The Hylian-Gerudo War

Chapter 10: The Arbiter

"I am not done yet..." I grunted to myself, I steadied my wobbly legs, as I was fatigued by the continuous fighting. The flames were already getting closer; I could feel the intense heat gather around me, making sweat pour from my pores.

I took a deep breath as I walked back two steps. And with all the might I could surely muster, I charged forward, running as fast as I could, trying to get as much momentum as possible.

And with a great effort, I leapt over the flames, and came tumbling from the circle, Zarue managed to stop me from rolling too far.

"That was good." She simply murmured, helping me onto my feet. I shook my head in response. "What, are we just going to stand here and exchange discussion on how I did? Or are we going to get out of here before we are burned to a crisp?"

With that, I started to run out of there, Zarue behind me, we dodged falling roofs and walls that were ablaze, jumped over fallen Hylian knights, as well as brave Gerudo warriors, and maneuvered around the surrounding flames.

We managed to escape the wild inferno of the former HyruleCastle town, sustaining minor burns, cuts, and bruises.

Some of our brave warriors were dead. Others were missing, presumed lost. We felt tired, highly fatigued. We slowly made our way back to the field, taking shelter 'neath the forest trees. Tents surrounded ours, cries were heard as our priest tried disinfecting the wounds and burns we sustained.

It was no longer safe to go back to our own village, though some of the Gerudo women stayed to watch the children.
After our ransacking of the castle, the young ones were brought to the camp, safe and sound.

They played and skipped around the fire, I was marveled at how innocent they seemed. I smiled, watching them play, thinking that they would be the next ones to carry on the proud Gerudo ways. They too, would someday live under a King like ours, maybe they would have a better King. Though that is unlikely. And it would be more like their own children living under a new King, as they would be well into their years by the time Ganondorf passes on.

The thought of making a greater future for the next generation of Gerudos made me feel more at peace. It made me wonder whether or not if once they were old enough, whether their parents will tell them of this great war we fought. And how such a proud people we are.

Yes. The next generation of our people is at hand. I knew that the sand goddess would forever protect them.

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(3rd person view)

Far away, the King sat by a small, wooden table. Surrounding him were very a displeased Zora King, and Goron leader.

Darunia slammed his fist on the table, enraged. "They have set fire to LonLon Ranch, and destroyed the CastleTown!" He screamed.

"And killed our best soldiers, they even managed to destroy your once great Castle. Their next attack will probably be in Kakariko! I suggest you sign a treaty..." The Zora King sighed, rubbing his forehead.

The proud King cocked his head back. "Of course not...I can never do such a thing to such scum as they." He replied in a puff.

"What will you propose to do with the people of Kakariko?" Darunia asked in concern.

The King studied him for a moment, his face glowed as if he had the answers to everything. "I have already arranged with Impa, long ago, in case there was ever a thing like this to happen, that she start the construction of a new village hidden away in the great caves. The migration has already started once they started destroying my dear, dear castle town."

The King clasped his hand together, he started laughing a low laugh. Darunia and the Zora King glanced at eachother, "This still does not change the fact of the destruction of two great settlements..." Darunia mumbled, though the King paid no heed to Darunia's words.

The Zora King then pitched in; "And where is this noble boy; who goes by the name 'Link', does he not know that this land is in disarray?"

The King glowered at the other King, though he said nothing.

"My brother went on a great journey. He seeks to find what can no longer be found." Darunia said, "Though heed my words, I know that he will come back. We must keep him in our prayers, despite our great misfortune."

There was then silence amongst the three. No one said not a word.

The King beckoned to a servant girl, and so she came. "Bring to me the one whom I have appointed Arbiter, I must speak with him." He said, then sending her away.

"What business have you with the captain?" The Zora King curiously asked, the King looked at him and smiled, though said nothing.

Moments passed, and so a man came in, he was not very young, but he certainly wasn't aged either. Mid 40s. He had been a great judge for years, he was the strongest and toughest man the King knew.

"Get your men together. For I give you a hunt. I want you to find and capture what is left of the Gerudos." The King commanded, "We have already begun a project on building a great prison near the place where their temple was stood, I want you to ensure the building of that structure. And any Gerudos you find, I want you to have them work on this new structure, along with the other thieving scum of Hyrule."

"What shall I do with them following the completion of this prison, m'lord?" The Arbiter asked, an evil grin following.

The King paused to think for a brief moment. "Do with them whatever you desire, whether it is the cruelest you can think of. Do away with them for all I care."

With this, the arbiter bowed. And exited the room.
Darunia, as well as the Zora King looked slightly concerned.

"What cruel things do you think that man will do to them?" The Zora King inquired. "They may be a thieving people, but that is only because they are desperate, they have nothing."

Darunia then continued from where the Zora King "And though we are at war with them, must you sink to such a level as to destroy them with great disdain?" Darunia furrowed his eyebrows, his forehead creasing.

"They are the enemy, and besides, the Arbiter said not what he was going to do, he may even let them go. Though I have doubts for that. But we know nothing about what he will do. And to be frank, I care not."

Darunia's heart sunk, though he felt contempt for the Gerudos as much as any other would. But he knew deep down that this wasn't right, what the King is doing wasn't just.

"You did this." Darunia growled. "You did this to the Sheikah race, you destroyed them, their people. Now you are doing the same to the Gerudo race. You have done this repetitively, how do I know that you will not do the same for us?"

Darunia then stood up from his seat, "I am pulling out of this, you will get no support from me, or my men. This is unjust, and so I will wash my hands of this." And with that, the Goron leader left the room.

Silence followed after this, as the only ones in the room were two Kings, the Zora King, and the King of Hyrule.

What was going to happen to the Gerudos? Will the Arbiter succeed? What is this strange 'project' taking place? And will Darunia change his mind about his diplomacy with the Hylians?