The Legend of Zelda: Prince of the Sea

Chapter Seventeen: Secrets

The heavy set of doors slammed behind the woman and her knight and all of the raised voices within the grand chamber ceased. Not a sound was heard in the large space except for the woman's footsteps as she climbed a set of stairs that lead to her personal podium. All in attendance were standing and all had their eyes upon their queen, whose determined and narrowed expression caused many of the Councillors to multiply their unease. Gracefully the queen sat and all her advisors sat after her. All anxiously awaited for her to begin. Zelda could see from where she sat above that the Elders and her noble Councillors surely all had questions. They had all been forced to abandon whatever activities, appointments, or soirees they were having that evening by the sudden and unexpected demand that they meet in the Council Chamber. This was unprecedented and only really happened in times of imminent disaster or war. Usually the Councillors wore their best for the scheduled Council meetings, but the unexpectedness of the current situation saw that they were donned in various attires: Elder Oplin even looked to be dressed in his sleepwear.

Zelda's gaze briefly scanned the room until her eyes fell upon the individuals she had been most hopeful would attend on such short notice. Prince Vahlymor and his fellow Noruidians were seated near the back of the circular room, each provided with a comfortable chair for their special attendance. No guards were allowed in the Council Chamber, except for Sir Arvid due to the present circumstances. The stood near the Noruidians as part of Zelda's instruction to him. He was to provide protection: not against the Noruidiansm but rather for them. There was little to fear as all were searched for weapons before being allowed in, but the queen wanted to ensure the safety of her guests. Still... the Queen could see the suspicious eyes of her fellow Hyruleans as they glanced at the outsiders. She surmised their thoughts as to why the foreigners would be allowed to enter the usually very confidential chamber.

Taking one final steadying breath, Zelda interlocked her noble hands and addressed her waiting audience.

"I address now the Five Councillors and the Heads of the Seven Noble Families of Hyrule. In addition, please allow me to extend a special word of thanks to my esteemed guests, Prince Vahlymor and his countrymen, for joining us here on such short and sudden pretences. Urgency and discretion was of the utmost importance when I ordered for this emergency meeting to convene and I assure you, ladies and gentlemen, that it is an emergency. It causes me great sorrow and with a heavy heart that I must share this news so soon after our kingdom has faced jeopardy... Once more we face a foe that threatens the peace and prosperity of our kingdom."

"Please, do tell us what threatens our kingdom, Your Majesty," Council Elder Yrota said, his fellow Councillors nodding.

"Yes! What is this threat that you speak of!" called Matriarch Lienne.

"Hyrule prevails!" Patriarch Oris added.

The noise of the Council began to increase in volume until it was stilled by a single hand gesture made by their queen. With relative silence having claimed the room once more, Zelda informed them all as to why they had been summoned.

"Nigh two hours ago, I was attacked by a being of dark magic right here within the breast of Hyrule Castle itself. As who to this foe might be... I have with great confidence that it was the same being that struck down Sir Link, Hero of Hyrule. With this attack it has made itself clear that it wishes to deal me a similar fate."

The moment Zelda finished her last syllable, the room exploded with noise. There came the thuds of a couple chairs falling back upon the wooden floor as their occupants stood too quickly, which was accompanied by the chorus of calls and jeers of retaliation and concern for their queen. Zelda watched silently as each and every one of the Heads of the Noble Houses tried to voice their own opinion on how to proceed further. The only ones who remained silent aside from Zelda were the Council Elders and the Noruidians.