering out at them. Her eyes were glowing in irritation.

"Sorry about that, Major. She's telling the truth," Roxy said coolly. "If I could just add…Link. Tetra. Don't either of you ever do anything like that again or I'll keep you rooted myself."

Bellows covered his face with a wing. "Oh, by NOH," he groaned. "What is Loranne thinking, leaving two children alone and expecting them to stay put?"

"I honestly don't think she expected that ladder to be strong enough to hold someone climbing it," Tetra said thoughtfully. "Two someones. At the same time. Have you seen it? It looks like a bunch of twigs glued together."

Bellows shifted his wing, looking down at her with one eye.

"They're waiting for Pisces," Roxy said quickly. "They're his new employees."

The Major burst out into laughter. "What? This can't be real," he chortled. "Right, employees, for what he calls his booming business...I can't believe what I'm hearing. Am I the only sane one here out of you, Roxanne, and the boy? You both know Loranne has a penchant for messing with others."

"She's serious," Link said.

"Yes, yes, I'll double check with her," Bellows said lightly. "Where is she, then?"

"I don't know."

"You don't know where your own Mother disappeared off to?"

Link clenched his jaw, making sure he watched his tone before answering. "No," he answered flatly.

"That wasn't important to ask, maybe? Perhaps you were just born yesterday. Roxanne! You're to fill me in with all you know. And you both, stay there until that nimrod Pisces arrives. GET back in there, you."

He chased Link back inside the base, slamming the door shut on them.

Tetra sputtered, shaking her head. "He's as pleasant as he was at the execution…"

"Was he the one to do it?" Link asked glumly.

"No, it was a Goron. A huge one. Have you seen any yet?"

"Mhm, several. They all might be big in this realm..."

A terrified whisper floated from the far corner of the room. "Is…is he gone?"

"I think you should wait a little longer, Sela, just in case." Link said.

"KEEYIRRR!"

It wasn't long before they heard Bellows screech once more, signaling his departure. Sela cautiously crept out into the open with erect ears.

"He's odd…he's a Rito that never uses his wings to fly," the squirrel muttered. "And his daught—"

Sela froze in complete dread. She darted behind Link with not a split second to spare.

Lora swept in suddenly. Her dark eyes scanned throughout the base before settling on Link and Tetra, who stood there with wide grins.

"Has that Zora not arrived yet?" asked Lora, reaching into her pocket. Link tried not to fidget. Sela was clutching the back of his leg with her sharp little claws.

"No! We got a bird instead of a fish," Tetra said quickly. Then to Link she muttered, "That's what Zoras are, right?"

He nodded, holding firm as he felt claws prickling up his leg and back. Sela went unnoticed as she slipped underneath his hat.

Lora was looking at her pocket watch. "Since he's tardy…he'll just have to wait for you both, then. Link, you're coming with me. Tetra, you'll be helping Roxy set up for the day."

Tetra wasn't pleased.

"It's to keep you busy. You could always be milling around in here by yourself," Lora said. "Now hurry on."

"Okay. It is better than doing nothing," Tetra admitted, trudging over to the door. "She won't strangle me if I make a mistake, will she?"

She grunted when she realized she'd been ignored by them both. Annoyed, Tetra left in a huff.

"…and so, of course, you need to have a place to put your earnings," Lora was saying to Link. "It's easy to open a vault at the treasury so we'll do that first. Hold this. You'll need it there."

She handed him a scrap of parchment with only her name on it. Link raised a brow as he took it. Now, at least, he had to wonder if she was messing with him even a little bit.

"Let's go," Lora was about to turn, then stopped and glanced back at him. "Are you hungry?"

"No."

"...is that true?"

"No," Link admitted eagerly. "I want to get out and walk around first."

"Alright, then."

Link felt Sela quivering and made the mental note to keep his head straight and steady. He was a little excited that the squirrel had decided to join them, but didn't want to forget she was up there.