Two months have passed and the time for the royal summons has arrived. A week prior, Bato received another letter from Lord Rorru. It went through the protocols, procedures, and logistics of the royal court. It also included an invitation to a feast in the evening. When he received the letter at home, Bato rubbed his eyes on the sofa and slumped down. Link was there, polishing his sword and scabbard.

"You can't really ignore this." Link said this with a smirk. "You don't want to mess with royalty."

"Yes. I've been told countless times by other people that I cannot ignore the summons. Rubbing shoulders with the royal family is not my idea of a good time, though." He rubbed his eyes. "They're expecting us to memorize all of this in a week's time?"

Link looked at Bato, confused. "Us?"

"Yes. I'm taking you with me."

"W-What?!" Link stood up now. "Why am I going with you?"

"Well, I'm not going alone. Besides, you're familiar with royal protocols anyways."

There was indignation in Link's voice when he asked, "Since when?"

"Since you visited Zelda at the castle during the start of your journey."

"I snuck myself in!"

"And when you presented yourself to the Royal Deku King's Court at Woodfall."

"Again! Sneaking in! Both times it wasn't anything official."

"How about when you were notifying the King about the coup?"

"W-Well, that's…"

"I said I wouldn't be coming if I couldn't take you along. I made sure that Commander Cobn let his father know about that."

Link got quiet, sat down, and continued to polish his sword. He was smiling a little. "You…you really want me with you?"

"It would help me a lot." Bato got up and sat cross-legged in front of him. "This is my first time in court, you know. So, having a familiar face besides me will calm my nerves."

"You're nervous about going to court? Someone like you?"

"I can admit when the idea of the kingdom's most powerful people is watching your every move can be daunting." He put his hand on Link's shoulder. "Can I count on you?"

Link smiled brightly. "I do owe you."

The day of the summons, Bato and Link made sure to have everything they needed for their journey to Castle Town. At sunrise, a fancy coach drawn by two white horses drove up towards the farm. With it were four Hyrulian guard escorts. "I was told this type of hospitality was a sign of respect and goodwill." Bato yawned while Link looked around, cautious. "Is everything okay, Link? I mean, you look sort of on edge."

"Huh?!" If being snapped out of a trance, he looked at Bato. "No. I'm ready to go."

"I didn't ask if you were ready to go. I asked is everything okay?"

"I'm fine! L-Let's just go meet them, okay?" Link rushed towards the carriage, leaving Bato confused on why he was acting this way.

The procession came to a complete stop and out stepped Lord Jofary to greet the two. "Bato." The farmer bowing humbly, he nodded. He then turned his attention to Link. "It's you! You're the young lad that warned everyone about Ganondorf's coup! I see now why Bato wouldn't have come if he didn't have you with him." Link nodded, not saying anything.

"He's shy, Lord." Bato said, smoothly.

Jofary shook his head. "That's not what I saw when he was trying to convince all of us what was happening. There was a fervour in his voice, perhaps to the point of delirium. As if Hylia possessed him, herself." Link looked at Bato. "He thought that you were crazy."

Link made a face and Jofary stuttered a bit. "Not at all! Bato, don't put words in my mouth."

"I only meant it in jest, Lord, my humblest apologies." Bato bowed, then held his hand on Link's shoulder, touching it. He gave a small smile. "Now, I believe His Majesty is expecting us. Let's be on our way."

The ride to Castle Town was bumpy, but tolerable. Bato and Link sat across from Jofary on the velvet, padded seats. "When was the last time you were in Castle Town, Bato?"

"To tell you the truth, my Lord, it's been quite some time. I have a backlog of pelts and produce to submit to the guild. I'll have to do that on a later date."

"I can offer you some perspectives on Castle Town while we travel there. To tell you the truth, Jonn and I have been involved with some of the projects you started."

"Oh?"

"Yes. This Community Kitchen for the less fortunate, for example. Some impoverished include some veterans who fought in past battles. They were maimed, but alive. However, they could no longer keep their duties to the army and were released. These veterans made their homes in the slums of Hyrule; trying to eke out a meager living."

"That's what the Community Kitchen is for. To address those who are living in dire straits and shine some hope to those who need it."

"An admirable effort."

Bato took a second to think about the veterans. "My Lord, isn't there an office that's set up to look after those who sacrificed so much for our safety?"

Jofary was quiet for a moment. "No. Once you leave the army, you're on your own."

"Understood. It's just I had a thought but only if you allow me to indulge you."

He laughed at that. "Bato. We have quite a way to get to Castle Town. I won't be doing anything else other than looking after you. I'm interested in what you have to say."

"You honor me, Lord. Where I come from, there was an official government office that looked after veterans after their service. Those who were released, were given some benefits to help them reintegrate themselves back with the population." Jofary leaned a bit closer. "A paltry sum of funds each month, places to train veterans to learn new ways of living. Providing support to those who have been affected by the battles, either physically or mentally. Something similar like this could be set up here in Hyrule, no?"

"That's not out of the realm of possibility. Most of the veterans were released from service after their injury. Some of those whose minds were affected were taken back into their families, which didn't last long. They would try their patience and throw them out to the void." Jofary's huffed with anger. "And this is their reward for sacrifice? Total abandonment from their families?!"

"When living in these desperate times, rupees are scarce. Why support a mouth that won't be able to benefit the family to begin with? To my limited understanding, a call to duty is an honor for the people and the kingdom. I'm simply asking: are we to abandon those who need our help after their sacrifices and struggles? After their duties end?"

"We should be doing more for them. We must be doing more for them." He gripped his open hand tightly. Link was surprised by the sudden action, wide-eyed at the captain's righteous anger.

"Nevertheless, I only offer this for his Lordship to consider. Which would be a greater sacrifice? To die or to live in service?

Jofary heard the words burning his ears. "It is a sacrifice when you die for your people. It is a greater sacrifice when you live for them. These veterans were working peasants, once. They bravely answered the call to arms and fought their very best for Hyrule. While we mourn for the dead, we strive to live on remembering those who are not with us."

"A sentiment we both share, my Lord. For what good are you as a dead man. But death sometimes doesn't come in a form of a spear, sword or monster. A man can be slain slowly, and without mercy."

Jofary was quiet for a moment, thinking about these words. "Are you implying that the kingdom-"

"I'm only implying that the support currently being used for these brave souls is inadequate to sustain them. As you said, Lord, we must be doing more."

While they were talking, the carriage made its way through the crowd and into Castle Town. The parted like the Red Sea, trying to take a glimpse of who is in there. The guards also changed from town guard to royal guard armor. There were also a few guards that wore elite armor. Horned helmet with a heavy suit, greaves, and gauntlets. Like the Hero's Shade, but not with the wear and tear. The carriage stopped in front of the gate and a guard approached the carriage.

"My Lord, we wait for your command."

Jofary was still in his stupor but came out of it a bit disoriented. "Yes…Yes!" He stuck his head out of the carriage window. "This is Captain Jofary Cobn of His Majesty's guard. Open the gates!" The order was called to open the gates. A few moments later, the great gate slowly opened. Entering through the Royal Castle proper, both Bato and Link couldn't help but look at the splendor the castle brought forth. It was a white castle with blue rooftops. Flags of the royal family flew in the wind, and multiple walls and towers were erected everywhere. They all surrounded a central tower. On closer inspection, it looked more like a fortress than a castle. It boasted a brown, sturdy gate that was surrounded by a boat. Parapets lined the façade.

The carriage moved to the main entrance. A red carpet was already anticipating the guests' arrival. Jofary said nothing as the carriage came to a complete stop. The door opened and Commander Cobn appeared before them.

"Greetings, honored guests." He must not have paid attention for as he looked closer, he saw his father, Bato and Link silently greeting them. "Captain, sir! Welcome back."

"I trust that things went well despite my absence?" Jofary said slowly.

"Yes sir. The chambers and the assistants stand ready. Your party is the first to arrive."

"Good." Commander Cobn glanced over Link, subtly made a face of recognition and said, "honored guests, please follow me."

Bato allowed Link to exit first, who stood hesitantly. Silently coaxing him to go, he did so. As he was about to exit, Jofary caught his arm. "You've given me much to think on."

"Lord, I say this with the upmost sincerity. If the world had more officers like you that care about the men and women they served, then perhaps veterans wouldn't be emboldened to join the ranks of brigands and bandits."

"Veterans joining the bandits? Where is their honor?"

"Died in the slums," Bato said coldly. "If I was a wounded soldier who lost everything, and my kingdom didn't take care of me. When desperate, who would you think I would turn to? I rather betray the world than to have the world betray me." Jofary released his arm. Bato gave a solemn bow and walked out of the carriage.

Commander Cobn and Link were waiting when Bato walked off the carriage. Nodding, the Commander started to escort the two to the waiting rooms and preparation chambers.

"Bato, what happened during the ride over?"

"Your father and I spoke, at length, about veterans and the lack of supports they have from the kingdom."

"There's only been a handful of times when I saw my father ruminate like that. What you said to him must have shaken him to his core."

"He is a man that cares. A soldier who would take care of his own. You're going to have to ask your father for the details, but I'm afraid I might have inspired him a bit too much."

Cobn cocked his head. "How?"

"Let's just say that this idea involves resources. Resources that would be used in the hands of a noble than the people. This idea might be too radical."

"Careful now, Bato. You flirt on the line of sedition. Despite your contributions, it does not make you immune to the law."

"Since when did the rule of the law replace common sense and decency?" But the Middle Ages didn't have the same norms as the modern age did. It had to evolve to that point. Thinking back, Bato thought about all the things he had taken for granted in his old life. If he could integrate some modern ways of thinking in this dark age.

But no. It would be counterintuitive to what he wanted: a quiet and peaceful life. "You're right, I suppose. I wanted to draw less attention, not more."

Commander Cobn nodded towards Link. "It doesn't exactly help that you're looking after the young lad that saved this realm from destruction."

"That decision was forced, mind you. I didn't exactly have a say in it."

"By whom? His Majesty? The Royal Court?"

"The Church." Bato looked at Cobn in a way that said, 'that's all I'm prepared to say on the matter.'

Cobn let it go, for now. "To be honest, when we first met at the clinic, emotions were high to put a name on a face. Thinking back to it, he did exhibit a warrior's spirit when he made his case to His Majesty."

"You have no idea how right you are." Link was still walking behind them, still guarded. A few times, he looked at the two, who were still talking.

The main hall was a spectacle. Multiple servants were moving around, trying to do one thing or another. A high ceiling was the staple here, and custom-made pillars and trims covered the entire place. The rooms, varying in different sizes and furniture, could be considered numerous and opulent. The noise that the castle exhibited didn't seem to bother Cobn one bit. However, with Bato and Link, they shook their heads at the amount of commotion that was happening around them. They arrived at the doors leading to the drawing room. "This is where you'll be staying until you are summoned. Until then, try to accommodate the staff here. Their job is to make sure that you're presentable to His Majesty and the court."

"Understood." Bato gestured at Link. "Shall we?"

Bato had a blue vest with a white long sleeved shirt underneath. Black trousers, white boots and a necktie to complete the outfit. Link had something similar, but his color scheme was green and gold. Cobn and members of the royal guard were assembled in procession. There were some other people who were to be recognized. Some of them stared at Bato and Link with awed faces.

"I don't know whether these are genuine awes or part of their snooty behavior. Regardless, this disquiet is getting to me, and I'm not the only one." Link's eyes were darting around, trying to focus on his place in the line. Bato whispered, "Hey, Link? Are you good?"

The boy looked pensive for a moment, again with his blue piercing eyes. Though he had a mask of impassivity, there was worry. Bato has a gentle smile, hoping that would calm his nerves, as well as his own. There was only a nod of acknowledgement.

The group made their way to the throne room. Two doors as high as the lower ceiling opened and they walked on through.

The throne room had red carpeting, with diamond patterning and white trim. Red curtains hung on every window. The chandlers were lit, holding one big candle in the middle and smaller ones circling it. There was only one throne that was elevated on a two-step platform. Intricate trims on the walls and columns and a red curtain were hung over the throne.

For the height of Hyrule's nobility, it was surprisingly simple. It didn't exude the same grandiose style of architecture as Castle Town. But it still demanded respect from all those who visited. The group bowed towards the king. The king had a heavy build. White hair and beard with regal, yet practical robes of red, blue, and white. He had a brown belt with a Triforce buckle. The crown was pointed but, like his robes, had simplicity. He carried himself as a competent person, but there was an air of superiority.

King Daphnes Nohansen Hyrule. As the first proper king introduced in the series, the closest thing he got to any acknowledgement was a shout-out from the main characters. Looking at him now, up close, he was seriously imposing. The king nodded and bade them all to rise. "Friends and countrymen. We are here today to honor these individuals for their not only to the prosperity of Castle Town, but also to the realm."

Recipients and dignitaries were a combination of Hyrulian, Zora and Goron races. None of the Kokiri or Gerudo races were present and not surprising. The Kokiri were of myth, at best and the Gerudo were mostly prejudiced because of the coup. So it was that each recipient was acknowledged for their contributions towards Hyrule and/or Castle Town as a whole. Almost all of them were either merchants or nobles of a small house. Titles and rupees were awarded to them. While most of them were happy, there could be seen some grumbling from nobles.

Finally, Bato was called up. The man who'd been the Master-of-Ceremonies and beside the king all this time was most likely Rorru, Chief Minister. "Bato of Termina, step forward."

Link shot a glare at Bato as he went towards the throne, kneeling before it. As he did so, there was a feeling of déjà vu, and he thought of the time Zelda and Link saw Ganondorf swearing fealty to the king. Glancing towards his right, he saw the window.

Just like before, a young girl was peaking behind it. Light skin, blonde hair and blue eyes, just like Link. She wore a regal white gown with a blue long sleeved shirt underneath. Decorating her dress was a pink overlay with the heraldry of the Royal Family. She topped up her outfit with a pink and white veil with the Triforce symbol on it.

For the briefest of moments, the two locked eyes on each other. Bato quickly gave a wink and focused his attention on the king. It seemed that none of the others caught on this secret exchange and the king continued. His eyebrows rose with interest, and he nodded slowly. "Bato of Termina. Your deeds have been recognized by myself and members of this court. Although new to these lands, your contributions to the peace and prosperity of this kingdom have been nothing short of exemplary."

"You honor me, my king. I do my duty."

There was a bit of bemusement in his voice. "Truly? You're not a military man. What duty do you refer to?"

"I refer to the duty to take care of the people around me. Those who are without anything. Those who lives crave for justice, when moments present themselves."

"Hm…ah, I see." The king whispered to Rorru for a second and pointed at Link. "The young boy at the back. Step forward."

Link looked bewildered for a moment. Bato smiled and jerked his head towards the king. At once, Link came quickly and knelt before the king.

"It's you. The same boy who saved us. Remarkable." The king turned to Bato. "Do you know this boy?"

"This is Link. I found him in the forest one day, injured. I looked after him during his recovery and when taken to the church, they requested me to take him in. Canoness Aita can attest to this fact."

"Do you realize how special this boy is? He notified us of a plot of greatest treason. The lives he saved are countless, and it's this that we still have peace today!" He looked pointedly at Link. "I sought to reward him, but he had left soon after. None of us had seen him, until now."

Link didn't say anything. He kept on looking at Bato, with fearful eyes.

Irony. Link and the others bashed him about snubbing the court, but here he was doing the same thing! Looking at him, who was fidgeting a little, Bato quickly recovered. "I ask for your mercy, my king. It was because of a personal matter of great import that called to him that he couldn't stay and meet with you."

"What, pray tell, is this personal matter that supersedes the summons of the king?! The boy can speak for himself!" One of the members of the court shouted. "He did so when he spoke of Ganondorf's coup!"

Eyes were on the boy. Link could only look down. The noble's words just pissed Bato off even more. "Just because he was able to speak then, it doesn't mean he wants to do it now."

It seemed the king had a similar thought. "Still your tongue and be silent! You are in my court! I will not tolerate such blatant, boorish decorum!" The noble shrunk down as the King looked at Link. "Forgive me, young man. I have still not forgotten the debt I owe you for saving my kingdom. Allow me the honor to reward you and your guardian. Bato of Termina. Link. You have done this kingdom an enormous service. Through your actions, Hyrule has both prospered and saved. I would grant each of you a boon. If it's in my power, I will grant it." Sounds of shock and hushed whispers emerged from the court. Rorru even had a dumbfounded look on his face, and it appeared he was a man who was on top of everything. Link shook his head at Bato, and he felt the same. He had no idea about what was happening.

Bato cleared his voice. "If it pleases, your Majesty, I will request that you would continue to support all reforms that pertain to the well-being of the people."

Considering the request, the King pondered silently on this. "Very well, Bato. I will support all reforms that pertain to the people. But it must be said that even though I might support you such reforms must be passed by the nobles and the council. Are we in agreement?"

"That's all I ask, my King." Bowing, Bato still saw Link not saying anything.

"And for your ward?" The King asked.

"An…audience. With your daughter. With Princess Zelda." Side glancing at the window, he saw Zelda's face blush and duck underneath. Looking at Link, there was a flash of anger and confusion on his face. He was going to have to explain himself to him.

There was a genuine smile on his face. "It was only for a short time, but there was a connection between my daughter and the young man here. He may meet her during the feast later tonight." He sighed. "Bato, you would use your boon once again for the prosperity of my kingdom. I understand that I've put you on the spot like this, so I will allow you some time to think of something more personal."

"I…you are magnanimous to do so, my king."

His tone turned serious. "I would hate to ask you this when you have done so much, but I have a mission of great import that needs to be completed."

"As you command."

The king and Rarro looked at each other, relief shown on their faces. "Very well. Lady Impa of the Sheliah will brief you on this mission. She was the one who suggested for you in the first place."

"Understood, my king." Bato and Link got up and gave a solemn bow. Rarro concluded the ceremony afterward.

"Bato of Termina? What in Din's Blazing Fire was that?" Bato and Link were speaking in confidence in one of the small drawing rooms. They were waiting on the other guests who were changing into something more socially comfortable.

"Well, I needed a good cover story and I kinda said that I came from Termina." Link shot a pointed glare, squinting his eyes. "It was the only land that I had in my head at the time."

"What's this about meeting the princess? I didn't want that! Why did you say that?!"

"I panicked, and I was like 'what boon would Link want' and I said 'Zelda.'" Sighing, it was his turn to question. "You were giving me grief about snubbing the royal family, but you did it first! I don't want to hear anything from you!"

"Like you said! I needed to find Navi!"

"Oh, so you didn't explain that to anyone other than Zelda and 'bounced' off to Termina once the coup business was settled down?"

"T-That's…"

"You're asking me why I said that when you couldn't! You were looking at me like a 'deer in headlights', just begging for me to talk for you!"

"Shut up, shut up!" Link covered his ears, sitting on the sofa. He had a look of confusion and sadness on his face; his eyes closed. "I don't understand half the things you're saying! Stop yelling at me!"

Bato took a step back and breathed deeply. He did use some jargon that was not native to Hyrule. "Bounced? Deer in headlights? How the hell is he supposed to know those things. You're right. You're right, Link. I was being stupid and let the conversation become this heated."

"You are stupid!" Shouting at Bato, he continued to silently shake with his eyes still closed.

There was a knock on the door. "Sir Bato? Lady Impa requests your presence. Are you available now?"

"Well, that was sudden." Bato turned towards the door. "We'll speak on this, later," he said softly. He received no reply as he exited the room.

In another corner of the castle, Bato and the servant made their way to a library. Books stacked on shelves, some of them carrying varied degrees of dust. Beautiful tables and chairs on blue carpet dotted the bottom floor and the second floor were more shelves and books. Quills, ink pots and scrolls were scattered in varied places of the library. All the while, the room itself kept its baroque like style of architecture. Impa was waiting right in the middle of the library. The servant bowed, only Bato and she remained.

She nodded. "Follow me." She led him to a small room. A simple set of chairs and a table. Both sat down across from one another.

"Congratulations are in order, Bato. You are one of the few people that has caused much turmoil within the nobility. They have no idea what to think about you."

Bato crossed his arms. "They can think as much as they want. So long as they don't interfere with my life, we'll get along just fine. You, however." He stared at her. "While I'm flattered for the recommendation, I thought I told you I wasn't going to get involved in the affairs of the kingdom."

"Nevertheless, you're here in Hyrule and as a farmer in this kingdom. What the royals ask, you do. That should be a given. But you present it as a special case. You have knowledge of a time that existed but now doesn't. Hardly any people know about the kingdom's treasures and its secrets. Your presence and your knowledge have been a blessing from the goddesses. A blessing that we would be fools not to take."

"If I refuse?"

Impa matched his bet. "You won't." They were silent for a minute.

"I have little recourse, it seems." Bato shrugged his shoulders despairingly. "So, let's get started. You wanted to brief me on a mission?"

"Correct. First, some fact finding. As you know, the Spiritual Stones were taken in procession by the royal family. The ruby and sapphire were taken back to their respective domains, under heavy guard. We had dispatched more guards to watch them after the attack on the castle. When Ganondorf returned to the desert, we wanted to leave a small contingent of soldiers behind, but Darunia and the Zora King wouldn't allow it. They wanted to protect their sovereignty."

"Fair." Leaving Hyrulian soldiers, though the intention pure, could be considered hostile action. Even though they were allies. It was more of a political issue than a lack of trust. "

The emerald?"

"Still in our possession. We haven't decided on a course of action yet. While it rightfully belongs to the Kokiri, the Deku Tree is dead. The Children of the Forest cannot be counted as proper guardians."

"Agreed. You could keep the emerald at the castle for seven years. That's when a new sprout will emerge.

"Truly, will it take seven years for another sprout?"

"Unfortunately, yes. It will also not be as powerful as the previous Deku Tree. Starting from the bottom and all that."

There was an uncomfortable silence before Impa asked. "As I said before, I won't coerce you into sharing your knowledge. But, as a loyal servant to the kingdom, I must ask this: will you share with us what you know?"

"The future that I know has changed already," he said, dismissively. "It wouldn't apply."

"Nevertheless, whether the information is relevant or not, there are elements that can be used for prevention and protection. For the people, I beseech you."

Bato considered quietly on this. Now that they're in a new timeline, the flow of events that would happen would be changed or non-existent. What if he provides information and a cataclysm happens that would destroy the kingdom? Can he fully trust Impa, or will she put her loyalty to the kingdom first and tell the king? No doubt the king set her up for this. But no. Impa had always been a steadfast ally, and he needed to believe that this one was too.

He grieved a deep sigh. "Fine. But, be forewarned. If you choose to relay this information to his Majesty or anyone else for that matter, I will not be held responsible for anything that happens."

"You have my word. If I share this information, then our fates are in our hands."

So it was that Bato shared Impa everything he knew. The Kokiri, Lost Woods, the Deku Tree, the Spiritual Stones, the Castle, the Temple of Time, the seven-year civil war, the sages, and the medallions. He also relayed what had happened in the primary timeline. None of this was being recorded, and Impa was the sole witness to these things. She stopped him a few times for clarification, but otherwise listened intently.

When it was all done, two hours had passed. Impa got up from her chair. "Let's take a break for now." She walked away from him, and she paced into the main library area.

"I guess the information was a lot, even for her." He just lore dumped the entirety of Ocarina of Time to her while keeping an impassive tone. She had her hands on her hips and nodded up and down. A few minutes later, she returned to the table and sat down.

"You, okay?"

Her visage was grim. "No, I'm not. What you just revealed to me was the worst-case scenario. Ganondorf gains access to the Sacred Realm, obtains the Triforce and rules Hyrule with a destructive fist. The Sages and the princess assisted Link, but he did the work mostly on his own."

"Well, he did have his fairy. But I guess that's a moot point now."

"I knew that boy was special. Ever since he first showed up in the garden. He was destined for greatness from the start. The fact that he lived through this…nightmare and came back to tell us about it speaks volumes about his character."

"Yet, he was still living a life of a wanderer, with nightmares of what happened to him."

"If the princess found out about any of this." She took a deep breath. "I am thankful to him and to you. If you didn't speak, I doubt that any of us would know."

"So, now what?" There was a part of him that was interested in what would happen next. It was a small part, though. He mostly felt apprehension. "Will you tell every one of their roles; of their destinies?"

She was silent, deep in thought. "Honestly. I do not know. That's my problem, not yours."

He wasn't going to get his answer today. "Very well, we'll table it for later. Why don't you tell me about this mission of yours."

"Very well. Ganondorf made his escape into the desert after his defeat. It was there that a civil war broke out between himself and Nabooru, his second. It all started with the slaying of his servants, the witches Koume and Kotake."

"Wow, Twinrova's dead? I bet Ganondorf's angry about that. This applies to me, how?"

"I would like you to liaise with Nabooru and help her stop any immediate threats coming to Hyrule."

Bato flinched at her words. "I am a farmer, not a warrior. I'm hardly the appropriate person to represent the Royal Family in these negotiations. Nor am I an adventurer. Do you know what kind of precedent would be set if a commoner like me were to take an official position of the kingdom in such a short amount of time? The nobles and the council would be in uproar."

"That is why you'll be doing this. Unofficially. We can't afford to send anyone other officials now. Everyone is still reeling from the castle attack, and sending anyone will be considered a sign of weakness. We cannot afford to have fractures in the kingdom now."

"So, you send the most expendable commoner with the best shot of coming out of it alive? Oh, I feel so much better!"

"I told the king the same thing. That you didn't want to get involved with any of our affairs. But despite how it looks on the outside, the balance between the nobility and the Royal Family is fragile, perhaps on the brink of its rebellion. As he put it, 'these are desperate times, and I have little choice.'"

"You've always had other choices, why does it have to be me?" Exasperated, Bato showed signs of frustration. He didn't want to go. Why should he risk his neck for such little gain? What was the gain if he went? But then he thought back to what he said in the throne room and gave a great sigh. "I probably shot an arrow to my knee by committing myself in the throne room. So, I will do what you ask. Make no mistake, however, I won't be sacrificing myself for this kingdom. There won't be any heroic actions or famous last stands. I still want to live this life."

"I understand." Impa gave a wry smile. "You are a farmer, after all."

"Not…funny." He wasn't in a joking mood. The argument he had with Link and now the mission to the desert had really dampened his spirits. "When should I leave?"

"Preferably, sooner rather than later. But I trust you with the ocarina and Link. I think I can trust you to set off at an appropriate time."

"Good." He started to leave quickly.

"What business do you need to complete before starting on this mission?" Bato looked at Impa. She still had that impassive face, but there was a hint of sincerity in her voice. "If we can help you in any way we can, we will."

"Probably some supplies and money. Allow me a month to get all my affairs in order."

"If I may ask, what affairs would that be?"

He didn't look back and mumbled to himself, "planting a seed."