Chapter 26

The breach of memories

The whole world beneath their feet shook violently. The men had readied themselves, lifting their broad wooden shields to parry an incoming enemy assault. But, just as they did, Link, Simon, and their accompanying soldiers were met with nothing. And as quickly as the tremors began, they faded. Instead, only silence settled over them. A sense of unease spread through the army as they looked around for the source of the vibrations. All were perplexed at what could have caused such massive quakes as to shake the entire castle all the way to its foundations. Long moments passed, and no one dared to make a sound.

Finally, when it became clear they hadn't been ambushed, Link took a few steps passed the front line. He sensed the men's fear around him and took charge in hopes that it would rally their courage. Simon and his marshals followed closely behind Link as they breached the castle's first level unimpeded.

However, they still needed to traverse three more just like it to reach the heart of the ancient structure where they could end this war.

After some cautious venturing, they eventually found themselves faced with a large, old wooden gate. The door once led to an enclosed outdoor area that held the royal training grounds and the stables. Link could still clearly remember as if it were yesterday the extensive field where horses and other livestock grazed, kept for the castle kitchens and city garrison.

Link was also aware that it had been the weakest point of entry and decided it would be the best chance they had to get inside and seize control from within. A strong position within the castle walls that would be among open ground where they can repel forces easily in all directions once acquired.

Cautiously, the knight nudged the door open slightly using his axe and dagger. And as it creaked open he didn't expect what was on the other side. Instead of enemy forces, a surprise herd of cattle stormed out from within, startled from the door's movement. Link narrowly avoided being caught in the stampede's path as the panic quickly spread through the cooped-up animals.

Clearly, what he had just accidentally freed had to have been the stolen stock from days prior. Fleeing from their captors, the frightened animals rushed out onto the main level of the castle grounds, ensuing chaos as they did, running every which way, desperately trying to escape as they broke the army's defensive line in a fury.

"Steady, men! Steady!" Simon shouted to his soldiers. "Watch out, you fools! Get back into your lines, quickly!"

As the last of the herd rushed past, a voice called out to them from above. Atop a nearby turret was none other than Ganon's right hand himself. Malroc the Terrible.

"Welcome, Simon…" he said with a devilish smile, "Lord of nothing." The lynel craned his neck to the side as he stared down at them. His malice infested eyes glowed, filled with pure hatred for the people of the goddess.

Simon gasped as he was directly addressed, nearly falling over from the thundering voice that cracked and split the wind above them. The army, too, looked on in awe at the sight of the massive beast. "He can speak? He knows my name?!" Simon floundered at the revelation. He was shaken to his core, but was determined not to let that show in front of his subordinates. However, with his knees buckling and the beads of cold sweat trailing down his pale face betrayed him.

Malroc taunted. "I have foreseen this moment, the day that the realm of men finally falls. How convenient of you to bring your armies right to us. Now, we can slaughter you all in one place. My master will have more important things to do than deal with than the likes of you when he arrives, saves him the trouble."

The gold-maned lynel raised his arm high up into the air above his head. A demonic delight was in his eyes, red as blood as he revealed clenched in his monstrous grasp was beautiful shining pearl. A iridescent sphere that emitted a shimmering light brighter than the noon day sun, the likes of which none of them had ever seen before. Malroc began to laugh as he ominously declared, "behold, your end!"

A low rumble tore through the kingdom below. The soldiers' courage faltered at the sound, several weapons falling from the men's limp grasp as they trembled to their feet. Link was unmoved and unafraid, only to scowl back at the behemoth and brace for whatever the ugly beast had planned for them.

Simon gasped. "What is that!?"

"It's the Moon Pearl…" Link countered over his shoulder, brows bent.

"The what?" Simon replied, flailing his hands erratically in despair at the sight.

"The moon pearl," Link repeated a little louder. " I don't know much about it…but from what I was told, it can do unspeakable things."

The knight clenched the handle to his ax and dagger tighter. "It is a relic from the ancient world, crafted by the Goddesses themselves."

"What!? That can't be! Surely you are mistaken! These things are not supposed to actually exists!?"

Simon began to deny.

"You have eyes don't you?" Link sharply retorted. "Can't you see what is so plainly evident in front of your face, my lord?"

Simon gulped. "Great! Just great…now you tell me what we're up against!"

But, before he can contest any further, Malroc spoke again. "Did you really think you and your pathetic little band of Hylian swordsmen could ever contend with the power of Mandrag?" His red gaze wandered over the troops gathered. "This so-called army of yours?" he laughed. "You are all weaklings. Up against the might of Ganon, the true ruler of this world, there can be no victory. Your die is cast…your doom is sealed. You… are all… going… to die," he spoke surely. "Led astray yet again by your precious princess. One hundred years ago, she failed to stop the Dark Lord, and now, she is failing you all once more. Even now I can hear her… her footfalls on the cold stone of the castle halls, alone and afraid… walking right into my trap."

Link froze, Malroc's eyes boring directly into his as he spoke of Zelda. He could see in that wicked smile that he was not bluffing. But why is she here? he wondered, mind racing with worry. Link grit his teeth, trying to decide what to do. He didn't know what kind of dangerous situation the princess would find herself in if he didn't act fast, but he had no idea where she was.

The titan cackled ferociously. "Beg for your goddess to save you, if it makes you feel better. I grant you all this one last mercy…before…before you are all eviscerated into a million little pieces to where even the crows shall not be able to find your flesh. But know this, I assure you none of your prayers will be answered. She has forsaken you all," Malroc finished.

Beside Link, Simon spoke up again, clenching his lance tighter. "Look, I didn't sign up for a suicide campaign to get me and my men killed. If this battle is folly, then we must retreat! What can men do against a beast…such as that!?" he said, bulging worried eyes at Link.

"No," Link told him fiercely. "Princess Zelda is in there. I'm not leaving her. Take your men and retreat if you want to but I'm getting her out, one way or another."

"He's lying, he must be!"

"No, he isn't!"

Simon was taken aback by Link's tone. It was the first time the knight had ever raised his voice against anyone above his rank. He bit his tongue and fell silent a moment before asking, "how can you be so sure?"

"I just know… I can feel it. She's here, we have to go get her!" Link insisted.

With a heavy sigh, Simon conceded that trying to change his mind about going into the castle was futile. Still, he was reluctant to trust him. "And how do you suggest we do that, then, huh, Sir Hero? What if likely chance she's already dead? What then? Are we to die in vain as well?

Link glared at him. "She is not dead!"

"You can't know that! I, for one, am not willing to gamble the lives of all my men on nothing but a feeling! We must all retreat before—"

"It's true!" a loud voice called out from behind them.

Link and Simon spun around to see Sylmoor approaching from beyond the defensive line, followed by Seabass and his men. "Princess Zelda is here, and she is alive. I saw her escape undetected with my own eyes, brother. Though, I must confess I don't know where she went and hid within the castle grounds."

"What in seven houses… Why are you here, Sylmoor? You were supposed to be with the rear flank guard!" Simon questioned in confusion.

Sylmoor slid off his horse and replied, "I cannot do that, brother. I won't."

"You damned fool, you don't even know how to fight!"

"No, perhaps not. But, I'm not a coward, not anymore. I'll do the best I can."

"'The best you can'?" Simon echoed. "What do you mean, 'the best you can'? This isn't one of your circus plays back at home! This is the real thing! On a real battlefield, one wrong move and it's the end! Which means, agonizing death! Is that what you want? To be lying in your own blood and misery on the ground?"

"I'll be alright, brother, trust me? Besides, we have Link!" Sylmoor reassured. "And that must account for something."

Simon rolled his eyes at the mention.

Sylmoor continued. "And incase you have forgotten, it is the Princess who is in there— protecting her is all our sworn duty, remember? We must find and retrieve her! Its…what father would have wanted."

Simon growled in frustration at the speculation of his honor and his father's memory as Sylmoor turned to Link. "I tried to stop her Link, but she insisted on coming here to help you. She thought you might have been wounded and needed aid… and I must say she wasn't wrong in her assumptions, you certainly look like you've seen better days, my friend." He winced sympathetically finishing off with a chuckle of amazement. "You look like Demise's hell. But, I'm glad you're at least still in one piece. Amazing indeed."

And with that he remembered something else to speak upon. "Oh, that's right, she also wanted to give you—"

Link leaned to hear his final words, but just as he did, Malroc interrupted with an ear-splitting roar. "Time is up! Release the eight!"

No sooner had he spoken, explosions erupted behind the army, where the main wall of the castle stood. Every key structural point suddenly went up in a ball of flames. Being so close to the blasts, many of the soldiers were assaulted with shrapnel and were disoriented by a ringing to their eardrums.

"Such weak, pathetic Hylians. You have no chance. You never had a chance. As if any one of you puny Hylians could defeat us! Now, it is time to end this," Malroc taunted as he held the moon pearl high above his head, readying for the killing blow. His cretins appeared all around, revealing themselves amongst the towering walls.

"Well it's a good thing I'm no Hylian then, you stupid pony!" a voice hooted from below, hidden.

The King of Beasts spun on the top of the battlement to find himself faced with none other than Sidon, who swiftly kicked the pearl from his grasp with a surprise backflip from underneath him. In an elegant display of acrobatics, he had used the draining moat water that have been pouring out from the mouth of the keep from where the lynel stood. Mastering the water, he shot himself high up into the air like a welled-up spring and propelled himself powerfully up from the water below in a wonderful show.

"You!" Malroc seethed.

"Me!" Sidon grinned cheekily as the glistening moon pearl flew up high into the air before it rained down into the water below him. There it was quickly carried away and lost. "Did you miss me big fella?"

Malroc clenched his now empty fists in rage, claws digging into his own flesh, drawing streams of putrid and inky blood.

Alright, now you've done it. What are you going to do now Sidon? This freak is gonna' come right at ya. You just had to get the big guy mad. You didn't think this one through, did ya? He thought.

Malroc growled. "You will pay dearly for that. I will enjoy killing-" the beast quickly corrected himself. "No…draining the life from you, Zora scum," he said in a low, dangerous tone. "Almost as much as I will enjoy watching my master finish the job he once started thousands of years ago; torturing and enslaving the rest of your people! That there shall not be one free left among you ever again! All will be born into bondage, accursed and trapped in their own minds! Mutilated beyond reconciliation! I will live to see that day!"

"Go ahead and try it, you filth! See if you can!" Sidon retorted, disgusted by him.

Sidon then shouted over his shoulder down below. "Hurry, get the pearl! I'll do what I can!"

With a roar of fury, Malroc closed the short distance between them so quickly he was nothing but a blur. Sidon had no time to react before he was being grabbed by the throat and lifted off his feet. He clawed at the beast's tight grip on him, unable to even cry out from the pain.

"Not so confident now, are you, brat?" Malroc glared with hatred. "Tell me, was it worth it? Now, choke. Wiggle like the slippery worm that you are!"

"Sidon!" Link shouted from the battlefield below as he watched the scene unfold helplessly. Numerous memories flashed before his eyes, all of the people he failed to protect. Their eyes, their smiles, laughs and friendships… No. He wasn't about to add Sidon to the list. He would rather die than let that happen again. He was filled with rage.

Malroc taunted again. "Tell me, fish prince…Can you breathe without the air of the wind? Or, will you flounder?"

The titan laughed again.

Link charged toward the high-rise keep, unsure how he was going to do the impossible, yet tried so anyways. He was ready to scale it when he was stopped short by a sudden, splintering arrow that struck Malroc from up above. He couldn't be sure where it had been shot from. Sidon took advantage of the momentary distraction to kick himself free and leap back into the water below.

"Who dare—" Malroc growled and turned to scour the skies from whence it fell.

"That oughta even the odds!" Teba said as he dived out from behind a cloud of cover. And like a shooting star he sailed across the skies above.

Malroc groaned, wringing his neck from the cut of the arrow, licking the blood of his wound in spite. "Bothersome little fly, you will pay!" He grabbed hold of a nearby spear that was leaning against the merlons. With incredible speed and precision, Malroc hurled the lance through the air like a bolt of lightning sent from the gods, tearing a hole through the firmament. Teba, having anticipated retaliation, dodged, but even with his exceptional aerial prowess he couldn't avoid being pierced through his talons.

The Rito screeched in pain as he fell from the sky and onto the battlefield below.


Zelda found herself in what could have only been her old bedroom, confused as to how she got there. There she stood a short moment and just as she was about to proceed into the castle, her vision blurred, and a fog of blinding white memory enveloped around her. And before she knew it, she drifted away out of conscious thought and time to the past.


Warm streams of sunlight slowly spread over the country provinces, through open meadows, woodland, and little rivers. The dawn roused rainbow-winged butterflies, which glided on gentle winds from one beautiful flower to another. At the center of the land stood the mighty capital Illuminar, Hyrule's greatest city.

However, the citizens of the city had long since forgotten its ancient name. For a long time has passed since that name has ever been uttered on the lips of the people. In common tongue it was now known as Hyrule Castle Town. Although at the height of its prosperity, the denizens would agree that it was much too large and populated to truly be considered a mere town.

On this particular dawn it was cool, crisp, and fresh in the lungs, not unlike most mornings they have enjoyed thus far. City-folk and outskirt villagers alike were already busy just as they always been this past age of peace and prosperity. Going about their daily dealings and affairs without a care or worry in the world. For back in these days, there were hardly any at all.

But today was a special day. The official commencement of a new era for the people of Hyrule and of the world. Heralded by all as the "Dawn of the New peace" or so it was called.

A celebration was to be held, attracting a variety of peoples from nearby villages and far off lands to join in the festivities. Commoners and nobles poured into the municipality, having travelled as far as the northern lordships and even further beyond from other kingdoms. Whether be the fashionable dressmakers of Hytopia to the talented choirs, bards, and musicians of Labrynna, there was no shortage of vitality in the beloved capital of Hyrule this day. All would come and bask in its splendor.

But, it was the simple folk that Princess Zelda adored the most. The merchants, farmers, the artisans, and all the hard workers who kept their community strong from the low off parts of the country. It was these who she loved. She was deeply proud of her wise, kind people.

Back in those days of prosperity, Hyrule was much renowned as a true utopia. There was nowhere else in the world where one could find a more splendid jubilation. The Trials of the Flame and the following crowning ceremonies were a particularly special attraction, being a once-in-a-lifetime event. As such, the city-dwelling hosts worked harder than ever to deliver an unforgettable fete.

In a lavishly decorated room within the famous Hyrule Castle, the youngest member of the royal family, a fair-haired beautiful princess named Zelda, was sleeping soundly.

"Time to wake up, little bird," a soothing older woman's voice called. Her tone was soft, but with a hint of excitement. The teenage girl simply rolled over onto her other pillow, with a glisten of drool from the dawn still on her cheek.

"Come along now, little bird, today is the day…" the voice tried again sterner.

"Mmmgh… C'mon Urbosa, have a heart…it's far too early," Zelda whined, still half-asleep. She wanted nothing more than to stay wrapped up in her luxurious quilted sheets forever. They were a gift from the Zoras, and if Zelda had anything to say about it, she would never replace them.

"Are you sure about that?" Urbosa challenged, earning another groan. The tall woman smirked, hands on her hips as she leaned over the princess. She wasn't about to give up just yet; the Gerudo were known for their perseverance if nothing else. They were as tough as Iron Knuckles as they were as fierce as Dodongo fire. Forged strong in spirit from the unforgiving desert sands from whence they hail from. So, you could have imagined that a single pampered teen was no match for this battle-hardened woman.

A handmaid entered the room from a secret passage, carrying a ceramic basin of warm water that she placed neatly beside a washcloth, as she did every morning for Her Highness. Urbosa quietly caught the woman's attention, pointing to the large curtained window next to Zelda's bed. The handmaid smiled back as she understood her request.

Bright sunlight flooded the room, accompanied by a warm breeze and the sound of bustling activity from the city outside. Zelda buried her face further into her pillows in an attempt to escape the disturbance, but it was futile.

"Nooo… have mercy…" the girl's muffled complaints were barely audible from her plushy cocoon.

"I said, today is the big day! Have you forgotten, little bird?" Urbosa coaxed. "All these visitors from around the world have come to see your crowning moment, are you really going to sleep through the entire ceremony and disappoint them?" she continued. "And what about the young men counting on you? Those cadets that fall under your tapestry will be showing their deepest ferocity today, all in your honor!"

Urbosa leaned down further and lowered her voice conspiratorially as she continued, "Who knows, maybe a certain boy from the front row who caught your eye the other day will be the one to claim the victory prize we prepared just for tonight! Wouldn't that be a sight to see!"

That almost did the trick. Zelda's eyes lit up like a firecracker from under the folds of her pillow, delighted at the thought. But, even with that persuasion, she was still too proud to expose her own delight to those around her. The anticipation she felt arouse within her from the mysterious boy she has come to admire from afar excited her. But, the secret ambitions of her young heart were still too tender to be revealed. So, she resisted the feeling even though it was nearly enough to make her want to leap out of bed. She didn't budge an inch. "Five more minutes…" she mumbled instead.

Suddenly, a thundering clash to the door of her bedroom ensued. It was the strong fist of her guard posted just out front of it. "Your Highness, you have a letter from the postman!"

Zelda groaned. Can't a girl sleep in for once in her life? Always them with these early schedules! she thought.

"It's addressed from… Impa!" the soldier added.

"Impa?" Zelda sat up with her eyes shining, filled with stars from the heavens as she began to untangle herself from her bedding in a spellbound flurry.

"Heroines, save us! I see how it is," Urbosa remarked. "Impa gets you smiling, flying out of bed without so much as a 'good morning', and all I get are grumbles!" She watched in amusement as Zelda got herself ready for the day in record time, practically dancing with her handmaid as she washed and dressed.

"My apologies, Urbosa, you know I love you too," Zelda giggled, holding her arms out while her gown was adjusted. "But I just have to know the progress of the excavation! They uncover so many new and wonderful things every day, and since I cannot be there to discover them myself, I don't want to miss any news." She looked away with a blush across her cheeks. "Those letters are probably the closest I'll ever get to the Dying Mountains… with father's restrictions and all," she said softly.

A few moments later, the princess was presentable enough to allow her guards to open the door to her chambers. The stoic guardsmen stood by the open entryway, watching the postman closely. It was their job to be suspicious of anyone who came close to the Princess of Hyrule; to personally guard her with their life was the greatest honor of any royal knight. Zelda herself always thought that they took their position too seriously, but the effort was appreciated.

The courier was a tall, burly, dark-haired man in his late twenties. He had perhaps the largest nose in the kingdom, and his apprehensive brown eyes were nearly shadowed under his pair of caterpillar eyebrows. His demeanor eased once he laid eyes on the eager young princess staring at him, awaiting the news he had brought.

He cleared his throat and began to sing in a tune that could break glass and snap piano strings. "To the fairest and most beautiful princess, the kingdom has ever had the honor of having bestowed upon its throne. For she is the one, the only, princess that shall wave goodbye to the calamity! And on that glorious day, heaven's bells shall ring, and the Goddess's angels shall sing! We are truly blessed by thee!" Dancing in oddly timed twirls as he went, he finished off his grandiose display with an exaggerated bow and held out the letter as though it were made of gold.

Zelda graciously did the only modest thing she could think of at his proffered effort and clapped her hands lightly, giggling at his bizarre behavior. All the while, Urbosa cringed beside her. Her forehead sweating on behalf of him.

As soon as the princess accepted the elegantly tied roll of parchment, the tall Gerudo addressed the man further. "Run along you, you're much to old! Besides, don't you have somewhere to be? Ya know, the good people of this city would probably like their mail some time today, don't you think?"

She then walked up and firmly patted the postman. "Can't you see you're frightening the poor girl?"

"Urbosa!" Zelda chastised with an embarrassed smile.

"Well, he is frightening me! You're just too sweet to admit it," Urbosa replied before turning to the postman once more. "So, how about we leave the singing to the birds in the trees and the mail delivery to thee, hmm?"

The postman gasped and dropped to his knee. "My sincerest apologies, Your Highness," he said with his head bowed low and a hand over his heart, fanciful as ever. Then he sprang up like a corkscrew and glanced up at Urbosa. "And…Excuse me, um… madam. Good day to you as well, I suppose."

"Madam!?Just, How old do you think I am?" Urbosa shot back, staring down at him with a fiery gaze.

"Ahh! M-my apologies, uh, miss! Oh, look at the time indeed," he stuttered fearfully. He turned to leave, shouting as he ran. "With another letter successfully delivered, I must bid you all farewell, bye now! Us postmen must always be timely!"

"Farewell, Dudley!" Zelda chirped, waving with the letter she held in hand amused.

As his voice faded, Urbosa called out to him, "And, that's Chief Urbosa to you, you sad, foolish excuse for a voe! So, you'd best remember it!" She lowered her voice to a grumble. "'The nerve, hmph. Why, I just so happen to be in my prime!"

Zelda choked on a laugh she tried to hold in, narrowly spitting the sweet milk her maiden had given to quench her thirst that morning.

Also, turning to face a well-earned glare from Urbosa that quickly melted as she realized how much she'd just overreacted. The Gerudo shook her head with a hearty chuckle. "Well? Aren't you going to open your mail? Don't just stand there gawking with your mouth open like a deku shrub, what does it say!?"

The Princess tore into the parchment immediately, devouring every word as her eyes scanned the page with growing excitement. "It says… it says they have found something remarkable!" she gasped. "Impa said she believes they have just uncovered a most rare and important artifact; one she suspects could determine the outcome of the war to come! There is hope for us after all!" She hugged the letter as she finished reading, overwhelmed with pure happiness before the sound of her own words melted those feelings away. She knew better. Her handmaids, guards, and Urbosa were now all staring quietly at her sudden change.

"But, I thought… isn't your power the key to quelling the return of Ganon?" Urbosa asked gently.

"I… yes. It is." Zelda clutched the letter, crumpling its pages. Voice soft. "But, if there exists another way, any other than relying solely on my power, we should do all that we can to pursue it, don't you think? After all, anything could happen…"

"Little bird—"

"There is no other way! We must muster all we have to defeat this threat! I …I can't! I can't fail! I mustn't…"

Urbosa's heart sank as she watched the teenage girl turn away to hide a single tear streak across her cheek. She was far too young to carry the world's worries on her shoulders, but there was nothing anyone could do to soothe her troubles. Only time would tell.


Outside the castle and clear across the city, in the commoner's quarter, a small group of soldiers of the kingdom were amassing. A platoon of would-be guardsmen cadets. Among those numbered was a young, handsomely-brave, scraggly-haired lad named Link who was just hours away from progressing in his youth by becoming a man of the guard.

Athalon shouted ferociously within the tavern they were gathered in. "Alright you miserable little ankle biters, today is the day that you will not let me down, for if you do, there will be hell to pay!"

Regoso grinned, cocky as ever.

Athalon scorned. "Wipe that stupid smile from your face or I will. You have no teeth pooch." The man said, draining his mug.

"Now…show me…show me what you all have hidden within those fragile bones of yours. Prove yourselves!" Athalon scanned the room of young men. "Because it is I that has been charged to whip you all into shape by this evening. If it were up to me, I would have you all embark from this place to climb all the way up to the highest peak of the Dying mountains and contend with the very fires of Hera itself.

"There I would have you all challenge against one the great titans of old themselves. Just to prove your worth. Then perhaps, just perhaps then would I say you are ready for the oath. But, as fate would have it and luckily for all you witless spine, it is not up to me to decide. How gracious…So, you may all rest easy…for now," he said with a hearty chuckle.

He continued his speech." But, that being said, I must confess, you all have done well thus far and as such, there is one final trial for all you to perform and if you think it will be easy just because you have made it thus far or that because all the eyes from around the world, yea, even some of your highborn families might be watching tonight, you are mistaken. It will not. This is the last trial, and as such, it will be the most challenging.

"I am not so sure any of you are ready for this undertaking. I am also not so sure any of you have truly shown your quality. Because with that being said, we will all know your quality at stroke of mideeve tonight. I can promise you that.

"But, as I said before…That isn't for this old goat to decide. The well of time given me to prepare you all is now spent and the debt must be paid. Now, are you all ready!?" he declared, hands stretched out in a rally.

The boys fell silent, taking in his words into their hearts and minds.

"I said…Are you ready!?" Athelon shouted, drumming his burly fist on the table.

"Yes sir!" In unison they cried out.

Athelon laughed again. "Apparently, I'm the sad, tire old geezer that has to usher you to your deaths…How fortunate? Yay for me, am I right? And to that I say, come…Come follow me lads…It will be either a long day or a very short one, you decide! Your fate is in your hands! Remember your training, and you may live to see the dawns early light. I promise you!

"But, above all else…you best not fail me." Athelon warned. Voice slowing. "For if you do, I swear I'lll find a way to where even in your deaths won't save you from my wrath. I swear it…I will not be humiliated before my king! Is that clear!?"

"Yes sir!" The boys shouted again at attention.

"Now, before we leave, I want to thank this fine establishment for be so gracious as to host us this morning!" Athelon raised a mug high up into the air to cheers the bar tender from afar, ready to slurp his hearty drink again.

And just as he did the boys reached for gobs too but were instantly cut short from doing so. "Did I say you could drink!? You all are going to need clear wits about you today! So, put those down! This is my moment! But I promise you, yours will come too soon enough! Tonight… if you are lucky to make it that far that is and join the brotherhood of the guard!"

Athelon drank and finished his rant of encouragement and just as he was to steal away the cadets to begin their task at hand, the door barged open by a pair of strong fists.

Standing beyond the doorway came another established Royal Guardsmen. He was older than the rest but wasn't as seasoned in his years as Athelon himself.

"Oh, Finn, its you…" Athelon said with a sigh of relief escaping his bearded lips, upon taking a few moments to focus his vision upon him beyond the bright sunlight of the doorway.

"Yes, it's me. Who else old man?" Finn chuckled. My, my, rumors are true I see. It seems your eyes are getting weary these days as of late? I didn't want to believe it."

"Watch your tongue Finn."

Finn laughed, "Maybe, it's time to retire old friend? Find a nice plot of land in the countryside and raise some cuccos? Hell, maybe you could even find a nice woman who is as blind as much as you are, one that wouldn't mind your ugly mug and battle scars?"

Athelon growled, unamused by his jokes. "Careful…I may be old, but I haven't slowed one bit Finn. I'm just as fast as I have ever been!"

"Fast enough perhaps to drain the barrels of ale here!"

"Hush now! What sort of example are you setting for these young, malleable minds we have here, with talk such as that!? The guard is the most respected fighting force in all the kingdom! Wouldn't you know?"

Finn bowed with a warm smile. "So, that's what you have been telling these young men, eh?" he said with a chuckle." I was only kidding. No need to get all riled up my brother. But perhaps, I wasn't entirely wrong. You do owe it to yourself to settle down, ya know? How much of your life must you give in service to the kingdom? How many years has it been now? When will enough be enough, hmm?

"As many lifetimes as need be! You can't get rid of me that easily." Athalon retorted with a full belly laugh.

"I don't want to get rid of you…Well, it was worth a try." Finn chuckled soft, noticing he was still out on the porch.

Athelon scorned again with a smile. "Well, don't just stand there at the door like a back alley beggar of the narrow docks, come in…Let us have a look at ya!?

"And now that you are here, why don't you tell us what might be the reason for you to…grace us with your exemplary presence my brother? Among these…fine young lads…?"

"Well, Athalon, not that it should come to a surprise for you, since nothing does…"

"Get on with it brother…"

"Patience friend…After all these years, and the hells we've endured together, and you still haven't learn patience…"

"Well, patience isn't my long suit and in case you haven't noticed, I don't wear any suits…So, get on with it."

"Indeed, the goddesses must have had a real fun time with crafting you into existence brother. I bet when they were dealing out patience among the souls of men, you forced your way to the front of the line and demanded to be seen first."

"And that you are right, SO GET ON WITH IT!"

"It's Grenn, my underwing."

"I'm aware. So, what about him?"

"He took a bit too much to the head last night and he is shall we say…in dispose at the moment..."

"In dispose you say?" Athelon scrunched his old face in recollection.

"Yes, he is…"

"If you mean drunk, just say that he is drunk. That lad never had a mind for honey wine, if I recall.

"Worse, he was caught late at Mad-Madam Moons. The hidden brew shop at the narrow docks. The one with the funny potions. The sort that make you see beyond the trees and through the lilies, if you get my meaning.."

"I'm aware."

"You are?" Finn was astonished.

"Your eyes are not the only ones keeping a watch of this city and perhaps mine are better than yours, after all?"

"Well, I guess I am just surprised to know that you would be well acquainted with a place such as that. Not the best sort of folks goes wander about there after nightfall."

"Well, since when have I been known to be the 'best sort of folk'?" Athelon laughed. "And besides, I only know of its existence purely for academic reasons of course. Not that I have ever spent any real time there. So, on with it. Your man is drunk-dumb I think? Is that it."

"Yes. He is. And to top it all off, today is the day of days that I need him the most! Today is the ceremony!"

"Aye, and that I am definitely aware of."

"I have been entrusted by the King himself to acquire the most precious thing intended for you know who and have it ready for when you know when…Today…And it requires two do so! Impossible to go alone. So, you…understand my predicament!?"

"Ah, that…That is quite the Lynel squash you are in. And what a horrible position you put me in now?" Athalon chuckled soft.

"You owe me Athalon! Or do you not remember the scourge of Aram Dul!? You would be dead if I—"

"Enough! You'll have what you need! Not to worry, it's not like all, if any…of these boys will make it through tonight anyways…I will loan you one of mine for today! But, he must be back in time for the trial and ceremony! "

"He will be. So, who shall it be? I need a good man."

Athalon countered. "Now that I think of it, why don't you just grab another one of our men? Why one of these boys?"

"Well, it is because all are set to their duties today…And, I don't want the captain to know of this. He has enough to worry about, with the King's detail and her majesty and all."

"Ah, I see…Come to keep things hush, hush, I see? Very well…"

Athalon spun around to the cadets in the tavern, eyes stern and bent. "So, who among you will not fail me? This will be your first test before The test to show me, aye, your Kingdom your quality."

Puffing his chest out like a cucco, Regoso stepped forward among the ranks of young men.

"Send me master. I can surely get this minuscule deed done of yours!" Regosa smiled, proud and arrogant, praised by a few cackles of his cronies who stood at attention behind him among the line of men.

Athalon erupted in laughter. "You? You think I would send you to do such a noble thing? I like having my head on my shoulders, thank you very much! And, If you think I would gamble my neck for you, you are sadly mistaken. No Regoso, I wouldn't trust you to fetch me my morning milk from across the street, let alone do something as brain worthy as this. Stand back and be silent! You may come from a good family name, but I trust even they would cast shadows against your abilities. You're lucky to even be here."

Regosa was hit by a wave of embarrassment and fell back into line. The other boys were silent.

Athalon scanned the room until his eyes fell upon the quiet lad in the back corner who was focused, trapped in thought.

"You…"

Nobody moved an inch.

"You… Link!" Athalon declared.

The young man graciously lifted his head up to his captain.

"Am I speaking Zonai? Yes! You! Get over here! Now!"

Link calmly walked to the front before him and the other guardsman.

Finn spoke. "So, you trust this lad, eh?"

"I do." Athalon smirked.

Finn continued. "Well, it is what it is…"

"It is… Oh, and Link…" Athalon spoke as the pair were about to make their way out onto the streets of town.

Link spun to face him and Athalon reiterated. " Don't let me…Or the princess down with that very precious thing!"

Link's gut dropped at the mention of the angelic girl he saw just days ago, the one that had occupied the curious thoughts of his mind from before. A nervous sweat beaded across his head and he couldn't utter a syllable in contest to the task laid before him. And, just as he cleared his throat to speak up, the other man had already whisked him away out from the safety of the others.


"Come along boy, we have work to do and so little time to do it! But, I think that with enough tact and no small degree of wit, we might be able to accomplish our task before the day grows late. We have to get you back in time for the Trial."

Link continued to follow him as he led along the busy morning streets of town, heading north to the nobility districts.

Finn stopped mid step in the street, hand stretched out to stop him, as if stuck in divine revelation. Link nearly collided into him from walking so closely behind.

A few seconds of silence between them passed and the man spun around. "Hold on just a moment, you don't really expect to wear those rags, do you?"

Link eyed himself from head to toe, unaware the fault of his state of dress. After all, it was how he always dressed. They were common clothes for a common boy.

"No, that certainly won't do! Not at all!" Finn countered in an evaluation. "There ain't nothing for it but to get you swapped and changed into something more appropriate my boy! I can't have you parading around in that! After all, we're going to see a princess!"

Link felt a swirl of nervousness punch his gut at the thought of her yet again. But, he was brave so he swallowed the feeling and nodded.

"I suppose I can loan you my old brother's uniform," Finn said, squinting his eye while holding his chin. "It will have to do. Besides, it's not like he will be needing them anytime soon," Finn continued, leading their fast pace through the bustling city.

Link questioned as he followed. "And why is that sir, why won't he be needing them?"

Finn stopped again. "Because…Because he is dead. He died long ago. His life given as payment to the royal family."

Link sighed, unsure to speak again, struck by the guardsmen's grief that he heard in his voice at the recall of his memory.

"Don't trouble yourself over it boy, it is no less then what any more we could ask for as men of the guard. He loved his kingdom. And…well, death finds us all anyways. Remember that and you'll do fine."

And with that thought, and after some wandering through the town, Link spoke up again another thought that nibbled at his mind at the mention of the uniform. "But sir, I thought only guardsmen are permitted to wear the sacred garb? I won't be one until mideeve tonight if all goes well."

"Aye, and that you are right! You're pretty sharp one, aren't you? I can see now why Athelon insisted to trust this task to you," he said, clearing the cough in his throat to speak again. "You are correct, my young friend. To be seen wearing a noble uniform of the guard and not be a brother among them is a minimum of five years cast into the dungeons."

Link gulped.

"But, don't you fret! None of them there at the castle has actually ever seen you before, have they? So, they wouldn't even know if you are guardsmen or not," he said with a curious chuckle, amused at the thought.

"Just let me do the talking. And everything will be just fine!"

And with that, Link couldn't agree more, he much rather not speak in any situation if he could choose not to. But, there was just one thing. The Princess has seen him before. There would be no turning back now.

UPDATE- 2-22-2021

Currently still working on the next batch. It will come soon! Sorry it has been taking some time. I just want it to be good for you all. If you haven't yet, leave a comment, those always spur me on! Thanks as always, much love!

UPDATE: 2-4-2021

I am currently editing the next chapter. It will probably be released in the next week or so at the most. Thanks for being patient. Do leave a comment of your thoughts. It is all I ask. I love hearing them and they encourage me and inspire me to write my best. Thanks! 33

Authors NOTES- Hello friends, I hope you enjoy this bit! Be sure to let me know in a comment, it really gets me motivated to continue and it is a great way of showing support to me. Even if it's just a word, it helps me get the story out to those who might enjoy it also. Not to mention, good and bad feedback helps me craft a better narrative going forward. : )

Also, if you haven't yet, please check out the audiobook version on youtube! I will try and update both more often. Thank you all very much!

Update: 12-31-2019 The audiobook version to this story is a fully cast and voice acted, dramatized version of this story and is posted to youtube listed as "Zelda botw sequel (fanmade) audiobook part 1". The Actors would really love it if you gave it some love and took a listen! Thank you : )