Chereads / The Legend Of Zelda: The Next Era / Chapter 3 - Homeward Bound

Chapter 3 - Homeward Bound

"Princess, we have arrived." Link gently shakes you awake as you ride up to the gates of Hyrule Castle. Your head swims with nausea as you start feeling anxious. Feeling overwhelmed, you say, "Give me the reins, Link."

He hands you the reins to Epona and you spur her, causing her to pick up from her light gallop up through the front gates and up the castle. Nostalgia hits you and for a second you forget that Link is riding with you, desperate to get up to the sanctum as quickly as possible.

As you reach the summit of Hyrule Castle's hill, you slow down, and stop Epona. Hopping off as gingerly as possible, afraid of the castle itself falling apart if you step too hard because of its current state. You hop off, and as soon as you get a good look, your eyes tear up. You grasp Link's arm for support, as you feel yourself slowly falling to the ground.

"What in the name of Hylia…" is all the words you can muster as you see the ruins spanning as far as the eye can see. Link rests his hand on your shoulder, for morale support. After a few minutes of kneeling there, you compose yourself and stand up to face Link.

"This is unacceptable. We must start rebuilding. We must hire some Sheikah to help using their technology, and the royal guard must be re-grouped. Herd up all remaining guards we have and have them start recruiting again. After this, we rebuild essential parts of the castle and the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab." Link nods as you continue. "Next, we need a council meeting. Convene with all the different race leaders and tell them to come to the castle, and bring who they want to nominate for Champion, unless it's themselves. I will be here waiting."

Link nods, and walks away, leaving you to look over Hyrule, alone. You walk to the sanctum, the last place you saw your father alive and look at it in ruins. You head to your room through the outside entrance, and look in utter shock to see it in shambles. You use a secret mechanism by your fireplace to reveal an emergency compartment, where you research, clothes, and other valuables are stored, including where you stored your mother's necklace.

You change into your spare change of royal clothes, and sit on your couch, slowly falling asleep…

You wake up to the feel of someone softly shaking you. You open your eyes to see Link looking at you, as he speaks, yet again, for a second time. "Princess, the council awaits your arrival." He smiles at you, and helps you up, where you steel yourself for the oncoming storm.