Shadow of the Hero

Princess Zelda

When I wake in the morning, Rusl is gone. He left a note saying, "Don't get into trouble. Also, congrats on becoming a knight. I'm sorry if I don't make it to the ceremony. Love, Rusl."

I smile before placing it in a safe place in my satchel.

With the sudden realization that I am free to do as I please all day, I head to the stables. John, the stable hand, greets me in his typical manner as I enter.

"Hello, John." I say with a smile. He waves back shyly before opening my stall for me. As I greet Lenaigrima, my horse, John grabs the blanket.

I ride Lenaigrima bareback because he feels confined in a saddle. And I know better than anyone how much my horse hates being controlled. He used to be Ganondorf's horse, after all.

John hands me the blanket before running away. People are still scared of the jet-black horse. I don't mind, though, as I throw the blanket over his back and climb on.

Soon, we are out of the city and in wide, open fields. Hyrule Field is different now from a few years ago. Ever since the soldiers started weekly trips around the kingdom, the monster population has lessened. It is now relatively safe. Some people still travel with a swordsman, though.

As the sun rises in the sky, Lenaigrima and I continue our leisurely gallop around the area. We don't come across anyone or anything, so it is very peaceful. I stop at midday to eat an apple, and I give one to my horse too. Afterwards, I sit on a hill and look over the land.

When the sun has fallen a fair way, I jump back onto Grima. He nickers.

"Okay, boy." I pat his neck. "We should be getting home."

We return to Castle Town at sundown. The people part the way for me as I head towards the stables. I see a few girls giggling.

After Grima is back in his stall, I start walking home. On the way, I stop in an alley.

"Kuri?" I call. There's a shuffling sound, then a twelve-year-old steps out of the shadows. She leans against a wall .

"Hey Colin. It's been a few days." She grins.

Bukuri was the first friend I made in town. When I first came with Link, we found her shivering in a corner, but she let me approach. Link and my dad insisted that I can't do anything about her situation, but I make sure to visit her at least once a week and give her food. If I ever saw anyone harassing her, I would definitely protect her. But I don't offer to find her a home, and she doesn't ask.

"Everything still okay?" I ask her, checking her for unusual scars or wounds.

She laughs. "I'm fine, Colin." She gives me a twirl to show it. "Word on the street is, you're becoming a knight." She remarks.

I sigh and run a hand through my hair. "Yeah, I am."

"You sound sad." Kuri says, peering at me.

"I'm just not sure how cut out I am for working with older guys and slashing monsters." I admit, slumping against a wall.

"Well, it's not like they'll force you if you say no." she says wisely.

"I....I almost want to, though." I sigh in frustration.

"What's the problem then?!" Kuri throws her arms up in confusion.

"I don't know." I look at her. Her face softens.

"You'll figure it out, I'm sure." She tells me. "Stop complaining."

I smile. "Thanks, Kuri. I'll see you soon."

"Don't get too busy for me, you hear?"

"I hear." I reply, turning the corner. "Good night."

When I get home, I open the door to a surprise. A figure is sitting at my table. With a hand at my sword, I cross in front of them. When I see who it is, I drop to one knee.

"Princess." I say in greeting.

"Colin, please drop the formalities. As I told you years ago, I don't enjoy them." Zelda remarks.

"Very well." I stand.

She chuckles after studying me. "You're a lot like Link."

"Thank you." I smile. "If this isn't rude, why are you here?"

"Well, I wanted to first address your knighthood." She replies as I sit across from her. "You are definitely worthy of it, and will receive it. However, it must be done quickly and without much ceremony. The Sages wish to see you as soon as possible."

"The Sages?" I ask incredulously. She had told me about them a few months ago. "I thought you were one, too?"

"I was, but with my duties as ruler, I asked them to act separately from me. Now they want you, and I do not think it bodes well for Hyrule."

"Why is that?"

Zelda sighs. "The last time they requested a young swordsman, he was preserved in the Temple while Hyrule came under the rule of Ganondorf."

"Link, right?" I ask.

"Yes. He has fought Ganondorf twice now in this reincarnation." Zelda replies.

"I highly doubt that Ganon would come more than that in his lifetime." I reassure her.

"Even so, this does not comfort me."

"Well, I won't even be able to enter the sanctuary, right? I thought only bearers of the Triforce could?"

"That's true, but...."

"It'll be fine, Zelda." I smile. She returns it.

"If you don't mind, I'd like for you to come to the castle in the morning. I'll knight you before my advisors and a few of the captains. Then you'll head to the Temple."

"I can certainly do that, Your Highness."

"Very well, then." She smiles. "I'll take my leave. It was nice seeing you again, Colin. Good night."

I stand and open the door for her. She looks at me gratefully before leaving.

"Good night, Princess." I call after her.

After that, I change before collapsing into my bed. Tomorrow is a big day.