Hero by Heart

Chapter 43

The day started out the same as any other, with the peaceful Gerudo Town slowly waking up and coming to life as every vai headed to her daily occupation.
Zelda had decided to develop a daily habit, so that she could keep her mind busy in the unknown amount of days that Link was gone.
She got up in the morning to accompany Reeza, who had instated herself as her personal coach, in a round of physical exercises to get in good shape.
This meant rising early and being drilled until she was once again drenched in sweat, before the day was even hot enough to assist in that.
After the brutal exercises Reeza cheerfully dismissed her to have a proper breakfast, and Zelda ate it with tired arms, already regretting giving the Gerudo so much power over her.
Luckily she had some time for herself now, which she spent on top of the main gate, on the same spot she had discovered earlier.
Here she finally opened her notebooks and read her own scribbles and studied the little drawings she had made, constantly comparing the different Beasts to each other.
For the first time she felt like there was actually something there, some kind of meaning hidden underneath all the nonsense, if only she could find it.
When the entire morning was suddenly gone, she realized that it was time to return to her brutal trainer, who would be waiting for her for the actual sword fighting lessons.
Zelda slowly walked through the shallow water that ran over the walls, enjoying the soft breeze and the sounds of a bustling town all around her.
It was another beautiful day, and despite the ever-present heat Zelda had grown fond of the place, with its bright colours and busy life.
She made a short stop at Hotel Oasis, where she still occupied a bed, and dropped off her books.
Instead she fastened the heavy belt around her hips and strolled through the streets towards the training grounds.
'There she is!' Reeza exclaimed when she appeared in the archway opening onto the small square.
'I was beginning to worry that you wouldn't show,' the Gerudo chuckled, winking at her.
Zelda smiled back. 'I was really considering it.'
Reeza laughed, but patted her shoulder. 'I'm glad you still came. Shows you have some real fighting spirit in you.'
Zelda grinned, secretly quite proud of the simple statement.
'Well, then,' her trainer said, turning serious, or as serious as she would ever be, 'let's get started.'
Zelda followed her to the center, where she was greeted by a few other vai, who were busy with their own practice.
She took her stance across from Reeza, sighing deeply at the prospect of another afternoon of hard work.

Hardly half an hour had passed in their training, when suddenly they were interrupted by the sound of a horn being blown.
All warriors present looked up in surprise, before looking at each other as they listened intently.
Just when a second blast sounded, Buliara came storming onto the square, a hard look on her face.
'We're under attack!' She shouted, just before the third horn blast. 'At the southern gate!'
Immediately all Gerudo Warriors sprang into action, as they gathered their armour and weapons and the first of them stormed off to meet the enemy.
     More warriors entered through the gate to report for duty, quickly filling the small square with dangerous looking women.
Zelda found her way to Buliara, but before she could say anything, the Captain raised one hand to cut her off.
'Merina!' She roared over the heads of the warriors still organising their gear.
Within seconds the Gerudo in question appeared out of the crowd, Reeza, Kotta and Laine at her heels.
Buliara looked them over and gave a content smile, before pointing towards Zelda. 'I trust you with the princess's well-being. I can't protect both her and the Chief, so while Link is still missing you're in charge, got it?'
Merina quickly nodded, shooting a brief smile towards Zelda herself. 'My vai and I will keep her safe.'
Buliara nodded once, but then turned and stormed off, already calling orders and gathering warriors to head towards the fight.
     Zelda looked between the four warriors remaining with her, feeling helpless once again.
     'I can't keep you all from where you're needed,' she said softly. 'Surely one of you will be enough to protect me?' She chuckled awkwardly, feeling strange under the grave circumstances.
     'Princess,' Merina said with a serious expression, and from the use of her title and the intense look in her eyes Zelda knew that she would not tolerate more protests.
     'I have made a personal promise to Link that I will keep you safe, and I take my duty very seriously. My warriors will follow me in battle, even if that means staying back to protect you.'
     She now smiled friendly. 'You are our priority until I am told otherwise.'
     Zelda smiled back, unhappy about the situation but understanding that she wouldn't be able to change it.
     'I want to see what's happening,' she said instead, a pleading look in her eyes.
     Merina nodded. 'That might be possible.'
     She then briskly turned and stalked off, walking through town with her long strides.
     In the short amount of time it had taken the Gerudo to gather their warriors, the entire town seemed to have been deserted.
     All shops were cleared out, with the doors closed and bolted tight, and the only vai still outside were prepared for battle.
     As Zelda hurriedly walked after Merina, almost running to keep up, they crossed the central square, from where she could see multiple warriors throwing up a barricade at the main gate.
     The heavy wooden doors that were usually always open, were now shut and guarded, as heavy crates were stacked behind it.
     Merina led Zelda underneath the arch opposite of the one they had come from, and in this street the first sounds of battle could be heard.
     After she had quickly checked around the corner, Merina gestured her to come to her, standing near the outer wall in a unused corner.
     There was a pile of rubble and dirt stacked there, as no one ever bothered to come this way, but now Merina climbed on top of that.
     She extended a hand towards Zelda, smiling reassuringly. 'I'll give you a boost, come on.'
     Zelda did as she was told and put her foot in the folded hands of the Gerudo, who instantly lifted her so that she could climb on top of the wall.
     With her hand against the rocks to keep her steady, Zelda now had a clear view of the desert, and despite the heat, she suddenly felt chilled to the bone.