Shadow of the Hero

The Knighting

My dream that night is dark, but when I wake up I don't remember what was in it. Maybe because I hit my head when I fell out of bed.

I haven't fallen out of bed since I was younger, so I'm surprised when I find myself on the ground. I quickly push myself up. When I survey the room, I remember what Zelda and I had talked about. I quickly change into my light armor and boots. My sword finds its place on my hip. On impulse, I grab the ring that the Gorons in town gave to me a few years ago. Link had laughed when I got it, saying he's received a few of his own intriguing Goron power-giving items.

When I am ready, I leave my house, locking it behind me.

As I walk through town, a few people smile and wave. Others frown at my weapon. Still others ignore me. I make sure to smile at everyone.

The guards at the gate nod as I pass. "Congratulations, young one."

"Thank you." I say in passing.

The castle is bustling with activity, as usual. Knights on duty stand at their posts stoically and watch everything. Knights off duty walk around hurriedly or aimlessly. Servants rush to their various tasks. Advisors and other important people walk importantly.

I take a deep breath as I enter before sprinting up the steps. I avoid people without problem as I head towards the throne room. I am no stranger to the path leading there.

When I reach the double doors, I smile at the guards in front of them. They smile back and open the doors for me.

Inside, Zelda is on her throne. Near her are Auru, Ashei, and Shad. They, along with my father, are her main advisors. When Link was trying to liberate Hyrule, they were his major support. There are also a few soldiers who I can vaguely remember as captains. Some of them look happy to be here, others bored, and still others miffed about the whole affair.

"Hello, Colin." Zelda greets.

"Princess." I answer, bowing my head.

"I am happy to knight you today in the presence of these trusted few." Zelda begins, stepping from her throne. "You have finished your studies under Captain Fenwa, and were recommended by the Hero himself. Does anyone here doubt what is about to be done?"

She looks towards the captains, and I follow her gaze. None of them speak up, although a few look as if they want to.

"I'm glad." Zelda says with a smile. "Auru, if you'd please?"

Auru steps forward with a ceremonial sword. Zelda takes it with her right hand and turns to me.

"Would you kneel, please?" She asks. I immediately drop to one knee.

"Do you, Colin, swear to be righteous and to uphold your moral beliefs? To protect all of the innocents that live in our fair Hyrule?"

The wording surprises me. She said 'your moral beliefs', which makes it seem like I'll be without a captain to order me around anyway. Maybe I'm reading too much into it. After all, nothing else about the promise bothers me. Except maybe one thing.

"I swear on my life all that you have said, as well as," I begin, looking up at her. She seems surprised. "I promise to stay loyal always to the royal household and its allies. So long as they need me, I pledge my sword."

"Very well." Zelda says evenly, but I can tell she will want to ask me about this later. She taps me on each shoulder once with the sword tip. "Rise, Sir Colin, Knight of Hyrule."

A few people clap as I stand up. Zelda smiles at me and we wait for the clapping to die down.

"Thank you for coming today." Zelda says, turning to the Captains. "You may now resume your duties."

They shuffle out quietly, and the three advisors approach us.

"Congratulations, Colin." Auru says.

"You must be the youngest knight in the history of Hyrule!" Ashei smiles.

"He is." Shad says, fixing his glasses. "I checked the records. He is the youngest to be knighted. Technically, the Hero was wielding a sword and protecting the realm at a younger age, but he wasn't a knight."

"Don't be so specific." Ashei admonishes. I smile at all of them.

"Anyway, you get this for being a knight." Auru says, handing me a pendent on a thick leather chord. The pendant depicts the symbol of the royal household, which includes the triforce.

"Thanks." I tell Auru before putting it over my neck. After that, it all sinks in. I'm a knight of Hyrule. This is official. This necklace makes it official. This is really happening. No turning back now.

"Now, Sir Colin." Zelda says with a teasing smile. "Would you care to escort me to the temple?"

"Of course, Milady." I bow with a matching grin. She contains her laughter while saying farewell to her advisors. After grabbing her dark cloak, she grabs my offered arm and we walk to the temple.

"So now you are a knight." Zelda says quietly. "You've grown a lot these past few years. I remember when Link brought you to meet me that one day. You were so nervous."

I chuckle awkwardly. This only serves as a reminder that I am much younger than her. About five years younger.

"Why did you add extra lines today? I specifically tailored the speech so that you wouldn't be bound the same way most knights are."

"I guess it was kind of the spur of the moment." I answer truthfully. "But something tells me that it wasn't a mistake or a lie. I will protect you, no matter the cost."

When the words come out, I almost regret them, and my face heats up. I am taller than her, and she looks up at me with an unreadable expression. It is painfully obvious to me how young I must seem to her. I only hit my growth spurt this past year, and I promised to protect her. A young boy promising a princess his life. It must be so insignificant.

"Thank you, Colin." Zelda says finally as we reach our destination. We stop in front of the doors as she turns to look at me. Her eyes hold mine steadily for a moment before she gives me a determined smile. "Hyrule will be safe with you protecting it."

"You are too kind." I smile. "What can one man do?"

"You would be surprised." Zelda answers, looking at the double doors beside us. "Well, I believe it is time for you to face your destiny. Are you ready?"

"Are you?" I ask, opening the door one-handed for her. She smiles and walks through. I pause for a moment to look around at Castle Town one more time. I want to see it as a child one more time before I have to start working like a man.

After I get my fill of the city, I take a deep breath and walk in the door. It swings shut behind me as I take in the gray walls and bright windows. There is another room beyond this one. Zelda stands in the middle with her back to me. I walk over to her with the next question on my lips before I realize something is wrong.

She isn't breathing.