The Legend: Part II

The Legend: Part II: Chapter 15 - Advice

Link's P.O.V

After that night I had realized that I had been selfish. Zelda and I's love was real but to be together meant to loose Hyrule and at the expense of it's inhabitants lives. Neither her nor I wanted that to happen. Yet deep down loosing Zelda to Armani was a stab at both my pride and heart. Zelda made it quite clear that she loved me and only me but the affirmation wasn't enough. I wanted more. I wanted Zelda to be mine and only mine and I hers. The moment I left Zelda to return to my duty as Captain of the guard I felt empty. Part of me felt that if I left her I'd never see her again. "Captain Link!" A voice shouted from across the training grounds. "Yes?" I answered. "The recruits have been waiting for you to inform them of their final test." My Co-Commander stated. He was a quaint man that went by the name of Ravio. He was newly wed and already had a baby on the way. He had so much to live for. I envied him in a way. I wanted what he had I realized. But I wanted it all with Zelda. "Take the day off Ravio. Go to your wife." I instructed. "But sir-" He tried but I quickly cut him off. "Spend time with your family." I stated firmly. Ravio then nodded and turned to leave. I continued on my way to find that all of the recruits sat idly waiting for me. With a slight pep in my step I made it to the front of the crowd. So many young men have joined to become apart of her majesty's army. I looked over them and couldn't help but feel somewhat proud. Suddenly my eyes met with Ronin's. He was the youngest out of the lot and the smallest, but he didn't let that stop him. I saw myself in him. I nodded my head in acknowledgment at him before I cleared my throat to speak. The recruits hushed themselves quiet until it was silent. "Good morning." I greeted. "Good morning!" The recruits greeted back together in unison. "Tomorrow is the day where you must put all of your training to the test. You will be expected to stand your own. I will give the final word on who passes and becomes an official solider of the Majesty's Royal Guard. Queen Zelda, herself, will be there to witness the ceremony. For today I want you to keep training light and prepare yourself for the exam tomorrow." I instructed. "What will our exam consist of?" Ronin questioned from the crowd. "You will be expected to use everything I have taught you in the past and put those skills into a present situation. " I answered. "Any more questions?" I asked. After a few moments of silence it was clear there were no more questions. "You're dismissed." I instructed. Quickly the recruits disbanded. Only Ronin remained. "Link?" He called. I nodded my head in acknowledgement as I approached him. "What's up?" I asked. Ronin was clearly nervous. His head was lowered and he fiddled with his shirt. "For the final exam tomorrow.....Do you......Do you think I can pass?" He asked. I smiled at him softly. "You can do anything you set your mind to. Have courage, and never give up." I advised. Ronin instantly lit up. "You're right!" He exclaimed. "I believe in you." I stated as I patted his back. "Thanks Link." Ronin stated before he hugged me and then turned to leave. "Have courage, and never give up." I repeated to myself. It felt almost as if I was a hypocrite as I gave Ronin that advice. In the moment I was currently afraid. I was about to loose Zelda. I was about to stop the fight and give up. An inner battle waged within me. I wanted to fight for Zelda but to do so endangers both her and Hyrule. As the chosen hero....No as a man, I have to think of the consequences of my actions.