The Legend of Zelda: The Magnum Opus
By LinndogMore Info / Reviews
Chapter 8: The Banquet
The celebration commenced as scheduled. Great sheets of canvas covered the wide streets, shielding the commoners from the pounding waves of rain. The thunderous chorus of the crowd cloaked the sound of the nearby surf which was waging a war on the city’s walls. Wine was flowing heavily through the veins of all as the covered sun crept behind the mountains to the west. At the pinnacle of the evening’s carnival-like atmosphere, a large horn boomed over the voices of the peasants in the street, silencing their discussions and bringing their attention to the balcony above.
The balcony resided at the forefront of Headstone’s palace, three stories above the city’s primary road. A long table stretched across the terrace with some of Hyrule’s most notable figures seated behind it. In the center sat Lord Jaxon. To his right was his apprentice, Syphon, while the beautiful Lady Krysta sat to his left with the violet blossom positioned on the table between them. While the city’s most prominent celebrities were certainly cause for attendance, the commoners were more interested in the presence of Hyrule’s most beloved heiress, the princess, Zelda. Seated to the left of her best friend, Zelda smiled at the people of Headstone with every opportunity, enjoying the sight of her spirited countrymen. After the horn’s great bellow had ceased and all were quiet, Lord Jaxon rose from his seat and held his arms out to the city. With a military bellow, he shouted to the crowd below him.
“My fair and noble brethren of Headstone, I welcome and thank you for celebrating a momentous occasion with I and the glamorous Lady Krysta. As many of you have known, I have been absent from my duties for quite sometime. Luckily you had the capable and fulfilling Syphon here to accomodate the city’s needs. My responsibilities as a Lord Holder, however, were superceded by my responsibilities as a gentleman. Tonight, the fruits of the responsibilities have blossomed and I now present to you the reason for my vacancy!” Lord Jaxon paused to reach for Lady Krysta’s hand. She placed her right hand in his own while lifting her flower with her left hand. Rising to her feet, the crowd could see the purple luster of the petals beaming down at them. Many of the women in attendance gasped at its size and beauty while the men eagerly awaited their Lord’s next words. “People of Headstone, soon I will not only be your Lord Holder but your Keeper as well, for I have asked for Lady Krysta’s hand in marriage and she has accepted!”
The crowd clapped violently at the news. The people of Headstone adored their Lady Keeper with all their hearts. Her intentions had always been to better their quality of life and they felt secure under her blanket of rule. As the applause subsided, Lord Jaxon continued, “To be in the company of Hyrule’s finest can only be surpassed by the company of its most beloved treasure, Princess Zelda!” At this, the people rose in their seats and bowed to a knee in honor of the country’s future queen. Zelda rose to her feet and held a hand in the air. The people raised their heads to see the magnificent woman as she gripped her friend’s hand in her own.
“My wonderful countrymen,” surprisingly, Zelda’s voice carried further than Jaxon’s battle-hardened calls, “It pleases no person more than I to see your Lady Keeper in such fulfilling and competent hands. I could think of no man or woman who were more appropriately intended,” Krysta smiled at Zelda’s piracy of her own words. Many glasses were raised as toasts proceeded around the great table to the future marriage.
After the wine bottles had emptied and the plates had cleared, the population of Headstone retreated to their beds while those on the balcony stayed for late night conversation in Headstone Palace’s great room. Basseron, Lord Keeper of Windham Falls, sat beside Trinity, Lady Keeper of Gerudo Fortress. Together, they were sipping the sweet nectar of Hylian wine and laughing at the stories of Hyrule’s most noble elder, Sahasrahla. The three were lost in their own banter while Zelda and Krysta were entertaining themselves, kneeled on the carpet near the roaring fireplace. Near the front stained-glass window were Jaxon and Syphon. The seven highly regarded figures seemed at complete ease when a sudden shout interrupted all of their affairs and drew their attention to the company of an eighth arrival.
“Corbin of Outset! I have not heard from you in moons! How have you been!” Zelda toxically boasted as she struggled to her feet. Finally able to stand, she ran to the young man and wrapped an arm over his shoulder. He embraced her in kind and helped steady the young maiden before pulling a silver harp from his riding sack.
“I apologize for my tardiness, Princess, but I couldn’t think of this occasion occurring without giving the former bachelorette a token of good tithings,” Corbins words floated through the air as he approached Krysta, now rising to her feet. “My lady, this is the Silver Harp of Gales. Its whimsical tune is unequaled by any instrument. Its strings will never fail and its sound will never age. May your marriage to Lord Jaxon be as eternally pleasurable as the instrument that I give to you.” With his words, Corbin placed the majestic harp in Krysta’s waiting hands and smiled at her. A tear trickled from Zelda’s eye as she hugged Corbin’s arm.
“Masterharper Corbin, you have always known which words will fill any occasion,” Zelda released her grip so she could face Corbin. By that time, Lord Jaxon and Syphon had noticed their new guest and joined the group that was quickly gathering around the young harper. Corbin began quenching his company’s thirst for lively discussion before Lord Jaxon interjected.
“You know, I’ve always found swords easier to wield than words,” the holder stated.
“It is often easier to debate when your opponent cannot speak,” the harper returned.
“True, but I would rather be beaten by soldiers than by sentences,” Jaxon retorted.
“Thankfully, neither of us should have that worry for quite sometime,” the harper tried to turn the subject but his last comment struck a chord in Jaxon that pressed the matter further.
“Are you saying that Hyrule isn’t prone to invasion?” Jaxon’s insobriety was getting the better of his judgement.
“In your capable hands, Lord Jaxon, this country is as secure as possible,” Corbin could barely finish his sentence.
“I don’t need to be mocked, least of all by a harper!” Jaxon’s voice boomed through the grand room and silenced its inhabitants. “Boy, you should watch your tongue! I’ve seen atrocities that you can hardly fathom!”
Corbin tried to rectify the situation. “My lord, you’ve mistaken my words-“
“Mistaken? Now I’m mistaken! You come into my home and mock and insult me!? I’ll not be treated this way on the night of my betrothal!” Lord Jaxon’s voice permeated the room with its drunken odor and callous words. At the pinnacle of the Lord Holder’s tantrum, the elder, Sahasrahla, stood and held a hand in the air. All in the room nudged one another to bring their attention to the old man as he readied his voice.
“My fellow Hyruleans, this old Hylian has lived a life full of quarrels. Tonight’s festivities were to celebrate the most joyous of occasions. Lord Jaxon, it is my understanding that you have taken great deliberations in pursuit of Hyrule’s safety. Because you have been steadfast in this cause, the population of Hyrule can feel secure and at ease knowing that all who would dare invade our borders would have a great price to pay. Masterharper Corbin made no mockery of you or your efforts and it would be proper of you to apologize for your outburst. Come now, let us all remember ourselves and our company. Drink and be merry with one another. Tomorrow can be a day for arguments. Let this one be for enjoyment.”
Sahasrahla’s words echoed through his companions. Corbin swallowed hard at the thought of Jaxon’s wrath and aptly slid next to the princess. “So tell me, Corbin, where have you been hiding?” Zelda was playfully inquisitive, which helped alleviate the intensity.
“Oh, I’ve been looking for someone…” Corbin let his voice trail to silence, bringing Zelda’s curiosity to a peak.
“And who is this someone? Special, I hope,” she smiled at the harper with a wink.
“Well, you would certainly think so,” he stated with a wry grin of his own before noticing Zelda’s eyes focusing on his chest. In all the commotion, he hadn’t realized that the pendant had slipped from beneath his tunic! Quickly, he scooped it into his hand and placed it under his garment. He saw the expression on Zelda’s face and quickly escorted the fine maiden to a secluded portion of the room. “Zelda, you cannot mention a word of this to anyone.” Zelda’s face was blank in thought. Corbin tried to force her eyes to locate his own, but her mind was not ready for his words. He shook her a bit to gather her attention. “Zelda, do you understand? Zelda?”
Zelda’s eyes did not move nor did her body respond as she asked, “Corbin, where’s Link?”
“What makes you think I know where he is?” Corbin tried to feign ignorance with a lighter tone of voice.
“He’s here, Corbin. He’s in Headstone. What is he doing?” she continued. Corbin’s mind was racing. How could she know? He ran a hand through his thick hair in contemplation when he grabbed her by the arm.
“Zelda, you have to come with me!” Corbin’s sentence hadn’t been finished before he whisked her from her position. The others in the room were too inebriated to notice that the princess and harper had vanished through a side door.
Deep within the halls of the palace, Corbin closed the door to a dark room. A lone lamp hung from a wall which made it difficult for Zelda’s eyes to adjust. When finally they did, she could make out the cloaked figure of a man of nearly Corbin’s height. He faced the window and held a small bag in his hand. Zelda slowly took a step towards the figure.
“Zelda, your country is in grave danger,” the words from the familiar voice stopped her movements. “As we speak, the Arcadians are again amassing an attack. I have witnessed this with my own eyes and fought them with my own sword. They are here, on the western shores of Hyrule. I cannot explain their appearance. I can merely report it. You have to inform your father that his lands are being desecrated by those men.”
“I have born witness, myself, Princess,” Corbin’s words, while persuasive with intention, bounced from Zelda’s ears. She longed only for the voice of the man under the cloak.
“In conjunction with the outlanders’ presence lies the treachery of one of your countrymen. His intensions remain in mystery but the tools of deceit have been exposed.” The man in the cloak finished by turning to Zelda and stepped into the light. Removing the hood of his cloak, Zelda could see the defining features of Link’s face. At the moment of recognition, Zelda cowered from Link, slumping to the corner of the room and hugging her own knees.
“No, it’s not you. You can’t be here. YOU CAN’T BE HERE!” she began to sob while Link stood motionless. Zelda closed her eyes and began to rock back and forth in her seat. “This isn’t real. This is a dream. I had too much wine and this is my punishing dream…” her words became incomprehensible as she muttered to herself. Link slowly walked towards her. He opened the small bag in his hand and reached for its contents. Pulling two discs from the cloth sac, he threw them to her feet so she could see their engravings. Link turned and resumed his gaze through the glass.
Zelda stopped her nonsensical ramblings and lifted the metallic plates from the ground. She rubbed her fingers over them before looking up at Link. Not knowing what to say, she merely shook her head.
“There were only two in Jaxon’s chambers. I haven’t yet located the third, but it can be the only answer for the questions regarding the endless storm that has consumed Hyrule,” Link’s voice was vacant of life.
Zelda tried to comprehend what was happening, “I don’t understand-“
“Neither do I!” a fourth voice boomed through the tiny room. “But my master will be very disappointed to hear that the future Queen of Hyrule is hiding in his Palace and plotting with traitors,” the three turned to find Syphon standing in the doorway with his sword drawn and pointed towards Link. Syphon’s red armor glistened against the dim light of the lamp while his tempered sword was held steady. The aggressive coronet over his brow reflected the betrayal in his eyes as he looked from person to person. His shifting focus landed on the medallions in Zelda’s hand before he continued, “You’ll not be stealing from my lord on this eve!” With that, he swung the sword towards Zelda, aiming for her wrists. Caught in the corner, she had no escape as the sharp blade neared her gentle frame.
CLANG! Syphon’s sword was stopped short by that of Link, who stood with his cape removed and his shield engaged. Syphon smiled at the young man in green with a quip, “That was a mistake!”
With a hard kick to Link’s ribs, Syphon sent Link reeling into the neighboring corner and followed in quick pursuit. Corbin dove to Zelda’s side and held her close to him as Link blocked Syphon’s next attack with his shield and jabbed his own sword towards Syphon’s chest. Syphon rolled from the parrying attack with enough sense to continue spinning his way along the wall while Link attempted to slash, hitting only the cold stone. Reaching the corner opposite Zelda, Syphon kick-jumped off the wall, over Link’s head, and downthrust his sword. Link valiantly rolled away from the attack into the same corner but gave Syphon enough time and room to pivot on his foot, kicking the medallions from Zelda’s grasp. The discs scattered through the room as link sprung to his feet.
“Corbin, get Zelda out of here!” Link screamed to his friend as he swung his sword at Syphon.
“How?” the harper shouted back while the sword melee continued.
Link blocked Syphon’s sword with his own before kicking the glass from the window and pushing Syphon out of the room. Corbin grabbed Zelda’s hand and leaped out of the window, landing on a canvas awning and sliding down to the ground. Catching Zelda as she fell into his arms, Corbin began to run while Zelda turned to look back at the window. “Zelda!” he yelled as he reached for her once again and dragged her behind him as the two ran from the scene.
The balcony resided at the forefront of Headstone’s palace, three stories above the city’s primary road. A long table stretched across the terrace with some of Hyrule’s most notable figures seated behind it. In the center sat Lord Jaxon. To his right was his apprentice, Syphon, while the beautiful Lady Krysta sat to his left with the violet blossom positioned on the table between them. While the city’s most prominent celebrities were certainly cause for attendance, the commoners were more interested in the presence of Hyrule’s most beloved heiress, the princess, Zelda. Seated to the left of her best friend, Zelda smiled at the people of Headstone with every opportunity, enjoying the sight of her spirited countrymen. After the horn’s great bellow had ceased and all were quiet, Lord Jaxon rose from his seat and held his arms out to the city. With a military bellow, he shouted to the crowd below him.
“My fair and noble brethren of Headstone, I welcome and thank you for celebrating a momentous occasion with I and the glamorous Lady Krysta. As many of you have known, I have been absent from my duties for quite sometime. Luckily you had the capable and fulfilling Syphon here to accomodate the city’s needs. My responsibilities as a Lord Holder, however, were superceded by my responsibilities as a gentleman. Tonight, the fruits of the responsibilities have blossomed and I now present to you the reason for my vacancy!” Lord Jaxon paused to reach for Lady Krysta’s hand. She placed her right hand in his own while lifting her flower with her left hand. Rising to her feet, the crowd could see the purple luster of the petals beaming down at them. Many of the women in attendance gasped at its size and beauty while the men eagerly awaited their Lord’s next words. “People of Headstone, soon I will not only be your Lord Holder but your Keeper as well, for I have asked for Lady Krysta’s hand in marriage and she has accepted!”
The crowd clapped violently at the news. The people of Headstone adored their Lady Keeper with all their hearts. Her intentions had always been to better their quality of life and they felt secure under her blanket of rule. As the applause subsided, Lord Jaxon continued, “To be in the company of Hyrule’s finest can only be surpassed by the company of its most beloved treasure, Princess Zelda!” At this, the people rose in their seats and bowed to a knee in honor of the country’s future queen. Zelda rose to her feet and held a hand in the air. The people raised their heads to see the magnificent woman as she gripped her friend’s hand in her own.
“My wonderful countrymen,” surprisingly, Zelda’s voice carried further than Jaxon’s battle-hardened calls, “It pleases no person more than I to see your Lady Keeper in such fulfilling and competent hands. I could think of no man or woman who were more appropriately intended,” Krysta smiled at Zelda’s piracy of her own words. Many glasses were raised as toasts proceeded around the great table to the future marriage.
After the wine bottles had emptied and the plates had cleared, the population of Headstone retreated to their beds while those on the balcony stayed for late night conversation in Headstone Palace’s great room. Basseron, Lord Keeper of Windham Falls, sat beside Trinity, Lady Keeper of Gerudo Fortress. Together, they were sipping the sweet nectar of Hylian wine and laughing at the stories of Hyrule’s most noble elder, Sahasrahla. The three were lost in their own banter while Zelda and Krysta were entertaining themselves, kneeled on the carpet near the roaring fireplace. Near the front stained-glass window were Jaxon and Syphon. The seven highly regarded figures seemed at complete ease when a sudden shout interrupted all of their affairs and drew their attention to the company of an eighth arrival.
“Corbin of Outset! I have not heard from you in moons! How have you been!” Zelda toxically boasted as she struggled to her feet. Finally able to stand, she ran to the young man and wrapped an arm over his shoulder. He embraced her in kind and helped steady the young maiden before pulling a silver harp from his riding sack.
“I apologize for my tardiness, Princess, but I couldn’t think of this occasion occurring without giving the former bachelorette a token of good tithings,” Corbins words floated through the air as he approached Krysta, now rising to her feet. “My lady, this is the Silver Harp of Gales. Its whimsical tune is unequaled by any instrument. Its strings will never fail and its sound will never age. May your marriage to Lord Jaxon be as eternally pleasurable as the instrument that I give to you.” With his words, Corbin placed the majestic harp in Krysta’s waiting hands and smiled at her. A tear trickled from Zelda’s eye as she hugged Corbin’s arm.
“Masterharper Corbin, you have always known which words will fill any occasion,” Zelda released her grip so she could face Corbin. By that time, Lord Jaxon and Syphon had noticed their new guest and joined the group that was quickly gathering around the young harper. Corbin began quenching his company’s thirst for lively discussion before Lord Jaxon interjected.
“You know, I’ve always found swords easier to wield than words,” the holder stated.
“It is often easier to debate when your opponent cannot speak,” the harper returned.
“True, but I would rather be beaten by soldiers than by sentences,” Jaxon retorted.
“Thankfully, neither of us should have that worry for quite sometime,” the harper tried to turn the subject but his last comment struck a chord in Jaxon that pressed the matter further.
“Are you saying that Hyrule isn’t prone to invasion?” Jaxon’s insobriety was getting the better of his judgement.
“In your capable hands, Lord Jaxon, this country is as secure as possible,” Corbin could barely finish his sentence.
“I don’t need to be mocked, least of all by a harper!” Jaxon’s voice boomed through the grand room and silenced its inhabitants. “Boy, you should watch your tongue! I’ve seen atrocities that you can hardly fathom!”
Corbin tried to rectify the situation. “My lord, you’ve mistaken my words-“
“Mistaken? Now I’m mistaken! You come into my home and mock and insult me!? I’ll not be treated this way on the night of my betrothal!” Lord Jaxon’s voice permeated the room with its drunken odor and callous words. At the pinnacle of the Lord Holder’s tantrum, the elder, Sahasrahla, stood and held a hand in the air. All in the room nudged one another to bring their attention to the old man as he readied his voice.
“My fellow Hyruleans, this old Hylian has lived a life full of quarrels. Tonight’s festivities were to celebrate the most joyous of occasions. Lord Jaxon, it is my understanding that you have taken great deliberations in pursuit of Hyrule’s safety. Because you have been steadfast in this cause, the population of Hyrule can feel secure and at ease knowing that all who would dare invade our borders would have a great price to pay. Masterharper Corbin made no mockery of you or your efforts and it would be proper of you to apologize for your outburst. Come now, let us all remember ourselves and our company. Drink and be merry with one another. Tomorrow can be a day for arguments. Let this one be for enjoyment.”
Sahasrahla’s words echoed through his companions. Corbin swallowed hard at the thought of Jaxon’s wrath and aptly slid next to the princess. “So tell me, Corbin, where have you been hiding?” Zelda was playfully inquisitive, which helped alleviate the intensity.
“Oh, I’ve been looking for someone…” Corbin let his voice trail to silence, bringing Zelda’s curiosity to a peak.
“And who is this someone? Special, I hope,” she smiled at the harper with a wink.
“Well, you would certainly think so,” he stated with a wry grin of his own before noticing Zelda’s eyes focusing on his chest. In all the commotion, he hadn’t realized that the pendant had slipped from beneath his tunic! Quickly, he scooped it into his hand and placed it under his garment. He saw the expression on Zelda’s face and quickly escorted the fine maiden to a secluded portion of the room. “Zelda, you cannot mention a word of this to anyone.” Zelda’s face was blank in thought. Corbin tried to force her eyes to locate his own, but her mind was not ready for his words. He shook her a bit to gather her attention. “Zelda, do you understand? Zelda?”
Zelda’s eyes did not move nor did her body respond as she asked, “Corbin, where’s Link?”
“What makes you think I know where he is?” Corbin tried to feign ignorance with a lighter tone of voice.
“He’s here, Corbin. He’s in Headstone. What is he doing?” she continued. Corbin’s mind was racing. How could she know? He ran a hand through his thick hair in contemplation when he grabbed her by the arm.
“Zelda, you have to come with me!” Corbin’s sentence hadn’t been finished before he whisked her from her position. The others in the room were too inebriated to notice that the princess and harper had vanished through a side door.
Deep within the halls of the palace, Corbin closed the door to a dark room. A lone lamp hung from a wall which made it difficult for Zelda’s eyes to adjust. When finally they did, she could make out the cloaked figure of a man of nearly Corbin’s height. He faced the window and held a small bag in his hand. Zelda slowly took a step towards the figure.
“Zelda, your country is in grave danger,” the words from the familiar voice stopped her movements. “As we speak, the Arcadians are again amassing an attack. I have witnessed this with my own eyes and fought them with my own sword. They are here, on the western shores of Hyrule. I cannot explain their appearance. I can merely report it. You have to inform your father that his lands are being desecrated by those men.”
“I have born witness, myself, Princess,” Corbin’s words, while persuasive with intention, bounced from Zelda’s ears. She longed only for the voice of the man under the cloak.
“In conjunction with the outlanders’ presence lies the treachery of one of your countrymen. His intensions remain in mystery but the tools of deceit have been exposed.” The man in the cloak finished by turning to Zelda and stepped into the light. Removing the hood of his cloak, Zelda could see the defining features of Link’s face. At the moment of recognition, Zelda cowered from Link, slumping to the corner of the room and hugging her own knees.
“No, it’s not you. You can’t be here. YOU CAN’T BE HERE!” she began to sob while Link stood motionless. Zelda closed her eyes and began to rock back and forth in her seat. “This isn’t real. This is a dream. I had too much wine and this is my punishing dream…” her words became incomprehensible as she muttered to herself. Link slowly walked towards her. He opened the small bag in his hand and reached for its contents. Pulling two discs from the cloth sac, he threw them to her feet so she could see their engravings. Link turned and resumed his gaze through the glass.
Zelda stopped her nonsensical ramblings and lifted the metallic plates from the ground. She rubbed her fingers over them before looking up at Link. Not knowing what to say, she merely shook her head.
“There were only two in Jaxon’s chambers. I haven’t yet located the third, but it can be the only answer for the questions regarding the endless storm that has consumed Hyrule,” Link’s voice was vacant of life.
Zelda tried to comprehend what was happening, “I don’t understand-“
“Neither do I!” a fourth voice boomed through the tiny room. “But my master will be very disappointed to hear that the future Queen of Hyrule is hiding in his Palace and plotting with traitors,” the three turned to find Syphon standing in the doorway with his sword drawn and pointed towards Link. Syphon’s red armor glistened against the dim light of the lamp while his tempered sword was held steady. The aggressive coronet over his brow reflected the betrayal in his eyes as he looked from person to person. His shifting focus landed on the medallions in Zelda’s hand before he continued, “You’ll not be stealing from my lord on this eve!” With that, he swung the sword towards Zelda, aiming for her wrists. Caught in the corner, she had no escape as the sharp blade neared her gentle frame.
CLANG! Syphon’s sword was stopped short by that of Link, who stood with his cape removed and his shield engaged. Syphon smiled at the young man in green with a quip, “That was a mistake!”
With a hard kick to Link’s ribs, Syphon sent Link reeling into the neighboring corner and followed in quick pursuit. Corbin dove to Zelda’s side and held her close to him as Link blocked Syphon’s next attack with his shield and jabbed his own sword towards Syphon’s chest. Syphon rolled from the parrying attack with enough sense to continue spinning his way along the wall while Link attempted to slash, hitting only the cold stone. Reaching the corner opposite Zelda, Syphon kick-jumped off the wall, over Link’s head, and downthrust his sword. Link valiantly rolled away from the attack into the same corner but gave Syphon enough time and room to pivot on his foot, kicking the medallions from Zelda’s grasp. The discs scattered through the room as link sprung to his feet.
“Corbin, get Zelda out of here!” Link screamed to his friend as he swung his sword at Syphon.
“How?” the harper shouted back while the sword melee continued.
Link blocked Syphon’s sword with his own before kicking the glass from the window and pushing Syphon out of the room. Corbin grabbed Zelda’s hand and leaped out of the window, landing on a canvas awning and sliding down to the ground. Catching Zelda as she fell into his arms, Corbin began to run while Zelda turned to look back at the window. “Zelda!” he yelled as he reached for her once again and dragged her behind him as the two ran from the scene.
Last Modified: Feb 11 2009
Subscribe to RSS
