The Picori Plight

Chap. IV ¦ To Hyrule Castle

Bodies were mangled upon the blood-enriched ground. The battle was finally over, but the casualties amassed from both armies proved to be innumerable. Link trudged over to the top of the hill where everyone trapped when the battle came to a close.

Blood and weariness consisted Link's body like a cold, drenched blanket. Facing Romulus's direction, Link called out, "We should've conflict. Yes, we've won, but at what cost? We have a war on our hands due to my foolish actions."

Helping him up the steep climb, Romulus comforted the worrisome that resonated on Link's mind. "We had to the inevitable, sir. They would've slaughtered us while we retreated. We stood our ground and I dear say- there's nothing wrong with that."

Link shook everyone's hand, or at least everyone that survived the battle. "Thank you, valiant soldiers of Hyrule. You've done a great service to the kingdom of Hyrule and Hylia herself. For now, we must travel back to Hyrule Castle. Ask your staff commander what your next quest is and do as told. I, on the other hand, will meet with the Kokiri to work out a plan against the Kokiri. I surely hope it works out and the Picori and Gerudo can be put at ease. Also, I need five soldiers to stay here with their mounts to discard the bodies in the forest, presumably near the Kokiri bodies are located."

A couple hands are raised and few soldiers that volunteered began to carry their deceased allies into the forest. Romulus lead Epona to Link and muttered, "That was a nice speech there. Even though your health is a bit poor and your armor is fractured in several places, you've done well to everyone dead or alive. Also, here's Epona. I'm glad you told her to head back like you did."

Link nodded in agreement,mounted upon her saddle, and replied, "Yes. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have ol' Epona here. Anyways, I think we should head on back to Hyrule Castle before anyone begins to worry. I don't want to explain anything that happened."

Romulus paused for a bit while he stared at Link's battered appearance. "Well, you might have to anyways looking like you do." He patted his shoulder as everyone formed into a spearhead-like formation.

The remaining soldiers had to share stallions due to casualties. They headed north to Hyrule Castle. In the sky, large dark clouds formed over the landscape they traversed. Rain began to slowly fall downward pelting the ground, horses, and the soldiers themselves. Seconds later, conversation arose once again.

Facing Link's gaze, Romulus asked, "How do you think you won't be caught by Vaati on your journey over to Kokiri Woods?"

Likewise, Link turned his gaze to him and answered, "Faron Forest or Woods is obviously interconnected to Kokiri Forest. In that case, the village is to the west of there and Kokiri's capital is deep within the woods from the east of there."

Romulus slapped his leg and replied, "That makes sense now, but why would you go there in your green tunic?"

He bit his lip and muttered, "I'd have less of a chance to be caught if I were to wear it. Plus, I'd probably catch Vaati off-guard if I were to wear it in the first place."

Pointing to a large ranch built on the westside of Hyrule Castle. "Are you going to take your Loftwing with you or not?"

Silently thinking for a bit, Link paused. Seconds later, he replied: "I'll take to the sky."

"Alright then. You should probably let Epona stay in the ranch for a little awhile."

Link unmounted from her, held onto to her reigns, and gave her to a nearby rancher who tended to the cattle. The man nodded to him and led Epona through the gates and into the stable where all the cattle and horses were located. Link walked over to Romulus's horse and climbed up the saddle.

Hyrule Castle's southern wall was only half a kilometer away. Eagle-eyed archers lined the walkway atop the thick stone wall. A large metal mechanism built along the left side of the gate opened passage into the marketplace. A soldier began to turn a crank that rose it upwards until it out of sight.

With the leeway to enter, Link and his small band of fighters entered the marketplace to the sound of whoops and hurrahs. Link shook hands with many of the approaching citizens. They followed him the stony path that lead to the town's center. Sooner rather than later, the citizens swarmed the duressed king. Romulus began to get annoyed by this and started to shoo them away.

In an angry tone, Romulus exclaimed: "Citizens of Hyrule, the king bids that you give peace! We have recently won us a decisive battle at Hyrule! As stated previously, leave your poor king with peace of mind!"

The citizens quieted down and parted ways. Link and his knights walked through the archway that divided the southern markets from the town square. Everyone continued to pursue the band of weary fight despite Romu. Link stopped walking and faced the large crowd that surrounded him and his soldiers.

In a cracked, strained voice, Link ordered: "Everyone, leave for now except Romulus. You may come with me."

The crowd backed away and dissipated, whereas his troops traveled west to the infirmary for rest. With the right of way, Link walked with Romulus beside him. They walked around the central fountain in the center of town square and strolled forward to the gate that separated Hyrule Castle Gardens from the town square. A similar mechanism from the previously gate opened the second one that lead to the gardens. Moments later, Link and Romulus quietly walked to the center of the colorful front of the castle's entrance. Colorful flowers covered the ground in rows beside each side of the pathway. Shrubs and bushes were also planted in different sections of the garden. Soldiers armed with swords or pikes were posted along left and right sides of the rocky pathway leading up to the castle hall.

Link and Romulus waved and greeted each soldier while he passed by each one. He climbed up a set of stairs and neared the door. Slowly, he turned the doorknob and walked into the throne room. The room was brightly lit by torches that set along each side of the wall and was lit up by a golden-crafted chandelier that was recently installed in the center of the throne room. Zelda sat in her seat toward the back with her's and Link's child beside her. He was playing with wooden objects that resembled soldiers armed for battle.

His child looked up at him and grinned widely at his father. He stood up and ran to hug him. In return, he knelt done hugged his son back.

"It's nice to see you, Lince," Link greeted.

"You too, daddy," Lince replied back as he let go of his embrace.

Lince was dressed in a tan-colored version of Link's garb and tunic. Fastened to his waist was a toy knife sheathed in a leather casing. Not only did he wear clothes similar to his father, he looked almost identical! He had the same blonde hair, blue twinkling eyes, small pointy nose and curved mouth.

Zelda smiled at Link and his son. "It's great that you're back."

Link's smile faded and his gaze fell to the floor. In a quivering voice, he muttered: "A battle... Occurred at Hyrule Field... A lot of..." At that moment, he fell to the floor in an unconscious state!