The Legend of Zelda: Transient (third book in the Timeless series)

Chapter 15

"I'm tired of waiting." A growl sounded throughout the air. "They've been living in peace for too long. Our dear Zelda seems to have forgotten about me. That won't do.." A snicker bounced off the walls. "I think it's time to pay them a visit."

~~

Erick leaned against a stone wall in the castle courtyard, sharpening an arrowhead. He knew his mother would be looking for him, but he wasn't quite ready to go back. Instead he sat in the soft grass, surrounded by his thoughts.

She knew him too well though, and found him a short time later. She stood over him with a small smile and her arms crossed,

"Having fun?" She asked. He shrugged before looking up at her. He had started feeling strange shortly after he left his mother's garden,

"Um, can I be alone for awhile, please?" He murmured, looking back at his arrow. She chuckled before sinking down into the grass beside him, ignoring the fact she had a royal gown on.

"Unfortunately, no. I'm your mom." She said, putting an arm around his shoulder. He grimaced as he tried to pull away momentarily. He then realized what he was doing, sighed, and leaned into her. She ran her hand through his hair, seemingly unaffected by the darkness in the ends. They sat like that for awhile, just enjoying the quiet,

"You know you can tell me what's wrong, right?" She said quietly, breaking the silence. He didn't reply, only reaching up to play with the amulet Shea had given him years beforehand. She laid her hand on top of his, "I can help." He shook his head,

"No you can't." He muttered, brushing his bangs out of his eyes, "I mean, no offense Mom, but this isn't exactly something that can be fixed." He said, standing up. He didn't continue for several long moments, "Do you remember what I told you the beast told me? When I was a kid?" He asked with his back towards her,

"Yes. But which part exactly are you referring to now?"

"The part about me having good senses." He turned then, looking certain, "I wasn't so sure before, but I'm certain now. Something's about to happen. Something bad." Her eyes widened slightly,

"Erick.." He shook his head, knowing where she was going,

"I know it. The numbers of monsters in Hyrule Field have increased, a lot. The sky shows signs of a storm. I don't feel like myself lately." He said, counting  on his fingers.  Zelda sighed, looking concerned as she stood, approaching him. She put her hands on his shoulders,

"If it makes you feel better, I'll have Sarth send out a few soldiers for a security sweep. Believe me, your father and I have survived just about the worst scenarios. We'll be fine." She said, kissing his forehead. He reluctantly nodded, knowing that was as much as he was going to get from her, "Now, will you please come inside?"

~~

"Steady." Zelda said softly, running a hand along Mira's arm, straightening it. Erick watched from a few feet away, chuckling. His sister was struggling to hold up a rapier with one hand and hold a decent stance, but it was easier said than done. She kept groaning and wiggling, until Zelda sighed and gave in,

"Good job." She said, taking the blade and ruffling her hair. Mira smiled widely, giggling as she slumped to the ground tiredly,

"Why don't you practice for a bit, Hun?" Zelda called to Erick. He nodded reluctantly before grabbing his bow and strapping his quiver to his hip.

He waited while she set up a few targets, and then he took aim. His eyes focused in on the small piece of painted fabric.

Breath in.

Breath out.

Release.

"Your majesty!" A guard called loudly, rushing into the training hall. Erick whipped around in surprise, and the arrow sunk into the wood inches from his face,

"Erick!" His mother scolded. He raised his hands,

"I'm sorry!" The guard only paused a moment though, regaining Zelda's attention,

"Your majesty!" Zelda looked over at him, "You need to see this." He said with wide eyes,

"What is it?" She asked worriedly. He glanced at the kids, and she walked closer to him,

"There's troops marching towards Castle Town." He said, his voice wavering slightly with fear.