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

Why we failed pt. 26 Bells and Masks

Chapter

Why we failed pt. 26

Bells and Masks

Zelda stood quietly, eyes transfixed by the shimmering cascade of images still projected vividly upon the waterfall's veil. She clutched her fingers tight, heart caught in a fragile rhythm of wonder and dread, barely noticing the murmurs of astonishment echoing softly from those gathered nearby.

"Here they come!" shouted the herald, for all to bear witness to the heavens above.

A sudden fluttering stirred above, and Zelda's focus turned swiftly, startled from her reverie. Through the dying twilight, Revali and his Rito scouts returned like pale ghosts from the skies. They swooped gracefully onto the arena grounds, wings whispering softly in the gathering dusk, their precious cargo clutched carefully within taloned grasp. Zelda's breath tightened sharply at the sight.

The cadets the Rito deposited onto the grass were no longer proud and eager boys, but frightened, wounded youths—faces pale beneath layers of dirt and blood, some struggling to hold back tears, others unable to hide their terror and pain. Some could barely stand, collapsing onto the field, gasping or clutching at wounds. Zelda's heart clenched painfully at the sight. Clerics and healers equipped with medicinal supplies rushed to their landing.

She had known the trials would test them—had heard the tales countless times—but to witness their suffering firsthand was another matter entirely. Guilt gnawed at her chest, heavy and bitter. Had she unknowingly urged them toward this fate with her presence, her expectations? What sort of test demanded this much sacrifice? She would never be able to understand the justification of her ancestors for such a test as this.

Then came the chilling realization, piercing sharply into her thoughts: Helmsworth was nowhere among those brought safely back. A shiver prickled along her spine, a cold whisper of fear gripping tightly. The projection no longer showed his form or hinted at his whereabouts, choosing instead to reveal only fleeting glimpses of other cadets still wandering in the misty gloom. The last time they saw him he disappeared into a grove which faced a buried, forgotten monument of some kind that she had no memory of.

Her silence, more telling than words could ever be, drew Jun's watchful eye. He moved quietly to her side, his voice gentle yet firm. "Don't worry, he's strong, Princess. I've seen Helmsworth fight—he's far tougher than half these soft-handed lords' sons. If anyone can beat these silly trials, it's him."

She turned slowly, her gaze meeting his. The reassurance in Jun's expression was genuine, warm, but even so, it did little to ease the quiet storm within her. Before she could muster words to reply, Purah cut in, voice tart with an attempt at levity.

"Indeed, the little squire is right. Your Helmsworth is made of sterner stuff it would seem. Seeing is he made it to where none of the others have, yet. If I were you, Princess, I wouldn't fret. Besides, if he disappoints, you can always pick another champion from the pack. Goddess knows there's a never-ending line of eager knights willing to impress you. At least, that's what mine eyes have seen."

Zelda arched an eyebrow, suppressing the blush threatening to creep onto her cheeks. "Oh? And should I trust your expert opinion on knights, Purah?"

Purah grinned impishly, adjusting her glasses with exaggerated dignity. "Absolutely, Your Highness. My taste in men is legendary, after all. Ask anyone."

Zelda then hid a smile from her, raised her eyebrows and whispered to herself. "I'll be sure to ask Robbie then."

"What was that?" Purah blinked, unable to hear; yet had really didn't want to hear because she had a sneaking suspicion of what sort of jest her friend was playing at.