Chapter 32: A Truth Best Left Forgotten.
AUTHORS NOTE):
Apologises for the chapter delay! I've made it larger than standard chapters to compensate :)
Enjoy.
A heavy silence descended upon the chamber, the weight of the accusation hanging in the air like a palpable fog. Even the stoic Sheikah guards, accustomed to the most perilous situations, were visibly unsettled. Noah, frozen in place, felt a cold dread seeping into his bones. The world seemed to have tilted on its axis, and he was the unfortunate epicentre of the impending storm.
As Noah's mind raced, desperately seeking a way out of this escalating nightmare, his body reacted instinctively. With a subtle push from the wall, the room erupted into chaos.
Kajko and the other Sheikah guards formed a protective barrier around Noah, their bodies taut as drawn bows, their silent actions a testament to their loyalty. The opposing knights, in a swift counter, adopted a defensive posture, their eyes fixed on Noah. The once serene chamber had transformed into a battlefield, the air thick with tension.
Trapped in the eye of this storm, Noah felt a surge of adrenaline. He was no warrior, but neither was he a coward. As he drew his Sheikah Slate, he was determined to fight for his innocence.
Lady Impa stepped forward, her voice a steady counterpoint to the escalating chaos. "This is a grave misunderstanding," she declared, her voice firm but laced with desperation. "This man is my honoured guest and will not be taken from me without proof." Her eyes flashed with defiance as she met Lady Amelia's gaze.
Lady Amelia's lips curled into a predatory smile, revealing a flash of sharp teeth. "Are you protecting the murderer of one of the Goddess's chosen servants?" Her voice was a venomous whip, each word a lash. "This is no mere accusation, Lady Impa. We have evidence."
"We aided in the investigation into the cardinal's murder," Lady Impa countered, "and found no evidence linking any man, let alone this one to the crime."
"What a convenient coincidence," Lady Amelia retorted, her voice laced with venom. "That your investigation revealed nothing about your own guest."
Lord Rode, ever the opportunist, interjected, his voice smooth as oil. "Ladies, this is no time for accusations. The matter at hand is clear. A crime has been committed, and we have a suspect. Justice must prevail." His gaze swept the room, taking in the tense standoff. "Until this man's innocence is proven, he must be detained."
A murmur rippled through the crowd as his words sank in. The knights, emboldened by their lord's command, began to close in on Noah.
Lady Amelia's smile twisted into a predatory grin. "And I accuse him of a heinous crime, a murder so vile that the Goddess herself will turn away in disgust. We cannot allow such a wicked man to walk free."
Her voice, dripping with feigned innocence, continued, "I have no desire to force your hand, Lady Impa. But can you truly believe the other cardinals will tolerate this? How will the other kingdoms view your inaction? This is a matter of grave concern for the entire realm."
Lady Impa's resolvehardened, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of desperation. "Then I will become their enemy." Her voice was steady, unwavering. "I will not sacrifice my honour or my judgment for political expediency." Her gaze locked with Amelia's, a silent challenge.
At Lady Impa's declaration, a collective wave of surprise swept through the room. Even her own Sheikah guards seemed taken aback by the intensity of her defiance. Lady Amelia's carefully constructed facade wavered for a moment before she regained her composure.
"For you to go to such lengths for this boy..." Her words were deliberate, each syllable a carefully placed stone. "Who is this boy, that commands such devotion? Is there something you're not telling us, Lady Impa?"
'It doesn't make sense.' Noah mused, looking at the interaction in silence.
Noah, lost in thought, observed the escalating tension. He had never heard of these cardinals before. This accusation, levelled against him, seemed out of place, almost orchestrated. Was this a power struggle between Lady Impa and Lady Amelia, or something more?
A cold rationality began to form amidst the chaos. This was a trap, carefully laid, and the noose was tightening around his neck. But Noah didn't understand where the rope was tied. He could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him.
Well it wasn't hard to tell it was orchestrated, the timing was just too perfect. And Noah of course, hadn't done shit. But the escalating situation made this even worse, Lady Impa would never give up the chosen hero which means she'll do whatever she can to win over this situation.
The consequences of such determination may be severe.
'Should I escape using the Sheikah Slate?' A quick Brightstep and he could vanish, but that would only worsen the situation. The last thing Noah desired was to make the situation worse for Lady Impa, the women who has been helping him. Fear gnawed at him, but a cold rationality began to form, Noah breathed out as he steeled himself for what was to come next.
Lady Impa's mouth opened, a silent plea forming on her lips, but the words were cut short. Noah, sensing the impending doom of their situation, made a desperate gamble. His eyes flashed with an brown intensity that belied his usual calm demeanour as he activated the Sheikah Slate.
A blinding blue light enveloped the room, disorienting everyone present. The Sheikah guards, their senses heightened by the previous tension, reacted instinctively, their weapons drawn in a defensive posture. Their bodies tensed, forming a protective barrier around Lady Impa, their eyes scanning the room for any potential threats. The knights, mirroring their actions, were thrown into chaos. Their formations broke down as they struggled to adapt to the sudden change. Swords clashed, and shouts echoed through the chamber as the two factions prepared for an imminent clash.
In the heart of this maelstrom, Noah rematerialized in the most unexpected of locations: Lord Rode's chair. With a casual nonchalance that belied the gravity of the situation, he crossed his legs and rested his feet on the polished oak table. His voice, when it finally came, was a stark contrast to the escalating pandemonium.
"I surrender," he declared, his tone firm and unwavering. The words hung heavy in the air, a stark counterpoint to the escalating chaos.
A stunned silence fell over the room. Everyone, from the enraged Sheikah guards to the perplexed council members, was frozen in place, their minds struggling to process the unexpected turn of events. Lady Amelia's carefully constructed facade of control faltered for the first time, replaced by a look of genuine surprise.
Lord Rode, his face a mask of confusion as he fell against the wall where Noah was once standing, stammered, "What... what did you say?" His voice was barely audible over the din of the clashing swords. One of his guards, a burly man with a grim expression, moved to stand protectively behind him, sword drawn. The other knights, sensing the sudden shift in the situation, began to retreat, their initial aggression replaced by a cautious uncertainty.
Even Lady Impa, her face a mask of concern, seemed momentarily caught off guard by Noah's abrupt surrender. Her eyes, filled with a silent plea for understanding, conveyed a message that resonated with Noah: What are you doing?
Lady Amelia, still reeling from the shock, managed to stammer out, "What do you mean, you surrender?" Her voice was laced with disbelief.
Noah nonchalantly rolled his eyes towards Lady Amelia. "Did the Goddess not bless your ears with sound? I said I surrender, arrest away."
Lady Impa, her voice rising in desperation, exclaimed, "Link, no! This is a trap!"
Noah merely smiled. "What's wrong? I've been accused of something, right? Well, I didn't kill anyone, so it's not like I need to worry. The Goddess will decide my guilt, right? Well, luckily for me, I just happen to be the patron saint... perhaps even a hero to speak of."
Lady Impa's face paled. She could see the trap closing in, but with Noah seemingly resigned to his fate, her options were limited. She glanced at her guards, considering a desperate rescue attempt, but Noah's cold, determined gaze dissuaded her.
With a heavy heart, Lady Impa turned to Lady Amelia. "He is to be treated kindly, and as your guest," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "In line with the laws decreed by the King, you have six hours before you are to release or charge him. And if you do charge him, you are to consult me before making it official."
Lady Amelia, still caught off guard, nodded slowly. "He will be treated with kindness, as the Goddess believes," she replied, her voice dripping with false sincerity. Despite her outward calm, her eyes flashed with a predatory glint as she contemplated her next move.
Lord Coin, sensing an opportunity to regain control of the situation, cleared his throat. "Perhaps we should continue this discussion in a more... civilized manner," he suggested, his voice steady.
Within seconds, two knights, their faces a mask of confusion, approached Noah. With a curt nod from Lord Rode, they escorted him from the room, their eyes darting between Noah and the rest of the room as if trying to make sense of the bizarre turn of events.
Within seconds, Noah was escorted from the room by two knights, their faces a mask of confusion as they tried to reconcile the man before them with the accusations levied against him. Their eyes darted between Noah and the tense atmosphere of the chamber, as if seeking clues to unravel this perplexing situation. With a silent nod from Lady Impa, a gesture that held a weight of unspoken concern, they led him out of the building and into a waiting carriage.
Alone in the carriage, Noah allowed his mind to race. The silence was deafening, punctuated only by the rhythmic clip-clop of the horse's hooves against the cobblestone. Before he could fully delve into his thoughts, a figure materialized out of thin air. A woman, clad in the distinctive Link's Stealth Set, appeared before him. Her hand, a blur of motion, held a glowing talisman that flickered into nothingness, leaving behind an aura of ethereal energy. Her posture was taut, every muscle in her body poised for action, as if ready to vanish into the shadows at a moment's notice.
Noah couldn't help but stare. She was exceptionally young for an assassin, her features still bearing the marks of adolescence. A strange familiarity tugged at his memory, but he couldn't quite place it. Her presence was a stark contrast to the mundane surroundings, a jarring intrusion into his thoughts.
Her gaze met his, and she seemed to hesitate, as if caught off guard by his scrutiny. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could utter a word, another talisman appeared in her hand. A flash of light, and she was gone, leaving only her voice echoing in the carriage.
"Let's leave," she said, her tone urgent, laced with a sense of impending danger.
Noah's brow furrowed in confusion. 'You needed to go invisible to say that?' but he quickly moved on. "Why would I leave?" he replied, his voice laced with disbelief.
The assassin hesitated, her voice filled with uncertainty. "W-what do you mean?"
"Give me a second to think," Noah responded, his annoyance evident.
A few moments passed in silence. Noah ran through the events of the past few minutes, trying to piece together the puzzle. Finally, a sense of calm washed over him.
"She won't charge, or even harm me," he said confidently.
The assassin's voice returned, filled with confusion. "I don't understand. You're accused of murdering a cardinal. It's a grave sin…"
Noah nodded slowly. "I'm aware, but if there is one thing you need to understand about me. Is that I absolutely do not put myself in harm's way unless I'm confident I can survive, or benefit from it."
There was a long pause, Noah continued believing the assassin still didn't follow. "The allegation is fabricated," Noah continued. "No one in that room truly believed it. That's exactly why Lady Amelia did it. It was a strategic move to limit Lady Impa's options. As for why…"
"Because you're the hero?" the assassin suggested.
Noah hesitated. "To be completely honest, I'm not sure. But Lady Amelia never once showed any kind of interest in that meeting, she seemingly didn't care if the village's gates were opened or not. After I was revealed, her focus shifted solely to me."
"But by arresting you, a guest in relation to her it'll work to undermine her authority." the assassin countered.
Noah shook his head. "That would only work if I were found to be guilty, accusing someone important to Lady Impa of such a grave crime is a risky gamble. If it is revealed that I am in fact innocent, the plan would only backfire on Lady Amelia."
"Which meant her actions was for a different reason, something separate from Lady Impa." Noah paused, before a frown marred his face. "She was after me."
"But how did she find out about you?" the assassin asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
Noah shrugged. "That's a hole in my theory. But given her reaction, she was undoubtfully looking for me, or found a sudden interest in me. For now, it's best to go along with this until I figure out her intentions."
Noah's hands uncurled, and nested inside them was a pink fairy, that was conveniently silent after revealing him. No matter how many times Noah shaked the lightbulb it refused to say or do anything but follow him.
There was another pause. "I don't know if I can follow you," the assassin admitted.
A small smile crept onto Noah's lips. 'That's also another reason to go, escaping the Sheikah influence temporarily would be beneficial.' He mused internally, but spoke differently. "I won't put you in danger. Stay outside. If I need help, I'll send you a message, and you can pass it on to Lady Impa."
The assassin was silent for a moment before responding. "Yes, Master Link. I will not fail you." Her voice held a reverence that surprised Noah. It seemed she had already placed him on a pedestal, something likely undeserved.
Although between the Sheikah and this Noah felt he was swimming between two raging currents that threatened to drown him.
He had, of course. Simply had to swim and stay above the waters.
The carriage ride was interminable. When the doors finally swung open, Noah found himself standing before a peculiar structure. The local Church of Kakariko Village was markedly different from the intricate Sheikah architecture. It was carved into the mountainside, a simple, almost austere building with a singular stone carving of a woman holding grapes.
The knights escorting him halted abruptly, their attention focused on something beyond Noah's line of sight. Their bodies tensed, and their hands instinctively moved towards their weapons, a silent warning of potential danger.
"What's going on?" Noah inquired, his voice laced with curiosity. The sudden change in their demeanour was unsettling.
The knights remained silent, their gazes fixed on a point beyond the carriage. Noah craned his neck, trying to see what had captured their attention. A moment later, three figures emerged from the church, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of the disappearing sun. Clad in pristine white cloaks, they formed a stark contrast against the rustic backdrop of the mountainside. Their appearance was almost otherworldly, as if they had stepped out of a religious painting.
'I'm getting sick of seeing these smiles.' Noah thought
"Praise be the goddess," they chorused in unison, their hands clasped to their chests. The knights returned the gesture, though their enthusiasm seemed somewhat muted.
One of the trios stepped forward. He was a young man with tousled brown hair and a sprinkling of freckles across his nose. Noah felt a strange sense of familiarity as their eyes met.
"Thank you, knights, for escorting our guest," he said, his voice clear and resonant. He didn't once glance at the knights, his focus entirely on Noah. "That will be all."
The guards exchanged confused looks, but ultimately nodded in agreement. With a final glance at Noah, they turned and disappeared back into the carriage.
As the carriage pulled away, the young man turned his attention back to Noah. "Welcome to our Church. A room has been prepared for you. My name is Anthony, and I serve the Saintess during her temporary stay in the village."
Noah nodded curtly, his mind still reeling from the events of the past few hours. "Thanks for having me, I suppose," he replied, his voice flat.
"It's our pleasure," Anthony said, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Please, let's go inside."
"Shouldn't a prisoner have some guards?" Noah thought, narrowing his eyes.
"A prisoner? I don't see any." Anthony spoke confused. "I only see our valuable guest."
Noah didn't feel more relieved by this though, it meant he was indeed, not being accused of murder. But that made deciphering why he was here more difficult, he didn't expect them to openly receive
With not much choice, Anthony led Noah into the church. Inside, the atmosphere was hushed and solemn. Noah saw people dressed in similar attire to priests and nuns moved about with an air of quiet purpose. The interior was sparsely furnished, with simple carpets and wooden pews. The only light came from a series of candles, casting dancing shadows on the walls.
The silence was almost oppressive. Noah couldn't resist breaking it as the two continued to walk in the hallways. "How does one become an attendant to the Lady?"
Anthony paused, his gaze fixed on a point in the distance. "By the grace of the Saintess and the blessing of the Goddess," he replied, his voice carrying a hint of reverence. "Though I am a recent addition to her service."
Noah nodded, trying to appear uninterested. "And what did you do before that?" he asked, hoping to glean some information about the man before him.
A subtle shift in Anthony's demeanour caught Noah off guard. His smile widened, almost too brightly, revealing a flash of something akin to pride. "I was the attendant to the late Cardinal Ceril," he said, his voice filled with a sense of loss.
The words hung heavy in the air. Noah's mind raced, trying to process the information. "Is he actually dead?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
Anthony nodded solemnly, his eyes downcast. "Yes, praise be the goddess," he replied, his voice filled with a sense of resignation.
A wave of nausea washed over Noah. The man's casual acceptance of his boss's death sent a chill down his spine. "Praise be the goddess?" he echoed, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "In what world is that worthy of praise?"
"One in which something is gained." Anthony answered cryptically without hesitation. "Although, you were there, weren't you?" Anthony asked, his voice carrying a subtle undercurrent of accusation.
"I was there? I believe I've made it clear I'm not guilty," Noah replied, his voice steady despite the rising unease.
"No, no, no," Anthony waved his hand dismissively. "We met before, remember?"
The frown on Noah's face deepened as he recalled the first day he arrived in the village. He had walked onto the bridge of Lady Impa's dwelling and found the scene of the crime: a pool of blood and a bloody goblet, surrounded by a mix of Church and Sheikah officials. More importantly, Noah recalled that Anthony had been there.
He hadn't recognised him, he was wearing much fancier clothing now than before.
Noah scoffed inwardly. The man's blind faith was almost infuriating. "I believe I was there in the aftermath," he said, his voice steady. "I remember seeing you."
Anthony's eyes widened in surprise. "You do?" he asked, his voice laced with disbelief. "I remember you as well, I offered you a blessing."
Noah's mind wondered. If the murder had occurred outside Impa's dwelling, how had the killer escaped undetected? The more he thought about it, the more inconsistencies he found in the official story.
Anthony led him to a small, sparsely furnished room. "You may wait here," he said, gesturing towards a wooden bench against the wall. "I will inform the Saintess of your arrival."
Noah nodded, his mind still reeling. He sat down on the bench, his gaze fixed on the door. The room was silent, save for the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards. He was alone with his thoughts, and they were far from comforting.
"Are you there?" he asked quietly, his voice barely a whisper.
There was no response, as expected. The assassin was likely still outside, keeping watch.
Noah felt a growing sense of isolation. He was surrounded by strangers, in a place away from the protection of Lady Impa.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the Sheikah Slate. It was cold comfort, but it was all he had.
The silence within the room was unnerving. Noah grew increasingly anxious, his heart pounding with each passing moment. Whenever he heard footsteps outside the door, his breath caught in his throat. It was like being at the doctor's, unsure who would be called next.
Because of this, Noah was caught off guard fiddling with his Sheikah Slate when the next footsteps opened the door. Startled, he leapt from the couch, the Sheikah Slate falling onto the table.
Lady Amelia stood in the doorway, her presence a stark contrast to the austere simplicity of the room. Clad in a resplendent red dress overlaid with a white fur coat, she was a vision of opulence and power. Despite her blindness, she moved with a grace and purpose that belied her disability. Anthony, her silent shadow, stood behind her, his posture suggesting a readiness to intervene.
Noah felt a surge of unease as their eyes met. There was an aura of authority about Lady Amelia that was both intimidating and alluring. She sat down on the couch opposite him, her posture perfectly erect. The silence stretched between them, a tangible entity in the room.
Finally, Lady Amelia broke the silence. "Fear not, for you are not accused of any crime within these halls and are our guest," she said, her voice soft yet carrying a weight of authority.
Noah subconsciously let out his breath, taking relief and confidence to speak. "I much appreciate that, Lady Amelia. Your eternal beauty and benevolence are surely known to the god-"
Lady Amelia cut off Noah's pre-emptive ass-kissing, "Because the one guilty of such a crime is me," she said, her voice carrying a chilling clarity.
Noah's words deflated from his mouth as Lady Amelia didn't explain.
'…she… killed her own cardinal?'
Noah was at a loss. The woman before him, was supposed to be the embodiment of grace and power, yet she confessed to murder so easily? His mind raced, trying to comprehend the implications of her confession.
Regardless he was no longer confident about his own survivability if someone of her top brass couldn't. Noah had many questions, but only one managed to make it out.
"Why?" Noah asked, his voice barely a whisper. He should be relieved of his situation but wasn't.
Lady Amelia tilted her head, as if considering her answer. "Why did I kill Cardinal Serif? Or why did I accuse you of his murder?" she asked, her voice soft but carrying a weight of finality.
Noah nodded, his mind a whirlwind of confusion. "Both," he replied, his voice barely audible.
"The answer is simple…" she said, her voice taking on a tone of conviction. "Cardinal Serif was unfit. The goddess was unsatisfied with his behavior. For too long he had lived a life of self-indulgence and lived for his own benefit and not for the Goddess. He trampled upon the life she blesses and was a plague that was evil, akin to a monster with no intelligence."
"Truly, what was the difference between him and a Bokoblin? I can't see it." She concluded.
Noah was taken aback by her bluntness. "But to go to that extent?" he protested, his voice rising slightly. Is firing him not an option?" Noah asked, of course such a request was foolish in this world, but Noah wasn't thinking straight enough to notice.
"Firing?" Lady Amelia asked, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Right, I suppose setting him on fire while alive would be a more appropriate punishment for his sins. I apologise. Of course, the Hero no less would know of such a fitting punishment."
Noah was taken aback. That's not what I meant," he stammered, trying to regain his composure. Noah paused, "Hero?" he asked steeling his face.
Lady Amelia nodded her head, a solemn expression replacing the earlier mirth. Her hands, once clasped loosely, now formed a fervent prayer, her eyes closed in concentration. A hushed reverence filled the room as she began to speak, as Anthony behind her held his hands in prayer.
"Oh, benevolent Goddess, hear the supplication of your humble servant. In this hour of twilight, when shadows creep and doubt lingers, we beseech your divine guidance. Your chosen one stands before us once more, a beacon of hope in these darkening times.
He who bears the mark of destiny, the echo of ancient valour, stands revealed. Grant him strength, O Goddess, to bear the weight of the world upon his should-"
Noah's interruption was abrupt, his tone firm. "Stop!" he commanded, his voice cutting through the air, silencing the fervent prayer.
He absolutely did not want to be cursed with such a fate.
"So you did this so you can speak to me?" Noah asked, his voice laced with suspicion. He had expected this much of her plan, to a degree.
Lady Amelia nodded. "Yes. Lady Impa has been remarkably successful in keeping your existence hidden. This was the only way to ensure a private conversation."
Lady Amelia smiled, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Besides, it added a touch of drama, don't you think?
Noah felt a surge of anger. He had been used and he didn't appreciate it. "I don't like being used," he said, his voice firm.
Lady Amelia raised an eyebrow. "We all play our roles, young man. Some are larger than others."
Noah frowned, his confusion growing. "I don't understand. I apologise, but your authority is no different to the other Hyrule family leaders, right?"
"I'm afraid there's a misunderstanding," Lady Amelia corrected gently. "The Hyrule family heads are simply families that make up the nobility of the Hylian Kingdom. Their influence is very little outside of the Eastern Region."
"However, the Church is different. There is a Cardinal supervising their own respective branches in each kingdom in this land. Our influence and power supersede Lady Impa by quite the milestone."
Noah nodded, trying to process this new information. "Then why was it so difficult to get by her?"
"Because she is a clever and mischievous woman," she paused. "Also, the reasoning we hold such authority is because we rarely use it. If we began to do so carelessly, our influence and authority will be limited by the respective rulers of each region."
Noah nodded his head, the pieces slowly falling into place. Perhaps Lady Impa was smarter than he had given her credit for.
"All things considered, meeting you can be considered no different to meeting one of those very rulers, is it?" Noah asked carefully, his tone laced with caution.
"In a manner of speaking," Lady Amelia replied softly, a cryptic smile playing on her lips.
A cold dread washed over Noah. He had grossly underestimated the danger he was in. His identity was revealed to a powerful and ruthless entity. He had willingly walked into this room.
"How did you find out about me?" Noah asked cautiously, his voice barely a whisper.
Lady Amelia smiled; her eyes gleaming with a mysterious light. "Let's just say, the Goddess has her ways of revealing her chosen ones." She paused; her gaze fixed on Noah. "But rest assured, my interest in you is not born out of malice."
Noah was sceptical. "Then what is it born out of?" he asked, his voice filled with suspicion.
Lady Amelia leaned forward, her voice low and intimate. "Destiny," she said, her eyes holding a depth of meaning that sent shivers down Noah's spine. "Your destiny, and the destiny of this world."
A cold silence fell over the room as the gravity of her words sank in. Noah felt a sense of dread and anticipation, as if he was standing on the precipice of a great unknown. He was at a crossroads, he absolutely needed to leave this room without having such a destiny placed onto himself.
However, something was more pressing before he could do so, the very reason he allowed himself to be arrested. Noah's expression became serious. "Such a destiny requires a guide, can I meet the Goddess?" he asked bluntly.
The question hung in the air, a stark challenge. Lady Amelia blinked, surprised by his directness. "You... don't beat around the bush," she managed, a hint of amusement in her voice.
"After all this political nonsense, that's the last thing I want," Noah replied, his tone firm. "To be honest, I actually wanted to meet you because I heard you can speak with the Goddess. For a... uhm, hero like me, this is important."
"Name your price," Noah said sternly, his tone shifting to a more businesslike manner.
He paused, allowing his words to sink in. Then, with a steely determination, he added, "Name your price."
Noah's demeanour had shifted, the casual observer now replaced by a shrewd negotiator. He was no longer a pawn in their game; he was a player, demanding a seat at the table.
Lady Amelia's eyes widened in surprise, replaced by a slow, knowing smile. "You are the Goddess's chosen hero, born to fight the calamity and free Hyrule. How can I possibly charge you?"
Noah raised an eyebrow. "You'll do it for free?" His scepticism was evident.
"Of course," she replied, her voice laced with sincerity. "It is a service I would be doing for my goddess."
Noah remained unconvinced. "Usually, items for free often have the heaviest cost," he countered, his voice low.
Lady Amelia chuckled, a genuine amusement in her eyes. "Is that something you made? It's quite good," she commented, seemingly changing the subject.
Noah ignored the compliment, his focus unwavering. "So how does this work?" he pressed.
Lady Amelia's expression turned serious. "It's not as simple as picking up a messenger bird," she explained. "The Goddess initiates contact, and I respond. It requires specific conditions and preparations."
Noah nodded, understanding dawning on him. "And you need time to prepare?"
She nodded. "Yes. It's a delicate process, and it requires focus."
A sense of anticipation filled Noah. This was a chance to finally speak with the Goddess, his best chance of returning to his own world, to finally get rid of Link's body. It was his chance, to go home.
"I agree," he said, his voice firm. "Let's do it."
The door burst open with a force that rattled the windows, and a young girl, barely out of adolescence, flew into the room like a whirlwind. Her eyes, wide with a mixture of anger and determination, were fixed on Lady Amelia.
"He's innocent!" she declared, her voice echoing through the chamber, cutting through the tense atmosphere.
Noah was startled by the sudden interruption. His gaze darted between the young girl, who he clearly identified as Christa, and Lady Amelia, whose expression had shifted from calm contemplation to one of surprise. A cold dread settled in his stomach as he realized the potential consequences of this outburst.
"Fuck! No! We're going to be hanged!" Noah muttered under his breath, a cold dread settling in his stomach.
"Wait, Christa," he began, his voice calm despite the turmoil within, "it's not as it seems. There's a misunderstanding..."
But Christa was oblivious to his attempts at damage control. Her focus was solely on Lady Amelia. "This is unacceptable!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in pitch. "You cannot accuse him of such a heinous crime without proof!"
Lady Amelia's composure wavered for a moment, her expression a mixture of surprise and amusement. "Calm down, young lady," she said, her voice soothing. "Everything is under control."
Christa, oblivious to everyone's discomfort, continued, "Wait, was I not supposed to barge in yet? Anyway he didn't murder anyone!"
Noah, watching the unfolding drama, was becoming more frustrated, was it truly hard to have a conversation without being threatened, harmed or interrupted?
Christa, however, was not to be appeased. "You cannot simply accuse someone of murder without evidence!" she repeated, her voice filled with righteous indignation.
"I apologize for the interruption," Noah said, trying to diffuse the situation. "Perhaps we should continue this discussion at a later time."
Lady Amelia nodded, her composure restored. "Yes, perhaps that would be best," she agreed. "Regardless, I can begin the preparations, but we cannot start the ritual until after the Bloodmoon."
Noah was forced to cover Christa's mouth who was exploding in anger as he replied. "Is that… so."
Noah couldn't hide his disappointment, but since he was finally able to get what he came for, he didn't mind waiting a little longer.
"Thank you," he said to Christa, his voice sincere. "But for now, let's focus on getting out of here."
Christa nodded, her anger slowly subsiding. "Of course," she replied, her voice still carrying a hint of defiance.
Noah turned to Lady Amelia. "I'll be in touch," he said, his voice firm. With that, he took Christa's hand and led her out of the room, leaving Lady Amelia alone with her thoughts.
As they walked down the corridor, Noah couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. He glanced over his shoulder, but there was no one there. Still, he couldn't shake the sense of being observed.
"We need to get out of here," he said to Christa, his voice low. "This place is not safe."
Afterall, Christa had interrupted the meeting of the Saintess, If Amelia killed one of her four cardinals, something of Christ's position would be easily removable if she felt like it.
He had only been in this world for over a week, yet he had met two powerful figures with a surprising amount of ease. Even despite their height status, Noah thought interacting with them was too easy. Was this world perhaps easy going? Or was he immune to their normal behaviour because he was the Hero in their minds? The people of this world certainly held their fears about their leaders quite highly.
Perhaps he truly was in a rather privileged position. It was hard to tell of course, because he had never seen Lady amelia or Lady Impa really interact with the public. Still, for Lady Amelia, the literal top person of the Church to be in the same village as he arrived was a coincidence he didn't sit well with.
But something was wrong, he simply couldn't put his finger on it.
Christa, her excitement from the previous moment seemingly dampened, nodded in agreement. Her eyes, once filled with wonder, now held a flicker of concern. "You're right," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
As they walked through the corridors, Noah's mind raced. The ease with which he had been drawn into this world of intrigue and danger was unsettling. Lady Amelia's power and influence were undeniable, and her interest in him was a cause for concern. He had to tread carefully, every move calculated.
Christa, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the gravity of the situation. Her eyes sparkled with a childlike wonder as she led him deeper into the church. The labyrinthine corridors were dimly lit, casting long, eerie shadows that danced on the walls. The silence was broken only by the echo of their footsteps and the occasional creak of the old building.
Finally, Christa stopped in front of a heavy, ornate wooden door. Its intricate carvings depicted scenes from religious scripture, and a sense of antiquity emanated from the aged wood.
"What's in there?" Noah asked, his curiosity piqued.
Christa's face lit up with excitement. "You'll see," she replied mysteriously. With a determined look, she reached out and pushed the door open.
The door creaked open, revealing a narrow, winding staircase leading downwards. A draft of cool, damp air swept out, carrying with it a musty scent. Noah hesitated, a sense of foreboding washing over him.
"Is this the exit?" Noah asked, his voice laced with disbelief and a touch of irritation. The sudden appearance of the staircase was unexpected, and the overall situation was growing increasingly complex. He turned to Christa, his tone stern. "And what was wrong with you? Barging in like that, do you understand who you were talking to? That was Lady Amelia, for God's sake!"
Noah's frustration was evident, Christa's impulsive actions were not helping the situation.
"I've never been down here before, but i know there's an exit down here." Christa seemed oblivious to his growing annoyance. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she eagerly awaited his reaction to whatever lay beyond the door.
The staircase descended into a large, cavernous chamber. The air was thick with the scent of dust and antiquity, and the only source of light was a series of torches lining the walls. Noah's eyes widened as the room was filled with dozens of artefacts, collecting dust.
There were ornate weapons, strange and weird machines, and religious relics of indescribable beauty.
Christa, her eyes wide with wonder, darted from one artifact to another, her fingers tracing the intricate patterns and symbols. Noah, however, was more cautious. He moved through the room with a sense of purpose, his gaze scanning the collection with a critical eye.
"What is this?" Noah asked,
"These are the church's collection of artifacts from the Kingdom's past, collected over many, and many years…"
Suddenly, Christa let out a gasp, her voice echoing through the chamber. Noah turned to see what had caught her attention. She was standing in front of a glass case, her finger pointing at an object within.
Inside the case was a small, circler device held by a long purple stick. It had three pointed drilled edges, and a purple rupee in the symbol of an eye in the centre of the artifact.
Noah walked over with haste as he stared at the case with an equal, if not more excitement than Christa.
"What is it?" Christa asked, her voice filled with awe.
Noah's mind raced. This was a discovery of immense significance. "I've seen this before…"
To be more specific, there was only place Noah saw this before. A game, but not Breath of the Wild.
"It's called the Lens of Truth," he said, his voice low. "It's an item from… I don't actually know how long ago."
A surge of excitement and disbelief coursed through him. He had never imagined he would see such a thing in this world. It was absolutely the Lens of Truth from Ocarina of Time, but he was struggling to remember its exact purpose.
Christa's eyes widened in awe. "It's breathtaking," she breathed. "Always my favorite."
Noah chuckled. "I see why. It's quite beautiful." His gaze drifted to her, and a slow realization dawned. "You said you've never been in here before." His tone was gentle but accusatory.
Christa's demeanor hardened. "I-I've heard of it! That's all!"
Noah closed his eyes, a frown tugging at his lips. "You're a terrible liar."
Desperation flickered in her eyes as she clutched her chest. "I'm not lying!"
Noah shook his head slowly. "None of this makes sense."
Noah's mind raced as he tried to piece together the puzzle. Why would Christa, a devout follower of the Church, risk everything by interrupting Lady Amelia's meeting? Their relationship was strong, but not strong enough to warrant such a drastic action. A cold dread settled in his stomach as a chilling realization dawned upon him.
"Is there really an exit here?" Noah asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
Christa's demeanour shifted, her eyes darting away from his gaze. "No," she admitted, her voice barely a whisper.
Before he could respond, she turned and fled, disappearing into the shadows of the cavernous chamber.
Noah was about to give chase when a familiar sensation tugged at his belt. His hand instinctively reached for the Sheikah Slate, and as his fingers closed around it, a familiar weightlessness overcame him.
Looking down, he saw the detached eye of the Sheikah Slate floating in mid-air. "What… are you doing?" Noah asked, becoming fearful.
It hovered for a moment, then began to move towards the glass case containing the Lens of Truth. As it approached the case, the eye glowed an ominous red, and with a surge of energy, it shattered the glass. The Lens of Truth, freed from its confinement, disintegrated into a cloud of purple dust that was quickly absorbed by the glowing eye.
The eye then propelled itself towards Noah, its red glow intensifying. Knowing what was about to come next, Noah attempted to run away but it was useless as it quickly caught up to him as a long thick needle rolled out from the Sheikah eye and pierced his skin, injecting the absorbed energy into his bloodstream. A surge of power coursed through his veins, and his vision blurred as he was enveloped in a blinding light.
But the pain was what Noah was scared against, and for right reason.
"Aaaaaghhhhh!" Noah screamed as a ripping and tearing pain intensified into a sharp burning. The pain erupted from the injection site, spreading outwards like wildfire through his veins. It felt like his very insides were being ripped apart, and he screamed in agony. The blinding light added to his disorientation, making it impossible to see or escape the excruciating torment.
Noah fell onto the ground, slowly crawling. "Help… Christa…." Noah asked, but no one showed. The pain was excruciating, a relentless assault on his senses. It felt as if his body was being torn apart from the inside, every nerve ending ablaze. Noah's vision blurred, and his hearing faded as the world around him seemed to collapse. He could feel himself slipping away, the cold embrace of oblivion beckoning him closer.
Slowly, the intensity of the pain began to subside. The fiery agony transformed into a dull ache, and the blinding light softened into a gentle glow. Noah's vision began to clear, and he was able to focus on his surroundings. The cavernous chamber seemed to expand and contract, and strange, swirling patterns danced before his eyes.
The pain receded, leaving Noah in a state of disorientation. His senses slowly returned, and with them came a flood of memories. Images flashed before his eyes - the hanging bodies from the tree, their lifeless forms swaying in the wind; the Hylian women and child who fell from the bridge, their bodies mangled at the the height; the Great Fairy, her ethereal bud corrupted by an unseen force.
It was as if a dam had burst within his mind, unleashing a torrent of horrifying truths. The eye of his Sheikah Slate, he realised, had not only destroyed the Lens of Truth, but had forced upon him the abilities that it had owned, abilities he had forgotten until now.
Panic set in as the weight of these revelations crushed him. His mind raced, searching for answers, for a way to escape this nightmare. But there were no answers, only more questions. Why had this happened? Why did Christa lead him there? Was she in league with Lady Amelia? The questions piled up,
But more importantly, these memories he was seeing… why did he forget them?
In the game the Lens of Truth revealed to Link to see things that were not visible to the naked eye. Was a side-effect of this ability to recall the things that he was prevented from remembering?
Noah's eyes widened, not at his discovery but from a much more horrifying fact.
Then, a more terrifying realization struck him. As he recalled the scene of the hanging bodies, he remembered not sunlight filtering through the trees, but redlight.
"But that couldn't be right. That would only mean…" A memory surfaced of a crimson glow, a malevolent energy that had seeped into his consciousness.
The Blood Moon, the cursed artifact of Calamity Ganon…
Was already upon them.