The Legend of Zelda: The Regal Flame

This is a story of long ago, in the beautiful land of Hyrule. Many are familiar with this tale, usually told to young children before bedtime, drifting to sleep with thoughts of adventures in their heads. But, before children could sleep so soundly at night, there was a time long ago, when evil held the kingdom in its cruel grip. As shadow covered the land, the demons were led by the great king of evil, Ganon.

The people prayed to the goddesses, and, almost as if in reply, a young hero appeared, weilding a powerful sword. With the help of the mystical king, he was able to defeat and sealed away Ganon, and thus, peace returned Hyrule.

But the king knew the seal would one day weaken. So, with the guidance of the goddesses, he lit an enchanted flame, with divine power and locked it away. The power of the flame would only awaken to the ruler of Hyrule, thus many called it the Regal Flame.

But long has passed since, and the existence of the Regal flame seems to be all but a myth.

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"LIIIIINNNK!!" The old man called from his back step. his house sat at the edge of Hyrule Castle Town, where the walls ceased, and his backyard was bare to the outward forest. "LIIINK!" He called again. "Darn boy... he must've gone to hide again." The old man grabbed the training sword leaning against the wall, and started into the forest.

He didn't have to hike in very far before he found Link, snoozing in a tree, twenty feet up, his snores giving him away. The man sighed "What am I going to do with you?" He unsheathed the large blade at his waist, and whacked the flat against the thin tree. The vibration was just enough to awaken the dozing boy, and as he did, he became startled, and crashed to the ground on his own.

      "Agh... Master!" Link jolted up, surprised, but drowsy.  

      "I sent you out to get this training sword over thirty minutes ago! How many times do I have to lecture you? Your knights test is in an hour!"

      "But Master Danhill, maybe I'm not ready to become a knight. Perhaps next year..? " Linked suggested.

      "Nonsense!" Danhill insisted. "Before they died, your parents entrusted you to me, to make you a great swordsman. Now you're sixteen-years-old, old enough to become a knight. I say you're more than ready!" Link groaned.

      "And, if you're still unsure, just take a look at that mark on your left hand!" Danhill exclaimed, pointing at the pyramid shaped birth mark on Link's hand. "Anyone who bears that mark can, and will achieve greatness!"

      Link sighed. "I know.. But maybe the Goddesses made a mitake? Or what if it's just a coincidence?" He asked, inspecting his hand. It was a single triangle, not the entire symbol of the gods, and it was very dim, but a triangle nonetheless. And in Hyrule, even just the shape was sacred.

     His master snorted. "Well, I guess you'll have to see if it's a mistake or nof. Now get going!" Danhill handed Link the practice sword. "And grab your shield on your way out."

     Back at the house, Link geared up. He dressed into a sturdy green tunic with chainmail underneath. He sheathed his sword and shield, and fastened them to the strap on his back. Then he pulled on thick leather boots, and gloves.

     "Here," Danhill handed him a floppy hat, the same color and fabric as his tunic.

     "Aw, do I have wear it?" Link protested.

     "Of course! It completes the outfit. You have to look presentable. You'll have an audience with the prince, after all." Danhill pulled the cap over Link's blonde hair.