If the Boot Fits

Accused

Rounding the corner, Link rammed into Groose. He shoved him aside, searching for Aryll. They had to go. There was no question about it, they had to leave, now. But she was no where is sight. Link frantically swivled around, shoving the cloths aside in search of his sister. When it finally reached his mind that she wasn't out there, Link rounded on Groose.

"Where is she?" he shouted, advancing on him. "What did you do with Aryll?"

"She's in the attic," Groose said defensively. Holding eye contact, he glared at Link.

Growling in frustration, Link sprinted through the house. He bounded up the stairs, taking them two at a time, before throwing himself at the door. It gave way, revealing Aryll in a ball on the floor, crying with a gag in her mouth. Rushing to her side, Link hoisted her up to stand, yanking the ball of cloth away from her mouth.

"Link!" she cried, clutching his arm to steady her shaking legs. "What's happening?"

"We have to go," Link ignored her question. "Get your telescope. Hurry."

"What's happening?" Aryll repeated, ripping the floor board up.

"Ghirahim, he's-" Link didn't have time to finish before the door slammed shut behind him, Zant's laughter seeping through. He lunged for the handle, but it was locked, shut tight. "No!" He cursed, dragging his hands through his hair. He cursed again.

"What's happening?" Aryll cried, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks, telescope forgotten.

"Their arresting me," Link said.

He bit his tongue against another curse, pummeling the door with his fist. It wouldn't budge. He crossed the room in two quick strides, peering at the ground below the window. The window was too small to fit through, but if he did by some miracle, the fall would be too much. He was even farther off the ground than the night of the ball, and would surly break something. Jailed with a broken leg; not a good idea. His only hope was to wait for the door to open and run, or plead his case. Both were futile.

"Arresting you? Why?" Aryll's broken voice cracked.

"In Castle Town, there was an announcement that someone stole 10,000 rupees the same time I was there." He cursed. "Ghirahim will make them think I did it."

"But it wasn't you," Aryll tried to sooth. "You can explain yourself and they'll let you go."

"Aryll, I took bread." Link hated talking to her like this, but he was too scared and angry to calm himself. "I'll have to admit that to prove I didn't steal money, but they could easily throw me in jail for that, too!" He kicked the door.

"They can't just take you!" Aryll cried, throwing herself into his arms. "They'll give you a trial, right? You can defend yourself!"

"If only it were so simple," Link muttered under his breath. He sank to the floor, cradling Aryll.

Faintly, beneath the floorboards, he heard muffled voices. He couldn't make out what they were saying, but he recognized the tone. A deep voice grumbled something, then Ghirahim replied. The two went back and forth in a conversation. Never once did the princess's voice join in. Ghirahim made a comment that haulted the conversation, the silence was followed by heavy footfalls and the creaking attic stares. Link rose to his feet, prepared to run with Aryll.

"In here," Ghirahim said without the slightest emotion to his voice.

The lock clicked, Link leaned foward in anticipation. The door slowly opened, and when it was an inch away from the wall, Link thrust it wide open. He grabbed Aryll, shoving passed the first line of people, not caring who he hurt. A row of knights stood ready before him, but he was able to push his way through until Aryll fell loose from his grip. She gasped in fear, Link nearly fell when he turned around so fast in search of her. Aryll squirmed in the tight grip of the big man, flailing her arms and kicking as she was lifted off the ground.