Days later…
Princess Zelda stood patiently outside the door of Green's room. She had already knocked softly four times. No answer.
"Green, I'm coming in." She pushed the door open slowly. Armor, swords, clothes lay scattered on the floor. Zelda sidestepped a helmet and glided over to the dresser where the breakfast tray sat—untouched. Smiling, she picked up a slice of toast and took a bite. She held out the other slice for the hero. "It's delicious," she said happily. "It has just the right amount of cinnamon!"
Green tore his gaze from the window, glanced at the toast, and slumped onto the bed. "I'm not hungry," he mumbled pulling the sheets over his head.
The Princess dropped her shoulder and placed the toast back on the tray. "Green, I know you missed them. I do too. You must go on living. They would have wanted it."
Green sniffled and attempted to hide his tears.
"How about you get dressed and take a ride in the country with me?"
He bit the tip of his tongue to keep the tears from falling. "I don't feel like it."
She sighed again. "I'll be back tomorrow to check on you."
The emerald knight sunk deep into the bed and let the pillow soak in the streams from his eyes.
After leaving the room Zelda headed straight for the dungeon.
"Your Highness," said the guard by the door, "he has been found. We currently have him in a cell awaiting you."
"Very good. Lead the way."
The guard led the Princess down a staircase and deep into the depts of the castle. After several minutes, the guard paused in front of the cell. He held the torch high trying to allow the princess to see. A creature was huddled in the corner with its head down, buried in its knees.
Zelda approached the bars. "I'm Princess—"
"I know who you are," said the voice.
"Do you know why I'm here?"
The creature peeped over its knees. Its eyes glowed in the light like a vicious animal staring down its prey. The Princess took one more step closer. "I came to ask—"
"I know why you came,"
"Hmm. Well? What information can you offer me?"
"The question is, Princess—why me?"
"Your skills are needed, also."
"That's all?" It rose from the ground and took a step towards the bars. "Information. Skills. Nice." The shadowy figure took another step closer. "Why would I help you?"
"Stop right there," warned the guard.
The princess held her hand to silence her protector.
"Well?" said the creature gripping the bars, his teeth glistening like fangs. "What would you give me that would make it worth my trouble?"
"Shadow, I can grant you a pardon, along with your freedom."
The creature laughed. And walked back to the corner. "Freedom! I like it here. Good food. No sunlight and I have playmates." He snapped his fingers and the torch's light vanished. A small glow grew from the palms of Zelda's hands. It continued to glow until Zelda's face was illuminated in the darkness.
"Aha. A little magic of your own, huh?" said Shadow, trying not to let her see that the light bothered him. "What else do you have to?"
"That is my best offer." After a long pause, Zelda turned to leave.
"Wait," called the creature. "I'm getting a little bored of this place. I could use an outing, but on one condition. We travel at night. No exceptions!"
Zelda glanced back and then continued up the winding staircase. Shadow stared, waiting for her to come back and unlock his cell. Instead, she glided up the stairs, disappearing into the darkness.