Chapter 1

The Unrest in Hyrule Begins

It was an exceptionally beautiful spring day in the kingdom of Hyrule, and Link (who now works as the protector of the Triforce, but still continues to live in Kokiri Forest) was outside his house talking to Saria while enjoying the nice day.

"Thank the Goddesses for this beautiful day." Link cheerfully called out while he was fixing up his yard.

"Yes, we must offer thanks for this most beautiful afternoon." Saria replied as she approached Link. "So, Link how's life at Hyrule Castle?"

"It's great! Why do you ask?"

"I was just curious that's all. Say, how come you don't live at the castle?"

"Because I'd rather stay here, and take care of my house. Although I will eventually move into the castle."

"When?"

"I don't know, but don't worry I'll still come by and visit."

"Oh, I know."

"That won't be for a while though." Saria just nodded. She then returned to her house while Link continued working on his yard.

Not long after Saria left Link saw that Sir Randof (the Chief Royal Knight) was approaching him. Link was very surprised to see that Sir Randof was in Kokiri Forest. He knew instantly that something was terribly wrong with Hyrule Castle because Sir Randof wouldn't have traveled to Kokiri Forest just to chat. He said, "Sir Randof what brings you to Kokiri Forest? Is there something wrong at the castle?"

"Link I was sent here by the King himself."

Link could tell by Randof's voice that there was most definitely something wrong at the castle. More worried than ever Link demanded, "Well, come on Sir Randof tell me what's wrong!"

"It's awful. The King has been deposed."

"Deposed? By who?"

"His brother."

"What? I thought his brother was still imprisoned for trying to take control of the throne 10 years ago."

"He was, but he escaped three months ago. He came to the castle yesterday. He told the King that if he didn't abdicate the throne effective immediately he'd kill Zelda."

"He's demented."

"I know, but it just gets worse."

"What do you mean?"

"He's already issued several royal decrees, and the Gerudos Gorons, and Zoras have already decided that they agree with his political agenda."

"Oh no!"

"Fortunately, the Kokiris, Hylians, and Sheikahs have sided with the real King."

"What about the remaining citizens of Hyrule; the ones that are of different races?"

"Unfortunately, they haven't taken sides as of yet. Hopefully the majority of them will join us."

"Where's the temporary headquarters that you've undoubtedly set up located?"

"In Kakariko Village."

"Tell me something. Is the public aware of the crisis that is beginning?"

"Yes."

"Then why didn't Saria or Mido bring this to my attention?"

"Because we met with the leaders of the other two races, and after the meeting I instructed Mido and Saria to stay silent about the crisis. I told them to let me inform you of the crisis myself. And now that I have you must come back with me, Saria, and Mido so we can make our plans."

"Do you think that civil war is possible?"

"No. It's inevitable."

"I'll join you momentarily." Sir Randof then left for Kakariko Village accompanied closely by Mido and Saria.

Link went into his house, and once he retrieved his sword and shield he left Kokiri Forest headed for Kakariko Village, and the meeting with The Royal Family.

When Link arrived Sir Randof said, "Ok King Ardus now that Link's here you can begin."

"Very well. As of this morning I am no longer the acting king. My evil and tyrannical brother Baris has taken control of Hyrule. But what you may not know is this: the Gorons, Zoras, and Gerudos have sided with his evil agenda. Unfortunately, this means that in order for Hyrule's peace to be restored we will most likely have to plunge the kingdom into civil war." King Ardus is an elderly man with a long white beard. He wears a blue robe adorned with beautiful designs of gold and silver.

"Are you sure that this is the proper course of action your Highness?" Link asked. "I mean can we try to talk to Baris before we take such a drastic step?"

"If you want to try and talk with him Link then by all means give it a shot. Who knows; it might just work."

Baris is also an elderly man; unlike Ardus however, Baris is short and chubby. He wears a red robe adorned with blue symbols.

With that Link set off for Hyrule Castle. When he arrived by the guard at the gate he said, "I'm assuming that every guard here was brought in by Baris since all of King Ardus's guards would have nothing to do with him?"

"Correct. Now, what do you want Link?"

"To speak with Baris."

"Very well." The guard let Link enter the castle.

Once he arrived by Baris Link said, "Baris please return control to King Ardus. Otherwise you'll start a civil war that will tear Hyrule apart."

"No. If civil war must break out then so be it! Now leave!" Defeated Link returned to Kakariko Village.

"How'd it go my boy?" King Ardus asked.

"Not too well. He's ready for war. I guess we'll have to just wait it out and hope the war doesn't come." Everyone shook their heads in agreement. Link and the other people that attended the meeting returned home to await King Baris's next move.