The Legend of Zelda: The Regal Flame

Chapter 4: Regis's First Move

      Golden light stretched towards the east, as the sun set on the horizon. Link quietly walked down the darkening streets, still wondering if he would wake up in that old pine tree. This all seemed unreal. All he wanted was to become a knight- no. He didn't even want to become a knight. That's what old man Danhill and Link's late parents wanted. And now he was stuck in some strange ordeal beyond what he could have expected. But Link knew right from wrong, and if the kingdom was in trouble like the princess claimed, he couldn't just turn his back to fulfil his own wishes.

      But still, he was unsure. Of course he had to do something, but was there really anything he could do?

      Link tried to push these thoughts to the back of his mind, and walked faster.

      Soon enough, Link had made it home to the small house surrounded by rusty tools and weeds at the edge of town. As soon as he was inside, he felt a little calmer. The warm smell of stew wafted from the stove. Danhill, who was tending the stew, lifted his head at the sound of Link entering. "Link! So, how'd it go, m'boy?" The old man asked eagerly.

      Link grimaced for a second, recalling all the strange events, but immediately composed himself, masking his worry with excitement. "It went great. My match ended in a tie, but I was heavily praised for my skills."

      Danhill gave Link a brief smile of approval. "That's good, but don't get complacent, even if they do call your name tomorrow."

      Link reassured his master, and the two sat down to eat.

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      The next morning,  Link woke early, which-Danhill commented- was unlike him. Link dressed in the same green garb as he had the day before, and pulled the rest of his thick, leather gear on. Danhill reminded him repeatedly to not be late, and hold his head high once his name was called, and all the other things he told him over the years.

      Link simply chuckled. "What's so funny, eh?" Danhill asked.

      Link shook his head. "Nothing, it's just, I thought I didn't have a mother."

      Danhill snorted. "Just because it's both a mentor, and mother's job to make sure you young ones are ready for the future, doesn't mean we're the same."

      Link continued chuckling, but turned and faced the old man. "I know, but regardless, you took care of me since I was very young. Thank you, master."

      Of course, Danhill was touched by Link's gratitude, but looked away to hide his emotions. "Eh.. jus' go to the square, Link!"

      With that, Link smiled, and walked out of the rusty little house. As soon as the door closed behind him, Link frowned sadly,  and whispered, "Goodbye, master."

       The streets were just as lively as the day before. Not much to see, as Link made his way to the square,  nothing special, anyway.

       Town square was more bustling than usual, as all young swordsman gathered, waiting for the announcement. With such a large crowd, Link was focused only straight ahead of himself, when someone to his right bumped into him. He caught his balance, but turned to see if the other person was alright.

       "I'm sorry!  I wasn't watching. Are you okay?" He asked the slouching woman who ran into him. She wore a black cloak with purple trim.

       "I'm alright." Her sturdy voice told him. When she looked up at him, Link was surprised at her face. She was in her twenties or thirties with olive tone skin. He immediately noticed her gleaming red eyes, but what was most strange about her, was her expression. She looked at him knowingly, as if she knew who he was and had purposely bumped into him. This made him worry about her being a pick-pocket.