Kingdom of Power, of Courage, and of Wisdom

Rebel's War - The Deepest Chains

-Castle Mitagi-

"The Sheikah," Zelda repeated. Doubt dripped from her tone.

Link nodded, "The man disappeared into thin air as soon as he was out of my sight. I was only a second behind him. There was even an elderly woman there, and he disappeared before she saw him."

"Well, clearly the woman is in league with him. Men don't just disappear."

"I disagree. Princess, I'm telling you, there was nowhere the man could have hidden. It was a straight path. The walls had no holes he could crouch into."

"I, actually, must agree with you both," Geoffrey interrupted. "At the very least, we know the Sheikah are capable of what Link described, but it also isn't instant. The woman would have seen him before he disappeared, unless she was distracted... as the elderly are prone to be."

"Impa would never do this. She would rather die," Zelda growled.

"Chancellor Impa is no longer Shadowmaster."

"The Sheikah also don't resort to spears and wearing heavy armor."

"By what rules? Assassins operate by blending in and using those same preconceived ideas against us."

Link looked to Zelda, knowing her thoughts. "You think it was Ousen Mitagi?"

Zelda nodded.

Geoffrey looked between them, stunned. "You- You would accuse Lord Mitagi?!"

"For negligence, at the very least, " Zelda replied. "This occurred under his watch. And where is he? Shouldn't he be here, apologizing and accepting responsibility for his lack of security? This is a tarnish on his name, and he doesn't seem to care. I don't know if he called for the attempt on my life, but at least this doesn't look well for him."

The three stood in silence. Suddenly, it felt chilly in the fortress. Link felt he was being watched, and he looked around, expecting eyes.

"It's not safe here..." Geoffrey whispered. "Regardless of who is responsible, I will have security increased around you, ten-fold."

"That is the responsibility of Lord Mitagi, not you. I appreciate it, but you don't rule over his house or his guards," Zelda said.

"Until he tries to stop me, I will. I bear Ouki's will, and you are the only liege he has acknowledged in generations. I will not allow a drop of your blood to be shed on my watch." He bowed.

Zelda nodded. She smiled and returned his bow. "You have my thanks, general Geoffrey. I will accept whatever recommendations you make, but I do need to attend to the matter of Lord Dragmire as scheduled. I would also like Link as my personal bodyguard while here."

"Hey, don't I get a say in this?" Link grumbled.

"You can accept, monkey. That's what you can say."

"Okay, I accept."

If Geoffrey found their back-and-forth odd, he didn't show it. "I understand you and he go back a while, so I will trust your judgement. I will see to it that the necessary precautions are made. For now, I need all of you at the guest quarters. I will take the room across from you two."

"Uh..." Zelda muttered, uncertain. "You mean you want Link... in the room with me?"

"Wait, what in with who?!" Link gasped.

"For now, as a precaution," Geoffrey said. "It is acceptable for him to sleep on the floor. It is common for bodyguards to sleep at the feet of their master, but I understand if you find it... indecent. I can find a woman to guard you, if you wish."