The Lost Hero

Chapter 13

Russ had faced more terrors, fought more battles, and risked his lives countless times over the years for the royal family. But as he held the pages in his hand, his nose wrinkled. Was this what he had become to King Roham? A babysitter?

"Why do I have to deal with the new recruits?" he said bitterly.

"Because I said so," Dorian said simply, not looking up from his book.

"But they're idiots."

Dorian glanced at him and smiled. "You should be able to relate to them, then."

Russ sneered at Dorian.

"They're hardly new recruits," Dorian continued. "They've all had a respectable amount of training. Dahvi in particular. He's spent years training with Robbie and Impa and has even been sent across Hyrule as Princess Zelda's escort."

"Great," Russ muttered. "Another know-it-all kid."

Dorian closed his book and let his hand rest on Russ's shoulder as he walked by. "Be nice."

"I always am," Russ said through his teeth.

He stopped at the desk and placed the book down. "Is that what you call being nice?"

"What do you want me to do? Reward them every time they take a step in the right direction?" He muttered under his breath. "Damn entitled kids think they should be rewarded for everything."

"So cynical," Dorian grunted.

"You act surprised," a voice said from behind them as an old Sheikah woman entered the room.

"Impa," Russ said in a monotone greeting.

"He's been this way from the very beginning," Impa continued, turning to Dorian.

"It's gotten rather old," Dorian remarked.

"He's just going to get more bitter in his old age," Impa said.

"I'm right here," Russ growled toward them.

"Oh, yes, there you are," Impa said, turning to him. "I guess I didn't notice the sour-faced Hylian standing right in front of me. Would it kill ya to smile once in a while?"

"Yes," Russ grunted. "I have an image to uphold."

Impa smiled at him. "Work those boys hard," she said. "I'd like to get them out to Gerudo Desert to relieve the troops we have stationed out there. They could use a little action with the Yiga Clan, don't you think?"

"Do you really think that's a good idea?" Dorian muttered.

"Russ wouldn't risk his career and the lives of innocent young soldiers," Impa said frankly.

Russ turned his gaze to the floor.

"Like he did years ago?" Dorian said, his gaze narrowing on Russ.

"And that's why it won't happen again," Impa sneered in Russ's direction. "Or do I need to put someone more capable in charge?"

"No," Russ snapped. "I can handle it."

"Good," Impa said with a nod. "One more screw up, Russ, and you're finished."

Russ said nothing as Impa left them alone, the door closing loudly behind her. He turned his gaze out the window, looking out over Hyrule.

"He's not out there," Dorian said softly. "It's been seventeen years, Russ. You need to accept the fact that he's gone."

Russ turned abruptly away from Dorian, and without another word, he left him alone in the barracks.

*****