The Legend of Zelda: Transient (third book in the Timeless series)

Chapter 11

The loud sound of hoof beats rang across the earth as they whipped across the field. Zelda felt her son's arms tighten around her as the horse urged faster. She wasn't very comfortable going outside the castle without much for protection, but her rapier was attached to her hip, so it would have to be enough.

The world that now surrounded her shocked her tremendously. Even though she had known it had changed drastically after the events several years beforehand, her heart still stung with pain when she tried to take in the sights around her. So, instead, she stared in front of them without really seeing anything.

"Mom..?" She heard after several long moments. She glanced back in his direction, a silent invitation to continue, "That monster...It said something about a boy. It said he was "growing inside me", and would show himself to me when I grow up. A-and then, it took something out of me. A circle, I think. It was really bright, and hurt my eyes a little bit, but that's not the point. Anyway, it had a bit of grey on it, and it said that it would turn into black when I grow up. I don't really know what any of that means...So.. Am I going to be ok?" He finished nervously. Zelda became quiet, thinking. She hadn't been positive before, but his words confirmed her worst fears. She didn't say anything for several long moments,

"For all we know, it was just trying to make you scared. Don't worry about it for now, sweetheart. My friend can help us," She said kindly. He was quiet, thinking about it,

"But why would it even think that? You seem sad too, even though you aren't saying anything." He insisted. She shook her head,

"I just haven't seen the woman we're going to visit in several years. I hope she's okay..." She lied. As she finished, the cottage came into view. She slowed the mare to a stop several feet from the cobblestones leading to the front door. Smoke was spiraling upward from the chimney, extending it's grasp into the otherwise crystal sky. She took a deep breath before dismounting and pulling Erick down after her. His gaze remained on the small home, curiosity dominating his expression. She took his hand and led him towards the old wooden door.

It flew open when they neared, as if a large gust of wind blew it open from the inside. Erick flinched slightly, but Zelda didn't blink twice. She led him inside without a second thought.

The room was dimly lit by candles spread throughout the room, the shadows of the flames dancing across the walls. Books, who's insides were covered in foreign script, littered the large desk that sat against the far wall. The warm air smelled of miscellaneous herbs and old parchment. Erick let go of her hand and walked forward, picking up a striped feather off the floor, investigating it closely,

"Do you always pick up objects in strangers' homes?" A voice asked from close behind them. Zelda smiled slightly and turned to greet her old friend, who wasn't there moments before,

"Hello Shea," She said warmly, a smile spreading across her face. Shea returned it for a moment before looking back at her son,

"So, this is the young prince I've heard about. He looks like his father," She said with a chuckle. Zelda smiled, somewhat sadly,

"He does," She agreed,

"What does this go to," Erick interjected, obviously having not been listening. He held the feather up, looking questioningly at Shea. She smirked,

"Want to see?" She asked, to which he responded with an energetic nod. She held her hand out like she was grasping something, and the air surrounding her hand seemed to shift and change. After a few moments, a long staff was held in her outstretched hand. She only gave him a moment to grasp what he had just seen, before the spiked sphere in the center of the rod glowed and seemed to open, a brightness flooding the room so bright Zelda had to squint. Then, a screech filled the air. A large hawk swooped through the air of the room, and somehow managed to gracefully sweep around in a large circle without knocking any of the many items in the small room before landing on it's master's shoulder. Erick just watched with amazement,

"Woah! Can you show me how to do that?! I want to make a-a...uh...a cat! Yeah!" Shea chuckled,

"Unfortunately, it doesn't really work that way. Sorry kid," A

As much as Zelda enjoyed seeing her son happy again, the business they had come for was serious,

"Shea, I do really need to speak with you about why I came." She said quietly. Shea's expression became serious, and she nodded,

"I'm aware. I can make you an amulet. It will take some time though. Why don't you both stay for dinner?" She said with a small smile,

"I appreciate the offer. We would love to."

"Great. I should go get ingredients then," Shea responded, starting to walk away,

"Wait." Zelda said before glancing back over at Erick, who was flipping through a book and wasn't paying any attention, "You know the other reason I came to you, correct?" Shea didn't turn as she responded slowly,

"Indeed I do." Zelda walked up behind her, putting a hand on her shoulder,

"Please, friend, tell me. Is it true?" Shea looked back at her for a moment, eyes speaking her responce before her mouth could.

Eric's POV

He watched nervously as his mother spoke to her friend. He knew she was talking about him, and what the monster said to him. He tried not to listen, but his burning curiosity got the better of him,

"Mom, what's going on?" He asked quietly. She didn't appear to hear him. "Mom? What are you guys talking about?" He asked a bit louder. Zelda glanced over at him then, motioning for him to wait a moment.

Anger flowed through him at that moment, and before he realized what he was doing, the old, thin paperback he was skimming through was on the ground several feet away, torn in half, and he was on his feet,

"Answer me! " He screeched. Both of their heads whipped around, eyes wide. His mother's mouth hung slightly open, her hand over it in shock.

He blinked several times, suddenly regaining himself. When he realized what he had just done, he looked between them, tears filling his eyes,

"I-I.." He said, not knowing what to say. He had just screamed at his mom. "I'm sorry M-mama" He whispered. His mom's friend looked at her after several moments,

"Yes, it is..." He thought he heard her say.