The Legend of Zelda: Prince of the Sea

Chapter Thirteen: Mistakes

This better be over quick. Link had a desert to get to, Gerudo to talk to, and his queen to return to.

The day was decent with some cloud cover, but was as good of a day as any to spar. The noise around the training ring with brimming with excitement. Word had spread quickly that Link, Hero of Hyrule, was going to spar against a glorified prince and a foreigner at that! How exciting! The men of the guard were crowding to get a good viewpoint. Link had heard that Zelda, Renado with Leda, the Noruidians and the Councillors had one side of the training ring reserved for themselves, seated beneath a canopy to spectate from the best vantage point with the best comfort. Bets had been subtly placed as to how long the prince would last before he submitted to the Hyrulean Knight, the lowest Link heard to be under a minute which was ridiculous if he was being honest. Flattering, but ridiculous. Apparently, many members of the Seven Noble Families were also supposed to be amongst the crowds, probably scoping out the newest competition in the race that was Zelda's hand in marriage in the form of the Noruidian prince.

Link stood away from the crowds at the moment. Stretching beneath the shade of that colonnade that lead to the training area from the castle, the path was the more official way to the training area rather than the passageway Zelda and Link used for the queen's private lessons. The knight was pumped and ready to go, swinging his shoulders slowly to loosen his muscles, getting his blood pumping, and mentally preparing to kick some princely ass. He was shirtless already, wearing on his back the Master Sword in its sheath. If Link paused he could almost imagine that the sword seemed to hum, as if excited itself at the prospect of the spar. Surely that was just in his imagination.

Link was not alone, however, under the stone arches. Faris and Captain Jerret were with the younger man to help put him into a focused and tempered psyche. Faris stared down at the younger knight and gave him an encouraging pat on his uninjured shoulder.

"Don't think that this is some pampered, pompous prince you're fighting against, Link. Vahlymor is a hardened veteran with years of training and experience under his belt. He's a commander of his kingdom's navy don't yah forget. Bloody hell, the man's a war hero! Dare I say it, but it's possibly that he's even better than you. Do not underestimate him and Goddesses forbid that you get cocky."

Link looked at Faris and noted the sternness in his voice and seriousness in his expression. The older knight was clearly not joking around and his solemn attitude was mirrored by Captain Jerret.

"Don't lose your head, because I'm sure as hell the prince won't. He knows better."

"I won't," Link replied, narrowing his eyes a bit before taking a steadying breath.

"I know that you're pretty good with keeping your emotions in check, Link, but..." Jerret at Faris who cleared his throat and continued.

"When it concerns the queen, you can sometimes-"

"Sometimes what?" Link asked, a frown appearing upon his face.

Faris sighed and settled his one hand on his hip and cocked his head to the side a bit, looking at Link. "You're close, we get it. She's queen to all of us, but she's also your friend and this prince might just be her future husband. Just don't... cut the guy in half or something or we all just might hang I'm sure."

Link was about to make a retort when he stopped and looked aside. Dammit, Faris was right. Taking another calming breath, he felt himself ease into knight mode, hero mode, with all of his focus on the task at hand. If he could face Ganondorf and win then he could beat some stupid prince!

"I'll be fine. It's just sparring," Link said before nodding that he was ready. "Just another day."

The three men walked down the colonnade towards the awaiting crowds. Upon seeing their hero, the guardsmen erupting into cheers and cries of encouragement and excitement. It looked as if the entire castle was present, or as much as duty would allow. Of course, posts still needed to be filled and Link was sure that those on duty right now were wishing that they could see the fight. Link didn't care at all for the crowds, at all, but there was nothing he could do about it. Keeping his eyes ahead, on either side of him were his fellow countrymen. They were all smiling and calling his name, shouting out their support, and the swell of Hyrulean patriotism sang in the air. Pride filled the Hylian's chest and Link couldn't help but smile in response, which only made the men around him cheer louder.