Chapter 21
Tick tock goes the Clock
"Watch where you are going, man, we gotta' get these gates open, and we can't be having the whole castle knowing what we are up to," Link commanded, looking over his shoulder to his band of rogues that were following him. He was speaking particularly to Dimm, who need a little bit more instruction than the others. They had made their way outside of the main keep of the castle, safely huddled behind a massive stone courtyard wall entrance. The group had one last obstacle to get past before they could sneak their way toward the war tower for which they were heading.
"I'm sorry," Dimm replied, struggling to rearrange his cover over his head. It kept sliding as they scurried. "This confounded mask you gave me makes it so hard to see a damn thing!"
"Well, if you aren't careful, you won't be seeing anything at all," Link scolded. "The last thing you'll see will be a swing of a Moblin's bat," the knight called back while peering ahead through the archway entrance, head turning both ways to see if the coast was clear. He flipped around again to face the others and continued his speech to Dimm. "Your mask nearly fell off when you tripped over that sleeping Moblin earlier. And if it weren't for poor Sidon here who was forced to rescue you, I'm afraid you wouldn't be standing here at all," Link added.
"I said I was sorry, alright?"
Sidon chimed in and joked. "Well, with the way you're going, friend, you'll have plenty of practice saying sorry by the time this whole ordeal is over. So, you just be sure to save your 'sorrys' for when Malroc discovers us. I'm sure he'll be happy to hear them out," Sidon leaned, one eye zoomed in on the worried man.
Dimm gulped, reflecting to himself on how ruthless that Lynel commander was earlier when he massacred those poor helpless women. "R-right, I'll be more careful," he glanced back up. They were right, of course, to show concern for Dimm's lackadaisical behavior. Everything depended on the success of this quest. Nothing could be left to chance.
Link chuckled quietly, amused by the frightened Dimm. Thinking better of it and slightly worried for the terrified soul, he decided to pat him on the back to offer him up some courage. "Best be. Sidon's acting can only save us so many times, ain't that right, Sidon?" He nudged the Zora prince.
The prince huffed in humorous annoyance at his remark. "Right."
"Alright, enough time wasted; let's go!" Link rallied the men shrugging a shoulder in the direction of their primary objective that lay just ahead of them passed the throng of monsters gathered all around.
Many foul creatures had set up their encampments and were resting alongside dim flickers of late evening campfires, groaning to themselves, and having unsavory drink and food with one another. Their many fires dotted the path to where they needed to sneak past to. Much like the castle itself, the courtyard was also a ruin. Unkempt vegetation and other rotting things were all around them, left abandoned to decay. An eerie setting, to say the least. So much so that the once upon a time pristine cobblestone pathway where majestic kings gracefully strolled to admire the magnificence of such things had fallen into utter degradation and were covered by malice infected overgrowth. They had to step carefully, lest they be taken under by the darkness that surrounded them.
"Alright, let's go, and be sure to move like them. And be watchful of those bogs; they are unholy. And in case you're wondering what they are, that's Malice that consumes them," the knight stretched his hand, pointing at a particular one that had enveloped over a proud court tree, overflowing from a nearby stone fountain. Its black magic pulsed and flickered a blood-red demonic light in front of them as it zapped the life from the once majestic king tree, poisoning its roots. At that same time, the black and red muck was coughing and spewing all manner of abominations out from its pit.
He continued. "It will overtake and drown you in an instant if you're not careful. And trust me, I know. I once stepped my boot in one of those filth, and it took all my strength to free myself. Damn thing nearly killed me. I can't think of a worse way to die," he shook his head at it, returning to his speech.
"If the excruciating pain alone isn't enough to kill you, then slowly having the life sucked from you would! So, be sure to stand clear," he then without hesitation, darted ahead past the bog, commanding back over his shoulder. "It's not much further now. C'mon, we're almost to the armory wing!"
He led the men past the terrace, steadily leapfrogging from campsite to campsite, being sure to keep in character as enemies leered toward them. Until finally, they had made it to the foot of the massive war keep.
The proud tower stood tall ascending high up to the clouds. They flowed like a river around it. It was one of seven keeps that overlooked the grand city below and to the Hyrule foothills beyond, keeping a watchful eye of the kingdom from all directions.
Link turned to face his friends as he cautiously crept until they met a pair of heavy wooden doors that were the tower's entrance. The mighty doors were arm's length thick and had been reinforced with iron shielding. The types of doors that were fastened sturdy to withstand a direct assault by an enemy siege ram.
"Alright, this way," he said as he led on. "Now, this is the war keep. It also houses our guard's chambers connecting to the barracks across the way, onto the pavilion below," he said, gently nudging the massive doors open. They creaked and echoed deep into the long dark of the tower's doorway.
Bjorn gulped. "Sure is dark in there,"
"Yeah, it sure is. Hey, Sidon by any chance do you have?-"
Finishing the knight's question before he could, the prince replied. "If you're wondering if I have any luminous stones on me, I'm afraid I have bad news for you. I left them in the care of our princess for safekeeping. I figured she would have better use of them than us. Sorry."
"Hmmm, well, I didn't want to bring any unwanted attention to us if I didn't have to, but I guess we don't have a choice now, do we?" Link gave a heavy sigh, cuffing his chin. "It's alright, though; we'll manage well enough. You did right in giving her the stones," he said, looking away from the tall Zora, lifting his brows toward Dimm, who was the last man stumbling in behind them. "Hey, grab that torch we passed outside, will ya?" the knight signaled him.
"Won't they be able to see us better in the light?" Dimm swallowed.
"Well, of course, but we have the masks remember. Just be sure to keep the act up if any of them get wise to us," Link answered back, standing confidently; his fist was clenched as he decided to press on ahead.
Without delay and not wanting to be left behind, Dimm ran back outside to grab for a burning light. One of which was posted just alongside the wall of the keep.
Link took a moment to reorient himself, waiting for his eyes to focus in the dark, looking past into the shadowy hall of the Castle tower. No sooner did Dimm finally meet up and lit the way beside him, making the way clear.
"Alright, if we were to go left, that would lead us to the soldier's wing and barracks. We aren't trying to go there. Where we need to go is this way, to the right, which leads past this corridor and down through the long spiral stairwell to the bottom of the tower. That is where the armory is, and more importantly, the powder chamber," Link said, waving a hand over his head for his men to follow. "Don't worry, it ain't much farther ahead. Let's go."
Without question, the ragtag team of masked infiltrators followed behind him.
Bjorn coughed the further they journeyed down the long spiraling staircase. "Ugh, gross…what is that foul stench. It's getting worse."
"You got that right. What is that?" Dimm choked in agreement.
As they made their way to the bottom of the stairs, Link held his gag and replied. "Ah, that must be the culprit. It seems the castle down here has taken some damage during the battle with the calamity. See over there?" The Knight pointed, nudging Dimm to lift his torch high above their heads to light the way. In its dim orange glow, they saw the aftermath of what happened.
He continued. "The walls here are completely cracked and broken. See? The stone wall weeps. This stairwell, as well as all the other stairwells from the other keeps, dead-end each at a long hallway like this one. These corridors all lead to the dungeons below the castle. And just like a honeycomb, they connect all the lower chambers together. But, with that being said, these lower rooms and passageways sit right beside Hyrule's sewer. See the water pouring out through there, along the cracks of the wall. That must be the sewer. Long canals that drain the city," Link said, trying to hold his breath from the foul odor. The air was so thick and humid down where they were that they could taste the disgust on their tongues.
Dimm blabbed, hand covering the nose to his mask. "Ah gross! You mean to tell me we have been stomping through hundred-year-old—"
Link sharply cut him off. "Yes, and probably much worse things. Dead things. All the more reason for us to get a move on wouldn't ya say?"
Sidon sighed quietly, face pink, disgusted at the revelation. "At least you all are wearing boots; I'm in nothing but my skins!"
With a nudge, Bjorn joked at all their discomfort but more so the prince. "I greatly admire your courage, sir. You are indeed a brave Zora princeling!" he chuckled.
"Ha! Enjoy your laughs while you can," Sidon huffed.
Focused on the plan and not the chatter, Link marched ahead, boots splashing the murky water that covered the floor of the hallway until he stopped at an old steel dungeon door. Taking only just a moment to ponder to himself and recall where they were on the basement floors.
"This is it. We made it," he assured the others. Forcefully and with some effort, he had to kick the door open that was rusted shut. With a loud bang, it swooshed open, revealing a large chamber that had many racks of gear, barrels, and all sorts of untouched supplies of the army from one hundred years ago.
Wasting no time, the knight darted toward what they needed.
Sidon leaned behind him. "Are these all?"
"Yes, this is all bombing powder," Link confirmed.
"All these barrels!? This is enough to blow the castle sky-high three times over!"
Excited at the revelation and curious for things that go boom, Dimm ran past in between Sidon and Link. "Let me have a look at that!" he blurted, carelessly waving the torch above them right over the many stacks of barrels carrying the volatile material.
"Whoa, watch out!" Link jerked as he felt the fool barge his way past them. Together in one fluid motion, both Link and Sidon shoved Dimm back.
"Stand still and get back. Are you trying to kill us all?" Link said.
"Oh yeah, sorry. I forgot I was holding this here torch. I just wanted to have a looksee. That's all," Dimm replied.
Annoyed, Link swallowed a deep breath and sighed, returning slowly to study the kegs of explosives.
Sidon spoke. "They seem to be wet most of them, soaked even. Will they still work?"
"I don't know. But we are going to find out, I guess. What choice do we have? Here, we'll take some from this one," Link grabbed a keg and lifted it up, analyzing it closely. "This barrel seems to be not as bad as the others," he said, reaching for the two spare pouches he had tied to his soldier's tunic belt.
With the blade of his knife, he popped open the lid to the wooden keg, revealing the black powdery contents within. It was still damp, but it would have to do. One by one, he filled the sacks full of the powder.
"That should do it," he smiled.
"Alright, Sidon and I will go to the Castle gate. You three will need to head to the main entrance of the city. There should be fewer enemies there that you have to worry about than where we are going. The drawbridges and gates here use a reel system that opens and closes them. I'm sure you are familiar with them, but in case you are not, you'll know what to do when you see them.
"We must destroy the locking mechanism that holds the chain to the reel. At the precise moment when the charges ignite, the chains will break, and the reels will loosen uncontrollably and unravel. But that isn't going to be enough to get the gates open. The doors themselves have been braced with sturdy iron guards. Save some of your powder and place some of it where the joints meet the bars holding them. The hinges themselves are weak. The powder should be enough to bust them loose. So, when the reel breaks above, the gates will fall open, and they won't be able to be closed again, and the bars holding them will fall to the wayside. You should have enough fuse rope to lead to all the charges to each of its weak points. Alright, let's hurry and get out of here; we're running out of time," he instructed.
Sidon spoke. "Yeah, I'd say we have only thirty minutes, maybe twenty until first light. So, we need to get those gates open and quickly."
About to bolt away with Link and the others, Sidon spun around, clutching the keg in his arms. "Perhaps, we take this barrel? I mean, we already opened it, and it's the least wet. Just in case?"
Link only nodded. With the plan settled, the group climbed back up the stairwell and made a run to their targets.
Out on the open plains not far off from the outskirts of the city walls, somewhere underneath the pitch-black sky, a Hylian army was amassing its forces. Soldiers rushed, setting up their strategic point of position. The hasting operations of unloading military supplies and the gearing up of equipment were in full preparation. At the tail end of the wagon train, Zelda's group was making their way into the heart of the gathered army.
The princess had been one of the last few riding in behind the wagons, keeping a watchful eye where her dear friend lay. A soldier waved his hands in the air as he saw her come into view, warmly greeting her upon arrival.
"Here, your majesty! We can take care of your horse from here until you are ready to ride him again," the soldier said, offering up a hand to help her dismount so she can wander about the battle camp more freely.
Although dark was the night, she could still be seen wearing a bright smile. Gently she flowed her soft hands through the chestnut-colored mane of the gallant steed. The horse neighed in delight as she glided her fingers through his warm hair, calming his nerves ever so sweetly.
"Thank you very much, sir, but this precious boy here isn't actually my horse. He belongs to a man named Taleran. He is a lord under the banner of Tarble. Be sure to take good care of him and let Lord Taleran know that you have his stallion when he arrives," she said as she hopped off the steed with a bounce, patting the man on the back as he led the horse away from her.
She then turned back to him with a question poised on her lips. "Tell me, good sir, can you point me in the direction to where your Lord of Illiastar is?" she blinked curiously, realizing she had no idea where she was going.
"Certainly, my princess. You there, take her highness to the Lord's command tent," the soldier hollered to another, ordering him to lead her the way.
The nearby Illiastar man dropped what gear he was fussing with and ran up alongside the princess to help her. "This way your Grace," the troop said, tilting his head in a bow like an offering.
Being led by her escort, the princess arrived at the command tent. However, Lord Simon was nowhere to be found. Instead, coming up from behind, she heard the call from a worried but friendly voice. It was his younger brother Sylmoor.
"Well, hello there, dear Princess. What brings you to this part of the camp? Shouldn't you be watching after your friend? My goodness, the battle will be upon us soon. Aren't you worried about your safety? It is paramount that you should be at the rear with the others who cannot fight," Sylmoor said, voice cracking with worry, slightly envious of her safe position in the battle to come. He walked closer to where she was standing, among the candlelit war game table that she leaned upon.
"Well, I've come to discuss matters with your brother, but I must say, you look quite handsome wearing all that knightly gear. Who would have imagined," she stood back and giggled, amused that he was so noticeably nervous and borderline frightened to death. She could see the many streaks of sweat trail down his face as he made his way near her. Following in behind him was Seabass, the other two Zora, and his squire.
"So, my lord, was that you sword playing just out there on the field with the others? I couldn't tell at first with you wearing that bucket on your head," she giggled again. "You are to lead a company of men this morning, correct?" She gleamed.
"That is correct, your grace, on both accounts. Your orders actually, if they remain?" he gulped.
She took a few steps and had a playful grin. "Well, Yes, I must know the quality of my lords if they are to govern the many dominions outside the view of my eyes to watch them,"
"But I don't rule—"
"Not yet, but you never know," she said, spinning back around to face him, wearing a phony stern face of seriousness. Sylmoor swallowed at the idea of fighting.
Interrupting them and coming from the other end of camp, another voice was heard shouting to them, a confident one. It was from Simon. He was being led by a Starsguard escort who carried a dim lantern, lighting up the tent.
"There you are, Princess, they said you've arrived and sent me on a damn crusade looking for you all over the place, and here you were this entire time. At my command tent," he huffed, cracking a slight smile. Coming behind in a single file behind him were several of his war cabinet and Taleran, who of which shot a wink to the princess upon greeting her warm smile back to him.
Taking only just a small moment to glance all around who was gathered and seeing his brother all suited up and ready for war, Simon spoke. "You do know how to use that right?" he said, quizzically gazing at his training sword.
Sylmoor's grip of his blade hand still was shaking quite a bit as he stood there uneasy and unsure of himself. "Uh, yeah…of course. You stab the pointy end into your enemy," he said.
"Right," Simon paused, beginning to worry for his brother's ignorance in the skill of sword fighting. "Well, better late than never, I suppose. Here, you're going to need all the help you can get," Simon said, unsheathing his own majestic blade from his side. The slide from its pristine scabbard rang out beautifully.
Stunned by the display, Sylmoor gasped. "That's father's sword, you cannot really suggest I—"
"I insist, dear brother," Simon said, proudly wielding up the mighty sword high up above his head, offering it up to his brother as a gift. The blade was finely crafted. But, unlike the Master Sword, this one was pointed like a long drawn out arrowhead until it peaked at its tip. Crystal white was the steel, and its hilt was as crimson as if it were solid red stone. But, its most notable feature and what caught the eye of Zelda most was at its center where the handle met the guard of the blade, there lay crowned a piercing emerald. The most stunning green gem she has ever seen.
Zelda's matching beautiful eyes lit up full of interest. She was intrigued by the exquisite craftsmanship and history of such a weapon. It has been the first time she has seen such a noble sword other than the Master Sword in well over a hundred years.
She watched as Simon spoke. "Illucifarr, one called the Lightbringer. It has been in my family's care for over three hundred generations. Once belonged to a holy KNIGHT of legend, entrusted in the hands of my forebears evermore for safekeeping. No man of Illiastar has ever fallen in battle nor perished while he wielded it in his hands," he said, stepping closer to Sylmoor. Those in the tent went quiet in reverence. "For this battle, I give it to you, my brother. May it keep you safe from all those who dare to do you harm, and may it slay your enemies. For you need it much more than I this day."
"I can't—"
"You will," Simon reiterated, slapping the hilt of the blade firmly in his brother's grasp. The princess beamed, happy for Sylmoor to have received such an honorable blessing from his brother. Her face glowed from what little light they had, even though they were covered by the darkness of the night. After all, all they had nearby on the table was a small lantern.
"Hold it tight and true, and it will not abandon you," Simon reiterated, voice deep and filled with great pride.
Sylmoor glanced to the blade in awe of its magnificence and then back to his brother. "And what are you to use?"
"I'll be just fine with another blade. And besides, I also have a lance," he laughed coolly. "Now that, that has been settled, let us go over the final plans before we strike. It is time."
Two finely decorated military counselors who were of high ranking of the army came forth and sprawled out the map they had laid on the table, lighting each end with a candlestick.
Simon jerked and spoke to Taleran, "You and your Rangers ready?"
"We are. I'd say we only have enough arrows to cover at least ten full volleys. After that, we will have to resort to sword combat; I'm afraid."
"Ah, yes, the supplies were destroyed. Very well, it'll have to do," Simon answered, hovering his hand over the map of the battlefield, which was Hyrule's most magnificent city. "And what about any news of Draene? We could use their help right about now."
"No m' lord, nothing. We are still waiting on the riders you dispatched at the request of her majesty to acquire that Wizard for her dying friend," a captain replied out of the small crowd who stood by.
"Hmmm. Damn. Hopefully, they get here soon. I'm not liking any of this. But what other choice do I have? We must continue our plans."
All those gathered began to lean in and watch closely as Simon spoke further. "Aside from the Starsguard elite, we have only three regular divisions, two of which are also cavalry, one infantry, and a single support group. You, my brother, will be at the right flank apart of the third battalion of infantry. I trust you are ready to lead?"
Sylmoor Gulped. "Um, yes,"
"The princess has formally requested this of you. You are an Illiastar, and you have that sword now; you'll do fine. Just remember what you've learned thus far," He moved the markers on the table, indicating how the strike was to happen. "Also, your men are to only engage and enter the city after the other two divisions charge in. Now, are we all in an understanding of what we are to do?"
The tent's attendees all nodded in approval, and with that, Simon spoke a final word on the matter. "Alright then, you should all get your positions. There is not much time now. That includes you brother."
Those all gathered cleared out one by one except just a select few, which Simon motioned to stay with a wave of his cape. It was his top generals only.
Sylmoor departed away quickly since he was anxious. And before his Zora companions and squire could catch up behind him, Zelda spoke."Just a moment, my lord Simon, One last thing before I go," she said with a finger raised to hold back any question from him, reaching out for Seabass as she stepped away from the tent.
She spoke out of earshot of Sylmoor, who was already way ahead of them. "Seabass, if I may?"
"Anything your highness? What is it you wish to ask of me?"
"When the battle begins, could you please take extra care and watch out after him. Do make sure he isn't in any real danger if you could?"
"Certainly, little Princess. But if I may ask, why did you want him to fight if you really didn't intend on him to fight?"
"My reasons are my own for now, so please keep this between us. I will be most grateful," she said, speaking hopefully.
"Of course. And don't you worry, not a hair on his pretty head will be lost," The towering Seabass rumbled back with a smile.
And with that, he saluted her and chased out after his runaway commander who was Sylmoor.
Returning her focus back to the tent. Zelda was about to speak when interrupted by a field soldier who came abruptly to give the news to Simon. "M' lord, all men are in position just outside the gates, and all enemy watches have been put down before they could sound an alarm. The enemy is blind to our next move."
"Very good. It is time then. How much longer do we have?" Simon asked, turning to another who stood by that held a dimly lit candle clock in his hand, amongst the table. The candlestick was melting slow but gave accurate enough time measuring down to the minute. The man watched and counted to himself shortly before offering up a reply to his liege.
"I'd say we are ten minutes m' lord. We're catching up to the dawn and fast."
"Then we must act now,"
"Mallet men are ready!" Another commanding officer spoke entering the tent, giving the Lord news.
"Mallet men?" Zelda questioned under her breath.
"Yes, for the three catapults that we have left that survived the explosions," he spoke to her, turning back to face the man. "Good then. Are the incendiary charges also ready?"
"Yes, my lord, all siege weapons are in place and awaiting your orders."
Zelda interrupted, taken aback at what was happening. She raised a hand up to her mouth as she spoke. "Incendiary charges? I thought we didn't have any left from the fires?"
"It appears we may have found some a short time ago. We were most fortunate. We can discuss the matter later, princess. I have a battle to win. Alright then, let us begin," Simon said, turning from her and nodding the decree to his subordinates.
"Wait! We can't begin yet, Link and the others have not yet given the signal, and the gates are still up!? They are still by the gates! They need more time!" She said, face suddenly filled with worry. Her heart sank.
"I'm sorry, princess, but we are out of time. Daylight will soon be upon us, and we will lose our surprise if we delay. Also, with these newfound charges, I'm confident we can knock down the gates ourselves," He said back sternly, taking a step forward. As he waved his finely gloved hand out toward the field of battle, he gave another order. "Intensify all forward batteries on the main gate to the city. We must bring it down. And fire all volleys toward the city at the same time."
"Yes, my lord. We're confident the charges should have enough power to destroy anything around those walls. Should have no problem being able to bring them down," The Illiastar officer said, just as he was about to break away to carry out the order.
Zelda shouted, hand-stretched out to stop the captain from carrying out the order. "Wait! Stop!"
The soldier paused, confused by her instruction. She was the princess, after all.
Simon interrupted her, voice raised. "You would risk everything, your entire kingdom, for the life of one knight!?" Simon said sternly.
Stunned by his question. She needed a moment to think because everything was happening all so fast. But she had no time. She had to answer now. Zelda reflected to herself on the truth of it as it hit her down to her core. She couldn't dare think of the possibility of losing Link.
Simon continued. "He is a soldier, a guardsman! He knows his duty and what he must do! Shouldn't you do the same?"
Annoyed, he flapped his cloak and turned away from her, nodding to his men what they must do next. "You may begin your assault."
"No! Stop!" Zelda desperately screamed.
Simon spun back around at the snap of her voice. "Seize her!"
And as she instinctively lunged over from the table to stop those from carrying out the order, two Starsguard came up from around her and grabbed her arms from behind.
"Take the princess under heavy guard to the rear, back to the infirmary with her friends where she belongs."
"You can't! I'm the princess of-" She struggled.
"I can! And I will. These are my men, they answer to me. I'm sorry, princess, but this is for your own protection and the kingdom," He said, knowing that any of the others who would contest his notion were no longer present.
He then glanced up at one of the men holding her by the arm. "Should anything happen to me or the army for that matter, you are to take her majesty in all do haste back to Bountiful to the Crystal Palace. Mother will know what to do. But please, do keep her comfortable. Her majesty is upset."
"Yes, M'lord….C'mon your highness, let's go. It'll be alright," the Starsguard said, speaking as politely as he could with what task he was given. But the princess pushed back as he began ushering and leading her away. She was having none of it.
But it was no use. She was dragged away against her will and was taken back to the safety of the infirmary, where she would be forced to wait.
"Alright, change of plans, we're running out of time," Link said as he led his team to the edge of the massive castle wall, gazing skyward. Taking only just a moment to judge their circumstance, he saw that in front of them lay the main bridge, which for some peculiar reason was already drawn down.
"Okay, since they were so kind to have already lowered it down for us, you three stay here and set the charge for this one. It should be a lot easier since all that needs fixing is one only for the reel, just in case they decide to raise it when the fighting starts. Since now that the other will be more heavily guarded and tricky to get down, Sidon and I will deal with that instead," The knight ordered, looking to his Hylian companions.
"If you say so, Sir-link. We will stay behind and wait here," Bjorn answered back.
"Alright, once you see the front gate fall to the ground, that will be your signal to break that single chain. Once you do, slip away and hide someplace low until we return. The mask should keep you hidden," Link said.
They nodded in reply.
And with that, Link and Sidon took off as fast as they could to the fortified front gate of the city walls.
Back at the infirmary, Zelda was roughly thrust in through the flap of the tent by the hands of the two Starsguard. The others in there were startled by what was happening, unable to speak as it was so sudden.
Zelda turned around and stomped in protest back at the soldiers. "You know, you could treat me a little nicer. I am your princess, after all!" Her fist clenched at her sides.
"We would princess, but you kicked and tried to escape three times on the way. You even bit poor Finn here on the wrist. So, with that being said, I apologize if we were rough." He grumbled back.
Her pretty face scrunched up in annoyance at his remarks.
"Sorry, princess, but our Lord demands we keep you safe here," the lead soldier said, spinning back around to guard the tent from outside.
Upset at the way they were treating the princess and their lack of obedience, the proud Rito, Teba, stood up, unafraid, and challenged one of them before they could walk away. "You have no right to hold her here against her will! Or treat her that way! She is—"
But before he could utter another syllable, the fancy armored guard gleamed back at him and cut his words short. "We are not to answer to her right now, and we certainly don't answer to likes of you, birdman. So, get back in line, know your place, and watch yourself."
Teba snapped his beak back in frustration and reached for a dagger, ready to secure the princess's exit when she jumped in between him and the opposing Starsguard.
The soldier had slightly drawn his sword from his side and was ready for a fight when Zelda intervened them both.
"Stop! This sort of violence isn't necessary. Please! I'll stay."
Listening to the princess's words, Teba stayed his knife, and the guard stood back. The room was left in a standstill. And with nothing left to do but wait it out, Zelda marched over to where Riju lay and sat annoyed at her bedside, wary of her predicament. There she pondered quietly, desperately trying to come up with a solution, worried for both Link and Riju.
After taking city after city street, Link and Sidon finally arrived at their goal. The city, for the most part, was destroyed and what little buildings remained were unkempt and unlivable. Most of which, however, were rubble and only had their foundations left.
Strolling up to the wall, Link whispered back to Sidon. "Alright, it is as I thought. The gate has been repaired. See those tall steel spires they put up there?"
"Yeah," Sidon replied.
"Those are where the chains are linked to," The knight said, pointing nonchalantly upward to the edge of the battered wall of the city. It was apparent the enemy had filled in whatever openings were made from the guardian siege from a century ago and made it whole once again, albeit crudely.
"Alright, I'm going up, keep an eye out, and cover me. They will get suspicious even with my disguise if they see me laying fuses and setting the charges."
"Sure thing you got it. But, be careful, alright? I have a bad feeling about all this. This all seems way too easy."
"That's because this is easy."
"I'm serious, Link. Be careful up there. Who knows what could be up there waiting for ya in that tower where the reel is."
"Hey, c'mon, it's me!" Link said, placing just a boot at the bottom of the iron rod ladder that led to the top of the wall. He smirked as he began to climb.
"Yeah, exactly, that's why I am worried." Sidon quietly chuckled.
Stuck at the bottom, Sidon kept a keen watch as Link hurried himself up the wall.
In no time, Link made his ascent, and to his delight, it was as he said it would be. It was a beautiful sight, just the lone reel that held the gate closed. Wasting no time, the Knight set the charges to the mechanism of the gate's rotating hoist and cut the fuse for how long it would take for him and Sidon to clear the area.
Because, after it goes off, the noise would alert their enemies. And they were not armed adequately to wage a proper fight being only equipped with just two tiny daggers.
Armed and ready to go to Link's satisfaction, he made haste away back down the wall and waved for him and Sidon to wait and hide nearby.
"What about the hinges?" Sidon asked.
"I took care of them, too, just before I left. All tied to the same fuse," he replied confidently.
They were hiding behind some crates and barrels. An enemy watch encampment was only feet away, so they observed and waited, listening for the wonderful music of a faint boom and the fall of the gate. But as a minute went by, nothing happened. No explosion, no gate falling, nothing.
"What's going on? It's not going off," Link said, frustrated.
"I knew it was too good to be true," Sidon sighed, defeated. "The powder must have been too wet, and the fuse died. It's the only explanation."
"Damn. Okay then, I'll go back up. Hand me that keg. I'm just going to have to do it the old-fashioned way," Link said coolly.
"And what way is that?" Sidon questioned.
"Blow the whole thing up with the keg by throwing a torch at it and running like hell, of course" He said back.
"Wouldn't that alert our friend here, though?"
"What choice do we have? We are out of time. The army is depending on us."
"Alright then, I'll cover you. Let's go."
Link and Sidon both scurried back to the ladder, and the knight did his climb once again.
Down below and waiting, Sidon caught the attention of a nearby Bokoblin, which was alerted to him and Link doing something that was out of the ordinary just a second ago. The beast was frazzled, to say the least, and barked an order at him to perform a task. Sidon pretended he didn't hear him and continued gazing up the ladder.
The red prince coughed and quietly hollered up to Link. "Hey, Link, hurry up! They are catching on to us."
Link was atop the wall and sat the barrel down, tying it to the reel. But what was taking so long was him trying to start the torch he found up there. Tried as he might, the flint wouldn't spark alight.
Link shouted an answer back down below. "I am, but this damn thing won't burn. C'mon you!" he scraped the flint rocks, desperately trying to get them to ignite.
Back at the front line where the army was formed and ready. Men set the catapults tying them again, ready to fling their explosive payloads high up in the air to rain upon the gate. All was left for them was the order to do so.
Taleran, who was also poised to have his men fire the first barrage of arrows, was also waiting for instruction when one of the officers who had left the Lord's tent caught up to his position on the field.
"My lord, commence the attack," The Illiastar officer said.
"Are you sure? The signal hasn't been given, and the gates are still up? What of the others?"
The man leaned in, his tone forceful. "The Princess commands it."
"She did?" he asked, confused.
"Yes."
Taleran didn't like the idea of carrying out the attack this way. This certainly would spell certain doom for Link and the others, but the thought of disobeying his liege was even worse.
"Very well, then. Alright, men, ready your arms and light arrows!" He shouted the order to his Rangers.
One by one, each of them down the line dipped their arrows in oil and sparked them to light with a flame, knocking them back in their longbows, taking their aim high in the night sky.
At the infirmary, Zelda was still held captive. She had only been sitting just a few moments. And although she wanted to be by Riju's bedside, she knew she had to help Link. But how?
But to her great fortune or maybe by some kind act of the goddess, Buliara wasn't in the room when she was thrown in there. She had gone to gather provisions from one of the wagons for Riju. During her confrontation with the Soldiers, the proud Gerudo woman overheard the whole thing, and she was going to have none of it.
Carrying a small thatched crate, she approached the tent where one of the Starsguard stood watch of Zelda.
"You there, I forgot something. Can you hold this while I go fetch what I need?" Buliara asked the man.
Seeing no harm in helping a lady, after all, the guard obliged and reached out for the crate. As soon as his grubby hands touched the box, that was the end for him. Buliara, without warning, swung and gave him a brute fist to the face knocking him out cold.
The other guard's mouth dropped at the sight, jumped to his feet, and just as he was about to charge her, felt himself go limp from the stranglehold of Teba who crept up from behind him.
Buliara beamed at Zelda. "Go, Princess, the way is clear. Tell the army to stand down."
"Thank you both! I'll return as soon as I can!" Zelda called back. Running as fast as she has ever run before in her life, she bolted to make it to the battlefield to stop the attack. And like the wind, she was gone.
Sylmoor, who was at the front of the infantry standing nervous, shaking, and armor rattling. Reaching for a small flask he had hidden, he lifted the gate to his fine helmet to drain it all of its liquid.
His squire ribbed him with a smirk. "I thought all the ale has been destroyed in the fires? And you know you're not supposed to drink before a fight," he questioned.
Sylmoor snapped. "It isn't ale. It is from my own stash! And what business is it of yours how I die? If I'm going to die, I want to die drunk! You serve me! Now let that be the end of it," he said. But his gaze was quickly taken by an unnerving sight.
"Is that—the princess?" He questioned, dumbfounded at what he was seeing.
At the heart of the field where the army was staged and just as they were about to fire their barrage. Zelda came rushing in a panic, dashing toward them while flailing her arms out for them to cease, screaming. "Stop! Don't fire!"
But it was too late, and the order had already been given. Some of the men already shot their bolts high up into the air. Zelda's eyes widened, and her pupils shrank. She pleaded again. "No!"
Hearing her cry and seeing her run toward them, Taleran also stepped into action, even trying to stop the assault from his men. "Hold! Hold your fire! Stop! Its the princess!"
Some obeyed, but most couldn't, for the battalion was quite large and many had not heard the cry and already released their arrows. Shouts of 'Away' were heard as men launched their bolts.
In the chaos of the commotion from the disruptive chain of command and not wanting to stop his push, Simon nodded for his men to continue regardless. He then gave another confirming order as he sat upon his noble stallion, sword pointed. "Fire all catapults now! And Charge!" Like rolling thunder the Cavalry kicked their horses and charged off at the command.
Unhearing the princess's call and at their lord's behest, the mallet men swung and slammed their hammers, breaking loose the stakes, releasing the catapults, launching high up in the air their fiery bombardment of death.
Zelda witnessed the whole thing in slow motion, collapsing to her knees. Her heart sank as all she could do was watch in terror as it all unfolded.
Back atop the wall. Coming from the side of his peripherals, Link turned his gaze out to Hyrule field. To his astonishment, he saw what looked like a sea of arrows ignite over the grassy fields.
"The hell? What are they doing?" He whispered. To his recollection, it was still night, and he knew he had at least a few more minutes until the dawn. So, why was the army beginning their attack, he wondered?
Sidon, at that same time, was also dealing with his own fair share of problems down below.
The bokoblin marched up to Sidon and shoved him , annoyed that he was disobeying him. But poor Sidon had no idea what the cretin was asking of him and tried to play along. Suddenly, a Moblin charged from behind to the side of him and smacked him, also trying to get him to comply.
In doing so, the clumsy brute knocked his mask clean off. And as each of them saw the raggedy mask slowly bounce on the ground in front of them. Sidon knew instantly that the jig was up
Stunned by what they were seeing, the beasts couldn't believe their eyes, each taking a step back. From their point of view, they saw one of their own magically transform into a Zoraling.
But the charade was over. Each hissed and growled, reaching for their weapon when Sidon sprung into action.
"Ahhh, to hell with this!" The prince said, spinning out two small daggers he kept at his side. And in quick form, faster than them, like an elegant dance, slit both the throats of his attackers.
Other monsters nearby saw the struggle and ran to attack. But they were still a ways away.
"Heads up Link we got company!" he shouted up above.
Little did the prince know, but they were all in for a rude awakening.
Realizing what was happening, Link shouted down below. "Get out of here now! We're too late!"
Sidon leaned back, confused. "What?"
"Go now! Go to the others!" the knight exclaimed.
Sidon obeyed.
To his shock, Link saw from over the wall the burning flames which shot and streaked across the night sky, flying straight toward the city. Until at last, his eyes fixed upon a massive ball of fire in the center, hurling right toward him and the gate. With seconds left to act, he abandoned his mission and hoped for the best.
He leaped off the high wall, taking his chances with the high fall, but it was too late. A massive explosion erupted as the volatile bomb collided with the armored gate.
The ground quaked, and the wall shattered, sending shards of molten metal and scorched wood everywhere. A ball of flame lit up the entire area, and the city was open. The battle had begun. All enemies rose to attention and were caught off guard.
Zelda, who fell to her knees on the field, gasped at the sight. A bright light lit up the night sky, brighter than the dawn as the wall blew to bits. Heart shattered at what may have happened to the one she loved, she felt helpless and was left stricken in awe at what was unfolding.
Even though Sidon had run some distance from the blast, he was caught up in its shockwave and knocked to his feet. Link, on the other hand, wasn't as fortunate and was blown away skyward, body singed, clothes ravaged and cut from some shrapnel.
Luckily though, he jumped just in the knick of time to avoid a direct impact from the initial blast. For even how strong he was, would not have survived otherwise.
Scorched and falling high through the air over the city, caught up in the flying debris, Link was blown away. And in slow motion as he fell, felt his consciousness slip away and suddenly, everything went dark.
Link awoke to find himself in another place entirely. He was surrounded by a dark and pitch-black abyss. Until finally, the darkness faded away and he found himself in a room. No, it was home. But, it wasn't his home.
Although present, Link couldn't be seen by those who were. It was as if he was watching from the side, like a ghost. Watching a scene unfold.
His attention was on an old hylian man that was there. The man looked worried as he sat in the small cottage. He had a long white beard and a bald head. He was also wearing worn and outdated priestly garments. The type monks would wear at the sanctuary from the old days.
This whole thing was most peculiar to Link. He tried to speak but couldn't. It was just his thoughts. (Where am I? what is this I am seeing?)
Suddenly, his attention turned to another hylian. This time it was a fair young maiden, who had dark hair. She barged into the cottage in a frightened panic and was carrying a baby with her. All he could do was watch.
"Lady Aryll, what brings you here? It's dangerous for you to be roaming around these woods after nightfall!? What's happening!? What news from Nobel?" The sagely old man asked in his gruffly wise voice, walking about the room in a worried fluster.
He continued. " We saw the explosions at the city all the way from here. They lit up the entire sky." He paused, noticing the state of the lady who was breathing erratically. He turned all attention to her and not his questions. "Why Lady Aryll, you're wounded? Here sit down. We must get you to see a doctor! Quickly!"
He ushered her to sit at a small table he had in his little hut of a home. "It is too late for me, Grand Elder; I have only just a few breaths in me left. I had to find you as fast as I could. And praise be to the Goddess that I have, for you are the only one who can help us now! Please, you must, you must take him. Take my son! Please!" she pleaded.
"Nonsense, you'll be just fine. We'll find you a doctor. You can still come with us. There is still hope for you. We can get you to a doctor," he reiterated, placing a soothing arm on her shoulder as she rested.
She stood up in her chair. "No, I'll only slow you down and risk everything. There is no time left. It is coming,"
"What is coming?" his eyes widened.
"Destruction is coming. Just me and my baby boy is all that is left of Nobel."
"And what of your husband? Where is he? How could he have left you alone in such a state, my lady? What happened?"
"The queen has called all the banners and mustered the holy order of the KNIGHTS of Hylia. They say…they say she may have found a way to combat this new enemy. An ancient power lost to legend," She breathed.
The ground rumbled again like an earthquake, and the baby let out a fuss.
(What is happening) Link thought as he watched.
The mother soothed the boy with coos and a warm smile.
"Then, that could only be!?" the elder said. He then paused only to think for a moment looking visibly disheveled, then started rummaging throughout the room as if he were looking for a particular item of great importance.
"If what you say is true, my dear, then the queen will need all the power she can summon up from the KNIGHTs."
"Yes, we can only pray that she had indeed discovered a way to end this nightmare, or we are all doomed. So, you see? My husband had to go. Even now, his father, along with his two other KNIGHTS, fight on. They are all who are left standing in the way between that apparition from hell and the complete destruction of our great kingdom. I only pray that the combined magic of the KNIGHTs will be enough. At least, long enough to hold it at bay until the queen can do whatever it is, she needs to do in order to destroy it."
The elder stopped his spurious behavior scavenging through the small shack he lived in and turned back to the dying lady. "If I may ask you, my lady, what is it that you saw? The destruction you speak of; is that what cause those terrible explosions that shattered the night sky earlier? Just moments ago, we heard all the way over here it breaking even the greatest boulders underfoot."
She panted, trying to find the breath and words to speak as she lay, holding her life-threatening wound in one hand and her swaddled infant in the other. "It came from out of nowhere, Elder. And before anyone could even think to react, it began slaughtering all those around us, mercilessly and uncaring. I have never seen such desolation like that before in my entire life. A dark sorcery beyond all imagining.
"I witnessed the great city of Nobel of house Allandra who's sky-high walls that sit at the peak of the mountain were knocked asunder with only just a wave of its malicious hand. There I watched, in disbelief, unable to move as I saw the city fall, being swallowed up by the depths of the sea.
" I saw their entire army devoured in an instant by an incinerating mouth of flame as they charged to defend it. And in a bright flash, right before my eyes, I've saw the terrified faces of those lives fleeing the great city burned away from this earth before their screams could even be heard and before their bodies could hit the ground.
"By some profound miracle of the Goddesses, I narrowly escaped its wrath. Its unholy magic missed me as it cast bolts of black lightning skyward, smashing into the mountainsides. You saw, it was sending rock and stone crashing down to those below. It was a terrible monster Elder…no…It was so much more than that…it was…it was a Calamity! A calamity of the likes of which this world has never seen before! And… It's coming this way!"
"Then if what you say is true, then that could only mean one thing. There is no time to lose; we must leave at once! Please come, my lady, I can't leave you here to die," the old man said as he reached out for her to come.
"No Grand Elder, you must go alone. I'm afraid all my life is spent. Even now, I can hardly speak. He is all that matters now. My son. My sweet baby boy," she breathed softly, pulling back the fold of the blanket that wrapped up her son. With all her focus now on her baby, she gave a loving glance, one of which she knew deep down would be her final farewell. Several silent tears streaked across her cheeks and fell, soaking his blanket. The bright-eyed baby boy whimpered a cry back, and with quivering lips, she gave a tender kiss goodbye to his gentle forehead, using up all the strength she had left in her; she handed the infant to the Grand Elder.
In fatigued spaced breaths, she continued softly. "He is his father's son and must live. Promise me, no matter what happens, you'll get him to safety? Should his father and the rest of the KNIGHTS perish in battle, he will be all that's left of their sacred bloodline. All that is left with the power to..." she whispered, her life all but exhausted.
"I will guard him with my life, my lady. But what of his medallion? Your husband's medallion? He will need that if he is to—"
"The medallion…the medallion is with…is with his," she breathed faintly, attempting to get her final words out. But her spirit had already departed, and the kind twinkling she had in her vibrant blue eyes faded away, and she was left silent.
"My lady? My Lady!?" his eyes welled with tears, but there was no time to cry.
The entire house shook again, more violently than the last. The baby fussed at the quake and cried.
"There-there little one, hush now. You're alright with me. This place is no longer safe, though. We must leave at once and get you to safety. No matter what happens, you must live. For you may very well be, our last hope," the man said, taking one last look around at his crumbling home, whispering to the boy, trying to calm him. And with that, the man made haste out the doorway and left his home to its fate.
And as the wreckage began to fall, so did Link slip back into black nothingness.
Authors Notes: Hello, everyone. I do hope you enjoy this chapter. But just as a heads up, I'm going through a lot right now in my personal life, so it may be a while before the next chapter is released, perhaps several weeks. But don't fear, the story will be completed. Also, what really motivates me to get this done is your feedback, even if its just a little. Good or bad! It drives me! I'll greatly appreciate it. Let me know if you like where the story is heading and if you like the pacing. I'm never sure if I should quicken things or slow them down. Or keep it how it is. Thank you so much for all your thoughts and if you haven't already, please go and check out the audiobook as well, Episode three should be out shortly. You can find it on youtube as Zelda botw fan sequel Audiobook.