Chapter 46: Dealing with Spiders
Zelda glared down at her book and read over the same sentence again. After weeks of asking, cajoling, and finally begging like a commoner, Rauru relented to giving her a book to bring to the castle. And she suspected he only did it because she brought him the Sacred Scrolls. If she did not know Father Rauru better, she'd think him offering her this particular book a mean jape. She'd read it cover to cover, and thought it more challenging than helpful.
It was a treatise written by some unnamed magi long ago. But from the topic and the verbiage, it seemed to be written by a Sheikah. It made certain references to "loyal Needles" who did the writer's will. But beyond that, Zelda made little headway deciphering the text. The author would allude to various magical processes in such a circuitous manner it became indecipherable. They'd repeat certain words in a pattern that Zelda expected were meant to describe some magical process. But what they were, she had nary a clue.
A gentle knock on her door interrupted her.
"What is it?" She called without looking up from the book.
"It is time, your Highness," Impa's voice came through the door.
Already? Zelda shut her eyes and rested her head against the book. "Come in."
"Still laying on your bed?" Impa closed the door behind her. "You're going to be late."
"Then I'll be late. Look at this, Impa. Does it make any sense to you?" She asked, trying to ignore the feeling doing so was some admission of defeat.
Impa walked over her shoulder, quickly scanned the page, then shrugged. "I am a spy, princess, not an inquisitor."
"But you're certain it was written by a Sheikah inquisitor?"
Impa took another look. "Most certain."
"What about this?" Zelda flipped a few pages back. "Whenever the Inquisitor talks about drawing power they speak of 'the drummer in chains' do you have any idea what that is?"
Zelda felt Impa's shadow shift over her head. Something made her uncomfortable. But when Zelda turned to look back to her friend, Impa's expression remained as steady as ever.
"I do not know what that means for certain. But I can ask around if you wish it."
Why bother? The Sheikah will never reveal their secrets. Impa taught her many things, but whenever Zelda asked about anything beyond the art of stealth and misdirection, she never received a straight answer. "It's not important for now, thank you anyway." Zelda got off her bed and smoothed out the front of her gown, giving herself a quick look in the mirror. A proper princess looked back at her, at least proper enough for another war council.
"Any word what this meeting is about?" She asked as they left her room.
"Last night several messengers arrived from the Crown, rumor is they bring with them the entire account of the battle. This morning another message was delivered by Duke Arlan."
"And the Zora?"
"Silent."
"Strange, King De Bon usually gives the longest accounts of them all. At least we'll be spared having to listen to another grandiose way of saying Lord Jabu-Jabu is winning battles for him." As they rounded a corner and down the stairs, Zelda glanced around with a slight and subtle movement that would look completely natural to any onlooker. Just as Impa taught her. Satisfied no one was listening, but still cautious she let her voice go quiet. "And what of that other thing? The stone?"
"My friends have found one. But the current holder of the item in question has proven unwilling to part with it."
"Who is the current holder?"
"Lord Jovanus of house Spinne."
"A noble? I'm unfamiliar with the name."
"Barely, your highness. His house only goes back three generations. They gained their holdings and a minor title for funding the crown during the early stages of the Civil War. Even helping rebuild part of the city after the first of the Gerudo raids."
"Yes- thank you- I remember now, their house has a spider sigil."
"Precisely."
"Is this Lord Jovanus in the city?"
"He is, but has been somewhat unreasonable with my friends when they asked to acquire it."
"I need that stone." Always some complication with these plans, wasn't there? "During the meeting, you will visit him yourself. Let him know that it is important that he gives it to you."
"The family as a whole and the lord in particular have a reputation for giving nothing away."
"You'll figure something out," Zelda said as they reached the meeting chamber.
"Of course, your Highness." Impa opened the large wooden door and held it for Zelda to enter. Guards already stood in position around the room. Her father and Bulira sat at the great table. The lines on the Gerudo's wrinkled face twisted into a slight friendly smile.
This was not an altogether unusual scenario, the Matron Bulira had a friendly way about her. She smiled to everyone, from her fellow matrons to the lowest scullery maid. That did not make watching one of them get close to her father any less infuriating.
"Hello, wise princess," the little woman gave her that same friendly smile, when Zelda took her seat. "I was just talking about you with your father."
Why was father speaking of her to the Gerudo of all people! "Oh," she forced herself to smile. "Good things I hope?"
"Just little stories about how much he loves you."
That made her father's jaw set. Really? That was the tack that she was going to play? There was no way her father would make that the topic of any conversation.
"It was a story of when you were little," the king said. "That is all."
"Oh, but the way he told it," Bulira said. "All stories parents tell of their children are just about how much they love them. Even when the tale is about when they've done something wrong."
Zelda and her father exchanged glances, but did not say anything more. Her throat felt dry as the silence grew between them. It was as if both were waiting for the other to say something. But what was it either could say?
Thankfully, the awkward moment was broken when more of the war council entered. Simple Durrell with his wide eyes and wider smile, with Sir Jora a step behind him holding a stack of papers.
Only taking a moment to place his sword by the front door, the pink cloth tied to the hilt drifting elegantly down from it. Coroto almost rolled in, and sat down with worried excitement, and Lady Selvas strutted in as if knowing all eyes would be drawn to her. Only once all else were seated did the other Gerudo entered side by side, with knowing smirks between them. Or as close as they could get to standing side by side with the Most-Feared filling up the entire doorway to enter.
Zelda made certain her lips didn't curl into a frown. The more she got to know those two the worse she thought of them. Ashdin in particular seemed never happier than when she could be petty and cruel. The servants avoided her as best they could, and if any angered her they suffered beneath her hand. And more than once Zelda thought she saw blood splattered on the Most-Feared's thick cane.
Of course, she had heard that some nobles treated their subjects in harsh manner, but she had never seen it before. Her father, for all his faults, taught her not to abuse those that served them. He was, if anything, too lenient with them, only dolling out punishment for crimes and preferring to forgive minor transgressions. Once a guard got drunk and fell asleep at his post and father didn't even have him whipped as the master-at-arms recommended.
But now she knew why the Most-Feared earned her moniker. The vile woman reveled in making those beneath her squirm.
And Rijya was not much better, worse in some ways. She could be quiet, clever, only speaking once or twice in a whole meeting. But whenever a decision would be made, she always advocated for the most destructive and vindictive course of action. Rijya of the Molduga-Skinners did not just want to win this war, she wanted to destroy all remnants of the enemy and cared little for the cost.
But as distasteful as those two could be, they were nothing compared to Bulira, the false-friend.
Once all the members of the council gave their respects to her and her father and found their seats the meeting began in earnest. The crier at the door stepped forward. "Two messengers from The Honorable Darunia, Chief of the Gorons, Defender of Death Mountain, Guardian of the Crown and its Treasures, Victor of the Battle of River Fires and His Majesty, Ganondorf Dragmire, King of the Gerudo, Lord of the Sands, Victor of the Battle of the Three Spears, of Zirgo Mesa, and Sotari Pass, the Breaker of the Siege of Tarry, and Guardian of the West, for the pleasure of your Majesty, your Highness, and this honorable council."
"Did he say all that in one breath?" Bulira murmured, eliciting a snort of laughter from Durrell.
The crier stepped aside, and two entered the room. The first, a large Goron, his chest and belly covered in swirling dark markings with a necklace of polished stones around his neck. In his massive hands he held two scrolls. A step behind him came what would have been a tall woman in normal company but beside the Goron the Gerudo looked a twig.
The messengers knelt before the council table. "Thank you for seeing us, your majesty," said the Goron. The Gerudo merely nodded her agreement.
"Thank you both for traveling far and quickly to give information on the war," her father said. Speaking slow and dignified, ever performing as the king before his court.
Zelda gave them a polite and completely vapid smile, which she was getting very good at. This entire meeting was a waste of time. Impa had already informed her of the key details of the battle. The Lizalfos were defeated, Ganondorf and dear Darunia had survived. A near complete route of the enemy army. What more could they share that would affect the course of the war?
The Goron moved first and unfurled the largest of the scrolls. "I speak, with the voice of Chief Darunia. To my king and dear friend. I give you word of victory! The battle was hard fought, and many losses were dealt to the enemy. I slew the beast that led the lizards myself." The messenger stopped and glanced to the Gerudo messenger beside him.
She set her jaw and began to unfurl her own scroll. From her eyes it was clear there was some anger or distrust between the two of them. They were kneeling as far away from each other as they could while still being before the king. Was the tension personal or something more?
"But the news is not all good, goro. In the battle the Dodongo broke into the Crown. That which we thought had been impenetrable was overcome. And many died. Far too many. It is also with heavy heart I must warn you. I have learned something foul of our new allies. The Gerudo King, who's name I will not deem worthy to write is not who he seems. We must talk. The remnants of the Lizalfos army must still be dealt with. But I beg you, my king. We must talk in person and soon. Some things I cannot explain in a message."
Zelda's mouth dropped open. What had Darunia learned? Had Link gotten to him? Had her plan worked somehow? Even with Navi captured by the Great Fairy? How had Link gotten away? If he had given the message to Darunia perhaps he was already out of danger with the Ruby and heading to the Zoras.
This was the best news she had heard in days.
"What is that great rock-brained fool talking about?" Ashdin growled, before the rest of the council could react. "Those blasted stone-men have always hated us."
"What kind of voe betrays the army that saved him?" Rijya said.
"I know Chief Darunia." Zelda tried to make her voice and appearance dispassionate, but she found herself leaning forward in her chair. "He would not lie, and he would not betray anyone. Coroto, you know your chief he must have good reason for anything he writes."
She looked to the Goron ambassador, but his eyes were far away, he did not appear to be listening at all. What good is an ambassador that doesn't pay attention? Next she looked to her father.
The king's brow furrowed, as he did when he was trying to think through a problem. Often just before he made another mistake. "That is ill tidings. A great deal of the war effort rests on King Dragmire's shoulders."
"You'd have to be a drink-addled fool to throw away all our plans because of one liar's words."
"He is not a liar!" Zelda spoke again, too loud, too emotional. But she could not rein herself back in. "He is friendly and kind. He would not write this if he did not believe it to be true. Father, think, what if-"
"And how the little one squeaks," Ashdin snarled. "Forgive me sire, but your daughters hatred for my people is widely known. How do you expect our alliance to hold with these… these..."
"Accusations," Rijya provided.
"These accusations," Ashdin nodded to her counterpart, "your daughter is trying to tear your kingdom apart."
"I hold nothing dearer than the continued unity and safety of my kingdom," Zelda said. "I have made peace with your king and have no ill will against him or your people. But only a fool disregards the tidings of a loyal friend, the king's own sworn brother, and my uncle by oath."
Matron Ashdin opened her mouth before shutting it again as she tried to formulate some kind of argument in that melon head of hers. What would her next tactic be? Zelda needed to play the game smart, no more mistakes. Remember the lesson of harsh punishments. What would she say if Ashdin attacked her age? Her inexperience? Better young and intelligent than old and a fool. No, too biting, do not provide fuel to the rumor of her hatred for Gerudo. The young are not so set in their ways, ofttimes we may see what those with experience gloss over. Better, but what if she attacks something else?
Before she could think of the next exchange in the battle of wit, Bulira spoke. "Dear Coroto," her voice calm and gentle. "What is wrong?"
Only then did Zelda notice the Goron was shaking. "The Crown," he rasped. "They made it into the Crown?"
Zelda's stomach sunk as she remembered where the Goron ambassador's family lived.
"I have another message," the kneeling Goron said. "From Chief Darunia to the Ambassador, may I rise and approach him?"
"You may," her father said.
As the Goron messenger stood up, the Gerudo kneeling beside him spoke. "If I may give the account of the battle from my king, I believe any question of loyalty among my people will be answered. It is unfortunate, but my king and the Goron chief suffered a rather public disagreement over the battle."
The king beckoned her to speak. The Gerudo opened her scroll to tell a tale about battle lines being changed, while the two Gorons huddled together.
"The chief warns that you may wish to open this in private," the Goron messenger whispered, though less quiet than he likely wished. Regardless, Coroto ignored him, tearing open his chief's seal and near ripped the parchment as he unrolled it.
The Gerudo was halfway through her rambling when Coroto wailed. The scroll fell from his fingers and clattered against the table. Every eye went to Coroto.
"Dead," he said. "All dead." His head fell into his hands, and the wail grew loud again, as his stony fingers scratched at his own hardened flesh. "Nobek, Godago. Oh Goddesses." Another wail tore through the council chamber.
Ambassador Selvas edged away from him, as far as her chair would allow. Bulira sprang up and rushed to his side to wrap her arm around Coroto's shoulder.
The Goron sobbed and clutched onto her. The old woman's face twisted in pain, as the massive stone hands wrapped around her arm. But she did not pull away or admonish him. Instead, she whispered something to the Goron and held him tight.
"Your majesty," Sir Jora stood scattering several of the papers in front of him. "I request that I be excused and allowed to escort Ambassador Coroto to his chambers."
"Granted," her father ushered the knight forward. "Help him."
Everyone in the room stood quiet as the knight moved to the sobbing Coroto. Everyone, except the two Gerudo matrons. Rijya leaned close to Ashdin and whispered something quick. Perhaps only a single sentence, but the effect it had on the Most-Feared was as obvious as it was hateful. The woman's lips split into a wide grin as she watched Coroto.
They were laughing at him. Joking at his loss. How dare they? Zelda's heart pounded in her chest. How dare they! She should shout at them! Let everyone in the room know them for the vile snakes they were.
She opened her mouth to say something, only for Coroto to take one step and fall to his knees with a loud crash.
"Here," the squire Durrell stood up as well. "Let me help."
"No," Zelda said before her father could say anything further. "You still have to give your uncle's account of the eastern front. I will see to the ambassador."
Durrell looked at the King, and Zelda did as well. Please father. If I stay with these Gerudo for much longer I might do something I will regret. Please just let me go.
"Highness, see to him. Make certain he is well." The king leaned back in his chair and beckoned for the two messengers to continue their account of the battle as Zelda moved to stand beside the Goron.
She took hold of one of his massive arms along with Bulira, the knight Jora at Coroto's other side.
"Come on Coroto," Zelda said, trying to make her voice sound calm. Though in truth she could not keep the bite of anger from her words. But if Coroto could tell, he did not say. Perhaps he was too deep in sadness to understand much of what surrounded him.
"We're here with you," she tried again. "But we can't lift you alone. Ambassador, you must stand."
Still shuddering and sobbing the Goron placed one foot on the ground and lifted himself up.
"There we go, my friend," Jora said. "We have you." Though Zelda doubted if any of them could hold Coroto should he fall again.
"Thank you," Coroto mumbled as he took another step. He seemed steadier on his feet but moved in jagged bursts. Taking two or three steps before he needed to summon up the strength to go on.
While Zelda led the ambassador around the table and out the door, the two messengers continued bickering over details of the battle. The doors to the council chambers shut behind them, beautifully silencing the pair. When she found time, she'd ask Durrell what else occurred for the remainder of the meeting, though she doubted it would be anything important.
"There now, one step at a time," Bulira said as they led the stone giant through the halls of the palace. Coroto had stopped crying, but still moved as though he was half in his grave himself.
Through her life, Zelda had seen several people overcome with sorrow. Ladies in waiting who had their hearts broken, or servants huddled in a corner trying to control themselves. Once she found a palace guard drunk and inconsolable slumped over and muttering all his sins to the Goddesses.
The worst she ever saw came the morning after the moblin assault. But she had been shielded from most of the carnage of that night. She'd cried upon realizing she would never again see several guards and servants she'd known her entire life. And she mourned with the rest of the castle during their funerals.
But nothing she ever felt compared to the grief she now witnessed. Coroto did not look up, his mouth hung half open and his reddened eyes stared unblinking at the ground. He looked as if all the joy of the world had left him behind.
It reminded her of what Impa said of her father, how he was inconsolable after her mother was taken from them.
At least Zelda could be here with Coroto. Would that make him loyal? Would it show that she is as worthy of fidelity as her father or Ganondorf? She hoped it would.
As they traversed the castle grounds, that thought did not leave her. Was she only doing this because it would benefit her politically? Well no, she had offered to come with him to get away from the other Gerudo, especially the two vile matrons.
But, that's also a political reason, isn't it?
Was that everything she was doing? Pretending to be nice just to make herself look good?
Was that even a problem? After all she would be queen. She had to keep the priorities of her territory foremost in her mind. But it felt wrong all the same. What would Rauru say? Probably something vague about the Goddesses or a story about empathy. Little good that did her now. Why did she have to overthink everything and make it all so complicated?
Couldn't she just care for a man in sorrow without analyzing every little detail? She tried to keep her attention on the ambassador, but still, her mind wandered in silent self-judgment.
After far too long, they reached Coroto's chambers and laid him onto the great granite slab Gorons slept upon instead of beds. They stood around him, with Bulira resting a hand on his shoulder until his eyes closed and the sputtering tortured breathing slowed.
"Someone should stay with him," Bulira whispered when they were certain that Coroto was asleep. "I have known many who have faced this loss. When he awakens, that will be near as cruel a time as when he opened the letter. For some, even worse." She looked to Zelda and Sir Jora before her eyes sunk to the ground. "I'd do it myself but… I can't."
"You can't?" Zelda whispered back.
"There are… I have… people coming to see me tonight. I cannot keep them waiting."
Was that fear in her voice? A trepidation over those she would meet? Whatever else Bulira was, she was still a Gerudo. She may be the kindest of them, but she would always remain an enemy.
"No matter," Jora whispered. "I only have letters I wish to write. One of them to your daughter, as it happens. I can stay with our friend tonight."
"Thank you, Sir Jora."
"Yes," Zelda could not take her eyes away from Bulira. "Thank you, Sir Jora. Should Ambassador Coroto need anything feel free to call for me or my father."
"I will, your highness."
Zelda paced across her room while Impa watched her, standing motionless by the door. "There's something happening tonight. I can feel it."
"I cannot be everywhere at once, your Highness," Impa said. "I can tell one of my friends to watch the matron. But if you wish to obtain that stone, it must be done tonight."
"Why does everything always happen all together?" Zelda said. "And why is this Jovanus being so obstinate?" The man had refused to even see Impa and left her standing at the door for over an hour before sending his servant to make arrangements without letting her past the gate.
"I could not say, your highness."
"Don't 'highness' me, Impa. That only annoys me."
"Most things do when you get like this. Breathe, Zelda. Getting excited doesn't help anything."
Zelda glared, even if she knew Impa was correct. Breathe in. Breathe out. Recognize the emotions, see them for what they are, what they're trying to tell you. But do not let them control you.
She shut her eyes and let herself think through all the information she had available. "The stone is too important. Navi needs us. We will meet with Lord Spinne tonight but have your best man watching Bulira's door. I want to know who visited her first thing in the morning. Before I break fast."
"I'll see to it now. Be ready by nightfall." Impa left the room to go about her duties.
It was easy enough to prepare, she had numerous elegant dresses to choose from. She called for one of her handmaids to help her get into the dress and attach the appropriate amount of jewelry to her person. Exactly the amount to denote her prestige and power without descending into garish opulence.
Since Lord Spinne refused the subtle approach, then she would overwhelm him with splendor. Let him know that he was dealing with the power of the throne, not some waif at the market.
The dress felt like a second skin. She would be as regal as her father, as beautiful and clever as her mother, and as cunning as a Needle. The servants finished with time to spare, so Zelda dismissed them and returned to the work of the Sheikah Inquisitor. Though she took the book to her desk, so as not to rumple her clothes. The drummer in chains. Such an interesting phrase, it must mean something. Was it some kind of magic item? But wouldn't they refer to it as chained drums then? Did a person grant the Sheikah their power? Like those who draw magic from fae or spirits. But she had never heard of any powerful magical creature referred to as a drummer.
Even if she uncovered this mystery, would it even matter? The work was centuries old. Whatever the drummer may once have been, it was surely dead now. Yet all knew the Sheikah Inquisitors worked with some kind of magic. That was part of why they remain feared to this day. So, they must still draw their power from somewhere.
Unless it was all a trick. The greatest misdirection of the Sheikah people, to make all believe they wielded greater power than they truly held. Though that would mean either Impa was lying to her, or they convinced her as well. Neither seemed likely.
She read through the book once more and started over at the beginning by the time Impa returned. With no new revelations, she was more than ready to put the book down.
Together they left the castle, but not alone. An escort of guards surrounded them as they made their way through the city street, and six servants trailed behind. People bowed and scraped to her as she passed. Those that drew too close the guards pushed back with a warning growl.
Too harshly by Zelda's reckoning, but she was not going to reprimand them now. A princess must look a princess. She held her chin as high as her young neck could go. She must be regal but also loved. She gave a signal to her servants and they started distributing food that remained from the night's supper.
That would get them to love her, certainly.
As word of her generosity spread, more of the common folk followed her. They made their way to Lord Spinne's city-house, deep within the wealthiest neighborhood of the city. The Spinne Manor was larger than most, with great steel gates and a stone wall that made it look a fortress. The spider banner draped from the upper windows was woven on cloth of gold. Even the bushes and trees that filled the yard did not seem to have enough natural beauty for this Lord Spinne, as they twinkled with fine jewels. He must have guards posted every five feet day and night to protect such wealth just out in the open.
The cohort of townspeople behind her created quite a racket as they noticed the riches as well. Many of them may have never come up to the hills where the wealthy lived. A few gems from a tree would be all it took to feed a man for a lifetime if they were careful enough with their rupees.
Sir Bors stepped forward and addressed those within the gate. "Tell your Lord Spinne that Princess Zelda has arrived for their appointed meeting."
"Of course," one tall man with a heavy brow, wearing clothes fine enough to be a lord himself, bowed. "Unlock the gate and let Lord Spinne's guests in at once. Please, let us see to your horses and men." Other servants moved around him as the steel creaked open. One took hold of the reins of Zelda's horse. Others offered refreshments to Lady Impa and the guards. "However, my master does humbly request that you disperse the crowd that followed you here. He finds it unbecoming to have such outside his home."
"How can the people of Hyrule be unbecoming?" Zelda asked as Impa helped her to the ground.
"Ahh," the servant bowed again. "You must ask my lord master. I'm afraid such philosophical questions are well beyond me. But he does humbly insist the crowd disperses just the same."
Insists this time, not requests. Zelda weighed her options, having the people behind her provided an aura of power. But would she need them after she had entered the house? "Sir Bors," she turned to Royal Knight. "See that everyone who has followed us here has been given some friendly token, then send them on their way. Peacefully."
"As I can," the knight nodded.
"I worry that a firmer hand may be needed," the servant said. "Your highness has a kind heart. But it is my master's position that such people when shown a coin or two will do whatever they can to get more. Yes, a harsh hand is needed when dealing with them."
"Then it is a good thing that I am princess, and not your master. Sir, disperse them peacefully."
The knight gave her a thin smile before nodding and calling the guards to him for instruction.
"Now, that sorted. Take me to your master."
Within the house proved as gaudy as without. Every surface seemed to have some sort of gold or jewel on it. Tapestries lined every wall of every corridor. Even the house-servants were in finery that many nobles would consider extravagant. Was that this Lord Spinne's own method of negotiation? She brought the power and people of the crown to the table. Jovanus Spinne brought wealth.
The servant stopped before large doors, he knocked once and stepped back.
"She may enter," came a voice from within. The servant heaved open the door, and revealed Lord Spinne's room of business, by the look of it. The man sat behind a desk, much larger than himself. Its rich dark brown color made it look to be Deku wood, or Lord Jovanus had spent many rupees to make it appear as such.
And that would be the far cheaper of the two options.
On the desk, rupees were arranged by color and size, with two scales at the corners of the desk, one for smaller rupees the other for large. A stained-glass window sat behind him, though it was too dark to see the colors, it looked to be in the shape of a rose.
Likely designed in such a way that the light could make the colors of the rupees all the more beautiful.
"Princess Zelda," the man said as he looked up from his papers and coins. He had the decency to stand before her, at least. His clothes were as elaborate and flowing as any she had seen worn by nobles at court, but the man beneath them looked far less impressive. A short skinny man, with long flowing locks of hair and thick sideburns. All impeccably groomed, though the top of his head had started to bald, despite his seemingly young age.
"Lord Spinne," she took a chair before the desk and motioned for him to sit. Impa went to her side, just as the servant that led them here went to his master.
"What a pleasant surprise," Jovanus smiled as he sat. "It is rare that a member of the royal family would come to see my meager home." He gently picked up several rupees from his desk and placed them off to the side. Not that they were truly in the way of Zelda seeing him, the move seemed calculated. Just one more means of demonstrating just how wealthy this man was.
It might even have been a winning move in most of his business dealings. But Zelda had seen wealth before, and frankly, all the wealth in the world was far less impressive than what she had seen in the vaults of the Temple of Time.
"It is not often a member of the royal family feels the need to handle such affairs in person," she held up her nose as best she could. Make it look that the simple art of making deals was beneath her. "And rarer still that someone insults Lady Impa, my attendant, who when conducting my business speaks with my voice."
"Only 'Impa', surely," Spinne leaned back in his chair.
"Pardon?"
"She can only be referred to as 'Impa,' not 'Lady Impa.' She has no titles, no holdings."
"What does-"
"If she has no holdings she is not a noble. If she is not a noble she does not have the right to the title 'lady.'" He looked up at the greatest Needle in the world and smiled. "By the eyes of the law she is no more than a nanny, and I do not do business with low servants."
Zelda gripped the arm of her chair. Everyone called Impa, lady! Every guard, every cook, and cleaner. They all gave her the respect she more than earned. Even her father referred to her as a lady! What did it matter if she was a servant? She had to be worth ten of this coin-counter whose family bought his titles. She looked over her shoulder to see how Impa would take such an insult. But her guard and dearest friend showed nothing. Not a single change in her expression. As if the words of this man did not matter to her in the slightest.
Zelda took a breath and smiled. "You'll have to excuse me. As royalty, I must confess I sometimes see little difference between my personal servants and someone of the lower aristocracy such as yourself."
Jovanus jaw clenched, his muscles shifting his sideburns. But what was he to do? He could not throw out a princess, no matter how much she needled him.
"You do have the item," Zelda continued. "It would make us most displeased to come all this way for nothing."
"Yes," Jovanus said, quickly regaining his composure. He signaled to the servant at his side. The man went to a large locked chest in the corner of the room, opened it with a large key, and pulled out a dark velvet bag.
"The Stone of Agony," Jovanus said as his servant revealed a rock. It did not look like much, with only the symbol of the Triforce etched into it to differentiate it from any other stone placed upon a thin slab. But Zelda felt the magic radiating from it. Hardly the most powerful artifact she had encountered, but the spells etched into it were precisely what she needed. "An item from an age long past, when magic was far more abundant. In the presence of illusions and curses, it will burn them away, clearing its holders mind. Ten-thousand rupees is its price."
"I was told it was only worth two."
"Strange how prices fluctuate, isn't it? One buyer came to me asking for this trinket from my grandfather's collection only a couple days ago. I told him two to see how much he wanted it. And he backed away from the deal. Too much for him, clearly. Then some low servant comes asking around. Now, I say to myself, perhaps this rarity is worth a bit more since it's become so sought after. And now my suspicions are confirmed. When your Royal Highness is looking for this stone. Why, it must be the most important thing in my inventory, and I will price it as such." His smile grew all the wider. "You will not find any other in a hundred miles who holds such a stone. I promise you that."
Her stomach grew sore, she was clenching all the muscles without even noticing. How dare he? He insults Impa, and now he's making ridiculous demands? She should walk out now. But, what good would that do her? Navi would still be imprisoned, and she would have no means of contacting Link, wherever he was.
Zelda gave a light-hearted chuckle. "Ten thousand? Is that all? I'll have Lady Impa deliver the sum tomorrow morning." She stood up and reached out to take the stone.
"Ahh!" Jovanus said. "I'm sorry your Highness, but you see, in business it is customary for payment to happen before people walk away with your goods."
Zelda did not stop, picked up the stone and enjoyed the brief moment of the magic from the item dancing around her fingertips before handing it to Impa. "Of course, but as you said. You don't customarily make deals with royalty."
"You can't-" Jovanus began to say, his servant stepping toward Impa.
For the first time, the Needle's expression changed. Her eyes narrowed and her hand moved ever so slightly back into her sleeve. But that movement was all it took. The servant stopped in his tracks, and Lord Spinne finally was quiet.
"You will have your money tomorrow, as promised. And I expect that Lady Impa will be treated with the respect she deserves, or you will find yourself with far less."
"You would go back on our arrangement? Over some servant?"
"I wouldn't dream of it. I have given the word of the royal house of Hyrule. Our promises are kept, our oaths unbroken. You will receive your ten thousand rupees. However, there is a war, if you haven't heard. Funds must be raised for armies and supplies. It may become necessary to impose a tax. I'm sure the wealthier lords of this realm would be all too happy to provide for the war effort." She smiled as the man squirmed. "I can find ways of taking far more than ten thousand rupees from you." Without waiting for the man's response, Zelda turned and left that garish abode.