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

Why we failed pt. 34 The Mud and the Flower

Chapter

Why we failed pt. 34

The Mud and the Flower

"At last count the number is eighty-seven dead," Watch-Captain of the city Titus said grimly, standing stiff before the war table, "dozens more wounded... and many unaccounted for. I'm sorry, My King. I would also mention that our honored guests from Hytopia, Labrynna and more elsewhere made haste to depart during the fray. It was a nightmare securing those Mammoderms before they could trample any more fleeing people. Luckily they taken them far from our city by now."

The room fell silent. The storm outside groaned against the garrison walls, as if echoing the weight of the words. Firelight flickered along damp stone, dancing across weary faces gathered in the solar chamber of the outpost's commanding quarters. They were the last of the realm's greatest minds and blades—yet they stood like mourners at a wake.

The watch captain continued. "We lost ten good men at arms to one of those demon things alone. I thought we were never going to take that monstrous six-legged beast down." He said the word like a curse and glanced at the Sheikah in attendance with apprehension. Almost wary of where their allegiances may truly lie. Impa and Purah's own gaze couldn't meet his scrutiny. For now they were ashamed of how things went down.

"Luckily," Continued the watch captain. "King Dorephan made short work of the monster that came up upon us and with the help of our friend Daruk here, it was sent back to the inferno from whence it belongs." He said, recounting the events during the chaos. The third guardian had been destroyed by the Zora king and the chief of the Gorons in a desperate defensive maneuver.

King Rhoam sat seemingly uncaringly at the details and instead hunched in a carved oaken chair at the room's head. His usually imposing frame sagged beneath soaked robes and damp furs, the crown set askew atop white hair. He did not speak. Only stared into the hearth, jaw clenched.

The High Seneschal—robed in indigo and gold—stepped forward, ever the keeper of protocol even amid grief.

"And what of King Dorephan and his daughter after? After the defeat of the legged beast?" he asked, voice brittle. "Did they make it out alright?"

Urbosa, her arms crossed and face grim beneath her ceremonial helm, answered coolly.

"As for the Princess of Zora, I can attest that she is safe. Lord Arasmus saw to it himself. Once she was in the care of her father and his attendants, they departed with haste—downriver, toward the Domain."

The Seneschal breathed a sigh, folding his hands together. "This is good... but the losses remain grievous. Are we sure the city has been secured?"

Watch-Captain Titus answered without missing a beat. "My men are scouring every alley and cellar. Whatever filth remains, we'll flush it out. But as it stands... it seems the enemy has vanished. I'm still waiting on the commander of the Royal Guard to return to us with any more news from the castle."

A tremble in the room. The High Priest, pale and rattled, lifted a shaking hand toward his chest. "By the goddess..." he whispered. "What in Demise's name could they have been after? These Yiga vermin."

Urbosa interjected. "Do they really need a reason? They're Yiga!"

A voice colder than the rain answered him over her. "From the reports of those Royal Guards that have arrived," said Lord Danarus Draene, rising slowly from the corner shadows, "returning from the castle... it seems they were after the queen's crown. For whatever reason, seems to be determined as of yet."