Death By Princess {Complete}

CH 22

"Eli. Eli, wake up," says Link.

"Dad? What's going on?" says Eli stirring from his sleep.

"Don't you remember? I told you that we have training this morning," says Link.

"But it's so early. And it's a Saturday. Just another five minutes," he says and pulls the blanket over his head, turning in towards the wall. Link grabs the corner of the blanket and pulls it quickly off his sleepy son.

"Hey!" says Eli

"Can't very well get comfy without a blanket. I told you we were doing this yesterday and I warned you how early it would be. Now come on. Training is uncomfortable so you might as well get use to it," says Link slapping Eli's behind. "Breakfast is on the table then come find me in the backyard. You got fifteen minutes so that means no tiffing the horses." An expression for procrastinating.

Eli groans as he sits up in bed. Link shakes his head as he makes his way to the backyard.

Lillian insisted that she could be the one to move when Eli came into the picture but Link is glad he encouraged her to stay. He now has a bigger backyard than what Lillian has which is more ideal for a kid especially one who is going to be training. 

Link was already set up several scare crows and pots to use as targets. He also found old tires belonged to wagons  in the village's garbage which is for military style exercise. Link stands back and admires his work. Not as good as what he had while on the Royal Grounds, but it will do.

While he is waiting for Eli, Link picks up the very sword he used while serving his knightly duties. The handle is like ice as it has been outside since he has been up. His fingers prickle as he slides the sword out of its sheath as he unleashes the passion that stowed away for many years.

He never thought he would need this sword again when he left the Royal Ground. The lands have been quiet since Gannondorf became royalty. He will give the devil his due, Gannondorf stayed true to his word that he would seal away his henchmen. At this point, it would be more likely to use the sword against a person. So, when he arrived to Koraria, he allowed a cloudy haze to fog his emotions and memories associated with his time at the castle as he hung up his sword.

He never did have the intention of regaining any clarity on the matter but he also didn't expect to have a child either. One who has ties not just to Hyrule but to royalty. He is the son of the new queen and with the rift that is evolving between Hylians and other races, it is important this boy know how to protect himself should Link be unable to do so.

Link sizes up the blade of his sword. The scratches and dents on the dull metal is ghostly, like it  was just yesterday he used it. He brushes his fingers along one gash revealing a memory from so long ago.

"You're majesties. We present to you, Hyrule's next generation of knights."

Three dozen knights march in single-file, coming to an abrupt halt to showcase themselves to royalty. Link, who has had a lot of prove despite his circumstances, stands nervously with his comrades. This vulnerability makes him uncomfortable as he put himself on display for the people who matters the most.

Royalty walk up and down the rows without cracking a smile. He watches his comrades and notices that they dear not make eye contact with anyone. He gulps and hopes he can retain the same level of poise as the others but it doesn't take long for his eyes to burn as he fixates them on a crack in the wall in front of him.

"Why," says the Queen when she approaches Link. "Who is this?" She comes closer to Link with the rest of the Royal Family trailing behind her.