The Legend of Zelda: Transient (third book in the Timeless series)

Chapter 5

"Are you sure you have to go?" Erick asked, looking up at him. Link sighed and looked back at him for a moment before forcing a smile and messing his son's hair up,
"Yeah. It won't be long, bud. I'll be back before you can even miss me!" He assured him, tucking his pants into his boot. Then, he stood up and put on his hat, "Well? How do I look?" He asked jokingly, posing,
"Like a hero!" Erick said with admiration. Link chuckled,
"Well, good!" He then walked over to Zelda, who was looking at her hands quietly, "You ok?" He asked, putting a hand on her shoulder. She looked up at him and nodded,
"Yeah, I'm fine," she then stood up. "Its not too late to change your mind," she said. He sighed, putting a hand on her cheek,
"You and I both know I have to do this," he said. She nodded slowly, looking down for a moment.
Sarth walked through the open door, "excuse me, your majesties? The reinforcements that are departing with you are ready, King Link," He said. Link resisted the urge to roll his eyes at the sound of his voice,
"Ok," he simply said instead. He heard his footsteps walking out, "Are you going to walk me there?" he asked Erick, who nodded with a sad smile. He picked him up, put him up on his shoulders, and ran down the hallway. He heard Zelda chuckle behind him.
When they exited the castle, he slowed to a walk, waiting for Zelda. He then took her hand and they walked towards the exit of Castle Town. As they passed, he noticed a few looks from people. Concern? He ignored it.
Sarth was right, the rest of the soldiers Link was leading were grouped on the other side of the bridge. Link sat down his son and adjusted the bag on his shoulder, taking a deep breath,
"Well, I guess I should be off," he said, crouching down in front of Erick, who looked like he was holding back tears, "Hey, it's ok. I'll be back in no time!" He said, smiling. Erick nodded, "Practice the things I've shown you while I'm gone, ok?" He nodded again, smiling slightly,
"Don't worry. You'll be proud of me when you get back, dad!" He said, throwing his arms around Link's neck. He nodded and hugged him back tightly,
"I know I will," he murmured back before patting his back and standing up and messing up his hair. He then turned to Zelda, who hugged him. He put his cheek against her head and hugged her back. After a few moments, she pulled back and looked up at him, putting a hand on his cheek,
"You better come back," she said quietly, looking at him seriously, "For me, and for him," she said. He nodded,
"I promise," he said, before kissing her. He took one last look at the both of them before turning and walking over to the others, who were ready now,
"Let's go, before I change my mind," he said, putting his bag into the cart. Then, the group started off, soon fading from view. Zelda sighed and put her arm around Erick, who had hugged onto her hip. After a moment, she took his hand and they started back slowly,
"Miss Zelda! I have been searching for you!" One of her maids said, coming up to them. She leaned in and whispered something in Zelda's ear. Her eyes widened, and her head whipped around in the direction Link had just left,
"Oh goddesses..." She murmured.