(Zelink) The Legend of Zelda and the Last knight- Swords and Roses

Why we failed pt. 21

Why we failed pt. 21

False Flags on the Sunset

Commander Tye stood atop the bluff, staring down at Salty Point with narrowed eyes and a sour twist to his mouth. Below, the coastal village sat peacefully nestled against the Wandering Sea, its waters shimmering sapphire beneath a blue sky. White gulls spun lazily overhead, their soft, feathered wings blending seamlessly into the few low-lying clouds that drifted like pillowy sails across the horizon. Their carefree cries echoed gently, fading as they disappeared momentarily among the cotton-white formations, making it impossible to tell where bird ended and cloud began. Waves also tumbled gently upon the rocky shore, rhythmic and calm. It would have been a pleasant view—idyllic, even—were it not for the dark suspicion gnawing at his gut.

Four days. It should have taken half that time to reach this forsaken spit of coast. But no, the cursed Marshlands had other plans. Swamps that swallowed boots whole, bogs that sucked down horses with malicious glee, and riverboat men more treacherous than helpful. Each one more determined than the last to loot the army rather than help. Every mile had been a misery. His men, used to clear skies and broad fields near the capital, had trudged wearily through muggy air thick as stew, swatting bugs and cursing foul water that stank of rot. If only we had more time, he realized. More time to prepare for such a campaign, but orders were orders, and the command was to move with all due haste. And so, he did just that.

Fortunately, now that they've arrived, there is some respite. Fresh sea air now caressed his scarred face, sweet relief from the stink and humidity of swamp-hamlets whose stubborn folk thrived in the marshy gloom. He drew a deep breath, savoring the salty tang, but could not quite chase away the irritation that simmered beneath his calm facade.

"Commander," came the hesitant voice of one of his lieutenants, a soldier named Greff, still green as meadow grass though a brother of the guard for over ten years. One of the last older recruits who were appointed to the guard for their noble status and whose blood ran through their veins rather than their merit. The soldier was nearly thirty now and would you know it, Link's father realized the man has never so much as stained his blade. It nearly brought a strange smile to his lips. Truth be told, only a small handful had seen actual combat other than the commander and his fellow old veterans. The last real war anyone witnessed was during his time. Peace has reigned since and with that, any real experience along with it.

The man spoke up. "All seems...quiet below, Sir. Perhaps the reports were mistaken?"

Tye didn't spare the man a glance. "Mistaken?" he growled, his voice rasping with incredulity. "We marched a full battalion across two days' worth of swamp and misery, doubled by mishaps and delays. Half our supply carts mired in muck. All because of some damned 'mistaken' correspondence? There shan't be any mistakes."

Greff wisely fell silent, sensing the peril in pushing further.

Tye sighed roughly, scowling down at Salty Point again. It was unsettling, how tranquil it appeared. Not a single burning roof, nor even a frightened villager fleeing the supposed pirate menace. Just fisherfolk going about their humble business, mending nets and proudly hauling their morning catch onto weather-worn docks. He even spied old men lazily telling exaggerated stories from their porches and maidens dotting the streets running errands or running their stands and shops.

He tugged absently at the ends of his graying mustache, brow furrowing deeply. No, something felt deeply wrong. Pirates had attacked, the High Chancellor's dispatch had claimed urgently—Danarus Draene himself had stamped the message. Tye trusted the Chancellor little, and liked him even less, yet the order had borne the king's seal. He'd had no choice but to obey, leaving the capital practically defenseless, guarded only by those arrogant, preening Draene retainers.