The Legend: Part II

The Legend: Part II - Chapter 1 - Training Games

Link's P.O.V

It had been a year since the battle against Ganondorf. The land of Hyrule was thriving under the rule of Queen Zelda, the woman of my dreams, and I was now currently the Captain of the Hyrulian Guard. Zelda had appointed me the position after her coronation as Queen. Though I declined the position Zelda demanded it of me. Truth be told I gave in to her because I knew it would have made her happy. Now we both lived in the castle and saw each other frequently. We both had responsibilities. Zelda had her duty as Queen and I was in charge of training new recruits and up keeping the Hyrulian Guard.      "Keep your elbow up when you draw the bow back." I instructed to the new recruits. There was thirteen new men to join the Hyrulian Guard and were in desperate need of training. One of these fresh recruits was Ronin, a friend both Zelda and I made on our journey.  He had limited training but was determined to become a great solider. "Link I think I got it!" Ronin called as he assured me over. I stood behind him to observe.  We were processing archery today and many of these recruits just barely hit the target, but that was o be expected. "Show me what you've got." I stated as I handed Ronin an arrow. Ronin took the arrow and fitted it within the bow. He drew back and aimed. Quickly he took in a breath and released. The arrow soared through the air and hit just below the target. Ronin groaned in defeat. "That was much better Ronin." I complimented. "Better than nothing you mean." Another recruit teased. "You think you can do better?!" Ronin exclaimed. "I know I can do better." The other recruit scoffed. "What's your name?" I asked him. The recruit that teased Ronin stepped forward and held his head high. "My name is Mido sir." The boy stated. "I'm going to assume you've shot an arrow before?" I inquired. "Yes sir. I am the best archer this Kingdom has ever seen." Mido boasted. "I beg to differ." A voiced argued. I quickly turned to see that it was Zelda above us. She was watching from the balcony.  I turned and bowed my head in respect. The recruits followed in suit and too bowed. "Are you inquiring you're the best archer in the Kingdom?" I chuckled. Zelda's eyebrows quirked as she recognized the playfulness in my voice. "Oh I know I am." She chuckled. "And who's the one who taught you how to fire a bow to begin with?" I laughed. "That would be you but we both know I was a better shot to begin with." Zelda laughed. "Why don't we have a little competition then?" Ronin suggested. "How about it, your Majesty?" I asked. "I'll be right there." Zelda stated as she turned and left from the balcony. The recruits shared glances with another and remained silent. "Who's game?" I asked. Only Mido and Ronin raised their hands. "Alright may the best archer win." I laughed.  "Gimme that." Zelda demanded as she came out of nowhere and snatched the bow from my hands. Before us was four targets each one equally marked. Ronin, and Mido bickered among themselves as Zelda and I poked fun. "So what do I get when I win?" I inquired. "When you win? Don't you mean when you lose?" She laughed. "Ok so what do you want when you win?" I asked. Zelda bit her bottom lip and looked away in thought. "How about you meet me tonight on the balcony? After supper?" She whispered. "Deal." I whispered. "Are you guys gonna continue to flirt or are we gonna play?" Ronin teased.  The other recruits began to murmur amongst themselves. "You start Ronin." I stated. Ronin nodded his head in agreement. He took his shot and it just missed the mark. "Alright Mido your turn." I  commanded. Mido was cocky and barely took his time to take the shot. Mido hit a tad higher than Ronin but still did not hit the target. "Your turn farm boy." Zelda teased. I stepped forward and aimed. I inhaled and exhaled in time with the release of my bow. The arrow soared and hit dead center of the target. "A bullseye!" Ronin exclaimed. The rest of the recruits clapped in response. "You're up Zellie." I stated. Zelda calmly stepped forward. Her shoulders were level as she drew back the string of her bow. Zelda then twisted her hips so she faced my target and not hers. She released the arrow and let it soar. Her arrow hit mine causing it to break apart and hit the center. The recruits cheered and roared. "And that's how its done boys." Zelda chuckled as she shoved the bow at me and walked away. "See you tonight. Don't be late." She whispered. I smirked at her as she left the training grounds and entered the castle.