The Legend of Zelda: The Regal Flame

Chapter 24: Worthiness

   Azla kept her head down, as she kneeled before Regis in the throne room. "Please pardon my failure, Sire. I allowed him to escape."

     The prince didn't seem like he could possibly care any less about this news, but before he was able to say anything on the matter, Serprice spoke up. "Azla, His Highness has no concern for whether or not you let the boy escape. Your job was to lead him the right way, and keep an eye on him. We don't recall saying that you were to antagonize him, let alone engage him and the knight in battle. Have you any idea what damage you've done, you idiot?" 

     Azla cringed at Serprice's scolding, but Regis waved his hand impatiently at them. "Nevermind that. It doesn't matter if the boy knows if he's being herded or not. Is that all you have to report on, Azla?"

     She raised her head apprehensively. "Well, my scout did note that he caught a ride with an older man. Though they seemed like they didn't know each other, it was suspicious of him, since he already had a horse."

     "Do you know where he went?"

     "No, but we have a good description of him." She said eagerly. "He had dark skin, and wore a top hat and a suit. And he rode an old, beat up carriage."

     Regis didn't seem familiar with the image she was describing at first. But then acknowledgement lit in his eyes, and he squinted. 

     Serprice noticed, and grinned. "Well, Sire? Would you like to start hanging a bounty over this man's head too?"

     He slowly shook his head dismissively. "No. If this person is who I think he is, then he won't lead us to her location if we deem him a criminal. Just keep an eye out for him."

     "As you wish, Your Majesty!" Azla said, perking up.

     "Now, where is Moddin?" He asked Serprice, as he closed his eyes, and rested his cheek on his fist. 

     "He should be here any second," She answered firmly. Then she looked at Azla, and waved her away. "You are dismissed. See to your orders."

     Azla nodded frantically, then rushed to the door. As she opened it to leave, Moddin appeared on the other side, ready to enter.

     "Moddin," Regis greeted, sitting upright eagerly. "At last. I've been waiting for a report. I trust you have been working hard on your task?"

    "Y-yes, Sire," He stuttered nervously, "And you'll be pleased to learn I have made progress! But..."

     "But...?" Serprice narrowed her snake-like eyes at him.

     He flinched at her glare, and continued hesitantly. "I'll admit, even with my superior knowledge in this field... I have reached a minor setback."

     Regis sighed in annoyance, but Serprice yelled, "What?!" She stomped forward to emphansize her anger. "You promised you'd have the deed completed by tonight!"

     "Enough," Regis raised his hand to quiet her, then turned his gaze back to Moddin. "What is the problem?"

     "W-well, it's not like I don't know how to fix the tile," He began, twiddling his fingers nervously, "It's just that I lack a tool it takes to repair it."

     Regis shrugged. "Well, whatever it is, we'll get one."

     "Erm, that there lies the problem," Moddin explained, "This tool is a spell. A reversal spell to work against an enchantment that has been placed on the tile. However... it is an extremely old and difficult spell. Only one person in Hyrule knows it.. but he has long escaped my sights."