Authors Note: This is brief chapter in regards to Link's memory from one hundred years prior. Don't fret, the next chapter is rather large and more to what you are used to. Also, Chapter three will resume after these two memory chapters are posted. This will also be the formula going forward in regards to past events prior to the current story. Thanks and Enjoy

Chapter

A Recovered lost Memory - The Silent Knight

Sven got a good hit on me, the first ever actually. It was hard to believe, yet I couldn't stay focused for longer than a minute at a time. What was happening to me? What was so distracting that I couldn't even fend off Sven in a duel. I mean, it was Sven. He wasn't even classed in the top ten among us in the Royal Guard.

Was she really so captivating to me that she was occupying every free thought of my mind? Oh, but she really was. I can't stop thinking about what transpired between us recently. There was no way I would ever be able put into spoken words how I truly felt.

What was crazier still, was me to even entertain these absurd ideas, or to dare believe the hope that she might want anything to do with a commoner like me. It was all nonsense allowing myself to hope for, nor could it ever be allowed to exist. It was forbidden. Besides, she would never have eyes for my sort. It was probably for the best for me to let it all go. I was just her knight, nothing more; a glorified bodyguard.

Still, I felt something. At times, I'd catch glimpses of her staring back to me differently, with those green stormy eyes she has, and I would feel something more. I was probably overthinking things, going mad. Perhaps all the stress of things to come finally caught up to me, sinking into the back of my mind, weighing me down.

Everyone believes me to be this great warrior, come at last to save them. But, I don't feel special. Sure, I'm quick when I need to be, and better with a sharpened end of a blade than most...but hardly the stuff of legend.

I didn't want to let them all down. They were depending upon us both, with baited breath. Most of all, above anything else, I didn't want to let her down.

I noticed, more and more as of late, the way those around the castle have been treating her. I'd see her frown, and hold back tears from them all, more than I would care to see in a lifetime of me. Could I really be feeling this way about her? Maybe it's because of all the time I've been spending with her lately? That must be it. I just need to focus, clear my mind, and think about the task at hand. At that was beating Sven and the others in this training yard.

The morning dragged on, and Sven would never let it go that he bested me in a matchup. I had to snap out of it and get a grip.

Oh, but I felt a snap, alright; the snap of Sven's wooden baton. It cracked over my back, splintering into pieces all over the grassy hill we sparred on. It stung, but not nearly so much as the ache in my chest that yearned for her smile. I couldn't believe I was actually missing her company.

"Hey! Why didn't you try to dodge?! Are you alright, Link?" Sven called out to me, rushing over to get me off the ground. His strike had landed true enough, and I dropped to one knee at a smack from his phony blade.

"I'm...alright," I said quietly, not caring for his concern. I waved my hand for him to stay back.

He stood there, bushy brows lifted, clearly puzzled as to why I had been missing my cues all morning.

Sven was younger than me by two years, and looked up to me. The boy had lied about his age when he enlisted for the Royal Guard, getting away with it thanks to his unusually tall height. We joined up together, training under the careful eye of my father. My father, who was captain of the guard, had been training me for the day when I might take up a Guardsman's solemn oath and follow after in his footsteps. It was his proudest day, and he'd directed me toward that goal since the moment I could first remember standing.

Though Sven and I shared an equal aspiration to be great warriors; my motivation was different than Sven's, I think. Unlike me, Sven had loved hearing the old legends over and over again; grand stories from so deep in the histories, they were more whisper on the tongue than actual written word. He'd always wanted to be a hero. I on the other hand, had to become a hero. All I could ever remember, even from a young age, was being taught how to wield a blade. My father was determined to make a great hero out of me.

Sven's family had always been close to mine since before I was born. Since losing his father at such a young age during the river cross rebellion, my father embraced his inclusion into our family most of the time while we were growing up. That held true even though he still had his mother, a sweet older woman who baked the best pies. I suppose he was like a younger big brother to me in that regard.

"Link, I don't understand. You are the best in the Guard, and I've never landed a hit on you in my life," Sven said, pale with worry. As if my lack of confidence and skill translated over to his own combat abilities. "Don't tell me you're getting cold feet about this Hero 'Champion' business! You're not doubting yourself, are you? I don't know if I would be able to take it!"

"I'm alright," I replied, gruffly.

"Well, it sure doesn't seem like it. It's like you're someplace else all the time, lately. It's kind of got the regiment a little worried, to tell the truth. You've been so quiet these past two months, hardly saying a word. It's even got your father worried! Look, you can tell me what's going on. How long have we been friends, Link?"

It seemed Sven didn't want to let up. I didn't much care to, either. "It's fine. I just have a lot on my mind. Don't worry about me, and just focus on your training."

"But you are the one training me! How can I focus if you aren't taking this seriously?!"

"I am, Sven. More than you know...Look, I'm sorry...I just...never mind..."

"In that case, you won't mind if I tell the others I took down the great Link himself in a duel, fair 'n square! They aren't gonna believe it!"

"Fine by me. Besides, I won't be the one that'll have to convince them it actually happened. In any case, I couldn't care less about what they think of me."

He clasped his hands over his mouth in shock, aghast at my words. Sven cared more deeply about his position and status among the other men of the guard than I did with regard to my position. Truth be told, he'd barely made it through the pre-qualifying trials. So I guess he needed all the pull he could get with the other Guardsmen, which was one reason I always lent him my support. From day one, I had his back. He was like my brother, after all. I couldn't let him fail, nor let the other men have a laugh at him. Honestly, to tell the truth, he had more fighting spirit than the entire lot of them combined. Probably even more so than myself, at times. He had the heart, he only lacked the natural skill.

But for some reason that I couldn't seem to shake off, I wasn't feeling supportive of him that day. I had other pressing things on my mind. Perhaps it was just that unnatural heat we were having in the city that clouded my thoughts and dulled my senses. It drained me of my desire to spar. And maybe that was the source of those untimely delusions I'd been having as of late.

It was at that instant that I heard an uneasy commotion brewing over by the main gate, near the castle. It wasn't too far off from where we were sparring.

I saw her.

Escorted by her castle guards, she seemed upset and disheartened as they lead her toward her carriage. As if she was just a mere rancher's pony being thrown back into its pen. I told Sven I needed a break, managing to walk away from him before he could hit me with twenty more questions.

"I'm just hungry!" I called to him. "I'll be back in a hour!"

I'm sure that would be one excuse he would believe without question, knowing me.

I had to get a closer look at her, and see why she was so upset. Was she being forced to do something she didn't want? Who could be so callous to try and force her to do anything? What was this all about?

I ran over to just behind a stone wall, a mere shout away from the main castle entrance, where her carriage stood. I tried to hear what all the fuss was about, but it seemed I was too late. She was already locked into her wheeled prison, which began to move as her young driver slapped the belts hitched to the team of horses. They swiftly made haste into the noisy city below.

Her escort consisted of four Royal Guardsmen, the two of whom at the front I didn't see eye to eye with. They were much older than me, and didn't like the idea of some young upstart besting them in mock battles. But, truth be told, It wasn't my fault their skills were lacking. If they would have just spent more time in the training yard, and less time at Romani's milk 'n brew, they might have been better contenders.

I couldn't just trail behind the carriage. My cover would be easily blown if either guard recognized me, so I decided to turn back around and head back to the training yard. I'd been considering that it was probably for the best, when I ran smack dab into someone. We collided hard, and both fell to hard stony ground. It was a girl, panicked and clearly in a hurry to chase after Zelda's carriage, while I was in a rush to get back to Sven and the others. I recognized the flustered girl as Adeline, one of Zelda's most trusted handmaidens.

"Sorry, miss. I didn't see ya there," I said, offering a hand to help her to her feet.

"It's quite alright," she replied, rubbing her head, and squinting back up at me into the noonday sun. "Oh, my! Link! Master Link! It's you! This is perfect! Were you trying to see the princess, as well?"

The girl sprang up from the ground, face glowing with visible relief, as if I was some angel with an answer to her prayers. It was probably just the sun in her eyes. Or this delirium-causing heat. Perhaps it was affecting everyone, and not simply me.

"I uh...," I wasn't really certain how to respond to her question. "Actually, I was about to- "

Before I could say another word, she answered for me. "I knew it! This is rather splendid! You must save her, Link, you must!"

"Save her? She's in danger?!" I exclaimed fiercely, grabbing her by the shoulders by sheer reflex.

"Oh, dear me, no! Not like that, silly. She needs saving from the priest and her father."

I loosened my grip. "The King?"

"Of course she's safe," the handmaiden explained. "It's just that they're leading her from here to there and back again without a care in the world for how she feels! Poor thing hasn't smiled in days. As a matter of fact, the last time I saw her even lift her cheeks was when she got back to the castle after spending the day with you. Something you must have done worked a miracle on her, even if it was just for a day. If anyone can save her from this unholy alliance of unhappiness, it's you, Link!"

"Well, I- "

Again, the Goddesses had cursed me with slow speech.

"I knew you would be able to help!" the girl interrupted, joyfully. "You cannot fool me, Link! I'll go fetch some extra clothes, and other things that you will need for her. In the meantime, you go to the Sanctuary to free her from her captors. Hurry, now! Not a moment to lose! I'll meet you once the deed is done!"

She always had an awkward way about her, that Adeline. The girl had a keen liking for mischief, and a tendency to stick her nose into everyone's business. Even so, she was a good and loyal person. Zelda liked having her by her side, which was all that mattered to me.

"Well, I guess I don't really have a choice," I said to myself as I scanned the city for a better view, shielding my eyes from the bright light of the sun with one hand.

From my vantage point, I could see most of the inner city. How was I supposed to save Zelda from the clutches of the priest and guards? Furthermore, how was I supposed to go against her father's orders? That would be treason for a knight like me, right? Well, I supposed not, if the princess was alright with it. Maybe. Ugh, the politics of things was just so confusing.

I headed stealthily over to stables, where they kept the horses for us Guardsmen. It was near the training yard, and I had to be certain Sven and the others didn't see me. I would need a good horse if I was going to pull off this stunt and live to keep my head on my shoulders. They wouldn't put the masked man's ax to their Champion before his task was done, right? It was probably best not to think of failure. Zelda needed my help, and that's all that mattered.

I trailed behind two fellow Guardsmen, who had just left for a break at the canteen, having likely just finished a sparring session of their own. The coast was clear at the western end of the castle, the area where the men engaged in mock battles and strategy. It was no surprise they all wanted a break from this ungodly heat we'd been having.

It was now or never, so I ran to the main stables next to the chariot house. What luck I was having! The Goddesses must have truly been having a great laugh at me that day, for the only steed left was the savage beast, Storm. More Lynel than horse, that one, or so it would seem to any poor soul who dared to approach to try and mount him. Even I, who had a very good way with wild-hearted stallions, had difficulty with this one. No one was ever able to tame him before. Many have suspected he must of been the steed of the fabled Demon King Demise, himself.

"Easy there big fella," I whispered softly, creeping along toward him, and doing my best to keep both his face and his broad legs well within my sight. "It's going to be alright. I just want to make a deal with you. No need to get hasty- "

I continued pacing cautiously over to the wild beast, only to be flung through the air as he suddenly swung around to broadside me with his powerful hind legs. I took the strike hard, even fading out of consciousness for a short moment.

I came to on the stable floor, spitting out straw that had ended up in my mouth. I clenched a fistful of dirt from the ground, and jumped back to my feet. Panting hard, I was certain my face was red with fury. But I couldn't let on that I was mad, nor could I afford to frustrate the accursed animal any further. I had to keep a cool head if I were to make a truce. So I decided to go for another attempt.

"Look, I need your help!" I pleaded with him as he flailed around, kicking and thrashing about in his pen, ringing a bucket nearby. "The princess needs your help! I know you don't like being cooped up in this hot barn they call a stable, and you don't like strange people trying to ride you. I wouldn't like it either, trust me. But if you help me now, just this once..."

I decided to bet all the luck I had on bargaining with the estranged steed. I couldn't be certain if an animal such as that even understood a word I said. If anyone saw me be acting this way, they'd have certainly thought I'd gone mad. Talking to a horse indeed. Nevertheless, it was my only option. "If you help me, I promise to set you free. Nobody will ever lock you up again. All the freshly plucked apples you could ever want, and all the tall grasslands and rolling hills you ever dreamt of roaming. It's all in your hands...er, hoofs. I can help you. So...what say you, friend?"

The chestnut-colored stallion backed away a couple of steps. His old eyes locked on to mine with a fiery glow. His stare was apprehensive, but eventually seemed to give way to trust. He shook his head erratically, and sprung up on his hind legs. Just as I braced myself for another stern kick to the chest, the horse stepped back. Then he snorted as loud as he could, as if he was in agreement. It seemed we had a deal, at last.

I quickly leaped over to him, securing the saddle I had in my hands over his back before he could think of changing his mind. I mounted him as quickly as I could, running my fingers through his thick mane to soothe him. I followed it up by giving him a friendly pat. A horse handshake, if you will. Within moments after getting adjusted to one another, we were off.

As we galloped toward our destination, with a smirk, I whispered into the stallion's flickering ear, "Alright, Storm. Let's go save a princess."

I made my way atop Storm's back, deep into the bustling city. The pair of us turned down the path to the Sanctuary quarter, where most of the commoners went to make their penance to the Goddesses by offering up prayers and rupees to the High Priest. Being well known by most in the city thanks to my more recent achievements, I needed a clever way to shield my identity before heading in. I couldn't just barge into the Holy Citadel, demand Zelda be freed, and expect everything to be right as rain afterward. I needed a diversion - a good one.

My fortune turned for the better, and I spotted the High Priest Galivan, himself. The man was short, even by Hylian standards, and thin at the waist. Though his stature was diminutive, the man could easily be spotted in a crowd thanks to his constant need to overdress. He must have been wearing every possible talisman imaginable on his hands and around his neck, and his robe was one of the finest in the land. It was a gaudy outfit, trimmed in gold, with fine rubies that gleamed like roses dotting his cloak. It was as if he had to alert everyone within a league to know that he was present.

I clutched my weathered hood close as I approached, trying to hide my face as best I could from anyone in the thick crowd that might recognize me. Storm led me in, and I rode him at a brisk trot. I avoided all eye contact of any kind. I didn't want the High Priest to know I was approaching, nor the guards in the area for that matter. They all knew me too well, given there was only one Hylian Champion, after all.

As usual, Galivan was trying to induce laughter, and getting rather handsy with some of the maidens in the street – the man was a horrendous lech, always on the prowl for the young ladies. Didn't seem to matter to him that he had a wife at home waiting for him. A fraud with no shame.

It looked like he was taking his precious time entering the Sanctuary, which made it a good moment for me to act. I ran to a nearby market man's trolley, piled with linens and other more...delicate garments intended for the fairer type.

A crazy gamble of an idea plopped into my mind. An idea so crazy, it just might work. I'd long ago sworn to myself, and to every goddess that there was, that I would never stoop so low as to do such a thing as this again...but it was for her sake. If it meant a better chance at helping her, I had to do it. A fancy trick taught to me by the Gerudo Champion, Urbosa, never before would it have crossed my mind that I might have to use it twice in a lifetime. This would have to be the last time! I cursed the sky under my breath. Such an embarrassing display...

With no other choice but to go through with it, I dismounted Storm. Shielding myself from prying eyes, I hurried to haggle with the man selling the clothing in the square. Reluctantly, I gave up three hard-earned red rupees. Half a month's earnings in the Guard, but I had no other choice. I had to keep telling myself it was for my duty to the princess.

...but was it really? Last time I checked, knights didn't go around sneaking princesses out against their father's orders. Was it really for my duty as her knight...or was this something more? Ugh, I was going mad! What sort of spell could I be under that made me so willing to openly commit treason for this girl?! What was this new feeling burning inside me? Yet I proceeded onward, even after all those very rational thoughts.

The overly round, bushy-haired merchant man cocked an eyebrow, looking me twice over from top to bottom. "You sure you want this, lad? You do know what sort of clothes these are, right?"

"Yes, just hurry and hand them over. Quickly now," I said to him, still hiding my face in my cloak. I looked over my shoulder to make sure no one else had noticed me in the marketplace.

"Fine by me, I was only saying. Whatever suits your fancy, now. I don't be judgin'."

I responded to his statement with a glare that would have woke the dead. He flinched, turning pale at the sight, as I hastily grabbed my new garments and fled to a nearby alleyway. I made certain no one could have seen me, and Storm followed close behind. He may have been a mean horse, but he was also a smart one too.

More to my good luck, I saw some small melons cradled in a thatched box left out on someone's doorstep not too far off. Yes, surely they wouldn't mind. It was for official castle business, anyway. Perhaps the Goddesses were smiling down upon me, after all, though it was an odd way to show their favor. I went and snatched up two of the melons. They'd be useful to my plan.

Keeping a keen eye out out for witnesses, I scanned the area good and well. Taking a deep breath, I rolled my eyes, and did what needed doing. No use delaying the inevitable. Putting my speed to good use, I changed out of my training gear, and made sure to remove anything that might give me away as a knight...or anything that would give credence to me as a man, for that matter. Swiftly wrapping myself up in the fine, flashy-colored linens, I tied a pretty blue veil over my face, and planted the two plump melons under the blouse I had arranged.

Storm hopped around and snorted, seemingly delighted at the sight of me that way as if he just won the galloper's gold medal. I could have sworn he was laughing and having his sport with me.

"Shush! Are trying to let the whole neighborhood know what's going on?" I scolded him with a sharp whisper, grabbing his reins and pulling his head close to mine waiving a stiff finger at him. The horse simply neighed again, defiantly, and spat onto the stone street.

I was certain I looked absurd, truth be told, so I was beginning to feel it wasn't even going to work. Even so, it was my best and only shot at flagging down that worm of a man who called himself a priest. Urbosa once said I looked nice as a vai, their word for a woman in the Gerudo tongue. I wasn't sure if that should have been taken as a compliment, though. She'd noted that it only really worked if one wasn't too close. Which meant I'd need to lure Galivan in from a distance, to someplace I could get him alone...

Trying to keep proper form, I finally got Storm to settle down with command to wait for me, and look out for my signal. Heading back out to the main square, I saw the Grand Priest once again, prancing about as if trying to court every woman in view.

"This will work," I told myself. "This will work."

"My, oh, my, aren't you ladies hot wearing such thick and heavy clothes in this weather? Perhaps a change of attire is in order!" Galivan shouted, drooling over the maidens who tended the gardens outside the Sanctuary. It was common for ladies-in-waiting to perform service to the Sanctuary in the hope of attaining a blessing from the Goddesses, often times with a wish to have true love find them in their lifetime.

"Such a hot swell we have here today, unlike anything we have ever seen in quite some years," the man continued to taunt with a nasty grin that stretched across his whole face. "I do believe the Goddesses wouldn't mind any of you showing a shoulder or two! I'll - I mean, they'll allow it. With this heat and all."

The young girls rolled their eyes at his obvious suggestions, and continued working as if he wasn't there at all. He was much too old, and married too boot, and everyone in the city knew it. Though he was a man of high standing, and did have more rupees to his name than most lords of the kingdom, few would be persuaded by that alone...

...but to me, a desperate and ambitious foreign girl...why, a man like that could be handy for a girl facing rough times. It was time for me to make my play.

"Ohhh yoohoo! You, there! Could I get some help?" I called to the priest, batting my eyelashes as I stood near the alley, and waving a red sash at him in the wind. I had to pitch my voice into a falsetto, and decrease my height by hunching just a bit to properly give the illusion of being a young, eager lady.

"Hmmm? And who is this beautiful maiden we have here today?" he replied as he ran, calling out to me with wide eyes. "You are not a gerudo, yet you are dressed as one? New to this part of the kingdom? I may be willing to arrange a private tour of our great city, if you are unfamiliar with the area."

The lecher marched closer to where I stood near the alleyway, and I slowly backed away, setting up for the next stage of my game.

"Oh, dear me, sir," I piteously begged, "could I get some help from a powerful, strong man, such as yourself? I need help loading that crate of melons over there, and these little arms of mine are too tired and- "

"No need for a long-winded explanation, my dear. I'm always free to help a fine young woman such as yourself, no matter the cause. First, let me get a nice look at you..."

His stare was easily as perverse in its intent as his words. I couldn't tell which was worse, that he might have frightened every fine maiden in this city from here to Hateno...or that his gaze was now level at me. He openly seemed to salivate at the sight of me. It was as if he hadn't eaten in years and was about to dive into a midsummer's eve feast. My stomach turned at the thought, and even with my face covered, I considered that perhaps my disguise had worked a bit too well.

I kept walking back two steps for every one he took to close the gap between us.

"Aw, come now, I don't bite. I just want to see that pretty face of yours," he said, his small form lunging toward me in an attempt to grasp at my clothes. "No need to hide such beauty. I love the exotic ones."

Of all the nerve! And we'd only just met! I made a show of delicately swatting away his hands and giggling as I continued to walk back. The move only seemed to excite him more, though. This man was incorrigible.

"Teehee! It's just that my face is, uh...hot! Yes, that's it! Hot from the sun!" I explained, trying my best to maintain my high-pitched impression at this much closer distance. "That's why I need to wear the veil, heehee."

Now that we were within a couple feet of each other, my voice had begun to crack with the nervousness of being caught. I wasn't sure if he'd noticed or not, and I still wasn't in position.

Just a few more steps..., I thought as I continued to lure the man further into the alleyway.

"Where are these melons you needed loaded, hmm? I want to see my prize, already. Busy day, today. I would love to get to help you, to get to know you...but I am a very busy man, with no time to spend on a tease."

The jig was up, but it was too late for the pervert. He was right where I wanted him, just far enough away from anyone's eyes to see what was about to happen. Spinning around in a flash, I revealed myself to him. With my disguise now gone, he panicked.

"Eyahh! A man!" He groaned in disbelief and disgust.

"That's right!" I confirmed. "Sorry to disappoint you, 'good sir,' but I'm going to need your help now!"

No sooner were the words out of my mouth than he clutched his fine necklace in terror, and turned to flee as if I was some mere back-alley thief. I gave the signal, and Storm moved to block off the man's escape with his large body. With nowhere to run, the helpless was swiftly seized. Holding my arm firmly around his throat, I held him until I felt his body go limp with unconsciousness.

"Good, work Storm!" I praised the stallion, as I dragged the unconscious priest further into the alley. "I wasn't sure how much more of that abuse I could take. Now, you wait here and stand guard for a moment, while I make my next move."

I searched the High Priest's robe for anything that could be of use. Turned out he was carrying the Royal Scepter, emblazoned in gold it bore the Royal Crest, the mythical loft eagle. The scepter was the highest symbol of status among the devout, something only the King himself could bestow upon someone. Bearing it anywhere within the confines of the kingdom would grant power to the one who wields it, allowing them to act on behalf of the king. Anyone under the purview of Hyrule law, from commoner to noble, could recognize such a symbol of authority, which would make the item most useful. It was a fine looking artifact, too, a gold baton crowned with a beautiful pearlescent orb that seemed to actively swirl in the light. I'd never actually seen such a nice treasure, let alone handle it with my own hands.

I took the priest's clothing for my own, and quickly threw them on to wear. With his lavish hood now draped over my head, I was beginning to believe I was getting quite good at this sort of trickery. Now in the guise of the High Priest, and armed with the Royal Scepter, I was ready.

I carefully hid the High Priest inside an empty barrel for safe-keeping, before leaping onto Storm. With an easy kick to the horse's thick sides, we slowly began to trot away.

"Don't worry, Storm, this will work," I whispered into his ear. "He'll be alright in a few hours. Probably won't remember a thing, if we're lucky. And even if he does remember, he'll only recall being robbed by someone dressed as a woman. The shame alone will keep him from saying a word to anyone."

We patiently made our way over to another haggler, this one selling parchment, as well as assorted dyes and inks. I faced the salesman, leaning over to speak to him from atop Storm. "Pardon me, sir! Do you know any scribes nearby?"

"Infact, Yes I do," came the expected reply. "I am a scribe, milord. Are you in need of my quill?"

"I certainly am, my good man!" I boldly stated, putting a deep huff into my voice to mimic the tone of the High Priest. "Though, if you don't mind, I'll just borrow it quickly to write the letter myself. I'm away from my, uh...wing of the castle, and need to write something of the upmost urgency and secrecy!"

"Well...alright, milord. I understand. This way, then."

The man gave me a questioning stare, but then shook it off. Probably from a desire not to stir up trouble with somebody of noble status, let alone a holy man, by prying too deeply for information. I rapidly dismounted, following the man into his shop just behind the market stand. It was clear the man was a local artisan, and his shop was filled with examples of all sorts of signs and calligraphy done for commoners and nobility alike.

"Here it is, milord," he said, withdrawing a long feather from within a cluttered desk. "I'll leave you alone to your private matters. No need to pay a rupee. We here are always willing to do service for those devoted to the divine."

"Thank you, and many blessings to you as well," I spoke, hiding myself deeper within the shadow of my hood, and rolling my hands out before him in an elegant manner, acting as the Priest would. This was something I definitely could get used to, being treated like a Noble. As the man left the room, I knew my plan would work. He hadn't questioned my disguise at all. Now, it was just time to pen up something.

Grabbing the quill and ink, I made short work of writing a note. I wrote as if it was on behalf of the King's orders to release Zelda from the Sanctuary today. I felt proud of my sly self. This was too easy. The High Priest had the Royal Scepter on him today, for whatever reason, and the High Priest was one of very few that could work on behalf of the King, and permitted to give orders throughout the kingdom so long as he'd been granted the Scepter's authority. The other fortunate thing about the artifact was that it doubled as a Royal Seal, a stamp present on its heel end. I dripped some melted wax upon the letter to form a proper seal, and plunged the insignia onto the parchment.

As I made my way out of the shop, I waved a pleasant thank you to the happy merchant, mounted Storm, and headed off to the Sanctuary. I was now ready to save the princess.