Legend of Zelda : ANA Chapter Three

THREE

     About mid-day Link saw the walls of the capital come over the horizon. Even from where he sat on Epona, he could tell the city was massive. The great stone walls blocked Link's sight of most of the buildings, except for the really tall ones. But what his eyes fixed on was the castle atop the hill looking down on the city.
     Believe it or not, it was even bigger than the city width-wise. But as for its height, Link couldn't think of anything to compare that to. Within the castle walls were great stone bridges connecting the castle's main structure to several immense towers.
     "Holy cow!" Link yelled when they were approaching the town's gates. "It looks even taller up-close."
     Impa smiled at him. "Impressive, is it not? It has taken countless centuries for it to become what it is today."
     Link whistled, still staring up at the walls. They were too close for him to see the castle anymore over the huge wall. There was a moat in front of the castle Link would've called a river. The drawbridge, however, was up. A guard called something from atop the wall in Hylian. Impa called back. Link heard her say her own name and Zelda's.
     Link struggled to see what was going on atop the wall and—though he wasn't certain—thought the guard was looking through a small spyglass.
     Hey gave an order, unheard to the three across the river, to his men. They ran to their positions and with a few thuds and clanks, the bridge began to lower. It seemed to take a total of five minutes for it to fall into position. When it was done, two riders hastily made their way across and stopped in front of them. They talked with Impa for a minute or two excitedly. Impa spoke with a tone of unmatched authority, which Link could tell the two guards both feared and admired.
He felt the same way about it.
     After a final order from Impa, one turned and raced across the bridge. The other led Impa and Link across at a casual pace. Link followed behind her, looking around at the city as they rode through the stone streets. There was a sign near the entrance and, although it was in Hylian, Link knew exactly what was written.

HYRULE CASTLE TOWN

     The streets were busy. People, some wearing very nice clothes, some wearing rags, turned to look at the approaching riders. There were excited shouts as they lined the sides of the streets, more and more joining the crowd.
     For the first time since he'd met her, Link saw Zelda cast off her heavy cloak. The cheering rose to a deafening level. The princess of Hyrule wore a long, elegant dress, decorated with a big, golden belt and a sash that hung from it. Her hands and forearms were covered with white gloves, designs that were stitched in running their length. Her bright, blonde hair fell mid-way down her back. On her head was a golden tiara with a blue jewel in the front. Her ears, among the multitude of long-eared people, were by far the longest.
     Her beautiful, blue eyes regarded the crowd with a look that let Link see just how much she loved these people. For a moment, he forgot Zelda was just a kid, same as him.
     Zelda waved to her people and called to them in their language. They cheered back and Zelda's smile widened. The guard leading them sped his pace to a trot, then to a run. Link and Impa followed his example. Zelda still waved to the people as they zoomed past them in the streets.
     After about ten minutes of riding at that pace, the buildings began to grow scarcer. The stone road gave way to one of dirt. They began ascending the hill to the castle. There was lush green grass on either side of the road (Kept cut clean and short by servants, Link had no doubt). The road turned back and forth across the hill about a dozen times, making the trip up take more than twice as long as it should have, but allowed the trail to remain mostly level in doing so. The closer to the immense stone structure ahead Link rode, there were more flowers lining the road, becoming thicker and fading into a great garden that surrounded the castle.
     As they approached the walls of the castle, the metal gate was raised up, allowing them through. The guards stood still and straight, moving none, their spears in their hands. After the four were in, it began to close again behind them. The first rider began to slow as they neared the end of the courtyard.
     Link would've called it a field if not for the perfect stone roads criss-crossing it. It was at least a mile past the outer gate before they came upon the castle. In the patches of green were young men in brown tunics and pointed hats sparring with wooden swords. In others were beautiful gardens.
     The head rider halted his small train in front of a huge statue of an owl. The owl's head was lurched forward, his wings held above his head. Between the tips of his wings, as though he was holding them, were the three triangles,
(Triforce)
as though he were holding them up. Link realized he was calling the owl 'he' and not 'it'. He shrugged it off and dismounted after Impa, who was helping the young princess down.
      Through the giant doors of the castle—and I would like to put emphasis on the 'giant' part, if you'd hear it: Link was certain his house could fit through the doorway—came a man wearing extravagant robes. A quartet of more armored guards followed close behind him. He reached the princess—as Link had begun to think of her—and knelt, blubbering dramatically in Hylian. He hugged her, and the princess tensed up, trying to assure him she wasn't harmed.
     Link watched in fascination, Not that the scene in front of him was particularly interesting, but because he began to understand their words. Or, he thought so. Some of them, at least. Maybe.
     "How glad we are to have you back," he caught from the man in the robes. And, "I'm fine," from Zelda. Link noticed Impa was eyeing him suspiciously, so he closed his mouth. Impa stepped forward and pried the man off Zelda, muttering something Link strained to understand again, but couldn't. She sounded annoyed and impatient, as though this were no new thing.
     The man ran his hands over his bald head and raised his hands, and his face to the sky, his words growing even more theatrical. Impa sighed and walked around him, pulling the princess after. She called to Link, "To me, Link," who began to follow, but was intercepted by the head of Hyrule High's drama department.
     The bald man said something to Link, which the latter couldn't comprehend. But he was sure he didn't like the man's tone. Link simply held up his left hand, flaunting his triangle
(Triforce)
mark. "Get out of my way," he said. Though Link was entirely certain the man couldn't understand him, he still stumbled back, his eyes widening. Link walked around him and caught up with Impa. The guards made no protest.
     "Nicely done." Impa said, smiling impishly.
     They walked up the stairs to the immense doors—which were always left open, except in times of an emergency—with the bald man and the four guards following them. Impa didn't lead this time, though. It was the princess. The white skirt of her dress swishing about her short legs, she made her way through the giant hall lined with marble pillars nearly as big around as the Great Deku Tree. Ah, but that's for later, what's important now is the castle.
     Zelda walked elegantly up the tall stairs, head held high, never looking anywhere but straight ahead. Those who were moving through the halls all stopped what they had been doing and kneeled on one knee as she passed. Zelda couldn't have been older than ten years, Link thought, maybe eleven, but her authority was indisputable.
     Two great staircases later, they emerged into another grand hall. This one was lined with giant banners on the wall; all depicted a symbol of a bird, an owl surely, with the triangular
(Triforce)
crest for a head. There were also statues of kings lining the left wall, that of princesses lining the right. Link could once again make out the writing on the plaques of the princess statues, but wasn't sure if it was just his imagination or not.
     Zelda Harkinian VII, Zelda Harkinian VIII, Zelda Harkinian IX, Zelda Harkinian X, Zelda Harkinian XI…
     At the end of the hall was a throne: A massive throne on a raised platform. Above it was another statue depicting three nude women holding up the three triangles.
(Triforce.)
     Link shook his head. That word always came whenever he saw that crest. But it didn't seem as though it was coming from his mind. He'd shrug it off for now and think about it later.
     Sitting on the throne was a large man in red. A very large man, actually. It wasn't just how round he was, but his height. His snow-white hair was pulled back and barely brushed his shoulders. Atop his head sat a golden crown, intricate designs etched into the two raised arms that stuck up from the front of it, reaching for each other. The king's mustache covered his mouth, but Link could tell he was smiling. If Santa Clause ever decided to rule an empire, Link thought, this is exactly what it would look like. Zelda stopped in front of the throne and Link and Impa stopped behind her, and the guards and the bald man after them.
     Everyone besides Zelda and Link kneeled on one knee. Link looked around, a bit confused, but knelt when Impa punched him in the leg. He kept his eyes on the floor and tried to keep from shaking too badly. Whoever this man was, despite his warm smile and holly-jolly appearance, Link was sure he was the most important person he'd ever meet.
     Zelda said something in Hylian. The king's laughter echoed through the hall, and was still echoing when he started to talk back. Zelda smiled and ran up the steps. She hugged her father tightly and they exchanged a few excited words. After that was done, Zelda sat in a smaller throne Link hadn't noticed at first to the right of the king. The bald man in the elegant robes took up position lurking behind the king's throne
     The king turned his attention back to the ones kneeling in front of him. "Impa!" he shouted happily. He gave a good-natured command for Impa to stand, and she did as she was bid. The king excused the guards from the room, who bowed and obeyed. Impa gave a brief report of the events that had transpired at the ranch, Link trying to pick out words he knew. He caught 'Ganondorf' and 'Zelda' several times. Near the end of her account, she gestured to Link and said something Link had heard her say the day before and in his head constantly since then. "Triforce." The king's eyes widened and snapped to Link. His face was deadly serious.
     Link could feel the king's eyes on him, and struggled to control his breathing. He tried to focus on Impa's story, and heard his father's name. The king dropped His jaw when she said it and he told Link to stand. Link knew it from his body language. He stood on wobbly knees and stepped up next to Impa.
     "The Triforce," she said. "Show him."
     Link held his left hand up high, showing the back of it to the king, whose eyes lit up the moment he saw it. The king bellowed with laughter again and stopped the floor with his boot. He cried something triumphantly and spoke to Impa again. They spoke for what Link would call twenty minutes. After that, she bowed, bidding Link to do the same and turned to walk away. Link followed after, glancing back at Zelda, who was looking right back at him. She smiled, and Link smiled too.
     When out of the throne room, Impa led Link through a doorway and down a hall. The hall wasn't narrow in the least. As far as halls go, this one would be considered wide. But compared to the one he'd just been through, it seemed pathetic. But the hall's length was something else. Link began to wonder if it would ever end. They passed countless doors, and countless intersections, and at last, came upon a stone staircase. At the top, was a door. This particular door happened to be made of metal rather than wood.
     When Impa opened it, he saw why. It led to the outside of the castle, to one of the stone bridges that connected the castle to the four towers that surrounded it. When Link looked over the wall, the height made him cringe. He saw others crossing on the bridges below him, obviously an everyday task for most. When Link noticed Impa was half-way across he put his fear behind and ran after her. Link was good at ignoring his fears. He prided himself in being courageous.
(Courage)
(Triforce)
     On the other side, Impa opened another metal door. Link saw that the bridges below didn't have doors, but open arches instead. This bridge was also narrower. Perhaps it was some kind of maintenance bridge?
Through the door, there was a spiral staircase leading up. Impa walked up, Link followed. Impa unlocked a door with a key that hung from a ring at her belt. Beyond the door was a small wood-paneled room with bookcases lining the walls all around.
     "This," Impa said, "is where we keep what we can't put in the public library." She reached out and pulled a book from the shelf. She blew the dust off and handed it to Link. "Like this."
     When Link opened the cover, he recognized immediately why. It was written in English, for one thing. For another, it had his father's signature in the inner cover. It was an instructional book for speaking Hylian. Link began to flip through the book and found he already knew most of what was written there. For some reason, it just made more sense. Much more sense than speaking English.
     He and Impa sat at a small table near the right wall, and within the span of an hour-and-a-half, she had him speaking fluent Hylian. He pronounced every word perfectly, drew every letter without a single mistake. It was if he had been doing it his entire life.
     "It's so clear!" He exclaimed in Hylian, closing the book. He didn't know it yet, but he wouldn't speak English again for a very long time.
     "I have to say," Impa said, also slipping back into her native tongue, "I expected it to be weeks before you could even grasp the concept." She stood and put her hands on her back and stretched, as they had been sitting for a long while. Link, on the other hand, had been moving constantly the entire time, too excited. He couldn't wait until he could talk to someone other than Impa for a change. He was glad he no longer needed a translator.
And he was glad he'd be able to speak to Zelda at last.
     When they crossed the private bridge, Link saw that the sun had set. Impa led him to another tower, to the barracks. Link hadn't realized it in the excitement, but he was exhausted. She led him to his own room and gave him the key.
     "I'll come to get you in the morning," she said. "Sleep well, Link, for a big day lies ahead of you." With that, she left.
     Link entered the room and found it small, simple, and perfectly to his liking. There was a small feather bed in the corner by the window, a bookshelf, a cupboard—Link had learned from a book he read in school that it was called a chiffarobe—and a small wooden table with a stool. On the table, Link saw that a plate of food had been brought for him. He realized also that he hadn't eaten since arriving in Hyrule. The food was still hot, the steam still rising from it.
     On the plate was a drumstick and a piece of delicious doughy bread. Link wolfed both down and picked up the small bowl of soup. He had no idea what kind of soup it was, but was still so hungry that he ignored the wooden spoon that had been lying there, and lifted the bowl to his lips and chugged it. It was delicious and creamy, and Link didn't pause to breathe until the bowl was empty. After filling his stomach, Link became even more tired.
He pulled his hoodie off, kicked off his jeans and sneakers, locked his door, and put the key down on the table.
     He crawled into bed and blew out the oil-lamp by his bed. Wrapped up in the blankets, Link began to think of how wonderful Hyrule was. He could stay in this place for the rest of his life. But then he realized that wasn't possible. He had to get back to his uncle, and his baby sister…not to mention Saria. They probably thought she was off her nut when she told them what happened.
     He had to get back and clear her name, at least. He owed her that much. But for now, he would sleep. And he would sleep soundly, no dreams tonight. That dream wouldn't bother him ever again.

     The next morning, Link awoke to the sound of Impa pounding her fist against the door. "Link!" she called.
     Link sat up and yawned. "I'm up!" he called back when the banging continued. He got up and unlocked the door, letting Impa in who was carrying a bundle of stuff, which she sat down on the table. Link picked up his jeans from where they were slung over the chair.
     "Uh-uh," Impa said. "I've brought you some new clothes."
     Link put his jeans down and looked at what was laid out on the table. It was the same brown tunic and pointed hat he'd seen the young men outside the castle wearing. But up close it looked like something Peter Pan, or Robin Hood might wear. "No way," Link said, shaking his head.
     "If you want to be my student," Impa said, raising an eyebrow, "this is how you shall dress."
     "Student?" Link snapped. "Who said anything about that?"
     "Oh. I forgot to tell you. You'll be training under me for now."
     "I never agreed to—"
     "But you'll do it, nonetheless. You were selected by the goddesses, it is your duty to defend this land."
     "I still don't believe that," Link reminded her. "I don't believe in goddesses. At least not until you can show me some evidence."
     "In time," Impa said. "You'll see, young one. Now would you train with me? As I see much fire in your eyes, and I know you'll make a great swordsman. Have you any experience with a blade?" Link shook his head. "No matter," Impa went on. "You're obviously a very quick learner."
     After a while, Impa convinced him to put on the weird clothes. She turned as he changed. First went a pair of white tights and a form-fitting white shirt of the same make. They reminded Link of that long underwear: over that went the tunic, which fastened at the waist with a leather belt and hung to mid-thigh. There were also finger-less gloves, leather gauntlets and boots. Link pulled them on and then, at last, the hat. It was a very odd thing, which also made him think of Santa Clause. Only this hat was brown and had no ball on the end. Link wondered at first how it would stay on, then noticed that inside were two little clamps that would fasten into his hair.
     He put the hat on, letting it hang back on his head and told Impa he was done. When she turned, she smiled and said, "Perfect." Strangely enough, it felt perfect, too. Link thought it would feel odd on him, but it didn't. It was like speaking Hylian.
The most natural thing in the world.
     They left, and made the long trek through the castle to the front door. Once outside, Impa led Link to a group of roughly thirty kids dressed just like him. Some were his age. Most looked around fifteen. They were all standing around in the grass, in rows like soldiers.
     "Students!" Impa called to them. "We have a new recruit joining us today! All of you, welcome Link." When his name was mentioned, there were gasps and whispers from within the crowd.
     Someone in the back spoke up. "Lady Impa! Is he the one we've heard of? The…"
     "Hero, yes." Impa said it matter-of-factly. There were more whispers, much louder this time.
     Link leaned over and said to Impa in a fierce whisper, "I'm not a hero. Tell them!"
     She looked back, and blinked. "I cannot lie to my students, Link."
     Link sighed and let it go for now. But it was far from over. Impa pointed to the second row, which was short one man. The students stepped aside and allowed Link through. When they had gotten back into position, Impa began to talk to them about how proper footwork was important in a fight. Link barely listened. He knew he probably should have, but he had never been very attentive in class before.
     The kid to Link's right, a guy who look about fourteen leaned over and whispered. "You aren't from around here. Are you?"
     "No," Link answered. "I'm from…very far off."
     "Well," the kid said, smiling. "I can help show you the ropes, so you stick with me."
     "Thanks," Link said.
     "I'm Haeben," The kid said. He put his hand out subtly and Link shook it. "You're Link, right?"
     Before he could answer, Impa called on them. "Link! Haeben! Knights don't talk when their superiors are giving orders. Since you two are so chummy, you can be sparring-partners today. And you'll have plenty of time to get acquainted while you run a lap after class."
     The students all laughed, and Link asked, "Just one lap?"
     "Around the entire castle grounds," Haeben said, grimacing.
     "Oh."
     Just then, a loud trumpet blew, and everyone turned their attention toward the castle. Walking around the owl statue, and accompanied by guards and what Link thought were minstrels, was the princess Zelda. All the students stood at attention upon seeing her. She approached the crowd and exchanged a few words with Impa, who was the only person beside the princess who seemed relaxed.
     Once their conversation was finished, Impa returned her attention to her class. "Listen up! The princess will be sitting in to view your skills today. Everyone remember what I've taught you! Don't disappoint me!" She focused on Link. "Link, seeing as how it's your first class, I would understand if you'd like to sit out for today."
     Everyone looked to him, and although that didn't bother him, he knew Zelda's eyes were on him as well.
And that did. She was waiting to hear what he would say.
     "No," Link said. "I would like to train."
     Impa's expression was that of surprise. Zelda's that of admiration. Not only, Link knew, because of his bravery, but also because of his mastery of Hylian. She smiled and nodded at hearing his decision, as if she knew that's what he'd say.
     "Alright," Impa said. "Get with your partner, all of you! And be quick about it!"
     Everyone scurried about to meet up with their partners. Link turned to face Haeben, who was smiling. "Wow, the princess!" he said. "I've never been so close to her before, only seen her when addressing a big crowd. 'You nervous? First day of class and already gotta show the princess your skills."
     "I'm not worried," Link said.
     "You've got some courage then, my friend." Haeben led Link to a rack lined with wooden training swords and shields. He took two of each down, handing a set to Link. "Ever used a sword?"
     "No," Link admitted. "But I swung a pitchfork at a guy once."
     Haeben laughed. "You're an interesting one, Link. I'll go easy on you, in that case."
     Link grinned. "You'll certainly lose, if that's your attitude."
     It was Haeben's turn to grin. "We'll see."
     Link strapped the shield onto his right arm and hefted the weight. It felt good. He twirled the sword in his left hand. It was a little too light for him, seeing as how it was made of wood, but it would do. It would do just fine.
     "You're a lefty?" Haeben asked as they walked back onto the grass. "Maybe you will be a bit of a challenge,"
     Haeben told link he'd allow him the first swing, but Link's mind was elsewhere. He looked over toward Zelda, and, sure enough, her eyes were on him, a slight smile on her lips. An elegant chair had been brought out onto the grass; the princess was sitting there now. Her elbow was propped on the arm of the chair, her cheek resting on the back of her hand. The knowing smile she was giving him seemed to say, Let's see what you can do, Hero.
But, wait. It just didn't seem to say that, it did say that. It was as if she were speaking inside his head. But that wasn't possi—
     "Link!" Haeben, snapping him out of his thoughts. "C'mon, let's get started."
     Link nodded, realizing he'd been zoned out. He gripped the handle of the training sword tighter, and charged. Haeben readied himself, but Link was there faster than he expected. He swung his sword downward with a loud 'Hiya!' Haeben's shield was just barely up in time to save him.
     He stumbled back a few steps from the force of Link's blow, a surprised look on his face. Before Haeben had time to recover, Link swung again. This time, his sword collided with Haeben's hip and bounced off. Haeben let loose a cry and swung his own weapon. Link ducked under it and jabbed Haeben in the stomach. Haeben stumbled back again, farther this time.
     Link had never even been in a fist fight before, (unless you count that time in second grade he and Mido fought over who would marry Saria, and let the record show that Link won) but all this felt very natural. Everything felt that way since he came to Hyrule. All Link had to do was step aside and let his instincts take over. It was almost as if someone else were controlling him.
     Haeben turned his head to the sound of giggling, and noticed it was the princess, still sitting in her chair, watching the fight. When Haeben turned his face back to Link, it was red and scowling. Link didn't even have time to mutter a curse under his breath before Haeben was on him, swinging wildly. The Good-natured Haeben was gone for this moment, replaced by the humiliated, vengeful Haeben.
     Link had to be fast to block his attacks, using both his sword and shield. In his blind anger, Haeben left himself open plenty of times, but Link would allow him to look as though he were winning, for now, to at least redeem himself a little.
     After Link could go on blocking no more, he decided to fight back. He caught Haeben's sword on his shield, pushed it out of his way. Link head-butted him, hard. Haeben staggered back with a grunt, and Link cringed as well, but regained his wits before his opponent. It was only a split-second, but that was all Link needed. He knocked Haeben back with his shield, sending him flying back. He was able to keep on his feet for a few steps, but fell on the ground anyway.
     Link raised his wooden sword skyward, and, with a shout, took a flying leap at Haeben, who raised his shield. Link brought his sword down and it collided with the shield, and broke it in half. Haeben drew his arm back yelling, and held it clutched to his chest. Link stood and took a few steps back. It was only when the fight was over that Link realized he'd let a sparring session turn into a full-out duel.
     When he looked around, he noticed everyone else had stopped training to watch the two battle. They were all wide-eyed, their mouths were open. Impa stood beside the princess with her arms crossed. Zelda nodded, still smiling, and began to clap. Hesitantly, at first, the students joined her.
     Zelda stood and began to walk out onto the field. When her small band of guards and what-might-be-minstrels tried to follow her, she commanded they remain put. She made her way over to Link and stopped in front of him. She was still smiling. "Can you understand my words?"
     Link stammered, "Y-yes, princess."
     "You fought well. I'd expect no less from my hero."
     "No disrespect, princess," link said. "But I'd rather you not call me that."
     "And I'd rather you not call me 'princess'. Aren't we friends, after what's happened?"
     Link smiled. "I suppose. My apologies, Zelda."
     "They are accepted, Link." She turned to Haeben, who lie still in the grass. "You there. What do the call you?"
     He raised his head a bit. "Haeben, princess… My father is Haedan."
     "Rise, then, Haeben: son of Haedan."
     Haeben struggled to his feet, shrugging Link off when he tried to help. His left arm hung limp at his side. He was able to meet the princess's gaze, and she spoke.
     "There is no reason for you to feel ashamed. My best captain could not have defeated this man. You were brave to last as long as you did, and I recognize your strength. I apologize for laughing."
     "'Twas not your fault, princess. I let my anger get ahead of me. I'm sorry."
     Zelda nodded. "Go, then, and see what can be done about that arm."
     Haeben looked to Link and, after a moment, nodded. No harsh feelings, that nod said. He then trudged off the field, someone meeting him at the end to inspect the damage to his arm. Link still felt a twinge of guilt and wondered if things would ever be the same between him and his would-be friend. The only one he had, beside Zelda.
     Zelda looked back at him. "You're very skilled, Link. Continue your training, but please try not to injure my future knights too badly, yes?"
     Link couldn't help but grin. "Yes, prin—" He caught himself. "Yes, Zelda."  
     She gave him another smile and walked off to meet up with Impa. Impa bent over, to hear what Zelda was whispering to her. Impa's face turned white and she tried to protest, but eventually gave in. With their dispute resolved, Zelda turned back to the crowd of students on the fields.
     "Trainees!" she began, although she already had their attention. "Based on what you've shown me today, I've come to a decision. You are all very skilled fighters, and certainly dedicated to your training. You're all here because you want to become Hylian Knights. I'm going to give you an opportunity to take a big leap toward that goal.
     "I'll be holding a tournament. The victor will be automatically promoted to a squire." The entire crowd seemed to gasp at once. Zelda raised her hand to silence them. "The tournament will take place in one week. I expect you all to get in as much training as possible between now and then. Do your best, and may the best man win!"
     As she began to walk away, the entire crowd of trainees burst out into excitement and cheering. Some of them took their hats off and began to twirl them.
     "Alright!" Impa snapped. "The day's class isn't over yet! You heard the princess! This week is going to be more rough a week than any other since you've been here!" There were moans at this, and the students regrouped to commence their training.
     Haeben was injured, but Impa still made Link run around the castle after class ended. He didn't really mind, though. It helped ease some of the guilt of injuring him. Link thought about the tournament while he ran—ran, not jogged—and became a little worried.
Although deep down, he was anxious.
Promise fulfilled.
This certainly had been a big day.