The Lost Hero

Chapter 15

Dahvi lunged forward, swinging his blade across. Though his attack was blocked, there was far more power behind his swing than in his enemy's stance, and he easily dislodged the blade, dropping his foe's defense and leaving him vulnerable for attack. Dahvi quickly pressed forward, knocking back his target with the hilt of his sword, then pressed him against the wall, his weapon at his enemy's throat.

"Ugh," he grunted. "C'mon, Vi, you won." He shoved Dahvi back and sneered at him, but his sneer quickly faded as he looked past Dahvi, up to the walk behind them.

Dahvi followed his gaze to see Princess Zelda watching them. She met Dahvi's gaze for a moment, her expression blank, and she turned away.

"What ya s'pose she's doin'?" Axyl asked. He grinned. "That your signal to meet 'er somewhere secret?"

Dahvi punched him in the shoulder and Axyl whimpered. He rubbed at his shoulder.

"Aw, c'mon, I'm jest kiddin', s'all," he whined.

Russ's voice bellowed across the training yard, and the recruits eagerly returned their weapons for the night, hurrying off for dinner. When Dahvi made his way out of the barracks, he found Zelda waiting for him.

"You know," Dahvi started. "I'm not exactly supposed to be seen with you."

Zelda frowned. "Why not?"

"Because I am not worthy to be in your presence." He grinned at her, and Zelda's cheeks reddened.

"Don't be ridiculous," she said quickly, turning away from him. "We're friends." She strode away from the barracks, and Dahvi followed her.

"We are?"

"Of course."

"I don't think that entitles me to special treatment."

"I'm not giving you special treatment," she said sternly. "I just wanted to talk." She paused and turned to him. "Did you... speak with Mipha?"

Dahvi hesitated. He cleared his throat. "Uh. Yes."

Zelda nodded. Her expression remained unchanged. "Good. I'm sorry you heard it from us, first. But I know you're friends, and I thought you should know." She hesitated, then turned away again, walking towards the castle. "I'm sure she wanted to tell you, but you've been so busy lately."

Dahvi trotted to catch up with her but said nothing more, and Zelda continued.

"I know you're angry," she said. "Believe me, I do not take the matter lightly. When Urbosa volunteered... well, anyway, you know she's been like a mother to me." She glanced at him. "I hope you don't resent me for either of them being appointed Champion."

"I don't," Dahvi said.

Zelda nodded. They stopped in their tracks as Russ rounded the corner, and he bowed to the princess before eyeing Dahvi carefully.

"I thought I -"

Zelda offered Russ a smile and interrupted him, raising a hand. "Commander," she started. "I asked to speak with him."

"If he's bothering -"

"He's no bother," Zelda assured him. "Dahvi and I have known each other for a long time. I simply wanted to catch up with him. I'm sorry if I took him away from his duties."

Russ hesitated. He spoke slowly. "Not at all." He let his gaze longer on Dahvi, then stepped around them.

"What is with that guy?" Dahvi muttered.

Zelda smiled. "You mean you didn't hear the rumors?"

Dahvi glanced at her. "What rumors?"

"Apparently we're sleeping together."