The Legend of Zelda: Courage - Part Two

Chapter III

The rumors were true.

Impa entered the Royal Hall with a bow and began immediately. "My Lord. Urgent news from the latest scouts."

King Rhoamses gulped down his wine. It was nearly dinner time, and Zelda was sitting beside him. Thought she would remain silent as a Princess should be. He asked, "Eh? What is it about?"

Impa continued despite his lackluster response. "It seems that Ganondorf and his army have been marching for a week now. He has already made it to the valley of Mt. Lanayru, decimating it. Dark magic is being used."

The King frowned. "Impossible. Dark magic is forbidden."

"Just because it's forbidden doesn't mean it isn't being used," said Zelda quietly.
"What's more," Impa continued, "the few who survive tell us he's using a powerful Golden Triangle."

This made the King awake. "A...A Triforce? Hah! There must be some mistake."

The moment her father said Triforce, Zelda gripped her hands against her throne. Impa shook her head. "No mistake, my Lord. Dark Magic, impossibly large armies that cannot be defeated, and linking it together is one of the most powerful relics in all of Hyrule. My King, it may seem superfluous at this point but I beg you to take Ganondorf and his army as a legitimate threat."

He leaned back in his throne and scratched his beard. He took long sips from the golden goblet. He stared out the tinted windows. "Then, what do you suggest we do?"

Impa said confidently, "We don't know what kind of power the Triforce can hold. I'm afraid evacuation is imperative."

Zelda agreed. "Lady Impa speaks wisely, Father. It's been centuries since we've ever witnessed the power of the Triforce."

The King glared. "Evacuate? You expect me...to leave Hyrule? With a kingdom of nearly 40,000 people? How do we feed them? Clothe them? Protect them?"

"If they remain here when his army arrives...."

"They won't get that far, Lady Impa. Because the Hyrulian army will demolish them before they even approach the Hylia River."

Impa bit her tongue. "So....would you like me to prepare the armies, my liege?"

"Isn't that what you are meant to be doing, Impa?!" He shouted. "Send Ganondorf a message of war! If he even dares think about stepping foot into my Kingdom, he better be ready!" King Rhoamses called in his servants and began to feast again.

"But, Father," Zelda said slowly, "what about the prophecy? The Hymn of the Triforce said..."

He waved his hand. "You've been spending too much time with that bishop. Ganondorf is just one man. It's just one army. He's nothing, daughter. Now, for more important business: steak or fish? Hahah!"

Without another word Impa walked away from the throne.

Zelda stood up and said, "I'm not hungry, Father. I don't think this is the time for a meal."

Behind the doors of the Royal Hall stood Sahasrala and Impa promptly ignored him. Her face was sour and her mouth was angry. Sahasrala with all the patience of a monk asked as he tapped his cane trying to keep up with her gait, "And what did he say?"

"Didn't you hear him? I'm preparing my men and women for battle." She muttered as she stomped to the watchtower, "My army is going against a mad man with the power to summon demons."

"Lady Impa please, have faith." He passed his hand across his head, and as if to remind himself he said, "Without faith in the Goddesses we are nothing."

"And without an army we are lost."

Zelda rushed down the hallway calling out, "Impa, please listen to us."

Impa stopped and pointed. "No! You listen! The both of you. All your talk of legends and prophecy are hollow. Just like the hollow threats your father gives his adversaries. Steel against steel is what will happen here soon. Your father, Zelda has unfortunately gone blind and can't see what's about to happen. After all, he is still our King, Sahasrala." She said with a long sigh. "I suggest you both take refuge."

Sahasrala announced, "We will, Lady Impa. But, have faith. We have prepared a salvation."

"Another one of your prophetic words, Sahasrala. I admire you both for your devotion. But, I don't think The Goddesses have any interest in us right now."

Zelda argued, "Just trust in us, Impa. Ganondorf will be stopped. I know it."

Impa said, "How? How are you so certain?"

Zelda looked at Sahasrala. He nodded and said, "We have reason to believe that the rejoining of the Triforce is happening, Lady Impa. Zelda and I... we believe Link is the key to all this."

Impa moaned, "Link? Don't tell me....you disobeyed me? Disobeyed your King and your Father! For an ancient legend?!"

"You saw how he acted Lady Impa! We're running out of options." Zelda crossed her arms. "Link is going to stop Ganondorf."

She scolded Zelda, "And I told you not to send him with that squadron." She sighed and bowed her head, "I didn't want to tell you yet, Zelda. I know how much you cared about him."

"Tell me what?" Zelda asked, with a worried tone.

"The squadron that got attacked. He was a part of it. There were no survivors."

Sahasrala gasped, "No survivors?"

"I'm afraid," Impa paused, "Link might be dead, Zelda."

"Dead?" The sheer thought of Link dead sent all kinds of mixed emotions into her heart. Something told her Impa was wrong. "No! That's impossible."

"I doubt they take prisoners."

"No he can't be dead. I'm sure of it."

Impa gave Zelda a sad look. "You'll just have to come to terms with it on your own, then."

Zelda could feel him, his heart beating with hers. "No, because I know...."

"Why are you so certain?", asked Sahasrala inquisitively.

"Because...I just have a feeling. I know he's alive. He isn't the kind to give up that easily."

"Perhaps, it's better if you think that way, Zelda." Impa turned away and said finally, "Now if you'll excuse me, I have an army to prepare."