If the Boot Fits

News

Aryll played with the few rupees she had stashed in her pocket. They were able to earn a few extra cents, making their trip worthwhile. It had taken nearly all day to work the shopkeepers down on their prices, leaving Link and Aryll little time to scrap up money. The sun would be setting soon, and Link would have to make dinner.

"Delivery for Lord Ghirahim," the mailman said behind them.

Link turned, taking the stack of letters in his hand. Right on top was a thin envelope with the royal emblem - the Triforce - stamped in the center. And sure enough, the return address confirmed it was from Hyrule Castle. News from the royal court came in every so often, usually reminding everyone about unimportant things or simple events that would take place. But this letter was different. It was much thinner than the others and looked as if the emblem had been hastily stamped on.

"You give those to Ghirahim," Aryll said. "I'll put this stuff away." Sighing heavily, she headed for the stables to hide the money.

Link started up the long drive to the house. When he stepped over the threshold, he could hear muffled grunts and whines coming from the yard out back. Link followed the noise through the house until he came to the training yard where his father would always practice his swordsmenship. Seeing his stepfamily use this part of the house made sadness and disgust bubble in his stomach. Ghirahim was the only competent one with a sword. He swung and cut with precision while Zant recklessly flailled his blade and Groose scowled down at his like it was the sword's fault he was so bad.

Glancing at the small armory, Link wished he could show them how to wield a blade. But the armory was forever inaccessible to him since Ghirahim locked it and never set the key down. Father's special sword hung inside, and that, Link guessed, was the reason Ghirahim never let him in. If he wanted Link to polish the swords, Ghirahim would take them out and personally shove them into Link's arm.

"What is it, boy?" Ghirahim barked, startling Link. Link held out the stack of mail, and Ghirahim snatched it out of his hand, glowering. He turned back to his sons. "A letter from the castle." He opened the envelope, about to read the letter inside until he caught Link loitering in the doorway. "What are you still doing here? Go fix dinner."

Heat crawled up Link's spine. He wanted to fight back, listen to the order sent by King Rhoam, but that would only result in a beating. Instead, he turned back into the house, shutting the door behind him, though he didn't leave right away.

Link pressed his back against the wall, making himself invisible to the outside, and listened as Ghirahim read the letter out loud.

"I am excited to announce that a ball will be held in one week's time. The ball will last three nights. Princess Zelda is currently traveling for diplomatic reasons, and the ball will comence on her return to Hyrule Castle. By the end of the event, the princess will choose a suitor. All eligible men are to attend. Thank you. Signed, King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule."

Link didn't listen to whatever Ghirahim said next. So that was it. A ball. A set up for the princess's hand in marriage. No wonder the envelope was so small.

Trying to clear his head of this news, Link headed for the kitchen. Ghirahim would never allow him to go, and Link had no desire to. But something kept nagging in the back of his mind. What if this was his chance.  . ? But then how. . ? Half-formed questions circled Link's head.

"So what does the King want now?" Aryll groaned as Link entered the kitchen.

"Ghirahim or the real King?"

"Rhoam." She must have seen the Triforce on the envelope.

"He's setting up a three day ball for the princess to choose a suitor." Link shrugged, walking out to the pile of wood.

"A ball?" Aryll squealed. She followed Link as he took a few pieces of wood to start the fire in the hearth. "I've always wanted to go to a ball! Just imagine the gowns, and the music, and the food!" She sighed, mouth watering at the delights that would no doubt be served. Her stomach growled, too. She and Link hadn't had a proper meal since Ghirahim made them eat the scraps of the dishes Link cooked for him. Ghirahim and Zant hardly left anything, even if Link gave them an extra portion. Groose was such a pig that he always had a pile of scraps under his chair. Aryll and Link always waited for them to leave the table just so they could eat the dropped food. "I'll have to get a dress, and do my hair. I'm so excited!"

Link stoked the growing fire. "Ghirahim wouldn't let us go." He hated to crush his little sister's dream, but better that than scars from asking to go. But what if they didn't ask? What if they went and changed their lives? Link couldn't keep his mind from creating a plan. Aryll must have seen the look his face.

"What are you thinking?" she asked. "And don't try to deny it, I know you're thinking something. What's the plan?" She grabbed Link's arm when he didn't answer, shaking him a little as he diced an apple.

"What if. . ." Link set the knife down, turning to Aryll. "What if we sneak in and change our guardian records? We would be free of Ghirahim. We could leave, and no one can stop us."