The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Overworld Chapter 18 - The King & I

...appearing back in the central pavilion of Castle Town once more. Unlike before, the fountain was empty of visitors. No one came near it or the new arrivals. Link looked around for Endeavor or Zelda. They were gathered by the fountain nearby, with a pair of castle guards keeping them from going anywhere.

Zelda was arguing with them, though neither of the knights looked back at her. Mostly it seemed from embarrassment from some admonishment. Endeavor was standing quietly behind with their arms crossed a few paces back. Link walked over to join, muttering, "Sorry, Hylia wanted to—"

Endeavor did turn back to look at him, flatly replying, "A delay that we will see the effects of soon."

"Oh," Link managed. "What's happening out here?"

"A pair, and now a trio, of armed persons have appeared in the middle of the capital of Hyrule in the middle of a war," Endeavor explained. "We are waiting for an escort to the castle. For some reason, no one is taking our word of who we are."

"Well...that's frustrating," Link said, turning to watch the guards and Zelda's continued beratement of their actions. At least one of them had convinced the guards at least.

Endeavor looked at him and shook their head. "She did not frighten you, did She?"

Link looked at Endeavor. The corner of their lip was turned up, and realized this seemed humorous to them. He looked down. "I wasn't expecting it, to actually meet a Goddess. But no."

"Good, then let us focus on this current matter," Endeavor replied. "I would suggest tact and following orders until we get an audience with the king. We have no idea why the guards are being so irrational over this matter, but it suggests news while we were away. Listen to everything being told to us, you will learn more than they say."

Zelda shouted, gesturing at Link to interrupt his and Endeavor's conversation, "How many other people do you know who dress like that? Come on!"

"She seems put out," Link murmured.

Endeavor laughed, a small grin forming. "She has reason to be."

"Why don't they believe it's her?" Link asked.

Before Endeavor could answer, a dozen or more guards showed up. One had a similar emblem that Daniel did, and Link figured this knight was high ranking. It might have also been the fact that he was the only one with a sword on his hip. This knight stopped in front of them. He looked down at Link. "Where did you come from?"

"Um...the Temple of Hylia," Link replied.

The knight sneered, giving Link and Endeavor a long analyzing look. "And I suppose you think you're the Hero, don't you?"

Zelda shoved her way between Link and the knight. "He is, you idiot!"

The knight growled, "Who do you think you are? You're addressing a knight."

Leaning to get in his face, Zelda spat back at him, "And you're addressing royalty. Why won't any of you numbskulls believe me?"

"You dare call yourself royalty?" the knight replied. "An act like this—"

"Move! Move, you fools, get out of my way!"

Through the crowd backed into the streets away from the fountain came the king himself. King Deopon was shoving his way through the gathering group of civilians and then the knights guarding Endeavor, Zelda, and Link. Finally, the king made his way to the front, his height a great tool in gaining ground. His crown was slanted, and his long robe hung off one of his shoulders. He must have run the whole way to get here. He exclaimed, "Zelda!"