Pieces of Time

Ch 8: Royal Jerks

Kali didn't have words for how magnificent Hyrule Castle was.

As they walked up the dirt path, escorted by a fully armored guard, she watched the castle grow larger and larger in her vision. She stared until her head was tilted completely back to be able to see the tip of the tallest tower and the shadow the building created chilled her skin.

She stayed silent for fear of drawing any unnecessary attention from the guard, but Link and Impa didn't seem much for conversation either. In fact, Link looked strangely subdued. She wondered about that, and glanced at Impa as well. She was almost always stone-faced and hard to read, but Kali got a feeling she was more at ease here.

She recalled Link's comment as they walked through town, about how Impa was the guardian for the princess once. She must have spent many years in these marble halls. She probably knows every hidden nook and cranny of this place. So why did they need to be escorted by guards?

A drawbridge was already lowered over a clear mote that bordered the castle, and once they were all at the doors the guard passed them onto another.

His armor was more intricate, decked out with medals and more decorative shoulders. He had a square jaw that grew even more broad when he grinned at Impa.

He held out a hand and she grasped his forearm as he said, "It's a pleasure to see you again, as always Impa."

Impa's lips actually quirked into a small smile as she nodded to him, "And you as well, Hector."

Hector turned his dark, nearly black eyes, on Link and Kali. When spotting Link his eyes narrowed, as if he's already done something wrong.

"Behave yourself boy, the only reason I allow you on the grounds is because of Impa escorting you."

His words made Kali's jaw dropped with shock. She whipped her gaze to Link and he turned his gaze away, not saying anything in return. This bastard was probably only alive because of Link and he would never know. She firmly doubted he would treat Link like this if he did.

"And you," he went on, his eyes on Kali.

He looked her up and down, analyzing her no doubt. Sizing up if she were a threat or not.

"She is the one I spoke of before, I trust you'll keep this information confidential only to yourself and the royal family." Impa cut in, sounding stern.

His eyes stayed on her, still deciding. Kali had closed her mouth and set her jaw as she met his eyes, not wanting to seem meek as he must have assumed.

Kali spoke, "It's a pleasure, Hector. My name is Kali."

She nodded her head respectfully, but kept her eyes on his, looking through her eyelashes.

His eyebrows just barely lifted, enough to show his surprise that she seemed capable of manners.

"I see," he said, and then looked at Impa, "Yes, everything will be kept confidential. I trust that she knows how to conduct herself within the castle."

Impa nodded her head, and to Kali's surprise she said, "She's a smart girl, Captain. I'm sure this experience will be very educational for her."

Kali couldn't help the surprised smile that pulled her at lips. Impa had never really praised her before. When she looked at Link, he was smiling a little too, pride winking in his eyes.

"Very well, I leave you to your research Lady Impa." he gave a curt bow in her direction and raised a brow at Link and Kali again, "It's just a shame the girl doesn't keep better company."